No Clock in the Forest by Paul J. Willis

No Clock in the Forest

Rating: * * * *

In the tradition of the Narnia Chronicles, No Clock in the Forest is the best-written novel in the English language since Mark Helprin’s Winter’s Tale. Set in a vividly-depicted Pacific Northwest, William, followed by Lance and Gwen, become lost on hikes in the mountains and find the wilderness about them strangely changed, wilder, and full of unsuspected magic. The Muses dwell here, as do the fair folk and talking marmots. An ancient struggle between good and evil is coming to a head.

Prof. Willis paints with his prose and wields historical and Arthurian allusions with a deftness not seen since Milton. The adult reader will enjoy insights that may be over-looked by the juvenile, who will nonetheless love this book.

- Review on Amazon.com

Paul Willis possesses an uncanny ability to chart the dangers that lie within us.

- Jeanne Murray Walker

It might just be because I haven’t had much experience in the Christian fantasy realm (except, of course, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien) but No Clock in the Forest was surprisingly entertaining and fantastical, written in the style of past Christian fantasy writers. Everything, from setting to character to stylistic writing, is done with symbolism and meaning – all of it is not overbearing in the least.

The speaking marmots, the evil Lady Lira, the ice axe rising from the water in the hand of a beautiful woman – all of it works perfectly to bring Willis’ story to teeming life. It would be amiss, though, to compare Willis’ story with that of C. S. Lewis’. The Chronicles of Narnia had a uniquely magical touch to it through its encompassing involvement of wondrous children. Willis has no real children involved in his story, no innocent beings exploring a magically new world. Willis’ story, instead, is grounded in adults and realism, in a world where the fantastical and the painfully realistic meld together into what is.

If you are at all interested in Christian fantasy or even want to check out a novel that’s written with the imagery and imagination of C. S. Lewis yet reads incredibly easily, you’ll definitely want to check out No Clock in the Forest.

Recommended.

& ElizabethC

Studies Series by Maria V. Snyder

Studies Series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study)

Rating: * * * * *

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace, and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear!

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Yelena is on her way to be reunited with the family she’d been stolen from long ago. Although she has gained her freedom, she can’t help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don’t think it’s for the better. Despite the turmoil, she’s eager to start her magical training. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia’s throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. If that wasn’t bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies.

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Yelena’s new role as Soulfinder has made the Sitian Council uneasy. Worried that her new powers will corrupt her, the Council debates her fate. Yelena, though is trying to keep Sitia and Ixia from going to war. In the middle of political wrangling, Yelena receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by Ferde, the Soulstealer who murdered eleven girls and has escaped from prison with Cahil Ixia’s help. Cahil believes if he joins with the new Daviian Clan, he will have enough support to regain the Ixian throne. Testing the limit of her skills, Yelena becomes embroiled in the desperate fight to stop Ferde and the Daviian Clan from siphoning enough power to unleash a Fire Warper on the world. That would be worst than war between the northern and southern lands. Especially since, of all the powers Yelena possesses, she couldn’t set fire to a candle wick if her life depended on it. And there is more at stake than just her life.

- MariaVSnyder.com

It’s interesting that there are not many novels in circulation concerning food-tasting for poison testing. Especially considering how fascinating the subect can be – Snyder chose a unique situation to begin her trilogy’s fantasy.

Snyder’s writing takes her novels beyond cookie-cutter fantasy and into a level all its own. Her characters break through the pages and gain life; her settings and atmospheres are memorable without being obtrusive; her plot steadily unwinds itself with constant surprises; her style is easy to understand and essential to the story.

Perhaps the only difficulty in the trilogy is part of the final novel, which suddenly becomes more difficult to handle than its predecessors. But toward the latter half of Fire Study, Snyder reclaims control of the novel and everything comes neatly together.

Snyder’s novels provide fresh material for the fantasy genre and really are a welcome addition for all fantasy lovers.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC

East by Edith Pattou

East
[ released in the U.K. as North Child ]

Rating: * * * * *

Rose has always felt out of place in her family. So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with him, she readily agrees. The bear takes Rose to a distant castle, where each night she is confronted with a mystery. In solving that mystery, she finds love, discovers her purpose, and realizes her travels have only just begun.

As fresh and original as only the best fantasy can be, East is a novel retelling of the classic tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” told in the tradition of Robin McKinley and Gail Carson Levine.

- Amazon.com

East is a book I loved when I was younger, not just because of its story but also because the author had used the lesser-known fairy tale that I had one day hoped to use in my own. Set in the cold, northern lands, the book takes twists and turns that constantly keep its readers – both young and old – guessing until its lovely end.

Rose is Nyamh, a North-bairn, a feared child for all superstitious mothers. In order to hide her true nature, her mother does a terrible thing and lies both to herself and to Rose about her true birth. But Rose is North – she is the traveler, the constant adventurer, and adventure will seek her despite the lies that rule her life.

This is a fantastical tale with courage, wonderment and love, and the characters each – even the misguided, spineless mother – proves his or her worth throughout the story. The mysterious polar bear and his cold, cold Queen draw Rose on a journey to rescue her only purpose in life, and on the way she finally discovers who she truly is.

East is a magical adventure one should not miss.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC

Sarah by Marek Halter

Sarah (Book One of the Canaan Trilogy)

Rating: * * * *

Sarah’s story begins in the cradle of civilization: the Sumerian city-state of Ur, a land of desert heat, towering gardens, and immense wealth. The daughter of a powerful lord, Sarah balks at the marriage her father has planned for her. On her wedding day, she impulsively flees to the vast, empty marshes outside the city walls, where she meets a young man named Abram, son of a tribe of outsiders. Drawn to this exotic stranger, Sarah spends one night with him and reluctantly returns to her father’s house. But on her return, she secretly drinks a poisonous potion that will make her barren and thus unfit for marriage.

Many years later, Abram returns to Ur and discovers that the lost, rebellious girl from the marsh has been transformed into a splendid woman—the high priestess of the goddess Ishtar. But Sarah gives up her exalted life to join Abram’s tribe and follow the one true God, an invisible deity who speaks only to Abram. It is then that her journey truly begins.

From the great ziggurat of Ishtar to the fertile valleys of Canaan to the bedchamber of the mighty Pharaoh himself, Sarah’s story reveals an ancient world full of beauty, intrigue, and miracles.

- Random House

This was a highly enchanting book with just the right amount of fantasy, history, spirituality, sexuality and fiction to be a constantly engaging read. Halter chooses an interesting perspective for his book – that of a pagan Sarai and her journey to and with Abram – and it is this perspective that makes Sarah so compelling. Rarely do people view Sarah as the woman who had been a part of a pagan religion, who must have still been extremely attractive when meeting the Pharaoh, who must have cursed her barren womb, who fought her bitter jealousy of her handmaid Hagar, who stayed by Abram’s side as he became Abraham.

Sarah sets itself apart from other historical fiction in its mingling of supernatural atmosphere and embellished historical research. God, as Abraham’s deity, is not overwhelmingly represented in the book – in fact, as only Abraham is able to speak with him, he seems almost non-existent.

The only true downfall of this story is the characters’ weaknesses and flaws. At times, it is quite easy to dislike Abram or berate Sarai’s foolishness, but that is what eventually brings each character to life. Halter’s gift is the enviable ability to tell reality through fantasy.

Recommended.

& ElizabethC

The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

The Shipping News
[has been made into a motion picture starring Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett]

Rating: * * * * *

At thirty-six, Quoyle, a third-rate newspaperman, is wrenched violently out of his workaday life when his two-timing wife meets her just deserts. He retreats with his two daughters to his ancestral home on the starkly beautiful Newfoundland coast, where a rich cast of local characters all play a part in Quoyle’s struggle to reclaim his life. As three generations of his family cobble up new lives, Quoyle confronts his private demons – and the unpredictable forces of nature and society – and begins to see the possibility of love without pain or misery.

A vigorous, darkly comic, and at times magical portrait of the contemporary American family, The Shipping News shows why E. Annie Proulx is recognized as one of the most gifted and original writers in America today.

- back cover

One of the most delightful reading experiences is to begin a novel that contains such misery and provides a tortured view of a pathetic existence, to lament that this book will only continue in that path and serve to fully depress, to almost lay it down from sheer fright of the future pages, and then to suddenly, magically, find that the novel is quite possibly one of the best you have ever read.

Quoyle is a tragic figure, not because he truly means to be, but because his circumstances and upbringing mold him into one. Proulx’s genius is illustrated by her steady yet subtle transformation of his character while surprising readers with his innate goodness (originally hidden by every fault). And this novel is a classic example of the reason one must have the negatives – to fully appreciate the positives. Without the atrocious wife, Petal Bear, one could not fully grasp Quoyle; without Quoyle’s deadbeat father and brother, one could not understand Quoyle’s aunt; without all the tribulations in the story, one could not love the children, Bunny and Sunshine.

The Shipping News is a book that tugs at heartstrings without hurting the reader. It is a story that transforms its characters as well as its audience, leaving a message not of pain and suffering, but of hope, love and justice.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC

The Circle Opens [Quartet] by Tamora Pierce

The Circle Opens (Magic Steps, Street Magic, Cold Fire, Shatterglass)

Rating: * * * *

The students are now 14 years old and fully qualified mages. Briar, Tris and Daja have gone travelling with their teachers, and Sandry has moved in with her great uncle, Duke Vedris, in the Duke’s Citadel. They believe they’re still too young to teach but the decision is not up to them. Each of the four finds someone, or some ones, with magic, and according to the rules they must become the teacher until a more suitable one can be found. Each of the four also encounters a series of crimes they feel obligated to stop, and they must balance their teaching responsibilities with aiding the law.

Book 1 – Magic Steps: In Emelan, Sandry finds a rare dance mage who is unwilling to accept his power due to family heritage and must convince him to train his magic, at the same time helping her great-uncle to solve the puzzling mystery of a series of clan murders.

Book 2 – Street Magic: In Chammur, Briar finds a street girl with magical rock powers. But in a land of gangs, no mage is safe. Evvy is tracked down by a dangerous gang called the Vipers, and Briar must balance his new respectable life with his old street life while stopping the gangs.

Book 3 – Cold Fire: In Namorn, Daja finds twin mages, each specializing in a different housework power. Daja, fortunately, does not have to teach them their powers, just how to sit straight long enough to concentrate on meditation. But when you put a hyperactive girl and a shy one together, nothing works. On top of all this, Daja must stop an insane arsonist from wiping out the city.

Book 4 – Shatterglass: In Tharios, Tris meets a glass mage with a dangerous power: lightning. A twenty-year-old man just as stubborn as Tris, Kethlun won’t accept Tris or any of her teachings. But when Kethlun’s closest friends and a whole occupation is suddenly attacked, Keth and Tris must work together in a land where no tracking is possible.

- Wikipedia

The Circle Opens is an interesting spin-off from the original quartet. Three of the four friends explore distant lands (lands that seem very similar to countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.) and the unique bond that previously held them together is subdued.

I believe Pierce’s choice to really send each character off on his or her own was the disappointing factor in these books. I kept hoping that, at least in one of the books, there would be some sort of reunion or rekindling of that highly interesting bond of theirs, but that hope was futile (Circle fans will love to know, however, that the bond is strengthened once more in the final installment of the books, The Will of the Empress).

The first book was difficult to understand, especially once it reached its end – the new magic involved is dancing, but it was confusing to see how there was really any magic in it. Also, Sandry appears to always be the leader, or at least in the forefront of the four mages, but it’s so hard to really be interested in her.

Books two through four, though, redeem the quartet with interesting mysteries to solve and fascinating new developments in the mages themselves. Daja and her human metal are exciting; Briar’s “tattoos” and strengthened powers are finally satisfying; Tris’s new skills and applied concepts are encouraging.

This quartet was a longed-for sequel to the previous quartet and, overall, delivered successfully in its continuation of stories of the mages. Written with – normally – well-paced and interesting narration, The Circle Opens is a lovely quartet to read.

Recommended.

& ElizabethC

The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll

The Dark Queen

Rating: * * *

From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.

She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to the sinister ambitions of Queen Catherine de Medici. Then a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle, bearing a secret the Dark Queen will do everything in her power to possess. The only person Ariane can turn to is the comte de Renard, a nobleman with fiery determination and a past as mysterious as his own unusual gifts.

Riveting, vibrant, and breathtaking, The Dark Queen follows Ariane and Renard as they risk everything to prevent the fulfillment of a dreadful prophecy–even if they must tempt fate and their own passions.

- target.com

A fantasy story with potential is like a vanilla milkshake with crushed Oreo bits. For the first few sips, you’re in heaven – nothing tastes this good, surely. [And you don't even like chocolate, normally.] But half-way in, you’re thinking maybe you’re in way over your head. It tastes indistinguishable now – all you can sense is sugar. By the end, you’re telling yourself you should never, never get that drink again.

A week later, you return to the cafe. “Oh yeah, I’ll get that vanilla milkshake with Oreo bits again, I think it was good last time…”

The Dark Queen is the ultimate vanilla shake with Oreo bits, the ultimate fantasy tale – even action’s included, mind! – with the greatest potential. Potential which, half-way in, sputters and drops limply to the floor. What the hell happened?

Ariane, possibly the greatest lady of the earth alive now, does nothing remarkable. The only time she really does anything (besides unremarkable CPR) is to dabble in slightly dark magic – highly uncharacteristic and absolutely pointless plot-wise – to complain to her mother about her life problems. Even after her dead mother asks her not to. Three times she disobeys. Three pointless times so she can b—- and moan to her heart’s content, never mind that her mother asked her not to summon her, never mind that this dark magic could possibly stain her soul (the effects of which, obviously, are never addressed), never mind what this does to the natural balance of magic (seriously, if you’re going to label something as dark magic, you should have some sort of balance between “good” and “bad” or else there’s no need for these labels).

And that’s only just the female protagonist. When you add her two confused sisters – one weakly set on revenge and one just plain stupid, though young – as well as the evil witch Catherine, who, let’s face it, is about as scary as cottage cheese, you’re wondering if the Oreo bits have disintegrated into your shake. Ah – and just to shake it up a bit more – the lovely, dashing male is not so much lovely or dashing as muddled and a bit too “gallant” for anyone’s tastes. He started off as a right git, attempting to force Ariane’s hand in marriage, and then…well, he started keeping secrets that aren’t really secrets – but since Carroll thinks they are, we just nod and scratch our heads – and after that he rapidly began losing appeal.

And when you look back at the cover of the book and realize this book is titled after “evil witch” Catherine, whom, as we stated, is no scarier than cottage cheese, you have to wonder where it’s all leading.

And then you realize it’s leading up to nowhere.

So much potential…it’s a shame, really. If you truly must read it, stop after male and female enter water. Because, honestly, that’s as good as it gets.

On the fence. [But teetering a bit on the dangerous side of said fence.]

& ElizabethC

One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

One Thousand White Women

Rating: * * * * *

One thousand white women – that was the demand of the Northern Cheyenne, led by Little Wolf. One thousand white women to bear the next generation of Cheyenne, to teach Little Wolf’s people the life which they were expected to soon live among the white people. A preposterous request – they would be exchanged for one thousand wild and tamed horses – and one which the civilized would never dream of granting.

And yet women volunteered in droves – to explore, to christianize the “savages,” to seek freedom from asylums and prisons, to escape…

The sign of an amazing novel is that its content can address harsh topics such as rape, murder, infanticide and betrayal yet still be remembered fondly and soberly. It was difficult to read, true, but I could not put it down – the unfailing courage and difficult choices continued to surprise and capture me.

All the characters were highly satisfactory – none were god-like in quality but the evil were evil and the good simply humans with real, understandable faults. By focusing much of the perspective on May, the struggles between the Cheyenne and the “whites” were truly portrayed without bias. Fergus sugarcoats nothing, preferring to illustrate each civilization as fully as possible, and leave it to the reader to lay or reserve judgment.

I picked this book up without knowing what its subject matter would be – there was no summary on the back – but it immediately stole my attention, keeping me engrossed until its end.

If you choose to read this, be prepared for a heavy but extremely memorable read.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC

The Circle of Magic [Quartet] by Tamora Pierce

The Circle of Magic (Sandry’s Book, Tris’s Book, Daja’s Book, Briar’s Book)

Rating: * * * * *

The series tell the story of four children, Sandrilene fa Toren, Trisana Chandler, Daja Kisubo and Briar Moss, who are discovered and brought together by a powerful mage Niko and told that they are “ambient mages,” which means that they use magic from outside themselves. The four youths do not fit in with the other children of the monastic community to which Niko brings them, and are put together in a separate cottage.

Here they each learn of their hidden talents; Sandry with thread, Tris with weather, Daja with fire and metal, and Briar with plants. They live with the two mages Lark, a gentle woman especially attentive to Sandry since she also has thread magic, and Rosethorn, a sharp woman who shares Briar’s ability with plants. Also teaching and guiding them is Niko, technically Tris’s teacher, but available to all four. Daja is mentored and guided by Dedicate Initiate Frostpine, a smith mage. Their teachers, with the exception of Niko, are also ambient mages.

At first it seems that a merchant, a street rat, a noblewoman, and a Trader (a trading race that is often hated by others) will never get along, but an extraordinary circumstance brings them together. They are all powerful individually, but they discover that together they are even stronger. Through an earthquake, they realize their full potential and are bound closely together forever. As children skilled in an uncommon magic, they struggle to earn the respect of the adults they encounter.

- Wikipedia

At first, I was highly reluctant to begin this quartet, as it would probably have dealed with the normal, rather annoying teenage problems many other young adult books seem bound to address (I’ve only just escaped those wretched teenage years, so I’d rather not have to re-live them again, thank you very much). On fourth glance, though, I forced myself to give the books a try, beginning with Sandry’s Book (book 1).

It blew my expectations.

Pierce, in a seemingly brilliant move, placed very little time changes between the four books in this quartet, and begins with four thirteen-year-olds. Normally, that would be cause for a bit of groans and skipped pages, but these highly irregular children are each wonderfully down-to-earth and a joy to read about. Their conjoined abilities and fascinating adventures make each book a page-turner, and the entire quartet a must-read.

The first book and the last book were perhaps the weakest in terms of overall strength, but made up for this in other ways. The first, by producing such a strong connection between the four children and laying down the groundwork for the rest of the novels. The last, for quite efficiently concluding their adventures (at least in this particular quartet) with appropriate attention and plot.

Overall, the quartet was wonderful to read and a joy to discover. The characters remain alive long after the books are read, each magnificent in her – or his – own way.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC

Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep A Secret?

Rating: * * * *

With the same wicked humor, buoyant charm, and optimism that have made her Shopaholic novels beloved international best sellers, Sophie Kinsella delivers a hilarious new novel and an unforgettable new character. Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets…until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.

But come Monday morning, Emma’s office is abuzz about the arrival of Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO. Suddenly Emma is face-to-face with the stranger from the plane, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her. Things couldn’t possibly get worse. Until they do.

- audible.com

Written with dry wit and humor, Can You Keep A Secret? is engaging in a light, satisfactory manner. Other reviewers add that the belief in reality must be suspended while undertaking the reading of this particular novel. Once that has happened, however, it is fanciful to suppose that a story like this could happen to someone, and the author spins that fancy into a lovely, sweet romance. Kinsella creates a dashing, charming and highly successful CEO that strives to capture our hearts as well as he has captured Emma’s.

The novel is not without its faults – the “necessary drama” that must always unravel itself in such a novel of course occurs, taking its shape in the spilling of secrets and sudden mistrust. For some, it may create a bit of an unsatisfactory ending (though the story, of course, ends happily). Yet the ride (both literal and figurative) is special and brings to the uneventful Emma’s life much excitement.

Recommended.

& ElizabethC