Tag Archives: Fantasy

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 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

Tea with the Black Dragon by R.A. MacAvoy

Book Review, ,

Overview

Tea with the Black DragonTitle: Tea with the Black Dragon
Author: R.A. MacAvoy
Rating Out of 5: 1.5 (Couldn’t get past the first chapter)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: eReads.com
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: Her face was still hot; he would think she were blushing.

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Synopsis

Martha Macnamara knows that her daughter Elizabeth is in trouble, she just doesn’t know what kind. Mysterious phone calls from San Francisco at odd hours of the night are the only contact she has had with Elizabeth for years. Now, Elizabeth has sent her a plane ticket and reserved a room for her at San Francisco’s most luxurious hotel. Yet she has not tried to contact Martha since she arrived, leaving her lonely, confused and a little bit worried. Into the story steps Mayland Long, a distinguished-looking and wealthy Chinese man who lives at the hotel and is drawn to Martha’s good nature and ability to pinpoint the truth of a matter. Mayland and Martha become close in a short period of time and he promises to help her find Elizabeth, making small inroads in the mystery before Martha herself disappears. Now Mayland is struck by the realization, too late, that he is in love with Martha, and now he fears for her life. Determined to find her, he sets his prodigious philosopher’s mind to work on the problem, embarking on a potentially dangerous adventure.

Thoughts

I struggled with this story. Actually, I struggled so much that I read the first 150 pages (to satisfy reading challenge requirements) and then gave up completely. Normally I’ll put down a book after the first chapter if it doesn’t capture my attention, but I tried and tried with this. Mostly because I love the idea and the concept, I just found the writing a little difficult to get through.

The main thing that I found really irritating about this story was the passage of time. Where most pieces of writing that I’ve read use a break in paragraphs, or a new chapter to denote a change in location or time, this didn’t. Actually I continuously got confused about where the characters were and why they had jumped from one location to another.

 <- More dragons reviews More fantasy reviews ->
Image source: Amazon

Stray Magic by Diana Peterfreund

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Stray Magic
Author: Diana Peterfreund
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: If you wanted.

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Synopsis

Mary Louise aka Malou works at a no-kill animal shelter. Her friend, Jeremy, works at the county shelter, which typically euthanizes pets within three days of their arrival. Occasionally Jeremy will send animals he thinks are good candidates for adoption to Malou when they have room in the shelter for them. He tells her he’s sending over a beautiful Golden Retriever, but when the dog arrives, all Malou sees is a ragged, injured, and ancient-looking dog that is nothing like her friend described. From certain angles though, she can see bits of the Golden Retriever the dog is supposed to be. Then the dog begins to communicate with Malou psychically. The dog, whose name is Goneril, says she lost her master somewhere on the highway, and must find him quickly. He is a witch who has been keeping her alive using magic, and if he doesn’t renew her spells within three days, she will die. Convinced that her owner has abandoned the dog, Malou sets out to find another witch who can help Goneril before her time is up.

Thoughts

I have pages on Facebook that are dedicated to the lost and unwanted puppies of the world. There are videos upon videos of rescue sites that help to rehome them, and I constantly wonder how these poor creatures feel when their owners have so thoughtlessly abandoned them (which often happens). I have my own two fur babies, and the idea of giving them up makes me weep – they are family! So, it was kind of fun reading a story about this exact event – what happens when a loving dog is abandoned.

Although Goneril’s unwavering faith in her magical master brings me to the point of tears within the first few pages. (He did, after all, abandon her on the side of the road to die). This story does have a beautiful happy ending, and honestly, it was the best way to start this collection of short stories. A stray with unwavering faith; a young, blossoming witch; and an incredibly sweet happy ending. This is definitely a feel good story that I will read again and again. Especially when all of those social media pages start to get me down.

 <- Under My Hat Review Payment Due Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeTitle: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson) & Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 1886
5th sentence, 74th page: And still the figure had no face, or one that baffled him and melted before his eyes; and thus it was that there sprang up and grew apace in the lawyer’s mind a singularly strong, almost an inordinate, curiosity to behold the features of the real Mr Hyde.

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Synopsis

In this harrowing tale of good and evil, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his secret, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde.

Thoughts

This is one of those classics that I know the rough outline for, the message and the idea. I’ve just never before had a chance to read it. And, after reading multiple mentions of it in The Girl in the Steel Corset, I decided that enough was enough and I needed to open this story. And, yes, there’s a reason that it’s a well-known classic.

Although I knew the general gist of Dr Jekyll’s affliction, the way in which the story unfolded still had me wondering what was going to happen next. The entirety of the tale is written from the outside perspective, there is fear and confusion about what is happening in Jekyll’s hidden world, but his friends are still clueless as to the extent of his affliction.

We all have a secret, dark side. One that is impulsive and not quite socially acceptable. However, most people tend to keep this aspect of themselves hidden and under control. After all, we can’t just succumb to our inner desires and whims. In the case of Dr Jekyll, his wish to find and embrace this side of himself leads to a split personality – literally.

 <- Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories Review The Suicide Club Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Stone Witch by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Stone Witch
Author: Isobelle Carmody
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: We were, however, tilted heavily to one side.

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Synopsis

A woman who doesn’t like kids sits on an aircraft, preparing to go on a journey. The flight attendant brings a child traveling alone to take the seat beside her. The woman is none too happy about this turn of events and studiously tries to ignore the little girl. For the most part it seems to be working until the plane hits some major turbulence. Just as it seems the plane is about to crash, the woman is transported into a world that she has dreamed about many times before. The little girl along with another older woman named Rose and her dog are there as well. Rose sends the woman and girl on a fantastical journey to find a stolen amethyst egg. Whether or not they succeed in their mission will ultimately determine their fate and may also teach them a few things about themselves in the process.

Thoughts

Planes, children and death, three things that kind of freak me out, all combined into one very enjoyable short story. But honestly, I didn’t expect anything less from one of my favourite authors!

There always seems to be an underlying story of fate and quests in Carmody’s work, and this story is no different. After Hester’s worst fears seem to be realised, she is sent on a quest with a small child to a potentially glorious future. Ultimately, she is forced to face a decision that makes her face up to her own future, or that of another human being’s.

The vividness of Carmody’s writing stays with me long after I have finished the final page of her stories. The Stone Witch is no different, and I can’t get those final moments of the story out of my mind.

 <- Burning Castles Review Andersen’s Witch Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

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

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