Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I have to admit, I've had the Obernewtyn Chronicals on my shelf for a few years now but just never got around to reading them, making them the perfect choice for the PopSugar challenge item "a book you own but have never read". After reading the first in the series, Obernewtyn, I wish I'd read them sooner, though I'll hold off on the rest of the series until I catch up on my challenge reads.
Set in a post apocalyptic future, Obernewtyn is a first person narrative centered around teenage protagonist Elspeth Gordie, who was orphaned when the overseeing governing body, the Council burned her parents for sympathising with people the Council called as Misfits.
Elspeth and her brother Jes, were sent to various orphan homes, and moved regularly, to prevent them forming any kind of bonds with other people. Elspeth hides a terrible secret, she too is a misfit, with the power to read minds, talk to animals and humans telepathically, influence the actions of others and small amounts of telekinesis, she and Jes live in fear of her being discovered, which creates a rift between them.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, for the pair Elspeth is soon discovered, (though the blame is put on some water she fell in during an excursion early in the book, and not her inherent abilities) and sent off to the secretive, misfit treatment facility/farms, Obernewtyn. Here Elspeth meets and befriends a couple of other misfits, and learns some horrible truths about the Obernewtyn farm.
Carmody began writing this series when she was 14, I think her youthfulness comes through in Elspeth, making the character much more believable, and far less pretentious than teen characters written by adults, (this could also be a cultural thing? many of the other young adult books I've read recently are by American authors, where as Carmody is Australian)
One of my favourite characters in this book is the cat, Maruman. I'm a sucker for animals, and the neurotic Maruman, reminds me of my own fur baby. There are many parallels between the fictional cat and my own, making it easy for me to imagine Elspeth's one true friend.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series, especially since the final book of the series, The Red Queen, is due out later this year. If you're a lover of fantasy fiction, that has elements of science-fiction then this may be the book for you.
I gave Isobelle Carmdy's Obernewtyn 5 stars.
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Monday, 8 June 2015
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel
Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I received a free e-copy of The Universe Builders in exchange for my honest review.
It's not often I find a book that grabs me like The Universe Builders did. I found myself reading this every chance I could get, and cursing the things that kept me from reading, sleep be damned. A witty young adult novel, with a fantasy, sci-fi theme. I'll admit that it was the cover that first drew me to this book, so when the author offered an e-book in exchange for my review I jumped at the chance.
I was captivated right from the start, having felt a Terry Pratchett/Douglas Adams vibe about the story. Bernie, a young god who had just finished god school, graduating as a universe builder, the toughest and most sort after occupation a god could want. I'm a sucker for an underdog, and Bernie certainly was that, with his personal cloud full of chaos and hi-jinx, it's a wonder he ever graduated at all. But Bernie was determined, he worked hard at keeping his chaotic cloud under control and managed to scrape through.
Landing his dream job right out of school, Bernie was both delighted and relieved, that was until he was placed next to his school bully, Billy. Billy and Bernie had a troubled history, Billy, ever the bully had targeted Bernie early on, just around the time Bernie's award winning father divorced his mother leaving the latter to raise Bernie on her own, which also meant moving into the 'bad' neighbourhood. On one of these occasions Billy took things too far while heckling a young goddess called Susie. Bernie, or more to the point, Bernie's cloud, had had enough and fought back, leaving Billy deeply scarred.
From that day on Bernie tried to settle everything peacefully. This softness meant Bernie was always trying to find options to avoid wiping out any of his creations. Bernie didn't want them to die, whether from old age, disease or disaster. It was this softness that almost saw Bernie miss out on his dream job, but ever in his debt, and quite infatuated, Susie convinced her boss to hire Bernie on probation, to see what he could do.
I enjoyed the writing style, switching between third person narration to first person for Bernie's diary entries, or from Billy's perspective. Fairly evenly paced throughout, the tempo made it an easy and enjoyable read, suited to the target audience.
Bernie's triumph over adversity is something we all love to read, and I think the idea that bullies will always be caught out in the end is a great moral to pass onto youth. Even in those times when we don't think the authority figures care, it shows that the truth has a way of finding its way to the surface.
I gave The Universe Builders Bernie and the Putty 5 stars, and have been trying to convince my kids that they would really enjoy this book too, even though Mum loves it. I am looking forward to the sequel.
The Universe Builders can be purchased through the website. The publisher, Argon Press, only ships to the US, so if you're in the market for a hard-copy the book can also be purchased through other online retailers, also linked at that page.
It's not just me who loves this story, LeBel's story has won many awards over the last year or so
GRAND PRIZE – Writer’s Digest – 2015
FINALIST – Stargazer Award – 2015
FINALIST – Beverly Hills Book Awards – 2015
GOLD – eLit Book Awards – 2015
FINALIST – Next Generation Indie Awards – 2015
WINNER – San Francisco Book Festival – 2015
FINALIST – International Book Awards – 2015
I received a free e-copy of The Universe Builders in exchange for my honest review.
It's not often I find a book that grabs me like The Universe Builders did. I found myself reading this every chance I could get, and cursing the things that kept me from reading, sleep be damned. A witty young adult novel, with a fantasy, sci-fi theme. I'll admit that it was the cover that first drew me to this book, so when the author offered an e-book in exchange for my review I jumped at the chance.
I was captivated right from the start, having felt a Terry Pratchett/Douglas Adams vibe about the story. Bernie, a young god who had just finished god school, graduating as a universe builder, the toughest and most sort after occupation a god could want. I'm a sucker for an underdog, and Bernie certainly was that, with his personal cloud full of chaos and hi-jinx, it's a wonder he ever graduated at all. But Bernie was determined, he worked hard at keeping his chaotic cloud under control and managed to scrape through.
Landing his dream job right out of school, Bernie was both delighted and relieved, that was until he was placed next to his school bully, Billy. Billy and Bernie had a troubled history, Billy, ever the bully had targeted Bernie early on, just around the time Bernie's award winning father divorced his mother leaving the latter to raise Bernie on her own, which also meant moving into the 'bad' neighbourhood. On one of these occasions Billy took things too far while heckling a young goddess called Susie. Bernie, or more to the point, Bernie's cloud, had had enough and fought back, leaving Billy deeply scarred.
From that day on Bernie tried to settle everything peacefully. This softness meant Bernie was always trying to find options to avoid wiping out any of his creations. Bernie didn't want them to die, whether from old age, disease or disaster. It was this softness that almost saw Bernie miss out on his dream job, but ever in his debt, and quite infatuated, Susie convinced her boss to hire Bernie on probation, to see what he could do.
I enjoyed the writing style, switching between third person narration to first person for Bernie's diary entries, or from Billy's perspective. Fairly evenly paced throughout, the tempo made it an easy and enjoyable read, suited to the target audience.
Bernie's triumph over adversity is something we all love to read, and I think the idea that bullies will always be caught out in the end is a great moral to pass onto youth. Even in those times when we don't think the authority figures care, it shows that the truth has a way of finding its way to the surface.
I gave The Universe Builders Bernie and the Putty 5 stars, and have been trying to convince my kids that they would really enjoy this book too, even though Mum loves it. I am looking forward to the sequel.
The Universe Builders can be purchased through the website. The publisher, Argon Press, only ships to the US, so if you're in the market for a hard-copy the book can also be purchased through other online retailers, also linked at that page.
It's not just me who loves this story, LeBel's story has won many awards over the last year or so
GRAND PRIZE – Writer’s Digest – 2015
FINALIST – Stargazer Award – 2015
FINALIST – Beverly Hills Book Awards – 2015
GOLD – eLit Book Awards – 2015
FINALIST – Next Generation Indie Awards – 2015
WINNER – San Francisco Book Festival – 2015
FINALIST – International Book Awards – 2015
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Vreeland by Gabriel Strump
Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Very cute! This is the story of 17yo Anton, a teen who just doesn't quite fit in. Preferring books and music over sport, and keeping his hair longish to cover his elf like ears, Anton was always the target for bullies.
After one such bullying incident at Summer camp, Anton finds himself in a strange place, Vreeland, surrounded by 5 beautiful girls, each with a tiny waist, pointed ears, dainty wings and incredible beauty...
Journeying through Vreeland, Anton meets all sorts of strange and wonderful Vrees, various other creatures, and some not so wonderful Weets.
This book is beautifully written, easy to read, even with the odd Vreeland spelling/pronunciation (it's pretty easy to follow along with once you figure it out). The story itself is relaxed, while still captivating and entertaining. The images and extra detail to the text formatting of various parts was cute and enjoyable.
I had 2 small 'problems' with the book... One, I found it quite predictable, from very early on I guessed the location of Vreeland, and secondly, Anton's lack of concern for finding his parents and returning home. Given that the target audience is tween/teen, neither of these things would have crossed their minds (for the most part). Nor do these 'problems' detract from the story in any way. For these reasons I have not removed stars from my review.
This is one I'll be encouraging my 11yo reluctant reader to pick up, I think it's a story she'll enjoy as much as I did, and can definitely see my 9yo and 17yo book worms devouring this very quickly.
I gave Vreeland 5/5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done Mr Strump, great work, and thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Very cute! This is the story of 17yo Anton, a teen who just doesn't quite fit in. Preferring books and music over sport, and keeping his hair longish to cover his elf like ears, Anton was always the target for bullies.
After one such bullying incident at Summer camp, Anton finds himself in a strange place, Vreeland, surrounded by 5 beautiful girls, each with a tiny waist, pointed ears, dainty wings and incredible beauty...
Journeying through Vreeland, Anton meets all sorts of strange and wonderful Vrees, various other creatures, and some not so wonderful Weets.
This book is beautifully written, easy to read, even with the odd Vreeland spelling/pronunciation (it's pretty easy to follow along with once you figure it out). The story itself is relaxed, while still captivating and entertaining. The images and extra detail to the text formatting of various parts was cute and enjoyable.
I had 2 small 'problems' with the book... One, I found it quite predictable, from very early on I guessed the location of Vreeland, and secondly, Anton's lack of concern for finding his parents and returning home. Given that the target audience is tween/teen, neither of these things would have crossed their minds (for the most part). Nor do these 'problems' detract from the story in any way. For these reasons I have not removed stars from my review.
This is one I'll be encouraging my 11yo reluctant reader to pick up, I think it's a story she'll enjoy as much as I did, and can definitely see my 9yo and 17yo book worms devouring this very quickly.
I gave Vreeland 5/5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done Mr Strump, great work, and thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder by Chris James
Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
For full disclosure I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
The ebook version, in epub or mobi (plus others) can be found at smashwords.com
Jacob Silver, son of a Jewish Apothecary and his wife, is a gifted artist and scientist. On trial for the murders of 4 beautiful women, and the grave desecration of a fifth. The story switches between Jacob's trial and the chain of events from his first encounter leading up to his arrest.
After his father dies, just weeks after a trip to see the Mona Lisa while it was in London, and his mother imprisoned, Jacob sets out to discover the secret to immortality, the recipe for which is contained in a tome, Alchemy, a book he received from a mysterious man on his 15th birthday, a man who claimed to be from the Institute.
Given a scholarship to a prestigious college, Jacob soon learns that his genius is detested by those upper class folks who feel their children are being 'shown up'. Jacob is soon taking science lessons in an underground laboratory with the same man who delivered the book to him initially, a man he calls Professor.
Expelled from the school Jacob makes his way as a laborer, with some financial assistance from an Aunt, until he is placed in quarantine, with a child and a prostitute, after being exposed to the black plague. During his time in quarantine, Jacob rekindles his passion for art and paints his beautiful companion Polly, as well as some images of his beloved Emily, a girl he first met during his viewing of the Mona Lisa, who also just happened to be the sister of his best friend at the college.
Once cleared of the disease, Polly and the child, Nell, depart Jacob's company, but not before he gives her one of the paintings for her to sell to have some cash. Jacob takes some more of his paintings to a gallery and makes a quick fortune for his efforts, and the promise of delivering more when he can.
With his new found funds Jacob decides it's time to hire a housekeeper. As if by magic, the Institute sends on that very day. Pretty soon, Jacob's love, Emily comes to live with them, in her consumption addled state, and not long after they are joined by the professor, so he and Jacob could continue their study of the book Alchemy, and more specifically decode the catalyst for the immortality potion which the creator, a Perenelle Flamel, wife of the acclaimed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.
This book is one I just couldn't put down. As an artist, and a self proclaimed nerd, I could relate to Jacob quite well, the desire to create a masterpiece and the thirst for knowledge are part of my everyday life. His naivety is quite endearing, even if it does border on ignorance at times. He obviously had a tonne of charm, women were literally throwing themselves at him. These women must have boosted his ego, never did he believe his potions could be harmful in the correct dosage (we never did find out whether Jacob's potions were the cause of his friend's cancer), nor did he doubt his abilities in art or science.
The professor was quite skilled in alchemy, but also in his manipulation of everyone involved in Jacob's demise. His ability to disappear quickly and quietly when the need arises and the ability to remain hidden, even when in public, is quite a skill that must have taken a long time to refine.
Chris James' writing flows so well, even with the back and forth between the court room and the flashbacks leading up to that point, the story just begged you to keep reading. His years working as a murder squad detective have been a positive influence on his writing, as far as this book goes. James gives us just enough detail of the murders to make us aware of how gruesome they were, without becoming too dark and gory.
I gave this book 5/5
Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder can also be purchased in paperback and kindle format from Amazon
For full disclosure I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
The ebook version, in epub or mobi (plus others) can be found at smashwords.com
Jacob Silver, son of a Jewish Apothecary and his wife, is a gifted artist and scientist. On trial for the murders of 4 beautiful women, and the grave desecration of a fifth. The story switches between Jacob's trial and the chain of events from his first encounter leading up to his arrest.
After his father dies, just weeks after a trip to see the Mona Lisa while it was in London, and his mother imprisoned, Jacob sets out to discover the secret to immortality, the recipe for which is contained in a tome, Alchemy, a book he received from a mysterious man on his 15th birthday, a man who claimed to be from the Institute.
Given a scholarship to a prestigious college, Jacob soon learns that his genius is detested by those upper class folks who feel their children are being 'shown up'. Jacob is soon taking science lessons in an underground laboratory with the same man who delivered the book to him initially, a man he calls Professor.
Expelled from the school Jacob makes his way as a laborer, with some financial assistance from an Aunt, until he is placed in quarantine, with a child and a prostitute, after being exposed to the black plague. During his time in quarantine, Jacob rekindles his passion for art and paints his beautiful companion Polly, as well as some images of his beloved Emily, a girl he first met during his viewing of the Mona Lisa, who also just happened to be the sister of his best friend at the college.
Once cleared of the disease, Polly and the child, Nell, depart Jacob's company, but not before he gives her one of the paintings for her to sell to have some cash. Jacob takes some more of his paintings to a gallery and makes a quick fortune for his efforts, and the promise of delivering more when he can.
With his new found funds Jacob decides it's time to hire a housekeeper. As if by magic, the Institute sends on that very day. Pretty soon, Jacob's love, Emily comes to live with them, in her consumption addled state, and not long after they are joined by the professor, so he and Jacob could continue their study of the book Alchemy, and more specifically decode the catalyst for the immortality potion which the creator, a Perenelle Flamel, wife of the acclaimed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.
This book is one I just couldn't put down. As an artist, and a self proclaimed nerd, I could relate to Jacob quite well, the desire to create a masterpiece and the thirst for knowledge are part of my everyday life. His naivety is quite endearing, even if it does border on ignorance at times. He obviously had a tonne of charm, women were literally throwing themselves at him. These women must have boosted his ego, never did he believe his potions could be harmful in the correct dosage (we never did find out whether Jacob's potions were the cause of his friend's cancer), nor did he doubt his abilities in art or science.
The professor was quite skilled in alchemy, but also in his manipulation of everyone involved in Jacob's demise. His ability to disappear quickly and quietly when the need arises and the ability to remain hidden, even when in public, is quite a skill that must have taken a long time to refine.
Chris James' writing flows so well, even with the back and forth between the court room and the flashbacks leading up to that point, the story just begged you to keep reading. His years working as a murder squad detective have been a positive influence on his writing, as far as this book goes. James gives us just enough detail of the murders to make us aware of how gruesome they were, without becoming too dark and gory.
I gave this book 5/5
Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder can also be purchased in paperback and kindle format from Amazon
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