Another General Update

I’m sorry I’ve left this place a little lonely lately. With school, rehearsals, NaNoWriMo, and my new job, I’ve just had a hard time making time to read. Also, I just can’t seem to stay interested in anything for very long.

So, now that some things have calmed down, I’m trying to organize things. I promise, I will get a new layout for this blog soon. Blogger updated and changed things without my noticing. I plan on trying to read more, because I know my brain needs it; my wit was a lot quicker when I read more often.

Besides, I have been getting some great books from Quirk, and some great works from other writers, that I can’t wait to delve into, and share with you all. I’ve recently started a Christmas book with my book club, and I’m about to start another Quick book tonight. As for all the other books I’m in the middle of, I will finish them, never fear! I have a gift for picking up a book after months, even years, and jumping right back into the middle without trouble.

I’ll go ahead and wrap up this post for tonight; I’d rather be reading, anyway.

100 Ghosts, by Doogie Horner

When Quirk offered me a chance to review this book, my inner macabre child jumped for joy. This book is pretty simple, and what you see is what you get. 100 adorable drawings of ghosties. You'll definitely be able to pick out the one that haunts your house. It's a great coffee table book, very good for starting up conversations.

There is the slight matter of the $10 price tag, which, at first, I thought was a little unreasonable. But when you look at the quality of the book, you'll understand why it's there, and why it's so worth it. Instead of an abundance of book glue, the pages are actually attached with string. The paper and ink quality are superb, which is really a necessity for a book like this. No matter how much time you spend flipping through it, the ink doesn't bleed onto your fingers.

I'd recommend this book for all lovers of adorable ghosties. You really need this book, especially if your inner macabre child is anything like mine.

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

Just moments ago, I finished reading the Last Wish, which some of you may know is the basis for the Witcher video games series. I haven’t finished playing the games yet, but I love the world, which is what made me want to experience it the way the author originally intended. I read the book as something separate from the video games, because it really is, and this review will reflect that.

To begin with, my favorite part of the stories in the book is the subtle allusion to well-known fairy tales, like Snow White. They are what really gives the book a feeling of dark fantasy, a twisted, dark version of what could be an innocent world.

The writing itself is amazing. It is well paced and engaging, with no useless dialogue or exposition. The format of the book is something I might not enjoy in other circumstances. The Last Wish is a collection of short stories, all tied together with a main story that links them together. This is probably the best use of the format I could read, as it really works as an introduction to the characters and the world, revealing pieces of Geralt’s past in bits, but without it coming across as choppy.

I recommend this book for fans of fantasy, and fans of the games. You’ll respect the game even more; I know I do. Even if you don’t give a toss about the games, this book still contains a darkly beautiful world that you’ll enjoy falling into.

I’m off to play a bit of the first Witcher game now, so I can judge its flaws and successes fairly. Have a nice holiday everyone!

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

First off, how could you not expect an awesome book by a person named Ransom Riggs? That’s a pretty cool name.

Quirk was amazing to send me a copy of the paperback to review here on Rather Be Reading, and I couldn’t wait to start it.

I hadn’t realized, for some reason, before I started the book, that it was classified as a YA novel. I haven’t been reading a lot of YA lately, and I was a little concerned that this wouldn’t be the mature, mysterious novel I was looking for for. Luckily, my concerns were completely unfounded! This was a very atmospheric, engaging story of a hidden world, and the amazing people who inhabit it.

There was plenty of darkness in this story, with the super creepy hollowgast and the brutal deaths they cause. However, the beautiful photographs and the peculiar children with their peculiar talents lend the story a certain whimsy, the kind that goes hand in hand with darkness. Which is something I enjoy in a story. and in the midst of all the danger and beauty, there is a story of self-discovery, the kind that makes you think, and makes you feel for the protagonist, without it being overdone.

the best thing about this book is the way it uses pacing. There is some very exciting stuff toward the beginning, and then the story slows down a little, as we learn about the world and the peculiars. In stead of being a blank, boring space in the story, however, as it might be in some, it’s a part of the story that is filled with meaning. Whereas some reviews might tell you that the story tapers off at this point, listen to me when I tell you that that’s it’s only just beginning. While not filled to the brim with dark atmosphere or chilling encounters, it is, quite possibly, the most important part of the story.

I really enjoyed Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I’m looking forward to its sequel, Hollow City, due out next year.

Keep reading, fellow bibliophiles!

Friday Night Update!

just thought I’d give you all a quick update on what’s been happening lately. I know it’s been a while since I posted, but I want to assure you that I have indeed been reading! Just a bit slowly, in between homework, and alternating books. But I will definitely have a review for you some time next week! I’ve almost finished the most recent book that Quirk sent me to review, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

And I also promise that I do indeed have some books to give away, and I want to hold a contest as soon as possible!

I’m a readaholic (again)

So… I know I just started Game of Thrones, and I’ve hardly even spoken about that on here. But look what finally arrived today!

I’m playing The Witcher game right now, and I find the world very interesting. I’ve been itching to see the story portrayed in its original form. I understand it’s going to be quite different, but that’s a good thing!

I know what you’re thinking. “You’re starting another book? What is wrong with you?”

Well, this is actually a good thing! In past times, I was in the middle of usually 20-30 books at a time – no joke! This included several books for pure enjoyment, books for school, classics, young adult, epic fantasy. It feels a little like I’m getting back to being me. Because of the change of my reading habits, unless I have a proper review to do, I’ll update every Friday night with what I’ve been up to during the week. This included by book club book (more on that later), Game of Thrones, The Last Wish, and even my textbook for this semester.

Happy reading, everyone!

(Winter still isn’t coming, by the way.)

I guess every fantasy fan has to do it…

Since it’s been a while, I’m just stopping by to give a quick update.

Well, I finally did. I started Game of Thrones. (I have never seen any of the TV show yet.) According to GoodReads, I’m 14% into it. I’m really enjoying it, more than I thought I would, to be honest. Reading it kind of reminds me of when I first started Wizard’s First Rule, and it’s really nice to have that feeling back.

No, I have not given up on Banewreaker, but it just isn’t what I need in a book right now. I’ll try to get back into it soon. I’m starting to really get back into reading, a bit of stuff is piling up on my plate.

And just to let you all know, I do plan on having a contest. I’m not sure when, but if things work out right, I know what it will coincide with. So stay tuned!

Winter is (not) coming.

BioShock [Game Review]

Last night I finished BioShock. It’s the first FPS I’ve played in a while,  and it really pulled me in. I’ve been recommending it to friends who have yet to play it, and I’m happy to add it to my list of favorite games.

I’ll have to admit, I was a little disappointed in the ending. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say a little about how the final moment of BioShock let me down.

I am new to the franchise, and I got the first two games as part of a bundle after Christmas. With all the advertising for BioShock Infinite slapping me in the face everywhere I look, I decided it was time to give my own copy of the first game a spin. I loved the game, I still do, it’s really great. The problem lies in the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ endings, and how the game decides you get which one. I spent the vast majority of the game making the ‘good’ decision (I won’t go into detail here, even though it isn’t spoilery, just in case.) However, because I didn’t understand what I was doing, and a wrong button press, I did make the ‘bad’ choice twice, I think. Apparently that was all it took.

Even if I had gotten the desired ‘good’ ending (the bad one made me feel like a schmuck, even though I really didn’t do anything), something about the ending was lacking. After fighting my way through the game and winning the boss battle, I think the ending was a little rushed, and perhaps without as much emotion as it could have had. I don’t feel like things were really resolved.

There is a sequel, of course, which I have downloading to my computer as I type this. I don’t know anything about it, really. So maybe more will be revealed then. Perhaps what I feel is lacking in resolution in the first game will be addressed in BioShock 2.

Despite the not so fabulous ending, BioShock is a really fun game, a great FPS, and it has some deep emotional moments. When your eyes get tired from all that reading, take a break and play it. It’s so worth it.

The Resurrectionist, by E. B. Hudspeth

The wonderful people at Quirk sent me a copy of the gorgeous book to read and review, so let’s not waste any time!

Just like the information on the book says, it’s really two books in one. The first half of the book is a biography of fictional scientist Spencer Black. (He has a brother named Bernard Black, and all I can think of is the BBC comedy Black Books.) The biographical information is presented so well that sometimes I had to remind myself that I was reading about a fictional person.

In full disclosure, I have to say that I was a little disappointed by some of the story’s progression. Without spoiling anything, I can say that things lean persistently to the scientific angle, and less of a fantasy angle. This is not bad, just not what I was expecting.

The second half of the book, Spencer Black’s Codex Extinct Animalia, is really the selling point of the book. The illustrations are amazingly beautiful, and look just like anatomical illustrations. They look as though they could be plastered around a doctor’s office, right at home with a drug label on them.

But what is possibly the best part about the illustrations is that their realism can be seen as a resource. Artists and authors could find them very useful in giving their art and stories a little more practicality. It is from this that Hudspeth’s books gets its real beauty. After finishing the book, I feel as though my knowledge has been expanded, and what I read really matters.

The only real problem I had with the book was some lack of detail in the biography. I feel as though some aspects weren’t explored as well as they could have been. Hudspeth has a neat trick for leaving out some of the details – he chalks it up to lack of historical evidence. It works well for the story, but it still leaves me feel as though there’s more to know. it could even be on purpose. I would definitely buy a sequel, were one to be written.

The bottom line is this: The Resurrectionist is a beautiful book with an engaging storyline and in depth, realistic illustrations. All lovers of books, fantasy, and mythological creatures, need this on their shelves. I’m very proud to give it a home in my collection.

Banewreaker by Jaqueline Carey–Chapter One

In this chapter we are introduced to the people who, I assume, are going to be the major players in the story: Tanaros, Cerelinde, Aracus, and Lilias, who just might be my favorite. I won’t go into details about all of them, but they’re quite an interesting little group.

I am already loving the characters. They feel very real, and I can’t wait to get to know them better and watch their adventures. So far I know a bit more about Tanaros than anyone. His backstory is revealed to us more gradually, giving it more weight to the story. Lilias’s backstory is given in a more straight forward manner, which I like because it means we aren’t given any superfluous information so early in the book.

Anyway, that’s enough about chapter one. I’ll see if I can read at least one more chapter tonight.

(P.S. – These updates will be getting shorter as I get further into the book. As always, they will remain spoiler free, so don’t worry! And yes, I will be doing a comprehensive final review when I finish the book.)

Banewreaker by Jaqueline Cary–Prologue

I’m not one hundred percent sure how much immediate impact the prologue is going to have on the story, but it was really interesting. It explains the creation of the world, and the Gods. It was a lot like reading a story of Greek Mythology, and it really gave me a deeper understanding of the world.

All in all, so far a good read. Looking forward to reading more.

And in case you’re wondering – yes, that is a Magic: The Gathering Card. There was no bookmark close enough, but I’d just opened a pack of Gatecrash cards I got a birthday present. The token was a red/white, so I used the land instead.

Go geek!

A bunch of updates in one post!

As it’s Monday, that means it’s time for update the eager masses on what I’ve been up to over the weekend. I played Guild Wars 2 far more than was good for me, and I got very little writing or reading done. But that’s what weekends are for, right?

I’m actually a bit behind on the updates regarding my starting and finishing and buying of books, so here is all it to catch you up.

We took my grandma to a new Dollar General that opened up nearby, and I found three books that I just couldn’t resist. That’s them in the top row. As for the second row, February 28th was my birthday, and I got two books as gifts. On the left is a book a friend got me, knowing how much I love Steampunk. The one on the right is from my parents, which I actually picked myself from Dollar Tree.

(The Cover fell off. It’s not my fault, I swear.)

I finished the Hobbit. I am unhappy. Watching the last film is going to kill me. [Of course I’m not going to spoil it, although it was actually spoiled for me, even though the book has been out for decades.] [And thanks to my friends for not confirming the spoiler, and letting me live in hope. It hurt less.]

So with the Hobbit complete, I needed to choose a new book to start. I didn’t feel like jumping straight into Fellowship of the ring, which has a little bit to do with that fact that my copy is OLD and it smells kind of weird. There was a particular book I had in mind, so I just went with it.

You might recognize it from that photo above. Banewreaker by Jaqueline Carey. Have you ever looked a book and just known that you had to read it? It’s kind of like that for me and this book. the cover is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to find out which scene in the book it depicts. I read the prologue before I went to sleep that night, and my thoughts on that will come in my next post [I don’t want to put everything in the same post, after all].

In the meantime, I should wrap up this post because I should really do some editing, and then I’ll get snuggle under my blankets with Banwreaker, so I’ll have even more to tell you about!

Happy Reading!

Tea Review: Celestial Seasonings Safari Spice

I am one of those people who believe that nothing goes better with a book than tea.  So I decided that a tea review would be right at home here among the books reviews. We are big tea drinkers in this house, and the other day I tried something new. I like red and rooibos tea, and I like spicy teas, like Chai. (I’ll drink almost any chai.)

This tea had been sitting in the cupboard for a while when I found it, and when I was looking at the ingredients list, I saw something that gave me pause: sweet piquante peppers. Hmmm…..

I was wrong actually. It turned out to be quite good, and the peppers do not give it the flavor I would have thought. There is an underlying sweetness to the tea, and it certainly has a unique flavor I can’t really describe. I do recommend it for lovers of tea, especially spicy ones like Chai. (Almost all the spices in Chai are also in this tea.) Don’t let the peppers scare you like they did me! It’s probably not what you think.

I bought some books the other day…

I forgot to post this picture. The other day I was out running errands with mom and we stopped by Dollar General and the Dollar Tree. I guess I went a little crazy, but with discount books, you can’t take a chance; when they’re done, they are gone.

Most of the books are just random grabs that looked interesting. I thought I’d go ahead and grab that copy of the Two Towers, because my copies of the Lord of Rings belong to my dad, and they are old. The cover has already fallen off of the Hobbit, and it’s never been read until now. So I thought having a back up would be a good idea. I already the first book in the Fisherman’s Children series, and the Reluctant Mage is book two, and for a dollar I just couldn’t pass it up. I also have a thing for mages, anyone who knows me could tell you that, so I had to have it. I also remember putting the Red Necklace on my to-read shelf a long time ago, and now I finally have a copy.

 

In addition to the pretty picture of my awesome deals, the post comes with a general update. I know I said I would be trying to read and update this blog more, and so far, I’ve only done a little. I am going to try again to change up my schedule and read during the week. I am going to clean this place so it will be nice and shiny, for my next big review. The great folks at Quirk have offered me a book to review, and, being me, I screamed yes as soon as I read the e-mail. It sounds like a really cool book, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you all.

A Dark Sacrifice by Madeline Howard

One of the first books I'd like to review now that I've returned is one of those discount adventures I talked of previously. A Dark Sacrifice by Madeline Howard, book two of the Rune of Unmaking series, was a lot more than I expected.

I ended up with two copies of this book, one as a Christmas gift, and another copy I picked up myself from the Dollar Tree. I decided to make one copy my Car Book, and keep the other copy in the house so I could read it when I wasn't out of the house. (For those of you who don't know, I have issues with germs, so brining the book into the house is more trouble than it's worth, because I have to clean it, and then keep it wrapped in a towel while I read. It's a nightmare.) I don't usually keep two copies of books, but since I had them, I did just that. It turned out to be a very good thing.

Despite being the second book in the series, I was able to jump right into the story without much trouble. Howard delivers an introduction that greatly details the events of the first book, so much so, that I felt I had been there.

I really didn't have any trouble following the storyline. the story was connected to it, but it was also its own story, so it was easy to enjoy on its own. I fell in love with all the characters, and I was so captivated, that I couldn't wait until the next car ride to read some more. hence why i was so happy for the second copy. i just flipped to the right page and continued on.

it has been a while since I finished the book, but i can still remember how much i relished every word once i got started. I am even contemplating going back to read the first one. I am anxiously awaiting the third. This one left off with a major cliff hanger, and I am still waiting for my ship to come into port. The third one still hasn't been published, and I haven't seen any news in a while, but the first three chapters were posted to Teresa Edgerton's forum. (Madeline Howard is her pen name.)

The world of the Rune of Unmaking is one I will gladly lose myself in again. in fact, i can't wait to do just that. It had some very unique aspects, without falling victim to 'overdevelopment'. (I'll dedicate a blog post to that one day.) This is a series any fans of epic fantasy should not miss. It wasn't just a book I read. it stirred my emotions, and even helped inspire the tone of one of my stories. I can't wait to see what to see what happens next. And when I know more, I'll post about it here.

Rather Be Reading Returns!

I've been thinking a lot lately, and I've come to the conclusion that I really kind of miss writing for this blog. Like many of my endeavors, I don't want it to die, so I'm going to try to start it up again. Rather Be Reading is returning, but it not going to be quite the same.

First off, I don't have time to finish books as quickly as I used to. So I won't simply be updating this blog with book reviews. If I did that, I would hardly ever update. Therefore, instead of simply a book review blog, this will be more of a discussion blog. I will update as often as I can with an update on what I'm reading, how I feel about what's happening in the story right now, and things like that. As always, I will be keeping things spoiler free. (Spoilers are my archenemy.)

I am also not sure that I can keep this blog centered to just anymore. Occasionally, I do like to do other things than read. The most I will probably be including however, will be thoughts on movies I watch (especially the foreign films I love so much), and other random bits of things that belong in the Fantasy genre.

I am taking a short online fantasy and science fiction literature course, and the first assignment involve tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. I manage to read a few every night, and I will probably update this blog with some thoughts on the tales that I read the night before. That will probably be the bulk of the first few updates. When my course moves on from Grimm, than I will move on writing about the next subject, and so on and so forth. I may even post the short essays (less than 500 words) I'm writing for the class.

Of course, there have been some slight changes to what I've been reading these days. While fantasy is still my home genre, I have not been picking up as much Young Adult as I used to. Lately my tastes have been turned to more mature epic fantasies, like the Sword of the Truth (which is my favorite) and the Lord of the Rings (I've just started reading the Hobbit).

Epic fantasy series are very easy to come by, and since I frequent discount stores, like Dollar Tree and Dollar General, I find quite a few at a very affordable price. A lot of these books are lesser known, but just as deserving as praise as the most prominent of fantasy series (which is, of course, the way I like my fiction). As I've collected quite a few volumes that I have yet to read, and the number keeps growing because you have to grab the discounts before they're gone, you'll likely see a lot of content on these stories. In fact, before long, it will probably the main source of content on this blog. That, along with whatever random free books I can grab for the kindle.

So, I hope that you'll continue the ride along with me on this blog. Despite how drastic the changes may appear at first, you're still going to receive the same updates from Rather Be Reading: honest opinions that should help you decide if a book is right for you.

So, though I would Rather Be Reading, I'm off to do some homework. And remember everyone: Read Responsibly!