It’s time again for some book reviews, my friends! It’s been a mood-read kind of winter for sure. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve picked up a book that I’ve been meaning to read for months, and sat down with it, only to stand back up and switch it out for a different book. Shrug. I did get three books off that TBR though!
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman- Lyra is hurrying to the North- where armored bears and witch clans rule. For the North is where all stolen children are sent, where Lyra’s friend Roger has been sent. It’s also where her imposing uncle is attempting to build a bridge to a parallel world.
~Having seen and enjoyed the movie multiple times, I wanted to read the book. While I did enjoy it- the writing was good, the plot was entertaining, there were a few things mentioned that I felt were unnecessary and actually pulled me away from the story. (and some that added nothing to the plot whatsoever, instead feeling like something that the author just really wanted to make a statement about). I had intended on reading the whole trilogy but, don’t have any intention to at this time.
Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #2) by C.S. Lewis – When Susan’s horn is blown, the Pevensie children are called back to Narnia to help Prince Caspain reclaim his rightful throne. The false king is ruthless and will stop at nothing to kill the old Narnians and maintain his rule.
~ Prince Caspian is, I think, one of my favorites of the series as we see some of the growing up the Pevensie’s have to go through and of course, we meet Caspian and see Aslan again.
The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia #4 ) by C.S. Lewis- Narnia is in danger and Aslan sends Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole to help. They, along with marshwiggle, Puddleglum, set out on a journey across Narnia to find the missing prince. Their quest leads them to face many trials- snow storms, man-eating giants, underground tunnels and an evil witch.
~I listened to this via hoopla, Jeremy Northam narrating. I admit that it took me a little while to get into this story, this time around, but I do adore Puddleglum and his dire predictions. The giants are probably one of my favorite parts. And when Puddleglum speaks to the witch about Narnia. (I’ll say no more, no spoilers!) A lovely addition to the series, even if it does have a… different feel to it.
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray- When Mr. Knightley and Emma, now happily married, throw a house party, they bring together new friends and distant relatives. Mr. Wickham was certainly not invited – but he arrives anyway – his latest scheme having created even more enemies, it’s not long before he’s found murdered. Everyone in the house is a suspect, except for the two youngest guests, leaving them to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy. Juliet is the daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney and is eager for adventure outside of Northanger Abbey. Jonathan is the Darcy’s eldest son and he somehow makes his father seem almost relaxed by his own strict adherence to propriety. But these two must learn to work together and solve the crime before an innocent person is convicted.
~I thoroughly enjoyed this who-dun-it by Claudia Gray. This was an uncharacteristic splurge purchase, with no prior knowledge of author or book. It was fun to read about these characters that we know and love (although, I’ll be honest, I’m not too familiar with some of them) and see them interacting with each other. The relationship dynamics were written so well, creating doubt and a depth of feeling that I appreciated. There were some conversations about same-sex relations (an outside character) but, to me, it seemed to be well handled. I did thoroughly enjoy this story and look forward to reading more of the series.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson- Yumi and Painter come from opposite worlds – she from one of gardens and spirits, he from darkness and nightmares. But when their lives become strangely intertwined can they figure out why, and how to help each other?
~I listened to this on audiobook on Spotify. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the events through both Yumi and Painter’s points of view and to be surprised by the revelations all over again. There are a few mentions throughout that, I’d suggest reading this prior to giving to a young reader, but, it is quite mild still. (I’m just overly cautious when it comes to such things). Highly recommend.
Shadow Moon by George Lucas and Chris Claremont – Did Not Finish (dnf). I was excited for this one (George Lucas!!), but struggled to make it even forty pages. I’m not sure if it was the writing style, the feel that we’d gotten dropped into the middle of a story at chapter one, or what, but I just couldn’t get into the plot. The dragon was cool. I like Willow… mostly. What was strange is that I thought the movie (which I do enjoy!) was based on this, but…apparently it wasn’t? All in all, it seems I agree with the reviews I’ve found on Goodreads that this book just doesn’t deliver. Such a bummer.
Currently Reading:
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia #3 ) by C.S. Lewis
The Reverberator by Henry James
Up Next Possibles:
Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep
The Book of Three
What was the last book you gave up on?
~Laura
the start of a good life 