Tricks for Free

Title: Tricks for Free

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: DAW

Series: InCryptid, Bk 7

ISBN: 9780756410407

Length: 346 + "The Recitation of the Most Holy and Harrowing Pilgrimage of Mindy and Also Mork" + "Price family Field Guide to the Cryptids of North America Updated and Expanded Edition"

Obtained: Library paperback copy

Comments: I do like this series.  I know it isn't for everyone, but I enjoy it.  Of the siblings, Verity remains my favorite, but they have all grown on me including Antimony.  She is on the run in this book, which means no Aeslin mice, so I was glad to have the short story at the end from the perspective of Mindy (and Sam, Antimony's... potential boyfriend).

Anyway, Antimony finds a hiding place from the Covenant (evil or misinformed or both group of "Van Helsing" types, who hunt all "monsters", not vampires) while also keeping away from her family (in order to protect them from unwanted discovery and attention).  She has secured a position at a theme park that is apparently runner up to Disney in both Florida and California - in this case Florida.  Coming from her recent Carnie type experiences, this seems an ideal fit.  But she is having issues with a burgeoning magical side.  Plus, she's seen an uptick in strange and unlucky events that may draw the Covenant's attention no matter how cautious she is - not to mention people are dying.

This series is really one that should be read in order, even though the books switch perspectives between siblings (this is the second Antimony book); they tend to build on each other, especiall these last few.  I look forward to the next book, That Ain’t Witchcraft, which will be another Antimony book.

Garrett for Hire: Deadly Quicksilver Lies, Petty Pewter Gods, Faded Steel Heat

Title: Garrett for Hire: Deadly Quicksilver Lies, Petty Pewter Gods, Faded Steel Heat

Author: Glen Cook [Macmillan][isfdb][Goodreads]

Publisher: ROC

Series: Garrett, P.I., Bks 7-9

ISBN: 9780451464958

Length: 870 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.

Comments:

As a whole these stories fall right within my interests.  Magic, PI or Detective, grim, etc. Individually...

Deadly Quicksilver Lies

Garrett is told someone is coming to hire him, and come she does.  But everything else he's been warned about is different, and the strangeness just keeps piling up from there.  Garrett is thrown into an insane asylum - apparently to get him out of the way - and meets some interesting new characters.  He's been paid to do a job, but his client is no longer around.  Every hint, clue, and discovery seems to be lie on top of lie...and all these lies are adding up to a very dangerous case for Garrett.

Petty Pewter Gods

Garrett has encountered all sorts of creatures and monsters in the previous 7 books, but now he's been dragged into a case by the "gods" themselves.  Some have called them "petty pewter gods" and boy does the name fit.  Being in the middle of a squabble between simplistic and self-serving gods is the most dangerous case Garrett has been on to date, not just for Garrett, but for all of TunFaire and the world.

Faded Steel Heat

Garrett just wants some peace, but the political landscape is heading up, prejudice is rampant causing great tension and threatening to cause war right there in TunFaire.  Now that the war to the Cantard has been won and all TunFaire's human males are coming home, they've found that many nonhumans have filled in doing all the many jobs that needed doing while they were away.  Garrett doesn't want any part of this bigotry, but he seems to fit the profile of the desired member and could potentially worm his way in a sort of "undercover" role.

In the meantime, the one job he held on retainer has also heated up with the local brewing family being threatened.  And to top it all off there is something going on with shapeshifters - a creature unlike one Garrett has dealt with before.

I definitely intend to read more of the series, but I'll need to have a block of time set aside for these.

Garrett Takes the Case: Old Tin Sorrows, Dread Brass Shadows, Red Iron Nights

Title: Garrett Takes the Case: Old Tin Sorrows, Dread Brass Shadows, Red Iron Nights

Author: Glen Cook [Macmillan][isfdb][Goodreads]

Publisher: ROC

Series: Garrett, P.I., Bks 4-6

ISBN: 9780451464361

Length: 680 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I read the first three in the series, and I was interested in reading more.

Comments:

Garrett's world continues on it's grim path, with more magic and evil, mystery and intrigue along the way.

Individually...

Old Tin Sorrows

This is a ghost story.  Garrett has gone to a creepy mansion with secrets (of course) and danger (of course), and has been hired to keep the General from being assassinated.  But Garrett's developing more questions than answers (as usual).  In the meantime he keep seeing a mysterious woman.  (One thing about these books is Garrett's relationship with women.  I generally feel like I should be offended.  Mostly I just find myself shaking my head and muttering, "Again?!"  Anyway, Garrett has woman things going on amidst the rest, because apparently he is irresistible and can't help himself.).

Dread Brass Shadows

I'm coming at this months after reading and having trouble remembering enough to write impressions.  I've re-read a blurb, and I recall various events, but my thoughts and feelings of the time?  They escape me.

Red Iron Nights

Garrett is working with the police as they rebuild and try to catch a serial killer in this one.  I'm going to leave it at that since now these stories are beginning to blend together for me.

Introducing Garrett, P.I.: Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, Cold Copper Tears

Title: Introducing Garrett, P.I.: Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, Cold Copper Tears

Author: Glen Cook [Macmillan][isfdb][Goodreads]

Publisher: ROC

Series: Garrett, P.I., Bks 1-3

ISBN: 9780451463975

Length: 694 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it recommended in comparison with another author (I can't remember where).

Comments:

As a whole these stories fall right within my interests.  Magic, PI or Detective, grim, etc. Individually...

Sweet Silver Blues

This first story in the series introduces Garrett and his world.  A world where war is constant, magical beings like centaurs, unicorns, vampires, elves, trolls, and witches all exist and aren't cute and friendly, mixed peoples called "breeds" are common but looked upon poorly, and life is hard.  Garrett is hired to find and bring back the recipient of his war buddy's estate - or if she isn't interested in coming back, he's to bring back the proper documentation that she has released her claim.  But this isn't an easy task on any level.  She lives in the midst of the war zone, she's Garrett's former flame, and did I mention the not-so-nice magical creatures?

Bitter Gold Hearts

Garrett's been tasked with looking into a kidnapping... sorta.  More like his reputation has been hired to put a little scare into the kidnappers before the son of a local wealthy and very powerful woman returns from her current task in the ongoing war.  But all is not as it seems and Garrett runs into lie, after deceit, after secret as he tries to get to the bottom of it all - whether anyone wants him to or not.

Cold Copper Tears

Garrett once again again encounters plenty of secrets and lies.  Even refusing the jobs that come his way isn't enough to prevent trouble from finding him.  This time we have fanatic cults, even more dangerous, destructive and deadly magical creatures, and enemies.  Now Garrett's in this for the sake of his life and peace.

I definitely intend to read more of the series.  I've requested another three-volume omnibus through ILL.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Author: J. K. Rowling [Website] aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith [Website] ; Illustrated by MinaLima [Website] aka Miraphora Mina [IMDb] and Eduardo Lima [IMDb]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Series: Fantastic Beasts, Bk 1 (spinoff of the Harry Potter series)

ISBN: 9781338109061

Length: 284 pages + "Glossary of Film Terms" + Cast & Crew"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Of course I had to read this.

Comments:

I really enjoyed the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie.  At the time of watching it, I had a hold on the screen play but was still waiting for my place in the queue.

When I finally started reading, I was astounded.  I've always read books then watched movies, and there were always differences.  But as the screenplay this is the exact dialogue in the exact order and with all the descriptions.  I had vivid images of what had been portrayed on screen popping up as I read.  My imagination just isn't that good.  And I was able to see names I had missed while watching or understand a couple parts that I may have missed the significance of while watching.  I was also able to catch the parts I had missed with restroom breaks for myself and the kiddos.

The only drawback is, I REALLY wish I could see it again now.  I don't know.  Maybe I will.

Anyway, I gather the movie is part of a series, so I'm hoping for the same in regards to published screenplays.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them AND Quidditch Through the Ages

Title: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them

Author: Newt Scamander ; J. K. Rowling [Website] aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith [Website]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books ; Obscurus Books

ISBN: 0439321603

Length: 42 pages

Part of a box set released through the U.K. Comic Relief

Title: Quidditch Through the Ages

Author: Kennilworthy Whisp ; J. K. Rowling [Website] aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith [Website]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books ; WhizzHard Books

ISBN: 0439321611

Length: 56 pages

Part of a box set released through the U.K. Comic Relief

Why these books?:

I - ahem - read both of these for the Summer Reading program (Red Cover and Sports Book).  They are certainly for all ages, correct?

Plus I wanted to read Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them before the movie and screenplay.

Comments: 

I had held off reading these all these years because I was uncertain of what I'd find.  They were both quick and interesting reads.  

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them is a copy of Harry Potter's textbook, so every time there was a notation, I was mentally trying to place when on the timeline it might be referring to.

Quidditch Through the Ages is more of a history (a copy of the Hogwarts Library copy).  I found myself most interested in the part about the various teams from around the world.  It was especially timely reading after the watching some of the Olympics.

The Book of Speculation

Title: The Book of Speculation

Author: Erika Swyler [Website/Blog][Twitter]

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 9871250054807

Length: 339 Pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

This book caught my interest from the first moment I read the synopsis, and I had already started it when I received a recommendation from a coworker about it.

Comments:

I read this in September 2015 or prior (the above was last update 9/17/2015).  It was interesting, though perhaps not quite what I expected.

The protagonist, a librarian (though I've blanked on his name), is rather depressing.  But that seems to go along with his depressing family history.  The portrayal of librarianship was pretty gloomy too.  It left me rather pleased that things are not so desperate where I work, and that my day to day is generally decent.

The circus part of things gave that same surreal yet nostalgic feel that I dimly recall feeling after reading Water for Elephants.   I'm struggling to come up with a good comparison for the mysticism (tarot cards, an origin story, flashy storms at points of change, curses, etc.).  Probably the coolest part was the underwater breathing - scary as all get out, but pretty cool.

I know most of this is feeling and emotional impressions, but I'm actually pretty impressed that I remember that much.  It was one of those books that kind of lingers after you read it, so maybe that accounts for my memory of the story (if not character names).

Anyway, I'm glad I read it, but it isn't the type of book I could read regularly.

Uncerain Allies (Connor Grey, Bk 5) AND New Tricks ; Unleashed ; Play Dead (Dog Days, Bks 2-4)

Uncertain Allies (Connor Grey, Bk 5)

Author:  Mark Del Franco [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: ACE Fantasy

Series: Connor Grey, Bk 5

ISBN: 9781101514078

Length: 308 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:  I've been reading the series.

New Tricks (Dog Days, Bk 2)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 2

ISBN: 9781440642814

Length: 320 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.

Unleashed (Dog Days, Bk 3)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781101151532

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.

Play Dead (Dog Days, Bk 4)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 4

ISBN: 9781101477786

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.


Comments:

I was on something of a Urban Fantasy kick, finishing up some series I had started.  I read all of these in December 2014.

Uncertain Allies - More of the world tearing apart and Connor being blamed for at least some of it.  By this point I was ready for Connor to get a break.

New Tricks - Mason doesn't clue in about something pretty big, and his poor judgment of character was very annoying.  But otherwise I guess the book was okay.

Unleashed - The title says it all.  Bad stuff has been unleashed on the world.  Mason must fix this (not only to save the world, but because he is at least partially to blame).

Play Dead - The cliffhanger ending, combined with the fact that this is likely the last book (no more are planned), has overwhelmed the rest of the story for me.  What on Earth?

Anyway, this meant the end to the Dog Days series, and I finished the final Connor Grey book, Undone Deeds, in the new year (post to come).  You know what I was thinking as I read these?  I want another Twenty Palaces book by Harry Connolly (another series that is gone).  ::sigh::  Maybe I'll finally read some of the Dresden series soon (as almost EVERYONE refers to it when speaking of male-author urban fantasy series).

Dog Days

Title: Dog Days

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Penguin

Series: Dog Days, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781101208663

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I saw another book in this series on Wowbrary and it caught my interest.  But I read series in order, so this one needed to come first.  I didn't want to wait for ILL so I requested my library purchase the ebook.

Comments:

Mason is a magic practitioner with a dog-like companion (an Ifrit) name Lou/Louie.  He's not very invested in his magic.  He uses it sure, but he doesn't put much into it.  Music is more his thing.  But someone seems to have a problem with him, and he's found himself in some sticky situations.  Situations that may or may not be related to some strange goings-on.

I enjoyed reading this, though I had trouble with one part.  The reasoning in the book is that people familiar with magic and Ifrits just expect things to happen a certain way, but... Well it bothered me, but I moved past it, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, New Tricks.

Crown of Vengeance

Title: Crown of Vengeance

Author: Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory

Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

Series: Dragon Prophecy, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780765324382

Length: 605 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It looked like a first in series co-written by Mercedes Lackey.  And it is set in the same other world as The Obsidian and Enduring Flame Trilogies.

Comments:

Oh, where to start?  I guess with the Prologue, which is a creation story of sorts.  In which one discovers this is a good vs. evil story.  The characters were - well, I liked some of the characters sometimes.  But even the "good guy" characters could be ambiguous.  Decisions made, attitudes, reactions and interactions - they were all situational and made the feelings I had about/toward characters fluctuate.

The story is one of hardship, war, and a purpose.  Of prophecy, believers, and disbelief.  The primary character is the "Child of Prophecy" (or is she?).  A prophecy that many have disputed and studied for years as they've tried to comprehend just what it is predicting.  But Vieliessar is certain it tells of the time when evil will come to destroy, and how they must be prepared and fight together.

And I just made the mistake of starting to read the inside of the dust jacket... to be told things that have not happened yet!  And presumably happen in upcoming books.  That is just WRONG.  If I haven't read The Obsidian and Enduring Flame trilogies (which I haven't), then I don't already know these characters and their legends. Grrr.

But anyway... It took days of concentrated reading, staying up late, and drooping from exhaustion at work to finish this, but I did it.  I will continue to read the series, The House of Four Winds, because I do want to see what happens next.

Bastion

Title: Bastion

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: DAW Books

Series: Collegium Chronicles, Bk 5 ; A Novel of Valdemar

ISBN: 9780756409449

Length: 342 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I've really found myself liking this series, but I have to say this one wasn't quite so enjoyable as the rest. 

It had most of the main characters introduced through the series so far (though some of them didn't seem to play as large a part), so that wasn't it.  The flashbacks (I hate flashbacks - I'm not re-reading part of another book when I'm in the middle of my current read) could have been part of it.  But there were only a few, and I tolerate them in other books. 

The overall story was fine, and definitely important to Mags story.  So I'm glad I read it.  I just think it could have done without some parts.  Not only the flashbacks, but the recaps and maybe some of the description.  Yeah, that's it.  Then it would have been ideal.

Steadfast

Title: Steadfast

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Daw Books

Series: Elemental Masters, Bk 9

ISBN: 9780756408015

Pages: 298

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a Mercedes Lackey fan.  And I enjoy the Elemental Masters series.

Comments:

So there are certain subjects (such as abuse and rape) which are incredibly hard for me to read.  That is, I have a very weak stomach when it comes to reading that kind of scene.  If that's the majority of a book, I simply can't read it.  Fortunately, while this book does have some of those subjects, the rest was as enjoyable as I find many (not all) Mercedes Lackey books to be.

I did like Katie, Jack, Lionel, and the rest of the music hall group/performers.  I was surprised, but not disappointed, in how mellow the Fire elemental mages were in this.  But perhaps that is because most of the others seen throughout the series have been masters.  Or maybe because characters, like people, are different and unique.

The setting/background was also interesting - working at a circus and music hall with illusions and special dances, etc.  Particularly the illusions, as those are always fun and interesting to watch, and while hearing them described can't be as good, it comes in closer than I would have imagined.  The story is apparently based on The Steadfast Tin Soldier, a tale I'm not familiar with.

So something I noticed while reading this book... I'd be into the story and reading relatively quickly then I'd get to a point and have to pull back, because I'm suddenly remembering this is a Mercedes Lackey book.  I'm not sure quite how to explain this, except that sometimes I felt like the characters were "channeling" (a term I've seen writers use - hope I'm using it correctly) ML instead of the other way around.  It was that same voice that goes from book to book, but it came off somewhat strongly.  I don't know if that makes any sense.  And I don't mean it to sound so negative either.

In general, I appreciate ML's voice.  Why else would I be a fan of her books?  I mean I can't wait to read the next book in this series or in the Valdemar world.  Which brings my to my overall - I enjoyed this.  I zipped through it actually - always a positive.

Redoubt

Title: Redoubt

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Daw Books, Inc.

Series: Collegium Chronicles, Bk 4 (Novel of Valdemar)

ISBN: 9780756407452

Pages: 330 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

 By the time this book finally came in I'd forgotten much of the story line, but I managed to remember much of it as I read. Mags is doing his thing, adjusting as he and his friends get older, when his past comes to find him this time. In a whirl of chaos, Mags is sent back to his days in the mines until he can finally break free. I can't say too much more without spoilers.  I do hope this series continues... I couldn't find anything one way or the other, but I think the ending leaves room for more.

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Song ; A Giant Problem ; The Wyrm King

Title: The Nixie's Song
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black ; Read by Andrew McCarthy
Publisher: Audioworks (Children's)
Series: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Bk 1 (continuation of the Spiderwick Chronicles)
ISBN: 9780743569156
Length: 100 min. ; 2 discs
Obtained: Library audiobook copy

Comments:


I'd definitely recommend reading the Spiderwick Chronicles before starting this continuation.  Nicholas is part of a newly blended family, and his step-sister Laurie is more than a little strange.  Among other things, she believes her fiction book, The Spiderwick Chronicles, is real.  Or at least Nicholas thinks that is what makes her weird until he finds a four leaf clover and starts to see all that weird stuff in reality.  I enjoyed this story just as I enjoyed the original Spiderwick books.

My only complaint is that Jared is nearly as great a character when you're seeing things from someone else's perspective.  Not that he was a bad guy.  Just not as good.  Of course, I'm quite sure that's intentional.

Oh, and of interesting note... the authors portray themselves in the book as adults that don't really believe everything they are selling to kids.  It was strange to see them as part of the story in the first place, but stranger yet that they remained true adults that believe all the faerie stuff is the imagination of kids at work.

Title: A Giant Problem
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black ; Read by Andrew McCarthy
Publisher: Audioworks (Children's)
Series: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Bk 2 (continuation of the Spiderwick Chronicles)
ISBN: 9780743574693
Length: 2 hrs ; 2 discs
Obtained: Library audiobook copy

Comments:

In the first book, Nicholas and Laurie meet the Nixie and work to stop the giants torturing her.  But now they realize the giants are a much BIGGER problem than they had realized.  How on Earth are they, just a couple kids, supposed to do something to save the world (or at least their part of Florida)?  This has one of those other foot dropping cliffhangers at the very end.  Speaking as someone who has had a wait before the third book, The Wyrm King, you want to have them all on hand.

Title: The Wyrm King
Author:  Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black ; Read by Andrew McCarthy
Publisher: Audioworks (Children's)
Series:  Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Bk 3 (continuation of the Spiderwick Chronicles)
ISBN: 9780743583107
Length: 2 hours ; 2 discs
Obtained:  ILL Library audiobook copy

Comments: 

Pretty much everybody is involved in this final book of the Spiderwick books.  Nick, his brother Julian, his step-sister Laurie, plus the Grace kids and someone else we met in A Giant Problem...all working together to fix past mistakes and stop the horrible destruction approaching.  The book is fast paced and I found it more action-less story than the proceeding books.  The only other point of note is that this is the last of the Spiderwick books.

Intrigues and Changes

Title: Intrigues

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: DAW Books

Series: Collegium Chronicles, Bk 2 ; Valdemar book

ISBN: 9780756406394

Pages: 328

Obtained: Library copy

Title: Changes

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: DAW Books

Series: Collegium Chronicles, Bk 3 ; Valdemar book

ISBN: 9780756406929

Pages: 326

Obtained: Library copy

Comments: 

I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more.  I had notes about these books and managed to displace them.  So this is going to be briefer than intended.

I think when I was reading Intrigues I started wondering if the job Mags is training for might be the job that, by Alberich's time is traditionally done by the weapons-master.  But that's the type of detail you probably don't care about if you haven't read much of Lackey's Valdemar series.

I know I had at least one other thing I thought worth mentioning, but it has escaped me.  So I guess that's it.  I eagerly await my opportunity to read the 4th book, Redoubt.  In the meantime I'm reading some of Lackey's Elemental Masters series.

Foundation

Title: Foundation

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: DAW

Series: Collegium Chronicles, Bk 1 ; a Valdemar book

ISBN: 9780756405243

Pages: 340

Obtained: personal copy - paperbackswap.com

Comments:

I can't imagine what took me so long to read this - I really can't.  I was worried because I was at a later point of time in Valdemar's history and didn't really care to be jumping back.  But timeline-wise this comes after the Last Herald-Mage Trilogy I just skimmed through.  Perhaps that made the difference.  Whatever the case, I found Mags a very likeable character.  I was pleased for him whenever he made new friends and showed his growth.

This felt more like a YA to me than Mercedes Lackey's books usually do, even when featuring children around 12 or 13 years old.  Perhaps that's because she's also been writing an actual marketed-as-YA series.  Perhaps there was some influence.  Either way, that certainly didn't make the story less enjoyable.

If I was looking for something I wasn't as pleased about, it's that there wasn't as big a conflict for Mags to overcome.  I mean, he comes from poor circumstances, and he has some other bumps along the way.  But I'm fairly certain the "big" conflict is something that will cross throughout the series and become more prominent as time goes on.

Since I did take so long to read this book I have some catching up to do.  I've requested books 2 through 4 (Intrigues, Changes, and Redoubt) at the library and should be able to read 2 and 3 soon (Redoubt is still on order).  I'll also obtain personal copies eventually, but can afford to be patient as long as I can read them soon.

Airs Beneath the Moon

Title: Airs Beneath the Moon

Author: Toby Bishop (Louise Marley)

Publisher: ACE Fantasy

Copyright Date: 2007

Print Date: January 2007

ISBN: 9780441014620

Pages: 326

Series: 1st of the Horsemistress Saga

Book Description (from back cover):

In the Duchy of Oc, the most precious of creatures are the winged horses blessed by the goddess Kalla. When one is born, it is immediately taken to the Academy of the Air to be trained and watched over.

But this time, the Academy gets more than it bargained for...

At Deeping Farm, far in the Uplands, young Larkyn Hamley finds a lone winged horse, starving, exhausted, and about to give birth. The headstrong Larkyn saves the newborn from death. But in the process, the coal-black foal named Tup bonds with Lark, which the horses only do with one human woman for life.

So when Mistress Phillipa Winter arrives to inspect Tup, she has little choice but to take the farm girl to the Academy for a "proper" education. There, Lark realizes that her unlikely good fortune may not be so lucky. For in the elite world of the Academy, Lark’s kindness and honesty prove to be weak armor against the taunts and cruelty of the high-born girls already there.

Now, with Tup as her only ally, Larkyn Hamley is going to show everyone how high she can fly. Because if she falls, it’s a long, long way down...

Comments:

I found this at Dollar General. The pretty cover drew me in, and I figured it was worth trying (and buying). Since reading it I've seen both positive and lukewarm-at-best reviews, so I'll just give you my thoughts...

I enjoyed it. I liked Larkyn, I liked her oldest brother, I liked Horsemistress Phillipa Winter and fellow student Hester. I found the overall setting interesting and the bad guys frustrating (and somewhat stomach turning — the main bad guy is abusive toward women and animals). I was satisfied with the end and would like to read more. It's been compared (both favorably and un-) with Mercedes Lackey and Tamora Pierce, both favorite authors of mine. In general, this book reminded me why I like fantasy and, in particular, YA fantasy.

Along those lines... The local library doesn't carry the next 2 books in the series, so I put both on my WL at PBS and now have the 2nd, Airs and Graces, on its way (almost).

The Hobbit

Title: The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien)

Publisher: Ballantine/Fantasy

Copyright Date: 1937, 1938, 1966

Print Date: May 1978

ISBN: 0345272579

Pages: 287

Series: "The Enchanting Prelude to 'The Lord of the Rings'"




Book Description (from back cover):

In this delightful and enthralling tale, J. R. R. Tolkien first created the imperishable world of fantasy called Middle-earth, and those charming, indomitable creatures, the hobbits, whose adventures are continued in "The Lord of the Rings."

Comments:

I was supposed to read this for The Lord of the Rings Readalong. I didn't finish it until early April and have yet to start LOTR.

Anyway, about the book itself. It took me awhile to get past the first couple chapters, not because they weren't interesting, but because I was only reading this in those little moments of the day when I'm waiting in a car, etc. Once I did really sit down to read it I found it quite interesting.

I guess I should first say, while I haven't read LOTR, I have watched the movies. As I read this, I tried to compare it to what I remembered from those movies. For instance, I was trying to think of what the dwarf in LOTR's connection was to the dwarves in The Hobbit.

One thing that rather impressed me was just how real Gandalf was in this book. I guess I always saw him (without much thinking about it) as a more two-dimensional character. But, despite his flaws (or, rather, because of them), he was a much fuller character in this book.

Jenny (@ Jenny's Books) mentioned in the Readalong discussion that the elves seemed more campy. I think I'd say giddy more than campy, but I definitely understood what she was talking about. I remember them as being much more solemn in the LOTR movies.

The other big thing that kept playing in my mind was the ring. I knew from the movies that Bilbo finds the ring during his adventures. I was eagerly awaiting when it would come into his possession. I wasn't disappointed as far as how it worked out, but for the entire rest of the book, I was waiting for that ring to play a part of evil. Isn't that what was supposed to have happened to Gollum? And isn't that what I saw throughout the movies? But in addition to being useful, the ring seemed harmless. Maybe that's part of its charm.

Regarding other events of the story... I was glad when Bilbo finally came into his own. I felt a bit grumbly when I realized Gandalf and the dwarves had played the same stunt on Bilbo that they did on Beorn. (And speaking of Beorn... I know that name is familiar, but I can't remember how it fits into LOTR either.) I don't even know what else to say without this becoming spoiler central.

I want to read LOTR, but the motivation (even with the prospect of flubbing the challenge) may not be enough to happen anytime soon, so...

Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern

Title: Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern

Author: Anne McCaffrey

Publisher: Del Ray

Copyright Date: 1983

Print Date: October 1983

ISBN: 0345298748

Pages: 267 + Dragondex

Series: One of the pern books, in particular, the Renegades of Pern. The order is complicated, but for more detail, check out this PDF.

Book Description (from dust jacket):

An air of pleasant anticipation hung so thickly over the Halls, Holds and Weyrs of Fern that it had affected even the businesslike ways of Moreta, the Weyrwoman of Fort Weyr.

Her dragon, Queen Orlith, would soon clutch; spring had made a glorious debut; the Gather at Ruatha Hold was extremely merry; and Moreta was enjoying the attentions of Alessan, the new Lord Holder of Ruatha Hold. With only eight Turns remaining before the deadly Thread ceased to Fall, all seemed well on Pern.

Then without warning, a runnerbeast fell ill. Soon myriads of holders, craftsmen, and dragonriders were dying; and the mysterious ailment had spread to all but the most inaccessible holds. Pern was in mortal danger. For, if dragonriders did not rise to char Thread, the parasite would devour any and all organic life it encountered.

The future of the planet rested in the hands of Moreta and the other dedicated, selfless Pernese leaders. But of all their problems, the most difficult to overcome was time...

In this marvelously entertaing tale, Anne McCaffrey draws the reader back in time to an earlier Pern to tell the story of one of Pern's great and true heroines.

Comments:

I first started reading Anne McCaffrey's books in middle school, but it's been awhile. When I started this, I was thinking, "Yeah, I could read more of this. Why'd I stop?" But that was before I remembered how gut-wrenching classic fantasy books can be. I honestly can't say whether I liked this book or not. I liked most of it, but... wow, that ending.

With a Single Spell

Title: With a Single Spell

Author: Lawrence Watt-Evans

Publisher: Cosmos

Original Copyright Date: 1987

Revised Edition Copyright Date: 2000

Print Date: April 2008

ISBN: 9780843960723

Pages: 288

Series: 2nd of the Ethshar books


Book Description (from back cover):

He could conjure fire.
That was about it.

Tobas had been lucky to find a wizard to take him on as apprentice. But then the wizard died suddenly and unexpectedly after teaching Tobas only a solitary spell, and the youth was too old to find a new master.

In the Small Kingdoms there were dragons to be slain, princesses and gold to be won, magic castles, witches who knew the secret of immortality, and other treasures. But how could a wizard with a single, simple spell hope to find them and win them?

Comments:

I saw this and another book by this author at a local Dollar store. I'd never heard of the books or author before, but they looked interesting so I picked them up.

I didn't discover that this is part of a series until after I read it. Fortunately for me, is seems the central characters in this have little to do with anything from first book except a shared world and events that happened before are now part of history. And I read this before the other book I purchasd by this author (which turned out to be the 4th) because of the copyright dates.

I liked this story. It wasn't anything spectacular or gripping, but it kept my interest, included some nice adventure, and I liked Tobas despite his tending toward the lazy side of things. I know if I'm being honest (and I can only think this is true for others) I'd prefer to have an easy life and focus on doing things I enjoy... so could I understand Tobas wanting nothing more than to settle in and not do anything dangerous or difficult. And when it comes down to it, Tobas does what needs to be done.

I didn't have any issues jumping into the new world (despite this being a second book) — Tobas hadn't been beyond his little town so for much of the time I learned as he did. And what he was already familiar with was built into the story well.

The story had some romance aspects (they usually do, if you look for it, no matter the genre), but they weren't strong. A little polygamy was involved, but it was turned into a bit of humor. And, most importantly for me, things work out in the end.

One other thing. Tobas is 17, he's exploring the world, discovering what he will do with his life... so I'm tagging this as a YA, but I'm not sure if it actually is or not. At least, I don't think it was published as a YA book.