The Company Man by Robert J Bennett
Just finished reading The Company Man by Robert Bennett. Robert Bennett is such an impressive author, he’s got no shortage of imagination, he’s a great story teller and oh boy can he set the scene. Not to mention you cannot pin this guy down. Mr Shivers for example, was it horror, was it fantasy? The Company Man is it a dark and gritty detective, is it sci-fi/conspiracy. I don’t know. These are not the sort of books that you can read and then just simply say ‘this is ‘fantasy’ or this is ‘horror’. Like I said, very difficult to pin down which is something of a talent I think.
The Company Man
Book Tag – you’re next!
I’ve been tagged by Tanya at green pawpaw to join in with book tag. This is the first time I’ve taken part in this and it seems a pretty fun thing so my answers are below. Thanks Tanya – and, sorry, had to bring Gaiman into this – got Coraline and American Gods sat waiting to be read.
Firstly there are rules! The first rule is that I have to post the rules. I also have to answer the questions set by the person who tagged me. I then have to think of 11 other people to tag, let them know they’ve been tagged and give them 11 questions to answer. Easy really!
So, there’s the rules. Now to choose who to tag (if you don’t want to take part, no worries, but it would be great to hear your answers! – ha, no pressure then!!) (Actually, I must confess that my first thought was ‘how on earth would I choose ? And do I even know enough people? – trauma! – not really, as it happens I quite enjoyed making my list (gonna turn into a listing maniac now)).
1. Little Red Reviewer – I love this blog and it’s where I get most of my books recommendations from.
2. Genkinahaito – movie reviews, anime and manga, very interesting
3. Booky pony – reads a metric tonne of books (how is it even possible?)
4. Books Without Pictures – (Grace, I know you’ve already been tagged so I’ll put your link up! – couldn’t leave you off though)
5. 50 Year Project – a great blog, really interesting, loads going on, stories through pictures, travel, everything..
6. Nashville Book Worm – books and movie reviews, check it out!
7. The Jane Doe Novel Experience – a really interesting idea/experiment, writing a novel and posting chapters on her blog.
8. Novel Girl – lots of advice for would-be writers, book reviews not to mention writing her own novel
9. A Garden Carried in Your Pocket – the name alone (come on!) – lots of book reviews, very creative, sewing, gardening, quilting!
10. pixmuse – a lovely blog, creative with pictures for all seasons
11. Stainless Steel Droppings – without who I probably wouldn’t even know most of you!!!
And now to the Q&A:
1. If you had the power to ban a certain book, or certain kinds of books, however productive the outcome may be (think Twilight or Oliver’s Story), even if you knew a huge majority of readers might thank you for it, would you?
mmmm, 50 Shades of Grey – because it’s now going to cause a literal storm of cheap-slut-porn-books, poorly written, no story, trashy sex on each page, no dialogue pulp pretending to be literature! Rant over! Actually, I don’t think I’d ban anything – too controlling and people should be allowed to make their own choices.
2. What is one book you wish you had written?
I wish I could write a book! My partner is always telling me that I read so many books that I must be able to write one! It doesn’t really work like that. I’m a reader not a writer but I think if I was to choose a book that I wish was mind it would either be something by Gaiman – just because I’m all loved up with his books at the moment or The Name of the Wind (Patrick Rothfuss is a writing hero!) Or, The Troupe – because I did REALLY like that just recently. Okay, that’s three answers (stop typing now…) No, Lord of the Rings. STOP!!
3. You have finally achieved world domination and as new king/queen of the world, you need to fashion yourself a crown. But of course, you’re too cool for precious metals and the like. What would your crown be/be made of?
I think I’ll have a crown made of Haribo sweets – it’s gonna be messy! Plus it’s probably not going to last long. Bit like those sweets that are on an elastic string that you have to bite off – sticky and sickly! Actually, I’ve sort of put myself off that idea – but it’s the only thing I’m coming up with for now. I’ll probably think of a better answer as soon as I post this! Shells.
4. Have you ever wondered how a doggie biscuit tastes and wanted to try?
I have two dogs but to date have not had any desire to try their food! Which isn’t to say I don’t buy them nice doggie things – they go wild for dentastix (to clean their teeth with) but I’ll just stick to my own biscuits and a toothbrush. Perhaps if I get trapped under a heavy object in the kitchen and have no alternative…
5. Is there a book that you weren’t able to complete for whatever reason, but lied about it and told people you did? Which one?
Just recently there have been quite a few books that I just haven’t had the patience to complete. Not sure why, but I’ve lost the will to continue to the end of a book if I’m not enjoying it. Not sure that I’ve ever told people I’d read a book that I haven’t though.
6. Your choice of instant pick-me-up food?
Tempted to say Ben and Jerry’s. But no. Probably something really simple like toast – hot and buttery!
7. If there was an appendage you could add to the human anatomy (wings, talons, a tail…), what would it be?
Got to be wings. I’ve actually dreamt of flying – really! How cool would it be to be able to fly. You could have an extra long lie in and still not be late for work – don’t know what your hair would look like by the time you got there – also you might be covered in bugs! (eugh!) Still, sticking with the wings.
8. If you could go back in time and stop a famous event from taking place, what would it be and why?
The Great Fire of London, no, because then London was rebuilt, better than it was before, stronger, faster (oh, wait, I’ve moved onto the bionic man), okay, seriously, I would go back in time and make sure that Vimto was never invented – that’s not a famous event. I think it would be to stop WWII. Don’t know how and can’t even think of all the implications, but there it is.
9,10,11. All the book characters you’ve ever loved are people in your immediate friend circle. Who would you turn to:
a) to make a bucket list with you and go all over the world fulfilling each item on the list?
Aragorn. Simple as. He’s got the phwoa factor, he’s handy in a fight! He can read a map and won’t get you lost. Who am I kidding – he’s just a hottie!
b) to plonk down next to you on that patch of moon land you guys bought, feel awesome, and somehow keep each other from dying of boredom until the next space shuttle comes to pick you up?
So basically, who would I choose to be stranded with – definitely not a vampire – I’d be the only source of food after all. Jean Tannen – obviously! Not that I have a one track mind or anything – Aragorn for answer (a) and now Jean!
c) when the world thinks you’re responsible for the attack on the entire human race by some random scary evil alien monsters and you are the only one who knows what they want but nobody will listen to you and you need somebody to help you save the world? (Sorry. This is a question that plagues me at night.) Superman.
I’m sticking with these questions with no changes because I’ve had a good time reading them out to my family and hearing the answers. Surprisingly – two of my family have tried dog biscuits (why oh why, perhaps this is a testament to my cooking), chocolate was the obvious answer to the pick me up food, school books that have to be read were the most popular answers for books that you lied about reading and I’m afraid I can’t even list the answers to the extra appendage question – but you’ve all got good imaginations so use them!
Now, I can’t deny that this is a bit time consuming but I’ve really had a giggle – simply because I got everyone involved and I’ve come to the realisation that my family love daft, random questions!
I hope you’ll enjoy these and no worries if you don’t have time to take part (I won’t stalk you or anything!).
Lynn 😀
A Sorcerer’s Treason, book one of the Isavalta Trilogy by Sarah Zettel
7 August 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Sorcerer's Treason, book No.1, Sarah Kettel, The Isavalta Trilogy
Just finished reading a Sorcerer’s Treason by Sarah Zettel. This is my first time reading Sarah Zettel but definitely won’t be my last. I thought this was a great fantasy adventure, the worlds were well drawn and interesting to read about and, although I’m a bit late to read this series, the added bonus of my tardiness means no wait for books 2 and 3. So all good to me!
The Sorcerer’s Treason tells the story of Bridget. Bridget is a light keeper living on Sand Island during the early 19th century (think it was the early 19th c anyway). She is an outcast from the general population due to her past, a child born out of wedlock that mysteriously died, and also because of her strange psychic abilities which give her vivid images of both the past and the future. Bridget lives a very solitary and quite sad life although she takes her duties very seriously. During a storm she rescues a stranger from certain death on the rocks. This stranger has either hit his head harder than Bridget at first suspected or he is a sorcerer from a distant world reached through the land of death and spirit. A world of magic where animals are not always what they seem. This stranger, Kalami, wants to take Bridget to this world where her own magic will elevate her status hugely – and where she’ll be able to help the Grand Dowager protect her realm – Isavalta – from those who would wish to harm it. It all sounds too good to be true!
I really enjoyed this, in fact I thought it was quite captivating. There’s plenty going on and it moves forward at a fairly rapid pace. The characters are well described and well rounded. Both worlds are equally good to spend time in and I think Zettel manages to write in such a way that makes the scenes easy to conjure to the mind.
On top of this we have this strange folklore wound into the story. Witches (Baba Yaga) who reside in curious, chicken legged houses, crows who are not all they seem and the fox spirits led by the Vixen. Not to mention a caged and flaming phoenix, courtly intrigue and an interesting form of magic where spells can be woven into belts and clothing and worn about the person.
I just really liked the way this book was laid out. We have different points of view and lots of different threads coming together, not in a confusing way at all but in a way that just makes you want to turn the pages faster.. And, what I particularly liked was the way that the author made me feel as wondrous and new to the world as Bridget was. It was quite bewitching really and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of Bridget’s tale.
In terms of characters – there’s plenty of interest. My particular favourite was Ananda and her sorcerer and protector Sakra. I also liked the strange animal spirits who have their own powerful magic and live in a different plain where the rules are all different.
I don’t really have any criticisms. I suppose you could say that this is a fantasy tale in the more traditional fashion rather than the more modern style fantasies that we are all currently enjoying – but this was written about 10 years ago, and this isn’t a criticism really because I really like this style and I think the author succeeds in weaving a great tale.
I would certainly recommend this and look forward to continuing this story.
A sorcerer’s treason
The Book of Crows by Sam Meekings
Just finished reading The Book of Crows by Sam Meekings and before I go any further will say what a really good book this is. I love the writing style and, because of the different stories visited, there is a wealth of information that is fascinating to read about.
The book contains a number of different stories that all weave together ranging in years from as early as 80 BCE to almost present day c.1990s and is based on a mythical book called the Book of Crows. A book that relates the entire history of the world and as such is sought after by many.
I really liked this. The writing style is easy to read but evokes the places, the people and the times and makes for really interesting reading. Sam Meeks manages to write five different stories and yet produce a different voice for each and really seems to have a grasp of Chinese culture.
We visit the whorehouse of a Thousand Sighs where a young, kidnapped girl has just been brought and now looks set to spend the rest of her life. We spend time with an alcoholic civil servant on his pursuit of truth following the disappearance of his friend after a landslide that appears to be covered up by the authorities. We travel with a 13th century Franciscan monk and listen to his deathbed confession and we take a look at the life of a grieving poet who has been summoned to spend time at the Emperors’s palace.
There’s a lot going on but it isn’t overwhelming or difficult to keep track of. There are no major info dumps that break the story but just a gradual build up to the story with enough description to pull you into each story and keep you intrigued. I found that with each different story I wanted to stay exactly where I was and continue to read the life story of that individual to such an extent that when the next chapter took me to another time and place I would be momentarily cross at the switch – but that feeling was very short lived as the next protagonist just draws you in all over again. I find myself really impressed by Meek’s ability to make all the stories compelling. It’s not an easy task and quite often with this type of narrative you have definite favourites and definite areas that you’re not enjoying as much. I must admit that I enjoyed the House of Sighs stories and the harsh existence of the women contained within. But, I also really enjoyed the other stories. The alcoholic civil servant is really interesting reading. His life just seems to be in turmoil as he lurches from place to place in a drunken stupor – there’s an excellent twist to this particular story that for a second made me gape and then made me laugh.
On the whole a really impressive book. I will definitely go back and check out Meeking’s first book and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this, particularly if you enjoy reading about different cultures throughout the ages.
The Book of Crows
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson blogtour part V
21 July 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Brandon Sanderson, Mistborn Book Two, The Well of Ascension
So today we finish the final chapters in Book Two of Sanderson’s Mistborn series. The previous week’s discussions have been hosted by Carl, Grace, Sue and Adam and their posts can be read as follows:
If you haven’t read the Well of Ascension the above discussions and next few chapters will contain spoilers so be aware!
I find it amazing how Sanderson seems to have managed to pack so much into these final few chapters. Sometimes I feel like the end of a book can have a rushed feel as though the author was in a hurry to finish. Not so here. We started the final chapters with Vin and Elend newly married and leaving the City under the premise of searching for the Well of Ascension. The remainder of the crew were left behind at Luthadel to figure out how to hold the City against what seemed like an impossible threat from the Koloss and Straff’s armies. There were a few surprises here – firstly that Tindwyl refused to go along with the party leaving and secondly Allrianne who seemed to be using this as a way of returning to her father to try and persuade him to help Luthadel (or to help Breezy!) I can’t help feeling now, given the eventual outcome that Sazed’s idea to send Vin and Elend away, whilst made with the best intentions, was a poor decision. The eventual war that the Koloss raged on the City was horrible and it was pretty grim reading about all the casualties not to mention it all seemed so overwhelming and helpless. I suppose a part of me can’t help wondering if Sazed made this decision also as a way of trying to save Tindwyl and yet in the end it seems like if Vin had been in the City from the beginning the deaths of so many may have been avoided. Hindsight hey! How did you feel about Sazed and the rest of the Crew planning to remove Vin and Elend from the City? Also, what did you make of Sazed actually getting involved in the fighting and no longer just standing back and witnessing events? It seems to me he did a remarkable job with very little resources.
Then we had Vin’s return and her discovery about the Koloss – I did think it was a pretty cool moment when Sazed, who finally thought his end had arrived, watched as the Koloss who approached went quiet and parted and Vin stepped out from amongst them! This tiny young girl stepping out of the middle of this group of huge monsters. On reflection I wonder why The Lord Ruler created the Koloss and the Kandra. He built in his little failsafes to keep them under control but given how he controlled the Skaa anyway he didn’t seem to need either as an army? In fact he didn’t seem to use them at all. Perhaps he created them by accident or just as experimentation that went wrong.
The final chapters seemed to reveal quite a bit and yet still leave so many unanswered questions. What was going on with Marsh – was he hearing the same voices that Zane had heard, or more to the point has he now been taken over by something – and is that something the same thing that has now been released from the Well?
What is this entity that has been released and why was it trapped there in the first place, and by who?
What was this mist creature – I can understand the reason why it attacked Elend at the end but who or what is it?
What was this piece of metal that Elend swallowed at the end that seemed to turn him into a mistborn – is that where the whole allomancy ‘thing’ began. Would this metal work on everyone?
And, why are the Steel Inquisitors now attacking the Terris people?
Oh dear, so many questions! I think I’ve finished the book with more queries than I started!!
Finally, how much did you enjoy this book and how does it compare to book number one?
