Tag Archives: Fantasy

Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Once Upon a CurseTitle: Once Upon a Curse
Author: E.D. Baker
Series: The Tales of the Frog Princess #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: She’s very particular, our princess Hazel, and she deserves the best.

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Synopsis

It is one week before Princess Emma’s birthday, and with it comes the threat of the family curse. Many years before Emma’s time, an angry fairy cursed her ancestor, Princess Hazel. She decreed that Hazel and all her female descendants, upon reaching their sixteenth birthdays, could not touch a flower, or else all their beauty and kindness would be erased. No one before Emma has been powerful enough to find the fairy responsible, or undo her terrible work, but Emma is determined – it’s up to her to reverse the curse. But can she do it in time?

Thoughts

I love this story – it is a great way to round out The Tales of the Frog Princess series. Or at least, I used to think that until I recently discovered that there are another six books. Regardless, this is a nice little end to the curse arc of the story within this series. And still ties in beautifully to the rest of the tale – the swamp fairy, amongst others make another appearance.

I love the time travel aspect to this tale. When you first open one of Baker’s stories, you are already whisked back into an idealised version of medieval times. Yet, this tale takes that one step further – it shows us an even earlier date in this world’s history. Something that I found quite cute and enjoyable. Although, I definitely prefer Emma’s world and her current family and reality.

The way in which the day is won is also incredibly sweet and unexpected. It made me laugh and smile when I read it, and I’m certainly glad that there is another few books to read. After all, Emma might have solved the problem of the curse, but she hasn’t managed to tie the knot or do many, many other things in her role as Green Witch.

 <- Dragon’s Breath Review No Place for Magic Review ->
Image source: Bloomsbury Publishing

Dragon’s Breath by E.D. Baker

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Dragon's BreathTitle: Dragon’s Breath
Author: E.D. Baker
Series: The Tales of the Frog Princess #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: When nothing came out, his eyes took on a wild look.

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Synopsis

Princess Emeralda, whose magic is still not quite perfect, is determined to get her favourite aunt, Grassina, back together again with her old beau-turned-otter, Haywood.

But this seemingly simple task becomes an epic quest when Emma discovers the recipe for breaking the spell:
A gossamer hair from mother of pearl,
The breath of a dragon, green.
A feather from an aged horse,
The husk of a magic bean.

From a trip to the bottom of the fishbowl sea to an incredible adventure at the Dragon Olympics, Emma and Prince Eadric, her formerly froggy friend, defy the wily witches and wizards of the magical world and prove that Emma is a witch very much worthy of her inherited powers.

A fast-paced and hilarious companion to The Frog Princess.

Thoughts

As a follow up to The Frog Princess, this is brilliant. It is just as funny, cute and witty as the first story and it takes us further into Emma and Eadric’s world of magic and mayhem. On a journey to break her Grandmother’s spell over Haywood, Emma and Eadric travel all across the magical kingdom to find four incredibly obscure ingredients.

I kind of loved the fact that the ingredients to reverse Olivene’s spell were so obscure and difficult. The poetry in the spell alone was fun to read, but the journey to actually obtain the ingredients… it took my favourite royal couple to many, many corners of the magical world. As I always do, I enjoyed the ways in which our reality is layered into a magical one. It made everything seem at once fantastic, and recognisable at the same time. Especially the magic markets – that is the kind of place that I would really love to visit.

Emma’s transformation from blundering witch-in-training to powerful witch in her own right kind of took me by surprise. I thought that her transformation from girl would take a lot longer in this series. Yet, instead of feeling cumbersome and as a means to a happy ending. It worked really, really well. It was entirely believable and I can’t wait to open the pages of the next book in this series.

 <- The Frog Princess Review Once Upon a Curse Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Making the Cut by Mike Resnick & Lezli Robyn

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Making the Cut
Author: Mike Resnick & Lezli Robyn
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I promise not to immerse any of you in water.

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Synopsis

A new job as a manicurist with some interesting clients…

Thoughts

I read a lot of fantasy and supernatural stories. There is always something enjoyable about seeing the reflection of the known in the unknown. But, one thing I’ve never really thought of is how these supernatural ghouls and creatures manage to keep themselves looking good on their nightly prowls.

The setting and the idea of a hair salon for the supernatural ghouls was entertaining enough. But, starting a new job as a manicurist at such a place…? FAR more entertaining. And the power of such a unique kind of woman? Just fun.

Yet, that isn’t the only fun thing about this short story… there is also the zombie that really wants to feel pain. And is being stabbed by old women. Who happen to be his fans… did I mention that this story was fun and entertaining? If not a little off kilter?

 <- Typecast Review Acknowledgements Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour: An Apocumentary by Lucien Soulban

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour: An Apocumentary
Author: Lucien Soulban
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Horror
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Interviewer: Did you ever consider changing your names?

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Synopsis

The setting of an apocumentary run by the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Thoughts

I like the way that this tale is set – as though it’s a documentary of a reunion tour for a band. Except that this band is the four men of the apocalypse. And the tour is taking place in a hotel where everyone is dead.

This really reminds me of the few documentaries I’ve seen (or even some mocumentaries) about bands and their tours. Especially some of the banter and downright absurd comments that each of the horsemen make… maybe the apocalypse just isn’t that close after all.

 <- Two for Transylvania Review Blood Lite Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Road to Balinor by Mary Stanton

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Road to Balinor

Title: The Road to Balinor
Author: Mary Stanton
Series: Unicorns of Balinor #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: “I should…”

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Synopsis

CROSS OVER INTO BALINOR

In the crevices of a glacier mountain ridge there is a secret place – a place that connects our world to the world of Balinor. It is a peaceful, magical world watched over by a herd of beautiful unicorns. But darkness has fallen over Balinor.

The royal princess and her majestic unicorn, Sunchaser, are sent from Balinor to our world to find safety. But they can’t stay for long. Danger has followed them.

Princess Arianna and her unicorn are the only ones who can truly save the kingdom.

It is time for the princess to find her way back to Balinor.

Thoughts

I remember reading this when I was younger. I remember loving it. And, although as an adult I’m not quite as in love with this story, it’s still good. I can see why younger me enjoyed this so much. Older me is a little bit eh about the writing style and language. But, it all still works.

I read this story in an hour. It is the typical young girl story of a girl suprememly attached to a horse… or at least, typical for the 90’s when I was reading this for the first time. The girl is a secret princess and she is going to save the world with her unicorn companion. It doesn’t take a genius to work out how this series will end.

BUT it is something that I would quite happily hand to my young daughters (if I ever have any) and watch them enjoy. It’s not overly “girly”, and it shows that girls have their own strength and independence. It also shows the importance of our relationship to animals and the horrors of being a spoilt brat (the Carmichael kid is a perfect illustration of this). All in all, this is a sweet little story for a mindless half hour read. I’ll probably pick up the next one in the series next time I don’t feel 100%, but still want to read something.

<- More Mary StantonSunchaser’s Quest ->

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.

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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?

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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

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