An Apprentice to Elves by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear
13 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: An Apprentice to Elves, Elizabeth Bear, Sarah Monette
An Apprentice to Elves is a beautifully written story that takes us to the land of the North – a harsh place to survive not only because of the fearsome winters but also because of attacks from invaders and trolls. The latest threat posed is from the Rheans – a relentless invader with endless resources and ruthless determination. This is book No.3 of the Iskryne Trilogy. My original review appears over at The Speculative Herald and this is a condensed version. I haven’t read the first two books but feel this reads well as a standalone. I would also mention that not having read the previous books this may include spoilers.
At the start we are introduced to Alfgyfa who has been sent by her father to become an apprentice to a Mastersmith of the Alfar named Tin. I think both Tin and Alfgyfa’s father have a vision for a more peaceful understanding and Alfgyfa’s apprenticeship is a gesture in that direction..
The story is based in an imaginary world that draws on Norse myth and Roman history We have men, elves and wolves. The Trellwolves are enormous, intelligent beasts with the ability to share a telepathic link with certain men (the men who form such bonds are then known as wolfcarls). We have the race of elves, two groups, the svartalfar and the aettrynalfar who share an old enmity towards each other. We also have the Rheans, who bear a strong resemblance to the Romans. The Rheans would ‘supposedly’ come in peace to trade. In truth they would then exercise such control over the people they conquer until the dominated race became indistinguishable from the Rheans themselves. Understandably, the men of the North are not too keen to bend their knee and pay tribute or to lose their own sense of identity.
In terms of story there is the threat of war and the steps needed by the men of the North to prevent defeat and we also follow in the footsteps of Alfgyfa and watch her development. Alfgyfa is headstrong. She longs for the bond with a wolf that the men from her home enjoy. Such a bond is forbidden to females but Alfgyfa is determined to follow her own heart, even if this leads to problems along the way.
If you’re expecting a fast paced story with battles and swordplay then you could be in for a surprise as this isn’t what you’ll find here. This story is rich in detail and slowly builds up the personalities of all the main characters, including the wolves, and sets the scene of their daily lives. I enjoyed the attention to detail, it paints a vivid picture which I found fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the information about the wolves and their behaviour which made me want to laugh out loud. As I said, this probably isn’t for everyone as it is definitely a slow burner but I enjoyed the finer detail.
In terms of characters. Alfgyfa wasn’t my favourite – odd as she is the main character – and I did have a degree of sympathy for her situation. Having lived almost half her life in one home and half in another – and never having been truly accepted in the latter – she’s now like a fish out of water belonging to neither place. I liked that she decided her own path and stood by her actions and also that she was determined to help her people survive. My favourites, however, were Tin, a matriarch and master of the Alfa. Patient and intelligent and able to look at the bigger picture. I liked her sense of right and wrong and that she was determined to help Alfgyfa choose the best path.. The other character that stood out for me was Otter, a former Rhean slave, she makes a really intriguing addition to the overall dynamic.
Criticisms? Considering the detail displayed throughout the book the ending felt a little rushed and maybe too easily sewn up. Also, some of the names are, at first, difficult to read and stop you in your tracks and I have no doubt I was reading them wrong in my head.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this. It’s a very detailed exploration of an unusual world full of strange creatures told by a young woman who is determined to prove herself.
Also, I simply have to raise the matter of the beautiful cover. Just look at it.
I received a copy courtesy of the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Go together like a horse and carriage??
13 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Authors writing a book together, The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday
This week over at the Broke and Bookish the topic for Top Ten Tuesday is:
‘Top Ten Author Duos You’d LOVE To See Write A Book Together’
Well, I think this is a real toughie to be honest. I thought I’d go for something a little different (also, I realise that some of these authors are no longer around but I’m still picking them):
- Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams. Don’t ask me why other than strange quirky fantasy/sci fi and bags of humour.
- Joe Abercrombie and JRRTolkien – imagine a grimdark middle earth if you will! ‘f-bomb in-coming’.
- GRRMartin and Andy Weir – this could be the abridged version of The Martian – as GRRM likes to kill off his characters and Andy Weir wrote The Martian, which is mostly centred around one main character, well, let’s just say it’s going to be a quick read.
- CS Lewis and Bram Stoker – Dracula in Wonderland. Sorry.
- Sarah Pinborough and Louisa May Alcott – Sassy Little Women
- Mark Lawrence and Dr Seuss – The Prince who Stole Christmas: Jorg : ‘The nerve of those Whos. Inviting me down there – on such short notice! Even if I wanted to go my schedule wouldn’t allow it. 4:00, think of new ways to torture people; 4:30, stare into the eyes of a man before I chop off his head; 5:00, create world hunger, let everyone starve; 5:30, homicide; 6:30, dinner with Catherine – she better not cancel!; 7:00, wrestle with my inner demon – kick it’s ass… I’m booked. Of course, if I bump the inner demon to 9, I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into dreams of ruling the world. But what would I wear?’
- Arthur Conan Doyle and Jim Butcher – a new sort of detective agency starring Harry Holmes, and Dr Dresden
And that’s it for me. I only got 7 this week.
The Flux by Ferrett Steinmetz
11 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Ferrett Steinmetz, Flex, The Flux, The Speculative Herald
I recently read and reviewed The Flux by Ferrett Steinmetz over at The Speculative Herald (below is a condensed version). My review of Flex is here). Basically: I love both these books and can’t wait for No.3.
Be aware that, whilst I try to avoid spoilers, this review may contain spoilers for Flex so if you haven’t yet started this series probably best to stop reading now!
The Flux starts a short while after the conclusion of Flex. Aliyah is now 8 years old and her mancy powers make her something of a handful to manage. Her parents have divorced and Paul, following his heroics at the conclusion of Flex, heads up the task force who track mancers. Of course, being a mancer, and not wishing to be caught (or brainwashed) he uses every trick in the book to fail. His lack of success is starting to attract attention!
As the book begins we have Paul and Valentine cooking up a batch of flex (a powerful drug that is created using magic). Unfortunately, following a tip off from the mysterious King of New York, the task force have honed in on their location and are about to try and apprehend the pair. And that’s when the magic really kicks off.
I went into this story with raised expectations and wondered if the author could sustain the level of enthusiasm I felt for Flex. I’m pleased to say he managed to do just that. In a rather cunning ploy FS brings not only all sorts of game references and characters into play but also creates something of a film geek fest and in fact uses the love of films to create a different sort of mancy. I love the concept here and think FS has given himself massive scope to create all sorts of different magical abilities and super obsessed evil baddies.
The characters. Firstly Paul, his magic seems tame compared with most of the others but it’s actually subtly ingenious. Perhaps not the explosion of fireworks that Aliyah creates or the fun game worlds that Valentine pulls out of the hat but in a world where most people leave a paper trail, bureaucromacy is very effective. Valentine is an amazing character. She’s so full of passion for what she does and who she is that she’s a force of nature waiting to happen. She loves Paul and Aliyah and is protective of their small unit. On top of that she’s about to gain a love interest. Then of course we have the maniacs of the piece. One of them very obvious and one of them not as immediately apparent.
I don’t really have any criticisms. You could say that after the dramatic and horror filled start of Flex, The Flux has something of a tamer start but I think it’s appropriate and allows you to stop and gain a feel for the characters. That isn’t to say the action is in short supply but the author takes the time to show you how Aliyah feels and how she’s dealing with the traumas she’s already suffered. Paul also suffers unimaginable guilt and will go to great lengths to secure his daughter’s happiness (almost forgetting to be a parent in the process). Valentine is also desperate to retain the friendship and closeness she values but needs something more in her life. They all have things to lose and for a while these fears drive a wedge between them.
In a nutshell – this is a great story. It expands on the possibilities created in Flex, has a great plot, excellent writing, action, heartbreak and loss, tempered with fun and laugh out loud moments. Highly entertaining with an addictive comic book/super hero feel. I have no hesitation in recommending. Explosively good fun.
Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week 1
Welcome to week one of our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series. Kushiel’s Avatar is the third in the series and I can say, straight off the bat, what a fantastic start this series gets off to. I’ve literally raced through the first 13 chapters and can’t wait to move forward. So much goodness. All free to join in, we’ve only read the first 13 chapters so not much catching up at this point. Or, if you’ve already read this then please join in with the comments. The full schedule is here and this week Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow is our lovely host. Before moving on: a word of warning – there will be spoilers lurking below.
Chapters 1 – 13
The book begins with the ending of Phedre’s “ten years of peace”, and with a journey to visit Hyacinthe on his island. It’s a less than optimistic beginning, but the seer Sibeal seems to believe better… What did you make of these opening scenes?
I can’t make head or tail of it – although it certainly steps up the need to try and find a ‘get off the island pdq’ card for Hyacinthe. And, I suppose it does give Melisande the perfect leverage to involve Phedre in her plots (whatever they may be).
I was kind of struggling to think why Sibeal was involved – wasn’t it her sister who had a brief involvement with Hyacinthe? Did Phedre come across as maybe a touch jealous of Sibeal’s interest? Maybe Sibeal’s interest is purely on behalf of her broth – Drustan must be interested in the comings and goings at the straits and so he would be interested in his sister’s prophetic dream. At the moment the waters are clear for him to pass. Also interesting that Melisande was looking into the history of the island as well. Clearly the Straits and Hyachinthe are going to play a larger role in in this story – at least I think so!
Sorry, my mind is a complete jumble.
Before long Phèdre and Joscelin are revisiting Melisande Shahrizai as well, and she’s got yet another surprise for our heroes… Do you have any suspicions yet about who could have taken Imriel, and why? How about any thoughts regarding what Melisande could be up to now…?
Wow, Melisande back on the scene so quickly into the story! I didn’t see that one coming. Or the reason why she requests Phedre’s assistance. Never. Saw. That. Coming.
It seems to me that the one consistent thing that Melisande seeks is power so I feel that will be the case now. Whether this is an elaborate ruse I’m not sure. It seems to me that Phedre has successfully stopped Melisande on two previous occasions so there’s a chance that this is a distraction? Sleight of hand maybe. Perhaps get Phedre’s attention firmly set on ‘x’ and then implement ‘y’ whilst she’s distracted. But, at the back of my mind Melisande always seemed to have a healthy respect in terms of the wrath of the Gods and she did swear that she was telling the truth – still, I find it very difficult to trust her.
As to other thoughts, I’m a bit short on ideas to be honest. Barquel – seems a bit obvious, unless he has killed the boy to eliminate the threat. Don’t really see it though.
The thing that does niggle is that surely none of Melisande’s enemies would know of Imriel’s whereabouts – which leaves the possibility that he’s been taken from somebody in Melisande’s own camp. I don’t know why they would do that – perhaps, even though she thinks not, someone from her own family? I don’t know. As you can probably see!
Taking a step back from the higher drama, what are your thoughts regarding the romantic developments that seem to have taken place for Phèdre and Joscelin over the years? They seem to be in a better place… Do you think it will still last?
I love Phedre and Joscelin’s relationship and their current status and the way they seem to be able to read each other so well is a testament to how well they’re suited to each other. I’ve no doubt that setting off on another mission may once again raise doubts. I think the main issue I could see coming between them is Hyacinthe because clearly Phedre has feelings for him and also, clearly, Joscelin seems to have doubts in that respect (or at least I kind of read it like that).
I like that Phedre is now able to recognise her own love for Joscelin and also that both of them realise that she needs something more on occasion.
And, Joscelin has changed in a lot of respects. That ending to Chapter 13 – very sneaky!!! Plus, in his own way he has found ways of pleasing Phedre – for example after she visited Kushiel’s temple *raises eyebrows*.
It’s going to be interesting!
Anyway, I thought this week’s chapters were brilliant. I don’t know whether it’s just that I’m now so invested in the characters and world but, really, this book got off to an excellent start.
The other participants:
- Susan at Dab of Darkness
- Allie at Tethyan Books
- Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
- Me at Lynn’s Book Blog
- Emily at Emma Wolf
“My name’s Jean Tannen, and I’m the ambush.”
8 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Creative Cursing, The Fantasy Review Barn, Tough Travelling
Couldn’t help going there!
This week over at the Fantasy Review Barn Nathan is taking us Tough Travelling looking at the tropes of fantasy. This week the topic up for discussion is:
Creative Cursing:
(This is a scheduled post so I may not be linked up over at the FRB – also I might not be able to check out your posts this week but will catch up on my return – also, I don’t have the blurb so I’m taking this title to mean exactly what it says and not be all cryptic – I think Creative Cursing is pretty self-explanatory!)
I very nearly dedicated this book to Scott Lynch for his Gentlemen Bastard series – creative curses seems to be like Lynch’s first language – he comes up with things that are so funny that It’s frankly embarrassing to read his books when using public transport. I’m not going to massively quote but – yes, I love these books and think Lynch is a genius at the art of creative cursing.
The Mechanical by Ian Tregillis – contains a character called Berenice de Mornay-Périgord – she’s a spymaster and her cursing is very funny.
The Anvil of the World by Kage Baker – this story is very intelligent and witty. My favourite character is Lord Ermenwyr – to be honest I can’t actually remember if he was creative cursing or not – he was very amusing nonetheless.
The Dragon Engine by Andy Remic – a fairly recent read – very grimdark and lots of swearing and cursing up a storm so think on!
The Wee Free Men have to make this post – Crivens – and much, much more.
