Jul

The Dragons Of Ordinary Farm : Book Review

Brother and sister, Tyler and Lucinda are like many normal preteen kids. They live off video games, television programs and extended phone calls about absolutely nothing. They are exceptionally undeniably normal. That is of course till they receive an unexpected invitation from their Great Uncle Gideon (who till just that moment they didn’t know existed) inviting them to stay with him at his farm.

Arriving at Ordinary Farm expecting the worst Tyler and Lucinda are dazzled by the ever increasingly extra-ordinariness of Ordinary Farm. Instead of cows and pigs and roosters Ordinary Farm hosts a large variety of creatures previously unheard of in farming, least of all dragons and a flying monkey. Suddenly farm life doesn’t seem quite so boring anymore when you are taking care of supposedly mythical creatures and you really see Tyler and Lucinda grow as characters from whiny little kids to really engaging personalities.

Strange things are afoot at the farm though, at least more strange than they normally are. The farm and its inhabitants are threatened from the most unlikely of places and it’s up to Tyler and Lucinda to save the day the best way they can. Along the way brother and sister find that they have some extraordinary talents of their own adding to the excitement.

The Dragons Of Ordinary farm is a fun little book for 9-12 year olds (per the cover). I’m not well versed with the age requirements on books but I think that this could easily be enjoyed by all school aged children. Though I believe almost any book could be (and should be) read to kids. The storyline is cute and moves along pretty well after the first few pages. The writing seemed to opened up and became much more engaging so that by the end I was quite sad to see I was on the very last page. I want to know more about the mysterious grumpy Mr. Walkwell and the huge viking looking Ragnar and all the other mysterious and varied farm hands of Ordinary Farm. The story of bringing together family, of choosing one’s family and seeing outside what is expected is quite enjoyable. The characters are well written though I wish one or two would have been a little more detailed. All in all a lovely little book I would gladly recommend to any budding reader.

I hope that I’m right in my feeling that this is begging for a return visit to Ordinary Farm because I’ll be first on that bandwagon. Deborah Beale and Tad Williams have wove a brilliant little adventure anyone could sink their teeth into.

925 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

book review/Books/Fantasy

Deborah Beale/Dragons/Good Reading/Tad Williams/The Dragons Of Ordinary Farm/Young Adult Reading

Jul

The First Law Series: A Book Review

Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, say that he’s a fantastically well written fully fleshed out character. One you can sympathize with, commiserate and even chuckle at.

It would be an understatement to say that only one character in this series by Joe Abercrombie was so well written, so finely crafted that you really fell in love with him. Usually in a series there is a small circle of characters you are supposed to care about but in the First Law series the reader is never really quite sure who that is. The circle shifts, expands, and then narrowly contracts. Are you supposed to open your heart to the humerus, bad luck ridden, blood spattered barbarian Logen? Or is it the arrogant, pompous, dimwitted young noble Jezal? Maybe it is shining, hard working, common man Captain West? Then again it could be that you will love Inquisitor Glokta, former glory hungry army captain turned torturer? Maybe even Bayaz the Magus who has obvious intentions of his own regardless of others?

The Blade Itself

Your alliances shift on an almost continual basis depending upon the circumstance. Joe Abercrombie doesn’t give any one of his characters an easy out, every path is riddled with heartache, destruction, and bloody sacrifice. But as Logen would say “You’ve got to be realistic about these things.” Realistic is exactly how I would describe The First Law series. Realistic in that each character is faced with life changing decisions and none of them are as pretty as living happily ever after.

The reader is forced down in the muck and blood in the fantastically written fight scenes and battles. We drag ourselves along clinging to any hope we can find that will help us on to the next page, onto the next paragraph where we may find sanctuary. Where we may find rest. Joe Abercrombie doesn’t just write battles, he places you in the middle of the action and forces you to duck less you loose your head. After reading them you are short of breath as if someone kicked you right in the gut. Hardly ever has a book had that sort of physical effect on me where I had to actually get up and walk away for a moment so that I could recoup.

Before They Are Hanged

In the second book in this series, Before They Are Hanged, an unlikely band is formed intent of making it to the end of the world and back. Even where most authors would give their characters some comradeship Mr. Abercrombie lets his characters personalities shine. These are not necessarily people who would ever talk to each other, much less find friendship together. It shines for the fact that just because you put people together for a common purpose they will not necessarily come out together Lord Of The Rings style. Love, romance, and brotherly friendship have their places but it is not with in this band.

The Last Argument Of Kings

In the third and final book all the loose ends are tied up in neat little dirty knots. Alliances are made, graves are dug, and lives go on – just not the way you would expect them to. The last twenty pages of this book was a balzy kick in the chest. I’ve never had an ending such as this, surprising but then in retrospect not entirely so. In the end you are left thinking of this more as an ongoing epic than the full story and fully expect for at least one character to come back in the future to kick some more butt. Sometimes people don’t live happily ever after and by the end of the series as a reader, I was ok with that. It made much more sense than trying to fit each of these personalities and fit them into preconceived happy boxes. Happy is relative and maybe a man can’t change as much as he’d like to.

It’s been a long time since I have breezed through roughly 1800 pages in less than two weeks. It’s a testament to how powerful and how well written The First Law series is. I highly recommend it to as a great addition to anyone’s library. The story is realistic, bloody, brutal, and humorous. The characters are finely crafted, each one a sparkling gem of literary insight. I can’t wait for the next book Joe Abercrombie comes out with. He’s created a fan for life.

927 days ago Short URL 4 Comments

book review/Books/Fantasy/photography/Picture/Pictures/reading

Before They Are Hanged/Joe Abercrombie/Last Arguement Of Kings/The Blade Itself/The First Law

Jul

Look What Came In The Mail Today!

The most awesome thing ever that’s what!

I don’t even know how to contain my dork-con 9, please duck and cover because she’s gonna blow.

Signed by Deborah Beale & Tad Williams

This is my goal for the weekend. Read this book. First I have to finish off The First Law by Joe Abercrombie and write up that review. The series is to die for and Ninefingers may be one of my favorite characters of all time.

Sorry for the lack of knitting content, it’s been too darn hot so instead I’ve read over 4000 pages in the last week. Knitting will resume when the weather cools and the sweat lessens. I have written over 234,000 words and I’m hoping Mildred will be done by the end of September though that might be hoping for a lot.

931 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

book review/Books/Fantasy/knit/photography/Picture/Pictures/reading

Jul

One Heck Of A Day

We all have those days. The ones that come on like a hail storm in July and randomly make up for every bad thing that has gone wrong for a few months. A day that wraps so much awesomeness into one 24 hour time frame that it just about blows your mind like a perfect acid trip (course I’m totally making this up because I’ve never actually tried acid) or really really great sex (I apologize to family members who read this, but ya all know what I mean). Well Tuesday was my day. I’m writing this in real time but am going to wait to publish it because I need to let the awesomeness wash over me like a caribbean warmed wave and enjoy the feeling of absolute bliss.

It all started with a simple comment on my blog asking if I’d be interested in reviewing a book. Like I stated the other day I don’t usually review books. The only reason I posted about Orcs and Moon Called were because I had been discussing Orcs with friends on flickr for a few days and it had been rotting my brain. Moon Called tagged along because it was such a breath of fresh air and so originally written I needed to share. Now into the second book of the Mercy Thompson series I feel that Patricia Briggs most closely resembles Jim Butcher in the fast paced, action packed, ‘need to know how it ends’. If you have never picked up a Harry Dresdon book you should do so. It will be worth your time.

But like I said, I don’t review books in general and even more so since I have started trying to write one. I don’t believe that there are enough “atta girls” or praise from family and friends to make me feel confident about my writing. I still want to rip the pages from peoples hands with tears in my eyes worried that it’s not good enough or that people will think I’m stupid. It takes a lot of effort for me not to be embaressed around even my husband that I’m writing this “book” so who am I to judge anything?

Well, were I may lack as a writer (as prolific as I am) I more than make up for in my reading comprehension. I can burn through the pages lightening fast while remembering just about everything. I believe it’s probably a genetic trait from both my mother and father who are avid readers.

So I was asked to review a book, and honestly, I thought it was pretty awesome. Then I googled the book (how did we ever survive in this world with out google and wikipedia?) and found out the authors and my jaw just about dropped. Not only was asking to review a book just about the coolest thing I had ever heard of but one of the authors has been my literary hero for quite some time. Some people get all slobbery about George Lucas and Star Wars, well I get that way about Tad Williams.

I am going to be adding a whole new category to the blog to include personal reviews of the books I have read. Now that I’m addicted to goodreads.com I find that I read quite a few more books than I ever thought.

As if I needed another reason for this day to be anymore awesome I received a call from a company after they had seen my resume. It was a 30 minute love fest just for me. I hadn’t even applied to a job nor had I any interest in sales, but they were so interested in me that they wanted to meet with me anyway and set up an appointment this week to meet the owner face to face.

Is it possible to puke from excitement and joy?

Edited to add: I had the greatest interview ever with the company that called me. It was a 2 hour love fest and later that day they offered me a job. That said they completely lowballed me on the salary which isn’t as insulting as one would think. When you deal with those who have a sales mentality it is always their first tactic to see how little they can pay for the most bang. I called friday and had some questions answered and will call back monday with my answer. Just when I thought I had all weekend to think about this (like I had been promised) the owner of the company called me not 2 hours later asking me to call him back personally. I think they want me, but are they willing to pay for me is the question.

936 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

book review/Books/Fantasy/reading

deborahbeale/tadwilliams

Jul

Blood Bound : Book Review

In Blood Bound Mercy Thompson is back and just as captivating as she was in Moon Called. This time it is her vampire friend Stefan that needs her help. It seems that a new vampire has moved into the neighborhood and is causing the community at large all sorts of trouble. Repaying the favor she owes Stefan from Moon Called she embroils herself in danger, mystery, and darker forces than she bargained for.

I don’t know if I can say how much I love these books. They are short little 300 + pagers that can be finished easily in one day with out using too much brain power. That is not to say that they aren’t cleverly written with fun humerus dialogue, just enough action (with out drawing out fight scenes indefinitely), and a little bit of romance. In this novel Mercy comes to the aid of her vampiric friend Stefan who seems to have bitten off a bit more than he can chew. It all starts with a message Stefan is to deliver to another vampire, one who does not have permission to be in town. When they arrive we learn this is no ordinary vampire.

Patricia Briggs is quite talented at keeping the reader guessing (at least this reader) till the very end. The ride is entertaining and lighthearted at places though hits quite deeply when Mrs. Briggs digs into how much Mercy cares for her friends.

The love triangle between the alpha male Adam, Samuel, and Mercy is still brooding I’m happy to report that it doesn’t overshadow the main story. The interaction between the three is interesting but not overpowering as it could be.

As in Moon Called Patricia Briggs is quite talented at presenting us with just enough depth into vampire culture to give the novel a more robust feel with out drowning us in the showy romantic notions of vampires that has become so popular. There is a fair balance of good and evil which I feel lets the reader decide how to feel about the characters themselves.

In all I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Bound as much as Moon Called. I still have the same complaint about the cover art that though I enjoy the art itself it’s not how I would ever picture Mercy. Especially in the fact that she spends half the book with a half swollen face and a shiner. Mercy definitely gets her butt kicked in these novels but always ends out on top.

939 days ago Short URL Comments

book review/Books/Fantasy

blood bound/mercedes thompson/mercy thompson/patricia briggs

Jul

Vilai and Some Book Reviews

First off I have finished some knitting to show you. I also have been spinning for Tour De Fleece to show off (though it’s admittedly not very exciting). Second I have breezed through 3 novels in the last week that I need to get off my chest.

First off, socks!

Pattern: Vilai from Sock Innovation
Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy colorway Gothic Rose
Needles: US 1′s throughout
Verdict: Stretchy pretty socks that hurt my hands!

I’m not really sure what made me decide that I needed to knit these socks. I’m not really one for cabled socks in the first place (no matter how brilliant I think they look) so this was a little rare for me. After they are completed though I really love them. One thing I do not love though is the sssk’s or the k3tog. Which there were a lot. Doing these on two circs meant that these stitches were always on the end of the row making leverage hard and stitches a little tight in places. Also if you can’t tell there are twisted stitches involved. Cookie A. loves her twisted stitches and why not? They make cables pop and are so pretty and tidy but after a while you just want to impale yourself on a size 13 knitting needle.

And since I have extrodinarly large feet (at least I think so) it took quite a few pattern repeats to get enough length to cover my size 12 clodstompers. That said I love these socks as I love all my handknit socks. I love that they fit me PERFECTLY and I love the color and that they are beautiful. I DO NOT like that the pattern tells you to have quite a few more pattern stitches for the instep than the sole, that means that your lace is coming in contact with the ground which I do not enjoy. Had I thought it through on the first sock I would have changed it, but I didn’t realize the it till sock #2. And those knitters among you realize that there is nothing more grievously irritating than 2 differently fitting socks (though in close competition is two sleeves of differing lengths)

Other than knitting I have been spinning. I have set myself up on a little mission to finish spinning my Shetland wool I have in stash. I have decided I want to spin for the Alberta Vest and now have my eye out for a good contrasty fiber to spin for the stripes.

Shetland Wool

This is unwashed in the picture but I would say that I’m very close to spinning an even almost worsted weight which is awesome for me!

Another thing that’s been taking up my time is reading.

I usually don’t give book reviews because I feel that reading is so subjective. It is so incredibly personal what a person finds interesting to read. Maybe that’s because I refuse to acknowledge Oprah’s book club as viable literature and read fantasy instead. I know I don’t show people my books because I worry about being cast as a geeky D&D player (which I never played by the way). I find it much more interesting when a complete world/ race/ religion is made up. I live in the real world and it’s damn depressing sometimes. Why on earth would I need to read a book that could just as easily be about some family struggling down the street? The truth is I do not.

I have to admit that I have a soft gooey spot for the neglected creatures of fantasy. The less charismatic creatures that are rarely discussed make me all sorts of happy. Imagine my delight if you will when I turned around to find ORCS staring me in the face at the local Barnes & Noble. I just about squealed right there in the isle which made some dorky D&D geek looking at role playing books give me the eyebrow (yes I will stereotype you if you ARE looking at role playing books and wearing a t-shirt that says “Dragons Killed The Dinosaurs”).

I practically danced home with visions of gore and blood in my head. (I’m a simple girl and I still am not sure how anyone would survive mid evil combat which is what really fascinates me!). All that build up, all that excitement only to be completely let down.

Dear Stan, I know you have published all sorts of books and maybe it’s not entirely your fault. Maybe it’s my fault, maybe we just have no chemistry together but I have to tell you that we are breaking up. I have read both of your ORCS books and I have to be honest; you are just not that excellent of a writer. I know it hurts and I understand if you hate me, but you have to understand deep down in your heart that I am saying nothing but the truth. Your sentences are simple, your lack of semi colons sadden, and your elimination of real description maddens. There was a point where you were describing one of the only female orcs in your story and all of the sudden *POOF* you made her have HAIR! Then it was gone, she was bald again and it made me worry for your health. Did you just have a brain fart? What happened? Also as a woman who would kick some serious ass I would like to tell you that if I were an evil sorcerers I would not dress in stilettos, leather, and fur. I would not have a cat named sapphire. You want to know why? Because a woman like that would NEVER be taken seriously. Because you can’t run, much less kill someone in stilettos. Also, leather is hot and restrictive. No evil genius worth his/her salt is going to parade around in leather pants. Just saying.

You took a really fascinating storyline and completely destroyed it. Time to hire a ghost writer. Also, how did you get Tad Williams to write you a byline? Did you have to pay for that because Tad is #1 now that Robert Jordan is gone and you are not even in the same atmospheric plane as either of them (though the independent UK seems to think you are Robert Jordan’s heir apparent which is the most laughable thing I’ve ever heard since no one could be as amazing as RJ)

Now onto things that have completely thrilled and surprised me! Moon Called has stared at me from the book shelve and the summer reading pile at the bookstore for almost 3 months. I have ignored it because I have seen all the sickening post Twilight crap on the market now. I do not like vampires and I HATE vampire romance novels. I like my vampires scary. I love werewolves though and even though this story is ABOUT werewolves I couldn’t get past the cover. I love the art but it yells to me “Teen Angst Novel!” and I moved right along. Finally last week though I gave in. I sucked up my snotty pride and said “OK little novel, you have your chance, I don’t expect to be impressed”. And that little novel is now my new obsession.

The writing is brilliant. It’s Witty, charming, humorous, and face paced. I woke up one day and started reading it in the morning and by dinner was done. It’s that brilliant. The main character is a female mechanic who’s not overly sexed out like the cover. She’s kinda badassed and incredibly smart. She’s the kind of chick I’d want to know. The author gives surprisingly deep insight into the werewolf culture and background while not diving too deeply into the past. The dialogue is natural and engaging. I have not been this excited about a book since I first read The Dragon Bone Chair (which is kind of my holy bible).

(HA! I just realized I’m wearing the same color shirt in all three pictures. Amazingly they are not at all the same shirt!)

In other news we finally have laid claim to our garage and shuffled the landlords crap out. Finally I will be able to start sorting through my parents crap. It made me quite angry to realize upon looking at the garage that 1/3 of the crap in there belonged to our landlord, 1/3 belonged to my parents (who have retired and moved out of their townhome) and 1/3 was ours. Except that we had a pathway and much less stuff. It’s time for everone to get their crap out of my house. This is my new project.

Jul

Lacy Baktus

Thank you all for your lovely comments on my Apre` Surf Hoodie I really love it and since it’s been so cloudy and chilly still here in Southern California I’ve worn it quite a few times. I had a wonderful birthday, I got a great haircut that trimmed up the crazy poof that I was sporting and I got a fab birthday present from the Mr.

Birthdays usually aren’t a big deal in this house for some reason. I will admit that this present was several birthdays of neglect rolled into one. He did well though, it was more than I expected and the fact that he’s been planning it since December means the world to me.

In other news I’m going with a family friend tomorrow to volunteer for the first time at a horse rescue up in Ojai. I’m a little nervous as what to expect but it will be awesome to get out of the house. I really don’t know what people do at home all day who don’t have kids to run after. Seriously, house wives with out kids? What do you do? This is ridiculous.

I finished a knit too. I really like it and it finally gave me something to use one of my favorite skiens in.

Baktus

Pattern: Baktus with Mustaavillaa’s modification
Yarn: Mountain Colors Barefoot colorway Marigold
Needles: US 2

Right now there is a lot of knitting going on. I’m finishing up a fingerless mitt pattern, trying to get some motivation to finish a second sock, spinning for tour de fleece, swatching (or trying to get around to swatching) for a new sweater, among other things. Hopefully I’ll be a little more consistent with blogging. I realize I haven’t had a whole lot of interesting things to say lately but really, my life just isn’t that interesting. Still looking for a job and trying not to get down about it. I’m just no good at sitting at home doing what I see as nothing. Chores at home are what I would be doing even if I were working so they don’t count.

947 days ago Short URL 6 Comments

Craft/knit

Mr Poopers Day Out

Posted in July 2009 …