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Jewel Mania - The new match 3 sensation is here, with brilliant jewels in over 600 dazzling puzzles!...
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Storm Glass (Glass, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
It's been awhile since I read Maria V. Snyder's first trilogy, but this book follows right on its heels, explaining how Opal Cowen connects to Yelena, while leading into Opal's life of glass-making. The whole process is intricately described throughout the book, but without burdening the plot with too much detail.
Despite the part that Opal played and her great contribution to Sitia, she does not consider her magical abilities to be anything worth boasting about and struggles with low self-esteem for most of the book. All the while, her abilities grow and blossom in the face of suspense and danger. Her specific talents keep her busy solving one magical dilemma after another, introducing her to new characters along the way, as well as bringing in familiar faces - some welcome and some not.
The romantic aspects to the book involve her being torn between two men, Kale of the Stormdance clan, and Ulrick, a fellow glass-maker. While Opal shares qualities with both young men, I prefer her chemistry with the moody, quiet Kale over the self-absorbed Ulrick.
One of the more interesting characters in the book aside from Opal is her school nemesis, who also happens to be in the running for becoming a Master Magician. Their interactions teach Opal a few things about herself, both magical and psychological, and they develop into unlikely allies. Theirs is one of several loose ends left in the book that will likely be continued in the next book, Sea Glass.
Despite the part that Opal played and her great contribution to Sitia, she does not consider her magical abilities to be anything worth boasting about and struggles with low self-esteem for most of the book. All the while, her abilities grow and blossom in the face of suspense and danger. Her specific talents keep her busy solving one magical dilemma after another, introducing her to new characters along the way, as well as bringing in familiar faces - some welcome and some not.
The romantic aspects to the book involve her being torn between two men, Kale of the Stormdance clan, and Ulrick, a fellow glass-maker. While Opal shares qualities with both young men, I prefer her chemistry with the moody, quiet Kale over the self-absorbed Ulrick.
One of the more interesting characters in the book aside from Opal is her school nemesis, who also happens to be in the running for becoming a Master Magician. Their interactions teach Opal a few things about herself, both magical and psychological, and they develop into unlikely allies. Theirs is one of several loose ends left in the book that will likely be continued in the next book, Sea Glass.
I had to read this book for my craft of fiction class. This was my first time reading it, but we were able to look at it as more than just plot, and more about how it was written and why it was written that way.
There are spoilers, so read at your own risk.
I very much enjoyed this book. I loved this view into a post slavery world filled of women who have to deal with the grief that has followed them throughout their lives. Sethe, though she has made her mistakes in her life, is still a sympathetic character who relies on her grief to survive through what she has done. Her daughters are strong women in their own rights. Beloved, being childlike and taking out her rage of her death on her mother and her family through stealing the attention and food for herself. She isolates, makes it so the others feel death hanging over themselves to understand her pain.
The format, being more stream of consciousness and not a cohesive, linear narrative, lends itself well to the magical realism of this book. This is nothing like a Harry Potter type of magical realism though. This is steeped in the tradition of former slaves, magical in their beliefs of the world and the afterlife. Not the people being able to control magic, but allowing it to be a real thing in their lives either way.
I really liked this book. If you want to understand why, check it out for yourself.
There are spoilers, so read at your own risk.
I very much enjoyed this book. I loved this view into a post slavery world filled of women who have to deal with the grief that has followed them throughout their lives. Sethe, though she has made her mistakes in her life, is still a sympathetic character who relies on her grief to survive through what she has done. Her daughters are strong women in their own rights. Beloved, being childlike and taking out her rage of her death on her mother and her family through stealing the attention and food for herself. She isolates, makes it so the others feel death hanging over themselves to understand her pain.
The format, being more stream of consciousness and not a cohesive, linear narrative, lends itself well to the magical realism of this book. This is nothing like a Harry Potter type of magical realism though. This is steeped in the tradition of former slaves, magical in their beliefs of the world and the afterlife. Not the people being able to control magic, but allowing it to be a real thing in their lives either way.
I really liked this book. If you want to understand why, check it out for yourself.
Stranger Magic
Book
Our foremost theorist of myth, fairytales, and folktales explores the magical realm of the...
Belle, Book and Christmas candle
8.0
Rate It
Book
Sky St Clair doesn't, and growing up in Castle Clair, a small town renowned for its mystical past...
Trungy (7 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Jul 12, 2017
It was a hard shoe to fill
Whilst a glorious live action version of "Beauty and the Beast". One of the better ones and set a decent bar for the few to come. The music was wonderful and the world they created was magical. My only issue is that the singing just didnt sit well with me - perhaps just personal taste. I just felt like it didnt quite capture the same beauty as the first.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Vegetarian: A Novel in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Incredibly creative and disturbing look at transformation
Han Kang is an absolute gem in terms of creative writing and The Vegetarian does not disappoint. It's difficult to explain without completely spoiling the plot but it consists of a woman becoming vegetarian and her subsequent 'transformation'.
The beautiful imagery and the graphic details about mental health is unique, and at times the insanity of the novel resembles Kafka's Metamorphosis. It is definitely in that league of magical realism.
The beautiful imagery and the graphic details about mental health is unique, and at times the insanity of the novel resembles Kafka's Metamorphosis. It is definitely in that league of magical realism.
J. L. Stowers (136 KP) rated Signetorium: The Depths in Books
Apr 26, 2018
Imaginative new fantasy series
I think this author is really on to something. This book was an exciting coming of age story set in a magical world. When the youth fails to live up to their potential they're thrust into a dangerous environment meant to activate their powers. In the darkness they'll need to work together to fight innumerable enemies in hopes of escape.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Two children from our world get tricked into traveling to magical worlds. But one stop is a world that is just forming and appears to be run by a lion.... A bit slow, and honestly I think it's best read in the order written (sixth), but still a fun tale filled with magic and adventure.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-magicians-nephew-by-c-s.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-magicians-nephew-by-c-s.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated Magic and Other Misdemeanors in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Grimm family is trying to pay the high taxes to save their house and track down several stolen magical items. I was drawn into this book very quickly and loved how the characters are developing. Unfortunately, the climax was once again a little weak and the coda was nothing more than a set up for the next book
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-magic-and-other.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-magic-and-other.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.