Wednesday 17 August 2011

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

I reluctantly picked this book up. It's black and red cover with a looming dracula-like figure hiding a knife behind it's back, did not really look like my kind of book.
But I wanted to read something by Marcus Sedgwick as I had heard good things about him.

Midwinterblood turned out to be a "don't judge a book by its cover'' job. I was enthralled by the writing and the wonderfully eerie, gothic nature of the story.

This is a romance between Eric and Merle that spans several centuries and several lives.

It is complete with vampires, magic orchids, vikings and, of course, a love that will not die.

My only disappointment was the shortness of some of the chapters. Just as I was getting lost in the time period and engaging with the characters...we moved onto the next period of time.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Ship Kings #1 The Coming of the Whirlpool by Andrew McGahan

One of the things you should know about me is that I can be a tad obsessive.
When I get it into my head that I haven't read enough fantasy titles to provide a balance of genres on here I tend to jump in wholeheartedly.

So let me present fantasy title #4 Ship Kings by Andrew McGahan.

I was fortunate enough to score a signed reading proof. Allen and Unwin are still being a little coy about this book (click here to see what I mean) so I wont give away too much of the plot.

Even though this book is classified as fantasy, I would call it a coming of age story with lots of boats and marine metaphors.
The fantasy is very light. We have a made up world - New Island -complete with maps (I love a good map!) and descriptive names like The Claw and The Rip. But we have no fantastical creatures (so far) or magical powers to contend with.

Dow Amber is the young man in question. Born into a wood cutters family high up in the mountains. As the eldest son he is destined to follow his father into the woods. But on his first outing Dow spies the sea from the top of a plateau...and so begins his quest.

I confess that I adored this book from start to finish (but then I'm one of the few people I know who has actually read ALL the Patrick O'Brien Master and Commander books).

McGahan has created a world and place you feel like you've been to before. His characters, especially Dow are well-drawn and believable. My only concern was the pace of the book. I'm happy to take my time with a book to savour the language and lose myself in the world. But I know that a lot of modern, younger readers demand more obvious action.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product in hardcover with more detailed maps and illustrations. Due out in Australia Nov 2011.

Saturday 6 August 2011

The Golden Door by Emily Rodda

Are you impressed? 

Three fantasy books in a row. And believe it or not - The Golden Door was the pick of the bunch.

This is a new trilogy by Rodda for the Deltora Quest & Rowan of Rin fans to move onto.

The story begins in Weld with three brothers. Rye is the youngest son; their father is dead. The Weld is a walled city to protect them from the enemy that they all live in fear of. At night their home (and all of Weld) is under attack from the flesh-eating skimmers.

The government deals with the ensuing civil unrest by asking anyone over 18 to volunteer to leave the Weld to find the enemy and stop the skimmers.

Rye's two older brothers volunteer...but don't return. Rye decides to volunteer, even though he is underage, to find his brothers.
Rye signs the pact, proceeds to the chamber with the sign of Dann and makes his first choice...to allow Sonia to go through the golden door with him.

So begins a Tolkien like journey for Rye and Sonia - complete with tests, signs, magic tokens and curious helpers.

Completely absorbing, well-conceived and crafted. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment of the Three Doors Trilogy - The Silver Door.

Click here to visit the Scholastic Three Doors page. The Golden Door will be released in Australia September 2011.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Northwood by Brian Falkner

Northwood is a quirky new story from New Zealand writer Brian Falkner.

Cecilia Undergarment can talk to animals. Her life changes when she hears a cry for help from the dog across the road. This is easy to read, light fantasy for young readers.

Northwood comes highly recommended from a 10 year old friend who said it was funny and exciting.

It is beautifully illustrated by Donovan Bixley.

Click here to see the publicity blurb about Northwood and to download a gorgeous crossword about the book.