Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The Roamers by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-lost-storiesTitle: The Roamers
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #7.5
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘There are always people waiting to take advantage of the fact that we’re absent.

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Synopsis

Ebony, Will’s dog, is captured and taken by a group of people known as Roamers. Together, Will and Alyss set out to find and rescue her.

Thoughts

Erak’s Ransom showed Will’s dedication to his horse, and The Roamers provided a great reminder of this – in the extent to which Will will go to rescue his dog. It is the ultimate display of affection between a man and his dog, the proverbial best friend – for both of them. Ebony is incredibly loyal and obedient (something that I still struggle to achieve with my dogs), and Will will do anything to protect her and keep her out of harm’s way.

There is a long tradition of gypsy folk (of whichever type and nationality) being suspicious of outsiders, and involved in a lot of different illegal actions, including theft. Flanagan uses this to build his story. After all, it makes a kind of warped sense, they steal to live, and are suspicious because of the results of this, which leads to more stealing and illegal activities. The Roamers are a reminder that the ostracised often turn to this, and that although there might be some good reasons for their actions, some in the group are just truly horrible human beings. Yet, when Will could punish and take revenge on such people, he decides not to, rather, he just prefers to shift them away from his home and the people under his protection.

With two dogs of my own (one of whom is going to be quite a big boy), the idea of dog fighting rings, and the theft that supplies them is one that often concerns me. I liked that it was incorporated into this story. It drives home the horrors and inhumanity of this illegal ring. Something that is more horrible than the simple act of theft.

<- Erak’s Ransom Review The Kings of Clonmel Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

Death of a Hero by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-lost-storiesTitle: Death of a Hero
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #0.5
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The entire army had heard of Halt’s feats during the battle.

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Synopsis

Death Of A Hero is a tale in The Lost Stories, where Halt tells Will about his father Daniel’s death in greater detail, and how his mother really dies.

Thoughts

The cryptic message left behind with Will lead to many things throughout the series, especially The Ruins of Gorlan. Not only did it make Will believe that he should have been a knight (after all, his father was a hero), but it also shrouded him in an air of mystery that was both a blessing and a curse. Discovering the true story behind his orphanhood and his heroic father, like all tales, was better than what the character imagined.

Starting Death of a Hero with Halt’s retelling of the tale helped to add an extra layer of realism to this tale. His guilt and insecurity at relaying such a story carry forth the potence of the truth, and his willingness to take the consequences for a past that he couldn’t control show not only the integrity of his character, but also the power that the truth can carry over our lives. I loved the power that this flashback between the present (in the storyline) and past granted towards the tale.

This short story showed that although much of Will’s strength of character and integrity belong to himself, and his mentors, there is also a strong essence of his parents within him. Both died trying to save a complete stranger, and their dying concerns were for their son, their family. This willingness to sacrifice oneself in an attempt to protect others, and the overarching concern for family and friends is what carries Will through all of the adventures in this series. It’s also what tends to get him in some tight spots – he constantly gets in trouble because he tries to get others out of it.

<- The Hibernian Review The Ruins of Gorlan Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

The Hibernian by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-lost-storiesTitle: The Hibernian
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #0.25
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The King doesn’t know what’s going on.

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Synopsis

In this tale, the story tells of how Halt and Crowley first came to meet. Crowley’s mentor was Pritchard who had recently been banished for a trumped-up charge of treason against the king.

Thoughts

In The Kings of Clonmel, we discovered Halt’s history, and, throughout the Ranger’s Apprentice series, his current place in the world is incredibly clear. But, it’s always been a little difficult to understand how Halt went from fleeing his crown to befriending Crowley and saving Araluen. Luckily, Flanagan decided to write The Hibernian to explain this fateful moment in both characters’ lives.

The Hibernian also provides a great insight into the political and social landscape of Araluen before Duncan took over as King. It supplies a greater view of Morgarath as the scheming usurper to the throne and just generally shows the insurmountable odds that both Crowley and Halt faced down. Halt’s natural integrity and veracity are what carry him through this journey as he finds an unlikely kinsman in the firey Crowley, who is honestly more of a dreamer than I imagined Halt’s closest friend would ever be.

<- The Tournament at Gorlan Review Death of a Hero Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

Time of Proving by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Time of Proving
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: His feet were human-like and bleeding from cuts.

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Synopsis

It follows Arimu of the Wind People as she discovers Sunflower, a bull-man, who was captured by the people in Merchant City near the coast. He escaped. Arimu is unsure whether or not to help Sunflower find his home, the Veiled City, during her Year of Proving. She decides to help him find his way at the end.

Thoughts

Coming of age stories have a lot of power to them – after all, everybody comes of age in some way or another, and at some point. There are a multitude of ways and traditions which allow children to become adults. Time of Proving is one such story, it is short and succinct, yet, the idea of coming of age and finding one’s path in life is pursued and memories of childhood and the decisions we made on that cusp of adulthood flash back at you as you read this short story.

Arimu’s choices were governed by her culture, as are everyone’s, but it was also her own moral compass that ultimately pushed her to help the bumbling bull-man Sunflower. I loved that although tradition dictated that she help for payment, she truly did so out of the goodness of her own heart and sole. It’s a great reminder that although our culture might tell us to act in one way, we are able to listen to our own consciousness to govern our actions too.

<- Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales Review Plain Magic Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Testing by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Testing
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: She told us to walk and talk quietly.

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Synopsis

A departure from her normal tales, Tamora Pierce tells a story of a new den mother in a girl’s home. The tricks that the girls play, and the ways in which the mother is able to overcome their hostility are an adventure worth taking.

Thoughts

I can’t imagine being in a position that I am forced to spend my teenage years in a group home. But, it is a recurring idea in many stories, and the idea that one of my favourite authors actually acted as a housemother for young girls in this situation adds to the interest that I feel at such a horrible situation. However, although this story focuses upon these girls, it is not a sad, depressing or even pitiful story. Rather, this short story will leave you smiling and giggling at the not-so-nice antics of these young women.

The idea of testing someone to see if they can handle you isn’t exactly new. Neither is the sort of testing that disadvantage teenagers are willing to place people under. Actually, looking back at the way I was as a teenager, it’s not really new that teenagers of any kind will test a new authority figure within their lives. The fact that all of these little tests and actions actually happened just adds to the humour and genuineness of this story.

 <- Huntress Review Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Plain Magic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Plain Magic
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Bored and lonely, I wandered into the village and found an unexpected arrival.

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Synopsis

Tonya is supposed to be a sacrificial virgin, but she doesn’t want to follow the village’s traditions. Luckily, a passing traveller helps her out and introduces her to a bright, new world.

Thoughts

This was a fantastic spin on the traditional sacrificing a virgin to the dragon story. Like all of Pierce’s stories, Plain Magic champions the strength of women and integrity over all else. Tonya’s frustration at being trapped in a small village where her mentors refuse to teach her only heighten the inequality and strength of Tonya’s character. As the sacrificial virgin, she contrasts against every ideal that these tales normally purport for such a symbol – she is not malleable, completely pure, or helpless.

Lindri’s acts of plain magic and willingness to teach Tonya beautifully contrast the stubborn and unyielding attitudes of the villagers. Even Tonya’s own father is willing to submit to the folly of sacrificing his daughter to a creature to save the village. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and the story has a wonderful, if not completely expected, happy ending.

<- Time of Proving Review Mimic Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Mimic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Mimic
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Hail came – hurtful knobs of ice as big as pigeon eggs – just when I found Brighteyes and my missing sheep.

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Synopsis

A young girl rescues an ugly bird like creature. Mimic is a wonderful companion. But, one day, when the village is threatened, Mimic’s miraculous transformation might just save them all.

Thoughts

This is an incredibly sweet little story. It is about a girl who doesn’t quite want to grow up, and the power of our connection to nature. Both aspects of which I can relate to entirely. After all, who really wants to grow up and take on the mantle of responsibility?

The act of saving those less fortunate than you, and protecting the weak is such a recurring theme in Tamora Pierce’s writing. And, Mimic is no different. Ri’s willingness to take care of even the most ugly of creatures may have put her at odds with her grandfather, but it does lead her to finding a fantastic companion and friend. The fact that it also leads to the rescuing and redemption of the entire village, and even Ri’s eventual choice to enter the adult world only helps to add to the unforeseen benefits of such a selfless act.

<- Plain Magic Review Huntress Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Huntress by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Huntress
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Run – get –

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Synopsis

It follows a girl named Corey as she attends a fictitious prestigious prep school called Christopher Academy. She becomes a major athlete in the track team, and meets Felix and other kids in track. When Felix turns violent and begins hunting Corey through Central Park, the family patron goddess, known vaguely as the Hunt Goddess appears and punishes those responsible in the hunt.

Thoughts

It is hard enough growing up, finding your place in high school and just generally not making too much of a fool of yourself when puberty strikes. Now, imagine doing this with a family that believes in witchcraft. A family that is not quite what everyone else would consider as normal. Pierce uses this extreme to remind us to not only stay true to ourselves, but how truly difficult it can be to come of age in today’s world and society.

The Goddess features so often in spiritual and belief systems – it is something / someone that I myself believe in. And although she is often alluded to, or even used in stories about medieval times, it is rare to picture her in today’s society. I loved that this story, unlike many of Tamora Pierce’s, was set in the present day, but still pulled on themes and ideas that are more often seen in medieval stories.

The idea of struggling to fit in ensures that this short story will be appealing to all but the most discerning of people. We all know, in one way or another, what it is like to feel left out, not quite one of the pride. But, to what extent should we try to amalgamate to those we admire? Where is the line? Corey helps us to understand that there is, truly a line that we all must draw, even when we are trying to fit in with ours peers.

<- Mimic Review Testing Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I rode my donkey, as befitted my age.

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Synopsis

Collected here for the first time are all of the tales from the land of Tortall, featuring both previously unknown characters as well as old friends. Filling some gaps of time and interest, these stories, some of which have been published before, will lead Tammy’s fans, and new readers into one of the most intricately constructed worlds of modern fantasy.

Thoughts

There is nothing like visiting a world that you have loved since childhood, and Tortall and Other Lands is a great way in which to do this. Yet, it isn’t just about Tortall, Pierce tells stories about womanhood, coming of age and overcoming odds in spite of everything that can happen. It is this great range of stories that will enthral and captivate any reader again and again and again.

The short stories about Tortall, which cover the first half of this book, help to revisit a reality that has been built in layers over many years. Telling those short stories that fit between the main quartets, and stories helps to not only add to these layers, but tell the untold tales that don’t quite fit into an overarching series. They act as epilogues, tangents and side journeys that not only bring the main characters and their sidekicks to life, but also the rich tapestry upon which this world was built.

The second half of this book is filled with short stories based in lands both far away and near. They are great reminders of our power and purpose in life. And beautifully creative stories that will stay with you forever. They have certainly lingered in my memory!

<- Testing Review Time of Proving Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Realm of the Gods by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-realm-of-the-gods

Title: The Realm of the Gods
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #4, Tortall #17
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1996
5th sentence, 74th page: “Lord Weiryn,” said Numair, “it would help if you were to explain what will happen if we make a mistake in these places.”

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Synopsis

Daine is god-born and destined to walk a difficult path. When the barriers between the realms disappear, Tortall falls under siege from all sides. Uusoae, the Queen of Chaos, is waging a war against the greater gods, a fight to end it all. Desperate to save the kingdom, Daine must join the war and brave the consequences, for children born of gods tread dangerously in mortal realms.

Thoughts

What a stunning conclusion to an already amazing quartet. Daine’s heritage, war and place in life are finally cemented by her trip to the realm of the gods – literally. Even her powers fully come to the fore in this tale as she grasps who she is and what she is able to do. Finally, the Immortals War reaches its conclusion, Daine becomes an adult and Ozorne is bought to justice.

Ozorne’s prejudice and inability to grasp that others are as powerful as he is are the catalysts which bring about his downfall. Likewise, it’s Daine’s loyalty to the people she loves and bravery to carry out justice that give her an edge over the manipulative slime-ball that plagues her life for the years over which The Immortals Quartet takes place. The humility of the heroine is what eventually triumphs over the self-righteousness of the villain, and in doing so reminds us that it is staying true to ourselves and our family (the chosen and the biological) is what will truly help us to triumph in life.

Even though I have read this novel more times than I can count over the past ten years (the first time I discovered Tamora Pierce’s books), I still can’t quite find the words to explain how phenomenal this story is. I love the entire series, but there is something about this conclusion, and Daine’s newly blossomed romance that leaves me happily fulfilled after I finish the last page. Partly it’s my love of the character, partly the powerful message of ecology and love that is purported throughout, but mostly, this is just a wonderful conclusion. It neatly ties up the entire storyline without completely closing of the future. It is a story that leaves you with a feeling of contentment and wonder, a reminder that no matter what, you should do right by yourself, the people and which surround you.

<- The Emperor Mage Review First Test Review ->
Image source: Amazon