Posted by liz on July 7, 2010
Two new graphic novels arrived today.
One by Christopher Yost, Pasqual Ferry and Frank D’Armata, is an adaptation of ENDER’S GAME by Orson Scott Card.
Ender has been sent to battle school by his parents. Fighting in real and simulated practice fights reveals his leadership potential when other students start to follow him and take lessons from him. He might even be ready to lead his own army in combat. Oh, and did I mention? Ender is six years old.
Runaways “Pride and Joy” by Brian K. Vaughan is about a group of six teens who eavesdrop on their parents’ annual fund-raising event when they discover that their parents aren’t actually the charitable people they pretend to be. In fact, they’re super villains with major secrets to hide. As it says on the cover, “Together, [the teens] run away from home and straight into the adventure of their lives – vowing to turn the tables on their evil legacy”.
Posted by liz on March 25, 2008
“‘Hello, there’ A crisp, light voice, not he matcher’s, came from the man’s lips. ‘I apologize that we weren’t able to meet earlier. I hope your journey here wasn’t too harrowing.’
‘It was delightful,’ Aly said with her best nice-girl smile. ‘All lovely and serene, like sleeping on lilies, only without the bees in my nose. You spoke to me in my dream.’
‘I did,’ the god said, averting his eyes in a falsely modest way. ‘You’ll get more. I don’t want you to get homesick.’
‘But that’s so thoughtful,’ Aly said innocently. ‘I’d thank you, but I just don’t have the words. Until I find some, you might tell me just who you are supposed to me. Won’t that be lovely?’
‘Dear, you’re being deliberately obtuse,’ the god inside the matcher teased. ‘You know a god when you see one. You may call me Kyprioth.”
The above is an except of the lovely book Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce.
This is one of those books that you don’t really know what to expect when you pick it up, but it’s definitely worth the time to read it. Why, you may ask, is this book so excellent? Well, let me tell you.
Some authors try to write books with female heroines in traditionally male roles, and they have them succeed though manipulation and wiles. Yes, Pierce’s Aly is manipulative and wily, (she’s a spy after all) but she’s also brave, smart, sarcastic, and believable. She has failings and lots of them, but she is able to admit them, and work around them to achieve her goal.
The cast of characters in this book are particularly interesting and diverse. From the trickster god, Kyprioth to the cook, Chenaol; from Nawat, the crow-man to Dove, Aly’s mistress, the characters that Aly interacts with in her daily life are never boring.
What I found particularly interesting was the setting of the novel. The world that the story takes place in is entirely fictional, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of deja-vu when reading about the Copper Isles. The culture is definitely inspired by those who live in and around India, and the way in which they are treated by the conquering whites is very similar to any other European domination of another society. You might find that aspect of the book interesting.
Whether you like fantasy or not, like mysteries or not, you might find this book very interesting.
Let me know!
Posted by liz on March 6, 2008
Imagine moving to your grandfather’s house for the summer – especially a grandfather you don’t know. That was Max’s lot in life one summer. But when he stepped off the bus, things changed. Everyone in town seems to hate him – and he’s not sure why. His grandfather is nice, but a bit strange. Why can’t Max visit the third floor? Why do people in town dislike him? And WHY are there pictures of Grandpa with dinosaurs??? What’s going on? Meet Max, elves, and his friend Cindy. (wait, did that just say elves??)
If you like Harry Potter & have been itching for something else to read, try this. It’ll keep you hooked.
