Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Morning GiftTitle: The Morning Gift
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: Once he had a lusty son or two, he’d forget all this nonsense about the Trust.

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Synopsis

Ruth lives happily in the magnificent city of Vienna. Then the Nazis invade and her world is turned upside down.

Her parents flee to London, but Ruth is accidentally left behind. A family friend offers her an escape route: a marriage of convenience to be dissolved as soon as they reach England. But Ruth’s feelings for Quin soon take her by surprise, and her efforts to set him free do not quite go as she plans…

Thoughts

This is such a beautiful love story, set against an amazing backdrop of one of the most horrible moments in recent history – the beginning of WWII and the rein of Hitler. The juxtaposition between the romance and the horror works really nicely, and although it does give a face to what some Jewish people experienced in this time, it is mostly about the glory of falling in love. Not just that first, cute, puppy love, but that moment you realise you need to be with someone for every moment of the rest of your life – that you’ve found not only a friend and a lover, but a partner to your life.

I honestly think that this is my favourite Eva Ibbotson novel – it’s a little more mature than her other stories. After all, it deals with pregnancy and death and the horrors of WWII. But, it’s also my favourite story because I find Ruth the easiest to relate to – she’s a science student with a love of life. Yet, she’s still trying to find out who she is and what she’s going to become (a point that I’m currently at in my life). She’s also completely overwhelmed by her first experiences of the adult world (again, I’m still going through this). Yet, although she is a scientist, she is also a music lover.

The two aspects of Ruth that are constantly warring throughout this novel are also echoed in the two love interests. Heini is music personified (mostly because he is irreparably talented). On the other hand Quinton is science, he is rough, slightly uncultured and insanely intelligent. Personally, I like the intelligent guy – Heini is a little too self-centred in his pursuit of music and not exactly partner material. Although I love the outer contrast of the inner conflict that Ruth undergoes throughout this story. It’s also a mark of her ability to grow from a young, sheltered girl into a strong, educated woman… maybe one day I’ll undergo that transformation.

 <- Magic Flutes Review The Secret Countess Review ->
Image source: Amazon

One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
One Fell Sweep

Title: One Fell Sweep
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The Innkeeper Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ilona Andrews
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “You know what, Jim, we are some distance away,” a male voice said through the mild static.

Synopsis

Dina DeMille may run the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, but she caters to a very particular kind of guest… the kind that no one on Earth is supposed to know about. Guests like a former intergalactic tyrant with an impressive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced-and-superhot werewolf; so don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage.

But what passes for Dina’s normal life is about to be thrown into chaos. First, she must rescue her long-distant older sister, Maud, who’s been exiled with her family to a planet that functions as the most lawless penal colony since Botany Bay. Then she agrees to help a guest whose last chance at saving his civilization could bring death and disaster to all Dina holds dear. Now Gertrude Hunt is under siege by a clan of assassins. To keep her guests safe and to find her missing parents, Dina will risk everything, even if she has to pay the ultimate price. Though Sean may have something to say about that!

Thoughts

This series just keeps on getting better and better. The expansion of Dina’s world and the ways in which she is constantly challenged help to open up a greater world that I can’t help but sink my teeth into. Again, this only took me a day to read and, although the writing style helps to give fluent breaks and pauses throughout the story, I still found it impossible to put down.

Following Sweep in Peace, Dina finds Sean returned to her in slightly damaged condition, but it is obvious that there is some true romance going on. Yet, instead of focusing on the joys of a blossoming new relationship, she is forced to travel to the Australia of the cosmos (yes, I went there), and find her sister. What she finds is nothing like she expects – a hardcore, assassin woman who has literally survived hell on earth. The fact that Dina’s cute (and a little unhinged) five-year-old niece is thrown into the mix makes it one hell of a family outing. That, and Arland’s able to make a new appearance with some very interesting consequences…

Although Dina starts this story with a bit of inter-planetary travel, it’s mostly about her ability to keep the victims of a holocaust alive. The Hiru come seeking help and asylum in her inn, and this leads to a race of Nazi-like aliens knocking on her door. Dina and the inn are able to survive almost anything, but with the challenges that she is forced to face, it is certainly a close call this time.

 <- Sweep in PeaceSweep of the Blade ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

Markheim by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

MarkheimTitle: Markheim
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Kingsford Edition
Year: 1885
5th sentence, 74th page: What to expect he knew not, whether the dead man walking, or the official ministers of human justice, or some chance witness blindly stumbling in to consign him to the gallows.

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Synopsis

At Christmastime, Markheim, the protagonist, comes to a dealer’s shop, pretending that he is looking for a present for a lady. His real plan, however, is to murder the dealer so he can steal his merchandise and money. Markheim rejects the dealer’s suggestion of a hand mirror for the lady, referring to it as a “hand conscience.” Presumably, from his reaction to the mirror, Markheim feels twinges from his conscience even before he commits the murder. While the dealer is still in the midst of assisting him in finding a present, Markheim stabs and kills him.

Thoughts

This might have been my favourite book in this collection of Robert Louis Stevenson short stories / novellas. Maybe because I felt like I understood the message and symbolism so much more than the other four tales. Maybe just because I liked the message and symbolism so much more. Either way, it was a short, interesting tale that serves as a reminder that we should do what is right, even when the consequences for doing so may result in our own death.

The beginning of this tale was nothing like what I expected and reinforced the idea that in the 1800s, people wrote in a highly convoluted manner. Something that I thoroughly enjoy… when I’m in the right mood for it. But, the language used in this was still clearer than some other stories from the 1800s. Markheim’s journey to return to himself is filled with moments of self-doubt, confusion and fear. Mostly for himself, but there is also a level of consciousness that ultimately helps to save the day.

 <- The Bottle Imp Review Weir of Hermiston Review ->
Image source: Manic Expression

Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow by Margo Lanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow
Author: Margo Lanagan
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: It was subtly colorful and delicately patterned; everything that was so ugly when you were down among it seemed from this distance nicely worked, and human effort seemed rather dear and hopeless, even though it had cleared and scarred and excavated such great tracts of land, ruined them every which way.

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Synopsis

When Pen’s only son married, he and his new bride moved far away. This saddened her, because her son had fallen in love with a young woman she thought was normal and who was afraid of Pen’s magical powers. As the birth of her first grandchild approaches, Pen uses her magic to travel a long distance over sea and land to visit them and offer a blessing for the babe, but when she arrives, she discovers things about both her daughter-in-law and her new granddaughter that surprise her.

Thoughts

Every story about witchcraft that I read, whether it’s entirely fantasy-based or based in Wicca, birth and death are integral to the practice and beliefs. Which is why it is fun to read a short story that is all about birth and the turning of the circle.

Pen embarks on an epic journey across the ocean to visit her daughter-in-law and new granddaughter. She plans to do everything in secret and leave again. To greet the new life and welcome it into her world. But, as with all good stories, nothing goes as planned. Which is where the story becomes far more enjoyable.

The point at which nothing goes as planned is also the reminder of family. How important it is, and how acceptance, even after the fact can heal many wounds.

 <- Great-Grandmother in the Cellar Review Under My Hat Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Carved Forest by Tim Pratt

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Carved Forest
Author: Tim Pratt
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Chop away.

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Synopsis

Carlos’ sister, Maria, has run away from home. He thinks she may have gone to the house of the woman who is rumored around town to be a witch. Carlos never believed the stories though. He always thought she was just a crazy old woman until he goes looking for Maria and finds a forest of carved trees behind the woman’s house that look exactly like all the people in his town. He quickly learns that the witch, Nedra, has been using the statues to control everyone and she wants Maria to be her apprentice. Nedra insists that she’s only keeping everyone safe from harm, but Carlos sees the truth: she’s taken away their free will. When Nedra makes everyone but Carlos forget about Maria, it’s up to Carlos to find a way to free Maria before it’s too late.

Thoughts

The Carved Forest was an interesting witch story – it provided a great reminder that you need to let go of your grief. Holding on to the past, your grief and lost loved ones only leads to pain and suffering. Not just for the one holding on to it, but everyone around them.

In this witchy-tale, the witch’s longing to protect the people in her care leads to some very serious consequences. Trapping Carlos’ sister in her witchy-world is just the tip of the ice berg. It was a more than symbolic way to show that if we keep those we love 100% safe, we’re probably not letting them truly live their lives. And it isn’t until Carlos is able to show how far he will go to protect a sibling that the witch, Carlos and the reader are able to realise the flaws in the system of protection.

 <- Which Witch Review Burning Castles Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Dread Mountain by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Dread MountainTitle: Dread Mountain
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #5, World of Deltora #5
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: But -.

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

Lief, Barda and Jasmine are on a perilous quest to find the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora. Only when all gems have been restored to the Belt can Deltora be freed from the tyranny of the evil Shadow Lord.

Four gems have been found. Now, though grave news reaches Lief fro home and he longs to return, the quest must continue. To find the fifth stone the heroes must venture almost to the border of the Shadowlands, and plunge into the darkness and terror of the realm of the monstrous toad Gellick – Dread Mountain.

Thoughts

This was a great next step on Lief’s journey around Deltora. As the group continues onwards and their success increases, so does the danger that they find themselves in. This time, they find themselves meeting mysterious legends, finding the true story of Doom’s past and solving the mystery of the Grey Guards’ blister balls.

I loved the Kin – they’re a gorgeous kangaroo-type creature that is believed extinct, and help Lief, Barda and Jasmine on their journey in a fantastic manner. As with everything on this journey, there is a sense of destiny and fate in the path that they take. Not only are they able to uncover the fifth gem, but they also dismantle another one of the Shadowlords plans and schemes. This journey is no longer just about finding the seven gems of the belt, but also showing the extent of the Shadowlords dark tyranny.

I loved the ease with which this book could be read. Yes, I know that it is aimed at a younger generation, but it is the perfect book for late at night when I can’t sleep, but still want to read. It’s easy, fun and has just enough mystery that you still have to think while turning from page to page.

 <- The Shifting Sands Review The Maze of the Beast Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Drowned WednesdayTitle: Drowned Wednesday
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Keys to the Kingdom #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Arthur heard a muffled bang come from behind them and looked astern, just in time to see the flash of the Shiver’s bowchasers, followed by that same whistling screech.

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Synopsis

Arthur Penhaligon has a broken leg and a bad attack of asthma, but there’s no time for recovery. Drowned Wednesday has sent a ship to pluck him from the safety of his bed, miles from any ocean, and sail him back to the House.

From hospital room to high seas, Arthur must battle pirates, storms, monsters made of Nothing and a vast beast that can’t stop eating. Arthur struggles to unravel the mystery of the Architect’s disappearance and the plotting of the Trustees. For the sake of all that dwell in the Secondary Realms, he must discover the third part of the Will and claim the Third Key.

But first… can Arthur trust the Raised Rats? Where are Leaf and Suzy? And how will he survive life aboard the ship on the treacherous Border Sea?

Thoughts

It’s taken me this long in the series to realise that each of the Trustees has one of the seven sins as their driver… Monday was Sloth, Tuesday – Greed and Wednesday is Gluttony. It makes me want to dive into the series even more since it is so subtly and beautifully done. The idea of Drowned Wednesday being a gluttonous whale and everything that follows worked beautifully in this nautical adventure, and I think that the twists and turns of this story were some of the most surprising yet!

After his first two ‘days’ of fighting for the good of the house and the future and blah blah blah, Arthur is finally realising that he must fight back. He is unable to just sit and wait for the Trustees to attack, and he must take things into his own hands. I actually really enjoyed this change in attitude. Although I liked his refusal to lose his humanity in the first two books, it was starting to feel a little childish and whiney. Working him into the realisation that he doesn’t have a choice was far more interesting, and it also showed the spine and strength of the character. Something that was subtly implied, but never investigated as much.

I don’t know much about life on the oceans, boats or really anything to do with living on a ship. But, after reading this, I almost feel like I could understand aspects of it – Nix obviously did his research and the fluidity with which this setting fits in amongst the series really helped to emphasise this aspect of his writing. Although, since I know nothing of life on the ocean, it could just sound impressively realistic…

<- Grim Tuesday Review Sir Thursday Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Grim TuesdayTitle: Grim Tuesday
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Keys to the Kingdom #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: But no bright ideas flared.

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Synopsis

Arthur Penhaligon is supposed to be in bed – after all, it’s only twelve hours since he saved the world. But there’s no time to rest. Grim Tuesday has laid claim to the Lower House and the First Key, and now his misshapen servants are repossessing Arthur’s world and plunging it into financial disaster. To stop them, Arthur must venture back into the House – that surreal, unpredictable realm where he almost met his death.

With companions old and new, Arthur embarks on a heart-stopping adventure that will take him from the dismal Pit of the Far Reaches, all the way to the heart of a sun and back. Racing furiously against time, Arthur must find the second piece of the Will, claim the Second Key, and save both his own world and the House from the destructive greed of Grim Tuesday.

Thoughts

It took me a long time to get to Mister Monday’s sequel – partly because I got distracted by other series, and partly because I got halfway through it and then got distracted the first time around. But, that doesn’t mean that this wasn’t a thoroughly enjoyable book, just back when I read this for the first time, it wasn’t quite fast paced and racy enough for me.

Less than twenty-four hours after his adventures in Mister Monday, Arthur is again required to go into the house and fight one of the evil and greedy overseers. This time, it’s the financial health and wellbeing of his family that is at risk, and even though it is a different threat, he is still willing to do anything for them. Grim Tuesday’s greed isn’t just about threatening Arthur and his family, it is also threatening the very foundation of the house.

Although it took a lot longer to find, I actually preferred the Will in this story. It was crabby, difficult and not in the slightest bit helpful. Which not only gave a new spin to the characterisation, but it also helped to create greater problems for Arthur. When he thought that he was about to triumph, the Will’s inability to be flexible (and, well, useful) throws another fun little curveball in the way. Which is always one of my favourite things about reading – the unexpected curveballs that someone else’s left-of-centre minds can throw up.

<- Mister Monday Review Drowned Wednesday Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

The Bottle Imp by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Bottle ImpTitle: The Bottle Imp
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Tricksters
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 1891
5th sentence, 74th page: It was long ere slumber came to them, and, if either dozed off, it would be to wake and find the other silently weeping in the dark, or, perhaps, to wake alone, the other having fled from the house and the neighbourhood of that bottle, to pace under the bananas in the little garden, or to wander on the beach by moonlight.

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

Offering an engrossing spin on a time-honored theme–the risky business of making a pact with the devil–this short story is a radiant jewel. It recounts the mercurial lot of Keawe, a Hawaiian who purchases a bottle inhabited by an imp capable of granting any wish. Yet this enticing object holds a dark curse: anyone who dies with it in his possession will burn forever in hell. And here’s the rub: one can sell the bottle only for less than its purchase price. Keawe rids himself of the bottle after acquiring a palatial home. But when he needs it again to ensure his happiness with a newfound love, its cost is, chillingly, one cent, and the responsibility of ownership becomes a good deal more complex.

Thoughts

Going into this I thought it was going to be a typical imp / magic bottle story. Well, as typical as those tales can be. I was expecting the huge reward, the huge price, the huge regret at the end. Having recently discovered Robert Louis Stevenson I had quite low expectations, so I was so happily surprised when I realised that they were way too low, and this was a much better story than expected.

On the surface, The Bottle Imp is mostly about consequences. Every action has a reaction, and all of the choices we make have a consequence. Or at least, that’s the general gist. Karma, really. Each of the people who have bought the bottle gained the wealth (monetary or otherwise) that they wanted, but it came at an unforeseeable cost. The trail left shows that when people don’t work for the good things in life, it’s not as appreciated or loved.

However, underneath this story is one of a husband and wife and their unconditional love. Each is willing to sacrifice their soul to save the other and although it means an afterlife in purgatory, and a horrifying future ahead, they willingly take on the burden for each other. It’s when this message is imparted that the true “happily ever after” really comes to light.

 <- The Body Snatcher Review Markheim Review ->
Image Source: Goodreads

House Rules by Chloe Neill

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
House Rules

Title: House Rules
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #7
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: New American Library
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: And my grandfather Chuck Merit.

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Synopsis

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of twenty-seven, merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle – and her metal – tested like never before.

It starts when two Rogues vanish without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their House in peril, Merit and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

Thoughts

I still really enjoy this series, but the Ethan and Merit saga is starting to get a little old. They’re in love, they get their shit together, then something happens and it all goes up in flames. Then, at the end of the story, it’s all happily ever after. Until the next time. I’m all for a little bit of romantic drama, but in this novel I was finding it a little tedious. Plus, I like it when I actually like the lead man – and this is just making Ethan into kind of a dick.

Having said all of that, the Cadogan house leaving the vampire mafia and striking out on their own is a really enjoyable experience. It not only highlights the corruptness of some large governing bodies (power over protection, etc), but the sense in Merit and her cohorts that justice and what is right needs to come before what is politically acceptable. The addition of a vampiric serial killer into the mix helps to liven up the double-dealings and trickery that the vampires are forced to seriously consider their priorities.

The political ramifications of a serial killer who is preying on vampires is spine-chilling. They are forced to examine every which way in which somebody can break into their sanctuaries and commit murder. That, and old enemies raise their heads to create an extra patina of fear that is going to carry through the next few books (I predict anyway).

<- Biting ColdBiting Bad ->

Image source: Chloe Neill