Wing and a Page

[wingandapage]

The most recent book I've finished (amidst a lot of university work) is Spellslinger, the first book in an ongoing series of the same name by Sebastien De Castell. The book concerns a society built by and around casters of magic as seen by one of its members who has next to no magic. Failing in his attempts to grow stronger, through training or otherwise, protagonist Kellen must use his wits to convince higher ups to allow him to keep his status among them. Spellslinger is not typified into a story of unlocking hidden power, nor of simply accepting one's fate. It instead looks at ways to work around limitations through cunning and swindling tactics. Hence the tagline "Magic is a con game". De Castell has shown to be a very good storyteller and, while presenting some of the genre's tried tropes, offers a unique story with new themes. I am excited to read more of this series. Two more books are out and more are on the way. ~7.5/10

[wingandapage]

After finally closing the final instalment of Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy, Assassin's Quest, the only word that comes to mind is "wow"! The journey undertaken in the trilogy, by both the protagonist and the reader, is truly an epic one. Complimented by a true understanding of the genre and the level of meticulous writing that quite literally stops the heart. The trilogy comes full circle to answer any and every lingering question opened, whilst leaving plenty of possibility for further exploration of the world she has created. As for Assassin's Quest itself, it was a lot faster paced than either Apprentice or Royal were, as events transpired to move our protagonist away from the areas of politics and intrigue, and into a quest in truth. During the book we discover far more of Hobb's massively well written world "The Realm of the Elderlings" and its inhabitants. We also learn more of the rules of the world's inherent magic. In all, I believe Hobb has made a series that will stand across time with this trilogy and I'm very excited to re-enter her literary world. I will steer clear of Hobb right now. Read some other books. But I believe Robin Hobb has become one of my favourite authors.

[wingandapage]

After a long period of not being able to read often, I've finally put down Royal Assassin, the second book in Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy. The experience of reading this trilogy so far has been phenomenal. This book oozes Hobb's remarkable ability of simultaneous world-building and plot development. And the world built is an immense and richly imagined nation, full of intrigues and traditions. Royal Assassin delves much further into the politics of the Six Duchies compared to Assassin's Apprentice. Following the protagonist's ageing and settling into his role at court. At the same time following the lines of an adventure novel, a political drama, and a healthy spattering of romance, this book ticks many boxes for a great fantasy novel. I look forward immensely to reentering the fantastic world that Hobb has created. ~9/10

[wingandapage]

About a week ago I read and finished Half a War by Joe Abercrombie. The final book in his great Shattered Sea trilogy. A great Xmas gift from my wife. This book was an amazing read for any fantasy/adventure fan. Following two new points of view as they witness the culminations of all the interesting story lines of the series. Abercrombie explores a number of poignant questions and attitudes of the human race, including: the moralities of those with and without power, the questions people ask themselves when facing impossible questions or situations, and the multiple methods of dealing with loss and victory. Half a War shows more of the world of the Shattered Sea that hasn't been seen before, ties together many of the characters, and finally reveals the biggest twist that Abercrombie had been leading toward through all three books. Friendships are forged and broken, vows are kept, royals are made, and really, everything is great. I loved this trilogy and it honestly ended too soon for me. I highly recommend these books. Half a War 8.5/10 Shattered Sea trilogy 8.5/10

[wingandapage]

I recently finished American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Truly a wonderful read! This is a very hard book to place in one genre. It's a thrilling story about surviving in a non-native world, standing by beliefs against the flow, and is by most reckonings and American road trip. A hooking and thoroughly engaging book and a great experience! ~ 9.5/10

[wingandapage]

I have recently been on a Queen Victoria kick. Over Christmas I finished "The Grandmama of Europe" by Aronson and Queen Victoria by Strachey. Lots is available on her free or cheap on Kindle or otherwise on the internet. She was really a rather fascinating and politically important person and so was Prince Albert, which I never quite realized before. If you are having trouble sleeping, I highly recommend Victoria's own (very popular) Leaves from a Journal of Our Life in the Highlands, in which she published excerpted (apparently unedited) her journals from trips to Scotland. It is mainly just description of what the royal family did (Vol 1 during her marriage) on its travels and is a great soporific, unless you get tickled at the hidden irony of Victoria commenting that this or that Lord seemed so loath for the royals to depart--even though he had entirely given over his castle to the queen during her stay.

[wingandapage]

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!! What a book! The first in Hobb's Farseer trilogy and her first under the pseudonym. Assassin's Apprentice is a study of humanity and clashing cultures and beliefs from the viewpoint of one born with little influence over them. The relationships and moralities expressed in this novel are thoroughly explored and laid bare in a wonderful way which makes me excited for the rest of the trilogy and the rest of Hobb's books. Highly recommended for fantasy fans; especially George R. R. Martin fans ~8/10

[wingandapage]

After a long time I have now finished Rogues, an anthology collected by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. The short stories collected in this book all share the broad titular theme and, as with all the Martin/Dozois anthologies, each author has written in their choice of genre. The theme of 'rogues' was displayed through; thieves, adventurers, scoundrels, and many others in vastly differing situations. All presented in a variety of styles and methods. Each story, all by renowned authors, is great in it's own right and contributes to the quality of the book on the whole. George R. R. Martin culminates the book with a glimpse of further history of his spectacular Song of Ice and Fire universe. A fantastic read ~ 9.5/10

[wingandapage]

I read Joe Abercrombie's Half the World, the second in his Shattered Sea trilogy. This sequel introduces two new protagonists to the series. One of whom is resolutely where society says she shouldn't be, and the other unconsciously where his own personality says he shouldn't be. Half the World reveals much more of the world's workings to further immerse the reader, and takes the protagonists on a long physical journey where they learn all about diplomacy, combat, and each other. Abercrombie absolutely reveals once again his talent for fanciful writing and lives up to the precedent set for the series. ~9/10

[wingandapage]

Recently I finished Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. A great adventure tale of a crippled king falling from grace and power to experience hardships and struggle to reclaim his throne. Abercrombie illustrates the conflicting mind of a person under high expectations who has a halting disability. I loved reading this book and experiencing the twists that I only realised I knew the answers to after they happened. A great introduction into a great author. ~8/10

[wingandapage]

I just now put down The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris. This is a very fun novel, written in Loki's narration as a mirror to traditional Norse mythology with the thesis that "history is written by the victor". The Gospel of Loki looks in hindsight at a skeptic's view on the Norse creation theory and a first hand account of some of Loki's deeds right through to his role in Ragnarok. I loved reading this book and recognising parallels from official Norse mythos and, yes, Marvel's 'Thor' franchise. I highly recommend this book to; mythology buffs, fans of the Marvel adaption and anyone who generally loves a good fantasy novel. ~7.5/10