A New World/Kindle Review

A New World

-          Patrick Ness

Kindle Version

This review is split in two – a review of the story itself and a second review of reading with a kindle.

In this dramatic prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking Trilogy, author Patrick Ness gives us the story of Viola's journey to the New World.

A New World is a short prequel story to the Chaos Walking trilogy (excellent books - so much more than a children’s story – so many shades of grey – please check them out starting with The Knife of Never-Letting Go).  It covers the events leading up to Viola’s crash landing and entry into Todd’s world. While it doesn’t add much that isn’t mentioned during the course of the trilogy, it does add more to Viola’s motivations throughout the novels especially regarding her determination to never give up hope. I’m not sure how much it would mean to anyone who hasn’t re ad the trilogy – at best it’s a great teaser trailer for books and if you’ve already read the trilogy then you really need no encouragement to pick this up – especially as it’s free either on the Amazon kindle site or on Patrick Ness’s website. It’s not a long story but I enjoyed a brief revisit to that world and it had me thinking about re-reading the trilogy, even though I only finished it a few months ago.

This was the first thing I read on the kindle (other than the user guide!) and i have to say I’m really impressed. At first I was a little worried that the kindle is so light I would be throwing it around, but after a while I got used to the lack of weight and loved the fact I could hold it in one hand – especially useful for reading while eating! All the hype surrounding the non-glare is true – it looks and feels like paper rather than an i-phone or DS and there is no backlight which means you can’t read it in the dark, just like paper. I showed it to a few people and they all immediately tried to scroll through the pages using the screen – until I pointed out that it’s not a touch screen. (It’s amazing how quickly everyone has got used to touch screens like the i-phone so quickly!) The kindle was easy to set up and it wasn’t long before I was able to download books – the hard thing is remembering that these books cost money just like paper books! My favourite thing about reading with the kindle is how once you settle in, you forget you’re even reading and are transported to the world you’re reading about.  

So now I’m all digital, am I going to forget about the old-fashioned paper books? Short answer is no. I still have nearly 80 books on my TBR-pile to get through and I still have all my favourites in hardcopy. What the kindle will do is help me save space – especially as my new flat hasn’t got that library room (one day!). I think with the series I’m already reading I’ll continue to purchase hardcopies so I can have the full series in one format. But all new series and one-offs I will try to get in digital format – especially as most of them seem to be cheaper at the moment (or at the least the books I’m interested in!).

Recommend A New World for fans of the Chaos Walking trilogy and people who want a taste of one of the best children’s trilogies since Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials. 7 out of 10

Recommend a kindle so all those who enjoy reading but are fed up of carrying bricks around with you. 10 out of 10

Death's Mistress Review

Death’s Mistress (Dorina Basarab 2)

-          Karen Chance

Publisher: UK – Penguin

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir - half-human, half-vampire - and the only way she can stay sane is by unleashing her sometimes uncontrollable rage on demons and vampires that deserve killing. After the fortunate demise of her insane uncle Dracula, Dory is back home in Brooklyn, hoping that life will calm down for a while. But then two visitors arrive: her friend Claire, asking for Dory's help in finding a magical Fey relic, and the gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare, desperate to find his former mistress, a vampire named Christine. Dory and Louis-Cesare soon discover their problems may be connected: the same master vampire Christine is bound to is also rumored to be in possession of the relic. But they soon realize there's more at stake when Christine's master turns up dead. Someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if Dory and Louis-Cesare can't stop the murderer, they may be next . . .

The second Dory book, a spin-off series set in the same universe as Karen Chance’s Cassie Palmer series, continues to take the half vampire, half human off-spring of Vampire Senator, Mircea into the depths of vampire and fay politics. Dory rarely stops in this fast paced adventure as she rushes around trying to locate the missing fay rune, Louis-Cesare and how to save those closest to her. But it’s not just action – there’s plenty of character development with Dory’s relationships to the men in her life deepening. She learns more about her father and why he keeps his distance as well as drawing closer to Louis-Cesare.

I really enjoyed this book. As with the first Dory book, Midnight’s Daughter (reviewed here), there is a more linear plot than with the Cassie Palmer books which are more like chapters of a longer story. This means that there is a satisfying beginning, middle and end to the book which makes a nice change from many series which have so many ongoing plot points you start to think the author has no idea how to end it. There is action, there is romance, there is a mystery regarding who stole the rune that keeps you guessing pretty much until the last page. The pace just picks you up and carries along and it is a fun. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Dory and Louis-Cesare.

Recommended for fans of Cassie Palmer and Devon Monk. 9 out of 10.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner Review

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

-          Stephanie Meyer

Publisher: UK –Atom

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the riveting story of Bree Tanner, a vampire first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the world she inhabits. The novella chronicles the journey of members of the newborn vampire army from their preparations to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullen family to its unforgettable conclusion.

I have to admit to having read all four Twilight books and finding mildly diverting. The first one, Twilight especially reminded me of the Vampire Diaries that I read as a teen and I merely thought it was an update of the same type of story – although with a wimpier female lead and less charismatic vampire. As you might be able to tell I’m not a massive Twilight fan which is why I didn’t rush out to buy this book but borrowed it from a friend.

This short novella is based on a character that is seen briefly in Eclipse, the third Twilight book – a character that I didn‘t really remember when the fuss over a ‘new’ twilight book was in full force, such was her impact on me originally. In Eclipse, Bree is only a short scene at the end, more for an explanation over what had happened off-screen, than a character in her own right. SO I was pleasantly surprised to find Bree a more engaging lead than I was expecting – I especially liked her development throughout from a near mindless blood lust vamp to a person willing to risk her own life to go after someone she cares about. Some of the other vampires are very intriguing – Fred especially has an interesting power and I like the way he learned to use it, while Diego seemed to be the most ‘human’ and Bree’s interaction with both is the driving force behind her character ‘coming of age’ by the end of the novel.

However, I’m not sure if you haven’t already read Eclipse if this novella will make sense – I’m reading from an aspect of knowing why the vampires are after their enemies but if you didn’t I suspect the story raises more questions than it answers. Bree certainly find out the whole truth by the end.

Taken on its own, Bree Tanner is diverting enough vampire story with some interesting thoughts on a newborn’s life and the continuing impact a maker has such newborns. I’m not sure if it adds much to the Twilight story but it was pleasantly diverting few hours. I’m glad I didn’t pay for the book but was able to read it as borrowed book – not sure it’s worth the hardback price.

A must for Twilight fans I suppose and interesting for those who hate Bella & Edward – just to see what else Stephanie Meyer is capable of writing. 6 out of 10.

Books Remembered #4: Scott O'Dell's The Island of Blue Dolphins

This is a feature where I reminisce about books or even series that I read over and over again. Or even a book read once that changed the way I looked at life. It can be a book from childhood or a modern series I just can’t get enough off. It’s not a review of the book(s) but merely remembering the impact it had on me and how it’s shaped my reading habits and likes –what made that book(s) memorable. Feel free to join in with your own books remembered.

I never owned a copy of The Island of Blue Dolphins but Scott O’Dell, but it was probably the book I checked out of my local library the most. The basic premise is based on a true story of a whole tribe who were relocated off their island in the late 19th century/early 20th century. As they are sailing off the dead chief’s daughter sees that her younger brother has been left behind on the island and the ship wouldn’t turn round her him, so she jumps of the ship and swims to shore to look after him. She is only in her early teens at this time. However, shortly after this her brother dies and she is left alone. The Ship never returns for her.

However through various adventures as she learns to live on island. This was the original independent tough heroine for me. She learns how to fish, forage and fend for herself on an island deserted of human contact for years. At one point she builds a raft and attempts to leave island but as the island is based in the pacific she just ends back at the island.

Throughout the whole book the heroine doesn’t spend much time crying or bemoaning her lot; she gets on with it. She knows that the only thing or person that will change her circumstances is herself and she makes those changes. Most of books I read now have a kick-ass heroine who saves the day and this is where my fascination for this type of character comes from. While short, the books covers years as she grows into a young woman. Her only company are the local wild dogs – who are more foe than friend. For some reason this story as always stayed with me. The idea of this girl growing up alone spoke to me – I guess we all feel alone growing up but she truly was. More than that, she survived and even thrived under those circumstances.

I understand it’s the 50 year anniversary this year since The Island of Blue Dolphins was original released...I think I’ll get my hands on a copy – just to keep her company one more time.

If you liked this feature, check out previous entries:
Books Remembered #1: Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles
Books Remembered #2: The Magic Faraway Tree
Books Remembered #3: Christopher Pike's Sati

On My Wish List #8

This is a meme from Book Chick City. There are so many books out there that I want to read that this is the only way I keep track! I seem to be doing themed wishists so this week it's Urban Fantasy Books...

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress 2) - Jeaniene Frost

Publisher : UK - Gollancz (May 2010 in UK)

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind. Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps together, side by side, to the reckless passion that consumed them. But having a price on her head - wanted: dead or half-alive - means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and Bones won't let her get away again.

Having finished Halfway to the Grave, the first in the Night Huntress series (review here), I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. I hope Bones doesn't give up to easily!

Mind Games - Carolyn Crane

Publisher: US - Spectra (March 2010)

Mind Games heroine Justine Jones isn't your typical kick-ass type - she’s a hopeless hypochondriac whose life is run by fear. She's lured into a restaurant, Mongolian Delites, by tortured mastermind Sterling Packard, who promises he can teach her to channel her fears. In exchange, she must join his team of disillusionists - vigilantes hired by crime victims to zing their anxieties into criminals, resulting in collapse and transformation. Justine isn't interested in Packard's troupe until she gets a taste of the peace he can promise. Soon she enters the thrilling world of neurotic crime fighters who battle Midcity’s depraved and paranormal criminals. Eventually, though, she starts wondering why Packard hasn’t set foot outside the Mongolian Delites restaurant for eight years. And about the true nature of the disillusionists.

This is the first of a planned trilogy. The story appeals to me - I like my heroines who are vulnerable plus the cover is quite cool!

Vicious Circle - Linda Robertson
Publisher: Pocket Books (June 2009)

Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcmedi gets by between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full -- even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends -- werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them.

I haven't really heard a lot about this book or the rest of the Persephone Alcmedi series but I picked it up in Waterstones and like the back cover. I read the first couple of pages and enjoyed the writing but for some reason I didn't buy it. I couldn't get it out of my head and when I went back it was gone with no other copies in store! So on my wishlist it goes... 

And that's what's on my wishlist this week - what's on yours?

Book Blogger Hop #3

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books  and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! 

This weeks question: What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any? Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine, or something else?

 

I don't really do much drinking while reading as the majority of my reading is done on the train on the way to the office. Occasionally I'll pick up a coffee on the way - especially if it's Christmas time and I get hold of an eggnog latte from Starbucks! If I'm at home I generally have a glass of water on the go. Not the most interesting answer! What do you drink while reading? :)

 

 

Marked (House of Night) Review

Marked (House of Night 1)

         - PC and Kristin Cast

Publisher: UK – Atom

When sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird gets Marked as a fledgling vampire she must join the House of Night school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change. But Zoe is no ordinary fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the Goddess Nyx and discovers her amazing new power to conjure the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. When Zoey discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look within herself to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampire friends.

The House of Night phenomenon has largely passed me by up until now. What finally got me to pick up a book wasn’t all the hype surrounding the novels but PC Cast’s Parthelon series which I read earlier this year and adored. So what did I think of Marked, the first of the ongoing House of Night series? It was okay. It definitely feels like it’s aimed at younger readers and I think if I read this when I was a teen I would have loved it. However, I’m not. As such, I found some of the characters behaviour a little juvenile and well, teen. This isn’t a bad thing – after all they are sixteen. Between mother and daughter, PC and Kristin Cast have teen vernacular and speaking patterns down.  But it’s been a while since I’ve had to worry about the bitchy clique in school and as such I found it hard to emphasise with the characters. It reminds me of the boarding school books I used to read - Trebizon and St Clares.

As ever PC Casts writing flows easily and I can easily picture the school, the marks on the 'vampryes' and Zoey’s life. Although on a couple of occasions I did feel a little preached at regarding teens taking drugs and drinking, behaviour to gays and underage sex – Zoey seems a little too goody-two-shoes regarding these issues. There seems to be plenty of story left to mine in furture books – Aphrodite’s visions, Nyx’s instructions, the ‘ghosts’ of the dead students  and this intrigues me enough that I might pick up book two, Betrayed, some time, but I’m not rushing out for it today.

Recommended for fans of Vampire Diaries books and Christopher Pike’s The Last Vampire. 6.5 out of 10