Cursed by Benedict Jacka
Just finished reading Cursed by Benedict Jacka which is the second instalment in the Alex Verus Novels which I started earlier this year with Fated.
Alex is a Divinity Mage living in Camden. He can look into the future and see any number of possible outcomes to whatever course of action is chosen (the benefit of hindsight before the event has happened is definitely a plus). I won’t go too much into this world of mages. Basically the world Jacka has created is living and breathing right alongside us plain old muggles. He has a few friends, Luna in particular, who has now become his apprentice due to the strange curse that she needs to learn to tame. Plus he’s friends with a giant arachnid that lives in a sort of Hobbit hill if you will and he has the trust and help of an air elemental called Starbreeze.
In this story Alex will again come up against a powerful mage and will find help where he least expects. He will also discover a little bit more about one of the strange artefacts he seems to have become the keeper of – a monkey’s paw. This isn’t actually a monkey’s paw just in case you’re about to gag, this is an imbued magical object. However a monkey’s paw is never all that it seems. It chooses it’s potential victims but unfortunately the monkey’s paw brings a whole new meaning to the words ‘be careful what you wish for’.
I’m not going to elaborate on the plot much further. We’re introduced to a few new mages with different abilities and learn a little bit more about the world that Alex lives in. In terms of second books I think this develops well from the first and definitely feels and reads better – although, I wouldn’t say there is any real sense of tension. Maybe that’s one of the problem with this sort of series – you never truly experience a real sense of danger for the main protagonist because that would, after all, be the end of the line. Unlike George Martin, for example, where you haven’t got a clue who will survive to the end!
I will just say that I particularly enjoyed reading about Alex’s discovery in the dark caves beneath the spider’s domain but, again, I won’t spoil that part.
In terms of criticisms I think my feelings on this are similar to the first novel. In spite of Alex’s experience he does seem to rush into situations that he could surely see the outcome of? He sometimes seems to act very immature – particularly where Luna is concerned, and I find it difficult to believe that he lives in a location that everybody seems to know about – including all his enemies. Considering he has very little by way of defence I would expect him to exercise a little bit more caution. In fact, given that he seems to be making enemies as though they’re going out of fashion I would say that if he doesn’t start to exercise a bit more caution soon he probably will end up in a sticky situation before too much longer – he’s no longer living a life under everyone’s radar and has come to the attention of too many dangerous people.
I have enjoyed both these books and would definitely pick the third up as well. Obviously these are being compared to a number of similar books but I think they stand on their own quite well. They probably don’t have the dark threatening side of the Dresden Files or the humour of the Druid Chronicles but they’re still entertaining.
Cursed by Benedict Jacka
Hobbit readalong, final week, J R R Tolkien
1 September 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Final week, J R R Tolkien, The hobbit readalong
This week is the final week of the Hobbit readalong and the questions have been provided by The Wicked Queen’s Mirror . I really cannot stress enough that if you haven’t read The Hobbit and are intending to do so then don’t read any further as spoilers are contained within.
Thanks and straight to the Q&A:
1) Throughout the book there are many examples of greed (for both food and treasure). Why do you think Bilbo takes and hides the Arkenstone when he is later happy to ransom it for peace? Is it simple greed? Forethought? Or a convenient plot device?
Strangely enough I don’t think Bilbo was bothered about any of the treasure. He was only ever roped into the adventure because of his stubborn pride and he doesn’t really need any extra money as he already has a very comfortable existence. I think throughout the story Bilbo showed a remarkable ability to think ahead and almost to benefit from a kind of foresight of sorts. I’m not sure that he knew himself why he’d picked up the Arkenstone other than that it seemed to be of great importance to Gloin – perhaps he was intending on presenting the stone to Gloin in a flourish, although I think it’s more likely that he’d started to see a different side to Gloin and so was keeping the stone as a bargaining tool.
2) Much has been written of Tolkien’s experiences in World War One and how the Lord of the Rings shows both the romantic, heroic aspects of war (Aragorn’s journey)but also the stark realities (Frodo’s journey). What did you think about the way the Battle of Five Armies was described? Did you feel these two aspects of war were represented?
Well, yes, I think both aspects were shown. You have for example people rushing into the fray without hesitation, you have people and animals taking part, even at great risk to themselves, when they actually really didn’t need to join the battle and then alternately you have the loss of life and the sadness at the demise of Gloin and many others.
3)What did you think about the role of the goblins in the Battle of Five Armies? Was it easy for you to accept their appearance and that the threat they posed would automatically unite the men and elves with the dwarves? Or did you find it too simplistic?
I wasn’t really surprised at the appearance of the Goblins, they are basically greedy creatures and would be naturally compelled by the thought of all the wealth left unprotected after the passing of Smaug. I suppose it was also fairly natural for the others to unite against the common enemy. At the end of the day the elves/men and dwarves were not really enemies they were fighting over the gold and what they thought should be their share of of it. The goblins are the natural enemy to all of them.
4) In ‘The Last Stage’ we are told Bilbo remained very happy to the end of his days. If you had been off on an adventures could you settle back to normal life so easily? Would you be content with only occasional visits to the elves?
I suppose Bilbo’s ‘Baggins’ side came out eventually. We heard (many) times of his longing for his hearth and a cup of tea. I think deep down he probably would have still liked something of an adventure but maybe possession of the ring also changed his feelings. After all, if he was off on adventures here and there roaming the hills there’d be more chance of him loosing the ring.
I enjoyed this reread and taking part with other readers. I also feel set up and ready to watch the film now when it’ finally released.
I must confess I was surprised at how quickly Smaug was killed off – it seemed very sudden and I was expecting the dragon to have a bigger part somehow. I thought the chapter where he met Bilbo and they had their little chat was very entertaining.
Thanks again to Writers’ Bloc for hosting this.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
29 August 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Patrick deWitt, The Sisters Brothers, Western
Just finished reading The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt and will say what a great read this was, in spite of my reservations!
Firstly, great cover, secondly, great name and thirdly – one of the characters is called Herman Kermit Warm – which frankly sealed the deal! My intrigue-ometer was off the chart. Anyway, aside from that one of my very good friends, who has introduced me to so many good books over the years, recommended this, in fact she specifically said ‘I would love it’ (with that ‘or else’ tone!) And, I actually did which was a BIG surprise to me.
Okay, the reason this was a surprise? This is a western and I’m not really a Cowboys and Indians type of reader but sometimes you just have to put the comfort blanket aside. The story is told by Eli Sister (yes, that’s the surname). Eli and his brother Charlie are a couple of guns for hire working out of Oregon for the chief honcho, The Commodore. Their latest mission, which they have chosen to accept, is to travel to San Francisco and kill said Herman Kermit Warm (HKW).
In between Oregon and San Francisco they become involved in a number of scrapes along the way that usually end with some form of violent altercation (frequently ending up quite badly for the other character or characters involved) until they finally reach their destination and things get turned on their head.
The characters – the brothers are brilliant to read. The dialogue between the two is highly entertaining. I’ve read that this book has a comedy (dark) element – I definitely wouldn’t class this as a comedy but the conversation between these two is very effective. The way the two brothers are written is plain and simple, as is the description of place, and yet the author manages to conjure them perfectly. I never had any problems imagining either of them and they’re also joined by some other entertaining characters along the way. Again, all easy to picture.
This is a simple and quick read with a good story that unfolds at a decent pace. You see, basically, Eli is starting to question this way of life. Why are they going to kill HKW? Wouldn’t a quieter life be easier? They could try it for 12 months. Their reputation doesn’t really lend itself to a quiet life after all. He’s started to seek out a bit of female companionship – although this doesn’t come natural to him and his brother seems to enjoy the lion’s share of any attention to be had. Eli, is apparently a bit portly and enjoys his vittles. This definitely lends quite a bit of humour as he becomes probably the first gun fighter come hired assassin that I’ve ever read about who is on a diet. Bless his grubby little socks!, On top of that he seems to be developing not only a conscience about his fellow man but also a bit of compassion for his animals, or in this case his horse! Inconceivable!!
Anyway, to cut a long story short, the boys end up in SanFrancisco during 1850’s gold rush. Patrick deWitt also does a great job of capturing the essence of the fever and hysteria. He shows families gone to wrack and ruin over blood lust and the levels that people sink to for a bag of gold.
There certainly isn’t a shortage of killings or ‘ick’ moments, but, I didn’t find any of it off putting. It’s just not gratuitous and is told in a very matter of fact way – ‘this is how people lived so get over it’ – sort of style.
I really can’t fault this and thought it was very entertaining. I would definitely recommend it regardless of if you think you like westerns or not. Well written, good story, entertaining, great dialogue and two brothers who you feel compelled to follow on their journey.
The Sisters Brothers
Time for a woo hoo moment!
So, we’re heading into Autumn. The nights are drawing in. The trees are casting off their clothes to frolic naked in the wind and rain. And, the R.I.P. (readers imbibing peril) reading event takes part hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.
I haven’t taken part in R.I.P before and so I’ve been really looking forward to it and saving books especially. It’s not like I really needed a reason for reading this type of book but joining in with this event is more than just about the reading it’s also about the experience of taking part with so many other readers and checking out their thoughts. I must say it’s a bit hard on the WBR stack because undoubtedly there will be many good recommendations, but them’s the breaks!
All the details of this none-challenge (it’s only for fun, you can read one book or more (many more!) can be found here. Head on over and sign yourself up, you know you want to.
I’ve had a look at a few books myself (ahem). Not decided if all these will do yet and realistically I don’t think I’ll get to all of them, but, one can but try (plus I’m going on holiday and I do read more when I’m chilling):
This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel – brings to us a sixteen year old Victor Frankenstein and is apparently a dark and brooding gothic thriller – I hope so!
The heroes by Joe Abercrombie – which I’m hoping will fall into Dark Fantasy.
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher – this is almost too perfect. It’s a series I’m reading and it has the words ‘Grave’ and ‘Peril’ in the title – it’s fate! I have to read it.
VIII – the story of a young Henry. ‘Destined for Greatness, tormented by demons. I just really want to read this – not yet sure if I’ll be able to add it to the challenge because I’m not sure if it will fit. Plus, bringing a little history to the table with this one.
Unrest by Michelle Harrison – apparently a scary ghost story (not to be read in the dark – you’ve been warned).
Shadows by Ilsa J Bick. Read Ashes last year and thought it was an excellent read – thought provoking, a mix of horror and dystopia, this continues that journey.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice – needs no introduction.
The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stephenson
That’s it for me. But, I do love gothic horror, so if you want to give me an idea of a book that fits then let me know.
RIP
The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint
27 August 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Charles de Lint, The Blue Girl, Urban Fantasy
Just finished reading Charles de Lint’s Blue Girl. A story of Imogene who has recently moved to Newford with her mother and brother Jared. Imogene has decided to reinvent herself anew. No more running wild or courting the attention of local gangs! She’s going to study, make friends, attend school and keep a low profile – well as low as you can keep when your taste runs to thrift shop punk!
As we all know, the best laid plans, etc, etc. Imogene is not going to be able to keep off the radar of the local bullies – unfortunately she is also going to be unable to keep off the radar of the local gang of mischievous and sometimes malevolent fairies and unfortunately their notice is going to attract the attention of something much more dangerous.
I’ve been wanting to read some Charles de Lint for a while now – he seems to be one of these revered authors and as far as I can tell has done wonders for the world of urban fantasy. He’s based quite a few stories in the make believe town of Newford, the Blue Girl being one of his more recent creations and an instalment suitable for the YA market. (And for the purpose of clarity – no bad language, over the top violence or graphic sex).
This is a lovely book to read. It’s told from the different point of view of three individuals. Imogene, her smart but geeky, newly acquired, best friend Maxine and Adrian – the school’s resident ghost. I don’t think there’s anything particularly new or remarkably original about these three characters. We’ve certainly seen the punk outcast in similar novels not to mention geeky kids getting bullied in high school, even Adrian isn’t exactly a new concept, but they make for very easy reading and are well written. I couldn’t help liking Imogene. I liked her sense of individuality. She has courage in the face of scary things that lurk in the shadows and she’s not afraid to stand up to the school bullies. At first you could be forgiven for thinking that her and Maxine are a bit of a strange combo but they fit well together. Imogene is ready for a new friend who will accept her as she is and not ask to many questions about her past and Maxine is also glad to have a friend who sees beneath the staid outfits chosen for her by an overprotective mother.
There’s the usual school ‘feeling’ about the novel but this is then accompanied by fey, creatures of the shadows – that really do lurk anywhere dark (including under the bed), -portals between closets and real ‘imaginary’ best friends not to mention other strange beings that live amongst us without our knowledge. Put simply it’s a world that most of us can’t or won’t see. We live our existences blissfully unaware of their presence and the hidden dangers that they sometimes bring. This alternate universe plays a different tune to ours with strange ideas of right and wrong and strict codes to abide by.
I suppose reading quite a lot of urban fantasy this first foray into Newford didn’t really bring anything new for me to experience. But, what I particularly liked about it was that the story isn’t all wrapped up in a school romance – which was a really refreshing change. No love triangles, not dripping in teenage angst and, major bonus, a standalone to boot. On top of that Charles de Lint has a lovely writing style that is simple but engaging.
There was a lot in here that put me in mind of different fairytales or previous stories and I think CdL acknowledges this on occasion – for example he mentions the fairytale of the Elves and the Shoe maker and this story gives that a bit of a new twist.
On the whole a very enjoyable read and even though these books are not that easy to come by I will certainly return to the world of Newford. If you enjoy this you might also want to check out some Holly Black or Melissa Marr.
Also – totally fickle I know – but I do love this cover!
The Blue Girl
