Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

The Wolf by John Flanagan

May 14, 2017Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval fantasy, The Lost Stories, The Ranger's Apprenticeskyebjenner

Title: The Wolf
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #10.9
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: We should mention it to Bob.

Will is tasked with tracking down and killing a lone wolf who has been creating havoc in the local villages.

The relationship between the Rangers and their mounts is definitely a thing of folklore within The Ranger’s Apprentice series. Their connection is beautifully uncanny and lasts through the years of conflict and danger that each Ranger must undergo. However, I never quite thought about, or even understood (once I did think about it) how the Ranger’s could keep one mount for such a long period. After all, a human’s life span, and even the period over which they are able to work is much longer than that of a horse’s working life span.

This story is a great way to explain the reasons why Ranger’s horses last for so long. Although it starts with a rogue wolf, the explanation of Tug’s replacement and how this occurs for all Ranger’s horses is actually really clever. It is something that, although it is often fanciful, it is actually kind of plausible and makes a poetic kind of sense.

<- And About Time, Too… Review

The Lost Stories Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

And About Time, Too… by John Flanagan

May 13, 2017Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval fantasy, The Lost Stories, The Ranger's Apprenticeskyebjenner

Title: And About Time, Too…
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #10.8
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘It meandered down a slight slope, taking the line of least resistance, to a small stream that was a tributary of the Tarbus River.

Will and Alyss’ wedding.

I’ve been looking forward to Will and Alyss’ wedding ever since The Sorcerer in the North. So, to have a very sweet, intimate short story that tells of their picturesque ceremony bought more than a tear to my eye. Where the story of Evanlyn and Horace’s wedding was filled with fanfare and drama, Will’s and Alyss’ was simple and small – something that actually seems like the most perfect wedding in my eyes.

The lack of drama and violence within this story, although unexpected, was kind of nice. It made the idea of Will and Alyss tying the note even more endearing. And, Halt’s presence and comments throughout just topped off the feeling of completion that this last story in The Lost Stories exuded.

<- The Bridal Dance Review

The Wolf Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

The Bridal Dance by John Flanagan

May 13, 2017Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval fantasy, The Lost Stories, The Ranger's Apprenticeskyebjenner

Title: The Bridal Dance
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #10.7
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Shouting and blustering right from the outset, on the other hand, often served to put a person on the defensive.

The Bridal Dance is about Horace and Cassandra’s wedding.

I can’t imagine a greater hell (and more complex act) than organising a wedding. Especially one for royalty. Include in that the fact that there is the threat of assassins hanging over the festivities, and you have a great short story. Will’s love for, and dedication to those he calls family shines through this story and acts as a reminder that sometimes, even in spite of what everyone else says, we have to follow our instincts.

Following Purple Prose, Will’s preoccupation with his speech for Horace and Evanlyn’s wedding has lessened, and, his eventual words are worthy of all the work that went before. The return of the Genovesans and Will’s missing of yet another bridal dance make this a great little side story. Horace and Evanlyn’s engagement was a beautiful ending to The Emperor of Nihon-Ja, but it was still fulfilling to read about their actual wedding day.

<- Dinner for Five Review

And About Time, Too… Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Dinner for Five by John Flanagan

May 12, 2017Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval fantasy, The Lost Stories, The Ranger's Apprenticeskyebjenner

Title: Dinner for Five
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #10.6
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Outside in the street, they could hear shouting and the sound of running feet.

Dinner For Five is a short story appearing in The Lost Stories about a date between Jenny and Gilan, and three thieves who disrupt their plans.

Jenny and Gilan is a relationship that I didn’t quite see coming – but, surprisingly it works. So, a short story about this out-of-the-spotlight couple was a perfect edition to the collection of short stories in The Lost Stories. And, like all Ranger’s Apprentice stories, there is an element of crime, subterfuge and justice. Dinner for Five is a great little side line that reminds us that, even when they are not necessarily trained, women (like Jenny) are able to take care of themselves and defend those that they love.

There’s something to be said for the protective instinct in people (and literary characters) – it is an amazing driver. Although it is originally Jenny herself that is in danger, it isn’t until someone that she loves becomes endangered that she truly decides to take control of the situation. It is this, and her final sobs when she realises that her dinner is ruined that makes her such a sweet and endearing character. I love that beside diplomatic Alyss and feisty Evanlyn, there is a nurturing, motherly woman.

<- Purple Prose Review

The Bridal Dance Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Purple Prose by John Flanagan

May 11, 2017Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval fantasy, The Lost Stories, The Ranger's Apprenticeskyebjenner

Title: Purple Prose
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #10.5
In: The Lost Stories (John Flanagan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short Story
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Redmont’s Battleschool was one of the best in the country and Will’s assessments were almost always in the ‘Excellent’ range.

Moondarkers, a band of people who lure ships onto rocks so they will crash, are active in Araluen. It is up to Halt and Will to stop them.

Trying to tell people how deeply you care about them, and what they truly mean to you is difficult under the best of circumstances. Doing so in front of hundreds of others, and in a formal setting? I can’t imagine how horrifying and intimidating that could be. Yet, Will deals with this pressure in a fairly unique way – he becomes so flamboyant with his words that even I, who loves convoluted sentences, found the terms used irritating and difficult.

Although Will spends the entirety of Purple Prose struggling to find the words to tell Horace and Evanlyn how wonderful they are, this isn’t the only tale within the story. After all, a Ranger writing a speech makes a boring tale. However, as a side story, it works quite brilliantly. While Halt and Will struggle to stop ship wreckers, he is constantly plagued by doubt and confusion. The conclusion of their battle is only outweighed by the final creation of a speech that is actually worth listening to.

<- The Emperor of Nihon-Ja Review

Dinner for Five Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Nawat by Tamora Pierce

April 25, 2017Book ReviewEasy Reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong Women, Tamora Pierce, Tortall, Tortall and Other Lands, Trickster, Trickstersskyebjenner

Title: Nawat
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #2.5, Tortall #26
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Nawat propped her up, silent, holding her tight.

Nawat is a short story of the Tortallan Universe and follows Nawat Crow as he has to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

Nawat and Aly have been my favourite Tortall couple since I first cracked the spine of Tricker’s Choice. There is just something so fascinating and unique about them that has led me to read the Trickster series again and again and again. In fact, it’s one of my most read series, and I’m going to have to replace my copy soon…

Alright, I got a little off topic there, but all that this means is that a follow up short story to the Trickster duology was quite possibly the most perfect tale that I could think of. Writing it from the quirky point of view of Nawat only helped to add to the flavour. It was also wonderful finally seeing his love for Aly through his eyes – after all, he did become a man for her.

There are a lot of stories (novellas, and short stories) that display motherhood, childbirth and everything in between as beautiful and glorious. Which I’m sure it is, but I can’t imagine that the actual act of childbirth will ever be a beautiful, life-affirming moment. Painful is the word that truly comes to mind, and Pierce shows this amazingly. Aly’s hormonal fluctuations, frustration and overwhelming throughout, and immediately following, the birth of her children is so realistic that you just want to reach through the page and give her a huge hug. The creation of their family is still a life-affirming and beautiful moment, but at no point is it portrayed as easy. A realism which I definitely appreciate and think needs to be bought forth more often when discussing such a huge change in a woman’s life (both physically and mentally).

<- Trickster’s Queen Review

Lost Review ->

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce

April 24, 2017Book ReviewEasy Reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong Women, Tamora Pierce, Tortall, Trickster, Trickstersskyebjenner

Title: Trickster’s Queen
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #2, Tortall #25
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Aly spared a glance for a small, pudgy man who whispered in Rubinyan’s ear until Tkaa reached the prince.

Aly’s adventure continues…. No longer a slave, Alanna’s daughter is now spying as part of an underground rebellion against the colonial rulers of the Copper Isles. The people in the rebellion believe that a prophecy in which a new queen will rise up to take the throne is about to be realized. Aly is busy keeping the potential teenage queen and her younger siblings safe, while also keeping her in the dark about her future. But Aly, who is usually adept at anticipating danger and changes, is in for a few nasty surprises.

The rebellion that began in Trickster’s Choice reaches its climax (and conclusion) in Trickster’s Queen. Whilst the speed of the story really picks up, it is still filled with Aly’s humour and wit. There are still moments of beauty and enjoyment amongst the dramatic events of rebellion. The connections that the characters make to one another, and the loyalty that they feel jumps from the pages, and will suck you into their world further and further with every word.

Although I loved the excerpts that began each chapter in Trickster’s Choice, it was nice to miss this throughout this novel. The faster pace, and the more intense storyline required a better flow, and the format of this tale worked beautifully for this. As did the shorter chapters, heightening the feeling of suspense. Following Aly throughout this, while giving a bird’s eye view of her life, also helped to further connect with her plight.

Although the main storyline of this story focuses upon the rebellion of the Copper Isles, for me it was more so about the incredible loyalty that each of the key members show to one another. Sarai’s flightiness and love forces her to follow her dreams, while it is Dove’s passive outlook on the world and ability to care for other’s beyond her own needs that shine throughout the story. Ulasim, Chenaol, and Fesago’s ability to accept the changes in their plans, and take Aly’s advice because they are doing what is right, not what will keep them alive. I don’t ever want to experience any of this turmoil in my own life – but the idea of having a group of people that loyal to one another in my life… that is what swells one’s heart and makes a person feel comfortable with themselves, and their pseudo-family.

<- Trickster’s Choice Review

Nawat Review ->

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce

April 23, 2017Book ReviewEasy Reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong Women, Tamora Pierce, Tortall, Trickster, Trickstersskyebjenner

Title: Trickster’s Choice
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Trickster #1, Tortall #24
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women, Tricksters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Those aren’t hay bales!’

Alianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying. When she is captured and sold as a slave to an exiled royal family in the faraway Copper Islands, it is this skill that makes a difference in a world filled with political intrigue, murderous conspiracy, and warring gods.

Of all the women in Tamora Pierce’s world of Tortall, Aly is the one that I always most identified with as a teenager. As someone who, as a teenager, never quite fit in, was more than a little difficult, and found that a lot of my peers often looked at me a little funny, Aly seemed like a literary version of myself. Albeit without a sword welding mother, and a talent for daggers and subterfuge.

Most of the Tortall series, in fact, all up to this point focused on a country and people based (I assume) on medieval Europe. Swords and kings; lords and ladies; it all paints a picture of a snow-swept country that is (luckily) guarded by the righteous. This is not so with the Trickster series. Aly travels to a land that was taken over by white people 300 years before. The story of oppression and conquest is retold through the raka (native people’s) plight. I loved that there was a different twist, and aspect to the realm of Tortall. Although the Copper Isles were mentioned in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, immersing this story in their culture and land was a great new introduction to a new land.

Aly is not only a suitable heir to the Song of the Lioness Quartet, but she is a great, and refreshing new take on the women of Tortall. She chooses to fight with her wits, rather than weapons in a gruelling battle to protect an innocent family from the rigours of violent, political court. The loyalty of not only the raka, but those who answer to the Balitang family quickly create a discourse in which you constantly hope for Aly to succeed.

<- Tortall: A Spy’s Guide Review

Trickster’s Queen Review ->

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Dragon’s Tale by Tamora Pierce

April 22, 2017Book ReviewAnimagus, Easy Reading, Medieval fantasy, Tamora Pierce, The Immortals Quartet, Tortall, Tortall and Other Landsskyebjenner

Title: The Dragon’s Tale
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #4.5, Tortall #28
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: The scent of power entered my nose and burned, making my eyes water.

Kitten has accompanied her human parents, Daine and Numair, to a visit to Carthak, where they visit several villages with Emperor Kaddar. While the humans help the local people Kitten and her friend Spots, Numair’s horse, are bored. Kitten finds a young woman hidden by spells. The woman is an outcast of the local society and has an infant to care fore. So Kitten decides to help her. She steals food and other things from the camp and brings them to the woman. At first she is afraid of Kitten, whom she sees as a monster, but after Kitten saves the woman’s child she realizes that Kitten is not only intelligent, but also friendly. The woman introduces herself as Afra and her son as Uday.

A series of small earthquakes take place around Afra’s hiding place, but she still wants to stay in the area where the spells protected her earlier, even though Kitten signals to her that the spells are gone. Afra finally believes Kitten when some of the villagers come too close to her hiding place. When Kitten tries to protect Afra Daine and Numair arrive just in time to see an opal dragon named Kawit rise from her several thousand year long “nap”, who had been responsible for the protecting spells. She gives Kitten a gift and agrees to accompany her and her friends for the rest of the travel. Daine and Numair take care of Afra and her son, who both have unusual magic.

Kitten is such a beautiful character – not only because she is a dragon, but she constantly helps Daine throughout her journeys in The Immortals Quartet. But, since, she isn’t able to communicate with her foster parents, it’s kind of hard to understand how she truly feels about what is happening around her. The Dragon’s Tale shows us Daine and Numair years down the track, and also gives Kitten a beautifully strong voice.

It is nice to see that Daine and Numair’s constant need to help and support others has rubbed off on their charge. Kitten’s self-appointed task of protecting and rescuing Afra may have partly been one out of boredom, but it was also because she saw that there was someone who needed help. The protective side of Kit didn’t just extend to Afra, but also Spots. The companionship of the two has extended years, and the easy way in which they communicate and negotiate is a testament to this fact. Kit’s choice to stand between Spots and a soldier emphasises how important this relationship is to her, and also the strength of character that this young dragon has.

<- Lost Review

Tortall: A Spy’s Guide Review ->

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Hidden Girl by Tamora Pierce

April 21, 2017Book ReviewAnimagus, Easy Reading, Medieval fantasy, Tamora Pierce, The Immortals Quartet, Tortall, Tortall and Other Landsskyebjenner

Title: The Hidden Girl
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #2.6, Tortall #15
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “The temple priests are in the right of it after all, and the first error lies in teaching women to read,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

The Hidden Girl is a short story written by Tamora Pierce. It is set in the Tortallan Universe albeit far west of Tortall. It is also where the short story, Elder Brother is set. The main character is Teky.

It is set in Jindazhen, a land west of the Copper Isles and the Yamani Islands.

I liked the intersection of The Hidden Girl with Elder Brother. It is subtle and only a fleeting moment, but it looks at a culture and a non-Tortallan country from two vastly different standpoints. Yet, both put forward a woman’s plight and fight for power. The Hidden Girl is a great reminder that we all go about things in our own ways, and there is not one right was in which to find power in your own world.

I have heard a lot of different arguments for and against the use of burkahs and hijabs. I have read a number of different ethnographies, and, as someone who is from an English background, I find it an interesting academic debate which highlights a lot of the issues that women face today. Pierce’s use of Fadal and her deception in Elder Brother and Teki’s embracement of the veils in The Hidden Girl show two sides to this same argument. And honestly, it was beautifully done, so many times, this area has led to screaming between otherwise level-headed university acquaintances. (Ironically, it has often been a man yelling that he knows what is best, but that is a whole other discussion to have.) Rather than putting one point of view forwards, Pierce is able to look at how different women come up with different solutions to a problem.

<- Elder Brother Review

Emperor Mage Review ->

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

The Wolf by John Flanagan

Image source: Wikipedia

And About Time, Too… by John Flanagan

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The Bridal Dance by John Flanagan

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Dinner for Five by John Flanagan

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Purple Prose by John Flanagan

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Nawat by Tamora Pierce

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Dragon’s Tale by Tamora Pierce

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Hidden Girl by Tamora Pierce

Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki