Dream Park, Larry Niven, Published 1981, ISBN 0441167268
read ?
Set in 2051, depicts an amusement park based on the concept of LARPing (although it wasn't known as that yet) using detailed sets, computerized effects, holographic tech, and actors to nearly fully immerse "players" in a survival or adventure scenario. This one is set on an island taken entirely up by the amusement park, and featuring a game plot full of Pacific Island cliches: kuru, zombies, cargo cults, native shamans, cannibals, the whole nine yards. The plot of the BOOK however has a more sinister turn, as someone has "hacked" (again, not in those terms) the park and is killing players and actors for real - the head of security has to team up with the band of "gamers" and go incognito to try and figure out who is ruining the fun, and why. Needed to add this to the list, as it came up in a book query and it took me two days to remember it. :)
Boy + Bot, Ame Dyckman, illus Dan Yaccarino. ISBN: 9780375967573
read ?
Set in 2051, depicts an amusement park based on the concept of LARPing (although it wasn't known as that yet) using detailed sets, computerized effects, holographic tech, and actors to nearly fully immerse "players" in a survival or adventure scenario. This one is set on an island taken entirely up by the amusement park, and featuring a game plot full of Pacific Island cliches: kuru, zombies, cargo cults, native shamans, cannibals, the whole nine yards. The plot of the BOOK however has a more sinister turn, as someone has "hacked" (again, not in those terms) the park and is killing players and actors for real - the head of security has to team up with the band of "gamers" and go incognito to try and figure out who is ruining the fun, and why. Needed to add this to the list, as it came up in a book query and it took me two days to remember it. :)
Boy + Bot, Ame Dyckman, illus Dan Yaccarino. ISBN: 9780375967573
October 2012
Picture Book: Used this one for storytime last fall and didn't
write about it then, but I've continued to think about it, especially
with the dearth of good picture-book-format robot stories for young
audiences. Saw it in the delivery today, and decided to put it up
here. It's very similar to My Friend Bear, or A Splendid Friend Indeed
- the mis-matched best friends category. The boy and the bot meet one
afternoon and have a great time playing, until Bot's off-switch gets
switched accidentally. The boy doesn't know quite what to do, so he
takes Bot home, tries to feed him dinner, reads him a story, and puts
him to bed against the wall. Then the boy falls asleep. The
boy's parents unknowingly switch the Bot on, who then sees Boy asleep.
Worried about his friend, Bot takes Boy back to the mad scientist's
('scuse me - "inventor's") castle, tries to give him oil, and reads him
an instruction manual. He's just about to try and install a battery
when the "inventor" arrives, exclaims, and Boy wakes up. The inventor
(and Bot) drives Boy back to his (strangely ok with all this, even in
the middle of the night) parents, and the two friends set up a playdate
for the next day.
I love the facial expressions on everyone, especially the bot. I
also really love the nose on the inventor. It's just the right touch to
make him look unworldly in a totally not intimidating way (it helps
that he's about the same height as the Boy). A killer parting shot is
the Bot magneting a hand-drawn picture onto his chestplate. So
cute!
Magisterium, Jeff Hirsch. ISBN: 978-0545291080
October 2012
YA split-world (techno/modern day vs medieval fae). The other side of the Rift is dead and dust, everyone in the modern world knows that. Except it isn't really - it's a whole kingdom ruled by and inhabited by fae creatures. Glenn's mother vanished in her childhood, and now Glenn herself is on the run, pursued by modern assassins and medieval magical killers alike. Interesting premise, some individual character likes (the old woman, the werecat) but overall meh. Disappointing.
Beta, Rachel Cohn. ISBN: 978-1423157199
October 2012
YA futuristic thriller dystopia. Beta thinks she's a lab-grown biotic clone created to serve and amuse the super-rich residents of the island of Demesne. She isn't supposed to have feelings or emotions or ambitions. Of course, she does. Wanted to like it, wasn't bad, just meh. Series ensuing, not interested.
Star Kingdom Series (treecats), David Weber & Jane Lindskold (series in progress)
A Beautiful Friendship (ISBN: 978-1451638264) read October 4, 2011
Fire Season (ISBN: 978-1451638400) read October 2, 2012
Need a treecat to live. Srsly.
Dark Lord: The Early Years
October 2, 2012.
Juv parody fantasy. The dark lord has been teleported from his evil empire into a vaguely British township, into the body of a young (powerless) boy. His subsequent attempts to integrate with his foster family and his new school are HYSTERICAL. Anxiously awaiting the sequel covering his girlfriend's accidental banishment to the dark kingdom and eventual (pink and sparkly) takeover.
Lights on the Nile, Donna Jo Napoli. ISBN: 978-0061667930
Fall 2012
Juv Fantasy: Puts a mortal fated to be the first of the "Tinkerbell" type fairies as the heroine of an Egyptian origin myth/hero's quest story. Even knowing where the story was going did not stop the ending (very magical and obvious) from feeling very different from the rest of the story (very mundane and atmospheric). Odd little piece. Excellent Author's Note, Postscript on History, and Glossary.
Grave Mercy, Robin LaFevers. ISBN: 978-0547628349
Read August 2012
Interesting premise dragged down by way-too-in-depth
fake French historical politics. Ismae lives in fear of her abusive
father, and her wedding night is cut short by her abusive new husband
finding the birthmark on her. The local herbmother rescues her and
she's off to a convent for the "daughters of Death" to be taught as an
assassin with other unwanted or abused young ladies. The love interest
is a bit forced, but the overall conflict between Christianity and the
older pagan practices is deeper than expected. Doesn't hurt that Death
is actually real... Trilogy projected, second in series is Dark
Triumph. Not sure if I'm interested in braving the politics and
nobles.
The Far West, Patricia C. Wrede. ISBN: 978-0545033442
August 2012.
The LAST book of the Frontier Magic Trilogy (I have NOT read 13th Child or Across the Great Barrier) stands fine on it's own as a steampunky romp through magic-infested American West. Fun to read, didn't feel the need to go back and hit the others.
The Last Free Cat, Jon Blake. ISBN: 978-0807543641
August 2012
Odd YA dystopian corporate grey-world where cats are patented and only the rich can afford them. Jade risks everything for Feela, the impossible stray that appears in her backyard. Interesting conclusion which I appreciated, hackneyed romance that I didn't.
Survivors: The Empty City, "Erin Hunter." ISBN: 978-0062102577
August 2012
I've never been tempted to pick up any of the various animal series done by the Erin Hunter collective, but this one about strays after an earthquake struck a chord. I think it reminded me of Homeward Bound. Formulaic, but not bad. Lots of telegraphing of intent and future events, lots of obvious character and plot choices. One human death scene, which was oddly awkward.
The Boneshaker, Kate Milford. ISBN: 978-0547241876
Summer 2012
Juv super-creepy Americana. Natalie and her amazing bicycle battle a sinister circus and the devil of the crossroads in a perfect mid-century, middle-of-nowhere setting. Amazing read. Excellent worldcraft and characterization. Scrumptiously creepy plot.
Explorer: The Mystery Boxes (read for included short The Escape Option), Kazu Kibuishi. ISBN: 978-1419700101
Summer 2012.
Juvenile Graphic Novel: the last story of this collection is The Escape Option, and it's a very nice sci-fi existentialist story in the old-school style of Asimov or Clark. Beautiful art style. The cover art of the collection is from this story.
Spiderwick Chronicles, Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (5-book series read in 2012)
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Toni DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (3-book series read in 2012)
The Field Guide (ISBN: 978-0689859366)
The Seeing Stone (ISBN: 978-0689859373)
Lucinda's Secret (ISBN: 978-0689859380)
The Ironwood Tree (ISBN: 978-0689859397)
The Wrath of Mulgarath (ISBN: 978-0689859403)
The Nixie's Song (ISBN: 978-0689871313)
A Giant Problem (ISBN: 978-0689871320)
The Wyrm King (ISBN: 978-0689871337)
Fun but very slight stories with great illustrations. Very Brian Froud-y fairies.
StarCrossed & Liar's Moon (Thief Errant series), Elizabeth C. Bunce.
ISBN: 978-0545136051 & 978-0545136082
July 2011 & November 2011
Comments on StarCrossed in an individual blog-post. Liar's Moon interesting with the continuation of the magic system and the implications of the political complexities. Also got to love a good "gravely wounded secret prince" plotline. Not as good as the first, but still solid.
Calamity Jack, Shannon & Dean & Nathan Hale. ISBN: 978-1599900766
October 2011
Graphic Novel, sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge (excellent book). Sadly not as good as the first, but still lots of fun. Good to see a bit more of Jack, and his continuing problems with both women and with the truth. More overtly steampunk than the first, which I was surprised to find I didn't much like.
Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake. ISBN: 978-0765328656.
August 2011.
YA horror/gothic ghost story. It's written in blood-red ink, I shit you not. Nice creep-factor, excellent build-up, good twist to set up the climax. Has a sequel (Girl of Nightmares) and possibly a series to come - not really interested in following up. Works fine as a stand-alone.
Page by Paige, Laure Lee Gulledge. ISBN: 978-0810997219
July 2011
Graphic Novel. Sweet inspirational story of writers(artists?) block and how to manage the gulf between inspiration and desperation, and the idea of faking it til you make it. Very lovely art style.
Knightley Academy Series, Violet Haberdasher (series in progress)
Knightley Academy (ISBN: 978-1416991434) read March 2010
The Secret Prince (ISBN: 978-1416991458) read July 2011
Juv alternate history adventure. British upper-crust boys (and one charity case) train to be Knights (think combination National Guard, FBI, CIA, detective and police forces) and discover that their communist neighbors to the north are planning something nasty.
Life on Mars, editor Jonathan Strahan. ISBN: 978-0670012169
Summer 2011
Short Story Collection. Memorable: Atlee and the Long Walk - girl rebels against conformist socialist colonial life and discovers native Martian plants. Dr Who creepy with a satisfying non-scary ending. First Principle - new boy from Earth is out of place with the genetically-modified Martian humans (an extra set of arms! Green skin!) and their adaptations to their new habitat. Interesting genginered pets designed to eat dust and waste and be cute and fuzzy and cuddly. Martian Chronicles - nifty offering from Doctorow that blends The Ships of Earth with Ender's Game as kids and adults en-route to Mars play a MMORPG investment and city-building game that will impact their standing in the real colony once they arrive. Digging - Ian McDonald's story about a terraforming initative where colonists live along the periphery of a giant hole they're digging to reach appropriate atmospheric pressure to survive suitless. Martian Heart - the girl is the explorer, the guy just loves her, but she dies doing what she loves, and he ends up famous for it, and mourning her for the rest of his life.
Sidekicks, Dan Santat. ISBN: 978-0439298117
Summer 2011.
Juvenile Graphic Novel: Captain Amazing needs a sidekick. His three pets each think they're the perfect fit for the job, but they spend all their time sabotaging each other - until they're forced to team up and work in unison for a goal they all support. Kid-friendly, good morals, but still fun, silly, and action-filled.
A Tale of Two Castles, Gail Carson Levine. ISBN: 978-0061229657
May 2011
Elodie wants to be an actor, so she leaves her small farming island for the capital city. After being turned away for apprenticeship, she's hired by the city dragon (excellent idea!) and somehow ends up infiltrating the castle and protecting the prince from murder. Excellent book, lovely cover by Greg Call.
The Emerald Atlas, John Stephens (Books of Beginning Trilogy) ISBN: 978-0375868702
April 2011.
YA sibling quest fantasy. Kate, Michael, and Emma were abandoned by their parents a few years prior. Each is slated to get their own book in the series. Kate's the star in this one, as they time-travel to a strange valley despoiled and controlled by evil, and somehow connected to their own lives and parents.
Book 2: The Fire Chronicle.
The Far West, Patricia C. Wrede. ISBN: 978-0545033442
August 2012.
The LAST book of the Frontier Magic Trilogy (I have NOT read 13th Child or Across the Great Barrier) stands fine on it's own as a steampunky romp through magic-infested American West. Fun to read, didn't feel the need to go back and hit the others.
The Last Free Cat, Jon Blake. ISBN: 978-0807543641
August 2012
Odd YA dystopian corporate grey-world where cats are patented and only the rich can afford them. Jade risks everything for Feela, the impossible stray that appears in her backyard. Interesting conclusion which I appreciated, hackneyed romance that I didn't.
Survivors: The Empty City, "Erin Hunter." ISBN: 978-0062102577
August 2012
I've never been tempted to pick up any of the various animal series done by the Erin Hunter collective, but this one about strays after an earthquake struck a chord. I think it reminded me of Homeward Bound. Formulaic, but not bad. Lots of telegraphing of intent and future events, lots of obvious character and plot choices. One human death scene, which was oddly awkward.
The Boneshaker, Kate Milford. ISBN: 978-0547241876
Summer 2012
Juv super-creepy Americana. Natalie and her amazing bicycle battle a sinister circus and the devil of the crossroads in a perfect mid-century, middle-of-nowhere setting. Amazing read. Excellent worldcraft and characterization. Scrumptiously creepy plot.
Explorer: The Mystery Boxes (read for included short The Escape Option), Kazu Kibuishi. ISBN: 978-1419700101
Summer 2012.
Juvenile Graphic Novel: the last story of this collection is The Escape Option, and it's a very nice sci-fi existentialist story in the old-school style of Asimov or Clark. Beautiful art style. The cover art of the collection is from this story.
Spiderwick Chronicles, Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (5-book series read in 2012)
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Toni DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (3-book series read in 2012)
The Field Guide (ISBN: 978-0689859366)
The Seeing Stone (ISBN: 978-0689859373)
Lucinda's Secret (ISBN: 978-0689859380)
The Ironwood Tree (ISBN: 978-0689859397)
The Wrath of Mulgarath (ISBN: 978-0689859403)
The Nixie's Song (ISBN: 978-0689871313)
A Giant Problem (ISBN: 978-0689871320)
The Wyrm King (ISBN: 978-0689871337)
Fun but very slight stories with great illustrations. Very Brian Froud-y fairies.
StarCrossed & Liar's Moon (Thief Errant series), Elizabeth C. Bunce.
ISBN: 978-0545136051 & 978-0545136082
July 2011 & November 2011
Comments on StarCrossed in an individual blog-post. Liar's Moon interesting with the continuation of the magic system and the implications of the political complexities. Also got to love a good "gravely wounded secret prince" plotline. Not as good as the first, but still solid.
Calamity Jack, Shannon & Dean & Nathan Hale. ISBN: 978-1599900766
October 2011
Graphic Novel, sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge (excellent book). Sadly not as good as the first, but still lots of fun. Good to see a bit more of Jack, and his continuing problems with both women and with the truth. More overtly steampunk than the first, which I was surprised to find I didn't much like.
Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake. ISBN: 978-0765328656.
August 2011.
YA horror/gothic ghost story. It's written in blood-red ink, I shit you not. Nice creep-factor, excellent build-up, good twist to set up the climax. Has a sequel (Girl of Nightmares) and possibly a series to come - not really interested in following up. Works fine as a stand-alone.
Page by Paige, Laure Lee Gulledge. ISBN: 978-0810997219
July 2011
Graphic Novel. Sweet inspirational story of writers(artists?) block and how to manage the gulf between inspiration and desperation, and the idea of faking it til you make it. Very lovely art style.
Knightley Academy Series, Violet Haberdasher (series in progress)
Knightley Academy (ISBN: 978-1416991434) read March 2010
The Secret Prince (ISBN: 978-1416991458) read July 2011
Juv alternate history adventure. British upper-crust boys (and one charity case) train to be Knights (think combination National Guard, FBI, CIA, detective and police forces) and discover that their communist neighbors to the north are planning something nasty.
Life on Mars, editor Jonathan Strahan. ISBN: 978-0670012169
Summer 2011
Short Story Collection. Memorable: Atlee and the Long Walk - girl rebels against conformist socialist colonial life and discovers native Martian plants. Dr Who creepy with a satisfying non-scary ending. First Principle - new boy from Earth is out of place with the genetically-modified Martian humans (an extra set of arms! Green skin!) and their adaptations to their new habitat. Interesting genginered pets designed to eat dust and waste and be cute and fuzzy and cuddly. Martian Chronicles - nifty offering from Doctorow that blends The Ships of Earth with Ender's Game as kids and adults en-route to Mars play a MMORPG investment and city-building game that will impact their standing in the real colony once they arrive. Digging - Ian McDonald's story about a terraforming initative where colonists live along the periphery of a giant hole they're digging to reach appropriate atmospheric pressure to survive suitless. Martian Heart - the girl is the explorer, the guy just loves her, but she dies doing what she loves, and he ends up famous for it, and mourning her for the rest of his life.
Sidekicks, Dan Santat. ISBN: 978-0439298117
Summer 2011.
Juvenile Graphic Novel: Captain Amazing needs a sidekick. His three pets each think they're the perfect fit for the job, but they spend all their time sabotaging each other - until they're forced to team up and work in unison for a goal they all support. Kid-friendly, good morals, but still fun, silly, and action-filled.
A Tale of Two Castles, Gail Carson Levine. ISBN: 978-0061229657
May 2011
Elodie wants to be an actor, so she leaves her small farming island for the capital city. After being turned away for apprenticeship, she's hired by the city dragon (excellent idea!) and somehow ends up infiltrating the castle and protecting the prince from murder. Excellent book, lovely cover by Greg Call.
The Emerald Atlas, John Stephens (Books of Beginning Trilogy) ISBN: 978-0375868702
April 2011.
YA sibling quest fantasy. Kate, Michael, and Emma were abandoned by their parents a few years prior. Each is slated to get their own book in the series. Kate's the star in this one, as they time-travel to a strange valley despoiled and controlled by evil, and somehow connected to their own lives and parents.
Book 2: The Fire Chronicle.
Incarceron & Sapphique, Catherine Fisher. ISBN: 978-0803733961 & 978-0803733978
Jan 26, 2010 & December 28, 2010
Dark Faerie dystopia. Enjoyed Incarceron much more than Sapphique,
sadly. Incarceron is VERY strong, very evocative, very atmospheric.
Powerful quest writing. I disliked the scenes in the countryside and
castles, because it was very hard to suspend disbelief regarding the
computer alterations which were supposed to be happening all the time.
In Sapphique, it just got to be too much to ignore, to the detriment of
the story. Very sad. Almost wish I hadn't read it, so the memory of
Incarceron wasn't a bit spoiled by the association.
Reckless, Cornelia Funke, ISBN: 978-016056090.
Fall 2010
Dark Faerie tale. Jacob Reckless never got over his dad
vanishing. He did handle the magic mirror into Faerie quite well.
Through careful planning and relentless caution, he's made money and
influence in that world, to help compensate for his horrid life here.
Until his little brother (reckless and joyous) follows him in
and immediately falls victim to the omnipresent dangers. Sequel ensued:
Fearless.
Dark Life, Kat Falls. ISBN: 978-0545178143
May 2010.
Juv undersea dystopia. Nifty cool book with mutants and politics and escapes. Reminds me of the fun parts of Peretti's Cooper Kids series. Sequel ensued: Book 2: Rip Tide.
Ship Breaker, Paolo Bacigalupi. ISBN: 978-0316056212
May 2010.
YA Peak Oil/Rising Oceans dystopia. Excellent cast of creole/shanty-town characters in a hard-knock life. Sequel: The Drowned Cities
Phoenix Rising Series, Erica Verrillo (Trilogy complete. Most likely read in 2010)
Elissa's Quest (ISBN: 978-0375839467)
Elissa's Odyssey (ISBN: 978-0375839481)
World's End (ISBN: 978-0375839504)
Satisfying but not amazing. Notable for amusing/interesting sidekicks (Gertrude the camel among them).
The Shield, Sword, and Crown series, Hilari Bell. (Trilogy complete, read in 2010)
Shield of Stars (ISBN: 978-1416905943)
Sword of Waters (ISBN: 978-1416905967)
Crown of Earth (ISBN: 978-1416905981)
Juv high fantasy. Trio of kids with disparate backgrounds get one book each in their POV during the quest to save the kingdom. Final book from prince's perspective is the weakest, but still satisfying conclusion. Strong female characters, child and adult.
Scar Night (ISBN:9780553384161) & Iron Angel (ISBN: 9780553384175), Alan Campbell.
Books 1 and 2 of the Deepgate Codex. Related Works: Prequel Novella: Lye Street (ISBN: 9781596061354). Trilogy conclusion: God of Clocks (ISBN: 9780553384185) I have NOT read these, nor am I interested.
I was intrigued by Scar Night. A city, suspended by chains over the mouth of Hell, inhabited by the scarred, frightened, and merciless remnants of a now-obsolete society, menaced by an insane angel of vengeance summoned in error? Hell yes! Sadly, the plot was fragmented, the characters caricatures, and the sequel contained all of the elements of the first that I disliked, none of the ones that I liked, and quite a few more that I disliked even more ("alien" artifacts, split party narrative). When I learned that the final novel would involve time travel (a difficult proposition for me in the best of narratives) and would presumably continue on the path with the previously-encountered elements of dislike, I cut my losses out of respect for the awesome setting I remember with fondness from the first book.
Winter 2008
I had managed to totally forget the plot of the story, and the enormous City-Engine as well. What stayed with me were the trappings and restrictions of the Exalted (wearing masks and enveloping clothes, can't DO anything physical themselves: eat or hold/carry objects or even walk) and the idea of mechanically-assisted winged couriers who transcended (at least partially) the rigid caste system of their terraced city home. Lots of good descriptive language for evocative scene-setting, but obviously the plot wasn't exceptionally memorable.
The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart. ISBN: 978-0316057776 March 2007.
Juv fiction, puzzles and geniuses. Beginning of a series, but not interested in following up. Enjoyed the first 70 pages with the "tests" and then the rest of the book was like a lackluster episode of Scooby Doo. Very sad after the really engaging tests and challenges and solution methods.
Don't Know When I Read It, but I Did:
Medicus Series, Ruth Downie (series in progress)
Medicus
Terra Incognita
Persona Non Grata
Caveat Emptor
Poor Ruso. He's just too curious for his own good. Historically correct, nifty plotting, and excellent characters.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business, Charles Duhigg. ISBN: 978-1400069286
Published February 2012
Nonfiction pop-sci neuroscience, personality, brains. I think I'm the only person in the world who would buy the ORIGINAL
Febreeze - I can't stand it now because of the scent. But then, I know
I'm an odd duck. Very pop-sci overview of how and why our brains work
to make us tick in certain ways to maximize our pleasures and minimize
our pains - or at least the potential for each. Very readable, not very
deep.
Wonderstruck, Brian Selznick. ISBN: 978-0545027892
Wonderstruck, Brian Selznick. ISBN: 978-0545027892
Published September 2011
Not as amazing as Hugo Cabret, but still lovely and arresting
images. I didn't find this storyline as interesting or inspiring this
time around (here is dioramas of natural exhibits and the lives of
deaf/mute people), but it was still beautiful and quickly read. Still
love the contrast between the wordless illustrations and the written
segments, so different from classic graphic novels and from classic-format books.
Breadcrumbs, Anne Ursu & Erin McGuire. ISBN: 978-0062015051
Published September 2011
Creepy modern-setting for The Snow Queen. Lots of
symbolism, somewhat unsettling mesh between real life and the fairy-tale
world. Very reminiscent of Charles de Lint's Newford works, with modern life
stubbornly ignoring the fae incursions on the margins.
Tune-In Tokyo, Tim Anderson. ISBN: 978-1612181318
Published November 2011
Nonfiction culture shock, Japan. North Carolinian (and gay) Tim gets really sick of his life in the
Bible Belt, and runs off to Japan for a few years. This mostly-diary,
tiny-bit-travel-guide, part social/cultural commentary highlights the
interesting differences (and even more interesting similarities) between
Japanese culture and Southern culture, and Tim's failures to integrate
with either of them. Tim is gauche, raunchy, and fairly socially
clueless throughout, but it was a fun quick read by a fellow disaffected
southerner in another culture that I also find fascinating.
Mistwood, Lea Cypess. ISBN: 978-0061956997
Published 2010
Interesting and evocative, and confusing as hell. Idea of a protector-spirit who takes on personalities based on the history of who she protects is really nifty. Sequel Nightspell, May 2011.
Wildwing, Emily Whitman. ISBN: 978-0061724527
Published 2010
Interesting time-travel with a nice satisfying twisty bit at the
end. I enjoyed the falconry and theatrical bits, but this wasn't the
most historically accurate depiction. I had a hard time believing that
any modern girl would be able to pretend that she's a noble lady well
enough to fool anyone at the start. At the very best, she'd be thought
to be simple, spoilt beyond hope, or mad. Besides that, an
enjoyable read.
Companions of the Night, Vivian Vande Velde. ISBN: 978-1439517734
Published 2009 (library binding edition)
Adventures in Babysitting meets Lost Boys by way of the Labyrinth in this (unintentionally?) funny thrill ride where the older sister has to protect her young siblings from a late night out among the gang warfare between rival clans of vampires. Are they real vampires? Or just using the imagery to make themselves seem more frightening? Read and find out!
Published 2009 (library binding edition)
Adventures in Babysitting meets Lost Boys by way of the Labyrinth in this (unintentionally?) funny thrill ride where the older sister has to protect her young siblings from a late night out among the gang warfare between rival clans of vampires. Are they real vampires? Or just using the imagery to make themselves seem more frightening? Read and find out!
Ice, Sarah Beth Durst. ISBN: 978-1416986430.
Published 2009
East of the Sun, West of the Moon meets The Polar Bear King by way
of Til We Have Faces. I liked the twist at the end regarding the
"trolls" and what they really were. Slightly weird meshing of modern
times and fairy happenings, but not enough to frustrate.
Nurtureshock, Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman. ISBN: 978-0446504126
Published 2009
Glib but interesting pan over parenting and child-rearing and
educational theories and "common knowledge" and the actual research and
what it implies. Not earthshaking, but an interesting and educational
read.
The Lost Conspiracy, Frances Hardinge. ISBN: 978-0060880415
Published 2009
Really interesting and surprisingly complex plotting for a juvenile book. Excellent characterizations and relationships, beautiful use of different tribes and cultural backgrounds/hangups, wonderful use of an interesting created environment and magical system (systems?). The ending perhaps wraps up a bit too neatly, but otherwise a truly excellent read.
The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman. ISBN: 978-0060530921
Published 2008
LOVE this book. Parallels to the Jungle Book are subtle and fun to catch. Villains are creepy and nasty. Bod is resourceful but innocent. Made me want to live in a graveyard with a friendly ghostly family.
Compound, S.A. Bodeen. ISBN: 978-0312370152
Published April 29, 2008
YA dystopia. Nifty psychological thriller. Kid slowly realizes
it's him vs dad, with his mother and younger siblings as pawns.
Well-written, and handles the aftermath well.
The Ice Dragon, GRR Martin (illust Yvonne Gilbert). ISBN: 978-0765316318
Published 2006
Such a pretty/melancholy fable story from the SoIaF author. Reminds me of a Hans Christian Andersen, or Wilde's The Happy Prince. Poor brave loyal ice-dragon.
Bella At Midnight, Diane Stanley. ISBN: 978-0060775735
Published 2006
Nifty and surprising adaptation of the Cinderella story, along with some Paul Revere's Ride, and a bit of Joan of Arc. Standalone fairy-tale, for which I'm eternally grateful in this sea of sequels and serieses.
Princess Academy, Shannon Hale. ISBN: 978-1582349930
Published 2005
The moral is perhaps hit just a bit too hard, but otherwise sweet. The plot-device of the Prince actually picking a bride from the girls counteracts a lot of the girl-power feel that built up over the course of the story. Sequel ensued, but I didn't care.
Heir Apparent, Vivian Vande Velde. ISBN: 0152045600
Published 2002
Vague memories of this. The good - nifty representation of a virtual reality game (strong tones of the newer Omnitopia Dawn (Diane Duane), and the older Dream Park (Larry Niven). The bad - pretty cliched fantasy plot for the game-storyline itself. The cringe-worthy - it's explicitly stated that players shedding tears is the "secret weapon" that automatically codes the game down to an easier difficulty setting. Gah.
The Gentleman Outlaw and Me Eli, Mary Downing Hahn. ISBN: 039573083X
Published 1997
Wild West fiction. Vague memories of this one. Eliza's dad catches the gold bug and heads west, leaving her and her mom with the relatives. Mom dies, and Eliza becomes the family scapegoat, but she isn't having it, and sets off for the west to find her dad and give him what for, disguised en-route as Elijah. Strong female protagonist, good historic bones, rollicking story. Seem to remember the ending being a bit maudlin, but can't be certain.
The Electric Kid, Garry Kilworth. ISBN: 0531087867
Published 1995
YA dystopia. Dumpster-dwellers live by scavenging the dumps on the outskirts of the city for electronics and materials. Aided by preternatural skill with hardware, and a blind friend who can "hear" whether an item is live or not, our hero(ine) manages to outwit a city boss and improve her life. Notable for a female hacker/electronics wizard in a setting that doesn't remind you every other page that she's a female and isn't that awesome! Good solid read.
Children of Morrow, H.M. Hoover. ASIN: B0006C4TKE
The Ice Dragon, GRR Martin (illust Yvonne Gilbert). ISBN: 978-0765316318
Published 2006
Such a pretty/melancholy fable story from the SoIaF author. Reminds me of a Hans Christian Andersen, or Wilde's The Happy Prince. Poor brave loyal ice-dragon.
Bella At Midnight, Diane Stanley. ISBN: 978-0060775735
Published 2006
Nifty and surprising adaptation of the Cinderella story, along with some Paul Revere's Ride, and a bit of Joan of Arc. Standalone fairy-tale, for which I'm eternally grateful in this sea of sequels and serieses.
Princess Academy, Shannon Hale. ISBN: 978-1582349930
Published 2005
The moral is perhaps hit just a bit too hard, but otherwise sweet. The plot-device of the Prince actually picking a bride from the girls counteracts a lot of the girl-power feel that built up over the course of the story. Sequel ensued, but I didn't care.
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Malcolm Gladwell. ISBN: 978-0316172325
Published January 2005
Nonfiction pop-sci neuroscience, personality, brains. I really enjoy reading Gladwell. He's not amazingly deep, he's
often a bit more ... optimistic about the results of studies or tests
than the evidence actually warrants, but he has a lovely way of painting
situations that explains what he's trying to get across. Almost
compulsively readable.
East, Edith Pattou. ISBN: 0152045635.
Published 2003
Splendid combo of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and
Snow-White/Rose-Red (except just Rose). Rose is the last-born, and in
her mother's heart, she replaces a previous daughter lost. Rose does
her best, but she has a wandering spirit, and that's even before she
meets the mysterious Polar Bear. Beautiful, excellent, memorable,
delightful.
Heir Apparent, Vivian Vande Velde. ISBN: 0152045600
Published 2002
Vague memories of this. The good - nifty representation of a virtual reality game (strong tones of the newer Omnitopia Dawn (Diane Duane), and the older Dream Park (Larry Niven). The bad - pretty cliched fantasy plot for the game-storyline itself. The cringe-worthy - it's explicitly stated that players shedding tears is the "secret weapon" that automatically codes the game down to an easier difficulty setting. Gah.
Running out of Time, Margaret Peterson Haddix. ISBN: 978-0613016704
Specific edition published February 1997
Broad-brush similarities to The Village (2004 film) but details are
very different. Jessie's village is suffering from a terrible
outbreak, and her mother finally has suffered enough to break character
and send her into the real world outside their re-created historical
"living archaeology" site. With no knowledge of modern life, Jessie has
to break free of ignorance and evil scientists alike to save her family
and friends. Pacing issues, choppy writing, but interesting plot. "Jessica" and other modern names in an 1840s village was giving me hives, but I was glad to see that it was purposeful. I would have made the "villagers" choose period names like they do in actual reconstructed sites, but it made for an interesting clue.
The Gentleman Outlaw and Me Eli, Mary Downing Hahn. ISBN: 039573083X
Published 1997
Wild West fiction. Vague memories of this one. Eliza's dad catches the gold bug and heads west, leaving her and her mom with the relatives. Mom dies, and Eliza becomes the family scapegoat, but she isn't having it, and sets off for the west to find her dad and give him what for, disguised en-route as Elijah. Strong female protagonist, good historic bones, rollicking story. Seem to remember the ending being a bit maudlin, but can't be certain.
Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers. ASIN: B002OKRGFG
Published 1997 (first-paperback edition - purple-ish cover)
Mark of the Lion trilogy, Francine Rivers.
A Voice in the Wind. Published 1993. ISBN: 0-8423-7750-6
An Echo in the Darkness. Published 1994 ISBN:
As Sure as the Dawn. Published 1995. ISBN: 978-0842339766
Redeeming Love: Historical Christian Romance Fiction epic California Goldrush prostitution.
Mark of the Lion: Historical Christian Romance Fiction epic Roman slavery persecution early-Christians. These are really hard for me to review fairly at this point in my life. I will say that I have rarely read any other works that abuse my heartstrings quite so badly as Ms Rivers does. It's a talent, most assuredly.
Mark of the Lion: Historical Christian Romance Fiction epic Roman slavery persecution early-Christians. These are really hard for me to review fairly at this point in my life. I will say that I have rarely read any other works that abuse my heartstrings quite so badly as Ms Rivers does. It's a talent, most assuredly.
The Electric Kid, Garry Kilworth. ISBN: 0531087867
Published 1995
YA dystopia. Dumpster-dwellers live by scavenging the dumps on the outskirts of the city for electronics and materials. Aided by preternatural skill with hardware, and a blind friend who can "hear" whether an item is live or not, our hero(ine) manages to outwit a city boss and improve her life. Notable for a female hacker/electronics wizard in a setting that doesn't remind you every other page that she's a female and isn't that awesome! Good solid read.
Winter of Fire, Sherryl Jordan. ISBN: 978-0590452885
Originally published as a paperback in 1992.
Juv/YA dystopian far-future. Not amazing, but really powerful and interesting ideas. The
characters are really better described as archtypes, and the quest is
blatantly obvious (as are the bad guys) but it still manages to get some
interesting philosophical territory covered in a fast-paced
coming-into-your-inheritance style quest narrative. (Author also wrote The Hunting of the Last Dragon (TBR) and The Raging Quiet (re-read several times and excellent.)
Children of Morrow, H.M. Hoover. ASIN: B0006C4TKE
Originally HC in 1973.
Treasures of Morrow, H.M. Hoover. ASIN: B000TMOXMU
Originally HC in 1976
Juv dystopian far-future, psi abilities, lost children. Strongly reminds me of the Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain
old tv movies (movie novelizations are amazing for semi-sheltered
kids), except not quite so hackneyed. Even the main character girl
shares the same name (Tia) in both instances. I haven't seen any proof
of it, but I wouldn't be shocked if it were the case. In Children,
Tia and Rabbit are not like the others in their village, and they are
suffering for it. Their brutal leader is about to kill them, in
fact, when voices in their heads call for them to leave and travel to a
new home. Interestingly enough, Treasures continues
the narrative by showing the kids having difficulties adjusting to their
new society, and even shows the flaws in the new "utopian" way of
life.
The Girl Who Owned a City, O.T. Nelson. ASIN: B000JGEE66
Original Hardcover Edition (newer editions are condensed and edited) published 1975
Juv children-in-charge dystopia. If you want to know Ayn Randian philosophy, but don't want to
muddle through her own works (and really I can't blame you for that)
then this is the book for you. Straightforward adventure/city-building
exercise with a bookish 12 year old girl in charge of a rag-tag group of
kids enforcing a strict "what's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine
if I'm strong enough to take it from you" philosophy (which works quite
well in the depopulated dystopian environment of the story). Read ages
ago as a young child - re-read as an adult and it holds up quite well.
The Hero from Otherwhere, Jay Williams. ISBN: 978-0809831036
Edition read (hardcover) published 1972
Upper-grade Juv, lower-grade YA hero quest/character growth. I thought of this book recently (relatively speaking) when reading the Ranger's Apprentice
series (John Flanagan, very good) because I was trying to think of
stories where male characters experienced an a-typical hero's quest that
doesn't simply involve learning martial or magical arts and then
flinging weapons and spells at the antagonist until they win. It's also
very Narnian in that the characters grow and develop while away, and
then have to re-learn (supposedly, and mainly off-camera) how to apply
the skills and character to the "real" world instead of to a magical one
of obvious quests and contests.
Two Year's Vacation, Jules Verne, 1888 (French).
(Specific copy info: "A Long Vacation" abridged and condensed
version, published Holt, Rhinehart & Winston, translated by Olga
Marx, 1967)
Verne's take on Lord of the Flies and much preferable. 15
schoolboys are cast onto a deserted (or is it) island, and must live by
their wits and rise above petty squabbles and conflicts to handle the
challenges that face them. Excellent companion to Swiss Family Robinson
and Robinson Crusoe. Lots of old-fashioned language, but I think
that's to be preferred. Would like to find and compare this edition to that serialized in the 1888-89 Boy's Own Paper
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