Nicolaos, a sculptor’s son who dreams of more, is startled when a dead body falls from the sky and lands in front of him. The corpse is that of Ephial...moreNicolaos, a sculptor’s son who dreams of more, is startled when a dead body falls from the sky and lands in front of him. The corpse is that of Ephialtes, the man who brought democracy to Athens, and not entirely against his will Nicolaos is dragged into the search for Ephialtes’ murderer. The promise of fortune and a better life may be tempting but as the search continues and the body count stacks up it isn’t just Nicolaos in danger, but his family and the entirety of Athens. Will finding the killer be enough to save his life?
I seem to be reading a lot of historical fiction at the moment. I really like how Corby weaves details of ancient life into the narrative, teaching the reader about fashion, law and daily lives of a citizen in Athens. When you read the author’s note at the end you also learn that several characters are actual historical figures and Ephialtes’ murder really did occur (though the details of history are a little less clear).
Several of the characters really appeal to me (Diotima in particular) and I’ll certainly read the sequel novels to find out more about them. I love the inclusion of Socrates as his annoyingly clever little brother :D.
My only issue with the story was Nicolaos kept calling his mother and father by name, and sometimes it kicked me out of the story. Perhaps that was how you referred to your parents back in those days, but it was just a smidge odd for me.
In great who-dunnit fashion the reader’s suspicion is thrown backwards and forwards then round the corner relentlessly. It was a great ride and I genuinely never picked the final result(sure had fun getting there though).
This book deserved more than four stars, but wasn’t quite a five star for me – hurry up and give me half star options Goodreads!
I recommend this book for lovers of murder mystery and fans of ancient history alike. (less)
Kobato is a mysterious young cutie who has absolutely no grasp on even the most basic of common sense. She has a goal however, there is a place she wa...moreKobato is a mysterious young cutie who has absolutely no grasp on even the most basic of common sense. She has a goal however, there is a place she wants to go, and to get there she must fill a jar to the brim with fragments of broken hearts she has healed - but first she has to earn the jar by proving she can survive (and blend in!) in the human world.
Anyone who has looked at my later reviews of this series will wonder why this volume has 4 stars but the others have 5. the reason is because this first volume has a very episodic feel, there was the undercurrent linking each episode, and Kobato was cute and Ioryogi hilarious (but brutal) but I wasn't deeply connecting to the story. Of course I had complete faith that CLAMP would pull it all together by the end.
While the episodic feel did keep me a little distant from the heart of the story anyone unfamiliar with Japanese culture will be delighted to discover details of daily life in Japan, like taking out the trash, hanami, and more. What is commonsense to the Japanese is slightly skewed in some situations to what is commonsense to those of us in 'the west'.
As always with CLAMP books the art is gorgeous and detailed, you could spend days admiring some panels. Also, like a few of the more recent series you can keep an eye out for old friends from series past.
Kobato is a character has that adorable, clumsy innocence that is a bit of a trope in manga, but she is so cute (and adorable dressed) that I imagine most people will over-look it (or like a lot of manga fans perhaps love her all the more for it). Ioryogi may look like a blue stuffed animal, but his impressive fire beam breath prooves rather effectively that his is not your average toy dog (like the walking and talking wasn't some hint). Both characters clearly have hidden pasts (which readers of CLAMP will know won't be fully revealed until the final volume), and the hints are tantalising enough to draw you to the next volume.
I recommend this series for all CLAMP fans and any lovers of shojo manga or those keen to try out either (or both).(less)
Hana suffers from an unusual condition where whenever she touches a boy (particularly cute ones) she breaks out in super-itchy hives. Add to this her...moreHana suffers from an unusual condition where whenever she touches a boy (particularly cute ones) she breaks out in super-itchy hives. Add to this her older sister forcing her to work in a massage parlour with two particularly handsome men and you can imagine Hana's going to have a tough time in Tokyo.
To be honest, we've all seen the 'girl allergic to boys' plot before. We all know where it's going. However a good friend gave me this book, so I wanted to be sure and read it. Fortunately while the core of the plot is a bit hackneyed the story itself lifts this manga up out of the doldrums with some nicer touches.
One of those 'nice touches' are the cool and insightful ideas Kazumi-san puts into her work. Most manga fans know every manga likes to drop some deep thinking in from time to time, and this is no exception (I love this about manga, taking a peek at other people views of the world and its workings). While a lot of the insights revolve around the nature of touch, there are some other sweet thoughts too.
Hana herself is cute and plucky, with a slightly unusual image compared to a lot of shojo heroines. I quite liked her, both visually and personality-wise. Haru has an intriguing back story which adds some good drama to the tail end of the story. The other primary characters are interesting, and you can't help but feel bad for poor Nakajima-san.
The art is sweet and shojo and reminds me slightly of Chica Umino's style (cute and light-hearted but with a poignant, emotional touch).
The story does however leave me asking a few questions that I shouldn't have to be, like, (view spoiler)[ how exactly does Hana suddenly end up cured of her condition in relation to every boy except Haru? I get that Haru remained an issue because she was into him, but how did she suddenly become unaffected by any other guys? Furthermore near the start there's vague reference to the fact 'something' set her off with this allergy, but then it's never explored. I'd like to know what started it all.
On the plus side I was grateful that up to the end she still suffered the hives whenever he touches her, so it wasn't just a 'oh look, the magic of love cured her' like a few other stories with the same premise have ended. I appreciate the more realistic touch to the end. (hide spoiler)]
Overall the series (omnibus in the Tokyopop release's case) is worth reading for fans of the shojo genre, despite the done-before premise, because I feel that the characters and insights save the manga from falling into a been-there-read-that pit.(less)
The Dieselpunk ePulp Showcase is a great taste of Dieselpunk stories sure to slake the thirsts of fans of the genre and tempt the appetite of those wh...moreThe Dieselpunk ePulp Showcase is a great taste of Dieselpunk stories sure to slake the thirsts of fans of the genre and tempt the appetite of those who wonder ‘what is dieselpunk?’.
If you’re a member of the latter group, and unsure what to expect, think Bond-like action, femme fatales of the finest caliber all set in a by-gone era of manners and fashion – but with small twists on our own world’s history.
Each of the four stories occurs in a broader world of the writer’s, but the stories are self-contained, you do not have to go out and buy something else of theirs to find out the ending – however you may find yourself eager for more and unable to resist.
Being short stories it’s hard to do my usual analysing of characters, plot, pacing ect, because each story had its own of those elements. The style each writer brought to their story was great and all the stories are fun (even if some do not have happy endings). Expect some exciting and surprising twists in most of the tales. Also, for the appealing price of free it should be damn near impossible to pass by this book.
I recommend this book for anyone with any level of interest in Dieselpunk(including a curiosity as to what it is), the 1920s-1940s and lovers of great twisty action. Expect thugs, hoods, flappers and good old fashioned gumshoes.(less)
The Wild Girl is the story of Dortchen Wild, the girl who grew up next door to the Grimm brothers and told them many of their famous stories. While it...moreThe Wild Girl is the story of Dortchen Wild, the girl who grew up next door to the Grimm brothers and told them many of their famous stories. While it is a romance story at heart, wars rage through the town, upending lives and behind closed doors darkness waits too.
The world is full of details that should delight historical fiction fans without becoming a litany of research, flecks of history and herb-lore peppering the pages in a just-right mix of spice. More than once I learned something new about the Napoleanic wars and properties of plants. There was also plentiful (but not overwhelming) information on the changing fashions of the time and the daily realities of life in the early 1800s - who knew you ground up acorns when you ran out of flour for bread?
Since the book starts with Dortchen as a twelve year old it takes a while for the passion to enter the romance, but it is well worth the wait. I genuinely was uncertain right up until the end if they would be together or not, though I suppose if you know the historical facts it will not be a surprise, since Forsyth was true to history. Fortunately I was unaware of those facts, so was able to enjoy the suspense.
For sufferers of parental abuse I will offer a trigger warning. I myself was disturbed at times and never suffered from such attacks. Upon reading the acknowledgements I was surprised (but also partially unsurprised) to see that Forsyth was also haunted by those scenes.
As with all of Forsyth’s work, there is a beautiful undercurrent of magic threaded through real life. It shows itself in the herb lore, but also through fervent wishes of Dortchen’s from time to time. I’ve always loved the way Forsyth works magic in and I assure you if you enjoyed Bitter Greens (Forsyth’s prior novel, a retelling of the Rapunzel tale (here’s my review)) then you will not be disappointed by this one.
Fans of fairy tales in their original forms will be delighted to hear many a tale in just such a way. I must admit I was surprised by 'All-Kinds-of-Fur' - which I knew as 'Sapsorrow' - and to see what might have been the actual creation of the tale. It is also interesting to see the evolution of the Grimm's book as it goes through various editions as well. Forsyth's research must have been exhaustive for all the many details she has put in.
I recommend this novel for fans of fairy tales and fantasy primarily, but also to historical fiction reader and those interested in the early 1800s and the way life was lived then. Lovers of bittersweet romance will also enjoy the book.(less)
Ashling is the third volume of the Obernewtyn Chronicles and follows Elspeth Gordie as she attempts to convince the rebels to accept her and the other...moreAshling is the third volume of the Obernewtyn Chronicles and follows Elspeth Gordie as she attempts to convince the rebels to accept her and the other Misfits of Obernewtyn, return an injured gypsy to her people and take on the notorious slave trader Salamander. Just a few tasks.
Elspeth has a hectic couple of weeks to deal with in this volume, but I can't help but question (just as teenage me did back when I first read this book) when the heck she was going to finally get around to finding and destroying the weapon machines? Not that this ruins to book or anything, just curious.
The pace tears through this book, ripping from one event to another making for a rapid read. I love that whenever Elspeth expects the worst things work out fine and whenever she thinks things will go smoothly they don't. Prepare for a couple of whammies as well.
I recommend this book/series to any lover of fantasy (young adult or otherwise) or anyone wanting to try fantasy but who wants to start with something great.
The Farseekers is the second book of the Obernewtyn Chronicles, a series following Elspeth Gordie, an orphaned mutant with exceptional mind powers in...moreThe Farseekers is the second book of the Obernewtyn Chronicles, a series following Elspeth Gordie, an orphaned mutant with exceptional mind powers in a post-apocalyptic world. Elspeth has a fate she must follow: to find and destroy all the machines which created the Great White(the event that destroyed her world), and this fate is becoming harder and harder to refuse. (You can read my review of the first volume here.)
In 'The Farseekers' Elspeth and some friends from Obernewtyn begin a two-goaled quest. The first goal is to uncover a library of the Beforetimers, the second goal is to find a prodigious power in the vicinity of the library. Before departing on the quest, a futureteller informs the team they have to return with their goals achieved before winter freezes the pass to Obernewtyn, or their home will be destroyed.
Elspeth is a remarkable character, someone who frequently pushes herself beyond her limits for the benefit of others. It is easy to see she is perfect for the role of 'Seeker'. Her character is not unbelievable however (which is a trap a lot of writers fall in), and her actions are true to her past and beliefs.
The story has a good plot with plenty of twists and turns, and Carmody sure as heck doesn't go easy on her characters. This volume contains a lot more travel and adventure than the previous volume, so for those who like fantasy that roams continents this volume will be quite satisfying.
I recommend the series for any lover of fantasy (young adult or otherwise) or anyone wanting to try fantasy but who wants to start with something great. (less)
Much more than just your average art book, Hyrule Historia gives you a chronology of where the many different games should fit together in the history...moreMuch more than just your average art book, Hyrule Historia gives you a chronology of where the many different games should fit together in the history of Hyrule (obviously with some leeway) and makes some nice points about things that appear in multiple stories and how they might be connected.
Of course there's plenty of awesome conceptual sketches (which I've always been mad about) for characters, races, landscapes and monster/opponents.
Lots of informational tidbits and insights, HEAPS of art and well it's Legend of Zelda isn't it? You had me at hello.
Recommended to any fans of the video game series and collectors who love artbooks/video games.(less)
Compact and concise, I don't think any other grammar book comes close. The Elements of Style also includes sections on rules of usage and misused word...moreCompact and concise, I don't think any other grammar book comes close. The Elements of Style also includes sections on rules of usage and misused words and expressions as well as the grammar and punctuation walk through.
The brevity of the descriptions and examples make understanding easy and if you find yourself lost by a few of the grammatical terms there's a glossary in the back to refer to.
My favourite section was the misused words and expressions sections, most likely because the book's views and mine coincided on most counts.
I've read before that this book is a must for any writer and I have to second that motion (or would that be million that motion? I'm fairly sure it has been seconded repeatedly before).
I can see myself bringing this book in my bag to every critique meeting to help circumvent any arguments on grammar and style.(less)
Obernewtyn is the tale of Elspeth Gordie, an orphan with mutant powers she must keep a secret from everyone around her. In a post-apocalyptic world fu...moreObernewtyn is the tale of Elspeth Gordie, an orphan with mutant powers she must keep a secret from everyone around her. In a post-apocalyptic world full of adults grappling for power where anyone different could be burned simply for what makes them different, how is a young woman to survive?
And then of course there's a prophecy (because what's a fantasy novel without a prophecy?).
Fair disclosure, I'm a long-time fan of this series re-reading it for my Australian speculative fiction authors challenge. I read the first three books during my teens (and you can totally blame Carmody for the fact I am a writer myself since hearing she wrote Obernewtyn during high school inspired me to try and take it up as a career) but due to life interfering with reading time(and a large gap between releases) never got around to finishing the series.
Elspeth is an intriguing character for me, primarily because she is so vastly different from me in many ways, but with a tiny kernel of similarity that resonated both with teen me and still somewhat with 30 year old me. Elspeth is a loner, partly by circumstance, but also a little by nature. It's hard not to be envious of her powers, and that was certainly something teen me dug about her.
The story moves at a good pace and paints an amazing world which you can't help but wonder whether the pre-apocalypse world was ours. I love the clever details of government and religion like the Council and the Herder Faction as well as the way the pre-apocalypse world bleeds into the post and effects it.
The ending is a wonderful promise of what the rest of the series will offer, but not in a too frustrating cliff-hanger sort of way.
I recommend the series for any lover of fantasy (young adult or otherwise) or anyone wanting to try fantasy but who wants to start with something great.(less)
In the final installment of the trilogy the T'En and Malaunje begin their exile aboard less ships than they'd hoped. While Causare Imoshen tries to en...moreIn the final installment of the trilogy the T'En and Malaunje begin their exile aboard less ships than they'd hoped. While Causare Imoshen tries to ensure her peoples safety the leaders of the brotherhoods play power games. Sorne must keep King Charald's aging madness hidden to avoid an uprising of disloyal barons and return a kidnapped queen.
I mentioned in earlier reviews of this series how many characters there are (and how wonderfully Daniells portrays them) but what I failed to mention is how she manages to interweave so many of the stories together. She did so in the earlier books but this books puts the predecessors to shame. She brings characters you haven't seen since book one and weaves them perfectly back into the story to ally with newer characters.
More gritty twists for everyone who loves dark fantasy, which is great for tension since you honestly never know who will actually die and who will survive. Daniells really had me worried more than once through this book. Sometimes she let the sap in me be happy, but not always.
The conclusion is satisfying, tying up most of the myriad plots, but I'll say no more so I don't ruin anything.
I recommend this book and its series to fans of dark fantasy and lovers of good action and politics in fantasy.(less)
If you are looking for a feel good, pick-me-up fantasy move along, because this book is not that book. Which is not to say I didn't love the book - it...moreIf you are looking for a feel good, pick-me-up fantasy move along, because this book is not that book. Which is not to say I didn't love the book - it was fantastic, but there was even more heart break to be had in this volume than in the first.
The T'En and Malaunje (collectively referred to as Wyrds) are besieged in their glorious city trying to ensure they will be able to safely leave the country rather than be obliterated as a race by the aging and violent King Charald.
There is a large cast of characters to follow, many of whom you will love or love-to-hate. I found it easy to follow each individual characters storyline despite the number of them because they each have such clarity as individuals that it is easy to remember them. I was a smidge disappointed that one of my favourite not-so-good (but also not evil) characters was less likeable in this version, mostly I think because we never saw scenes from her perspective so didn't get any brief flashes of the person underneath all that bluster. Poor Vittoryxe.
The plot was fast paced and exciting despite the fact that several times I felt the desire to yell at Daniells to give her poor characters a break once in a while. I would have finished the book several days ago if I hadn't been stricken with migraines and unable to read for those days.
The ending leaves you keen for the next volume and I'll tell you what, I'm glad I already bought it because otherwise I might have gone mental before I made it to the bookstore.
I recommend this book (and its series) to lovers of gritty fantasy, epic fantasy and swords and sorcery.(less)
Prophecy Girl is the story of Samantha a sixteen year old whose nomadic parents never let her stay in any town long enough to form bonds with anyone e...moreProphecy Girl is the story of Samantha a sixteen year old whose nomadic parents never let her stay in any town long enough to form bonds with anyone except her little sister. There is something darker behind that curtain: a mother who manipulates one child and beats the other all while searching the continent for a magical relic. When Samantha finally learns the secret behind her family's nomadic life she also learns that her mother intends to kill her and her sister as soon as she has the magical orb.
I love a bit of magic in the modern day, hence why I was drawn to this book. I was a bit apprehensive however to read it since the last two young adult titles I read I was not impressed by. I was starting to believe I may have grown out of the genre. Nope. I just needed to read the right book.
I read through quite quickly and enjoyed the ideas and story. I really loved the characters of Sam, Violet and Nick all of whom I find quite believable. I was stalled a bit by the father however - how do you not notice your wife is a bitch who beats and manipulates her kids and purposefully moves you from one town to another to make you sicker? I get that she was hiding her actions from him, but even then, sixteen years with a person and she managed to NEVER let a hint of her real self slip through? I'm hoping the follow up books might reveal Danielle (the mother/bitch) to have had some sort of mind control over him or something other wise I might have to start despising the man almost as much as his wife.
Something that a lot of books lately have been lacking for me - the romance element - finally touched me in this book (I was starting to worry I was becoming a cynic). I love the complexities of Samantha's relationship, the doubt, the prophecy, the timing. I adored their banter to the point where one particular scene made me want to draw a comic of it (I haven't felt that urge in YEARS)(the juice box scene for anyone interested). I also found it believable, all the anger, doubts and insecurities both common to the teen years and unique to their unusual situation. I did for a little while question some of the references they both made to 80's movies and a few things that might not have been pop culture to their generation, but I can also see they are not current pop culture kids, so guess it isn't awful, though I might have found the references (which I got because I'm old ;p ) even funnier if one of them fell flat on the other because the other kid didn't get the reference. Also (and this is very important with romance to me) if I'm wishing there was more kissing then you know you've got a winner couple in my opinion.
The ending (which I'm not going to spoil completely but you might want to skip this paragraph to avoid inadvertent spoilers and overall spoilers) was a gut stabber, and I'll confess if that had been the ending for a stand alone novel I probably would have rage quit. I can see however the benefit of such an ending for the series tension as a whole, but I wish there had been a bit more good guys winning to it. The action and shock of it however was fast paced and well done.
I'm very much looking forward to the sequel which should be released some time this year.
I recommend this book to paranormal romance lovers, urban fantasy fans and young adult readers (and those who enjoy the genre despite no longer fitting the classification ;p ).(less)
This review is for this volume as an individual, not the series over all. You can read my reviews of the first, second and third volumes to gain an ov...moreThis review is for this volume as an individual, not the series over all. You can read my reviews of the first, second and third volumes to gain an over all feel. This review will contain only mild spoilers for the events within volume four, but the spoilers for the earlier volumes may be large. You have been warned.
Maximum Ride is the story of six teens/kids (ages ranging from 6 through to 14) with a scientifically created mutation - they have wings and can fly. On the run from the half human half wolf 'erasers' who are trying to catch them and return them to the labs they were created in the kids are under constant duress and fear. Staying at Anne's house and attending school (real school, not the lab called 'The School') everyone seems happy except Max. By chance on television Max sees a woman, the spitting image of Iggy, crying over her childs abduction 14 years prior. Max convinces Fang to join her n trying to track down Iggy's family, but how will they cope if they loose a member of the team?
Even though Max goes on a date with a normie early on in the volume the over-all feel of the romantic sub-plot is still very much between her and Fang. There is plenty to keep the six characters busy, with codes to crack, mysterious files discovered at school and parents to track down. There are plenty of twists and surprises in this volumes and we finally get an answer (I think) of how Max is supposed to save the world (though personally I think it might be a bit of a misdirect, but that could just be the way I would write it).
At the end of the issue I own there is a bonus manga of Witch and Wizard, another James Patterson story transformed into manga, this time with Svetlana Chmakova, whose art I absolutely adore. Seems well worth a look.
I recommend this series to manga fans looking for manga with American based stories and readers who enjoy urban fantasy/alternate reality worlds that are very similar to our own. Fans of the novels will not be disappointed since in my opinion the comic is superior to the book. (less)
If you enjoy his movies it's hard to pass by Kevin Smith's book Tough Shit. By the way, if you can't handle discussions of sex or cussing then this mi...moreIf you enjoy his movies it's hard to pass by Kevin Smith's book Tough Shit. By the way, if you can't handle discussions of sex or cussing then this might be a book to avoid since Smith doesn't beat around the bush. In fact the first few pages are a discussion of how we all come from cum, so you've been warned. BTW he does manage to turn all that talk of cum into something inspirational - I'm certain there are few people who could manage such a feat.
Smith gives a lot of information on his entrance to the film industry, walks you through his films and other developments (like SModcast), with a chapter to cover the horrible 'too fat to fly' debacle. Written with the power of hind sight Smith reveals his mistakes for us. He likewise does not hold back on his opinions of people he has worked with, both those he likes and those he does not.
Funny and informative and inspirational. I recommend this book for creative types (who can take the language) and any fan of Kevin Smith's.(less)
This review is for this volume as an individual, not the series over all. You can read my reviews of the first and second volumes to gain an over all...moreThis review is for this volume as an individual, not the series over all. You can read my reviews of the first and second volumes to gain an over all feel. This review will contain only mild spoilers for the events within volume three, but the spoilers for the earlier volumes may be large. You have been warned.
Maximum Ride is the story of six teens/kids (ages ranging from 6 through to 14) with a scientifically created mutation - they have wings and can fly. On the run from the half human half wolf 'erasers' who are trying to catch them and return them to the labs they were created in the kids are under constant duress and fear. As this volume starts the flock is in flight headed for Washington DC only to be waylaid by flying erasers. One of their number is severely injured in the battle and they have no choice but to take that person to the hospital and risk discovery.
We finally get a deeper look at Iggy in this volume (my favourite character) and learn some of the motivations of one of the villains. The romantic sub-plot re surfaces and you can't help but feel something is going seriously wrong with one of these kids (I won't say who).
Max is forced to face that while she sees herself as a warrior and a mother to the group she may not be capable of all of that (as well as saving the world) at the tender age of fourteen.
Still waiting for some real answers, which is a little frustrating since nothing so far has really been answered, but they keep hinting like the answers are just around the corner.
As before, I recommend this series to manga fans looking for manga with American based stories and readers who enjoy urban fantasy/alternate reality worlds that are very similar to our own. Fans of the novels will not be disappointed since in my opinion the comic is superior to the book. (less)
For my initial thoughts on the series read my review of volume one. This review will contain only mild spoilers for this volume but definitely contain...moreFor my initial thoughts on the series read my review of volume one. This review will contain only mild spoilers for this volume but definitely contains spoilers for the previous volume. You have been warned.
Maximum Ride is the story of six teens/kids (ages ranging from 6 through to 14) with a scientifically created mutation - they have wings and can fly. On the run from the 'erasers' (half human half beast/dog, trackers and enforcers for the School (the labs that created them)) the group hits New York in the hope of finding the answers to some secrets and escaping into the crowds.
Suffering from unusual migraines, Max starts hearing a voice in her head. She is afforded no time to deal with the issue as it seems the erasers appear where ever she and her flock try to rest.
This volume has plenty of action and reveals the possibility of a romantic sub-plot. I loved the advancement of powers that some of the characters are receiving as well as the different ways their minds cope with these facts. I enjoyed the make-overs the characters got. I also appreciate that they take a short break to reflect on the fact they are kids and need rest, need a chance to recuperate and process what is happening in their lives. My plot hole issue from before remains, though near the end there is a hint that this may be intentional and an answer as to why will be forthcoming.
Nudge gets a chance to prove she's got what it takes in the early pages (spoiler warning) when she takes advantage of Ari's hissy fit and facilitates the freeing of her caged companions rather than just fleeing while she has the chance. Max herself prays to be stronger, faster and smarter so she can better protect her flock.
Fast paced, plenty of humour, a bit of revenge on a rude waiter and some good fun make-overs ensure this is another enjoyable volume.
As before, I recommend this series to manga fans looking for manga with American based stories and readers who enjoy urban fantasy/alternate reality worlds that are very similar to our own. Fans of the novels will not be disappointed since in my opinion the comic is superior to the book.(less)
Max is a 14 year old girl sharing her home in the remote mountains with five other kids. They share more than just the house, they share a dark past t...moreMax is a 14 year old girl sharing her home in the remote mountains with five other kids. They share more than just the house, they share a dark past they were rescued from and some unusual genetic code - Max and her friends all have wings. Danger from their past returns to haunt them and one of their number is kidnapped and the rest band together to rescue her from the one place in this world they would never want to return to.
First up, the art is gorgeous. I love the variety of the characters and their expressions and clothes. Similarly I love their portrayal in the non-drawn sense too. Early on you get a good feel for the team's dynamic and can't help but start picking out favourites.
The story is fast paced and full of mystery and horror and humour. It would be hard not to enjoy this series. On the vein of plot however there are a few incongruities I can't help but question. I won't talk about them since they ruin the end of this volume, but I'm sure I'm not the only person wondering why things happened a certain way at the start but went the other way at the end(ha ha, vague enough for you?). Perhaps as the series develops an explanation might appear, but I won't hold my breath.
While the main character, Max, definitely fits my strong female character view, the other female cast members have potential to grow and with a role model like Max I look forward to that development.
I would recommend this series to manga fans wanting to read manga with American based stories and readers who enjoy urban fantasy/alternate reality world that are close to our own. Fans of the novels will not be disappointed since in my opinion the comic is superior to the book.(less)
This will not be a proper review because I did not finish reading the book. This is one person's opinion and admittedly not someone the book is target...moreThis will not be a proper review because I did not finish reading the book. This is one person's opinion and admittedly not someone the book is targeted at, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt. If you enjoy a lot of books in this genre and the reviews with 3 or more stars make this book appeal to you, definitely don't hesitate to read it based on my issues. I am a different person and don't want to take away from you what might be an enjoyable read because we have differing opinions. I will be analysing here what did not work for me about this book so you can understand why I did not finish reading it.
I bought this book because a year or two ago I discovered the Yen Press manga adaption and have been thoroughly enjoying them. I love Max and nearly the entire cast, their adventures are enthralling, character interactions hilarious and heart warming and the artwork is gorgeous too. I figured since I almost always love the book more than the movie/tv series/comic adaption then I definitely had to try the first Maximum Ride book out.
This book carries none of the appeal the manga does.
The book starts by saying: ‘hey you, read this or die’. I’m not kidding. He used a few more words than that, but he did also blatantly state that as well. This instantly put a cut lemon in my mouth. I tried scraping the taste off my tongue and read on only to discover the characters I love in the manga don’t seem as vibrant on the written page. I can't pin-point precisely what it is, but I didn't care for these people like I did in the manga - which is bizarre since this is what they originated from. This could be partially to because I have read the story in a different medium, so I continued reading.
I will read a book I’m not exactly loving to see if maybe there’s an ending that will salvage it, perhaps also because I hope if I am ever published anyone not loving my work might extend the same courtesy to me, but my point is I will read most books I don’t like through. I have only put down and abandoned three books in my thirty years of life(though some less tasteful tomes I have certainly taken my sweet time to finish). Why I put this book down is not because in the hundred-odd pages the characters didn’t catch me and the story didn’t sparkle, but rather because it is frustrating to read. This frustration stems from the fact here on page 118(where I stopped) is the start of chapter 35. Most of the chapters aren’t even two whole pages long. Mr Patterson, are aware you can just make a scene break and stay in the same chapter?
This practice isn’t too weird to read when he’s changing point of view (which he does infuriatingly often in what I assume is an attempt to create a heightened sense of danger for the POV just left. It doesn’t work, just agitates me further) but he also does it just to create a dangling tension moment then moves straight back to the same POV. Not only does this not achieve the goal (for me), it irritates me. I know this is a technique many writers use to keep people reading and for many authors it works fine, why? Because they don’t over use it. Their chapters will run for ten or so pages (maybe more) and those chapters have some serious meat to chew in them before cliff-hangering the reader with the chapter end. The frequency is diluted by actual content that makes you CARE about the cliff hanger. Patterson has not used this tool correctly I feel. The formatting of this book made me so mad I’ve stopped reading it.
I will continue to read the manga series being released by Yen Press because none of these issues transfer over between the mediums, however you will not be seeing me attempt to read these books anymore. I admit I am even cautious to consider reading his adult novels unless someone can assure me he does not use chapters as page breaks every 2-3 pages.(less)
There is a long story behind my reading this book, because honestly, were it not for the recommendation from a literary agent, the cover would have ma...moreThere is a long story behind my reading this book, because honestly, were it not for the recommendation from a literary agent, the cover would have made me question the books positioning in my local bookstore.
Don't let the cover put you off. The book IS just as weird as the cover promises, but in a good way. If you have read Neil Gaiman's Coraline you will get a bit of that sort of a vibe from this book - that it is for younger readers, but not too young; mature minded but youthful in spirit perhaps.
Mieville himself categorises the book as 'London Phantasmogoria' but since I'm unlikely to read many books in their vein, I left it under the loose 'urban fantasy' category (I may change that in the future).
Un Lun Dun is the tale of two young London girls who discover an abcity beneath London called UnLondon. There is trouble in UnLondon, the abcity is under threat from a vicious Smog, and as it turns out, one of these girls is the Shwazzy - the Chosen One, whom prophecy states will save UnLondon. But nothing in UnLondon could possibly play out normally.
UnLondon is a wondrous city where people wear book pages for clothing, buses cavort in the sky, forests reside in houses and you can be a half living/half ghost person, a man with a bird cage for a head, or even a school of fish walking around in human guise. Mieville includes with his descriptions his own drawings of the weird and wonderful things populating UnLondon. Personally I loved most of the pictures, though their inclusion might scare off older/'serious' readers.
There are many brilliant characters, my favourite being the bus conductor (and once Londonder) Jones. I definitely enjoyed the way the Mieville worked his prophecy, it was very unusual and unexpected, but after having read the book it makes perfect sense as to how the prophecy worked. Don't worry, I won't say any more, I don't do spoilers without warning.
The book was a little slow in starting, relying on UnLondon itself to keep the reader hooked, but once you get to the 'meat' of the book the pace is solid and the book continues with a good momentum. While a few twists are a little predictable to an 'adult' mind like mine, they should be good surprises for the average younger reader (or even those who don't read quite as often as I) and there were still a good few twists and surprises that I didn't see coming or worked out in alternate ways to my own imagination.
A brilliant world, fun characters and a good twist on prophecies makes Un Lun Dun a great read that I would recommend to anyone who thinks they've seen it all when it comes to prophecised heroes, fans of unusual fiction (like Neil Gaiman & Lewis Carroll) and those looking for a different kind of fantasy.(less)
Follow the slayer myth started in Buffy into the future. Meet Melaka Fray, a thief living in the slums of the future. One day after a 'grab' she retur...moreFollow the slayer myth started in Buffy into the future. Meet Melaka Fray, a thief living in the slums of the future. One day after a 'grab' she returns home and meets her watcher. The man tells her she is the Chosen and promptly lights himself on fire. Fortunately there's a demon waiting in the wings who offers to guide and teach her, but aside from his own motivations what sort of slayer has never heard of vampires?
As one expects with Whedon's works, characters you love will die(this is not a spoiler, no cast of Joss Whedon's ever makes it out entirely unscathed) and there are too many twists to predict all of them. The setting is deep and believable. I loved how he added his own slang into the speech.
By far his best talent is characters. You cant help but love characters like Melaka and Loo and be intrigued by Urkonn and Icarus. He manages to give so much clarity that you can easily identify with them or at least understand their motivations.
Whedon creates an impressive twist on the slayer myth which is quite compelling. Expect gasps, laughter and tears.
I recommend this book to any Joss Whedon fan, anyone who enjoys graphic novels and well, pretty much everyone.(less)
Beseiged is a multi-threaded tale involving an entire race hated by ‘True-men’ involving the pure blood T’En and their magic, the Mieren(True-men) and half-bloods between the two races. Besieged is full of political intrigue and war and characters you love and love to hate.
This is one of those books where I wish Goodreads gave me the ability to do half stars so I could give it four and a half. I only give five stars to books the change me or I burn to read again the instant I finish them, and while this book is awesome it didn't quite meet either of my five star requirements - but the book is also better than some of the books I have given four stars to before and deserves the distinction.
Daniells has a skill with characters I feel. Some characters you just can’t wait to have a sword embedded in their gut (Charald for me), some villains you aren’t sure if they are villains or just people doing what they have to (Graelen, Oskane), other villains you can see flashes of good in them and can’t quite hate even if they are a power hungry bitch(Vittoryxe) and then there are the ‘good guys’.
With such a large cast of characters I thought I would get lost quickly, but Daniells ability to imbue characters with memorable features and behaviours and speed/regularity in switching between the various locations meant I never got lost (much to my surprise).
The world building is amazing. The different races and their cultures are unusual and clever and I like how Daniells has filled her world with gender wars as well as race wars and power wars. I certainly wouldn’t want to live there though ;p
The plot was well paced with action breaking up the politics and intrigue, and even though my reading time is quite minimal I was able to finish the book much faster than I expected. I also can’t wait to start the next book.
Something I really loved about the book as well was that when a coupling happened it was just as frequently a same sex pairing as a different gendered one, something which I enjoy in my fiction when it is done well. I believe in love without the boundaries of race/gender ect.
I recommend this book (and series) to all fans of epic fantasy and those considering trying it out. I also recommend it to those who enjoy political intrigue that won’t bore you.(less)
**spoiler alert** Poor shy Yaya is so retreating she can't stand up for herself. Lucky for her hiding inside her is another personality. Strong assert...more**spoiler alert** Poor shy Yaya is so retreating she can't stand up for herself. Lucky for her hiding inside her is another personality. Strong assertive (or perhaps more accurately aggressive) Nana fights Yaya's battles for her, but in this final volume she has a chance to be the dominant personality.
After Moriyama's ex forces Yaya into awareness of Nana Yaya retreats into herself leaving Nana as the only personality. While Nana enjoys her chance to pursue her own aspirations she also worries about Yaya. Finally Yaya emerges and she Nana share the same body and work towards a singing debut facilitated by Shohei. Slowly Nana realises Yaya is gaining the ability to stand up for herself and thus the need for Nana is disappearing.
I was glad to finally see Yaya grow as a character. She finally became able to stand up for herself in her own way. It was interesting to watch them co-exist, but I also knew it was not a sustainable solution.
The conclusion is sad, satisfying and even a little humourous.
I recommend this series to any lover of shojo manga.(less)
Loading...
