Fight Like a Girl by Aiki Flinthart is a practical guide on how to write fight scenes for women, drawing from her own expertise in martial arts, bow aFight Like a Girl by Aiki Flinthart is a practical guide on how to write fight scenes for women, drawing from her own expertise in martial arts, bow and sword and as a writer. She makes some pertinent points about the physical and emotional differences; the advantages and disadvantages women face and some good points on how to put this one paper. I found some parts of the book more helpful than others, but definitely recommended. I've enjoyed immensely her Blackbird Sings and her short story in the Like a Woman anthology which was short-listed for the Aurealis prize. A bright star gone too soon.
Merged review:
Fight Like a Girl by Aiki Flinthart is a practical guide on how to write fight scenes for women, drawing from her own expertise in martial arts, bow and sword and as a writer. She makes some pertinent points about the physical and emotional differences; the advantages and disadvantages women face and some good points on how to put this one paper. I found some parts of the book more helpful than others, but definitely recommended. I've enjoyed immensely her Blackbird Sings and her short story in the Like a Woman anthology which was short-listed for the Aurealis prize. A bright star gone too soon....more
Having loved the series The Expanse I decided to give the original novels a go, starting with Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey . And I haven't beenHaving loved the series The Expanse I decided to give the original novels a go, starting with Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey . And I haven't been disappointed.
While there are some differences between the book & the series, and some main characters in the TV series are not introduced in this first book the series does a good job of bringing to life Corey's world. Conversely, Corey does a fantastic job of introducing a complex and believable future world where human have expanded past earth to colonise the moon, Mars, the asteroid belt and various moons around Jupiter and Saturn - but as yet have not developed interstellar travel. The tension of the story is between the idealist, James Holden, and the cynical cop, Joe Miller - both trying to unravel a mystery and catch the villains with different pieces of the puzzle, both wanting a fair world in which people can pursue their lives in safety and freedom but with very different ideas of how that might be achieved.
Corey has a elegant writing style that draws you in and keeps you hooked into the action. Far too many late nights because I couldn't put the book down. ...more
A fun picture book about a Boogie Woogie Bird (ie Stone Curlew) that tries on the dancing style of different birds that just don't suit his long skinnA fun picture book about a Boogie Woogie Bird (ie Stone Curlew) that tries on the dancing style of different birds that just don't suit his long skinny legs - until just the right bird comes along. Simply but beautifully illustrated. Entertaining and also educational....more
Ehvah After by Rose Dee is a Christian Sweet Romance set in the United States and Australia. Evah Rowe, the child of musical duo killed in a plane craEhvah After by Rose Dee is a Christian Sweet Romance set in the United States and Australia. Evah Rowe, the child of musical duo killed in a plane crash when she was still a child has her own musical success fostered by her aunt. When Ehvah witnesses the murder of her aunt's partner, she is sent to stay with her aunt in Cairns for her protection from organised crime. She connects with the buff bodyguard, David Blake, but is not sure who she should trust while David is not sure what to make of his charge and is definitely not ready for romance after the break-up with his previous girlfriend broke his heart.
I loved the Aussie tropical setting and there was enough action and humour to keep me interested. The faith element added depth and the ending satisfying. A good read....more
Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb brings the Farseer Trilogy to an epic close. Fitz is alive but is cut off from all the people he loved. He sets out on Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb brings the Farseer Trilogy to an epic close. Fitz is alive but is cut off from all the people he loved. He sets out on a quest to exact revenge on Regal and eventually to find Verity in the wilds.
Hobb takes us on a long and complicated journey, with Fitz going through more trials, more tests, more frustrations and when he reaches the end of his quest, success is not what he imagined. Some parts of this book seemed strange to me - the concept and the cost of filling of the dragon for instance and parts of the book dragged on occasion but at other times I could not put the book down and Hobb brings all the threads together at the end for an epic and satisfying conclusion....more
Brandon Sanderson's The Final Empire ( Book 1 in Mistborn series) introduces an fascinating world where different metals can store or exert mystical pBrandon Sanderson's The Final Empire ( Book 1 in Mistborn series) introduces an fascinating world where different metals can store or exert mystical powers. A world of a devastated landscape with brown and deary plants, ash mounts and nightly mists, ruled by a cruel, all-powerful, immortal ruler (the Lord Ruler) with terrifying inquisitors and obligators and a cruel and venial nobility and an oppressed and depressed people - the skaa. Yet despite the brutal punishments and horrific repercussions - a band of skaa with allomanic powers dare to dream and plan of defeating the Lord Ruler himself – led by Kelsier, the charismatic survivor of the pits of Hathsin & his young protegee, a young street thief, Vin, who has spent her life hiding in the shadows.
Sanderson creates a world of memorable characters, huge stakes, an intricate plot and interesting premise with twists and turns along the way - what if the hero of the ages becomes the cruel and bloody tyrant impossible to defeat, and what if that bloody tyrant holds back a threat of even more devastating nature?
After a huge finale and epic fight - with intimations of dangers and struggles to come - I can't wait to read the next book in the series Well of Ascension....more
Eat my Dust by Neridah McMullin and Lucia Masciullo - This is a delightful book which tells the story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell - two womeEat my Dust by Neridah McMullin and Lucia Masciullo - This is a delightful book which tells the story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell - two women who break the land-speed race record between Perth and Adelaide in 1928 when many believed woman shouldn't even drive, let alone in a race across the Nullarbor.
Eat my Dust is written by Neridah McMullin and illustrated by Lucia Masciullo. Neridah McMullin has a delightful style which conveys all the necessary information while keeping a fun and fast paced adventurous tone which would delight a young child and keep an adult reader entertained. A full text is given at the back with all the historical detail to understand the achievement of these two brave and daring women. While the story is beautifully illustrated by Lucia Masciullo giving a loving rendition of the unique landscape and culture of Australia.
A beautiful book which would delight children and parents or teachers alike.
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski follows the adventures of Geralt - a deliberately mutated human being designed to hunt down monsters and his friendThe Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski follows the adventures of Geralt - a deliberately mutated human being designed to hunt down monsters and his friend Dandilion, the lute-playing bard. Sapkowski uses a non-chronological episodic telling of the Geralt's adventures as he deals with supposedly evil princesses, strigas, satyrs, elves, blood-suckers, beasts, djinns - in a world where often the humans are more beastly and monstrous than the so-called monsters. The short stories are connected by his time of healing and recuperation in the temple with priestess Nennecke and culminates with his first encounter with the sorceress Yennefer. Some of the stories echo well known fairytales (no doubt with a Polish spin) - beauty and the beast, snow white and the seven dwarves, the child surprise and beast who transform due to true-love's kiss.
Each chapter has been used almost in whole for an episodes in Season 1 of the Netflix series in - though there are minor but clear difference, sometimes in chronology, or that the series intertwines the story with other narratives (like Cerri inclusion in A Grain of Truth, or Triss’ presence in the encounter with the striga) - and the focus is on Geralt’s narrative arc as told in season 1, leaving out Jennifer and Cerri's story arc except in passing.
While there are definite differences between the original tales and the series - I've enjoyed both - for the characters, the worldbuilding, the humour and the adventure including the twists. ...more
In All Fired Up, Kay Fulcher tells her story in simple but compelling prose of her early life, her encounter with God and the adventures in ministry bIn All Fired Up, Kay Fulcher tells her story in simple but compelling prose of her early life, her encounter with God and the adventures in ministry both in Australia and in Solomon Islands following his calling on her life. She is down to earth, unpretentious and real in the description of her experiences, struggles and successes - but most of all in the way God has worked in and through her in unexpected ways. I was both entertained, challenged and inspired.
A great read.
(In interests of disclosure, I formatted and designed the book & cover for All Fired Up, the window dressing. )...more
The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Brandon Sanderson is contemporary mystery with a speculative feel. Stephen Leeds has learnt to contain the voices iThe Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Brandon Sanderson is contemporary mystery with a speculative feel. Stephen Leeds has learnt to contain the voices in his head by giving them personalities and real estate (literally in the form of a room in his mansion) to manage his ability to acquire new knowledge and skills almost intuitively. As a result, he has become both a much-wanted subject for psychological research and a valued and highly paid solver of mysteries.
The Many Lives consists of three inter-connected novellas. In the first, Stephen (or Legion) is more or less doing well when a case to find a missing camera that takes photos of the past not only propels him into danger but picks at a thread that begins to unravel his life. The unravelling continues in the next two novellas until all seems to be lost. In it all, Sandra, who taught him how to manage his personas and then disappeared remains an enigma wrapped up in the Holy Grail, a mystery that Stephen cannot resist.
The different characters (personas) of Stephen's brilliance and the interaction between them were delightful, entertaining and keeps the story moving. The premise of each novella was interesting and the over-arching quest for Sandra and stability compelling. While it took me a little while to warm up to Stephen and his menagerie, I was soon onboard - and the ending was both harrowing and, in the end, absolutely perfect. It's the kind of book that leaves you thinking after you read the final page. ...more
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb continues with Fitz's fortunes as an illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry trained as a royal assassin and King's Man. He rRoyal Assassin by Robin Hobb continues with Fitz's fortunes as an illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry trained as a royal assassin and King's Man. He returns from his mission in the mountains (end of Book 1) as a broken man, weak, thin and subject to trembling and seizures & fearful of the fate of his beloved Molly, he struggles with what life has to offer him. But he gradually begins to rebuild his life, in finding Molly, serving as King's Man for the King-in-Waiting, his uncle Verity, as oarsman and soldier. But the menace of the Red Ships increases, the health of the King is failing and Prince Regal does his level best to undermine Verity and make Fitz's life a misery. Soon, all is at risk.
Great worldbuilding as always. It was interesting to see the developing maturity and relationships between Fitz and the people important to him, Verity & the King, Patience, Molly, Burrich, Chade and Queen Ketricken - and Nighteyes, as well as his struggle to balance Wit and Skill. One feels for his position with so much expected of him, but little honour and reward - yet he remains loyal despite everything. Nighteyes is a great character. Regal makes a truly unlovable villain, as do the coterie members. And as everything unravels, it becomes harder and harder to watch with a truly heartbreaking ending - which one can only hope is redeemed in Book 3. ...more
In Kristen Young's Elite (Collective Underground Book 2), Elite Apprentice Kerr Flick (aka Cadence) finds herself as an Elite Apprentice Watcher alongIn Kristen Young's Elite (Collective Underground Book 2), Elite Apprentice Kerr Flick (aka Cadence) finds herself as an Elite Apprentice Watcher along with the attractive Wil. She is also the newest member of the Sirens, an underground group hated and hunted by the Love Collective. Kerr finds herself in an increasing unstable and dangerous position as she recovers more of her suppressed memories and balances her duties as a Watcher (which she hates) with secret missions for the Sirens - all the while fearing discovery and embracement.
Book 2 reveals more the oppressive totalitarian world of the Love Collective as well as hints of the world beyond. Cadence also struggles both with her feelings for Wil, as well as the nature of the work she must do as a Watcher, while Hodge continues to provide a steady and dependable presence. Overall, I enjoyed Book 2 much more than Book 1, and I love the changing relationships between Wil and Hodge and the dramatic, exciting finish. The allegory of the Composer, Muse and Lyric becomes more pronounced in this third book. It will be interesting to see where Book 3 takes us. ...more
The Midnight Circus by Jane Yolen is a collection of mostly horror-tinged short stories most in not all with sad endings. Some draw from old folk law The Midnight Circus by Jane Yolen is a collection of mostly horror-tinged short stories most in not all with sad endings. Some draw from old folk law (selkies and the winter king, fairytales and Jewish folktales), others are paranormal or even futuristic, one is (alternative) historical (Scott of the Antarctic as a vampire). Each is paired with a poem. All are brilliantly written but all a bit grim and plaintive for me....more
Ali Berg's The Book Ninja is a riotous and irreverent rom-com set in Melbourne. Frankie Rose (named after the train line she was conceived on - ie FraAli Berg's The Book Ninja is a riotous and irreverent rom-com set in Melbourne. Frankie Rose (named after the train line she was conceived on - ie Frankston line) hasn't had much luck with dates after being discarded by her boyfriend Ads. She and her very pregnant, zany friend, Kat, come up with the idea of leaving her favourite books on different public transport as a way of finding a suitable date. To complicate matters, she meets the attractive Sunny Day with a sad predicliction for YA lit. Of course, things go horribly wrong before the HEA.
The characters in this book are larger than life, zany , perhaps a little morally challenged and never dull. Frankie's friends - Kat & Seb - often lead her astray though she gets herself into trouble on her own as well. I loved the literary references - both to numerous books - both older and more modern classics - as well as quotes and allusions to favourite book characters - and while initially light-hearted and almost over-the-top, the emotional stakes become more real and the conclusion satisfying. ...more
Temi Oh's debute novel - Do You Dream of Terra-Two is a gripping, intriguing, and hard-hitting. Set on an alternative earth when the first space progrTemi Oh's debute novel - Do You Dream of Terra-Two is a gripping, intriguing, and hard-hitting. Set on an alternative earth when the first space program began in the 18-19th centuries and an alternative earth - Terra-Two has been discovered as well as a plasma drive that makes space travel more doable - from Earth to Mars in a few months rather than over a year, and (with the assist of the gravitational drive) from the solar system to Terra Two in 23 years rather than 100.
The Beta are the group of 6 elite students (17 -18 year olds) who have been training for the mission since the age of 13. They are paired with 4 mature and experienced astronauts for this pioneering mission - the first space craft to reach Terra Two and begin colonisation. We experience the take-off and journey through the eyes of the different members of the Beta - Twins Astrid and Juno, Poppy, Harry, Eliot and - Jessie - their dreams and fears, their strengths and weaknesses, their hope and despair, their determination and decisions
Oh's writes brilliantly, immersive, fresh, evocative. Each character has a unique voice and perspective, each one learns and changes as the unthinkable happens not once by twice - and each is tested. Will they have what it takes for a successful mission to Terra Two. While about four fifths in, I became concerned about where the book was heading, I needn't have worried as the ending was close to perfect and entirely satisfying. Though I did miss leaving the Beta and their journey behind at the end of the book. I enjoyed Temi Oh’s second book More Perfect - I absolutely loved her first Do You Dream of Terra-Two :) ...more
Laura Drake's Sweet on You was a fun romance read as physical therapist Katya Smith takes on job at the Pro Bull Riding circuit while she works at oveLaura Drake's Sweet on You was a fun romance read as physical therapist Katya Smith takes on job at the Pro Bull Riding circuit while she works at overcoming her PSD to get back to her unit in Afghanistan. Her first encounters with rodeo champion Cam Cahill get off on a shaky start until they begin to appreciate the person beneath the masks.
Both Katya and Cam have their demons to slay, issues ot overcome and obstacles in the way of love. Both are strong characters. I enjoyed the interaction between and the crazy testosterone-filled world of bull riding (in part from my childhood memories of the Mt Isa rodeo)....more
I've read and watched No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency with great pleasure. Mma (Precious) Ramotswe is a fabulous character with her cofidence, and uniqI've read and watched No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency with great pleasure. Mma (Precious) Ramotswe is a fabulous character with her cofidence, and unique detective skills & the woundful Borswana settign, light humouros touch and lyrical style.
That being said, for me, The Good Husband of Zebra Drive, fell a little flat - as the differen people around Mma Romotswe decide to change things up and try their hand at detecting or independence, causing a lot of upheaval in the process. Meanwhile there is an overarching case to solve with the mystery of the cursed hospital bed. it's not that I didn't enjoy reading the book, but it just didn't captivate me in the same way as the others I have read. ...more
Having enjoyed the TV series Vera - I thought I'd give Anne Cleeves a go, so picked up The Raging Storm from the library. When Jem Rosco, TV adventureHaving enjoyed the TV series Vera - I thought I'd give Anne Cleeves a go, so picked up The Raging Storm from the library. When Jem Rosco, TV adventurer and explorer, is found dead in an anchored life boat in a secluded bay in north Devon & in the middle of a raging storm, Ven and his team are called in to investigate - what were Jem's connections in Devon, why was he in remote village of Greystone, who was the mysterious woman he came to meet. Venn and his detectives gradually unravel the truth but not before another murder ensues and they find themselve in jeopardy themselves. This wasn't a bad read but I think I found the set-up and the motives for doing Jem in a bit contrived and I struggled to relate to most of the characters with the exception perhaps of Mary Ford in her down-to-earth approach to tragedy in her life.
My first Ann Cleeves book - but will try another at least. ...more
Yours, Mine, Ours by Sinéad Moriarty is a light, humorous read set in Dublin and examining the challenges of a blended family. Anna has at least left Yours, Mine, Ours by Sinéad Moriarty is a light, humorous read set in Dublin and examining the challenges of a blended family. Anna has at least left her dead-beat husband, Connor, to live with new love, James. Anna and James are very much in love but living in a small house, further away from work and school and with their respective children proves to be a bigger challenge than they'd anticipated. Not at all helped by Connor's constant put downs of both Anna and of James. Nor is it easy for the children - sensible Grace, exuberant Jack - and moody, entitled Bella. As the new family limps from one disaster to the next, the negative attitudes of all around them begin to drive a wedge between Anna and James, threatening the life together they dreamed of.
Yours, Mine, Ours explores a common situation for many - with shared custody, critical and angry in-laws as well as hostility towards stepparents and difficulties of discipling the other parent’s children . Sinead Moriarty does an excellent job showing the reality while adding humour to the situation in this fast paced, engaging narrative of family drama. ...more
In My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, 13 Anna engages lawyer Campbell Alexander to sue her parents for medical emancipation so she can refuse to be aIn My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, 13 Anna engages lawyer Campbell Alexander to sue her parents for medical emancipation so she can refuse to be a kidney donor for her older sister, Kate, who has a rare form of blood cancer. Anna's parents underwent selective IVF to conceive Anna as a donor for her sister - and the whole family revolves around Kate and her illness.
Piccoult intertwines the ups and downs of present court drama with flashbacks to the past for each of the different characters - teasing out the emotions, motives, and choices of Anna, her parents, her rebel older brother, Jessie, and Kate and it’s impact on Anna - as well as the tortured history between Campbell and the Anna's guardian at liten, Julia, appointed by the Judge.
The moral dilemma facing Anna and her family is gripping and fraught, with no 'right' answer that can bring about a happy outcome. Anna is a great character, strong and vulnerable, feisty and fragile, with a quick, cutting wit and a tender love for her sister. Each of the characters standout with their angst as they struggle with an impossible situation. I loved best the quirky, funny interactions between Campbell and Julia - and Campbell's witty avoidance of telling what his therapy dog really was for - which added light relief to the heavier, emotional pull of Anna and her parents' dilemma. The ending has a sudden twist - that to be honest didn't grab me, it felt too forced. But overall this was a truly gripping read, and emotional rollercoaster raising questions without trite easy answers, - but also with some wonderful characters and leavened with wit and humour. ...more
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