Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
17 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Afterwards, Rosamund Lupton, Sister
Just finished reading Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton and must say that this is a great second novel – although it is not a follow up to Sister (just thought I’d make that clear). I think Rosamund Lupton is definitely proving herself to be a highly imaginative writer who can provide what basically appears to be a thriller – but with a surprisingly supernatural take and a twist at the end.
I won’t really go into the plot as I think this will spoil the read, to quote Amazon:
There is a fire and they are in There. They are in there . . .
Black smoke stains a summer blue sky. A school is on fire. And one mother, Grace, sees the smoke and runs. She knows her teenage daughter Jenny is inside. She runs into the burning building to rescue her.
Afterwards, Grace must find the identity of the arsonist and protect her family from the person who’s still intent on destroying them. Afterwards, she must fight the limits of her physical strength and discover the limitlessness of love.
This is a very emotional read – particularly the ending when tissues are recommended! But, it is also gripping and again the author manages to write in such a way that throughout the novel you suspect everyone! And, you’re convinced you’re right with each guess but basically she’s just pulling you along and keeping you guessing all the way. I didn’t see the final outcome – at all – I have to admit. Actually I never guessed the ending in Sister either.
Basically we have another thriller with a race to find the culprit before further damage can be inflicted – and then we have the supernatural element – which basically you will find out about after reading virtually the first page – but, I’m not going to say what it is here as I think it will give people preconceived ideas. Just to eliminate a few themes that may put people off – when I say supernatural, I’m not talking of vampires, werewolves, fantasy, fallen angels, etc, and I’m not trying to be really criptic, just a bit careful. I could make a comparison, but to be honest, I’m not always overly pleased with comparisons. I suppose it has a ghost like quality – without being ghosts. I’m not really proving very articulate here so I’m going to leave it alone and you’ll just have to read the book!
In terms of the characters I would say my favourite is Sarah. She was such a strong individual. She took risks and clearly loves her brother and his family, and in spite of a coolness that has obviously existed in the past between Grace (who tells the story) and Sarah she throws herself wholeheartedly into the search for a culprit. Plus, she’s quick and passionate. I liked the way that Grace finally saw her for who she really was and regretted that they’d not had a chance to get to know each other properly.
In terms of criticisms. I think that some of the characters were a bit stereotype. Plus I think the family themselves were given a bit too much sugary sweetness and came across too perfect. The only other thing, at over 400 pages I think it could have been shortened slightly just to make it have a more punchy feel.
But, having said that, I think RL is great at writing an emotional novel. She also seems to now be developing a trait of leaving you to draw some of your own conclusions at the end and I think it will be interesting to see if she continues in this vein and she is an expert at leading you down the wrong path (but in a way where you’re so sure you’ve been really clever and second guessed the ending – only to find in the following chapter – another path that you’re going to be taken down).
Definitely recommend. You will need to suspend your disbelief a little bit and also get to grips with who’s talking to who at some points of the story, but overall a great second novel.
Rating A
Afterwards
Lord of the Rings read along, book 2, The Two Towers
15 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: J R R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers
Just finished reading the first part of The Two Towers as part of a #LOTRreadalong being hosted by The Little Red Reviewer with this week’s questions being provided by Clint of Geeky Daddy. This week’s chapters take us to Chapter 8, the Road to Isengard.
The questions this week:
What is your favorite part of The Two Towers, thus far into the book?
I’m torn with this one. Obviously I think the Ents are brilliant, they are such amazing characters and I think the whole history with the disappearance of the Entwives was so good to read. I’d completely forgotten about that! I also thought the Riders of Rohan is a great chapter. I love the introduction to the Riders of Rohan, the part where they completely ride past Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli without even noticing their presence is great and then we’re introduced to Eomer and his little altercation with Gimli ‘I would cut off your head, beard and all, Master Dwarf, it it stood but a little higher from the ground’. What I really love about that little speech is that it is completely replicated in the film as is so much of the dialogue from the book. I think it’s great the way Gimli’s parts in the book always manage to inject some humour – even at the bleakest times – and also this highlights yet again his friendship with Legolas when he stands by Gimli against Eomer. But, and after that long diatribe my favourite chapter has got to be Helm’s Deep. Such bravery and courage in the face of such enormous opposition. Gimli, shines yet again in this chapter! And, I think what the book manages to portray more strongly than the film, was the underlying cowardliness of the Orcs – who, in spite of their far greater numbers, run for the hills (or more importantly the trees – and how cool was it that a forest appeared of a sudden) as soon as Helm’s Horn sounds – plus Gandalf appearing at the final moment with Erkenbrand – just so uplifting and I got goosebumps reading it.
What were your thoughts of Boromir trying to defend Merry and Pippin from Orc archers?
I know Boromir isn’t to everybody’s liking but I never really disliked him. He was misguided but not bad and even though he was overwhelmed I believe he would always try to defend those in need – even in his last breath he was asking Aragorn to go to Minas Tirith and save his people. So his defending Merry and Pippin to me felt natural – also, I’m sure he would very much have liked to have made up for his part in Frodo’s running away.
What thoughts would have been going through your mind if you were approached by Treebeard?
I think if I had been approached by Treebeard I would have been completely gobsmacked. I mean, even if you were living in Middle Earth where Wizards, elves and hobbits exist along with Trolls and other creatures I don’t think anything could prepare you for an Ent. I think an Ent would be just something that was talked about as a mythical thing – a bit like a unicorn. Yep, gobsmacked about sums it up for me! Not very eloquent but there it is.
What were your thoughts and reactions of the battle at the Hornburg?
Well, I’ve already spoken about this in my first answer. This is my favourite part of the book. I just love the way that even though the situation is so desperate the characters don’t lose hope. They’re full of courage, always rushing into battle with their own battle cries and each of our characters have such important parts to play.
Do you like it that Tolkien has split the Company into three mini-quests? Do you wonder if the company will be together throughout the quest again?
I actually think that splitting the Company into three mini quests makes great sense. We get to cover so much ground – and it’s three times as interesting. A definite winner on all fronts as far as I can see and I don’t think it could have worked in any other way. I mean, really, the Company never planned to stay together for the whole quest and even Gandalf didn’t have a plan that would take them to the end. Plus I don’t think nine people could just stride up to the Gates of Mordor – two little hobbits going it alone have a much better chance of staying hidden – hidden in plain sight really, because Sauron just doesn’t conceive of the idea of anyone actually wanting to destroy the One Ring. I don’t think it would be possible for the Company to come together during the Quest (but then I would say that as I already know the outcome) but it makes for a brilliant reunion at the end!
Rereading this book is just proving such a lot of fun, especially with all the discussion and what I find really amazing is that even though we’re now over 500 pages into the story I have never felt any lack of interest or desire to skip read. Such a testament to JRR Tolkien’s writing that it is still so captivating even though I’ve already read it not to mention seen the films a lot!
Take this link to The Little Red Reviewer to see more discussion.
Plus this link takes you to a lego version of the first book – I couldn’t resist it, it just made be laugh (although I’m not sure how reliable this link is so not necessarily saying you should use it – if you want a look check it out on You Tube (LOTR The Fellowship of the Ring):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyb9v2_qyQA
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
13 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Lorien, Mogadons, Pittacus Lore, The Power of Six
Just finished reading The Power of Six which basically picks right up where I am Number Four left off (and if you haven’t read the first book this review may contain spoilers).
Rather foolishly, or rashly, after reading the first book I declared that I would not pick up the second, not because I didn’t Like I am Number Four (see review here) but just because it wasn’t really my type of thing. What did I know? Not much apparently because I’ve just read No.2 in the series and I’m quite pleased that I did. I actually think this was an improvement on the first, it’s still not going to be a breath taking classic but it is fast paced, in fact pretty much packed to the brim with action, there’s tension, a bit of fun and we have a number of new characters introduced not to mention my favourite Bernie Kosar.
I won’t go into the plot too much. John has become a fugitive since his battle with the Mogadorians at his high school in Paradise, the FBI are now searching for him and he’s on the run. Not to mention he’s still trying to come to terms with his powers and learn something more about the objects in his chest. Sam is still with him, steadfast and determined and of course they have been joined by Six – who is a pretty awesome garde with some kick ass abilities of her own.
On top of this, and what I think really makes a big difference this time around we have a different story running parallel. The story of No.7, Marina, who has been living secretly in a monastery in the Spanish mountains. Her legacies have also started to develop but the Mogadorians are now aware of her. I really liked the voice of Marina and her story just adds so much more. Both stories pick up pace and tension at the same time leading to a show down in both countries for all concerned.
The other thing with this story is a lot more of the background seems to been have cleared up for me. I was a bit puzzled with certain elements in the first installment, which may just be my own stupidity of course, but this time around I got a much better feel for what was actually happening. Although, we don’t yet know what has caused this massive altercation between the Lorien and Mogadorians and hopefully this will be further developed in the next book (which I won’t deny I will read!)
On the whole I thought this was a much more enjoyable book, it’s still simply written but I think the adventure and pace are really good. I think we’ve lost a bit of the ‘cheesy’ high school feel from I am Number Four and there was no ‘half hearted romance’ thrown in for good measure (thankfully – I was never really feeling the romance in the last book it just felt so token). We also get to see a few more of the Garde and I will just say that No.9 is pretty impressive – a total maniac in fact!
In terms of criticisms – I got a bit tired of the hoards of Mogadorians – they just kept flooding out of nooks and crannies in their hundreds and it sort of became a bit tiring – lets face it, John Smith, has a battle at his high school and becomes the FBI’s most wanted and yet hundreds of Mogs are flocking over the Spanish mountains and not a soul sees anybody – give me a break please. And, there are hints that this is nothing to what is to come next – I know the garde are pretty impressive with their superpowers but if we end up with 6/7 of them with their Chimaera beating thousands of Mogadorians then that might have to be taken with a very large, nay huge, pinch of salt. I’m just saying.
But, that’s it, I’m now in this to the end (which I’m sure wont be bitter!)
Rating B
The Power of Six
Ape House by Sara Gruen
11 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Ape House, Sara Gruen
Just finished reading Ape House by Sara Gruen. This is a story about Bonobo apes but also it’s a story of how these apes affect the lives of a number of people around them.
In the most part the story is about John and Isabel (although they aren’t a couple). John is a journalist who frankly is not having an easy time with his work or relationship and Isabel is a scientist at the ape language lab who has very little people skills but relates in a brilliant way to the animals. John and Isabel meet when John comes to check out the work of the lab and take a closer look at the bonobo apes. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards an explosion at the lab changes all their lives in ways they couldn’t have envisioned. Although I did enjoy reading this book it didn’t have the same affect as Water for Elephants.
In this story we examine the issues of animal rights, although I’m not totally sure that the idea of reality tv is totally believable. Despite that I thought it was a very readable story although it did lull in parts but, that being said, I didn’t second guess all the outcomes and it became quite convoluted towards the end which gave it a bit of a tense finale. Plus, I think it manages to give a quite poignant message about the way in which animals are used that sticks in the mind.
On top of this we have a number of relationship issues and work politics, but the most engaging part of this story was the bonobos. I loved reading about them and wished that we could have had more although I see that it was probably impracticable in terms of moving the story on. Again, though, they did play a part towards the end but I won’t elaborate further.
Overall I did enjoy this read. It was interesting and even though I struggled at first to see how we would be engaged it moved on quite quickly. But, I did find it dragged a little in the middle and I thought to an extent it was a bit twee.
So, for me, not a bad read, and I would recommend. But, not one that I love.
Rating -B
Ape House
Vanish by Sophie Jordan
6 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Draki, Sophie Jordan, Vanish
Just finished reading Vanish by Sophie Jordan which takes up right where Firelight left off. I enjoyed Firelight, I thought the Drakis were really good to read about but, surprisingly (because 2nd novels sometimes suffer) I thought this book was better. There was plenty of action and it kicks in virtually immediately with a tense scene that ends with a revelation (in more ways than one as this revelation actually clears up the book cover as well – one of those ‘ah, I see’ moments). (And that’s just the first few pages).
This review may contain spoilers for Firelight so don’t read it – unless of course you want to read spoilers!
In Vanish Jacinda, Tamra and her mother return to their pride and village with Cassian. Jacinda’s return of course is surrounded by deep distrust and her fellow villagers treat her with either cool indifference or downright dislike. She is very unhappy, not only has she left Will behind, but returning to her home – which is something she wanted so very much at the beginning of the first book – no longer brings the comfort she once felt. She has lost her status in the pride, her best friend isn’t speaking to her and also she has gained a creepy stalker in Cassian’s cousin Corbin. I did feel sorry for her to an extent and sometimes wanted her to speak up for herself a bit more and defend her actions.
By a strange twist Will manages to find Jacinda’s village – which is a potentially very dangerous moment for them both and Jacinda manages to engineer a chance to talk with him alone – and this is really the start of her problems – but I’m not going to elaborate too much on the rest of the plot. Basically as the story unfolds – another draki is captured by the hunters (Will’s relations) – to be honest this isn’t totally Jacinda’s fault but she does feel guilty. After this the plot twists and turns a bit before finally setting the scene for No.3 – this is going to feel like a long wait!
Now, I did really like this book but that doesn’t mean I was always happy. Jacinda got on my last nerve at times – in the first book I read a number of reviews from people who thought she was selfish but I never really saw her as such, but, in this book, frankly, yes, she comes across as selfish, very selfish in fact sometimes, self-centred, indecisive and on the odd occasion annoyingly dense! The thing is, after all that, I don’t dislike her and I do understand that she’s a teenager and has the whole ‘angst’ thing going on – not to mention an outdated, chauvinistic and dictating pack to deal with – but sometimes I thought she could have displayed a bit more sensitivity!
Then we have the Will/Cassian thing going on – I’m not really a big fan of love triangles and in this case it’s made even worse by the fact that not only do Will and Cassian both want Jacinda but her sister Tamra has got a big time ‘thing’ for Cassian. Oh, the trauma of it all. I had mixed feelings, I never really felt the whole ‘Will’ thing (but I realise I’m in a minority there!) , I mean I like him, but I think I could take it or leave it, plus, I thought Cassian came across a lot better in this book. But at the end of the day I think there is no choice and the decision is already made. At least I think it’s obvious!!
What I really liked about this book is the way it makes you think about different things – like Jacinda wants to be liked for herself and not her star draki qualities – so even though this is a book based on myths the messages are relevant, after all, everybody wants to be liked for themselves – if you’re famous you don’t want somebody to ‘want’ you because you’re famous, or ditto rich people, etc, etc. And Jacinda is never sure with her pack if they just like her because she is so unique.
Also, I liked the whole pack dynamic and village and the way that this was explored a lot more in this book. It reminds me of a tiny little village trapped in time, hidden away from the world and oblivious to modern life (a Brigadoon if you will). And, it’s a bit sad reading about it all, because the pack is getting smaller and is in danger of becoming extinct – a bit like a remote village where all the younger people move away. But, the thing is the elders are so very old fashioned and harsh – they definitely need to chill out a bit if they don’t want to push all their younger people away!
And, I liked the writing style which flows really well, lovely descriptions and so thought provoking with the ability to play with your emotions.
On the whole a very enjoyable read and I would have no hesitation in recommending – in fact if you love Firelight you simply have to read it!
Rating A
Vanish
Books and travelling with Lynn 