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Again, Mercedes Lackey weaves a story of intrigue, magic, characters to die for and a fast moving plot that keeps the pages ever turning. Can two preteen old girls from widely different worlds survive the scheming of an evil Elemental Magician? The exotic flavors of mystic Africa and India blend with a school of magic, ancient and powerful fairies, unique powers, love forsaken and true love found as good battles evil on the London streets of Victorian England. This tale of friendship, the power of love and redeption catches the heart and entertains the mind.
Another great read by Mercedes Lackey!
Reviews - Praise for The Wizard of London
"This installment in Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters saga is a very loose retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale 'The Snow Queen'. Fans of Lackey's previous Elemental Masters novels (The Serpents Shadow, The Gates of Sleep and Phoenix and Ashes) should thoroughly enjoy this book. Comparable to works by Patricia A McKillip, Juliet Marillier, and Cecilia Dart-Thornton, The Wizard of London blends historical fiction with folklore and mythology to create a fantasy suitable for all ages." - The Barnes & Noble Review
"Lackey's fourth Elemental Masters novel is a charmign adult fairy tale and an entertaining read for fans of historical fantasy and romance. The Victorian setting provides an atmospheric background for this tale of magic treachery and a frozen price who must learn to feel again if he is to save himself and his world." - Romantic Times
"For the fans of Lackey's work, this will be another delicious addition to this series. They will love it" - The Historical Novels Review
"There are lots of fun bits about the girls and their avian companions (a parrot and a raven). The whole is a fun adventure." - Locus
"Interestingly drawn characters hold our attention to the end." - Booklist
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mozart's Sister by Rita Charbonnier
This was a truly touching novel of passion, talent, family, love and the bravery to overcome stunning disappointment.An absolute inspiration of the strength it takes to move beyond talent and into expressing it. Mozart's Sister is a joy to reading with truly well developed characters that bring the passion of music and the challenges of genius to life.
The passion, the genius and obsession that was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is captured beautifully. The family's life in Salzberg is fraught with all the emotion of familiar family drama. The struggles of Nannerl as a woman in a man's world bring an appreciation of the freedoms women now claim. And thru it all, music rules. A fabulous book!
From the back cover:
"The fascinating life of Wolfgang's older sister, Nannerl - whose talent may have equaled her brothers'
Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart, affectionately called Nannerl by her family, could play the piano with an otherworldky skill from the time she was a child. At the tender age of five, she fave her first public performance, amazing the assembled gentlemen and ladies with the beautiful music she created.
Yet, as her brother Wolfgang, who carried their father's dreams of glory. As the siblings matured, Nannerl's prodigious talent was brushed aside. Instead of playing alongside her brother in the world's great cities, she was forced to stop performing and become a provincial piano teacher to support Wolfgang's career. Nannerl might have accepted this life in her brother's shadow but for the appearance of a potential suitor who reawakened her passion for life, for love, for music - and who threatened to upset the delicate balance that kept the Mozart family in harmony."
About the author:
This is a first novel for Rita Charbonnier who is a trained pianist and opera singer. Rita is Italian, lives in Rome and also writes television scripts. Read more about Rita Charbonnier on MySpace.
Reviews
"A moving tribute to the spirit of a forgotten sibling. Music imbues every gripping page, and in revealing Nannerl, Charbonnier also gives us a different view of Mozart, both rounding out and exploding the myths of his brief, tragic life." - Suzanne Dunlap, auther of Emilie's Voice and Liszt's Kiss
A dysfunctional family, sex scandals, and true love - eighteenth century Europe was a far different world from ours, yet Rita Charbonnier's skill and verve make us feel at home, and we cheer for the brilliant, resilient Nannerl as she struggles to become much more than Mozart's sister. - Karen Harper, author of the Last Boleyn
The passion, the genius and obsession that was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is captured beautifully. The family's life in Salzberg is fraught with all the emotion of familiar family drama. The struggles of Nannerl as a woman in a man's world bring an appreciation of the freedoms women now claim. And thru it all, music rules. A fabulous book!
From the back cover:
"The fascinating life of Wolfgang's older sister, Nannerl - whose talent may have equaled her brothers'
Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart, affectionately called Nannerl by her family, could play the piano with an otherworldky skill from the time she was a child. At the tender age of five, she fave her first public performance, amazing the assembled gentlemen and ladies with the beautiful music she created.
Yet, as her brother Wolfgang, who carried their father's dreams of glory. As the siblings matured, Nannerl's prodigious talent was brushed aside. Instead of playing alongside her brother in the world's great cities, she was forced to stop performing and become a provincial piano teacher to support Wolfgang's career. Nannerl might have accepted this life in her brother's shadow but for the appearance of a potential suitor who reawakened her passion for life, for love, for music - and who threatened to upset the delicate balance that kept the Mozart family in harmony."
About the author:
This is a first novel for Rita Charbonnier who is a trained pianist and opera singer. Rita is Italian, lives in Rome and also writes television scripts. Read more about Rita Charbonnier on MySpace.
Reviews
"A moving tribute to the spirit of a forgotten sibling. Music imbues every gripping page, and in revealing Nannerl, Charbonnier also gives us a different view of Mozart, both rounding out and exploding the myths of his brief, tragic life." - Suzanne Dunlap, auther of Emilie's Voice and Liszt's Kiss
A dysfunctional family, sex scandals, and true love - eighteenth century Europe was a far different world from ours, yet Rita Charbonnier's skill and verve make us feel at home, and we cheer for the brilliant, resilient Nannerl as she struggles to become much more than Mozart's sister. - Karen Harper, author of the Last Boleyn
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Reserved for the Cat by Mercedes Lackey An Elemental Masters Novel
For years I've seen Mercedes Lackey on the shelf at the bookstore in my favorite section - science fiction and fantasy. And for years, I've just kept going on to the next author. I finally cracked and bought one in the airport on the way home from Vienna. I am happy I finally gave in.
I've never been much of a dog person. They seem too friendly and requiring constant attention. The allure of the cat has always been my weakness. They are so calm and dignified. Well, most of them at least, visions of streaking white balls of fluffy from my youth... but that's another story. So I guess the cat is what finally lured me into the world of Mercedes Lackey.
Whisked into a world full of the harsh realities of life in turn of the century Paris, we meet and soon fall in love with Ninette, the heroine. A dedicated hardworking ballerina who has bled enough in her delicate pointed shoes to finally earn her big break, Ninette puts on the performance of her life only to have it bring disaster crushing down about her. She is rescued from destitution by... yes, the cat.
In a tale full of lovable characters, magic, talking cats, show business and destruction, Mercedes Lackey caught my heart. Now I am looking forward to catching up on the rest of the Elemental Masters Novels. Sigh, ah, happiness, new author to run through... this should keep me in books for months.
Here's the back cover text:
"NOT JUST YOUR AVERAGE CAT....
Ninette Dupond was a dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet. She had been very lucky - if she had not been pretty, and a natural dancer, she could only have become what her mother had been: a washerwoman, or perhaps if she was desperate and hungry enough, a prostitute.
But Ninette's good luck ended the day that the lead dancer sprained her ankle and Ninette was chose to dance her part at a matinee. Her reviews had been very good - too good. Shortly thereafter Ninette had been fired in an attempt to soothe the wounded ego of the ballet's primary soloist.
Alone, unemployed, and filled with despair, Ninette had returned to her apartment to find a thin, rangy, tabby-striped tomcat sitting on her windowsill. He seemed like just another stray, until abruptly he spoke to her, mind-to-mind.
Ninette thought she was going mad, but the cat offered her an alternative to prostitution, albeit a very odd one. He proposed she impersonate a renowned Russian ballerina, Nina Tcherslavsky, and go to work in a specific music hall in Blackpool, England. The cat also told her that he would take care of her in every way - he would somehow convey the English and Russian languages to her, supply her with money and guide her every move. With no other option open to her, she placed her life in his paws.
What Ninette didn't know was that the cat was an Elemental Spirit send to protect her, and that the music hall in Blackpool was owned by an Elemental Master. But she also didn't know that the real Nina Tcherslavsky no longer existed. For the real Nine had been "absorbed" by an Elemental Spirit of the darkest kind that was now bent on Ninette's destruction...."
The book is dedicated to:
"The volunteers of the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) who are selflessly going into disaster areas to save our best friends. www.uan.org"
Raves for Reserved for the Cat:
"The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong series that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly Recommended." -Library Journal
"The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the desperation of young girls without family or other protection come to life in a story that should interest a broad readership. - Booklist
"This most recent entry in Lackey's series is a nicely paced, pleasant read. Nina is a sympathetic protagonist readers will root for, and the story holds together well." - Romantic Times
"A fantastic cat-and-mouse game among a shape-changing troll, Elemental Masters and a gifted dancer in Victorian England makes Lackey's latest Elemental Masters installment a charmer. This is Lackey at her best, mixing whimsy and magic with a fast-paced plot." - Publishers Weekly
I've never been much of a dog person. They seem too friendly and requiring constant attention. The allure of the cat has always been my weakness. They are so calm and dignified. Well, most of them at least, visions of streaking white balls of fluffy from my youth... but that's another story. So I guess the cat is what finally lured me into the world of Mercedes Lackey.
Whisked into a world full of the harsh realities of life in turn of the century Paris, we meet and soon fall in love with Ninette, the heroine. A dedicated hardworking ballerina who has bled enough in her delicate pointed shoes to finally earn her big break, Ninette puts on the performance of her life only to have it bring disaster crushing down about her. She is rescued from destitution by... yes, the cat.
In a tale full of lovable characters, magic, talking cats, show business and destruction, Mercedes Lackey caught my heart. Now I am looking forward to catching up on the rest of the Elemental Masters Novels. Sigh, ah, happiness, new author to run through... this should keep me in books for months.
Here's the back cover text:
"NOT JUST YOUR AVERAGE CAT....
Ninette Dupond was a dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet. She had been very lucky - if she had not been pretty, and a natural dancer, she could only have become what her mother had been: a washerwoman, or perhaps if she was desperate and hungry enough, a prostitute.
But Ninette's good luck ended the day that the lead dancer sprained her ankle and Ninette was chose to dance her part at a matinee. Her reviews had been very good - too good. Shortly thereafter Ninette had been fired in an attempt to soothe the wounded ego of the ballet's primary soloist.
Alone, unemployed, and filled with despair, Ninette had returned to her apartment to find a thin, rangy, tabby-striped tomcat sitting on her windowsill. He seemed like just another stray, until abruptly he spoke to her, mind-to-mind.
Ninette thought she was going mad, but the cat offered her an alternative to prostitution, albeit a very odd one. He proposed she impersonate a renowned Russian ballerina, Nina Tcherslavsky, and go to work in a specific music hall in Blackpool, England. The cat also told her that he would take care of her in every way - he would somehow convey the English and Russian languages to her, supply her with money and guide her every move. With no other option open to her, she placed her life in his paws.
What Ninette didn't know was that the cat was an Elemental Spirit send to protect her, and that the music hall in Blackpool was owned by an Elemental Master. But she also didn't know that the real Nina Tcherslavsky no longer existed. For the real Nine had been "absorbed" by an Elemental Spirit of the darkest kind that was now bent on Ninette's destruction...."
The book is dedicated to:
"The volunteers of the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) who are selflessly going into disaster areas to save our best friends. www.uan.org"
Raves for Reserved for the Cat:
"The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong series that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly Recommended." -Library Journal
"The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the desperation of young girls without family or other protection come to life in a story that should interest a broad readership. - Booklist
"This most recent entry in Lackey's series is a nicely paced, pleasant read. Nina is a sympathetic protagonist readers will root for, and the story holds together well." - Romantic Times
"A fantastic cat-and-mouse game among a shape-changing troll, Elemental Masters and a gifted dancer in Victorian England makes Lackey's latest Elemental Masters installment a charmer. This is Lackey at her best, mixing whimsy and magic with a fast-paced plot." - Publishers Weekly
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Standard of Honor - A Templar Novel by Jack Whyte
I first got addicted to Jack Whyte from his Camulod series about King Arthur. Jack Whyte is very thorough in his attention to historical detail which really brings the mystery of other times to life. It's like traveling without the airfare.
Standard of Honor is Book Two of the Templar Trilogy. In Book One of the Templar Trilogy, Knights of the Black and White, Jack Whyte explored the origins of "one of the most the mysterious and secretive aspects of medieval history: the Knights Templar" (The Vancouver Sun). Now he returns to the inner workings of that secret society to discover the price men are willing to pay for faith. Standard of Honor goes from the blood and guts of war, to the strategies and plots of Kings, to the political machinations of their Knights to examine what drove the crusades and the Knights Templar's place in them.
Honor is a vague and misplaced concept in our current society. Its inspiring to go back to those difficult times, in the midst of one of the major conflicts in the history of the world, to see men taking a stand for themselves and what they believe in with true honor. With widely varying expressions and definitions, honor is one of the few things that can be truly personal. This is a fascinating exploration into history, religion, culture, morals and the lack thereof that calls for the very best in humanity even in the presence of the very worst.
Both an insightful look into the vagaries of war and a slice into the ever present drama of humanity, Standard of Honor thrills. Whether in his interpretation of the mission of the Crusades, his retelling of the strength of the leaders on both sides of the war or in his rendition of the search for faith Jack Whyte holds true to the historical lay of the land in a way that is both fasicnating and rewarding. Amazing battle scenes, great tactics and strategy on one hand make this an epic war book. Gay Kings and their choices to deliver the required heir, Queens who scheme for love, sex and the strength of the royal line, Knights willing to die for God and those lesser stationed who meerly strive to serve and stay alive all struggle with the conflicting demands life, loyalty and faith. That combined with an insightful look into the similarities and differences of some of the widest spread world religions, the earlier years of the seemingly endless wars in the Middle East, the secrets and beliefs of the Knights Templar make for great weekend reading. At 774 pages, I wished there were more. I'll just pretend to have patience waiting for Book Three: Order in Chaos. That sounds right up my alley.
For those interested in the History of the Knights Templar, here are some of the books Jack Whyte used most as reference for this book:
Les sites Templier de France - Templar Sites in France - by Jean-Luc Audbarbier and Michael Binet
Arab Historians of the Crusades by Francesco Gabrieli (the 1993 Barnes & Noble edition of the classic 1957 Italian compilation of Arab commentaries and insights into the Crusades "from the other side"
The Knights Templar, Stephen Howarth, 1982, republished in 1993 by Barnes & Noble
Bible and Sword: England and Palestine from the Bronze Age to Balfour, Barbara Tuchman, New York University Press, 1956, republished in 1993 by Ballantine Books
The New Knighthood: A History of the Order of the Temple, Malcolm Barber, Cambridge University Press, 1994
The Templars, Piers Paul Read, Phoenix Press, 2001
Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade, James Reston Jr., Anchor Books, 2001
The Templars: Knights of God, Edward Burman, Destiny Books, 1986
From the Standard of Honor book cover:
"Order memeber Sir Henry St. Clair is challenged by Richard the Lionheart to join his army and free the Holy Land from the grip of the Saracens. Though wary of Richard's motives, Sir Henry agrees, for his future - and that of his son, a rising knight in the Order - rests on his allegiance to the king. With one ally, his cousin Alexander, already in the Holy Land, Sir Henry agrees to serve as Master-at-Arms. But from the moment the Third Crusade sets foot in the Holy Land, the political and personal intrigues of Crusade leaders bring the St. Clair family - and the fate of the Order - to the edge of disaster."
Standard of Honor Reviews:
"A rich trove of Templar lore...few authors can match Whyte when it comes to epic battle scenes" - Publisher's Weekly
"Fabulous historical fiction" - Midwest Book Review
"Whyte [is] a Master." - Booklist
"This is Jack Whyte at better than his best." - Diana Gabaldon (About Book One of the Templar Trilogy: Knights of the Black and White)
Jack Whyte Biographical Info (inside jacket):
Jack Whyte is the author of the immensely popular Camulod series, a four-generation saga of the rise and fall of King Arthur, which has been translated into many languages. Born and raised in Scotland, he has lived for many years in Canada, working as an English teacher, a professional actor and singer, an advertising executive, and, always a writer. Whyte now lives with his wife, Beverly, in British Columbia, where he is at work on a third novel in the Knights Templar trilogy. Visit his website at www.jackwhyte.com or www.templartrilogy.com
Standard of Honor is Book Two of the Templar Trilogy. In Book One of the Templar Trilogy, Knights of the Black and White, Jack Whyte explored the origins of "one of the most the mysterious and secretive aspects of medieval history: the Knights Templar" (The Vancouver Sun). Now he returns to the inner workings of that secret society to discover the price men are willing to pay for faith. Standard of Honor goes from the blood and guts of war, to the strategies and plots of Kings, to the political machinations of their Knights to examine what drove the crusades and the Knights Templar's place in them.
Honor is a vague and misplaced concept in our current society. Its inspiring to go back to those difficult times, in the midst of one of the major conflicts in the history of the world, to see men taking a stand for themselves and what they believe in with true honor. With widely varying expressions and definitions, honor is one of the few things that can be truly personal. This is a fascinating exploration into history, religion, culture, morals and the lack thereof that calls for the very best in humanity even in the presence of the very worst.
Both an insightful look into the vagaries of war and a slice into the ever present drama of humanity, Standard of Honor thrills. Whether in his interpretation of the mission of the Crusades, his retelling of the strength of the leaders on both sides of the war or in his rendition of the search for faith Jack Whyte holds true to the historical lay of the land in a way that is both fasicnating and rewarding. Amazing battle scenes, great tactics and strategy on one hand make this an epic war book. Gay Kings and their choices to deliver the required heir, Queens who scheme for love, sex and the strength of the royal line, Knights willing to die for God and those lesser stationed who meerly strive to serve and stay alive all struggle with the conflicting demands life, loyalty and faith. That combined with an insightful look into the similarities and differences of some of the widest spread world religions, the earlier years of the seemingly endless wars in the Middle East, the secrets and beliefs of the Knights Templar make for great weekend reading. At 774 pages, I wished there were more. I'll just pretend to have patience waiting for Book Three: Order in Chaos. That sounds right up my alley.
For those interested in the History of the Knights Templar, here are some of the books Jack Whyte used most as reference for this book:
Les sites Templier de France - Templar Sites in France - by Jean-Luc Audbarbier and Michael Binet
Arab Historians of the Crusades by Francesco Gabrieli (the 1993 Barnes & Noble edition of the classic 1957 Italian compilation of Arab commentaries and insights into the Crusades "from the other side"
The Knights Templar, Stephen Howarth, 1982, republished in 1993 by Barnes & Noble
Bible and Sword: England and Palestine from the Bronze Age to Balfour, Barbara Tuchman, New York University Press, 1956, republished in 1993 by Ballantine Books
The New Knighthood: A History of the Order of the Temple, Malcolm Barber, Cambridge University Press, 1994
The Templars, Piers Paul Read, Phoenix Press, 2001
Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade, James Reston Jr., Anchor Books, 2001
The Templars: Knights of God, Edward Burman, Destiny Books, 1986
From the Standard of Honor book cover:
"Order memeber Sir Henry St. Clair is challenged by Richard the Lionheart to join his army and free the Holy Land from the grip of the Saracens. Though wary of Richard's motives, Sir Henry agrees, for his future - and that of his son, a rising knight in the Order - rests on his allegiance to the king. With one ally, his cousin Alexander, already in the Holy Land, Sir Henry agrees to serve as Master-at-Arms. But from the moment the Third Crusade sets foot in the Holy Land, the political and personal intrigues of Crusade leaders bring the St. Clair family - and the fate of the Order - to the edge of disaster."
Standard of Honor Reviews:
"A rich trove of Templar lore...few authors can match Whyte when it comes to epic battle scenes" - Publisher's Weekly
"Fabulous historical fiction" - Midwest Book Review
"Whyte [is] a Master." - Booklist
"This is Jack Whyte at better than his best." - Diana Gabaldon (About Book One of the Templar Trilogy: Knights of the Black and White)
Jack Whyte Biographical Info (inside jacket):
Jack Whyte is the author of the immensely popular Camulod series, a four-generation saga of the rise and fall of King Arthur, which has been translated into many languages. Born and raised in Scotland, he has lived for many years in Canada, working as an English teacher, a professional actor and singer, an advertising executive, and, always a writer. Whyte now lives with his wife, Beverly, in British Columbia, where he is at work on a third novel in the Knights Templar trilogy. Visit his website at www.jackwhyte.com or www.templartrilogy.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Nation by Terry Pratchett
The imaginative, ironic, unique worlds of Terry Prachett have fascinated me for decades. Nation is another book that lives up to my expectations. A Big Wave, poison used to make beer, Grandfathers speaking on the wind and an angry foulmouthed parrot, along with the usual brand of spunky, intelligent well developed characters combine to make this another unforgettable adventure.
In addition to the grand story of the salvation of a nation, this captures so many moments of the human heart and the joy of the human condition. From coming of age to death, from having faith in oneself to refusing to give up on others and a few adventures into concepts of alternate universes, this adventure is all heart.
I loved the characters, I loved the story (what's not to love about making beer, cussing parrots and mutiny by cannibal?) but most of all I loved that it reminded me what's possible and what matters.
In addition to the grand story of the salvation of a nation, this captures so many moments of the human heart and the joy of the human condition. From coming of age to death, from having faith in oneself to refusing to give up on others and a few adventures into concepts of alternate universes, this adventure is all heart.
I loved the characters, I loved the story (what's not to love about making beer, cussing parrots and mutiny by cannibal?) but most of all I loved that it reminded me what's possible and what matters.
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