How does one do justice to Sabriel? A groundbreaking novel with world building that's hard to match, I went in hoping to absorb Garth nix's wonderful How does one do justice to Sabriel? A groundbreaking novel with world building that's hard to match, I went in hoping to absorb Garth nix's wonderful sense of place and time in his world, and found myself loving the journey at every step. Garth blazed a trail for Australian fantasy with this title, which holds up today as a masterful piece of storytelling with a great sense of identity and poise....more
A wonderful novel that grew out of a screenplay and show that quality in its pacing and tension. Crichton is a master of drawing out scenes with his lA wonderful novel that grew out of a screenplay and show that quality in its pacing and tension. Crichton is a master of drawing out scenes with his language and use of multiple perspectives which often chop and change quickly. it was great to come back to the book and read it through having seen the movies many times....more
Frankie is, quite honestly, a gift to the Australian YA scene. Featuring a depth of character & strength of voice that carries it to incredible heightFrankie is, quite honestly, a gift to the Australian YA scene. Featuring a depth of character & strength of voice that carries it to incredible heights, this book deserves all the praise it gets and then some.
Highlights for me included a tight narrative and a fantastic ending that worked incredibly well and carried a depth of insight and emotion that blew me away. Shivaun Plozza's voice as an author is distinct, breathing life into her characters, and layers of depth into the world of Colligwood - which is never better described than in this book.
All of these elements combine to make Frankie one of the best books I've read this year, and one that's 100% worth checking out for readers young and old....more
There's a reason Philip Pullman's Northern Lights has garnered almost 1 Million reviews on Goodreads. Imaginatively diverse, bravely different, and brThere's a reason Philip Pullman's Northern Lights has garnered almost 1 Million reviews on Goodreads. Imaginatively diverse, bravely different, and brilliantly executed, this book resonates with an depth of world-building that few can achieve outside of the likes of Terry Pratchett, C. S. Lewis, and Tolkien, to name a few of Pullman's British predecessors.
But Pullman moves in directions that echo his differences with Tolkien and Lewis (especially belief-wise). This story edges into the realm of steampunk, but only through brief flirtations. At its heart, this is a story of a young girl's journey and the discovery of who she is; finding herself in the midst of an ever-changing reality. You may not personally share Philip Pullman's dislike of religious institutions, which is a strong theme in this story, but I'd recommend reading it for the sense of wonder he engenders through his language and wonderful craftsmanship.
If you've ever considered checking out this story, I thoroughly recommend diving right in; you won't regret it....more
Five stars. How you give this masterclass in lean prose and outstanding structure any less? For a novel to produce an Oscar-crowned movie is one thingFive stars. How you give this masterclass in lean prose and outstanding structure any less? For a novel to produce an Oscar-crowned movie is one thing, but to have a book on story structure (The Story Grid) use this novel as a primary source shows the class within.
If you're a reader looking for a good read, this is for you. If you're a writer wanting to know how to streamline point of view, pacing, and structure to optimise the reading experience, this is for you. I couldn't put this book down, because it compelled me to read on and find out what would happen. It wasn't simply the story outcome I was interested in; it was the whole world created by Thomas Harris, and the way he draws you slowly, yet deeply, into the characters within.
The fantastic sequel to The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic felt to me like Terry Pratchett hitting his stride. Humour is more evident from the gThe fantastic sequel to The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic felt to me like Terry Pratchett hitting his stride. Humour is more evident from the get-go, and I found myself regularly smirking and chuckling as I read. The Discworld expands (almost literally), and with it so does Pratchett's writing. Since the previous novel in the series ends in an almost literal (again) cliffhanger, you really have to read this book if you've started on the series.
I loved the imagination and thought that went into the book, and would recommend it to anyone, regardless of taste in genre. This is outstanding work....more
My first foray into the Discworld began this year, and I decided to start at the very beginning - which is, I am assured, a very good place to start. My first foray into the Discworld began this year, and I decided to start at the very beginning - which is, I am assured, a very good place to start. The Colour of Magic is Terry Pratchett's first Discworld novel, and much like a pair of new shoes, the novel looks spectacular, but feels like it needs wearing in a bit.
I loved the glimpses of humour I experienced, as well as the incredible world that is Discworld. To see a universe so ordered, so deeply understood by its creator (small c, little in-joke there), is inspiring. Worth reading 100%, especially as a setup for what is to come....more
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