An Artifical Night by Seanan McGuire, Readalong No.3
23 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: An Artificial Night, October Daye, Readalong week 3, Seanan McGuire
Today is week three of our readalong of An Artificial Night (October Daye #3) ) by Seanan McGuire) arranged by Lisa from Over the Effing Rainbow. This week I am hosting the Q&A. I have to say that this book is so good! And I also have to say, who chose to end the chapters there exactly – oh the torture – we’re all looking at you Lisa! Torture…..
The details are over here on Goodreads – the schedule is below. If you want to join in or jump in with the comments then please do so. Without further ado here are the questions and answers with a customary word of warning that spoilers will be lurking below:
Week 1: Saturday 9th April, Chapters 1-7, hosted by Over The Effing Rainbow
Week 2: Saturday 16th April, Chapters 8-17, hosted by Books By Proxy
Week 3: Saturday 23rd April, Chapters 18-24, hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 4: Saturday 30th April, Chapters 25-End, hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow
1. We’ve seen a good deal more of May and her interactions with Toby – any speculation on how this might play out yet??
Well, I must confess that I’m liking May very much and in a strange and unexpected fashion I hope that she’s going to stick around. Maybe she’ll be a permanent feature constantly reminding Toby of how close to death she becomes. The fact is I’m not sure that she will stick around although I would like it if she did. She seems to really be trying to help Toby which is so great because she’s absolutely working against her own objectives and that makes me think that maybe she’s going to take the fall here somehow because she’s started to care. Somebody is going to have to pay Blind Michael somehow – unless he’s defeated, of course, so I’m thinking that maybe May will take Toby’s place at some point??? I hope not. I’m hoping this will all work out. But, at the end of the day she is Toby’s fetch and I definitely don’t want toby to die!
2. Tybalt – what did you make of his rather cryptic comment about what he found out and particularly that he now knows that Toby didn’t lie to him?
I am really puzzled by this and kind of hoping that somebody else can shed some light on it. Tybalt is clearly looking into something and he obviously had a spell there where he suspected that Toby wasn’t being honest – or maybe he suspected everyone and has at least found out that Toby was being honest – but about what?? Chuck me a bone somebody??? Is it about Toby’s abilities or what she inherited from her mum?? He seemed really surprised in the last book when Toby resurrected somebody and I wonder if he thought this was something she was aware of already?
3. We finally discovered a little bit more about Luna. What are your thoughts on her now, why did she run away, thoughts about her character, why she sent Toby into Michael’s realm?
This is a very complicated situation. She obviously ran away from home and she’s been hiding ever since – and quite successfully by the sounds of it. It does make it a little bit clearer now as to why she always seems so sad and reflective. I really don’t blame Luna for running away – things were obviously not okay. As a result of course Michael now has the hunt and steals all these children to help him search for her (unless I’m reading it wrong) – she must feel so incredibly bad. If she wasn’t in hiding then surely Michael wouldn’t take these other children. It’s a really awful situation and one that part of me thinks she needs to step up and do something – but then the other side of me completely understands why she’s staying in hiding! It’s so incredibly conflicted.
4. What were your first impressions of the Court of Cats?
I loved paying a visit – I loved even more that they’re so selective who they let in – and yet even more I loved that Tybalt said that Toby is always welcome! It kind of reminded me of the alleys and fight grounds in West Side Story. I don’t know why and I can’t even describe it but that’s what it reminded me of!
5. And, finally, back to Tybalt – what on earth just happened!!
I don’t knowwwwwwww! What just happened. Is he just exhausted? Has he travelled too far too fast. Or has he taken Toby to somewhere that he can’t exist? What happened. I’m almost sure that Tybalt hasn’t died – almost!!! However, there is still a tiny tremor of dread! No, Ms Mcguire – just no. No messing with the King of Cats!
‘Death, is only the beginning…’
22 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books by Proxy, Neil Gaiman, The Friday Face Off, The Graveyard Book
Here we are again with the Friday Face Off meme being hosted by Books by Proxy . This is a great opportunity to feature some of your favourite books covers. The rules are fairly simple and can be found here. Each week, following a predetermined theme choose a book, compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite. Simples. This week the theme is:
Dead Men Tell No Tales
A cover which features something or somewhere relating to death
This week I’ve gone for The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and a whole bunch of covers to choose from:
So, from the top-
- Very creepy cover with the two characters
- Not sure about this one – bloody knife with a little toddler running along the edge – I understand why – ‘there was a hand in the darkness… and it held a knife’ – very creepy though
- I really like this one – the whole floating graveyard!
- I really like the simplicity of this cover and the angel gravestone
- This is beautifully illustrated, I admit this cover originally made me think this was a children’s book but I really like it now.
- This is the version I own – and I do love it – plus it’s signed!
My favourite this week is difficult to choose but I think I would probably go with this one:
Next week’s theme:
Like One, That on a Lonesome Road
A cover which features a road
#Waiting on Wednesday: The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan (The Draconis Memoria #1)
20 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Anthony Ryan, Breaking the Spine, The Waking Fire, Waiting on Wednesday
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every Wednesday we get to highlight a book that we’re really looking forward to. This week I’m highlighting: The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan (The Draconis Memoria #1). Epic fantasy and steampunk – colour me happy!
The Waking Fire is set in a vibrant new world where the blood of drakes—creatures similar to dragons—is valued beyond reckoning, and can be distilled into elixirs that grant fearsome powers to those who are “blood-blessed.” The novel follows an unregistered blood-blessed as he searches for an elusive variety of drake so potent, its capture would mean unrivalled riches; the second in command of a blood-burning ironclad ship; and a young woman in a lifelong contract to a trading syndicate, whose espionage mission places her on the front lines of a newly declared war. As empires clash and arcane mysteries reveal themselves, these characters are tested again and again and soon discover that the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.
The Draconis Memoria is a remarkable new epic fantasy series with steampunk flavor, full of the phenomenal worldbuilding and non-stop action that have gained Anthony Ryan a global fan base.
Due July 2016
If laughter be the food of love, read on…
19 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: The Broke and the Bookish, top 10 books that will make you laugh, Top Ten Tuesday
Every Tuesday over at the The Broke and Bookish we all get to look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) examples to demonstrate that particular topic. The topic this week is:
‘Ten Books That Will Make You Laugh (or at least chuckle)’
What a great topic! Everybody needs a good laugh every now and again and these books certainly gave me a good chuckle and earned me some odd looks from passing strangers on my way into and home from work!
- The Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett. I absolutely loved these books. They’re an excellent combination of wiley plot, great characters and over the top silly goodness. Tiffany Aching is a witch in training and her adventures with the Nac Mac Feegles or the Wee Free Men as they are better known are incredibly entertaining (there are five books in total – I’ve not yet read the 5th – I’m saving it!)
- Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adam Douglas – I shouldn’t be surprised to see Adam Douglas (and Terry Pratchett) on a number of lists this week and with good reason.
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman – this book, and film, just make me happy. I can’t help it. It’s just gorgeously outrageous! Read it – watch it even!
- The Gentlemen Bastard series by Scott Lynch – I think this series is just excellent but one of the reasons why I really love it (apart from the obvious great stories – and Jean Tannen – lets not forget about Jean!) is that there is such a lot of humour involved and Scott Lynch has taken snarky creative cursing to a whole other level.
- The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore – I’m just going to be honest and say that Mr Moore has got a wicked sense of humour that can be a little bit crude and near the knuckle, but that had me laughing my socks off! Too funny! Wear extra socks just to be sure.
- The Anvil of the World by Kage Baker – I just can’t recommend this book enough. I loved it – and Goodreads says it so perfectly that I stole this snippet : ‘the only fantasy on record with a white-uniformed nurse, gourmet cuisine, one hundred and forty-four glass butterflies, and a steamboat. This is a book filled with intrigue, romance, sudden violence, and moments of emotional impact and a cast of charming characters….’ – how can you deny yourself such reading pleasure! Really!
- Agatha H and the Airship City by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio. This book is crazy but in a totally great way. Highly readable and apart from the fact that I was already drawn in by the mention of Transylvania Polygnostic University and Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (the ruthless baddie) the following would have definitely nailed it ‘a gaslamp fantasy filled to bursting with Adventure! Romance! and Mad Science!’
- The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne – because of the simply brilliant relationship and mental telepathic communication between Atticus and Oberon.
- The Red Queen’s war series by Mark Lawrence which are wonderfully clever stories – these are not comedies I hasten to add, they can be downright down with the nasty but Jalan certainly kept me entertained and the friendship between Jalan and Snorri is very enjoyable indeed!
- Harry Potter – I just had to go there! J K Rowling created a great series here, one that people started reading as children and grew up with! So clever really when you just think about it. But, on top of the definite appeal to a younger audience these books also managed to capture the minds of many adults too! Very engaging and with wonderful laugh out loud moments!
Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.5
17 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Justice, Readalong week 5
Today is week 5 of our readalong of Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey. The schedule and participants are below. All welcome to join in or to simply jump in with the comments. This week we cover chapters 30-37 and our host is Dab of Darkness. Without further ado, to the questions with the customary warning of spoilers!
1) What did you think about Imriel’s men leaving him behind on the cattle raid?
I had mixed feelings – part of me thought it was a bit fickle and naughty of them and part of me thinks it was some sort of silly game to prove Imriel’s ability so at the end of the day they left him to it. It also didn’t really feel as though he was in any ‘real’ danger (in fact it had a ‘staged’ feel to it) – he just got naffed off and spurred into action when his horse was under threat! I was pleased that he didn’t sulk about it though – I would have! But, it shows something in Imriel that he was able to take it in good spirit. Like I said last week, the whole thing did have a very silly feel to it.
2) Alais has done some harmless flirting in this section. What do you make of her request to postpone the wedding to Talorcan a year? Do you think one year will make a difference to either one of them?
I was quite pleased for Alais in these chapters. I thought her flirting was really harmless and it was nice to see. She’s always seemed to be in Sidonie’s shadow but in Alba it’s as though she’s finally having the opportunity to shine. I’m glad that she wants to take a year and that it was agreed upon. I actually prefer the option of taking a year to consider getting married rather than getting married and taking a year to see how you like it. One feels like really considering your options before you make a commitment whilst the other feels like making a commitment without having to give it any thought at all and regardless of the outcome. Alais is so good – I love her!
3) In this section, we experienced two Alban holidays – the Day of the Dead and the Day of Misrule. What stood out to you the most? If you could only celebrate one, which would you pick?
I loved both of these and I’m totally with Alais – I would want to live in Alba too! The day of Misrule was brilliant wasn’t it and really quite good fun – although I suppose there would be the real possibility of it going wrong. I preferred The Day of the Dead which I’m assuming is similar to our All Hallow’s Day?? It’s so creepy to think of removing the veil between the living and the dead and I was taking it all quite casually until Imriel spotted his father!
4) Throughout this section, there is plenty of talk about denying one’s own nature – Imriel’s talks with Morwen, the chat with the priestess, and even Dorolei and Alais noticing changes in Imriel when his bindings are redone. Getting philosophical, is denying part of your nature good or is it nearly always a bad idea?
There’s a saying isn’t there about ‘truth will out’ and I suppose to deny your own nature is also to deny your own true self. Basically it’s like living a lie isn’t it. Without doubt this gave Imriel a chance to love Dorelei and to give Alba a chance but as soon as his restrictions were removed his true feelings flooded back in and it was this that the Maghuin Donn used against him. It’s like Carey is giving a message here about being yourself?
5) Could Imriel have done anything differently to prevent the tragedy of losing his wife and unborn child? If you were in his shoes, would you have asked for mercy for the Maghuin Donn?
I don’t know if Imriel could have done anything different. This felt like a genuine offer and a chance to be rid of the curse. As it is, it brings me back to my thinking that the Maghuin Donn are like the fae and very tricksy in their oaths. I really don’t know the answer about the whole ‘mercy’ thing, truthfully I don’t. On one hand I’d like to think I would be forgiving and not want to harm innocent people but on the other I would be so angry that I’m not sure I could be that measured. Part of me wonders if Imriel would have reacted differently if it had been Sidonie and their unborn child – but then it makes me feel bad for thinking that! I certainly don’t blame Imriel for what has happened and in fact I think he really did try to make things work. In fact at the moment I’m almost feeling equal parts sad and annoyed with what happened.
Here is the schedule:
Week 1: Chpts. 1-7, Mar 20 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 2: Chpts. 8-14, Mar 27 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 3: Chpts. 15-22, Apr 3 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 4: Chpts. 23-29, Apr 10 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 5: Chpts. 30-37, Apr 17 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 6: Chpts. 38-46, Apr 24 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 7: Chpts. 47-56, May 1 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 8: Chpts. 57-65, May 8 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 9: Chpts. 66-END, May 15 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
And here is the current list of participators:
Allie at Tethyan Books
Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog
Emily at Emma Wolf
Susan at Dab of Darkness
Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
Books and travelling with Lynn 