humouress's reading progress - 2010

Found this thread a bit late, but let me see what I can remember:

Miles, Mystery & Mayhem by Lois McMaster Bujold,
Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
and possibly (unless it was the end of last year)
Dragon Harper by Anne & Todd McCaffrey

(edited to insert ticker)

ETA - losing track, so I'm going to list what I've read so far:

4) The Book of Three - Lloyd Alexander
5) The Magicians - Lev Grossman
6) The Black Cauldron - Lloyd Alexander
7) The Last Dragonlord - Joanne Bertin
8) Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery
9) How To Train Your Dragon - Cressida Cowell
10) The Glasswright's Apprentice - Mindy L. Klasky
11) The Troll's Grindstone - Elizabeth H. Boyer
12) Dragon Bones - Patricia Briggs
13) Dragon Blood - Patricia Briggs
14) Prince of Ill Luck - Susan Dexter
15) Anne of Avonlea - L.M. Montgomery
16) The Ring of Allaire - Susan Dexter
17) The Fall of the Kings - Ellen Kushner
18) The Giant Book of Fantasy All Time Greats - ed. Robert Silverberg & Martin Greenberg
19) Exile's Honour - Mercedes Lackey
20) The Blue Sword - Robin McKinley
21) Chronicles of the Chrestomanci Volume 1 - Diana Wynne Jones
22)The Accidental Sorcerer - K. E. Mills
23) Carbonel - Barbara Sleigh
24) Green Rider - Kristen Britain
25) Mosaics in a Weekend - Martin Cheek
26) The Curse of Chalion - Lois McMaster Bujold
27) Wombat Divine - Mem Fox
28) Lord of the Changing Winds - Rachel Neumeier
29) The Dragonfly Pool - Eva Ibbotson
30) The Green Mill Murder - Kerry Greenwood
31) Heroes in Training - ed.Martin H. Greenberg & Jim C. Hines
32) First Rider's Call - Kristen Britain
33) Exile's Valour - Mercedes Lackey
34) Paladin of Souls - Lois McMaster Bujold
35) Nine Princes in Amber - Roger Zelazny
36) Shards of Honour - Lois McMaster Bujold
37) Steal the Dragon - Patricia Briggs
38) The Guns of Avalon - Roger Zelazny
39) Barrayar - Lois McMaster Bujold
40) Goodnight Gorilla - Peggy Rathman
41) The Amulet of Samarkand
42) Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
43) Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie
44) Dealing with Dragons - Patricia C. Wrede
45) So You Want to be a Wizard - Diane Duane
46) Searching for Dragons - Patricia C. Wrede
47) Sign of the Unicorn - Roger Zelazny
48) The Courts of Chaos - Roger Zelazny

Welcome to the group, Nina!

Welcome!

I also hit the big four-oh in 2009 and still find that fascinating.

Welcome!

Welcome!
I am a relative newbie. I joined last year, and my reading list only grows. It's great fun.
I'm a big fan of Anne McCaffrey's Pern series. I don't run across many people who read them- or I just haven't mentioned it here (now I will get 300 comments from other Pern fans right?)
I'm headed straight for 4-0, and am increasingly shocked by the appearance of an 11 year old son who looks more man-like every day. Picture me grinding my teeth as the 11 yr old girls on his swim team play with his hair in the pool...

I'm a fan of the Pern books too --though I haven't entered them into my LT library yet -- I read them a long time ago. And also of Miles! Everyone in our house is. Bujold is amazing. Have you read the Chalion series? I think those are my Bujold faves.

One of my best friends is about seven years older than me and when I turned forty she said, "It's about time!" My forties were great!

I'm a newbie too.

So 3 things in common - our age, the age of our youngest child, and reading The Wolves of Willoughby Chase this year - I'm now reading or rereading Limbo Lodge - not sure whether I've ever read this one before or not, but think I may not have done.

Thank you all for the welome. I think I'm going to have to list Library Thing as my 'currently reading'; though I registered a while back, I'm only just starting to explore ... and it's fascinating. But it takes away from what little reading time I have. Otherwise I would be reading one of The Book of Three, The Magicians or Winnie-the-Pooh - which I'm reading to my 6 year old, though I think we started last year. I hold bedtime reading as a bribe / reward, because he'll use any excuse to put off going to bed. But I think I'm successfully turning him into a bookaholic, too!

I've been reading 'Pern' for quite a while, now, though it's one of those series that I started in the middle, and just read whenever I find a book, either in the library or when I buy one - I've not read them in sequence. I've read the Chalion books, though not 'Hallowed Hunt'. Very different from Miles, and how refreshing to find a female protagonist who is, shall we say, not in the first blush of youth. Must get around to the rest of Joan Aiken's books, but right now, I'm still cataloguing my existing collection.

4) The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. Next up will be the 'Black Cauldron'. 'The Book of Three' is a re-read of a childhood classic, for me. It tells the story of Taran, who wants to go out into the world and have adventures - and then he does, and somewhat accidently becomes a hero. It is, obviously, aimed at children, and it's great fun to read. There are many amusing characters, such as Dallben, who has to 'meditate' frequently, with his eyes closed, and an assortment of kings who are decidedly not remote and regal, but who help Taran in his quest for the oracular pig, Hen Wen. An enjoyable read.

5) The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I must say I approached this in a different frame of mind than usual; I wasn't expecting this to be fantasy, because I borrowed it from the club library, and it doesn't usually have fantasy, and in fact, only barely sci-fi - so it might have influenced my view on this book.

That said, it is a well written book, and a different take on (obviously) Narnia et al. I do somewhat agree with other reviewers that the last part could have been a bit deeper. The action that takes place in Fillory occurs over a week, more or less, whereas the lead-up to Fillory takes several years. I've finished reading the book, but there are a couple of points I want to go back to, to clarify - so I'd say the story has definitely grabbed my attention.

6) Just finished The Black Cauldron - I've got to buy the rest of the books, now.
I have to agree with other reviewers (from the Group Read:the Chronicles of Prydain http://www.librarything.com/topic/80785), this book takes on a slightly darker note, though it's still fun, and, I think, not too morbid for children. There are new characters and old friends, different ways to become a hero or a villain and the loss of friends (and enemies). I feel the characterisations are like well drawn sketches (compared to the detail of, say, Robert Jordan's Aes Sedai constantly smoothing their lace-edged skirts); they may not have the depth of detail, but they are consistent, like chattering Eilonwy with her unusual comparisons, and are well written so you can empathise with them - I can see why she's always exasperated with Taran, although it's not completely warranted. From my completely adult perspective, it reminds me of two children who are constantly bickering for no particular reason - and I think bickering children would probably identify with them quite easily...

7) I've read The Last Dragonlord by Joanne Bertin.
A fairly unusual premise, about were-dragons; people whose soul is twinned with a dragon's soul, and so they can shape change to their dragon form at will. As such, they live long lives, and the 'last dragonlord' is so-called because he has waited 6 centuries for his soultwin, who holds the other halves of his two souls. The dragonlords live apart from people, but are called in by certain kingdoms to arbitrate. The case in this story involves the regency of one of those kingdoms. I should write a better review, really, but haven't got my thinking cap on. I liked the book - there are elements of adventure, romance and suspense, and I'd like to get the next book (but my bookshop doesn't have it, and I realised this was published a while back)

I'm starting to realise the 'challenge' part of this; I should be reading 6 books a month, not every three months. I thought it would be easy - I used to devour books; but that was before the kids came along. I might have to start adding their readers to this list, out of desperation...

#12: It looks like my local library has that one, so I will give it a go. Thanks for the recommendation, Nina!

Finally found your thread! So glad you are with us in the group read of the Prydain books. I love the Joan Aiken books too--it's been too long since I read them so I might have to put a re-read on the horizon. Pern--I love the first five books, read all of them until the collaborations with Todd started coming out. I have a weakness for them, but really think the first 5 are the cream of the crop.

#13 - You're welcome!

#14 - I wasn't hiding on purpose!

I have to hold off on the Prydain books, because I don't have them yet. They're on order at the moment, so I'll have to play catch-up, again. I'm trying to patronise my local bookshop, rather than Amazon, so it might be a long wait, though.

Of the Pern books, I picked up 'Dragonsinger' first, which was a bit confusing, since it was the middle of Menolly's story, and I don't think I ever read them in order. I think my favourites are 'Dragonflight', 'Dragonquest', 'Dragonsinger', 'Dragondrums' and 'Nerilka's Story', in chronological order. I first read them when I was rather younger, and was a bit miffed that Jaxom got Lessa's hold, even though she endorsed him, which is why, I think, that 'White Dragon' isn't up there.

the good thing is that the Prydain books, especially the first three, are very quick reads. Have you checked the library? Most have them in the children's section.

I did end up reading them in order--mostly by accident as I started reading the series when only the first two books were out. I would pick Dragonsong over Dragondrums--I laughed out loud at one phrase near the end, but I'm at work and can't check to quote it to you now. And I loved Menolly's story. But I like The White Dragon both for the development of Jaxom's relationship with Ruth (oh, how I adore Ruth) and the maturing of the political interrelationships on Pern.

Haven't been to the library in a while (years, in fact; the local libraries don't seem to place much importance on fiction - but why else would you go to a library? - so I feel even more guilty than usual when I walk in), and I like to complete my series in my library, provided the books are good, so I was hoping to get the remaining Prydain books. Staying away from the group thread for a bit.

When I read 'Dragonsong', it merely filled in the gaps in Menolly's story for me, whereas 'Dragondrums' was a continuation of it, or at least, of the characters in it. I had got the impression that Pern was a series made up of stand-alone books, so you could pick up any of them, without having to worry about being in the middle of a story. Having proved me wrong, I think that's one of the reasons I like having complete series (especially in my library), and always try to start at the beginning.

Ho hum. Progress stalled. Finding it difficult to get into a book properly in that half hour I can sneak between LibraryThinging, after getting the kids into bed, and said book startling me awake after crashing from my sleeping hand. Even Anne of Green Gables, a well-worn favourite, can't hold me to the waking world.

Maybe I should put the re-reads on hold for a while, and read all those books that I absolutely had to buy, (after forcing myself to abstain from bookshops for a spell) but never got around to reading. Hopefully the suspense of not knowing what happens next will get me to the end.

8) I've finished Anne of Green Gables. Didn't L M Montgomery write so evocatively? Even her very mists are rainbow-hued. She obviously wrote from the heart; her descriptions of the countryside around Green Gables inspire me to make a pilgrimage to her beloved PEI (if only I can awaken the same desire in the rest of my family - maybe I should read her books to the kids ...)

I first read "Anne" when I was about the same age as the heroine, and took all her trials and tribulations to heart. It brought back memories for me of my even younger childhood, in a simpler time and place and struck a chord in me that resonates to this day. Then, I sympathised entirely with Anne; now, I can see Marilla's point of view. The descriptions of how strict-seeming Marilla loved her orphan girl brought empathic tears to my eyes - I think it will be a long while yet before I read "Anne's House of Dreams" again.

Sorry - I'm assuming everyone has already read the "Anne" books, and I'm meandering on regardless. Not a good review technique, I suspect; so to re-iterate: Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, elderly siblings, decided to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew run their farm. They were rather surprised to discover that their 'boy' turned out to be a little red-headed girl, with a large imagination. They decided to keep her, anyway, and came to love her, through all her scrapes and achievements as she grew into a young lady.

(edited for numbering. The LM Montgomery touchstone won't seem to work for me)

Musing and meandering 'out loud' so to speak here on LT is good, so have at it!

Glad you were able finally to get through Anne. Isn't she delightful? Like you, I encountered her first at about her age in the first book, and have loved her ever since. I enjoy all of Montgomery's books--when they reprinted them in paperback in the 1980s I tried to get all of them.

Since you have so recently re-read the book, can you help me with something that has been nagging at me for a while? What is the phrase Anne uses to denote that someone is a soulmate? Seems like it has Joseph in it.

Kindred spirit?

amwmsw04 is right - "kindred spirit"; is that the one you were looking for? That's the phrase she uses most often, but it's something that's important to her, so she might use other phrases, too. But I think I remember that there is even one chapter entitled "Kindred Spirits", or which at least has the phrase as part of it.

I remember something like Roni's comment - about being children of Joseph or something. Hm... I may need to reread a book or two to find it.

Doesn't ring a bell for "Anne of Green Gables"; sounds like something she would have said when she was older - been a while since I read the other books; but I was so inspired by this re-read, I went out and bought some more! Will keep an eye out for the phrase.

10) While attempting March's TIOLI challenge, I read Mindy Klasky's The Glasswright's Apprentice.

It's a captivating read, about a young (13 year old) girl's adventures in a City rigidly bound by the rules of it's caste system. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, she rises and falls through the different castes (much like the first pilgrim Jair himself) making friends and enemies in the different castes and unravelling a treasonous plot against the royal House of Jair and the king.

9) I read How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell to my kids; we rushed out and bought it, and read it quickly, because we were going to see the film (which we did, a couple of days ago).

It's a great books for kids; my 6 year old loved it (especially the accent I adopted for the dragons, and the phrases to teach them), and I thought the pencil illustrations were a nice touch, especially the page with feathers all over it, when the Heroes were dropping feather bombs.

The story is told as the reminiscences of Hiccup, who turns out to be the greatest Viking hero, but as a child, it looked unlikely that he would be any kind of a hero compared to the other brawny Viking teens - which was especially embarrassing, because he was the son of the chief. To prove they would be worthy Vikings, each generation had to capture a dragon, train it and then pass a test to demonstrate their control over it, which was usually by yelling at it. Hiccup, not being a good yeller, had to come up with other methods to prove he was worthy of being a Viking, and not be exiled from his tribe.

#27: I have that one home from the library now. It looks very fun! I hope it makes me feel 6 years old again, lol.

#27 How old are your kids?

I've bought the first 3 of the Dragon series as a bargain set, curiosity to read myself and something for my little boys to grow into one day. I'd also like to get their dad to read some good kids' fiction, as preparation for introducing Danny (who loves being read stories) and Conor to its pleasures.

#29 - Actually, they're 6 and 1. The little guy didn't get to hear much of the story, because it was mostly bedtime reading, and he was already asleep, but he loves doing anything his big brother does (he also loves reading - start 'em early! - usually upside down, or flipping forwards and backwards ...)

Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend as much time sharing the book as we usually do, because I was racing to finish before we went for the film (we co-ordinated the timing with others), but he liked the pictures that he did have time to look at. He reads well, and I think he could read the book himself, but it's rather thicker than the ones he's used to, so I'm not sure if he'd get through it at this age. But he loved listening to the story. At times, I wasn't sure if he was paying attention, but he repeated back the plot to me (he's one that gets bored), and didn't want me to stop reading, and he kept slowing me down by asking questions.

I think your kids would really like it. By the way, if you're going to watch (or have already watched) the film, I found the two stories fairly different from each other.

Very hard this buying books for my boys - I grew up with Enid Blytons and classics, mainly, and there are whole heaps of new authors who have come along since then. Plus, I try not to lean too much towards my own interests, in case they are too girly.

11) The Troll's Grindstone by Elizabeth H. Boyer

This is one of my original collection that I bought when funds were limited (to pocket money); if I read a book in the library I really, really liked, I would by the last (or next) in the series. Unfortunately, twenty years later, I've now only got one or two books in several series that I'd love to re-read, but the rest are out of print. Sigh - such are the vagaries of life.

The Troll's Grindstone is the 5th in the 'World of Alfar' novels; the other side of the human country of Skarpsey (which seems Scandinavian, from the names), a world where Ljosalfar battle Dokkalfar (light and dark elves).

Leifr, the hero, is taken from the land of Skarpsey to the Alfar realm to impersonate one of the Alfar, break an alog that keeps all metal edges within its influence dull, and defeat the Dokkalfar wizard who cast the curse.

A lot of the action takes place after nightfall, or in swamps, or underground (as a consequence of attempting to reverse the Dokkalfar curse), and I felt the author conveyed the gloomy atmosphere well. Though I found some of the phrasing a bit old-fashioned, the action flows along nicely as our hero gathers his friends in a race against the dark wizard to clear a powerful pentacle (5 significant landmarks) of his malign influence, in spite of being handicapped by not knowing everything about the Alfar he is impersonating.

#31: I do not know if you are looking for the rest of the books in the series or not, but www.ABEBooks.com is a good source for used books.

Thanks. I'm trying to read through my library at the moment - after all, I started buying the books instead of just borrowing them so I could keep reading them over and over again - and every time I come across one of these old favourites, I feel a bit sad / annoyed that I didn't get the rest of the series (series-es-es).

BUT I still have a huge pile of TBR books that I've never read (yet), so, though I'll hunt around for the old ones, I've got lots of new ones to get through, first. Not to mention a whole heap of shelving and cataloguing. Appreciate the thought, thanks. Will keep it in mind for when (if ... ever) I get to the end of my TBR. And existing library.

Now that I can afford it, I buy the whole series, so I don't get stuck again. Which is why I have thirteen Wheel of Time books on my shelf, and am waiting for the next to come out in paperback. And waiting ... ;)

I completely understand about the huge pile of TBR books. I think I had about 900 in mine at last count :)

12) Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs.

I've only recently discovered Ms Briggs, and I really like what I've read of hers, so far. She makes me sympathise with her characters (in a way that is reminiscent of two of my other favourite authors, Susan Dexter and Patricia A. McKillip), and her stories keep me hooked, and wanting to find out what happens next. Dragon Bones is a re-read for me, but I still stayed up late to finish it, even though I first read it in the last couple of years (my memory isn't what it once was - used to be I could remember exactly how I'd imagined things out the first time around when I re-read a book, no matter how many years later it was. Eheu, old age. My excuse is my memory hasn't returned after my first baby, let alone my second...)

Back to business: Dragon Bones was a engrossing read. Ward of Hurog is the hero who has grown up pretending to be stupid, as a survival tactic, and must now prove to everyone that he is not, in order to inherit his family lands, to which he is tied by magic. Along the way, we encounter magic, court politics, warfare, betrayal, and of course, dragons, not to mention there are twists and turns to the plot that I never saw coming.

I'm now (already!) a third of the way through the sequel (more of which later), though I'm a bit annoyed, because there's something in the book description in my book which gives away what maybe a large part of the plot - and I still haven't come across it reading the book.

I have you starred, so that I can, when I need to, get ideas about future fantasy reads!

Has your oldest discovered Hank the Cowdog yet????? I can't recommend them more highly. We read a lot of them aloud together as a family (pausing to roll around laughing) and John Erickson himself reads them wonderfully on audio.

My kids never liked any of the books I thought they would love - they found their own. I gave up trying to suggest books to them. For instance, I loved Nancy Drew when I was young but my daughter never opened one that I bought for her. My husband bought Hank the Cowdog for them on tape so they could listen to them while going to sleep. They didn't. They found their own stuff in their own time.

Yes -- It does often work like that -- I think my daughter found Hank on her own, maybe brought the first one home from the library.... I know I had never heard of him before..... Her desire to read those on her own was what really tipped the balance for her -- she 'really' learned to read for them. She has loved a few things I love too, like Shel Silverstein and Elizabeth Enright.....

#36 - Deeply flattered, thank you.

#37-39; We haven't met Hank yet, actually. Thanks for the tip, will look him up. He's 6, and just about got to the stage where he's reading fairly fluently. Up to now, either I've been doing the bedtime reading (so short stories, like Mr Men books, or he makes excuses to stay up forever), or I've been teaching him to read, so simpler books.

I think he's ready to take off by himself, now - better polish off that library card... when we find time in between after school classes, homework & the drawn-out having dinner / getting to bed sagas. He does go to the school library, but he usually brings back things like Ben 10 and Transformers. Ah well, we'll get there; the main thing is, he likes reading. Now to start on son no. 2...

I will never forget the day I found out my son could read. His kindergarten teacher gave her students some very beginning readers. While we were driving home he pulled them out and started reading them aloud. I nearly ran off the road in delight and surprise. He has a December birthday and was one of the oldest in his class. My daughter has a June birthday. Oddly enough they were the same chronological age when they started reading even though my daughter was in first grade.

It wasn't overnight for us. We started sounding out words, but he gets put off easily if he can't do it straight away, and he'd refuse to try. But I persisted and encouraged, and he got the hang of it. Then he really got into it, and wanted to do his bedtime reading (partly to delay his lights out, though). Just recently I noticed that he's reading out loud at a good speed and doesn't have to slow down for difficult words, which pleasantly surprised me.

He's also a December baby, but the cut-off date in this school seems to be March or April, so he's one of the younger ones in his class.

My daughter was between first and second when she found Hank -- she could read just fine by then, but she wasn't all that interested in reading by herself or reading what was a substantially 'harder' book with plenty of challenging words. She was an extremely 'interactive' child -- doing anything alone was of zero interest to her, so this was a big breakthrough!

I will put in a plug for Hank the Cowdog too. My daughter Beth loved him so much that for Christmas one year, my parents had sheets specially made for her with Hank and his buddies on them.

OK - with all those endorsements, will definitely give Hank a go!

#35 I've not read any Patricia Briggs before but Dragon Bones sounds good so I have added it to the wishlist.

13) Dragon Blood (The Hurog Duology) by Patricia Briggs

Although as page-turning as 'Dragon Bones' (which is the first in the duology, and I re-read it to refresh my memory), I thought 'Dragon Blood' didn't pull at my emotions as much as the first book. The characters are familiar, and four years older, so they've grown into adults who can look out for themselves better, I suppose. Or maybe I read the book in a bit of a rush (trying to make my 75!)

Ward has held his family lands of Hurog for the four years since the ending of 'Dragon Bones', but now the high king wants to make sure that, after all the years of seeming to be stupid, he is actually competent, and so takes him back to the capital. Gradually, Ward and his family and friends discover that this is part of a larger plot, and it's up to them to resolve things. This book completes some of the story-lines from its predecessor. There are still politics, magic, romance and dragons, and we learn a bit more about the history of the world in which the story takes place.

#46 - I think you'll like her; she's in a similar (but not identical) vein to Robin McKinley, and Ursula K. Le Guin.

#48 I haven't read any Robin McKinley either but I really enjoyed The Wizard of Earthsea by LeGuin so hopefully I will also enjoy Briggs :-)

14) Just finished The Prince of Ill Luck by one of my favourite authors, Susan Dexter

This is book one of the "Warhorse of Esdragon" series, which is a prelude (though written later) to "The Winter King's War", which introduces us to the fabled Valadan - the aforementioned warhorse of the Dukes of Esdragon.

Leith is a Prince of the Isles, but is self-styled Prince of Ill Luck, because disaster seems to continually follow him and afflict those around him. He unintentionally wins the hand of Kessalia - who is the daughter of the Duke of Esdragon, and who does not want to be won - riding Valadan. She would rather search for her father, the duke, and her mother, a witch, so Leith agrees to help her, in the hopes that the witch can lift his curse.

I like the way Susan Dexter writes. She makes you empathise with her heroes and heroines without pitying them, however bad their luck; you really want them to win, and you cheer for them when they do. Her descriptions are lyrical, and her plots do go in some delightfully unforeseen directions. And she does seem to know a lot about horses (as far as I can tell - since I don't)

I also like Susan Dexter's books. I first found the trilogy, The Winter King's War series. I loved the sorta sequel to that, Wizard's Shadow, and was really happy when she wrote the 3 prequels. I only wish she were more prolific! A spurt in the mid-80s, a spurt in the mid-90s, and then Moonlight in 2001, which while lovely is just a children's picture book. I do love her characters!

I will have to check out Susan Dexter's books. I have never heard of her before.

#51 - I love The Ring of Allaire, and I, too, wish she would write more, especially about Calandra. I've read all of what she has written, except 'Moonlight'.

#52 - She might be a bit hard to find, since it's been a while since she wrote her books. Worth the hunt, though, I think.

15) Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

This is the second book in the 'Anne' series, and takes our heroine, at half-past sixteen, from the end of the first book through about a year and a half of growing up, when her imagination helps her see the beautiful, and the funny, sides of life, whether things are going well, or she's getting into one of her scrapes (though she doesn't have quite so many of them as she used to).

This is a more gentle book, as Anne's temper mellows and her friendships deepen. The young people of Avonlea form an Improvement Society, and prevail against the amusement of older heads so well that the Society grows considerably. There is the addition of six year old twins - who struck a chord with me, although mischievous Davy is more like my one year old than my six year old. And there is more than a hint of romance in the air as Anne meets new friends who renew old courtships , and her old friends start to grow up and begin new courtships.

Montgomery's evocations are as poetical as ever, bedecking her beloved Island in misty, pastel hues. I may not be quite one of Anne's 'kindred spirits', but my imagination hasn't been fully quenched, and I do love being taken back to a place that reminds me of my childhood. Enchantingly written, as always.

(ETA: This is for the May TIOLI Canadian Authors challenge)

#21 - I bought a few more books in the 'Anne' series, and couldn't resist flicking through them. I caught sight of the phrase 'of the race of Joseph' (in reference to books, oddly enough), but it hasn't turned up in 'Anne of Avonlea'

#28 - Hope you enjoyed 'How to Train Your Dragon'!

#37 et al - still haven't come across 'Hank the Cow Dog', but not searching desperately, since he gets enough readers coming home, plus books from different libraries, so we've actually got more reading than we can get through (he's got far more important things to do ...

16) The Ring of Allaire by Susan Dexter (again! - for the May TIOLI "Love and Marriage" challenge)

This is one of my all-time-favourite books, and Susan Dexter is one of my favourite authors.

It is about the adventures of Tristan, half-trained apprentice wizard, whose master dies and leaves him a hidden clue to help him in the quest that is the special prerogative of all wizards - to find the magical Warhorse of the Dukes of Esdragon, find the rightful heir to the throne of Calandra, wake the princess Allaire from her enchanted sleep deep within the ice fortress of Nimir (whose baneful influence is advancing, slowly and inexorably as a glacier, across Calandra) and then find the tenth ring to match the nine already on her fingers.

I love the way Susan Dexter writes and the way she describes things; a kiss tastes like summer, lavendar and strawberries, for instance. Her heroes always do their best, even if everything doesn't always go their way, and they have a peculiar vulnerability about them. The way Ms Dexter writes makes you empathise with Tristan, whether he is trying to work a new spell or is just homesick for the simple cottage life he left behind in order to fulfill the quest. I like the way she creates and weaves the old legend of Calandra and Esdragon through the story in the present, and resolves the mystery at the end.

Although this is a book about a quest, and Tristan keeps his focus on it, I was carried along by the story rather than the quest itself. This is not an epic, like Lord of the Rings, but more gentle, humourous and romantic, and there are scenes that give a satisfying sense of safety and comforting warmth.

I find it has a similar feel to Patricia A. McKillip's Riddle Master of Hed trilogy, which is another of my favourites, for many of the same reasons.

#56: *sigh* My local library has none of Dexter's books.

Wow, you're fast.

Unfortunately, as #51 ronincats pointed out, she hasn't written much, and most of that, a while back. I initially joined LT to catalogue my collection and keep track of it, and then I started re-reading all my old books (which was the point of collecting them all in the first place - so I could re-read my favourites whenever I wanted to). The upshot of which is that a lot of my books may be difficult to find, if you want to read them; and I rarely get points on the TIOLI challenges! Sorry :-(

#58: I will obviously have to start searching further afield for her books!

While the prices for the original trilogy on Amazon used are outrageous, abebooks.com has The Ring of Allaire for $1 to $3.64, The Sword of Calandra for $1 to $3.50, and The Mountains of Channadran for $1. The Wizard's Shadow is my favorite of the later books, also available for $1. Looks like you might be able to get all of them from the same dealer too. A bargain!

Yes, Dexter is one of my favorite fantasy authors too, and one I have to reread every few years in her entirety. So right about the gentle, humorous and romantic overtones.

#60: Thanks for the info, Roni! Heading off to ABE now.

Hope you manage to find the books, and fall in love with them as much as we did.

#62: I found the 4 that Roni mentioned and ordered them all :)

WooHoo, Stasia!!

#64: Thanks, Roni!

#63: Wonderful; happy reading!

17) The Fall of the Kings by Ellen Kushner & Delia Sherman.

I have to admit I struggled with this one, and not just, I think, because of my fragmented reading times. I had to give it up, so I could do the TIOLI challenge for last month, which I really wanted to do (personal significance), and then came back to it.

The story follows on from Swordspoint, set in the same city and within the same family, but 60 years later. I read it a while ago, and though I don't remember the twists and turns of the plot, I remembered I liked it enough to pick up another book in the series when I came across it. Fall, however, didn't capture me and draw me in to the story. It felt as though, in spite of impending crises in their respective lives, the two main characters were always jumping into bed together in every chapter, or, if not, making excuses to meet so they could jump into bed ... Although I understand (and understood while reading) that it was part of the plot (but not essential, I felt), quite so much of it got a bit tiresome for me, and interrupted the flow of the story.

Torrid affair aside, the story is told from the viewpoint of a quite a few different characters about how the legends of ancient kings and wizards, which have been suppressed by history, affect various factions in contemporary times. The scholars of the University are keen to unearth the truth, Northerners want to reinstate the long-deposed kings and ceremonies, politicians want to leave things buried and noblemen and women somehow get caught in the middle. The plot, when it came together at the end, didn't have (for me, at least) the blinding revelation it kept promising, and left questions unanswered.

Maybe it's just me - my copy has whole lists of excited reviews.

I own Swordspoint, although I have not read it yet. I think I will just stick to it however, and pass on Fall.

I hope you enjoy your next read more!

#68 - now I feel a bit guilty for putting you off, but it really wasn't one of my favourite reads.

18) I borrowed The Giant Book of Fantasy All-Time Greats from the library, to read while waiting for swimming classes etc to finish (so my reading was even more disjointed than usual, but it is a book of short stories)

This is a collection of modern fantasy stories that are considered among the best, but were written before the annual World Fantasy Awards were started in 1975, and so could not be included in the awards.

It starts with Edgar Allan Poe's Masque of the Red Death which was written in 1842, and does read well, although the ambiance is (necessarily) old fashioned. I find that fantasy stories written in different eras have a different feel from those written at other times (I can't really divide it up by decades, but I find that over time, the writing styles and plot styles change).

C.L. Moore's Black God's Kiss, however, envisioned otherworldly realms as well, or better, than current writings.

Some stories, because, I suppose, they are short stories, had tragic endings when I was hoping that things could end happily (so they definitely engaged me), although Michael Moorcock's Kings in Darkness had an uncharacteristically cheerful ending (not that I'm complaining!) - though I haven't read Elric in a while, so I could be wrong.

I must confess, with a baby around, I'm more emotionally vulnerable than usual (hormones, or lack of sleep, or empathy, or whatever) and I was initially horrified by Ursula K. Le Guin's contribution; but then I reconsidered it as a commentary on modern society, and I hope that I am strong enough to be one of The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas.

Generally, it's a good mix of stories, with (as you'd expect) some very strong ones that will stay with me for a while, some that were nice to read and some that didn't grab me.

ETA review, before I lost the page again)

#69: Do not feel guilty for not recommending a book! It is, after all, your opinion.

#70: I will look to see if my local library has that one.

19) Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey.

This is a prequel to the Heralds of Valdemar series, although written later. It is the story of how Alberich of Karse (a neighbouring country at war with Valdemar) came to hold a high position with the Heralds of Valdemar, themselves crucial to the running and defense of that kingdom, and how he was critical in training Heralds to fight.

Alberich has a Gift, which the Sunpriests of Karse regard as evil, although it enables him to help save people, and so he escapes into exile in Valdemar when they discover it in him. However he feels about the Sunpriests, he still loves his homeland, while at the same time coming to respect the Valdemarans who rescue him and to see they are not the villains painted by the Sunpriests of Karse. He holds to his honour by not letting the love and duty for the two lands come into conflict.

I found this a nicely written story, with a well woven storyline, not heavy going. I could have done with fewer italics which turn up at least once or twice on each page, quite apart from the mindspeech with Companion horses (which is necessary). I liked reading the story of Alberich, who (if I remember correctly) is not a huge part of the stories that occur later, though he does have a dour presence (since he is involved in training new Heralds), because this shows that he does have a human side, and clears up the mystery of how someone who should have been the enemy came to be close to the royal family of Valdemar.

Towards the end of the book, Valdemar goes to war, and, inevitably, there is tragedy; however, having read the "Arrows" trilogy which occurs soon after these events, it wasn't unexpected, but I might have found the tone of the book a bit darker otherwise.

ETA - touchstone didn't work, because I used the English spelling of 'honour'

20) The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

This is the story of Harry (Angharad), a girl who has been recently orphaned and leaves Home to travel overseas to her brother, who has been posted with the army to a desert border town which invokes the outer edge of the Victorian empire. Here she discovers she carries magic in her blood, and she is given the blue sword of Damarian legend, Gonturan, to carry into battle, to save Damar and the Homeland country of Daria from inhuman enemies.

The story and the language (which is ever so slightly archaic, thus again invoking the Victorian era) are beautifully crafted, and the heroine, despite her eventual prowess, is very human and easy to empathise with. Though she is cheerful and well-liked, and determined to find a place in her new society, you can see that it doesn't quite fit her, and when fate whirls her away on her adventure you can empathise with her uncertainty and growing confidence. Occasionally, the story is told from the viewpoint of the otherwise enigmatic Damarian king, and shows him to be as human and as susceptible to the dealings of fate as Harry is, as well as explaining a little bit of the background of Damar and what the magic of the Hillfolk can do.

#73: Are you planning on reading any more of the books in the series, Nina? I also enjoyed The Blue Sword and would recommend reading The Hero and the Crown as well.

The Blue Sword is one of my favorite books; I'm glad you enjoyed it too. I liked Exile's Honor--it seemed to come back to the quality of the original Arrows of the Queen trilogy, which I liked. Some of the later books got to be rather, um, stretched?

I keep saying "I have the Blue Sword on my shelf, I should really read it one of these days" and then I never get to it... one of these days I WILL follow through, I promise!... *gaaah too many books...!!!*

Ok, every time I see someone has read the The Blue Sword or The Hero and the Crown, I have to grumph that McKinley absolutely promised us...over twenty years ago...at least one more book in that story line and has not delivered!! I'm very cranky with her!

>74 alcottacre:, >75 ronincats: - The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown are two of my all-time favourites; this was a re-re-...-read for me. I have to confess I'm with TadAD; I would love to read another Damar book.
>76 dk_phoenix:, you really should read it soon!

eta: A few nights ago, I composed a perfect review about The Blue Sword, but - naturally - my internet was down, and now it is lost to history. I did the best I could when I could finally connect, but I think I phrased it better the first time round.

21) The Chronicles of the Chrestomanci - Volume I by Diana Wynne Jones

This contains two books - Charmed Life and The Lives of Christopher Chant - which are set on a parallel world where magic is part of everyday life, but the boys in each story can't seem to do any magic in spite of being members of the Chant family, who are usually strong in magic.

Both stories are a lot of fun and the narrative spins effortlessly on. In 'Charmed Life', Cat tries to hide a secret, and the consequences get wilder and wilder just as they seem about to be resolved. In 'The Lives of Christopher Chant', the story explores alternate realities and how they can be exploited. Christopher's adventures in the other realities have consequences in his own life.

#79: Glad to see another DWJ fan!

>80 alcottacre: - Mmm, been a while since I've read her books. Unfortunately, I didn't see the second volume, but I didn't do a search, either.

22)The Accidental Sorcerer by K. E. Mills

This is a fun read, about Gerald Dunwoody who has become a wizard, Third Grade, by correspondence course. He really does want to be a wizard, but doesn't seem very good at it, and accidently blows up one of Ottosland's biggest companies (while trying to stop it blowing up). So the only thing he can do is leave the country for its one colony of New Ottosland, to be the Court Wizard - and the adventure begins, as he treads political thin ice, trying to stay on the good side of a dangerous and ambitious king.

This is a nicely written book, and I stayed up until the early hours of the morning to finish it. I like the humour, and the title is very catchy - it caught me twice, even though I've not read this author before! (Usually, to avoid disappointment, I try to stay with authors I've read before. Sometimes I take a risk and pick up a book that looks intriguing - and I found I have two copies of this one. Worth it, though - definitely not a disappointment.)

The only adverse criticism I have is that one of the characters changed completely and, though not unsuspected, it was a bit of an about face; but that was right at the end, when the loose ends are being tied up, and doesn't really affect the story.

#82: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. Hopefully, I can get my hands on it soon!

23) Carbonel by Barbara Sleigh

This was a childhood favourite of mine, which I came across while browsing through the children's section of the library, and I thought I'd re-read it.

Although it is set in South London just after the second world war (written, I think, in 1955), it doesn't feel dated, other than a vague feeling that the children live in a more innocent time, and they use shillings and pence.

Rosemary Brown, who lives with her widowed mother, has just broken up for the summer holidays. She buys a witch's broom and cat, and then finds out, when he talks to her, that Carbonel is the long lost king of cats and needs her help to return to his people; and so follow their adventures.

#84: That one sounds fun! I will have to look for it. Thanks for the recommendation.

#79 Glad you enjoyed the Chrestomanci stories - I've read those recently and loved them!

#82 I'll look out for The Accidental Sorcerer - sounds like a fun read.

>85 alcottacre: - it might be a bit hard to find, unless you live in England. But then, I do keep coming across it.

>86 souloftherose: - I'll be on the look-out for the next in both series.

24) Green Rider by Kristen Britain

On my quest to re-read my library (so proving I was right to buy all those books, instead of just borrowing them), and because I've just bought the 3rd in the series (I see on LT mention of a 4th book next year), I chose this to read.

This is the story of Karigan G'ladheon, a rich merchant's daughter, who has run away from school after a fight with the son of a nobleman. On her way home through the forest, she is accosted by a dying Green Rider - a messenger of the king - who charges her to finish his mission for the sake of their king and country. She inherits his horse, his green coat and his Rider brooch, as well as his dangerous adventure, as she tries to reach the capital, pursued by his killers, and aided by mysterious Rider magic.

This is a good first book with lots of action, magic and intrigue.

Looking forward to your reaction to The Curse of Chalion, when you get it read. Every time someone finds this series, I want to go back and reread it all over again!

Aha; you're visiting Fantasyland!

Actually, (thanks for reminding me which is first) this will be a re-read for me. I picked this up because I really liked Cordelia's Honour etc (an unusual foray into sci-fi for me), and I found I like McMaster Bujold's fantasy as much or more than I like her sci-fi. I read the second book, but I was worried it wouldn't live up to the first, what with an older heroine, but it was even better. I do remember a sense of impending disaster through the book(s?) that kept me on tenterhooks. Will let you know more once I've (re-) read it.

eta - haven't got the third in the series yet. I think, when I looked at it, the reviews put me off. Either that, or they didn't have a copy at the bookshop. What's your thinking?

I do appreciate everyone who posts comments here. Occasionally, I drop by your threads for a visit, but then I see all those other folks that posts, or the huge volumes of books you've read, and I slip quietly out through the side gate instead.

Meanwhile, I'd better concentrate on my reading; I'm not a third of the way through my quota, and we're more than halfway through the year - when I saw the challenges, I thought '75. Easy!' and signed up, without stopping to work out I should be reading a book and a half a week. No matter. I'll send the kids off to the grandparents (over in the next continent!), leave the husband at work, and get down to it, in peace and quiet. And the house is such a mess, anyway, it probably won't notice the difference, poor thing.

I agree in that I liked Paladin of Souls even better than The curse of chalion, but both are excellent. The Hallowed Hunt, unfortunately, does not grab me the same way, but has improved upon rereading. Have you tried Bujold's Sharing Knife series?

#91: Occasionally, I drop by your threads for a visit, but then I see all those other folks that posts, or the huge volumes of books you've read, and I slip quietly out through the side gate instead.

Feel free to pull up a chair and grab a cuppa while you are amongst the threads. You are welcome any time.

25) Mosaics in a Weekend by Martin Cheek

I read this for a home deco project I'm doing. It's a good introduction for beginners to mosaicing; it recommends tools, explains different types of tiles, lists the techniques, shows a gallery of works to inspire you, includes projects with a lot of details and tips, and finishes with a few templates to copy.

It's an easy book to follow, with useful techniques and tips, and lots of photos of finished works as well as step by step photos for the projects. I'm definitely finding it useful.

My toddler, who is into lowbellees and mobiles, is especially taken with a mobile of mosaiced strawberries; I may have to follow up this project with that!

eta: woohoo - one third of the way through!

>92 ronincats:; I've not tried 'Sharing Knife' yet - I assume you're recommending it? How does it compare to the Chalion and Vorkosigan series?

>93 alcottacre:: Ta, mate, will do.

In between attempting to read 25 books this month to put me back on track for my 75! That's, what, about one a day? Oops; got to go!

Congratulations on hitting 25 books!

>95 humouress: It's Bujold's deliberate attempt to write romance in a fantasy setting. I don't think I like it as well as the other two series, but I've only read it through once, the four books, and I DID like it. But then, I really like Bujold's writing. And I adore the Vorkosigan series and the first two Chalion books.

I found The Curse of Chalion in my local second hand book shop recently so snapped it up. I'm looking forward to reading it as I've never read anything by Bujold before.

I'm a Bujold nut! Enjoy! And I enjoyed the Rider series very much -- thought they got better and better.

>97 alcottacre:) Thank you!

>98 ronincats:) Thanks for the recommendation; I'll try them sometime, since I love the Vorkosigan saga, and what I've read of Chalion, too.

>99 souloftherose:) Hope you like it; I really like Bujold's writings.

>100 sibylline:) I did enjoy, thank you!

26) The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

As I mentioned, this is a re-read for me, but whereas in previous times, I could remember what happened on each page, these days, I can't even remember storylines, so it's almost as good as reading for the first time.

'The Curse of Chalion' concerns a minor noble, Castillar Cazaril, who returns home after being rescued from a slave ship, and hopes to find an insignificant position within a castle where he served as a young page. He ends up (slight spoiler!) at the capital, in the king's palace itself, and has to find his way through the maze of political intrigue there.

You're thrown in at the deep end, at the beginning, as the first chapter or so introduces us to Cazaril and slowly reveals facts about our hero which the main character, naturally, knows all along. And you have to work through a welter of Spanish sounding ranks, such as royas (kings), royinas (queens), royesses (princesses) and so on. It would also help to know that the five gods of their theology have a real presence, and are not just an abstract.

Once I got those sorted out, though, I was captured by the book and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There was always a sense of danger (political, physical, mental and spiritual) threatening the central characters, and I had to keep reading, to see who survived. Though the hero is a man, there are several strong female leads, as well, and the hero himself is somewhat flawed, being a bit older, at 36, and having suffered the ravages of war (i.e. not tall, dark and handsome). I liked the way all the threads, even seemingly insignificant ones, came together quite tidily.

27) Wombat Divine by Mem Fox

Mem Fox is an extremely popular Australian children's author. I read this book to my kids, for the August TIOLI Challenge 1: Bookfest Author.

This is the story of Wombat, who desperately wanted to be in the Nativity play. My toddler demanded I read it out again (though he wandered off, once I'd started!) I've read other books of Mem Fox's to my older kid, and I especially liked Possum Magic, which was her first and, I believe, most popular story.

ps - now that I put the books together, I notice that a divine, in 'The Curse of Chalion' is a rank in the religion of that country, something like a priest.

#102: I am hoping to get to that one some time this year. Glad you liked it.

28) Lord of the Changing Winds. The Griffin Mage: Book One by Rachel Neumeier.

This is (mainly) the story of what happens to a young girl, Kes, when griffins unexpectedly appear near her village from their far away land, and the conflicts that result. It is set in the land of Feierabiand, where people may have an 'affinity' for animals, and the strongest of these are earth mages.

It is quite an unusual premise to have griffins as main characters, rather than humans alone (or, occasionally, dragons), and they become more central to the plot because griffins also have mages; although, as creatures of fire, they are fire mages.

I found this a well written book. It expressed the alien nature of griffins - you can almost see why they think a certain way, if not understand it - and highlights it with their spiky-sounding names and precise naming system. And when a character is caught on the horns of a dilemma, between what is right, and what is for the greater good, you can sympathise with them and find it as difficult to come to a decision.

29) The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson

On the eve of world war II, Tally's father is offered a chance to send his young daughter away from London, and the home she brightens up, to the country for safety. Though reluctant to go, she soon makes a place for herself in the progressive school of Delderton, and goes on to have an adventure in Bergania (set in Europe), in the teeth of an impending occupation.

This is a nicely written story for young adults, which comes close to, but skims, the horrors of war. As a parent with two young children, I found the relationships between fathers and their respective children moving. I do like Tally, who always stands up for what is right, no matter what.

#105/106: Adding both of those to the BlackHole. Unfortunately, my local library does not have either of them. Thanks for the recommendations though, Nina!

You're welcome! Both these books are new, rather than one of my usual rereads from last century, published either this year or last year, I think (not sure about 'Dragonfly Pool', because I've returned it to my library, but I think it was 2009). Maybe they're just too new!

#108: My local library seems to be about 2 years behind in 'new' acquisitions, so maybe they will get the 2009 book next year :)

30) The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood

This is the 5th Phryne Fisher adventure, set in 1920s Melbourne (after the Great War). Phryne is an independent young lady who, although she grew up in London in poverty, is (due to the War) now an 'Honourable', and has moved back to her native Melbourne, where she takes cases as a lady detective.

There is a lot of attention to period detail (I assume it's accurate - certainly sounds good) in this series. In this book, the Green Mill is a jazz club, and there is a lot about jazz, instruments, singers and music. As a result of a murder in the club, Phryne is asked to help, and in the course of her investigations, she encounters more jazz, helps the innocent - as is her wont - and takes to the air in her Gypsy Moth, taking us aloft with her.

This is a nice series, and in each book, Ms Greenwood concentrates on a particular segment of early 20th Century Melbourne, which is quite informative. Everything is usually settled satisfactorily, with the bad guys getting their comeuppance, and Phryne usually reaping a few extra benefits from her good deeds.

31) Heroes in Training edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Jim C. Hines

This is anthology of 13 short stories which I found, not surprisingly, a mixed bag. I quite liked some of them, such as Esther M. Friesner's 'Roomies' and Eugie Foster's 'Honour is a Game Mortals Play'; but I didn't get the ending of some of the others. Whether this was a factor of their being short stories or because I started off reading fast (trying to make it for the August TIOLI challenge), I'm not quite sure. But I didn't hate any of them, so I will make time, some time, to go back and read them again at leisure.

32) First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain

Following on from 'Green Rider' (number 24), I re-read this book, too, so I can go on to the third book in the series, which I recently bought. I must admit, I peeked into the third book, to see how a tentative romance is going.

Karigan G'ladheon, the heroine of the first book, has returned home after having to act as a Green Rider - a king's messenger facing innumerable dangers. She wants to go back to her life as her merchant father's heir, but the Riders need her, and she is called back to action by the ghost of the first Rider, the founder of their corps.

As a result of her first adventure, tainted wild magic is being let loose in a land which has rejected magic for centuries, and the people of Sacoridia no longer know how to deal with it. The Green Riders are the only ones who have innate magic, albeit secretly, so they are at the forefront of this new war. Karigan relearns secrets lost to the centuries through her contact with the First Rider's ghost, faces heartache as her colleagues bear the brunt of the attacks, and realises that she seems to have begun a romance that must remain unfulfilled - or must it?

This book is as well written as, or better than, the first book, with the action coming thick and fast. Karigan is a likeable heroine, with a strong sense of loyalty to her friends and country - but she does have a temper, which tends to get her into trouble. This story brings the history of the Green Riders - and the kingdom - into play, which fills in some of the background to the first story nicely. I do wish, though, that there was a map - my geography's gone a bit squiffy.

#112: I have seen mixed reviews of the Green Rider series. I am not sure whether to start it or not. I guess I should at least try the first one to see what I think of it!

>113 alcottacre: - I think Ms Britain writes well, and (like a lot of other people) I found the second book to be better than the first. I'd recommend them - but you already knew that!

#114: I think my local library has the entire series, but I will check before getting the first book. Nothing worse than finding out they only have the first book and none of the rest of the series!

#115 How about finding out they have books 2 and 3 but not book 1!

#116: I have had various and sundry mutations of that scenario happen with my local library unfortunately.

I know there are map-people and no-map-people, but with all the riding around, with the messenger aspect of these books being so important, I thought the lack of map was a handicap. The books were very good -- and a good map would have made them better. Glad to see you agree.

>115 alcottacre:, 116, 117: Well, you have to feel sorry for libraries, since they're working on a budget, and fantasy can be overlooked, especially in smaller libraries. But I think not having the first book in a series is worse, because you can't read it to find out if looking for the other books is worth the angst - and inevitably, the other books are the ones that keep jumping off the shelves at you, when you're browsing for books!

>118 sibylline:: Usually, my geography is pretty good, but I kept finding places that were at the opposite end from where I expected them to be, I think because I'm reading fast, desperately trying to catch up to my 75 quota.

33) Exile's Valor by Mercedes Lackey

This is the second of the duology with 'Exile's Honor' (number 19), and picks up a few months after the first book ends. The war from the first book having been fought (and won), the action in this book stays in the capital city of Haven, mainly in the castle grounds themselves, and concerns itself with domestic affairs.

Herald Alberich is Weaponsmaster to the Heralds, and also takes care of security, so he skulks around the less salubrious parts of the city to ferret out information that could threaten the kingdom. Stern, seemingly humourless Alberich also finds himself falling in love, all the while setting up defences to counter a possible plot against the queen.

The story in this second book has a very different feel from the first one, and the plot is not as strong; you can see it being contorted in places to fit the storyline in the 'Arrows' trilogy - which were the first of the Valdemar books written (but come after this duology, chronologically). Apart from that, it flows along nicely enough, and is a pleasant read.

34) Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

This is the second book in the 'Chalion' trilogy, taking place three years after 'The Curse of Chalion' and continuing the story of Ista, Iselle's mother. Ista decides to escape from her home on the pretext of conducting a pilgrimage to various shrines of the five gods, and is detained at a border castle, where - despite her antipathy towards those gods - she has to puzzle her way through the theological maze that she finds there.

I really liked this story (even though it was yet another re-read for me); I'd give it 6 stars, if I could.

There is mystery and intrigue as well as action, tragedy, courage and chivalry, and it is very well written, with a subtle dose of humour - which I love. This story clarifies the theology of the world of Chalion and explains a bit more about the curse of Chalion (of the first book) and Ista's involvement in it. The characters are well drawn; Ista is a feisty heroine, even if she is no longer in the prime of her life, and I liked the interplay between brothers which highlights rather than hides their strong attachments. I also appreciated those touches where characters took thought for others' souls and future peace of mind. And - it is nice to know that, despite Ista's advanced age of 40, she is still entitled to romance!

I could go on ... but just read the book.

Paladin of Souls is a great favorite of mine as well! Glad you enjoyed it again.

One of these days I will get to The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls!

>122 ronincats:: Thank you!

>123 alcottacre:: I recommend soon!

Maybe I will get 'The Hallowed Hunt' after all, and complete the trilogy.

I have The Curse of Chalion in the pile of books next to my bed waiting to be read. Glad to hear you like that one and the sequel so much!

Oh, Heather, move it up to the TOP ASAP! Good reading!

They are my favorite Bujolds. So glad you are loving them!

>125 souloftherose:, 126 : I second Roni

>127 sibylline: : Thank you. I think they are my favourites of hers, too. Hard to choose, though!

35) Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny (from The Great Book of Amber)

I first read this a couple of decades (or so) ago, and it certainly benefits from being re-read. The story (told in the first person) opens in 1970s Florida with a man waking with amnesia. It follows him as he operates only on sharp guesses and brief flashes of memory - and so the reader is as confused as the narrator. I think it's not giving too much away (since it is a classic) to say it also concerns a family of sorcerors who can walk between worlds, but I'd better stop there.

I must say it is a fascinating concept - it takes what we know and twists it a bit, and then a bit more and then keeps twisting. Having read the story once, it makes it easier to ... know where to suspend disbelief.

This is a very well written book by a master; worth reading - and then reading again, so you can say "Oh, I see"

#129: I own the first volume of The Chronicles of Amber, but it has been such a long time since I read it (25-30 years ago I think?), I remember nothing of the book. I will have to see if I can find it. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Nina.

You're welcome! It's fantasy, but with a flavour of sci-fi about it; or that's how it felt to me.

36) Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (from Cordelia's Honor)

This seems to be the first novel written in the Miles Vorkosigan saga, and is the story of how his parents, on opposite sides in an interplanetary war, met. Although it would seem that, especially given Aral Vorkosigan's terrifying reputation, they should be enemies, they find that they are attracted to each other's sense of honour, and that they do not always share the same point of view as their respective home planets' governments.

Cordelia Naismith is a strong, and honourable, heroine. Even though she works for Survey, rather than a military unit, she can think on her feet in combat situations. As a slightly older (33) heroine, she is well matched with a slightly older (44) hero - sometimes cast as an anti-hero. Vorkosigan is also honourable, although conflicted by duty.

This story is full of action, space battles, interplanetary politics, intraplanetary politics, honour, humanity - not forgetting romance. Very nicely written. I wouldn't mind seeing more Cordelia / Aral Vorkosigan stories.

#132: You liked that one better than I did. I kept thinking I walked into a sci-fi Harlequin romance :)

What can I say; I'm a sucker for romance! Though I wouldn't go as far as Mills & Boons. :-)

#134: I actually have no problem with the occasional romance, it was just I was expecting more sci-fi from the book. I liked the second portion of Shards of Honor much better than the first.

>129 humouress:: The first quintet of the Amber books was so enjoyable. I read them back in the late 70s and then again maybe ten years later. It was such a disappointment to read the second quintet—they seemed silly and flat by comparison.

I've read he wanted to do a third set to tie the Corwin/Merlin stories together more, but died before he could write it. I can't decide whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. If they were like the Corwin books, I'd have loved them. If they were like the Merlin books, it would have tarnished the series more in my mind.

>132 humouress: Then you'll want to read Barrayar ASAP! Much more mature writing (although it's the second chronologically, it was the 5th or 6th book written by her and her writing had matured leaps and bounds) and a cracking good story!!

#129 I also have The First Chronicles of Amber in my TBR pile.

#133 'sci-fi Harlequin romance' Hmm, I'm not sure whether I'd like that one.

I read the 'Amber' books so long ago, I don't really remember the story-lines; I didn't even remember that it was made up of two quintets. Maybe a third series would have tied it together nicely. I shall work through 'The Great Book' gradually.

>137 ronincats:: I plan to read 'Barrayar' soon (if it had fit the September TIOLI challenge, I'd have read it sooner!)

>138 souloftherose:: I didn't think it was Harlequin romance :); romance, certainly, but lots of action, too. I think you could give it a go.

37) Steal the Dragon by Patricia Briggs

This is the story of Rialla, a girl who was taken by slave traders from Darran. She escaped to the mercenary city-state of Sianim, and now has a chance to end the slave trade in Darran by becoming involved in a mission for the Spymaster of Sianim.

This is a good story, but having read the Hurog duology and 'The Hobb's Bargain' by the same author, which had that something special (for me) that makes a really good story, I was a bit disappointed because I didn't feel that this book had that 'something special', in comparison. Looking at her bibliography, I see that this is one of Briggs's earliest works, and consequently, it is not surprising that the writing seems a bit rushed in parts. However, it is still a good book, filled with magic and adventure, and worth a read.

36) The Guns of Avalon by Roger Zelazny (from The Great Book of Amber)

This continues the story of the royal family of Amber, namely Corwin's strategy to gain the crown for himself.

Once again, masterfully told, and packed with descriptive prose - despite being shorter than most modern novels. You do have to keep on top of the shadow-walking and the family politics, though; and another twist is added at the end of the book.

Dropping by to say that I finished The Green Rider this week and really enjoyed it! I'm so glad I picked it up after reading your review. I love finding new authors.

Thank you!

Glad you liked it! I think First Rider's Call is even better, and the third book is in my TBR pile.

39) Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (from Cordelia's Honor)

This continues the story of Cordelia, now married to Vorkosigan and living on Barrayar, how the couple are unwillingly caught up in the politics of Barrayar and the tumultous events surrounding the birth of their son Miles, who is the protagonist of the continuing books in the Vorkosigan saga.

The book is full of action, adventure and planetary politics. It also highlights the way families, children and unborn babies can be hostages to fate as they get caught up in a political coup. Although there are tragedies, McMaster Bujold's writing also displays the humour that makes the Miles books more lighthearted. A very well written book - recommended.

Woo-hoo! One of my favorites! Loved the shopping bag.

#139 Ok, I will give them a go (at some point!). What's the best order to read the books in - publication order or chronological order?

> 139 - if you're asking about the Amber books, then definitely chronological order (mind you, publication order is the same); if you're asking about the Vorkosigan saga ... it's my personal preference to read series in chronological order, when I can, so that's how I'm reading these (though I seem to have missed one along the way). Most of the books have a time-line at the back, to help you work it out.

>145 ronincats: - it's obviously far too late at night for me, so I'm going to have to ask - what shopping bag? If you're referring to my tbr pile, it's actually several shopping bags at this point (and I keep discovering more - I think I was trying to ... misdirect ... my husband, so they're in different rooms around the house).

40) Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

Entering this book in my list is a bit of a cheat, because I read through it in under 5 minutes; but I read it again to my toddler tonight ... and again ... and I can foresee several more readings in my near future. Besides, it's getting more and more unlikely that I'm going to make my 75 by the end of this year :( Unless I can palm off the kids on someone, get my husband to buy take-aways for the rest of the year, and cloister myself with the rest of my tbr pile. Hmm - quite appealing. Anyhow:

A very funny book. Though the illustrations seem simple and straightforward (and the story certainly is), they contain a wealth of information, and it seems that every time I read the story, I discover something new. We were given this book when my six-year-old was born, and - dusting it off today to read to my one-year-old - I noticed things in the pictures I hadn't noticed before (the colours of the cages and the keys, in this instance). There are so many interesting things to point out, as your child gets older, to encourage them to learn and then discover for themselves as they discuss what is happening in the story.

Sorry, the shopping bag that Cordelia carried from the Capitol back to her husband near the end of the book. It was a Barrayar reference.

#148: Several people keep track of the reading to their children, so by all means, count them, Nina!

I can palm off the kids on someone, get my husband to buy take-aways for the rest of the year, and cloister myself with the
rest of my tbr pile.

Sounds like a plan to me :)

Goodnight Gorilla was one of our big favorites -- you keep on finding new things to look at even after 100 reads!!!!!

Another huge Rathman favorite was Ten Minutes Till Bedtime. Fabulous!!!!!!!! Of course, it drags out bedtime, but in a good way.

I am a huge fan of Goodnight Gorilla and even though we read it a bazillion times, I am still sad that my son is no longer interested in it. It is one of my 'go to' presents for newbies to the world.

41) Finished The Amulet of Samarkand; Bartimeus Trilogy by Jonathon Stroud.

This was my 'waiting for kids' classes to finish' book, so it wasn't a continuous read.

I must say, it's so full of footnotes that there are 4 on the back cover! The story is set in an alternative London, where magicians sit in Parliament and run the country, and whose source of power is the ability to conjure demons to do their biddings. It concerns a boy, Nathaniel, who is taken on as an apprentice to a magician at a very young age, and who later summons a djini, Bartimeus. The story alternates between the 3rd person narrative, telling Nathaniel's story, and the first person, told from Bartimeus's point of view.

Bartimeus is 3,000 odd years old, and resents being called up by a human child, having previously been summoned by great historic figures such as Solomon and Ptolemy. He is very irreverent, but is bound to help Nathaniel. Nathaniel is a gifted, under-acknowledged boy who is determined to wreak vengence for a perceived slight from another magician.

This was fun to read.

41) Pride and Prejudice by austenjaneaustenjane::Jane Austen

Still hoping to finish by the end of the month! Reading the annotated version (even the front cover picture is annotated ... hmm... starting a trend here?), which makes it more enjoyable - though I don't always agree with the annotations.

Wickedly funny - as Austen always is.

42) Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Currently reading this to my kids; mainly the soon-to-be-7-years-old who is into Ben 10 and Transformers. We've only finished 3 chapters, but he's enthralled! He remembered the last words of Chapter 2, even though it was several nights ago - possibly a whole week. The part about never growing up seems to catch his fancy, as it did mine when I read the book as a child. Mind you, having been an only child for 5 years, he's still adjusting to having a baby brother, and sometimes regresses.

Enchanting!

>149 ronincats:. Ah; that one. Not something I'd like to receive (although, in that situation ...)

>150 alcottacre:. Thanks!

>151 sibylline:. Must look for '10 Minutes'

>152 nancyewhite:. Yup - we were given 'Goodnight' when our eldest was born. Good present!

#153: Someone else in the group just recommended this trilogy too. I will really have to get to it since it sounds like something I would like.

#153 I saw you add that one to the wiki and it prompted me to pick my copy up and read it as I was in the mood for a children's/YA read. It was fun but there were a lot of footnotes! I'm definitely planning to read the other books in the series.

#154 I think you've counted both The Amulet of Samarkand and Pride and Prejudice as book #41 so you're one book further on than you think. :-)

Ooh - thankyou, souloftherose!

Doing this slowly from my phone, rather than laptop.

44) Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.
Another YA re-read for me. I think I first read this when I actually was a YA, and I was thrilled to find a no-nonsense princess in Cimorene. It was great fun to read, and full of adventure.

I have to confess, though, that the slimness of the book was a huge draw ;-)

#159: I enjoy the Enchanted Forest Chronicles too. Nothing wrong with reading YA in my book!

#160 - No indeed! I'm rediscovering some gems from my childhood, including

45) So You Want to be a Wizard by Diane Duane

This is a story set in New York about a girl, Nita, who discovers a wizard's manual, disguised as a 'So You Want to be a ...' book. When she recites the Oath committing her to being a wizard, she finds herself thrown into a magical adventure where she finds new friends, and has to save the universe with their help.

Diane Duane writes very well. The passages where Nita reads the description of Manhattan from the Book of Night with Moon to hold it in this world are magically lyrical. I lived there for a couple of years, and her words brought the city vividly to life and cast it in a light I'd not seen it in. Although, since the book was written a while back, the WTC makes an appearance, and the Pan Am building is now the Met Life building.

I've also made a start on the next of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles,

46) Searching for Dragons, although I don't remember reading that one before. Cimorene is as no-nonsense as ever, and meets a similarly minded King.

#161: MY local library has that one, so I will have to give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation, Nina!

Be warned, Stasia, that it is a series, up to #9, which book is sitting here waiting for me to have time to reread the whole series before reading A Wizard of Mars.

#164: Well, I will start with book one and then go from there. I hope the library has them all! Thanks for the heads up, Roni.

#164 : 9! My boxed set only has 4. What a shame; more potential books for the TBR pile :)

47)Sign of the Unicorn by Roger Zelazny

Corwin loses a sibling, finds a sibling, uncovers family plots and factions behind the manoeuvering for the throne and loses more siblings.

This book is set mostly in the palace, and deals mostly with royal family politics, but when Corwin starts Shadow-walking, we dive back into Fantasy with a vengeance!

47)Sign of the Unicorn by Roger Zelazny

Corwin loses a sibling, finds a sibling, uncovers family plots and factions behind the manoeuvering for the throne and loses more siblings.

This book is set mostly in the palace, and deals mostly with royal family politics, but when Corwin starts Shadow-walking, we dive back into Fantasy with a vengeance!

Nina, I do hope you will be joining us again in 2011. The group is up and running: http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin20111

Thanks for letting me know! I've been spring cleaning - which takes a while, because the kids invariably get involved, which puts me back to square one an awful lot! So I haven't been on LT for a while, and I'm just trying to coast to my 50 in the last days of the year. Oops - only another 2!

Next year, I'll try to plan my reading a bit better; this year, I just dived in, thinking that I'd easily read 75 books in a whole year, without stopping to calculate I should read at least 6 books a month. Plus, I may actually come to an end of cleaning (it's been pending since we moved house .... and had a baby .... and spent some time out of the country ...)

#170: Glad to hear you will be re-joining us!

Here's my 2011 thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105871