tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25106933017060423532024-03-14T00:18:37.792-07:00Gingerbouf Does BooksRambles of Booky Goodnessgingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-29029938181247785102013-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:002013-08-06T15:19:05.171-07:00MasksSo these are masks that I decorated inspired by my Element characters, four sisters (they don't look alike though, at all. In fact they couldn't look more different from each other) each one representing one of Water, Fire, Earth and Air.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2013/119/4/6/water_masquerade_by_riddle_of_life-d63il4f.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="205" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wryllin - Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/120/7/6/earth_masquerade_by_riddle_of_life-d63mam6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="210" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endorenna - Earth<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="180" src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/202/8/a/air_masquerade_by_riddle_of_life-d6eies4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aranith - Air<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/207/4/b/fire_masquerade_by_riddle_of_life-d6fb4en.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Froeda - Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-4514898930754371362013-08-06T15:13:00.000-07:002013-08-06T15:13:30.919-07:00More Character Profiles from The Never Ending EpicYay, two more profiles up. I don't think I've submitted them here yet...could check. Can't be arsed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/174/9/5/lumi_by_riddle_of_life-d6abzix.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="204" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lumi (previously Tahti)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2013/153/e/1/sora_by_riddle_of_life-d67l346.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2013/153/e/1/sora_by_riddle_of_life-d67l346.png" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-79649924447661479962013-08-06T15:03:00.002-07:002013-08-06T15:08:41.436-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7729938-stormlord-rising" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Stormlord Rising (Watergivers, #2)" border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344265321m/7729938.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7729938-stormlord-rising">Stormlord Rising</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3857639.Glenda_Larke">Glenda Larke</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/677278962">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sigh...another book falls under the weight of being that Awkward Middle Book, the one that doesn't really need to exist but does so that the author can release a trilogy, because heaven forbid anyone go against what's acceptable and write two books, or even one, because obviously it's trilogies people want and we mustgivethepeoplewhattheywant...breathe!!!!<br /><br />I can sum this book up very simply. There was walking, and there was talking and not a lot else, unless you count that any strongish female character from the first book had all their strength leached from them as soon a they smelt a potential mate on the horizon! Relationships that help so much promise just withered, dried leaving naught but a formless husk. It's just so relentlessly vexing when female characters go against their personalities, doing stupid things for the sake of their men folk. If the character is weak to start with then fine, at least she's being true to her nature, but when they were once strong willed, it's galling, the brainless things they'll endure. Remaining a slave in an enemy camp because they can't bear the thought of leaving their husbands behind so they won't escape without them, is one example. I can't even tell you the two things that made this even more infuriating as they could be construed as plot spoilers, but both are very good reasons not to hang about being a slave. We were led to believe in the first book that this particular woman was intelligent, strong, pragmatic and yet she seems to forget all that as soon as her man is in trouble. Every page we have to hear her bemoan her fate, how difficult it is to see him suffer, blah, blah, blah. How it hurts her so blah, blah, blah. Easy solution there love, LEAVE WITHOUT HIM. That may seem harsh, but there is a reason for it but like I said, I don't want to give away any spoilers. The woman from the first book would have done what she needed to do to survive. It would have been difficult, but she would have done it regardless. It was so disappointing to see this simpering (slightly harsh but I can't think of a better word) woman taking her place.<br /><br />Another example. Two characters get thrown together in book 1. Over the course of about three chapters, they start to develop feelings for each other, it's all very rushed and lazily done. In book 2, they go their separate ways, each with their own destiny to fulfil. Well Mr. Man, despite worrying about the lady every page, wanting to know if she's safe, lamenting his broken promises to keep her safe, the wonderings that perhaps his feelings go deeper than friendship, jumps into bed with two other women. Now like I said, they didn't really know each other that well, but because he thinks about her so much, we are led to believe he most likely loves her. So him bedding two other ladies is a bit of a surprise, especially considering he is quite honourable and loyal. It goes completely against his character then that he spares not one thought for this girl he spends a lot of pages mooning over. She doesn't even cross his mind. There's no hint of remorse. Granted they never had any kind of agreement as to their relationship, but Mr.Man knew the girls feelings from an outside source, knew that she probably loved him. Did he care? NOPE!!!! Oh he protested at first, but a pretty face and a bit of transparent flattery and he's on his back. Don't get me wrong, it's not the act that offends. Boys will be boys and I know this isn't the case with all, but a large number think mostly with their penises. It's the fact he didn't feel even slightly guilty with regards to his lady friend. That to me was a severe lack of character continuity and not in keeping with his personality at all.<br />But that's not the worst part. While he's off dipping his wick, his lady is off doing her thing and not having a particularly nice time, all the while worrying that he's in trouble. Half way across the country, she gets a message, asking her to return. Bearing in mind she's had a pretty arduous journey, she does. She thinks he needs her, that he is in fact, in trouble. So at no small amount of pain and suffering to herself, she returns, only to find him reasonably comfortable. He needs her help certainly, but that's only to use her gifts for his own ends (can't say more...spoiler!!! It's not as dastardly as it sounds either. He has reasonably good intentions, the greater good and all that). Then she finds out about one of the women he slept with. He apologises, but in almost the same breath sticks up for the girl, saying she's been through a lot etc, saying this to a girl he knows almost certainly has feelings for him. In his infinite wisdom. He decides it's best not to mention his other dalliance, not out right lying, but that's still not exactly going to endear him to readers.<br />But that's not the worst part. The worst part is that she pretty much just takes it all. She grumbles a bit, moans, but ultimately helps him out, without even a bit of shouting or throwing things...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Since when did this character become such a fucking doormat. 'No, no, you bump uglies with whomever you like, keep secrets, while I sit here day after day working tirelessly to help you not look bad when in fact I've got other stuff I need to do and that by keeping from it is actually causing me pain.' It just made me so mad that she just accepted it with so little fuss.<br /><br />All in all, there were few characters who I liked, mainly because they were generally badly written and inconsistent. That's not to say the writing was bad. The descriptive stuff was fine, a bit too much for my tastes (started skipping paragraphs towards the end I thought weren't integral to the story) it was just the author's characters and their ever changing personalties to suit the story.<br />There was also a lot of repetition. A lot of conversations that seemed to happen more than once. I would read them thinking, 'didn't you guys already talk about this a few pages ago?' Like I mentioned earlier too, if a character had gone through some sort of trauma, we were reminded about it constantly. Now, in real life, yes, people will dwell on the past, especially the bad stuff, but you can't apply that to a book because is just gets boring. Sure, you can't have a character completely forget an event like it had never happened, that wouldn't be realistic, but a few reminders here and there is all you need. A few words, preferably different words so it makes it more readable. A quick, fleeting memory of the past triggered by something in the present. A moment of weakness where the past comes back to haunt. Not paragraphs of samey sounding recollection!!! It's a difficult balance to strike, but the great authors can do it in a way that feels effortless, natural. Everything the characters felt in this book seemed forced upon them. <br /><br />Is this review even making sense?<br /><br />So why three stars instead of two. Simple. Because for some bizarre reason I still needed to know what happened. There's a good story in here somewhere, a lot of it no overly original, but gripping enough to keep me reading. If the characters weren't so bad it would have got more. <br /><br />Apologies for the hideous detail I go in to. It was just these things bugged me soooo much!!! Hopefully I was successful in avoiding spoilers. I honestly don't understand though how the quality has changed from the first book to this. I actually quite liked The Last Stormlord...<br /><br />Annoyingly though, I will need to read the third book. I get the feeling it won't get better...<br /><br />...sigh. Why do I do it to myself?<br /><br />EDIT: I changed it to two stars. I'd given books I liked a lot more the same amount of stars. It didn't seem right
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-11376819071165626872013-07-26T02:46:00.000-07:002013-07-26T02:46:13.988-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6765788-the-last-stormlord" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Last Stormlord (Watergivers, #1)" border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344268251m/6765788.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6765788-the-last-stormlord">The Last Stormlord</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3857639.Glenda_Larke">Glenda Larke</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/677264081">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Finally!!! A decent fantasy series I can get my teeth into. There's plenty here for everyone one to find something they like, from the intriguing story to the wealth of characters and the promise of what is to come. <br /><br />The reason this didn't get five stars is because one, despite being a brilliant storyteller; not getting lost in too much pointless description or overly flowery prose, her relationship building was a little slap dash. You know it's coming, the inevitable meeting, the wondering how their relationship will begin, will they hate each other first, be indifferent, shy?!! I'll admit, I was looking forward to it, hoping for something like the awesomeness that was Damin and Adrina from the Demon Child trilogy. Unfortunately it all happened a little to fast for my tastes. One minute they meet, the next they're noticing each other, sneaking glances, feelings start being felt, then BAM...it's love...or at least they think it is. I'm not that much into romance. I'm not a fan of being promised a good story and getting a sappy love fest instead, but I will admit, I do like a bit of romance on the side. Well built, the kind that makes you smile, makes you feel like you are sharing a good secret. The relationship between Terelle and Shale just felt rushed. I didn't have time to enjoy it, saviour it. But then again there's two more books, so plenty of time for that hopefully.<br />So the second reason this didn't get five stars is that, as ever, I compare every fantasy I read to the aforementioned Demon Child trilogy (my favouritest EVER!!!) and while a really strong contender, this just didn't write make my blood pump, or stomach churn. But then, I don't think anything will. It came pretty darn close though.<br /><br />Thank fuck though that the other two books are available, or that would've have been really annoying!!! Now bring on book 2!!!!
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-35405811470418668362013-05-29T22:50:00.000-07:002013-06-09T14:46:00.719-07:00Why Am I Doing This To Myself?!!!!<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Be Nice To Me!!!! </u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!!!!</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Ok, so against my better judgement (and quite possibly proving that I am insane), I am posting up a snippet, a sneak preview if you will, of the novelish thing that I am working on.<br />
<br />
Now this is really important, so please read...<br />
<u><b>This is a DRAFT!!!!! It is not in any way finished or polished. I am aware that there are grammar errors, that my punctuation looks like it has been done by a five year old etc</b><b>. I am doing this only because a nice person asked me to!!!!</b></u><br />
<u><b>I am NOT LOOKING FOR ANY KIND OF CRITIQUES AS YET as this is a DRAFT and any kind of critiquing would be POINTLESS!!!!!!!!!</b></u><br />
<u><b>Equally, this isn't a tool to fish for compliments. I am not looking for praise (though if you insist on giving it, then that's fine. I won't stop you).</b></u><br />
<u><b>Thank you for reading</b></u><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
Right, let's get this over and done with.<br />
Characters featured are...(to see more artwork, visit <a href="http://riddle-of-life.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">my deviantart account.</a><br />
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<a href="http://riddle-of-life.deviantart.com/art/Raen-369093324"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg9GsPWe1O9jzOw6kdReoa5gwxfmDv_jeJ2lyJBEsKQl-Kyte67-re0EhVaa1RdMHWOsYh82585oCXqPpvfIOEZBj4p4m-wR2EOW2s5psJBrAIffBEqk7yiyDIeXsYqRM-561vBAizlq2/s320/Profile+-+Raen.png" width="204" /></a><span id="goog_884546836"></span><span id="goog_884546837"></span><a href="http://riddle-of-life.deviantart.com/art/Faith-366100293"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKxW28Mm0vF9LpZnqtRtkgRtip-bVxTwJAfFp-h1jMGauUPVtj4jasgO-QfesT-FD9T9Vo2nPMsIJSAvKRKOub32KZ0yh8gjIdvKBNYuudllMsPz2oeMUFXpUWY9B8K6xBo9JsH67rPGv/s320/Profile+-+Faith+2.png" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
Faith was not happy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She was stuck, on
her own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With Raen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">To be fair, Tahti was still with her, but being so small, she didn't really count. Besides, since Arashi's marvellous display of how-to-be-a-butt-holey-dick head, the sprite hadn't
stirred from her spot curled up on Faith's shoulder, gossamer wings tickling her skin in a way that would get irritating very quickly, akin to getting hair stuck up your nose, with no way of retrieving it. So it just sits there, and no matter how many times you forcefully blow air out your nose in hopes of dislodging it, it doesn't budge. Just buzzes against your skin with each breath, reminding you it's still there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With a sigh, Faith settled in for a long wait. She sat on her bed, a sturdy thing built of solid wood, covered in a quaint patchwork quilt. She drew her knees up to her chest, fighting to keep her eyes open. </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Sleep was thrusting at her lewdly, beckoning to her, but with Raen in the room, unfurled like a lounging cat on the opposite bed, there was no way she was going to close her eyes, especially not with that look on his face, a feigned innocence that wasn't fooling anybody A look he usually wore when he was plotting something of a devious and/or dastardly nature</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">. </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Luckily however, there were plenty of other
things poking at her brain, wanting attention, doing a marvellous job of distracting her from
wondering what misdeeds the faery was plotting, as well as successfully keeping sleep at bay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> In the muffled</span> quiet, surrounded by creature comforts that reminded Faith of home and feeling at least a little safer than she had in a long time, the last week finally had
a chance to catch up with her, colliding with her conciousness like a steam train.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A deep ache rose from her toes, flashes searing her vision. An raging river of images that pressed behind her eyes, threatening to burst through and flood the room with truths Faith didn't know how to deal with. They came together in a great deluge, </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">coalescing in waves of
pain, fear, guilt, until they became a turbulent mess of tattered
emotions. But where ever her thoughts drifted, they always, inevitably,
returned to the crossroads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Taking
a shuddering breath, she wrapped her arms around her head. Pressing her eye
sockets into her knees, she willed herself to forget, hoping she could push the
memories out the back of her head, spraying the wall behind in her sludgy black memories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then came the
shame. </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">The crushing guilt that at least she could escape. And worse, that she wanted to escape. Wanted to stop seeing the hordes of marching souls, trudging on with no knowing what lay ahead, where their next meal was coming from. How could she sit
there wishing it would go away, when those people were living that nightmare
every day? Who on that road wouldn't want to wish themselves to another place? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> From her perch, Tahti
sensed Faith's darkening mood. Emerging from the nest of hair in which she had been
cocooned, she landed on the duvet cover by Faith's feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith lifted her
head, looking at the little faery. Tahiti's smile was small, and not just because
she herself was tiny little person. Faith wondered what the faery would say, if she could
speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> From the opposite bed, Raen stretched his long limbs. "Aww, look," he drawled, "Isn't that
sweet. Your insect is trying to cheer you up."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
threw a pillow at him. There had been no conscious thought to it. Just a need
to throw something. She only wished it had been something heavier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Like a book, or a
car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It proved a pointless
endeavour anyway, Raen deftly catching it before it could hit him in the face, Still, he looked surprised and that was good enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "That,”
he said with a frown of admonishment, “was uncalled for." He held the pillow out towards
her. "I'm going to be keeping this now as punishment." He placed it behind his head, getting
comfy whilst expertly shielding it should Faith try to reclaim it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
noise emanating from the pub downstairs began to swell, a dull, base rumble that
rudely pushed its way through the floorboards,</span> both uninvited and unwelcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Raen huffed. "That's
going to make sleeping difficult." He stared huffily at the ceiling, hands behind
his head. Faith didn't mind it so much. After so long spent just the five of them in the wilderness, she found the feeling of being connected to other human souls a comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Just at that moment, </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">someone found a fiddle, deciding it would be a jolly good idea to start playing it, loudly, at a tempo that was bordering on manic. Raen
removed the pillow from behind his head and attempted to smother himself with
it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith felt inclined
to do the same, the wild sawing of a violin a little too much for her. </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">She was thwarted however, by the fact that Raen was keeping her pillow captive. </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">It wasn't that tune was being played particularly badly, more that it was far too jolly, not in tune with</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> her sombre mood. It reminded her that there were people still capable of having fun, and one is feeling somewhat maudlin, that's just not very nice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
muffled something from beneath his pillow. With a curse, h</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">e
tore if from his face and threw it. It puffed against the door as the Faerie
shot to his feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This is
insufferable. I will not sit here a moment longer when there is fun to be had
and drinks in need of quaffing." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith looked at him,
baffled, wondering what the hell he was on about. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Straightened his
shirt, then adjusting a waistcoat that Faith was sure he hadn't been wearing a
moment ago, he stalked with purposeful strides towards the door. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith scrambled to
the edge of the bed. "Where are you going?" She cringed, her voice sounding shrill, pathetic and whiney even to her own ears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Raen opened the
door, "To get a drink madam," he gestured to the buzz of activity
that bombarded them from below, "we are in a pub after all." He paused, absently stroking his chin. "Hmm, t</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">hough drinking
alone would be preferable, far be it from me to stop you if you would like to join
me." He gave her a hard look, dark green eyes giving away none of the
thoughts hidden behind them. "I dare-say you could do with a long stiff one
yourself." His lips curled as he melted into his usual easy-going manner, as he amended, “I of course mean a drink.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
cast upon him a glare she hoped made clear that such lewd jokes were not appreciated. She looked past him to the open door, to the hallway that lay beyond. Sat on her knees, hands clenched at her sides, she
hesitated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tahti started barrelling
around the room in what Faith took to be encouragement, yet was probably more likely the opposite. Faith didn't bother to analyse it to closely. Temptation pulled her to
her feet, guiding her towards the door, but the wrath of the Tempest held her
back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">"Arashi told
us to wait here."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
snorted derisively, "That he did, but I am not inclined to take orders from a man/dog hybrid who takes pleasure in licking his own balls. Besides," he could see her resolve weakening once she had removed that disturbing mental picture from her head. He smiled widely, “he's not here. It’s his own fault if he failed to
specify as to where 'here' actually is." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Going for the
final push, pouring on every ounce of charm, he whispered. “We won't be gone long. They'll
never know."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The wish to escape from reality and the distressful thoughts that hounded her rose like an itch demanding to be scratched, impossible to
ignore. She debated the sensibleness of going with him. It didn't take long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sure, it was
reckless. She'd only known him a short while, yet in that time he had tried to
slice her arm off, left her to drown and in general, been a bit of a prick.
Then there was that grin, smeared like grease across his jaw, reminding Faith of how little she should trust him. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> The fiddler downstairs changed his tune, a rampaging succession of notes that didn't seem to know what they were doing but were going to have a damn good time anyway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was almost certainly
a stupid thing to do. There was a very good chance they'd get into unimaginable
amounts of trouble, her midnight run of a few nights ago springing to mind. But
after what she’d witnessed that day, the face that haunted her every time she
closed her eyes, all she wanted, what she craved more than anything, was a relief. A fire of rebellion ignited in her gut
and there was no stopping it now. Taking a step of unwavering resolve, Faith announced, "I want alcohol."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Raen swept a graceful
bow, "Right this way my lady."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Her unwavering revolve wasn't quite so unwavering as she thought. Though
her feet wanted to go, the fun spoiling part of her was reluctant to
budge. There was the door, open and inviting, but she just couldn't get herself to move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But this
journey is about change, </span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">she told
herself firmly, then amended,<i> and all that other stuff about stopping the bad guys and saving the worlds, etc.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This was something
the old Faith would never have done. Which was why she put one foot in front
of the other, and walked out of the room. Quickly, before she could change her mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Behind her, the door closed
with a soft click, Raen’s hand still curled around the handle. Glancing back, the
sounds of tiny fists tapping on the wood were audible only to his sharp, Fae
ears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith stood on a
cosy landing. A warm, slightly stained and worn carpet covered the floorboards,
a rich dark red tinted orange in places by the thick white candles that lined the walls. Split
levels sat to her left and right, a higgledy-piggledy jumble of ups and downs. Twisting from side to side, disorientated, Faith had a moment of confusion as she tried to recall in what direction the stairs lay. A particularly loud burst of laughter exploded
from the right. Following the raucous sounds of men slowly pickling their
insides, Faith eventually came upon the slightly worn looking staircase, leading to both the upper and lower floors. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>(not sure why this section has indented, but I can't seem to correct it)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her foot, mere inches from the the first step, poised to descend, hovered in mid air as Faith noted her Tahti-less shoulder. She turned to Raen, hands clasped behind his back, affecting the air of someone who hadn't just done something he shouldn't.</span><br />
"Where's
Tahti?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Who?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith closed her eyes, blowing air that could very well have been steam out of her nostrils. She repeated, "Where is she?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Oh, you're referring to your pest, I mean pet. I
think it's best if she stays in the room, don't you?" His tone made Faith
feel like a highly volatile and unpredictable mental patient, capable of going bat-shit crazy at any moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "You
shut her in."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Yes, I did."
Raen saw her frown and hurried to convince her that it was for the best. After all, they didn't want to risk Tahti getting over excited and exposing them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He could see her
thinking it through, weighing up the obvious wisdom of his words. She nodded her agreement, though she looked towards the door with a decidedly anguished expression.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Facing away from the door, Tahti still hammering away, Faith resumed her descent, not seeing Raen rolling his eyes behind her. </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These mortals and their constant emotional struggles. How exhausting it must be to constantly question the merit of every single little thing you do, or say. Thank goodness I don't have that problem.</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> But his scheme was working, and though very tempting, he resisted the urge to rub his
hands together with devilish glee. It seemed his boredom would soon be at an
end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
entered the stifling warmth of the common room, the air swilling around them
like a thick, floating soup, chunks and all. Faith found it strangely welcoming, for all of five seconds, before she
started gagging, her lungs struggling to adapt to the unique
atmosphere of Portshore’s premier drinking establishment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Raen ushered her to
a stool at the bar, all the while being careful not to risk any actual physical contact. It was widely known fact among the Fae that mortals carried at least twenty disgustingly icky diseases at any one time. Despite the fact that, not being mortal, faeries couldn't catch any of them, whether they be real or imagined, it always paid to be careful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith slithered on to her seat, where she sat, hands squeezed between her knees, looking every bit as awkward and out-of-place as she was trying so very hard not to be, a task that was always going to be difficult in a room full of burly sailor types, all men and none of them appearing to be under thirty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By contrast, Raen was in his element. Rolling up his
sleeves, he gestured to the innkeeper, ordering two of something Faith
didn't quite catch. The man, who must have had 'barman' stamped on his birth certificate, grabbed two glasses. They appeared clean, but spying Faith
watching, they were given an extra once over with a cloth for good measure. </span>The cloth returned to his shoulder, where it hung like a badge of honour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The Innkeeper then placed the extra squeaky clean glasses on the counter. With
a dubious glance at Faith, he grabbed a mysterious brown bottle, which could have
contained anything from orange juice to weasel spit, and poured a small measure
into each glass. Faith wondered vaguely if there was an age limit for
alcohol in Faerie, but as the Innkeeper slid the glass across the bar to her, slopping a bit in the process, now not-so-full of a strong
smelling amber liquid, she guessed not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen’s
eyes positively sparkled as he regarded his own tiny glass of paradise</span>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith lifted hers slightly more apprehensively, bringing it to her nose for a sniff. It
burned, singing her nostril hairs, the chemical concoction of fumes forcing her taking in great lungful’s
of air through her mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Beside
her, leaning the casual lean of one who had frequented many a pub in his time, Raen tut-tutted. "Amateur," he
chided, swirling the drink in his hand, "everyone knows you <i>never</i>
smell before you sample. It ruins the surprise." With a nefarious gleam in
his green eyes, he knocked back the glass, consuming it in its entirety in a
matter of seconds. He thumped the now empty vessel on to the bar, making the face of one whom has suffered a slight and found it highly offensive. "My
goodness man, you call that your best? I've drunk goat milk with more alcoholic content than this swill. But," he thrust a finger under the man's nose. " I am willing to give you another chance, before I take myself and my considerable coin to</span> another establishment of equally questionable hygiene
standards?" It was complete bollocks of course. Raen had no money at all, but a few leaves and a bit of mind-fuckery, and his pockets would be brimming with the gold stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
barman chuckled, eyes alight beneath bushy brows, the promise of a challenge to hard to resist. "Oh, I see" he mused, "am I to believe then, that the fine sir would like to sample our Very Best?" Faith, aware of the exchange only because it was happening right next to her, had always wondered
what it had when books claimed that characters, ‘pronounced the capitals.’
Now she knew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
sat himself down. Leaning back, arms folded he proclaimed, "I most
certainly would, my fine man."
There was no way that Raen thought this man was in any way fine, but if
he kept producing the alcohol, who was he to judge?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Another
unbranded bottle appeared from under the counter. This time Faith could smell it's noxious wafts without having to put her nose anywhere near it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> A
measure was poured, the barman brimming with anticipation. His wife, the daft old trollop, had forbidden
him selling his own, very special, home-made concoctions. However, at that very moment, she visiting her sister two towns over, and therefore would be none the wiser. He regarded Raen over the bottle through eyes so squinty they looked shut, even when open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Now here was a strange chap, in his fine clothes, with that fancy hairdo and posh accent. Not the sort to visiting a dive like Portshore. His companion, if anything was more odd, and couldn't have been more than twelve to his eyes, but out in the back-end-of-no-where, the rules weren't quite so rigid to the point where they were often twisted into some very interesting shapes. But he had been
longing to test the potency of his home brew for ages, as none of the
locals were stupid enough to try it, not after what happened to Dave, who had never been quite the same since. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
handsome fellow sat at his bar didn't strike him being overly stupid, but was certainly
reckless. With a smug grin, the barman slid the drink over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raising
it in salute, Raen winked as he brought it to his lips. He looked over at Faith, her glass
as yet untouched her hand, frozen inches from her lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> He gasped, a hand flying to his face, as he said, appalled, "You would let a lady drink on her own? You unforgivable rogue. Here." He reached over,</span> nudging the glass to her mouth, "Come, come. Drink
up, there's a good girl." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> She jerked away. Raen shrugged, "suit yourself."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The glass sat in her hand, as Faith pondered, once again, the wisdom of her actions. Her rebellious was growing rather tired of her inability to make a decision and see it through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Was it really worth it? No matter how bladdered she got, no matter how numbed she was to the world, it would all be waiting for her again when the effects wore off, accompanied by an almighty hangover to boot. Would one glass of alcohol stop her
from drowning in the overwhelming misery of a world that was choked with suffering?
Where little girls were murdered for the simple crime of being hungry? The short answer was no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
could see more convincing was needed. Faith was wearing her thoughtful/vague
expression which meant she was backing down, which wouldn't do at all. With was snide leer, followed closely by a sigh, he said, "it’s ok, don't worry about it." He took the glass from her hand, "It was stupid anyway, thinking that would risk getting in trouble with the big bad wolf. I only thought that perhaps you were tired of being afraid, but I forget that you're too much of a coward. Never mind." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen could tell instantly the moment his words hit home. With a rebellious set to her jaw, looking ready to start a fight with anyone stupid enough to get in her way, she snatched her drink out of his hand. Putting the beverage to her lips, she tipped the whole thing down her throat. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> It was like drinking liquid fire. As it travelled through her body it sucked up all the moisture, leaving burned out wasteland in it's wake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen's whole body shook, pointing and laughing at her distress. Eyes tearing up, wheezing out coughs an
old man would be proud of, Faith thought she was dying. Within seconds her face was positively luminous.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Still chuckling, Raen downed his own drink in one, slamming the glass on
the wooden counter top. with a smile that was almost feral. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
barman leaned over, eyes creased with worry as he watched Faith turn puce, great breathes rattling about her lungs. "Is she going to be all
right?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I
think I'm dying," Faith sputtered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "She'll
be fine," Raen replied dismissively, "I however find myself with an empty glass," which
he waved under the barman’s nose, "If you would be so kind?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "More
of the same, sir?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Oh
yes, I think that will do nicely. No, no," he said, as the barman went to
fill his glass, "just leave the bottle. There's a good chap."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
barman’s eyebrows flew into his hairline, "Are you sure that's a good idea, sir?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Hmm? Oh yes, quite sure. I plan on spending a very fine evening with my new friend," he clutched the bottle, shaking it at the barman, who shrugged.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Wandering off, he muttered under his breath, "Very well, it's your funeral."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith had no notion of how long they had
been sitting there in the bar. Or for that matter where she was, or even who she was. On some
part, she wasn't overly certain of what she was. </span>Alarmed,
she pushed herself up from the counter upon which she had been laying, sprawled
out in a drunken stupor. After a thorough pat down, she was able to confirm
that she was still a human person in possession of all the correct limbs, all located in the right places. She sighed with relief, the bar tipped as she swayed. Her insides felt all fuzzy, which on the whole, wasn't all that
unpleasant.<br />
With visible effort, she lifted her head, now filled with bricks. Looking up through drink addled eyes, she saw Raen sitting
next to her. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Raen!"
she exclaimed loudly, with an embarrassing amount</span> of slurring. The following sentence should have sounded something like, "what are you
doing here?" had it not resembled the sound of someone chewing their own tongue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Where-as most would have struggled to convert Faith's noises into actual words, Raen just so happened to be adept at the learning and speaking of languages, drunk being one of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> A now almost empty bottle of the barman’s Very Best sat in front of him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "So, sleeping
not-so-beauty awakes at last." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Other than the glass in his hand, there was
very little evidence of Raen’s alcoholic endeavours. No slurring marred his speech, his head
wasn't swaying, even his eyes were bright, if possible more so than they had
been when they first started their binge.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
leaned closer, pointing a finger at him, or more accurately, at something
hovering over his left shoulder. Her limbs had noted her distracted state, and were in the process of acquiring a life of their own. She
tried to muster a serious demeanour, instead ending up wearing an impression-of-a-constipated-person
face. "I,” she started, “don't like you very much." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
smiled around his glass, "And there I was under the impression that you
didn't like me at all. What a momentous day this is turning out to be." He drained the glass, gently placing it back on
the bar. Once it was full again, he turned, folding his arms, giving Faith his complete and
undivided attention. "Are you going to do me the courtesy of telling me why?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
blinked stupidly, "why what?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
sighed, whilst marvelling at the boundless depths of human stupidity. "You
quite rudely informed me that you didn't like me very much. I was enquiring as
to why that might be." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
did her another slow blink, except this time one eye at a time. </span>Raen
had used far too many words, some of them quite long and had successfully confused her. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> After
some careful deciphering, she gave up, instead returning to the beginning of the conversation as if Raen hadn't spoken at all. " I don't like you," she said again, pausing for dramatic effect,
"do you want to know why?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I
will admit I am beginning to lose interest." He was also wondering why
this had seemed like such a good idea at the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Taking
his answer for a yes, as he hadn't technically said no, she answered,
"because, you are, a dick head." Raen rolled his eyes as Faith descended into
giggles. She then snorted loudly, which made her laugh even harder, so much so that she fell off the stool. Her voice, breathy with laughter and slightly too high pitched, rose up
from the floor, "I
snorted." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "You
did, you clever girl," Raen indulged. He gave the barman a knowing look, 'women eh? Just can't hold their drink'. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> The
barman replied with a look of his own, 'I know, tell me about it!' Out loud, he
asked, "Are you just going to leave her there?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I
think that's for the best." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Why
am I on the floor?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "That
is a very good question, my dear," Raen replied, though was far too busy
pouring himself another drink to actually answer it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "It's sticky."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Is it?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Ooo, a penny!" This was closely followed by a
thump and an "Ouchies," as in the excitement of finding the penny, Faith had tried to stand, subsequently colliding
with the underside of the counter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> It
was Raen’s turn to laugh, almost spraying his drink all over the bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> With
much scraping and cursing, Faith was back on her feet, rubbing her sore brain. Her
eyes were decidedly bloodshot. Gripped the stool, she steadied herself, shaking as she did so. Then came the conundrum of trying to figure out how she was going
to get back on to it, which involved a lot of staring. Her mouth opened and closed as if she were speaking but no sound came out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> A few methods were attempted, all with varying degrees of success, until finally, she went with the hand spring and twist technique. Palms face down on the seat, she pushed
off the floor, twisting in the air before landing on
the stool. At least, that's how it was should have gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
had been resolutely ignoring her and trying to convince the assembled patronage
that he didn't have a clue who she was. The ruse was thoroughly shattered when Faith ended up
sprawled across his lap, consumed by giggle-snorts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Hello,"
she said in a silly voice, "fanshy sheeing you here." With that she
was off again, spiralling into mad giggles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen,
lip quirked in distaste, pushed her roughly on to her own seat, "yes, yes you are
most hilarious."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "How
many has she had?" the barman asked, walking over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Just
the one." Raen’s reply was punctuated by Faith thumping her head on the counter. She groaned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "My
head feels all squiffy and runny."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I
doubt that was the alcohol." Raen lifted the bottle, disappointed to see
that it was almost empty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I
think my brain’s starting to pour out my nose."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "I'm
sure your hand will be sufficient enough to catch it."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
rolled her forehead over the counter to glare at him. "Meanie."</span><br />
"Why thank you." <br />
"Where you born an
arsehole," she had to pause, trying to remember what she had been going to
say, "or is it something you've perfected over the millions of years you've been alive?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen
decided that aside from the constant giggling and clumsiness, Faith wasn't all that bad when she was sozzled. She still irritating, but s</span>he also made him smile and was certainly more interesting
than she was in her usual un-inebriated state; boring, nervous and insufferably
stupid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> A
dangerous combination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "It
was a gift from the Gods," he replied. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith’s head had swivelled round
again, a curtain of hair shielding her face from view. Through it, she mumbled,
"Then they're as crap at getting gifts as my aunt." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> It was the first time he had heard Faith
mention her aunt. His thoughts took him back to the Other Place, to Faith’s house and the woman he had found
lying on the bed, seemingly dead but for the breath that still forced itself from
her lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "You
did not like your aunt I take it?" he enquired innocently, ready to store
any further information for later use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith didn't respond, trying to sum up her opinions of Clara in just a few words. She
settled on, "She was like Hitler, without the moustache. Actually,"
she mused, "she did have a moustache." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Who's
Hitler?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> She
turned her head to look at him. "You know who Hitler was!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "Was he the charming gentleman with the fine moustache?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "You really are an evil bastard."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> "When I can be bothered. So you were saying, about your aunt?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith lifted her chin so it was resting on her arm, staring straight ahead. "She was almost as evil as you are."</span> <br />
"I
see. So, I guess she got what she deserved."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faiths
mood darkened, flicking from jovial to mournful with liquid ease. "</span>How could you even say that? No
one deserves what I did."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen took his focus off his glass for a moment to look at her. Rich red hair pooled
over the bar, glowing in glossy waves that spilled over her slight shoulders. It was
a waste really, that hair, as the rest of her resembled something that had been chewed up, then
spat out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> A
blue eye peeked out from between a few coppery strands, staring at him
unabashedly in a way Faith would never have done were it not for the one glass of alcohol. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> She
was certainly a strange one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Rather
surprisingly he found that he looked forward to seeing what this journey would
do her delicate nature. Would she flourish, rising to the challenges that faced her, or wither?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span>Sitting back, Raen's eyes locked on to a
clock, <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">hanging from the wall
above the bar. A tempting array of bottles were perched on a shelf just below it, each
containing a sweet nectar that Raen wished he had the time to sample. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> As
he pondered Faiths words, the seconds ticked away, reverberating through his skull, each one like a blow to the head. Oh how he hated the mortals with their accursed clocks, counting every second, measuring the passing of a time that
should never be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> He
sighed, suddenly irritated and wanting very much to be anywhere else. Standing, he leaned in close, speaking only a hairs breadth from Faith’s ear. His voice was like velvet, quiet but still retaining the joviality of
his earlier mood, which made it sound all the more malevolent. "I can say
that my dear, because I hate, loath and deteste mortals with every fibre of my
being. They are a plague on this world, one that I would very much like exterminated." He stood again, "I am also, not a very nice person."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Faith
didn't know which expression to display first. It flickered between complete shock and utter repulsion, the ring of truth clanging loudly in her ears. Her stomach chose that moment to lurch
violently. Whether brought on by alcohol or Raen’s statement, she couldn't
tell, but she needed to throw up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Really
needed to throw up. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Like right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Without
a word she leaped from the stool, hand over her mouth. It clattered to the floor as she fled the
room. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Raen smiled. Turning back to the
bar, he hailed the Innkeeper, ordering one last drink.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
So there it is. For better of worse, it's out there. Obviously this work belongs to me (not that anyone would want to steal it) but still, it is mine, so you can't have it, use it, change it in any way or I will make bad things happen to you (not that I think you'd do that, but still, there are some nasty people out there!!)<br />
<br />
I hoped you liked it, or at least found it tolerable.<br />
<br />
Hmmm, there's actually quite a lot isn't there. I apologise, I obviously have no concept as to what a 'snippet' actually is.</div>
<br />gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-37614718389224806732013-05-20T15:45:00.002-07:002013-05-20T15:45:45.150-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13149420-quicksilver" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Quicksilver (Ultraviolet, #2)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328591713m/13149420.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13149420-quicksilver">Quicksilver</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1330287.R_J_Anderson">R.J. Anderson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/300505500">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I don't even know where to start with how utterly consumed with bitter disappointment I am about this book.<br /><br />It just took all the bad bits from the first book, but amplified them, with no amazing ending to cover them up.<br /><br />So, let's begin. I don't like Tori, the MC of this novel. I found her cold, distant, hard to relate to and generally unlikeable. She just had this brash, rough manner about her that grated me up the wrong way. I'm guessing that was perhaps what the author intended, for her to be a hard, untrusting, serial liar that is at times, more than a little bland. You can get away with those kinds of characters when they're not carrying the story, but Tori's the Main Character. How are we supposed to engage with someone who just makes it so damned easy to not like them? Then, towards the end, just when I think she can't get any worse, she goes and does something so ridiculously annoying, I very nearly stopped reading right there. It's just a desperate attempt to get attention. The boy she likes found out her entire life is a live, he leaves, and Tori just so happens to pick a spot right near where this boy runs, at exactly the time he runs, to end it all. Then admits she did it a little bit on purpose, with absolutely no regard to how it's going to affect the other person, just guilt tripping him into liking her again, at least that's what it seemed like to me. Considering her personality up till that point, it was totally out of character.<br />And like Alison from Ultraviolet (I'll get to her in a second), Tori spends an unbelievable amount of time talking about herself (which would be ok if she had anything interesting to say) or trying to hype up a threat that has no real presence, nor any real hint of danger, over and over again. Just a vague threat in the background, the only purpose it's serving is to give the illusion that there is some kind of plot going on here. Of which there isn't. The reason why she has to keep reminding us is the story is so blah, with nothing exciting going on, that it's easy to forget that there is any kind of threat. <br /><br />Anyhoo I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to the characters. Ok, so Tori's an irritating robot with barely any personality. Now on to the others. I'm not even going to bother with the equally bland, plus stupidly stereotypical Asian boy, whose strict parents want him to be a doctor when all he wants to do is teach kids PE. Did I mention he wears glasses?...<br /><br /><br />SPOILER ALERT!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, shockingly enough, Sebastian returns. Big surprise, yet in transit he seems to have gone through a personality transplant, as the person who appears is nothing like a Sebastian from Ultraviolet. The author has quite successfully rearranged him into weak, suspicious and cowardly husk, in no way resembling the charming, slightly awkward, but generally agreeable guy we got to know in the first book. <br /><br />And then there's Alison. Oh. My. God. PEOPLE THAT ANNOYINGLY PATHETIC SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO EXIST. Even when she's not directly involved, when it's other characters talking about her, they make her sound so spineless, and just...WEAK!!! Not only that, but they ladle on the pity with a bucket. It's all 'oh, poor Alison', 'she's so brave', 'she's been through so much, more than any of us could ever imagine, yet she'd such a trooper,'. Look, I get she's been through stuff, and it's going to have an effect, but there are ways of getting people to sympathise with a character without making them so fragile that it's like they're made of glass and if someone so much as looks at them, they'd shatter.<br />Then we hear from the girl herself, though it's through an email, or 'letter' as they insist on calling it. Jeez, the girl is 17 yet she sounds like an old person from some bygone era. Then she's digging for sympathy too, going on about how delicate she's feeling, how paranoid, how much pain she's in, but the way she says it makes me want to throw things at her. SPEAK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON FOR FUCKS SAKE. What teenager sends an email, sorry 'letter!!!!' to her friend saying, 'He held my gaze steadily as he said those words, and his voice didn't waver'. Who would say that?!! She just comes across as so pathetically tragic. Good grief, it's I wonder the girl can stand up, what with having no fucking spine!!!! I just couldn't sympathise because I was busy trying to control my rage. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SPOILERS OVER<br /><br />So now on to the plot. I've already mentioned the author was trying to make something out of nothing. I felt no real threat of danger from either of the bad guys, no sense of urgency with what they were doing, because most of the time I didn't know, as the plot peppered with technical junk that I couldn't give two shits about. Basically there was no need to write a sequel, yet I imagine the publishers pushed her to do it so she had to come up with something, but ultimately missed the mark by miles. She basically seemed to have no idea where to go. <br />It was quite messy in places too, jumping about all over the place, some parts poorly explained, at least to me. A lot of the time the characters appeared to be talking about stuff that they didn't feel inclined to fill me in on. There was also a lot of having to explain actions and motives, which were overly complicated, but without them, quite honestly, I wouldn't have got them otherwise, they were so tenuous and round-about.<br /><br />Then we have the ending. Bare in mind, that I've been waiting for the same kind of gob-smacking, crazy, brilliant twist that there was at the end of Ultraviolet. So it's get towards the final chapters. Everyone's running around doing stuff. I'm not really sure what, or why because it's all jargon and words that may as well be written in a foreign language for all the sense they made, but they seem pretty panicked and nervous about the whole thing. Then lots of stupid things happen in rapid succession, one after another, each more outrageous and dumb than the last. But no matter how hyped the characters are, when you get down to it, it's an uninspiring and anti-climactic ending. A wet fart of an ending, if you like. Then it gets all cliched and B-movie-esque and I started skipping bits. Apparently though, all of the characters are able to forgive each other, even when they've been lied to, betrayed, used, ignored and been unbearably stupid/irritating. Woop-di-do what a nice neat little ribbon everything has been tied up with. <br /><br />Oh, hell, I really wanted this to be good. But it's just not.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-67626196146620603482013-05-19T15:30:00.002-07:002013-05-19T15:30:49.568-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13226194-angelfall" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Angelfall (Penryn & The End Of Days, #1)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323809947m/13226194.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13226194-angelfall">Angelfall</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4890182.Susan_Ee">Susan Ee</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/362533885">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Didn't finish this, which is a shame as I've been waiting for this to be released in actual book form for ages. Yes, I was mostly drawn in by the cover (as I think a lot of people probably are) but the story sounded pretty interesting too.<br /><br />It's not.<br /><br />The writing was pretty average and in some places quite amateurish, which I would expect from a self published ebook, but not from a book picked up by a big publisher, but I guess they just wanted a piece of the action and by action I mean money. <br /><br />There was just no excitement. The plot just plodded along, dragging it's knuckles and grunting every now and then. I very rarely not finish a book, but I don't read that much any more, so my patience runs out so much faster when my attention isn't grabbed within the first few chapters. In fact I didn't just not finish, but I gave up halfway through a chapter, halfway through a page!!! That's just crazy!!!<br /><br />Plus, I can't say I was overly fond of the characters. They were dull and blah really. The love interest was glaringly obvious. The author wasn't very good at subtlety. Gah!!!! I'm having real trouble with trying to get out what I mean, but the main character just came across as stupid because she kept questioning her motives, when it was obvious that at some point the revelation would come that actually, he's an enemy, but 'oh, how I love him so!!', blah, blah, blah...After they had teamed up, the first night they spent together, the angel dude actually gets up in the middle of the night and cuddles up next to her, which made no sense because they're ENEMIES!!!! No effort was put into building the relationship, it's like the author wanted to get to the lovey dovey stuff as quickly as possible.<br /><br />And the mother?!!! WTF?!!! How was she not committed?!!<br /><br />Yeah, so, not good I'm afraid. Which is a shame because the cover is very pretty. This then, is a lesson in that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover!!! Or by it's Goodreads rating. I honestly don't understand why so many people love this.<br /><br />Ok, my review is crap, but that's because it's poo and I just can't be arsed to write any more. However there are a truck load of 1 star reviews that explain PERFECTLY ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE WRONG WITH THIS BOOK!!! So go read them!!!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-52326146441368745112013-03-24T05:15:00.002-07:002013-03-24T05:17:06.358-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15746527-clockwork-princess" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345320357m/15746527.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15746527-clockwork-princess">Clockwork Princess</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/150038.Cassandra_Clare">Cassandra Clare</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/277555663">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was, all in all, a really great finale to the series. It was highly readable, had enough enough action, excitement and general plot stuff mixed in the with the romance to keep me interested without rolling my eyes. There is a simple elegance to Clare's writing that I find ridiculously enjoyable. It is easy to overlook, but I find myself thoroughly impressed, which perhaps isn't the greatest praise coming from me, but I find that a lot of YA authors tend to sacrifice their prose in favour of bland writing so they can concentrate on the story (and by that of course I mean the romance as that usually IS the story). <br /><br />The reason then, that this didn't get four stars, was that there was something about the ending that just didn't sit well with me. It was all a bit too 'they all lived happily ever after'. Ok, I'll admit that without giving anything away, some characters take a bit longer than others to get their Happyily Ever After (from here on referred to HEA's), but that they all do, somehow seems to be a bit of a cop-out, a bit of a cheat. Almost like the author couldn't bring herself to choose between any of her characters, so she just didn't. I don't know, maybe it's just me. In these kind of stories there has to be a bit of suffering and sacrifice, it's what makes the HEA's more meaningful. Don't get me wrong, there was both of these things present, but they never stuck, as if the author just couldn't do it to her characters. <br /><br />But on the other hand, a part of me is really happy that most of the characters got their HEA. Because some of them really did go through a lot of shit, and they did deserve it. <br /><br />Ahhhh, the ending has me really torn. I really can't put my finger on how I feel about it. I am completely divided!!! Overall, I did really like the book, but that ending!! I am not a fan of time-spans being recounted in a few pages, or time jumps, so that was always going to taint my opinion slightly, but I really don't want to say any more because I would have to give away major spoilers and 1) I hate doing that and 2) it would make this review hideously long. So I will leave it here I think.<br /><br />I still much prefer this series to the Mortal Instruments, which started well but should have ended three books ago...just saying. Oh and I liked the characters in this series LOADS more!!!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-18335568237038247512013-03-24T04:45:00.001-07:002013-03-24T04:55:05.686-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17248506-agatha-h-and-the-clockwork-princess" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Agatha H. and the Clockwork Princess" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358413783m/17248506.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17248506-agatha-h-and-the-clockwork-princess">Agatha H. and the Clockwork Princess</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42122.Phil_Foglio">Phil Foglio</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/542239588">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh my. I was not expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did, but it was truly such an original and brilliant novel, that I couldn't help but be swept along with.<br /><br />We enter right where the first one left off, but where as Agatha H and the Airship took half the book to really get going, this one steamed ahead from the first page. I feared for maybe a slight dip in the narrative, as it is about twice the size of it's predecessor, but it didn't. It kept up it's relentlessly enjoyable pace through-out, throwing so many surprises our way that it was impossible (for me at least) to know where the story was going.<br /><br />I mentioned in my review of the first book how impressive the scope of the imagination that went into creating Agatha's world. I want to reiterate that point again, and again, and again, because this to me, is what Steampunk should be and what all authors should aspire to. Ok, the idea of airships, automatons, bizarre weaponry and even the fashion aren't really anything new, after all, there are hundreds of books claiming to be Steampunk, but somehow this one to me should be allowed to lay to the right to calling itself Steampunk more so than the others. Every aspect of the story bares reference to it. Every aspect of the world and the people in it, their lives are surrounded by clockwork and mad-boys tinkering with nature, science, and that to me is true Steampunk. Not an odd invention here and there, a bustle and corset teamed with a pair of goggles, but some reference to something fantastical and mad on EVERYPAGE.<br /><br />Then there's the story. Oh boy, I don't even know where to begin with the story. It's just one brilliant twist after another, like I said, there's no way of telling where the plot will take us next. Agatha is such a wonderfully well rounded lead, the circus folk a motley, but delightful crew of diversity. There is fun and mystery, shocks and revelations to be had on every page. Seriously I wouldn't know where to start with describing the plot, only that it is utterly original and utterly, utterly brilliant, fantastic, stupendous, marvellous, intelligent and, and...I have run out of words, but it is sooooo worth reading!!! I have even come to love the Jagermonsters, who I moaned about in the first review. They really come in their own in this one and I actually love how they speak. It still takes a fuckin' to work out what they are saying, but it wouldn't be right now if they spoke any other way.<br /><br />To sum, up I loved it, and you will too. If you decide to give the series ago, prepare yourself for a most rip-roaring adventure. Goggles on!!! (^_^)
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-74029730988000086422013-02-21T04:11:00.002-08:002013-02-21T04:11:15.173-08:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17248505-agatha-h-and-the-airship-city" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Agatha H. and the Airship City" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358413721m/17248505.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17248505-agatha-h-and-the-airship-city">Agatha H. and the Airship City</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42122.Phil_Foglio">Phil Foglio</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/530449682">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Bit worried about this one at first as I had absolutely no fucking idea what was going on or what anything was...there were a staggering amount of new concepts introduced and it felt like, as a reader, I was supposed to know what they were with little or no explanation whatsoever. I always find that kind of start to a book not only a little daunting but off putting. I'm sorry author people but I can't see inside your head and therefore if you are creating a new reality filled with odd inventions and ideas I am not familiar with, I'm gonna need a little more information. My own imagination can only do so much. <br /><br />Luckily, as the story wore on things did become a bit clearer, though not necessarily because of specific descriptions, rather hints were given as to the nature of some of the things the authors were introducing us to, and bit by bit I was able to fit the pieces together to form a more accurate picture, or at least one clear enough to satisfy me. They are probably completely wrong, but oh well, give a shit!!!<br /><br />Once I had a better grasp on things, the story did become much better. A lot of books will say they are steampunk, but in reailty that will turn out to be a slight exaggeration, with maybe a brief mention of a wacky device or a pair of goggles, which I'm sorry is not steampunnk, but someones poor attempt to try and and make their book more appealing to certain audiences. This book however is truly filled with all things steampunkery, and once the story really began, about a third of the way in, it became really rather enjoyable. Floating airship castles, clanks of every shape, size and purpose, constructs...so many imaginative ideas all woven together into what became a fun romp. Slightly disappointed as to the humour side of things, or lack thereof, but there were a few funny moments, the rest of the time it just felt like the authors were trying to hard. <br /><br />Also, continuing on the humour side of things, as I understand it we are supposed to view the character of the Baron as a sort of ruthless overlord who will do whatever it takes to maintain the rule of his Empire. So naturally people should be afraid of him yes? But here's the thing, there was a scene early on, a confrontation between aforementioned leader and a group of his subjects. Rather than trembling in fear, what transpired was a rather odd comedy scene, with a bit of banter, a little slapstick and in general no sign of any fear from any of the characters whatsoever. The narrative felt a smidge confused. If the characters were supposed to fear him, why were they behaving like buffoons and circus clowns? But hey, that could just be me...<br /><br />A few things still remain unclear, or shall we say a tad fuzzy for me. The nature of the Jagermonsters for one, are they men, beasts, machines or a mixture of all three? And the Lackya too, not 100% sure what they are. I also found the way the Jagers spoke slightly irritating. I have been taught to read words a certain way from childhood, so when you start fucking about with the spelling trying to making them sound German, it kinda stagnates the flow of the story some what as I am having to read the sentence stupidly slowly to try and figure out what, in the name of arse, they are on about. Yet I won't say it was a completely wasted effort, as this did lend a certain charm to the creatures, machines, whatever they were.<br /><br />But on the whole, an enjoyable adventure> The fact that I have picked up the sequel before I had even finished and have already started should give you an idea of how much I liked this, considering the fact I am willing to dedicate more reading time to the series.<br /><br />I will ask you though to excuse the slightly poor review as I have a rather nasty cold and this is about all I can manage at the moment. Thank you.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>
gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-78989792126042900552013-01-26T05:41:00.000-08:002013-01-26T05:41:00.110-08:00<u><span style="color: red;">The Demon Child Trilogy</span></u><br />
<u><span style="color: red;">Jennifer Fallon</span></u><br />
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Ok, so my last review was not a great one. I think it is safe to say that I didn't like it very much, at all. Even a little. But what makes me so sad about that is Jennifer Fallon is the author of the Demon Child Trilogy, which is, in my opinion, one of the greatest fantasy epics ever written. I want to share my review from Goodreads, simply because I don't want people to be put off reading it and miss something amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249634.Medalon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Medalon (Hythrun Chronicles: Demon Child Trilogy, #1)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347935678m/249634.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249634.Medalon">Medalon</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/31247.Jennifer_Fallon">Jennifer Fallon</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/220509073">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book couldn't be any more marvelous if it tried. If you are a fan of the sweeping fantasy epic, then this really is a must read. I would try to sum up the plot but there is simply too much going on, too many realistically and brilliantly imagined characters, that there is just time in the day to express my love from them all, well, except for the ones you are supposed to hate, and my God there are some utter bastards. All I can say is that it's got lashings of humour, some wonderfully witty banter, prose that just flows of the page and enough political intrigue and betrayal to keep you shocked and gasping from start to finish. This is a book I have read many times, and will continue to read it many, many times more, the wonder of them never fading, only growing. I really can't stress enough how thoroughly fantastic this book is, and the best part is that it is but a part of an even more breath-taking series, of which there are three parts. Huzzah! And they just get better and better and better!!!<br /><br />Edit: 26/1/13<br /><br />Ok, I have just read this for like, the fifth time, and it never ceases to amaze me just how stunning this series truly is. It holds such a staggering wealth of detail and vision that no matter how many times you read it, it always feels like that first time, that first magical, wonderful time when every sentence holds a surprise, every character is new and fascinating and just waiting for you to get to know them, whether you will grow to love them or hate them. The overwhelming depth of the plot means that there is always something you've forgotten, some tiny detail which takes you completely by surprise and that is what helps make this series such a joy to read. Then there are the bits you do remember, and as they draw nearer you can feel your pulse racing that tiny bit faster. I don't just dip my toe into these books, I wade into them, submerge and then sink into them and become hopelessly and completely lost in their splendour. So much so, that when I return to the world, I can't help but feel a little pang of loss, that I have to re-enter this dull place, where there are no Harshini, no Demon Childs', no interfering Gods. Where the countries of Medalon, Hythria and Fardohnya and all their peoples, do not exist. It actually makes me feel a little sad, but then, I've always been a bit of a dreamer.<br /><br />So it seems that I can finally say, without any doubt whatsoever, that the Demon Child series, holds my three absolute favourite books of all time. There I said it. I can't pick a favourite song or movie, animal or food, but I can say with a certainty that I have never felt before, that I love these books more than any other. For me there will probably be no better, though I will continue searching for one that may take their crown. An endeavour I can't help but feel, will be more than a little pointless.<br /><br />I just hope that everyone can find that special book, the one that no matter how many times they pick it up off the shelf, they still feel the tinglings of excitment and awe at knowing that no matter how you feel or what mood you're in, you will find that perfect escape and everything you are looking inside. A book that you simply can't believe or understand how anyone could think they are anything but amazing. <br /><br />To me, these books are flawless, and be damned anyone who thinks otherwise.<br />
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gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-58604286569813532202012-11-13T10:28:00.001-08:002012-11-13T10:28:37.136-08:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5944682-the-chaos-crystal" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Chaos Crystal (Tide Lords, #4)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1228690642m/5944682.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5944682-the-chaos-crystal">The Chaos Crystal</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/31247.Jennifer_Fallon">Jennifer Fallon</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/220310640">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The most infuriating ending to a series EVER!!! My God I don't think I've ever been so disappointed, mainly because I know the author is capable of amazing things a but also because this was just ridiculously sub par!! It's shocking to think that the author of this is the same woman who gave us the staggeringly brilliant and epic Demon Child Trilogy. I feel like crying. Never did I think I would be giving this kind of review to a book by Jennifer Fallon. But I cannot lie, as much as the truth pains me. Here we go.<br /><br />So, the specifics. Firstly, for a properly published novel, there were a ridiculous amount of errors. Not so much the grammatical, though there were a few extra words here and there. No, this book had the sort of mistakes that really shouldn't have made it to final print. Full stops and commas in the wrong places, words given capital letters after commas...it gave off the impression that the book was still in the drafting stage. Not what I would expect from a novel printed and published by a quite well known publishing house. <br /><br />Then there was the writing. Now I'm going to be mentioning a bit, but one of my favourite series EVER, is the Demon Child trilogy by the same author. It is quite simply spectacular. So I know what this author is capable of. Her prose might not be elegant or lyrical but it is extremely gripping and ridiculously readable. But in this series, it's like she's lost her touch. Nothing really flowed. I got the overwhelming impression that perhaps the authors heart wasn't really in it. Maybe she had her mind on other things and wasn't solely focused, but again, it felt like the story was still in it's early stages of development. The author had got as far as laying down the basic story, but was waiting to go back through it with a fine tooth comb to add the wit and sparkle that I know she can produce when it accidently got printed before it was finished.<br /><br />And my God, did she repeat herself a lot. I wish I had counted the amount of times we were reminded that Immortals don't feel the cold. Every flippin' paragraph there would be a mention of the weather and without fail she'd pop in a little reminder, just in case we'd forgotten. We are not morons!! There were other occasions as well too numerous for me to go through them all, but in some cases the repetition would come in the same goddamn sentence. That's the only reason why this book's as long as it is, because it's just the same points made over and over again. <br /><br />The characters weren't up to her usual standard either and I can't help but feel that the author thinks that the only way a female character can be strong is if they had some sort of shady past that either involves being raped or selling themselves. Which is so completely and utterly WRONG!!!<br /><br />And the problem with Arkady, the female lead, is that despite the fact that we were supposed to see her as a strong, independent, intelligent woman, she was actually anything but. I can only speculate, but if a woman sold herself to men the way Arkady did, rather than go on and on about it whenever we were reading from her perspective, she'd be so ashamed of herself that she'd want to push the memories from her mind and never think about them again. She's supposed to proud, unwilling to submit to the men that would govern and rule her, a scientist full of curiosity and brimming with her own ideas and opinions, but the amount of times she seems to think the only way to get herself out of trouble is to offer up her body, is just ridiculous. If she's supposed to be so smart, surely she could have figured out other ways to outsmart these stupid men that all seem to lust after her. To me she came across as weak willed and a bit of an attention seeker. 'Oh poor me, look at all the bad things that have happened to me, feel sorry for me and love me and think I'm wonderful because I've managed to persevere,' blah, blah, blah. It got seriously boring, ridiculously quickly. In the end I just wanted to smack her for being so pathetic and spineless. <br /><br /><strong>WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS ALERT DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK YET AS I GIVE AWAY QUITE A LOT OF THE ENDING!!!!</strong><br /><br /><a onClick="showSpoiler(this)" style='cursor: hand; cursor: pointer;'>(view spoiler)</a><span style='display: none'>[Then there's the ending. Oh boy, what an ending, and not in a good way. We've spent four books in the world Amyrantha, getting to know the cultures of all the different nations. Then there's the sheer number of characters, all whose stories we've followed and personalities we've got to know. Despite the many flaws of the female lead, there were a few that had really grown on me.<br /><br />So when she killed them off all bar a handful, it came as quite a shock. And I'm not just talking about the characters she killed off. The author destroyed the entire planet. THE ENTIRE. PLANET!!! What was the point of me reading all of those frickin' books when you're just going to blow them up? When I think of all the hours I spent it makes me want to rip my hair out, then cry, then throw things. <br /><br />And that's not the worst part. All through the series, we've had the ongoing saga of who Arkady was going to choose, her childhood friend or the charming if suicidal Immortal Prince? I spent four books reading as Arkady kept bouncing from one to other. At one point I thought maybe she was going to stick two fingers up the pair of them and tell them were to shove it, which whilst being slightly irritating, would have made a refreshing change. But oh no, the author had something really special in store. There was no final showdown, no final choice and happy ending. In fact we get diddly-fucking-squat. Nothing. By the end of the book, to two blokes haven't seen Arkady in a while, shall we say. I'm still waiting for the fateful meeting between the three, but it never comes. At the end of the book, they still haven't spoken to her, she still hasn't made her choice. In fact, <u>and this is a ridiculously major plot spoiler</u>, Arkady has spent the last few million years stuck in a magical spell induced paralysis trapped in a meteor that was once a part of Amyranthia IN SPACE. IN FUCKING SPACE!!!!! In the last few chapters we find out the Immortals are now inhabiting Earth and apparently have them to thank for wiping out the dinosaurs and quite possible for the climate being well and truly buggered! WHATTHEFUCK?!!!!!! <a onClick="hideSpoiler(this)" style='cursor: hand; cursor: pointer;'>(hide spoiler)</a>]</span><br /><br />The ending was just beyond ridiculous. It was frustrating, unsatisfying and quite honestly, just plain crap. Ahhhhh, it still makes me angry. The main problem? The author leaves it completely open, as if she's going to back to it and continue the story. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? I'VE JUST HAD TO READ FOUR BOOKS WORTH OF POOR WRITING, TYPOS AND IRRITATING CHARACTERS, FOR AN ENDING THAT'S A COMPLETE AND UTTER LET DOWN AND YOU'RE EXPECTING ME TO READ MORE?...NOT A FUCKING CHANCE. <br /><br />In conclusion if you are thinking of starting this series DON'T. Read the Demon Child Trilogy instead, it's miles better than this!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-76477678295649299892012-09-04T12:15:00.002-07:002012-09-04T12:15:51.357-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695m/10194157.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone">Shadow and Bone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575289.Leigh_Bardugo">Leigh Bardugo</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/362531350">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This started off really strongly. I found myself eager to get home from work, collapse in a chair with a nice cuppa and immerse myself in an interesting plot that looked to be a real corker, characters with a sense of humour and splendidly witty and slick writing. Unfortunately though, this one seemed to suffer the same affliction that is affecting many in the YA book world at the moment. That is that they have all the right elements there ready and waiting to become something special...then it all gets thrown out the window in favour of the generic teen drama.<br /><br />In this one all we have to do is substitute the high school for a training academy type set up and you've pretty much just got an episode of High School Musical, except with less singing and more magic. It stopped being about the mysterious Fold, a blanket of darkness dividing a nation, or the threat of war from neighbouring countries looking to take advantage of any weakness. No, instead we have balls and trying on dresses and bitchy classmates. There are even different cliques. All the Summoners sit with the summoners, all the fabrikators (or whatever they're called) sit with, yep, you guessed it, the other fabrikators. I was all ready and fired up for a compelling story, but what I got was somewhat lacking. Watered down shall we say.<br /><br />OK, that all sounds quite harsh, but that's only because I'm not doing a very good job of hiding my frustration. It wasn't that bad. It's just I get pulled in by something, my interest piqued and then it all fizzles out like a firework in the rain. I feel cheated. It might be because I'm getting a bit bored of the whole 'normal girl discovers she has magical powers and saves the world, with a bit of room on the side for romance' type scenario. A situation that could be rectified if I were given a proper exciting story with which I could sink my teeth into and characters that I can engage with, not ones that I want to shake in a attempt to wake them up so they realise there are more important things going on in the world other then clothes and boys.<br /><br />Sigh, I am probably being a bit too mean, but I can't help it. I glimpsed so much potential in this book. I'm just disappointed it didn't get the chance to shine as it should have.
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gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-48787228401733169782012-08-21T03:30:00.002-07:002012-08-21T03:30:21.936-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11375108-bitterblue" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331532897m/11375108.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11375108-bitterblue">Bitterblue</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1373880.Kristin_Cashore">Kristin Cashore</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/390853094">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
OK, so if I was to have given this book a rating halfway through, it would not have been 4 stars as it was a real muddle. As far I could see there was no real plot, beyond the fact that Bitterblue was trying to unravel and uncover the secrets left behind from King Leck's (her father) reign.<br /><br />Which is fine, I do love a bit of mystery and secret unravelling, but the things Bitterblue was investigating seemed to have no real correlation. Nothing seemed to connect or fit together which made me wonder why Bitterblue was investigating them to begin with. They were just plain random and there seemed to be no real starting point for where Bitterblue could begin her investigations and she ended up just going round in circles. Plus there was the fact that everyone seemed slightly unhinged. Which was a triumph if the author was trying to give the impression of a castle full of people not quite all there and poor Bitterblue stuck in the middle. It worked. but it made for a rather confusing narrative. Paragraphs would jump from one subject to another, conversations too would make little sense, though at times it seemed that the characters knew what they were talking about even if I didn't. It made the whole experience confusing and very hard to follow. But again, if we were supposed to be experiencing events as Bitterblue, then the author got it spot on, because I knew exactly how she felt. I had no frickin' idea what was going on, most of the time.<br /><br />But then about halfway, there was a breakthrough, a wonderful and deeply satisfying breakthrough. Mysteries began to come together and resolve themselves. Plots that you thought bore no relation to anything, suddenly found themselves making sense, and linked in perfectly with other elements of the plot. The conversations still puzzled me every now an then, lots of instances when Bitterblue would be thinking one thing, but then say something in a completely different vein. There was much head scratching as I tried to figure it out. There was also a strange insult involving whether or not someone's child would be born with ears...yeah, that still makes no sense to me at all.<br /><br />If the author had intended to confuse the crap out of us, so we could empathise with Bitterblue and the madness left in her fathers wake, to then reveal all in that wonderfully gratifying way, then, my hats of to you Kristen Cashore, you executed it perfectly!!! I shared so my of Bitterblue's confusion, then her pain and sadness when certain truths came to light.<br /><br />Bitterblue herself was a character of depth and emotion. Of all Kristen's heroines, she is my favourite, with the right mix of characteristics and traits to make her believably human, her wish to believe in the people she surrounded herself with but also the ability to do the right thing, no matter how hard, was incredibly endearing. The poor girl goes through a lot, but never in that self pitying way. She struggles through, and we the reader, along with her. She has guts and gumption by the bucket load, but thus is perfectly offset with a vulnerability and a need for her life to be filled with the people she loves, yet still be able to let them go when she has to. Her drive to do something with her life and to right the wrongs done by her father truly make her a wonderful, delightful and inspiring character to read.<br /><br />By the end of the book, I was well and truly hooked. When the threads came together they created something quite marvellous. This is, in my opinion, Kristen Cashore's best. I loved Fire, thought Graceling was OK, but Bitterblue was something else all together. I just hope that whatever she gives us next, whether another in this series (yes please XD) or something new, I hope she does it soon!!!
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gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-14991000102358673882012-08-13T13:05:00.000-07:002012-08-13T13:21:47.366-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9277339-innocent-darkness" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Innocent Darkness (The Aether Chronicles, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1318875432m/9277339.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9277339-innocent-darkness">Innocent Darkness</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4342615.Suzanne_Lazear">Suzanne Lazear</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/228129909">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
*headdesk* Why oh why do I do this to myself? I knew about halfway through that this was going to be one of those books that I was going to regret reading, but did I stop reading? Nope! That's because I still have this ridiculous need to reach the end of a book in the vain hopes that the story will get better, the characters will be less annoying, that it will stop being so gosh darned feeble and tedious. BUT THEY NEVER DO!!!<br /><br />To be fair this book started out ok. It was never going to be amazing, or knock my socks off, but it held a certain amount of promise. I was intrigued by the Steampunk/faerie mix, two genres I enjoy and hoped would work well together. And they did for a while. Then all the other stuff started getting in the way.<br /><br />The plot was nothing special. Headstrong girl unwilling to conform to social standards gets in trouble. She gets sent to an institution full of stereotypes, from the mean girls out to get anyone they see as a threat to the evil teachers deluded into thinking their way is what's best for everyone when in fact they're just plain psychotic. There was even a pervy doctor for crying out loud. This cast of completely unoriginal characters then do their up most to quash all of the things that make the girl 'special'. <br /><br />Then we have the faery element. A sacrifice of a girl possessing a 'special' quality so that they can lavish her with wonders and trinkets, make her feel like a princess then kill her to restore the balance of the world. Guess who the lucky girl is. The rest of the book is spent twatting about not actually telling a story. Rather it turns into the Kevighn-Noli-Steven show, the plot taking the back seat to the inevitable love-triangle. Oh goody.<br /><br />That being said, the plot might not have been too bad, if it hadn't kept being so over the top and forced. The author just seemed to be trying too hard to shock, rather than taking the time to build an atmosphere or explore a situation.<br /><br />And the characters!!! Utterly generic. The main character had promise, but by the end she had turned into one of the simpering ninnies she was trying so desperately to avoid. The last third of the book she spends hurt, upset or crying. Most of the time all three. What happened to the strong girl who liked to fix machines and didn't want to end up a mindless drone? Enter the love interests. As soon as the males vying for her affections had been identified, it all went tits up. There was endless prattling on about out which one was better, which one should she choose, which one was the least dickish. Even when she made her choice, 100% and completely decided which one she wanted, she still faffed about, even though she declared that she had made up her mind. A. Nnoy. ING. I don't give a rats ass who, just PICK ONE GODDAMMIT!!!! The worst part is it's a split narrative, meaning we have to hear from the boys point of view, which included hearing about how amazing she is, how much they want her, how much they want to protect her, blah, blah, blah. <br /><br />By the end of the book the girl has absolutely no spine left whatsoever and is more than happy to let one of her boys shower her with affection one moment, then push her away to next (most of the time literally). Then she lets him do it, all over again. Now, she says she will ignore him, that after trying to tell him how she felt and getting it thrown back in her face, she won't let him toy with her emotions anymore. Literally two sentences later she's letting him pull her into his lap for a hug. But it's ok, she doesn't help him pull her into his lap, she makes him do all the work. Thatta girl. You stand firm!!! Oh yeah and then she starts crying. What a shock.<br /><br />Her characters are also all stupid. For the sake of the story, there are things they don't think of or miss, so it can be revealed as a big plot twist later on, but they are so glaringly obvious they just come across as feckless idiots. How many times did they repeat, 'be careful when making deals with the fae'? but they missed out one of the most important terms of their bargain, even though they apparently went over all the points in theirs heads over and over. They still missed it. How stupid can you get? There was also a lot of fobbing off in the narrative. A lot of cliches thrown in, a botch job at covering up the holes in the plot, so the author didn't have to try to explain inconsistencies. Some examples were lines like, 'I was trying to protect you' and, dammit I can't remember any more. That's how quickly my brain wants to be rid of this book. <br /><br />There is also the fact that the ending just kind of fizzles out. A solution is reached in rather lack lustre fashion, again with more stupidity on the part of the characters, the lead in particular, but it just carries on...and gets really stupid. Plus, for some reason, the author refused to stop writing about a character when his part in the plot was over long before the ending. The only reason he remained was most likely to retain the 'excitement and drama' of the love triangle. As it had already failed to begin with, there was absolutely no need to follow the continued escapades of the man who lost. Especially when he just ended up in a brothel. <br /><br />Then it turned into a seedy porn fest. Nothing up to 'Fifty Shades' standards, but it was just unnecessary and cringe-worthy. Not all females want or need soft porn in their books to enjoy them. I did NOT need an chapterly update of the goings on in the main characters nether regions. <br /><br />The overuse of the word 'dollymop' made me want to hit things.<br /><br />Oh heck, there's more, but that goes against my non spoiler giving principles. Heaven forbid I ruin it for you just in case you still decide to pick this up.<br /><br />Suffice it to say I shall not be reading the further adventures of Noli the insipid. <br /><br />Wow, that was harsh. <br />
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gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-35216218735547634882012-08-04T13:55:00.002-07:002012-08-04T13:55:45.969-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6936382-anna-and-the-french-kiss" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Anna and the French Kiss" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267522241m/6936382.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6936382-anna-and-the-french-kiss">Anna and the French Kiss</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3095893.Stephanie_Perkins">Stephanie Perkins</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/364373555">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I should hate this book. It has a plot based around relationships of a particularly fluffy and cutsey nature, it was predictable, cliched, over-dramatic BUT I LOVED IT!!!!! In fact even while reading, I was thinking to myself, 'I shouldn't like this. This is just the sort of book I try to stay away from' but there was just something so charming about the whole thing, that I just couldn't help myself. I freely admit it. Me, who usually hates anything overly sentimental and tacky (not that this was tacky in any way.)<br /><br />This book reminds me of those girls you used to know in school. You know the ones. Not only were they popular, beautiful, intelligent, athletic, they had to be just so gosh darned nice. No matter how hard you tried, no matter how much you wanted to, you just couldn't hate them. Not that I wanted to hate this, but you know what I mean. It didn't matter that the revelations, betrayals and drama were glaringly obvious, Perkins managed through her approachable writing style and witty characters, to make it impossible to resist. I couldn't hate it even if I wanted to. Like a snuggly duvet, I dove in and let it wrap it's soft cuddleyness around me.<br /><br />Even the constant to-ing and fro-ing, will they/won't they, Ross 'n' Rachelness of the relationship I enjoyed the most, that butterfly in the tummy feeling of waiting for the moment that you hope will come, that you hope will be amazing and worth it and be everything you wanted it to be. <br /><br />The plot? well ok there wasn't much of one beyond the growing closeness between the two leads, but what there is in the way of distractions compliment the story. I found myself being drawn more to Anna and Etiene's backstories, how each had found themselves in a school for American kids that just happened to be in France, romance capital of the world. Speaking of France, the way the author described Paris actually made me want to pack my bags and leave immediately. In fact sod the bag. And I don't even really like France (too many trips as a child). Her Paris was quaint, charming, oozing in elegance but above all beautiful. <br /><br />A few gripes remain though. Etiene's 'Briticisms' threatened to distract me from the story on a few occasions, but being written for an American audience, it is understandable that the author would play up the 'Englishness', but still, I know that pissed means drunk. I haven't read a lot of UK YA authors, but I'm not sure there would be quite so many 'buggers', 'sods' and 'wankers' and I honestly didn't realise that American girls loved Brit boys so much. Is that actually true? Other than that there was little to displease. <br /><br />So, yeah it was girly and smulchy and romantic, but sometimes that's just what we need, to believe in fairytale romances, that relationships that seem to good to be true could really exist. Why? for the simple reason that they ignite that glowy place in our tummies that makes us feel happy and ok with the world. And we know that these kinds of stories aren't real, but where's the harm in a little day-dreaming? So the drama is heightened and the scenarios are unrealistic? This book made me feel all warm and fluffy in my cold stone heart that is allergic to romance of the gag-worthy kind. And there is a little part of me that hopes that maybe, somewhere out there, there are people experiencing something like this. I even might envy them a little bit...but not much XD<br /><br />The only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5, was that though they didn't get in the way of my overall enjoyment, there really were a lot of cliches!!! But that's what made it so much fun!!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-46429633730552392372012-08-04T13:19:00.001-07:002012-08-04T13:19:48.239-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12541330-touch-of-power" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Touch of Power (Avry of Kazan, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323448745m/12541330.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12541330-touch-of-power">Touch of Power</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/445303.Maria_V_Snyder">Maria V. Snyder</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/220505483">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wahhhhh why? Why Maria would you do this to me? I love your books, all of them (though admittedly some more than others) but this?!!! I cannot speak, I am too overcome with all consuming disappointment....<br /><br />...ok I'm done now. So that was a little over-dramatic and ever so slightly misleading. This book wasn't bad, in fact to most people this would probably prove to be a really worthwhile and rewarding endeavour. For me alas, this book held nothing new. I have read it before. It was called Poison Study, and was the authors first and best book to date.<br /><br />The similarities are unfortunately many, from almost carbon copies of a number of characters to relationships developing in much the same fashion. For example, in Avry we have a new Yelena, Valek has been renamed, Kerrick. Even Ari and Janco (can't remember his name) make and appearance as Quain and Loren. As much as I liked the characters in Poison Study, I was hoping for something new, in fact I was expecting it, as the author has never let me down in the past. <br /><br />Then we have the relationships. We have comradery of the dominantly male group, which harks to the bromantic affections Ari and Janco show to Yelena. The most notable similarity though, lies between the two leads. They begin hating each other with a passion (which was way too forced), then once they to get know each other, inevitably and unsurprisingly, feelings start to change. Shock!! There was one difference between this and Poison Study on the relationship and that was that I saw this blooming admiration coming a mile off. There was no subtlety, the characters quite stupid in their obliviousness to their feelings and of each others. Which was to say, devastating, as one of the reasons I loved Poison Study so much was the unpredictability of the relationships.<br /><br />Not everything in in these two books was the same (as mentioned above). Where Poison Study had a plot that was both engaging and exciting, Touch of Power was sadly lacking. All they did was wander about and camp in caves. Every now and then they would get into some spot of trouble, but before long, they would be back to camping in caves. What we did see of the plot was brief and rather unsatisfying. I feel that if we had stepped away from the characters for two seconds, it could have been promising, but instead it was just a bit odd and random. Hopefully more will be explained in later volumes.<br /><br />There was also a rather Mills and Boonish feel to the whole thing. A certain cheesyness that I found difficult to ignore. What with Kerrick and Avry's relationship being blindingly obvious, there was also a bit too much 'damsel-in-distressing' for my liking, which was at odds with Avry's personality. The end especially, when we are introduced to a fellow who pretty much wants to own Avry, claim her for himself, mostly just so Kerrick couldn't have her. It was just a bit bodice rippery, not in a graphic 'fifty shades' kind of way. I mean the guy pretty much brainwashes her into wanting him, controls her with his magic so she is powerless to resist him. And he's such a control freak. He goes ape shit when she doesn't wear the dress he picked out for her. What?!!!! I spent most of my time rolling my eyes whilst reading and truthfully, I'm finding it hard to explain exactly what it was that didn't sit well with me, without giving too much away (I fear I may have already said too much). The whole thing just seemed too contrived and pandering to the assumption that all females have fantasies of being dominated and rescued whilst pretending to be strong and feisty. Oh yeah, and the bad guy kept calling her 'my dear'. All. The. God. Damn. Time. It got VERY ANNOYING. <br /><br />Everything was a bit too stereotypical and there wasn't much in the way of originality. It may seem like I am being way too harsh on this, but it's only because of how highly I rate Maria as an author. It is killing me having to say these things. Her stories usually inspire and shock and delight, but this one did none of those things, mainly because it held no surprises. If you are undecided as to whether to read this, I would say that if you have read Poison Study, then I wouldn't bother, you will find nothing knew here. If you haven't, then go read that instead!!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-57165532521187370842012-08-02T06:14:00.002-07:002012-08-04T13:19:58.308-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13642528-the-terrible-thing-that-happened-to-barnaby-brocket" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1340834798m/13642528.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13642528-the-terrible-thing-that-happened-to-barnaby-brocket">The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7195.John_Boyne">John Boyne</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/376038018">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a great book recommend to those who love Roald Dahl. It has the unique child with the amazing gift but is stuck with despicable parents (and I mean it. I was appalled at how awful the mother and father were in this book. They should not have been allowed to have children and wanting to be THAT normal, is itself not normal at all!!!!) a la Matilda, with the kind of fantastical adventure (visits to a whole host of foreign countries, not to mention Outer space, or I should say Middle space) as seen in James and the Giant Peach (though with slightly less insects). Charming, fun but carrying the important message to those impressionable kids, that it's ok to be different, this is a great little read for youngsters.<br /><br />It took me a while to get into as it's been a long time since I've read a book aimed at younger kids, but after I realigned my inner child, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Barnaby is a wonderful character and someone young people can really relate to (well, except for the floating).
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-19287609807198579732012-07-14T03:24:00.001-07:002012-08-04T13:20:19.541-07:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6740756-tempestuous" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Tempestuous (Wondrous Strange, #3)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1287675300m/6740756.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6740756-tempestuous">Tempestuous</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1312879.Lesley_Livingston">Lesley Livingston</a><br/>
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This was a book that I wasn't in a huge rush to get to. I read the last two a while ago, and this one's been sitting on my TBR pile for a loooong time. I read it mainly because it was bugging me and it was preferable to the alternative. In the end, I liked it. It was ok. It didn't blow me away and the writing could be a little clinical and simple at times. Don't get me wrong, I can't stand overly poetic and flowery prose that spends three pages describing a door handle, but I need something more than a list of stuff that is happening. The author also had a habit of repeating herself, but I do that too, so I am willing to overlook it. Don't want to be a hypocrite now, do I? XD<br /><br />Still, there was always a lot going on, it was relatively engaging and wraps up the series nicely. I started to get a little bored of the whole 'will they, won't they', Ross 'n' Rachel-esque relationship between Kelley and Sonny, which, by the way, remains one the the worst character names I have ever come across in literature. I mean come on, I can't take someone seriously if they're called Sonny!!!! It's a name right up there with Patch from the Hush, Hush series, which I think we will all agree takes the trophy for THE WORST name in the world books. Anyhoo, characters. It just didn't have me feeling all squiggly with glee as other book relationships have in the past. Plus there was a slightly pointless attempt at a love triangle which didn't really need to exist but still, as everyone else is doing it... There would be moments as well when the characters would feel a little flat to me, but then other times when they were actually quite funny and charming, so... <br /><br />It's one of those books that I can easily see people loving. I have to say that I didn't LOVE it personally, but I did like it. It certainly didn't bore me, the finale in particular was pretty fun!! So you should probably give the first one (Wondrous Strange) a go, if you haven't already.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-41054059978827714702012-07-05T14:04:00.004-07:002012-07-05T14:04:33.949-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10636358-finnikin-of-the-rock" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320556389m/10636358.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10636358-finnikin-of-the-rock">Finnikin of the Rock</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47104.Melina_Marchetta">Melina Marchetta</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/220572183">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh, it has been so long since I have been able to give a book 5 stars. But this is one that has most definitely and comprehensively earned them.<br /><br />Good fantasy is easy to come by, great fantasy less so. This is, in my opinion one of the greats, for far too many reasons for me to write here, but I will share some of them.<br /><br />Firstly there was the story. What a story. Full of bleakness and despair, hope and light, and so much emotion and spirit that I couldn't help falling into the world the author had created. It felt so alive, capable of twisting and turning in ways that left me reeling. There were so many peoples, so many cultures and somehow she was able to paint such detailed portraits of each with so few words. And that's the real marvel. It's not a long book, nor is it a series, yet the wealth of detail is miraculous. There were no gaps in the narrative, no moments of head scratching. I worried in the beginning as in the first few pages it felt as if I had turned to the middle of the book, but as I read, the author revealed her story through her characters. As each appeared, a new piece of the puzzle would fit into place. She paced it beautifully as it felt neither hurried nor stagnant. I have read authors who have tried to attempt the 'slow build'. They could learn a thing or two from Marchetta on the perfect execution of a well told tale.<br /><br />And her writing, oh my. Lyrical without being ridiculous, but with sudden bursts of humour that had me snorting. Though there is so much sadness in this story, there is a balance. The humour is quick and sharp and delightful to read. One part in particular, as I wasn't expecting it sent me into a fit of giggles. Quite possible one of my favourite lines from a book ever. I will let you discover it for yourselves. Then through all the pain and suffering came the rewards, the parts that filled me with pure joy and warmth, for her poor characters really did deserve some happiness.<br /><br />The most important part of this story though, and the part executed with the most loving care and attention, were her characters, the marvels that they are. Finnikin was a lead who was not afraid to show fear, but was not a coward. Nor was he looking to be the hero. He was honest and charming and the kind of character an author dreams of writing. Then there's Evanjalin. A ruthless and sometimes evil soul who was always on the path to good, she is a character of so many conflicts, but she was never confused as to what she was. A strong but broken girl that had pieced herself back together, so she could do what needed to be done. She wasn't a simpering brat, desperate to prove her worth and be worshipped for her selflessness. Yes, she had been through horrors, but somehow Marchetta made it impossible to dislike her for her unwillingness to share her ordeals, which can often times come across as forced, a character seeking pity so people would love and cherish her more. That wasn't Evanjelin, mainly because she just got on with the task at hand, no matter what it was.<br />If I could, I would mention the entire cast, as there are so many memorable characters, but that is the problem, there are just so many! All with stories and personalities of their own that Marchetta somehow managed to squeeze in amongst the dazzling unravelling of a fantastic plot.<br /><br />Oh, boy. There is so much more I could say, but you'll just have to trust me and go read this yourself, so you can discover the things I have not said. <br /><br />Quite simply I loved this book. It has everything I look for and more and will be one I hope to be able re-read again and again. <br /><br />I seemed to have gushed quite a bit!! But it's just SO GOOOOOOD XD<br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-20821814484873399532012-06-30T07:17:00.003-07:002012-08-04T13:20:25.480-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323448113m/10429092.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns">The Girl of Fire and Thorns</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4074051.Rae_Carson">Rae Carson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/356147098">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This isn't an easy one to review. As a whole, I did really like it. I loved the Latin influence in the invented cultures, all the place names etc, that was a nice touch. As well as this, all the right components were there, brilliant and engaging plot, characters I either wanted to hug or punch, effortless writing, seemingly this book has it all. Yet there is something niggling at me.<br /><br />I think the easiest way to explain it is that the book feels like a trilogy in one volume. There are three parts and each is very different, from settings and characters to tone and atmosphere. Thinking of them as separate bits of the same story helps me figure how I feel about the book. The issue really is with the first and second part as these hold the most differences.<br /><br />Part 1 is my favourite. She introduces her story and characters marvellously. I started reading late at night and though trying to go to bed, I would start the next chapter without realising because I was completely drawn into the story from the very first line. It also helps that I do love bit of palace intrigue!! XD The relationships that are built up in this part are wonderfully done and just how I like them, especially the romancey bits. Slow but not painfully so, rather they tease and tantalise leaving you wanting more. I was so invested in everything about the story that when part two came along, it was a bit of a shock, like a pie to the face.<br /><br />Part two involves not just a rather dramatic setting change but also an almost entirely new cast. I will admit that I was little disappointed in the direction the author took. It's not that it was bad. There were still the same high standards of writing etc as in the first part, the new characters were well developed and believable and the story still engaging and exciting. So really it's just that I wanted more of the palace stuff and maybe there might have been a possible romantic interest in the first part that I really, really, really warmed to. It was the way she was leading up to it, it was sooo gooood!!! Deepening friendship, meaningful glances, growing respect etc all things that I love as I watch a relationship unfold. But in part two, we are introduced to another romantic interest, but this time there is none of the unhurried build up and for the male at least, the attraction is instant, which is no fun at all. I think it's safe to say that I am a big fan of the chase, rather than the end result. But I need to stress again, this is just my preference and others may have no problems with the changes in the story. The book is GOOD and I can understand the need for the second part as it is conducive (if that's the right word) the the development of the main character, Elisa.<br /><br />Speaking of, my what a delightfully likeable and endearing character she is. Her battles with her body image are treated with equal amounts of sensitivity and humour, with a part in particular involving a young boys honesty that made me chortle!! I can find no real fault in her at all. The author has succeeded in creating a multi-dimensional character who can convincingly portray naivety, fear, courage and love with vast amounts of realness and genuineness, making her a wonderful narrator.<br /><br />Lastly, part three took us back to the palace, and though still good, just felt a smidge rushed. It was refreshing reading a book with a proper and actual honest-to-goodness ending, but which entertained the possibility of more. This is most certainly a world I am eager to return to. <br /><br />Also...PRETTY COVER!!!! XD
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-2527653394344314692012-06-26T11:34:00.002-07:002012-08-04T13:20:34.558-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12924275-masque-of-the-red-death" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1319260315m/12924275.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12924275-masque-of-the-red-death">Masque of the Red Death</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1356979.Bethany_Griffin">Bethany Griffin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/277558468">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Well, I'm glad I didn't go all the way to America for this. That would have been a huge chunk of money wasted. What a load of blah. Firstly I got confused as to the setting. In most cases, when a book contains some deadly virus-plague thing that slowly wiping out all humanity, I automatically think Dystopia. But when they started going on about steam carriages and corsets, I figured I was wrong. I know Steampunk can be set in an alternate future, but most of the time they hang about the Victorian era, where they belong. Also referring to the city they lived in as 'The City', also didn't really help. Don't get me wrong I like a bit of mystery, but at least let me know if we're in an alternate reality or not. That could be one of those silly things that just bugs me. I am aware that I am fussy.<br /><br />Then there was the fact that the whole thing was told not just in the first person, but also in the present tense, which meant that we were finding things out when the main character did. Unfortunately the snag there was that no-one seemed willing to tell her anything. Sometimes she'd take it upon herself to ask a question, but then for some inexplicable reason, wouldn't (that was actually used in the book). Then you'd finally think they were going to tell her something and there'd be a distraction of some ilk and they'd forget all about it. Which wasn't annoying at all (it was, I'm being sarcastic). It really stunted the pace of the book, not that there was anything going anyway, but still, nothing was happening, really slowly. What did happen was lots of cliches I can imagine the author just shoving in willy nilly because she wanted a Mask of Zorro-esque scene with all the sword fighting and dress slashing, goddammit and no-one was going to stop her. That's the only explanation for it I can think of because THERE WAS NO REASON FOR IT, IT MADE NO SENSE AND WAS STUPID!!! Not to mention being pong-wiffy with cheeseyness.<br /><br />And don't even get me started on the characters. E-gads. They just got worse and worse as the book progressed. The main character was a complete contradiction to herself and couldn't decide whether she wanted to be vulnerable or strong. She ended up being neither, rather a simpering self centred attention seeker (not in a show off kind of way, more in a woe-is-me I'm so alone and misunderstood kind of way) who wanted to play the hero but when it came down to it always managed to wheedle her way out of it. Other characters (mostly male) kept telling her she was brave, but I'm sorry, I saw not one shred of evidence of her apparent heroics. They must have been saying that just to get into her pants (and by that I mean undercrackers). All she did was moan about how no-one cared about her, ramble on about how guilty she felt over her brothers death and generally wallow in self pity. It's a wonder she got up in the morning. On that topic, it was mentioned that she was suicidal but apart from a couple of mentions, to me she didn't really come across as someone wanting to off herself. She just whined. A lot. The two male leads for just funny in their stereotypical-ness (not really a word but it'll do).<br /><br />I'm not even going to talk about the god awful love triangle (or not much anyway), because I'm eating dinner while writing this and I don't want to up chuck into it. Suffice it to say there was lots of to-ing and fro-ing, sappy lines, denial and 'it meant nothing's' usually in the space of a few sentences. Yay<br /><br />There'd also be random bits that were quite graphic and disturbing that felt a bit out of place.<br /><br />Did I mention the main character was annoying...I did? Well, she really, really was. I think it was the fact that she was so spineless that got to me. There are just too many strong, female leads in the world of literature that there's just no room for self-centred girls like Araby...I've forgotten her surname, that's how much I didn't care about her or her problems.<br /><br />I usually try to find a positive, but I can't even say the writing made up for everything. It was pretty basic and kinda obvious, just a series of lists describing things or events in rather unimaginative fashion.<br /><br />I was originally going to give this 2 stars, but during the course of writing this I've changed my mind. So, sorry. This one for me at least, is a dud, though after looking at the reviews, I see I may be in a minority.<br /><br />Edit: Oh crumbs and I completely forgot that the main character takes drugs. Because her life is soooo terrible and she has nothing to live for...blah, blah, blah!!! Doesn't that make her seem like a wonderful and noble person. Things start getting iffy? Time to space out and go to a happy place!!!<br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-9517482654686156642012-06-19T16:04:00.003-07:002012-08-04T13:20:47.795-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12180248-enchanted" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Enchanted" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327934559m/12180248.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12180248-enchanted">Enchanted</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/173493.Alethea_Kontis">Alethea Kontis</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351638238">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Is it my fate that I must read books that get my hopes soaring only to get them dashed on the rocks of bitter disappointment?! Every part of me wanted to like this, and there were some points that I did, though mainly in the beginning. However the further I delved, the greater my confusion, frustration and befuddlement (I am aware befuddlement and confusion mean the same thing. I use both to emphasise the depths of my perplexity) over a story that wasn't really sure what it wanted to be. Was it a sweet and heart warming fairytale of love and redemption, a dark and twisted thing that the brothers Grimm themselves would be proud of, full of wicked spells and dangerous obstacles? Maybe a coming of age story shrouded in fantasy? A mystery, family saga...? In truth it was a mixture of all, yet none of the elements to me,seemed to get on very well with each other. It plot conveyed an sense of not being sure in which direction it wanted to go, or whether to go in all directions at once.<br /><br />We add to this already confusing mix the storyline itself. I believed this to be a re-telling of the Frog Prince, yet what it proved to be was far more cluttered. Though the Frog Prince is at it's core, many other classic fairy tales make an appearance, burdening an already weighty plot. The end result was not quite chaos, but it was within spitting distance of becoming a broiling concoction of far too much told with far too little. By this I mean that rather than deepening the story, exploring more the relationships of her many characters, the author seemed far more concerned with squeezing in as many fairytale references as she possibly could, most of them shoved in with what felt like little thought to how they worked as a whole. What this resulted in was a hodgepodge tale which got more and more bizarre and random as the book drew to a close. It all just seemed a bit, untidy.<br /><br />I wanted to explore the blooming relationship of Sunday and her froggy companion. I would have liked to uncover a little more the mystery of the Godmother Sorrow and the nameless King, the tale of the sister's who were gone and the enigmatic Jack who never actually appears. The author introduced us to so much but didn't seem overly fussed about digging deeper. It's not a particularly hefty volume. A few more chapters could have worked wonders on a plot that overall felt a little heavy and cluttered and could have done with a bit of stretching out.<br /><br />The best way I can sum up 'Enachanted', is by likening it to a dream, of the kind that will one minute have you sitting on a bus playing a game of cards with Papa Smurf, the bloke who works down the local newsagents and a trilby wearing panda, then suddenly transport you to the depths of the ocean and leaves you completely unconcerned by the sudden change in scenery, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, or simply unaware of it the change altogether. There was simply too much going on, each element a part of different a puzzle that won't fit together no matter how much you try.<br /><br />However, after all that, I did still give it three stars. The reason, is that you strip everything back, there are fragments of light hidden beneath to fog. At it's heart, there are characters you can like, an ambitiousness on the part of the author in her attempt to weave so many threads together, though she may have lost sight of the essence of the true plot, that I have to admire and the simple fact that I didn't dislike it. There was still something that drew me in. That could partly be the sheer unpredictability of the plot though. Looking back, it was quite mad. <br /><br />It's one of those books that, where I found fault, others might find charm, inventiveness and a story that certainly leaves you guessing.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-79785412371046243692012-06-19T16:04:00.000-07:002012-08-04T13:20:58.148-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104964-seraphina" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Seraphina" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1329421870m/13104964.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104964-seraphina">Seraphina</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/357601.Rachel_Hartman">Rachel Hartman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/338592437">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I would consider myself a fan of dragons (well, who isn't?) and though perhaps I haven't read a great many novels containing the winged beasts, I still get excited when I find a book that's gone out on a limb, pushed the boat out, taken a chance and tried something different. As much as I love the glorious creatures in all their fearful majesty, sharp toothiness and limb rendering awesomeness, I found myself being drawn to Hartman's vision of Dragon. A proud race of mathmagicians and scholars that fought for the land they had lived in for centuries, but where steadily being pushed out of. <br /><br />Skip ahead to the events of Seraphina, and we have an uneasy truce between dragons and humans built on a simple wish for peace. What makes Hartman's dragons unique for me, is that to better understand and appreciate their former enemies, they take their form and walk among them. This of course is the cause of all the troubles and tribulations that occur, much of this down to the Dragons refusal to allow themselves to become befuddled by troublesome emotions and forget what they are. What this creates however, is an intriguing tale of two peoples seemingly complete opposites of each other, yet perhaps have more in common than you think. <br /><br />The storytelling is delicious, Hartman spins her tale with grace and a deft hand. She will pull you slowly at first, so you don't notice how involved you are until it is a few hours later and you are turning the last page. I found someone I could relate to it Seraphina, the focus of this tale. Her unease in her skin resonated with me as I'm sure it would with many. I empathised with her seemingly impossible situation, the dark secret she carried that few would understand and would more likely shun her for. The relationships between characters were built on solid foundations and well explored The author was able to make it so you could understand the actions taken if perhaps you don't agree with them.<br /><br />The only gripe I had appeared towards the end. It involved a certain male member of the cast, a man who valued honesty above anything else, sought the truth in all, told no lies and his willingness to live one the biggest lies of all. To me, it seemed to go completely against his character. Also some of the names where a bit annoying, but it wouldn't be proper fantasy if there weren't a few tongue twisters thrown in to make sure you're awake and paying attention =D
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2510693301706042353.post-23180021153481655782012-05-24T12:37:00.001-07:002012-05-24T12:37:56.859-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043239-geekhood" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Geekhood" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1332244492m/13043239.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043239-geekhood">Geekhood</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5446678.Andy_Robb">Andy Robb</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/333466635">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Haha, this was pretty gosh darn funny. It took a little while to get into, mainly because I don't know any 14 year old boys, so I was uncertain as to whether the narrator was particularly accurate. I kept forgetting he was a 14 year old boy. But what do I know, maybe there are insightful, astute, intelligent 14 years old's out there. I think the problem I have is that not only do I not know any right now, but as far as I can recall, I never met any either. No-one springs to mind from my school days, though that was a rather long time ago...and I didn't really talk to boys much ¬_¬ To be fair to Archie (the main character/narrator of this tale) he does spend most of his time alternating between putting his foot in it and generally making things worse, yet he does this armed with plenty of wit and charm, which helps remind us that he is but a hapless youth on the cusp of manhood.<br /><br />The author does an excellent job of creating a character you feel you know. He also has a flair for banter of a highly amusing nature. Archie's observations ring with an alarming amount of truths, and as a huge fan of Lord of the Rings and possessed of geeky tendencies myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the use of all the nerdish references. <br /><br />I really cannot stress enough the quality of the writing. It often had me chortling to myself, which didn't make me look like a nutter at all (sarcasm). Other than the over use of the word Tosser, I can find no fault with it whatsoever.<br /><br />What the author also does very well is use humour to deal with tougher subjects, divorce, being an outsider, but he doesn't do it in a way that's patronising. He manages to make the feelings and emotions accessible. In a way, he's saying that all the things young adults feel when they grow up are normal, that they don't have to be ashamed of them. And that's the kind of thing young people need to hear, especially when it is delivered with such <br /><br />In a time when Geek is the new cool, and smart is the new sexy, Geekhood is a welcome sign that we are entering a new era.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6584522-kat">View all my reviews</a>gingerboufhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809416490639891732noreply@blogger.com0