Ripostee

[Review]The Poison Throne, Celine Kiernan

2011-03-29T11:20:00.000+03:00

A Medieval world of court intrigue

“The Poison Throne” is the first installment in “The Moorehawke Trilogy” by Irish author Celine Kiernan. In this Medieval-inspired world of intrigue, royal bloodlines and secret passages the author focuses on the poignant coming-of-age story of Wyn-ter Moorehawke, as the protagonist confronts a mad king, whose ruthless political machinations sacrifice all but his fractured kingdom, racial in-tolerance against her beloved childhood friend, and the ultimate loss of innocence.

The novel follows Wynter’s struggles to come in terms with the current realities of court after spending the last few years abroad and returning home with sweet memories of a blissful childhood. However, the truth shatters her fragile illusions. Thrown into the midst of political games and corruption, the main heroine aims to restore the balance and peace of the kingdom. Aided by her dear friend Lord Razi and the sexually promiscuous Christopher Garron, Wynter sets out on a path of unknown danger that may ultimately lead to her demise.

Universal in its appeal

Even though “The Poison Throne” is considered to be young adult fantasy fiction, it is more of a historical novel sprinkled here and there with talking, obscenely arrogant cats and helpful vs. hate-filled spirits. Moreover, Celine Kiernan has suffused the book with many a references regarding the current state of affairs in the world; racial and religious intolerance, a weapon of mass destruction, an armed rebellion are just a few on the list. It is, therefore, not only a deeply moving story of cursed love and bitter disappointment and villainous treachery, but also a well thought out chronicle of our world. “The Poison Throne” is universal in its appeal.

A balanced writing style

In terms of writing style, this is a fast-paced and complex read introducing its characters in the third person. The plot, as can be gathered, is rather schematic in summary, but in fact quite intricate in execution. There were, fortunately, quite a few unexpected twists and turns that will leave you craving for more. And, of course, the cliffhanger at the end is practically mocking. In fact, “The Poison Throne” is so well-written that any flaws regarding the formulaic plot are simply forgotten as the novel progresses. And it does develop with striking detail, yet is brisk and wonderfully balanced.

Unique characters in a Gothic atmosphere

What undoubtedly made the novel unique, however, are the characters of Wynter, her father, Razi, Christopher and a multitude of other secondary characters. They are so lively and heavy with human vices and virtues that realism is within the reader’s grasp during all times. What’s more, their interaction is life-like and not contrived in any sense, which makes them instantly likeable. The book gives a thrilling feel of a Gothic mystery, as ghosts are practically ubiquitous, and the author has used this to the novel’s advantage; the tinge of horror creates an even richer atmosphere.

In conclusion, Celine Kiernan’s “The Poison Throne” is an excellent read filled with memorable characters a reader sympathizes with, a well-wrought story that is a pinch clichéd but otherwise absorbing, and, of course, a scene of court intrigue, tense internal and external struggles and an unlikely love story. Highly recommended.

Hello world!

2010-12-27T22:28:00.000+02:00

I live!

Interpretation: I do intend to update the blog from time to time, as I did today. Even though my schedule is simply hectic, I usually find the time to read a good fantasy book or two. After all, it's my passion. Unfortunately, reviewing these is an entirely different matter, but I am hopeful *to an extent* that 2011 will be Ripostee's year filled with books, interviews and literary events, so check the blog out from time to time!

I almost forgot: Merry Christmas and the Happy New Year! May 2011 be your most book-wormish, nerdy and fantastic year ever, infested with fairies, hobgoblins, orcs, brownies, aliens, etc. Thank you for finding the time to read my ramblings and supporting me and my blog. :-)

[Review]Midnight Never Come, Marie Brennan

2010-12-27T21:23:00.004+02:00

"Midnight Never Come", part one in "The Onyx Court" series is Marie Brennan's imaginary interpretation of the court politics in 15th century England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. In this enthralling historical/urban fantasy novel, the mortal court is shadowed by its mysterious and slightly ominous counterpart led by the cruel faerie queen of Britain Invidiana.

The plot follows the struggles of Lady Lune, a courtier trying to regain the favour of Invidiana, lost after negotiating a treaty during her diplomatic mission with the sea-folk (who in fact are the faeries' secret weapon in dealing with the Spanish Armada). Sent out to the mortal court, Lune crosses paths with Michael Deven, aspiring secret agent in debt of Sir Walsingham, and eventually, the spark between fae and mortal kindles in a powerful, fate-changing way.

The first (and trust me, definitely not the last) asset of the novel is its authenticity. Marie Brennan has researched her novel set in the Elizabethan age exhaustingly and suffused it with plausible details. There are occasional flashbacks, hinting at the sinister deal between Elizabeth and Invidiana, which enrich the story and provide it with more depth.

Moreover, the author's take on the Onyx Court is original in the complex way she opposes the conduct of the two monarchs. While Elizabeth bathes in the adulation of her subjects, Invidiana is feared and encourages backstabbing and power struggles. As a whole, as far as setting and plot are concerned, Marie Brennan has achieved the unbelievable: pages fly by as if she has set a faerie charm on her readers. And has she?!

With the development of the story, the author manages to flesh out her characters by delving in their thoughts and actions, but superficially, as if she was too focused on the Elizabethan setting and missed out a few key scenes. Anyway, even though she is definitely not thorough in depicting her seconaray characters, the two house sprites in the novel, for instance, are refreshingly amusing after the menacing atmosphere of the faerie court.

The author's voice is strong and eloquent, her sentences flowing in their complexity. What astounded me is Marie Brennan's ability to slightly change her style when describing the mortal and the Onyx Court from light and inspired to creepy and intense. The pace is crisp and there are quite a few unexpected twists and turns to whet your appetite for the final countdown.

In conclusion, "Midnight Never Come" is an imaginative rendering of Queen Elizabeth's reign that ranges from ordinary to fantastical in its perfect balance between fae politics and otherworldly allure. The novel is rich in detail and the plot is virtually boiling with intrigue, ancient curses and a splash of magic.

Highly recommended.

9/10

[Cover]Spellbound

2010-10-14T23:24:00.002+03:00

Remember Spellwright - the debut novel of hugely talented Blake Charlton? Well, I definitely do, and a few days ago while browsing author websites, blogs, etc. came across this entry by the aforementioned author. To save you some time, Todd Lockwood has been commissioned to create a fabulous cover of Charlton's Spellbound, the second installment in the Spellwright trilogy, and here's the result. Have a look yourselves:

It's very probable that the cover in the UK is going to be different (unfortunately). Anyway, if you've not read Spellwright yet, now seems to be the right time. What are you waiting for?

[Interview]Brenda Pandos

2010-09-27T22:18:00.003+03:00

Brenda Pandos is the author of urban, young adult fantasy novel "The Emerald Talisman" (you can read my review here) and the upcoming sequel "The Sapphire Talisman". Not only did she give me the amazing opportunity to read and review her work, but also managed to answer a dozen or so questions. Many thanks!

Author Blitz:

· Favorite book/s: Chatains Guardian by Robin Hardy

· Favorite author/s: J.K. Rowling and Stephеnie Meyer top my list.

· Favorite quote: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

· I most admire: Мy parents: for a good example of keeping commitments even through trials and being wonderful giving people.

· An author should possess: Тenacity and humility.

· I love it when: Justice wins

· I hate it when: Evil prospers

1. Could you introduce yourself and “The Emerald Talisman” to our readers?

Thank you for having me, Vasil. I’m Brenda, mother of 2 rambunctious boys, wife of the love of my life, daughter to two amazing parents and sister to the best siblings ever! I’m very blessed. To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

2. How did you come up with the idea of “The Emerald Talisman” and what/who inspired you to write it?

Lemons in my life inspired the book. Right before giving birth to my second child, my first was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (at age 3). Our lives turned upside down. I ended up quitting my job to be home with them. I desperately needed something to preoccupy my mind during the long hours of tending to a newborn and being available 35 hrs a week for therapy for my oldest. Actually, after reading Stephenie Meyer’s bio and sampling Twilight, I was encouraged to try writing my own vampire fantasy love story. I started with the forest scene and shortly there after my characters emerged in my mind. Writing gave me something to think about all day and capture on my computer later, once the little guys were in bed. I never intended the book to see the light of day, but friends and family loved the story, so I went forward with it to be published.

3. Who of the characters do you find most endearing and why? What are the traits you try to emphasize on in the novel?

Phil was by far my favorite character. I adore Julia and Nicholas, but Phil’s dialog flowed seamlessly. The traits I emphasize are tied a lot to emotion because Julia is picking up on that all the time. I value goodness, honor, and integrity, and focus to reward those kinds of behaviors.

4. Do you think the main characters in the novel should be perceived as role models by teenagers?

Actually, I think the question should be, should authors write strong role models for their YA audience. In life, everyone is trying to sell something. Whether it’s their value system, a new car or joining their side, they have an agenda, albeit hidden, it’s there. Teens are one of the most open groups of people who are by nature are naive and looking to find their niche in the world. As an author, I want to provide quality, moral YA fantasy fiction I’d feel comfortable letting my own children read. That involves strong heroes and heroines who may or may not make good choices, but suffer consequences of those decisions, like real life.

5. The vampire craze after Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” is still raging. In your opinion, where does this fascination with vampires stem from?

I think it’s the bad boy syndrome. I admit, I’m attracted to the bad boy and vampires make such great villains. All girls want a guy to love them so much; they’ll overcome their natural destructive tendencies to be with them, deeming them special and worthy. Twilight, Harry Potter, and many books have been successful because they focus the basic need to feel special. And fantasy allows for imagination to have free reign in story telling, giving great freedom.

6. Do you think the paranormal romance genre has exhausted its potential? Or are vampires and other peculiar creatures more popular than ever?

The readers want fantasy romance of all kinds. I don’t think that’ll change.

7. What is your favorite scene in the book? Was it difficult to pen it down?

The trek through the forest was my favorite and most difficult to write. There’s a certain amount of suspense needed and visual descriptions to pull the reader into the scene and get their blood pumping when she’s chased and almost dies. My first draft was rough and bulky. My editor helped me flesh it out.

8. What do you mainly focus on when writing a book – plot, characters, etc.?

For me, the plot determines who and where the scenes need to be. For the Emerald Talisman, the whole premise surrounded the forest scene. From there, I filled in the rest of the story with the ending in mind. I try not to pigeon-hole my characters and allow them the freedom to run dialog naturally, gently steering them towards the next scene.

9. It can be speculated that nowadays blogger reviews may give a book a push or condemn it to oblivion. Do you agree that the Internet plays a major role in the successful publicizing of a book?

Being an indie writer, I’ve heavily tapped into the book blogging world and they have made my book a success. Though, if I’d written something they didn’t like, it would have killed my novel for sure. I’ve hit a good thread and I’m thankful for them.

10. What is a typical day in your life?

I’m a stay at home mom, so one of my lovely boys is my alarm clock. Coffee next. The mornings my preschooler attends school, I usually get a babysitter for my 2 year-old so I can get some work in until noon. We have lunch, then my 2-year-old naps. I write more then. Daddy comes home from work at 3:30. We do something as a family (gym, park, play in the backyard) and then it is our nighttime routine and bed. I write more in the evening.

11. I know of authors who ignore and discard criticism from reviewers. What about you? Do you think an author can improve an aspect of his/her writing based on reviews?

I read all my reviews. Many have given very credible feedback I’ve adapted into my next novel. Some complain about the novel and don’t provide reasons why they didn’t like it. I can’t do much with statements like “I didn’t like it.” I have a lot to learn and I’m open to constructive criticism from credible sources.

12. What do you find particularly difficult in the whole writing & getting published process?

Each step has its challenges. I think overcoming the fear and putting out your hard work and heart out there for criticism and rejection is the most difficult part.

13. Would you like a book of yours to be turned into a movie?

I have visualized the book like a movie, so to actually see it on screen would be amazing.

14. So far, vampires play a pivotal role in your book. Do you intend to incorporate other paranormal creatures in your future novels?

Yes. The next series will incorporate something else in the fantasy world. I’m mulling around ideas. We’ll see what becomes of it.

15. What is the status of the sequel, “The Sapphire Talisman”? Have you finished writing it? And what awaits the readers?

The Sapphire Talisman is in final edits and will available online December 15, 2010.

16. Would you like to share something interesting about your life, e.g. an experience that shaped you into the person you’re now?

I punched Becky Saunders in the stomach in 5th grade over a hoola-hoop.

17. Would you like to say something to our readers, especially to those in Bulgaria?

Thanks for reading the review and I hope to be discovered in Bulgaria so my novel can be translated for teens in your country.

[Review]The Emerald Talisman, Brenda Pandos

2010-09-26T23:19:00.003+03:00

In the realms of vampire lore there are few, if any possibilities that have not yet been exploited, and as a result a multitude of Twilight clones circulate the fantasy lit scene and quite successfully manage to rise to the top of bestseller lists. „The Emerald Talisman” is the debut novel of American author Brenda Pandos and not surprisingly, having in mind my introduction, is concerned with the nocturnal and dangerously alluring children of the night.

It is a classic boy-meets-girl story, except for the fact that Julia almost gets killed, while trying to escape from a dangerous predator (allegedly a mountain lion). And yes, she does have a special power: the gift of reading minds. The setting is dreary, even a bit ghastly, especially those creepy woods strange people are lurking about. Our teenage heroine immediately is head over heels after her miraculous savior appears on the scene – a man wearing a mystical emerald talisman. The connection between the two is inexplicably strong and not before long strange occurrences start happening: young people are found either dead or dying from animal bites and Julia is being stalked by an enigmatic figure risen from the dead.

As you can see, the novel is filled with some heavy stereotypes of the genre – danger, love and the ubiquitous bloodsuckers. Yet, why would I be writing a review of a mediocre book? Well, because it is anything but mediocre, for Brenda Pandos has managed to spin the clichés into a compelling tale by weaving an engrossing plot with a bit misguided, yet likeable main characters. Her writing style is flowing and unobtrusive, thus I found myself enjoying the book immensely, though this particular genre does not appeal to me normally.

However, there are some minor flaws in “The Emerald Talisman”. To start with, the relationship between the two main protagonists is quite forced and develops too swiftly in order to be plausible. Furthermore, some of the secondary characters are awfully underdeveloped with the exception of some fleeting (and definitely insufficient) descriptions. It has been implied that there is much more to be discovered in the world of “The Emerald Talisman”, so I am optimistic that in the next installment (called “Sapphire Talisman”) Brenda Pandos will manage to resolve these issues.

In conclusion, “The Emerald Talisman” may be a clichéd work of fiction, but is well-written and should live up to the expectations of all fans of the paranormal, even to those of us who do not particularly enjoy romance. I recommend it because of the lively characters, the perilous situations they drag themselves into, as well as for the promise of something much more.

Musical Wednesday 09

2010-09-22T20:28:00.001+03:00

Another weeks has passed and here I am - short on my promise to publish a couple of nice new reviews. Anyway, I DO intend to publish some stuff sooner or later, as I have almost finished a few "projects", but you'll have to wait a little while longer.

So, have another great week and do not forget to check Ripostee. I might even surprise you with an early review or two. And do enjoy this great song!

[Preview]A chapter from "Towers of Midnight"

2010-09-17T12:26:00.010+03:00

The long wait to November 2nd has become slightly more bearable now that the Great Hunt has finished and a full chapter from Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson's "Towers of Midnight" has been released. Everyone should be more than pleased, as it follows Mat's adventures. Personally, I cannot wait to get my copy! A few more weeks to go...

You can read the sample chapter here. What do you think? Does it live up to your expectations?

EDIT: Tor have released the Prologue of "Towers of Midnight" - Distinctions. You can purchase it from Amazon.com (link just below). I do not want to give away anthing, but it seems that things are not what they seemed in the previous volume. ;-)

Musical Wednesday 06/07/08

2010-09-15T20:23:00.003+03:00

With so many things going on, I totally forgot about my weekly music column. I promise it will not happen again! Today I've announced the winner of "Seaborn" by Chris Howard, as well as written a review of Juliet Mckenna's third volume of "The Tales of Einarinn" series. For the next week I have prepared quite a few things. Just to whet your appetite, eager fans of Brandon Sanderson and the "Twilight" series should definitely rejoice with my reviews of "The Way of Kings" and "The Emerald Talisman". I have got a few other surprises up my sleeve, but you will have to wait a bit more for those.

This week I have selected a song with the desire to appease all those who enjoy listening to RnB/pop/rap music. Enjoy and have a great week! I know I will.

[Review]The Gambler's Fortune, Juliet Mckenna

2010-09-15T20:07:00.000+03:00

One A Thief...

The renowned theif Livak employed her great courage and cunning to escape the evil, mindbending sorcery of the Elietimm -- with the help of Ryshad, the noble swordsman who stole the beautiful bandit's heart. Now a fortune awaits her and her beloved, if Livak can secure a powerful, ancient, and forgotten magic that the Empire seeks to defend itself from its enemies.

But there are others who covet the secrets of these lost arts....

The third installment in “The Tales of Einarinn” series continues from the point the previous volume left us – the remarkable discovery of the rich traditions of the Archipelago and the dark, coveted secrets of people from ages long gone. Our main characters Ryshad and Livak have started to plan their future life together, but before their final reunion one last impediment remains. The point of view in “The Gambler’s Fortune” is yet again transferred to Livak, as the retired thief-turned-almost-noblewoman starts her personal adventure in the Great forest aided by the talented pupil of the Archwizard. Her mission and intuition for ever-present trouble lead her to the mountains inhabited by a race closely resembling the hated Elietimm, where old alliances will be tried out by fire and steel.

“The Gambler’s Fortune” is Juliet Mckenna’s testing ground for developing strong characters from the “enemy lines”, such as a disillusioned highlander with high hopes, a beautiful woman craving for knowledge and happiness, as well as an unscrupulous and crafty Elietimm. Furthermore, the author delves more deeply into the magic system of artifice with some excellent description of intense battles. Unfortunately, no major events occur during this novel, as it suffers from the middle-book syndrome and is thus too predictable and schematic to live up to the expectations set by the previous volumes. Be prepared that superfluous information and sluggish pace are the bane of “The Gambler’s Fortune”, though the dreary picture is enlivened by the presence of two new witty and memorable characters.

To sum up, the third book in “The Tales of Einarinn” series is lagging a couple of steps behind its predecessors, though in my opinion, the author is still setting the scene for the upcoming groundbreaking, world-shattering events and thus, the novel is worth a try. As I have mentioned, Juliet Mckenna spends a lot of time giving life to her fantasy setting, the epic war conflicts are just as spectacular, the main characters continue to come across insurmountable hurdles and gush out smart remarks (not necessarily in this order). So, although the author may not win an award for ingenuity, “The Gambler’s Fortune” is a passable novel in the series and will satisfy Mckenna’s fans.

My final verdict: 6/10

Read my reviews of other books by Juliet Mckenna:

"The Thief’s Gamble"

"The Swordsman’s Oath"

Contest Winner!

2010-09-15T14:46:00.004+03:00

It's a wonder how fast time flies. I feel as if it were just yesterday when I initiated my first book contest. The thrill of reading those entries of yours was amazing! *I definitely should do this more often* Needless to say, I am very grateful to you all for participating and giving me & the blog a chance. This three months I'm "in business" have been thoroughly enjoyable - I got to know some great people and thankfully, no longer face problems finding what to read next. I know pressure is building up, so I'd better announce the winner of "Seaborn" by Chris Howard right away.

Honestly, it was a difficult decision to make, as I received some fantastic entries. However, the winner is only one. Congratulations to Emily Lawnton who submitted this:

Extracting the sheathed scroll, Sheela started to swirl her fingers in an elaborate manner, tracing the unfamiliar patterns of magic on the hull of the ship. Truth was she hadn't cast such a complex spell before, but she didn't have a choice: the storm was fast approaching.

Halfway through the process, an overpowering anxiety for the innocent lives above overtook her honed instincts and made her careless. A subconscious and powerful flick of her tail sent Sheela reeling away from the unfinished spell.

"NO!"

All of a sudden, tendrils of heavy and wax-like black smoke enveloped the ship and shook it violently. Sheela saw how the great impact smashed the hull and sent a solitary life boat flying through the air above. Though her hearing was muffled by the water, she still could hear terrible outcries of unspeakable anguish.

I have already gotten in touch with her and "Seaborn" will be on her shelf shortly. The runner-up (oh, that awful place!) is Leslie Wright with another excellent entry:

Aleah knew the truth would come out. The letter was sheathed in the old scroll and sealed with wax. This was then waterproofed to withstand being held in the depths of the ocean. As she flicked her tail a boat passed overhead. She grimaced at the wake it caused, making her hair float around her spiritedly. It was almost as though there were a small storm on the surface. Sighing a deep sigh, she knew it was time to let her father know what was happening. The new magic had turned wild, and only the information in the scroll would help them save their deep sea Kingdom.

As to those of you who did not win, once again thank you for participating and good luck next time. It was such an enjoyable experience to read those entries. I graded them depending on my personal satisfaction with the way the story was developed and gave my very best to be objective. Also, I am very happy to have received a generous number of entries from people who are not subscribed to my blog, though it does not hurt to hit the "subscribe" button from time to time.

Once again, thank you for participating in the book contest and following Ripostee.

P.S. My own review of the book is almost finished. Check out the blog soon!

[Review]Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare

2010-09-04T13:04:00.002+03:00

To start with, I just recently discovered Cassandra Clare and her series “The Mortal Instruments” and it quickly became one of my favorites in the young adult fantasy genre. After having read so many rave reviews, I was exulted at finally having the opportunity to read the first installment in her brand new trilogy – “The Infernal Devices” - in which the author once again revisits her world of angelic warriors, the Shadowhunters, the only impediment to havoc wrought by demons. The novel, however, does not take place in a contemporary setting, but in urban Victorian London during the 1870s.

The story revolves around Tessa Gray, a pretty orphan from the States, who abandons the only life she knew in favor of England, where her dear brother Nathaniel awaits for her. Everything is just fine (with the exception of the dreary weather) until she is kidnapped by a clique of not-so-human hags, called the Dark sisters, who start teaching her how to use a terrible gift our heroine possesses. For Tessa is a Downworlder with unique powers, powers that are sought after by a shadowy figure called the Magister. Barely escaping from a deadly trap, Tessa finds herself in the London Institute of the Nephilim, from where she sets out on a desperate adventure to save her brother. Along the way, she meets a plethora of unique characters who will aid her in deciphering the tangles of lies and intrigue that threaten to override the frail balance between the Shadow and the mundane world. With an unexpected plot twist, Cassandra Clare once more asserts herself as a master of suspenseful and well-crafted tales of love, death and betrayal.

The main problem of the novel is our lovely Tessa. The comparison between her and Clary (from the author’s other series) is inevitable – both stumble across the Shadow world for the first time, fall in love with the wrong person and struggle to come in terms with their respective powers. See the parallels? Besides, a good number of Clare’s heroines are damsels in distress, crying in frustration at not being kissed correctly. And though this annoying fact in “The Mortal Instruments” was glossed over by the appearance of a few authoritative female figures, “Clockwork Angel” falls short on expectations regarding most of the female protagonists. Nonetheless, I rather enjoyed the struggles of Shadowhunter girls to juggle between their duties as warriors and as ladies.

Undoubtedly, Tessa may seem to be unique in her own way, as she is quite the bookworm and manages to quote famous writers of the time. What’s more, she eloquently forces William, another of the main characters, to shut up. Speaking of Will, I believe that the dark brooding act of “the bad boy with a dreadful secret” is already rather clichéd and even borders on ridiculous. It may make some ladies’ hearts pump more dramatically, but I cannot overlook Cassandra Clare’s fascination with this type of characters in all of her novels. Moreover, and you would not be surprised, there is once more a love triangle, mirroring the one in “The Mortal Instruments” series. All in all, the new set of heroes to save the day resembles the old one, but with a few cosmetic alterations. Anyway, the new characters are just as likeable as the old ones, but I really wished Cassandra Clare would make them a pinch more different.

What saved the novel from the “clone” label was, unsurprisingly, its authenticity. In an interview, Mrs. Clare mentions having industriously researched the customs in England during the Victorian age, as well as having unearthed the first impressions of fellow Americans visiting England for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised that London has the distinctive feel of the Victorian age about it. Even though the terrible weather and the glum streets are some of the principal topics of conversation, the author has managed to make her version of London plausible and even romantic in its daily power struggles. I must also give credit to Cassandra Clare for penning out once more an elaborate plot, even though it is more talk than action in some instances. Of course, it is quite intriguing to see the predecessors of characters from Clare’s other series and the whole automaton concept was also wonderfully worked out. “Clockwork Angel” may not live up to all of the heaps of praise that have been circulating the Internet for the last couple of months, but it has spirit and is quite an enjoyable read.

In conclusion, “Clockwork Angel” is a streampunk tale with an ugly twist, as beautifully and intricately crafted as the cruel machines that stalk the characters across the dirt-smeared streets of Victorian London. It may not be perfect in execution, but there is potential in the setting dotted with quite a few witty and obscure characters.

My final verdict: 7,5/10

[Review]The Swordsman's Oath, Juliet Mckenna

2010-09-03T21:52:00.003+03:00

UK cover

Swordmaster. . .

Ryshad was a warrior, a sworn man pledged to defend the Empire and his lord with his sword and his life. Livak was a thief, a woman as dangerous and cunning as she was beautiful. Brought together by fate--and the wily wizard Shiv--these unlikely allies once traveled to the frozen lands of the North to find answers to an ancient mystery. Instead, though, they discovered death and worse at the hands of the Elietimm, a band of evil sorcerers who nearly destroyed them.

Or Slave?

Now, the Elietimm have infiltrated the Empire using their strange and deadly power. It is up to a reunited Ryshad and Livak, joined by Shiv, to discover the secret knowledge that can save the Empire--a mission that will lead them far from the lands they know. It is Ryshad, though, who will journey farthest, to a distant country where nothing is what it seems, not even the magical sword that has long protected him. And if that sword should turn against him now...

The second installment of “The Tales of Einarinn” series written by British fantasy author Juliet Mckenna continues the (mis)adventures of our band of unlikely (and quite reluctant) heroes. Even though the wickedly attractive thief Livak, the stubborn wizard Shiv and the sturdy swordsman Rishad have been left almost unscathed in their journey towards the land of the murderous Elietimm, more threats await them at home. Forced to work together once more, the characters learn a great deal about themselves, about companionship and betrayal.

In “The Swordsman’s Oath” the author keeps on exploring her dangerous world of epic proportion. Here the reader meets the inhabitants of the Archipelago who loathe and condemn those born with the spark of magic to indescribable tortures. An important aspect of the novel is the change in point of view to Rishad instead of Livak (who is plainly frustrating at times) and thus, Mrs. Mckenna enables us to acquaint ourselves in depth with the misty warrior, who has given an oath not easily broken. His expectations for freedom and good life fall short, however, as he (unwillingly, of course) becomes a slave in the Archipelago, where any mistake equals to death.

This part of “The Tales” marks a steady development in Juliet Mckenna’s prose, as the inescapable violence has been diminished to the adequate minimum and in turn intriguing bits and pieces fill out the setting. Although not always contributing to the storyline, they undoubtedly enliven the world of Einarinn and make it more believable. The characters are convincing and complex; the plot vivid and unforgettable; the style flowing and swift. All in all, “The Swordsman’s Oath” is an immensely pleasurable read, much better than its somewhat flawed predecessor.

My verdict: 8,5/10

Read my reviews of other books by Juliet Mckenna:
"The Thief's Gamble"
"The Gambler's Fortune"

[Interview]Guy Gavriel Kay

2010-08-31T21:11:00.006+03:00

You can also read the interview on Starlighter.

#I conducted this interview in 2008 on account of the publication of Ysabel in Bulgaria. Enjoy!#

Guy Gavriel Kay, an author of ten fantasy novels, talks about success, aspirations and mostly about books. A contemporary author, one of those who nowadays shape the genre of ‘fantasy fiction’, he is on solid ground and tries to do his job. And we have to admit, he does it pretty well.

Vasil Toskov: You must receive everyday praise from people acquainted with your novels. Are your admirers the ones who sustain and motivate you to continue writing? Which is the most entertaining letter you’ve received from a fan?

Guy Gavriel Kay: I’m lucky enough to receive generous letters, but also extensive (challenging!) questions and sometimes complaints. Feedback from readers is always important, but the truth is that I write the books I’d like to read if someone else wrote them! Novels are too hard to write, and take me too long, to start (and finish) one unless it is driven by a deep and strong personal impulse. Because I change what I do from book to book, I put some ‘pressure’ on my readers to change with me.

VT: History shows that sometimes the most cliched and exploited themes in literature turn out to be golden mines for an author. Your novels are sophisticated and subtle but still they are well-known to the public. Do you consider yourself fortunate for establishing such a career in fantasy fiction?

GGK: I think any writer who has achieved success must feel grateful, and lucky. My good fortune has been that the books I truly want to write seem to appeal to readers around the world so that I can carry on doing this and take my time writing them. I use success to buy time, I suppose. I’d hate the idea of having to rush a book.

VT: Your books are classified as historical fiction, epic fantasy and alternative history. Nevertheless, what description of your work could you give to a total newbie in fantasy literature?

GGK: I confess I actually hate ‘labels’ in fiction. We spend so much time trying to decide what category a book can be squeezed into – I find it wasted energy for the most part. The better, more important question for me is, “Is it good?” If I am held at gunpoint and forced to pick a label for most of the recent books I use ‘historical fantasy’.

VT: The readers see a multitude of different characters in your novels. Are they based on real people or do you build them up for the sake of a certain situation in the book? And which one of the characters resembles you to the least extent and contrary, in the utmost degree?

GGK: I’m not one of those writers who ‘uses’ the people in his life to create characters. No one is ‘based’ on any specific person, but while I am writing a gesture, a phrase, a way of sitting might easily be taken from someone, even someone I just happen to see in a cafe. I also worry about people connecting the author to the work too much, making some direct link. I suppose if I am to answer about which character might be close to me, it could be Crispin in the Mosaic pair, but mainly because he has a temper and wants to be left alone to do his work!

VT: Is there a big difference between the completed manuscript of your books and the edited piece? And do you think editors could be of great help for unwinding a writer’s potential?

GGK: This varies from writer to writer and very greatly. In my case, I am a little obsessive and I do not deliver the books to my editors until I am pretty sure they are at 90-95% of where I want them to be. As a result I am lightly edited. But I have friends and colleagues who rely very much on their editors to help them over difficulties or point out weaknesses. A good editor can be a huge factor in a good book.

VT: Which one of your books was the hardest to finish? How do you explain that?

They are all hard! I don’t think I can pick a single one. Possibly Fionavar because I was just beginning back then.

VT: Delving into history before the process of writing must be enthralling. What was the most pleasant and fascinating legend or story, you’ve come across during your researches?

GGK: There are so many, and yes you are right it is fascinating. The research phase is always the most enjoyable part of writing. I am just learning things, without a responsibility yet (until I start writing) fordoing something with the research! I don’t know which historical fact or mythic idea is the most interesting, but I can say that Ysabel began to come alive for me as a book when I learned the founding legend of the city of Marseille in France. That story opened the doorway for me towards what I could do with past and present in the novel.

VT: How do you get inspired to write a book – a historical fantasy in particular? Does the idea flash upon you or is the heavy researching a better choice? And which of the two precedes the other one?

GGK: I almost always start with period and place, learning as much as I can, and from this themes and motifs emerge, then characters, and from all of these a narrative line begins to appear. I never wait for ‘inspiration’ I think it is overrated, too often an excuse not to write: “I don’t feel inspired today!”

VT: Do you find researching and building the structure of a novel easier than the writing process itself? Please describe a normal Guy Gavriel Kay’s day.

GGK: As I said, the research is the most engaging and enjoyable. The writing process is challenging and stressful. The fact that I know I’ve done it well before does not make me feel sure on any day (or book) that I can do it well again! My writing days are long and steady (as much as possible) at my desk. If I can get a good number of words done by midday I will ‘free’ myself to enjoy the afternoon!

VT: There are ten novels and a collection of poetry written by you. What about short stories?

GGK: For whatever reason my ‘short’ work tends to be non-fiction … essays, social commentary for Canadian newspapers and magazines, speeches. When I get an ‘idea’ for fiction it just seems to play itself out in a long form.

VT: You have a unique and distinctive style of writing – very poetic and yet it involves the reader with a complicated and an elaborate plot. The characters make progress and further develop with the advancing storyline. Are there some writers in specific that have influenced you?

GGK: There are many writers I admire, but by now (after ten novels) I suspect I have my own style – though it changes from book to book, to suit the setting. The language in Last Light of the Sun is very different from the language of A Song for Arbonne, for example. As an aside: a novelist is always at the mercy of his translator when it comes to this, for editions in languages other than the original.

VT: Was fantasy fiction already attractive for you before the editing of The Silmarillion together with Christopher Tolkien? Have you ever considered writing in a different genre? And was The Summer Tree the first book you’ve ever completed?

GGK: I enjoyed fantasy, yes, though historical fiction was probably a greater interest, and I always read a great deal of contemporary fiction (and poetry). My first book, never published, was written during a winter on the island of Crete, and was a contemporary novel about North Americans backpacking through Europe. The Summer Tree was next.

VT: You mention North Americans. Although you don’t have a published book about Native Americans, do you find it possible to write such a novel – one about the story of the Aztecs probably?

GGK: Amusingly enough, one of my sons wants me to do an ‘Aztec novel’ too. It is certainly a fascinating time and place, and I spent some time touring their ruins with a writer-friend as a guide (when I was in Mexico to accept an award) but I’m not drawn to the culture and I do feel that as an absolute requirement if I’m going to spend three years in a setting, as I do these days. Having said this, I truly do not know what might emerge down the road as ideas for novels.

VT: You seem to incorporate a lot of mythology and legends in The Fionavar Tapestry, while in your later works the focus falls on the alternative history. How do you explain such a drastic change?

GGK: It isn’t so much a drastic change as a shift of interest. To a degree, I wrote Fionavar as my ‘statement’ in high fantasy and did not want to repeat myself. I know that repeating oneself is a good marketing strategy, but it is a bad creative one, for growth as a writer. I regard magic and myth as ‘tools’ for the novelist, to be used if they fit the story, not to be dragged in just to satisfy readers looking for ‘more of the same’…

VT: The Sarantine Mosaic was widely approved by the critics. Moreover, The Lions of Al-Rassan and The Last Light of the Sun are believed to be set in the same realm. Would you write another installment for the eagerly anticipating historical fantasy fans?

GGK: I never know what my next book will be when I finish one, so it is certainly possible I will one day write something that ‘connects’ with these, but it isn’t actually important, to my mind. The books you mention are linked mainly because the religion I created happened to work well for all three, but not because of some grand ‘plan’ to link all my work. The stories and moods are completely different in all three.

VT: In your last published novel, Ysabel, a major part of the plot is devoted to Celtic mythology and Roman history. A Song for Arbonne is localized in Provence, just like Ysabel. Has Aix-en-Provence enchanted you? Jokes aside, tell us more about the research you’ve done – did you rely on a thesaurus or did you obtain some help in the face of historians, archeologists, etc.

GGK: It is fair indeed to say that Aix has enchanted me, yes! I have lived there now four times writing books, we have friends there, know the countryside quite well. When we went there last I did not have Ysabel in mind as the book I would do; it was once we arrived again that the impulse to do a book set there in the present day emerged.

VT: In Ysabel we meet two characters from The Fionavar Tapestry. What is the reason for their presence there? Why did you decide to establish such a connection between the world of Fionavar and our world beyond the one we see in the three Fionavar novels?

GGK: This is complex, and almost needs an essay! I wanted, among other things, to avoid the ‘random’ idea that Ned and his family just happen to connect to this ancient mythic love story. Using his aunt as I did, with her earlier link to mythic elements helped solve that. (I don’t want to say too much more, to avoid spoiling things for readers!) I also wanted a parallel – for readers who had not readFionavar – between the mystery surrounding Ysabel and the two men. The ‘mystery’ of Kim and Dave, for these readers, is a perfect parallel … a story the reader can almost get but not quite. I believe this is important in dealing with such tales: to explain everything, to have characters or the reader ‘get’ everything is wrong, reduces the power.

VT: Provided that in a way Ysabel is reminiscent of a detective novel, how do you see the connection between fantasy fiction and crime stories?

GGK: That’s an interesting question, but not one I’ve ever given much thought to! As I said above, I do not spend a lot of time pondering the ‘rules’ or formulas of a genre, I’m more likely to resist the idea of such things … and sometimes frustrate a reader who wants a formula followed! As one (very fast!) thought, I’d guess that traditional mysteries and traditional high fantasy both offer a measure of ‘certainty’ in their conclusions that serves to reassure readers in an uncertain world. Of course there are many (many!) exceptions to this, and my own work would be one of those!

VT: In a previous interview, you had touched on the topic about movies based on your books. Is there development of the projects?

GGK: There are currently three projects in different stages of development and discussion. The one farthest along is in Hollywood with the director Ed Zwick (‘Last Samurai’, ‘Glory’) and the Producer Cathy Schulman (who won an Oscar for ‘Crash’) leading the project to get The Lions of Al-Rassanproduced. All news on the film projects will be posted to brightweavings.com whenever there is anything I’m allowed to tell.

VT: Would you like to say something to the Bulgarian readers?

GGK: I am genuinely happy to have my work published in Bulgaria. The novels are in about 22-25 languages by now, and I am touched and rewarded by the interest of readers around the world. I have traveled to many countries for my publishers, and every single time I have learned a great deal and been deeply affected by my readers in those countries. If a chance ever emerges to visit Bulgaria for my books you may be sure I’d try hard to do it.

Many thanks to Guy Gavriel Kay for agreeing to do this interview, and to Ms. Meghnagi who made the contact with the author possible.

- Interview conducted by Vasil Toskov

One Lovely Blog Award!

2010-08-31T20:11:00.001+03:00

Today I'm seething with excitement, thanks to Yiota @ Splash of Four Worlds who gave the "One Lovely Blog" Award to me and 14 other promising bloggers. Congratulations, everyone! I'm really thankful for this award and hope that this means there are people out there who enjoy reading my reviews.

This is how it works:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link
Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.
Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'll bestow this award tomorrow, after some serious consideration.

Book contest!

2010-08-26T14:26:00.012+03:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! CHECK OUT THE WINNER HERE.

I suppose it's time for me to host my very first book contest! The prize is the debut novel "Seaborn" by Chris Howard (more info in Amazon US). The contest is international, and the rules are as follows:

Before you participate, you have to become a follower of this blog. You get +2 bonus points every time you share this on Facebook, Twitter, your blog or some other social network.

The main rule of the contest is to write a very short piece of prose (max. 150 words) that includes the words: boat, truth, wax, sheathed, tail and magic.

Next, fill out the blanks in the form bellow (do not forget your veery short story) and you should be done! So that you know, the winning piece will be chosen by me.

Last but not least, the contest ends on September 15 at 12.30 GMT. The winner will be contacted via email and expected to provide his/her shipping address. Furthermore, the winning piece (and the runner-up) will be posted on the blog.

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Good luck!

Musical Wednesday 05

2010-08-25T21:33:00.005+03:00

Another week, another post. It's been a rather uneventful week for the blog, except for the couple of new followers and my approved memberships in Blogcritics (I am officially a blog critic now, yay!) and Book Blogs, but unfortunately, time is a precious resource and lately, I have been truly busy cramming chemistry textbooks. Anyway, there is always this song down there that helps me unwind!
Enjoy and have a great day (or night, depends on the country).

The cover of "Enjoy the Silence" is great, ain't it?

[Review]The Thief's Gamble, Juliet Mckenna

2010-08-25T17:12:00.003+03:00

Article first published as The Thief's Gamble by Juliet Mckenna on Blog-critics.

***

The Thief’s Gamble is the debut novel of British fantasy writer Juliet E. McKenna and is the first installment in The Tales of Einarinn epic series. Though it may seem as yet another clichéd fantasy tale, which I keep on coming across lately, the story is infused with ironic and rather intriguing plot twists that mark the book as definitely above the mediocre level.

The plot is focused on the adventures of the joke-cracking, witty and thievish character of Livak, who casts the runes deviously, does not care for the consequences and therefore, manages to earn a decent livelihood. But a shortage of gold forces her to rob a noble’s house and from this point on, her life becomes a mishmash of magic, blood and love.

Hadrumal, the island and sanctuary of elemental wizards, is a place dreaded and found intimidating by ordinary people. However, the magi have stumbled across a jumble of ancient objects which give their owners the ability to dream of a mighty Empire lost in the carnage of chaos centuries ago. Are these artefacts actually remains of the ancient knowledge, of the old magic, which kept the Empire whole and inalienable?

Hired by agents of the archwizard, with sudden and uncharacteristic reluctance but with prospects to show off her abilities, Livak is now entangled into an inevitable intercontinental war, as an unknown race (which is strangely reminiscent of Vikings) roams unchecked, killing and demolishing, with powers completely inexplicable.

Juliet McKenna has succeeded in developing an immense world divided into numerous pieces by greedy fractions and frail alliances. So far as her worldbuilding skills are concerned, she is one of the best in the genre, as she manages not only to enliven Einarinn with a jumble of authentic and original individuals, but also creates dynamical and intense relationships that contribute to a certain level of plausibility.

In The Thief’s Gamble we face an engrossing plot, which might suffer from stereotypes of the fantasy genre but is presented masterfully, and all the prerequisites that should turn The Tales of Einarinn series into a solid debut have been met. For me, though, the main inadequacy of the book is the mixing of humorous scenes with unaccountable cruelty, like depictions of rapes and murders, which are definitely not suitable for all audiences. Nevertheless, violence in literature is nowadays largely regarded as normal, so this minor flaw cannot outshine the indisputable assets of the novel.

Fortunately, the protagonists are well-developed and likeable; only those few who join the group of companions later on lack decent background and motivation. Livak as a main character is an enigmatic figure, impulsive and entertaining in her somewhat ruthless and practical logic. In conclusion, The Thief’s Gamble offers a multitude of amusing characters, original manifestations of magic, a mixture of politics and intrigue, as well as a vast world yet to be discovered – thus, Juliet E. McKenna has every right to be considered one of the best adventure fantasy writers out there.

My verdict: 7/10

***

You can also read my review in Bulgarian on Sivosten ezine.

2010 YA Reading Challenge

2010-08-24T20:14:00.007+03:00

It's been a long time since I last participated in a reading challenge and (obviously), I am quite enthusiastic about it. Many thanks to J. Kaye at Home Girl's Book Blog for the great opportunity to prove my recent YA mania. So, my decision is to try and read 12 (twelve) novels from the genre, which means that I am up for the mini-challenge!
Besides, I have taken part in a YA giveaway (HERE) and am really excited (not that if I win, I will be able to add the book to the list - after all, it's a 2011 giveaway).

In this post I will update my progress throughout 2010 and post all the YA novels I have read. So, do not hesitate to check whether I am living up to my promise.

Here's the list:

1. "The Summoning", Kelley Armstrong

2. "The Awakening", Kelley Armstrong

3. "The Reckoning", Kelley Armstrong

4. "Graceling", Kristin Cashore

5. "City of Bones", Cassandra Clare

6. "Soulless", Gail Carriger

7. "City of Ashes", Cassandra Clare

8. "City of Glass", Cassandra Clare

9. "Clockwork Angel", Cassandra Clare

10. "The Changeling", Brenna Yovanoff

11. "Midnight Never Come", Marie Brennan

12. "Paranormalcy", Kiersten White

edit: Well, it seems that I've read six YA novels so far. Thumbs up for my successful performance this year!
edit2: Three more to the list, including "Clockwork Angel"!
final edit: Wow, I actually managed to finish twelve young adult novels in a few months! Cheers to me and to the great people who made this reading challenge happen.

[Review]Spellwright, Blake Charlton

2010-08-23T21:36:00.004+03:00

Probably I should not be so frank, but the first thing that caught my attention in the description of “Spellwright” (besides the cover art – majestic!) prior to actually reading it was, quite unexpectedly, the author’s biography. It is a rare feat to successfully combine writing fantasy fiction with the demanding life of a medical student (seriously, how does Blake Charlton manage?), and even more so to overcome dyslexia.

In fact, it should not be surprising that the main character himself suffers from the impediments of such a disorder, called cacography. The author has imprinted the protagonist with a great woe and has thus given depth to the character of mature and disillusioned Nicodemus Weal, who once was believed to be the savior of mankind, the guardian of human languages and the scourge of demons. All changed, though, when his inability to spell magical texts correctly was uncovered, resulting in his being virtually ostracized from the all-powerful magical community and sent to the tower where other dangerous cacographers reside. His greatest power – magic – becomes a perilous, disobeying and likely catastrophic force of nature when Nicodemus spells even the most elementary of magical prose.

However, wicked things start occurring around the main character, while the future of mankind is decided upon by representatives of all magical academies. A respected and influential master has been murdered; a white-clad figure lurks in the shadows; unspeakable horrors haunt the dreams of all… Some even go as far as accusing Nicodemus of being the Storm Petrel, the man to unleash the destructive power of demons by corrupting the magical languages. A close friend is accused of a number of atrocious acts, while strangers claiming to be druids strive to entangle Nicodemus in their own disputable prophecies. Vicious deaths follow the protagonist in every step he takes, while he tries to uncover the truth about himself.

“Spellwright” is an action-packed fantasy following the growth of Nicodemus and his reconciliation with himself and his talents. Although the book can hardly be classified as a coming-of-age novel (as the main character is beyond the age limit) I definitely got that unmistakable feel of self-doubt and low-esteem, so cherished in literature. Do not draw the wrong conclusions, though, as Blake Charlton’s debut is certainly a must-read for everyone who cannot breathe without a healthy dose of magic, wizards and… lots of magic.

To my astonishment, Charlton’s magical system is even more thrilling than Brandon Sanderson’s bizarre (and cute by comparison) experiments *my opinion, guys*. The world of “Spellwright” is heavily suffused with magic that is written in the form of prose in a variety of languages. There are those that influence material objects and those that shape the metaphysical. The possibilities are endless and the author has fully and successfully exploited the concepts of written magic. Gargoyles that are equivalents of magically-rendered robots, clay and metal golems carrying their creator’s spirit, voracious magical dragons, creatures infesting the imagination of a child, disembodied gods – all are here and wander the streets of Starhaven. It is impossible to fully explain without giving away too much, but I believe that Blake Charlton has created one of the most unique magical systems in fantasy fiction.

Besides, “Spellwright” features a cast of some mature-acting and convincingly shrewd heroes whose adventures are thoroughly enjoyable. The characterization of the author is excellent and his main protagonist, Nicodemus, is extremely amiable. Moreover, I found the compact and intelligent prose of Charlton very satisfying. All in all, the first installment in Blake Charlton’s trilogy is well-worth the time.

There are, of course, flaws with the stereotyped plot and the infodumps that practically litter the pages of the book. These I can easily let pass as insubstantial, but the biggest disappointment in the novel was the ending. After the climatic and epic battle that can be anticipated from the very beginning, Charlton has decided to add a dozen or so totally redundant (in my humble opinion) pages that hardly contribute to the story. Nevertheless, “Spellwright” is one of the best fantasy books I have read this year. An intriguing main character, a badass villain with more power than it is healthy, a totally original magical system that allows for epic power struggles and a couple of unexpected plot twists – this book will sweep you away.

My final verdict: 8,9/10

Сряда вечер 04

2010-08-18T23:38:00.001+03:00

Мина още една седмица и ето че блогът ми навърши едномесечие! *зазвучават фанфари*

Надявам се, че всеки посетител на блога (е, ако не всеки, поне повечето) е открил нещо полезно и интересно.

P.S. И макар че миналата седмица никой не ме поздрави обратно (ех, мързел), аз не се отказвам. Затова и сега ви предлагам една приятна и разпускаща песен на Aqualung. Enjoy! :)

[Review]The Summoning, Kelley Armstrong

2010-08-17T20:07:00.003+03:00

След прочитането на „Град от кости” на Касандра Клеър (ревюто ми можете да видите тук) се оказа, че лековатите, но все пак ка-чествено написани фентъзи творби се отразяват изключително добре на цвъртящия ми от жега мозък в тази августовска мараня. Затова едва ли ще изненадам някого с това ревю на книгата „The Summoning” от австралийската писателка Кели Армстронг, добре известна с ърбан фентъзи поредицата си „The Women of the Otherworld”. Вселената, съз-дадена от авторката, е населена не само с познатите митични създания (всички знаем кои), но и теле-кинетични духове, некроманти, шамани и пиромани, образите на които са свежа глътка сред гмежта от полуфабрикати с вампири и върколаци.

Всъщност „The Summoning” е първи том от трилогията “Darkest Powers” и по думите на авторката е едва началото на серия от YA приключения в ърбан сетинга й. Историята ни запраща в Бъфало, където главната 15-годишна героиня Клоуи Сандърс мечтае да е нормална. Но, разбира се, срещите с момчета и учебният процес са последният й проблем, докато цяло ято от духове я тормози. Изпратена в Лайл Хаус, институция за проблемни тийнейджъри, с диагноза шизофрения, Клоуи стъпка по стъпка открива своите некромантски сили и разбира, че мястото, което обитава, крие повече тайни, отколкото е подозирала.

Заобиколена от юноши с необясними сили, главната героиня е въвлечена в опасна игра на котка и мишка, като най-голямата награда в случай на победа би бил животът й. Когато преследваната от полтъргайст Лиз е отведена в болница заради неконтролируемите си пристъпи, Клоуи се моли, че новата й приятелка ще се излекува. Но не очаква, че едва ден след това един нов дух ще се появи в къщата. Изплашена и изпълнена със съмнения относно бъдещето си, главната героиня и съквартирантите й в Лайл Хаус решават да вземат нещата в свои ръце.

По мое мнение в първа част на „Darkest Powers” Кели Армстронг е събрала най-добрите черти на жанра и ги е оформила в една малка и много симпатична вуду кукла. Въпреки че е донякъде повърхностен относно сюжет, романът определено има предимство пред много други предложения от ърбан и YA фентъзи жанра. Авторката е придала на всеки от персонажите, обитаващи Лайл Хаус, индивидуалност и те са развити в достатъчна степен, като се има предвид, че това е първа част от поредица. С големи адмирации се ползва главната героиня Клоуи, която е типичната беззащитна героиня с боен дух. Кели Армстронг е придала вътрешните съмнения и конфликти по перфектен начин и четейки, не можах да не симпатизирам на Клоуи. Второстепенните персонажи, както споменах, са също добре развити и се държат съвсем адекватно (за тийнейджъри).

За жалост, „The Summoning” страда от някои често срещани проблеми с YA литературата – предвидимост и клишираност. Освен това, на моменти действието се развива прекалено бързо и не можах да не си помисля колко по-добре би било, ако авторката беше развила някои идеи с повече подробности. Откъм задължителните атрибути за жанра, романът е достатъчно умерен, за да допадне и на най-яростния противник на романтично пърхане с мигли. Допадна ми и фактът, че Кели Армстронг много силно е застъпила чувството за несигурност и надвиснала опасност, което държи в напрежение до самия край.

За финал, книгата е идеална за всеки търсач на леко четиво в лятната задуха и е достатъчно добре написана, за да не разочарова. „The Summoning” следва добре известната схема с някои неочаквани обрати тук-там и представя една интересна история за страха от неизвестното, отстояването на собственото мнение и за опасността от новите познанства.

Оценка: 7/10

Най-очаквани книги Vol.3

2010-08-17T15:56:00.006+03:00

Първа част
Втора част
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Ето че дойде време за поредната порция превюта на разнообразни по жанр предстоящи заглавия. На първо място застава американската писателка Кейт Елиът, известна на запад с трилогията „Crossroads” и поредицата „Crown of Stars”, които са отлични примери за епично фентъзи с фокус върху персонажи и сетинг. Книгата, с която ще ви запозная сега, е първа част от новия проект на авторката и се казва „Cold Magic”. Романът, съвсем в стила на Елиот, е епично фентъзи, но с явен стриймпънк привкус. Историята се развива на фона на псевдо-Викторианска, постиндустриална Европа, изпълнена с дирижабли, газови лампи и голяма социална и политическа суматоха, както и вездесъщата борба на живот и смърт между магия и технология.

И макар битката да изглежда предрешена, една революция не може напълно да изкорени традициите. Непочтителната и свободо-мислеща Катрин е част от тази революция, обучавайки се в тайните на новата наука, но е напълно невежа относно магията, която продължава да просмуква света. Всичко това се променя, когато главната героиня е принудена да се омъжи за напълно непознат магьосник и да предприеме пътешествие през скована от лед земя, където опасности дебнат навсякъде, а враговете й следят всяка нейна стъпка... Първи том от трилогията „Spiritwalker” на Кейт Елиът излиза на 9ти септември. Повече информация може да откриете в уебсайта на авторката.

Второто предложение е романът „Reckless” на Корнелия Функе, добре известната авторка на „Мастилено сърце”. Вдъхновен от приказките на братя Грим, романът проследява Джейкъб Реклес, който от години преминава през таен портал и прекарва времето си в безкрайни дъбрави, обитавани от вещици, феи и джуджета. Свят на приключения и магия, който изглежда безопасен. Джейкъб обаче не успява да запази тайната си и един ден малкият Уил го проследява... Проклятия, тъмна магия и любов, както и една приказка, която ще промени съдбините на главните герои очакват читателите на YA фентъзи романа на Корнелия Функе. „Reckless” излиза на американския пазар на 14ти септември.

Повече информация, интервюта с авторката, както и много-обещаващата първа глава от книгата може да намерите в официалния сайт на Корнелия Функе.

И за един грандиозен финал на статията – „The Complete Lyonesse” от Джак Ванс, авторът на цикъла „The Dying Earth”, както и на издадената на български поредица „Планетата на приключенията”. Изданието е омнибус на трилогията „Lyonesse”, може би най-успешната фентъзи поредица на Ванс, за третата част на която авторът печели World Fantasy Award. И макар че книгите са издадени през 90-те, новата опаковка ще привлече още фенове на този автор.

Островите – древната страна, където рицарството и кралството на феите все още процъфтяват. Страна на мистериозна красота, епични приключения и потайна магия. Кралства водят войни, а враждебно настроени магьосници измислят лукави планове. Това е място, където както принцеси, така и обикновени хора могат да бъдат забъркани в политически игри и в търсенето на Граала.

Очаквайте „The Complete Lyonesse” на 26ти август.

[Review]Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson

2010-08-15T14:45:00.003+03:00

In a very short period of time the prose of Brandon Sanderson has soared to the heights of fantasy fiction. One of his latest novels is “Warbreaker” which, once more, does not disappoint and has the potential to attract even more staunch members of the author’s fan club. The plot of the book focuses on the intertwined fates of three main characters and is further strengthened by a solid setting and an unbelievably original magical system.

Lightsong is a god who questions his divinity and whiles away time in sarcasm and wry humor leveled at the more civil (yet rather overindulged) gods from the pantheon. Sensing the false security of his secluded world, the constant manipulation and lies of the priests, Lightsong starts questioning his privileged position and ask himself whether this temple of his is not just an overly comfortable prison. In Idris, far away from the court of gods, where modesty is a virtue and colorful clothing is strictly forbidden, two princesses reverse their positions and are forced to deal with the consequences. The elderly and mature Vivenna has spent all her life preparing for a wedding with the dreaded king of a rival country. But when her lively and guileless sister Siri is sent in her stead, the fastidious and clinically calm princess decides to act on her own and finds herself overwhelmed with responsibilities and encircled by foes. Siri, though frustrated and unnerved by this new world of tasteless colors and endless intrigues, is not a little girl anymore and she weaves an intricate scheme to deceive those foolish enough to underestimate her.

As in all of Sanderson’s previous works, magic plays a pivotal role in the setting of “Warbreaker”. The author has created a system based on colors, their intensity and hue being of utmost importance. In this world, every person has at least a single Breath, the so-called BioChroma, which enables them to discern one color from the other. The more Breaths one possesses, the more capable of influencing the environment he becomes. All in all, the magical system enables the author to describe dynamic battles that well rival those in “Mistborn” and with the progress of the story, the reader witnesses some spectacular displays of BioChroma.

Nonetheless, the strength of “Warbreaker” is not this fabulously described magical system, but the interaction between protagonists, their clashing worldviews that make the novel consistent and plausible. Through the frequent change of characters’ view point, Brandon Sanderson has managed to flesh out individuals that are part of a society and a hierarchy. As a result, our stubborn heroes are well-developed in terms of demeanor and peculiarities. Rarely do I encounter characters that last beyond the end of a book, that are unique and subject to drastic change.

Of course, there are some minor ones that have been thrown into the novel with an exact purpose and therefore seriously lack decent background and motivation. Nevertheless, “Warbreaker” is undoubtedly an excellent continuation of Brandon Sanderson’s domination in the fantasy genre. No matter how hard I try to find fault with an aspect of his writing, there is none. Persevering characters, an elaborate storyline with unexpected plot twists and magic that drains out color are just little shreds of what a reader encounters in this richly detailed world of intrigue, betrayal and love.

My final verdict: 9/10

[Review]The Warded Man, Peter V. Brett

2010-08-13T21:28:00.007+03:00

Cover of the British edition

“The Warded Man” (in the UK also known as “The Painted Man”) is the debut novel of American writer Peter V. Brett, who has successfully mixed the murky darkness of dark fantasy with the coming-of-age feel derived from the young adult fantasy genre. Fortunately for readers of all ages, the author has managed to pen down a novel that is vigorously headed toward the masterpiece category and intends to stay there.

The world in “The Warded Man” is reduced to a scorched heap of past glory and scattered knowledge, its inhabitants lacking both the determination and skill to drive away the endless hordes of demons rising from the Core each day after dusk, pillaging and murdering any living soul not warded sufficiently against them. In this setting of ceaseless fear, of bodies consumed by fire and demons feasting on human flesh, three children are given the power to change the destiny of all men.

Arlen, hotheaded and stubborn, witnesses his own father cowering away while demons tear his mother’s skin. Escaping the cramped place he used to call home, the boy sets out on a vindictive adventure marked with blood, demon’s poison and lost knowledge. Arlen vows to never again let the demons take away anything from him, but does not understand that the fires within can consume him as surely as any demon from the Core.

Blooming with suppressed beauty, Leesha’s simple life is destroyed with the aid of an ugly rumour run amok in her secluded village. Betrayed and hurt, she finds herself an apprentice to a fearful hag who is dead serious in her attempts to teach the unyielding girl a craft as helpful to friends as it is venomous to foes. Our third unsuspecting hero-in-the-making knows nothing of the outside world until his safe haven is burnt to ashes and with it the innocence of youth. Taken as an aide by a bard, the boy discovers a melodious talent that can turn the tide of any war.

These are the three main characters Peter V. Brett has created in order to give life to his dark world and to be honest, he is extremely good at it. Throughout the novel, the reader is able to see their development as they shake away the delusions of youth and grow into strong individuals, whose talents one day will unleash the fury of mankind on the bloodthirsty demons and once again claim the night. The plot is fast-paced, action-driven, as the author periodically changes the point of view. Moreover, “The Warded Man” is suffused with details, which shows the extent to which Peter Brett has mastered the worldbuilding techniques needed to give the necessary scope to his debut novel.

However, I found the inspiration behind the people of Krasia too obvious and unnerving at times. Furthermore, some of the secondary protagonists are barely sketched and are in a desperate need of further development. I also found the black-and-white concept of the setting a bit naive and the plot barely a whisper from being too predictable. Despite these flaws, the story flows easily, the characters are likeable and the reader is easily swept into this world thick with fear and hope and survival.

In conclusion, “The Warded Man” is one of the my favourites this year. With the sequel already out, the next days of my life will be spent reeling in this world of demons and demon hunters.

My final verdict: 8/10