Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Stardust

Title: Stardust
Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Headline
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: Such a nice name.

Synopsis

THE SLEEPY ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE…

At the dawn of the Victorian era, life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall. Young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester, but Victoria is as cold and distant as the star she and Tristran see fall from the sky one evening. For the prize of Victoria’s hand, Tristran vows to retrieve the star for his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the town’s ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining…

Thoughts

I had to buy this because I have loved the movie Stardust since I was a kid. Actually, I didn’t even realise that this was a book until it showed up in my suggested buys list. And, honestly, I was not disappointed for one single moment. This story was phenomenal, and fun, and took me on a wild adventure that I really couldn’t put down. Which was a problem, because I am an adult with other responsibilities…

Having watched the movie before reading the book, I knew roughly what was going to happen. And the main storyline really didn’t differ much between the two. Normally this annoys me in a movie adaptation, but it worked so brilliantly well. Gaiman’s lyrical writing and vivid descriptions sweep you away all on their own. The beauty of his words and the joy of the storyline just take you away as your toes curl up with the joy (and slight absurdity) of the story.

One of the things that I like about this story is that it leaves the world so open. Gaiman is a master of showing without telling, and there is so much that is left open to the readers’ imagination without getting bogged down in all of the details. I loved that even after I closed the final page of this book, I still continued to visit Faerie in my mind’s eye, imagining the many places that Tristan Thorn was able to visit throughout his life.

 <- Snow, Glass, ApplesStories: All New Tales ->

Image source: Amazon

Kisses and Curses edited by Lauren Burniac

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Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Kisses and Curses
Author: Lauren Burniac, Marissa Meyer, Marie Rutkoski, Jennifer Mathieu, Anna Banks, Emmy Laybourne, Courtney Alameda, Jessica Brody, Ann Aguirre, Lish McBride, Lindsay Smith, Katie Finn, Caragh M. O’Brien, Nikki Kelly, Gennifer Albin & Leigh Bardugo
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “And I don’t know any other girls who skate, but it could still be kind of cool.”

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Synopsis

EVERY PAGE MORE FIERCE THAN THE LAST.

Enjoy a good monster love story? Or a dark, Russian-style folktale? How about a flashback to the secrets of a cyborg’s past, a post-apocalyptic romance, or a conversation between a boy and Death’s dead assistant, while both sit in a diner and eat waffles?

Whether you’re already a Fierce Reads fan or you’re a fan-to-be, this short story collection will satisfy your every bookish craving! Featuring multi-genre tales from some of the hottest YA authors around, including Ann Aguirre, Courtney Alameda, Gennifer Albin, Anna Banks, Leigh Bardugo, Jessica Brody, Katie Finn, Nikki Kelly, Emmy Laybourne, Jennifer Mathieu, Lish McBride, Marissa Meyer, Caragh M. O’Brien, Marie Rutkoski, and Lindsay Smith.

By turns uplifting and sad, light-hearted and powerful, startling and laugh-out-loud, these bite-sized gems have one thing in common: You won’t be able to put them down!

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this collection. It is everything that a short story collection should be – a common thread throughout the tales, but such a diverse array of tales that constantly draw you in. I had no idea about any of the authors in this collection, except for Marissa Meyer, and now I have a new set of 12 authors to dive into.

The fact that each of these tales is part of a greater series worked beautifully. Although, there were a few spoilers throughout. Which was a little disappointing. And makes me not only want to read all of these series, but also gives a hint as to what is going to happen in each of them. The wide array of styles and tales throughout made me thoroughly entrapped.

If you like fantasy tales, this is definitely a collection worth reading. It is also a great way to find new authors if you need to add to your library… maybe make sure you have a little bit of surplus cash before you crack the spine of this though.

 <- The Too-Clever Fox Review Glitches Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hans Christian Andersen Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hans Christian Andersen Tales

Title: Hans Christian Andersen Tales
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Fairy tales
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: World Cloud Classics
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I know I’m not stupid,” the man thought, “so it must be that I’m unworthy of my good office.”

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Synopsis

Then the door BLEW open. A puff of wind struck the dancer. She flew like a sylph, straight into the FIRE with the soldier, blazed up in a flash, and was gone. The tin soldier MELTED, all in a lump. The next day, when a servant took up the ashes she found him in the shape of a little tin HEART. But of the pretty dancer nothing was left except her SPANGLE, and it was BURNED as black as a coal.

Thoughts

I love reading original fairy tales. It’s always fun to compare and contrast them to the modern tales that I love and recognise. Hans Christian Andersen is certainly one of the key writers of the fairy tales that we all know and love today. I wasn’t sure though how many of my well known tales were from here, and how many from another writer. So it was kind of a pleasant surprise to discover some quite familiar tales throughout this collection.

This is the perfect book to read before bedtime. A great way to unwind, relax and think about absolutely nothing. Especially if you’re home alone, have a great imagination and really like to watch crime shows. Nothing like a good fairy tale to unwind and relax. Even though some of these are a little dark. Nothing like the Brothers Grimm who have some truly blood-thirsty tales, but there is a note of sadness, and often not a happy ending when reading this collection.

This entire collection made me float away in a dream world. It was fun, enjoyable and I’m actually really disappointed that it is all over.

<- InfernoEmma ->

Image source: QBD

Dynamite Junior by Jennifer Mathieu

Book Review, ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Dynamite Junior
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Jesus, those white girls are bitches,” says Claudia, like she’s bored more than surprised.

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Synopsis

A short story set against the backdrop of The Truth About Alice. It tells the tale of Carmen as she starts her new life at a new school and in a new town.

Thoughts

It’s been a few days since I read this – I haven’t actually had the chance to sit at my computer until now to write. And the more that I think about it, the more I like this story. It’s a reminder of the cruelties that people inflict on each other. Especially when they are in high school. Although this is a side story that belongs to Mathieu’s bigger novel, it works beautifully as a stand alone.

With the rise of teen violence and disarray in schools, the fact that this was my first short story about such a thing is actually kind of surprising. And it worked really well. It’s a reminder that for many of those children who turn violent for whatever reasoning, there is a family that is left behind. And in this case, it was the boy’s younger sister. The aftermath of his decisions have left an everlasting scar and the way in which she deals with this in her daily life is really captivating and interesting.

 <- Bridge of Snow Review Monster Crush Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Book Review,

Overview

The Travelling Cat ChroniclesTitle: The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Author: Hiro Arikawa
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Doubleday
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That reminds me of Chatran.

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Synopsis

It’s not the journey that counts, but who is at your side.

Nana is on a road trip, but he is not sure where to. All that matters is that he can sit beside his beloved Satoru in the front of his silver van. Satoru is keen to visit three old friends from his youth, though Nana doesn’t know why and Satoru won’t say.

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s changing seasons and narrated with a rare gentleness and striking humour, Nana’s story explores the wonder and thrill of life’s unexpected detours. It is about friendship, solitdue, and knowing when to give and when to take. Above all, it shows how acts of love, both great and small, can transform our lives.

Thoughts

I cried. Like a baby. And I knew the ending was coming. It was fairly easy to guess from the beginning – but it was still heartbreaking. And sweet. And endearing. And really one of the very best stories that I’ve read in a long, long, long time.

Set against a beautiful backdrop with the most amazing narrator’s voice, this story is just amazing. I actually can’t find the words to describe this. Nana (the cat) starts the story with the beginning of his relationship with Satoru. From there, as they travel the countryside to visit old friends, parts of Satoru’s life come flashing back. It creates this beautiful multi-layered world in which it is incredibly easy to get lost.

The beauty and innocence of Satoru and his past make you feel incredibly warmed. It’s a reminder that not every story needs a romantic tale, but that platonic and familial love is just as important. It helps to remind you that a good story (whether on paper or in real life) just needs a little bit of kindness and care to make it soar on wings of beauty.

For an impulse buy that I “accidentally” clicked the buy me button on, this was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. It’s rare that a story can truly make me cry and weep like this one did. There is something about the love that jumps from the pages that really helps to bring this amazing tale home to the heart.

 <- More easy reading reviews More easy reading reviews ->
Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Bridge of Snow by Marie Rutkoski

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Bridge of SnowTitle: Bridge of Snow
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner’s Trilogy #0.5
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: His shoulders were rigid, his face tight.

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Synopsis

Ignore the stirrings of war. Let the carriage to a royal ball wait. There is a story to be told: of a starless night, a mother and her sick son, and a mortal who falls in love with the snow god, and will do anything to have her…

Thoughts

I really like stories that are retellings of traditional tales. Those tales that tell you how the milkyway was formed, how the emu got its name (one of the versions is really quite funny if you have a chance to look it up)… those kinds of tales. And apparently, according to this short story’s introduction, so does Rutkoski. Which was an incredibly fun and pleasant surprise for me. And now I get to start a new, exciting series that I have never heard of before! (Yes, there is a very good chance that I have a book shopping problem…)

The setting of Bridge of Snow is incredibly sweet. It’s the typical scene of a mother telling her child a bedtime story, and gives the entire tale (and the hint of its tragic end) a very loving and surreal feeling. Kind of like when there’s a power cut and you used to curl up by the fire with your family, just enjoying the flickering of the flames and the peace of being in a place that you know you are loved. The contrast provided by the tale that is told not only has slightly lingering overtones of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson, but a flavour entirely of its own.

Just reading this short story throws you into an incredible world where a mother’s love for her son is highlighted and the tragedy of his future is glimpsed at. I definitely can’t wait to begin reading The Winner’s Curse.

 <- Glitches Review Dynamite Junior Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Tough Mothers by Jason Porath

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Tough MothersTitle: Tough Mothers
Author: Jason Porath
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Feminism, History
Pace: Slo
Format: Non-fictional text
Publisher: Dey St.
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: She’d get up at daybreak, work all day long, come back for supper, and then set out again.

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Synopsis

50 women from history – Mothers, Grandmothers, and Godmothers – who lived fully, brashly, and boldly and changed the world… these are Tough Mothers

Thoughts

I loved Rejected Princesses. I loved this. There are no other words for my feelings when it comes to this book. Finally, finally there are some great books out there on the many women in history! The fact that this is one about women who are mothers and also completely kick ass makes it much better. It’s a reminder that we can be mothers as well as politicians, doctors, just women of power and change in general. I actually can’t wait to show these books to my future (theoretical) children – to show them the many different things that they can become. And even the women who have helped to pave the way for this.

I had only one small issue (if you can call it that) with this book – there are a lot of American women in these pages. Now, granted, I almost never see an Australian woman in well, anything (unless she’s some random bikini clad surfer, not sure how we got that rep)… so I wasn’t expecting to see anyone from my country in there (there were 2, I danced around my loungeroom when I read about them). But, I swear Rejected Princesses had a lot more people from the international stage than Tough Mothers. I kind of put it down to the fact that the author is American – there is a lot of amazing history there, and, really, you could write a whole book just about some of those women.

This was the perfect book for me to read while I was trying to slog through some articles for my lit review. Each entry was a quick, interesting read that helped to keep my mind engaged. It was also visually engaging and beautiful, so that made it all the more pleasant and pleasing. I’m actually really disappointed that it’s come to an end…

 <- Rejected Princesses Review Gogo Mama Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Typecast by Jeff Ryan

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Typecast
Author: Jeff Ryan
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Horror
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I can’t see you.

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Synopsis

Sometimes it’s better not to typecast people too much…

Thoughts

You could kind of see how this story was going to end in the first few sentences. For starters, the title is Typecast, it implies the fitting of certain roles to an idea. Specifically when you are introduced to a casting director in LA. And one that is hunting for the perfect serial killer…

I loved the ending of this story. It was kind of scary, but a little funny. The pushy, overbearing LA casting director following a man who would play the perfect serial killer… yeah, how do you think that that one will end?

 <- Dating After the Apocalypse Review Making the Cut Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Two for Transylvania by Brad C. Hodson

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Two for Transylvania
Author: Brad C. Hodson
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve got my part to play.

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Synopsis

Dracula and Van Helsing are just con artists. And now they’ve gone into real estate.

Thoughts

The tales of Van Helsing and Dracula are told and retold so often that just the mention of their name can be exciting or send me off into snores. Luckily for me, this short story was a completely new take on traditional stories. And one that just wasn’t even slightly what I expected. Which was cute, funny and left me with a big smile on my face.

How did the stories about Dracula gain traction? Through the acts of the two conmen constantly gaining money from their unwitting victims. But, what are you supposed to do in today’s day and age? After all, I’m sure that constantly getting staked would get a little boring…I’m actually kind of disappointed that this story ended before I could find out how the great final con went for the two…

 <- Old MacDonald Had an Animal Farm Review The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour: An Apocumentary Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

North Child by Edith Pattou

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

North ChildTitle: North Child
Author: Edith Pattou
Series: East #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Usborne
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Nils Erland set out for Danemark, where he hoped to make his way, and Selme Eva married an ironworker and moved with him to a village in Njord far distant from us.

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Synopsis

Superstition says that children born facing north will travel far from home, and Rose’s mother is terrified that Rose, a north child, will face a lonely, icy death if she follows her destiny. But Rose is unaware of this, so when an enormous white bear appears and wants to take her away she agrees to his bargain.

Rose travels on the bear’s back to a mysterious castle where a silent stranger appears to her night after night. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Rose does something that has terrible consequences. Now she must embark on an epic journey to save the one she loves and fulfil her true destiny.

As familiar and moving as Beauty and the Beast, yet infused with freshness and originality, North Child is at once lyrical, exciting and memorable, a sweeping story of grand proportions.

Thoughts

I loved this book the first time I read it. And then, I was so mixed in my emotions this second time. But, once I get sucked into Pattou’s amazing world, I was hooked. Again. And completely drowned myself in the words that she continuously spread across the page.

Although when I first read this story, I thought it was based on Beauty and the Beast, but I have since discovered that this story is based on a Norwegian folk tale. And somehow this just makes it so much better. The intricacies of the tale and storyline and the stark difference to a fairy tale that I know well make a lot more sense when understood through a Norwegian lens. Or at least, it is a lot more enthralling and leads me to a greater fascination for a culture I’ve had little exposure to.

I often get kind of frustrated with stories that flick between points of view. Normally I get really attached to just one of the characters and then all I want is to know more about his / her point of view. Somehow it works for this tale though. Flicking between Neddy, Rose, Father, White Bear and the Troll Queen shows the many finely woven aspects of this tale. And although you are sometimes swept away from a character that you love, you’re quickly swept into an entirely new tale that wraps you up in its spell.

Anyone that wants a sweet romance with a strong female, this is the story you should pick up. It brings to life a number of gorgeous, glacial settings that Rose must battle through to save what she loves most. But the overtones of folklore make this even sweeter and somehow more innocent.

 <- More Edith Pattou’s reviews West Review ->
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