Book Reviews for October

You'll notice I read significantly less in October than I did in September. That is because school got absolutely mad. Six exams, three final papers to start preparing, and a presentation to put together, and that's besides all the regular homework. Something had to go, and unfortunately, because I am a good student, the something was my pleasure reading *sad sigh*

But I still managed to read 4 books anyway. So here are my reviews!

A Conspiracy of Kings, by Megan Whalen Turner

Probably my least-favorite of Turner's "Thief" novels, but that doesn't mean it's a bad book. On the contrary, it's great. But it isn't as self-contained as the other books; I felt upon finishing it that it was only really prefacing a greater tale--one which I eagerly anticipate! It was interesting reading Sophos' first-person narration though, as I'm so used to Gen. They're definitely two different voices.

The Seer and the Sword, by Victoria Hanley

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would; it's got a lovely, light style that makes it seem like a romantic epic somehow, like an Arthurian tale or something. I wish in a way that the author delved deeper into the characters (some of whom were very intriguing but barely featured) and spread the story out across more than one book so things didn't move quite so quickly. But all in all it was quite enjoyable.

Eight Days of Luke, by Diana Wynne Jones

A fun, lighthearted little book, very much in the vein of “The Game”. I was pleased that I guessed most of the mythological characters, etc. before they were revealed in the afterword. Also, I wonder if this book influenced JK Rowling at all, as a lot of the scenes with David and his relatives really reminded me of how JK wrote, tonally, about Harry and the Dursleys. I quite liked Loki’s characterization too. Nothing particularly special about this book but it was fun, especially if you like Nordic mythology.

The Book of the Month:

Plain Kate, by Erin Bow

This is the best YA fantasy I have read in a long while--beautiful, frightening, poetical, with characters that really stay with you and mean something without seeming to try. I love this book. It's rare to find a completely refreshing and original world in fantasy fiction, but I thought the world depicted in this book was a breath of fresh air, as was the description of and rules of magic. There is genuine tragedy, genuine drama, and genuine fright. I was entirely absorbed by Kate's journey from beginning to end. And I also enjoyed what I can't help but think is a very deliberate tribute to "The Charwoman's Shadow", an excellent fantasy novel by Lord Dunsany. I honestly cannot criticize a single thing about this book, its plot, how its told, or the characters who inhabit it. It’s a beautiful piece of art.