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)

EVERLESS by SARA HOLLAND (2018)

Title: Everless
Author: Sara Holland
Series: Everless #1
Pages: 362
Published: Jan 2nd 2018
Publisher: Harper Teen

This book was a classic YA fantasy with an original idea set in a different fantasy universe. It is exactly what my brain craves sometimes. Personally for me, it wasn't the most exciting YA fantasy I've read. It is a bit slow, if not unexciting at parts but it's an easy read and plenty happens.

The book is written in first person but I love the amount of characters. There are enough side characters of each social status to give an understanding of how Everless is ruled. Jules lives with the servants, where she has friends, she has her family and a friend from home, she has the Gerlings, that she knew as a girl and the Queen and her daughter whom she serves. It gives a very well understanding of Everless as a whole, and it's wonderful. What else is great is that Jules moves around these ranks quite frequently and therefore we understand the places and what's generally going on the story. It's great.

What's more, is that, since the book is written from Jules's point of view we always know what she's thinking and are therefore often reminded of her childhood, her memories, her dreams. The world of Sempera and Everless is built up to the reader through Jules's thoughts. And theses are not repetitive or annoying since she starts questioning a lot of things that are going on with time.

The time aspect of this book is very interesting. How blood and time are linked and how they are used and contained. It is a very interesting concept and I give Sara Holland all the credit for thinking through her story.

Unfortunately I just wished there was more. The cogs only really started moving towards the end. Jules's journey felt like it stood still for quite a while, and when things finally started clicking into place we were almost at the end of the book and it felt almost rushed and I didn't get enough time to process everything that had been revealed. 

A very nice YA fantasy, but not quite the epic. Although the story had loads of potential and the character is likeable I had small issues with pacing.

Plot Summary:

In the land of Sempera, the rich control everything - even time. Ever since the time of alchemy and sorcery, hours, days and years have been extracted from blood and bound to iron coins. The rich live for centuries, the poor bleed themselves dry. 

Jules and her father are behind on their rent and low on hours. To stop him from draining himself to clear their debts, Jules takes a job at Everless, the grand estate of the cruel Gerling family. 

There, Jules encounters danger and temptation in the guise of the Gerling heir, Roan, who is soon to be married. But the web of secrets at Everless stretches beyond her desire, and the truths she must uncover will change her life forever... and possibly the future of time itself. 

My Rating:

7/10

Enjoyable, but not quite as exciting as I expected.

Other Books in this Series:

Everless (Everless #1)

Evermore (Everless #2)

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)

If you liked DIVERGENT...

Divergent was published in 2011 and got its film adaptation in 2014. There's no doubt that this book and its trilogy was amazing. I loved it as many other people. But despite its awesomeness  

Throne of Glass was published in 2012 and has not seen the screen but the series is not yet finished and if you had any interest in Divergent you should totally check out the Throne of Glass series.

Divergent features a group of young people who have to go through different tasks or auditions if you please. If they do not pass, they are thrown out. Although Throne of Glass is not a dystopian book, but a high fantasy, the book is focused on a competition to become the King's personal assassin. If they do not pass, or come last they are thrown out. This book is like a high fantasy version of Divergent, in relation to the layout and what drives the story forward, the competition.

However that's where the likeness stops. The Throne of Glass series has a bigger story. The Series has seven books with a much greater plot and subplots. 

If you are a fan of Divergent, or even The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and want to explore a new genre I suggest you check out Throne of Glass. It will gently introduce you to high fantasy with a theme that you feel comfortable with. 

For my review of Divergent you can check that out here. And if you want to find out more about Throne of Glass, head over here.

If you liked THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING...

Yep, I'm not mentioning The Queen of the Tearling but the second instalment in the Tearling because this is where a theme is introduced which is very to similar to... The Handmaid's Tale.

Spoilers ahead. If you've read The Invasion of the Tearling you know of the references to Lily and the time before the Crossing. These flashbacks fit into quite a dystopian theme. Personally I found it hard to get accustomed to this at first but very much enjoyed it further into the book. If you were a fan of this dystopian element to the book then I suggest you take a look at The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood that includes flashbacks to a time before the dystopian current setting of the book and the crossover to between the past and the present. 

I personally listened to audiobooks of both of these books and highly recommend the audiobook versions from Audible. If you are interested in my full review of The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen you can read it here. A review of The Handmaids Tale is coming soon.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by SARAH J. MAAS (2015)

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Pages: 416
Published: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I have been meaning to read this for quite some time and having read the Throne of Glass series I knew this was going to be an amazing reading experience, not to mention all the talk and art there is on social media. So without hesitating I bought all three books in the series and started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses over Easter.

And God, was it good? My first was: why does this get more attention than Throne of Glass? It's just as good, but it's not incredibly 'better'. I'm a huge Throne of Glass fan by the way, and I'm not too keen in pushing it off my favourite ten books of all time any time soon, you see. This does not in any way mean that this was worse. Don't get me wrong, it was phenomenal!

Feyre is an awesome female lead. I can't help but deeply dislike her family, but she is genuinely good. Badass, responsible, selfless, were just a few of her qualities. Hurt, anger, happiness, all the feelings were there and she was truly an empowering character to read about.

Personally, however, I wasn't a fan of Tamlin. I don't know if I was meant to like him or possibly dislike him, but he just didn't agree with me. He and Feyre didn't click. In fact I was a much bigger fan of Lucien. He played the true friend, torn between his loyalty to Tamlin and his building friendship with Feyre. He was the stereotypical annoying best friend that eventually grew on you. who's sarcasm added to banter in conversation and spiced up the plot.

Rhysand on the other hand I couldn't get enough of and he was not mentioned nearly enough. I can't wait to hear more about him in the next book.

The next book, which I can get to reading as soon as I finish reading a book about brains that Dad is forcing me to read (it's surprisingly good), I hope will bring us out of the Spring Court and allow Feyre explore more of Prythian and be more involved with the greater politics.

Plot Summary:

Feyre is a huntress.

She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price...

Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her closer. As Feyre's feelings from Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she'd been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows.

Feyre must find a way to break a spell, or loose her heart forever.

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in this Series:

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 (A Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

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)

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE by J.K. ROWLING (1997)

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneAuthor: J.K. RowlingSeries: Harry Potter #1Pages: 223Published: Jun 26th 1997Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Uhm. Favourite series. Favourite book in series. Don't know what else to say. I love the ghosts and the part with Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback and I think it's a shame that it's not included in the films. I absolutely love this book because although half of the book is not even taking place at Hogwarts that much half of the story is about how Harry gets to Hogwarts in the first place and I love that part. I also absolutely adore the friendship that builds up in this book. I don't think I have more to say. You know it all.

I read it first in Swedish when I was nine. We had the first three ones at home and when I picked it up I was like: WOW, what I challenge, this is gonna be solo cool!! I was so proud of myself when I finished the first page I had to call on my mum. Then I finished a whole chapter. I finished the book late at night a few weeks later (I don't know how long it took me). I have finished all of the books late at night. Just a coincident you know.

Plot Summary:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

My Rating:

10/10

Favourite Quote:

You're a wizard, Harry! - Hagrid

Other Books in the Series:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter novella)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Harry Potter novella)
Quidditch Throughout the Ages (Harry Potter Novella)

Other Books by J.K. Rowling:

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - The Original Screenplay
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald - The Original Screenplay
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1)
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeist (Pottermore Presents #2)
Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3)
J.K. Rowlings Wizarding World - The Dark Arts
Harry Potter: Magical Skies: Enchanted Scene with Transfers
Harry Potter: Night Journey
Harry Potter: Magical Tales about the Wizarding World
The Sorting Hat
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Magical Congress of the United States of America
The Casual Vacancy
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and Importance of Imagination
Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing up Female
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1) as Robert Galbraith
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) as Robert Galbraith
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) as Robert Galbraith
Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) as Robert Galbraith