Review: Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (Abarat #2)

5 stars. Happy/melancholy sigh. I wish I could jump into a glorious ocean and leave Chickentown-I-mean-Earth forever for a magical land full of colorful creatures and vivid wonders and honorable people and layered villains (lol). I wish I could start fresh with a found family of loyal friends and fierce warriors and lovely souls. Luckily, the second book in Clive Baker’s Abarat series, Days of Magic, Nights of War, beautifully offers that opportunity in a truly exciting sequel to the first.

Candy Quackenbush is busy exploring her new home with her best friend Malingo when it becomes horribly apparent she’s being hunted. Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight, has plans for her - mysterious, dangerous plans. When she daringly escapes from his clutches by using magic, her new friends (and her enemies) begin to wonder if they’ve seen this girl before - and if she has a deeper purpose in coming to their land.

While the plot here is again a vehicle for the worldbuilding (which I didn’t mind in the first book and I don’t mind here), this book to me is BIGGER and WIDER and WILDER and DEEPER. It’s truly exciting and full of sequences that left me breathless. Abarat is so FULL and I couldn’t get enough. The stories, the myths, the dreams, the monsters, the beautiful illustrations merge into what is a truly captivating reading Experience-uppercase-E.

Also like in the first book, Barker circles some fascinating Big Themes, like morality and character and victimhood and intent and loyalty and abuse and cycles of abuse and most painfully/beautifully, love. I’m not normally one for love (or sentimentality of any kind lol), but I love his messages here. Love is love is love is love and it’s worth fighting for. Hate is hate is hate is hate and it can be super complicated, actually.

And there’s fun stuff too, like carnivals! And a battle! With ships! And dragons!

I wish these books had gained the notoriety/audience/longevity of other fantasy series from the 2000’s, as I truly believe they’d speak to readers of all ages, types and sizes. I guess they’ll just be iconic in my own mind, like my reviews ;) Anyway, onto the third - which I’ve never finished - and then I’ll cry big fat tears because the goddess Izabella will never take me away...

Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Wet Magic

5 stars. Well, I keep looking for a palette cleanser. Although instead of a bad taste, I want to scrub away reality. And the palette is in fact my anxious, exhausted brain. I keep looking for books that will, like, move me physically from this space to another. Books that will wash everything away.

Edith Nesbit did that for me so much when I was a kid, so I sort of had the idea to return to something reliable rather than try something new? And it sort of worked. I love her witty writing and clever characters. I adore the worlds she builds and her approach to writing about magic and the occasional meta details about stories and fairy tales. I love her ability to craft delightful, utter nonsense.

This one was always my favorite - a story about four children (and a tagalong friend) who rescue a captured mermaid. They are taken to her underwater kingdom and accidentally start a war with other oceanic creatures, which is a lot more delightful and a lot less scary than it sounds. I loved this one when I was a kid because I loved the sea and always secretly hoped I was actually a mermaid and would return home one day, like the well-adjusted super-reader that I was. 

Here's the thing: it didn't really hold up to my adult eyes. I still love it, and always will, but I enjoyed it more now from the perspective of: oh wow, she didn't just write tropes - she developed them. She originated them. Instead of feeling the pull of escape the way I did as a kid, I felt appreciation for her craft and for the influence she had on the fantasy genre. Which is not to say it was a bad reading experience, or a disappointment (not at all!), it was simply different and unexpected.

So, I'll keep looking. I'll poke around Dahl and Eager and Ibbotson and Keene and Hoeye and see if I can find a doorway that'll open enough for me to escape my current reality. Wish me luck. But ALSO - I do recommend this, especially for little ones, especially to be read aloud at bedtime, maybe on a trip to the beach. Don't forget to bring shiny pails and shovels and maybe, as the sun sets over a glistening expanse of ocean blue, you can whisper, just to see... "Sabrina fair..."

Wet Magic on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Abarat (Abarat #1)

5 stars. Every couple of years, I crave these books. I get nostalgic for the pure and colorful escape, for the deftly-named characters and the creative world-building. I get excited to travel to new places and meet old friends and face clever, layered villains. I get eager to pour over the brilliant and vivid illustrations, to dive into a true reading Experience-uppercase-E.

But here's the thing: for as many times as I've read and re-read the first book, I've never made it through the third. ACK. I know that Clive Barker intended this to be a quintet, but we've settled for three, and I can't even finish them all! My vague reading challenge for 2020 was to finish what I start (meaning: series) and I totally burnt out on The Expanse by Book 5. So here we are. Should I try to get something right for once? Should I actually cross something off the list?

CANDY QUACKENBUSH. A girl from Chickentown, Minnesota who finds herself in Abarat, a magical land - archipelago, actually - where each island occupies a single hour of the day. Candy meets creatures and monsters and animals beyond her wildest dreams - but something feels off. She's being hunted by Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight, whose interest in her borders on obsession. And as she immerses herself more in Abaratian ways, it all starts to feel ... familiar.

Tasty stuff.

Beyond the basic story (which is essentially just a vehicle for the world-building, which I don't mind at all?), I love the lessons here: Candy's an admirable Alice with a fantastic attitude. She demonstrates compassion and empathy and characters who don't are heartily and happily called out. There's exploration of fate and destiny and bravery and surrender. It's fantastic.

I recall very fondly going online (a slow, loud thing when I was a child in the 90s) and pouring over the Extremely Sophisticated Online Flash Animation on the website for these books. I believe there was an interactive map of The Beautiful Moment, fan art, and more. I painstakingly copied the illustrations with my colored pencils, I even tried to write my own pseudo-fanfiction-y version of the story in a pink spiral notebook involving a protagonist named Kandi and several fierce old women ... lol. 

But enough embarrassing shit about me. My point is just to say that these books are/were formative and foundational and special to me.

Fans of fantasy: read this. Fans of world-building: read this. Fans of art: read this. Fans of myths: read this. Fans of fun, creative villains: read this. These books make me fucking emotional, and not just because they offered so much comfort and so much inspiration when I was a kid. This series holds up as something truly unique - something beautiful - something with the potential to be important for generations to come. REMEMBER ABARAT, book world. Let's return together.

Abarat on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January

3 stars. Charming! The Ten Thousand Doors of January is about a young woman in the early 1900's who lives in a mansion full of strange artifacts. Her father comes and goes on mysterious missions and she is stuck under the charge of a strict but seemingly supportive caretaker. Until one day, she discovers a door. And a book.

A magical and enchanting story weaves itself beautifully as January makes friends, learns about her past, and runs into trouble. Sure, it's about excitement and adventure and facing misfortune, but it's also about a woman finding herself - loving herself - doubling down on her very sense of self - when everyone else fails. 

If this was a straight up professional-ish review, I'd rate it higher - it's a good book. Well-paced, well-written and it hits certain spots that many readers are nostalgic for after HP and Wayward Children and Narnia. I adore portal fantasies and felt the familiar "man I wish I could find my door" feeling. I also couldn't put it down!

But since this is more of a reaction than a review, I'll call it trope-y, and I'm docking a star, as I always do, for a UDD (Unnecessary Dog Death - even if it's a fake one). The writing comes across as quaint to me, maybe a little cute. I also don't believe in True Love, and sometimes this felt like a romance disguising itself as a fantasy. And the plot contains IMO many impossibilities, which may kind of be the point, but I like writing that solves its problems with a little more finesse. 

Anyway, I do really love the energy here. It's quirky, fun and a great debut.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Sands of Time (The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures #2)

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 12 / 12

5 stars. Ah, what a pleasure to return to the world of Hermux Tantamoq and his exciting adventures. I really loved re-reading this not just for the nostalgia but for the details I missed as a young person. There's so much witty humor here to enjoy!

In The Sands of Time, our view of Hermux's world expands wonderfully. His artistic friend, Mirren, has regained her sight and attempted to capture what she saw during her years of darkness. Unfortunately, the citizens of Pinchester have no stomach for the mythical creatures she paints: CATS. 

Luckily, or unluckily, an old friend of hers returns claiming to have discovered proof that cats existed in a kingdom in the desert. With a little daring and a lot of cheese, Hermux and his special lady Linka embark on a quest to find the kingdom and save Mirren's show! 

It's adorable - just as adorable as the first book. The plot is a bit more complicated but Hoeye deftly keeps the pages turning and the tone intact. Each character maintains a distinct voice and motivations, and, perhaps more profoundly here than in the first, we encounter a range of "villains" instead of black-and-white good versus evil. Tucka has her moments, but she'll always be Tucka after all.

And just like the first book, there are astoundingly deep themes for such a seemingly superficial book. It's for young people, but it embeds some amazing lessons within its pages that'd be just as suitable for adults. 

My brain is SUPERFRIED from the holidays, so I'll leave it at that. I just really, really, really recommend these books. Also, they make me hungry for cheese.

The Sands of Time on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Time Stops for No Mouse (The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures #1)

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 10 / 12

5 stars. I wish I could convey how much I adore this book without coming across a bit obsessive. One of my purposes in conducting a re-read challenge for 2019 was to revisit some of the books I enjoyed as a young person - knowing that I wouldn't always experience a gutpunch of nostalgia in a positive way. I wanted to read these books with new eyes and a fresh perspective and see if they held up! And this one, most positively of all my re-reads so far, hugged my heart fiercely.

Time Stops for No Mouse is the first Hermux Tantamoq adventure out of four (far too few, in my opinion!). Hermux, a plucky watchmaker from Pinchester, accidentally stumbles into an evil plot involving an attractive-but-missing aviatrix, a terrifying cosmetics tycoon, hideous modern art, dreadful machinery, disguises, and a short and strange stay at a wellness center. It's an absolutely solid mystery with fantastic, distinct characters, high stakes and clever humor that will appeal to readers of all ages.

I suppose some here reacted negatively to the rather "cute" tone of these books, the names specifically. I actually LOVE the writing. I love the names and the flavor and the cozy undertones. I love the detailed descriptions of the mundane - it's often in these details that the author is his most amusing. Side note: I actually bought apples and cheese at the grocery store after reading about Hermux's delightful snacks. Where can I find some honey fizz?

For such an apparently superficial novel, this book packs some incredibly touching, emotional moments between its pages. I specifically remember being traumatized by a chapter in which Hermux discovers that his pet ladybug, Terfle, is missing. It broke my heart at 12, and it broke my heart again this time. And the ending - well, let's just say it's happy in some deeply meaningful ways. Happy in a way that will, honestly, stick with me for a long time.

But enough about the deep stuff. This book is just plain FUN! And I can't help but note how perfectly put together it is visually - the font is perfect, and each chapter has an amusing, clean clip art picture placed under its title (however: a chapter called "Get the Picture," notably, does not). There are tons of treats between these lines to discover and smile at, and I actually can't wait to re-read the sequel, and maybe this one again, in a weird never-ending cycle because the world is hard right now.

Time Stops for No Mouse on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: La Belle Sauvage

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

3 stars. I really and truly appreciate Philip Pullman's writing. His world- and character-building are fantastic. He's wonderfully creative and imaginative and clearly instills a sense of deep thinking into his stories. So much has been said about his messages and metaphors and influences and themes, and I do enjoy unpacking what he has to say. 

But I have to admit: in general, his books don't give me chills. I don't feel driven to turn the page or return to the story when I reach the end of a chapter. I enjoy the experience, I suppose, but not on a level that really affects me. I feel distant as a reader; removed, or something. It's difficult to explain. 

Maybe I would've been more invested had it not been a prequel. Maybe I would've been more interested if there had been - at the very least - a bit more explanation for the main antagonist's terrifying behavior (his purpose, to me, seemed simply to be scary). Maybe had Malcolm shown a little more depth ... unpredictability? Maybe if there had been a clearer purpose to each chapter it would have felt less meandering? Maybe if there had been fewer references to baby poop?

Don't get me wrong - La Belle Sauvage is terrific. Malcolm is a heartwarming hero and the magical elements of the world - daemons and alethiometers - prove as fascinating as ever. Pullman's plot development is always unique and unstructured in a good way. And I really, really admire his take on innocence/childhood vs. sin/adulthood. That is what keeps me reading, it's so interesting! 

Actually, this brings me to a bit of a realization: I enjoy reading about Philip Pullman's writing more than his actual writing. Not sure that's ever happened before. I admire him so much, he has an incredible mind, I just prefer the analysis over the actual writing. His work is certainly deserving of literary criticism; the way he takes elements of the classics - mythology, poetry, etc. - and weaves them into an exciting fairy tale ... spectacular. The reading itself, though: only a 3-star experience, for me.

La Belle Sauvage on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children #1)

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

5 stars. Pure magic. 

Reading this felt nostalgic, in a way; for the first time in a long time, just like when I read books as a kid, I wanted the fantasy to be real. Really, really wanted it to be real. Halfway through, I ached for a doorway of my own. I wondered where I would end up - in which colorful, perfect world. What would mine look like? I spent way too much time contemplating the possibilities. 

Every Heart a Doorway is concise portal fantasy with elements of true horror. It's a comedy and a drama and a tragedy and a coming-of-age story. It's a fairy tale about acceptance and innocence and identity. It's strange and weird and grotesque at times but ultimately left me warm and delighted. I am in such awe of the author's talent and can't wait to read more. Five magical stars.

Every Heart a Doorway on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Return of the King

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 07 / 12

5 stars. I keep recalling the time when someone close to me said that the first time he read the Lord of the Rings, he ended up reading at stoplights. This was when the books were first published. This person is gone, but thinking about that makes me smile.

What a classic, imaginative, incredible, accomplished piece of writing. So much invention. It goes so deep and wide! I love that Tolkien never loses his playful tone. I'm going to make an effort to re-read these more often and more carefully. They're like delicious brain food.

I know this story very well; by heart, even. But I still felt breathless during the battles and nervous before the end. It has a really weird ending, but I loved the Appendices. And the maps. We are so lucky to have this story. I feel honored to have walked side-by-side with these resilient characters.

I mentioned in my review of the first book that I'm aware of the imperfections. There are clearly some issues and as many, many, many have said - the writing style is not for everyone. But I'd recommend this to anyone thirsty for foundation fantasy. It's worth it.

Re-reading these books has also given me a new appreciation for the film adaptations - I had no idea that they pulled so much (so much language, so many direct quotes) from the text. And I also completely support their narrative adjustments and just LOVE THEM EVEN MORE NOW.

I wish I could choose just one passage, or one component, and go crazy. I want to write twenty pages on the Madness of Denethor, thirty on orcs. I want to do a deep dive into Ent lore and how Tolkien aggressively demands respect for trees. I want to pick apart Eowyn's fears and flaws.

These books inspire obsession, so watch out.

On to the next, reluctantly.

The Return of the King on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Two Towers

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 06 / 12

5 stars. Blindingly wonderful. Honestly, team Samwise all the way. This was his book.

Favorite moments:

1. Treebeard burn:

"He is plotting to become a Power. He has a mind of metal and wheels; and he does not care for growing things, except as far as they serve him for the moment."

2. On feeling out of your depth:

"And here he was a little halfling from the Shire, a simple hobbit of the quiet countryside, expected to find a way where the great ones could not go, or dared not go. It was an evil fate. But he had taken it on himself in his own sitting-room in the far-off spring of another year, so remote now that it was like a chapter in a story of the world’s youth, when the Trees of Silver and Gold were still in bloom. This was an evil choice. Which way should he choose? And if both led to terror and death, what good lay in choice?"

3. On the importance of sleep:

“Sam drew a deep breath. ‘An Oliphaunt it was!’ he said. ‘So there are Oliphaunts, and I have seen one. What a life! But no one at home will ever believe me. Well, if that’s over, I’ll have a bit of sleep.’"

4. Told you this was Sam's book:

"Sam did not wait to wonder what was to be done, or whether he was brave, or loyal, or filled with rage. He sprang forward with a yell, and seized his master’s sword in his left hand. Then he charged. No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts, where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth, alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate."

The Two Towers on: Amazon | Goodreads