Snakewood by Adrian Selby
Snakewood is a difficult book to review and for that reason I’ve sat on this for a few days to see how my feelings developed and gather my thoughts. To be honest this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I love the description and the cover and was so excited to pick it up. Now, up front, I can say that I didn’t love this – but, I didn’t hate it either and I think it’s definitely a book that improves as you read. It just takes a little while to settle into the style.
The story in a nutshell. We have a bunch of ‘used to be’ mercenaries. Kailen’s Twenty were the toughest and most badass mercenaries for hire. They could sway the outcome of a battle and accordingly demanded a weighty purse. Until one day Kailen decided to break up the team and they all went their separate ways. A few of them still work in the field, a few teamed up and are still for hire – a few are turning up dead, each found with a black coin. And so Kailen puts out a call to round up the rest of his former team hoping to gather them together before any more of them are picked off.
The story is told from a number of POVs in the form of field reports and personal accounts and from these snippets we begin to put together a picture of what really happened and why the Twenty are now being assassinated one by one.
So, the good and the bad. The good was the concept of plant like mixes that enhance the mercenaries and others who use them. I’m not sure if this is intended as magic but for me it felt more like drugs. Drugs that improve sight, strength and speed. Cocktail combinations that can be thrown into the middle of a fight to create a fog or poison one’s opponents. And, of course, the come down from the use of these substances. I found this quite fascinating particularly the long term effects on the users. Plus, I thought the idea of a recipe book being so powerful in determining who wins or loses. I thought the storyline was compelling in that I was fascinated about who was assassinating the Twenty and why and I really got into the main two characters that we followed of Gant and Shale. The othe character that really gripped me was Sand – his story is really good. He’s not a pleasant character for sure but he’s very well drawn.
The bad. Well, this story is very difficult to get to grips with and I would say that I didn’t really become hooked until at least 30% of the way into the book. There is a lot of to’ing and fro’ing between POVs and timeline and this combined with certain narratives that are very poorly written and turns of phrase and words that felt alien definitely make the start of the story a struggle. However, once I got past this point I thought the story definitely picked up. The individual chapters became longer which was a big help as it made it easier to settle down as opposed to the earlier chapters that were quite choppy. Now, when I say poorly written above let me be clear – I don’t mean that the author has poorly written them but that the narrator isn’t terribly articulate himself. I can see why the author chose this route, it definitely gives those elements of the story a real feel, as though the person is speaking directly to you, on the flip side of course it takes a little getting used to the style.
Personally, I would say that the book is worth the effort. I thought it was a good read with some very intriguing aspects although I must add that this book is very brutal and there are scenes of torture that you may find unpalatable.
On the whole I am pleased that I pushed through the earlier chapters. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I’d had an idea what the story was about before I started whereas I feel now like I’ve probably missed some aspects during the earlier chapters due to my own confusion.
I can see that this is a divisive book and I can understand why. It’s not a book that I’m going to say I adore because whilst I can appreciate the reasoning behind the style of writing I think personally I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a little more straightforward. It’s not a book for the faint hearted and I don’t think it’s going to be a book that people say is ‘beautifully written’ but if this sounds like it could work for you then just stick with it through the earlier chapters.
I received a copy courtesy of the publisher through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Read all about it…
20 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Once Upon a Time X, Stainless Steel Droppings
It’s that time of the year again.. Spring has almost sprung and as the nights start to get lighter we once again embark upon the Once Upon a Time event hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings. This is a wonderful event – not a challenge I hasten to add – all about having fun! The main details of the event are here and just for the shortened version:
“This is a reading and viewing and gaming event that encompasses four broad categories: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology, including the seemingly countless sub-genres and blending of genres that fall within this spectrum”
Let’s be honest, these categories fall right into my reading comfort zone so this is an event that I always enjoy. I’m going to keep my options open rather than committing to any specific list although I think my first books will involve The Lyre Thief and Every Heart a Doorway and I’m going to put my thinking cap on to see if I can cover the four main categories.
Come and join in – it’s a great way to discover new bloggers and new books 😀
Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.1
20 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Justice, readalong week 1
Today is week 1 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 1-7 and our host is Susan from Dab of Darkness.
1) Imriel wraps up some left over business – meeting with Bernadette de Trevalion. What do you think of the way Imriel handled the meeting? Will the peace hold?
I think Imriel handled the meeting really well to be honest. It would have been easy to go down a different route and I’m not sure I could have been as calm in his place but I like his attempt at keeping the peace. I hope Bernadette stays true to her word, she did seem genuinely surprised by some of Imriel’s revelations.
2) Imriel first hears of the Bear People or Bear Witches from Alise and later a little more from the Alban honor guards who attend the Bard, and still a bit more from Phedre. Simply a spooky story or more to it? Does the tale remind you of any myth or legend?
I don’t know what to make of the tale to be honest. It sounds like something that maybe has an element of truth to it but has grown into something more – as these myths and legends do. A bit like Chinese whispers.
3) Mavros accompanies Imriel on their visit to Bryony House, where Imriel wins them tokens for the Longest Night. What did you think of how Imriel won the bet? Mavros shares a bit of wisdom later, pointing out that Imriel isn’t really enjoying sampling all the Night Court Houses before his wedding and that it is somewhat of an injustice to Naamah. Do you think Mavros is right?
The tokens – interesting that Imriel could use his bad memories in that way and curious that he was so keen to win the bet that he would do so. Maybe an indication of the fact that he’s really moving on. I think Imriel is bored by the Night Court Houses and there’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion. It doesn’t seem to be what he really wants does it and it feels like he’s just going along with things for the sake of it. I think Imriel has changed and wants more. He has this desire for Sidonie at the moment and maybe everything else pales in comparison.
4) In this section, Imriel visits Kushiel’s Temple and then later Naamah’s Temple, wishing to atone in both for various slights and actions. Which would you find more cathartic? Do you think Imriel has a deeper understanding of himself, and perhaps Phedre, now?
For me, no, I don’t think Imriel has a deeper understand than Phedre – everything she did felt very natural whereas Imriel feels as though he’s floundering around a little trying to find his own route and struggling to do so. He’s only young though and has plenty of time to find out what he’s comfortable with.
5) Finally, we have the Longest Night. What stood out the most for you? If you could join Imriel’s little group, what philosopher would you choose to dress as?
I think the liaison with Sidonie and Imriel stood out the most in this Longest Night. Their actions seemed a little crazy like they both just gave in to their own desire regardless of the eyes upon them! I don’t know who I’d dress as to be honest. When I think of philosophers I tend to think of the Ancient Greeks so I guess I’d have a nice easy costume – a toga!
The details, schedule and other participants outlined below. Please feel free to join in with the fun.
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
A Local Habitation (October Daye #3) by Seanan McGuire, readalong
19 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Local Habitation, Readalong week 3, Seanan McGuire
Today is week three of our readalong of A Local Habitation (No.2 October Daye by Seanan McGuire) arranged by Lisa from Over the Effing Rainbow. I read the first book as part of a readalong at the start of the year and thought it got off to a good start but book No.2 is speeding along .
The schedule is below, so 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:
And, I must say – what a place to stop!!! I think there will be book finishings very soon – Tybalt!!! *swoonings*:
1. First things first, Toby braved the likelihood of being eaten alive by summoning the night-haunts! What are your impressions of this strange race of fae? And how do you think Toby’s relationship with the Luidaeg will change now that her final question has been asked?
I think I’m more scared about the Luidaeg and what will happen next – sort of scared but not scared if you understand me. Part of me feels like the Luidaeg likes Toby and needs her too. Time will tell. The night haunts. Well, I don’t know what I’d expected to be honest but tiny little cannibals that steal the faces of those they eat isn’t it! I think I was expecting something quite animal in nature. This is a really intriguing thread though. I don’t think I’d ever considered before, when I’m reading UF and the fae die, just what happens to the body – an autopsy just wouldn’t do would it! I wouldn’t say the night haunts were as scary as I expected somehow. I was expecting strange voices and darkness – lots of darkness – sufficiently creepy though.
2. The storyline has really kicked off with another death to add to the body count and yet another attempt on Toby’s life. How did you feel about this latest murder? Are you suspicious of anyone in particular or seeing any patterns regarding motivations?
I can’t believe this latest death. Literally can’t believe it. I just haven’t got a clue what’s going on. What does occur to me is that the attempts on Toby’s life are completely different than the other attempts/deaths so whoever is trying to kill or warn her off isn’t trying to make her a part of whatever is going on here.
3. Before her untimely demise, January was on the verge of revealing a secret regarding ALH and a mysterious project it was running. Do you have any suspicions on what this might be?
I’m all out of maniac theories this week. Whatever they were planning there is clearly resistance to so it must be something ground breaking. They’re an odd bunch of characters at ALH, eclectic, quirky, maybe it was something that would change the standing of the lesser fae or halflings – I really don’t know. It all seems to be linked into technology and I remember Toby saying there was an awful lot of random information being kept about everyone. Not sure how it all links together though.
4. April is a fascinating and amusing character to read about, how do you think she’ll cope now she no longer has her adoptive mother? Can you see her becoming part of another court or as an addition to Toby’s life?
I can imagine that April will become angry once she’s had time to grieve. I still don’t understand how she doesn’t know more about what’s going on though which I think is suspicious. I’d imagine that she would always keep an eye on January and she’s the only one who has that ability so I’m puzzled. Let’s face it – the suspects are getting more difficult to choose as the body count stacks up. I guess the only one we haven’t yet suspected is Elliot! I can’t come up with a reason why he would be the bad guy though. The thing is, I feel like I’m going down this route of ‘if people grieve or lose someone they care about it can’t be them – but that’s not strictly true is it. For example, April could be implicated with January’s death – yes, she’s distraught about the death but that doesn’t mean she didn’t have a part in it. It’s all very perplexing!
5. In this section of the novel a little more is revealed about one half of our suspicious siblings, Alex and Terrie. Whilst Alex gets very handsy and a bit hypnocreep with Toby, Terrie is almost non-existent! What are your thoughts on this pair? Was Toby’s reaction justified? And are you as suspicious of at least one half of this pairing as Toby?!
Alex is just downright creepy – and also a little bit suspicious. Although his attempt at schmoozing Toby away for example happened at a convenient time. Like he wanted her out of the way when January was killed – maybe he was actually trying to get her out of the way to protect her. Terrie. Well, perhaps she can’t come out at a certain point of the day? Bit like a vampire?? The other thing with Alex and Terrie and the whole ‘are they the same person’ routine – I can’t help thinking of the scene in Shrek where Princess Fiona turns into ‘green ogre Princess Fiona’ maybe Alex and Terrie are like ‘naughty and nice’ halves of the same person – bad and evil.
6. Alex might not be able to turn off the seduction but in this section we see the return of both Connor and Tybalt. What do you think of Connor and his obviously complicated relationship with both Toby and Raysel? Do you think they have a future? Or is Tybalt too much of an infuriating temptation? Or more to the point, will either of them be of any use during the investigation? Thoughts please!
I don’t think Toby and Connor have a future to be honest. I don’t dislike Connor but I think their relationship is in the past and whilst they’re both clinging on to fond memories they’re both different people now. I feel sorry for Connor being in a relationship with Raysel which has an arranged feel but then part of me thinks his own unhappiness is making him hanker after something else and Toby is an obvious candidate. Plus, Tybalt. Need I say more. I don’t know whether he will be in any use but I had an immediate release of tension in my shoulders when he appeared. Like Toby finally had somebody who could take care of himself and help her rather than somebody who she was running around trying to protect. Grrr!
Week 1: Saturday 5th March, Chapters 1-8 hosted by Over The Effing Rainbow
Week 2: Saturday 12th March, Chapters 9-16 – hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog (me!)
Week 3: Saturday 19th March, Chapters 17-25 – hosted by Books By Proxy
Week 4: Saturday 26th March, Chapters 26-end – hosted by The Bibliosanctum
All are welcome and there’s a discussion page over on Goodreads if that makes it easier to join.
Books and travelling with Lynn 