Confessor - Terry Goodkind

Yippee, the Sword of Truth series is over! This last book in the series was fast paced and action packed; wrapping up all of the major characters that have played a role in the last 10 books. This is not a book that someone who hasn't read any of the rest of the series should read. I have read the rest of the series (more than once for most books) and I was thinking, "and how does this character fit again?"

Somehow he has tied up all the loose ends and still left the door open to return to this world sometime in the future. However, it wasn't enough for me to keep the series. Now that it has been finished, I'll be taking all of the books to the book store for credit.

Stardust - Neil Gaiman

This book was a fairy tale. A boy goes off to find a fallen star for his love and the star is a girl. A delightful story filled with talking animals and all manner of adventure. It brought a smile to my face several times. But, I don't think it would be worth reading again.

I'll be passing it on.

The Obsidian Trilogy - Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

I like Mercedes Lackey - she writes brain candy for the fantasy crowd. Some of her books have more to them, but most of them are just a nice adventure story with a fun cast of characters. After all the mystery / suspense / detective brain candy reading of recent months, I needed a new flavor. I picked a book in a series that came out after the last book I read by Lackey - about 2 years ago. It turns out that I should REALLY look at my book case more often. After starting The Outstretched Shadow I realized I had already read it! But, I re-read it and then moved on to the rest of the trilogy: To Light a Candle and When Darkness Falls.

This is the standard fantasy set up; magic, disenfranchised youth, evil forces, etc. With the usual caste of characters - centaurs, mages, unicorns, elves, demons, trolls, etc., it felt more like a Salvatore story than a Lackey one. I enjoyed the main characters, they didn't feel one dimensional. And they went by quickly. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Salvatore or those who want brain candy in the fantasy flavor.

I'm not sure if it will stay on my shelf, but I will try to get Higgy to read it before it leaves the house and maybe Joe once Higgy is done.

Ship of Destiny - Robin Hobb

The end of the Liveship Traders trilogy was not as thought provoking as the previous books in the series. Ship of Destiny was more of an action packed soap opera - each character being put through increasingly interesting turns of events. It was a page turner - and at 800+ pages, that is almost on the verge of annoying. Actually, the end wasn't so much a page turner. It was the happily ever after part - the part where all the endings are taken to a complete close. That was the only disappointment in the series. I would have preferred a couple of loose endings - things that you could speculate as to the outcome.

This series is my favorite Hobb trilogy, it will be staying on the shelf.

Mad Ship - Robin Hobb

Second book in the Liveship Traders Trilogy. This one focus more on the life of a pirate raiding the slaveships, while also focusing on families in Bingtown. Same themes, same great storytelling.

It will be on the shelf.

Ship of Magic - Robin Hobb

Oh, I do enjoy Robin Hobb. I tried to read this series years ago and just couldn't get into it. I returned it. I picked it up again used. I was missing out.

The story follows the lives of people in Bingtown - an outpost of a distant ruler and founded on the Cursed Shores. There were ancient bargains made that shape the culture and politics of the area, but now newcomers are invading and changing the way of life. They bring slavery and a lack of respect for women with them. The theme of many fantasy novels is around political ideas and being self supporting, but with this series it is about free will. The story revolves around destiny, fate, and the characters ability to determine their own way. At the same time, there are discussions about slavery - what attitudes are needed on the part of the owners and society to let it occur in the first place. It is also about standing up for what you believe even when you know it is futile - should you or shouldn't you, when is the right time?

I find myself thinking about the series frequently throughout the day.

It will go on the shelf with the other 2 series from Hobb.

Natural Ordermage - L.E. Modesitt, Jr

For the first time in reading the Saga of Recluce series I find myself wanting to read the series in the chronological order of the books rather than in the order they are published. Natural Ordermage includes excerpts of history books detailing what happened in earlier books in the series - each colored with the politics of the land producing the history. While I remember the books vaguely, my memory does not correspond to the accounts in the histories, so I find myself wanting to go back to those sections of the series and read them in historical order. Of course, whether those sections of the series were written from the point of view of Order or Chaos will color the account.

I particularly like this series because it constantly moves back and forth between the Order or Chaos side of the story - showing that neither side is completely evil, they just look at the world in different ways - and try to control it differently based on those points of view. This is something more people need to try - seeing the world from both sides.

This book will reside in the library - since I have read the rest of the books in the series at least twice through if not more.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

It is true, I have enjoyed the Potter series in book and movie form. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was the last movie I saw before Owen was born and it may be that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be the last one I see before the next baby is born. I read the last book in one night, it was quick and easy. A relatively painless few hours - yes, there is death and destruction as you would expect. But, I was almost disappointed. I didn't feel like I couldn't put it down, I finished it more because I was still awake and not ready to fall asleep yet. And when the book was done, I didn't feel the need to talk about it with others. There weren't unfinished threads to discuss. So, while I enjoyed it and think it finished off the series nicely, I won't say I loved it. But as a series ending book, it definitely closed things up.

It'll go on the shelf and one day we'll be reading the series with our kids.

Fool's Errand - Robin Hobb

In my ongoing book binge, I picked up a book I thought would get me reading back in October. Guess I was wrong. But on the other hand, I did read it in 2 days - keeping me on my average of 4 books a month - not bad considering I didn't start reading until the 22nd. (The first 3 I blogged in May I actually read in April... making April look an abysmal 0 - since the one post was about not reading for a week.)

Anyway, Fool's Errand is the first in the Tawny Man series which is a continuation of the characters from The Farseer Trilogy. I loved the first series, they are one of the few fantasy series to make it through the latest purge. They are fun and still make you think - about what makes you YOU and how the reactions of people around you influence that (or don't). I didn't even realize that Fool's Errand was going to be the same characters, so I was pleasantly surprised to get caught up on what had happened with them in the period since the last series. It was almost 200 pages of set up - rehashing the last 10 years of life away from the castle. It was like seeing an old friend and hearing all the news.

Then the characters went off on adventure, sucking me in and getting me to the end of the book just before midnight. I think I'll be picking up the rest of the series soon. Although, I do still have the great book backlog to get through.

I'll be making a home for it on the shelf.

His Dark Materials Series - Philip Pullman

A few years ago a friend of mine told me they were going to make a movie of the Dark Materials series. She spoke of the series as if I should have known them and read them as I was growing up. When I was looking for a gift for a pre-teen neice, I picked up The Golden Compass – seripitiously reading it before wrapping it. I enjoyed it, reading it quickly in one night; intending to pick up the rest of the series as a future gift. I don't think she ever started The Golden Compass. Now I am buying her gift certificates to her favorite clothing stores, having given up on finding a book she'll read.

A few years passed and I found the entire series at a used book store. The price was right – used and at a store where I have credit. I was in the mood for some light fiction –something to read on a flight. I packed up the entire series for the long weekend.

I quickly fell into the story – suspending disbelief at the thought of a young girl and her daemon traveling the worlds, rescuing friends, and changing the course of history. I enjoyed the theological commentary, the literary references (maybe it was my recent reading of The Dante Club?), and the themes of friendship, self-reliance, and the power of intuition combined with thinking. Some of the thoughts were obvious, but I found enough hiding under the surface to enjoy them.

This series will join the others on the shelf. I think I'll enjoy reading them with my son when he is older.

The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova

Page turners should never be this long! I kept telling myself, I would put it down at the next chapter, then find myself continuing on anyway. I became afraid to pick it up, because I knew I wouldn't want to put it down.

Kostova provided a fantastic journey though Europe and the Middle East - including history along with the exciting search for Dracula. Maybe the next time I read it, I'll be better able to put it down for a break. It's definitely staying in the library.

Darkness / Scepters - L.E. Modesitt, Jr

Continuing in the Corean series, I just completed Darkness and Scepters. Nice enjoyable fantasy - nothing spectacular. I like the writing style, and unlike much of what I have read recently, it has had more to think about. These aren't as interesting as his other series, but I do like the new recurring themes: yes, it is unfair, but those who are the best at a job need to do it anyway; think in the long term for the world, not just the short term of what's best for you; don't let big business rule, or have a large influence on the government.

There are also the standard fantasy points - reluctant hero who accomplishes the impossible over and over again, evil race coming to conquer the world, creatures with magic (called Talent) dying out, and land barren of life. Then, of course, unscrupulous merchants, power hungry leaders, and only one leader worth following. But it is enjoyable.

Since I like his style, I'll keep the Corean Chronicles in the library - the 2nd and 3rd were better than the first - a trend I hope will continue.

Legacies - L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

After giving up Yogi, I decided to go with a book I thought I'd enjoy; the first in a series by an author I like. L.E. Modesitt, Jr. has written the Saga of Recluse series (my favorite fantasy series) and the Spellsong Cycle series in addition to the Corean Chronicles, some one-off novels and science fiction. For some reason, I stayed away from the Corean Chronicles under the impression that it was more science fiction. I'm not a huge fan of science fiction - I find myself skimming through descriptions of space travel, planet locations, technology in ways that I don't in fantasy. Something inherently easier to understand in using a horse for transportation - at least it takes less time to read about the horse.

Legacies is told from the point of view of a young man (he's in his early 20s at the end of the book) who, of course, has magical Talent and is wise/mature beyond his years. Definitely a cliche in the fantasy genre. I enjoyed the book, but found myself reading over battle after battle. Overall, he is learning something new each battle, but it was an overwhelming amount of war for me. I like my fantasy with more small scale skirmishes and less full on clashes.

On the other hand, this series is definitely set to last for a while. After the first book, I still don't understand the hierarchy and politics of the different lands; while I understand the Talent of the main character, it is still left to determine whether there are others with similar facilities. The way the information about the land emerges is well done - through conversation and observation. Many of the fantasy genre just give a few paragraphs here and there narrating what they think you need to know. In this book, it comes out through questions to his grandfather, mother, friends, captors, etc. in addition to his thoughts about what he sees around him.

It wasn't something I couldn't put down, but it was one that had me thinking about how it would evolve as I was reading. One I would find myself thinking about when I wasn't reading it. I think I'll pick up the next in the series. If nothing else, I think Higgy would enjoy it.

Sword of Truth, cont.

After a day spent catching up on TiVO, I am still in the midst of book 9. But I think I failed to convey the communism of the series accurately in the previous post. It would be what communism would be if it were mixed with religion. My understanding of the communist countries was that they tried to outlaw religion as well. In the books, the belief is that all the suffering to make things equal for all in this life will earn reward in the next life. Similar to most of the organized religions of today, but with the twist that you don't strive to live to the best of your ability in this life, your duty is to aid all those in need around you. You are expected to do all you can for those who have less than you, even if it is a detriment to you.

The ways this belief manifests itself through the novels makes it more a religious crusade. Those who speak against this ideal are then dealt with as an enemy of the state.

Also, after speaking with Higgy on this, these books aren't a waste of time. They have made me think a little about the doctrines of both sides in the struggle. But, I doubt I will again choose to read them. Even though I read the first books in this series several years ago, I was able to remember most of the salient points. So, I would not get as much enjoyment out of them the next time through.

Sword of Truth novels, Terry Goodkind

I am trying to get rid of some of what I have in my library, so have been rereading things to determine if they are worth keeping. In this vein, I have been re-reading and finishing the Sword of Truth series - I had started with Wizard's First Rule years ago -and kept up for the first 3 books, then I went on to read other things. Later I went back and read book 4 and I bought book 5, but I don't really remember reading it. So, I started back at the beginning and purchased the remainder of the 9 book series. I just started book 9, Chainfire.

I have enjoyed reading them - but they do get a little preachy. It is about the evils of communism - which considering it was started in the 80s is probably the original idea. By book 9, you are really getting hit over the head with how the idea that everyone should be equal and be able to prosper is really something that will suck the life out of everyone. There are new ideas to learn in each book - one rule for each book. For instance, in book 8 - the rule is Deserve Victory - the idea that you need to live your life such that you deserve the good things that come your way (usually as a result of your own hard work).

The fact that there many female characters is encouraging, but of course of the 4 main characters, Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Jagang, only one is a woman. Many of the 2nd tier of characters are female, so I guess that is an improvement. Unfortunately, rape is a constant throughout the novels. Very few of the female characters have been able to avoid it during the 8 books I have read so far, a lovely implement of torture. That is one of the problems I have with the series.

Another problem I have with the series is that I doubt that the books could stand on their own. Book 7, Pillars of Creation, would be highly confusing for anyone not familiar with the series. The book is a break from the rest of the series in that it is from the perspective of the side of "evil." Unfortunately, at the end, when the character realizes she is indeed on the wrong side in this struggle, I don't think there was enough justification for her decision. Yes, she had seen the brutality of the Imperial Order, but would it have been enough for her to see that the D'Haran side was just - or would it have been a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils? Having read the rest of the series, I felt that it relied too heavily on the reader being familiar with the Imperial Order and D'Haran Empire.

So, for now, I don't think these books will be remaining in my library for another reading - but maybe book 9 will redeem them all.