Tag Archives: Magic

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

Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for novellas and stories meljean brook book cover

Title: Conjuring Max
Author: Carolyn Crane
Series: Code of Shadows #0.5
In: Novellas and Stories (Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Technology, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 9th – 10th June 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s okay, Veronica -“

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Synopsis

The witches of the world ridiculed nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything… or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.

Thoughts

I really liked the technopagan spin to this storyline. Over the years I’ve read a lot of spins on witchwork and magic. But surprisingly none that use computers as the linchpin of the magic. Especially not coding which can bring the dead back to life…and I ate it all up. Which means that I have to exercise self-control (yet again) to not buy the following novels.

Veronica is a nerdy, pushy, secluded woman. She’s also a geek. Which of course meant that I immediately loved her. Although I did find some of her onion-like, tough layers a little tedious. After all, love is something that I believe in full heartedly, and she took a fair amount of time to actually succumb to the passion that was so obviously there. It’s a trope that I always find kind of frustrating when I’m reading a romance – the inability to see what is so obviously there! Although, I suppose it is also the reason that I like to keep reading these stories, even when I can roughly guess at the ending.

The romantic suspense throughout this novella might be fun, but what I kind of loved most was the creation of the dragon-dog that ate the enemies and decided to hang around. It kind of made me think of my adorable, kind of useless dog. Alright, he might not be a dragon-dog who is going to eat my enemies. But the companionship and loyalty that he shows throughout made me smile. And think of a happily-ever-after couple riding off into the sunset with their weirdly unique pet.

 <- Speed Mating ReviewWrecked Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

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 ->

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Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dragon bones patricia briggs book cover

Title: Dragon Bones
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Hurog Duology #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Magic, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 22nd – 30th May 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: “War?” I asked, trying to sound eager, the way an idiot who was good at fighting would say it.

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Synopsis

Playing the fool

Most everyone thinks Ward of Hurog is a simple-minded fool – and that’s just fine by him. But few people know that his foolishness is (very convincingly) feigned. And it’s all that’s save him from death at the hands of his abusive father, who’s always seen Ward as a bitter rival for power. 88 When his father dies, Ward becomes the new lord of Hurog… until a nobleman declares that he is too dim-witted to rule. Ward knows he cannot play the fool any longer. To regain his kingdom, he must prove himself worthy – and quickly.

Riding into a war that’s heating up on the border, Ward is sure he’s on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly serious turn, for he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them…

Thoughts

I read this book for the first time a very long time ago. Or at least, long enough that I couldn’t really remember anything that happened in the story. Beyond the fact that Ward had to pretend to be stupid to survive, and he couldn’t remember how to act as someone who was… less dumb. But the story is soooooo much more than that. And I honestly can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to get this off my shelves again. It’s just beautiful. And fun. And an incredibly enjoyable read.

Although there are hints of a love interest in a part of the story, there isn’t any overt romance. Rather, this story is about finding one’s own identity and strength. And also reconnecting with long alienated family members. It’s a really sweet, if not slightly violent storyline that deals with abuse and a longing to belong. A need to feel like you fit into your own skin. And figuring out just how to do that. All things that I’m sure almost everyone can relate to in one way or another.

Now that I’ve reread Dragon Bones I just can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into Dragon Blood. Again, I can’t quite remember what happens in it. But the entire tale is one that I know I’ve enjoyed in the past and look forward to enjoying again in the future. Dragon Bones is everything I enjoyed in a good fantasy story as a child. It features a misfit that is completely misunderstood by everyone, his family included. There are dragons. And swords. And lots of fighting and bloodshed. But, as an adult, I also appreciate the difficulties of having abusive parents, and the scars that that can impart. The constant fear that Ward is like his sire and this horror at what he has had to overcome. I didn’t really appreciate that, even in my early twenties when I first read this a few years ago. Now, the whole storyline not only was incredibly enjoyable. But also shook me to the core and helped me to commit wholeheartedly to Ward’s cause.

<- More Patricia Briggs reviewsDragon Blood Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Rite Stuff by Michael Kurland

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: The Rite Stuff
Author: Michael Kurland
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic, Wizards
Dates read: 2nd May 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “What is being done?” he asked.

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Synopsis

A kidnapping of a little girl has taken place. And the detectives want the most talented forensic wizard on the case… even if the culprit really isn’t using the “rite stuff”.

Thoughts

This is one of those short stories that is fun to read, but not overly memorable once you turn the final page. It’s a fun journey and one that I’ll love to read again and again. But it’s also not the kind of story that has left me thinking and reflecting once I’ve turned the final page. It’s just… fun.

What I did really love about this story was the use of a crime solving team… who also happened to be wizards, or magic users… The big reveal at the end was very reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes. There is a great journey which outlays the crime. There is a seemingly coincidental co-occurring crime. And then, at the very end, everything is explained satisfactorily. In a way that makes you hit yourself on the head and say “duh”.

<- The Double ShadowMaster of Chaos ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Timekeeper by John Morressy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: Timekeeper
Author: John Morressy
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 28th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: Perhaps she loves him, Mr. Lockyer.

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Synopsis

Mr. Bell has decided to open up his clock shop in a small town. His clocks might not be all that they appear though. As Monsoon and his cronies are about to discover.

Thoughts

Ideas of time change across the world. It’s an idea that completely fascinates me. So it kind of makes sense that a story about a timekeeper and conjurer finds it’s way into a collection of dark magic stories. Although this one isn’t as dark and twisted as the other tales, there’s still that sense of mystery and brutality that is present in the rest of the stories in this collection.

I love the idea of do unto others what you’d want done unto you. And this seems to be one that intertwines throughout this story. Mr. Bell is neither good nor bad… he doesn’t take sides but acts as an equaliser to others. For those who are good and need help, he is able to subtly provide that. But for people like Monsoon, he is a little more aggressive, and leaves people wondering where the bad man and his evil cronies have gone.

The timekeeper is a nice, soft version of tales of dark magic and dark fantasy. It has all of the integral aspects to it, but without the overwhelming sense of horror and discomfort that you sometimes get at the conclusion of the tale.

<- The Sage of TheareThe Double Shadow ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Spellcaster 2.0 by Jonathan Maberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for an apple for the creature book cover

Title: Spellcaster 2.0
Author: Jonathan Maberry
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic, Technology
Dates read: 17th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Anthem suddenly stopped biting her thumb and they both looked at the bead of blood that welled from where she’d bitten too deeply.

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Synopsis

A group of academic anthropologists are working on a database of spells to make the perfect summoning spell. But when you play with magic, things can go very awry at the drop of a hat… and they’re about to find out that you just don’t mess with magic.

Thoughts

I understand the pressure and stress of trying to get a ridiculously ambitious project done in a much shorter amount of time than desirable. After all, like the characters in this short story, I too am a PhD student. The fact that this tale of the pressures of being a postgrad student intertwines with murder, mayhem and magic just made me connect all the quicker with the characters and the storyline.

One of the questions I often asked myself when doing my anthropology degree (especially in my honours year) was what right do we have to stick our noses into other peoples’ cultures? Maberry highlights this beautifully with the use of technology and people’s beliefs in the mythos. By taking something that is often a vibrant part of people’s cultures (the summoning of other beings, or demons) and making it so clinical with the use of computers, the way in which we approach things that appear antiquated is really bought into light. We might not have much of a right to stick our noses into other people’s religions, but we definitely shouldn’t be treated it with such nonchalant disregard. Or at least, that’s the way this story takes such an issue…

 <- Playing Possum ReviewAcademy Field Trip Review ->
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The Witch’s Bicycle by Tim Pratt

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: The Witch’s Bicycle
Author: Tim Pratt
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) & Little Gods (Tim Pratt)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: So play with me and you’ll get better, right?

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Synopsis

It’s an age old tale, two boys, one girl, a rivalry that ends in tears. But, what happens when they decide to change the script? Will the dark magic continue?

Thoughts

I was really dreading a horrible ending to this story. One that would involve a tragedy and the dark magic practitioner riding off into the sunset with her own version of happily ever after. But it didn’t quite end like that. In fact, it had a very happy ending with a bit of violence and darkness thrown in. Something that I thoroughly enjoy in a good story – some violence, some hope and a happily-ever-after.

The idea of a girl with two boys interested is kind of age old. Something that has been around since time and time again. And a story that serves its purpose in most of the books that I read. But there’s not normally an evil, meddling witch trying to extend the conflict and end a life. There’s also not normally a girl running around with a hockey stick, protecting the boy (rather than the other way around). It’s these quirky, happy little differences that made me that much happier.

This story was a great, dark twist on the fairy tales and stories of witches that I’ve been reading lately. It was darker and far more twisted than usual. But it also had a happy ending, and didn’t leave me feeling uncomfortable and filled with a kind of horror at the end of the story.

<- The InfestationThe Sage of Theare ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Villaggio Sogno by Richard A. Lupoff

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: Villagio Sogno
Author: Richard A. Lupoff
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 24th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: When she opened her eyes she knew she was in that other world, the grey world of huge columns, rectangular blocks, dust-covered stones and distant blackness.

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Synopsis

Two best friends finally get to travel into the city for their first “grown up” excursion. But, as they are about to find out, things aren’t always as they seem in the city, and it may just take a little quick thinking for them to find their way home again.

Thoughts

This story has such a bright, cheerful and kind of happy beginning. It’s two young girls, best friends, going out for the first time to the city and spending a day out together. Something that was so exciting at twelve years old for myself, so I could almost feel the joy and eagerness jumping out of the page. But, this is a short story in a collection of dark magic tales, so I knew that that wouldn’t be the case.

I was expecting something truly tragic and awful to happen to the two girls from the very get go. The beginning was just too nice and sweet. It was too full of promise. So I was incredibly pleasantly surprised to find that there really wasn’t a tragedy in this tale. Rather, the girls are able to find a way to triumph and finish their day in happiness.

This was a great little story that I struggled to put down. Actually, my need to finish this meant that I was almost late to work… it was just so good and fun.

<- Ten Things I Know about the WizardThe Game of Magical Death ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Masques by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover masques patricia briggs

Title: Masques
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Sianim #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 12th January – 5th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: She can fight, and the gods know we have need of fighters.

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Synopsis

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. But her latest mission involves more peril than she ever imagined.

Agents of Sianim have asked her to gether intelligence on the increasingly popular and powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae’Magi. Soon Aralorn comes to see past the man’s striking charisma – and into a soul as corrupt and black as endless night. And few have the will to resist the sinister might of the ae’Magi and his minions.

So Aralorn, aided by her enigmatic companion, Wolf, joins the rebellion against the ae’Magi. But in a war against a foe armed with the power of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is – or where he will strike next?

Thoughts

I read this book for the first time years ago. But, I thought I’d reread it to see if it was as good as I remembered… and it was. It was kind of amazing, incredibly interesting and very difficult to put down. I did… because I have to be an adult, but it was still quite difficult.

Aralorn is a wonderfully strong and independent woman. She is everything I tend to love in a female lead, and the trope that made me fall in love with Patricia Briggs’ writing. I love that she shrugs off the common upbringing of women and finds herself a way to be herself, no matter what the consequences and what other people think of her. I love this independence, and the fact that although there is a love interest, in takes backstage in a major way. Actually, it took me this second read through to realise that the love interest is quite intense from the very beginning, rather than a random development later on in the story (as I originally thought).

This story reminds me a little of the Graceling series in that the villain doesn’t seem all that evil. Until you start to add up what is happening behind the scenes. Yet, there is something far more terrifying about such a bad guy. After all, everyone else loves him, bringing him down will probably mean that everyone decides to kill Aralorn and Wolf, and even they constantly question their motives and sanity. There is something that is just… kind of sinister about such a charismatic evil being. And it makes the ae’Magi all the more evil because he does so many things with a beautiful, kind smile on his face…

 <- Wolfsbane ReviewSteal the Dragon Review ->
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