Category Archives: Fantasy

Review: Juliet Marillier – Heart’s Blood

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Heart’s Blood
Juliet Marillier
Caitrin is running from the past, yet the future she is running into is even worse. Beset by ghosts and demons both real and imagined, can Caitrin do something useful with her life, and end up with the man she loves?

 

7938503From the first couple of words, Marillier suckers the reader in. I found myself wanting to read on just to find out what Caitrin was fleeing from – whether I would be told that or not I waited breathlessly to find out.
The text seems a little stilted in the first couple of pages, but I was positive that it would improve. It’s something after reading the three books of the Sevenwaters trilogy I was sort of expecting to find. It didn’t bother me significantly though, because Caitrin had already pulled me in! I think it was a slightly easier read than those three books, but no less enjoyable
There are some early beautiful descriptions of the garden. Marillier has done a great job of landscaping the area for her reader while also striking a balance with history and the characters. I can imagine that a lot of research into Irish history went into this book, and it’s been utterly worth it.
There are two hooks in the reader – the material Caitrin is researching (and that she is interested in) and also what is happening in the present. It’s wonderful to see the character development of all the living characters, and also of some of the Host. Marillier deals nicely with rape, murder and torture – the reader isn’t overwhelmed. The reader can face fears with Caitrin as she blossoms back into the independant woman she should be.
The use of mirrors providing further insight into the past is fascinating. The change in perspective from Caitrin to Nechtan really works well, and after an initial stumble, I found myself accepting the mirror premise. It hasn’t been overused in the text, and that’s what I think makes it work.
I read parts of the book aloud, and found that a couple of sentences in the passages I was reading were too long! I also struggled with the legitimate Irish names, which defied my attempts at pronunciation. However, my audience of 1 didn’t care, and the text flowed smoothly and had a lovely rhythm about it.
This is a brilliant novel, just what I was hoping to read after the poor quality of ‘Wit’ch Fire’. It had me reading past my bedtime because I had already spent the whole day reading it! I’d recommend this book for teenagers and adults. There is some very brief sexual content, but it’s not enough to make the book unsuitable for younger readers.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – The Fairy Godmother

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The Fairy Godmother
Mercedes Lackey
Elena has two mean stepsisters and the worst stepmother imaginable. Sound familiar? It should. But the story doesn’t turn out for Elena exactly as one would expect. Elena has been waiting for her handsome prince for a long time but noone has turned up – except a dotty old lady who says she’s her fairy godmother.

Elena is a strong-willed female protagonist that lots of people will love and identify with. She isn’t content with her lot, and is willing to make a go of whatever happened – no matter how strange that proposition actually turns out to be. Her character development is satisfactory, which is useful because she focalises the majority of the book.
Elena’s price, Alex,is a little too predictable for my liking – but then he is following a Traditional path. I found the turning of his character to be unlikely, and it was entirely explained away by magic, rather than a series of small improvements as you would expect. I suppose that is really a side effect of The Tradition.
This is a comfort book for me, I enjoy rereading it often. Although the plot progression is quite slow, and few large things actually happen, it does keep you reading. Elena is so ingenious, you wonder what solution she will decide on. The ending is a bit rushed, and a little out of keeping with the tone of the rest of the book, but I guess Lackey felt that a climax of some kind was required.
You do need some familiarity with fairytales in order to fully understand this book. For example, when Elena first enters the Fairy Godmother’s house, there is a room full of interesting objects that Elena doesn’t recognise – but the reader should (such as a tiny slipper and a swan cloak). There are numerous other references to other fairytale traditions, so it is obvious that Lackey has done her research.
This is the first book in the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Lackey, and it provides a great introduction into the world. Elena features in some of the other books in this series (some yet to be reviewed, and the latest one reviewed here). As a comparatively older book by Lackey, I found it to be far more interesting and well constructed than some of her new books that I have reviewed.
I’d recommend this book for adults and older teenagers. There are explicit sex scenes in this book. Other than that, there isn’t anything particularly controversial that I can see, it’s just a good remade fairytale book.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Changes

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Changes
Mercedes Lackey

Mags is moving up in the world. He is apprenticed to the King’s Own, and seems to be getting somewhere with catching up on his studies. Of course, that all comes crashing down as the Colligium heats up for the summer. I found it to be disappointing, but feel free to come to your own opinions. Hit the jump for more…

17018909This novel initially focuses on Kirball, which is something I actually enjoy. It’s good to see the Greys doing something other than book work! It wraps up nicely after the previous book, where Dallen has been injured and is unable to play. The novel quickly progresses to using Mags’ talents at analyzing ‘sparklies’. The novel’s progression again reminds me of ‘Take a Thief’, but it’s still nice to get some insight into the beginnings of the Collegium.

What was disappointing was that I knew how to pairings would work Bear and Lena, Mags and Amily. It was just a little too clear cut and obvious. I always thought I knew that Amily would end up being the Herald Chronicler – how could she not? The Dean of Heralds is going on about how his office is full of books, and the archives are poor, so there is a place for her, crippled as she is. I’m somewhat disappointed that the novel isn’t conclusive like I had hoped – it’s not a trilogy at all! It lied to me!

The novel doesn’t seem to have any relation to ‘Changes’ that I can see. I’m feeling very disillusioned abotu it at the moment, it’s just not as good as other Valdemar novels I have read by her. I was looking forward to reading it, and reaching a conclusion. Oh Lackey, why did you have to trade from your trilogies? I feel like the action in the second book could have been condensed more, and I could have had more meat in the second!

Another problem I have is that there are multiple typos in it. It feels rushed. Maybe Lackey or her editor didn’t reread her work? There’s one spot where it reads ‘Hera;ds’. It’s such an easy mistake to fix!

If you’re a hard-core Lackey fan, it’s worth reading. If you’re looking for something to introduce you into her finest work, this isn’t it. Please, if you read this set of books, and find you hate them, please don’t give up on Lackey. I promise there are other books by her out there that are so much better. It was ok to read, it did grab me, but it just wasn’t satisfying. Lackey, I’m disappointed.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Intrigues

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Intrigues
Mercedes Lackey
Mags seems to be finally settling down in the Collegium. He has his great friends, Lena and Bear to look after him, but suddenly they are both in danger of being snatched away.To top that off, Mags is being accused of injuring the king. Hit the jump for more…
16694405Much of ‘Intrigues’ is about Mags finding out his history, although it turns out to be something like he really was ‘Bad Blood’. Mag’s friends are being accused by their families, and it makes for an uncomfortable situation. When Dallen gets into an accident, Mags’ world is thrown upside down, and he feels like there will never be light at the end of the tunnel.
In this novel, Mags is almost certainly suffering from depression. Because that is my own personal area of interest, it draws me to him. I found myself crying occasionally, because the situation just seemed so hopeless. I guess that’s a mark of how much I empathized with him. His recovery though was swift and painless – he of course has a Companion, when the rest of us don’t have a mythical horse to pull us out of the pit.
The settings are familiar to those who have read the other books. I agree with other reviewers that it seems very choppy, with some obvious errors in spelling and grammar. In other books, I have even noted where the publisher has changed a character’s name to something else, such as an article of speech! It’s still an ok novel, but it isn’t the best she has even written. It feels a little like as Lackey has gotten older, her attempts of pushing books out onto the market quickly have destroyed the flow she had in the earlier novels.
Although it could be done, I wouldn’t recommend reading ‘Intrigues’ without having first read ‘Foundation’. It really is a trilogy – or I thought it was! Again, I didn’t reread this book before reviewing it because I wanted to read the next one! Surprisingly, although this says it is a trilogy, the Mercedes Lackey website lists it as having a fourth book to come out. I find that a little disappointing – I love Mags, but I’d love to have a new character just as much!
I’d still recommend this book for teens and adults, although the themes are far darker than before. Blood, betrayal, fire and corruption – they’re all here, but they are dealt with sensitively and not gratuitously.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Foundation

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Foundation
Mercedes Lackey
Mags is a miner – a horribly mistreated, hungry teenager forgotten by the rest of the world. Imagine his horror when he is Chosen by a Companion. He is whisked away into a world he thought only existed in holy books, and naturally he feels distrustful. It seems the Mags is always going to be a source of contention. Hit the jump for more.
16688313If you’ve read others of the Lackey books, and aren’t reading them in chronological order, the start of ‘Foundation’ may seem very similar to others, such as ‘Take a Thief’. Mags is the downtrodden, mistreated main character who is of course elevated to Herald-trainee status. It’s not a complaint from me, just an observation. I enjoyed the new settings, and I love a character who doesn’t give up, even when it seems like the situation will never end.
It’s great that there is more than one person saved, and that Mags is able to make a difference. It’s not just ‘pluck one person out and make him a Herald’, the other kiddies in the mine get a chance too. Not that they will become Heralds, but they get a second chance at life, not like the rest of the people in downtown near the Collegium.
Bear seems to collect with him the underdogs from the other Collegia. Although he stays reclusive, he still manages to make friend by mistake. The first half of the book seems to just be Mags settling in, with very little ‘action’. It’s nice to get to know the character intimately in this way.
I’d recommend this novel for adults, although teens would also probably enjoy it. It’s not overly sexual or violent, it’s quite subtle once you are past the pages on the mine. A great book, which I think on its own is equal to many of the other Lackey novels.
To be honest with you all, I didn’t actually finish rereading this book. I had reread it quite recently as it was, and the story was still fresh in my mind. I did go back over it to look at the specific content and character development though. I really wanted to get onto the new book in the trilogy ‘Changes’, because I’d just borrowed it from the library.

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Review: Christopher Paolini – Eldest

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Eldest
Christopher Paolini
‘Eldest’ is the next breathtaking book in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. The series was originally intended to be a trilogy, but after this novel Paolini declared he was going to make it a quartet (or his publisher decided to let him). The story splits between Eragon and his cousin Roran, adding a nice balance to the narrative. Hit the jump for more.
1339888‘Eldest’ follows on almost continually from ‘Eragon’, which makes it nice that there is a quick synopsis of the first book in the first couple of pages. I skipped that and moved on as I’d just read it. In the aftermath of the battle, Eragon must recover from his back wound and continue his training. Beset by his desire for the unattainable Arya, he follows her to the forests of the elves so that the eldest may teach him.
At the same time, Eragon’s cousin Roran is fighting to save their home town – they can fight or flee, but something must be done. We see a distinct development of his character, which was great as Eragon can be a little stupid at times. Often I wonder why Saphira puts up with him! Personally I hope Roran gets a dragon of his own, but time will tell.
Eragon’s personality further develops, and he also has some physical characteristics change on him. His time with the elves is peaceful, and he takes his dwarf friend with him. It is somewhat frustrating that Eragon misses things right under his nose, and his instruction is painful to watch as he struggles with things the discerning reader knows will be expected of him.
The final battle is almost nail-biting, except that you know Eragon must triumph for the next two books to be written! Nevertheless, the twist at the end is shocking, if expected by more canny readers. I’m hanging out to read the next book (I really don’t remember it from last time I read it), but I have a new Mercedes Lackey waiting for me from the library.
I’d recommend ‘Eldest’ for more mature children (there is a lot of gore, although it is not really gratuitous and the value of life is addressed), and teens. It does continue nicely from ‘Eragon’, although it is disappointing that there is not much development in Paolini’s style.

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Review: Christopher Paolini – Eragon

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Eragon
Christopher Paolini
So to be fair, I did start rereading this a while ago (think 2011) but got interrupted. So since my disappointment with my Julia Gray books, I though I should reread the Inheritance Cycle, because I haven’t read the fourth and final book yet. Rereading Eragon was a bit of a revelation, but it was enjoyable all the same.
113436Eragon is just a simple farm boy, who happens to enjoy exploring the Spine – where noone else dares venture. Imagine his surprise when a fantastic looking rock suddenly appears. Sloan, the butcher, hates Eragon which leads to tension, conflict and ultimately betrayal. Eragon must enter the wider world to fulfill his destiny!

Eragon is a good character, but not fantastic. When typing ‘Eragon’ on my phone, my phone predicts ‘Dragon’. There really isn’t much between the two words. For Paolini to have created the ancient language, but not to have bothered creating a better name for his main character is a little disappointing. Eragon does develop over time, and he does develop strong relationships with the other characters, but there always seems to be a certain something missing. I can’t put my finger on what, but there is for me.

Perhaps it is the borrowed and time-honoured setting of the farmlands, the cities, the desert and finally the mountains and the dwarves. Nothing new to see here. The way the different elements are put together (setting, narrative and character) produces a satisfying book. Nothing here that a less well read reader would dislike.

One thing that does irk me about series/triologies/quartets is when the publisher changes the way the spines/covers on the books look. So some of my books, I own the first 3 books and they look the same, and then the fourth book is different. Luckily this isn’t the case for Eragon. However, since my partner and I both love Eragon, we actually have 3 copies of each of the books. He owns the larger sized books, which act as our reading copies. I then own the smaller size, which fit nicely on my shelf. Finally, we have the collectors hard-back editions, which don’t all match. I’m not sure if the fourth book will have a fancy collector’s version published, but I hope so!
I’d recommend this book for teens that are just heading into enjoying fantasy. It combines elements of Lord of the Rings and other popular adult fiction novels. To be fair, many critics find this offputting, but for a teen who hasn’t enjoyed anything in the fantasy genre yet, this is a great place to start. The language is easy, there is just enough bloodshed and tension, and Paolini does try and inject some twists into his writing. It could be suitable for children, but do keep in mind there is war and some horrific injuries (which Paolini doesn’t dwell on too much, but they are still there).

There is a movie made from Eragon, but it does not stay true to the narrative. Personally I prefer the book, but the people I saw the movie with had never read it and enjoyed the movie. I almost always prefer the book, being the reader that I am.

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Review: Julia Gray – The Dark Moon

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The Dark Moon
Julia Gray

The prophesy says that the Guardian will be born when the four moons of the Empire align. Yet when that fateful night comes, there are twins born – Jax, fat and healthy, and Terrell, with strange eyes and deformed limbs. Naturally Terrell is sent away – but is it the right choice? How will they find the Guardian in time?

Initially the reader knows very little about Terrell – because he knows very little about himself. The use of a third person narrator allows the reader to see and experience, but not to feel too much. Eventually the reader begins to sympathise with him, because who could resist a withered wraith who has lost all his friend? I appreciate that Gray introduced Terrell first instead of Jax. It makes Jax appear shallow and conniving, which is of course what his mother has made him.

There are a series of deaths suggesting corruption in the capital. A gradual revelation of the powers Jax and Terrell have doesn’t help with the confusion. However, it seems like Terrell got all the good qualities of personality, and all the bad ones of appearance. He makes the most of it however, and that is what makes him the more likable character for me.

The writing style of this novel is a lot heavier than most teenage fictions, leading me to classify it as an adult fantasy novel. However, if you enjoy fantasy, and are a strong reader, a teenager is likely to enjoy it. Certainly there are some adult themes (sex, death, rape) but Gray treats these with beautiful delicacy.

If Juliet Marillier is a 9/10, and Mercedes Lackey is normally a 10/10, this novel would be an 8/10. It’s good, but it seems to be lacking something in the first half of the novel. Perhaps the emptiness I’m feeling comes from the fact that it is the first book in a series, and little seems to be happening except the setup of the plot for the other two novels. However it does eventually reach quite a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next book for sure! I picked up three books for a bargain $15 at my local opshop, so I’m not complaining.

Edited to add – I won’t be reading and reviewing the other two novels I own of this series at the moment, because the fifth book is out of print, and not available at my local library. This is very disappointing for me, I really wanted to read the whole set. If anyone had a copy, and wanted to sell/give it to me, I would be very grateful.

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Review: Juliet Marillier – Child of the Prophecy

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Child of the Prophecy
Juliet Marillier
‘Child of the Prophecy’ follows Fainne, which is interesting to the reader as the title of the book purports that this novel is about the Child of the Prophecy, thought to be a male. Nevertheless, Fainne is likable, if rather misguided. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and was sad when I had finished it.

13925Fainne is the granddaughter of Sorsha and Lady Oonagh and the forbidden child of Niamh and Ciaran. Fainne has had a sheltered childhood, but  she must leave her cosy home in Kerry to go out to perform her grandmother’s wishes. Travelling with her old childhood friend Darragh is difficult for Fainne, knowing the impossible task her grandmother has set her.

Similarly to the other two books in the trilogy, at the beginning I felt myself wanting to rush with my reading to get to some action faster. Mid-way through the books, things were finally happening, but I was torn as to what the conclusion of the book would be.
The ending is somewhat unexpected, but satisfying, and nail biting right to the end! Often in this novel the reader will notice something before the protagonist does, which makes it more exciting. Fainne is thrown this way and that by others’ wills, but it is up to her to make or break things – and not even the reader can tell what she will be able to do.
Marillier has crafted a beautiful narrative – the characters are engaging, the scenery convincing and the plot riveting. The only part I was unsatisfied with was that the book ended too soon! As a concluding novel for a trilogy, ‘Child of the Prophecy’ tied up the loose ends of the narrative nicely.
I’m hankering after the next two books set in the same world ‘Seer of Sevenwaters’ and ‘Heir to Sevenwaters’. One of these will be my reward for having read and reviewed 10 books from my shelf! I probably won’t read it until after review 20 though, as I will want to read the two books together.

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Review: Juliet Marillier – Son of the Shadows

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Son of the Shadows
Juliet Marillier
‘Son of the Shadows’ by Juliet Marillier is a gripping sequel to ‘Daughter of the Forest’. The plot is fast paced, the story completely enthralling and Liadan is a strong heroine. I cannot give higher praise to this author – I can’t wait to get onto the last book of the trilogy.

13927Liadan is the daughter of the beautiful Sorsha who saved her six brothers through her own strength. Liadan is a twin, and born outside of the pattern of Sevenwaters. Thus she has the capacity to choose her own path – and it is the rockiest path she could have chosen! Abducted early in the novel, she battles her own demons and those of others.

This is the first adult fantasy novel that has gripped me in quite a while. I’m very glad to have picked up this author on a whim. There are enough twists and turns in the plot that I think I will definitely reread this series later.
As said before, Liadan is a satisfyingly strong female protagonist. I was again utterly able to step into her shoes, but also had insights into the other characters. Marillier is able to make a good case using a first person narrator, and I feel like any other narration would have interferred with the tale telling.
The narrative is speckled with Irish myths and folk law similarly to the first novel in the series. Marillier has done her research well – it ties in with my independent reading of Irish literature. The inclusion of this makes the narrative richer, and is probably part of the reason I got so involved in this novel.
I’d recommend this book for adults, although older teens may also enjoy it. It is possible to read this novel without having read ‘Daughter of the Forest’, as the main points of that are subtly recapped in ‘Son of the Shadows’.

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