Tag Archives: fantasy novels

Book Reviews – March 2025

27 Mar

Welcome to another monthly book review, my friends. I admit that I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately – nothing seeming quite right… But, I did enjoy a few books this month.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia #3 ) by C.S. Lewis – King Caspian has built the first Narnian ship in centuries and he’s determined to find the lost lords that his evil uncle Miraz banished years before. Caspian is joined by Edmund, Lucy and their cousin Eustace to the ends of the world.

~This one always calls to me because of how much we get to see of Reepicheep and that we meet Eustace and Glimfeather. The plot style is different in that I don’t feel that it’s building toward a big climax but the adventures they go through are quite dangerous (!) and interesting.

The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia #5 ) by C.S. Lewis – Young Shasta runs away with Bree, a talking warhorse. But when they learn of a Calormen plot to attack Narnia, they race to warn about the impeding danger.

~This remains one of my favorite books of the series. Shasta, Bree, Aravis and Hwin all bring different personalities to the plot. It’s fun to see the Pevensie siblings as Narnian kings and queens. I adore how Aslan appears. Basically, what makes this story quite different in style from the others is exactly what makes me love it so much.

Awakening (Infinity Blade #1) by Brandon Sanderson – The young knight, Siris, was trained for one thing: to face the God King in one-on-one combat in order to free the people from enslavement. This tradition has been passed down through generations of his family and Siris trains diligently throughout his childhood. But when the unexpected happens and Siris kills the God King, he’s suddenly thrust into a much larger world. And a much larger quest – to find the Worker of Secrets.

~I hadn’t heard of this book before so was interested when I found it as an audiobook on hoopla. Apparently it’s based on a video game? Shrug. I found it intriguing and definitely enjoyed listening to it. There was one joke that absolutely could’ve been left out (which means that I was shaking my head and waiting for that part of the scene to be past…) but aside from that, it was, as usual, quite clean. It was a fun adventure although I feel like maybe some stuff might’ve made more sense if I knew the game.

Currently Reading:

Memoria (The Nightingale Trilogy #3) by J.J. Fischer

Redemption (Infinity Blade #2) by Brandon Sanderson

The Reverberator by Henry James – uncertain if I’ll finish this. Reason: far too much descriptions of the characters. Yes, I actually said it. There Can be too much!

The Fighting Preacher by John Hill Aughey – uncertain about finishing. Reason: well. guys. I’ve read full speeches from two different statesmen…

Up next possibles:

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

The Book of Three

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Book Reviews- Nov 2024

4 Dec

Welcome back to another monthly book review! I finished up a trilogy, read a few standalones and am still working my way through an incredibly long audiobook…

The God of Lost Words (Hell’s Library #3) by A.J. Hackwith- Claire, Hero, angel Remi and muse Brevity might just have to destroy the Library in order to save it… After saving the Library of the Unwritten Wing and finding out just what the books are made of, their secret out and all of Hell is coming for every wing of the Library. A war erupts and it’ll take all of their wits to survive.

–This was a good finale to the trilogy with a fantastic battle for each of the characters and bringing in a new villian (Godmother of Ghosts mwahaha). I admit some of the…details of the plot left me a little confused but I just kept reading anyway. It was more along the lines of fantasy-rules, so I didn’t feel like I’d understand it even if I stopped and pondered it… Anyhow, once again I did like the character growth – their battles and losses and victories felt specific to them. After finishing it, I was a little confused by some of what had happened but still finished content overall. The romance is, as I said in my reviews for the previous two books, is different than I normally read/prefer. (pansexual is apparently the word for it…) While I may not necessarily like this part of the plot, Hackwith wrote it so well that it didn’t take away from the story. And that the love was true and deep – not this flighty, physical focused type of infatuation. I appreciated that. With that in mind, a cautious recommend. As a last thought, I think the first book was my favorite, with this one being the second favorite.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien- Bilbo Baggins, hobbit of Bag-End, joins the wizard Gandalf and twelve dwarves, led by none other than Thorin Oakenshield, across Middle Earth to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Through many obstacles – most of them extremely dangerous- they struggle through before even reaching their destination- the Lonely Mountain

–  I always love the Hobbit but listening to Andy Serkis narrating it, just improves it by leaps and bounds, somehow. It has been several years since I read this story and thoroughly enjoyed how Tolkien points out these random facts/feelings – in a way that modern authors just don’t do (well, that I’ve come across). Anyway, it is a nice, concise wonderful adventure story. I love how talkative Gandalf is. How uncertain Bilbo can be. How much the dwarves complain all throughout but then repent soon enough after. Highly recommend reading or listening to (esp with Andy Serkis narrating) this story!

Dragonsteel Prime by Brandon Sanderson- On Yolen, we follow the story of a boy named Jerick and a fool or jest, who calls himself Topaz (though you might know him by another name).

–this was written back in 2001 and only now has been widely printed and sold. We see Sanderson’s original attempt at writing the Bridge Four story. I appreciated that, at the beginning of the book, he even says that the story is a bit all over the place. This acknowledgement made a difference through the parts that seemed out of left field.. I adored all things to do with Topaz. And Bat’Chor. And really, there were times I was wishing we were focusing more on Jerick… Anyway, I did enjoy this story even though I, maybe, don’t love certain elements of it. (some choices near the end just frustrated me!) I got the hardcover and it’s simply gorgeous.

Where the Long Grass Blows by Louis L’amour- Bill Canavan rides into a valley at war – the two large ranches are owned by rustlers turned ranchers, fighting to dominate the entire valley, and a third small ranch caught in the middle. The third ranch was owned by honest folk – a brother and sister. But Canavan didn’t just happen to choose this valley to settle in. He knew this land, this range war and had decided he’d stay. He’d staked a claim and had plans to be the one still standing after the the war had blown over. What he hadn’t counted on was just how much the woman owner of the small ranch would affect him…

–whenever I want a nice, cozy, western read, I pick up a Louis L’amour. I greatly enjoyed this one – it was full of the clever cowhand with a fist of iron and a moral compass; the villians who run roughshod over everyone; the beautiful spirited woman that fights back and cattle, horses and the range. I always like the straight-talking, quick-decision making aspects that are in L’amour’s stories. I liked that Canavan entered the town of Soledad with the intent to stay -this wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. And I liked the comparisons drawn from the other characters, between him and Star Levitt. Highly recommend.

Currently Reading:

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (at 59% of a 69 hr audiobook)

I hope you found something to add to your to-read list!

~Laura

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Book Reviews – Sept 2024

26 Sep

My crazed reading days have faded apparently. Part of that is simply because I am in the middle of two quite long books (the Sherlock Holmes audio is 67 hour long…). But, with finishing Murtagh, I’ve completed the last series I started earlier this year!

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – As a fireman, it’s Guy Montag’s job to destroy books and the houses they are found in. Books are illegal contraband and Guy never questions his job, finding satisfaction in carrying out justice and going home at the end of the day to his wife, Mildred, who spends all her time with her television ‘family’. But when Guy meets a neighbor, Clarisse, who shows him that not only was the past not what he’s been told, but that the present can be one of enjoyment and peace, he starts to question everything he’s ever known.

~I hadn’t read this since high school and wow, did I forget the powerful way that this book is written. The emotions evoked by the repetition, the short sentences, the pacing of Guy’s journey… I listened to this via hoopla and the narrator (Tim Robbins) made it come alive so incredibly. What caught me was how much I could see the chain of events that occurred in the novel, actually happening. The ending was far different than I remembered but completed it well. I figure this will be a bi-yearly read, now. I quite enjoyed it.

Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5) by Christopher Paolini- Now that Galbatorix has been defeated, Murtagh and Thorn are exiled – hiding from civilization as much as they can since the people still see them as murderers and traitors. But Murtagh learns of the rumors of brittle ground and brimstone-tarnished air and he and Thorn set off to investigate. It will take all of their wit and strength to overcome the mysterious witch they find – a witch that is much more than she seems.

~I am so glad that I’ve finally gotten to read this! I love that Paolini came back to Alagaesia and gave us this story all about Murtagh and Thorn. The storyline was not what I was expecting – don’t ask me what I WAS expecting though, because it wasn’t a fully formed idea… But that’s not to say that I didn’t get truly engrossed in the story. (I even read it during our drive to an event, because it was at such a climax moment that I couldn’t bear to leave it til the next day). It was a darker story overall, I felt, from Eragon’s – but after all, Murtagh had a different upbringing that affected his actions/thoughts. And it felt right that the story reflected that. (there is torture in this book, that while not graphic, is still fairly upsetting).

Intermittent Fasting Transformation: The 45-Day Program for Women to Lose Stubborn Weight, Improve Hormonal Health, and Slow Aging by Cynthia Thurlow- With her six-week program that was created specifically for women, Thurlow guides readers through what intermittent fasting is, steps on how to have the most success by fitting it to your body and life for your hormonal needs.

~While I didn’t read this cover to cover, I read as much as I felt was helpful for me to dive into intermittent fasting and not become overwhelmed. I enjoyed the chapter on her own experience with it as well. Honestly, if I was wanting something a bit more structured, this program seems like it would be really good. She gives you small-ish tasks to do in the beginning to set yourself up for success. If you’re wanting to know more about intermittent fasting, this book does a great job telling you what is happening in your body as you eat and as you fast.

DNF: (did not finish)

Choosing A Jewish Life: a handbook for people converting to Judaism and for their family and friends by Anita Diamant – honestly, this had been on my shelves for years before I finally started reading it. It had some good information and encouragement in it but a few things that I flat-out disagree with, so it’s now in the donate pile.

Currently Reading:

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Marier

To Read:

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

And that’s it! Have you read any of these books or are interested in any of them?

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Hunted by Meagan Spooner Review

26 Jul

If you’ve been around SGL for a while, you probably know that I really enjoy a good retelling of fairy tales ( I’ll link some of my reviews of retellings at the bottom of this post). My friend and I found this book at Powell’s bookstore and I immediately said ‘we’ve got to get this’. I mean, look at that gorgeous cover! And when you read the synopsis, I’m sure you’ll understand why I was instantly hooked.

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I’ve never read Meagan Spooner before but I’m now eager to try more of her books. I know, of course that sometimes, there’s just one book that I’ll love of an author. I really liked the different twists given on this timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast. It’s been weeks since I finished it and I’m still thinking about it. Which means I’m likely to pick this up again soon. Yes. It really was that good.

I’m going to pull the synopsis straight from the back of the book for you:

“Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones – and in her blood. 

Here in the wilderness Yeva is under no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas… or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. Here she feels one with the ebb and flow of life. Here she is home. 

But when Yeva’s father goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey : the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

Deaf to her sister’s protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory – a cursed valley, a ruined castle and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin, or salvation.”

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Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“She moves like beauty, she whispers to us of wind and forest—and she tells us stories, such stories that we wake in the night, dreaming dreams of a life long past. she reminds us of what we used to be. She reminds us of what we could be.”

“She was so tired after all. Tired of fairy tales, and magic, and empty castles. Tired of wanting so intensely that she didn’t know what she wanted.”

“The satisfaction of desires sated was short and pale in comparison to the dream of wanting.”

Getting little snippets from the Beast’s side added so much to the tale, and gave us a chance to see the Beast more fully than just a selfish man having to pay a heavy price until someone comes to, basically, rescue him. His story is just as important as Beauty’s and getting to read his feelings about his transformation, about Beauty and…well, all of it, was great.

I appreciated the moral lesson that Spooner wove through the tale. She also seems to have taken inspiration from classic fairy tales that were darker and … well, more full of death. But she did it well. There isn’t any overly done, gross scenes in regard to hunting – there are descriptions of course but Spooner doesn’t get graphic with the telling.

There isn’t any sex scenes- thank you so much for that Meagan! – I appreciate a YA novel that has a good romance story without feeling the need to go to that level.

I did feel that this book could have been longer. It might have been a bit slow in pace (not that I minded) but I did feel that just all of a sudden you were at the ending. I’d have liked either a better balance or the book just enough longer that I wasn’t left going (near the end) with a – ‘wait, what?’

Thankfully, this wasn’t enough to ruin the book for me, I’m able to overlook it because she showed us a strong character in Beauty with enviable hunting skills ; a beautiful world set in old Russia ; a Beast that’s trying and Beauty’s sisters were fully rounded characters that, honestly, I’d love to read more of. I’ll add that the book didn’t end where I was going ‘wait, what?’ and that helped a lot, I think. She finished out the story a bit, leaving that bitter taste a bit diluted.

I’ve read that she’s working on a novel titled “Sherwood” and you can bet that I’m going to be reading that one. This novel has definitely made it to my favorite reads for this year. And, if you’re interested, here’s a few other retellings that I’ve read and loved over the years.

Wildwood Dancing  by Juliet Marillier

Beauty by Robin Mckinley

Spindle’s End by Robin Mckinley

~Laura

Do you love retellings? Have any favorites? I’d absolutely love to hear about them!

 

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November 2018 Book Reviews

29 Nov

I don’t know about you but I love seeing what other people are reading, and what they think about what they’ve read. It gives you insight into that person – and also offers different genres/authors up for you to delve into as well! Over the years I’ve really branched out in both the reading of different genres and of course, new authors. I do get a little nervous on some of them but it’s typically worth it – even if I end up not liking the book, I learn a little more about what I like and don’t like. And, as a writer, that is invaluable.

I’m not sure where that stemmed from, but let me know if you agree with me! I’d love to hear what you, my lovely readers, think about that.

As for what I read this month, I didn’t read a whole lot. Due to participating in Nanowrimo, I kept myself from picking up a novel and instead worked on my own! So this month’s book reviews will be rather short.

Here we go!

 

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Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott – Running to escape a life of being a maid, Tess secures a spot on the Titanic just as it’s about to sail. She’s hired by the formidable fashion designer Lady Duff Gordon. As an aspiring seamstress, she can’t believe her luck. She soon catches the eye of two very different men, one a Chicago millionaire and the other a sailor. But when tragedy strikes, Tess is one of the last passengers to find a spot on a life boat, along with the sailor who sees Lady Duff Gordon’s dubious responses during the tragedy. She will need all her wits about her as the media attacks her new boss, sits through the hearings about the Titanic’s sinking and as she enters the world of fashion.

~This book was lent to me with the words ‘it’s such a good book’. But as it was by an author I’d never read/heard of, I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. But since I’d never read a book focused on the Titanic, I was hopeful about it. And , thankfully, it really was a good book! The glittering world of High Society in 1912, the fear of drowning and then the heartbreak after was described so well. It did take me a bit to really get sucked into the story but when Pinky Wade entered, I was hooked. The twists were unexpected and the ending left me feeling satisfied. A good historical fiction for sure.

The Great Hunt – Wheel of Time Series #2 by Robert Jordan – Time passes as the Wheel turns and the Horn of Valere is found. The Horn that, when blown, will call the dead heroes to fight for them against their enemy. Gleemen have told the story of the Great Hunt for the Horn of Valere for years upon years, but now, it’s been stolen.

~ Book 2 was just as good as the first one I thought, but I might have enjoyed it more because I knew the main characters. I did still get lost a little with all the different story lines going on, though. The twists that this story is taking is crazy- I can’t wait to get the third book from the library! 

 

Currently Reading:

Dear Theo (I’m slowly making my way through this)

Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll (sadly, I haven’t touched this in weeks.)

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Only the River Runs Free by Bodie Thoene

 

~Laura

What have you been reading this month?

 

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Series Review – Shadowfell

24 Oct

As promised, a review on a new favorite series of mine! I’ve read it twice now and it’s set onto my must-own-one-day-soon list. Juliet Marillier has written twenty (!) historical fantasy novels and has won many awards. If you’ve been following SGL for any length of time, you know that Wildwood Dancing is one of my all-time favorite novels. When I first found this at the library, I was interested but nervous as my experience with fantasy was still limited to Brandon Sanderson. But, almost immediately, I was sucked into this story and never wanted to put the books down! It’s a three book series and at the end of it, you want it to continue! I really enjoyed Marillier’s descriptions of the world of Alban – the different regions/topography. But, on to a synopsis of the series!

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Photo by Niilo Isotalo on Unsplash

Shadowfell:

Left on her own at sixteen, Neryn must put to use her knowledge of keeping hidden as she evades the king’s soldiers that are hunting her down. In the kingdom of Alban, anyone with canny skills is considered an enemy, and treated accordingly. Her ability to see the Good Folk – the wee fairy-like creatures behind that rock or in that tree – is something she’s always striven to ignore, knowing exactly what the consequences are for her ‘gift’.  After being rescued from certain death by the mysterious Flint, Neryn decides to set off for a place that she’s only heard of. Shadowfell. The only place left in all of Alban that is free of the evil of King Keldec – the only place that is planning on overthrowing him. Her journey is dangerous and her helpers are the Good Folk and Flint who tell her that she is the only one who can save Alban.

Raven Flight: 

Having reached Shadowfell, Neryn can finally rest. But too soon she learns that she must leave her new rebel friends and seek out each of the four Guardians to learn how to be a Caller. To learn how to use her canny gift to call the Good Folk to help them in their battle against Keldec. To do this is to risk compromising herself and the cause but remaining at Shadowfell is impossible because her skill will mean the failure or success of their venture. Her path will take her to the four corners of Alban, far away from Flint. Her companion is the warrior Tali, whose main allegiance is to the cause.

The Caller: 

Having journeyed to the mountains of the north and the isles of the west, Neryn has learned of water and of earth, but now she has to continue her training to learn of Air from the White Lady in the freezing winter. But when the White Lady isn’t what Neryn expected, plans must change and Neryn has to make a tough decision. Stay where it’s safe, or do what she knows she must. When another threat looms against the rebellion, she must enter into Keldec’s court and watch every step, for one wrong move will mean her death – as well as the death of the rebellion. She has to make it to the moment that she’s been training for, standing up against a stronger enemy than she ever imagined.

I tried not to give too much away ( I absolutely hate it when I learn too much about a series before even reading the first book, it makes me not want to read it at all. Anyone else have that reaction?), but to give enough info so that it intrigues you and makes you want to read it. Really, you should. Even if you’re not much into fantasy fiction. The romances are so lovely and sweet, although there is a bit of delicate sexual content in them. Marillier  wrote it well and mild but I do like to share with you that it’s there so you’re aware of it if you’re going to share it with a young reader – pre-read it first so you know if it’s appropriate!

I so appreciate the moral lessons woven through each of the books and the adventures that Neryn and her band of friends (fey and human) are so engrossing. I HIGHLY recommend this series!

~Laura

 

 

~ While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers. ~

 

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My Top Reads of 2017

29 Dec

I decided to do something a little bit fun – share a list of my favorite books of this year. We all love lists, don’t we?! We do.

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These aren’t in any particular order – just my Top 5 in each catergory:

New Reads:

~ Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

~ Failure is Impossible (Susan B. Anthony ) by Lynn Sherr

~Timber Ridge Reflections by Tamera Alexander

~Mermaid in the Basement by Gilbert Morris

~Guardians of Childhood by William Joyce

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Classics: 

~Captain’s Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

~Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore

~ Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

~ Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

~Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte’

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About Writing: 

~ Revision and Self- editing for Publication by James Scott Bell

~ The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

~ The New Book of Etiquette by Lillian Eicher

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Fantasy :  (note: remember I am still new to this genre. . . .)

~ Beauty by Robin Mckinley

~ Spindle’s End by Robin Mckinley

~ Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

~ Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

~ The Hero and the Crown by Robin Mckinley

and a bonus one :

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

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Marriage/Faith: 

Jewish Roots by Dan Juster

When God Doesn’t Fix It by Laura Story

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Messianic Jewish Manifesto by David H. Stern

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

 

 

What’s your favorite read from this year? Do you love some of my top reads as well? I’d love to hear about it! 

~Laura

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Series Review – Mistborn Era

22 Dec

So, Brandon Sanderson has a spin-off series from the Mistborn series! I had no idea! I requested these three from the library as soon as I found out. I believe that this is the end of the series though although I feel like I read that he’s currently working on another one. (insert happy dance).

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* I will point out that on Goodreads, it says Mistborn – Alloy Era #1 – as well as #4 for the Mistborn series…. and ‘Wax and Wayne Series in the books themselves so..* 

These three books – Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning – take place centuries after the Mistborn trilogy.

Alloy of Law – Feruchemist and Allomancer, Waxillium Ladrian, doesn’t fit in out in the Roughs but neither does he fit in the middle of a ballroom. Returning to Elendel wasn’t his choice. Now that he’s back in the city, though, he sees corruption everywhere. His plan of defending the city becomes more complicated as his friend Wayne arrives with bad news and a young woman with grand dreams insists on helping as well.

Shadows of Self – As terrorists stir up workers anger and religious conflict, Wax, Wayne and Marasi must figure out who is behind the conspiracy to stop the country’s progress. But when technology and magic mix, there’s no telling what is really going on – or just who you can trust.

Bands of Mourning – When rumors that the location of the Bands of Mourning have been found, Wax is recruited to investigate. He’s not sure if they are even real – they have been a mythical story for so long, how can they be? They are said to be the Lord Ruler’s own metalminds and that whoever wears them will have the same power. As he travels, he finds clues to what the shady organization known as The Set, is up to.

I really enjoyed this series : the mix of technology – a society that’s still trying to find its feet – and magic. Waxilliam was a great character, a bit of detective, a bit of wild west, a bit of rogue. I enjoyed the development of the characters- not just Wax, but the side characters as well. I loved the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) references to some of the people we met in the first Mistborn series.

There was more….disturbing content in these. I’m really not sure if disturbing is the right word, honestly. Let’s see if I can say it another way. There were some things in these three books – mainly dealing with the kandra, I believe, that if these were my first sci-fi fantasy books, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get past them. Squeamish much? Yes. Yes, I am. But remember, I am still pretty new to this genre – but I can also say that it’s also mild because Sanderson could have made it more graphic. Shudder to even think about that. I don’t say this to turn you from them, because these books are so enjoyable and he does state things as … nicely as possible.

There are some suggestive comments made, mainly by Wayne, throughout all three books. But, again, Sanderson tones it down a lot from what most authors probably would. It’s still on this side of what I’ll read, if that gives you any clue on how mild they really still are. But because of them, I would recommend reading them before giving them to younger readers.

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

~Laura

Have you any sci-fi fantasy books that you love? Or what’s a new genre you’ve tried recently?

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Series Review: Mistborn Trilogy

17 Aug

 

It’s FINALLY here you guys! I’m finally reviewing this trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. He is the author of one of my favorite novels – Elantris. So I was interested to read some of his other work. This series really had mixed reviews so I wasn’t that keen on just buying it but my library didn’t have the first one. I eventually broke down and bought Mistborn (book #1) at Powell’s because I couldn’t take it anymore. Thankfully the library has the other two books.

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Photo by Edgar Guerra on Unsplash

The sci-fi fantasy genre is relatively new to me. Because of that, I didn’t know what to expect in regards to – well, anything. I was most concerned about the sexual content that might be included but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. ( I feel the need to add that when I read any new book that’s not a faith-based author, I worry about this.)  There were a few innuendos in each of the last two but were mild enough that I didn’t feel the need to put down the book.

(I’ve shared the only pics I have of each book. Apparently I never took cover pics of them. I decided to go ahead and share them because they show just how BIG/long they all are! If I remember right, they average 700 pages each) 

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Mistborn – It took a thousand years for even the memory of hope to die, but the Lord Ruler dominates his world with a violent and dominating fist. Ash falls from the sky and mists rule the night. Kelsier, a mistborn, gathers his crew for the greatest heist in history. By chance, he runs into street-smart and wary Vin, a mistborn as well. For their plan to work, Vin must learn to use her powers as well as trust those around her. They are all in for a surprise when Kelsier tells him the other part of his plan – kill the Lord Ruler.

~Was thoroughly surprised and delighted to find myself drawn into this story as quickly as I was with Elantris.  The characters are interesting and varied and the world Sanderson creates – while hard to imagine with ash falling daily from the sky and the whole world a neutral gray – comes alive. The villain is terrible, although there’s enough mystery that keeps him from being trite. The ending was unexpected and I had a hard time waiting for the next two books from the library.

 

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The Well of Ascension – With the Lord Ruler, the man who claimed to be god incarnate, dead, the world is left in the hands of Vin and the aristocratic man that she’s fallen in love with. Kelsier’s crew is left trying to learn politics, while a new religion among the people – based around Vin and Kelsier – is growing.  Stopping assassins from killing the new ruler soon proves to be the least of Vin’s problems – the mists now have a strange quality about them. As if they are against her. As Luthadel is besieged, a legend comes to light. While it seems to offer hope, no one is quite sure what to do about it. Where is the Well of Ascension? And what power does it really hold?

 

~I wasn’t sure what to expect at the start of this book, what with the ending of the first one. The story had me so in its grip though, that I couldn’t wait to delve back into it. The individual characters’ growth were interesting – Sazed, Elend, Vin, Spook, etc, and how they each searched for their role in this new government, this new world. I think Sazed really started to shine in this one, becoming the one that I most… identified with. The ending, if I remember correctly, was slightly dissatisfying and didn’t tie up as many loose ends as I thought it would. 

 

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Hero Of Ages – When the Lord Ruler was killed, the Deepness was released back into the world. Creating all sorts of havoc that Vin, Elend and the others fighting to save the world can’t stop – the ash is falling heavier than ever, the mists are killing people and earthquakes are increasing in strength. It seems that humanity is doomed.

~ This book. Where do I even start? This book concludes everything that you’ve been wondering if he’s ever going to tie up – and more that you hadn’t even realized were left dangling. Sanderson is an amazing storyteller, going against the grain of  what you expect to happen and pulling the rug out from under you. And then you go ‘aha! (waking up your significant other in the middle of the night) because you just got what he’s been alluding to. And then later realizing that perhaps you didn’t have it figured out. The turn-about that he does with the Lord Ruler was a brilliant move on Sanderson’s part. I’d say I was slightly heartbroken but also pleased with its ending.

 

I have to point out that it’s really hard to write synopsis’ without giving any major details of the plot away. If you look these up anywhere online you’ll learn a whole lot more about them but I hate it when I learn a pivotal plot line before I should! So, it’s up to you if you want to know more about them or not.

This series is one that will probably be a yearly-read for me. Meaning that I’ll eventually just buy the next two books! If you enjoy this genre, I recommend that you give it a shot. It sucks you in quick and takes you through every possible emotion – a sign of a good story. I will add that I didn’t end up loving it in the same way as Elantris, but perhaps that’s because this series breaks your heart more often. heh.

Because of the subtle innuendos that are sparsely included, I wouldn’t recommend this for a younger audience.

(Yes, I took these to read while getting my IV’s. The rather huge size of them made them easier to handle while one arm was immobilized. )

~While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.~

Have you read any of Brandon Sanderson? What genre have you recently tried, or have been wanting to try?

~Laura

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July 2017 Book Review

1 Aug

Hello hello! I read quite a bit this month – which always makes me happy. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book is there?

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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – While set in a sleepy town in Virginia, the events that take place in Scout Finch’s childhood, rock the residents of the town.

– I hadn’t read this book since high school and since I seem to be on a classic kick this year, I pulled it off the shelf! I feel like opinions on this novel are very divided – either it’s loved or hated. Well. I’m on the loved it side – I do not know why it took over 10 years for me to read it again! I enjoyed  Lee’s descriptions – the sleepy street, the moonlight on the trees, the rabid dog making its way down the street – they were so vivid I could see them. I think everyone should read this book at least once.  (Now I want to read Go Set a Watchman)

Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson – A full review of this great trilogy will be coming next month! (I promise. the wait will be worth it.)

Seasons of the Heart series by Janette Oke – Watch for a full review of this in the next few weeks!

When God Doesn’t Fix it by Laura Story

Currently Reading:

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Anathema by Colleen Coble

On my To-Read List:

One Thousand Gifts: A dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss – I finally picked up my own copy of this book. I’m excited to read it (I’ve been doing an audio version) and finally finish it!

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

 

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