Heart's Blood

It has been way too long since I've had time to post on my blog! I've had a crazy semester at college, 17 credits (which is a lot at my college)! Unfortunately this means that not only do I not have a lot of time to write, I don't have a lot of time to read. I did get a chance to read Juliet Marillier's book Heart's Blood (and you would to if you won it in a writing contest and it was signed by the lady herself!). The story follows a scribe, Caitrin as she flees her abusive family to a town with a hidden past.

The bad: This Marillier is more occultish than her others, which deal more with fairies and old beings. I guess I prefer the latter. On the back of the book it says that she was going for a more Gothic theme, which I can understand, and she certainly accomplished (with those drafty old halls and the compulsive looks of the shoulder *shudder*).

The good: This is an adaption of the classic Beauty and the Beast story line (it says so on the book itself), so we've got all those great themes of sacrifice and true love.

My view: I fell in love with Daughter of the Forest and I've devoured her books since. Lately I haven't really been getting into them. Wildwood Dancing, Cybele's Secret and Heir to Sevenwaters just didn't capture my attention. Heart's Blood is definitely a return to Marillier's earlier and better style. Though not up there with Daughter of the Forest and her other early ones, I certainly enjoyed this story. Heart's Blood is an elegant and atmospheric love story.

11 The Onion Girl

So, I know that you're not suppose to start a series on book eleven, but this is the one I picked up. I was intrigued first by the cover art, done by my favorite cover artist John Jude Palencar, and then I was interested in the story, a modern fantasy were everyday people find magic in this world and others, a plot line I find vastly interesting. Here's the story: Jilly, a returning character in this series (apparently), is an artist in the eclectic town of Newford. She always in motion, always joyful and she is well loved by everyone. But not everyone, after a hit and run that leaves her immobilized maybe her past is catching up with her in the form of a malevolent person, attacking her in this world, and the other.

The bad: Both Jilly and other main characters have had really rough lives, which are explored for the purpose of the book (whatever that is ; ).

The good: Interesting themes such as fate and chance are explored, which I always think of as a good thing. I also liked the sense of community that Newford offered, everyone had their place, quirks and talents. Everyone was accepted.

My view: I enjoyed reading The Onion Girl, and it had a lot of interesting things to ponder. But it wasn't spectacular, like I thought it might be. But I'll be reading more, maybe I'll even start at the beginning (a very good place to start).

4 The Singing

The final book of the Pellinor series in which, we hope, Maerad and her brother Hem can stop the Dark by singing the Treesong. But of course the book is quite a bit longer then them just finding each other and singing that darn Treesong, so they fight battles, get stage fright, heal illnesses and have other uninteresting adventures until the meet.

The bad: Other than just general lameness, not much is bad about this book.

The good: Well, yay, saving the world from evil. And there are some interesting parts of self-reflection from Maerad. I like genuine self-reflection.

My view: This series started promising, and then got bogged down in itself. I got confused with the second one, the third one was beyond me. I did like, in this last one, I could follow the story. But I wouldn't recommend wasting time reading these large volumes. But some people really love them, so since there isn't anything particularly wrong with them, I guess most of my dislike is just personal opinion. My one word:

Cumbersome

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

I'm not really sure how to explain the plot of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. This may be because a lot of the plot is revealed in the title. First thing revealed: the book takes place on the edge of the Dark Sea (of darkness). Second: it is suppose to be a humorous book. Third: the humor is obviously geared towards an audience that finds the title humorous. Which I did not. The story follows Janner, and his two siblings Tink (of the masculine variety) and Leeli as they encounter mysteries and evil reptilian authorities.

The bad: Just general boy humor. Which, being a teen girl, didn't really appeal.

The good: I enjoyed the brief allusions to familial responsibility, and the joy and hardship that it presents.

My view: There are only so many stupid footnotes I can take before I go insane, I can read about gross-out stuff for only so long before becoming disgusted, I only read an "adventure" book for so long without adventure before becoming bored. This book crossed all of the "for so long"s. By the time the book finally got started, it was the last chapter. But my PW said that her boys really loved it...
My one word:

Contrived

Superior Saturday

Being the horrible speller that I am, I finally learned how to spell superior, which is kinda sad since I live by Lake Superior... Anyway, that made me happy because I could spell this title. So, we return once again to the House, after a long wait, I might say. Arthur is determined to take The Will and the key from Lady Saturday, who is equally determined not to give them up. He is also combating the break out of Nothing that is consuming the Lower House. And he's still a little concerned about becoming immortal, a process that is turning him into something he's never wanted.

The bad: Um, this is Arthur Penhaligon, there isn't anything "bad"

The good: Arthur is nobly struggling to keep the remains of his humanity, which for him means compassion and humility.

My view: I had a hard time getting into Lady Friday, as you can see by the lack of review, since Mr. Nix has been slow about getting the books out in a timly manner, which makes it hard to remember the story, and I've been getting older, and Arthur has not (it does all take place in a week...). But I liked this book, it wasn't too hard to remember (I did lose quite a few threads of the story) the basic jist was there, and I was glad to keep reading this fun story.

The Princess and the Hound, A Favorite!

Love is not something that George thinks about. So when a neighboring kingdom offers their princess as a bride to ensure peace, he accepts. He understands that he will most likely never be able to love Princess Beatrice, because he can be honest with her. He can't tell her that he has the dreaded animal magic. Or can he confess his secret to the girl who never leaves her hound's side?

The good stuff: There are some good themes in this book, like toloerance, hope and persistance. But you can find that in many (okay, some) other books. What is really good about this book is how different it is.

The not so hot stuff: Nothing really.

Why I like it: This book has a strange writing stlye. And when you've read (or maybe you already have) as many books as I, you know that different is always going on a favorites list. Okay, I take that back. Book awards people seem to make this their policy, and poor decived people like me end up reading a buch of "different" crappy books. A certain element of moral depth and hope must also be encorporated. I wouldn't say that this book has moral depth, but it's an interesting read.

A Curse as Dark as Gold

The Miller's mill (funny how that works out) is having some troubles. In fact, a lot of troubles. First the old master dies, then a peculiar uncle shows up... And things just get worse from there. In fact, it almost seems like a curse, because just about everything that can go wrong does, that's just the way things work at the mill, always have, but not always will, if Charlotte has anything to say about it.

The bad: What I have termed as the highly technical "icky magic": the kind of magic that makes me grossed out and disturbed by its darkness, as opposed to the magic that is simply power that can be used for good or bad. This book has icky magic. Also, I found the main character deplorable.

The good: Hmmm, nope. Nothing.

What I think (the beautiful?) : Why do I even bother reading books that get awards? More often than not, they are completely awful. And this is just a case in point. At first I was "gelling" (as my mom says) with the whole "save the mill" thing, but Charolotte takes way too far. Not only did this book suffer from moral problems, it was just plain uninteresting. How long did the writer expect us to care about the boring (!) main character's problems anyway? Also, gold is shiny and bright, but the curse is evil (dark). So how is that suppose to make sense?

Fallacies in the title are just the start in this book...

The Seer and the Sword, A Favorite!

The kingdom of Bellandra is a peaceful nation full of art and beauty, that is until Torina's greedy father invades it, killing the king and seizing the prince as a slave for his daughter. Torina refuses to keep Landen as a slave, and starts a friendship that will save both of their lives.

The good stuff: Landen and Torina a firmly committed to peace, but also realize that life doesn't always allow it. They know just how to bend without breaking. They realise that even though good should always win, it doesn't, and rather than making them bitter, they pursue justice all the more.

The not so hot stuff: I can't think of anything.

What I like about it: This is one of my favorites because it isn't ponderous to read, and yet if fully conveys the depth of feeling that makes it good. Sometimes I want to read a really good book, without having the plot drag me down, and this is the perfect book for that!

Mystic and Rider, A Favorite!

Trouble is brewing in the land of Gillengaria, and the King decides to send out his most trusted people to take the temperature of the land and report back. Does it matter that they seriously distrust each other? Nope. So Kings Riders Tasye and Justin are joined by the mystic Senneth and her mystic friends Kirra and Donnal, and if they pick up another mystic on the way, who cares?

The good stuff: Senneth is completely committed to justice, and she fights for those who have no power to fight for themselves. She also graciously puts up with Tasye, and more so Justin's distrust. Honor is important to Tasye and Justin, and no matter how much they dislike mystics, they do their jobs.

The not so hot stuff: Not really anything startling.

What I like about it: This book (and the others) are so full of warm relationships. Okay, it doesn't start that way, but you know it will end that way. As they journey, everyone discovers each other's strengths, and learn to respect them, and they become friends. I enjoy reading this book because it's like I become part of a small family of friends and the adventures they have.

Daughter of the Forest, A Favorite!

In the forests of Ireland, a young girl lives a happy childhood with her six brothers. It would be hard to pinpoint the moment when her happy childhood stops and her life slowly becomes something she never expected. Was it when she nursed the young Briton? Was it when her closest brother began hiding things from her? Was it when she gained a stepmother? When ever it was, Sorcha finds herself confronted with a task of impossible proportions and heartbreaking consequences. Is the price worth the reward?

The good stuff: Family is the main focus of this story, the good and the bad. Sorcha's brothers do all they can to protect her, and she would do anything to get them back. They are like the seven streams that surround their home, eternally one and also incomprehensible to one another.

The not so hot stuff: The kinda point of this story is that you do what you must for love, but the effects of sacrifice will change you forever. And they do. Sorcha and her brothers encounter depths of human evil that change them forever, and we experience every moment of degradation and pain along with Sorcha. The evils she encounters are not for young readers. I read this book first when I was 13, and I would say (much as I hate to) that I was too young.

Why I like it: There is a depth of emotion and human nature in this book that is staggering. Sorcha's dedication to her task is mind blowing, and an causes me to question what I would do for the ones I love. This book is like poetry to read, with the depths of human evil and the heights of human love considered thoroughly.

Secret Sacrament, A Favorite!

This story starts with Gabriel receiving a bone pendent from a dying Shinali woman he could have defended from the attack she is dying from. This moment draws him onto his path of healing, that leads him into the highest court in the land, and the darkest intrigues. Finally, he once again encounters the Shinali people, and forever changes the shape of their world.

The good stuff: Gabriel is so real, he walks right off the page, full of honesty, a firm sense of justice, humility and strength. His way of living life is admirable and worth imitating.

The not so hot: The Shinali women is un-graphically (that's not a word, is it?) raped in the beginning of the book. All other darkness that follows is heartbreaking, but not explicit.

What I like about it: Gabriel's live is inspiring and convicting to all. This book is so real (I know I already said that, but it's still true!) and beautiful. Glorious and haunting at the same time. The writing is realistic, and yet mystical. Reading this book makes you feel like there is something worth living about in this world.

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, A Favorite!

Ah, the first favorite to go up! I love this book (and series) that follows the life of Ben and his faithful dog Ned. Ben starts as an abused young boy running out of the frying pan into the fire as he leaves his miserable home and gets hauled on to The Flying Dutchman. And if you know your stories, this one doesn't end pretty. Cursed to live forever, yet with an angel's blessing, Ben and Ned roam the world giving hope and help to people in need.

The good stuff: Ben is pretty much the best guy ever (well, he is fictionaly...). He is kind to those who deserve it, and merciful to bullies.

The not hot stuff: Mr. Jacques uses the words "pal" and "mate" way too much! But other than that, this is a super clean book.

What I like about it: I love this book because it is about how there are bad things in life, but there is also good. Ben and Ned live forever, and you can imagine what kind of evil things they see, and yet they maintian a hopeful and open way of seeing life. They find joy in good people, good food and a good job done. How much better life would be if we were all like this! This book is geared towards younger teens, but I always enjoy the wistful goodness of Ben. And Ned.

Beastly

Kyle is the guy who's got it all. And that sentence alone should make you realize what is going to happen in this book, yup, he's going to lose it. This modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast (my sister's favorite fairy tale) follows Kyle on his journey from the biggest jerk you can imagine (okay, not that big, but close) to discovering that he cares more about other people than himself.

Kyle starts out as a huge jerk, so you can imagine. He says horrible things to people, takes advantage of people and he's just nasty. There is also talk of someone groping someone else.

You all know the story of Beauty and the Beast, but it is even more touching to hear it from the Beast's side.

I thought this book was amazing! Not only do I love fairy tale retellings, but this book was funny and sweetly romantic. A definite must!

Dingo

Miguel works at his dad's store, which is full of old music and old comics. One day Lainey walks in, and Miguel's life will never be the same. And how lame is that? Lainey is accompanied by a dog who doesn't like Miguel. But Miguel is blinded by his instant attraction to Lainey that he is willing to go to any height to save her. From whatever.

There is some crude talk about masturbation, and the f-word gets tossed around a few times, along with other swearing.

Can't really think of anything impressive.

This author Charles DeLint was suppose to have changed the scope of fantasy writing. All I have to say is that if this is true, someone needs to change it again, because this book was really boring and predicable. And short, not that I wanted the story to go on any longer, but maybe if he had more room to expand the plot... Then again, maybe not.

Dragon's Keep

Rose is a princess with a secret. Her mom tries to ignore it, and everybody else that finds it out mysteriously winds up dead (hmmm, wonder how that happens). She is prophesied to end the war, with a wave of her hand, which has a dragon's claw on the ring finger.

I would say the only good thing about this book is that often heroic gestures are better thought of as stupid, and slow, steady patience can often heal. This is just what I got out... It's not the moral of the story or anything.

Both the groups in this book are pretty nasty, but it's just kinda excepted that things are the way they are. But there is nothing really wrong with this book.

This book was just plain boring!!! I am starting to think that being really famous and getting starred reviews is a bad thing, because it seems like every book I read that is thus praised is awful! I had to force myself to read it, but it was just as bad as I thought it would be... No plot development and no climax!

Heir to Sevenwaters

Clodagh (which is pronounced better than it looks) is the willful daughter of Sean of Sevenwaters. Enjoying a visit from her cousin (and more specifically, one of his men), she is plagued by the presence of Cathal, who is rude and annoying. Before the end, though, they must embark on a journey were their non-existent bond will be cemented and tested. Of course.

Things get a little racy between Clodagh and Cathal, but nothing really. As usual, the fairy-folk are the gods in this book, but they're so imperfect...

Hmmm, true love, honesty, self sacrifce are all involved, but not to a great degree. Clodagh gives everything up for what is importent to her.

I like this book, it wasn't great, but it was fine. I wish her stuff would stop being so task based (except Daughter of Sevenwaters, that was amazing). I feel like I'm reading one of those impossible fairytales, which are good in their place, but you never relate to the characters. But the cover is beautiful...

Graceling

Kasta has the grace of killing. Funny that the word grace is used, because it feels more like a curse to her. She is used by her uncle to get rid of or persuade enemies to capitulate to his laws (most of which involve him receiving lots of money). Until Kasta meets the charismatic Prince Po, she can't see anything new for her life. But he changes everything. But can she trust him? Mwhahahahaha (evil laugh).

Well, watch out for my minor spoiler, but Kasta and Po have sex. Not that I'm really against that... Do you really want to hear my sex sermon? Of course you do! What I think is that getting married before having sex is a good idea, because marriage is a symbolic commitment that every lover should have. But if you want to do with out marriage, fine by me, you should still be committed though. This maybe hopelessly old fashioned, but it will save me some heart ache. So what bothers me about Kasta and Po is that Kasta doesn't think she can trust Po with her freedom, and if you can't trust him, how can you love him?

Kasta is a really good character and so is Po. But let's start with Kasta. She is really committed to things, when she gets going there isn't anything that's going to stop her, and most often she is fighting for someone else. She is willing to risk life and limb (literally) for people she doesn't even know. Po is great because he is completely there for the people he cares about. He is willing to put other people first in his life, without losing his sense of self. He cares enough to put aside what he wants to give them what they need.

So, long enough review you think? But I really liked this book. It had some issues, but it was well written (though definitely a debut novel) and interesting. I would recommend it, it reminded me of the Heir Books, which is always a good thing.

Cybele's Secret

Paula and her father are travelling to Istanbul to investigate the existence of a ancient artifact, a statue of the goddess Cybele (hence the name of the book, which I keep forgetting and thinking it is the name of the main character... silly me). The mission becomes personal when Paula is visited by her sister, who lives in the otherworld.

Duarte is a pirate, as much as he likes to deny it. Cyblele's sect is kinda creepy actually (if I were Paula, I would have left it be!). As in all of Juliet Marillier's books, the otherworld is the accepted mystical force(s).

Paula seems to really respect her dad (I don't know why this is such a big deal for me, perhaps because I get along well with my mom, and yet everyone else seems to think parents are the worst). Her guard is also very dedicated to her well being, and genuinely cares about her. Also the bond beween sisters is really strong.

I thought this was an interesting read, but I didn't really like Paula that much, she just seemed to be too careless and unemotional. But it wasn't a bad book, just not as good as Juliet Marillier's other books.

Avalon High

So, I've kinda been a snob, because I disdained books by Meg Cabot after trying The Princess Diaries and disliking it. But this title caught my attention (I have a weakness for King Arthur) so I picked it up (along with Airhead, more on that later). This got me started on a big Meg Cabot streak, so watch out. Anyway, Ellie is the daughter of two proffessors on sabatical for a year. Consequently she starts attenting Avalon High and mets A. Will, Lance, Jennifer and Will's brother Marco. You figure out the rest.

Hmmm... Mystical stuff, if that is a bad thing.

Yay! (I just learned how to spell that) Lots of wonderful things, like loyalty, being yourself, breaking free (no singing) and fighting for your destiny. Also the parents seem pretty cool (hers at least).

This is totally my favorite Meg Cabot so far. The story was witty, fast paced and also had room to be reverent towards the mystical side of the Arthur legend. I really liked it!

Chalice

Mirasol lives a happy life taking care of her bees and woods. The bees give her honey for which she is famous and she thinks nothing about the future. Until she is made Chalice (kinda like a keeper of the land person) and even in her unknowledgeable state she must help the new Master (the in charge guy) keep his status.

Nothing really bad. At all.

The book is about doing your best, even when you don't know how and don't think you can and don't think it will make a difference.

I found it kinda confusing, to tell you the truth. But I always do when reading her books for the first time. I don't like her new stuff as much either... But there is nothing really wrong with it and it is still a good book.