Friday Face Off : Good vs Evil
21 October 2022
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books by Proxy, Friday Face off, Good vs Evil
Here we are again with the Friday Face Off meme created by Books by Proxy . This is a great opportunity to feature some of your favourite book covers. The rules are fairly simple each week, following a predetermined theme (list below) choose a book (this doesn’t have to be a book that you’ve read), compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite. Future’s themes are listed below – if you have a cover in mind that you’re really wanting to share then feel free to leave a comment about a future suggested theme. I’ve also listed events that take place during the year, that I’m aware of, so you can link up your covers – if you’re aware of any events that you think I should include then give me a shout.
I’ve added themes in below. For information, I’m trying out some new ideas so along with coming up with particular items for book covers I thought we could also look for certain elements contained within the book or that play a large part in the story – this really broadens things out because I have plenty of more ideas with this – I’ve gone for a few of the Tough Travel Themes (so a book with that theme – just choose any book – the theme isn’t necessarily on the cover, then compare covers), also, I’ve thrown in some genres and some colours. Hopefully this will open things out a little and give us some more freedom to come up with new books.
This week’s theme:
Good vs Evil
Well, in my quest to shine a light on my most recent reads I’ve chosen two books this week one that I read this year and one the year before. This was a new to me author but definitely an author that I now watch eagerly to see what she writes next. I decided to go for a face off with the two books. So, we have All The Murmuring Bones and The Path of Thorns by AG Slatter. Both are dark fairytales and so the good vs evil feels are strong.
Difficult to choose really because I like both styles for different reasons. I’m immediately drawn to the Murmuring Bones. I like the colour and also I’m a sucker for the tail because it screams mythical sea creature to me. Then we have the simplicity of the Thorns cover with the subtle clues of what’s waiting amongst the pages.
My favourite:
Do you have a favourite. Have you read either of these books yet – what did you think?
If you’re taking part in this week’s theme feel free to leave your link in the comments below.
If you know of an event that’s coming up let me know and I’ll try and include covers that work for the event itself so that you can link up to the Friday Face Off and, as always, if you wish to submit an idea then leave me a comment – or if you’d like to host a week then simply let me know. Also, I would just mention that it’s very possible that some of these might be repeats from previous FFOs although I have tried to invent more ‘open ended’ prompt that can be interpreted differently and also prompts that relate to emotions. Finally, don’t struggle with any of these, this is meant to be a fun way of highlighting books. If you can’t come up with a book you think fits for a particular week use a freebie – perhaps a recent read for example:
Next Week’s Theme : Covers that are black
2022
Unraveller by Frances Hardinge
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Oh What a Tangled Web
Yet again Frances Hardinge continues to astonish me with her phenomenal imagination. What a creative talent she is. Okay, I confess, this is an author who I’m really enjoying at the moment and I don’t know whether that makes me ridiculously biased or simply determined to enjoy her books but I do enjoy them so I’m not going to question the whys and wherefores too deeply.. Her writing is just packed with everything I love and this is no exception.
What an unusual tale this one is and very thought provoking to boot. I mean, in one respect, I can see why this would appear to be a book aimed at MG/YA, given the ages of the povs and the quest like style of storytelling, but then this is chock full of fascinating world building, fairytale themes that definitely border the dark side and some curse working that is downright nasty in parts so I have no qualms whatsoever in recommending it. For me this is a book that crosses boundaries and is definitely a story that you can say to yourself at the conclusion ‘and the moral of the story was…’ but, I’m not going to tell you that because self discovery is so much more enjoyable. Anyway, to the review.
This is a book grounded in a world of curses. Anyone can become a curser at some point in their life and these curses can be terrible in nature. Kellen and Nettle’s travels have a dual purpose, they help in finding those who have been cursed and in trying to discover the way to unravel the damage done they more often than not uncover the curser. Based on the idea of ‘once a curser always a curser’, the penalty for wielding this magic is imprisonment – although it doesn’t necessarily follow that the offender will commit more crimes. You see, these curses are usually based on hatred or revenge, carried out in a form of retaliation for harms either real or perceived. Now we have Kellen who, quite uniquely, can unravel the curses. As you may imagine he is almost loved and hated in equal measure and in a world where hatred leads to curses Kellen and Nettle both become embroiled in a race against the clock to uncover a ‘conspiracy of cursers’.
I won’t say any more but instead talk of the aspects of this that I really enjoyed. So, put the kettle on, grab a cup of tea or coffee and have a seat – because I may ramble.
Take it as a given that I loved the writing and the ideas that Hardinge comes up with. This will put you in mind of countless fairytales and yet at the same time feel totally unique and it’s this ability to make you reminisce that delivers an overwhelmingly enjoyable sense of nostalgia and whimsy.
The characters. You might not love them all but you have a number to choose from here. Nettle was probably my favourite together with her brother -who I won’t discuss further as I think you need to discover her family’s backstory during the read. Kellen can come across as a little, mmm, prickly. A bit hotheaded who tends to rush in and let his mouth run away with him and Nettle kind of grounds him. But to be fair, he’s a strong character and I thought the friendship between the two was fundamental to the story. Then we have Gall. This is a guy that’s struck a deal (with the devil or otherwise is for you to discover). He wears an eye patch and rides a Marsh horse – not something a regular human can do. These are fearsome beasts that form a strong bond and if that bond is severed are as likely to eat you as not. Not an immediately likeable character but he kind of grows on you.
Now, speaking of Marsh horses is a lovely way to look at the larger world at play. This is set in a place known as the Wilds. What a fascinating place this is. Populated with remote villages that are unreachable due to monsters. The most wonderful and magical markets you can think of – I mean, I would love to go to one of these but at the same time I know instinctively that I would put my foot in it and end up in servitude to some sort of hideous creature. It’s quite literally a feast for the eyes though.
In terms of criticisms. Not a lot here to be honest. I think my biggest problem is waiting for this author’s next book but at least I have the option to backtrack and pick up some of her earlier works.
Also, I had the audio version of this and I thought the narration was fantastic. I was listening to this whilst doing some rather boring decorating and it completely transported me – the walls seemed to paint themselves in fact, so perhaps this author really can perform magic. I think my only regret is that the writing is so lovely I kind of missed reading the written word for this one – does that even make sense?
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Can’t Wait Wednesday : Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Sorcery of Thorns #1.5) by Margaret Rogerson
19 October 2022
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Can't wait Wednesday, Margaret Rogerson, Mysteries of Thorn Manor, Sorcery of Thorns #1.5, Wishful Endings
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that was originally created by Breaking the Spine. Unfortunately Breaking the Spine are no longer hosting so I’m now linking my posts up to Wishful Endings Can’t Wait Wednesday. Don’t forget to stop over, link up and check out what books everyone else is waiting for. If you want to take part, basically, every Wednesday, we highlight a book that we’re really looking forward to. Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Sorcery of Thorns #1.5) by Margaret Rogerson. I really enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns so would love to read this one. Here’s the description and cover:
In this sequel novella to Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas must unravel the magical trap keeping them inside Thorn Manor in time for their Midwinter Ball!
Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor’s occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another…
With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas – along with their new maid Mercy – will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.
Expected publication : January 2023
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Murder Mystery with ancestral magic
Well, yesterday I was reviewing a cosy horror story(Cackle) that was about finding oneself and discovering magic along the way. Today I’m reviewing a book that takes place on a small island where the inherited magic is so deeply rooted than no one questions the reality of it, in fact it’s as natural and everyday to the inhabitants as breathing, although some of them are trying to move forward and live without it (the magic,not the breathing). What Spells for Forgetting has is an abundance of atmosphere and a very easy to imagine setting.
As the story begins we meet August as he returns to Saiorse Island to bury the ashes of his late mother in accordance with her last wishes. This isn’t a happy return. August and his mother left the island 14, or perhaps more, years ago under something of a stormcloud. A young girl called Lily had died on the same night that the Island suffered a terrible fire. August was the main suspect for a time but lack of substantial evidence prevented any further action.
Emery was Lily’s best friend. She was also August’s girlfriend and the two shared an intense relationship, plotting to leave the island together as soon as they could.
So, there’s the mystery of Lily’s death and trying to uncover what actually took place on the ill fated night of the fire. You could be forgiven for imagining that on such a small island it’s impossible to keep a secret but on Saiorse there are plenty of skeletons tucked away in closets. Resentments, grudges, hidden jealousies, desires and so forth. Most of the islanders are angry that August has returned believing his presence will stir up bad feelings, in fact it does appear that the island itself is rebelling and although August has no intention of sticking around longer than necessary some people are afraid that his return will stir up things from the past that should remain hidden. August also needs to see Emery and make his peace with the way things were left.
Now, I do have slightly mixed feelings for this one. On the one hand I think the writing is superb. I love the way that we jump back and forth to explore events that took place on the run up to the fateful night of the fire. I think the author does an excellent job of writing the relationship between August and Emery. On top of that the island is such an unusual place. Years of history relating to witchcraft bring in flocks of tourists, as does the orchard and it’s need for fruit pickers and, well, a murder on the Island also proves to be a curiosity for some. The magic is interesting. Emery’s family still keep hold of the grimoire that has been passed down through the generations and still uses recipes from within to make candles and soap. There’s plenty of tension and so much history between the inhabitants of Saiorse that it’s easy to see, and believe, how deeply the resentments lie.
In terms of the areas that gave me mixed feelings. The story felt a little YA to me which could be because for part of the story we flit back to August and Emery’s teenage years. Although, in actual fact, I think their early relationship is really well portrayed even if it was perhaps a little overdone and drawn out in the middle section. That being said their teenage selves were easier to get along with than the more adult versions which were a little juvenile and ill at ease (I mean I do understand that they had unspoken issues but I kind of wished they’d just decided to get on with it and have that discussion.) Which does lead me to another issue, the lack of communication that seems to exist here simply to prolong the mystery. It felt too protracted to me. I also really would have liked to have seen more use of magic, even if it had been in a way that was vague and I felt my curiosity about the actual island itself and its history wasn’t really touched upon at all.
I hope that doesn’t come across as overly critical. I enjoyed reading this. I like the author’s style and the setting is really good. The atmosphere and tension are so intense you can positively taste them and the island is like an additional character in itself.
If you fancy cosying up to a dark murder mystery story based on a strange island where tensions run deep then give this a shot.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Is Cosy Horror Even Possible?
Well, when I picked this up I had few expectations. I didn’t really read the blurb and I hadn’t realised that the book was shelved in the Horror section. Given the title I was expecting a healthy dose of witchery and with Halloween looming I thought this would be the perfect read for an autumn evening. In that respect, if cosy horror is a ‘thing’ then you’ll love this. It’s not blood soaked and scary. Sure, there are a couple of scenes that feel menacing but I don’t think you’ll need to hide behind a cushion at any point. I had strange Witches of Eastwick meets Stepford Wives vibes – although I’m not saying this story resembles either of those per se. More I just got a feel in those directions occasionally. Basically, this is more a book about finding yourself and discovering what you’re capable of.
The main character, Annie, has recently split up from her boyfriend. This was a long term relationship that Annie seemed to think was the ‘real deal’. Unfortunately, her ex, Sam, had other ideas. In an attempt to start afresh Annie leaves Manhattan to live in a small village when she’s offered a teaching position. When she arrives she can’t believe how beautiful and picturesque the place is. Everyone is kind and thoughtful and one resident in particular catches her attention. Sophie is beautiful and sophisticated, graceful, generous and pretty soon an almost constant companion of Annie’s. Oddly enough the rest of the residents seem strangely wary of Sophie or desperate to stay on her good side. Soon Annie starts to suspect that people are afraid of her new friend although she can’t understand why.
Sophie lives in a beautiful mansion deep within the forest. She’s capable and pretty soon it becomes evident that there’s more to her than originally meets the eye. I won’t elaborate on that here.
So, the characters. Well, Annie is a strange character to really like at first, in some ways she comes across as a little lacking in backbone. Her main focus in life is Sam and she practically fantasises about getting back together with him. I do sympathise with her over the loss of a relationship that she thought was special but at the same time I wanted her to move on. And, I guess Sophie wanted the same thing. Sophie is a fascinating character and I confess that sometimes I was puzzled why she so quickly took Annie under her wing. But, I think, in a town where people are mostly suspicious of her, Sophie is also keen for friendship and at the same time sets herself up as a sort of mentor, trying to encourage Annie to stand up for herself. Eventually, the two form a firm friendship and with guidance Annie slowly starts to realise that she doesn’t need a man in her life to be complete – or is she just kidding herself, us and Sophie?
The small town of Rowan is where my Stepford vibes came into play. The village is positively idyllic. Everywhere is beautiful and to be honest Rowan seems to glow with prosperity and success and yet the locals all seem to know their place when it comes down to their own local ‘wise woman’. It feels like there’s an almost collective sense of fear or is it hysteria and people harking back to older times when a woman living alone was clearly a threat of some kind and surely meddling in the dark arts.
There is a creeping sort of menace. You’re never really sure what route this strange new relationship will take. Will it become obsessive or dangerous. Without doubt Sophie can sometimes come across a little unnerving, like you wouldn’t really want to upset her even if you’re not sure why that is. That being said Annie does begin to undergo a transformation of sorts, she eventually realises that she is capable of standing up for herself even where Sophie is concerned.
I mentioned above that this is cosy and I stand by that. There’s a lovely warm feel to the story overall. Even when some darker elements crop up. The writing is really good, and although I might have had the odd issue here and there they don’t really merit a mention and I found myself quite absorbed, bewitched even. A very easy to read story that I raced to complete mostly because I was never keen to put it down and always keen to pick it back up. A book about self realisation, coming to terms with who you are, self love and worth that includes magical elements and curses. A great book to curl up with at this time of the year.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Books and travelling with Lynn 