This book surprised me. I don't know what I was suspecting--a straight up sci-fi romance--but I didn't suspect a novel that was, ultimately, about griThis book surprised me. I don't know what I was suspecting--a straight up sci-fi romance--but I didn't suspect a novel that was, ultimately, about grief. It had Anne McCaffrey's authorial style and signature all over it, and even though it had that dated quality that old sci-fi from the 60s has, I can see why it' so well-loved a book....more
A good, solid book of writing advice presented in a clever format. Great for both newbies and for those of us who have been working at this for a whilA good, solid book of writing advice presented in a clever format. Great for both newbies and for those of us who have been working at this for a while. I only found it a little odd that a lot of his storytelling examples were drawn from classic movies instead of novels. While there is some crossover in technique, they are still different narrative mediums and perhaps using examples from novels would have been more effective in teaching the reader how to break down other novels in a similar fashion.
Still, it's a great read, a lot of fun and very helpful....more
Sometimes, reading a book about characters you love and hurt for and worry about is like inviting a dragon to eat your heart and thanking him for it. Sometimes, reading a book about characters you love and hurt for and worry about is like inviting a dragon to eat your heart and thanking him for it. A worthy sequel to its predecessor, and I can't wait to read more when they come out!...more
This was an interesting take on "Beauty and the Beast," but I was not as impressed by this as by Napoli's "Crazy Jack." I think there was too much of This was an interesting take on "Beauty and the Beast," but I was not as impressed by this as by Napoli's "Crazy Jack." I think there was too much of an abundance of Persian/Arabic words, which broke the flow of the text as they had to be defined. It kept pushing me out of the protagonist's head as he kept making asides to define these words. Using occasional words that are particular to that culture or don't map easily to an English word (such as "the wind of roses") can be done well. But when even words like greyhound and garlic are translated into another language, and the protagonist has to define two to four words a page, it starts taking away from the story. I just feel that the language thing could have been handled more cleanly.
The flow improved once the main character became a lion and was taken out of his home. The translated words happened much less frequently and the story picked up. I also like how Napoli created a Belle who was very deep and very much her own person, even though we only see her from Orasmyn's perspective. The story also highlights how tense and problematic their relationship is--especially by making Orasmyn fully an animal who cannot speak and who does not have hands. A very different take than the Disney version, where Beast was temperamental, strong and violent, but where you were never afraid that he might just up and devour Belle....more
This book started off fast and just kept ratcheting up the tension and intensity throughout. I could not put this book down, even as it became harder This book started off fast and just kept ratcheting up the tension and intensity throughout. I could not put this book down, even as it became harder to read about everything that was happening to these characters I've come to love and respect. I can't wait to read the final book, but at the same time, I think my heart needs a break from all the wringing....more
This book's dust jacket blurb was so quirky and deliciously odd that I had to pick it up! It was a bit slow going at first (mainly because I'm moving This book's dust jacket blurb was so quirky and deliciously odd that I had to pick it up! It was a bit slow going at first (mainly because I'm moving so I didn't have a lot of reading time), but it really grew on me by the end. I'm curious to see where the rest of the books go....more
A nice solid follow up to the first book. I love the characters, and Sanderson is adept at constantly shifting the ground beneath the characters' feetA nice solid follow up to the first book. I love the characters, and Sanderson is adept at constantly shifting the ground beneath the characters' feet. The sheer number of plots eventually devolved into 'Four lines, all waiting,' but other than that it was a very solid sequel with a nice twist at the end that managed to surprise, even as the clues were laid out from the beginning....more
A lovely historical YA fantasy. It definitely felt rooted in its historical period (England under the rule of Cromwell). The pacing felt a little unevA lovely historical YA fantasy. It definitely felt rooted in its historical period (England under the rule of Cromwell). The pacing felt a little uneven at times, but overall it was an enjoyable read....more
A very lovely, well-done story. I am eager to continue the trilogy! I love how Nix juxtaposes the magical Old Kingdom with a World War I-era fantasy wA very lovely, well-done story. I am eager to continue the trilogy! I love how Nix juxtaposes the magical Old Kingdom with a World War I-era fantasy world, and plays with the idea of the 'border' between worlds. I also love the relationship between Sabriel and her father....more
A fun book, but it started going downhill after the second-act twist. I know this was originally written as a play, and it kind of shows, because it fA fun book, but it started going downhill after the second-act twist. I know this was originally written as a play, and it kind of shows, because it feels heavily padded. I loved the characters and the plot, but after a point the book became about 20% action/dialogue and 80% melodramatic, extremely repetitive internal monologue. I'm used to older books moving at a slower pace, but the repetitiveness was what I found difficult. We know what Marguerite is feeling, but after the 20th time she tells us, and her feelings haven't changed and the plot hasn't moved in the meantime, it gets a bit boring.
Still, I loved the characters and when it's good, it's a whole lotta fun :) I just wish the downtime didn't feel so plodding....more
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