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February 6, 2005 7:51 pm
Sorry this took so long...
Trickster's Queen
by Tamora Pierce
Fantasy | 444pgs (467 w/extras*)
In this sequel toTrickster's Choice, Aly, daughter of Tortall's spymaster, is posing as a maid in the Copper Isles while also acting as spymaster and one of the main organizers of the raka rebellion. The native raka people are trying to overthrow the oppressive laurin rulers, and place a prophesied "twice-royal" queen on the throne. Aly must gather allies, both raka and laurin, and carefully plot the downfall of the Crown in order to bring this about. She is helped by Kyprioth, the Trickster and patron god of the raka, and her friends.
Well written and engaging with an unusuall main character, fans of Tamora Pierce will definatly recognize it as her work, yet this book (and Trickster's Choice) is noticably differnt from her privious books, and it's all for the better. For lovers of fantasy and strong female heros, this is a must read. (but if you havn't done so, read Trickster's Choice first)
*Cast of Characters, Glossary
Remember, if you've read any of the books I review, or even if you do so after the review is posted, leave a comment telling what you thought it. More opinions can only be a better thing.
January 22, 2005 6:10 pm
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon
Historical Fiction | 636 pgs.
The story of Sammy Clay and his cousin Joe Kavalier(who has escaped from Nazi-occupied Prauge)as they dream up the superhero the Escapist, and go on to achieve great success in the comic bussiness. But this is far from just a story of thier carrer, it encompases all aspects of their lives: love, friendship, work, joy, dissapointment, and more, and follows them as thier paths diverge, and meet again. This is a story of two young dreamers, with the talent to make their dream come true, how it comes true, and what happens when it runs out.
This book is extraordinary. At times funny, sad, joyfull, longing, sentimental, nostalgic, and so much more. The author really brings the characters to life and makes us feel almost like we know them, and exactly what they're feeling. It is not so much a story as a beautifully painted portrait of their lives and the world around them, at times it seems it could even be non-fiction. Very much deserving of the Pulitzer Prize it won, this book was simply amazing.
(Seriously though, I have NO IDEA how that happened - it is so much higher than a 4. I think the main complaint was that it was too long and used big words. Bah! Read it anyways)
January 13, 2005 9:39 pm
Rush Hour volume 2: Bad Boys
edited by Michael Cart
Anthology | 206pgs
A collection of works by eighteen different authors and artists about bad boys, these pieces feature a variety of characters, all percieved to be "bad" in different ways and by different people. Included is an essay on "Surviving Jock Culture", a poem called "Boys from Mars", and other works of fiction, non-fiction, and a few illustrations.
The pieces vary in quality, just as they do in topic, but overall are mostly well-written and enough to make you think a little after you finish them. A rewarding set of works on a single theme that still show a great deal of variety.
my rating: 4 | amazon.com rating: 4
Sorry about the delay, computer problems are becoming all to frequent. Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to visit and leave a message, it is really appreciated.
January 6, 2005 4:52 pm
Fire Logic
by Laurie J. Marks
Fantasy | 335pgs
Fifteen years since the fall of the House of Lilterwess, the Sainnites still occupy Shaftal, and the resistance is slowly being worn down. The fate of the land is left in the hands of a few: Zaja, the sole survivor of the massacre of a tribal people, Emil, the Palidin commander who would much rather be a scholar, and Karis, the smoke-addicted smith who holds secrets, some of which she herself does not even know. What they do in this year will lead either to salvation or destruction. They just have to keep moving forward, trust thier hearts, and hope what they are doing is right.
A fantasy novel with a very detailed and well-written plot, and very developed characters. It is set in a time of warfare, but battles don't dominate the scene, and there is a healthy dose of romance, both heterosexual and homosexual (this seems to be an accepted norm in this world). All in all, a very good book.
Yay, second review up! As always, leave comments. Oh, and any suggestions as to how to title my entries would be nice.
January 2, 2005 6:41 pm
Born Confused
by Tanuja Desai Hidier
Teen Angst / Romance | 500 pages
Dimple Lala is a 17 year old Indian-American who can't figure out where she belongs. Her best friend Gwen is blonde and gorgeous and has always overshadowed her, but she hasn't really cared, until now. When her parents decide to try and arrange a marrige with a sutible Indian boy, she is determined not to cooperate, and even tells Gwen that she can't stand him. But things aren't always as they seem, and soon it looks like she might have been wrong, but what she's said isn't simply going to go away. The summer before senior year is one she's going to spend finding herself, and a whole lot more.
Touching and funny, this is a well-written book that was hard to put down. It goes far beyond the average teen girl diary (meaning anything told in first person) book.
Well, there it is, my first review. I should have another one up soon. Meanwhile, if you've read this book, feel free to comment on it, and if you have anything you'd like to see here, please tell me.
Oh, btw, if you click on "amazon.com" above, it'll take you to their page on this book.
January 1, 2005 10:53 pm
The format for all the reviews that appear on this page:
Book Title
by Author
type of book | number of pages
A SHORT SUMMERY (generally 2-5 sentances, about)
A COUPLE SENTANCES OF MY IMPRESSION
my rating(out of 5) | amazon.com rating (out of 5)
If you've read a book, please feel free to leave your own comments on it, and if you have any questions or suggestions about this format, please leave a comment here.
~ariasloft
P.S. First review should be up shortly, tomorrow or Monday at the latest.
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