Tag Archives: Fantasy

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

September 20, 2020Book ReviewComedy, Discworld, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Rincewind, Terry Pratchettskyebjenner

Title: Sourcery
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #5, Rincewind #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Dates read: 22nd July – 18th August 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: He just steals things.

All this books and stuff, that isn’t what it should all be about. What we need is real wizardry.

There was an eighth son of an eighth son. He was, quite naturally, a wizard. And there it should have ended. However (for reasons we’d better not go into), he had seven sons. And then he had an eighth son… a wizard squared… a source of magic… a Sourcerer.

Unseen University has finally got what it wished for: the most powerful wizard on the disc. Which, unfortunately, could mean that the death of all wizardry is at hand. And that the world is going to end, depending on whom you listen to. Unless of course one inept wizard can take the University’s most precious artefact, the very embodiment of magic itself, and deliver it halfway across the disc to safety…

Whenever I pick up a book by Terry Pratchett, I know that I’m going to have a good time and be entertained. And Sourcery was no exception. I had such a great, fun, amazing journey throughout this story. One that I absolutely adored and would love to read again.

So far in the Discworld series, none of the stories have really finished on a cliff hanger. Instead, the story almost works as a standalone and lets you journey onwards to the next story in the series without any extra baggage. This novel didn’t quite work out like that. It just felt like there was so much more that was likely to happen to Rincewind – and I would love to know what the outcome of his latest misadventure will be. It was kind of fun finishing a Discworld story on a cliff hanger. Just different enough to leave me happy and content.

One of my favourite things about Pratchett is his amazing ability to build worlds. The fact that he’s doing so consistently throughout the Discworld series always leaves me feeling happy. In this novel, his world building is building on the rules of wizardry and sourcery. I love all of the completely obscure and odd rules that come about in this and the way that the rules of magick are completely unexpected and not what I would have thought of as logical at all. It was quite brilliant.

Throughout all of this novel, I read a lot of the more humorous passages to my husband. There is just something great about the flow of his writing and the style that not only made me laugh… a lot. But can be shared with somebody who just doesn’t quite like reading and books as much as I do… there is just such a great sense of humour and wit that I wish I could impart into my own written word…

<- Mort

Wyrd Sisters ->

Image source: Sir Terry Pratchett

The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

August 26, 2020Book ReviewCircle Reforged, Easy Reading, Emelan, Fantasy, Mages, Tamora Pierceskyebjenner

The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

Title: The Will of the Empress
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Circle Reforged #1, Emelan #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Dates read: 29th – 30th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Tris made not a sound, her eyes on the hill as Chime behind her.

Long-awaited…
Highly anticipated…
The Circle Reforged

Four mages. One destiny. No turning back.

This sweeping saga is the final in the Circle series. The four young mages, Tris, Sandry, Briar and Daja, are now young adults ad are back together after their years of independence.

I forgot how damn good this novel is. It’s been a long time since I picked it up. And a while since I reread the first few Emelan books. Now I want to pick them all up and read them again and again… I seem to pick them up every few years anyway. There is just something amazing about Pierce’s writing and this is the first of her books that really branches towards a more adult view. After all, it is about four adults reconnecting with childhood friends.

For anyone else who has read the rest of the Emelan books (and you should), in the beginning of this, you just want to smack the four’s heads together. They’re kind of silly and irritating in so many ways. Mostly though, they are just stubborn and proud. A feeling that I can completely understand. Get past those first few chapters where you just want to smack them, and it begins to just get that much better.

I love that this story has the typical spunk of the four… they’re just a little bit more difficult and attitudinal, considering they’re now adults and on their own war path. I loved that this was a full circle story. It not only bought the four back together, it also showed that the people you grow up with can change and alter, but you can all grow together. It just takes a little work to find your way back together.

Reflecting back on this, this is the first book I ever read that introduced an LGBTQI+ character. Funnily enough, throughout the entire series there is a f-f couple who feature heavily in the children’s lives. But, like the children in this story, I really didn’t pay it much heed. It’s not until it is outright mentioned that I really noticed. But that was, you know, when I was a child. I do love how seamlessly Pierce does this though. It’s a great way to show inclusion without making much of a fuss. Now I just hope that there’s another story in the future that shows each of the four finding their happily ever after person…

<- Shatterglass

Melting Stones ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

August 9, 2020Book ReviewA Song of Ice and Fire, Fantasy, George R.R. Martin, Grimdark, Medieval fantasyskyebjenner

A Clash of Kings :HarperCollins Australia

Title: A Clash of Kings
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Grimdark, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 14th June – 16th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: Fools!

Throughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising.

From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.

As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky – a comet the colour of blood and flame – five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.

Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory is measured in blood.

And again, Martin does it. There is something amazing about his books that just completely draws me in. For such an intimidating sized book, this is ridiculously impossible to put down. I get why this is such a well-loved series. There is something completely unforgettable and intriguing about his words. Something that I know many of the other long-style fantasy books I read are kind of lacking. Not many draw me in like this.

Normally when I read a story that has some really horrible brutality in it, I either feel physically ill or end up putting the book away. There is just something about Martin’s writing though that makes it less… horrifying. It’s the first time ever that I haven’t thrown a book in the DNF pile because of such intense brutality. Maybe part of that is because quite often the perpetrators of such horribleness are killed off in the next hundred pages or so.

There really weren’t many deaths in this book. Knowing the reputation of the series, I was expecting far more. And when I say not many deaths – to my count, only one major character died in this novel. A bit like the first, A Game of Thrones. And he was a major character that I seriously didn’t like, so I was completely okay with his death if I’m being honest. Turns out that Martin’s writing really brings out the bloodthirsty aspect of my nature…

One of my favourite things about these books, that I’m sure I mentioned in my A Game of Thrones review is the fact that Martin can jump between multiple characters… and I DON’T get confused. Most of the time, I like jumping between two or three characters and POVs. But once it gets greater than that, I keep forgetting who and what we’re talking about in that moment. That’s seriously not the case in these books… I don’t even know how many different POVs, characters and sub-plots I read in this. And I don’t care. Because I followed them all. And loved them all…

<- A Game of Thrones

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

July 27, 2020Book ReviewDC Icons, Fantasy, Sarah J. Maas, Superheroes, Young Adultskyebjenner

Catwoman: Soulstealer (DC Icons, #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Catwoman: Soulstealer
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Superheroes, Young adult
Dates read: 28th – 29th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: I gotta work.

WHEN THE BAT’S AWAY, THE CAT WILL PLAY.

Two years after escaping Gotham City’s slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. Batman is off on a vital mission and Gotham is at the mercy of the new thief on the prowl. Joined by the cunning Poison Ivy and notorious Harley Quinn, she wreaks havoc across the city.

Selina is playing a desperate game of cat and mouse. But with a dangerous threat from the past on her tail, will she be able to pull off the ultimate heist?

I knew that this was going to be an amazing story. A beautiful, iconic superhero who is also a little grey and a seriously sexy, kick ass chick. One of my favourite authors. And a greatly descriptive novel. I knew it would be phenomenal and brilliant. Yet, I still didn’t quite expect how fantastic this would actually be. How flawless. How amazing. How completely, totally and utterly unforgettable.

So I may not have lots and lots of knowledge about the DC comics and superheroes. I know bits and pieces, and Batman seems to be getting a lot of attention in remakes and retellings lately. But I feel like, just having read this, I know so much more. The underbelly of Gotham City and the strength of Catwoman just sing from the pages. I love that Maas is able to write a story that is seriously dark, but maintain all of those wonderful aspects of hope that most superhero stories have.

I loved the romance that filtered throughout this story. You know from the very beginning that Selina and Luke are going to end up together in some format. But the journey to get there was rife with difficulties and horrors. Moments which make you just want that happily ever after all the more. That makes you reach for it and hope that there is a nice moment at the end of all of the battles. Particularly when the release of the joker hangs over the whole storyline – it makes the fleeting moments of courtship so much more fun.

Joining Catwoman with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy was not something that I expected. I’m not sure if it’s something that comes about in any of the other stories, or if it’s done in this fashion. But it was certainly something that I loved. After all, they’re three strong, powerful, intelligent and independent women. Even if they may be a little off-kilter with their moral compasses and morals. They may actually be my favourite trio of protagonists that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in a long, long time.

All throughout this novel I knew that Catwoman had some kind of motive for her actions. I figured she wasn’t just a narcissistic thief. And that there was a reason for all of the mayhem that she was causing. I guessed bits and pieces of it, but it wasn’t until that grand reveal at the end that everything clicked into place. Which, for me, is one of the reasons why I love a Sarah J. Maas book so much.

<- Batman

Superman ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sunchaser’s Quest by Mary Stanton

July 21, 2020Book ReviewEasy Reading, Fantasy, Mary Stanton, Unicorns, Unicorns of Balinorskyebjenner

Sunchaser's Quest (Unicorns of Balinor): Stanton, Mary ...

Title: Sunchaser’s Quest
Author: Mary Stanton
Series: Unicorns of Balinor #2
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Unicorns
Dates read: 24th – 25th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: She got on her knees and softly stroked the collie’s ears.

A DANGEROUS JOURNEY

Princess Arianna has returned to Balinor – a peaceful, magical world watched over by a herd of beautiful unicorns. But a dark presence has invaded the land. And Arianna has no memory of her past or how to tend to her wounded unicorn, Sunchaser.

The unicorn’s horn was broken in battle and he is very weak. The journey to get Suncahser’s horn restored will be long and very dangerous. But it is Sunchaser’s only hope. And – as Arianna and Sunchaser soon learn – the only hope for all of Balinor.

This is one of those very fun, quick and easy reads. One that you can sit down and spend half hour, hour on and enjoy it. Without having to think too deeply about what you are reading and just genuinely enjoy the journey. It’s a nice journey and one that I found was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, between reading textbooks and trying to cram other information into my poor brain.

I like that the first story in this series starts with a bit of a mystery as to Ari’s past and what happened in her “accident”. In this novel, they begin to remember their horrible past and find ways to move onto the future. There are so many instances where things are nicely revealed, and you can begin to build upon the history of the story. And can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next.

Probably one of the things that I really like about this novel is that it is got a world that is full of unicorns. And they’re integral to the connection between man and animal. It is such a sweet, innocent world. Something that is great in a children’s fantasy novel. The innocence that you associate with unicorns just flows off of the pages.

This is such a nice, pleasant read and I seriously wish that I was able to read it as a child. Its definitely one of those very childish, easy reading stories. But it was also cute and ridiculously innocent. Which is what all good young children books should be.

<- The Road to Balinor

Valley of Fear ->

Image source: Amazon

Wizard Home Security by Victor Gischler

July 12, 2020Book ReviewFantasy, Home Improvement, Humour, Magic, Victor Gischlerskyebjenner

Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

Title: Wizard Home Security
Author: Victor Gischler
In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Humour, Magic
Dates read: 4th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Come now, sir.

Security is important. Particularly when you’re a wizard with a number of very expensive ingredients in your house. But, when you don’t quite use the system properly and get trapped in your own security… that’s not exactly the desired outcome of home security.

I was laughing out loud throughout this entire short story. In fact, even a day later, when I’m writing this review, I’m still giggling. And smiling. It was just a great, humorous and fun short story. One that was funny and light. And kind of impossible to put down. Partly because of the subject matter. And partly because it was just funny.

There is something about having issues with a security system that really hits close to home. After all, everyone worries about the safety of their home. Their security. But not everyone has to deal with the issues associated with magic. And the ways in which this house is protected with a wizard home security system… that worked very well. It not only reflected issues and concerns that we all face. But it also included some great, extra aspects that are only possible in the world of fantasy.

Of everything that happened in this short story. I think that my absolute favourite was the zombie bear. Something about that imagery and battle had me seriously giggling. It was just such a random security measure and one that had a very great visual. Especially seeing as it was a second-hand zombie…

<- If I Had a Hammer

Gray ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon

June 26, 2020Book ReviewFantasy, Larry Dixon, Mages, Magic, Medieval fantasy, Mercedes Lackey, The Mage Wars, Valdemarskyebjenner

The Black Gryphon (Valdemar: Mage Wars #1) by Mercedes Lackey

Title: The Black Gryphon
Author: Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon
Series: The Mage Wars #1, Valdemar #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Mages, Magic, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 18th – 25th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: DAW Fantasy
Year: 1994
5th sentence, 74th page: Cinnabar, of course, was as elegant as if she had just come from holding court, her scarlet gown cut to mid-calf, showing scarlet leather boots and slender ankles, her sleeves cut tight, displaying her graceful arms without an unseemly show of flesh.

SKANDRANON RASKAE IS EVERYTHING A GRYPHON SHOULD BE…

with gleaming ebony feathers, majestic wingspan, keen magesight, and sharp intelligence, he is the fulfillment of all that the Mage of Silence, the human sorcerer called urtho, intended to achieve when he created these magical beings to be his champions, the defenders of his realm – a verdant plain long coveted by the evil mage Ma’ar.

And now, as Ma’ar is once again preparing to advance on Urtho’s Keep, this time with a huge force spearheaded by magical constructs of his own, Skandranon is sent to spy across enemy lines, cloaked in the protection of Urtho’s powerful Spell of Silence.

As days pass and Skandranon doesn’t return, all in Urtho’s camp wait anxiously. but there is one among them for whom the possible loss of this great bird will be more than just a major military defeat. Amberdrake – a Healer of boyd, mind, and spirit whose talents are as essential to the army as those of any general – waits on the landing strip with anguish in his heart. For Amberdrake has come to value the vain, cocksure, and brave Skandranon as his closest friend and comrade, and he now fears that this prince of gryphons will never return…

It’s been a little while since I picked up a Valdemar book. Mostly because as much as I love them, they are often pretty heart wrenching. There is always some kind of abuse or emotional turmoil that just doesn’t seem to be as prominent in many of the other fantasy books that I read. So I honestly need to make sure that I’m in a good headspace whenever I pick up one of these novels… which I was when I picked up The Black Gryphon. And boy am I glad. It was enjoyable, fun and an absolutely great read. Even if there was still that signature Lackey tragedy that made the enjoyment a little less… joyful.

Writing this review, it is actually really difficult to pinpoint those aspects of this story that I really enjoyed. It took me a few chapters to really get sunk into the storyline. I think mostly because in the other Valdemar books that I’ve read so far, the characters are somehow known. Mostly they know each other. But even in The Last Herald Mage, the lead character has been mentioned again and again and again throughout the later books in the series. That’s not really the case for this. Not only are there totally new characters and events that I can’t remember being mentioned in the later books (that I read earlier). But there are also whole new species, gryphons and the such and different groups of people who have totally different names. It took quite a bit to get used to.

After I started to get connected to the characters however, I realised what a great series this is. Or at least, what a great novel to start off a series. Skan might not be human, but I think he is one of my favourite characters in this series. He is strong and sarcastic. Plus, I absolutely adored the constant inner dialogue whenever he’s doing something kind of stupid. Even if that stupid has the best of intentions…

Although this isn’t really like any of the other Valdemar books, I can see how the characters and groups of species / people act as the precursors to the rest of the books. You can see a hint here and there of the collegium and the healers and the different schools of learning throughout the books that I’ve already read. And I’m honestly looking forward to understanding more of this as the series unfolds. That and finding out more about Skan, Winterheart and all of the other wonderful characters.

<- More Mercedes Lackey

The White Gryphon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Godson by Roger Zelazny

June 13, 2020Book ReviewBlack Thorn White Rose, Death, Family, Fantasy, Roger Zelaznyskyebjenner

Image result for black thorn white rose book cover

Title: Godson
Author: Roger Zelazny
In: Black Thorn, White Rose (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Death, Family, Fantasy
Dates read: 17th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Prime Books
Year: 1994
5th sentence, 74th page: I keep it in my pocket.

Morrie is not your average godfather. And he’s not one that you should cross… until David finds a way.

This story seriously made me think about a Discworld novel. I THINK it was Mort. The personification of death, his presence in a young man’s life and just the general humour which comes with such a story. Alright, it also painted death as somewhat cruel and petty. But mostly, I really enjoyed the light humour which wove it’s way through this short story.

I vaguely remember the original fairy tale upon which this short story was based. And I’m fairly positive it didn’t have the same happy ending that this one had. Instead of being a horrible, cruel ending… there was a nice sense of life coming full circle and the happiness of family being completed. I actually really liked that this had a happier ending… it was a nice change to some of the other fairy tales in the Black Thorn, White Rose collection.

This short story is about death, life and, sometimes risking it all because you love someone. It’s a good short story that left me feeling happy and complete at the end of the story. I actually kind of loved this tale, and the more I think about it, the more I love it.

<- The Sawing Boys

Ashputtle ->

Image source: Goodreads

Billy Thunder and the Night Gate by Isobelle Carmody

June 8, 2020Book ReviewFamily, Fantasy, Isobelle Carmody, Young Adultskyebjenner

Billy Thunder and the Night Gate: Isobelle Carmody: 9780141300986 ...

Title: Billy Thunder and the Night Gate
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Gateway Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Family, Fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 10th – 15th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin Books
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Covering it over, she thought is was much better in sotires, where no one ever seemd to have to go to the toilet or eat or bathe.

Rage Winnoway’s mother has been asleep since she had a terrible accident. In a quest to find healing magick, Rage and her animal friends travel through a strange gateway to Valley, a land of mythical beasts, talking dogs and streets that change shape.

But Valley is no paradise. Harsh guardians rule a sinister black city, and fugitive witch folk work forbidden magick.

Rage desperately wants to go home, but the one person who can help her, a wizard, has disappeared. Her only guides are the treacherous firecat and an enchanted hourglass…

I first read this book when I was a lot younger. And it’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of picking it up. But now that I have… wow. It’s just as good as I remember. I picked up so many new nuances and moments throughout. And, having had the pleasure of actually talking to the author for an interview once, I can also see a bit more of her personality through the pages. All of which I found exceedingly pleasurable and wonderful. Fun and still impossible to put down, even if I did know exactly what was going to happen…

As a child, I related a lot to Rage and her loneliness. That, and her extreme attachment to her dogs. As an adult, I really haven’t changed. I still feel like I don’t quite belong with the rest of my friends, and don’t actually have that many friends. And I have a super strong connection to my dogs. The main difference between then and now? I’m happy with that reality. I have managed to collect a few true friends that I enjoy spending my time with… and the rest of it? I’m more than happy in the pages of a great book like this with my dogs fighting for primo-lap space.

One of the things that I have always found characterises Carmody’s writing is the use of a message in her writing. In the case of this novel, it is that sometimes rules aren’t that good. Sometimes you need to break the rules and stand up for yourself if the situation asks for it. The other message is about love and family. Not leaving those you love behind and staying loyal and true to those whom you love. Both are integral, unforgettable aspects of this storyline and you walk away feeling like being yourself is enough. And that you should always try to stick around for the ones that you love.

There is nothing so good as returning to a well-loved story from your childhood. Except, maybe, returning to a well-loved story from your childhood and discovering that you love it just as much as an adult. After all, it can be a little crushing when your memories don’t quite hold up to the reality. That is certainly not the case for this novel. Whether your young or old, male or female, if you like fantasy… you’ll love this.

<- More Isobelle Carmody

The Winter Door ->

Image source: Amazon

How I Met the Ghoul by Sofia Samatar

June 8, 2020Book ReviewFantasy, Sofia Samatar, The Monstrousskyebjenner

Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: How I Met the Ghoul
Author: Sofia Samatar
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy
Dates read: 14th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: You could say it’s in my blood.

It’s an interesting interview. One that was polite, intriguing, but not 100% remembered by the interviewer. This is how they met the ghoul.

This short story is about an interview. Which at the beginning I honestly found a little bit odd. I’ve read stories in interview format, diaries, dialogue, etc. But never a story that is a story about an interview. And then it leaves so many aspects of that interview out. It all makes it a wee bit confusing. But, ultimately, I actually understood why at the conclusion and found this style seriously enjoyable.

Ghouls aren’t something that I normally come across much in the stories I read, in fact, other than the Nicki Styx series, I’m not entirely sure I can think of another series of stories in which they feature. Which makes me seriously appreciate this short story. A unique paranormal creature and a different, contemporary way in which to deal with it. What isn’t there to like?

All in all, even though this was written in a format that I most definitely didn’t expect, it was definitely a fun read. Like most of the other stories in The Monstrous it dealt with the things that go bump in the night that we don’t normally think of. But, unlike the rest of the stories, it wasn’t quite so creepy and horrific. Mostly, it was just a good read that reminded me I should find some more “ghoul” books.

<- Doll Hands

Jenny Come to Play ->

Image source: Amazon

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Fantasy

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

Sunchaser’s Quest by Mary Stanton

Wizard Home Security by Victor Gischler

The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon

Godson by Roger Zelazny

Billy Thunder and the Night Gate by Isobelle Carmody

How I Met the Ghoul by Sofia Samatar