Category Archives: Book Review

Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

men-of-the-otherworld

Title: Men of the Otherworld
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: Men of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: What’s that?

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

Synopsis

As a curious six-year-old, Clayton didn’t resist the bite—he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child-werewolf was more than he could manage—until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this volume, featuring three of the members of the American Pack—a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. For as Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts but to navigate Pack politics—including showing his brutal archnemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is…

Thoughts

These four short stories may be centred upon the North American werewolf pack, but for me, it was mostly about Jeremy. With the first short story telling of his origins, and the last explaining them and his quirks to his adult (and fully realised) self. Whilst Clay’s story is also outlined throughout this, it is also told in the light of his devotion to Jeremy – after all, until Elena, Jeremy is also the centre of Clayton’s world.

Although I have loved every single character and story that Armstrong has rolled out in her Women of the Otherworld series, it is always Elena and the werewolf Pack that I enjoy returning to the most. Maybe because they are the ones I first fell in love with, maybe because there is just something about their characters that continues to draw me back. Regardless, reading a collection of short stories that focus upon their origins and history left me with a novel that I found impossible to put down.

<- Baby BoomTales of the Otherworld ->

Image source: Amazon

A Piece of Time by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernatural

Title: A Piece of Time
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He shrugged off her praise.

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

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered what happens to a loved ones belongings once they pass on?

A fob watch holds a psychic imprint that takes the newest owner on a journey that leads her to her fate.

Thoughts

A Piece of Time was a very quaint short story – a tale of love, fate and the importance of family. The sweetness of this story shines from the pages left me smiling in contentment at the conclusion of this tale. Like all of Harding’s stories, there is an understanding of the spiritual world that I rarely find in good stories – instead of a bastardisation of such beliefs to suit the story, the story has been built up around the practices and beliefs themselves.

The idea that a fob watch is able to hold such a psychic imprint and love that it will always return to its owner is an enviable one. I can’t imagine owning a possession that is so connected to my being that it will always find its way back to me. The idea that it could also be used to bring two people together, when they are so obviously meant for each other just helps to build on this beautiful ideal that is displayed throughout A Piece of Time.

<- Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural Review Ghostwriting Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

In the Limbo of Luxury by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

in-the-limbo-of-luxury

Title: In the Limbo of Luxury
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Feminism, Ghosts
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘None of us do,’ Marion added, and all three women raised their skirts and then giggled at Riane’s shocked expression.

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

Synopsis

Riane finds herself stuck in limbo one snowy, stormy night. And nothing goes as she expects.

Thoughts

The ending of this story was completely different to what I expected – and honestly, all the better for it. Riane’s strength and independence, her very place in the world is placed under strain and, like diamonds placed under pressure, the resulting heroine that is displayed is a gem beyond compare. The haunting ending also hints at many happy events in her future, even though, at the conclusion of the story, and following her final decision, there is no hints as to what this may be.

From the beginning, Riane’s romance with Marcus is both tantalisingly beautiful and eerily unsettling. It is impossible to quite put your finger on just why it doesn’t sit well and there is something that doesn’t quite add up. The storyline tears you in two directions – one part is embracing the luxury and romance of Marcus’ domain; yet another, quieter aspect of the story screams at you that not all is as it seems. This fine balance between the two conditions of Riane’s fast-burning flame makes the entire story impossible to put down. The haunting hints of the bridal waif compound this in a way that is so vivid and spine tingling that this is one of my favourite ghost stories thus far.

The theme of forgiveness followed the overarching idea of being oneself for oneself (rather than sacrificing everything for the sake of love). The very act of forgiveness helped to remove the lingering effects of limbo on the ghosts, and in doing so, allowed Riane to hope for her own future. The closure provided by this picturesque moment will remain splashed across my eyelids for a long time yet.

<- The Detox Factor Review Curses Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Gogo Mama by Sally Sara

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

gogo-mama

Title: Gogo Mama
Author: Sally Sara
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies, Feminism, Memoirs, Non-fiction, Strong women, True stories
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: If you go to fetch for water or firewood and people start running, you have left your children and run alone.

Synopsis

I’M SITTING IN A $30 HOTEL ROOM IN UGANDA WONDERING WHAT THE HELL I’VE GOT MYSELF INTO. THIS IS DAY ONE OF GOGO MAMA. I DON’T EVEN KNOW ALL THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE WOMEN WHO WILL FILL THIS BOOK; ONLY THE JOURNEY WILL REVEAL THEM.

Gogo Mama is a journey of discovery into the lives of a dozen very different African women. They include the survivor of a brutal attack by Ugandan rebels; an Egyptian belly dancer turned movie star; an escapee from slavery in Ghana; Zanzibar’s most famous living diva; a former child soldier from Liberia; a grandmother fighting AIDS in South Africa; and a pioneering midwife from Timbuktu. They speak with complete candour both about their astonishing experiences and about the way they live now, in some of the most hostile and exotic parts of the continent.

While introducing these inspiring women, award-winning journalist Sally Sara takes us on a trip across Africa, in all its complexity – from the frenetic townships of Johannesburg, to a clifftop village in Mali; from the horror of the frontline of war in Sudan, to the glamour of Cairo nightclubs.

Gogo Mama is a vivid, illuminating and haunting composite picture of an extraordinary land, in the words of the people who know it best.

Thoughts

This story left me feeling… humbled. Just humbled. These twelve women will touch you in a way that you can’t imagine, and their lives set amidst the beauty of Africa are guaranteed to linger in your mind’s eye for years after you close the cover. It is just an incredibly powerful, moving and honest set of stories. The truth is met unflinchingly and without hesitation. Yet, in all of Sara’s interviews, there is no anger and bitterness, rather, a simple acceptance for what has been suffered and an optimism for what they may face in the future.

From a survivor of the Rwandan genocide to a world-famous belly dancer, each of these twelve stories is different and unique. They are insights into another country, another world. One which I can’t even fathom. The range of stories, from the downright depressing, to the uplifting are a fantastic window through which to view such a varied continent. There is no feeling of repetition or even judgement throughout the stories. Sara manages to shine the light on every single experience, use the nuances and feelings from every single interview to weave a textured tale that you will never forget.

Yet, it isn’t just the tales of Sara’s journey and the women whom she had the pleasure of encountering that makes Gogo Mama such an enthralling novel. It is the vivid descriptions of the African countryside, the daily activities that are undertaken in some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Picturesque, yet war-torn. The vividness and beauty of the countries plays a haunting note to the tales which are spun by women who, against all odds, have triumphed in their own lives and found a way to carve out their own reality.

<- My Fight / Your FightThe Upside ->

Image source: Goodreads

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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