Exiles of the Rynth / Carole Nelson Douglas

Exiles of the Rynth
(Sword and Circlet #2)
by Carole Nelson Douglas

fantasy, chicklit

copyright 1984
read in October 2020

rated 7/10: well worth reading

Some friends gave me a box of books. Apparently, their tastes run to chicklit fantasy. Still, this one looks okay, I think.

It is fantasy. It is chicklit. And it is better than just okay.

It's not a complicated plot, though a lot does happen. It's a sequential exploration of various aspects of a society. There are several imprisonments and escapes but the two main characters are never going to be seriously hurt.

Strangely enough, the hero is in a cell thinking that he does not want to tunnel out and -- the very next page -- he has tunnelled out... Is my edition missing a chapter, or is that the way that the story was written? Probably deliberate -- and I like it.

I also like the characters. The hero and heroine skirt around the obvious fact that they are in love. Most characters are quite nice. Some are sneaky but very few are "bad". Threats are from the society and from individuals acting within their society-defined roles.

The more I read, the more I enjoyed. And the more I enjoyed the author's use of language. Odd uses of words which just work. Peculiar turns of phrase which are both clever and weighted with meaning. A pleasure to read :-)

This book is second in a series. There are references to the first book, there are continuing characters -- but the story stands alone. It's a lightweight story covering serious social issues, without banging on about it. If I searched for more in the series it would be because I like the main characters.

And good grief... I just checked... the author has written 63 books! I wonder if they all have a social message, hidden behind enjoyable adventures and delightful characters...

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

"When someone does something wrong, don't forget all of the things they did right." ... anonymous

   

The Wishsong of Shannara / Terry Brooks

The Wishsong of Shannara

(Shannara #3)

by Terry Brooks

fantasy

copyright 1985

read in October 2020

rated 7/10: well worth reading

It's a strangely disjointed quest. Yes, the two quest groups each have a set aim and the two aims join at the climax. Yet each quest line is... jumpy.

Each quest is a series of adventures. The characters have to travel through a series of unique areas, each area has its unique topography, flora and fauna. Each area has its unique threats. Enter an area, defeat its threat, jump into the next area, rinse and repeat.

The series offers continuity of races, of families and of evolving threats. Towns and city-states exist from book to book. Yet the countryside seems to be divided into distinct, separate areas. Each area is only there long enough to set a distinct challenge for the characters.

Though the final castle supports many chapters. And is that castle huge! Massive halls, multi-level passages, courtyards, passages within the walls... Large enough for several groups to run and hide and barely see each other... It's enormous, far larger than any "real" castle. But then, this is fantasy, so that's okay :-)

There is also a lot of soul-searching... a lot. Am I losing control of the magic? Am I losing control of myself? I don't want to do this but I must... The book began to drag -- but I suspect it's because I was tired when reading, and had other things to be done.

Overall -- it's a good book. Possibly worth reading on its own, distinct enough that it could be read alone. As part of a series -- it is even better.

Each book in this series of three stands alone. As a trilogy, it is even better. The story does not "continue" but each story adds to the world history. And I am always impressed by the length of world history that is covered in the extended Shannara series.

Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper

...        Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved

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"My science homework ate my dog." ... per Ginger Meggs

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Dying for you to read my blog, at https: // notdotdeaddotyet .blogspot. com. au/ :-)

Shatterwing / Donna Maree Hanson

Shatterwing
(Dragon Wine #1)
by Donna Maree Hanson

chicklit, fantasy

copyright 2014
read in October 2020

rated 6 / 10: read to pass the time

There's a sub-genre of chicklit where the heroine is completely in thrall to the "hero". Usually it's a vampire story. I guess that being a slave must appeal to some readers.

This book is edging into the master-slave sub-genre.

The plot is a series of episodes of a slave being tortured, subjugated and humiliated, with strong and violent sex. The slave may be male or female. The master is always male. Between episodes the character will escape -- to be very quickly recaptured, ready to be subjected to more violence and violent sex.

I would have rated this at five, readable if there is nothing else. Yet the violent sex was arousing. Sick but arousing. So I added a point to my rating, for good porn.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

"When someone does something wrong, don't forget all of the things they did right." ... anonymous

   

Artemis Fowl / Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl
(Artemis Fowl #1)
by Eoin Colfer

subadult, fantasy

copyright 2001
read in October 2020

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

When I read -- and thoroughly enjoyed -- Highfire I wondered, has this bloke written anything else? And found Artemis Fowl. I'd heard the name. Time to read the books.

This book is, I believe, the first in the series. It's good... but not terrific. In my opinion.

The world is great. Good fun. Believable, in a fantasy sense.

The characters are still developing. I like them but I believe that I will like them more in future books, as they continue to develop.

I enjoyed this book. It makes me want to read more. I believe that the books will be even better as the series continues.

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17dec20: The Artemis Fowl series is famous. I expected it to rate very well. I only rated this one as six. So, I read it again. Now I understand why I gave a fairly average rating: the book is rather nasty.

There is no sympathy for characters other than the main players. Some dockworkers, for example: They are beaten up, simply to provide a distraction. They are not nasty people, they are drawn as stupid. They are innocent bystanders who are treated like dirt.

That's the feeling at several points: minor characters are dirt. Just an attitude of power: I am better -- more powerful -- than you therefore you can be treated badly. It is enough to give me an uncomfortable feeling. So -- for this attack on reader enjoyment -- the book rates a six.

btw: This is not a book for young children. There is too much death and violence.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

"When someone does something wrong, don't forget all of the things they did right." ... anonymous

   

Highfire / Eoin Colfer

Highfire
by Eoin Colfer

fantasy, humour, subadult

copyright 2020
read in October 2020

rated 9/10: really really good

Warning: extreme violence. Also, chuckling good humour. Plus, extremely nice characters and positive messages about friendship, loyalty and the value of education. Quite a mixture!

I label this book as subadult, for younger people who can handle stories which include death and violence. A central character is a 15 year old boy, a nice kid who loves his Momma and learns a lot of life lessons.

The other key character is older. He learns lessons about putting the past behind him, and the value of friendship. He is an adult but the lessons are -- I think -- aimed at subadult readers.

Lessons? Don't worry. This is not a preachy book. Any lessons are just the characters winning battles and improving their lives.

The villain is another bonus. Oh, he is evil, no doubt about that. He is evil, clever, powerful. Almost a super-villain. Only the best efforts will defeat him, he is a worthy opponent. The villain allows the nice people to shine.

I can see -- and hope for -- more books with these characters. Including one who died, I bet he can return :-) Meanwhile, I thought, perhaps this author has written other books?

Good grief! he writes Artemis Fowl! I've heard the name but not read the books. A situation which I intend to change, as soon as possible.

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09sep21:

Inspired by HighFire I did read an Artemis Fowl book, by the same author.

And was horribly disappointed :-(

One website says that HighFire is an adult book. More for older teens, really. A lot of fun even for older readers.

Artemis Fowl is for children. Artemis himself is a nasty creep.

I read two Fowl books Each book rated 6/10: readable. I did not really enjoy either book. Possibly because my expectations were so high after HighFire. Enough said.

Perhaps I should consider the signature quote, below, that came with this review :-)

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

"When someone does something wrong, don't forget all of the things they did right." ... anonymous

   

The Elfstones of Shannara / Terry Brooks

The Elfstones of Shannara
(Shannara #2)
by Terry Brooks

copyright 1982
read in October 2020

rated 7/10: well worth reading

The second book by Brooks and getting better. A solid plot with some depth to and understanding of the characters. Though the depth usually exposes various forms of insecurity.

The story moves away from a scene by scene retelling of LotR. The plot builds to the brink of doom before the instant solution, thousands are dying but success depends on a very few. It sounds trite, there is never any doubt, yet the story is exciting... or at least entertaining.

Locations are varied and, mostly, deadly. After the action has moved on, many locations are left unfit for use, often destroyed. Fortunately it is a big world, with many available locations.

The reader's knowledge of Shannara history is expanded. There is a long history of the rise and fall of vast empires. Which makes me wonder, What is so important about this particular empire, that it must survive? Sooner or later it will collapse, to be replaced. Perhaps the replacement will be even better?

And more: Demons have been locked in a black-hole environment for millenia. Is that acceptable? Has noone looked for a more humane solution? What does it say about "good" when it is willing to sentence sentient "evil" to an eternity of torment?

Deep questions, best ignored. It's an enjoyable book.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

"When someone does something wrong, don't forget all of the things they did right." ... anonymous

   

Space Opera / Catherynne M Valente

Space Opera
by Catherynne M Valente

science fiction?

copyright 2018
part read in October 2020

rated 5/10: readable but only if there's nothing else

I admire the way that an author selects just the right elements -- from a huge grab bag of possibilities -- to provide a gripping story. Irrelevant items are discarded. Only the most relevant items are retained. The author works hard to present a readable book in which each word is essential to the reader's understanding or enjoyment.

This author has a different approach. Use every word and phrase which comes to mind.

A cat, dog, monkey, elephant walked, ran, slithered up the stairs, down the stairs, along the footpath, into the house... Sometimes it makes sense, as a series of related items. Sometimes it is the author's way of not wasting any of the random ideas which come to mind. Paid by the word, perhaps?

Yes, it can be read. Yes, there are some chuckles to be had. Yes, it is nonsense and not worth the effort.

I categorise this as "science fiction". I suspect that it is intended to be humorous. The main thrust seems to be social satire.

Three chapters was readable -- with a growing sense of, What the?! Then I stopped reading because yes, I do have other books to read.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper

Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

When all else fails, have someone else read the instructions" … per Ginger Meggs