All posts by skyebjenner

Ghostwriting by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting

Title: Ghostwriting
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Amy kissed the pen that was her Holy Grail, a cool smile of satisfaction forming on her lips.

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Synopsis

Will Amy be able to find a way to become a ghost writer? What about the Holy Grail of writing?

Thoughts

This short story touched on a fear and worry that I myself, as a writer have – dying before I have finished telling the stories that are swirling around in my head. Harding’s grasp of this and her ability to twist this fear into a ghost story that had my spine tingling and left me internally cringing created a great short story which I am genuinely struggling to get out of my head. What better way to inspire a writer to actually write, than tell a story about one who is no longer able to put pen to paper?

As with all of the Traci Harding stories that I have had the pleasure of reading, Ghostwriting was heavy with symbolism, specifically the idea of the Holy Grail. I love that Harding is able to take esoteric ideals and themes, and present them within a more modern context. The manuscript about the Holy Grail, and Amy’s counterpart within her modern life and battle to find herself are compelling and intriguing – adding an extra layer of meaning and weight to the storyline.

I always love insecure heroines – they seem much more real and relatable to me. So, having Amy who is not only incredibly insecure, but immensely moody and prone to flashes of frustration made me love the story even more. Her constant desire to become a published writer (a dream that I too, share) hovers as she tries to not only find her literary voice, but also discover who she can truly be. The reminder throughout (often provided by Liam) to enjoy what she is doing and trust in herself is a lesson that I will take to heart. This tale for me was about more than I fear of never writing my stories, it was a reminder that sometimes you have to just sit down and write them.

 <- A Piece of Time Review The Detox Factor Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

The Week That Was – 19 Feb 2017

Book Review

It’s been really difficult to find time to work on the editing of Aishe’s story this week. With university starting back up in a week, I’ve had to airy out my enrollment, learn a new university system and try to make sure all of my affairs are in order, ready for the inanity that is about to begin.

Having said that, I have managed to do a fair amount of reading in those moments when my poor brain needed a break. Which meant that although I didn’t truly get my creative juices flowing, I did write 5,000 words for the week. Now I will spend my Sunday cuddling up to my quickly growing puppies…

Reviews: 5,496
Total words: 5,496

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

Book Review, , ,

Overview

falling-leaves

Title: Falling Leaves
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Non-fiction, True stories
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin books
Year: 1997
5th sentence, 74th page: Forget the Kung Fu masters and martial arts and all that foolishness.

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Synopsis

Adeline Yen Mah’s childhood in China during the civil war was a time of fear, isolation and humiliation. The cause of this was not political upheaval but systematic emotional and physical abuse by her step-mother and sibling, and rejection by her father. Falling Leaves is the story of a ‘Fifth Younger Daughter’ and her determination to survive the pain of a lonely childhood.

Thoughts

It is honestly difficult to believe the depths of despair and tragedy which some people experience, and although it was an incredibly sobering experience reading of this in Falling Leaves, it was also a fantastic journey full of hope and strength. Not only did Falling Leaves remind me to never take anything for granted, but it was also a reminder that if you persevere, it is only you that can ultimately save or destroy your own future. Granted, some, like Adeline, definitely have all of the cards stacked against them – I can’t imagine the kind of life that she has led. But, in spite of all of this difficulty in her life, she managed to triumph and the woman who shines from the pages of this book is not only shrouded in her honesty and humility, but a light that can never possibly be dimmed.

There is something about true stories that bring out the most terrifying villain. The worst villains created in fantasy and fiction cannot hold a light to the characters that you know truly existed. Niang in Falling Leaves fits this bill perfectly. Her maliciousness and ability to manipulate others was somehow one of the more sinister things that I have read – the lasting imprint that she leaves on Adeline’s life and that of her family furthers the feeling of unease that lingered throughout my reading of this epic journey.

I’m not someone who knows much about history, especially the political history of most of the world. It isn’t something that has drawn my attention, so it was really nice to discover the upheavals of China in the recent past in a way that was both enlightening but also dramatically interesting. The use of Chinese proverbs and quotes throughout the text, and within the chapter headings helped to illuminate the world in which Adeline was raised.

<- Chinese CinderellaI Am Malala ->

Image source: Book Douban

The Detox Factor by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

detox-factor

Title: The Detox Factor
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Billie appeared at the top of the stairs and halfway through her descent she stopped dead in her tracks, having spotted Katlin.

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Synopsis

Shannon and Billie might think that they’re on a weekend treat just to detox, but they’re soon going to have to get rid of a whole new poison from their systems…

Thoughts

Although this is a ghost story, and a phenomenal one at that, it also makes me want to do a health detox. After all, that was the instigating factor for the paranormal chaos that followed. Plus, the idea of removing toxins from the body is always an interesting one. Although, each and every person tends to have their own take on how this works, I mostly enjoyed the idea that the detox focused on removing things like alcohol and cigarettes. Yes, there were other aspects of the detox factor, but the idea to find a happier, healthier you was inherent within the characters’ motivations – something which I can appreciate. The fact that a happier, healthier body meant better access to the paranormal world and the girls’ spiritual understanding? Just a fantastic angle to the story!

There were two stories within The Detox Factor – that of Shannon and Billie, their detox, and their growing experiences of the paranormal; and Katlin’s life and death. It was Katlin’s life and death that I really enjoyed. Although her tale was tragic, and gained it’s happy ending almost a century after her death, her steadfastness and inherent goodness shone throughout. Her willingness to forgive he those who wronged her in life in the hopes that they can achieve peace in the afterlife really stuck with me after I finished this tale. That, and her ability to hold out for true love even when there seems to be no hope is a great reminder that true love does exist. The parallel discovery of true love in Shannon’s life just helps to drive this beautiful message home.

 <- Ghostwriting Review In the Limbo of Luxury Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Strange Brew edited by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Strange Brew
Authors: Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Karen Chance, P.N. Elrod, Charlaine Harris, Faith Hunter, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Murphy jumped on me then, pinning my left arm down as Meditrina started raking at my face with her nails, both of them screaming like banshees.

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Synopsis

Today’s hottest urban fantasy authors come together in this delicious brew that crackles and boils over with tales of powerful witches and dark magic!

In Charlaine Harris’ “Bacon,” a beautiful vampire joins forces with a witch from an ancient line to find out who killed her beloved husband. In “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, a blind witch helps sexy werewolf Tom Franklin find his missing brother—and helps him in more ways than either of them ever suspected. And in Jim Butcher’s “Last Call,” wizard Harry Dresden takes on the darkest of dark powers—the ones who dare to mess with this favorite beer.

For anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the limits of reality, who’s imagined the secret spaces where witches wield fearsome magic, come and drink deep. Let yourself fall under the spell of this bewitching collection of short stories!

Thoughts

This was a thoroughly enjoyable collection of short stories – they all erred on the side of dark fantasy and had twists to traditional ideas that I didn’t expect. The balance of female and male chief protagonists was well thought out, with a range of characters for even the most discerning reader to fall in love with. I loved that each tale was strange and unique, but they all fit together in a fabric that made the stories flow easily into each other.

The nine authors collected together in Strange Brew contributed short stories from their larger series, but they were easily accessible if you have not read the greater series (as I hadn’t for the majority). They are a window into another world that encourages you to jump in, feet first, something that I, for one, intend to do!

<- Dark Sins Review Seeing Eye Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hogwarts-a-complete-and-unreliable-guide

Title: Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Their appearance can also turn flames blue.

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Synopsis

Hogwarts An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide takes you on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll venture into the Hogwarts grounds, become better acquainted with its more permanent residents, learn more about lessons and discover secrets of the castle . . . all at the turn of a page.

Thoughts

It was really fun to travel through the halls of Hogwarts again. The breakdown of this story, leading you through the different aspects of the Hogwarts sorting, classes and grounds made me feel like I was opening the first page of The Philosopher’s Stone again (and closing the last of The Deathly Hallows). The rationale behind such things as the different lessons, the presence (and manifestations) of ghosts and the very way in which new students are sorted into each of the four houses provided by J.K. Rowling gave me a whole new insight into a world that will never be able to leave my head, but more importantly, my heart.

The logical way in which Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide unfolds makes you feel like you are walking, step by step through your own sorting and, even class selections – a journey that was incredibly organic and enjoyable in its construction. It was interesting to see the ways in which each of the carefully constructed areas and objects within the Harry Potter series was created and just why.

<- Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies Review The Philosopher’s Stone Review ->
Image source: Harry Potter Wiki

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-heroism-hardship-and-dangerous-hobbies

Title: Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘To Remus’s shock and displeasure, the seventeen-year-old Harry not only declined his offer but became angry and insulting.

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Synopsis

These stories of heroism, hardship and dangerous hobbies profile two of the Harry Potter stories’ most courageous and iconic characters: Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. J.K. Rowling also gives us a peek behind the closed curtains of Sybill Trelawney’s life, and you’ll encounter the reckless, magical-beast-loving Silvanus Kettleburn along the way.

Thoughts

Admittedly, I have read most of these character biographies on the old Pottermore website. However, it was fun to read them again, and the flow with which they are put together was both interesting and organic. Again, the depth of J.K. Rowling’s back stories and the amount of thought which she has put into her characters was enviable and thrilling. The personal comments placed at the end of each tale and the reasoning behind names, diseases and hobbies gave me more and more insight into a world that I am already completely obsessed with.

McGonagall is by far my favourite of Harry’s teachers at Hogwarts, so discovering more of her somewhat tragic past was both saddening and enjoyable. Learning of her history helped to fill in a few gaps about her actions, and I loved that ultimately, she become the new headmistress of Hogwarts. Contrastingly, Lupin’s life ended in tragedy, and it was almost painful to reread about his and Tonks’ marriage in the light of their death.

This was such an easy to read, albeit somewhat tragic collection of tales from the amazing mind of J.K. Rowling and I can’t wait to finish the other Pottermore Presents tales.

<- Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists Review Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide Review ->
Image source: Hypable

The Week That Was – 12 Feb 2017

Book Review

I’ve decided to try and set myself wiring goals for each week and to report in my progress at the end of each week. And honestly, this week want of to the greatest of starts.

I was aiming for 5,000 words this week and I only got to 4,314. Not too bad an effort, but I can definitely improve. Although, to be fair, this was my birthday well, and I did stay the long process of researching nazi germany for my Immortal Child story. So all wasn’t a loss.

Reviews: 4,314
Total words: 4,314

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-power-politics-and-pesky-poltergeists

Title: Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘As Dumbledore had expected and intended, Slughorn was captivated by Harry Potter, whom he believed (erroneously) to be supremely talented in his own subject.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts – and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Thoughts

I’ve always enjoyed the fact that throughout the Harry Potter series, some of the most evil and terrifying characters are that way due to their pursuit of power. This collection of character bios and short stories helped to drive this fact home. From Dolores Umbridge to Horace Slughorn, these characters were either inconceivably evil or just incredibly misguided in their ties to and desire for power. These tales were a great warning against an uncontrolled will to obtain power, regardless of the cost.

I have never really loved politics, or those who are interested in gaining political power – and the tales in this collection of short stories were a great reminder of this fact. No matter what someone’s intentions are, there seems to be a number of ways in which they can become corrupted. I also love the attention to detail that is present in the list of all past Ministers of Magic – two centuries worth of characters and their imprint upon the world of British Magic involves a lot of thought.

Although power and politics are somewhat serious topics, and the characters covered in this bio range from self-centred to truly evil, my favourite tales and chapter in this collection is that on poltergeists. Particularly the presence of Peeves within Hogwarts and his many exploits throughout the years. I particularly loved the imagery provided by the attempt to eject him from the castle.

 <- The Tales of Beedle the Bard Review Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Crown by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-crown

Title: The Crown
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “Yes?”

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Synopsis

A Selection can only have one winner.
A princess only has one heart.

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illea to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. But as events at the palace force her even further into the spotlight, Eadlyn realizes that she might no be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairy-tale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…

Thoughts

After the disappointment that was Eadlyn’s character in The Heir, The Crown COMPLETELY restored my faith in the child of Maxon and America. In the finale of this series, Eadlyn not only finds herself and a way to rule her country in her own way, but she finally gives love a chance and lets it in. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better way to tie off a beautiful series that really makes you believe in true love. Not only is there a happy ending, but you also get to find out how Maxon and America spend the rest of their lives.

I really enjoyed that in spite of all of the negative publicity that Eadlyn received throughout her Selection process, she not only turns this around, but also finds a way to stay true to herself in the process. Her final words on the Report show how she has finally accepted this too. It is a great reminder that no matter what we do, not everyone is going to like us or our actions. Sadly, this is even more of an issue for women, especially those who are strong and able to stand tall amongst crowds of men.

Although I had guessed at the possibility of Eadlyn’s love interest in her two stories, it was still somewhat of a surprise when his name was finally revealed. There are hints peppered throughout both The Heir and The Crown and it was still kind of surprising to have her love interest revealed in the final chapters of this story. Where America’s love story was passionate and full of twists and turns, even though you just knew that her and Maxon would eventually end up together, Eadlyn’s falling was so much more organic. It was a slow and gradual thing that spoke of their control and the ways in which they were able to build on mutual trust and understanding in their courtship.

<- The Heir Review Happily Ever After Review ->
Image source: Kiera Cass