Revenge of the Witch

I read this years ago and couldn't remember anything about it. Originally I gave it four stars and I hold to that with a reread. 

Tom Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, therefore making him the special. He doesn't know how, but his mother believes he is someone who will help him fight the coming darkness. Now that he is older and his eldest brother is running the farm with his pregnant wife (along with their aging father and mother), Tom is sent to start and apprenticeship with the Spook. Spook, or Mr. Gregory, is the Country's Spook. He's the one who takes care of those things that go bump in the night. Tom's apprenticeships is hard and full of scary moments. His first trial as a Spook is to stay the night in a haunted house, don't open the door for anyone, at midnight go into the cellar, and don't let the candle go out. Bravery and facing his fears will be key to any and everything he does as an apprentice Spook. After meeting a girl with pointy shoes, things go from faint bumps in the night to revenge and kidnapped children very quickly. 

I'm not much of a horror person. Thriller to an extent, but I don't do horror. There were two times in the book where I actually got a little jittery. Well written parts. I had to remind myself that it was just a story, and a young adult story at that. Though for it being young adult, it was kinda pushing the envelope for me. Like a baby died (and eaten) here and normally that is something writers touch--not anything graphic on that account, but still...

I liked all three of our main characters. Spook is awesome. I'd love to see him in action because we didn't really get to see him do anything besides teach this time around. Tom resembles a real person in that he has faults in judgement but sometimes his judgement is right on. Alice is also someone I'm excited to see how she progresses. There are thirteen books in this series (ah, the unlucky number) and the second to last one is called I Am Alice with her rather gloriously standing on the front cover, which makes me think she's come into some witchy power, for good or bad we don't know yet, but I'm intrigued. EDIT: I'm not continuing on with the series. I don't need the bad juju in my life. 

It is a very quick read. If I was able to just sit down and read (without a dog or other persons or jobs interrupting me) I could have finished it easily in two days. Possibly one if I started early. Sometimes it's rather "telling" instead of showing, but it is supposed to be something like Tom's journal and they aren't normally as descriptive as "normal books" so it can be forgiven somewhat. The prose is probably what dropped the star, those two very suspenseful moments (though at the beginning for me) were why I wanted to give it a 4.5 but.... Still a good beginning to a series. 

As I said, I'm not sure about horror, if it gets to be too.... ick for me, I'm going to put the series down. But we'll see how far we go. 

I also remember seeing the movie that they made of the book; it was called The Seventh Son and while it does have some of the happenings, I guess, but it is extremely different from the book. Like it's hard to figure that it's the same story. Though it does have Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian or General Kirigan) play Tom, but the age different of the character and actor is rather ridiculous--kinda like what they did for Percy Jackson's movie. What is up with them slaughtering the stories... They could have had a good long series for The Last Apprentice, but lost it and did a horrible movie. Don't watch it. Save yourself the few hours and find something else.  

In Another World With My Smartphone (Part 1)

 One of the few Isekai ("different world")  manga I've read. 

Touya Mochizuki finds himself talking with God. Apparently he wasn't supposed to die, so in order to make amends God gives him a chance to go to another world. Touya asks if he can take his smartphone with him and God says yes, and that he'll also have magical powers in this world as well. Excited to start his new life, he hitches a ride with a clothes merchant (who wants his clothes and pays top dollar for the fine pieces) and makes his way to the nearest city. He runs into twin girls who help him find the Adventurer's Guild so he can make some money and stay at the inn. The girls help and they split bounties. Touya finds that not only is his smartphone super helpful, but he has the ability to use all magics in this world. Being a helpful person he makes many friends especially among the nobles which helps him move up in society to where he eventually gets his own kingdom. But not all is as easy as it seems. Crystalline beasts are awakening and nothing, not magic or brute force, seems to be able to stop them. 

The plot of the crystalline creatures and Ende (who I think is a bad guy, though we don't know yet) has a lot going for it. The fact that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is going to help defeat them is pretty awesome, though I personally could do without the mechtechs--but that's just me. I think it has a lot of promise. 

Touya, though, is a MarySue or Gary-Stu if you like, which would normally make me grade it a bit harder, but I still gave it a 4 Star because as the story goes on he finds challenges that are really difficult to overcome. I do think there are still problems with Touya as a character besides his Gary-Stu-ness--which I guess they give a bit of an explanation for but that isn't until later in the series. He doesn't really change throughout the course of the 12 volumes that are out at present. He's completely awesome (Gary-Stu) and girls flock to him (it is a harem after all) but he doesn't change. There are no faults to over come so there is nothing too change. 

I could also do without the perv-y moments that are sprinkled throughout the series. Because Touya is the only boy who isn't a dad or king of a country, all the perv-y people are robot girls or their female creator who's gross. I end up skimming or skipping through parts whenever they are around. Ugh. It' gets tiresome. 

But over all the characters are fun and the plot is creative. I even find that I enjoyed the "building a kingdom" part of the story where much of it was just trying to straighten things out. It's well illustrated and has a good story. We just need to have the main character not be so powerful at the beginning (give him some training sores) and less "panty shots" or plain sex talk. 

The series isn't complete yet, so when another huge bunch comes out, my hubby will probably have me check it out. 

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

 

 

Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary is number four in Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series and it had some twists and turns that I didn't see coming.

It's nearly Christmas and things only go wrong for Kendra and Seth Sorenson. The Society of the Evening Star is everywhere and even with Warren and others on guard at all times, Kendra finds herself kidnapped with a duplicate taking her place. Seth and Warren end up confronting the fake Kendra and she commits suicide--all the while Seth and the other's believe Kendra is really dead (funeral and everything) and they don't know what Kendra is gone. The Sphinx forces her to try to work the Oculus which almost makes her go crazy. With some unknown help, Kendra is able to escape and makes her way back to Fablehaven and safety. Though comforted by the fact that Kendra is actually alive, complications arise as new information appears that the Society of the Evening Star knows where and is planning on going to get yet another piece of the key to the Zzyzx, the Demon Prison. Gaining access to the Dragon Sanctuary is only part of the battle. The dragons themselves are something completely different. 

As I said, there were some twists that I didn't see coming. Some sad things, but others that blew my mind. I wonder if there were times when I could have been a more thorough reader and picked these bits of foreshadowing up, but there were other things were it blindsided me and my son as I read aloud to him. The ending did have a bit of a villainous monologue that was rather tedious, but I don't see how Brandon Mull could have concluded it in any other way. 

I think the world of Fablehaven was well dove into. We were given so much more information about the different things that go on that 'we without magical milk' don't know about, stinkbulbs being the biggest one I think. Of course we spent a lot of time in Fablehaven as well as amongst dragons elsewhere, but there was more to explore and discover in Fablehaven itself, which was intriguing.

It did seem like it took a long time to get through. It almost seemed like there were three different stories in one book, as if they were hard "Acts" in a play. These moments didn't seem to flow well into one another. So much like separate stories, that it was hard to remember what was going on previously. It was strange. 

Though, there was a lot of character development for both Seth and Kendra which makes me happy. Seth is stepping into his own and making his stands. Kendra is finding it hard to trust anyone. I'm excited to see how much farther they go in the next book. 

Jane Eyre

 Apparently it has been quite a few years since I've read or listened to Jane Eyre, and I'm glad I made this journey again. 

Young, plain Jane is orphaned. Forced to live with her uncles wife and children, she is abused and neglected. Her strong will and temperament are then bridled at Lowood Academy. There she makes friends with the teachers and other pupils. Death pays a visit on a large scale at the Academy, which brings sorrow and a heightening of the presence of God into Jane's life. Fully grown and educated, Jane decides to take her academic learning into a career as a governess. She finds a position at Thornfield Hall and enjoys the small society there. With only the master of the house, her pupil, and the servants in attendance, she begins to find a home at Thornfield and has found a friendship with the master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Their relationship starts to become more than simply governess and master, and he eventually proposes marriage. She begins to let her bridled passions and true character unwind. But fate has a strange turn and all is not as it seems at Thornfield Hall. 

There are reasons why this book has been well loved for nearly 180 years. The characters with their foils, the gothic mystery, the fairytale, the love story, view of God, and symbolism are amazingly well done. 

Jane has probably become my favorite character, almost ever. She is bold and brash where and with whom she finds it appropriate. She has her fault of probably being too easily led, by those who mean well and those who are manipulating a situation -- though part of me wonders how much of that was do to the time and what was expected of women 180 years ago and how much was her character, I don't have an answer yet on that. I love how she is religious and learns, as we all should, about forgiveness and charity and service to others. Those aren't often what is written about now without seeming pompous or prudish. I love how she stands up for what she believes to be right even though it hurts her greatly. She chose not to stay with Mr. Rochester for important reasons. She holds her ground with Mr. Rivers and, though she comes close, she doesn't recant her opinions and holds her ground. She knows what she wants, especially in the long term, and doesn't let herself be trodden on or manipulated by others feelings and wants. She is and has a strong character! I mean, come on! She says, "Oh, I will give my heart to God. You do not want it!" Bold as brass! <3 Love it. 

Mr. Rochester is an interesting character too. Similar to Jane, he's not handsome (which is cool because how many characters are often portrayed as the most beautiful person ever in the whole world or time? It's unrelatable for a large portion of society.) He's loud, has strong opinions, and is rather grumpy (though given his circumstances, it's understandable), sometimes I think he talks more than Jane -- which does make the relationship they have in the beginning a little hard to believe, though that might just be because I need to pay better attention -- but he sees that she is smart and thoughtful. He is proud, which is his biggest fault, but throughout the course of the story he finds himself extremely humbled. I love the way Charlotte Bronte words his devotion for Jane. His love is palpable on the page. It is beautiful, kind, and honest. 

The Gothic and supernatural elements of this book are the best thing for it. It gives the ghosts the prowl the Hall so much more life and vivacity than I think could have been done in any other setting. It gives strong tones of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen -- though Austen was a satire of Gothic literature in her time. This Gothic atmosphere only ever lends itself to the story and bolsters it up. 

I think the mystery of Thornfield Hall is what most people remember of Jane Eyre today. "Vampyres" and fires are pivotal points in this story and they are so well written. Just... *chefs kiss * it's so well done. 

I have no problems with this book. It was well written. The writing, though older and potentially longwinded, is elegant and only give to the story. It is written in a "more modern" tone as opposed to even Jane Austen which was written 30 years previously which made it considerably easier to dive into. 

I'm extremely interested in finding the many depictions of this story that have been produced. I know plays have been done and I own a movie, but I have a need for more. 

I love it. I love it. I love it. 

In finding a cover of Jane Eyre for this post, I was in awe of how many beautiful (sometimes funny) covers were published. Here are some of my favorite ones. 

Some of these covers, though, make no sense whatsoever or are just completely inaccurate.

He looks really creepy here.... Um... Excuse you, dude! 

I mean, what is this? It definitely screams 1840s Gothic Classic to me... right... 

The Reason Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

 A super cute comic that livened my spirits. 

Raeliana isn't actually all she appears to be. She's not from this world that she's found herself in. In real life, she's trying to get into college and finds herself on the top of a library roof and someone pushes her off! When she wakes up, she's in one of her favorite novels and is portraying a character who's death starts the story off. Only Raeliana doesn't want to die! (Who would?) And so she thwarts her assassin/fiancé by trying to call off the marriage in many different ways until she's at a ball and sees the main love interest of the story, the Duke. Stalking him out into the gardens, she strikes a deal with him. Because she knows the ins and outs of what is going on in the book, she has vital information that is important to him. She'll tell him, if he consents to be her new fiancé for appearances, thus dropping her assassin in the lurch and saving her life until she can figure something else out. He accepts, finding her and her information intriguing. But now, Raeliana must play the part. She is forced to move into his home and take lessons so then she can become the wife of a Duke, for appearances. Things do not go as planned. Between kidnappings, monster hunts, swimming in deep court waters with ladies akin to piranhas, and messing up the original story, Raeliana finds that she actually starts liking the Duke even though his schemes are up up amongst the most interweaved of anyone in the kingdom. 

This was a "sickly sweet" story that I needed to help me out of the winter funk I'm in. (Depression sucks and my heart goes out to all who suffer.)  It was funny, charming, witty, and full of blushes. I loved the world that was built and the palace intrigues. The characters were also very comical and funny. Her guards are among my favorite. 

The plot twist and turns were fun and I had a hard time guessing what was going to be happening next, which kept me on my toes. And it goes to show that ladies and their agendas can be very scary for those who are unprepared and unaware. 

I would be very happy if there was more in this world because it feels so lively, so large that there could be many more comics that could happen in this story. It's very different and fun and extremely binge worthy. 

Grip of the Shadow Plague

 It takes a really good writer to make the reader cry for more than five pages over and over again and when you think you've got a handle on your emotions just to get kicked in the emotional teeth again. Thanks Brandon Mull. I needed a salty shower just on my face this morning. 

Kendra and Seth are still at their grandparents house for the summer. It is too risky to send them home yet because the Society of the Evening Star is still out to get them. And now it seems that even Fablehaven isn't safe anymore. Now creatures of light are turning dark from this unknown plague and they don't know why. Kendra has also been issued an invitation to join the Knights of the Dawn and help them retrieve more artifacts. Kendra and Warren go down to Arizona with other members of the Knights of the Dawn. The others at Fablehaven have found that not only has this dark plague attacked the creatures, but it can also turn human's into shadows that now only Seth can see. More and more creatures at Fablehaven are being infected and there are very few sanctuaries left for anyone. 

This was a very good book. There were times when I most defiantly didn't want to put it down and I wanted to read on even if my son wasn't too thrilled about it. (Yes I might have dragged him to the book against his will, but I really wanted to know what was going to happen.) It was well written with good pacing that kept us well engaged. There was a part that I pretty much knew for sure what was going to happen (which I was right), but it didn't stop the emotions from flowing over their banks. Well done Mr. Mull.

I've come to very much love these characters. I still have my suspicions about one or two of them, but I'm very intrigued to see what will happen to them in the future. All of them have their own personalities that they stick to and are endearing. I loved the development of new characters that we got to interact with, specifically a mustached twirling gent whom I like very much. 

I very much am excited to read the next book and will probably try to make my son listen to some of it during Christmas break even though "reading is just before we go to school, mom!" We'll see, my son, we'll see. 

Haikyu!

 This is one of my favorite series I've read this year. 

Haikyu! is about these boys on a volleyball team in Japan. Hinata is short and had little volleyball experience, but can move really quickly and jump very high and is beyond willing to take whatever he can get. Kageyama is a brilliant setter who needs to work on his people skills. In middle school the faced each other and became rivals for life, but then suddenly they find themselves at the same school trying for the same volleyball team. They have to learn to work together and make the Kurosono team fly to nationals. But it isn't just them on the team. All of the boys have things to work on with skills and personality to bring to the court. With dedication, determination, and a willingness to never give up, they become a sensation amongst the other volleyball teams as they work their way to nationals. 

I've always loved volleyball and since I started reading manga, I've love that too. So this was amazing. It was well drawn, and well written. Each of the boys have great personalities (whether it is part of Kurosono or the many other teams). I think Haruichi Furudate did a great job in keeping everyone boy an individual with a separate personality (HEY HEY HEY!!!) and back story from the others which is no easy feat when there are so many characters going on and off the page. So good job. 

I also loved the character development of all the characters. AND EACH OF THEM DEVELOPED AS THE STORY WENT ALONG! Taking the title "King of the Court" and making it his own was pretty  much my favorite. It was refreshing to be so engaged in the story. 

The ending was a little weird with it being a few years in the future some times it got a little confusing trying to remember all of the individuals (there were a lot of them). However, it was fun to see everyone either having moved on to different careers or progressing in volleyball. And the fact that it never actually ends and that the volleyball games will keep going and that Hinata and Kageyama will always be rivals (on the same team or on different teams) was icing on the cake with plenty of cherries on top. 

It was fabulous. I can't wait for the anime to finally be completed in English (though obviously subs are good too).