A fitting end to a greatly enjoyable series. As ever Kellen and Reichis find themselves in great peril and must use all their wits, strength and friendships to make it through. I really loved that the main character didn’t have special gifts; he was the opposite of the chosen one, and his journey and growth were more about confidence and wisdom than the attaining of skills or gifts. It is very funny and full of heart.
In the early 20th century January Scaller lives in a great house full of treasures, a ward to Mr Locke for whom her father works. One day she finds a book that tells an extraordinary tale of other worlds, and January is drawn out of her sheltered life and into great danger and adventure. With a story within a story, it reminded me of The Starless Sea( though a little less convoluted and grown-up), and it had elements of Sorcerer to the Crown as well (though not as funny), both favourites of mine. It is beautifully atmospheric, gorgeously imaginative, and gently romantic, with strong female characters, loyal friends (including a dog) frightening villains, and and an intriguing mystery.
Paul Atreides is fifteen when he moves with his royal family to the desert planet Arrakis, full of danger and ‘spice’, a drug of great value. Many possible futures open up before him as he must navigate the physical, emotional, and spiritual terrain. Dune is a tense, action-packed and atmospheric adventure about politics, religion, climate, legend, and power. The characters are engaging, the world-building immersive and fascinating, and the conclusion satisfying enough to be stand-alone, though it is part of a series. The audiobook is well done, though it does have some quirks (sometimes characters are voiced by separate actors and at other times just by the narrator, with a different accent) and I did often wonder about the spelling of names, but that’s probably only going to bother me.
Marian is a pilot who wishes to circumnavigate the globe over both north and south poles. Her journey is just a small part of this novel as it traces her entire life. I enjoyed Marion’s story through prohibition America, WWII and her relationships. We are also introduced to Hadley a fallen Hollywood star who is chosen to play Marian in a film. As I was reading through the story I thought Hadley’s story did not add anything to the novel, but by the ending it all made sense. At times uncomfortable to read and although Marian was not a character I entirely loved it was an interesting journey.
Two boys are on the run from a small town in Wisconsin. The story builds as we follow them through the wilderness. But the story is more than that, the lives of those who are searching for the boys are also explored. A beautifully told story that made me care and hope for everyone’s happy ending.
Todd Hewitt is the youngest person in his small town, just about to turn thirteen and become a man like everyone else. That’s right, there are no women left, just men who can not only hear each other’s every thought, but also those of the animals. Secrets can still be kept, however, and Todd knows that the town is keeping one from him, and before he can find out what it is, he makes a discovery that will send him running from the town, into adventure. The idea of what life would be like if you could hear men’s thoughts is a fascinating one, as is the that of creating a new society. I really enjoyed this fast-paced ride with endearing characters on a journey towards understanding, and powerful themes of racism, sexism, and colonisation. If you don’t like a cliff-hanger, line up the next book straight away!
Daniel receives a telegram from Sarah – In big trouble. Can you help? We are then taken back in time to 1927 and the dawn of aviation. What follows is a story of adventure, love, scandal, success and failure. An easy, enjoyable historical novel. It was only at the end that I discovered the story began in fact.
We meet Jack and Wynn on their outdoor adventure. They realise a forest fire is burning towards them. To add to the tension a man approaches them claiming his wife is missing. So not only do they have to deal with outrunning a fire, there are added complications. There is a steady tension throughout the story, but was not as big of a thriller as I hoped it might be. It is a story with a strong sense of place and descriptions of canoeing and wilderness.
This is a collection of short stories about Geralt of Rivia, a witcher, or killer of monsters. The television series contains many of the stories in this book, and those in The Last Wish. It’s a little bit bawdy, not as graphic as the television series, but it is also moving, as Geralt and Yennefer struggle to live with the cost of their past, and face their destiny. There is plenty of adventure, fun, romance, and soul searching.
Written in 1722, this is the fictional memoir of a woman born into poverty, and lead into a life of extreme wickedness before repenting and enjoying love and riches in her old age. I found it very interesting to read a book about the lower classes, and the lack of options, particularly for women. It is also a great adventure, full of amazing coincidences, much debauchery, and criminal high jinks.
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