Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
To play along just do the following:
Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole.
Third book in the Arcana Chronicles ... and not a trilogy, which wasn’t unexpected, but the end still completely gutted me. Luckily for me I managed to wait this long to read this one so the next won’t be a year away. That would have been brutal and everyone already suffering has my complete sympathies.
Without spoiling the first two books there isn’t much to be said about the plot of this, but the more I think about it the more I love the fact that I completely changed my mind about several of the characters from when they were first introduced up until now. Usually this could be a sign of bad characterisation skills yet in this case it’s actually a great way of showing how first impressions and prejudices (in the story as well as introduced by tropes) can influence character perception. The author uses a very subtle way to shift these perceptions – or I at least thought so, because I can’t completely pinpoint when I started liking one character and mistrust another one. Or when I started caring so much for one (or two) of them that the last few pages turned me into a total mess.
I absolutely liked the news that this series will be at least five books (even if that means at least one and a half years of turmoil, but when am I not hanging from at least one cliff – not literally!). Not sure what to make of the movie/TV announcement though as I am growing more and more sceptical of the conversion of books I love into movies and the likes. Burnt child dreads the flame syndrome.
Are you currently hanging from a book series cliff? Or having feelings about book-to-screen adaptions? Share both or any along with your teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole.
 |
| Dead of Winter – Simon & Schuster |
I take no actions that I wouldn’t publicly recount. If you can’t speak your deeds, then don’t do them.
— Chapter 27
In our first meeting, you skewered me with your sword. In other words: you started it.
— Chapter 29
Third book in the Arcana Chronicles ... and not a trilogy, which wasn’t unexpected, but the end still completely gutted me. Luckily for me I managed to wait this long to read this one so the next won’t be a year away. That would have been brutal and everyone already suffering has my complete sympathies.
Without spoiling the first two books there isn’t much to be said about the plot of this, but the more I think about it the more I love the fact that I completely changed my mind about several of the characters from when they were first introduced up until now. Usually this could be a sign of bad characterisation skills yet in this case it’s actually a great way of showing how first impressions and prejudices (in the story as well as introduced by tropes) can influence character perception. The author uses a very subtle way to shift these perceptions – or I at least thought so, because I can’t completely pinpoint when I started liking one character and mistrust another one. Or when I started caring so much for one (or two) of them that the last few pages turned me into a total mess.
I absolutely liked the news that this series will be at least five books (even if that means at least one and a half years of turmoil, but when am I not hanging from at least one cliff – not literally!). Not sure what to make of the movie/TV announcement though as I am growing more and more sceptical of the conversion of books I love into movies and the likes. Burnt child dreads the flame syndrome.
Are you currently hanging from a book series cliff? Or having feelings about book-to-screen adaptions? Share both or any along with your teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
To play along just do the following:
Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty.
Two teasers from the same chapter. But I really couldn’t choose between the two and while there are other brilliant sentences in the book, these two really encompass all that I love about it. Yes, Sherlock is crazy smart and a savant genius, but who’s to say that Moriaty isn’t as well and can give him a run for his money? I also enjoy that the explanation of how the two became mortal enemies is that such a deep feeling must be born from another deep feeling and a severe betrayal of trust. Very clever and admirably executed. I feel so sad on behalf of them, because they would have been absolutely amazing together. Here we have a perfect tragedy (as opposed to a tragic event) where the protagonists are set on a path to ruin from the very beginning either by fate or in this case their family history and very nature. There was a minimal chance that this could have been solved differently, but then the characters wouldn’t have been true to themselves and therefore believable.
Confession: The plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel. But honestly, why should anyone have to reinvent it when the wheel is a perfectly fine tool? Only get back to me about that when someone has finally managed to build an affordable hover-board or a functional teleportation device. Until then wheels are just splendid. And this series will use your heartstrings as a harp. Can have the next one, please?
Down to business: Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock? And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, name your favourite detective along with sharing your teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty.
 |
| Lock & Mori – Simon & Schuster |
“You think you’re more clever than me.”
It was true, but I supposed I should show him a bit of deference. “I am female. That comes with a few advantages.”
“Such as?”
“Understanding and perception, a unique worldview, and the power that comes with being constantly underestimated.”
— Chapter 10
“I don’t understand the need for power, really. There are more important pursuits.”
“Only those who have never felt powerless can afford to think like you.”
— Chapter 10
Two teasers from the same chapter. But I really couldn’t choose between the two and while there are other brilliant sentences in the book, these two really encompass all that I love about it. Yes, Sherlock is crazy smart and a savant genius, but who’s to say that Moriaty isn’t as well and can give him a run for his money? I also enjoy that the explanation of how the two became mortal enemies is that such a deep feeling must be born from another deep feeling and a severe betrayal of trust. Very clever and admirably executed. I feel so sad on behalf of them, because they would have been absolutely amazing together. Here we have a perfect tragedy (as opposed to a tragic event) where the protagonists are set on a path to ruin from the very beginning either by fate or in this case their family history and very nature. There was a minimal chance that this could have been solved differently, but then the characters wouldn’t have been true to themselves and therefore believable.
Confession: The plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel. But honestly, why should anyone have to reinvent it when the wheel is a perfectly fine tool? Only get back to me about that when someone has finally managed to build an affordable hover-board or a functional teleportation device. Until then wheels are just splendid. And this series will use your heartstrings as a harp. Can have the next one, please?
Down to business: Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock? And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, name your favourite detective along with sharing your teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
To play along just do the following:
The Rose Society by Marie Lu.
So much could be said about noble roses and the supposed queen of flowers ... and yet everyone will complain about thorns and scratches. If you’re looking for the beauty and the fragrant smell of roses, look elsewhere. But if you don’t mind the more vicious and pointy aspects of the flower, this specimen might be to your liking.
Flower talk and imagery aside, this is anything but a pretty and frothy story (but it still allows humour). Adelina is far from your nice girl next door with the benevolent magical powers and the path she entered, or depending on perspective was entered on in the last book only continues in its dark direction. Every villain is the hero of their own story and I like a well-layered character. In fact, from Adelina’s perspective it all makes perfect sense and it is very interesting to follow her reasoning and choices. But if you remove yourself from the immediate action and consider what just happend, this series will get you thinking about moral compasses and sympathetic judgement.
I can’t fully support any of the characters as all of them aren’t morally unblemished. Yet sometimes that is entirely too much to ask for and everyone will have to choose between their two or possibly more evils. I can imagine that this wasn’t easy to write and I keep admiring Marie Lu for her clever plotting and superb character building. Even though she clearly belongs to the guild of authors who collect their readers’ anguish.
Are there morally ambiguous characters you recommend who don’t necessarily twist reality until it supports their choices but who would be deemed as villains for their actions if the story was told from another perspective? Let’s hear from you in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The Rose Society by Marie Lu.
 |
| The Rose Society – G. P. Putnam’s Sons |
“You are powerful, mi Adelinetta,” she says, “but you have all the charisma of a burnt potato pudding.”
“I like burnt potato pudding. It’s smoky.”
— Chapter 6
On his fourth night as prisoner, the queen finally sends for him.
He goes in chains.
— Chapter 14
So much could be said about noble roses and the supposed queen of flowers ... and yet everyone will complain about thorns and scratches. If you’re looking for the beauty and the fragrant smell of roses, look elsewhere. But if you don’t mind the more vicious and pointy aspects of the flower, this specimen might be to your liking.
Flower talk and imagery aside, this is anything but a pretty and frothy story (but it still allows humour). Adelina is far from your nice girl next door with the benevolent magical powers and the path she entered, or depending on perspective was entered on in the last book only continues in its dark direction. Every villain is the hero of their own story and I like a well-layered character. In fact, from Adelina’s perspective it all makes perfect sense and it is very interesting to follow her reasoning and choices. But if you remove yourself from the immediate action and consider what just happend, this series will get you thinking about moral compasses and sympathetic judgement.
I can’t fully support any of the characters as all of them aren’t morally unblemished. Yet sometimes that is entirely too much to ask for and everyone will have to choose between their two or possibly more evils. I can imagine that this wasn’t easy to write and I keep admiring Marie Lu for her clever plotting and superb character building. Even though she clearly belongs to the guild of authors who collect their readers’ anguish.
Are there morally ambiguous characters you recommend who don’t necessarily twist reality until it supports their choices but who would be deemed as villains for their actions if the story was told from another perspective? Let’s hear from you in the comments.
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
To play along just do the following:
The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan.
The first thing I realised when I started this book was that while I was quite on top of things concerning all things Greek, Roman, and Egyptian gods I really need to brush up on my Norse mythology if I want to understand all the references. Sure, you can enjoy Rick Riordan without the extra layer, but it is literally double the fun if you get to laugh at all the jokes.
I will dearly miss Percy and the crew of demigods, but I’m very optimistic that I’ll like Magnus Chase just as much. And if you’re wondering about the surname, I’ll have to say that some traits are obviously hereditary. This is a promising start to a great new adventure and I couldn’t imagine a better author to tackle this complex field.
If you had the choice of which circle of gods your family was related to, would you choose Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse or something else altogether? Share preferences and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan.
 |
| The Sword of Summer – Disney Hyperion |
So I was officially sixteen. For my present, I got cornered by Uncle Freaky, who announced that I was marked for assassination.
— Chapter 3
“Well, I live a double life. Tonight, I’ll escort you to dinner. Then I have to rush home and finish my calculus homework.”
“You’re not joking, are you?”
“I never joke about calculus homework”.
— Chapter 12
The first thing I realised when I started this book was that while I was quite on top of things concerning all things Greek, Roman, and Egyptian gods I really need to brush up on my Norse mythology if I want to understand all the references. Sure, you can enjoy Rick Riordan without the extra layer, but it is literally double the fun if you get to laugh at all the jokes.
I will dearly miss Percy and the crew of demigods, but I’m very optimistic that I’ll like Magnus Chase just as much. And if you’re wondering about the surname, I’ll have to say that some traits are obviously hereditary. This is a promising start to a great new adventure and I couldn’t imagine a better author to tackle this complex field.
If you had the choice of which circle of gods your family was related to, would you choose Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse or something else altogether? Share preferences and teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.
To play along just do the following:
Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein.
How often a day do you say or think the phrase “I wish ...”? And how often do you actually wish for the thing you’re asking? And I mean really wish as in need instead of just wanting to indulge? And now imagine that a) there were creature that can actually make your deepest wish come true and b) even figure out by themselves which wish is your absolute heart’s desire with no problems. Sounds like a really good thing and everyone gets to be happy. The end.
That would be pretty amazing but not very book-worthy with no conflict and all. So make the wish-granter a teenaged girl with all the insecurities despite not being human and also a boat load to psychological baggage. Add in some rebellion from said teenager at her destiny, a bunch of frenemies, family secrets, and a dictatorial ruling entity and there you have a plot worth telling. Season to taste with fun dialogue, several intriguing sub-plots, and themes of friendship and romance.
This is not due to the anniversary edition of the Aladdin DVD, I promise. Even though I love that movie and think that Genie was what made the movie. I don’t know what I’d do with three wishes ... I have some ideas, but I find the idea of having just one really interesting and worth considering. Would the number make a difference to your wish? It obviously can’t be getting a hundred wishes. Mastering a skill? Curing a disease? Finding a solution for a global problem? I’d really like to know what you’d come up with! Share wishes and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein.
 |
| Becoming Jinn – Feiwel & Friends |
My anger burns like the flame of a struck match but dies out just as fast. Because we don’t have to inherit everything from our mothers. Their fights don’t have to become ours.
— Chapter 27
I don’t approach giddiness lightly. I may have never before been in sniffing distance of giddiness. I may have never before used the word “giddiness”.
— Chapter 33
How often a day do you say or think the phrase “I wish ...”? And how often do you actually wish for the thing you’re asking? And I mean really wish as in need instead of just wanting to indulge? And now imagine that a) there were creature that can actually make your deepest wish come true and b) even figure out by themselves which wish is your absolute heart’s desire with no problems. Sounds like a really good thing and everyone gets to be happy. The end.
That would be pretty amazing but not very book-worthy with no conflict and all. So make the wish-granter a teenaged girl with all the insecurities despite not being human and also a boat load to psychological baggage. Add in some rebellion from said teenager at her destiny, a bunch of frenemies, family secrets, and a dictatorial ruling entity and there you have a plot worth telling. Season to taste with fun dialogue, several intriguing sub-plots, and themes of friendship and romance.
This is not due to the anniversary edition of the Aladdin DVD, I promise. Even though I love that movie and think that Genie was what made the movie. I don’t know what I’d do with three wishes ... I have some ideas, but I find the idea of having just one really interesting and worth considering. Would the number make a difference to your wish? It obviously can’t be getting a hundred wishes. Mastering a skill? Curing a disease? Finding a solution for a global problem? I’d really like to know what you’d come up with! Share wishes and teasers in the comments.
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