A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA by URSULA K. LE GUIN (1968)

Title: A Wizard of Earthsea

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Series: Earthsea Cycle #1

Pages: 183

Published: 1968
Publisher: Bantam Spectra

Believing this book was originally a Swedish classic I bought this book in Swedish. Only to find out that it is in fact an American fantasy classic. So despite going by my rule to not read translated books when it can be avoided, I read this in my mother tongue and I don’t think it mattered terribly.

Despite being a very short book (about 250 pages) it took me a while to read. Possibly because it was written in 1968 so the language is a little older, or because my Swedish is simply shit. It may also however, just be that the book is quite slow.

This first instalment about the Earth Sea follows the story of a young wizard on the quest to destroy the evil he has accidentally set free to the Earth Sea. 

With no great amount of dialogue and plenty of descriptive parts the book was mostly overlooking the story of our protagonist Ged, and zooming in on some parts of his journey. This meant that although the book moved quickly through his life the pace was surprisingly still slow.

It was not the most exciting plot but somehow the writing kept me reading, and part of me wonders if that is not what makes a great author, to be able to keep someone’s attention despite the excitement of the story. It was not the most exhilerating reading experience, I did not much care for it, but I still recommend it. I am grateful that I read it and I will read the sequel. I believe it’s healthy to read an older book, or classic now and again. Fantasy or not. It opens your eyes for different types of writing and storytelling and from an author's point of view. I think it may be good research to read this book for a good understanding of language and narrative. It is an interesting read and a good example of good authorial voice.

Although slow, it is a light read and does not require much attention. There is world building but it is not a complicated world as such. If you look to widen your horizons in terms of genre and time period I recommend this and I think it was a healthy read for me to read between all the YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Dystopia. I got a chance to clear my head a bit from all the complex worlds and actions while still reading fantasy. And I am proud to say that I have opened my eyes to older books and authors and widened my reading horizons.

Overall, I think it’s safe to say that there’s no harm in reading older written texts. It’s a good practice to see where perhaps some of your favourite current fantasies have come from, borrowing from stories such as this back in the day. Much like old films having a slower pacing, the techniques change with the times and it’s refreshing to revisit the past from time to time. It just might not be to everyones taste.

For young upcoming writers however, I recommend giving it a read and letting your mind critically analyse the authors style to help identify and develop parts of your own. 

Slow, meandering, yet sometimes charming and endearing. 

Plot Summary:

Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth. 

Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance.

My Rating:

5/10 

Other Books in the Series:

A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle #1)
The Tombs of Atuan (Earthsea Cycle #2)
The Farthest Shore (Earthsea Cycle #3)
Tehanu (Earthsea Cycle #4)
Tales from Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle #5)
The Other Wind (Earthsea Cycle #6)
The Daughter of Odren (Earthsea Cycle novella)

Other Books by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Day Before the Revolution (Hainish Cycle Prequel)
The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle #1)
The Word for World is Forest (Hainish Cycle #2)
Rocannon's World (Hainish Cycle #3)
Planet of Exile (Hainish Cycle #4)
City of Illusions (Hainish Cycle #5)
The Left Hand of Darkness (Hainish Cycle #6)
Four Ways to Forgiveness (Hainish Cycle #7)
A Fisherman of the Inland Sea (Hainish Cycle #8)
The Telling (Hainish Cycle #9)
The Birthday of the World and Other Stories (Hainish Cycle #10)
Winter's King (Hainish Cycle Novella)
Gifts (Annals of the Western Shore #1)
Voices (Annals of the Western Shore #2)
Powers (Annals of the Western Shore #3)
Catwings (Catwings #1)
Catwings Return (Catwings #2)
Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings (Catwings #3)
Jane on Her Own (Catwings #3)
Dancing at the Edge of the World: Thoughts on Words, Women, Places (About Writing)
Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew (About Writing)
The Wave in the Mind: Talks & Essays on the Writer, the Reader & the Imagination (About Writing)
Conversations with Ursula K. Le Guin (About Writing)

MORTAL ENGINES by PHILIP REEVE (2004)

Title: Mortal Engines

Author: Philip Reeve

Series: The Hungry City Chronicles #1

Pages: 373

Published: Sep 1st 2004

Publisher: Harper Collins US UK

I read this book because I found myself in the unusual situation where my boyfriend recommended me a book and not the other way around. It also just so happens that Peter Jackson is coming out with the film adaptation next month so it felt like the perfect opportunity to read the book now so I can go see the film.

This book follows two 15-year-old people in a futuristic dystopia where cities and towns are constantly on the move, devouring each other and then reusing all their materials. It is a little bit weird, and new, something I have not read before. But it is an action filled book, which is beautifully written with very subtle but cleverly interwoven descriptions of this new world. Descriptions that makes the world what it is are mentioned in by-passing, so casually and low-key that one almost misses them. Reeve does not make a big deal about building up a world for the reader but rather places the reader in this world and lets them explore it for themselves. It's very relaxing and easy to read and get immersed this way.

Despite being written for the Young Adult audience, the reader is introduced to the grown up characters as well and their mind-set. This was very refreshing and one followed the stories from different points of views, but to a limited amount. There were not too many to follow and remember and enough to keep up with but still enough to understand the whole of the story - good and evil. We follow Tom (and through him the story of Hester and Anna Fang and Shrike), Katherine (including Bevis Pod and the historians) and Magnus Chrome (the rest of London and the politics). This creates dramatic irony in the sense that the reader always knows more than any of the characters but it creates suspense and anticipation. 

The book is not the most exciting in sense that it is not an action filled page turner. At least, not for me. But it is captivating and you somehow keep reading. Reeve's writing doesn't let you finish the book unfinished.

Seeing the film bringing this story to life will be incredibly exciting and to finally be able to see things that I may have struggled to picture while reading will be incredibly satisfying.

Plot Summary:

London is hunting!

The great Traction City lumbers after a small town eager to strip its prey of all assets and move on. In the not-so-distant future, mobile cities consume one another to survive, a practise known as Municipal Darwinism.

Tom, an apprentice in the Guild of Historians, saves his hero from a murder attempt by the mysterious Hester Shaw - only to find himself thrown from the city stranded with Hester in the Out Country. As they struggle to follow the city, the sinister plans of London's leader begins to unfold...

My Rating:

7/10
An enjoyable book definitely.

Other Books in this Series:

Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles #1)

Predators Gold (The Hungry City Chronicles #2)

Infernal Devices (The Hungry City Chronicles #3)

A Darkling Plane (The Hungry City Chronicles #4)

The Traction Codex (The Hungry City Chronicles)

Traction City (The Hungry City Chronicles novella)

Night Flights (The Hungry City Chronicles prequel)

The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles)

Other Books by Philip Reeve:

Fever Crumb (Fever Crumb #1)

A Web of Air (Fever Crumb #2)

Scriveners Moon (Fever Crumb #3)

Larklight (Larklight #1)

Starcrossed (Larklight #2)

Mothstorm (Larklight #3)

Railhead (Railhead #1)

Black Light Express (Railhead #2)

Station Zero (Railhead #3)

Oliver and the Seawigs (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #1)

Cakes in Space (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #2)

Pugs of the Frozen North (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #3)

Carnival in a Fix (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #4)

Jinks & O'Hare Funfair Repair (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #5) 

Pug-a-Doodle-Do! (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #6)

Roly-Poly Flying Pony: The Legend of Kevin (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #7)

Goblins (Goblins #

Goblins vs Dwarves (Goblins #2)

Goblin Quest (Goblins #3)

Night of the Living Veg (Buster Bayliss #1)

The Big Freeze (Buster Bayliss #2)

Day of the Hamster (Buster Bayliss #3)

Custardfinger! (Buster Bayliss #4)

Here Lies Arthur

Isaac Newton and His Apple

Horatio Nelson and His Victory

No Such Thing as Dragons

Doctor Who: The Roots of Evil

LEGENDARY by STEPHANIE GARBER (2017)

Title: Legendary

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #2
Pages: 451
Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books


If you've read my review of Caraval you will know that I was all over it. It was the best book I read last year and I could not get over it. I waited over a year for this sequel and I was more than excited.

And it was magical. It was amazing that we got to follow Donatella this time, although I must say I really did miss Scarlet. I almost got the feeling that I knew Scarlet better than Donatella did and I almost fell like I missed the person who introduced me to the world of Caraval. I tend to like the first book in a series the most and this was the case with Caraval as well. It's like the beginning of a love affair where everything is new and you get to know everything for the first time. It's butterflies in your stomach, the feeling that you don't know what's around the corner and the excitement of new characters and a new world. Although this Caraval was different in many ways it didn't have the first impression of excitement. 
The plot was very exciting though. So many new characters were introduced and the story was really brought out from Caraval and into the real world, involving the Fates and the girls' mother. There is so much new to learn about Legend and the world where Caraval is set.

So as much as I enjoyed this book, because it really did think it was a good sequel, it didn't quite measure up to Caraval. That book is simply unbeatable. I'd still encourage people to read Legendary and keep following the story because it truly is unbelievable and I cannot wait for the Finale!


Plot Summary:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...
Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

Caraval (Caraval #1)
Legendary (Caraval #2)
Finale (Caraval #3)

TOWER OF DAWN by SARAH J. MAAS (2017)

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #6
Pages: 660
Published: Sep 5th 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I do not know why it took me a year from its publication for me to read this book. It was two years ago I read a Throne of Glass book. Which I almost feel ashamed to admit. On the other hand my mind will be fresh when I finally get my hands on final instalment Kingdom of Ash which came out yesterday.

I think the real reason I put this book off was because I knew that it wasn't going to follow the main characters but focus on Chaol and Nesryn. Chaol, I was looking forward to since I truly missed him in the last book, but Nesryn I wasn't so keen on and I suppose it put me off. Big mistake, I don't know why I ever doubted that Sarah J. Maas would allow a book to be less amazing because of the lack of favourite characters. This book smashed it!

Not only was it exciting to follow Chaol's story again but there was a new country and new politics to follow. And introductions to a whole new family, court and culture. This book did certainly not go to waste. If anything it really gave the characters the time the deserved. It also introduced a new character which adds a new spin to the plot: Yrene. Yrene is mentioned in the prequel book The Assassin's Blade and is now given her time to shine and she is such a good addition. She is fun, relatable and a very strong character who brings a lot to the table, but emotional

ly and as a plot devise. Her instalment in the story will hopefully make for a very interesting finale and I am pumped to see the role she will play in the next book.

With other words, don't let the lack of Aelin in this book or the change in book cover put you off. The danger, excitement and steamy love scenes are still there and Sarah J. Maas, as usual, does not disappoint.

Plot Summary:

A glorious empire.
A desperate quest.
An ancient secret.
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, who's vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young Lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need - and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise that it could engulf them both.
And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival - or doom them all.

My Rating:

8/10
Only because of the lack of certain characters.

Other Books in the Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

BLOOD OF ELVES by Andrzej Sapkowski (1994)

Title: Blood of Elves

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski
Series: The Witcher #3
Pages: 315
Published: 1994
Publisher: Gollancz


Did you know that the famous video game The Witcher is becoming a TV Series by Netflix? And it's starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia? It will be Netflix's own epic fantasy series and it is going to be based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski.

As my boyfriend is a huge fan of the video game The Witcher he basically forced this book on me and four months later I took it upon myself to find out what the deal really was, about this Geralt of Rivia.

This book is hilarious. It's right out funny, humorous and entertaining. The characters Ciri, Geralt, Tess and Yennifer bounce off each other so well and you notice the lack of fire when they have conversations with other characters that aren't as witty and give off less of an impact. My personal favourite is Ciri, who has no shame and really drives the story forward. She makes this book a page turner.

For people new to fantasy, this is the book you should check out. If you are sceptical towards reading page after page about a long journey in an ancient land full of description and no dialogue, then fear no more. This book is all dialogue. At points it almost reads as a script and the only way of following  the dialogue is through the tone of voice the characters present, which is cleverly presented through the choice of words. Sapkowski is the king of dialogue. There are no lengthy descriptions of locations or events, but it's not necessary. As a reader you get the feel of a place without extravagant words. Sapkowski's writing is effective and has the right impact for a fast paced storyline.

Personally, I enjoyed the first half of the book the most. This does not mean I was not a fan of the second half of the book but I am not the biggest fan of politics. And most of the political conversations did take place in the second half, but it was also here that the plot moved forward more and introduced the reader to the bigger picture. So although the first half was entertaining and truly introduced you to the characters the second half drove the plot forward and left us with a very anti-climatic ending that just begged to continue.

Blood of Elves proves that a fantasy does not have to be long and wordy, or that humour only belongs in contemporary fiction. This is quite the reading experience. Pick up Blood of Elves now and spend the time waiting for the TV series reading the story in anticipation. Good luck Netflix, I trust you will do these book justice.

Plot Summary:

For more than a hundred years humans, dwarves, gnomes and elves lived together in relative peace. But times have changed, and now the races fight each other once again. In this tumultous time a child is born: Ciri. She has strange powers and a stranger destiny, for a prophesy names her as one with the powers to change the world, for good or for evil.

The Witcher Geralt has taken Ciri to the relative safety of the Witchers' Settlement, but it soon becomes clear that that Ciri is not like the other Witchers. As the threat of war hangs almost palpably over the land, Geralt and Ciri are pursued by someone who understands what the prophesy means - and exactly what Ciri's powers could do. This time Geralt may have met his match.

Favourite Quote:

'Remember,' she repeated, 'magic is Chaos, Art and Science. It is a curse, a blessing and progress. It all depends on who uses magic, how they use it, and to what purpose. And magic is everywhere. All around us. Easily Accessible.' - Yennifer

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Last Wish (The Witcher #1 collection of short stories)
The Sword of Destiny (The Witcher #2 collection of short stories)
Blood of Elves (The Witcher #3)
Times of Contempt (The Witcher #4)
Baptism by Fire (The Witcher #5)
The Tower of Swallows (The Witcher #6)

Books with... Great Villains

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)

This book features my favourite villain of all time: Captain Jonathan Wolverton Randall. Also known as Black Jack Randall. Randall is the ultimate villain, with a twisted mind, a love for breaking people, a fan of rape, pedophilia, and violation. He is a sadist and a misogynist. What makes it worse is that he bears a striking resemblance to the main character, Clare's, husband. Jonathan Randall is the kind of villain that makes you feel sick and have to close the book for a moment just to allow oneself to swallow what one's just read. All boxes ticked for a great adult villain. If you wish to read my full review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon you can find it here.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling (1997 - 2007)

He doesn't actually fully make an appearance until book four: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but Voldemort is a constant villain throughout the books. He is a reminder of Harry's dead parents and the terror that took place in the Wizarding World until he disappeared thanks to Harry's survival. He has no mercy what so ever and his obsession with living forever has no boundaries, so that he willingly kills men, women and children of all ages and has such a strong negative influence that people cannot even say his name but refer to him as 'He Who Must Not Be Named'. A timeless villain for all ages. For my full review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone click here.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (2017)

Veronica Roth made a step up on her villain from her debut trilogy Divergent. This time it's much worse. Not only is the villain, Ryzek Noavek, the brother of the female lead, Cyra Noavek, but he feels happy to torture her as he sees fit. Not only that but he also exploits her powers to use against her enemies, against her will. He also has no problem with holding Akos Kereseth, the male lead, and his brother Eijeh Kereseth hostages, but worse brainwashes Eijeh to turn him against his own brother. It's twisted. On top of that he also has the annoying habit of cleaning his finger nails with a blade.  A new villain with a twisted mind. A review of this book is coming soon.

ESTRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Estrid

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan om Valhalla

Pages: 524

Published: Oct 21st 2015

Publisher: Forum
Language: Swedish


After having nicked the prequel to this book from my grandma's bookshelf she brought this new sequel with her on her visit to England. I read is straight after Sigrid. This book takes place 15 years later and although still following the love story between Sigrid and Svend, now includes the story of her daughter Estrid. Estrid is said to have been chosen by the dark Norse God Hel and hallucinates and coughs badly along with her sickness. She has only one friend, and guardian, Katla. Katla, one of my favourite characters, has an unknown nature however and while her ending in this book made me happy it also very much upset me. Estrid goes through an internal battle between Christianity and the Norse beliefs in the Gods of Asgård. Sigrid, however, still remains faithful to the Norse Gods and is convinced that she is chosen by Freya to do her bidding on earth.

Like the previous book, Sigrid, this book is based on true characters of the Viking Age and cleverly interweaves Norse mythology and a sense of magic. It is a perfect book if you are interested in Vikings, Scandinavian history, fantasy and mythology. Even if you would just like to try something new. It is gripping and includes several perspectives of the wars going on in Scandinavia. Would strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of the TV series Vikings. It is mostly classified as a book aimed at women, and I believe that my grandma found it more enjoyable than my grandpa. Great historical fantasy.

Plot Summary:

In Estrid, the latest instalment in loved Saga about Valhalla, the love story between the Viking Age's most legendary queen and king: Sigrid Storråda and Svend Tveskägg, continues. Follow us to the Viking Age of the 900's when Scandinavia was born from legendary kings' battles, and Valhalla's gods still stand strong against the Christians. Two children can save the world from falling into war and chaos but the battle for their lives and souls are hard, and only with the forces' help can they survive.
- translated from Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.