by Richelle Mead
ISBN: 9781595141743
Published: 2007
www.richellemead.com
I knew nothing about this series when I picked up Vampire Academy and admit I only bought it because I’m fascinated with the popularity of these beasties.
What is it about vampires that makes them so irresistible. I guess it has something to do with the intimacy of the attack. The victims never seem to be flailing in pain or screaming. They are seduced by said beastie and willingly present their necks to be drained of their precious liqueur.
Richelle Mead’s vampires possess all the necessary traits to make them irresistible. She also provides us with two different types of vampire. The Moroi are peaceful, don’t kill and are, unusually, alive. The Strigoi are the dark to the Moroi’s light, they take pleasure in killing and are actually dead. The Strigoi are Moroi gone bad.
A Moroi becomes Strigoi if they drink till they bring on the death of their victim or feeder. The Strigoi are much stronger than Moroi and are a great threat to them. Moroi blood sustains the Strigoi better than any other but the Moroi can also be made into Strigoi forcibly. Given this threat, the Moroi have guardians to help keep them safe. The guardians are called Dhampir and are offspring of Moroi + Humans or Moroi + Dhampir or Dhampir + Human (confused?). They are not vampires but possess heightened senses and strength. Both Moroi and Dhampir are schooled at academies and this is where Richelle Mead bases her story.
Rose Hathaway is Dhampir and guardian to her best friend Lissa Dragomir. Lissa is a Moroi princess and the last of her family. 2 years ago the girls had to flee St Vladimir’s Academy as it was no longer safe there for Lissa. It seems Strigoi are not the only danger to Lissa. Not knowing who to trust, they asked no-one for help, kept moving and evaded capture – until now. They are returned to the Academy to finish their schooling under strict supervision. The blame falls on Rose for Lissa’s kidnapping, she is put on probation, given extra training and confined when not training.
Lissa is still in danger and Rose still doesn’t know from where or from whom. Not being close to Lissa is a problem but her and Rose share an unusual and secret bond that allows Rose to monitor what Lissa is feeling. There is one danger Rose is certain off and that is the danger of Lissa to herself.
Rose has to somehow, keep Lissa safe, complete her training so she will be officially given guardianship of Lissa after graduation, repair her reputation and not fall in love with her instructor.
I enjoyed this book despite being very irritated by the main character Rose. The characters are teenagers but the angst, tantrums and drama was a bit much for me. I’m aware they have an excuse as their brain lobes are disconnecting from each other at that age but the adult characters were far too forgiving. Maybe I’m being too harsh – I’m so happy to be a grown up that it’s not easy being back in a teenage world. Vampire Academy wasn’t as exciting as I hoped for but still entertaining. I can’t say I loved the book but I must have like it because I picked up the next one straight away and am happy to read the whole series. If you are into vampire fantasy then I’m sure you will like it too.
By Patrick Suskind
ISBN-13: 9780140120837
ISBN-10: 0140120831
First Published: 1989
I can’t believe I’m using the word ‘delight’ to describe a book about a murderer but I have to. Patrick Suskind has written a really unusual book and takes us on a journey that is full of … well… smells.
Perfume is based in 18th century France and focuses on Jean-Baptiste Grenouille’s education in the alchemy of perfume making. He is a very unique character and is distinctly set apart from the society which worships the magic of perfume. Grenouille is blessed or cursed with an extraordinary sense of smell and his obsession with obtaining the most powerful scent in existence, costs him his sanity and morality. Nothing is more important than the ‘scent’ and he will do anything to obtain it including murder.
I found myself so immersed in this character that I easily accepted his behaviour as reasonable. The magic of perfume making is so engaging or intoxicating that I hardly remember there was murder. I loved this book so much and would recommend it to anyone for the unique experience is offers but it possibly requires a strong stomach.
by Geraldine Brooks
ISBN-10: 0142001430
ISBN-13: 978-0142001431
I have listed this book on more top 100 book lists than I can remember.
Geraldine Brooks swept me away to 17th century England with her fictional drama inspired by the true events of 1665 in the village of Eyam in Derbyshire. Eyam took the revolutionary step of quarantining itself when the black plague arrived in the village.
The story follows the struggles of Anna Frith during that year of isolation. She endured the deaths of her family, the decent of her community into hysteria and the temptation of a forbidden relationship.
I love a book that stimulates thought and a desire to research a subject further. The village of Eyam has since been referred to as ‘The Plague Village’ and from those events of 1665 has secured itself a unique position in current society. Many of the descendants of the survivors of that time have now a gene Delta 32 that protects them from the plague and although research is still ongoing, it appears may also have an immunity to HIV/AIDS.
Geraldine Brooks’s story is penetrating and after closing the book I let out an audible ‘Wow’.
by Amanda Grange
ISBN: 9780709086161
Published: 2008
www.amandagrange.com
Another treasure from Amanda Grange. I am well on my way to a new author crush. I love these books about the Austen men. Jane Austen never gave us any scenes that involved just men. She had never observed men without the influence of women in the room, so therefore didn’t write about them. I’m so glad Amanda Grange did.
This diary spans a time of 20 years unlike Darcy’s Diary which was just 2. Colonel James Brandon’s character, when entering Sense and Sensibility is obviously still very affected by his tragic past. This diary gives us some insight into that past and how the Colonel became the outstanding man that he is.
It outlines his troubled relationship with his family and the devotion to his first love. His first love Eliza, a ward to his father, is forced to marry Brandon’s brother, the heir of the Brandon estate. His brother is selfish, cruel and indulgent and while James is abroad, Eliza is cast out by his brother.
When he returns to England, he is now Colonel Brandon. He seeks out Eliza and finds her dying and with a child. The Colonel cares for Eliza in her last days and takes on little Eliza as his ward. He raises Eliza as best a single man can. She is as romantic and headstrong as her mother was and he indulges her too much. Eliza is allowed on a holiday with a school friend and her father to Bath. While in Bath she disappears. Brandon searches for her in vain and after several months is losing hope of recovering her.
During this time, he is introduced to a family, recently moved into Barton cottage, owned by his friend, Sir John Middleton and on his estate, Barton Park. Mrs Dashwood has lost her husband and the Dashwood estate was passed down to his son by his first marriage John Dashwood. John Dashwood offers no assistance to his stepmother and 3 stepsisters who are forced to accept the charity of their cousin, Sir Middleton.
From his first meeting Miss Marianne Dashwood, he is taken with her spirit and beauty. For the first time since Eliza, he has feelings for a woman again. Unfortunately, Miss Marianne does not believe in 2nd attachments and is also very much in love with a much younger man, the dashing John Willoughby.
Another beautiful book by Amanda Grange. It is wonderful to spend more time with the characters from Jane Austen’s books. So often, I have finished her books and wished I could spend more time with the people she wrote.
by Amanda Grange
ISBN: 0709078609
Published: 2005
www.amandagrange.com
I’m glad Amanda Grange has written quite a few Austen inspired novels because I’ve not had my fill of her!
Discovering more about Fitzwilliam Darcy through his diary entries gives the book a personal, intimate touch. We know so little about the Austen men because her books only involve them as they related to her female characters. Amanda Grange has done a wonderful job of presenting Darcy and I am just as in love with him as Elizabeth Bennet.
The diary spans a time of just under 2 years. Darcy is a single man of great fortune and is satisfied with his life. His valuable time is spent caring for his sister Georgiana, running his estate, Pemberley and maintaining suitable connections. When Darcy decides to surprise his sister by joining her at the seaside, he is horrified to discover that she was about to elope. Her seducer was someone he intimately knew and despised, George Wickham. Wickham was only after his sister’s fortune but had convinced her that they were in love. Darcy was lucky to have arrived in time to save his sister from ruin. After seeing Georgiana safe again, Darcy meets with his friend Charles Bingley to help him find a home to lease for himself.
Bingley’s choice is a grand home in Hertfordshire and settles at Netherfield. It is here that Bingley and Darcy meet the Bennet sisters. Despite her unfortunate connections Darcy finds himself drawn to the feisty Elizabeth Bennet, who it seems has been sent to test him.
From here Amanda Grange treats us to the familiar scenes from Pride and Prejudice but told from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view.
What a wonderful book is Darcy’s Diary. I enjoyed it so much I’ve added to my bedside table Colonel Brandon’s Diary, Edmund Bertram’s Diary and Mr Knightley’s Diary.
Thank you Amanda Grange.
by Syrie James
ISBN: 978-0-06-134142-7
Published: 2008
I am scrambling now to read a Jane Austen biography, to remind myself that this tale of her life is fictional. I wish so much that it were true. The content of her work feels so real to me, that I truly believe, some must have been actually witnessed by herself. Given my belief, I easily fell into this lovely FICTIONAL memoir of Jane Austen.
A chest, bricked into a manor house attic, is discovered during repair work. The contents of the chest, manuscripts and a ruby ring, prove to be fantastic as they are memoirs written by Jane Austen. Written in the last years of her life, they relate events involving herself and a gentleman she meets at Lyme, Mr Frederick Ashford.
The charming Mr Ashford inspires feelings and expectation in Jane that she had long since stopped hoping for. They meet only briefly and rarely but are both effected by the deepest of connections. Their acquaintance inspires Jane to pick up her pen again, not having written for 10years and she revisits her beloved novel Sense and Sensibility. Having always had to imagine the feelings of a woman in love, now she can write with authority on the subject and it brings truth to her characters.
I loved this book and after returning it to the library will be purchasing a copy for my Austen collection. Blending real facts with the imagined gives this book a feeling of truth and you will have to keep reminding yourself that it is a story only. If you don’t like the assumptions made by books narrated by true historical figures, then this isn’t for you. I felt very comfortable with the way Syrie James presented Jane and felt she was true to the woman who shared so much of herself through her books.
by Sally Smith O’Rourke
ISBN-13: 9780758210388
(Re-Print) Published: January 2009
First Published: April 2006
I was feeling pretty ordinary this week, so decided to self-medicate with a nice romance novel and to kill two birds with one stone, I chose a Jane Austen inspired book for the Everything Austen Challenge. I’m so glad I picked this book up from the library, it was like soaking in a warm bath and was just what I needed. Sally Smith O’Rourke has written a lovely, uncomplicated fantasy romance.
Eliza Knight is an artist from New York and is looking to add a standard lamp to her unit decor. Her shopping trip results, like so many good shopping trips do, with no lamp but her bringing home a beautiful 200 year old antique vanity for her bedroom. While inspecting some damage on the vanity, she moves the wood backing and two letters fall out.
One letter was sealed but the other was open and reads:
“May 12th 1810. Dearest Jane, the Captain has found me out. I am being forced to go into hiding immediately. But if I am able, I shall still be waiting at the same spot tonight. Then you will know everything you wish to know. F. Darcy.”
The unopened letter was addressed “Jane Austen – Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Chawton Great House.”
Could the letters be real? Was Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice a real man?
The letters are found to be authentic, so Eliza is now the owner of, not only two Jane Austen letters but also her bedroom vanity. Being the owner of these items is not enough for Eliza, she has to discover more about the real Fitzwilliam Darcy. Why is he a mystery? Why is there no mention of him in history? Were he and Jane Austen lovers? Why did Jane Austen’s family destroy so many of her personal letters after her death? Eliza determines to find answers to these questions and her life is forever changed by the attempt.
Let this book pamper you and take you on a lovely journey into Jane Austen’s time. The story moves along at a pleasant pace and I never felt the need to skip ahead. It is not a book that I would want to pick apart and look at the details too closely. I simply accepted the characters as presented and was comfortable with the way Jane and Darcy were depicted. The Man Who Loved Jane Austen is a peaceful book and was just the presciption I needed for my maladies.
by Keith Robinson
www.unearthlytales.com
ISBN: 13 978-1-4421-1441-8
Published: April 2009
I love young adult fiction and make no excuses for it. I eagerly awaited the arrival of my copy of Island of Fog but when it arrived I was suddenly nervous because I really wanted to like it. I tentatively stepped into the prologue, let out the breath I was holding and launched into the first chapter. Now my book has a distinct bend in the middle from being stuck under my arm while I tended to my life of the last 3 days. What a great adventure Keith Robinson took me on. In keeping with the tradition of young adult fiction, Island of Fog brings together a group of young people who have to solve a mystery in order to save themselves and those they love.
Twelve year old Hal and Robbie are best friends and live in a small community on a green lush island. The outside world is not known to them, their parents exiled themselves when the world was ravaged by a deadly virus. Despite being marooned, their island life, up till now, has been ideal but now in their teens they start to question their surroundings. They crave things they have only heard about, they crave adventure and something new, they crave the sun and the moon. The sun and moon are never seen on their island because the island is covered in a thick impenetrable fog. Hal, Robbie and the other teenagers on the island are getting restless. They are adolescents and like all adolescents are going through physical and mental changes. They are becoming adults, getting taller, stronger, and forming crushes. They are growing hair in strange places but is it normal to grow it on your fingers, is it normal to be itching all day, is it normal to have a green scaly rash or sharp fangs. Should they show their parents? Can they trust their parents, whose explanations don’t seem convincing anymore? Can they trust the strange outsider who arrives, unaffected by the virus and conveniently, at the same time as their physical changes? They know they aren’t being told the truth and set out to find it.
Island of Fog travels along at an enjoyable pace and the suspense has you hungry for each page turn. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and love that young adult fiction can take you off on a great adventure without you being muddied up by ‘adult themes’. Island of Fog ends but the story is certainly not wrapped up and I searched the last few blank pages with hope of finding an excerpt of the next book. So, Keith Robinson, thank you for Island of Fog and as I can feel a series coming on, I sit, eagerly awaiting book two.
by Nick Earls
www.nickearls.com
ISBN: 9781741666335
Published: 1/7/09
We all ‘think’ we know what we want but it often takes a wake up call to really ‘understand’ what is best for us.
Curtis Holland is an average guy who has had extraordinary luck come his way. He and his friend Derek Frisk had a band called Butterfish, which went from local to global. With that came all the rockstar trappings, travel, money, parties, celebrity and pressure. After their 3rd album fails they are dropped by their record label and the band dissolves. Derek stays in LA to keep up the rockstar image but with some relief , Curtis gladly leaves that life and plans to work on producing other musician’s work. So now he is back in Brisbane, has no band, his father died while he was on tour and so did his marriage. Moving into a suburban home with a studio in the back garden, disguised as a granny flat, Curtis takes a breath, opens a beer and adds up the cost of his absurd rockstar life.
When Annaliese Winter floats down his driveway looking for her dog, Curtis is rattled by his fascination with the complex 16 years old. As he gets to know the rest of her family, 14 year old brother Mark and their mother Kate, he find himself drawn to them and it seems his average street, in an average suburb is suddenly less ordinary. Curtis isn’t sure what he can contribute to the relationship developing with his new neighbours. He is still jet lagged from his rockstar life and the truth is that he hasn’t dealt with the loss of his father, his marriage or his band. Together with his brother Patrick, Curtis tries to reconnect with their father and by going through his belongings, they uncover much they didn’t know and much they’ll never know. A fast and furious visit from Derek drags up further regrets but also offers Curtis an alternate view of himself.
Curtis’ return to reality explores the relationship with the place we call home and the need for balance in life. Returning home stirs up history of our time before we left but also gives us a safe place to review where we’ve been. Rediscovering what is important in our lives sounds simple but the fact that you’ve lost sight of it means that havoc was wreaked and there is much cleaning up to be done.
I particularly liked Curtis’ journey to reconnect with his father. Exploring the idea that after we die we are reduced to a sum of our stuff and what we have chosen to share with others. It reinforces the lessen to be careful what you leave behind because you may leave an impression that you would be disappointed by. Perhaps we should all engage a trusted friend, who in the case of our demise, will remove those things we wouldn’t want our family to find.
It was also interesting seeing Curtis and Patrick trying to resettle themselves after losing their last parent. I heard someone mention once – and I wish I could remember who, so I could credit them – that we never truly grow up while we still have our parents. That we complete our development when we have to face a world without our parents in it. Despite the sadness of losing their father, I was heartened to see them both grow a little taller from the experience.
I really enjoyed ‘The True Story of Butterfish’ and its simple message about discovering what is important in our lives. Although I read it over a very busy week, I found myself heaving an audible sign of relief each time I was able to pick it up again.
Nick Earls has a knack for making average into extraordinary and he’s done it again with The True Story of Butterfish. It is full of Australian markers but with relief, is free of those Australian stereotypes and cliches that make me cringe, no shrimps on barbies or crocodile dundees to be seen.
Curtis’ experience with the illusion of celebrity life highlights that at home we are all the same. That before ‘they’ were celebrities they were average people just like us and that in reality they still are. He sets his story in an average house, in an average street, in an average suburb, which could translate to any suburb in the developed world. By so doing, he reaches out to all us average folk, sitting on our average couches, doing washing, cooking, cleaning or like me typing a review on my laptop with a 4 year old tucked up beside me giggling away at ‘The Little Rascals’ on DVD and makes our lives seem a lot less average and in fact, quite extraordinary.
Thank you Nick Earls for The True Story of Butterfish.
Posted on 3 August '09 by Michelle, under Reviews. No Comments.
by Jane Austen
First Published: 1813
Pride and Prejudice is one of my more ‘well read’ books. The dilapidated state of it is evidence of my love for it! A book falling apart is sad for the reader but must be wonderful for the author, don’t you think?
Jane Austen creates such wonderful, believable characters, you never feel a moment of unease. Without that distraction, you are free to immerse yourself in the storytelling.
Pride and Prejudice introduces us to the Bennett family of Longbourn, Hertfordshire and focuses mainly on Elizabeth Bennett, the 2nd eldest daughter. As she and her family maneuver through the politics of an oppressive society, we are entertained by the absurdities of ‘class’ and perception of respectability. The Bennett daughters are ‘out’ in society but none of them are married yet. Their mother’s primary goal is to rectify this situation, and her efforts are a source of great embarrassment to the eldest two daughters Jane and Elizabeth. Society changes dramatically for the girls when a single gentleman of great fortune moves into the shire manor, Netherfield. After meeting at a public dance, Mr Bingley is enchanted by Jane and his attentions are welcomed by her and her family. Mr Bingley brings with him into the country, his two sisters, brother in law and his closest friend Mr Darcy. First Impressions of Mr Darcy leave the Hertfordshire residents very unimpressed and he insults Elizabeth, wounding her pride. Mr Bingley’s arrival is also timed with the militia encamping in the shire, much to the ecstasy of the two youngest Bennett girls. Forming attachments with or correct opinions of those gentlemen that now surround them, proves to be difficult when complicated by meddling family, devious intentions, misunderstanding and of course, pride and prejudice.
The adventures of the Bennett daughters explore the deficiency of first impressions and the art of getting to know someone in a society where manners and etiquette make intimacy a challenge. In fact, the book was originally named First Impressions but was rejected for publication in 1797. Austen revised the text in 1812, renamed it Pride and Prejudice and had it accepted for publication in 1813.
In my opinion, Elizabeth is Austen’s best heroine and should be essential reading for any young woman. Austen heroines have faults but don’t compromise themselves to achieve everything their heart’s desire. Neither do they achieve their goals by thinking or acting like men. Despite the era , Elizabeth is a determined character. She has a strong sense of social justice and believes women are capable and entitled to free thought, love, family and occupation.
I am an avid Austen fan but I feel confident in recommending Pride and Prejudice to anyone with an interest in historical societal structures and human behaviour.
My name is Michelle and I've been an avid reader since I was a kid. With my head stuck in a 'Famous Five' book, I was never hindered by bed time thanks to my trusty torch. I live in Australia with my beautiful family. My tastes cover many genres but I do have a passion for Jane Austen and Austen inspired works. My site is full of these works and I hope my collection is of use to fellow lovers of Austen.
