This inventive mystery takes the old fashioned private eye story and recreates it with elements of fantasy. At the center is Charles Unwin, a clerk fo...moreThis inventive mystery takes the old fashioned private eye story and recreates it with elements of fantasy. At the center is Charles Unwin, a clerk for 'the agency' who suddenly finds himself promoted to a detective. The detective that he once clerked for has gone missing and as Unwin encounters a series of bizarre occurances he becomes determined to track down the missing detective--for he may be the only one who can explain what's going one and help solve the case. [return]I sometimes had a hard time following all the twists and turns of Unwin's journey through a bizarre landscape of sleepwalkers. The fact that so many completely unexpected things kept happening kept my interest though, and there was enough of a thread of coherency for me to follow the plot. The narrator of the audiobook captured the feel of the story well, transporting the reader back to the heyday of detective stories--the 1940's--with a masterful reading of slang and appropriate voices. Fans of noir and traditional private eye stories(less)
Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]We learn the story of Hannes, an apprentice to the Pipelord o...morePlot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]We learn the story of Hannes, an apprentice to the Pipelord of the Piper's guild, and how he first of all escaped poverty to become an apprentice and then was assigned to help the people of Hamelin. He finds there is more to fix in Hamelin than just the rat problem, there is a corrupt government and a "evil" piper working against him--and killing people. Hannes befriends Clara--the Mayors daughter--and is assisted by her bodyguard and her precocious younger sister. He also has a quest to use the money gained from his task to free his mother/father and the rest of the serfs from an evil landowner in the next district. That is if he ever gets paid.[return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]It was hard to get into a first, the time/place is well depicted but foreign and the reader is thrust into the middle of it. The simple pipers tale is fleshed out beautifully, especially with the cultural details and mystical elements woven in. The characters seem flat and somewhat lacking. Wildly vivid scenes of the crowd's riots and the effect of the piping will stick in the reader's mind.[return][return]How Good is it?[return]Fans of folklore and those who enjoy new twist on old stories would enjoy it.(less)
In this delightful story, loosely based on "Snow White", the heroine Aza must learn to accept herself as she is. Adopted by innkeepers, she struggles...moreIn this delightful story, loosely based on "Snow White", the heroine Aza must learn to accept herself as she is. Adopted by innkeepers, she struggles to fit in in a society that deems her ugly. One thing she has going for her is her lovely voice, which is important in a society that adores music. But it is not enough to save her when she gets in trouble during a visit to the court. Aza must find a way to use her talents and inner strength to save herself--and to get back to those she loves. This story was wonderful to listen to as an audiobook, as I could hear the many songs referred to throughout the story actually being sung. The actors and director/composer did an excellent job and selectign the right melodies for the songs and the right tone. The only problem I had was that I couldn't always understand all of the words. Other than that I couldn't wait to get in my car for my daily dose of this delightful tale.(less)
In an alternate version of the United States just after the Revolution, a family moving west faces tragedy when the mother goes into labor as they are...moreIn an alternate version of the United States just after the Revolution, a family moving west faces tragedy when the mother goes into labor as they are trying to ford a flooded stream. The oldest son dies, but not before the newest son is born, making hime the seventh son of a seventh son, which everyone knows means he must have a powerful magical gift. Which indeed he does seem to have, as well as some sort of protection against the bizarre accidents that keep happening to him.[return]The alternate early United States that Card has created is kind of interesting, like the story of George Washington getting beheaded by the British that is told. But the story seemed to fall a bit flat for me, the digressions into politics and religious rhetoric seemed to kill some of the suspense. This may be just what draws some readers in though, if you are a fan of alternate histories be sure to give it a try.(less)
An imaginative expansion on the Arthur legend, this book tells the story of Guinevere, mainly dealing with what happens to her after Arthur dies. Part...moreAn imaginative expansion on the Arthur legend, this book tells the story of Guinevere, mainly dealing with what happens to her after Arthur dies. Parts of the Arthur story are told in flashback, as the reader follows along with her inner musings on the past. But mostly in follows the former queen as she becomes enslaved by Saxon's and learns to admire their democratic system of governing. When she returns to her own people she is much changed for the better, but will her countrymen accept her strange new ideas?[return]An interesting blend of fantasy, legend, and history. It peaked my interest in history, but I didn't like the rambling thoughts of the main character sometimes. Still, this is a great way to experience some English history with a dash of the Arhur legend, albiet told in a more realistic manner.(less)
James Eckert--AKA the dragon knight--goes off on another adventure with his friend Sir Brian Neville-Smith. Jim continues his development as a magicia...moreJames Eckert--AKA the dragon knight--goes off on another adventure with his friend Sir Brian Neville-Smith. Jim continues his development as a magician who can turn into a dragon and do other transformations and spells at will--but who is warned to be conservative in his use of magic. Jim and his wife Angie originated in our 20th century, but were somehow transported back to an alternate 14th century version of our world where magic is real. Thus the reader gets to learn about the 14th century through the eyes of someone with a 20th century understanding of the world. I liked this aspect of the book, and I also liked this one in that Jim's wife Angie takes a much more active role. This is a good solid fantasy adventure with the added bonus of learning some bits of history along the way.(less)
Vlad Taltos is the main character of these stories, which jump around to various points in his sordid life as a hired assasin, mob boss, and errand bo...moreVlad Taltos is the main character of these stories, which jump around to various points in his sordid life as a hired assasin, mob boss, and errand boy for his patron Goddess. Vlad and his familiar--a leathery winged jherig--somehow manage to bluff and wise-crack their way through every dangerous situation the author throws at them. [return]I only mildly enjoyed this adventure, which seemed to jump around a lot. Vlad is a man's man, and his blunt ways were not to my taste, but those who enjoy gritty fantasy stories with snide humor would like this one.(less)
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