Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman

It starts as a simple job -- but simple jobs, when you're dealing with the magical world, often end up anything but.

As a Retriever, Wren Valere specializes in finding things gone missing -- and then bringing them back, no questions asked. Normally her job is stimulating, challenging and only a little bit dangerous. But every once in a while . . .

Case in point: A cornerstone containing a spell is stolen and there's a magical complication. (Isn't there always?) Wren's unique abilities aren't enough to lay this particular case to rest, so she turns to some friends: a demon (minor), a mage who has lost his mind, and a few others, including Sergei, her business partner (and maybe a bit more?).

Sometimes what a woman has to do to get the job done is enough to give even Wren nightmares . .

This was a really good start to, which I hope, is a great series. The beginning was a bit not very thrilling for me but, after the first 100 or so pages it really started to pick up. Wren is a really intriguing character I wasn't so struck with her partner Sergei at first but, after a while I started to like him a little!

Wren is basically a sort of witch and living in a world where magic is not the best kept secret! And the book is told in the third person which makes things quite interesting.

The ending leaves lots of things hanging perfect for a sequel I guess this could be called a paranormal romance of sorts and as that genre goes this is not the best that could come from that genre and at the beginning you may think to give up on it but, I am glad I stuck with it I think its one of those that gets better as the series (currently 4 books) goes along.

Sushi For Beginners by Marian Keyes

A nervous breakdown seems like a great idea: all that lying in bed and watching daytime TV. But who's going to have it? Will it be housewife Clodagh, who spends her days microwaving pasta for her demanding toddlers and waiting for her beautiful husband Dylan to come home? Or Lisa, hard, brittle and shiny as an M&M, reeling from the shock of a demotion from her fabulous job in London to a one-horse magazine in Dublin? Or Ashling, so normal she's weird?

Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and whilst I have liked some of her books better than others I have not yet read one that I don't like, Sushi For Beginners is no exception, kind of similar to Last Chance Saloon and is about several characters rather than focussing on just the one.

The three characters the book focusses on is Lisa, Ashling & Clodagh with a great cast of supporting characters. Lisa is a magazine editor who can be quite bitchy but, I got to like her towards the end then there is Ashling who is very nice all along and works for Lisa and Clodagh is Ashlings best buddy.

This was not my favourite Keyes book, I am still looking for the one that beats Watermelon and in all honesty I am not as keen on Keyes other books that aren't based on the Walshes but, I still really enjoyed this and Marian created a really lovely cast of characters and an excellent storyline.

The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

'Who died?' I said. 'Or is it a secret?' 'My mother, Vianne Rocher', seeking refuge and anonymity in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, Yanne and her daughters, Rosette and Annie, live peacefully, if not happily, above their little chocolate shop. Nothing unusual marks them out; no red sachets hang by the door. The wind has stopped - at least for a while. Then into their lives blows Zozie de l'Alba, the lady with the lollipop shoes, and everything begins to change...But this new friendship is not what it seems. Ruthless, devious and seductive, Zozie de l'Alba has plans of her own - plans that will shake their world to pieces. And with everything she loves at stake, Yanne must face a difficult choice; to flee, as she has done so many times before, or to confront her most dangerous enemy...Herself.

I bought this book not knowing it as the follow-up to Chocolat and to be honest I possibly may not have bought it because of that reason not that it was bad but, as you may have seen from my review I was not ovely enthralled with it.

Anyway, bought it I had and I hate to buy books and not to read them and I am so glad I hve read this. I have read afew reviews where some say Chocolat is much better than this, I disagree I absolutely loved this.

We see some of the same characters of Chocolat Vianne of course as well as Anouk and a new one, Zozie who I absolutely adored (even though she was the villain there was something so interesting and fascinating about her) and I liked Vianne a whole lot more in this than I did in Chocolat. Thierry was another kettle of fish and didn't like him at all!

I think this one had even more witchery about it than Chocolat, Tarot appears a lot here and I liked those scenes as well as the other scenes of scrying etc. Very well written by Joanne Harris.

I'm surprised so many people who rated Chocolat didn't rate this at all I loved it and was sorry or it to end hopefully there will be another book about Vianne in the future.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until a student enters the local high school with an arsenal of guns and starts shooting, changing the lives of everyone inside and out. The daughter of the judge sitting on the case is the state's best witness -- but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. Or can she?

The very first book I read by Jodi Picoult was The Pact and it was the book that got me hooked on Jodi' books and whilst having read My Sisters Keeper, Salem Falls etc. and whilst these were excellent I never found a book that matched up in my opinion to The Pact, that was until I read Nineteen Minutes ...

This book was written so brilliantly and Jodi just has this way of making you think.

The basis of this story is something similar that we have all read about - school shootings - and I'm the first to admit to thinking when I hear of these of what kind of a warped person could actually do this to their fellow schoolmates.

This is a shocking storyline that not only covers the story of a school shooting that leaves many children dead but, also another sensitive storyline and that of bullying. The shooter here is the recipient of quite violent bullying and it certainly got me thinking that in this storyline all the people involved were victims, even Peter, the boy who shot his schoolmates.

It has a great cast with some brilliant characters the storyline was so powerful, definitely one of my favourites of Jodi's books.

Some of Jodi's books has I felt a little too many scenes in the courtroom and whilst this story like her others end up in the courtroom there were not so many scenes that it got too boring, I loved how the story switched back to describing events leading up to the shooting as well as what was happening after as well.

Fantastic!

Meme & theme update

I was tagged by Mariel from http://troubles-melt-like-lemon-drops.blogspot.com/ for this meme:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

1. Ages of Chaos by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
2. OK!!
3. Ok again!
4. clutching at his heart. The paxman came and supported his faltering lord to his seat.
Donal said "My Lords if she had not struck him down,
5. For this I tag
Rhinoa from http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/
Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/
Daphne from http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
Marg from http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
and
Kailana from http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/



And finally if anyone can tell me how to do the links above properly please let me know LOL as I just can't figure it out on Blogger!

Decided to give my blog a more summery feel so thought sunflowers was very appropriate lets hope we get some more sun in the UK as it is supposedly summer!

Happy weekend!

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

I hear our M'sieur le Curé already has it in for you ... Does he know you're a witch?
Lansquenet-sous-Tannes--"a blip on the fast road between Toulouse and Bourdeaux"--and new home to Vianne Rocher, her six-year-old daughter Anouk, and Anouk's "imaginary" rabbit, Pantoufle. They arrive "on the wind of the carnival", and, a couple of days later, Vianne opens a luxuriant chocolate shop. "La Céleste Praline" bubbles over with the most tempting of confections, topped with an irresistible selection of rich, smooth chocolate drinks. It's Lent, the shop is opposite the church (which Vianne and Anouk don't attend) it's open on Sundays and Francis Reynaud, the austere parish priest with the "measuring, feline look" is not exactly happy.
As one by one the villagers sidle into the shop to sample Vianne's concoctions, we learn of their characters and secrets, their loves and desires, their troubles and hopes. Sad, polite Guillame and his dying dog. Shoplifting, beaten Joséphine Muscat. And Armande Voizin, still vigorous and perceptive in her 80s, who can see Pantoufle, and recognises Vianne for who she really is.

But Reynaud has his power base. And when Vianne advertises a Grand Festival of Chocolate to start on Easter Sunday, it's all-out war. War between church and chocolate.

Hmmmmm I'm sorry to say I was not overly impressed with this, its not a bad book don't get me wrong but, I just don't get the hype. Vivianne was an interesting character I didn't exactly warm to her for me she was one of those characters that I didn't dislike but, at the same time wasn't exactly bothered what happened to her.

Despite all that it was not a boring book but, also not as exciting either this happens to me all the time most books people just love and rate I'm just so not into them. Maybe because of all the hype I'm just expecting more than there is I don't know and yet books people rate quite low I tend to find I absolutely love them... maybe I'm just weird LOL

So whilst not a bad book with a not bad storyline this was not great and probably not something I would reach to read again.

Waifs & Strays by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
Mythic fiction is at its best in this anthology of stories of memorable heroines, rooted not in a secondary world but in an urban environment. The author introduces each selection, providing insight and interesting biographical information. The subject of two stories is a 16-year-old vampire named Apples who receives "the Gift" from a stranger during a Bryan Adams concert. She hopes to "turn" her sister Cassie when she is older, if she agrees, so they can live together forever. Poking fun at the television version of a teenage vampire, the heroine offers a more pragmatic view of her lot in life as she avenges evil doings in her neighborhood. In the section "Bordertown," where magic and reality coexist, an elf named Manda saves the life of a Harley-riding black man who is the neighborhood peacekeeper in a city rife with prejudice and violence. Elements of Robin Hood, Merlin, Native American mythology, and Celtic music weave through each story. Some of the heroines are humans who briefly tiptoe into a magical realm or are skeptical about its existence. De Lint's characters are often lonely and intelligent misfits whose self-discovery triumphs over plot. Described as "urban fantasy," these stories represent a hybrid genre for readers who only want one arm through the door into another world.

My View

Another fantastic collection from Charles De Lint, this collction is about teenagers and possibly more Young Adult focussed. I loved the first three stories being about Merlin, Vampires and fairies.

There was a really good cross section of characters here and the last couple of storis I found nost as good as the first but, another really good mixed assortment of stories.

My favourite story of the bunch was 'Sisters' about 2 sisters called Cassie and Apple one of whom is a vampire, and whether or not she should 'turn' her sister.

Loved this so another definite one to read from CDL, can this guy do no wrong?

Dreams Underfoot by Charles De Lint

This short story collections features 19 short stories from CDL's Newford. There is a real mixture of stories here sort of like a chocolate assortment box in a book! Lots of different and very interesting characters and many of them featuring the very likeable Jilly Coppercorn.

I love how he makes fairy tales and folklore into a modern setting and that is so prevelent here and although this is a short story collection per se the stories somehow interlink ino to each other, all being based in Newford as well.

Some say the characters are unrealistic but, for me if the characters are real and more like people in our everyday lives would it really make for such interesting reading? I think not. I love CDL's characters they are so different, some quirky mostly likeable.

I find myself with each book saying if you haven't read De Lint before then read this and I would say it about this one too - I think his short story collections are the best way to get a feel for the type of characters he creates.

If you ever want to get away from your day to day life dive into one of CDL's books they are real escapism.

Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels Trilogy) By Anne Bishop

Book Two - Heir To The Shadows
Synopsis Anne Bishop plunged into dark fantasy with her first book, Daughter of the Blood. She described a world where Blood Witches have always ruled, drawing males to their courts through seductive power. An ambitious High Priestess destroys more powerful females before maturity and has enslaved the strongest males, weakening magic and corrupting natural bonds between men and women. Sexual violence permeates Terreille. Jaenelle, born to be Queen, is vulnerable until adulthood. Though guarded by male Warlord Princes, Jaenelle is violated. Daemon, her destined Consort, rescues her but is convinced he attacked her and goes mad.
In Heir to the Shadows, Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred--animals with magical and communicative powers--and gathers a circle of young Queens. She also heals Lucivar, Daemon's half-brother, who offers a brother's love and a warrior's fealty. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.

Bishop subverts readers' expectations; the "darkest" powers reside in virtuous characters, demons and vampires are kindly, and Jaenelle's adolescence is more comically normal than horrific. Her vibrant characters and descriptions will keep readers hooked, anxiously awaiting what promises to be a riveting conclusion.

My View
Another great instalment of this brilliant trilogy of the three books I think this was my least favourite not that it was bad in any way it certainly wasn't and I'm not sure why I preferred it least of the three, maybe because Daughter of the Blood was such a hard act to follow but, anyway ...

This must of course be read after Daughter of the Blood or else you may get a little confused. We see Jaenelle growing up lot here and definitely see her character advancing and because of the suffering she has endured she has of course, changed quite a bit.

This is one of those books its so hard to write a review if someone reading it (this review that is) hasn't read it (and if you haven't you so must!). It truly is dark fantasy at its best, if anyone knows of any fantasy similar to this plase tell me as I have never read anything else close!

Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels Trilogy) by Anne Bishop

Book One Daughter of the Blood
Synopsis
Anne Bishop's debut novel, Daughter of the Blood, is like black coffee--strong, dark, and hard on delicate stomachs. Within the Blood (a race of magic-users), women rule and men serve, but tradition has been corrupted so that women enslave men, who seek to destroy their oppressors. Female children are violated before they can reach maturity; men are tortured and forced to satisfy witches' sexual appetites.
Bishop's child heroine, Jaenelle, is destined to rule the Blood, if she can reach adulthood. Her power is hidden; her family believes her mad. Saetan, High Lord of Hell and most powerful of the Blood males, becomes Jaenelle's surrogate father and teacher. He cannot protect her outside Hell, where he rules. She refuses to leave Terreille, risking herself to protect or heal other victims of violence. Can Daemon, Saetan's estranged son, keep her safe from the machinations of the evil High Priestess? Or will he lose his battle to control his destructive urges and endanger her?

My View
This is just about the third time I have read this book, actually the entire series. This really stands out as one of my favourite fantasy books - EVER! That could change of course as I haven't read every fantasy book there is but, it rea;lly would have to be some gem to beat this.

Anne Bishop has really createda totally intricate world - Jaenelle is our heroine and I was totally mesmerised by her she is a totally innoent girl yet her destiny is to be the most powerful witch. And of course, Daemon I cannot believe anyone would not b mesmerised these two.

Saetan is the Lord High of Hell and that sounds way more scary than he really is because of how we have come to associate hell I guess, Saetan is Jaenelle's adopted father and Daemon is Saetan's son. Once you read this book you will be hunting down the rest if you don't have them already.

Thanks For The Memories by Cecelia Aherne

Synopsis
Lose yourself in the magical new novel from Cecelia Ahern - the No.1 bestselling author of PS, I Love You How can you know someone you've never met? Joyce Conway remembers things she shouldn't. She knows about tiny cobbled streets in Paris, which she has never visited. And every night she dreams about an unknown little girl with blonde hair. When she leaves hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, Joyce moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of deja vu is overwhelming her and she can't figure out why! Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets attractive doctor Sarah, who persuades him to donate blood. It's the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. When Justin receives a basket of muffins with a note simply saying thank you,he is sure someone is playing a trick on him. But then a series of gifts begin to arrive. Intrigued and disturbed, Justin is determined to find out who is sending them. What he discovers will change his life forever.

My View
As with all Cecelia's books this was a nice, easy cosy read buttttt ....

I found this a bit of a slog to read not as in it was hard to read I just didn't find it as enchanting as her other books. There are some really funny parts - when Joyce takes her dad to London and on his very first plane journey - and it was a nice storyline but, personally I didn't find the characters interesting enough and TBH was not really bothered what happened to them one way or the other!

As with all CA's books she touches on sensitive subjects - in this case miscarriage - in a really delicate way and Joyce IS a nice character don't get me wrong and I did feel for her in all the not so good things that happened to her but, in all honesty I was kind of glad when I got to the end.

Going by the other reviews it seems I may be alone but, this just did not hit the spot - perhaps I should stick to Fantasy!

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life/The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne-Jones

Charmed Life

Synopsis
The adventure begins in a strange and not-quite contemporary England that is still peppered with paddle steamers, horse-drawn carriages and girls wearing petticoats. Orphans Eric Chant (nicknamed Cat) and his sister Gwendolen, a gifted witch, are whisked away to live in a castle with Chrestromanci, a much-revered man of magic, wealth and mysterious ways. Their new life is full of the surreal and unexpected, and there are several crazy new rules to master--not least by Gwendolen who must learn to channel her astonishing powers for good instead of mischief as she forever seems determined to do!


My View

Loved this! It has been said if you love Harry Potter then you will love this, the most ardent HP fans may not agree but, it has to be said this was written long before HP was even thought of! However, this was brilliant Gwendolen is brilliant I loved reading about her and her brother Cat - if you love anything magical giove this a try you may be pleasantly surprised.

The Lives of Christopher Chant
Synopsis
Christopher Chant is a dreamer, a boy who returns home each night with strange gifts from his nocturnal travels and leaves sand in his bed as proof. He's happy to play cricket and wander the world in secret--so having nine lives and being the next "Chrestomanci" is not part of his plans for the future. It's only when an evil smuggler known as The Wraith threatens his existence that the young Christopher truly takes hold of his destiny. He must try to halt his loss of lives and defeat evil before times runs out.

The childhood of Chrestomanci. Everything in this book happens at least twenty-five years before the story told in Charmed Life! Discovering that he has nine lives and is destined to be the next 'Chrestomanci' is not part of Christopher's plans for the future: he'd much rather play cricket and wander around his secret dream worlds. But he soon finds that destiny is difficult to avoid, and that having more than the usual number of lives is pretty inconvenient - especially when you lose them as easily as he does! Then an evil smuggler, known only as The Wraith, threatens the ways of the worlds and forces Christopher to take action!

My View
I loved this even more than Charmed Life this is set before Charmed Life and Christopher Chant is a fantastic character, a very powerful magician who also has nine lives! However, Christopher (much like Gwendolen) is unable to perform even the most simple of spells. Christopher starts having strange dreams, where he is crawling through this strange land, covered in rocks and fog.

Not wanting to give too much away its a really fascinating magical world Diana has created, of course primarily aimed at the YA market but, I am sure more lets say mature adults will enjoy it too! A good fun easy to read novel.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book Three - The Battle of Evernight by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
In the strong conclusion to her Bitterbynde trilogy (The Ill-Made Mute; The Lady of the Sorrows), set in the Irish-tinged land of Erith, Dart-Thornton beguiles with poetic, songlike prose that at times lapses into verbosity and odd neologisms. "It was the second of Duileagmis, the Leafmonth, viminal last month of Spring." Viminal? Rohain, now named Tahquil-Ashalind, and her companions, Caitri and Viviana, set out for the Gate of Oblivion's Kiss, where they hope to discover a way to set aright what has been wrong for a thousand years. In their travels, the three young maids encounter a variety of wights, both seelie (good) and unseelie (bad, very bad and truly nasty), each falling prey to some harrowing wight-inflicted ailment. Rohain/Tahquil also seeks to free her true love, Thorn, aka King Angavar of the Faˆran, who's trapped in Erith. Heart heavy and duty torn, she feels that her quest to reach the Gate outweighs her need to find Thorn. Those who esteem the Irish and Scottish myths of faerie folk will be delighted by the magic folklore and tales within tales that fill the book. Those looking for straightforward fantasy adventure, however, may be disappointed.

My View
I won't rave on about Cecilia's artistic writing as if you read my previous 2 reviews you will probably know that I find her fantastic and needless to say it continues here. Now I have finished the trilogy its quite sad and I rally hope that one day she returns to write about this world she created.

Again Imrhien/Rohain has a name change seems confusing on the outset but, it isn't at all and you soon get drawn into the story. The ending however, could be disappointing but, hopefully it is set up for a return to Erith (a much nicer place than the Erith in Kent I might add - LOL!) The main character I liked a lot, which always helps I find.

Apparently her next series is set in the same world with different characters so look forward to reading that. The final book was possibly the weakest of the three but, by no means a weak book at all, The Ill Made Mute really stood out for me and is one of my all time favourite fantasy books of all time. Wanting to pick up the books at every spare moment I had is always a good sign that these are fantastic books.

I would say this is not a series for every fantasy fan as it is possibly a little out of the norm and some may read them and not be as enthusiastic as me.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book Two - The Lady of the Sorrows by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
Healed of her scars and given back her voice, the former mute known as Imrhien now carries an important message to the King-Emperor of Caermelor. Disguised as a noble to gain admission to court society, Imrhien finds that the emperor has embarked on a war against a hostile army of unseelie creatures (malevolent fairies) bent on the destruction of humankind. Her eventual meeting with the emperor proves both surprising and bittersweet, for as she finds her heart's desire, Imrhien also discovers that she is the target of the unseelie hordes. The sequel to The Ill-Made Mute continues the adventures of a resourceful heroine as she makes her way through a world filled with magic and treachery.

My View
As with the previous novel The Ill Made Mute the stunning writing is ever present here with descriptions of scenery, clothing etc its som easy to have a picture in your mind of these novels with the descriptive writing. I think its possibly these descriptions that some find quite laborious but, I think it only adds to the book. Yes if these descriptions were not there it would probably only be half as long but, IMO it would be far less interesting.

The main character again is Imhrien but, she takes on a new name here as Rohain I won't tekll you why as it could ruin it for you. This book again is full of lots of lore, legend & myth and if you loved Lord of the Rings I am sure you will love this of course, it is not in the same league as LOTR but, I am sure you will love the Faeren who are the next best elves (IMO) to those in LOTR.

Another totally fantastic book from Cecilia, I almost don't want to read the last book as I don't want this woprld Cecilia has created to end.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book One - The Ill Made Mute by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
A landmark publication in the world of Fantasy writing In a world where creatures of legend haunt the lands of men, and to be caught outside after dark means almost certain death, the inhabitants of Isse Tower are amazed when a mute, starving foundling is discovered outside their gates. With no recollection of her name or past, the girl soon realizes that her only hope of happiness lies in distant Caermalor, where a wise woman might be able to restore her memories. To get there, Imrhien must survive a wilderness of endless danger. Lost and pursued by unhuman wights, Imrhien is saved by Thorn, a mysterious, handsome ranger who becomes her protector-and the object of her hopeless love. But unknown to them, a dark force summons the Unseelie, and malignant hordes amass in the night.

My View
I have to start by saying aaaaaaaaah! This IMHO is fantasy at its best, I have read this before but, for some reason never got round to reading the other two in the trilogy so a perfect excuse for a re-read. If you have read any of the reviews of this book on Amazon I think this book is a perfect example of trying it yourself and making up your own mind. Yes it is long in parts and some may find it quite drawn out by Cecilia is such a word weaver I personally didn't find it drawn out at all.

There isn't a huge plot the book is essentially about a facially scarred mute who begins a journey to find someone to heal her and the book is mostly Imrhien's journey to find this healer.

Cecilia has created a truly magical world and she is one of my favourite authors (and I've only read this book, I guess that tells how much I love this!) so if after reading the reviews you thought to give this a miss please don't its easy to overlook this as a laboriously long read with not a huge plot within its pages but, you will be missing out on a beautifully written book!

The Dreaming Place by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
A compelling fantasy that combines elements of Native American and Celtic mythology to create a fluid and unexpected otherworld, open to all with the ability to enter and traverse it. Teenaged cousins Nina and Ashley have shared a bedroom since Ash's mother's death three years earlier. Ash is often sullen, uncooperative, and in trouble, and the two are usually at odds. Then a series of disturbing nightmares in which Nina finds herself awkwardly inhabiting the bodies of various animals leaves her shaken and convinced that Ash is somehow responsible. What Nina doesn't know is that Ash has stumbled into the dreaming place--the spirit world--and may be the only one who can rescue her from the hungry manitou spirit who is causing her visions. Surprising combinations of formal and informal language from both spirit and human characters help to link the worlds, making the spirit world more accessible while readers' own becomes more mysterious. The satisfying conclusion hints at more otherworldly adventures to come. While Nina is a rather bland character, Ash and her colorful friends and adversaries, and icons such as the strange tarot cards that foretell her journey and the pomegranate that is pivotal in her quest, come alive through the text.

My View

This was a very sort novel (128 pages) from CDL and was one of his earlier efforts and was perhaps not as good as his later books but, still has that brilliant CDL signature about it. Although it does switch from being quitea slog to very fast. I found Nina to be the better of the characters in tha she was nmore interesting Ashley was a little less interesting!

I did find there was not much background and I think didn't find out enough of the characters but, then this was aimed at a teen audience but, the Tarot scenes I found particularly interesting and well written.

So probably not one to read if your new to Charles De Lint but, definitely do if your a fan its just not in the league of his others.

Thornyhold by Mary Stewart

When Gilly's witch aunt leaves Thornyhold to her, a house in the middle of the woods, Gilly finds that she has inherited far more than she realized. Along with the house comes a cat, a still room filled with herbs (and a missing recipe book), an attic chamber with carrier pigeons (who have secret messages), and an attractive neighbor whose young son offers the sacred and unique blessing of friendship. But Thornyhold possesses far more than even these simple offerings. The place itself seems to convoke otherworldly gifts as well: Gilly cultivates the abilities to heal and to foresee the future once she makes Thornyhold her home.

The story begins with Geilis as a young girl living with strict religious parents with not even a friend but, her aunt is her fairy godmother of sorts who keeps an eye out for her and of course, when she dies leaving her Thornyhold.

This was a lovely step back to England 60 years ago, the only books I have read by Mary Stewart was the Arthurian series (which I must read again!) so compared to that this was nowhere near as good bu, as very different stories its not even worth a comparison.

This was very easy to read of a love story with a witchy twist, a sweet read but, probably wouldn't read it again.

The Faery Reel by Various

Synopsis

This lively anthology brings together 17 original stories and three poems with the common theme of fairies and other nature spirits. Windling leads off with a fine introductory essay on the origins, varieties, and attitudes toward fairies in different cultures and, in particular, their treatment in English literature and art. Among the authors represented are Neil Gaiman, Patricia McKillip, and Gregory Maguire, though less-well-known writers contribute some of the most imaginative and edgy pieces. Most of the stories bring magical elements into modern settings, including New York City, an English village, a Brazilian city, a Japanese mountainside, a French farm, and L.A. Datlow and Windling, who edit the annual adult anthology The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror, call this a companion volume to The Green Man: Tales from the Mythic Forest (2002), which was published for teen readers. A rewarding choice for those who like the traditional with a twist.

My View

I loved this collection of "faerie" stories each one was so different and as with the Green Man we see those authors we may be familiar with but, also ones I certainly have never heard of. I wouldn't say I enjoyed this any more than I did the Green Man as they are both quite different but, I think if you have read and liked one of them you will definitely like the others, would be nice to see a Volume 2 of these type of books they are great to read all at once ort to dip into every now and then for a short story. Althopugh aimed at young adults I loved this and I am very far from a young adult!

Green Man - Tales from the Mythic Forest - by Various

One of our most universal myths is that of the Green Man—the spirit who stands for Nature in its most wild and untamed form. Through the ages and around the world, the Green Man and other nature spirits have appeared in stories, songs, and artwork, as well as many beloved fantasy novels, including Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Now Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, the acclaimed editors of over thirty anthologies, have gathered some of today’s finest writers of magical fiction to interpret the spirits of nature in short stories and poetry. Folklorist and artist Charles Vess brings his stellar eye and brush to the decorations, and Windling provides an introduction exploring Green Man symbolism and forest myth. The Green Man is required reading—not only for fans of fantasy fiction but for those interested in mythology and the mysteries of the wilderness.

This is a really lovely collection of short stories and poems based around the lore of the Green man. I'm not usually a fan of anthologies etc but, had this languishing on my bookshelf for a few months so thought I would pick it up. Although saying that I have discovered some really good authors from short stories collections which I may not have discovered otherwise.

There are some brilliant well known fantasy writers here such as Charles de Lint, Gregory Maguire and Tanith Lee and also some authors I had not heard of but, will definitely be looking them up to read more.

I won't bore you with descriptions of each and every short story but, suffice to say if you have any degree of fascination with the Green Man, trees etc this is one I am sure you will love - of course some of these stories are better than others but, this is a great book to pick up and dip into.

The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint

Synopsis

Imogene Yeck, former gang member and current fairy butt-kicker, is the cool "blue girl" at the center of Charles de Lint's urban fantasy novel.

Seventeen-year-old Imogene jumps at the chance to lose her bad girl reputation when her family moves to a new town. She purposely lays low at Redding High, only making friends with Maxine, a shy, studious girl who is Imogene's opposite in every way. Despite a few run-ins with the ruling football jock and his cheerleader girlfriend, Imogene keeps her temper in check and even lends some of her bravado to Maxine, who begins to come out of her straight-A shell.

Things are going well for the new friends--until the day Imogene meets Adrian, the benign ghost of a boy who died in the school's parking lot. Adrian and Imogene's unusual connection attracts the unwelcome attention of Redding High's resident Little People, or fairies. Affronted by streetwise Imogene's lack of belief in them, the fairies set into motion a malevolent prank that will not only turn Imogene completely blue from head to toe, but pit her, Adrian and Maxine against some of the most frightening beings of the Otherworld--the soul-sucking Anamithims.

My View

This book is part of CDL's well known Newford and is a stand alone, you don't necessarily have to read the others to read this, although there is a character from others of the Newford Tales. And whilst I guess this is primarily a young adult novel and based on young adults I think most adults into this type of genre will love this, if you like Holly Blacks's faerie series I am sure you will love that not that I am drawing on any similarities.

If you have not read any of CDL's book this is probably a good starting book but, be warned you will become hooked, Charles De Lint is one of my favourite fantasy writers, and if you are a fan of Brian Fround be sure to read The Wild Wood.