northernnutter

Just finished "Pride and Predjudice and Zombies", by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Green. The premise.... Basically a retelling of Austin's beloved regency classic with a twist....that being England is awash with the undead, scouring the countryside for 'more brains'. Enter the Bennett sisters, ninja trained, kick-ass Zombie killers, facing the trials of love and happiness among the carnage!! The verdict..... I soooo wanted to like this book! The cover looked great, and the promise of Austin and Zombies was irresistible..but I came away from it feeling somewhat cheated! The idea for this book was fantastic, but sadly, the execution was dire!! Yes, the first few chapters were funny-, roaming Zombies, sabre wielding young ladies, but after a while this book becomes a 'one trick, (or joke) pony!! Basically, the author plagiarises the original story, and then adds a few meaningless 'zombie' killing scenes', which completely jar with the original text. Their presence in the novel adds nothing to the storyline whatsoever! No attempt at integrating them into the plotline of any of the main characters!(Well...perhaps Charlotte and Mr Collins being the exception.) You never feel the main characters are in danger in any way, or that the 'plague' has changed their lives in any way of note!! I gritted my teeeeth to the end of the book, hoping for a grand 'zombie showdown', a few of the main characters being gouged perhaps, anything to add a bit of zombie spice!!- but i was sorely dissapointed! Where the author does try and change the 'original', through dialogue, and character changes, it's even worse. Mild charcters become 'crass' and 'bawdy',. Mr Bennet and Mrs Gardner have extra-marital dalliances, (what!!), Mr Darcy turns into a non-heroic Mr Wickham beater,(although he probably deserves it!), and as for Elizabeth, a character known so well for her intelligence and whit?! She turns into a psychotic, unlikeable character who'll cut off you head and eat your heart for the slightest offence! (Be afraid..very afraid!!). And as for any sign of humor?? There are a few innuendo's that cause a smirk, but after being hit by double-entendre 'balls' humour for the upteenth time, together with 'vomit and bowel 'humour', you are just left with a sour taste in the mouth!! I'm afraid the only good thing about this book is when you skip the Zombie/Ninja , and get back to Austin's original text. Thankfully about 80% of the book!! Great idea.....badly executed!! Read the first few chapters, you'll get the idea, then don't bother with the rest!! Rating 2/10 1 point for the idea, 1 point for the cool cover!

Will do.

Cost me

Just bought 'Pride and predjudice and zombies' from a local charity shop. Started reading it in a cafe over lunch, giggling in my serviette, 'strange looks aplenty!' Who cares!! Loving it so far....!!

In book five, 'Bridge of Rama', the Vanar's come through for Rama in huge force, not just an army, but the entire Vanar population! What they call a 'generation army'. Also, the species of bears also comes to fight for Rama, following a centuries old prophecy. There's just one problem! Vanar's hate water, but to get to Lanka, a great ocean must be crossed- so, they begin to build a bridge of stone to cross the ocean. meanwhile, Hanuman, Rama's faithful vanar friend is revealed as not just any Vanar! He is, in fact, the son of the wind god, with a mortal mother, and therefore a demi-god with untold powers. When rama recieves a warning that the bridge will not be completed in time to save Sita, Rama asks Hanuman to be his champion, and rescue her from Lanka, and the clutches of Ravana. Hanuman accepts the task. In Lanka, Sita is in a bad way, facing an imminent death sentence, and even more so as she realises the battle between Rama and Ravana has been twisted into a story by Ravana, where Rama is seen as the war-mongerer and 'killer of a demon generation', whereas Ravana and the demon clans are seen as the victims of Rama's rage!! Therefore when Hanuman comes to save her, she refuses to go, knowing that once returned home, Rama will not invade Lanka, allowing Ravana to spread his side of the story, and make Rama look cowardly by allowing someone else to save his wife! She knows the only way to prove that Rama is the righteous of the two, is to face, and destroy Ravana in face to face combat. Reluctantly, Hanuman returns to Rama without Sita.....

At the beginning of 'book four', the story has moved on, with thirteen years of guerilla warfare by Ramas' army and the final battle to destroy the remaining demon enemy. The battle is won, but Supranakha escapes to return to the demon homeland of Lanka, with revenge still in her heart. Rama also meets Hanuman, a messanger for the 'vanar' race of beings- a human-like monkey race. Hanuman asks Rama to help his wrongly usurped king in exile to regain his rightful crown from his evil brother, but Rama declines, as his exile is almost at an end, and he doesn't want to embark on another war. hanuman respects his decision and returns home. Meanwhile, with a little of Rama's blood, Supranakha is able to revive the demon lord Ravana from his coma, and through deception, Ravana kidnaps Sita, Rama's wife, and takes her back to Lanka. Rama is distraught and needs to rescue Sita, but is unable to gain help from his own people, as his exile is still in force. So, he seeks out the exiled king of the Vanars and offers to defeat his evil brother in combat, in return for the help of the king's Vanar army in waging war on Ravana in the land of Lanka. The deal is made, the evil brother dethroned, and the king of the vanars promises Rama his army. Hanuman is sent as a messanger to the Vanar clans to rally the troops..... Poor Rama!! Will his trials ever end?? And so close the to end of his exile!! And Sita, his faithful wife..will she be strong enough to ward off the evil Ravana now she is his prisoner? And the monkey nation of the Vanars...will they come through for Rama? On to book five.......!

Finished book three, "The demons of Chitrakut". In this installment of the Ramayana, Rama finds himself, his new wife Sita and his faithful brother exiled from their home, into the forests of exiles and outcasts, for a period of 14 years. Meanwhile, Ravana, the demon god, is found alive after the last battle with Rama, but in a coma, his powers depleted. As a consequence, Lanka, the homeland of the demons, is thrown into turmoil, and self-destructs under the warring demon factions, wiping each other out to near extinction. Rama lives in relative peace in exile, until the demoness Supanakha shows herself and professes her love for rama, which he turns down. Enraged, Supanakha gathers what remains of the demon invading army still alive, and wages war on Rama. All seems lost ,Rama is outnumbered by 14,000 demons, but help arrives just in time, from the other outcasts and exiles of the forest, all willling to fight for Rama....and so the battle continues!! Another good installment in this epic saga! I particularly enjoyed learning more about Ravana, and his family, especially his pacifistic, god adhering, mortal admiring brother! The real 'blacksheep' of the family..but still loyal to his brother. Also, the character of Supanakha, drawn to Rama, a man she will never have...."a woman (or Demon) scorned....!" Oh dear! I think she's going to be trouble for Rama! Onto book four!!

Thanks Stephanie!! Think I'm gonna need it!!

At the moment I'm reading 'The highway code'.!! Not the most riveting of reads, but I'm cramming for my theory test tomorrow....aghhhhh!!! (Leaving it to the last minute, as usual!!).

Hi Bethany, Good to hear from you!! I'm very well, thanks! And yourself?? And, you'll be pleased to hear that there is now a fourth book in the 'Connelly' series, called 'Grave surprise', (but haven't got round to reading it yet.).

And the epic of Prince Rama continues..... In book 2, Rama must decide whether to follow his heart, and return to his home to defend his family and people from the oncoming demonic invasion, or, follow his destiny and duty by continuing his journey with the Guru Vishwamitra. He chooses the latter, and on this journey he encounters many trials and adventures....fighting devilish creatures, releasing a legend from a millenia long curse, meeting the beautiful and brave Princess Sita, challenging the demon-god Ravana himself, and ultimately, using the greatest weapon of the gods, but with consequences......! I found this second book more enjoyable than the first. The plot moves with a quicker pace, and we are treated to age old legends, - 'stories within the story' which are interesting in their own right. Banker's writing style remains fluid and wonderfully descriptive, and he portrays the themes of this epic,- honour, heroism, belief and sacrifice in a way readers can recognise and associate with, without sounding 'preachy'. Roll on Book 3.!!!

Couldn't agree with you more about Coben, Sweetiipie!! I've read most of his books, and have enjoyed all of them!! I see you're reading another one?? It's a goodie!! Happy reading, Northernnutter.

Have just about finished Book 2 of Ashok Bankers' "Ramayana" series'. Another 4 to go!!! NN.

Hi Naphilia! I'm a bit of a fantasy nut too, so here's a few suggestions; If you read and liked Trudi Canavan, she has also written "The age of five" trilogy, a really good read!! Can't go wrong with anything by David Eddings..my favourite is "The Belgariad" series. And if you fancy something a bit different, take a look at 'The night angel' trilogy by Brent Weeks.(Have written a little review of this one on my reading list thread, if your interested.) Happy reading!! Northernnutter.

I thought Ricky and Natalie's quickstep was stunning!! Best dance I've seen in many a series. Had me smiling from end to end! Soooo suave Ricky!!!! And as always, the public vote was disastrous. Neither couples deserved to be in the bottom two. Tough choice for the judges, but I felt they made the right decision. NN.

I hope you enjot it! It's one of my favourites, and the first novel I can remember to make me openly weep! (You'll know the bit when you get to it, I'm sure!!) NN.

Ok..I've commenced the challenge of reading Ashok Banker's "Ramayama". Just a little background info, before I get to my thoughts so far.. The "ramayama" is one of the great Indian epics. Over 3000 years old, known throughout Indian/East asian culture, and many other parts of the world, in varying forms. It follows the story of the struggle between the forces of good and evil, love, honour, destiny and heroism. Truthfully.., before spotting this at the library, I had never heard of the Ramayama, but having seen the word 'epic' in its description, I was intrigued enough to borrow the whole series! Having finished the first book, "Prince of Ayodhya", I must say, I am looking forward to reading the rest! If, like me, you are concerned that some prior knowledge of Indian/Hindu culture is needed to enjoy this series, don't be!! It's not! Baker is writing for the masses here, with a 'full on' storytelling style to suit all readers, whether or not you have any prior knowledge of the story unfolding. And It's a gripping story!!- Princes, Kings, evil Queens, Gods, Demons, magic and the struggle between good and evil!! What more could you want? This first book follows Prince Rama, and his brother, together with the aid of the legendary seer Vishwamitra, as they come to terms with the impendind invasion of the demon god Ravana, and their first battle with his demonish minions. Banker's writing style is modern, and he sets the scene well. With particular detail to sounds and smells- giving a true sense of place and atmosphere. All the main characters are well defined, with particular traits, which is just as well, as there are a lot of them to keep track of! The negatives..? Whilst reading, I felt the plot moved at quite a slow pace. Indeed, the book covers just one day, and even then, the main 'action' only takes place in the final 50 pages.(Although, it's pretty good action!!) Not what you'd call an, 'edge of your seat' ride then!! However, having now finished the book, I've come to regard it more as an 'introduction', and can forgive it's slowness. It introduces well this ancient land, it's people and beliefs, and gives us a much needed full introduction to the main characters of this continuing epic. I'm hoping that the last 50 pages are a taster of what lies ahead for Prince Rama!! I will keep you posted.!

I'd be very interested to know how you get on with this series NN. THe Ramayana is fascinating but I've been put off by the heavy style of some books on the subject. Hi Suek. I will definately let you know how I get on..I'll comment as i go along in my booklist. Judging by the 'blurb' for the series, stating that this is a '21st century retelling for the modern reader' I have high hopes that this will be a 'non-heavy' interpretation of this epic tale between good and evil, and a jolly good read!! We'll see!! NN.

Just starting a rather large reading challenge! Ashok Bankers' "Ramayana" series. There's six books in this series, all over 500 pages long, so it's gonna take a while!! Looking forward to it though! Would be interested to know if anyone else has read this series, and your thoughts!! NN.

All the recent bank "we're your best friend..", "come in and see us..", "have a cup of tea, and a biscuit", ads really get my goat at the moment!! I don't want a "chat", or a "free piggy bank!!" I want you to pay back all the billions of pounds you've robbed from the British public, before you pay yourselves millions in bonuses!!! :irked: OK..rant over!

Finished "an ice cold grave"- the third installment of Charlaine Harrris's Harper Connelly series, and I found this the best of the three so far. A more suspenseful plot and, (you will be glad to hear, Bethany!), not a plot centred on' intricate' family ties!! This novel concentrates more on the impact of murder in a small town, and the effects on it's residents and the families left behind. We also see the Unfortunately, this was the only part of the novel that left me a little disappointed! I can understand the need for Harris to ensure the reader fully grasps this major step, and what it means for the two main characters, But, maybe that's just me being picky!! I also found a fantastic plot twist. Wasn't expecting that at all!! All in all, a great read, (with one minor exception), and I look forward to the next installment!! NN.