City of Disappointing Writing

Stravaganza: City of Ships
Mary Hoffman
(bk 5, Stavaganza series)

Genre: Historic/Adventure
Audience: Young Adult (12+)
Rating: 3/5

Maybe I've just become more critical of writing, or maybe the style is genuinely slipping, but I found myself picking many holes in this book. The main character, Isabel, is better developed than Matt in the previous volume, and I think Hoffman has learnt from her previous one. The other Stravagantes are kept in the shadows - almost too much - they are undeveloped to the point of if you hadn't read the previous books, you'd be wondering what all these pointless background characters were doing in the story. Of course, you'd also probably be quite confused about the whole Stavagation thing. Her relationship with Charlie is interesting, but the section concerning 1580s England seemed like a rather odd side-track - it had no real relevance to the plot and seemed to contridict what we'd already learned - that they were all linked to an alternate-Italy. If anything, I think the character of Sky should have been further developed, because the whole romance-side-plot was exceedingly weak.

Anyway, enough nitpicking.

"City of Ships" is a decent enough yarn. It's about a 21st century girl, Isabel, who lives in the shadow of her twin brother, Charlie. She discovers her talisman, which transports her into the world of Talia - a bit like our 18th century Italy. Here she visits the city of Classe, a city under threat by the dreaded "Gate" people (I'm not sure where they're from, they're not linked to the di Chimici family, anyhow). With the help of a dashing pirate , the equally charming Lucien and a cast of everyone-from-the-former books, Isabel must help defend the city against this threat. Oh, and there's lots of di Chimici and Belezza politics in there too, that would be really confusing for those of you that haven't read the earlier books.

In conclusion:
Hoffman should really concentrate on developing the characters she's already got, instead of creating more. The earlier ones - Georgia, Nick and Lucien were interesting, the later ones might be interesting too, but I don't really feel I know them. Also, she has an unfortunate habit of "cutting" away from exciting scenes and jumping to the present day when Isabel is telling her Stavagante friends about what happened next. I did enjoy the effect of being a Stravagante on regular social relationships too.

Things I would like to see in Book Six - City of Swords
* More of Andrea
Yeh, that's about it, really. I liked the dashing pirate/rogue. Even if he was very much a cliche - and a little but Captain Sparrow, he did give the book a bit of flair.

I need to go back to re-read the earlier books and see if the same flaws are apparent there. Meanwhile, here's the short review I wrote for the "City of Secrets", book number four.

City of Secrets

Whilst I enjoyed this as I was reading it, I found myself quite disappointed. It just seemed rather clumsy compared to its predecessors. Whilst Matt was an interesting character, he did not really add anything to the plot - Luciano was really the star of the show. And although it was nice to see the old faces show up, it lead the story to feel quite fragmented and clumsy with many ends left frayed and hanging.

Cute animal stories for children

Donna Jo Napoli is well renowned for her delightful children's books, including her own versions of popular fairy tales. Writing across the whole spctrum from age zero to teenages, it is her animal stories that have currently enchanted me.

Both of the two I have read recently have been based on fairy tales, and both have provided me with inspiration for my own animal chapter books. I shall review them both here:

Mogo, the Third Warthog
An adorable story about a little warthog growing up. I loved the portrayal of this ugly, yet endearing pigs and Mogo's accounts of his adventures in the African savannah. Written in first person narrative, this felt a little odd at first - but I found it quite enjoyable. It helped me relate better to the character, and his trials and triumphs. A goodly amount of facts were thrown into the mix, scattered higgledy-piggledy in a way which educates the reader almost without their knowledge. There is a fair amount of action as well, and she does not shy away from darker issues, like death. Whilst something of a retelling of "Three Little Pigs" this is more the story about survival and spirit. Gotta love the Wild Dog being cast as the Big Bad Wolf!

Ugly
Another delightful story, also told in first person narrative. This one is set in Australia, and contains themes of friendship, family and also spirit. Ugly is the last duckling to hatch in Mama duck's brood, and much larger (and uglier) than his siblings. His behaviour also provides something of a conundrum. Ducks do not trust strangeness, and Ugly and his family quickly find themselves being bullied by the other ducks in Dove Pond. A pacifist by nature, Mama Duck realises that there is no way around it - Ugly must use his brains and survive on his own. But once it is him against the world, Ugly quickly learns that he's not as smart as Mama has lead him to believe. The world is a dangerous place, and a friend is what one needs to get by. He makes many new friends on his quest for his identity - a competitive wallaby; a sweet, loveable wombat; two bawdy geese and a feisty possum, before he finally realises what family and friendship truly are. Enchanting.

These books are both well suited for the 8-10 age group. But because of the inclusion of death in both books - albeit briefly - parents are also encouraged to read them. So they can discuss it with their children. And because they're good ^^

Magic Strikes, Burns, Bleeds and Bites

Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
http://www.ilona-andrews.com/

I have just completed the fourth book in this series, and it is truly growing on me. It took me a while to warm to it - the first book contained a few too many out-of-this-world ideas and concepts for me to immediately grasp. But now I am thoroughly hooked.

Imagine a future where magic strikes - randomly and in force, and technology fails. Imagine a world where industry has crumbled, where skyscrapers lay in fallen ruins and city suburbs are twisted labyrinths into other dimensions. This is the somewhat bleak future that Ilona Andrews (a husband and wife writing team) have conceptualised.

It is a world populated by humans, and creatures far strangers. Foul, anthropied vampires that stalk the streets, piloted by hidden masters. Werebeasts of every imaginable shape and size exist - bears, wolves, rats, hyena (my favourite) and many others besides. Where the Knights of the Order strive to keep order over gods and monsters.

Kate Daniels is not a god, nor is she a monster, at least not in body. She's a human, a human with a dark secret and a personal vendetta against the forces of darkness, particularly those that threaten her nearest and dearest. Through this series of books she undergoes various challenges and faces dire threats. With a healthy dose of bitter humour. And yes, there's a bit of smut too.

It takes a bit of getting used to, and a while to get to know and love this rather bleak world, but once you do, you will become as addicted as I.

Individual summaries of the volumes to date:

1. Magic Bites
A brave start for an intriguing series. This novel takes the popular trend of vampires and werewolves, magic and monsters, to a slightly different level. Andrews world is a complicated one, and it takes a bit of getting used to, but their characterisation is engaging and one cannot help but be drawn in. This novel starts with a violent death - that of Kate's mentor and guardian. And she is next on the list. Can she find the killer before all hell breaks loose?

2. Magic Burns
Something a wee bit different whilst still being in the urban paranormal vein. Vampires are truly foul. Andrews has added a few unique twists into a tired genre and come up with something that is engaging and interesting and makes for a fun read (with a few rather tense moments). After stumbling upon a set of stolen maps and accidentally "adopting" a pre-adolescent girl, Kate finds herself caught up in a war between two gods, both set on the same goal - to manifest, rule and conquer...

3. Magic Strikes

The more I read of this story, the more I like it. I am now getting some awesome mental imagery of the post-magic Atlanta, with ruined skyscrapers and strange mythological monsters roaming the streets. The humour is great, the shapeshifters (especially the Bouda and Curran) awesome and it is plain that Ilona Andrews has developed their world very well. I can't wait to learn more! When Kate's friend Derek is found in a near death and exceedingly bad state, she vows to stop at nothing at tracking down the perpetrators. Her investigations lead her to the Midnight Games - a deadly arena in which opponents fight to the death.

4. Magic Bleeds

Just finished this one and I cannot deny it. I am hooked. Character development is furthered in this instalment, and more of Kate's history revealed. I am starting to really grow fond of Andrea and Raphael, as well. I can't help it - I love the Bouda. There's something about their attitudes. You also learn rather more (perhaps than you wanted to know) of shapeshifter lore and customs. There's an Iron Mary on the loose - a strange, hooded figure that spreads fear, disease and death wherever it steps. And it appears that Kate may be the only one with the resources, the courage and the dedication to track down the plague-bearer before it's too late.

I love Grendel! Every book needs an Attack Poodle.

Around the world, hunting for clues

39 Clues series by assorted authors
This list will be updated as I read the final volumes.

#1 Maze of Bones
Rick Riordan
After their parents die in a tragic house fire, Amy and Dan Cahill are raised by a nasty aunt. But they have visits with their grandmother, Grace to look forward to. Shortly after her death from cancer, Grace's Will is read and a challenge issued to the most competitive (and dangerous) family of all time. Take one million dollars, or join the quest to uncover the 39 Clues and become the Most Powerful Person in the World. Amy and Dan accept the challenge and thus begins an exciting (and potentially deadly) around-the-world scavenger hunt. Some of the major plot points and twists seem a little too obvious to an experienced reader like me, and the plot is ridiculously far-fetched. Overall, however, it's exciting, the characters are interesting (although a bit on the cliched side) and the pace is frantic and highly addictive. Which leaves me eager for more. I can see why the kids are gobbling these up. The series is accompanied by a website, trading cards and the opportunity for the reader to join in the adventures and thus hunt for him or herself. It has a wide appeal.

I listened to volumes 1-6 on audio book, which I highly recommend.

#2 One False Note
Gordon Korman
In this instalment of the "around-the-world" treasure hunt we have crazy boat chases, a cat on a hunger strike, secret headquarters beneath a music store and many other things beside. As our heroes find themselves in Venice. The writer has a love of the word "astern" and graces us with it at least 6 times in as many minutes, and also overuses the cliches, but overall an exciting adventure leaving me hungry for more.

#3 Sword Thief
Peter Lerangis
Another fun, fast paced instalment in this series, this time our heroes find their way to Japan and have a run-in with more of the extended family. The implied delationship/romance seemed contrived but the plot contained a few surprises and a goodly amount of excitement. A fun series for adventurous kids.

#4 Beyond the Grave
Jude Watson
Not bad, another fast-paced plot and a bit of Cahill-reminiscing sweetness. Despite these all being written by different authors, I'm not finding too much difference in writing style. Although some make Dan more obnoxious than others! In this volume our heroes venture into Egypt in an effort to uncover the Cahill family secret.

#5 The Black Circle
Patrick Carman
This one is most noted as being the one when a main character dies. Which one? You'll have to read and see. In this volume, our heroes are starting to doubt their Au Pair, Nelly, and when a clue leads them to the airport and hands them tickets to Russia and fake passports, they leap at the chance to branch out on their own.

#6 In Too Deep
Jude Watson
Not one of the best in the series. In this chapter of their adventures, Dan and Amy make their way to Australia. Here, Watson has some fun with Aussie slang and throws a few cliches around before whisking our heroes off to the opal mines and away to the Philippines. Everything flows a little too smoothly and is a bit too predictable. Still, lots of fun.

#7 The Viper's Nest
Peter Lerangis
This is the first of this series that I have actually physically read (the others on audio book). And even though they're as addictive as caffeine, they're not exactly "well written" or even close. In this instalment the quest for the clues leads Dan and... Amy to Pretoria, South Africa and eventually concludes with them arriving at their Grandmother's house in Madagascar (complete with absolutely no description of this amazing country, which left me feeling very let down) where finally you learn their family identity. Those of you that hadn't had it all figured out from book 1 that is. Predictable, cheesy and very, very addictive.

#8 The Emperor's Code
Gordon Kormon
Gordon strikes me as one of the stronger writers in this series. I certainly enjoyed this instalment, which takes our Cahill heroes first to China, then divides the two up for the first time in the series. Fast paced and intriguing, it relies a lot on coincidence, but that's too be expected. Certainly some tense moments here, and a hidden message in the text too (although not well hidden) which makes for some added fun. Makes you wonder where the series is going and who the Madrigals REALLY are...

#9 Storn Warning
Linda Sue Park
I believe this is the best instalment in this series so far. The thrills and surprises never stop (some of those us more experienced readers guessed back in book 2 are finally revealed) and the tension builds well. There is some heartbreak in here as well, and Linda Sue Park just proves to be a strong writer with a good grasp on the characters. Roll on book #10 and the childrens' biggest challenge yet!

Angels on Earth

Halo
Alexandra Adornetto

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Romance
Audience: Young Adult (12+)
Rating: 3/5

Just another instalment in the current trend of Paranormal Romance novels aimed at teenage girls, you ask yourself? Well, Halo might fit that description quite well, but it does at least contain some originality. For one thing, it's the female narrator that is the otherworldly being - in this case an angel. She has been sent to a small, sleepy town along with her "siblings", the Archangel Gabriel and a seraphim, Ivy. Their mission? To inspire general goodness in the community and do away with the creeping shadows of evil that are growing in the small town. And it gets off to a good start. Our heroine, Bethany, is a young angel, being only 17 years old. She is naive and innocent and has learned about human-kind from television and literature. Being flung into modern society - and school - makes for quite an eye-opening experience. Even eating is something new to her. The first section of this book is charming, and does make you take another look at the world we're so used to. Then she falls in love. Xavier is a lovely young man and the relationship is likewise sweet and innocent with only a slight spattering of angst. It's only when the "evil" character is introduced that the plot begins to lose some of its sparkle. The villain is cliched, and the plot holds no real surprises - although it does build to a nice bit of tension. It would be nice to have some sort of red herring in here, but everything is pretty much straightforward from beginning to end, leaving the reader feeling slightly disatisfied. Also, as it is part of a series, the major plot point - can an angel and a human really have a life together - is left hanging for further instalments.
Overall, this book is sweet and somewhat innocent (although there is some mention of sex) and quite a refreshing addition to this tired but addictive genre. However, it could be so much stronger. But one thing that should be noted - despite the Christian elements to the plot, it is not at all preachy. For this she should be commended.

Adornetto is a young Australian author, who published her first book at age 13. As she is only now 19, and this is her first dabbling at teen fiction, I can see she has is plenty of promise to mature into a very fine novelist. She certainly seems to have good morals, if her book is anything to go by.

Top five reads of 2010

Every Year I compile a list of the five books I read that year that left an impression. This can be because they were really good, really original, or so god-awful terrible that I could not help but love them. Luckily this year, there were none of the latter!

So, here's my list - please note that not all (or perhaps even any) of these books were actually RELEASED in 2010).

*

The Passage
Justin Cronin

Creepy, dark, engrossing. This novel darkened my thoughts and haunted my dreams. Well written, with good characterisation, it could be described as "The Strain" meets "The Stand" and is a original and interesting post-apocalyptic thriller with a different take on vampires. I wouldn't even really consider them vampires, personally. With more than a few surprises in store, this book took me on a journey I did not quite expect. It will be interesting to see where it continues to lead me.

*

Florence and Giles
John Harding

Exceptionally clever, written in the Narrator's own, poetic tongue of her semi-invented language. This is one of the stories when the intentions of the Narrator - in this case, 12 year old Florence, might not be quite as clear as her take on things makes... out. Lots of clever little plot touches, and delightful seasonings that allow your mind to wander beyond what our "heroine" sees and believes, and what reality actually holds. In this manner, it reminds me rather of Matt Haig. Very clever, quite chilling, and with a delightful sting in the tail, Harding does not beat you over the head with the plot twists, but allows you to come to your own conclusions. Excellent writing and highly recommended.

*

Gone (Gone #1)
Michael Grant

"Under the Dome" for teenagers - this is the story of a small American town who one day suffer from a strange problem - all of the people over 15 disappear - POOF, just like that. So, what happens to the survivors? How can a bunch of kids survive on their own? Suddenly they're forced to grow up fast. It's good guys vs the bad guys, with some grey bits in between, mutant animals, super powers and all in all, an engrossing and intriguing read. Huighly enjoyable, even if the writing style started off a wee bit shaky.

*

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #)
Suzanne Collins

Wow. What a book and what a conclusion. Engrossing, frightening and beautiful all at once, this is most certainly not for the young and sensitive. One of the best Young Adult series I have read in a long while draws to its bittersweet close and leaves me still feeling hungry for me. Absolutely marvellous and highly recommended.

*

Going Bovine
Libba Bray

Refreshingly original and bordering on the surreal, this book is a road trip with a difference. It's completely insane! When he is diagnosed with the human equivalent of Mad Cow Disease, Cameron has little to hope for except a quick and painless death. ...Until a punk angel shows up and offers him a solution. There is one person who has the cure - the mysterious Doctor X. The only problem is, nobody knows where he is, and his parellel-dimension jumping habits have allowed dark energy to flow into our world, Soon they will destroy it. Only Cameron can save it - with the help of a death-obsessed dwarf and a lawn gnome who claims to be a Viking god. Cameron's quest leads him a series of intriguing - and increasingly demented, challenges - including a church of happiness, a reality tv show, New Orleans, and many other things besides. This book is sheer brilliance - once you get past the somewhat immature language (first person, present tense narrative - so the language is most definitely in character).

*

These reviews are very short and succinct on account of being cross-posted from my WeRead account. I am now abandoning my WeRead account and will be posting all reviews here. This is NOT because WeRead have shifted servers to India but because they have lost all the reviews I have written there (over 500 books!) and my emails to them have bounced. I managed to salvage most of my 2010 reviews (by ploughing through my Facebook Profile page for several hours and the powers of cut-n-paste), but shall not trouble you by cross-posting them all here, except when I review a follow-up.

Return of Bartimaeus

Ring of Solomon
Jonathan Stroud

Genre: Historic Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult (10+)
Rating: 4/5

Bartimaeus is back! This is the fourth novel featuring the willful, sarcastic Djinni and he is in fine form indeed. Set before the Bartimaeus Trilogy ("Amulet of Samarkand" etc) this tale focuses on King Solomon. A powerful Egyptian king who keeps his people in check by possessing a very strong spirit, trapped in a ring. Bartimaeus is at his typically irreverent best, savaging his master with his cutting wit and sharp tongue. This does not lead him to make many friends, and indeed leads to him falling into the grasp of an assasssin, a young woman sent to kill the king. Charged with an utterly hopeless mission, with sure death as its goal, Bartimaeus takes it all in his (grudging and sarcastic) stride and gives us a most entertaining tale indeed.

If you like this, I would urge you to also check out:
The Bartimaeus Trilogy
Amulet of Samarkand
The Golem's Eye
Ptolemy's Gate