October 2020

List, ,

October was a bit of a messy month. I got sick, my partner got sick, my dog had to go for a number of vet visits… it was just chaotic, and I spent the whole month feeling somewhat off balance… Oh, an I found out that one of my favourite authors (Rachel Caine) isn’t doing so great…

Series

Short story collections

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Novellas

Standalones – Short stories

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The Stone Mage and the Sea by Sean Williams

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
THE STONE MAGE AND THE SEA: First Book of the Change eBook: Williams, Sean: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Title: The Stone Mage and the Sea
Author: Sean Williams
Series: The Change #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Elements, Fantasy
Dates read: 29th – 31st October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Fantastica
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: “But my dad -“

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Synopsis

In a world…
where the huge, red-sanded deserts are ruled by Stone Mages and the vast coastlines by Sky Wardens, any child with magic ability is taken away to the Haunted City to be trained in the Change.

Fundelry is a small town much like any other in the Strand. The people have little tolerance for anyone who stands out, and Sal and his father are strangers, running from someone… or something. Sal is rescued from the local bully by Shilly and her teacher Lodo, a mysterious tattooed man who seems to know more about Sal than Sal himself. And, strangely, Sal’s father seems to want to stay put for a while.

But soon the Sky Wardens will come to Fundelry – before then Sal must uncover the connection between Lodo and the mother he never met, in order to escape a fate that seems to have been chosen for him before he was even born…

Thoughts

This has everything that a traditional fantasy novel should have. The fantasy novels that I grew up with and first introduced me to the genre had this same kind of amazing mystical feel to it. From the very first page, I was swept into Williams’ world and really, seriously didn’t want to leave. I could imagine this small town, the confused Sal and the immensity of the sea from the very beginning. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can picture it all in my mind’s eye.

The characters in this story are really strong and well thought out. Sometimes it can take me a little while to get attached to characters and find the rhythm of the story. Or, as the case may be, the world building that has constructed the story and characters. That’s not the case with The Stone Mage and the Sea. From that very first scene with Sal and his father driving into a town, you are there. Right in the moment. Pulled in, whether you like it or not.

Lodo is everything that a mysterious teacher should be. I’m hoping that he doesn’t just disappear off the face of the earth after this book. He is tattooed, enigmatic and completely impossible to predict. Partnered with his apprentice, Shilly, they are great duo that help to build Sal up and help him start on a new path in life. Which, considering how this novel ended, I think is incredibly and wonderfully important. Sal grows so much in this first novel, I can’t wait to see how he’ll grow in the next two novels.

The Stone Mage and the Sea is everything I haven’t realised I’ve been missing in fantasy novels. I have been reading a lot of urban fantasy and paranormal fantasy and all such. So picking up a novel that bought me back to the fantasy novels that first got me enthralled in the genre… well, I’m glad that I have the rest of the trilogy sitting on my shelves, ready to go.

<- More Sean WilliamsThe Sky Warden and the Sun ->

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The Jewel of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for barnes and noble leatherbound dracula and other horror stories book cover

Title: The Jewel of Seven Stars
Author: Bram Stoker
In: Dracula and Other Horror Classics (Bram Stoker)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Horror
Dates read: 30th – 31st October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Leatherbound
Year: 1903
5th sentence, 74th page: The book was one which, on the very face of it, required special attention.

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Synopsis

An Egyptologist, attempting to raise from the dead the mummy of Tera, an ancient Egyptian queen, finds a fabulous gem and is stricken senseless by an unknown force. Amid bloody and eerie scenes, his daughter is possessed by Tera’s soul, and her fate depends upon bringing Tera’s mummified body to life.

Thoughts

I really didn’t get all that into this novel. I did enjoy it at the time of reading. But once I finished it and sat down to jot down some notes… there really wasn’t much that I could think of to write. The whole thing was just a little bit “eh”.

Although I don’t have heaps to say about this, I did really like the atmosphere that the book created. It was perfect for sitting up late at night, drinking a glass of red wine and sinking deep into a classic. It was a little bit eerie and creepy. And just generally a good experience.

This is most definitely one of those classics that I’m going to have to reread in the future… I think that it is one, that will get better the more times I read it and sink into the world that has been created.

<- DraculaLair of the White Worm ->

Image source: Amazon UK

Stray by Rachel Vincent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Stray (Shifters, #1) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Stray
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Shifters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th – 31st October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: He chuckled, sounding distinctly unsympathetic.

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Synopsis

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOVIES AND REALITY?
IN REAL LIFE, I WAS THE MONSTER.

Faythe Sanders looks like an ordinary student, but she’s hiding a dark secret: she is a werecat, a powerful supernatural predator. Yet headstrong, independent Faythe resents her power, heading to college to escape her family and her overprotective ex, Marc.

That is until a stray – a dangerous werecat without a pride or territory – catches her scent. With two werecat girls already missing, Faythe is summoned home for her own protection.

But Faythe will do whatever it takes to find her kidnapped kin. She has claws – and she’s not afraid to use them.

Thoughts

This is one of those novels that I have stopped and started a couple of times. And then I read it all in one sitting. There was just something about it that finally grabbed my attention and pulled me in. I think, after you get past the fifth chapter, Vincent really hits her stride and pulls you in. But it does take a little while. And then WABAM! A fantastic novel that I seriously enjoyed.

To start with, I was beyond annoyed at the gumption and attitude of Faythe’s family. And even her ex, Marc, they were just so damn heavy handed and irritating. But, as the story unfolds you kind of begin to see why they act that way. Not that their behaviour is okay, but Faythe is also a little bit of a brat and doesn’t stop to discuss things… she just informs people. I loved that the understanding for why the Sanders act the way they do grows throughout the book, alongside Faythe.

Fayth goes through an awesome transformation throughout this novel. I found it really well written. Instead of one huge moment of epiphany and understanding, she slowly grows into herself and becomes the adult she probably would always have been. It makes me intrigued to read Rogue as I want to see how her newfound maturity serves her as she grows the hell up.

I think that one of the reasons I couldn’t put this down was the action crest towards the middle. I was about to put this aside and cook myself dinner, but there is a moment that has a definite trigger warning attached. And at that point, I just really, really needed to know what in the heck was going to happen next…

<- More Rachel VincentRogue ->

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Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea… by Daniel Stashower

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for death's excellent vacation book cover

Title: Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea…
Author: Daniel Stashower
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Time travel
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I want to – ‘

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

Synopsis

Jeff Clarke has a new job as a researcher at LifeSpan. But when he catches the attention of the office recluse, he finds himself in a whole heap of trouble.

Thoughts

This was an intriguing and unexpected short story. At first I was a bit “eh” about it. It was fun and interesting, but I wasn’t completely drawn in. And I was most certainly wondering what this had to do with vacations. But then, at the very end, everything began to make sense. Which made everything all that much better in hindsight.

This was just fun, entertaining and a lot, lot of fun. I liked Jeff’s work ethic and I thought that his drive to discover the truth was kind of awesome. Plus, there was that whole idea that a whole new reality was opened up to him just because he had an awesome work ethic.

A fun, enjoyable and nice way to spend a spot of afternoon time. This was most definitely a short story that I will be reading again.

<- One for the MoneyThe Innsmouth Nook ->

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Renn and the Little Men by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Renn and the Little Men
Author: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Weird western
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Yeah, not for me either.

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Synopsis

In a world where gunslingers rule all, Renn si the one who tuaght her brother, Kid Vicious to shoot. But how will she ever be taken seriously herself?

Thoughts

I knew that there were going to be little men in this story just from the title. But the way that they were in this and how the story evolved… that was something new. And fun. I really and seriously enjoyed this short story and, even after turning the final page, I couldn’t quite get it out of my head.

I love that Renn is the better shooter in her family. That even her brother, who is recognised as a gunslinger, admits that she is better. There aren’t many stories (or indeed brothers I believe) who would necessarily admit that. It made me really love her brother and left me smiling after I turned the final page.

The little twists and turns throughout this story were seriously enjoyable and kind of cute. I had a good giggle throughout and would most definitely read this short story again.

<- Maybe Another TimeShowdown at High Moon ->

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The Bandit by Loren D. Estleman

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: The Bandit
Author: Loren D. Estleman
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: He had always been first in line when magazines donated by the DAR came into the library, and while his fellow inmates were busy snatching up the new catalogues and finding the pages containing pictures of women in corsets and camisoles torn out, he was paging through the proliferating motoring journals, admiring the photographs and studying the technical illustrations of motors and transmissions.

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Synopsis

The Bandit has been released, and now he finds out about more bandit on the Western Frontier.

Thoughts

This is a nice, easy and super quick read. It’s not necessarily one that completely drew me in. but was still quite fun. Definitely an enjoyable and intriguing experience. One that I would probably repeat. Although, I don’t know that I’d get heaps more out of it.

This short story was well written in style. I just… didn’t fall in love with the storyline. Even trying to write a decent review is a little difficult. So I might just leave it here…

<- Desert CommandThere Will Be Peace in Korea ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Sundown by Tobias S. Buckell

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Sundown
Author: Tobias S. Buckell
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Weird western
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The territories we purchased from the Russians after the war?

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Synopsis

Willie is a deputy Marshall on the hunt for something that can’t quite be explained. And will probably give you nightmares…

Thoughts

Entering a town that you don’t expect to survive is terrifying. Add to that airships, insects and all sorts of horrible things that go bump in the night… I was kind of surprised that anyone survived at the end of this story. And, of course, super grateful that they did.

I love that the Deputy Marshall is only described as negro only abut halfway through the story. Sit highlights the inherent racism and horribleness of people. And it also drove home how horrible it must be for people who experience this. Even though this was a bit of a fantasy story, this was the part of the tale that I focused on most… that racism and the horror of the crowd.

I really enjoyed this short story. Although I’m not 100% of what happened throughout. It was a little bit convoluted and insane. Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much…

<- BamboozledLa Madre Del Oro ->

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Safely Home by Christina Skye

Book Review, , ,
Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: Safely Home
Author: Christina Skye
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 29th October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: He pointed across the dusty floor of a small room.

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Synopsis

In her suspenseful tale of a woman determined to assist the elderly in her small, newly adopted community, New York Times bestselling author Christina Skye honours Barbara Huston, co-founder of Partners in Care Maryland.

Thoughts

I started this novella wondering just how a story about caring for the elderly could morph into a contemporary romance story. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few stories I’ve read which feature the elderly in these settings. But they’re never the actual focus, and, since I’m still young and sprightly, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read a story in which the elderly person was the love interest. Luckily for me, that’s not the case in this story either. Whilst it does feature caring for the elderly, the romance is all about a younger couple.

Romance, elderly and just genuinely lovely stings aside in this novella. There’s a dog. Which is generally all that I want in a good novella. I mean, as I’m writing this review, I have two dogs curled up beside me… one snoring his pretty little (or not so little as the case is) head off. The fact that Marlowe (that’s the dog in this story) not only manages to be an amazing character, but he also saes the day… yeah, I really would have been quite happy just reading about Marlowe for half an hour I think. Can anyone tell that I’m dog obsessed?

Although this is a contemporary romance story, I love that it more so features sisterly love and the strength of the relationship between the two Wilson sisters. I know that I’d do pretty much anything to protect my little sister, and Sarah in this most definitely feels the same. Definitely a fantastic novella that transported me to another world.

<- Sheltering HeartsNo Limits ->

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Everything Is Fucked by Mark Manson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope | Mark Manson

Title: Everything is Fucked: A Book About Hope
Author: Mark Manson
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Non-fiction, Psychology, Self help
Dates read: 19th September – 30th October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: Yet, in a matter of a few months, this cantankerous, antisocial twenty-three-year-old had uncovered the mystery, had cracked the code.

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Synopsis

From the author of the international megabestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck comes a counterintuitive guide to the problems of hope.

We live in an interesting time. Materially, everything is the best it’s ever been, yet somehow everything seems to be irreparably and horribly fucked. What’s going on? If anyone can put a name to our current malaise and help fix it, it’s Mark Manson. In Everything Is Fucked, Manson draws on mountains of psychological research, as well as on the timeless wisdom of philosophers from Plato to Tom Waits, to dissect religion, politics, money, entertainment, and the internet.

With his usual mix of erudition and humor, Manson challenges us to be more honest with ourselves, openly defying our definitions of faith, happiness, freedom – and even of hope itself. One of the great modern writers has produced another book that will set the agenda for years to come.

Thoughts

This wasn’t quite as good as The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. But it was still a fun read. And most definitely the kind of book that I would pick up again and reread. Manson makes some amazing points, and I think that the reason I liked The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck was because I really needed to read that book at that point in my life.

Everything Is Fucked serves as a great reminder of all of the pitfalls in our everyday lives. The pitfalls that we, ourselves have created in our never ending quest to make our lives better. I love that he points out this ridiculous paradox – that we have created a society in which we want to improve our lives. Yet, this very improvement is what is making us so damn depressed. It kind of reinforces some of the beliefs that I already held…

This isn’t necessarily a hopeful book. But it’s not pessimistic either. There is a strong sense of optimism in the words that highlight how important it is to construct our futures and think about our everyday decision making. It certainly helped me to take a step back and think about my own decision making and choices that I make. Mostly, what is actually contributing to my happiness and what is just… fluff.

Like The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, this is a book that I think everyone should read at some point. It’s fun and enjoyable. Deep and meaningful. And filled with a lot of humour and random information to really help get Manson’s point across.

<- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a FuckThe Guide to Relationships ->

Image source: Mark Manson