Great Scott! It’s time tag..
I was really pleased to find myself recently tagged for the Time Travel Tag by Jessica over at The Bookworm Chronicles. Here are the Q&A.
What is your favourite historical setting for a book?
I probably have a few and it’s difficult to choose. I enjoy the Tudor period of history, there’s such a lot going on during that period, I also love reading about the Romans and stories with an alternate story set during that period. But, I think my favourite period is probably Victorian. It just lends itself to all sorts of tales, mystery, murder, steampunk, gaslight, gothic. Yes, I think Victorian probably wins the day for me.
What writer/s would you like to travel back in time to meet?
Well, Tolkien is one that immediately springs to mind – there is such a lot of speculation, what is book was really about, did it relate to the war, etc, etc. It would be nice to have the chance to go and have a chat with him about how he really found the inspiration. I think I would also like to visit the Brontes – in their home, to look at their lives and how they lived. Perhaps I’m just very nosey.
What book/s would you travel back in time and give to your younger self?
I would give myself a copy of the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – I love that book and it would be great to see what I made of it at a younger age.
What book/s would you travel forward in time and give to your older self?
This is a real toughie! Perhaps a book that I’ve always loved. Maybe Rebecca or Gone With the Wind. I think I’d like to see what my older self would make of them and whether I still loved them as much.
What is your favourite futuristic setting from a book?
(Spoiler alert!)
Ohh, so many to choose from but I’m going to go with Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire and Red Queen’s War series. These are two separate series but both from the same world. A post apocalypse world which reads almost like a mediaeval one. Amazing books.
What is your favourite book that is set in a different time period (can be historical or futuristic)?
This is also really difficult – to choose a favourite book from a different time period. There are so many! Given that I’ve chosen the Victorian era for my first answer I’ll go for the same period and plump for the Sherlock Holmes books by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Spoiler Time: Do you ever skip ahead to the end of a book just to see what happens?
Yes – well, I did, but not any more. When I was younger I think my impatience sometimes got the better of me and I had to know the ending. A bit silly really because if it wasn’t the ending I was hoping for it would definitely put me off reading. The thing is, if you skip to the end and read the final outcome – it can be very misleading taken out of context. I haven’t skipped ahead for many years now – it just isn’t something that appeals to me any more.
If you had a Time Turner, where would you go and what would you do?
It would be so easy to say I’d go back in time and chance certain events – but of course we all know that never works. I could take my Time Turner and turn into a thief! Going back or forwards and taking certain items – but again, that doesn’t appeal to me. I think it might be interesting to go back to certain events, like a fly on the wall, to see how things really played out. But, I think I would be more likely to use a time turner to simply help me to do more – particularly reading!
Favourite book (if you have one) that includes time travel or takes place in multiple time periods?
I had to go for more than one – these four are all so fundamentally different that there’s definitely something for everyone on this list:
- The Time Machine by H G Wells
- The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffengger
- In the Company of Thieves by Kage Baker
- The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
What book/series do you wish you could go back and read again for the first time?
Virtually every book that I’ve ever loved – just to see how I’d feel about it to read it again! To choose one in particular probably Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Now, obviously this is book tag and therefore I should really choose some book bloggers to tag next. I so dislike tagging people though! But, I’ve chosen three particular bloggers – and these are people who I’ve chosen before – to be clear, I’m not picking on them – I just think they’d enjoy taking part and I think their answers would all be so very different that it would make great reading. If you’d also like to jump on board then please do so and feel free to come and link up.
Susan at Dab of Darkness
Drew at The Tattooed Book Geek
Sarah at Brainfluff
Kushiel’s Mercy (Imriel’s Trilogy #3) by Jacqueline Carey readalong week No.2
16 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Imriel's Trilogy #3, Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Mercy, Readalong week 2
1) Imriel visits a few of the Houses with Astegal. If you were to visit Carey’s Terre d’Ange, would there be a particular house you’d be interested to see?
I still really don’t know if I have an answer to this one – perhaps I could visit all of them and then choose! To give an actual answer though probably Orchis – how could I not go to a house where the motto is ‘Joy in Laughter’ – it’s just so right!
2) The Carthaginians’ scheme was some of the most blatant magic that I think we’ve seen in the series. Given that there is a whole country of people who are not fooled, do you think they really expected to get away with it cleanly in the long-term? Do you think they have an alternative plan?
It’s the strangest scheme ever! As to whether the Carthaginians will get away with it. Well, they seem unbothered by the fact that there is a whole country of people who are not fooled in the least. They’ve, effectively, abducted Sidonie – but Sidonie, her mother and her court and most of Terra D’Ange are not aware that it’s abduction. She’s already married and could be with heir. Meanwhile everywhere else is thrown into a state of turmoil and confusion with political conspiracies running amok – it’s been very effective in that respect and meanwhile the Carthaginians can coolly set out for war whilst everyone else is in a state of puzzlement. At first I wondered why they just simply didn’t abduct Sidonie – but this is so much more clever because everybody back home thinks nothing is amiss. I must confess that I have to question the strength of the magic though in that it can cause such a massive loss of memory to everyone – that’s some powerful magic isn’t it?
3) Barquiel l’Envers goes from a petty antagonist to one of Imriel’s only allies. Does this change your opinion of him? Do you think this adventure will alter his perception of Imriel?
Actually it does make me see him in a different light. To explain myself. I think previously I’ve just thought of him as ambitious, in fact similarly as ambitious as Melisande almost, and a person with very much his own agenda at heart (although that being said I’ve never thought of him as the sort who would commit treason). This has made me look at him differently. Yes, he doesn’t like Imriel – he sees him first and foremost as Melisande’s offspring and that doesn’t sit well with him. These chapters make me think that whilst I might not always agree with his actions I think that he believes that he’s acting rightly and with honour. I’m not really explaining this very well but I see his willingness to help by allying himself with Imriel as quite revealing. He knows this is wrong and has to be put right. Yeah, not doing very well here so I’m just going to stop – I know what I mean but I can’t put it into words (brain mash).
4) We finally see Melisande again! What do you think of what she has become? Do you think she still deserves execution for her crimes?
Wow – that meeting. I had to go and sit in a quiet place when I went to read about it so that I could give it my full attention! Carey out did herself I think. It actually made me emotional reading it – so well written and what a final insight into Melisande. In fairness I think Melisande is one of the best characters I’ve read in the world of fantasy and even in spite of knowing all the harm she’s caused I still found myself feeling sorry for her! I’m sure she would sooner have me tortured than feel sorry for her but to finally witness the love that she has for Imriel and the sorrow she has felt at the lack of his presence – it was just brilliantly done. Reading the chapters prior I was totally skeptical of her and thinking that I wouldn’t put it past her to have engineered the whole thing – just so that she could then help rescue the situation – and part of me even still wonders about that, but, even so she had such an impact on me – and the beauty of that for me is that it felt like Carey was showing me, as a reader, why Melisande is so effective and how easily she entrances people. I’m totally in awe of Carey at this point! And, as to whether she deserves executive. Yes, she probably does deserve it. Would I want that as an outcome. No I wouldn’t.
5) What do you think will be Imriel’s key to change out of the form and mind of Leander? Do you think you would be willing to undergo such a transformation?
I actually read an extra chapter by mistake – oops! So I won’t answer the first part of the question. Would I be willing. Yes. Simply. I would be scared of losing myself but I would also feel similarly to Imriel that I should be doing something.
Oct. 16th Week 2: Chpts. 11-22 (Hosted by Tethyan Books)
Oct. 23rd Week 3: Chpts. 23-35 (Hosted by Emma Wolf)
Oct. 30th Week 4: Chpts. 36-49 (Hosted by Emma Wolf)
Nov. 6th Week 5: Chpts. 50-62 (Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog)
Nov. 13th Week 6: Chpts. 63-75 (Hosted by Tethyan Books)
Nov. 20th Week 7: Chpts. 76-END (Hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow)
Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire readalong week #2
15 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Ashes of Honor, October Daye, Readalong week 2, Seanan McGuire
Today is week two of our readalong of Ashes of Honour (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire The schedule is over on Goodreads and this week I am hosting the questions. With the customary warning about potential spoilers lets get straight to the A&A.
The court of cats is once again visited following yet more disaster. What did you make of the visit this time and the way Toby was received?
It was very strange wasn’t it. Like some of the cats are starting to find out that trouble seems to follow Toby – or at least that’s the way they perceive it. It’s also a little odd because it’s not that long since Toby was helping to retrieve lost children on behalf of so many of the fae, including the cats, and seemed to have won their favour as a result. Memories are short I suppose. I think that we’re seeing a bit of prejudice leaking out now – maybe it’s okay for Toby to be befriended by the Court of Cats but not for their own ruler to be so openly admiring of her?
What do you think of Toby’s chances of being able to stop Chelsea – or to use the potion that Walther has concocted?
This is an odd one – Chelsea seems to be a bit of a whirling dervish so just how easy it’s going to be to apply this potion remains to be seen. I also have a bad feeling about it and hope it doesn’t go horribly wrong – like maybe Toby ends up with her powers absent for a year and a day!!
I’m very curious about why the policeman is tailing Toby? Any ideas about why?
This puzzles me. Either he’s very curious after having seen Toby at the centre of a couple of missing children scenarios or he’s starting to suspect that something is a bit ‘off’ about her – I suppose theres also the possibility that he could be something different himself or, finally, maybe it’s all going to tie in with the whole ‘humans becoming more aware of the fae’ theme.
We once again find ourselves at Tamed Lightning and meet up with Li Qin. What were your feelings on revisiting, did anything stand out and what did you make of Li Qin. Also we learnt more about the world of Faerie. Discuss.
I really enjoyed revisiting Tamed Lightning and would like to think that this whole revisiting places we’ve already been is going to be a regular occurrence. Li Qin seems very interesting. I like the way she immediately stepped in to help Toby out. I feel very sad for her to be honest because she’s obviously, and rightly, so sad and lonely. I was really interested in the whole world building of faerie. I’m not going to pretend that I fully understand who Faerie works just yet but I was particularly interested in the four realms – Land, Undersea, Oversky and Fire – which is like the four elements, earth, water, air and fire and I was curious if added to this will be the fifth element added – spirit or aether?
Duchess Riordan seems to be involved somehow with Chelsea’s disappearance or at least to know something. Any guesses as to her motives or who she was talking to?
I’m drawing a blank although she seemed to be talking to a male on the phone. I’m not sure why Riordan would become involved – in fact I’m not sure why any of the fae would take part in this if it could potentially undermine the fabric of Faerie. I can only assume that Riordan has political motivation and ambitions of more rule.
What were your impressions of Dreamer’s Glass and do you think there was a reason why we got to pay particular attention to it’s coat of arms?
It’s a crazy place isn’t it. Tacky much!! OMG Riordan is so pleased with herself as well openly looking for compliments about her decorating. The coat of arms was curious to me – I wondered why it was being paid attention to – I always can’t help thinking there must be a reason and obviously it brings to mind Sleeping Beauty – both in terms of the Lady of Shallot and the Spindle!
Finally, we should talk about Toby and Tybalt. There was that kiss after all. What are your feelings/predictions in respect to the two of them?
Well, it feels like the two of them are finally taking small steps to acknowledge that there is something between them. That being said, this isn’t going to be easy is it! Ohh, but that kiss!!!!
Friday Face Off: Castles in the sky!
14 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books by Proxy, Friday Face off, N K Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
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 and can be found here. Each week, following a predetermined theme (list below) choose a book, compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite. This week’s theme:
14th October: There was once a princess, who lived in the top of the highest tower – a cover with a castle.
And, my choice this week is The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance #1) by N K Jemisin
Some very different covers this week. My winner is:
Which is your favourite?
If you fancy joining in with the FFO the themes for the next few weeks are below.
21st October: ‘There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home: a cover with a house/abandoned house
28th October – ‘And I Jack, The Pumpkin King’! – a cover for Halloween
4th November – Nomad is an island – a cover with a wanderer
11th November -Falling off the rails – a cover with train tracks
18th November – The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day – a cover with stormy weather
25th November – As old as the hills?? – A cover with mountains
2nd December – Oranges and lemons say the bells of St Clements – A cover with fruit
9th December – Soul Meets Soul on Lovers’ Lips – a cover with lips
16 December – Give a Girl the Right Shoes and she can conquor the world – a cover with shoes
23rd December – The first noel… – a cover with angels
30th December – Ho ho ho! To the bottle I go… – a cover with drink
Friday Firsts: Certain Dark Things by Silvio Moreno-Garcia
14 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Certain Dark Things, Friday Firsts, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Tenacious Reader
Friday Firsts is a new meme that runs every Friday over on Tenacious Reader. The idea is to feature the first few sentences/paragraph of your current book and try and outline your first impressions as a result. This is a quick and easy way to share a snippet of information about your current read and to perhaps tempt others. Stop on by and link up with Tenacious Reader.
‘Collecting garbage sharpens the senses. It allows us to notice what others do not see. Where most people would spy a pile of junk, the rag-and-bone man sees treasure: empty bottles that might be dragged to the recycling centre, computer innards that can be reused, furniture in decent shape. The garbage collector is alert. After all, this is a profession.’
My First Impressions
What are you reading right now? Did it start out strong? Feel free to join in.
