The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This has been the latest Neil Gaiman book to hit the bookstores. I must say that I quite enjoyed this book for the darkness it possesses. Well, looking at the cover that should be fairly obvious. That aside, it had an unusual feel to it. It's probably the environment in the story that I'm not used to. After all, how many books are set solely in a graveyard?

The story revolves around Nobody Owens or Bod who unwittingly wanders away from being murdered along with his family into a graveyard where, its ghostly inhabitants decide to hide him and raise him. This book covers the different aspects and issues that Bod faces while living in the graveyard undetected by normal people. "How is that possible?" you ask. My suggestion: read the book.

Readers won't be disappointed as it is spooky as the name suggests. Do not expect a horror story though, murder is a horrendous deed. Also, this is a book meant for older children, say anywhere between preteens to early teens so don't expect to read something like 'Stardust'. If you're not a young reader, "The Graveyard Book" is meant for people who like unusual concepts and witty story-telling and for those who have not lost their inner child.

The Good Side of Bad Books

I found this article, The Good Side of Bad Books (click here to read), on a blog that I read that reviews book covers called The Book Design Review. I know how with the time constraints we have these days, we fear picking up a book that is so bad it's an absolute waste of time reading it. However, this article does put a fresh perspective on bad books, there are things you can learn from them too.

The informal book reviewer plying her trade.

I guess being an informal book reviewer, this puts things into perspective. I mean, you probably have to read the bad before you know what's good, right? However, I do agree with Stuart Evers that bad books are probably books that don't cater to what the readers want in general.

So before any of us starts believing in book ratings or reviews by the general public, why not pick up that book and try it out for yourself to see how accurate that book review is. Then you'll know who to turn to for advice on books to read.

I know that sentence is probably counter-intuitive to what I am doing this blog, however, as a reader, I do feel that you need to explore your options instead of shutting them out. Even though Hakanai Hane and I prefer to read fantasy, we also try to read books from other genres to.

That being said, we'll be striving to keep you posted with book reviews and recommendations that are fair and accurate to what we think you would like in a book. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for following this blog thus far.

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

"This book is dedicated with affection for
but no patience with
those who would protect our children through
humorless moralizing and paranoia about fantasy"

Hmmm... An intriguing dedication to kick-start a highly entertaining read. The story kicks off with Giannine Bellisario, who is grumpily on her way to redeem her gift certificate given by her dad for her birthday. You'd think that any teenager would be thrilled by a gift certificate to a virtual reality gaming center of the future where total immersion games exist.

Not so, first her indirectly asks her about what she wants for her birthday, via his secretary. Next there's a disturbance by members of Citizenz to Protect our Children (CPOC) outside the gaming center she's headed to AND the bus's artificial intelligence isn't letting her get down because she's under-aged. What else could go wrong?

Plenty, as Giannine finds herself trapped in the total immersion game Heir Apparent - thanks to equipment damage by a CPOC rampage. As if things couldn't get any worse, Giannine's life is at stake. The only way to get out of total immersion - with the equipment damaged - is to win the game. Easy right? Of course... not, Heir Apparent has multiple permutations that lead to its successful completion.

Will she get out in the end? What do you think?

This book is reccomended for readers who like good strategy and understand the world of role playing games. It's quite fascinating how fantasy can be woven into a technologically advanced setting. Readers will notice clashes in olden (fantasy) and modern day culture; especially where parent-child relationships are concerned.

Dragon Haven by Robin McKinley

The story takes place in the modern world with one exception: Dragons DO exist. Our main character, Jake, is the son of the director of an institute that studies these mysterious beings. It just happens located in a 5 million acre reserve called Smokehill. The only difficulty with this job is the almost non-existence of dragon sightings. Imagine trying to study a creature of mammoth proportions that you can't even see amidst debates on whether or not these creatures should be exterminated due to their potential for harming humans. Life goes on as usual for Jake until one day, he comes across a dying dragon. Next to her is the corpse of a man, a poacher. And one of her babies is still alive...

What I liked about this book was the way this story was written. It gave me the feeling of a close friend confiding in me and pouring out his/her deepest, darkest secret. This story also gives an unusual take on dragons. I think this is probably because of how McKinley took dragons from their Midieval fantasy setting and planted them in the modern world where everything is settled pretty much through politics, lawsuits, money and - in the right situation - guns. This makes the story completely  devoid of good old fashioned, sword-clashing wars/fight scenes and 'Chosen Ones' destined to rid the world of evil.  However, as a person who enjoys reading books over and over again, this book would not be listed in my list of repeats. And if you thoroughly enjoy stories with the classic fantasy plot, this might not be the book for you.

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

Artemis finds himself in trouble once again - no thanks to his evil scheming. His genius knows no bounds when he figures out a way to create a mini computer far more advanced than human technology based on his exposure to fairy technology. When a business deal - to sell off the computer - where he supposedly has the upper hand goes wrong, Artemis finds his life in peril and must race to save Butler's life and protect the secret of the existence of fairies. To do this he must call the fairies for help but at what cost?

As usual Artemis Fowl is fast-paced, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining. Be intrigued as you enter the world (and mind) of this boy genius. And... try not to sit on the edge of your seat... though that may be quite impossible.

Abarat by Clive Barker

An excellent read that blurs the barrier of time and space. It has absolutely nothing to do with quantum physics and everything to do with ingenious creativity. Our young heroine, Candy Quakenbush, doesn't quite fit in with the community of Chickentown, whose lives are built completely around - you guessed it - chickens, and more chickens. However after a series of extraordinary events, she gets thrown into the weird and wonderful world of Abarat where time is a place and miracles are possible. The catalyst? A history project.

This book is recommended to all fantasy junkies who are tired of the usual "I am the Chosen One?" plot where one man/woman is destined to save a kingdom/race/religion from oppression/evil/enslavement/or worse! XD. Abarat is a true gem among books as Barker is an amazingly descriptive writer and the creator of the unimaginable. The world of Abarat catches you in a choke-hold and makes you believe that it is somewhere out there in the real world. A MUST READ!!!!!

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer

Successfully having survived the bio-bomb, narrowly, Artemis Fowl receives news that his father is still alive, unfortunately, in the hands of the mafia. Meanwhile, underground someone is aiding a revolt against the LEP Recon and is planning to take control of Haven City, but who? As events take a turn for the worst, Artemis and Holly realize that they may need all the help they can get... by joining forces.

Learn more about Artemis and his cleverly wrought plans in this great sequel as he battles the Arctic cold and the pre-conceptions the LEP Recon have of him. May his anti-heroism reign!

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

This is the first book of the misdemeanors of Artemis Fowl. This 12 year-old criminal mastermind has discovered that fairies do exist and is hell bent on parting them from their gold by hook or crook (preferably the latter). He kidnaps LEPrecon officer, Captain Holly Short, as a means to realize his elegantly evil plan. Unfortunately for him, the fairies won't go down without a fight...

This book features a great blend of "underground" technology and magic. The characters are highly witty and memorable. Although Artemis is a villain, I assure you that you will be charmed by his wicked humour. Recommended reading!

Instead of Three Wishes: Magical Short Stories

This book contains a collection of really lovely, magical short stories that provide a great twist from the usual fairy-granting-wishes business. From leprechauns and cockroaches, to portraits and pastries, it is one of my favourite fantasy books of all time which I have reread oodles of times. The stories have a way of lingering i your mind for days and one story fascinates you after another. Megan Whalen Turner has a magical way of crafting her stories that leaves you feeling enraptured and uplifted as you immerse yourself in her stories.

Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

This book is a sequel to the wonderful 'Hat Full of Sky'. Once again we join Tiffany Aching and the ever amusing Wee Free Men in another whacky adventure. This time though, the spirit of winter seems to have fallen in love with a disinterested Tiffany and much to her horror, he doesn't seem to take any of her hints. If she doesn't figure out how to deal with him, spring may never return.

Great News!

There's some exciting news for all you readers out there! There is a bookshop at Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya, that is selling nooks for half the price of normal bookstores. Here's the best part: the books are BRAND NEW! It's two stores away from Kenny Roger's Roasters on the top floor. Go and check it out!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Loved this book! One would describe it as a sort of New Age fairy tale that takes you all over the world. The book is about a young boy Santiago who is trying to realize his own Personal Legend. Readers will discover the challenges, both mental and physical, that Santiago will face and why other people do not realize their Personal Legends. It is an uplifting and inspiring story and will prove to be the proverbial light house for those of you who need some direction in reaching your goals in life.

Happy New Year!

Here's to a glorious new year! I've been keeping up with the book reading... just not the blogging... got my hands pretty tied up in December what with Christmas celebrations and all. Anyway I shall be posting entries (slowly but surely) about the books I've read so far. Hope this site remains helpful to all of you.

Cheers!