The Assassins of Tamurin- S.D. Tower

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 26•11

Title: The Assassins of Tamurin
Author: S.D. Tower
Rating: 5/5 Foundlings

Synopsis: She was only eleven years old and an orphan, yet the people of Lale’s village hated her and drove her into the wilderness. Cast out, she followed her destiny to a place of dark and shadowy purposes, a school for foundling girls in the land of Tamurin. There Lale found affection, sisterhood and a home…and a profession that may cost her everything she loves. Driven by the darkest sorcery, she must conceal the truth of what she truly is…

Review: I first read this book for an assignment in Grade 11 English. The teacher had told us we all had to read and review two books by Canadian authors. We both knew she meant actual ‘literature’, but she never said it out loud so when I brought her this book and Memory and Dream by Charles de Lint, she caved. Hurrah! This book has been one of my favorites ever since. I bought it for my collection a year or so ago but I just finished re-reading it about an hour ago.

While this book is a fantasy, no question, it’s not the fantastical elements that make it a great story. The plot is beautifully crafted and the main character, Lale, is both likeable and believable. The story is set in a fantasy world, with a distinctly Asian spin, which has always made this book stand out to me. While there are still swords and sorcery (but only in minor degrees as this book focuses more on subtlety and spies) the culture around it is different and so you’re forced to look at things in a new way.

Now, I’m the first to admit that maybe part of this books fantastic rating has to do with my being sentimental about it. I swear though, it’s an interesting mystery, a complicated love story and definitely worth a read!

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In My Mailbox (4/25)

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 25•11

I’ve been following The Story Siren‘s ‘In my Mailbox’ for awhile now but alas, I don’t get new books most weeks so I’ve never felt the need… but this week I did in fact pick some things up AND get a book I ordered in the mail… so let’s give this a go!

Title: Balefire
Author: Cate Tiernan
Where I got it: At work!

This is actually a series of four books jam packed into one (hopefully) amazing book. I read the first in the series a few days ago and really enjoyed it! So, book one in the series has been put in my ‘used bookstore turn-in’ box and replaced with this pretty, pretty version. Can’t wait to read it buuttt…

 

 

 

At work this week (okay, for a few weeks now… but I’ve been resisiting) we had a sale on these guys!

Title: First four books in A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R.R. Martin

I resisted for so long, but I didn’t want to get into the show without reading the books. So of course, I can’t do anything half way so I caved and bought the entire series to date. I’m still working on the first one and I have a feeling this series is going to take me awhile to get through with everything else I want to read… which is exactly why I put it off for so long!

So far, so good though!

 

Annnnd, last but not least… I swear!!! I’m not obsessed with Sweet Valley Twins, it’s just come up a lot lately. Which is exactly why I caved and bought this book off ebay!

Title: Evil Elizabath
Author: Francine Pascal
Series: SWEET VALLEY TWINS!

As much as I loved this series growing up, ALL of my favorites are missing from my collection. I’m pretty sure I borrowed them all the first time around, several times each but never got copies of my own. Since I’ve decided to hang on to my collection I’m going to slowly make it as complete as possible.

You know… I’m going to be so disappointed if my kids aren’t readers!

Oh! And I also picked up a copy of a book on Henry the 8th at a used clothing store on Saturday. Not sure if I’ll ever get to read it but I’ve been teaching myself all about his wives over the last month and I figure it never hurts to flesh out the non-fiction portion of my personal library from time to time!

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Game of Thrones

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 18•11

So I was reading TV.com’s Viewers Guide to A Game of Thrones, and it managed to peak my interest. I’ve been avoiding this series (the book series, not the TV show that premiered last night) since it first started getting rave reviews. Weird logic, I know. It’s just that I always have such a huge pile of books to read and this series seems like it will be an epic commitment. Not that that’s a turn off, just that I keep putting it off in favor of other books.

Reading the guide to the series helped me get a good idea about what these books are actually about and it seems like something I could really get into, assuming I can actually keep track of everything that’s going on. A bunch of royal/noble families all dealing with their own internal politics while fighting for power… what’s not to love? Wellll, we’ll see.

I always do this, I avoid something that is trending for whatever reason and then kick myself when I finally give in later and find out that I love it. Thankfully, my store has a deal on the books, so I can just commit 100% and get four at once. Yay for sales!

So, my plan is to watch the first episode in order to give myself some sort of visual and knowledge base, which will hopefully make jumping into the series a little less mind-explody. I guess this could backfire if the show ends up being a flop but everyone seems to be expecting great things. I couldn’t catch it last night because I started work at 5am this morning. Even if I do decide to read it though, there are probably still a couple of books I need to get through first. I’m trying hard not to keep sacrificing books that will be worth reading for ones that are kind of fluff but I’m eager to read. Gotta give the quality stuff a chance too!

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Gone- Michael Grant

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 09•11

Title: Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Series: Gone (#1)
Rating: 5/5 Winged Snakes
Spoilers: None!

Synopsis:
In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.
Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what’s happened.
Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.

It’s a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else…

Review: I fell in love this week… with this book. For me, Gone was pretty much perfect, beginning to end. I’ve read, and loved books with a similar premise in the past (books where for whatever reason all the adults disappear or were killed, leaving the children to fend for themselves) and this is easily the best of the bunch. To be fair, this book is definitely a combination of some concepts we’ve seen before (think Lord of the Flies, plus X-Men, plus the Stand, plus a few other things) but they’re combined beautifully and I really can’t complain or criticize here. Sometimes it isn’t about coming up with a brand new idea, it’s about putting your own spin on something that’s been done already.

It was also the most intense, to the point of sometimes being a little disturbing. It had me on the edge of my seat. I wont go into details but some of the things that these kids do to each other are pretty horrifying and Michael Grant doesn’t squirm away from the unpleasant details. You really feel for these children who start out mostly freaked out and missing their parents but quickly learn what it’s going to take to survive.

The characters are diverse and well fleshed out. Some of them start out seeming somewhat stereotypical but you learn their quirks etc as you go. Everyone had a different motivation for what they were doing (helping their brother, taking care of the children too young to care for themselves or even just surviving some crazy talking coyotes) and so you felt like you really knew these people pretty early on. One other thing I loved was that these kids really were making decisions as if they were children, not just little adults, living off of candy and pop etc.

It’s a big book, but still a quick read so I definitely recommend picking this one up. It really gets you thinking about what you would do to survive, what your roll would be. I’m definitely glad I got into this series late because it means there are three more books just waiting for me at work, but I’ll still get the thrill of waiting for the final two in this series to come out.

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Discord’s Apple- Carrie Vaughn

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 05•11

Title: Discord’s Apple
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Rating: 4/5 Ancient Magical Artifacts
Spoilers: None

Synopsis: When Evie Walker goes home to spend time with her dying father, she discovers that his creaky old house in Hope’s Fort, Colorado, is not the only legacy she stands to inherit. Hidden behind the old basement door is a secret and magical storeroom, a place where wondrous treasures from myth and legend are kept safe until they are needed again. The magic of the storeroom prevents access to any who are not intended to use the items. But just because it has never been done does not mean it cannot be done. And there are certainly those who will give anything to find a way in.

Review: I really liked this one. Sooo much better than ‘Voice of Dragons’. There are quite a few different stories running in tandem in this one, all of which I was actually interested in. From a depressing near future for the planet, to the aftermath of the battle of Troy, the plots were all good.

The premise of the novel was really fun. Evie, the main character, gets charged with an ancient store room of all the mythical objects that have floated around for the past few millenia. Some of them were from ancient Greek and Arthurian legends while others were a little more mainstream, like the glass slippers. I love stories that combine a bunch of different mythos into one. Where all the ancient tales somehow manage to co mingle.

One thing I do have to say against the book was that the characters really weren’t that strong. They were likable enough but they were under developed and I never really cared what happened to them. I know for a lot of people this is a deal breaker but I was willing to look past it for a fun mythology filled romp. Honestly, if it had been a longer read the characters might have killed my interest in the story, but it wasn’t so it’s alllll good. And there was one recognizable character that I did really like the modern take on, but I’ll leave you to read that for yourself. Definitely swoon worthy.

So, overall… good book! Worth the read if you are at all interested in myths and legends of varying sorts or even if your just looking for something a little different from the usual urban fantasy.

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What I’m reading… too many books!

Written By: Kellie - Apr• 05•11

So, I got a couple books that I had ordered online today. I opened the package (it’s like Christmas) and settled in to start reading about the wives of Henry the VIII. That’s when I realized how many books I have on the go right now. It’s getting to be a bit much, so once I finish this I’m going to sit down and do some reading.

Most of these right now are part of the reading challenge I set for myself this year which is a list of 42 books. Some are specific titles, others are more genre based. I’m making some good progress so far (how is it April already btw?)! Anyways, here’s what I’m currently working on.

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett- I love Douglas Adams and these books have always been heralded as ‘the Douglas Adams of Fantasy’ so I wanted to give them a try. Unfortunately the first book is also supposed to be one of the weakest of the bunch, but I’m a stickler for reading a series in chronological order even if I don’t need to. I’ve read one of the four chapters and have a feeling this one is going to take me awhile.

Discord’s Apple by Carrie Vaughn- A stand alone by one of my favorite authors that I kept meaning to pick up. We were down to one hard cover copy left at work (we can borrow one title at a time and it’s better to borrow hard cover since you’re less likely to ruin it and have to buy the book) so I seized the opportunity. I like it so far and that’s what I’m going to read once I finish with this post.

Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling- Now THIS is taking forever. Like four months. I’m reading it in tiny chunks and only when I have to. It’s not awful but there is just not enough conflict. It’s about the creation of a post-apocalyptic society, and that part is really interesting but there just isn’t enough to hold me. I’m pretty close to being finished though so I’m just going to get through it and not pick up the next book in the series.

I’m also a chronic bath reader and since I can’t risk Discord’s Apple to the tub I’ve also started Balefire #1 and Thorn Queen (a reread so I can read the next in the series, which I love). Soooo, that’s 5. At least two too many. So what I am NOT reading is a book about the wives of Henry the 8th. It can wait.

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Sweet Valley REBORN! =)

Written By: Kellie - Mar• 31•11

A couple posts ago I was talking about one of my favorite series from when I was younger. Sweet Valley Twins. I was seriously an addict, I read all the books I could get my hands on a few times over.  Now, like I said… I never read Sweet Valley High but I still feel like I grew up with the Sweet Valley crew and all their high-jinx so I was pretty excited by this…


Elizabeth and Jessica are back! The plot is that it’s ten years later and the twins have grown apart due to some dastardly deed one or the other committed and I’m sure angst of some kind or another is bound to happen. Honestly, I’m probably not going to read it. Sweet Valley ended on my terms, and I’m good with that but I still think this is hella cool! I’m sure a lot of twenty somethings are going to “Oooo” when they see this in the book store.

Makes me think of a lot of other series I’d love to see a ‘ten years later’ story for. Nancy drew! Wouldn’t that be epic? She’s in the FBI or something. Orrr… Baby sitters club reunion? I don’t know. I just think it’s a really cool idea. I wonder how long this was in the works for. I’m sure the author missed all of the characters she spent so long with. I can’t imagine writing one group for so long (although she did have help with the Sweet Valley books, they’re still her characters) and then just stopping.

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Work and Historical Fiction

Written By: Kellie - Mar• 30•11

I just finished Philippa Gregory’s ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ and it was fantastic. I won’t bother writing up a review because it’s older, totally not this blogs usual genre and not every book needs to be blogged about. But I do think this was the best book I’ve read all year so far. Seriously, so good. I need to rewatch the movie now.

I know in terms of historical accuracy it’s lacking (I’ve been on a bit of a Tudor’s kick, watching documentary’s etc) but it was still a really good read. I think it may have tainted my opinion of Anne Boleyn more than a little. Apparently a lot of people have seen her as a figurehead for women’s rights but after that book the word crazy definitely comes to mind.

Anyways, I’ve picked up a ton of extra hours at work over the next week but I am trying to keep ahead of all the blog posts I want to do. Plus, I’ve picked up a couple beta projects because I thought I’d have time. Anyways, I’ll make it work. Until tomorrow!!! *flees*

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Wither- Lauren Destefano

Written By: Kellie - Mar• 29•11

Synopsis: Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.
When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden’s genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

Review: First off… this book is well written. Well written but poorly imagined, if that makes any sense. It’s actually kind of a weird balance and shows you how far good writing can carry an only half thought out plot.

I’ll start out with the good before getting into my gripes about the world building. I loved all of the characters. Every single one made me actually feel something for them. From the bratty 13-year old sister wife to the young domestics, naive to the world and of course Rhine the main character and heroine (sort of). Every character was well fleshed out and beautifully written that I was really rooting for them.

But, that can only take you so far. All of these wonderful characters were living in an underdeveloped and inconsistent world. The main problem popped up right away. The whole premise of the book is that a virus is killing everyone who reaches 20 for women and 25 for men. That makes no sense! Have you ever heard of a sickness of any kind that has anything to do with age. Especially to such a specific extent.

That’s where this book goes wrong. Stories ranging from dystopian to post-apocalyptic (in a way, Wither is both) are supposed to show you how our society can go wrong. It felt like the world in Wither was just designed to catch your attention (Ooo ahh, polygamy and child brides) and lacked the base in modern society that usually gives these books their haunting edge.

And here’s the spoiler! It’s not even a major point, just something that really bugged me. At one point Rhine is talking to her endearingly bumbling husband and finds out that he has no idea that his father had a dozen girls kidnapped and some of them murdered so that Linden (Rhine’s husband) could have his three brides. He just thought that becoming a bride was something some young girls chose for themselves. In this moment Rhine is thinking “why tell him? he won’t believe me anyways,” and seriously… that’s absurd!!! Linden seems to really love her and I think would have chosen to help her. Maybe not, but it was at least a possibility. If you’re imprisoned and desperate to escape, you at least take the chance!!!

Anyways… despite all my rants about this book I still enjoyed it and I think it’s worth a read based on the prose alone. It’s well written enough to make up for all the gaping holes.

You can visit Lauren online on her website.

Buy the book @Amazon (US) @Amazon (CAN)

Rating:

Second Opinions:
@Infinite Shelf
@My Cute Bookshelf
@Parajunkee

 

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Long lost books

Written By: Kellie - Mar• 29•11

On the way home from work yesterday my mom gave me a bit of a mini heart attack. Apparently my dad had been going through some of our storage and had uncovered some boxes of old books that he was claiming we had to get rid of because we didn’t have enough room. Notttt gunna happen!

I have trouble getting rid of books, especially the beloved ones. So I’ve been saving all my favorite series from when I was growing up. Mostly I’m thinking that maybe I’ll have kids who love to read (although with my luck I’ll end up with three boys who all want me to wake up early and take them to hockey *shudder*) but also, who knows maybe I’ll take a stroll down memory lane one day and re-read some of them.

Anyways, the books in storage ended up being my sisters limited collection and some family circus books <3 but it still got me thinking about those old series I used to love. Honestly, I don’t remember what ages I was reading what but here are the series I just couldn’t get enough of.

Baby Sitters Little Sister- The spin off to ‘The Babysitters Club’ (which I never read). About Kristy’s little step sister Karen. Seriously, these books are burned into my brain. Karen was in second grade so that’s probably around when I was reading them.

I remember that every second chapter (as in Chapter 2, not every other) was about how Karen’s parents were divorced and she had two lives. She also had two best friends… Nancy and Hannah. And I can’t believe I remembered that!

I remember when Karen broke her arm and her horrible haircut. Seriously, this kid was one of my best friends for years. I’m actually kind of surprised I never tried the baby sitters club once I grew into them (we actually still sell them at work) but I think it always just felt weird looking at Kristy as the one I was supposed to relate to and not just this older, more sophisticated big sister.

Next I think I moved onto Pony Pals. A series about three friends and their Pony’s. I think a lot of ten year olds go through this stage although my love of horses never went past books. This was definitely the closest I got to using reading as a way to experience a different way of living when I was younger as I’ve never been much of a country girl.

Next up… Sweet Valley Twins! Again, I never got into the more popular Sweet Valley High series although I did read a couple and check out the TV show just to see what Jessica and Elizabeth were up to. Obviously I related more to Elizabeth, the quiet bookish twin but I liked that no matter what Jessica was up to.

All my sweet valley books are still tucked away in the attic and I’m never getting ride of these. When I was looking for a picture to go with this post some fifth grade reader blog said that these books were “alright, but won’t be anyones fav. I think Jessica is snobby and mean” and I really think whoever she is was wrong on so many levels.

Yeah, I’m more of an Elizabeth but I know a lot of people who are more like Jessica and I think if anything I actually learned from these books to appreciate people who had wildly different interests than me. I’ll never be the popularity driven party girl (not that Jessica really was, the twins are twelve in these books) but Jessica always pulled through in the end. Also, their “Scary” books were the perfect level of suspense for a wimp like me :)

Annnnd of course, Miss Nancy Drew was another favorite of mine. I don’t actually remember much about these books though so it’s probably the series I most want to rediscover. Even if I can’t find my copies, this is another that we still have at work from the old hardcover books to the new super thinned down series.

Just thinking about all these books really makes me appreciate what a huge part of my life reading has been so far. Books have taken me from a quiet girl, most at home in a room full of books to an aspiring author, book store employee and book blogger. Yay for books!

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