Review: The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The night circus is the venue for two magicians to compete by proxy each choosing a child as a game piece. They grow up learning different methods of magic and then they compete with each other, not knowing the horrible truth of the game until it is nearly too late.

The story is told from multiple points of view over different periods of time we see how the night circus came to be. This book has everything: love, revenge, magic, fantasy (it doesn't have pirates.  If you want pirates as well, read The Princess Bride by William Goldman).

This book was amazing! Once I got into it, I just couldn't put it down! The plot was very fast-paced and switched points of view (P.O.V) pretty much every chapter. However, the switches between P.O.V were so smooth that it didn't bother me at all. It took me a little while to figure out the changes between time, but at the beginning of every chapter (in tiny tiny print) there are the dates.  I referenced them frequently at first to see what was going on, but as I got to the end, I didn't need to reference them anymore because the pace and events picked up as I got closer to the end of the book. It is a circular story as well because the end of the book is the beginning of the book.

It is well worth the read!  People who would enjoy this are people who enjoy historical fantasy set in the real world or steampunk.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe that this year is over!  It has been a difficult year for me personally.  I started going to the gym and changing my lifestyle and it has worked, but I still have a lot of changes to make mentally.  I tend not to be mean and even cruel to myself when things don't work out.  My resolution this year is to be kinder to myself and to practice self-compassion and self-care.  Here is a list of some of my favourite cookbooks that I have used over the past year:

Although this isn't my favourite cookbook, it is a must have in my kitchen as a reference guide.  My favourite recipe in this book are the quick drop biscuits which I adore because they are quick, easy and tasty.  They are the perfect accompaniment to stews, soups and as a side to roasts to soak up gravy.

Diane Kochilas is my favourite Greek cooking author!  Named after the island her cooking school is situated on, this is full of delicious and nutritious Greek cooking.  Also check out her website for more recipes here.

Oh, hello veggies and aren't you nummy!  Ottolenghi has done a wonderful job of getting my family to enjoy vegetarian food.  The Black Pepper Tofu is spicy and delicious and totally worth making as a treat every so often.  It is a little heavy than you think because of the sauce.  This is a family favourite as is the Shakshuka.

This is another book by Ottolenghi that is a family favourite!  This has one of our favourite recipes, Conchigle with yogurt, peas and chile.  While my husband and I love the recipe, we have made it simpler for our purposes and now we can have it made in 30 minutes or less.  We skip making the "green sauce" and instead use a microplane to grate the garlic directly into the yogurt, stirring in the feta, basil and peas just before adding the drained pasta.  It is easy to overdo it on the garlic this way as it won't smell fragrant until you add the warm peas.  When making the pine nuts and chile topping, add some onion as well and cook until caramelized.  Whatever you do, don't skimp on the olive oil!  Dump it all on top of a single serving bowl, then dish it out making sure to capture some of the onions, pine nuts and chile for each person!  Also, conchigle of the correct size (medium) can be difficult to find so use another type of pasta that is good for capturing sauce (rotini or orecciate for example).

Christmas Romances

Merry Christmas everyone!  Since it is the holidays, here is a fun list of some of my favourite Christmas Romances.

I love these stories by Grace Burrowes!  For me, the most memorable was Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish because it isn't often that a duke's daughter is abandoned by her maid with an unwanted child.  I read these all several years ago, but still remember them!

Lydia made a youthful mistake and hates that the local doctor is the only one who knows about it.  In the meantime, Dr. Jonas has feelings for Lydia, but she will not allow him to become closer to her.  At this magical time of year, will they learn to forgive and love together?  A novella that is part of the Brothers Sinister series, this comes after The Duchess War.

When a disheveled man comes crashing through the door to collapse at the feet of Violet Winterbottom, she is the only person who understands him.  She doesn't recognize him, but will they heal together?  A novella that is part of the Spindle Cove series, this comes after A Night To Surrender.

Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire has written desires in her diary that she would never reveal to anyone.  In a moment of boredom, Cam Westfall, Earl of Bedwyr, finds and reads her diary only to find that she is his new muse after years of writer's block.  How will Cam overcome the prejudices of the former Queen of Sensaire and Jacqueline find the courage to defy her duty to a cold-blooded marriage?  Read this book to find out!  The last book in the Prince Catcher series.

I really enjoyed this book!  When the Earl of Cleves returns to his childhood home in order to close the house permanently, he is shocked to arrive during a holiday party!  His childhood friend Thea is now the housekeeper and throws a holiday party annually.  She has been waiting for the Earl to return home in order to heal from scars left by the death of his brother and the abandonment of his father.  She engages in a campaign to get him into the holiday spirit.  Will he learn to live with the ghosts of his past or will they overcome him?  Although this is the third book in the Sutherland Sisters series, it also stands alone.

Romance Author: Anna Bradley

The Sutherland Scandals

I was trying to find library books to read on my kobo because I have a long bus ride coming up.  I saw one of her books was available and I'm always looking out for new authors, so I thought I would give Anna Bradley a shot.

A Wicked Way to Win an Earl is a book about the daughter of a scandal, Delia Somerset.  Although she despises the ton, Delia's sister Lily is desperate to escape the tediousness of their home and so accepts an invitation to a house party thrown by the Earl's sisters.  The Earl of Sutherland, Alec, is desperate to keep his brother Robyn away from this scandalous girl, but when he does, they discover that they have marvelous chemistry together and fall in love with each other.

A Season of Ruin is the story of Robyn Sutherland and Lily Somerset.  Lily Somerset is determined to use this season to find a husband who is steady and safe, but when she accidentally stumbles into Robyn's arms and is reported in a gossip column, all her plans are ruined.  When Robyn tries to help her dreams come true, it turns out that what she wants is different than what she needs.  Lily and Robyn clash so many times until they finally give in and get their HEA.

I would suggest reading these two books first since the sequel series are about the Sutherland Sisters and the rest of the Somerset family.  I'm so glad that I found her!  I really like this author!  She writes wonderful 3D characters who have multiple levels.  I kept thinking my kobo was going to overheat from the chemistry and love scenes they are so hot!  I would suggest this author for people who like steamy stories with strong female characters.

Review: The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

In a parallel Earth, a cataclysmic event occurs in which the capital city of the Empire is consumed in flames and threatens all life on the Earth. This story is about a woman and her search for her missing daughter after her husband murders their son after this cataclysmic event takes place.

This was an amazing book! It is written so well. I love the characters as they are so complex. I also truly enjoy that there are LGBQT+ characters in this book. I was a little confused at first as to what was happening since the author switches between the past and the present, but as the author approaches present day, I figured out what was happening. The world building is very good as well since you feel like you are somewhere similar, but not our Earth.  Also, when I downloaded the ePub, I was warned it was an ePub3, but I don't feel I missed out on anything by reading it on a "traditional" eReader. I can't wait to read the sequel!

I would suggest this book for anyone who is really into big worlds and don't mind the grittiness of the world.  So, people who enjoyed Game of Thrones, this book is for  you!

Missing Percy Jackson? Try these Books! Part 2

This is a continuation of my blog post from last week.  There were just so many suggestions that I couldn't fit them all into one post.  The person was seeking books for a 9 year old boy with an extensive reading history of fantasy.

Spirit Animals

 

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Tombquest by Michael Northrop

The Last Dragon Chronicles by Chris D'Lacey

Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan

 

Pendragon by D.J. MacHale

The Queen's Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

Bone by Jeff Smith (Graphic Novel)

The last two suggestions are normally found in the teen section, but keep in mind that the teen section covers from 12/13 years of age to 18.  These books can be handled by those who have read through Harry Potter as it is pretty dark by the end.

Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce (or if that doesn't appeal, try one of her others)

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black

Magisterium by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Any book by Diana Wynne Jones.  I liked Howl's Moving Castle.

Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede (See my review for Dealing with Dragons to get a good feel for the series)

   

TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow

Earth Sea Cycle by Ursula K. Leguin

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

The Blood Guard by Carter Roy (more forthcoming?)

Seven Wonders by Peter Lerangis

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull

Brian's Saga (Hatchet) by Gary Paulsen

Arthur Trilogy by Kevin Crossley-Holland

Of course, once everyone submitted their suggestions, my mind kept chugging away and came up with one more suggestion.  The first book of the Tales of Alderley series, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is an excellent fantasy/adventure story set in Wales.  I haven't gotten around to reading the other two books in the trilogy, but I'm sure they're just as good!

I hope that those of you who are Percy Jackson fans found some great reading suggestions.  Please comment below if you have further suggestions or how how you liked on the books suggested in the post.

Missing Percy Jackson? Try these books!

I'm afraid I had a migraine yesterday which is why I posted a little later than usual.  One of the consequences is an inability to concentrate and another is screens make it worse.  So, let's discuss Percy Jackson.


Percy Jackson is a really great series that takes place in contemporary times and all the characters are offspring of Greek gods and mortals.  There is the original series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the sequel series, Heroes of Olympus.  What do you read now that the series is finished and Rick Riordan's next series isn't coming out until October?  This is a situation those of us who work with children are answering and some people have less experience with fantasy than others.  I received a system-wide e-mail looking for suggestions for an 8 -10 year lad who had read Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Narnia, Tolkien, Farley Mowat, Ascendance Trilogy and Trouble Twisters.  Apparently the dad who was looking for suggestions did not like Trouble Twisters.  Here is what myself and my colleagues suggested for the bewildered dad.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

 

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Charlie Bone (The Children of the Red King) by Jenny Nimmo

The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo

Children of the Lamp by Philip Kerr

The Blackwell Pages by K. L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr

 Redwall by Brian Jacques (original trilogy is featured below)

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer 

Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell 

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull 

Inkspell Trilogy (Inkworld) by Cornelia Funke 

Sea of Trolls Trilogy by Nancy Farmer 

Monster's Ring (Magic Shop) by Bruce Coville 

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan 

Septimus Heap by Angie Sage 

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy 

Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins 

Young Heroes by Jane Yolen

Chrestomanci by Dianne Wynne Jones (author's suggested reading order)

Tiffany Aching, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

 

Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud

The King in the Window by Adam Gopnik

The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White

Skellig by David Almond

New Policeman by Kate Thompson

We have many more to go, but that will have to wait until next week!  Hopefully you have found something new to read, whether for yourself or someone else.

How I Discovered: Terry Brooks

I discovered Terry Brooks when I was in high school.  Basically, I found Terry Brooks because he was really close to Piers Anthony.  I did not start off with his more popular Shannara series.  The first series I ever read and loved by Terry Brooks all started when I read Magic Kingdom for Sale -- Sold!.  This is the Magic Kingdom of Landover series, which I loved because it all seemed a little ridiculous to me.  The reason that I really enjoyed this story was because it started in the real world and then transitioned into the kingdom of Landover, is traditional fantasy and is ever so slightly ridiculous.  Although there is a whole series, I really do prefer to read the first book by itself.  Also, I just looked at goodreads.com and there is a sixth edition to the series.  However, it was published 14 years after the fifth book and I don't think that I'll be re-reading the whole series just to read the sixth book.

The basic plot is that the main character, Ben Holiday, no longer wishes to live in the real world.  Although he is a successful lawyer with a lot of money, life has nothing to offer him anymore.  However, he sees an ad and believes it is an elaborate hoax that someone is playing on him.  Being a lawyer and also filled with curiosity, Ben Holiday decides to respond to the ad.  He ends up purchasing the Kingdom, only to find that it was not quite as advertised.  Sterling Castle isn't quite as sterling, there are all kinds of monsters and the taxes haven't been collected in quite a long time.  In addition, there is a mysterious knight who keeps popping up every time that Ben is in danger.  Who is the knight and what does he have to do with Ben?  You'll have to read it to find out!

Once I finished this series, I started in the Shannara series.  I just gave up after a while.  It seemed like there was no end to the series and sub-series.  It is a traditional fantasy series, but unlike Landover, doesn't really seem to poke as much fun at itself.  Combine those two facts and I just got bored with the series.  If  you like fantasy, I would suggest the original Shannara Trilogy.  If you like those, you'll like the others in the sequel series as well.

      

Why Steampunk Is So Much Fun

This weekend is Comiccon.  I went yesterday on Saturday, and now I think it is time to discuss one of my favorite topics, Steampunk.  I’ve only recently gotten into this aspect of science fiction.  Some of you might already be familiar with Steampunk.  One of the reasons steampunk is so great is that it allows for all kinds of creativity and there are all kinds of sub-genres.  Some of you might be familiar with Western Steampunk, Firefly & Wild, Wild, West are examples of that.  I went to the steampunk cosplay session and one of the tips they gave was that it is all about expressing yourself, so be creative and have fun.

One of my favorite quotes is actually from a Castle episode called “Punked” which is all about a murder that takes place in the steampunk community in New York City.  This is one of the best definitions I’ve ever heard:  “It's a subculture that embraces the simplicity and romance of the past at the same time, couples it with the hope and promise and sheer super-coolness of futuristic design”.

When it comes to Steampunk, there are so many books, so I’m going to discuss a couple of my favorite non-fiction books and steampunk author.  Also, I borrowed all of the below books from my local library, so if you are interested, be sure to check them out.

One of my favorite steampunk non-fiction books is Steampunk Your Wardrobe by Calista Taylor.  This is one of the best books to look at if you are looking to modify clothing so it is more steampunk.  I am really looking forward to trying a number of crafts from this book.  Basically, find what you want to do, go to the thrift store and adapt.

The other non-fiction book I really like is titled Steampunk Emporium by Jema Hewitt.  In fact, I made a choker based on one from this book.  That is the great thing about steampunk.  I didn’t like the choker in the book, it just wasn’t me, so I made my choker more to my taste.

As for fiction, there is one name that stands out in my mind as a steampunk author, Gail Carriger.  I absolutely love her books!  She has a wonderful sense of humor and the characters in her book are wonderfully written.  She also writes strong female leads.  It is a perfect blend of science fiction (steampunk) and fantasy (vampires/werewolves) elements.  In chronological order, you should read the Finishing School series, the Soulless series and the Custard Protocol (her newest) series.  In publication order for the series, it is Soulless, Finishing School and then Custard Protocol.  I suggest reading it in chronological order as I read it in publication order and now find myself somewhat confused by the Custard Protocol because it is recalling events that occurred at the end of the Soulless series.

Finishing School

          

Soulless

          

The Custard Protocol

How Fantasy Turned Me Into A Book Junkie

Then, one summer, I’m visiting my family in Victoria and my cousin says, “Have you ever read this book?  It is so great!”  The book was Guards!  Guards! By Terry Pratchett.  This introduced me to Discworld.  I then introduced my husband’s (then boyfriend’s) family to Terry Pratchett after I saw their taste in comedy was incredibly similar to my own.  They loved Douglas Adams, but also Flying Circus & something I had never heard of, Goon Show.  I gave my father-in-law my rather tatty copy of Guards!  Guards! and he was hooked.  I think we now have nearly all of the Discworld series scattered throughout the house although we are trying to gather them in one spot.

My introduction to Harlequins came via my family in Kitchener.  When we went on vacation, we would all bring Harlequins to read and then swap.  This had become a tradition somewhat earlier in our lives with Archie comic books, but then we changed our reading habits once we got older.  Whenever I read Harlequins, I found that I preferred the historical romance novels rather than contemporary.  One of my favorite novels is Hidden Fires by Sandra Brown.  Since I moved to my current town, I started reading more & more historical romances, especially Regency.  I’ll be doing separate posts on some of my favorite authors later.

I also started to get really into Teen & Children's books.  Although I didn't realize it at the time, what my high school library had was a highly curated collection of books chosen to appeal to teens.  While working at the library, I often saw my favorite books from high school placed in the adult Science Fiction & fantasy section.  So I dove right into the teen section which composes of books written specifically for teens.  As for children’s, well, there’s a ton of fantasy there that I love,  Again, separate posts will be forthcoming for some of my favorite series.

Percy Jackson Mind Map

Hi everyone!
So, the third book for the Heroes of Olympus is coming out in two days!  This is very exciting news for those of us who love Greek mythology series.  In celebration of this, I have created a Percy Jackson Mind Map.  It is saved as a PDF.  If you use Foxit Reader, you will need to disable Safe Mode and use the Hand Tool in order to access the links.  Adobe does not seem to have any problems!  I hope you find some new books out of this document!  Happy reading!

In order to view the document, click on the link below:
Percy Jackson Mind Map