Alishenai

11/4/09 08:40 pm - 2010 to-read list

The following is my 2010 to-read list:
( to-read list )

Leave a comment

11/2/09 12:44 pm - Tithe: A Modern Fairy Tale

Warning: This contains spoilers

Title: Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 336
My Rating: 1/ 5
Summary: Kaye discovers that she is a changeling, a fairy offspring secrectly witched by members of the Seelie court with a human offspring.
What I liked: I liked the realism in the way teenagers are presented in the novel. I also liked that this book explored dysfunctional families and dreams which will never become true.
What I disliked: I thought that the cover art was terrible. I also disliked the characters, expecially Kaye. I didn't even feel sorry for Janet when she died. I also felt that the storyline dragged a bit.
Would I recommend it? No
Other novels that I've read by this author: Novels 1, 2 & 3 of the Spiderwick chronicles (I didn't like them much either).

The strange thing is that although I did not like the book much I still would like to read the sequeals Valliant and Ironside. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that each book has a new set of characters.

Tags: fantasy

Leave a comment

10/12/09 09:00 am - Amazons

Title: On the Trail of Women Warriors: The Amazons in Myth and History
Author: Lyn Webster Wilde
Pages: 240 pages (hardcover)
Rating: 4/5
Summary: This book explores the possible facts and fiction behind the facinating Amazons.
What I liked: I thought that the information was very well researched. Wilde included maps of possible Amazon locations as well as photos of Amazons in ancient artworks. I also liked the way that Wild provided an overview of various cultures associated with the Amazon legend in an open-minded, thoughtfull manner. In particular I found it facinating that there really were women warriors during the Bronze Age period which may have inspired the creations of the Amazons.
What I disliked: I think that although Wilde did a good job at researching various stories which may have inspired the creation of the Amazons, some of these stories seemed far too long-winded or very unlikely to actually be considered as a possible "evidence." There were also some chapters which I think were unneccessary -such as the chapters which explored some of the famous Greek Gods. Therefore I think that this book could have been a lot shorter than it was.
Would I reccomend it?: I would reccomend this book to anyone who is interested in Amazon's or warrrior women because unlike most authors who write about this subject Wilde does not pretend that the Amazons ever existed -- she simply explores the possible inpirations behind their creations.
Other books that I have read by this author: None.

Tags: non-fic

Leave a comment

9/28/09 02:28 pm - Over Sea, Under Stone

Title: Over Sea, Under Stone
Author: Susan Cooper
Pages: ?
My Rating: 2.5/ 5
Summary: Over Sea, Under Stone is the first novel in the Dark is Rising Series by Susan Cooper. The story follows the adventures of Simon, Jane and Barney, who discover an ancient map whilst on a holiday at Cornwell. The children realize that there is Latin writing on the map. Simon is able to translate bit's of the map and together the children realize that the map is somehow related to King Arthur. However, it's not until the children reveal the map to Merry that they discover that the map actually leads to the grail. The rest of the story revolves around the three children and Merry trying to find the grail whilst at the same time trying to protect it from the mysterious enemy who will do anything to get it.
What I liked: I liked the fact that the children had to discover the grail by themselves using only the clues on the map. The reason why I point this out in particular is becuase too many fantasy novels/ series involve children using magic or magical items to be able to achieve their goals.
What I disliked: I found that the novel was a little too childish however it can be argued that this was because the main characters were young children so this can easilly be dismissed. I also didn't like the character's Simon and Jane. I disliked Simon because he was too smug and was always insulting the others and I disliked Jane because she was stupid and annoying.
Would I recommend it? Yes. This novel is suitable for anyone to read.
Other novels that I've read by this author: none.