So, this will be a new addition to my regular Rewind Wednesday feature. It's mostly just for when I find a new release that I am incredibly excited about.
August 7, 2012 - Charon's Claw: Neverwinter Saga Book III, R.A. Salvatore - While I am nowhere near reading this book (because books MUST be read in order), I'm still excited because a.) I'm loving me some R.A. Salvatore and b.) I adore Drizzt Do'Urden.
September 27, 2012 - The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling - Did you love Harry Potter? No? What's wrong with you? All kidding aside, I'm looking forward to this. Rowling's first adult novel has me doing my chair dance. I can't wait. I smell a birthday present!!
January 2013 - Doctor Sleep, Stephen King - Okay, so The Shining creeped me out big time. That kid and his imaginary friend, and the furnace and the spooky hallway with the little girls. This is a SEQUEL!! *squeeeeee!* Yes, that was me, going all fangirl. Sorry. At least you didn't have to actually hear it.
Unknown - The Captal's Tower, Melanie Rawn - Okay, so I've been waiting for this forever, and by forever I mean since I was in junior high. Ms. Rawn apparently had some issues in her personal life that caused her to put this novel down, which was a severe disappointment to me, as I just loved the first two books (Exiles Vol. I & II). So, I've been anxiously holding out hope that she would come back to this project, because Mageborn Traitor left a literal crap-ton of loose ends that I must have answers to. For example, where the hell does Collan come from, damn it!!!!! Inquiring minds are dying to know. Dying, I tell you. As of October 2004, she is apparently working on it.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Winter of Fire
I was wracking my brain again for another Rewind Wednesday book and asked Sarah what I could write about. She suggested Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan. This is another old favorite for me. It is sadly out of print, but I'm going to have to look for a copy to add to my "reread library." The story takes place in a very bleak and cold future--literally. Society is distinctly divided into castes that never mix, the Chosen and the Quelled. The Chosen are led by the Firelord who is able to divine where the coal that is the sole source of heat can be found. The Quelled are the workers, some are lucky and work for the Chosen. Others are not so lucky and work in the mines. The Earth has been so damaged that the sun no longer shines and is stuck in a perpetual winter.
Winter of Fire spoke volumes to me when I read it many years ago. I can still remember most of the story, and I haven't picked up the book since I was in junior high I think. I'd put this on level (for me) with Swan Song. There is just something about the book, beyond the obvious empowerment of a woman of a lower class, the overcoming of social hurdles, sexism and the feelings of defeat that fills her people. I mean, what girl doesn't want to read that?
Winter of Fire spoke volumes to me when I read it many years ago. I can still remember most of the story, and I haven't picked up the book since I was in junior high I think. I'd put this on level (for me) with Swan Song. There is just something about the book, beyond the obvious empowerment of a woman of a lower class, the overcoming of social hurdles, sexism and the feelings of defeat that fills her people. I mean, what girl doesn't want to read that?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Crystal Shard
So, I'm actually not much older than this book. R.A. Salvatore has been writing since before I was born. The first book featuring Drizzt Do'Urden was published in 1982, which is also this book. Chronologically, you should read the Dark Elf trilogy first, though you don't need to. But, if you're like me and can't stand reading things out of order, Homeland is a good start as an introduction to the Forgotten Realms line of books, which feature authors other than Salvatore (I've read a few other series, one of which deal with the drow elves and is a great fantasy read as well).
Drizzt is one of my favorite characters of all time. For those of you unfamiliar with the game Dungeons & Dragons, a drow is essentially a dark elf. They're evil and magical beings who were driven underground by their surface dwelling counterparts and have resided in Menzoberran ever since. Drizzt is completely different from the rest of his race, in that he has a conscience and thus ends up leaving. The Crystal Shard is the next part of his story once he gets used to living on the surface. Due to the terrible stigma surrounding his people, Drizzt is forced to reside in Ten-Towns in Icewind Dale, which is pretty much the ass end of civilization. To say anymore would really just be ruining the story for someone who'd actually like to read it. Drizzt is a stoic, quiet man who accepts the rejection of his neighbors without any fuss. No matter how much Drizzt does for the residents of Ten-Towns, they continually shun him.
The main purpose for The Crystal Shard is to effectively set up the dynamic between the main characters of the series before they set out for their quest together later in the series. Wulfgar is a barbarian youth who views everyone on the tundra of Icewind Dale as his enemy. Bruenor Battlehammer is a dwarf that's dispalced from his ancestral home. And then there is Regis. Regis is a Halfing (yes, sort of like a Hobbit, if you must, though you really shouldn't). He's a creature of comfort who usually ends up getting himself in a bit of trouble now and again. I've read and re-read the Dark Elf trilogy several times and absolutely loved it. It was not until recently that I discovered that the Icewind Dale trilogy continued the story of Drizzt, which made me quite happy. Salvatore can spin a tale quite well--I often get sucked in and end up so emotionally involved with Drizzt and whoever his current allies are that I'm left feeling a bit abandoned once I'm finished. I feel like Drizzt is an old friend that I can get to know even more.
I've never seen battles and fights described so well. Salvatore easily gives you a picture that is so well set up that you can't help but get excited as you read. Battles are one of the main staples of fantasy novels, no matter where you turn. Some are just sort of bumbled through. Others are marginally better. Then there are Salvatore's scenes. I've sat reading with my heart in my throat wondering exactly how things were going to go down many times. There might have even been nail biting during a scene involving a ledge and a lake of acid.
In short, this is a definite must for fantasy readers (or even those who are new to fantasy, as it is a great starting place). Personally, Salvatore has massive talent and Drizzt has to be one of the greatest characters I've ever met. Not that this is news to anyone, as he's been writing as long as I've been alive and has over twenty books involving Drizzt (woohoo!).
We make the dragons as we make the gods, because we need them, because, somewhere deep in our hearts, we recognize that a world without them is a world not worth living in. -Drizzt Do'Urden
Drizzt is one of my favorite characters of all time. For those of you unfamiliar with the game Dungeons & Dragons, a drow is essentially a dark elf. They're evil and magical beings who were driven underground by their surface dwelling counterparts and have resided in Menzoberran ever since. Drizzt is completely different from the rest of his race, in that he has a conscience and thus ends up leaving. The Crystal Shard is the next part of his story once he gets used to living on the surface. Due to the terrible stigma surrounding his people, Drizzt is forced to reside in Ten-Towns in Icewind Dale, which is pretty much the ass end of civilization. To say anymore would really just be ruining the story for someone who'd actually like to read it. Drizzt is a stoic, quiet man who accepts the rejection of his neighbors without any fuss. No matter how much Drizzt does for the residents of Ten-Towns, they continually shun him.
The main purpose for The Crystal Shard is to effectively set up the dynamic between the main characters of the series before they set out for their quest together later in the series. Wulfgar is a barbarian youth who views everyone on the tundra of Icewind Dale as his enemy. Bruenor Battlehammer is a dwarf that's dispalced from his ancestral home. And then there is Regis. Regis is a Halfing (yes, sort of like a Hobbit, if you must, though you really shouldn't). He's a creature of comfort who usually ends up getting himself in a bit of trouble now and again. I've read and re-read the Dark Elf trilogy several times and absolutely loved it. It was not until recently that I discovered that the Icewind Dale trilogy continued the story of Drizzt, which made me quite happy. Salvatore can spin a tale quite well--I often get sucked in and end up so emotionally involved with Drizzt and whoever his current allies are that I'm left feeling a bit abandoned once I'm finished. I feel like Drizzt is an old friend that I can get to know even more.
I've never seen battles and fights described so well. Salvatore easily gives you a picture that is so well set up that you can't help but get excited as you read. Battles are one of the main staples of fantasy novels, no matter where you turn. Some are just sort of bumbled through. Others are marginally better. Then there are Salvatore's scenes. I've sat reading with my heart in my throat wondering exactly how things were going to go down many times. There might have even been nail biting during a scene involving a ledge and a lake of acid.
In short, this is a definite must for fantasy readers (or even those who are new to fantasy, as it is a great starting place). Personally, Salvatore has massive talent and Drizzt has to be one of the greatest characters I've ever met. Not that this is news to anyone, as he's been writing as long as I've been alive and has over twenty books involving Drizzt (woohoo!).
We make the dragons as we make the gods, because we need them, because, somewhere deep in our hearts, we recognize that a world without them is a world not worth living in. -Drizzt Do'Urden
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Rewind Wednesday
It's Wednesday!! So, that means it's the day I get to tell you to go read a super awesome book that I haven't reviewed here (and possibly haven't read in quite some time).
So... What to review? Well, I'm sure I could go through my Excel spreadsheet of books I've read (yes, I am that much of a nerd), but I'll go with an old favorite: Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon. This was the very first horror novel I ever read. It was also the first book I read that was more than a couple hundred pages as well. Swan Song, in paperback format I read, it is something along 950+ pages. If you read my introduction a few weeks ago, you'll possibly remember that I read Swan Song in second grade. I probably didn't finish it in my usual record time back then, but I pretty much devoured it. I've read it several times since, and it is also my brother and mom's favorite book as well (they're responsible for my excellent taste in books).
Swan Song is about what happens to the world and to our society after a nuclear holocaust. We blow up Russia, they blow us up in return and a nuclear winter occurs. People are scrambling for shelter, and food--there ends up being several groups of people that join together. And the main character, Swan ends up being the epitome of good, while the leader of a survivalist group. Colonel Macklin ends up being a personification of evil. There are several other characters that are central to the plot, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
It's similar to The Stand, but I think it is a great book in it's own right. I would be the first to draw comparisons and admit that they are similar. But, Swan Song is well written and worth the read, even if you've read The Stand.
So... What to review? Well, I'm sure I could go through my Excel spreadsheet of books I've read (yes, I am that much of a nerd), but I'll go with an old favorite: Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon. This was the very first horror novel I ever read. It was also the first book I read that was more than a couple hundred pages as well. Swan Song, in paperback format I read, it is something along 950+ pages. If you read my introduction a few weeks ago, you'll possibly remember that I read Swan Song in second grade. I probably didn't finish it in my usual record time back then, but I pretty much devoured it. I've read it several times since, and it is also my brother and mom's favorite book as well (they're responsible for my excellent taste in books).
Swan Song is about what happens to the world and to our society after a nuclear holocaust. We blow up Russia, they blow us up in return and a nuclear winter occurs. People are scrambling for shelter, and food--there ends up being several groups of people that join together. And the main character, Swan ends up being the epitome of good, while the leader of a survivalist group. Colonel Macklin ends up being a personification of evil. There are several other characters that are central to the plot, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
It's similar to The Stand, but I think it is a great book in it's own right. I would be the first to draw comparisons and admit that they are similar. But, Swan Song is well written and worth the read, even if you've read The Stand.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Lightning Thief
I have no clue how I've never read this before now--I even have a freebie Rick Riordan novel on my nook and I've never read anything by him until now. I have to say I just loved it (I say that a lot, don't I?). It's a really great twist on mythology, which was always one of my favorite things to cover in school. Mythology and Greek literature were also some of the best courses I covered in college as well. And as for Percy, I have to say he is one of my favorite characters. He takes charge, he actually takes responsibility, and I guess I just love the fact that he comes from a "nothing" type background and rises based, not on who his father is, but by what he accomplishes, which is a great lesson for a YA novel.
Another aspect I loved was the description of the various gods. It really gives a nice feel for what they represented in mythology. Ares with his constant bad attitude "vibes" and Poseidon's description (moody fisherman to me) really gave a good feel for the differences between all the gods and gave them a bit of realism, for instance, Zeus's attitude and reaction to Percy. If I was a teenager, I certainly would thing that perhaps a god should be above such petty nonsense. But, since this is sort of an urban fantasy, I much prefer the realistic personality traits Riordan gave the gods I came across with Percy. I really like that Percy has accomplished some of the same feats that his namesake Perseus did (defeating Medusa). Percy's attitude towards this also serves as a great contrast for Luke's disdain of his quest, which was also something a previous hero had accomplished. Again, a great example of how choices can determine who and what we become, and not just circumstances.
I ignored YA and children's books for so long that I forget how wonderful they are until I come across one that I end up getting totally engrossed in. I'm looking forward to my next library haul (it'll likely be the rest of the Percy Jackson novels).
On to The Crystal Shard now!
Another aspect I loved was the description of the various gods. It really gives a nice feel for what they represented in mythology. Ares with his constant bad attitude "vibes" and Poseidon's description (moody fisherman to me) really gave a good feel for the differences between all the gods and gave them a bit of realism, for instance, Zeus's attitude and reaction to Percy. If I was a teenager, I certainly would thing that perhaps a god should be above such petty nonsense. But, since this is sort of an urban fantasy, I much prefer the realistic personality traits Riordan gave the gods I came across with Percy. I really like that Percy has accomplished some of the same feats that his namesake Perseus did (defeating Medusa). Percy's attitude towards this also serves as a great contrast for Luke's disdain of his quest, which was also something a previous hero had accomplished. Again, a great example of how choices can determine who and what we become, and not just circumstances.
I ignored YA and children's books for so long that I forget how wonderful they are until I come across one that I end up getting totally engrossed in. I'm looking forward to my next library haul (it'll likely be the rest of the Percy Jackson novels).
On to The Crystal Shard now!
Monday, July 23, 2012
TBR Pile Additions
I, like every voracious reader, acquire books at faster rate than which I read them. This weeks additions:
R.A. Salvatore - The Crystal Shard
R.A. Salvatore - Streams of Silver
J.V. Jones - A Cavern of Black Ice
Madeleine L'Engle - A Wrinkle In Time
The two Salvatore books are continuations of the story of one of my all time favorite heroes, Drizzt Do'Urden. Salvatore can write some mean fight scenes, which are a blast to read. There are apparently a total of twenty six novels that contain Drizzit, so I am looking forward to reading them.
A Cavern of Black Ice is a reread for me. It's been such a long time since I read this one that I don't recall much about it, but I do remember liking it quite a lot. Here's hoping my memory serves me better than it did for A Game of Thrones.
And, last but certainly not least, A Wrinkle in Time. It has been an insanely long time since I read this. NPR was talking about L'Engle some time ago and I enjoyed listening to the interviews an talk about her. So, I thought I'd pick it up again.
R.A. Salvatore - The Crystal Shard
R.A. Salvatore - Streams of Silver
J.V. Jones - A Cavern of Black Ice
Madeleine L'Engle - A Wrinkle In Time
The two Salvatore books are continuations of the story of one of my all time favorite heroes, Drizzt Do'Urden. Salvatore can write some mean fight scenes, which are a blast to read. There are apparently a total of twenty six novels that contain Drizzit, so I am looking forward to reading them.
A Cavern of Black Ice is a reread for me. It's been such a long time since I read this one that I don't recall much about it, but I do remember liking it quite a lot. Here's hoping my memory serves me better than it did for A Game of Thrones.
And, last but certainly not least, A Wrinkle in Time. It has been an insanely long time since I read this. NPR was talking about L'Engle some time ago and I enjoyed listening to the interviews an talk about her. So, I thought I'd pick it up again.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Lost Causes - Tess of the D'Ubervilles
Tess of the U'bervilles is officially a lost cause. Perhaps I'll come back to it another time, but I can't continue trying to trudge through it a few pages at a time. So, I'll focus on reading The Lightning Thief, which I am really enjoying.
What books have you tried reading that you just couldn't finish?
What books have you tried reading that you just couldn't finish?
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