Tag Archives: Fantasy

The High Lord by Trudi Canavan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the high lord book cover

Title: The High Lord
Author: Trudi Canavan
Series: The Black Magician #3, The Black Magician World #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Mages
Dates read: 11th – 16th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: There was a giggle.

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Synopsis

In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magicians’ Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world…

Sonea has learned much at the Magicians’ Guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the high lord’s underground room – or his warning that the realm’s ancient enemy is growing in power once again. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster’s word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?

Thoughts

I really didn’t love how this story ended. Alright, luckily there is a trilogy to follow on. But seriously… the way that ended?!?! It was a freaking frustrating ending to a trilogy. Although I still loved it. And couldn’t put it down. And had a huge smile on my face even as I was screaming on the inside. Alright, I was also cheering on the inside, because after all, the good guys won and Sonea actually did get a bit of a happily ever after. Just not the one that I wanted for her…

The Black Magician Trilogy is one of those series that I didn’t feel like I had to rush to pick up the next book. But I also wanted to find out what happened next. Which is why it took me about two years to read all three books. Which, ironically is the timeline of the actual story. Maybe that’s why I was happy to take a while to read it… the storyline isn’t incredibly fast paced, but it is super intense.

I loved how this story comes full circle. In the beginning, Sonea starts her life in the Slums and is running in fear from the Magicians’ Guild. Throughout this final instalment, she is returning to parts of her life in the Slums, and is, once again, kind of on the run from the Magicians’ Guild. Although not as seriously as previously. The end scene also sees her working both her magician life and old life into one another into a hopeful future. Actually, all of the mini storylines throughout this story emphasise this hopeful and bright future for the fantastic cast of this series.

Although I didn’t rush to pick up each book in this series, reading this did remind me of why I have got many, many books by Trudi Canavan on my shelves… her writing is amazing. Her characterisation is intense. And the storylines never quite work out the way I had expected… which I just adore. There is nothing I love more than a good surprise. And this finale definitely has that in store. Along with a number of other little moments which will have you staying up ridiculously late at night, unable to put the book away…

 <- The Novice ReviewThe Ambassador’s Mission Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Governess by Elizabeth Bear

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Governess
Author: Elizabeth Bear
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Fantasy, Gaslamp
Dates read: 25th August 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: But she does, and there it is, and somehow she gets her mouth around it.

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Synopsis

Anabelle is the governess of three beautiful children. But not all is right in the manor, and it might take the strength of a woman to make it right again.

Thoughts

Not sure why, but at the beginning of this story, I was kind of expecting a much more cheerful and happier outlook in this story. Maybe a bit of a rags to riches story. I was so incredibly wrong. This is a little bit dark, a little bit uncomfortable and a really enjoyable read.

The Governess is a story that highlights the plight of women. Not only through Anabelle’s trials, but those of the mistress of the manor. Both are trapped by a man who is more than a little evil, and both are filled with their own hidden strength. The ending really drives home that although both women were brutalised and subject to horrors, they find a way to rise above and focus on a new future. The grasping of their own freedom and focus on what makes them strong, rather than what made them victims was the only really uplifting moment in an otherwise dark story.

This wasn’t a heavy fantasy story, it almost read a little like a historical fiction. But with just that hint of a fantastical element towards the very ending. Actually, it kind of made me want to watch Downton Abbey because it felt kind of like that era. Yet, the beauty of the fantastical hint at the end made me want to clutch this book to my chest, and find yet more stories written by Elizabeth Bear. A great introduction to a new author.

 <- For the Briar Rose ReviewSmithfield Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Majicka by Mary Janice Davidson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: The Majicka
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

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Synopsis

Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Thoughts

I’m a little bit disappointed that the premise of this story was only fleshed out in a novella. I would happily read a full length novel, or even a series which features Ireland and all of her awkward rescues. Although, maybe that’s just being greedy. After all, this worked brilliantly, and I loved it immensely. Expanding on it could just ruin the enjoyment that it made me feel.

No matter how many books I read, across how many genres, I am always drawn to stories about misfits. Probably because I’ve always felt like one myself. Maybe just because I tend to find they make the most interesting people. Whatever it is, I’m always happily drawn in; hook, line and sinker. Which, considering this is a story about a girl who constantly takes people in that don’t quite fit into whichever world they come from… I couldn’t put it down. And almost screamed with frustration when it was over. I want to read more about the Angry Fairy and the Zombie Nymph (amongst a few).

The Majicka had a bit of a whodunnit feel to it. Firstly, in trying to help out the zombie. And then, when they’ve finally figured out just who she is, how to save her. The extra entertainment of a Tutor trying to train the next, somewhat resisting Majicka, a car that thinks for itself and a vampire with airs just made it so much more entertaining. Luckily, I have a few MaryJanice Davidson books on their way to fill my bookshelves. Otherwise, I would be sorely disappointed to have finished this novella. Great start to the No Rest for the Witches collection though!

 <- No Rest for the Witches ReviewVoodoo Moon Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

La Reine d’Enfer by Kathe Koja

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: La Reine d’Enfer
Author: Kathe Koja
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Gaslamp, LGBTQI
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I grabbed up whatever I could put my hand to, a silver spoon from the table, a bottle of gin; then threw it all down again, my head a-swim like being drunk.

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Synopsis

He’s been trapped in a life that isn’t one of his own making. Davey is hunting him, but all he wants to do is act on stage. Will he finally get what he wants?

Thoughts

When I sat down to write this review, I couldn’t quite remember what this short story was even about. There was a vague memory of enjoying the story and thinking it was very good, but I just couldn’t remember what happened in it. So I had to have a quick look at the pages again. And then it all came flooding back to me. And I’m really not sure why I didn’t remember this much clearer from the very beginning. There was a bit of an Oliver Twist feel to this story, with a great sense of darkness and brutality.

I like that there was a subtle feeling of magic to this story. It felt more about the magic of theatre than the casting of a spell. More about magics that we make others believe in (some might say manipulate) than that of the Fair Folk. It created a nice, dreary, mystical affect to the storyline that made you not want to put it down. Although, it’s this same shrouded mystery-effect which also made it quite difficult to remember exactly what it was that I had just read..

 <- The Memory Book ReviewFor the Briar Rose Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Senorita and the Cactus Thorn by Kim Antieau

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for coyote road book cover

Title: The Senorita and the Cactus Thorn
Author: Kim Antieau
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Tricksters
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: He asked her to join him, so she did.

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Synopsis

She knows that she wants to marry him, but before she can have her happily ever after, she must get past the mother-in-law. A little bit of gumption, magic and trickery is what it might take to survive in this new desert world.

Thoughts

The Princess and the Pea has always been one of those stories that is kind of iconic for me. I’m not sure why, since I don’t often enjoy stories about princessy princesses. But, this version of it using tricksters and the desert is far more to my taste. Actually, I was incredibly disappointed when it was over.

Mother-in-laws always seem to be the terrifying part of marriage (not for me, I have an awesome mother-in-law). Which made this an incredibly relatable story for almost everyone who has found their significant other and now just has to run the gauntlet. They seem to have a power and reserve for judgement that makes many people tremble, and it’s only after their acceptance that people feel settled and accepted. Or at least, that’s how it’s always been in my social circles. Which made this story completely relatable and kind of perfect. The senorita wasn’t able to finally have her happily ever after until she finally managed to secure the acceptance of the mother of her husband-to-be.

Coyote is one of my favourite tricksters of folklore. There is something about his stories and persona that makes me dive deep into any and all stories which feature this character. Using Coyote in this story worked perfectly for me and sorely disappointed that the tale was ended. Even if it was only allusions to the trickster, rather than an outright story.

 <- Always the Same Story ReviewBlack Rock Blues Review ->
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From the Catalogue of the Pavilion of the Uncanny and Marvellous, Scheduled for Premiere at the Great Exhibition (Before the Fire) by Genevieve Valentine

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: From the Catalogue of the Pavilion of the Uncanny and Marvellous, Scheduled for Premiere at the Great Exhibition (Before the Fire)
Author: Genevieve Valentine
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Wordplay
Dates read: 4th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Even with the losses, however, the Exhibition turned enough profit to finance construction of the Victoria and Albert Museum itself.

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Synopsis

A collection of notes, letters and quotes that tell of the Pavilion of the Uncanny and Marvellous.

Thoughts

This was a bit of a weird read. Not in a horrifying or negative manner, but in a, I’m going to read this again and again to see what pops out. It’s fascinating, fun and a perfect mix of reality and fantasy. The unique structure of this story is what I love the most about this story though. It is different, fun and gives an entirely different flow to the storyline than any other short story that I have read recently.

There aren’t many stories that I struggle to see the overarching storyline… a mass of exposure tends to make things more and more predictable. But, because this short story has such a unique and completely alien format to what I’m used to, I’m still not sure I’ve fully grasped what was happening. Which I loved. It not only means that this is a story I’ll enjoy reading again, it was also a challenge. And who doesn’t love a good challenge?

 <- The Fairy Enterprise ReviewThe Memory Book Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Spellhorn by Berlie Doherty

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for spellhorn berlie doherty book cover

Title: Spellhorn
Author: Berlie Doherty
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Magic, Unicorns
Dates read: 3rd – 10th June 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Lions
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: She wouldn’t.

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Synopsis

Laura looked across the sea and saw with horror that far below her on the shoreline there were beasts: long dark shapes that wriggled and slithered down into the foam.
“What are they” she asked.
Gazing down at the seething waves, the Old Woman said: “This is the Sea of Snakes…”

Laura and Spellhorn the unicorn have to cross the Sea of Snakes and fight against terrible danger before Laura can return home. For Spellhorn, the treasured possession of the Wild Ones, has befriended Laura, and it is only he who can lead them to the safety of their beloved Wilderness.

Thoughts

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for years. It was a book that my mum has had for a long time, and it slowly migrated to my shelf across time. So I thought it was probably about time to pick it up and see why I had kept it on my shelf, untouched for all of these years. And, although it wasn’t the ground shattering story I was hoping for, it was still a fun little adventure. Something that was a little bit different to my usual read. And one that I really enjoyed.

You can tell that this story started off as a play. There is something just a little different about the writing from usual prose. It was enough to make it feel a little unorthodox and confusing, but not such a different style that it was impossible to enjoy. It mostly just read like a story that had been translated from another language, which, I suppose in a way it was.

I really enjoyed the fact that this young adult story featured a girl with a disability. That her disability gave her dual worlds, and this tale explored both of those perfectly. It was a great way to explore a new perspective, and one that I really hadn’t considered before. The final scenes really helped to drive this home, and meant that although this isn’t one of my favourite books, it is one that I will keep and probably reread years down the track.

<- More fantasy reviews More magic reviews ->
Image source: Goodreads

Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells by Delia Sherman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells
Author: Delia Sherman
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) & The Mammoth Book of Gaslit Romance (Ekatrina Sedia)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Magic
Dates read: 9th June 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Surely a mother’s duty is to comfort and protect her child, not stand by while a monster savages her.

Synopsis

She’s locked up in the dusty old archives trying to decipher the spells of a long-lost queen. But, when she finds out the secret behind the words, she’ll have to decide what to do with her knowledge.

Thoughts

As an introduction to Gaslamp fantasy, this was kind of fantastic. And the fact that it was a short story written by an author that I’ve already kind of fallen for… well, that was sort of perfect. After all, this story mixes magic, sexism and a healthy dose of pride and power. Actually, the voice which told the story was one that I immediately connected with and didn’t ever want to leave.

Queen Victoria is a fairly pinnacle character of Victorian tropes – as soon as I saw the title of the book and the story, I started to think about the time and reality in which this story was placed. But, reading a diary from a young girl who supposedly ended up marrying for love and who faced some very difficult hurdles to her crown. All before she fully grew into her own powers and strength, was a great adventure. It was a great theme and person to hang a story on.

One of the things that I struggle with in academia is the idea that one person’s opinions can seriously screw up your future (I’m very lucky with my academic supervisors). And that, in science and discovery, there are some things that might be a little too intense and dangerous to share. Again, not something that I actually tend to have to deal with, but it’s still a cloud that hovers over my thoughts. Sherman deals with these issues perfectly in a way that makes you really want to help the protagonist, and hope for the happy ending that is hinted in the final passages.

<- Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells CollectionThe Fairy Enterprise ->

Image source: Amazon

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Related image

Title: The Last Battle
Author: C.S. Lewis
Series: Chronicles of Narnia #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Fantasy
Dates read: 28th March – 19th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Grafton
Year: 1956
5th sentence, 74th page: I’m on your side, Sire: and on Aslan’s.

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Synopsis

“To my side, all true Narnians! Would you wait till your new masters have killed you all, one by one?”

It is Narnia’s darkest hour. A false Aslan is commanding all Narnians to work for the cruel Calormenes and striking terror into every heart. King Tirian’s only hope is to call Eustace and Jill back to Narnia, in an attempt to find the true Aslan and restore peace to the land. But a might battle lies ahead.

The Last Battle is the dramatic conclusion to the seven magical Chronicles of Narnia.

Thoughts

As an ending to a series this book works incredibly well. It helps to tie everything up in a beautiful knot and pretty little bow. As a standalone story, it’s not as compellingly engaging as the other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Which is probably why it took me a little longer to read than most of the other stories in this series…

The Last Battle is exactly what it sounds – the last battle to be fought in Narnia. The end of days, if you will. It made it kind of sad to finish, it meant the closing of a world and an era. There are no ways in which to return to Narnia now. Which is more than a little heartbreaking. After all, as a kid I always checked every wardrobe I came across to get to that special world I had dreamt so much about.

Lucy is still my favourite character in all of the Chronicles of Narnia tales. There is something about her sweetness, her faith and her ability to love everyone that makes you kind of want to give her a great, big cuddle. Don’t get me wrong, I would never want to be her friend, she’s a little too nice… but as a character in a novel, she is just brilliant. So it was incredibly nice to find her returning to the series, albeit for a short while. Jill and Eustace just aren’t as relatable and loveable… maybe because I only met them as an adult, but I met Lucy when I was a young girl.

 <- The Silver Chair ReviewThe Magician’s Nephew Review ->
Image source: Abe Books

Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover aquicorn cove katie o'neill

Title: Aquicorn Cove
Author: Kay O’Neill
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Graphic novels, Oceans
Dates read: 7th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Oni Press
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve heard all about you and your mother.

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Synopsis

From Eisner Award-nominated author of The Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess Ever After comes Aquicorn Cove, a heartfelt story about learning to be a guardian to yourself and those you love.

When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she’s missed the ocean – and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahore-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she’s willing to admit. When a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.

Thoughts

This is the last of the Katie O’Neill graphic novels on my shelf. And I put off reading it a little… just because I have completely fallen in love with this woman and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. And now that I have… I feel both intensely happy and a little disappointed at the same time.

I’m Australia, so anything to do with the beach and the coast seems to be integral to our culture. Even though I don’t really like swimming in the ocean, I have that same fascination and need to protect this beautiful ecosystem. So it’s really nice to know that O’Neill feels the same way. Especially about coral reefs which feature so strongly in this great little tale.

Not only does Aquicorn Cove deal with the importance of conserving and protecting our aquatic environment, it’s also about moving on and dealing with grief. Lana has lost her mother and moved away from the home that she has always known and loved. This combination of storylines had the same impact as Princess Princess Ever After and The Tea Dragon Society. There is such a beautiful hope and love throughout the storyline.

This is a must have for any bookshelf. Regardless of what your preference is, it is such a cute, sweet easy and inspiring story. Accompanied by some of the most beautiful pictures I’ve seen for a while.

 <- The Tea Dragon Society ReviewPrincess Princess Ever After Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster