Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Distressed Travelers by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Distressed Travelers
Author: Nina Kiriki Hoffman
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: All this extra security was a pain in the butt.

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Synopsis

Somebody’s feeding on the frustrations of those at a airport with delayed flights. But the real question is, who wants to feed on him?

Thoughts

This short story made me feel sick. To be fair, it could have been me getting car sick. Because I was reading this in the car. On windy roads. Late at night. But, I’m pretty sure that I felt sick because this story kind of freaked me out.

It started off innocently enough. Weird alien feeding off of people’s emotions. The veritable smorgasbord of an airport. The added deliciousness of cancelled flights and the stress that this brings. But, then things take a far more incidious turn… he finds someone with no emotions.

You can  kind of see where this goes… packed airport, guy with no emotions, seedy motel… yeah, there’s a reason that I felt a little crook after reading this short story in the dark, on a windy road, in the middle of nowhere…

 <- Short Term Review Bayou Brawl Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Mort by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Mort

Title: Mort
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #4, Death #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: And so Mort came at last to the river Ankh, greatest of rivers.

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Synopsis

Death comes to us all. When he came to Mort, he offered him a job.

Henceforth, Death is no longer going to be the end, merely the means to an end. It’s an offer Mort can’t refuse. As Death’s apprentice he’ll have free board, use of the company horse – and being dead isn’t compulsory. It’s a dream job – until he discovers that it can be a killer on his love life…

Thoughts

Death is always considered such a horrifying and exacting end. But, in the case of Mort, it’s really just a beginning… and an apprenticeship. With Pratchett’s unique and entertaining take on it.

Alright, that introduction to this review feels very confusing and convoluted. But, honestly, that’s generally how I feel before, during and after reading one of the Discworld novels. They’re weird, they’re confusing, and they have a completely unique take on the world. Even when I feel like there may be a far better, more amazing message than what I’ve absorbed, I feel like I’ve learnt something interesting and fantastic after I turn the last page. The fact that this story is about the personification of Death, something that I have been struggling to deal with a little lately, just makes it all the more fun and poignant.

I loved the princess in distress with her noble rescuer theme throughout this. Yet, it was the fact that the ending wasn’t quite one that I expected that was really enjoyable. After all, the typical story would be tall, suave rescuer saves princess, they live happily ever after. Nothing goes like this throughout, and although Mort makes blunder after blunder in his apprenticeship, there is a really nice happily ever after (of a sorts) at the conclusion.

<- Equal RitesSourcery ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Equal Rites

Title: Equal Rites
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #3, Witches #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: Across the forest animals broke and scattered as the shadow passed overhead, crying and cursing.

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

Synopsis

They say that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.

The last thing the wizard Drum Billet did, before Death laid a bony hand on his shoulder, was to pass on his staff of power to the eighth son of an eighth son. Unfortunately for his colleagues in the chauvinistic (not to say misogynistic) world of magic, he failed to check that the bab in question was a son. Everybody knows that there’s no such thing as a female wizard. But now it’s gone and happened, there’s nothing much anyone can do about it. Let the batttle of the sexes begin…

Thoughts

There is an incredibly poignant and obvious message in this novel – that we are all equal and entitled to equal rights. That’s not to say that this tale isn’t filled with Pratchett’s (I hesitate to say) typical sense of humour. There is the satirical humour scattered throughout that draws you into his world, whether you want it to or not. Luckily, for me, I was ready and happy to be swept along in his chaotic, entertaining realm.

Esk is a typical little girl with six big brothers. She’s tough, independent and keen to prove herself against the big, wide world. The fact that she is partnered with a supremely magical and powerful wizard’s staff just helps to complicate things. That, and her mentor is a slightly uneducated witch. And there is no such thing as wizards in this world… when is anything ever simple in Discworld?

As I’ve mentioned before, I completely loved the fact that this book highlights women’s rights and equality. It is something that I strongly believe in, and although sometimes it is a topic touched upon, it isn’t something that people tend to really delve into when writing or reading. We talk about equality, but I haven’t actually read such a well written novel that highlights the importance of this. The fact that this story was written in the 80’s and is still discussing issues that we are facing today just heightens my respect for Terry Pratchett.

<- The Light FantasticMort ->

Image source: Pinterest

Dating After the Apocalypse by Stephen Dorato

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Dating After the Apocalypse
Author: Stephen Dorato
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Julie seemed to be a regular, ordinary girl – a bit reserved, but who wasn’t these days?

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

Synopsis

How does one date after the zombie apocalypse destroys the world?

Thoughts

I haven’t been single in a very long time. And I haven’t had the misfortune of too many horrible dates. Which makes it extra enjoyable (and kind of foreign) to read about dating. And horrible first dates. And one night stands… putting what I assume is a zombie apocalypse and the end of the world as we know it into the mix just made it all the more fascinating and enjoyable.

The way that this story, like all good short stories, turns itself on its head at the conclusion was highly entertaining. The idea that there are more terrors in settling down than people already experience kind of made a comment on how hard it can be to actually settle down. Both symbolically and physically, this is a good example of the difficulties of dating, getting married and living your happily ever after…

 <- The Great Zombie Invasion of 1979 Review Typecast Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

A Day in the Life by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: A Day in the Life
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Stressed.

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

Synopsis

Is Elliot about to become the editor for a dead woman? Or is something more sinister happening in the office?

Thoughts

The harsh critiques of editors and readers is something that I think we all fear. So what happens when there is a horror of a writer and the editor is forced to constantly deal with her ghost?

This story started out kind of nice. It had a ghost and one of the first lines is ding dong the bitch is dead. So it feels like it might be a bit of a comedic take on the idea of the editor-writer relationship. Until things take a much more sinister turn. And more ghosts start appearing. And you realise that Elliot, the editor, may not have been as kind as you first thought… karma can be a bitch too.

 <- Still Life Review Old MacDonald Had an Animal Farm Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

BRIANS!!! by D.L. Snell

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: BRIANS!!!
Author: D.L. Snell
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Well, your mom sucks.”

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

Synopsis

A zombie book signing and release just couldn’t go anymore wrong!

Thoughts

When I read the name of this short story I thought that there was a typo. After all, it is in a collection of short stories that are surrounded by horror and the paranormal… brains would make sense. Zombies after all. But within the first page, it finally makes sense… this is about a book that has a typo in it. It should be BRAINS! The author is an idiot.

This story touches really badly on mumma’s boys. And the irritating things that overbearing mothers do. Reading about it was painful. Reading about the end of this relationship was just… well… weird. I still don’t know how I feel about this short story. I think it’s just something that you have to read to experience it…

 <- Smoke and Mirrorballs Review Still Life Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

A Misadventure to Call Your Own by Adrien Ludens

Book Review, ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: A Misadventure to Call Your Own
Author: Adrien Ludens
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this),
My Bookshelves: Easy reading
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: You pop the trunk, hoist the body over your shoulder and hustle up the stairs.

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

Synopsis

This short story is like a choose your own adventure. But the decisions have already been made, and they are all the worst ones possible.

Thoughts

I love choose your own adventure stories. The fact that I thought I had found one in Blood Lite III was a bit of a surprise. But, as with every other story in this collection, it was nothing like what I expected. For starters, all of the decisions had been already made.

You know those stories that you feel like the character is constantly making the wrong choice? And it’s almost painful to watch? Well, this is like that… but it’s worse because the other (smarter) choices are actually laid out for you as you go through. Every single time you are forced into a scenario with a horrible decision and my goodness it is kind of painful to read. But incredibly fun.

 <- The Last Demon Review Smoke and Mirrorballs Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Wrath of Mulgarath by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Wrath of Mulgarath

Title: The Wrath of Mulgarath
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “They’re all dragons.”

Synopsis

Three ordinary kids, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace, have entered another world — without leaving this one! Two remarkable talents, New York Times best-sellers Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, have risked everything to bring this remarkable account to light. Five books — one thrilling adventure — the Spiderwick Chronicles!

Their world is closer than you think.

Thoughts

Throughout the past week or so of reading this series, I’ve been a little perplexed. Some of the bits and pieces I remember seeing in a movie from a long time ago, but there was a lot that I didn’t remember. Which, to be completely honest, is fairly typical for a book turned movie. It really wasn’t until reading this story that I 100% was like, YES! I did see that movie!

The rest of the Spiderwick books have been a great read before bedtime – they’re short and sweet, and quite easy to put down halfway through. Not so with this tale. Which, since it’s the conclusion to a series, should probably have been a little more expected. After all, they’re tying up loose ends, neatening a storyline and finishing off a great tale that ends with the Grace children sending their letter to the authors – the instigator for this whole series.

I really liked how everything in this series feels like it has come full circle at the conclusion. There is still room for more tales, but there isn’t the overwhelming urge to find out what happens next. It’s neat, tight and kind of sweet. Just what I like in a good children’s books’ ending…

 <- The Ironwood TreeThe Field Guide ->

Image source: Simon and Schuster

The Ironwood Tree by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Ironwood Tree

Title: The Ironwood Tree
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Jared looked at him with surprise.

Synopsis

First a pack of vile, smelly goblins snatch Simon. Then a band of elves try to entrap Jared. Why is the entire faerie world so eager to get their hands on Spiderwick’s Guide? And will the Grace kids be left alone, now that the Guide has mysteriously disappeared? Don’t count on it.

At school, someone is running around pretending to be Jared, and it’s not Simon. To make matters even worse, now Mallory has disappeared and something foul in the water is killing off all the plants and animals for miles around. Clues point to the old abandoned quarry, just outside of town. Dwarves have taken over an abandoned mine there. And the faerie world’s abuzz with the news that a creature with plans to rule the world has offered them a gift to join with him — he’s given them a queen…

Thoughts

Throughout The Spiderwick Chronicles so far, Mallory has seemed like a bossy, tough, almost larger than life character. Probably because you’re almost seeing the story through the lens of one of her younger brothers. There is a sense of not-quite-hero-worship, and antagonism between Jared and Mallory, so it’s kind of fun that in this tale of the Grace children, it is Mallory who needs to be saved.

The problems that have slowly been building with Jared’s actions, the fae and the fieldguide finally start to come to a boil in this story. Not only are they forced to confront kidnappers and a shapeshifting horror, but they also find themselves betrayed, and confronted with Mulgarath for the first time. It’s a great way to open up the storyline for the next (and final) tale in this series.

Actually, this tale was such a great way to open up the storyline for the next Spiderwick Chronicles, that it took me a lot of willpower to turn off the light and go to sleep…

 <- Lucinda’s SecretThe Wrath of Mulgarath ->

Image source: Goodreads

Lucinda’s Secret by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Lucinda's Secret

Title: Lucinda’s Secret
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “We were looking for some trace of our great-uncle.”

Synopsis

Let the story of my niece and nephews be a warning. The more you know, the more danger you’re in. And trust me, you don’t want to meddle with the Little People. — S.S.
One thrilling adventure — The Spiderwick Chronicles!
Their world is closer than you think.

Thoughts

The Grace siblings seem to steadily get pulled further and further into the world of the fae. From every book I’ve ever read, this just doesn’t seem to be such a great idea… but, the Grace children haven’t read as much as I have. You know, and they’re fictional children’s characters designed to emphasise that idea.

I loved the imagery of Aunt Lucinda in her little home, and the reasons why she was put there… the back story to the Spiderwick estate just seems to keep getting better and better too. After all, there’s a great tale there that is slowly being unfolded in front of your eyes. So much so that I actually struggled to put this book down, when the first two novels were much simpler to put down and walk away from.

Now I just can’t wait to open The Ironwood Tree… where will the Grace children find themselves next?

 <- The Seeing StoneThe Ironwood Tree ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster