Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Devil’s Contract by E.S. Magill

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Devil’s Contract
Author: E.S. Magill
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and may not be modified except in writing executed by both parties.

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Synopsis

Are you ready to make a deal with the devil? Here’s the contract!

Thoughts

I hate signing contracts. They’re legally binding, and either too boring or convoluted to read. Which is exactly the fear that this short story (of a sort) taps into. Actually, the thing that I loved most about this short story is how witty it is. And how much it taps into our approaches to contracts and legislation. And the global take over of some big companies…

This is truly a devil’s contract and I giggled the entire way through it. Software and technology is the backbone of society today, and it would be incredibly easy (and often imagined) to take over the world using our dependence upon it.

Although I found this story incredibly funny, I also found it a little worrying. It is almost a satirical comment on how we approach the world and a warning against what can become of us and our society.

 <- Put on a Happy Face Review Nine-Tenths of the Law Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Blood-Red Greens by Joel A. Sutherland

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Blood-Red Greens
Author: Joel A. Sutherland
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: If we get caught we’ll be in big shit.

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Synopsis

Errol and Randall decide to play their weekly game of golf together… in the middle of a zombie apocalypse!

Thoughts

I really wasn’t expecting a zombie apocalypse story when I started reading this. Mostly, I was expecting a vampire story. Or something about a vampire wanting salad… you know…

That’s not to say that I wasn’t pleasantly surprised. When you take a boring game like golf and add in psychotic zombies, I’m going to enjoy the tale. After all, there are so many theories about the zombie apocalypse, and adding in such an entertaining dose of humour just made this a short story that was almost impossible to put down.

The other thing I loved about this story is the way that it came full circle. It started with Errol and Randall playing a tedious game of golf… and ended with them playing the same silly game (can anyone tell that I don’t enjoy golfing?)

 <- I Was a Teenage Bigfoot Review V Plates Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Deltora Book of Monsters by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Deltora Book of MonstersTitle: The Deltora Book of Monsters
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: World of Deltora Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: I would dearly love to see it for myself.

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

Deltora is a land of magic and monsters.

Here, gathered together for the first time in one volume, are many of the terrifying creatures that prowl Deltora’s forests, mountains and deserts, swim in its waters and patrol its skies. Magnificently illustrated in full colour and filled with fascinating facts, The Deltora Book of Monsters is the work of a brave man called Josef – a Deltoran hero, in his own way – who was palace librarian in the time of King Alton.

That was long ago, but the illustrations are as vivid and compelling today as when they were first painted, and Josef’s words still carry the passionate ring of truth. The editors are honoured to have been able to make this great work available to the public at last. It has been hidden for far too long.

Thoughts

Every time I read a book, I imagine the world, the creatures and the characters that have been laid out before my eyes. However, the world of words will only get you so far. Sometimes, it’s a nice benefit to have a visual representation of what you are reading. After all, why else would people read books with pictures?

Written like an informative booklet, The Deltora Book of Monsters not only provides an insight to the monsters which appear throughout the Deltora Quest books, but also the backstory for Josef and the kingdom. They are a reminder of the dangers that a lack of care and vigilance can leave, and help to further show the depths of planning which the Shadow Lord has commenced.

 <- Tales of Deltora Review The Forests of Silence Review ->
Image source: AbeBooks

Tales of Deltora by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Tales of DeltoraTitle: Tales of Deltora
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: World of Deltora Companion
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: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Then, adruptly, it toppled and fell.

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

‘This book of tales contains the secret history of Deltora. That is a startling claim, I know, but it is true.’

So writes Josef, the Palace Librarian in the time of King Lief.

Where did the Shadow Lord come from? How did the Ak-Baba come to be? Who are the Masked Ones?

Here, for the first time, are the true stories behind Deltora Quest. Let Emily Rodda take you on a magical journey to discover the secrets of Deltora, land of monsters and magic.

Thoughts

I loved this collection of tales. Not only were they fun and interesting to read on their own, but they built beautifully on the Deltora series (1, 2 and 3). The way in which the tales are broken up into short ‘folklore’ stories means that this book is really easy to read. After all, each short story has its own theme, message and journey. But, read in one big hit, as a whole, and with the rest of the Deltora series in mind, the overarching message and story comes to light.

Tales of Deltora brings Emily Rodda’s world of Deltora alive. Not only through her multi-layered tales, but also the fantastic images that accompany them. Turning the page is like opening a doorway into a whole new world every time. If the words don’t make it difficult to turn away from this book, the picutres make it nigh on impossible.

 <- The Sister of the South Review The Deltora Book of Monsters Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

Return to Del by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Return to DelTitle: Return to Del
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #7, World of Deltora #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Not surprisingly, no-one dared do that.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The seven lost gems have been restored to the Belt of Deltora. Now Lief, Barda and Jasmine must find the heir to the kingdom’s throne. They know that only the true heir can use the Belt’s magic to overthrow the evil Shadow Lord.

But the heir has been in deepest hiding from birth and only the Belt can reveal the hiding place. Shock follows shock as the Deltora quest rushes to its thundering climax and the fury and power of the Shadow Lord himself threaten to destroy its three heroes and everything they love.

Thoughts

This is a fantastic conclusion to the first of the Deltora Quests. The gems have all been restored, but the trio still have to find out where the heir to the crown has been hiding. The path to finding the unknown child is filled with tricks and treachery from the Shadow Lord. Every step feels as thought Lief, Barda and Jasmine have taken one further step into the web of deception that has been spun.

I love the fact that the truth of the heir is under the trio’s noses the entire time. The best place to hide something is in plain sight, and Endon and Sharn made sure that they did this. The surprise heir and ending finishes off the quest for Deltora. But, it makes you feel like there is more to tell. The trio and their friends may have caused the Shadow Lord to flee from Deltora, but he is by no means done with the country.

 <- The Valley of the Lost Review Cavern of Fear Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

The Valley of the Lost by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Valley of the LostTitle: The Valley of the Lost
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #7, World of Deltora #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Barda pushed at the door with his shoulder, but it did not move.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Lief, Barda and Jasmine, searching for the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora have almost reached their goal. Six gems now gleam in the Belt, but the last must be found before Deltora can be freed from the tyranny of the evil Shadow Lord.

The companions have faced many terrors with strength and courage. Now they are about to meet dark mysteries that strength and courage alone cannot defeat. If they fail, their quest will be lost, and they will remain forever trapped in the swirling mists of the Valley of the Lost.

Thoughts

This might be the last gem for the belt of Deltora, but it is definitely not the last step on the journey. The gems may all get restored to the belt, but they still need the heir, and Lief is so very aware of this as they travel towards the Valley of the Lost. But, like the rest of the gems, it is not just a simple means of finding where the gem is hidden – they have to battle the guardian to win it. Just, in this case, the battle is one of wits that the trio can’t afford to lose.

Del’s sister city, Tora is first mentioned in The Maze of the Beast, but it isn’t until the trio travel to the Valley that they truly discover what happened to its people. The scars that the Shadow Lord’s take over have left on the countryside are shown, and the negligence of the royals over generations have huge impacts. Lief, Barda and Jasmine may have begun to heal some of the scars of the past, but there is still a lot of work to do.

The Shadow Lord may have many plots and plans, and the trio manage to uncover yet another deceptive manipulation in their journey to the valley. It makes you wonder and fear for what will be in store in the future – what manipulations are still left in place, and the ways in which the Shadow Lord will prevent the three from finding the heir and saving Deltora.

 <- The Maze of the Beast Review Return to Del Review ->
Image source: Fishpond

The Maze of the Beast by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Maze of the BeastTitle: The Maze of the Beast
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #6, World of Deltora #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Would I not look beautiful in these?

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The evil Shadow Lord has become aware that Lief, Barda and Jasmine are searching for the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora. He knows that if the gems can be restored to the Belt its power will threaten his tyranny.

Five gems have already been found. The next stone lies hidden in the underwater lair of the hideous and ferocious Glus. Already exhausted, pursued by the servants of the Shadow Lord, the three companions will need all their strength and courage to face the Maze of the Beast.

Thoughts

The next step on Lief, Barda and Jasmine’s journey is filled with even more danger, yet again. Not only does it feel like the stakes have been raised, but the enemy’s awareness of their actions have also increased. Not only do the trio constantly face the dangers of recognition, but they similarly need to face the dangers of the maze of the beast. Not only do they not know where the maze is, but they also have no idea how to get there and avoid the dangers of the Ols and constant interaction with more people.

There might be an increased danger of being recognised and caught, but the trio fortunately crosses paths with old faces. Dain and Doom are both shrouded in mystery, and although they have both saved the heroes at one point or another, there is still a sense of mistrust there. Yet, they are important to the journey and, possibly, at finally overthrowing the evil Shadow Lord’s tyranny.

I love that although every gem throughout this series is very much stumbled upon, it is the one in the Maze of the Beast which is almost tripped over. They are literally thrown at it, and the understanding of fate and their place in the saving of the realm of Deltora is highlighted.

 <- Dread Mountain Review The Valley of the Lost Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Colour of Magic

Title: The Colour of Magic
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #1, Rincewind #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: Is he that funny looking one over there?

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Synopsis

In the beginning there was… a turtle.

Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place which might sound and smell very much like our own, but which looks completely different. Particularly as it’s carried though space on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown). It plays by different rules.

But then, some things are the same everywhere. The Disc’s very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the world’s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, the person charged with maintaining that survival in the face of robbers, mercenaries and, well, Death, is a spectacularly inept wizard…

Thoughts

I have had The Colour of Magic in my bookshelf since Terry Pratchett passed away. After all, I wanted to see what all of the hype was about. As usual though, I was a little delayed with opening the actual book. However, I really wasn’t disappointed. This story was funny, entertaining and cute. It was incredibly fun and easy to read, and I was really sad when it was all over.

Rincewind’s journey through Discworld with Twoflower is a calamity of mistakes that just steadily gets worse and worse. Anything that can go wrong does, and although in most stories, I would just find this predictable, irritating and cringe-worthy – in Pratchett’s world, it’s just funny. Partly it feels like he’s just making fun at the more serious versions of fantasy and scifi novels. But, there’s also this ability for the storyline to completely suck you in. For me, a good book is one that you just can’t put down. And that was the case with The Colour of Magic.

Although I loved this book, there were no specific moments that jumped out at me. I remember the rough plotline, I remember the feeling of reading the book. But not so much the exact plotline. Nor, the poignant message in the words that I get in some storylines. But, that’s probably what I loved about this. It’s a happy go lucky, easy storyline. Something that I will be able to read again and again and enjoy each and every time.

<- More Terry PratchettThe Light Fantastic ->

Image source: Waterstones

Weir of Hermiston by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Weir of Hermiston

Title: Weir of Hermiston
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 1896
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I maun have forgotten to change them,’ said she; and went into prayers in her turn with a troubled mind, between anxiety as to whether Dand should have observed her yellow stockings at chuch, and should thus detect her in a palpable falsehood, and shame that she had already made good his prophecy.

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Synopsis

The Lord Justice-Clerk was a stranger in that part of the country; but his lady wife was known there from a child, as her race had been before her.

The old “riding Rutherfords of Hermiston,” of whom she was the last descendant, had been famous men of yore, ill neighbours, ill subjects, and ill husbands to their wives though not their properties.

Thoughts

I didn’t love the ending of this – and then I found out that it is an unfinished work, and my dislike for the ending finally made sense. It wasn’t an ending at all, just a point at which the writing stopped. Knowing that has made me a lot more inclined to like what was written, and feel a little sad that there is no ending to be seen.

The Weir of Hermiston read like a biography – the history of the parents, the marriage, the housekeeper, were all delved into and provided a rich backdrop against which Archie is living his life. His choices, the words, the actions are all informed by his history and although I found some of the explanations a little too long winded, and, yes, tedious, it worked well in the characterisation.

It’s just a pity that it was never finished, I suppose I will just have to imagine a happy ending for myself. At least, an ending that would leave me happy anyway…

 <- Markheim ReviewDr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales Review ->
Image source: Open Library

The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Let It SnowTitle: The Patron Saint of Pigs
Author: Lauren Myracle
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: What would you like a sample of?

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Synopsis

The third story follows a girl named Addie, who is depressed because she broke up with her boyfriend Jeb. The backstory of her relationship with Jeb is told, about how the two had instantly fallen for each other, but that Addie had kept trying to change Jeb. This resulted in Jeb feeling inferior and the two fighting. After one fight Addie had gotten drunk and made out with someone else, telling Jeb it was over. Upset, Jeb had taken a train to meet his family on an Indian reservation, unaware that Addie has sent him an email apologizing and hoping to work things out. When he didn’t call or respond, Addie assumed that the relationship was over and cut her hair short and dyed it pink as a way to show that she wanted a change.

Thoughts

I think that every teenager is a little self-centred. Something about puberty, and angst and just generally growing older. We grow out of it pretty quickly. We realise that sometimes it’s just not about us. And in the case of Addie, it takes a pretty big kick up the bum for her to realise this. And, although this is still a Christmas romance, it’s more about her friendships and the girls who love her (and are willing to kick her).

Addie’s history with Jeb (who is met in both The Jubilee Express and A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle), but it’s Addie’s tale and her side of the story that makes it more understandable. Not exactly allowing her past acts to be excusable, but to be less vilifiable. Her morose reminiscing are only the beginning of the story though. Like her spunky pink hair, Addie finds a way to rally and, in finding her own Christmas angel, finds a way to become a better person.

 <- A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle Review Let it Snow Review ->
Image source: Better Reading