Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

:My random thoughts:

Alice's story is practically a legend.  She has had multiple books written about her, all sorts of movies (of which the most popular is either the Disney animated version, or Tim Burton's masterpiece).  It wasn't until this year, that my good friend, Joanna, introduced me to the world of Wonderland.  I had always thought the story was a horrid tale, something meant to scare children, but I was very prejudice, seeing how I had neither read nor watched anything about them.   After watching Johnny Depp portray the Hatter, and Helena Bonham Carter the big headed Queen, I was hooked. Bait, line, and sinker.   It was only natural, that I wanted to read the book as well.  I was somewhat surpirsed, somewhat not.  I like the book better then the older Disney version (I hate how Hatter is shown. Horrid, horrid, horrid!), but, I must say, Tim Burton's is still my favorite.

:Publisher's Description:

In 1865, English author CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON (1832-1898), aka Lewis Carroll, wrote a fantastical adventure story for the young daughters of a friend. The adventures of Alice-named for one of the little girls to whom the book was dedicated-who journeys down a rabbit hole and into a whimsical underworld realm, instantly struck a chord with the British public, and then with readers around the world. Dodgson's playfulness-with language, with mathematical puzzles, with testy creatures such as the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts-still confounds and teases lovers of fantasy fiction today. Alice acolytes continue to unravel the book's strange riddles, and constantly find new meaning in the unexpected underlying themes, from the trials of early adolescence to the value of nonsense. The conundrums and delights of Alice ensures its ongoing influence over modern pop culture.

:info to know:

Author:  Lewis Carroll

My recommended age:  10+

Their recommended age:  9+

Publisher: Various

 

Number of Pages: various

• Characters: n some ways, the characters were better then the first Disney movie...but, some were still tedious.  I do like how Hatter was shown as almost witty in the book.
   
  "really, now, you ask me" Alice said, very much confused, "I don't think--" "Then you shouldn't talk" said the Hatter."

 Plot:
Is there a plot? Oh, of course there is, you can't have a story without a plot. 

Writing Style:
You know, there were so many hidden jewels in the book. 

'If everybody minded their own business,' the Duchess said in a hoarse growl, 'the world would go round a deal faster than it does.'

 

And, we all know how silly and carefree Carroll's writing is, but, he managed to add a bit of value to it.  Like the above quote.  So simply, but dreadfully true.

Cover:
Each cover is different from the next.  That will be the trouble with classics.

Ending:
This, sadly, was the worst part for me.  To realize it was all a dream? BAH, HUMBUG! I shall still search high and low for a rabbit hole to tumble into.   Another reason why I prefer Burton's movie, it showed Wonderland as a real place.  Not some nightmare.

World Building:
Wonderland, has become as real as Mars to many of us.  A Place we've never seen, but have heard of.  Through telescopes and satellites we view Mars, through words and movies we see Wonderland.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

Alice drinks a potion to make her smaller.

Romance and sexual content:

None.  

Ok, I laughed at this.

Romance in Wonderland?

Only in the Burton movie.

Sorta.

Violence:

 

                      The Queen orders heads off, but the King always goes behind her pardoning everybody.
Talk about a dysfunctional family!

Ratings:

 

If I hadn't watched the Burton movie already,  I would've loved the book much more.

Yet, I like it better then the first Disney movie.

I abhor that one with almost the same strengthen as I do Robert Downey Jr. playing Sherlock Holmes. 

Should you read it?

If you are a dedicated Wonderland fan, yes. Please do.  It is always best to read or wtahc whatever we can get on hands on if we are dedicated fans.

If you aren't? Nah. Just watch the Burton movie, become a fan, then read it.

So, in a roundabout way, yes. Read it once your a fan.

Eye of the Sword

:My random thoughts:

I Read and reviewed 'Breath of Angel' which is book one in the Angeleon series, and I thought I loved it.  Now, I know, Book 1 just can't compete with 'Eye of The Sword'.  I couldn't put it  down, and, since I already loved Trevin (in fact, in the first book, I wished for more scenes with him), this book, which was written from his POV, made me very, very, happy.  Very happy indeed.

:Publisher's Description:

Where angels walk the ground and the future is told in song, does a man of low rank have a chance at love with a princess?

In Camrithia, a land of shadows and mystical secrets, Trevin lives to serve King Laetham. But his heart belongs to the princess, Melaia. When the King sends Trevin on on a dangerous quest to find the missing comains—captains in the king’s army—he must leave Melaia to the advances of a swaggering Dregmoorian prince.

Challenged to prove his worth, Trevin throws himself into his quest. Striving to prove his love, Trevin undertakes a second mission—find the harps Melaia seeks in order to restore the stairway to heaven. Through fire caves, rogue winds, and murderous threats, Trevin remains steadfastly dedicated to his quest—even when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime. As Trevin’s time runs out, he realizes he must face the shame and horror of his own past and the nightmare that has come to life. Will he have the courage to finish what he has started?

:info to know:

Author:  Kathryn Henley

My recommended age:  13+

Their recommended age:  NA

Publisher:Waterbrook Multnomah

 

Number of Pages: 256

• Characters: Where do I begin?  Ms. Henley's character development is beyond description.  I really admire how well she formed Trevin.  A man haunted by his past, and who he is.  A person trying to gain a foothold on who is really is.  All he thought he knew, was suddenly jerked out from under him like a rug, and now, he is trying to trust the ground under him, and hoping his trust isn't misplayed.
  Thus saying, I adore Trevin, and Benasin.  Really, Benasin is, like, wow.  I would go and hug him and squeeze him, and call him George, if he were real.  Also, I enjoyed how we got to see more of the elemental Angels.  I like Seaspinner and WindWeaver best. Oh, and I was glad to see Dwin reforming.  He really is a sweet boy with a lot going for him.  Especially with all the curly black hair...

 Plot:
This is weird, but, I didn't know what to expect.  Normally, I think ahead, like, "Well, since THAT is happening, then, most likely, THIS will fall into place"...but, no, I didn't do it.  I just took the whole book in and drank it thirstily. 

Writing Style:
J'adore.

Cover:
At first, (I'm being honest here), I was like, "Ugh. THAT is what Trevin looks like?".  But, you know? It fits him perfectly.

Ending:
Why, Ms. Henley? WHY MUST YOU MAKE US WAIT FOR A WHOLE NUTHER BOOK!!?!?

World Building:
It is just so real! I really like how she tied everything together.  It is truly art.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

Again, we have the Gash, and Dwin gets drunk once (I will personally thrash him if he ruins his life, again).

Romance and sexual content:

Trevin and Melaia are in love, and, I really enjoy how they, yes, are in love, but have remained pure towards each other.  At the end, they kiss, but...well, I knew it was coming.

Violence:

                          Draks (which are human souls trapped in birds).
Sword fights (A Prince, and a rotten Dregmoorian end up dying, in different fight).
Nets that ensnare souls (Trevin was lucky, thanks to The Elder one)
An Earthquake that kills many (Trevin's fault again)
And a certain Warrior Angel Lady who, is a total winner, and very amusing.

Ratings:

You know, this series is very interesting. And in two ways,

1) Normally, I adore the bad guys. Sith, Romulan, Borg, Slytherin, Weeping Angels, Shades (I LOVE DURZA!!!).  But, this is different I despise the bad guys, I loathe them, and whole heartily applaud the good ones.   

And the Second, 2) When I first decided the review them, I had little warning flags already prepared.  A book about Angels being trapped on Earth? It seemed a little sacrilegious.   But, as I've gotten to 'know' it better, I'm not so sure.  Ms. Henley isn't saying, "ANGELS COULD BE TRAPPED ON EARTH BY US MORTALS!" at all.  It is Fantasy, and in Fantasy, anything goes.  

For me, actually, reading this series, has opened my eyes.

Before, I always  though of the angels as one body, except for Gabriel.  They had no personality, they were just angels. Nothing else. But, you know what? If Gabriel had character and was an individual, why aren't the rest of them? Maybe each one is different! Maybe some are like Livia, caring, gentle, and graceful. and Maybe some are like Jarrod (Who I also like, he is just so funny!), easily upset, touchy, but strong in times of trouble.

therefore, I think you all know what I'm about to give this book:

Stand By Me

:My random thoughts:

To speak the utter truth, I picked this little jewel up only because I wanted to test my e-reader, so I wanted to get a book from Booksneeze.
I was expected a book that tried to be meaty, but turned out to be more of a light woman's read.
I was expecting a book that I would have to kill myself to finish.
But I expected wrong.
So many things just pulled out hammers and went "BAM!" on my head in this book.  so many made me pause, and go, "Wow".  This book was so much more then my expectations thought.
So much for Great expectations.

:Publisher's Description:

"Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.
Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her newfound faith tempers the sting of their rejection.
When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multi-cultural church family. But her tendency to say whatever she’s thinking and her eccentric ways step on the toes of nearly everyone she meets—especially Avis Douglass, a woman she admires but who seems distant.
Avis is known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. Married to a kind and successful businessman, she is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and a founding and active member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in months—an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in all this?
Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s quiet crisis of faith. But in God’s own mysterious ways, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected."

:info to know:

Author:  Neta Jackson

My recommended age:  13+ (merely because this isn't really a book that would benefit any person younger)

Their recommended age:  NA

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

Number of Pages: 400

• Characters: At first Avis struck me kinda off, but, as I got to know her, I understood her better.  I've never had to go through what she did, but, I have lost a friend, and I know the agitated feeling of wondering, "What now Lord? Why?".  The thing that really I really loved was Avis' imperfection.  Everyone considered her the perfect christian example, and it is really easy to write a character that would fit that role, and just suck it up and pray, but Mrs. Jackson didn't.  Avis fell, stumbles, and cried out for God to lift her back up.  It made her more real.

 Plot:
As the book went on, what I kept hoping for changed.  And I expected to have Avis and Peter's story to end with them on a plane waving, but..well..ya know. Can't say more for spoilers.

Writing Style:
I read Dave and Neta Jackson's children books when I was younger, but it wasn't until I was nearly done with the book that I went, "DOH! This is the same Neta!".  The style was really clear and easy.

Cover:
I had an E-book..so the cover was more or less not to big for me.  No, really, I had a image about 1/2 inch long to pass for a cover.

Ending:
Different then my expectations.  This seemed to be a big theme with this book, huh?

World Building:
I want to visit Chicago and SouledOut. I hope/wish it is a real church.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

Peter and Avis have Wine on their anniversary.

Rochelle has HIV.

Romance and sexual content:

Peter and Avis are married, but nothing abject able.
Nick is sweet on...someone. Wont say who.

Violence:

                           Olivia gets banged up when a thug snatched her purse. I knew it was going to happen.

Ratings:

This book exceeded my whole thinking, it was amazing.  Really.

 {I got this book free from BookSneeze.com.  All thoughts and opinions are mine, and solely mine. I was not paid to do this review}

Changes (y'all need to read this post)

Ok, I've been thinking about bringing some changes to *TER.   I would like some very honest opinions, and possible volunteers.

Possible Change #1:

Interviews.

I've been thinking about doing different interviews,

one way would be different authors, and if I did that, I would like opinions on what authors you peeps would be interested in reading about.

The Second way, would be interviewing different readers on things, such as e-readers, certain books, That sort of thing.

Possible Change #2:

Spoltlight

I'd have a 'reader spotlight' once a month.  A certain reader who had caught my eye, and I featured on here.

This could be combined into possible change #1 option 2.

Possible Change #3:

Appearance.

I like TER's design, but is it time for a change?

Possible Change #4:

Format

Do you readers like the way I format my reviews? Do I spill to many spoilers? Should I include more discussion, and less facts?  Sometimes I feel like when I review a book, I do more then just give it a certain star count, it seems as if I pick it apart with toothpicks, and dissect the whole novel.  Am I correct in that assumption? Do y'all prefer it that way?  Or would you rather I change?

Possible Change #5:

Requests

I might possibly start taking requests to review certain books.

(there would be limitations, and I wont review some books that I feel aren't good.  I have to protect my mind and imagination, ya know).

So, I need some comments on this! Tell me what y'all think.

Pretty pretty please with a big, ripe, and beautifully red Cherry on top!

Spindle's End

:My random thoughts:

I read Robin McKinley's Chalice and simply fell head over heels in love with it. And as soon as I saw the library had a whole collection of her books (I thank God for whoever donated them all!!).  And decided to start out with Spindle's End.  I knew it was a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and that it had an adorable cover (A Hedgehog is on it...that makes it adorable in 3 dimensions).  I liked it, but not as much as I loved Chalice. 

:Publisher's Description:

All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep-a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her. 

:info to know:

Author:  Robin McKinley

My recommended age:  11+

Their recommended age:  18+ (what in the world? 18? Really? sheesh)

Publisher: Ace Trade

 

Number of Pages: 368

• Characters:  I really don't know what to say.  I felt a deep attachment to The Master and Chalice in her first book I read.  I didn't feel the same here.  Not that I didn't like them, that isn't at all true.  I just didn't experience the soul binding I did with Chalice. If you are familiar with Disney's version of Sleeping Beauty, Spindle's End will throw you for a loop.  Briar Rose/Rosie isn't at all the same.  I think that was the biggest hurdle for me, was to get over the vast differences of the same Character.
  Now that I think on it, the only person I really bonded with was Narl, the Blacksmith.  I was very happy how the ending came out. Very happy.

 Plot:
It is a retelling, but told in a new way. 

Writing Style:
The way Ms. McKinley wrote Spindle's End was interesting.  The first part of the book (before we were introduced to Katrina) was written through no body in particular's eyes. A bit from the Queen here, a bit from a fairy there, a large bit by the narrated, but it wasn't confusing.  Then, after we met Katrina, it was written from her POV.  Not in first person, but Third. Once Rosie grew up, it changed to her POV.  The transition was made so that you were a while into reading before thinking, "Oh, I'm not reading solely about Katrina anymore".   However, one big thing, was the lack of dialog.  Most of the 368 pages were just narrated. It made reading a little tiresome into I really got into the plot, and got used to the style.

Cover:
Hedgehog. Can't go wrong with a Hedgehog.  At first, I didn't really know why the cover had animals on it, but after reading, I know now.  But I wont tell you why.

Ending:

It was a little....confusing. But I think I get the general idea. And there is happiness in store for Narl.

World Building:
Robin McKinley didn't create a world, but she embellished, and added on.  I must say, the way she created a country practically brimming with magic (good, bad and annoying) was very creative. But a lot like Chalice's world.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

None

Romance and sexual content:

Innocent love. Katrina is in love with a wheelwright, and they marry, and Rosie is in love with a certian blacksmith....*whistles* but there isn't anything I wouldn't read to a five year old.

Violence:

                           Pernicia and Rosie fight in the end.  And the whole 'pricking of the finger'. 

Ratings:

The book was a sweet, but sometimes vague novel.
I feel Ms. McKinely certianly wasn't at her best in this one.
And could work on the dialog some.
but, otherwise, I liked it.
Not love, but liked.

It was a good read once I got past all the diffuculties.

The Red Queen's Daughter

:My random thoughts:

I'll be brutally honest with you.  I picked this up not because of the Cover, the plot, none of that.  I picked it up because of the name.  I didn't truly know what sort of book I checked out at the library, I just adored the name.  For if you know me even a little, you know I am a dedicated Alice/Hatter/Wonderland fan.  As I got to reading, and got to realizing it had, indeed, noting to do with my Red Queen, I put it aside.  In fact, I took to reading my History books before repicking this back up.  My final decree on this novel? Keep reading.

:Publisher's Description:

Orphaned as a young girl because of the imprudent marriage of her mother, Queen Katherine Parr, Mary Seymour vows never to fall in love—and under no circumstances will she marry. Lady Strange, her mysterious guardian, offers the young woman an extraordinary alternative to marriage: Mary is to become a white magician who will join Queen Elizabeth’s court and ensure the success of the Virgin Queen’s reign.

Accompanied by her magical hound, Perseus, Mary sets out to learn the properties of different stones and the art and precision of natural spells. Soon after her sixteenth birthday, she joins Elizabeth’s court as a lady-in-waiting. Upon her arrival, Mary realizes that Elizabeth’s court is rife with men and women who are vying for power. The most dangerous of all is Edmund Seymour, Mary’s disturbingly handsome cousin. From the moment she meets Edmund, Mary has to fight her growing attraction, especially once she discovers that he is a black magician, the dark mirror of her own self. But, despite the threat Edmund poses to Mary, he seems to be the only one who truly understands her. When Edmund becomes involved in a plot against the Queen, Mary finds her beliefs tested in ways she never could have imagined.

:info to know:

Author:  Jacqueline Kolosov

My recommended age:  15+

Their recommended age:  18+

Publisher:  Hyperion Book.

Number of Pages:432

• Characters: From the start, I liked Lady Strange.  And as soon as I met Edmund, I hated him with a burning fire. I loathed him, his sickness of soul (I shall get to that in a moment, dear readers!).  Vivienne was just the same.  at first, I didn't trust Lord Dudley, but as time wore on...I realized what a good man he was.  In fact, I still like him better then Edmund.  Maybe....

 Plot:
At first, I was a little disappointed seeing how I had hoped for something with a bit more 'Wonderland'...but, after picking it up the second time, I became enthralled.  The plot flew by very fast, and left no holes.

Writing Style:
  If Ihad 3 thumbs, they'd all be lifted.  Ms. Kolosov really brought everything to life.

Cover:
♥

Ending:

At first, I was a little sad.  But the last sentence shows, it wasn't really the End. E----- wasn't really dead and gone.

World Building:
It is a pre-exsisting world, and place.  But Mrs. Kolosov really brought the court of 'The Virgin Queen' to life before my eyes.

Language:

I can't remember any.

Drugs and Drink:
Queen Elizabeth drinks Beer, as it is her favorite beverage.  But she never gets drunk.

As I don't have anywhere else to put this, If you are strictly against any books with magic, pass on by.  This book is filled, no, it is about magicians, both Black arts, and Good white ones.  Spells, enchantments, the list could go on.  

Romance and sexual content:

*cough*

More then I was completely comfortable with.

Lets see the list:

Edmund seduces a Lady in Waiting, and the affect, is her getting pregnant.

Mary falls in love (and vis versa) with Edmund, and even though there is no sexual intercourse, it does describe their kiss pretty...graphically?  I think I'm ruined for life.

*vomit noises*

 Violence:

                                 Mary is attacked by Vivienne's army of mice that eat people alive.

I think that is it....

Ratings:

Overall? I liked the book.  But liking is not loving.  I wish Ms. Kolosov hadn't been to descriptive in Edmund and Mary's romance.  True, no sexual intercourse happened, but, really? Do you need to tell people how they kissed?

My final rating?

The only thing that holds it back from a 5 star rating, is the over descriptive ness.   I mean, is it really needed to make a good book?

SwordBird

:My random thoughts:

I picked up this book for one reason.   It was written by a 12 year old girl.  Books written by people under twenty years of age interest me greatly.  As I progressed,  I started to wonder, "Excuse me, Miss Yi Fan, have you ever read Brian Jacques' Redwall series?".

:Publisher's Description:

The blue jays and cardinals of Stone-Run Forest have turned against each other. According to legend, only Swordbird, son of the Great Spirit, has the power to conquer evil and restore peace to the land. 

:info to know:

Author:  Nancy Yi Fan

My recommended age:  8-12

Their recommended age:  8+

Publisher: HarperCollins

 

Number of Pages: 256

• Characters:  Honestly, I could've cared less then a crap about the characters.  They felt like tossed aside seconds from Redwall, and I made no emotional connection to them
  

 Plot:
Very Cliche.  If it had been an adult writing it, Swordbird would've been turned down right off the bat.  Miss Yi Fan's age is the only thing that got her book published.  And now I see there is a prequel? Good heavens.

Writing Style:
It was very good for a 12 YO.  I;ll give her that. 
 
Cover:
I like Doves.

Ending:

Come on.  That wasn't a battle.

World Building:
I don't really know what to say.  I've read 2/3 of the Redwall books, and that is what defined Stone-Run country for me.  Not the book.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

The Hawk lord, who's name was also in a redwall book, gets nearly drunk.

Romance and sexual content:

None.

 

 

Violence:

                                 None that was good enough to speak of.

Ratings:

 

Here I stand, right where the Nancy's publishers stood.

If an adult had written this, I'd charge them with copyright fraud (Redwall) and lack of everything a writer should have.

But a 12 year old girl wrote it.

Iy yi yi. 

I'm sorry, it just wasn't very creative,

I give it a:

 

I don't blame Miss Yi Fan, I blame her parents and HarperCollins.  Come on, Harper, I've expected better then this from you.

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