Kidsmum Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Well I don't have kids of my own so this is a stab in the dark for me. There is a death or two near the ending so if kids are sensitive to those things maybe read it yourself first, but I would aim it at maybe 8 years and up. Again it's a guess. Thanks I think it's probably a bit old for my younger ones maybe one for the future though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 Today I finally finshed Pastworld – Ian Beck. It was a good book but I just couldn't get into it, I think however that this was more because I went back to work halfway though and kinda lost the flow. from Fantastic Fiction What if all of London were really an amusement park - a whole city returned to Victorian times to entertain visitors from the twenty-first century? That's the wildly original premise of Ian Beck's Pastworld, a high-stakes mystery set in a simulated past. Eve is a lifelong resident of Pastworld who doesn't know she's living in a theme park until a mysterious threat forces her to leave home. Caleb is a visiting tourist who finds the lawlessness of the past thrilling - until he suddenly becomes a fugitive from an antiquated justice system. And in the midst of it all, in the thick London fog a dark and deadly figure prowls, claiming victim after victim. He's the Fantom, a creature both of the past and of the present, in whose dark purpose Caleb and Eve will find their destinies combined. Page-turning, complex, and haunting, Pastworld masterfully exposes the human experience of the past, of violence, of technology, and of entertainment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted February 8, 2011 Author Share Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) I finished Everything is Illuminated - Jonathan Safran Foer tonight. Well this book is special. I can't begin to describe how this book makes me feel, but I will say that it is one I will remember for as long as I live. This book makes me feel like I should share it with the world but it also makes me want to hide it from others too. It makes me wonder if my grandparents went through something similar in the war, granted they were- are ukrainian but they too only speak of this time in their life if pushed. They too were involved in some awful things. This book has helped me to appreciate them more so (not that I didn't before) that they went through something like that and lived to tell their story. I will read this book many times, and I will recommend it to, to those that wish to be Illuminated. Read it. A young man arrives in the Ukraine, clutching in his hand a tattered photograph. He is searching for the woman who fifty years ago saved his grandfather from the Nazis. Unfortunately, he is aided in his quest by Alex, a translator with an uncanny ability to mangle English into bizarre new forms; a 'blind' old man haunted by memories of the war; and an undersexed guide dog named Sammy Davis Jr, Jr. What they are looking for seems elusive - a truth hidden behind veils of time, language and the horrors of war. What they find turns all their worlds upside down. Edited February 9, 2011 by page turner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopeanha Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Shadow Forest is going straight to my wish list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 I finished The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman tonight. It was a quick and entertaining read. Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library - a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That's where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White's stepmother's sinister mirror that talks in riddles. When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime - or captured by the thief. Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary - and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopeanha Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 The Grimm Legacy sounds very good aswell and the cover is so pretty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 The Grimm Legacy sounds very good aswell and the cover is so pretty The cover is the reason I picked it up - who said you can't judge a book by it's cover! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 page turner, I had no idea you had an additional special reason for reading the book and feeling it. I think it's brave you read the book, I have no idea what it must've been like for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 I finished Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte last night and my only gripe is the I haven't read it sooner. Granted I found Jane's time with St John boring and I just wanted the story to move forward, apart from that I loved it. I must however confess to watching the BBC mini series with Ruth Williams as Jane before reading the book. I did the same with Pride and Prejudice last year too. I found that with prior knowledge of the story line and in hearing the language I was better to understand the books. I read Pride and Prejudice alongside a friend and whilst I finished the book she cast it off not being able to follow it. I loved Pride and Prejudice and thought it would remain my favourite classic but after reading Jane Eyre I now need to rethink it as I by far enjoyed this moreso than the first. Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, "Jane Eyre" (1847) dazzled and shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Nice review. Did you know there's a new movie adaptation coming out? I saw the trailer for it last night and it looks pretty good. I believe Jane Eyre is being played by the Aussie chick that was in Alice in Wonderland ('Mia' something). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickle Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I finished Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte last night and my only gripe is the I haven't read it sooner. Granted I found Jane's time with St John boring and I just wanted the story to move forward, apart from that I loved it. I must however confess to watching the BBC mini series with Ruth Williams as Jane before reading the book. I did the same with Pride and Prejudice last year too. I found that with prior knowledge of the story line and in hearing the language I was better to understand the books. I read Pride and Prejudice alongside a friend and whilst I finished the book she cast it off not being able to follow it. I loved Pride and Prejudice and thought it would remain my favourite classic but after reading Jane Eyre I now need to rethink it as I by far enjoyed this moreso than the first. Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, "Jane Eyre" (1847) dazzled and shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom. Great review its one of my favourite books, her relationship with Mr Rochester to my mind is one of the most powerful and romantic, I guess for me her time with StJohn serves to show such a contrast with Rochester. Nice review. Did you know there's a new movie adaptation coming out? I saw the trailer for it last night and it looks pretty good. I believe Jane Eyre is being played by the Aussie chick that was in Alice in Wonderland ('Mia' something). It always scares me when they adapt this book as I have never found the to portray the characters well enough they always want to pretty them up, Jane herself admits and draws herself as plain (perhaps the archetypal Plain Jane) and Rochester is a 'Vulcan' of a man, dark grim and large, its as if beyond the written word we can't bear to see non pretty people in love in a classic novel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 (edited) Today I finished my re-read of The Eyre affair by Jasper Fforde. I must say that I enjoyed it moreso than the first time I read it, and I think it's because I read Jane Eyre first.It's been a few years since I first read this and gladly I didn't really remember much of the story line so really it was like a new book for me. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series again, making sure that if I haven't read the books referred to in them I at least take the time to read an overview or watch an adaption of said book first as it really does add to the enjoyment of the books. There is another 1985, somewhere in the could-have-been, where the Crimean war still rages, dodos are regenerated in home-cloning kits and everyone is deeply disappointed by the ending of 'Jane Eyre'. In this world there are no jet-liners or computers, but there are policemen who can travel across time, a Welsh republic, a great interest in all things literary - and a woman called Thursday Next. In this utterly original and wonderfully funny first novel, Fforde has created a fiesty, loveable heroine and a plot of such richness and ingenuity that it will take your breath away. Edited February 27, 2011 by page turner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share Posted March 9, 2011 Today I finished my re read of Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde. Much like the Eyre Affair I didn't remember much so it was more like a first reading of it. Thursday Next, literary detective and newlywed is back to embark on an adventure that begins, quite literally on her own doorstep. It seems that Landen, her husband of four weeks, actually drowned in an accident when he was two years old. Someone, somewhere, sometime, is responsible. The sinister Goliath Corporation wants its operative Jack Schitt out of the poem in which Thursday trapped him, and it will do almost anything to achieve this - but bribing the ChronoGuard? Is that possible? Having barely caught her breath after The Eyre Affair, Thursday must battle corrupt politicians, try to save the world from extinction, and help the Neanderthals to species self-determination. Mastadon migrations, journeys into Just William, a chance meeting with the Flopsy Bunnies, and violent life-and-death struggles in the summer sales are all part of a greater plan. But whose? and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Great review Page turner, Thursday Next is so cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 Tonight I finished The well of lost plots - Jasper Fforde. I enjoying this like I have the others I've re read the last few weeks. I did however get more out of this the second time round reading simply because I knew the story of Wuthering Heights this time. Great series but I need a small break from it as I'm starting to loose my mojo a bit I think. from fantastic fiction Leaving Swindon behind to hide out in the Well of Lost Plots - the place where all fiction is created - Thursday Next ponders her next move. As a shadow looms over popular fiction, she must keep her wits about her and discover what is going on and who she can trust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Tonight I finished Castle in the air - Diana Wynne Jones. This is the sequel to Howl's moving castle one of my favourite books. I never would have discovered Diana's wonderful books if it wasn't for one dark and stormy night two years ago. We were at home and it was bucketing down, the power had already gone off once and I was looking for something to watch on telly when I came across a cartoon. After watching for 5 minutes I was hooked (I missed the first ten minutes but it didn't matter). I loved Howl, Sophie and Calcifer and when I watched the credits roll I was delighted to discover it was adapted from a book (as most great movies are), and so started my search for Diana's wonderful books. I have loved everything I've read by Diana and I've read quite a few now and would encourage those that haven't discovered this wonderful author to do so you won't regret it. From book depository A magical Arabian Nights tale from the captivating creator of fantasy, Diana Wynne Jones. The dazzling sequel to Howls Moving Castle, now a major animated film. Far to the south in the Land of Ingary, lives a young carpet merchant called Abdullah. In his dreams, he is the long-lost son of a great prince. This dream is a complete castle in the air! or is it? Abdullah's day-dreams suddenly start to come true when he meets the exquisite Flower-in-the-Night, daughter of the ferocious Sultan of Zanzib. Fate has destined them for each other, but a bad-tempered genie, a hideous djinn, and various villanous bandits have their own ideas. When Flower-in-the-Night is carried off, Abdullah is determined to rescue her -- if he can find her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 Tonight I finished Marked by P.C and Kristen Cast. I must confess to having this book and most of the series that follows for almost a year now, but I've never felt the need to actually read them. Now I'm not the biggest fan of paranormal fiction but I can tolerate it in small doses and it does seem to re-kindle my mojo (I think it's because you don't really have to think about what you're reading)so I'm glad I finally picked this to read. I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the others in the series, with it's decidedly teenage narration it's a light, easy and enjoyable read. from fantastic fiction The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed.In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change.Not all of those who are chosen do.It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling.She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx.But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers.When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessi Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I'm glad you enjoyed Marked The House of Night is a great series! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 (edited) Tonight I finished Betrayed by P.C. and Kristin Cast. I must say it's been a long time since I've started and finished a book in a day but this series is just so easy to read. I like where the story seems to be going and want to continue reading the series but at the same time I don't want to get bored with it and have it feel like it's a chore to read. I think I'll leave my next pick until the morning and think on it tonight. Another good house of night read I'd recommend to anyone. Fledgling vampire Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She's come to terms with the vast powers the vampire goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs - like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend...or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world. Edited March 27, 2011 by page turner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) I decided to keep going with the house of night series so I'm now reading Chosen. I also did a little book buying yesterday and picked up The Clan of the Cave Bear Jean Marie Auel The Valley of Horses Jean Marie Auel The Mammoth Hunters Jean Marie Auel The Plains of Passage Jean Marie Auel The Shelters of Stone Jean Marie Auel Burned P.C and Kristin Cast Afterlife Claudia Gray Merlin's Harp Anne Elliot Crompton Edited March 28, 2011 by page turner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidsmum Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I decided to keep going with the house of night series so I'm now reading Chosen. I also did a little book buying yesterday and picked up The Clan of the Cave Bear Jean Marie Auel The Valley of Horses Jean Marie Auel The Mammoth Hunters Jean Marie Auel The Plains of Passage Jean Marie Auel The Shelters of Stone Jean Marie Auel Burned P.C and Kristin Cast Afterlife Claudia Gray Merlin's Harp Anne Elliot Crompton Yay for Clan of the Cave Bear, I'm reading it at the moment & really enjoying it in fact if real life didn't get in the way I would probably have sat down & read it from cover to cover it's that good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 Yay for Clan of the Cave Bear, I'm reading it at the moment & really enjoying it in fact if real life didn't get in the way I would probably have sat down & read it from cover to cover it's that good That's good to know as they were an impulse buy! I vaguely remember being told years ago that if I liked Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series I would like these so here's hoping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidsmum Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) That's good to know as they were an impulse buy! I vaguely remember being told years ago that if I liked Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series I would like these so here's hoping! Ooh!!... never heard of that one think I'll have to add it to my wishlist now Just checked them out on Amazon they sound really good Edited March 29, 2011 by Kidsmum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 Tonight I finished Chosen by P.C and Kristin Cast. I enjoyed this one and look forward to seeing where the story goes. Some of it was predictable and other parts I didn't see coming at all. Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird's adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be enemies. And oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends. So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” (Romantic Times), in which Zoey's mettle will be tested like never before. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn't have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity. Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldn't get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey's horrid step-father in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely reflects the truth… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
page turner Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Today I finished The Indigo King by James A Owen. I was very unsure of reading this book as I didn't have great memories of the previous books in the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series. I was pleasently surprised. I enjoyed this book and the twists it adds to other favourite myths and legends. I wish now that I had read this one sooner or at least taken the time to revisit the first two in the series first as I do believe that it would have enchanced my enjoyment of this book. On a September evening in 1931, John and Jack, two of the Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica, discover a plea for help on an ancient medieval parchment--which seems to have been written by their friend, Hugo Dyson! When they rush to warn him, Hugo is abducted by fierce creatures called the Un-Men, who have mistaken him for the third Caretaker, Charles. And in that moment, the world begins to change. The Frontier which separates our world from the Archipelago of Dreams has fallen. Dark and terrible beasts roam throughout England. No one can be summoned from the Archipelago. And worse, their mentor and ally Bert has forgotten them entirely! The only hope to restoring the proper order of things lies on a forgotten island--where a time travel device left by Jules Verne must be used to race through history itself--from the Bronze Age, to the fall of Troy and the founding of the Silver Throne. And in that single night, John and Jack will find that the only way to save their friend and stop the chaos destroying the world is to solve a two-thousand-year-old mystery: Who is the Cartographer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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