Tag Archives: Australian Authors

Infestation by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
To Hold the Bridge

Title: Infestation
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix) & By Blood We Live (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Does it look like we did?’ asked Susan with a shudder.

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Synopsis

Aliens and vampires are infesting the world, and there is only one man who can stop them. Yet, he has a dark past too.

Thoughts

Aliens and vampires – a combination that I never expected, thought of, or have experienced before. Yet, it is something that worked brilliantly in Infestation. Actually, I was really disappointed when this ended – I wanted to know more about the slightly weird, hippy-style main character. And I wanted to know how this epic war of aliens that left us with killing-machine vampires actually turned out. Did he win the war in the end? Did he bring back his creepy sounding captain?

Again and again I remember just why I love Garth Nix – not only does he know how to spin a great yarn. But he is also able to create a vivid world that teaches us lesson after lesson. In such a fantastically unforgettable way. In this case, the aliens left the bad things behind, and you should never try to play god.

<- Stop! ReviewThe Heart of the City Review ->
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Holly and Iron by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Holly and Iron
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The cavemouth was hidden from them, but they could see at least forty Norman men-at-arms standing ready on the path below it, including half a dozen archers who stood in a semicircle, laughing and joking.

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Synopsis

Who is the rightful heir to the throne? Can one of these girls rule with both holly and iron? Only time and a final battle of wills can tell.

Thoughts

A very unique, and thoroughly enjoyable spin on The Sword in the Stone. With a little bit of a hint of Robin Hood thrown in. Or at least, that’s the flavour that I got from Holly and Iron. And it’s one that I thoroughly enjoyed. After all, they are two classic tales, and they blend seamlessly together in this fantastic short story.

The idea of holly magic and iron, natural and man-made is a beautiful comparison of the binary way in which we view the world. It shows the way in which so many people think that we are separate from nature, but, as Robin’s plight and eventual success show, it’s not necessarily the truth. Or at least, I have never thought it was.

There’s a time to pick your battles, and sometimes we have to change our path. Find something new to focus on and move on from the old. It may take Robin a long time to learn this, but when she does, there is a moment of unadulterated triumph, and a beautiful sense of walking into a brand new world.

<- Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West Review The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodil Murder Review ->
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The Highest Justice by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Highest Justice
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5:  4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Dark fantasy, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: You’re the rightful type, I can tell.

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Synopsis

Princess Jess wants justice for her mother’s murder. So she finds someone to deliver the highest justice.

Thoughts

Who decides on justice? Where does it come from? What on earth is the highest justice?

Princess Jess’ journey kind of helps to look into these questions. It is an investigation into how justice can be dispensed, and more importantly, how it is often dispensed in medieval times. Jess’ desire to bring her mother’s murderer to justice and reunite her mother with the love of her life bring about a slightly obscure adventure. After all, there aren’t any other stories I’ve read that combine a Princess, a unicorn and a zombie…

<- An Unwelcome Guest Review Master Haddad’s Holiday Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Heart of the City by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Heart of the City
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5:  4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Dead,’ remarked De Vitray.

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Synopsis

The battle for the heart of the city begins. At its centre sits the donkey, the whore and the priest.

Thoughts

There is something fascinating about ancient Rome – after all, a lot of what we have today is based around this ancient civilisation. Which is probably why Nix decided to utilise this as a setting for this short story. The involvement of an Irishman and magic just made the tale all the more interesting to read.

It’s always nice to read a short story that has no obvious direction. After all, it’s nice to be pleasantly surprised once in a while. The Heart of the City did just that. Following MacNeacail through his adventures in trying to protect the city were intense, and vivid. The imagery created by the donkey, the whore and the priest just made it all the more odd and captivating.

Although I don’t delve into the intricacies of Christianity, it is rich with the mythos of angels and archangels. Nix harnessed this beautifully in The Heart of the City and at its conclusion, you sit there wondering if there is more to the tale – will the angels continue to protect the city? How has MacNeacail’s life changed. I love open ended conclusions to short stories, and this fit the bill perfectly.

<- Infestation Review Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West Review ->
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The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder: As Experienced by Sir Magnus Holmes and Almost-Doctor Susan Shrike
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Crime, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘There is a… belief… among certain quarters, that flowers from a royal park, if cut with a silver knife at a particular time, will enormously enhance their natural poison.

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Synopsis

Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin helps Scotland Yard to solve a mysterious murder that involves daffodils.

Thoughts

I love Sherlock Holmes. Alright, I haven’t (yet) read the originals, or the closest I can get my hands on to. But, there is something about the “elementary, my dear Watson” that is particularly appealing and, although The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils doesn’t quite follow Sherlock on his adventures, it comes pretty close.

The use of Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin was kind of enjoyably brilliant. The addition of supernatural aspects and the Not-Quite Doctor Susan Shrike left a huge smile on my face as I turned the last page. I’m actually incredibly disappointed that this story ended, I would have loved to find out more about Magnus, Susan and the little blue pill… actually, what I really want to know is what does the little yellow pill do?!?!?!?!

<- Holly and Iron Review An Unwelcome Guest Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Big Question by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Big Question
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: But the path down to the cave followed a very narrow, very steep, and very slippery ledge.

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Synopsis

A young man asks a wise woman ‘what else is there in the world?’ He finds his answer in the most intensive journey of a lifetime.

Thoughts

What else is there in the world? It’s a question that we all ask ourselves, especially when we’re growing up. Or at least, it’s a question that I ask myself on an almost daily basis. Is there more to the world? What else can I experience? Is my small life secluded, or peaceful?

In The Big Question, Nix takes the question of ‘what else is there?’ and sends a young boy on a journey to manhood. Not just to discover the answer to his question, but to experience the world, love, loss and the realms of humanity.

Sometimes it’s difficult to write a short story that spans years, it is a lot of time passing and information to slot into just a few small words. But this is beautifully done and has turned a simple coming of age story into one that I would love to read again and again and again.

<- A Handful of Ashes Review Stop! Review ->
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Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Ambrose undid the ribbon and opened the box.

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Synopsis

Ambrose was once a soldier of the highest calibre. But, now, he’s retired. Or so he thinks. When an old friend contacts him for help, he has no choice but to join the fold again.

Thoughts

There was something quintessentially sweet about this story. Although, I had to get to the end of the tale to see that. The beginning, not so sweet, more damaged, a little sad and very lonely.

Epic wars that are fought in secret seem to be a recurrent theme throughout the short stories in To Hold the Bridge, and Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West is no different. The undercurrents of our society are dark anyway, so adding a supernatural spin to it is not only a logical next step, but a brilliantly engaging one.

The loneliness and darkness that surrounds Ambrose is eventually healed, but in a way that I certainly didn’t see coming. I love the fact that although Ambrose is reluctant to return to the war (and the fold), he still tries to do what is right. Believing in the power of the greater good. And, ultimately it leads to a greater good for him.

<- The Heart of the City Review Holly and Iron Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

To Hold the Bridge Collection by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: To Hold the Bridge Collection
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘See you then!’ said Tangerine.

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Synopsis

A short story collection, including an Old Kingdom novella, from author Garth Nix!

Far to the north of the magical Old Kingdom, the Greenwash Bridge Company has been building a bridge for almost a hundred years. It is not an easy task, for many dangers threaten the bridge builders, from nomad raiders to Free Magic sorcerers. Despite the danger, Morghan wants nothing more than to join the Bridge Company as a cadet. But the company takes only the best, the most skillful Charter mages, and trains them hard, for the night might come when only a single young cadet must hold the bridge against many foes. Will Morghan be that cadet?

Also included in this collection are eighteen short stories that showcase Nix’s versatility as he adds a fantastical twist on an array of genres including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure.

Thoughts

Sometimes there’s nothing like sitting down and reading a great collection of short stories. Normally, I tend to read anthologies – stories from a number of authors covering a number of genres and suiting a wide array of readers. But occasionally, there is an author that I love so much that it is my greatest joy to spend a few days with them in all of their weird little worlds. Or at least, that’s how I feel about Garth Nix and this collection of short stories.

Admittedly, I originally bought To Hold the Bridge to read, well, To Hold the Bridge. But, thanks to the little graph on the back (telling me what was actually in this book), I was also introduced to worlds of vampires, struggle, and well, other worlds…

Nix’s break down of these short stories into smaller sections made it all the more simpler to enjoy and read this collection. After all, it is easy to figure out which one you want to read when they have subheadings such as: Creatures of Darkness and Light; Check Your Faint Heart at the Door; A Wink and a Nod…

Like I said, this collection is a fantastic way in which to spend a few days (or in my case, weeks), and I’m actually kind of sad that it’s over…

<- Peace in Our Time Review Vampire Weather Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Crown of Rowan by Kim Wilkins

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Crown of RowanTitle: Crown of Rowan
Author: Kim Wilkins
Series: Blood and Gold #0.5
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Quietly, careful not to wake my sister, I return to the window.

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Synopsis

There are seven kings in Thrysland. My father is one of them, and my husband is another. In my belly, perhaps, I carry a third.

Rose is the beautiful unhappily married daughter of a king and she has a secret to keep, not just from her husband but from her sisters, fierce warrior Bluebell, and Ash, a seer in possession of great but unknown powers. But larger events are afoot in Thrysland. The country is plunged into war with merciless raiders; religious zealots are at work on Rose’s husband, King Wengest, and more than that, there is a dark and deep magic at work throughout the land that threatens them all…

Thoughts

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this novella since I first read it! I love the idea of four sisters set in pre-Christian Europe, and the very different roles that they all play in their lives and the safety of the kingdom. Rose (the main sister in this story) is so clear and striking in my mind’s eye, and I find myself returning to her story again and again. She is the epitome of what many women must have experienced in that era – married to a man she doesn’t love, whilst yearning for the one that she does.

Although this story is about Rose and her hidden love, and is based on pre-Christian Europe, I love the fantastical elements within it. The sendings and the secrets that are obviously hidden with each of these characters sent goosebumps up my spine. Especially, reading this late at night, by a small light, the world seemed so real and vivid. It’s always a good story (whether it is short or long) when it not only stays in your mind, but also features heavily in your dreams. I can’t wait to read (but, firstly buy) the first novel in this series, Daughters of the Storm!

 <- The Dark Road Review The Spark Review ->
Image source: Harlequin Books

The Dark Road by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Dark RoadTitle: The Dark Road
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #0.5
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: So she got out her blue mug.

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Synopsis

A one-eyed cat weaves its way through Hannah’s dreams, beckoning her up high mountains where she must walk the dark road. Her pilgrimage will take her through desert dunes, and deep into the strange recesses of long-hidden memories. Guided only by an old letter and her psychic intuition, Hannah’s journey will test her ageing limbs, as she carries the weight of her mother’s prophecy to her salvation, or peril …

Thoughts

Strictly speaking, it’s not necessary to read this short story before you read the Obernewtyn Chronicles. Actually, it’s not even necessary at any point throughout the reading of the series. but, if you are like me and can’t quite get enough of the series, then this is definitely worth a read. It tells the tale of the days when Cassandra was first foretelling the coming of the Seeker and how Hannah worked into this story. It’s a great background read.

The thing that I loved most of this short story was the voice that told it. Hannah’s daughter fills in so many missing gaps of the past age, yet it is her elderly acceptance of such a moment that is truly beautiful. The vivid descriptions of her journey and the sense of mystery throughout are so indicative of Carmody’s style of writing that it is impossible to stop reading this tale once you have started.

 <- The Red Queen Review Obernewtyn Review ->
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