Need to Read in 2014: Fantasy

Despite the fact that I never like to set aside books that I have to read, each year I have a few books that I definitely want to get to. So I decided to start a series of it (that may be turned into a video series as well). I've decided to show books based on their genre, and we're starting with my all time favorite; Fantasy!!

You can click on the cover of the book to be directed to the Goodreads page to see what it's all about 

 1) The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I have heard nothing but good things about The Kingkiller Chronicle, and I would really like to read the first two books before the third comes out.










2) Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
I'm always looking for Fantasy standalones, and this one sounds perfect. Plus, it's Brandon Sanderson, and I want to read everything this man has ever written.

3) The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
DRAGONS! Need I say more?












4) The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
I want to read this for pretty much the same reasons as Elantris except for the fact that this is not a standalone. But oh boy am I ready to jump on this 10 book series at the beginning!











5)  The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
I'm going to be honest, I don't know much about this trilogy. But the premise for the fist book sounds so intriguing, and I love a Fantasy book with an awesome female protagonist. (Plus, the covers are gorgeous!!) 










6)  Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
This really seems like a breath of fresh air to me, since so much Fantasy has a sort of European feel to it, and this debut novel apparently has a "Middle-Eastern" sort of setting, so GIMME!












7) Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
This sounds like an amazing start to an epic Fantasy series (apparently the the writing and story are reminiscent on Rothfuss and Sanderson's works)











8) Elvenblood by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
The first sequel on this list, and for good reason. It's been years since I've read The Elvenbane, but I loved it so so much, the world was just so lovely to be in, so I need to pick up the sequel.











9) Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock
 This sounds so wonderful I want to cry













10) Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
The only YA on this list, but holy moly I am so ready for this book. This is the third book in the Throne of Glass series and to be honest, this is one of the very few good YA fantasy series. The cover was released today and oh my is it beautiful. This is also the only book on this list that has not been released yet, so I'll have to wait till September.  

What I'm Currently Reading

I have never been a fan of making a "to be read" list for any given month, but I still like people to know what it is I'm reading, and what I may or may not decide to pick up next. 

So here I have gathered together the books that I am reading at the moment, as well as what i think of them so far, as well as a couple books that I have sitting on my bedside table that I would like to get to soon, however it is possible that I will change my mind and throw them back on the shelves. \

Who knows.

So here it goes; the list. 

Prophecy by Ellen Oh

I received this books in a giveaway from Epic Reads (they are a part of HarperTeen, in case you weren't aware) and considering I am a huge fan of Fantasy, I decided to pick this up right away.

It has been compared to Graceling by Kristin Cashore (and by compared I mean that people have been saying that the two are almost identical) which I recently read and disliked extraordinarily. However, I am really enjoying Prophecy, I am about half way through and already I feel that the plot and world building are much better than Graceling. The only comparison I can find is that the two main characters are a bit similar. They are both outcasts, killing for the kings, and have weirdly colored eyes. But the comparison stops there. Already in Prophecy I enjoy the character of Kira very much, and I do not find her at all obnoxious or bitchy. I look forward to seeing how the reast of the book turns out, and I think I will be picking up the next book in the series as well.

Sidenote: I think that it also works for Prophecy that it is the first book in a trilogy, it gives everything a little more time to develop and I enjoy it very much, it is very cool to see something so heavily based in Fantasy and Korean history.

This is why I think that maybe Graceling fell short for me, it may be the first in a series yet the other two books are companion novels, so Katsa's story is short and not very well developed, especially being a Fantasy novel.

Nocturnes by John Connolly

This is one I have been reading for a while (which is understandable, considering it is a collection of short stories).  I originally purchased it because I enjoyed his other work, The Book of Lost Things, and I was expecting something a little similar, if not a fairy-tale retelling, then at least something fantastical. But this book is scaring the crap out of me. Don't get me wrong, I love it so far, but I can only read a little at a time, and never before bed.
So needless to say, it's going to take me a little while to get through it.

Books I may or may not pick up soon...

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

I think it's about time that I start the Discworld series.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I want to read this for three reasons~

1) I have heard many good things about it

2) It has been sitting on my shelf for some time

3) I only just found out that he is married to Tahereh Mafi so....I need to support this amazing couple. 

 

Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Goodreads Synopsis:
I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die

Review

I should start by saying that I have never been a huge fan of Oz, including both the original works as well as those inspired by them, the only exception being Wicked by Gregory Maguire. However, Danielle Paige was able to achieve something that I didn't feel was possible, she made it feel fresh and new, she made it her own.

Somehow, Oz felt different in this book. Yes, it was dark and gruesome and ruled by a tyrant in a blue gingham dress, but somehow that wasn't the only difference. It felt fantastical and new, yet still felt like it had deep roots and history. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but the world building was subtle, yet incredible.

The characters were not the greatest, however, since this is the first in a trilogy I expect many of the characters to undergo some extreme character development, and then I'm sure they will all be well-rounded individuals. (Also, may I just say, I was so worried there was going to be a horrible love triangle in this book, but that was luckily cleared up in the last few pages. Phew!)

The plot is just superb. I am so glad that I read the prequel novella, No Place like Oz, because it showed how Dorothy came to be back in Oz and how she became so corrupted. So going into this novel, I felt like I had a good understanding of the extremity of things.

Also, it is such a breath of fresh air to see the reversal of roles between witches, with good vs. wicked being flip-flopped. I am so very excited to see Amy take down this good witch from Kansas, as well as her bubbly witchy friend.

All in all it is a wonderful start to a series and I can't wait to read the rest.

5/5 stars *****

Discussion: Fantasy Sub-Genres

Genre Exploration: My Top 10 Fantasy Films

What? Something that isn't book related?! 

I know, I'm a little devastated myself. However, I have decided to start a sort of "Genre Exploration" series where I discuss my favorite films, books, and other fun stuff having to do with that genre. Today, we are starting with my all time favorite genre: Fantasy.

(Note: All of these are "live-action" (some puppets may be involved, but there are no animated films, those will be in a whole different list) 

10. Willow

This is a Fantasy film that I don't hear about very often, but it is definitely a must-see for any fan of Fantasy. Warwick Davis has been in many Fantasy films, but I believe this is his best. It's heartwarming and remarkable, and I think that it's one of the best under-known Fantasy films.

9. Labyrinth

Jim Henson films are amazing as is. Now add David Bowie, musical numbers, and an awesome universe that I think all of us Fantasy buffs would love to visit. When I first watched this film I felt very similar to Sarah's character (without the shininess and angst). She envelops herself in her own fantasy universe, just as I remember doing (even acting out scenes in my backyard). This film is wonderful and fun. I might even remind many of us how we were as young fantasy lovers.

8. The Neverending Story

I couldn't really have a Fantasy films list without this movie, it was so important to me as a child and truly shaped my love for fantasy. This film is heartbreaking at times, yet beautiful. I absolutely adore Falkor and the Night Hob (let's also not forget the adorable racing snail). This film has all the best parts of Fantasy, as well as a very good depiction of escapism in literature. One of my favorite films of all time. (The book is very good as well).

7. The Dark Crystal

Another fantastic Jim Henson film that has such cool creatures and an amazing world. It's a very cool hero story and the puppetry is quite remarkable (though of course, I couldn't expect any less from Jim Henson). This is just a truly beautiful film and I think everyone should watch it, even if you might think you don't like Fantasy.

6. The Princess Bride

I don't think I need to explain this one. Watch it, read the book, fall in love.

5. Merlin

This is the greatest film about Merlin, that's all I have to say.

4. The Lord of the Rings (yes, all three of them)

I may be disappointed with what Peter Jackson is doing with The Hobbit, but he did so many things right with The Lord of the Rings trilogy that I just can't hate him. I wonderful adaptation of my favorite book series of all time.

3. Practical Magic

A film about amazing, well portrayed women with magic, humor, and a few songs by Stevie Nicks?! Fucking sign me up, this film is perfection. A great film to watch around Halloween, or really any other time. It's a huge comfort movie of mine and no film will ever make me feel as magical as this one.

2. Stardust

This film completely changed my definition of the word "fantastic," and now it almost feels that nothing can compare. This is a beautiful film that portrays love, life, and adventure so well. The characters grow and change, and there are so many connections, as well as simplistic, yet thorough, world building. It is a mesmerizing film that has some funny moments, yet is also intense and heartwarming. (Side note: watching this film with my fiance is one of my happiest memories)

1. The 10th Kingdom

Technically this is a mini-series and not a movie, however I still consider it to be one, it just happens to be a 7 hour long film! The 10th Kingdom is so much a part of my being that it is not only my favorite fantasy film, but my favorite film of all time. I first watched it when I was around8 or 9, and I fell in love with everything; the characters, the setting, the music, the magic of it all. This film became a friend to me, whenever I needed comfort I would pop in the VHS tape and go on an adventure through the 9 kingdoms with Virginia, Tony, Wolf and Prince Wendell. Now, I might love this film so greatly because is is so embedded in my youth, but I think that anyone  who adores Fantasy and Fairy Tales would love it just as greatly as I do. Trust me, it's worth the 7 hours of your life.

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight - she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace - or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...

I expected so much out of Graceling, it was incredibly hyped up and had been noted as a fantastic YA Fantasy novel. 

I was thoroughly disappointed. 

In my opinion the strongest feature to a Fantasy novel (especially if it is the first in a series) is the world building, it is the foundation of the novel and without it, everything will crumble. Sadly, Graceling had very little world building, and the little that there was happened to be very jumbled, convoluted, and thrown in the reader's face at an alarming rate. Such a terrible way to start off the book.

I had hoped that since the world was lacking, that the characters would be strong and well developed. However, Katsa, our main character, was incredibly two-dimensional and so very unlikable. She didn't seem to develop at all throughout the novel, she was stubborn, rash, and so annoyingly immature. Her love interest, Po, is a little more likable and a tad more developed, but this isn't saying much. They're relationship has quite a few elements of "insta-love" and turns into a weird sexual relationship for reasons that honestly do not meld well with the time period. I am in no way bashing non-committal relationships or open relationships, however, in this fantasy universe it simply would not make sense for them to do the things they do and not get married (especially when Katsa's reasoning is so pathetic). 

The plot was barely existent, it would have made more sense to provide some information earlier in the novel to make it a little more intense, but so much of the beginning of the novel was just flat, ugh. The ending was no better, who ends a book like that?! There was barely anything to it.

1 star

Book Review: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

This was my first Brandon Sanderson novel, and holy cow! it most certainly will not be my last.

The Final Empire is an empire where ash falls constantly, the sun is blood red, the majority of the population is enslaved, and the whole world lives under the tyranny of an immortal man that they deem their God, the Lord Ruler.

This book was freaking phenomenal, one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while!
Let's talk about the characters, specifically our two main ones; Kelsier and Vin...

Kelsier is one of the best developed characters I have seen in a while, he is not the all out hero, he is flawed and vengeful, but he is good and kind. Although he didn't develop too much during the course of the novel, finding out about his back story and what lead him to the events of this book was extraordinary. He felt so human and real, and his relationship with all of the main cast of characters was usually very entertaining to read, he was a true antihero and I love that about him.

Vin is amazing as well, the way she changes in this novel felt very similar to the character development of Daenerys Targaryen in the ASOIAF series by George R. R. Martin. At the beginning she has been abused and beaten down, but she becomes so powerful and, for lack of a better term, such a badass.

As far as plot goes it felt fast paced and exciting (and certainly didn't read like a 600 page book), the magic was new and well thought out and everything flowed splendidly.

My only complaint is that there weren't enough female characters, I love a strong main female character, but Vin was really the only notable female, which is sad. I hope that more females will be introduced in the next few books, because the series is feeling a little testosterone driven right now, which I'm not a fan of.

5/5 stars!