I enjoy Brigg's books--all of them! She writes a number of fantasy series and all are well written and engaging. Yes there are werewolves and shape-changers as well as a variety of supernatural creatures and ancient gods! But, the books have good narrative arcs and a number of well rounded characters.
But, I am embarrassed by the covers. I actually found myself turning the book face-down in doctor's offices and coffee shops when I was not actually reading. If you look at the covers you will probably expect a fantasy romance novel. There is little if any "romance" other than the developing relationships between main characters--the normal romance found in most novels.
What do I like about these books? Well, ancient gods always appeal to me! I'm fascinated by our mythologies and the "character" of the gods, demi-gods, and other "divine" beings. This series, along with the Iron Druid, Artemis Fowl, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel, and Percy Jackson series as well as individual titles such as American Gods have pulled me into a wide range of mythologies. Brigg's books are set in Southeastern Washington State (the tri-cities area) and thus also resonate with my northwestern US home. Her details of the setting and region throughout this series may enhance your enjoyment of the books if you are familiar with the area. If you are not, then they may encourage you to come visit!
It's a great summer read (and you can create a book cover to hide the cover image!). In this case don't be fooled by the cover.
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Monday, October 26, 2015
The Finisher, David Baldacci (2014)
I think this is Baldacci's first entrance into the YA market. With a "fifth grade" reading level and interest level of fifth through 9th I think the writing is a little challenging. Learning Baldacci's new terminology for the world of Wormwood was a bit complicated. However, it was well worth the effort involved. Our heroine and hero are well crafted and the situations facing them nuanced and engaging. The "Wugmorts" (citizens of Wormwood) are fearful of the surrounding "Quag" and the monsters lurking there. As a result they are limited in their means and their visions of the world. Vega Jane, a 14 year-old, is not quite so fearful and over the course discovered her destiny to escape Wormwood and venture into what is likely to be a series of adventures that will lead back to Wormwood (just my prediction here). The portraits of small-minded and fearful citizens in Wormwood and the effects of repression provide interesting discussion of contemporary issues facing our world. I don't want to influence your own interpretations---but I found fertile ground for considering contemporary issues.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
The Circle, by Dave Eggers
The book has received mixed reviews. The writing has been criticized as lacking in literary merit. The criticisms may be justified, but still the book offers opportunities for discussion of the new mania for measuring everything and then rewarding or punishing based on the numbers.
I also had to laugh at the images created of the multi-tasking demands made on The Circle's employees. I'm about half way through and the protagonist is now having a fourth screen installed on her desk. (Which makes me wonder if the author doesn't know about tiling windows on a screen.) But still...
I'm close to several customer experience employees and know the pressures on them to produce high "numbers" are ridiculous. The "metrics" being produced each day to evaluate their work are dizzying and oppressive. In contrast I consider Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of flow. Based on his work, being focused on numbers actually probably makes it impossible to work within a state of flow. In my own professional life I am drowning in data and assessment (including huge pressures to "raise" numbers). Last night some of my World of Warcraft guild members and I were discussing the effects of assessments on the abilities of teachers to include innovative, engaging, relevant activities/content in this instruction. One of us retold a story of teachers energized by ideas of game-based learning and inclusion of student created machinima (or movies) in the curriculum. But the teachers quickly shut down when they realized that they wouldn't be able to create multiple choice tests to measure achievement of standards connected to these exciting curriculum/instruction ideas. We then discussed the problems several of us were seeing in young adults/adults being successful in completion of post-secondary education (or graduation from high school). I have to believe that there is a link between the difficulty many are having with completing school and our increased emphasis on test scores. (This would be a side-effect of attempts to reform/improve education that we forget to measure.)
Maybe a random connection (this is the way my mind works) but it perhaps helps build my case--
Act Two. Is That a Tape Recorder in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Unhappy to See Me?, a segment from This American Life first aired on 9/10/2010. In the second segment of the show the story surrounds the effects of assessment numbers on policing in New York City. In short, it was not good!
There's a principle in science "by measuring you distort." I think it's time in our era of easily obtained numbers that we go back to this fundamental idea. Another principle that I haven't heard recently is "garbage in--garbage out."
I know I am swimming upstream trying speak out against "data collection" (especially since that is part of my work responsibility) but I think we need to take a moment to pause and consider if we're guilty of putting the cart in front of the horse in much of our assessment plans. I'm not convinced that we have learned how to identify data that will actually measure the critical factors leading to success or excellence in most of our endeavors. Not only that, but I am concerned that focusing all this human capital on getting "the numbers up" instead of working on actually doing/producing something is going to have long term disastrous effects on our economy.
There's also a risk that in search of perfect ratings that we are in danger of eliminating creativity and genius. When we become preoccupied with numerical ratings, particularly those from rubrics, we can easily miss the unexpected or creative. For example, I'm pretty certain that if O'Keeffe's, Van Gogh's, Monet's, or Kadinsky's works had been measured using a rubric developed by a committee that they would have been identified as "does not meet standards."
Saturday, September 13, 2014
The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, by Christie Golden
This is one of a series of books that elaborates the narrative behind the MMORPG, World of WarCraft. I was delightfully surprised by the quality of writing in the book. Golden is a talented author, worthy of the awards and recognitions she has received. In the past when I've read books associated with TV series, movies, and now computer/video games (although this is the first book of that sort I've attempted) I have been disappointed. Often they are just commercial products to profit from the popularity of media phenomenon. I'm delighted this is different! It reads very well and is an engaging story. I think that even if you were not a player in WoW you could read and enjoy the story. It is about leadership, power, corruption, and good intentions; all universal themes in literature!
As a WoW play I found this affecting me in two ways--first, I have begun to observe and understand more as I am "in game." Now much of the landscape and "decor" have significance that I was overlooking. As a reader I was able to read the book with much greater depth--understanding the gaming experience upon which the story is built. I found myself flying around Orgrimmar looking for the skull and armor of Mannoroth.
As a teacher/reader I am convinced about the value of knowing about this body of literature and seeing out similar titles for other games. The young people in our schools are passionate about their games. We need to use this passion in helping them to develop advanced reading skills. It is also likely that we can help them move into other literature, perhaps some more aligned with the accepted canon, if we prove ourselves trustworthy. Having familiarity with these sorts of titles will provide those sorts of credentials.
I must note the experience I had in real life while reading this book. I was in Pagosa Springs, Colorado relaxing in the hot springs (strongly recommend you plan some time here if you are in the area!) and had this book with me. Multiple individuals and families initiated conversations with me because of the World of Warcraft logo on the front of the book. Two teen-aged boys and their parents were the first to initiate a conversation. They boys were elbowing their parents in the pool--I'm assuming because they saw me as an example of an adult sanctioning WoW. We talked about their game play. Both boys had fallen away from WoW and were now more interested in Minecraft and other games. (I could only think that probably the problem here was related to not having a spectacular guild like mine! Inevitable Betrayers--you're the best!) In every pool I ran into others who wanted to talk about the WoW phenomenon. This included a woman of my age (nearing retirement) who talked about her friend who played almost every moment outside of work. The power of books!!! It never occurred to me that simply carrying a book with a WoW logo would open the way to multiple conversations and entry into a rich community of human citizens as I moved casually through the world.
I recommend this as a good choice for anyone who has contact with gamers. Grandparents--it will open the doors into understanding the virtual lives of your grandkids, teachers--it will help you in multiple ways as you try to encourage your charges in their literacy development, parents--it will help initiate lively conversations with otherwise reticent children, citizens--you'll develop casual conversations and be granted entry into a community that is astonishingly large! At it's height there were approximately 12 million players. Currently there are approximately 6.8 million (http://www.statista.com/statistics/276601/number-of-world-of-warcraft-subscribers-by-quarter/). It still remains the most popular PC game in the world (also from statista). There is real power here that all of us need to understand and appreciate. This novel will help the non-players do so.
As a WoW play I found this affecting me in two ways--first, I have begun to observe and understand more as I am "in game." Now much of the landscape and "decor" have significance that I was overlooking. As a reader I was able to read the book with much greater depth--understanding the gaming experience upon which the story is built. I found myself flying around Orgrimmar looking for the skull and armor of Mannoroth.
As a teacher/reader I am convinced about the value of knowing about this body of literature and seeing out similar titles for other games. The young people in our schools are passionate about their games. We need to use this passion in helping them to develop advanced reading skills. It is also likely that we can help them move into other literature, perhaps some more aligned with the accepted canon, if we prove ourselves trustworthy. Having familiarity with these sorts of titles will provide those sorts of credentials.
I must note the experience I had in real life while reading this book. I was in Pagosa Springs, Colorado relaxing in the hot springs (strongly recommend you plan some time here if you are in the area!) and had this book with me. Multiple individuals and families initiated conversations with me because of the World of Warcraft logo on the front of the book. Two teen-aged boys and their parents were the first to initiate a conversation. They boys were elbowing their parents in the pool--I'm assuming because they saw me as an example of an adult sanctioning WoW. We talked about their game play. Both boys had fallen away from WoW and were now more interested in Minecraft and other games. (I could only think that probably the problem here was related to not having a spectacular guild like mine! Inevitable Betrayers--you're the best!) In every pool I ran into others who wanted to talk about the WoW phenomenon. This included a woman of my age (nearing retirement) who talked about her friend who played almost every moment outside of work. The power of books!!! It never occurred to me that simply carrying a book with a WoW logo would open the way to multiple conversations and entry into a rich community of human citizens as I moved casually through the world.
I recommend this as a good choice for anyone who has contact with gamers. Grandparents--it will open the doors into understanding the virtual lives of your grandkids, teachers--it will help you in multiple ways as you try to encourage your charges in their literacy development, parents--it will help initiate lively conversations with otherwise reticent children, citizens--you'll develop casual conversations and be granted entry into a community that is astonishingly large! At it's height there were approximately 12 million players. Currently there are approximately 6.8 million (http://www.statista.com/statistics/276601/number-of-world-of-warcraft-subscribers-by-quarter/). It still remains the most popular PC game in the world (also from statista). There is real power here that all of us need to understand and appreciate. This novel will help the non-players do so.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Every Day, by David Levithan
The quotation on the front of this book from Entertainment Weekly is true..."Wise, wildly unique."
"A," the narrator and protagonist of this book is a traveler. His consciousness lives for a day in the body/mind of another human being. Each day a different one. Male, female, GLBT, fat, think, depressed, silly, artistic, athletic, mean, generous.... A has learned to adapt to this nomadic life. He moves through each savoring what is good and trying to do no harm. Sort of accelerated reincarnation.
Until...he meets a girl.
Then, he is drawn to a place, drawn to a person, no longer completely nomadic.
Levithan tells a wonderful story that will encourage all readers to consider point of view and moral choices. Those of you unfamiliar with Levithan's work should be alert that he is one of the writers most loved by GLBT youth for offering them realistic (or semi-fantasy) literature to help them cope with their lives. He has written spectacular books and brings joy to readers--including straight readers. Levithan's writing is a marvel. There are many fragments, sentences, phrases, paragraphs that I will treasure of many years. (I fact--I probably need to reread it immediately and begin recording them. I'm torn--there are several teachers whom I would like to loan the book to right away.
I won't say too much--this book needs to be discovered on its own by each reader. Just be prepared to lose yourself. Don't begin it when you have big responsibilities looming! You'll miss deadlines.
"A," the narrator and protagonist of this book is a traveler. His consciousness lives for a day in the body/mind of another human being. Each day a different one. Male, female, GLBT, fat, think, depressed, silly, artistic, athletic, mean, generous.... A has learned to adapt to this nomadic life. He moves through each savoring what is good and trying to do no harm. Sort of accelerated reincarnation.
Until...he meets a girl.
Then, he is drawn to a place, drawn to a person, no longer completely nomadic.
Levithan tells a wonderful story that will encourage all readers to consider point of view and moral choices. Those of you unfamiliar with Levithan's work should be alert that he is one of the writers most loved by GLBT youth for offering them realistic (or semi-fantasy) literature to help them cope with their lives. He has written spectacular books and brings joy to readers--including straight readers. Levithan's writing is a marvel. There are many fragments, sentences, phrases, paragraphs that I will treasure of many years. (I fact--I probably need to reread it immediately and begin recording them. I'm torn--there are several teachers whom I would like to loan the book to right away.
I won't say too much--this book needs to be discovered on its own by each reader. Just be prepared to lose yourself. Don't begin it when you have big responsibilities looming! You'll miss deadlines.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Reluctant Assassin, by Eoin Colfer
I am generally an Eoin Colfer fan. However, this book did not really grab me. Typically I really like books set in the Victorian Era. But this one didn't really seem to settle down.
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
91% of people liked it
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
| rating | frequency | % | # |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 19% | 21 | |
| 4 | 38% | 41 | |
| 3 | 32% | 35 | |
| 2 | 6% | 7 | |
| 1 | 2% | 3 |
| All editions: | 3.69 average rating, 1017 ratings, 189 reviews, added by 5286 people, 870 to-reads |
| This edition: | 3.70 average rating, 847 ratings, 141 reviews, added by 4241 people |
Divergent, by Veronica Roth
I had hesitated to begin this series. It felt too much like it was going to be "just another" dystopian novel. I'm a little weary of the genre (with a few exceptions). I may be one of the few who didn't really like The Giver.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Hexed: The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid Chronicles has been one of my reading "accidents." I listened to "Hammered" first because of a special promotion through Audible. I enjoyed that book and decided to try a print version of another title from the series. I expect I will be reading all eight in the series.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Zombie Fallout, by Mark Tufo
This came to me as a "Book Bub" promotion (an email promotion that sends a listing of free/inexpensive ebooks). I picked it up on a whim, I've been reading a lot of paranormal fantasy lately. I was pleasantly surprised. Turfo's narrator has a most refreshing voice that makes the zombie apocalypse presented in this series of books new and different from the typical grim zombie story.
Michael Talbot is a flawed, unemployed, suburban ex-Marine, survivalist who finds himself one of the few in his affluent gated-community up to the challenges of a zombie pandemic. He has children whom he loves, a best friend a few miles away, and a petite wife who is surprisingly tough. Together they meet the challenges of a zombie take-over and help their community defend their lives and homes.
Throughout the book I was laughing and thoroughly enjoyed Talbot's sarcastic, immature, but self-aware narration. He has a bull-dog devotion to his friends and family that ultimately force him into to the unwilling role of hero.
I shared this book with my 23 year-old son. He has since read the other five titles in the series. (I have not.) He tells me that the first title is the best, but it's worth noting that he took the time from video game play and general semi-adult hi-jinx to read the entire series.
Generally the content has been aimed at an adult audience, but I would be quite comfortable recommending it to older teens. It would make for a very interesting comparative analysis of voice. I can see putting this together with WWZ and other zombie literature to complete a careful analysis of voice, mood, and tone.
Michael Talbot is a flawed, unemployed, suburban ex-Marine, survivalist who finds himself one of the few in his affluent gated-community up to the challenges of a zombie pandemic. He has children whom he loves, a best friend a few miles away, and a petite wife who is surprisingly tough. Together they meet the challenges of a zombie take-over and help their community defend their lives and homes.
Throughout the book I was laughing and thoroughly enjoyed Talbot's sarcastic, immature, but self-aware narration. He has a bull-dog devotion to his friends and family that ultimately force him into to the unwilling role of hero.
I shared this book with my 23 year-old son. He has since read the other five titles in the series. (I have not.) He tells me that the first title is the best, but it's worth noting that he took the time from video game play and general semi-adult hi-jinx to read the entire series.
Generally the content has been aimed at an adult audience, but I would be quite comfortable recommending it to older teens. It would make for a very interesting comparative analysis of voice. I can see putting this together with WWZ and other zombie literature to complete a careful analysis of voice, mood, and tone.
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Gray Wolf Throne, by Cinda Williams Chima
2011, Hyperion
I am still enjoying this series very much. Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them. The plot developments continue to engage the reader.
In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home. She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen. Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.
The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne. As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts. Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.
I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book. I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book. It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.
I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy. I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown. I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.
I am still enjoying this series very much. Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them. The plot developments continue to engage the reader.
In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home. She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen. Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.
The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne. As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts. Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.
I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book. I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book. It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.
I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy. I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown. I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1, by Heather Brewer
This is a really refreshing story of an adolescent vampire, Vladimir, who is living with his human aunt and attending a human junior high school. It is a engaging read and offers a humorous look at a vampire surrounded by normies. Brewer keeps the reading going by adding a substitute teacher who appears to be possibly a dangerous "special powers" being. Readers want to continue reading to see if Mr. Otis is good or bad guy and to solve the mystery of his vampire father's life and death.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher
2012, ROC
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Exiled Queen, by Cinda Williams Chima
I continue to enjoy this series, The Seven Realms. It is fantasy with a medieval setting. Lots of horses and a feudal sort of society. Political intrigue and a struggle to retain/grasp power in the Seven Realms is the unfolding story. Although the plot line is familiar to fantasy readers, Chima does a nice job of making the story fresh with engaging characters who have enough development to keep sophisticated readers engaged.
The queen-to-be, Princess Raisa, has gone undercover to escape a planned marriage (I'm going to try and avoid spoiling the plot line of the first book, The Demon King. Meanwhile, the other major characters Han Alister, Hayden Fire Dancer, Amon Byrne, and Micha Bayar all end up together with Raisa (in disguise as Rebecca Morley) at the magic and military schools at Oden's Ford.
The love triangle (or is in a quadrangle?) between Raisa, Han and Amon continues with "doomed" love between them all. The fourth in the mix is Micha Bayar and he continues to play a part in the connection between the young protagonists in the book.
Of course there is magic involved. Han, Fire Dancer, and Micha are gifted magicians while Raisa and Amon are not. Much of the plot that keeps the reader going is how Han is learning about his magic and dealing with other magicians who would like to use him for their own purposes. Han has the Demon King's amulet as his magic "piece." The implication is that he is the heir to the Demon King's great powers. The Bayar's would like to regain the piece and its power.
While Han is learning about his magic, Raisa is learning about fighting and how to lead her country. There is a sort of "King Arthur" flavor to her learning about her kingdom in the role of a citizen rather than leader.
I will be finishing the series and will let you know if it falters. Otherwise, assume that I still find it worth recommending to young readers who enjoy fantasy. I think it would be a great recommendation to young adults who play World of Warcraft of League of Legends. The plot/settings will resonate with the video games they play and will encourage some reading.
The queen-to-be, Princess Raisa, has gone undercover to escape a planned marriage (I'm going to try and avoid spoiling the plot line of the first book, The Demon King. Meanwhile, the other major characters Han Alister, Hayden Fire Dancer, Amon Byrne, and Micha Bayar all end up together with Raisa (in disguise as Rebecca Morley) at the magic and military schools at Oden's Ford.
The love triangle (or is in a quadrangle?) between Raisa, Han and Amon continues with "doomed" love between them all. The fourth in the mix is Micha Bayar and he continues to play a part in the connection between the young protagonists in the book.
Of course there is magic involved. Han, Fire Dancer, and Micha are gifted magicians while Raisa and Amon are not. Much of the plot that keeps the reader going is how Han is learning about his magic and dealing with other magicians who would like to use him for their own purposes. Han has the Demon King's amulet as his magic "piece." The implication is that he is the heir to the Demon King's great powers. The Bayar's would like to regain the piece and its power.
While Han is learning about his magic, Raisa is learning about fighting and how to lead her country. There is a sort of "King Arthur" flavor to her learning about her kingdom in the role of a citizen rather than leader.
I will be finishing the series and will let you know if it falters. Otherwise, assume that I still find it worth recommending to young readers who enjoy fantasy. I think it would be a great recommendation to young adults who play World of Warcraft of League of Legends. The plot/settings will resonate with the video games they play and will encourage some reading.
Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wreded
2009, Scholastic
It pays to pick up random books at the library. One of the disadvantages of the "hold" system is that too often I just run in, pick up my holds, and leave. The stacks are a great place to be reminded of favorite authors and to make new finds.
I have been a passionate fan of Wrede's Enchanted Forest series (Dealing with Dragons etc.). I don't know how her works fell off my radar. She has three series out that I haven't read. It looks like I'll be spending some time filling in gaps in both this series (Frontier Magic) and the Regency Magic Series including Cecelia and Kate series and the Mairelon series (coauthored with Caroline Stevermer). I'm glad that I'm teaching YA lit in the spring. It will give me a good reason to explore these two series.
Wrede uses strong young women as her protagonists. In this book the main character, Eff (short for ??--Francine??--I'll fix this later!), is a twin to a 7th son of a 7th son. Her parents have managed to produce 14 children. Consequently she is number 13. Her uncle and several other family members are convinced that this is very unlucky and that she will bring doom upon all around her.
In part, because of this negativity, her parents decide to move to a college on the "frontier" where her father will teach and Eff will be freed of the negative expectations of her relatives.
Wrede has created an alternative history of the US. As I read it, she is paralleling the westward expansion in the US. The college is on the banks of the "Mammoth River" which I believe is the Mississippi. In this alternative world there is magic and Eff's father is a professor of magic at the university. It appears to me that the theme of the series relates to how cultures have combined in the US to create a new world (that is really new!, not just a salad of the cultures who have arrived here). Included is the challenge we all face with letting go of our expectations and seeing the world as it exists, rather than allowing our history to color or distort everything we see.
I am always impressed with Wrede's narrative skills. She slowly reveals the truth of her characters but keeps the reader going with "action" that intrigues. This is going to be a book I recommend to readers as a way to examine the "truth" of history. Although Wrede's world is fantasy, the alternative historical plot offers readers the opportunity to consider the truth of history. History is too often told by the "victor" and there are always alternative versions. Eff is a character that helps us consider how the "victors" in the US have perhaps overlooked some of the important elements of American History. She even throws in some gentle criticism of science and scientists.
A secondary theme that I suspect Wrede is exploring in this series is related to the magics that are present in the world. There are Aphrikan, Hirjer-Cathayan, and Avrupan magic traditions. I'll admit that it took me a while to do the phonics and understand that these might be considered African, Japanese-Chinese, and European magics. Regardless, Wrede does a good job of helping readers consider the value of embracing difference in any area of study (or world views).
I'll get back to you as I read the other books in this series.
It pays to pick up random books at the library. One of the disadvantages of the "hold" system is that too often I just run in, pick up my holds, and leave. The stacks are a great place to be reminded of favorite authors and to make new finds.
I have been a passionate fan of Wrede's Enchanted Forest series (Dealing with Dragons etc.). I don't know how her works fell off my radar. She has three series out that I haven't read. It looks like I'll be spending some time filling in gaps in both this series (Frontier Magic) and the Regency Magic Series including Cecelia and Kate series and the Mairelon series (coauthored with Caroline Stevermer). I'm glad that I'm teaching YA lit in the spring. It will give me a good reason to explore these two series.
Wrede uses strong young women as her protagonists. In this book the main character, Eff (short for ??--Francine??--I'll fix this later!), is a twin to a 7th son of a 7th son. Her parents have managed to produce 14 children. Consequently she is number 13. Her uncle and several other family members are convinced that this is very unlucky and that she will bring doom upon all around her.
In part, because of this negativity, her parents decide to move to a college on the "frontier" where her father will teach and Eff will be freed of the negative expectations of her relatives.
Wrede has created an alternative history of the US. As I read it, she is paralleling the westward expansion in the US. The college is on the banks of the "Mammoth River" which I believe is the Mississippi. In this alternative world there is magic and Eff's father is a professor of magic at the university. It appears to me that the theme of the series relates to how cultures have combined in the US to create a new world (that is really new!, not just a salad of the cultures who have arrived here). Included is the challenge we all face with letting go of our expectations and seeing the world as it exists, rather than allowing our history to color or distort everything we see.
I am always impressed with Wrede's narrative skills. She slowly reveals the truth of her characters but keeps the reader going with "action" that intrigues. This is going to be a book I recommend to readers as a way to examine the "truth" of history. Although Wrede's world is fantasy, the alternative historical plot offers readers the opportunity to consider the truth of history. History is too often told by the "victor" and there are always alternative versions. Eff is a character that helps us consider how the "victors" in the US have perhaps overlooked some of the important elements of American History. She even throws in some gentle criticism of science and scientists.
A secondary theme that I suspect Wrede is exploring in this series is related to the magics that are present in the world. There are Aphrikan, Hirjer-Cathayan, and Avrupan magic traditions. I'll admit that it took me a while to do the phonics and understand that these might be considered African, Japanese-Chinese, and European magics. Regardless, Wrede does a good job of helping readers consider the value of embracing difference in any area of study (or world views).
I'll get back to you as I read the other books in this series.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Team Human, by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
I picked up this book because it was recommended through the Common Sense Media website. (For their Halloween read column.) In part I wanted to see the degree to which the Common Sense
Media recommendations were actually good quality literature. I'm happy to report that I think this book
deserves glowing recommendations. It is
indeed a of paranormal romance/fantasy book.
However, I found the characterizations but nuanced and the plot line
intriguing.
The stories set in New Whitby, a vampire/human city founded
in the 1800s when a vampire ship landed to establish a community where vampires
could be free from persecution and discrimination. It is essentially a city like any of the other
but cities in the original Colonies.
There are some unique characteristics including antidiscrimination
regulations assuring that vampires and humans have equal rights. However, it quickly becomes clear that the
vampire and human populations are for the most part mutually exclusive. They do live together peacefully for the most
part.
Larbalestier & Brennan have done a masterful job of imagining
the complexities of the vampires and humans coexisting. This is not just a YA takeoff on True Blood . It does echo some of the themes that Charlaine
Harris has introduced in her Sookie Stackhouse series, however there is clearly
enough difference that Team Human avoids
imitation. The authors are quite
explicit and acknowledgement of the contributions of other vampire literature
including Anne Rice, Stephen King, Richelle Mead, Stephanie Meyer, Bram Stoker,
Scott Westerfield and a long list of other well-known writers who have also
composed in this genre. (In fact they have created a reading list for me.)
Two themes that I find particularly compelling in this book
are those of the qualities of true friendship and what true love looks like in
practice.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Sword of Truth Series, by Terry Goodkind
Once again, I'm in over my head. I picked up the first book in this series The Wizard's First Rule, as a special offer in my Audible subscription. I'm now through the second book, Stone of Tears, and beginning the third, Blood of the Fold. All are the story of Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell as they pursue adventures through political intrigues, magic, wizardry, and evil plots generally devised by demented wizards or witches (Sisters of the Light or Sisters of the Dark usually). I am primarily listening to the series through audio book versions. They are good companions on my walks and while I garden.
I was a bit dismayed to find out that reviewers see Goodkind as a follower of Ayn Rand and a believer in Objectivism. (I have to go back and reread Anthem, by Rand. I read it in the 70's. It now appears to be a seminal work in the thinking of conservative Christian politicians.) Since I learned of the connection I listen to the books with a close eye on the philosophical premises underlying with Wizard's Rules (each book explores one of the rules). I'm on the third rule now--Passions Rule, For Better or Worse. Since I am studying Buddhism and the works of Thich Nhat Hanh I am experiencing some cognitive dissonance. I expect Nhat Hanh would guide me to watering more peaceful/serene seeds in my store rather than filling my mind and ears with this violence.
I enjoy the action and adventure. However, these books are definitely fantasy. There is a great deal of sadomasochistic sex in the first book and other detailed sexual or violent content throughout the series. I would not suggest it for those with conservative sexual values or those disturbed by physical violence.
I was a bit dismayed to find out that reviewers see Goodkind as a follower of Ayn Rand and a believer in Objectivism. (I have to go back and reread Anthem, by Rand. I read it in the 70's. It now appears to be a seminal work in the thinking of conservative Christian politicians.) Since I learned of the connection I listen to the books with a close eye on the philosophical premises underlying with Wizard's Rules (each book explores one of the rules). I'm on the third rule now--Passions Rule, For Better or Worse. Since I am studying Buddhism and the works of Thich Nhat Hanh I am experiencing some cognitive dissonance. I expect Nhat Hanh would guide me to watering more peaceful/serene seeds in my store rather than filling my mind and ears with this violence.
I enjoy the action and adventure. However, these books are definitely fantasy. There is a great deal of sadomasochistic sex in the first book and other detailed sexual or violent content throughout the series. I would not suggest it for those with conservative sexual values or those disturbed by physical violence.
Friday, June 15, 2012
City of Lost Souls, by Cassandra Clare
Up to this book I have enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series. This particular title ended up being too much like romance fiction for me to enjoy it in the way that I had the other titles in the series.
We still have vampires, elves, werewolves, and other supernatural beings working within the mundane world. As in her other books, most of the main characters are well developed and help adolescents understand the strengths and weaknesses inherent in every individual. Unfortunately, for this reader, too much of the book was captured by romantic interludes involving several pairs of the series continuing characters. One of the things I appreciate about this series is the degree to which Clare explores friendship and family ties and responsibilities. Even in this title, with its increased amount of romance,Clare still helps teenagers explore the boundaries of these various groups in their lives.
There will be a sixth book in the series and the first book is being made into a movie. Although I was disappointed in this particular title, I will probably go ahead and read the next book as well just to see how Clare pulls it all together.
We still have vampires, elves, werewolves, and other supernatural beings working within the mundane world. As in her other books, most of the main characters are well developed and help adolescents understand the strengths and weaknesses inherent in every individual. Unfortunately, for this reader, too much of the book was captured by romantic interludes involving several pairs of the series continuing characters. One of the things I appreciate about this series is the degree to which Clare explores friendship and family ties and responsibilities. Even in this title, with its increased amount of romance,Clare still helps teenagers explore the boundaries of these various groups in their lives.
There will be a sixth book in the series and the first book is being made into a movie. Although I was disappointed in this particular title, I will probably go ahead and read the next book as well just to see how Clare pulls it all together.
Red Glove, by Holly Black
Holly Black is one of my go-to authors for urban fantasy. She does not disappoint in this most recent book. This is a second book in the Curse Workers series. These are set in contemporary times, on the Eastern seaboard of the United States but in a world with a minor difference. In this alternative world there are a small group of people called curse workers who have powers to change, among other things, people's memories and emotions. Curse workers can also kill people with the touch of a hand.
In Black's world these forces unfortunately are not used for good. Set in the Eastern United States the curse workers primarily work for organized crime. The main character, Cassel Sharpe, is struggling with defining his role within his family, friends, and the world at large. His family in particular challenges him every step of the way to try and reconcile his and native born talents with his own personal morality. Added to Cassel's interior conflict are the pressures being exerted upon him by his family members, the FBI, and a crime lord.
The story in this book is driven by Cassel's attempts to discover the identity of a murder. In doing so he has to involve his friends and explore the boundaries established by the law and social norms. The plot, characters, and writing will keep you reading. The theme of reconciling your personal values with your family's and the world at large makes this book well worth recommending to young adult readers.
In Black's world these forces unfortunately are not used for good. Set in the Eastern United States the curse workers primarily work for organized crime. The main character, Cassel Sharpe, is struggling with defining his role within his family, friends, and the world at large. His family in particular challenges him every step of the way to try and reconcile his and native born talents with his own personal morality. Added to Cassel's interior conflict are the pressures being exerted upon him by his family members, the FBI, and a crime lord.
The story in this book is driven by Cassel's attempts to discover the identity of a murder. In doing so he has to involve his friends and explore the boundaries established by the law and social norms. The plot, characters, and writing will keep you reading. The theme of reconciling your personal values with your family's and the world at large makes this book well worth recommending to young adult readers.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima
I figured out much of the plot as I was reading, but Chima's story telling skills got me through to the end. I now want to know what happens next as the two main characters, Han Alister, and Raisa ana'Marianna are drawn together toward what appears to be a disastrous attempt to escape the dangers facing them. The characters in the book are given enough depth to move this book beyond the simple popular series format into something substantial that can be read as a parallel or entry level book into more classic books. It will appeal to readers who like the Lord of the Rings. I would use it as a companion piece to The Odyssey.
I think I had best wait until the end of the semester to pick up the next title in the series.
Chine, by Franny Billingsley
The book is a sophisticated read. It was a finalist in the National Book Awards competition this year (for young adults). It is well deserving of the honor but won't be for every reader. The main character, Briony, is the narrator. Set in a bizarre rural England setting, Briony has suffered some sort of trauma that makes her first person narration quite unreliable. I was able to predict the resolution, but not all the details. Even so, I was captivated by the language and tone of the book.
Billingsley writes almost poetically. Readers have to be sensitive to her use of unexpected terms and willing to expend the intellectual power to infer her meanings. It is not a simple book to read. For a sophisticated reader however it is a book that will haunt you during the day. I found myself eager to return to the story each evening. I developed quite an attachment to Briony and will be eager to read the next book.
The Lexile rating of this book (600) is prefaced with an "HL"--meaning high/low--and easy reading book that will appeal to older students. They recommend it for ages 13-17. I can easily see Billingsley becoming a favorite author of many late middle/early high school readers.
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