Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I seem to be having a very Ned Kelly year, starting off with my daughters First Fleet assignment, in which Red Kelly, Ned's father, was the first Irish convict to be transported to the new colony. That was followed up with the musical Ned, in the fitting setting of the old Bendigo Gaol, which has been converted into the new Ulumbarra Theatre.
~130 years since the man was hanged for his crimes, his legend still lives on. The original Aussie Battler, trying hard to survive the harsh Victorian countryside, when everything was against him, his heritage, his upbringing, even his name. I don't know what it is with us Aussies, but we love a good underdog story, someone sticking it to the man, when most would have long given up. Ned Kelly seems to be the epitome of this.
Carey created a wonderful, well researched, flowing narrative. It was easy to imagine Kelly sitting down, writing out these letters, reliving his life in paper, in an open letter to his daughter. It was not hard to picture the beautiful yet dangerous countryside that the Kelly's and their various cronies roamed around, this is my home after all.
I am in awe of the distances they traveled on horseback. These trips take hours in a car on a freeway, though we don't have the joy of following ridges and dry creek beds. As much as I romanticise about travelling on horseback around this beautiful state, I can't imagine the conditions they must have deal with spending days travelling from one hideout to another, let alone in the heat of our Summer, the chill of our winter, during a bushfire, or when there's torrential rain and flash flooding.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves history, to every Victorian and to anyone who loves a good underdog story.
5 stars.
Monday, 13 July 2015
Monday, 6 July 2015
Heart: A Romantic Short Story by Rose Fall
A quick, light read. Enjoyable for the most part, even if it's not my usual genre.
As someone who has had her heart broken once too many, a pessimist when it comes to love and relationships, I found some of these stories were very relatable. The optimistic whim of a teenage girl exploring life, the distraught accusations of a woman who loved and lost, the rekindling of a flame, if even for one night only... All experiences I've had in my own way.
Some of the stories were told quite well, as though Fall was using her own experience for the basis of her story telling. Others just seemed rushed and incomplete... Like someone just spewed their thoughts onto paper and didn't take a second glance.
I loved the idea of the playlist for each story. It was nice to hear the author's thoughts and feelings through a secondary medium. It added something to the story telling.
My favourite of the stories was the first, <i>European Boy</i>, it reminded me of a time when I too was carefree filled with innocent wonder at the world. A time when I wanted the world to stand still so I could live in the moment, a time when I believed in love.
I enjoyed the excerpt of Fall's soon to be released novel, <i>How to Get Your Heart Broken</i>. For me this one seemed to have the most care and though put into it, I look forward to picking up a copy when it's released later this year.
Heart received a 3 star rating from me,
A copy of Heart: A Romantic Short Story can be found on Amazon with a release date of July 10.
As someone who has had her heart broken once too many, a pessimist when it comes to love and relationships, I found some of these stories were very relatable. The optimistic whim of a teenage girl exploring life, the distraught accusations of a woman who loved and lost, the rekindling of a flame, if even for one night only... All experiences I've had in my own way.
Some of the stories were told quite well, as though Fall was using her own experience for the basis of her story telling. Others just seemed rushed and incomplete... Like someone just spewed their thoughts onto paper and didn't take a second glance.
I loved the idea of the playlist for each story. It was nice to hear the author's thoughts and feelings through a secondary medium. It added something to the story telling.
My favourite of the stories was the first, <i>European Boy</i>, it reminded me of a time when I too was carefree filled with innocent wonder at the world. A time when I wanted the world to stand still so I could live in the moment, a time when I believed in love.
I enjoyed the excerpt of Fall's soon to be released novel, <i>How to Get Your Heart Broken</i>. For me this one seemed to have the most care and though put into it, I look forward to picking up a copy when it's released later this year.
Heart received a 3 star rating from me,
A copy of Heart: A Romantic Short Story can be found on Amazon with a release date of July 10.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I've seen numerous mixed reviews for Ready Player One, but I tried to keep myself mostly spoiler free, and I think I managed that. Set in a none-to-distant, dystopian future where climate change and greed have ruined the planet, the only escape people have is to the virtual reality of OASIS. Due to its popularity, the games own virtual currency has become a more profitable commodity that that of actual cash.
The value of which shot up when the games creator, James Halliday, died. The multi billionaire had no family to leave his fortune to, so instead he created an epic scavenger hunt across the OASIS universe, the player who solves the riddles and passes the challenges would win his fortune.
Halliday, as it turns out, was quite nostalgic. A big fan of the 80s, the era in which he grew up in, Halliday left hints and clues in his memoir the Anorak Almanac, Anorak being the name of his Dungeons and Dragons character from his school years.
The puzzle left people stumped, for 5 years after Halliday's death not a single person was any closer to finding the first key mentioned in the riddle. Billions of people had begun searching, but as time wore on, only those dedicated individuals, known as Gunters, kept up with the research and dedicated study of Halliday's life.
This is the story of Wade Watts, a likable, tech savvy, overweight teenager. Born to teenage parents at the height of the global crisis, Wade was forced to live with his Aunt, in a trailer at the top of a stack, after his parents had died, one shared with numerous other people. The people were poor, and the living conditions even poorer.
Early on Wade discovered that he had to fend for himself, his Aunt pocketing the food stamps meant to cover Wade's meals. Because of this Wade created himself a hideout, a place where he spent most of his life, a place where he had privacy. It was here he went to school inside the OASIS, rigging up a charging system for his Oasis gear, scavenging and repairing technology to pawn off in exchange for food. It also covered some sundry costs while Wade researched Halliday's riddle.
The story is filled with 80s references, from Atari to Dungeons and Dragons, music, movies, games and books. You name it, Cline referenced it, to the point that, at times, I felt it was too much. Yes I'm a geek, gamer, and a child of the 80s, I love looking back upon my childhood just as much as the next person, but sometimes the references were just overkill.
For this, the book lost half a star, giving it a 4.5 star rating out of 5.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves cheesy 80s references, or gaming, or general geekery (Players of Kingdom of Loathing, I'm looking at you).
I've seen numerous mixed reviews for Ready Player One, but I tried to keep myself mostly spoiler free, and I think I managed that. Set in a none-to-distant, dystopian future where climate change and greed have ruined the planet, the only escape people have is to the virtual reality of OASIS. Due to its popularity, the games own virtual currency has become a more profitable commodity that that of actual cash.
The value of which shot up when the games creator, James Halliday, died. The multi billionaire had no family to leave his fortune to, so instead he created an epic scavenger hunt across the OASIS universe, the player who solves the riddles and passes the challenges would win his fortune.
Halliday, as it turns out, was quite nostalgic. A big fan of the 80s, the era in which he grew up in, Halliday left hints and clues in his memoir the Anorak Almanac, Anorak being the name of his Dungeons and Dragons character from his school years.
The puzzle left people stumped, for 5 years after Halliday's death not a single person was any closer to finding the first key mentioned in the riddle. Billions of people had begun searching, but as time wore on, only those dedicated individuals, known as Gunters, kept up with the research and dedicated study of Halliday's life.
This is the story of Wade Watts, a likable, tech savvy, overweight teenager. Born to teenage parents at the height of the global crisis, Wade was forced to live with his Aunt, in a trailer at the top of a stack, after his parents had died, one shared with numerous other people. The people were poor, and the living conditions even poorer.
Early on Wade discovered that he had to fend for himself, his Aunt pocketing the food stamps meant to cover Wade's meals. Because of this Wade created himself a hideout, a place where he spent most of his life, a place where he had privacy. It was here he went to school inside the OASIS, rigging up a charging system for his Oasis gear, scavenging and repairing technology to pawn off in exchange for food. It also covered some sundry costs while Wade researched Halliday's riddle.
The story is filled with 80s references, from Atari to Dungeons and Dragons, music, movies, games and books. You name it, Cline referenced it, to the point that, at times, I felt it was too much. Yes I'm a geek, gamer, and a child of the 80s, I love looking back upon my childhood just as much as the next person, but sometimes the references were just overkill.
For this, the book lost half a star, giving it a 4.5 star rating out of 5.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves cheesy 80s references, or gaming, or general geekery (Players of Kingdom of Loathing, I'm looking at you).
Obernewtyn - Isobelle Carmody
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.
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.
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, 12 May 2015
Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. It wasn't my usual choice of reading material, as you could tell just by looking at my bookshelf, but it was one I felt I needed to read.
We're taught at school of the horrors the Nazi's inflicted on the Jewish people, but the first hand account of the Frank family sheds some light on the lengths people went to just to survive, an the people who put their own lives on the line to protect them.
This incredible account has such eloquence, one I'd never expect from a child, let alone one living in close quarters, hiding, with 7 other people. As an adult, I would never have handled the situation with the poise and maturity that Anne showed during the ordeal.
Anne's young age (13-15) is very easy to forget when you read her diary. I was blown away with her writing abilities. She writes with maturity beyond her years, making even the mundane chores of their daily life seem more than they were.
It's sad to know that her father was the only survivor of the group, but he was gracious in allowing his daughters story to be told. He gave his daughter her wish, though she has never been able to witness the impact her writing has had on the world, she fulfilled her dream. Anne's own wishes aside, the historical significance of this journal alone is enough to give it a high rating.
I gave the chronicle of Anne's life in hiding 5 stars out of 5.
Further reading suggestion: Anne's diary ends when her family is discovered and they are sent to various camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. To get an idea of what life was like inside the camp, and the death march that killed Peter, I suggest reading Night by Elie Wiesel, Wiesel's own account of his time during the Nazi occupation.
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. It wasn't my usual choice of reading material, as you could tell just by looking at my bookshelf, but it was one I felt I needed to read.
We're taught at school of the horrors the Nazi's inflicted on the Jewish people, but the first hand account of the Frank family sheds some light on the lengths people went to just to survive, an the people who put their own lives on the line to protect them.
This incredible account has such eloquence, one I'd never expect from a child, let alone one living in close quarters, hiding, with 7 other people. As an adult, I would never have handled the situation with the poise and maturity that Anne showed during the ordeal.
Anne's young age (13-15) is very easy to forget when you read her diary. I was blown away with her writing abilities. She writes with maturity beyond her years, making even the mundane chores of their daily life seem more than they were.
It's sad to know that her father was the only survivor of the group, but he was gracious in allowing his daughters story to be told. He gave his daughter her wish, though she has never been able to witness the impact her writing has had on the world, she fulfilled her dream. Anne's own wishes aside, the historical significance of this journal alone is enough to give it a high rating.
I gave the chronicle of Anne's life in hiding 5 stars out of 5.
Further reading suggestion: Anne's diary ends when her family is discovered and they are sent to various camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. To get an idea of what life was like inside the camp, and the death march that killed Peter, I suggest reading Night by Elie Wiesel, Wiesel's own account of his time during the Nazi occupation.
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