By now a very nice yearly January tradition, these Wayward Children are a treat in every way--be it for the frogs or turtles or just drowned girls.
ItBy now a very nice yearly January tradition, these Wayward Children are a treat in every way--be it for the frogs or turtles or just drowned girls.
It sounds weird when I say that. But it's true. And these books are simply--comforting. Always and forever comforting. A prosthetic story for a missing ideal.
I smelled salty water the entire time I read it, so I guess that means I'm drowned, too.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Book two solidly continues Stephen's growing skill and has him navigate various setbacks in the world of this magic--mostly in terms of being poor, naBook two solidly continues Stephen's growing skill and has him navigate various setbacks in the world of this magic--mostly in terms of being poor, naturally--but there were some really great developments.
I won't say this outdid the first book for premise or setup, but I'm hooked and now that I want more--and don't see more, yet--I'm tempted to cry.
This story is smooth sailing and a lot of fun. I expect years and years of enjoyment out of it. Long haul, here we come!
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Wow. Just wow. It's done, and it ended spectacularly, with heart, style, and a true wrap-up that gave love to every single character.
I don't say this Wow. Just wow. It's done, and it ended spectacularly, with heart, style, and a true wrap-up that gave love to every single character.
I don't say this that often, but, "DUDE."
All four books together need to be considered one story, or like web-chapters or a Dickensian story arc. From the very start to the post-loop battle, to the wrap-up, it was awesome.
I sat glued to the story without an even slight desire to do anything else at any point in time. I even went to bed late and got up early to spoil myself with more of this story.
When I say it outdoes Groundhog Day, I say it outdoes Groundhog Day. And it's NICE and long and I could keep reading it forever. Fortunately --- I can. Just pretend I'm on a time loop.
I'm truly thrilled with these novels. I'm having so much fun reading them.
This particular one still has the same foundation as the other two, while thI'm truly thrilled with these novels. I'm having so much fun reading them.
This particular one still has the same foundation as the other two, while the MCs are continually growing stronger the more they learn with every iteration, but now we've seen other continents and have been interacting with some rather powerful people -- some to learn from, others to fool -- and I'm here for it all.
So delicious. I just can't get enough of this.
I totally recommend these for anyone who enjoys a Groundhog Day type of fantasy. :)...more
It's a pretty great example of a "signs and mystical Arthurian legendary artifacts" kind of series, boldly mixing ancient and wildThe finale has come!
It's a pretty great example of a "signs and mystical Arthurian legendary artifacts" kind of series, boldly mixing ancient and wild magic in with everyday English characters within a small territory for huge stakes.
That being said, I always preferred reading about Will's adventures and I warmed up to Brom pretty quickly, while the normal children were kinda so-so to me.
While I do APPRECIATE the idea of having so much Arthurian and older English imagery studded through these books, (and the last one in particular), my older self found it slightly ham-fisted and even slightly nonsensical by the end. It always boils down to arbitrary decisions by vastly powerful beings who then choose to give a choice over to the least consequential mortals.
Chosen-one stuff in different clothing, even arbitrarily chosen chosen-one stuff by the very end. And yes, I can see the point that this makes it rise above the expected outcomes, gives it subtlety and a chance for readers to read it all again for more signs and portents, but to me, it reminds me of countless heavy-handed christian fiction. Post-Narnia as this is, perhaps I'm a bit -- sensitive.
THAT being said, I still liked this book and the whole series. Good YA, great atmosphere, and if you're into it, vast numbers of symbolism to consider. ...more
Not only does it continue on in strong form from the first arc, it widens all horizons.
This series can only be I'm frankly blown away by this series.
Not only does it continue on in strong form from the first arc, it widens all horizons.
This series can only be described as a single endless novel. When the journey and character is this strong, a format like this is absolutely WONDERFUL if the writing is great and the dear reader is fully invested.
Fortunately, I am. Indeed, I LOVE a well-made Groundhog Day story and make no bones about the loop being about a month long. It turns this young character's magical learning sessions into something quite instructive. Being the academic sort, myself, I love the idea of becoming an archmage at 15 a wonderful prospect.
The big tragedy that keeps on re-happening is just a nice spur for everything else. As it is here, Zorian's scope is now well beyond the city where everything else had happened. He's developed a few new specialties, but it's his generalism that truly fascinates me.
So much so, I'm giving up on sleep and feel absolutely no desire to do anything else while reading this stuff. Yes, that is high praise....more
Maybe I'm getting into the worldbuilding more, or I am getting into the characters more, but the fourth book is really picking up for me and I'm lovinMaybe I'm getting into the worldbuilding more, or I am getting into the characters more, but the fourth book is really picking up for me and I'm loving it.
Perhaps a re-read of them all might be in order, now that I know the shape of things to come. :)
Either way, dark corners of English countryside, bastions of darkness, fought by the last incarnations of the light? As seen through foxes, ugly landowners, and dogs...
Yes, I think this small scope as a backdrop of the large is working quite well....more
Color me surprised to learn that Django Wexler is writing an Isekai!
I've been loving the genre for years now, right alongside its idiot twin, LitRPG,Color me surprised to learn that Django Wexler is writing an Isekai!
I've been loving the genre for years now, right alongside its idiot twin, LitRPG, but I never really considered this kind of thing anything more than plain fun popcorn fiction -- and that's exactly what Django Wexler delivered.
We've got ourselves a Groundhog Day scenario in another world, where Davi had died for like a thousand years trying out every little thing this kingdom can offer, but when a big change comes -- and Davi is meant to become the Dark Lord, it all becomes a cool little adventure to get all the monsters together, build a hoard, have a lot of sex, and go through the trials set up by the Old Ones to officially become THE DARK LORD.
Still a good YA fantasy from the early seventies, this time bringing the characters from the first two books together on an adventure to find the GraiStill a good YA fantasy from the early seventies, this time bringing the characters from the first two books together on an adventure to find the Grail. There's a good solid T. H. White thread here, as well as a Tethys, and a lonely Greenwitch.
It's worth it just for the mythology, but I have to say, it is likely a good, ageless book for the youngin's. ;)...more
I honestly enjoyed this 1973 YA fantasy. I was also rather surprised that we didn't get to follow the kids from the first book, instead falling into WI honestly enjoyed this 1973 YA fantasy. I was also rather surprised that we didn't get to follow the kids from the first book, instead falling into Will's headspace as he discovers he's one of the Old Ones.
Lots of magic and dark atmosphere here, but let's not forget just how much English folklore is jammed within these pages. Forces of light and darkness is just a single part of it.
I came into this assuming it was a fantasy classic, and so far, I haven't been disappointed.
I didn't know I needed this in my life, but here it is and I'm all the better for it. Three parts Arabian Knights, two parts pirate queen, four parts I didn't know I needed this in my life, but here it is and I'm all the better for it. Three parts Arabian Knights, two parts pirate queen, four parts grand adventure, and one part humorous romance.
It's the start of one fine fantasy, rich in Arabic lore, a fine crew, and magic.
Saying more than that might give away a bit too much, but it is safe to say that I'm now excited to follow this new series in the same way I follow all my favorites.
It is not for nothing that it is nommed for many of this year's best awards. It's rich and fun and draws me all the way in. It's pretty damn legendary. So dive right in. ...more
Most of the modern type likes to moan and complain about how inadequate the MC is when it comes to dealing Now THIS is what I would call real Lit-SF.
Most of the modern type likes to moan and complain about how inadequate the MC is when it comes to dealing with RL, usually surrounding unsatisfying relationships -- interspersed among SF tropes -- but this one has a nicely different feel.
This 1988 SF winner of the Nebula award spends a good half of its foundation in the Vietnam war, with Kitty being a hard-working nurse trying to do the best she can in less than awesome circumstances. We get know her, some patients of both Vietnamese and American persuasion, and some local flyboys. The relationships are everything, and I hardly missed the SF/F twist.
When things go to hell, that's when the twist leads us into many raw experiences that draw us deeper and deeper into the real state of war -- and the best part, at least for me, was how the special auras mainly highlighted psychological and social states, bringing her closer and closer to an epiphany that never seems to come.
And then there's also the aftermath, the true-to-life ennui of returning from war, and what comes next.
THIS is what I call a true Lit-SF. The SF portion is genuine and necessary for the underlying emotional center.
I just wish modern types would master this. Alas....more
I was slightly worried that it wouldn't be quite the polished fantasy, coming from an 84 year old (albeit, classic) fantasy author, but it was quit saI was slightly worried that it wouldn't be quite the polished fantasy, coming from an 84 year old (albeit, classic) fantasy author, but it was quit satisfying.
It hits most of the hard points: dragons who want dragons, discovery of self, changing your opinions, and a bit of solid, hard-earned love.
Of course, it's mostly about owning your dragon-heart. And this is so very important.
I recommend this. Definitely worth the read, and it doesn't hurt that it's an author we all respect -- and not just for his prose, but for all that he has gone through.
Finally getting around to getting the princess on the throne, and I have to admit this was rather great. Intrigue, big fights, overwhelming support, rFinally getting around to getting the princess on the throne, and I have to admit this was rather great. Intrigue, big fights, overwhelming support, resolution of betrayals, and just... a really satisfying story.
Much like the previous light novel, it is a comfortable, relaxing look at home harem life while planning for an immense future battle against ungodly Much like the previous light novel, it is a comfortable, relaxing look at home harem life while planning for an immense future battle against ungodly powers, but this one just pivoted its focus to another target.
What traveling is done, is made super easy and thankfully remains amusing. I mean, a library labyrinth with a demon god slime that copies out every written work ever? Like... YES, PLS, CAN I HAS IT?
Ahem. Still a fun series, no matter the light perversions it glorifies....more
All books require a reader to supply the rest of the imagination to any work of fiction. This is an old chestnut. But then, there are certain books thAll books require a reader to supply the rest of the imagination to any work of fiction. This is an old chestnut. But then, there are certain books that require a reader to actively perform a magical incantation that will utterly transform their lives and turn THEMSELVES into magicians of the highest caliber.
And this book is one of those.
Now, don't get me wrong. I've read Moore's Jerusalem. The Long London project is all within it, too, but the Great When is probably a bit less intimidating (if just for length). The LANGUAGE, however, in both, is utterly lush, gorgeous, and on a whole, its words are a sight more brilliant than me, also as a whole.
And yes, I am admitting that I am astonished at the deft density of imagination and the words used to describe it all.
Moore is absolutely a one-off genius or a magician, himself.
And speaking of which, I want to make a quick little supposition about Dennis, the MC. With all the talk of High Arcana in Long London, I just want to point out that Dennis fits the bill of the Fool.
As we know, Fools walk blindfolded on the edges of cliffs and generally never fall off of said cliffs. They are blessed. They're also amusing as hell.
I wish everyone a very, very good time with this, and future, Moore books. He lands at the very top of my "omg omg omg this is seriously kicking my ass" list. Feel free to take my advice or not, but I recommend a hard-copy, a pen, and either tiny handwriting, a bunch of post-its, a dictionary, and a willingness to look up thousands of true-historical characters online for the sake of the novel's true depth and weave.
And yes, I did just imply writing in the margins of the book. This would be for my benefit. If someone (and you know who you are) complains that I'm DEFACING a book, I'll reply that I am merely ENHANCING it with my own observations, for future reader's edifications.
The fact is, these are modern classics that absolutely need devoted followers following with vast conversations. It's worth it. Oh, and I've officially put this on my unofficial 6th star list. Bon appetite!
I really enjoyed the whole Brust feel, meeting powerful people in a floating castle, even returning to the Demon continent, and having a great little I really enjoyed the whole Brust feel, meeting powerful people in a floating castle, even returning to the Demon continent, and having a great little encounter with demon kings.
But it was the later part, the nice little plot reveal, that has changed the entire feel of the series... again. :)
Happily grown family. Hell, indeed, this might be the most fantasy-related portion of the light-novellas. Growing up, growing wiser, and now, a featurHappily grown family. Hell, indeed, this might be the most fantasy-related portion of the light-novellas. Growing up, growing wiser, and now, a featured harem.
The point isn't the harem, though. The storytelling is bucolic and wholesome and somehow regenerating.
No, nobody grew back any limbs and the dead didn't return to life, but life, itself, goes on....more
Big changes, yet again. Finding Roxy, Rudy's mom, and big adventure -- but dark stuff happens, too.
I'm getting the impression we're headed to harem mBig changes, yet again. Finding Roxy, Rudy's mom, and big adventure -- but dark stuff happens, too.
I'm getting the impression we're headed to harem manga territory -- but it has heart and communication and understanding, so I can't really feel bad about it.
After this far into the story? We're in it for the long haul....more
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