Tag Archives: Strong Women

Demonology by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
demonology

Title: Demonology
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.6
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Leave for college and we’re through.

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Synopsis

About Talia and her son Adam. Adam’s mother discovers what he is.

Thoughts

I can’t imagine anything worse than having a child, and then realising that they aren’t quite the same as everyone else. I know that my own Mum went through this… luckily, I wasn’t a half-demon like Adam, but seeing Talia’s concern and worry over her son in Demonology is a great insight into not only the bond that they share, but also the fears that I’m sure many parents go through. Although she refuses to say that her son is “not normal”, she knows that there is something different, and this drives her throughout this fantastic short story.

Talia’s gumption at finding out the cause of Adam’s peculiar talents show what all good literary mothers are about. She protects him no matter what. But, more importantly, she loves him no matter what. It is this love and acceptance that makes her such a wonderfully enviable mother, and the love that she shows her son is a great start to the Otherworld Nights collection.

<- BewitchedBirthright ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bewitched by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
tales-of-the-otherworld

Title: Bewitched
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.5
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: It was the running-away part I hated.

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Synopsis

About how Kristof Nast and Eve Levine meet.

Thoughts

Although the creation of a half-witch, half-sorcerer child is great for the progression of the Women of the Otherworld series, it was difficult to understand just how a witch and sorcerer got involved. Even a witch as rebellious and with such a reputation as Eve Levine. Yet, Bewitched is about more than just Kristoff and Eve’s whirlwind, forbidden romance – it is about Eve finding out who she is to become and how to march to the beat of her own drum.

Haunted showed us that although Eve had a fearsome reputation in life, it was one that was carefully cultivated to shroud a caring individual. That’s not to say that she isn’t incredibly tough and intimidating, but young Eve, at the dawn of her bad-ass reputation is so wonderfully sweet. Her willingness to sacrifice her own wishes for the happiness of Kristoff just builds upon this much more vulnerable image which Armstrong is able to paint in this short story.

<- AscensionDemonology ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
tales-of-the-otherworld

Title: Tales of the Otherworld
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Your nose is fine, though.

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Synopsis

A young vampire learns the heavy price of his new existence; black witch Eve Leving meets Kristof Nast, her soulmate and her nemesis; Lucas Cortez, lawyer, sorcerer and unwilling heir to his father’s Cabal, sets out on a case that will change his destiny; Paige Winterbourne discovers just how fraught a white (witch) wedding can be; and Elena Michaels begins her unwitting journey to a new life – as the only female werewolf in the world…

Thoughts

This was such an amazing collection of short stories. It combined sass and humour with comments on the politics and power of a number of supernaturally gifted human beings. Yet, it was more than that, Tales of the Otherworld imparted important humanitarian reminders upon me as a reader – a reminder that acceptance and attempting to understand others is integral to leading long and happy lives. At least, that’s the message that I got from this collection.

The eight stories in Tales of the Otherworld fit beautifully into the Women of the Otherworld series and they help to build upon tales mentioned throughout the books. Although it isn’t important to read them to understand the greater Women of the Otherworld plot line, if you’re like me, and love to know the background of all of your favourite characters, then this is definitely a collection that you will enjoy reading!

<- Men of the OtherworldOtherworld Nights ->

Image source: Goodreads

Time of Proving by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Time of Proving
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: His feet were human-like and bleeding from cuts.

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Synopsis

It follows Arimu of the Wind People as she discovers Sunflower, a bull-man, who was captured by the people in Merchant City near the coast. He escaped. Arimu is unsure whether or not to help Sunflower find his home, the Veiled City, during her Year of Proving. She decides to help him find his way at the end.

Thoughts

Coming of age stories have a lot of power to them – after all, everybody comes of age in some way or another, and at some point. There are a multitude of ways and traditions which allow children to become adults. Time of Proving is one such story, it is short and succinct, yet, the idea of coming of age and finding one’s path in life is pursued and memories of childhood and the decisions we made on that cusp of adulthood flash back at you as you read this short story.

Arimu’s choices were governed by her culture, as are everyone’s, but it was also her own moral compass that ultimately pushed her to help the bumbling bull-man Sunflower. I loved that although tradition dictated that she help for payment, she truly did so out of the goodness of her own heart and sole. It’s a great reminder that although our culture might tell us to act in one way, we are able to listen to our own consciousness to govern our actions too.

<- Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales Review Plain Magic Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Testing by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Testing
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: She told us to walk and talk quietly.

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Synopsis

A departure from her normal tales, Tamora Pierce tells a story of a new den mother in a girl’s home. The tricks that the girls play, and the ways in which the mother is able to overcome their hostility are an adventure worth taking.

Thoughts

I can’t imagine being in a position that I am forced to spend my teenage years in a group home. But, it is a recurring idea in many stories, and the idea that one of my favourite authors actually acted as a housemother for young girls in this situation adds to the interest that I feel at such a horrible situation. However, although this story focuses upon these girls, it is not a sad, depressing or even pitiful story. Rather, this short story will leave you smiling and giggling at the not-so-nice antics of these young women.

The idea of testing someone to see if they can handle you isn’t exactly new. Neither is the sort of testing that disadvantage teenagers are willing to place people under. Actually, looking back at the way I was as a teenager, it’s not really new that teenagers of any kind will test a new authority figure within their lives. The fact that all of these little tests and actions actually happened just adds to the humour and genuineness of this story.

 <- Huntress Review Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Plain Magic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Plain Magic
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Bored and lonely, I wandered into the village and found an unexpected arrival.

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Synopsis

Tonya is supposed to be a sacrificial virgin, but she doesn’t want to follow the village’s traditions. Luckily, a passing traveller helps her out and introduces her to a bright, new world.

Thoughts

This was a fantastic spin on the traditional sacrificing a virgin to the dragon story. Like all of Pierce’s stories, Plain Magic champions the strength of women and integrity over all else. Tonya’s frustration at being trapped in a small village where her mentors refuse to teach her only heighten the inequality and strength of Tonya’s character. As the sacrificial virgin, she contrasts against every ideal that these tales normally purport for such a symbol – she is not malleable, completely pure, or helpless.

Lindri’s acts of plain magic and willingness to teach Tonya beautifully contrast the stubborn and unyielding attitudes of the villagers. Even Tonya’s own father is willing to submit to the folly of sacrificing his daughter to a creature to save the village. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and the story has a wonderful, if not completely expected, happy ending.

<- Time of Proving Review Mimic Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Huntress by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Huntress
Author: Tamora Pierce
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, Mythology, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Run – get –

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Synopsis

It follows a girl named Corey as she attends a fictitious prestigious prep school called Christopher Academy. She becomes a major athlete in the track team, and meets Felix and other kids in track. When Felix turns violent and begins hunting Corey through Central Park, the family patron goddess, known vaguely as the Hunt Goddess appears and punishes those responsible in the hunt.

Thoughts

It is hard enough growing up, finding your place in high school and just generally not making too much of a fool of yourself when puberty strikes. Now, imagine doing this with a family that believes in witchcraft. A family that is not quite what everyone else would consider as normal. Pierce uses this extreme to remind us to not only stay true to ourselves, but how truly difficult it can be to come of age in today’s world and society.

The Goddess features so often in spiritual and belief systems – it is something / someone that I myself believe in. And although she is often alluded to, or even used in stories about medieval times, it is rare to picture her in today’s society. I loved that this story, unlike many of Tamora Pierce’s, was set in the present day, but still pulled on themes and ideas that are more often seen in medieval stories.

The idea of struggling to fit in ensures that this short story will be appealing to all but the most discerning of people. We all know, in one way or another, what it is like to feel left out, not quite one of the pride. But, to what extent should we try to amalgamate to those we admire? Where is the line? Corey helps us to understand that there is, truly a line that we all must draw, even when we are trying to fit in with ours peers.

<- Mimic Review Testing Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I rode my donkey, as befitted my age.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Collected here for the first time are all of the tales from the land of Tortall, featuring both previously unknown characters as well as old friends. Filling some gaps of time and interest, these stories, some of which have been published before, will lead Tammy’s fans, and new readers into one of the most intricately constructed worlds of modern fantasy.

Thoughts

There is nothing like visiting a world that you have loved since childhood, and Tortall and Other Lands is a great way in which to do this. Yet, it isn’t just about Tortall, Pierce tells stories about womanhood, coming of age and overcoming odds in spite of everything that can happen. It is this great range of stories that will enthral and captivate any reader again and again and again.

The short stories about Tortall, which cover the first half of this book, help to revisit a reality that has been built in layers over many years. Telling those short stories that fit between the main quartets, and stories helps to not only add to these layers, but tell the untold tales that don’t quite fit into an overarching series. They act as epilogues, tangents and side journeys that not only bring the main characters and their sidekicks to life, but also the rich tapestry upon which this world was built.

The second half of this book is filled with short stories based in lands both far away and near. They are great reminders of our power and purpose in life. And beautifully creative stories that will stay with you forever. They have certainly lingered in my memory!

<- Testing Review Time of Proving Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-empire

Title: The Assassin and the Empire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.5
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That musky, strange –

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Synopsis

Celaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . .

Thoughts

Arobynn’s trap is drawn so neatly in The Assassin and the Empire, and honestly, it will make you cry. His petty feelings of ownership over a girl at least half his age lead to a complete destruction of two peoples’ worlds. Although I knew that it was coming, having read the first three Throne of Glass books, I was still left with a pit of despair sitting deep in my gut. A feeling of hurt at the pain and suffering that a sixteen-year-old girl suffered at the hands of the man who was supposed to be her mentor and saviour.

The flashback which Maas utilises to tell this story adds to the potency of this short story. Although throughout the story you are fighting for Celaena to succeed and truly become independent of the court of assassins, the prologue is a constant reminder that this isn’t going to happen. Yet, in spite of Celaena’s world turning to ash, you just hope that it isn’t as bad as it seems in the beginning. But, alas, it is. This is a short story that is about loss and suffering, pain that most of us won’t have experienced before, and certainly won’t have experienced so young. Or at least, for the sakes of others, I hope that it is a pain and suffering that won’t be experienced until much later in life.

<- The Assassin and the Underworld Review Throne of Glass Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-underworld

Title: The Assassin and the Underworld
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.4
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Even after her fourth bath – which had been immediately after her liquor-bath – she felt like grime coated every part of her.

Synopsis

When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer–and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

Thoughts

Although for me, this story was mostly about the beginning of Celaena’s change to Aelin, it also finally gave an insight into just why Celaena and Sam became an item. Although his death and their love is a driving factor for much that she does, I never quite understood what a reportedly sweet man could be doing falling head over heels for a thorny, indulged assassin. Yet, finally, with The Assassin and the Underworld, this made sense.

While falling for Sam was the true reason Celaena was eventually betrayed, her future betrayal and bitterness at Arobynn was laid out within this tale too. His maliciousness and ability to set Celaena and Sam up in the most excruciating of ways begins in this way, and it is this long-term foresight and possessiveness that creates a truly terrifying villain in the King of Assassins. The inklings of what he is truly capable of and the uncaring way in which he is willing to pit members of his own court against one another sent goosebumps down my spine. There is something truly horrifying about a villain who has no conscience and is driven purely by their own needs.

 <- The Assassin and the DesertThe Assassin and the Empire ->

Image source: Goodreads