REVIEW: A HANDFUL OF STARS BY CYNTHIA LORD

Published by Scholastic Press, 2015. Hardcover, 184 pgs

    The bookseller I purchased this from said this was a wonderful middle grade book about big issues without being a "big issue" book. She couldn't be more correct. This cute and deceptively simple story features twelve year old Lily and her old dog Lucky, who live in Maine near a blueberry farm. One day Lucky gets away and  crosses into the blueberry fields where a little girl Salma is working her plot. Salma catches Lucky by giving her a peanut butter sandwich. When Lily takes Salma's family a thank-you pie, the two strike up a lovely friendship.

      Accepting change, evolving friendships, and the impact of art as a medium of expression are explored in this contemporary novel. The reader also glimpses loss through the lens of Salma, since her family never stays in one place. Lily's loss of her mom weighs heavily on her own day to day experiences. Together, the two teach each other about meaningful, lasting friendships. From a mutual love of painting to bonding over animals, this coming of age story set in Maine is sure to delight. And, of course, who can resist that cover?

REVIEW: DUNE BY FRANK HERBERT

Published by Sterling, 2013. Original, 1965. Leather Bound Barnes and Noble Edition, 585 pgs

      In this visionary work of Science Fiction, we open on the Duke of Atreides, his concubine Jessica, and their son Paul. Preparations are under way to leave their homeland in Caladan and journey to the Arrakis planet of Dune, previously ruled by the brutal Harkonnen regime. On this new planet, they will experience peril at every turn from the evil Harkonnens, a traitor from within, and the harsh physical landscape where water is scarce and giant sandworms roam among the precious spice commodity.  
      As in most created worlds, it takes me an hour or two of intense concentration, occasional notetaking, and @100 pages to become invested in the story. This was no different. This novel was published fifty years ago, has been made into a movie and sci-fi channel series, and been discussed thousands of times. I don't think I'll have any earth shattering observations, so will just share what I loved and what was slightly problematic for me.
       There are so many things to appreciate with the construct of the story. The world-building is incredibly detailed, with rich history for all groups of people. The precarious balance of power is fascinating and keeps the tension/suspense element present! I love the concept of any novel that explores the scarcity of a certain commodity, and how that can change people's daily lives. In this case, spice and water. The desert and structure descriptions were simply fantastic.
      I thought the writing was good in most parts, like this observation: "Always before, Staff had ended on an incisive air. This meeting had just seemed to trickle out, worn down by it's own inadequacies, and with an argument to top it off." Quite succinct, and really highlights the mood. I was a big fan of the italicized portions at the beginning of each segment (often written by Princess Irulan), which provided history and often great foreshadowing for the book.
      I think this had one of the most incredible villains. I liked the grotesque physical descriptions that were excellently repulsive! Specific examples would be "thick purple hands" "copious jowls" and "baby-fat hands".  ICK.
        I had some trouble with all the prophecies, legends, and visions that came to Paul and his mother. While I loved the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood element, some dreams went on too long and I wanted the action to move forward without a confusing/muddled dream sequence. Some of the descriptions seemed nonsensical and rambling, and became tedious to me. The visions always seemed fevered, but perhaps that is explored more in book two...or maybe I just need to concentrate and reread.  
       I can see why it is a landmark of Science Fiction and I'm pleased that I had the experience of reading such a beautiful edition. While I appreciated the imaginative work and rich world building, I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series at the moment. I'm glad that this sufficed as a standalone, but that I'll be able to find plenty of material if I choose to return to this world. I recommend to anyone who wants to read a classic in the genre!

REVIEW: THE HANDMAID'S TALE BY MARGARET ATWOOD

Published by Anchor Books, 1998. Paperback, 311 pgs

"I too am a missing person."
  
      Jeepers creepers!!! In this work of speculative fiction, Atwood takes elements of our current society, and twists them just enough to make you feel desperately uncomfortable. This is her uncanny gift in most of her works, but particularly in this fantastic piece.
      This books takes place several years after a "war" and is exceedingly upsetting in flashing back and forth between the "before" and present day. The reader hears the accounts told from the perspective of a Handmaid only known as "Offred" (names in the before having been abolished). This adds to the haunting feeling- with many snapshots of memories and precious day-to-day that was taken for granted.
"Absurd, but that's what I want. An argument, about who should put the dishes in the dishwasher, whose turn it is to sort the laundry, clean the toilet; something daily and unimportant in the big scheme of things. What a luxury it would be.....These days I script whole fights, in my head, and the reconciliations afterwards too."

     Every time I tried to take a step back from this coldly-sterilized society, the descriptions of loneliness pulled me right back in. All live in fear and subversion, and Atwood handles the role of men brilliantly. They are also in a prison of sorts, albeit playing different roles than the women. As in any brutal regime, power and privileges are doled out to a select few. The role of the "Aunts" described in the Historical Notes section at the beginning was beyond brilliant. All the groups listed were captivating from a sociological perspective.
       Beyond the awful duties these women must perform, I found the most heart wrenching part of the story to be unrequited longing and loss of hope. Longing for simple comforts, basic friendships from other women, and the smallest measure of freedom. The constant daily fear mixed in with mundane tasks makes this a compulsive read. Even the bland descriptions of food managed to be unnerving, as well as the system of dress.
     I truly couldn't find a single fault in it, even if I shouldn't say the reading experience is "enjoyable". Exceptionally well-researched and paced. One of the rare books you read where it doesn't feel a single word is wasted. There was such depth of feeling, and luckily I own my copy, since I had to dog-ear pages and pages of quotes. Also, that intro. Also, just everything. It's an unforgettable masterpiece.

REVIEW: A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME (THE FIRST RULE OF SCOUNDRELS) BY SARAH MACLEAN

Published by Avon, 2012. Mass Market Paperback, 386 pgs

     I received this regency era romance as a selection in my Book Riot Quarterly box over a year ago. I've finally come around to reading it since I was spurred on by a readathon on Booktube. The challenge this satisfies is "to read a book outside of your comfort zone." After hearing Maclean speak on a panel at the Book Riot Live event this past November, I was further intrigued to pick this up.
       The scene opens on a day in 1821 when the Marquess of Bourne gambles away his family estate and riches to a former friend and family mentor. The disgraced and embittered Bourne swears vengeance and spends the next ten years trying to regain his wealth as a partner in London's premiere gaming hell, The Fallen Angel. When he is given an opportunity to regain his property upon a marriage, he jumps at the chance. Of course these things don't go as planned, and he has a childhood connection to his sweet and innocent new wife Penelope.
     I thought the witty banter between the characters was fun. Let's be honest, in these stories it's mostly a build up to a sex scene. I was surprised this had a smidge less cheesiness than expected, and was often tongue in cheek. I only cringed marginally. There was a particular dinner party scene where Penelope is musing on her husband's account of their meeting "Such lies. So smooth. So easy to believe." Umm, not quite. If someone was gushing and laying it on that thick over a meal I'd be inclined to think he was at least disingenuous.
       I might read the second book if it's available at my library because it focuses on her bookish sister Pippa. I'd recommend for anyone who likes a quick, fun romance set in the Regency era. There's some fun back and forth and it doesn't take itself too seriously.

REVIEW: ASSASSIN'S QUEST (BOOK 3 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Bantam, 1997. Mass Market Paperback, 757 pgs   

      An epic ending to a fantastic trilogy. I did feel there were a couple pacing problems, particularly on a long journey near the end. I shouldn't have been surprised at some of the extreme magical elements, but there were a couple parts I wish had a more grounded explanation. I realize this is ridiculous since there are obvious hints of a grand revelation in the magic system setup, but it was quite fantastical and threw me off for whatever reason. However, I adored the magic of the Skill and the Wit-bond to animals. As someone who spends her days with four dogs, Hobb's loyal, loving depiction was accurate and appreciated.

     This book opens once again on a damaged Fitz who is trying to achieve normalcy and eventually go on a vengeful mission. Of all the novels, this is the most introspective and magic heavy. We also get additional Six Duchies history and lore. The reader has been on a long journey detailing the Kingdom's battle against The Red Ship raiders. The story is concluded in this final installment.

    The relationships wrapped up in both perfect and imperfect ways. There was a mix of happy and sad, with many realistic outcomes. It's so hard to stay out of spoiler territory, but my favorite resolutions dealt with Nighteyes and Molly. I appreciated that certain characters were given their due in sometimes unexpected ways, while others were elevated. This is intentionally vague, but those who have read the series will probably know which characters I'm referencing. If you'd like to discuss this series, please get in touch with me here or on YouTube. This is my new favorite series of all time. I haven't marathoned books all together in ages, and will deeply miss these characters. I'm thrilled that I have more Robin Hobb to discover. I urge you to try her books if you have any interest in Fantasy. Utterly brilliant.

REVIEW: ROYAL ASSASSIN (BOOK 2 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Bantam Books, 1996. Mass Market Paperback, 675 pgs

     While book one focused on Fitz's coming of age in Buckkeep, this delves further into the lore/use of magics, disillusionment with King Shrewd, and that pesky rascal Regal. The Red Ship Raiders are still threatening the Six Duchies, and that is the main external conflict. We get a bit more from the awesome ladies in this one, with many of these characters quickly becoming my favorite of all time.
      I'm continuing to adore the way this series is unfolding. It doesn't feel cumbersome, the facts are presented in a well-paced way, and there is a great mix of good and bad characters. The Fantasy tropes of using insanely long names and lots of info dumps are not part of this trilogy, which is oh-so refreshing. We learn more about the Six Duchies and why there are resentments between the inland vs coastal duchies, and how these relationships affect fighting a mutual enemy.
     Hobb is a master with her storytelling. I love the moral lessons and word play that the reader experiences with a character such as the Fool. Bits and bobs pertaining to loyalty are always highlighted with characters like Chade, Burrich, and Fitz. The developing friendship between Patience and Kettricken is something I'd been rooting for since the beginning. Verity is admirable and Chade makes me sad, anxious, and appreciative that there are people in this world willing to do their work quietly for the benefit of all.
       The story progresses to a very dark place near the end, which is expected so the final book will have situations to resolve. The suspense I felt on the last page was appropriate. Even though it's evident the story is incomplete, it wasn't an unsatisfying, burning cliffhanger as Hobb could have made it. I appreciated that, especially with the strong feelings she evokes for these characters in her writing. Needless to say, (but obviously, still saying it!) I have the highest hopes for the last installment in this trilogy. Robin Hobb is brilliant.

 

REVIEW: ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE (BOOK 1 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Del Rey Mass Market, 2014. Mass Market Paperback, 435 pages.
   
    Robin Hobb has been all the rage this year among my friends on YouTube. I now completely understand the hullabaloo! I'm going to keep this review fairly short, since so many things have already been said about this novel. It is a phenomenal Fantasy story with a rich world that sets up nicely for a long story arc. We follow Fitz, bastard son to Prince Chivalry, who is unceremoniously dumped at the castle by his maternal Grandfather and mom one day when he is six. He is taken under the wing of the Stablemaster Burrich, and thus builds a life at Buckkeep. This installment is his coming of age.
      Not only is the writing great, the characters are fantastically developed and evoke empathy or hatred. I really like George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, but most of those characters are unequivocally bad. It's also hard to form attachments when you think a character is going to die any second anyway. I loved the magic present, from the Skill to Fitz's use of the Wit, evoked when bonds are formed with animals. I liked the Mountain people presented later in the story...particularly the novel concept that royalty pitches in and performs the same duties as servants, because everyone works together in a true attitude of service for their community.
      Fitz's observation skills, particularly when he apprentices under Chade, are fun and unique. For whatever reason, it reminded me of mom and I eavesdropping on people in the grocery checkout lines. Nice to hear a male doing that in a novel for a change! There is political intrigue galore, all of it well-paced. This is one of my favorite books of the year. I journaled the maps, characters, and main plot points while reading- because I know I will be reading all books by this author. If you know my commitment issues with series (as in stopping after the first or second book) this is high praise indeed. I find this a great intro into Fantasy, especially for those who love literary fiction and are interested in exploring another genre. I've heard this series pales in comparison to the next trilogy, The Liveship Traders, which must be really fantastic. I can't wait to keep reading!