Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?
4 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Disguises, Fantasy Review Barn, Tough Travelling
Clearly the one in the middle is not in disguise but the other two are!
This week over at the Fantasy Review Barn we once again go a travelling through the Tropes of Fantasy with Nathan. This week our topic is:
DISGUISES
Hiding in plain site? Put on a disguise. Often used to sneak into the evil lair. For best results brain a guard and steal his; no one is tracking these things.
I’m not really sure if I’m cheating or not because I haven’t just gone for putting on a disguise but chosen a few other examples:
Glamoured – For example the Fae or series such as Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments where glamours have been used to hide things in plain sight.
Tithe by Holly Black – in which the main protagonist is a changelling (she’s of course not aware of this) and has in place a human glamour or disguise.
Spelled – fairly obvious but, in which somebody’s appearance is changed through magic
Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones – in which a young girl called Sophie is changed into an elderly woman by the Witch of the Waste.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – Ron, Hermione and Harry take polyjuice potion – unfortunately Hermione’s potion goes a little wrong:
Regular Disguise:
For me the masters of disguise are the Gentlemen Bastards, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch in which many disguises are donned! Enough said.
Invisibility
The Invisible Man! kidding…
Harry Potter has a cloak of invisibility – okay, maybe not a disguise but you could certainly sneak into an evil lair!
Superhero
Okay, this guy is in disguise:
This is what he really looks like
I confess that Spiderman’s disguise – now, that’s a real disguise
Gender swap
You know, cut off your hair, wear trousers and a hat and bingo – you’ve changed from a girl to boy, or put on a wig and a dress and similarly….
The Thousand Names by Django Wexler – in which, hoping to avoid notice, Winter Ihernglass dressed as a man and joined the army – her plan of staying in the background goes a little wrong.
I couldn’t resist…
Shapeshifting
Suzume – Generation V by ML Brennan – not a typical shapeshifter. Suzume is actually a fox – who changes into a human – okay, maybe it’s more an ability than a disguise but she can certainly hide if she needs to.
To adapt or not to adapt, part 2…
Yesterday as part of Top Ten Tuesday I selected 10 books that I would like to see adapted to movie or series. Today, I’ve chosen 10 books that I haven’t read that I would like to see adapted. Now, if I see something on film or tv it usually puts me off reading the book so what I’ve really gone for here are books and series that I really want to get to grips with but probably won’t get to read because of my fight with too little time/too many books:
- Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal. I’ve been checking out this series for some time. I still quite like the idea of reading it but in actual fact I think it could made a great tv series mixing period drama with fantasy.
- My Life as a White Trash Zombie – zombies with a twist. Again, I’ve had this for ages so perhaps the only way I’m going to find out what it’s all about is film!
- Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood – again, a book I’ve had for a long time. I am trying to get to some of my older books this year but it would take me ages to get to them all. This has always had good reviews so I’d be keen to see how it adapts.
- Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time – I have to just hold my hands up and admit that I’m very unlikely to get to this series – it’s just such a huge undertaking and a bit too daunting. A series could be another thing though.
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs- I’ve loved the look of this book and yet still haven’t picked up a copy. It has very positive reviews and it could be a great atmospheric thriller.
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This is a series that I probably now won’t pick up and yet everyone loves it so I do kind of feel like I’m missing out. A series would be good??
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – another book with lots of positive reviews but I feel like the moment has now passed by for me. It sounds like this would make a magical film.
- The First Law books by Joe Abercrombie – I would like to see these adapted. I haven’t read them yet but definitely will but even so they’re on the list.
- One of John Green’s books – maybe looking for Alaska? I haven’t read any of this author yet – a little film might jog me along.
- The Dark Tower series by Stephen King – I had to go there. I keep thinking I will pick this up and then I just keep not doing. Will I ever do so. I don’t know. A series could be the only way for me to find out what exactly is going on here.
To adapt or not to adapt!
2 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book/movie Adaptations, The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday
Today over at the Broke and Bookish the topic for Top Ten Tuesday is:
Top Ten Books I’d Love To See As Movies/Tv Shows
This is a tricky one because sometimes I feel really unhappy with adaptations, particularly when they don’t, for me, do the book justice. Yes, I know that movie/tv is a different medium however I don’t like massive liberties being taken with the overall story. My motto: if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. This makes me cautious about picking my favourite stories to be brought to the screen. I considered cheating here and picking 10 books already adapted that I enjoy, but then I decided to stay on track:
- All the Truth That’s in me by Julie Berry – a really good story that I didn’t know what to expect and thoroughly enjoyed.
- Beauty/Poison/Charm by Sarah Pinborough – mashed up and twisted retold fairy tales
- Life After Life by Kate Atkinson – would make a great movie with a strange Sliding Doors type feel – but one that continues throughout the life of the main character and ends up in all kinds of situations
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – I would love to see this adapted – it could be such a lovely and slightly creepy adaptation – perhaps Tim Burton could give it his special touch?
- The Gentlemen Bastards – I would love to see this series converted to film – but, by the same token I’m scared to see it adapted. Jean is one of my favourite characters and I’d hate it if somebody I didn’t like was chosen to play his role!
- Flex by Ferrett Steinmetz – this is an excellent book and could be a brilliant, exciting and totally over the top film almost in the style of comic book super hero.
- The Prince of Fools and The Liar’s Key by Mark Lawrence – so far, this would make an excellent series – or epic type films for that matter!
- Hexed by Michael Alan Nelson – this could be really creepy!
- Longbourn by Jo Baker – just to visit with the Bennet’s again, A bit of a period drama but from a different perspective.
- The Just City by Jo Walton – I would love to see this on the big screen.
Hero Born by Andy Livingstone
Hero Born is the first book in the Seeds of Destiny Trilogy by Andy Livingstone which brings to us a young boy, just on the cusp of manhood, who on one horrible day loses everything he holds dear. His family are murdered, his home destroyed and his freedom taken when he is captured and thrown aboard a ship sailing to distant lands where he will be sold into slavery.
Hero Born has a coming of age type of feel to it, plenty of action and is a solid first instalment to the series.
The story starts out with a look at village life. The local boys/young men are competing in a team game (akin to early rugby maybe) with a neighbouring village. This is where we are first introduced to Brann and come to realise that in spite of his diminutive stature he’s a tough little nut who refuses to stay beaten. Meanwhile, a stranger watches the games, well dressed, well armed and relatively unnoticed.
At the conclusion of the games and returning home with his brother the two notice armed men sneaking through the woods obviously planning on attacking the village. From there things spiralled downhill quickly – the village was massacred and Brann, whilst attempting to escape, was captured and thrown aboard a ship heading to distant lands to become a slave.
During the trip Brann’s fortune continually fluctuates – he manages to capture the attention of the ship’s soothsayer or wise woman who provides him with a strange prophecy and thereby draws the attention of the captain and also the anger and jealousy of one of the warriors. Eventually, following pirate attack, he becomes a replacement galley slave thus sealing his future.
In terms of the setting we have a pseudo mediaeval period. People use carts and horses and live fairly basic lives. Bow and arrow and sword are the typical weapons of choice. During boat travel we go from Brann’s home – which has a maybe UK/Scottish type feel to one more akin to Norway with cold temperatures, seasons where the sun barely puts in an appearance and viking type warriors are the order of the day.
The characters. The main one is obviously Brann and over the course of the story we begin to understand that something is different about him, not only does he have a prophecy foretold but he seems to have the luck of the Gods not to mention a tough skull The other main characters are Gerens and Grakk, Brann’s onboard mates and fellow rowers and then two additional friends that he becomes attached to in Hakon and Konall. I quite liked the characters, particularly Konall who starts off as a rather arrogant and generally misunderstood and disliked character but goes on to disprove that first impression. They both go on something of an adventure together where they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive. I also found Grakk very interesting and would definitely like to learn more of his story.
In terms of the writing – let’s just say that Mr Livingstone is very thorough! There is plenty of detail about everything whether that be the life of a slave or paige, fighting, weapons and the like. I actually liked the writing but had a couple of criticisms. Particularly toward the start, there was a little bit of repetition where sometimes I almost felt I was reading the same or very similar sentence twice. This did taper off. I would also say that the dialogue could have been sharpened a little. Plus, I’m not going to deny that in spite of the action it did take me 20/30% of the story to get truly into the novel. In fact it really kicked off for me towards the end of the first journey over water. In fairness I think this could probably have been cut a little, I wouldn’t say that the length put me off reading but it might deter some readers and I feel it could have been shortened without any detriment effect.
Anyway, the upshot is I thought this was an enjoyable first instalment with a good ending. We have a decent plot, savage baddies and an evil scheming snake in the grass living amidst them all. I would say it has a YA feel and is a good start to an action/adventure/hero type story.
Now, do I discuss the elephant in the room?? Yes. I couldn’t help making a rather obvious comparison to Abercrombie’s Half a King and I’m sure that others will make the same connection. There are certainly similarities – both about heros in the making, set in similar types of world, the main characters become galley slaves, make friends where least expected, etc. But, whilst I can’t deny there are similarities in terms of those elements I don’t think it extends to the overall story arc. I think it’s probably just a little unfortunate that this story comes so closely on the back of Half a King so comparisons are probably inevitable. Like I said though, I don’t think this story is going in the same direction.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.4
1 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart, Readalong week No.4
Today is the fourth week in our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart. Week four is being hosted by the lovely Susan at Dab of Darkness The questions and answers for week No.4 are below. If you haven’t read this book already be aware of spoilers in the following text. If you have read and want to jump in with your own answers then please do so. If you want to join in with the readalong then leave a comment – the details are here.
Chapters 27-36
1) Alcuin finally talked with Delaunay about being uncomfortable serving Naamah. He spent 3 days in the sanctuary of Naamah and came out with a lighter heart. What do you think occurred there?
I like to think that Naamah knew that this wasn’t truly Alcuin’s real calling in life and that Alcuin would be forgiven. After all people change their minds frequently during the course of their life so you can’t really hold it against Alcuin – plus, he chose this way because of love didn’t he?? So, it’s like he chose the wrong way but for what he thought of as the right reasons.
2) We are introduced to the new protector of the Delaunay household, Joscelin Verreuil. What were your first impressions? Would would you find it harder to pay homage to: Naamah or Kushiel or Cassiel?
First impressions of Josceline – well, I like him, but this is a reread so I’m not totally sure those are my ‘real’ first impressions. As to who I would serve – well, that’s a tough one in some respects. Definitely not, for me, Kushiel, nope, no sirree – I’m just too much of a softie. In some ways I think Cassiel and in others Naamah – in some respects they’re very similar, in that they seem to have no choice over whom they serve? I quite like the idea of serving Cassiel but maybe that’s because I want to be all badass and be all awesome with swords and such like!
3) Phedre visits Childric D’Essoms two more times; once to beg a boon for Delaunay and again because she feels she owes him a debt. Do you think she was right to go on either of these occasions?
Yes. This is what Phedre does so I had no doubt she would go the first time. Plus she wants to help Delauney. The second time, well, again, this is what she is? She went to him in order that he could punish her. I don’t think she owes him a debt personally, if he can’t control his own mouth from giving away secrets then that’s his own fault, he knew that Phedre was Delauney’s ears and eyes so frankly it’s his own mistake. But, Phedre is what she is. Plus she was in a bit of a dark place at the time and needed the release.
4) We meet the Duc Barquiel L’Enver, who has spent much time in Akkad. What do you think lies in the past between him and Delaunay? What do you think of his methods to dealing with Vitale Bouvarre?
To be honest I’m not sure I still grip all the nuances perfectly. I think L’Enver is very dangerous and definitely not to be under estimated. Bouvarre – well, he was definitely a bit of a so and so when you think about it. Even with his dealings with Alcuin – he wanted what he wanted and made promises but was a bit of turncoat resulting in Guy’s death and Alcuin’s injury.
5) At the palace, after a meeting with Clavel, Phedre sneaks off. In the hall, she overhears Isidore d’Aiglemort talking about the Glory Seekers along the Skaldi border. Then she finds herself hiding under some furniture when she witnesses a secret meeting between Delaunay and Ysandre de la Courcel. What do you make of this latest political intrigue?
A bit convenient and also difficult to say too much about as this is a reread. Whilst reading I did enjoy that Phedre ducked out of one tricky situation straight into another. Frying pan : fire.
6) Melisande Shahrizai points out to Phedre that she both despises and loves each of her patrons, if only a little. Do you think this is true for Phedre? For most human relationships?
I think it’s true for Phedre – she enjoys certain aspects – even when she’s not enjoying them they ultimately bring her pleasure. I think all relationships are different – in some there is an equal balance and in others not. That’s just the way it is. But I wouldn’t say all human relationships are made up of love/despise elements. I can see why Phedre would maybe think like that though because she finds pleasure and pain mixed together.
7) Phedre is contracted for the Longest Night by Melisande to be shown off to the Duc de Morhban. What stood out for you the most this night? Now that Phedre can complete her mark, what do you think she will do?
The thing that really stood out was that Melisande seemed to have contracted Phedre to show her off and make sure that everyone knew she wasn’t available! to anyone else including the Duc. I clearly remembered the sheer gown and the gems and the fact that it was a factor in choosing the attire – not only for the aspect of it’s see-through nature but also the pain it would inflict when kneeling! The other thing that came across was that although the pair spent an enjoyable time together Phedre ultimately awoke in a room by herself. I don’t know why but that gave me pause for thought. For me it shows the imbalance between the two.
Books and travelling with Lynn 