|
January 18
|
|
Anna Balasi
gave
to:
Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)
by Lian Hearn
bookshelves:
historical-fantasy
|
my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
read in January, 2000
Anna said:
"This book, and the ones that succeed it, make for a wonderfully tragic Japanese fantasy tale filled with secret Ninja tribes, Samurai swords, and power-hungry warlords. There is love and there is betrayal, sugar-coating nothing from impulsive, passi...more
This book, and the ones that succeed it, make for a wonderfully tragic Japanese fantasy tale filled with secret Ninja tribes, Samurai swords, and power-hungry warlords. There is love and there is betrayal, sugar-coating nothing from impulsive, passionate love to men loving men. The women are important players in the game, though they work in stealth.
Filled with rich images of Ancient Japan, you still get lost in the fantasy of Ninja magic and the Zen-like presentation of intrigue. ...less
"
|
|
Anna Balasi
gave
to:
Paper Mage (Paperback)
by Leah R. Cutter
bookshelves:
historical-fantasy,
historical-fiction
|
my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
read in December, 2000
Anna said:
"I am glad I picked this book out of the store shelf. It was a fabulous read and I thoroughly enjoyed the Eastern Fantasy theme. The main character's motivations was true to her background, and her reactions to every given situation were real and rele...more
I am glad I picked this book out of the store shelf. It was a fabulous read and I thoroughly enjoyed the Eastern Fantasy theme. The main character's motivations was true to her background, and her reactions to every given situation were real and relevant. At every stage of the story, the main character grows accordingly, but the fact that the author leaves much room for more development is a brilliant stroke of human nature in fiction. The concept of paper and magic is novel to me, and I thought this terribly refreshing; the way its power is so dependent on the skill of the weilder. The personal relationships presented in this story drives the plot, simple, but makes perfect sense. I did, however, find a weak point which was the motivation of the main character concerning her obligation to the story's divinities. Though *that* storyline is necessarily intertwined with her personal quest, it was greatly overpowered by the other aspects contained in the plot. With that said, indeed the good qualities of this story far outweighs its flaws.
A good read! I'm looking forward to more from Ms. Cutter. ...less
"
|
|
Anna Balasi
gave
to:
Lady Of The Forest (Paperback)
by Jennifer Roberson
bookshelves:
historical-fiction
|
my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
read in August, 2000
Anna said:
"Historical fiction and fantasy are my two favorite genres, and the fluid incorporation of both in "Lady of the Forest" has left me wanting more. Maid Marian's development into a woman of strength was superbly done, realistic in its applicat...more
Historical fiction and fantasy are my two favorite genres, and the fluid incorporation of both in "Lady of the Forest" has left me wanting more. Maid Marian's development into a woman of strength was superbly done, realistic in its application but nevertheless compelling the reader to empathize, rather than sympathize, with her. Robin was made just as real, his struggle poignant, his personality understandably shaped by it. It's written so true to its background of the imprisoned King Richard, the scheming Prince John and the despicable Sherrif of Nottingham that one couldn't help but think that Maid Marian and Robin Hood actually existed. A brilliant adaptation of Maid Marian and Robin of Locksley, their struggles, their love and their personal triumphs....less
"
|
|
Anna Balasi
gave
to:
Dhampir (Noble Dead, Series 1, Book 1)
by Barb Hendee
|
my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
read in June, 2003
Anna said:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
This book is as much about Magiere and Leesil as it is about the vampires that haunt it. The past of Rashed, Teesha, Ratboy and Parko, vampires of Miiska, come out even more human than the Dhampir and her partner, though this does not disturb the great characterization of the important players in the "game". I am glad that the writers of this book didn't go too much into the "technicalities" of vampire hunting, turning, etc. While they had to establish some perimeters, the characterization, I feel, was the story's strongest point.
While the characters weren't overly emotional, I think the tone of the story is dark; intense, with only a smattering of relief (Leesil makes a few wisecracks, but that doesn't make much of a dent in the gothic nature of the whole thing.) The action in this book was played just right and I did appreciate the detailing in the right places. If someone were to turn this book into a movie, the director would be Tim Burton.
The writing and narration flows excellently and while I would prefer less points of view, my tastes shouldn't defer anyone from reading this well-crafted story. ...less
"
|
