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the_sentimentality_of_books's reviews
85 reviews
Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce
4.0
For a book with such a violent-sounding title, the main character is a refreshing, wonderful surprise.
Tamora Pierce's character development and knowledge of global develooment leads us to understand more of the world outside of Tortall and how it influences people - notably, young Arram Draper, the powerful mage under careful watch of some of the most powerful people of the Carthaki empire.
Tamora Pierce's character development and knowledge of global develooment leads us to understand more of the world outside of Tortall and how it influences people - notably, young Arram Draper, the powerful mage under careful watch of some of the most powerful people of the Carthaki empire.
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
4.0
The second Beka Cooper book definitely lived up to my high expectations: Pierce upped the ante, introduced new and interesting characters in a different yet similar setting, and kept me reading with a different adventure.
One drawback (a very slight one at that): Lionel of Trebond is a character whose magic is specifically described as being purple, and whose hair is red. Through these books, I do not recall anyone else's magic-colour being mentioned. It seems like too much reference to the Lioness. I do understand though the importance of making that connection for fans.
Altogether, though, Pierce doesn't spoon-feed her readers - we have to concentrate on the dialogue, and I enjoy that because it makes me really think about what is happening to such determined, clever, and multidimensional characters.
One drawback (a very slight one at that): Lionel of Trebond is a character whose magic is specifically described as being purple, and whose hair is red. Through these books, I do not recall anyone else's magic-colour being mentioned. It seems like too much reference to the Lioness. I do understand though the importance of making that connection for fans.
Altogether, though, Pierce doesn't spoon-feed her readers - we have to concentrate on the dialogue, and I enjoy that because it makes me really think about what is happening to such determined, clever, and multidimensional characters.
Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
5.0
As Beka is swept into adventure once again through her work as one of the Provost's Dogs.
Beginning with a few tragedies, and continuing through gloom, under attacks, and with pressure on them from every side, Beka and her fellow Hunters are on the chase. Beka's Hunting companions' dialogue, and varied characters sweep the story along and enthrall the readers.
The book is written for fans of the Tortall realm series, and clearly shows that by unravelling threads to be tangled then tied up later, but it also tells its own individual story of another excellent female character.
Beginning with a few tragedies, and continuing through gloom, under attacks, and with pressure on them from every side, Beka and her fellow Hunters are on the chase. Beka's Hunting companions' dialogue, and varied characters sweep the story along and enthrall the readers.
The book is written for fans of the Tortall realm series, and clearly shows that by unravelling threads to be tangled then tied up later, but it also tells its own individual story of another excellent female character.
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
4.0
Alanna's first adventure, as narrated in the first book of the quartet, sets her (and her audience) up for later events.
The writing of this book and its plot are more simplistic than Pierce's later books - a simpler view of the world, told mostly from within the palace walls. It suits Alanna's dogged determination and her single-minded passion to achieve her goal. It also makes it ideal for younger audiences - although I know I will always enjoy this book, at whatever age.
The writing of this book and its plot are more simplistic than Pierce's later books - a simpler view of the world, told mostly from within the palace walls. It suits Alanna's dogged determination and her single-minded passion to achieve her goal. It also makes it ideal for younger audiences - although I know I will always enjoy this book, at whatever age.
Trixie Belden and the Gatehouse Mystery by Julie Campbell
5.0
I give this book five stars because it is exactly what it should be: adventurous, fun, family-oriented. Reading it in the 21st century, it is of course, old-fashioned. For me, it is a delightful sort of old-fashionedness.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
5.0
Anne is one of Jane Austen's quieter characters. Her gentle, earnest nature is always a delight to readers. And when she is inspired to act, she acts with decision, good intent, and true elegance.
I enjoy seeing Austen's perspective of the nobility and the most fashionable. She writes with quips and quickness that speaks absolute volumes.
A story with such apposite characters, and a beautiful romance will always be cherished.
I enjoy seeing Austen's perspective of the nobility and the most fashionable. She writes with quips and quickness that speaks absolute volumes.
A story with such apposite characters, and a beautiful romance will always be cherished.
Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews Edwards
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
5.0
Julie Andrews' life is exposed with heartfelt clarity and truth.
Although Andrews herself asks and answers many questions about choices and life, she leaves many of them open ended.
She lets the reader explore questions, while leading them around the world to work on different projects, on tour, act as ambassador, and keep up residencies in different countries, all while emphasising and balancing (or trying to balance) family life.
Although Andrews herself asks and answers many questions about choices and life, she leaves many of them open ended.
She lets the reader explore questions, while leading them around the world to work on different projects, on tour, act as ambassador, and keep up residencies in different countries, all while emphasising and balancing (or trying to balance) family life.
In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce
The second installment of The Song of the Lioness series narrates Alanna's trials and adventures as a squire to Prince Jonathon.
Alanna's character and talents develop, as do her relationships with friends, enemies and potential lovers.
Alanna is indeed in the hand of the Goddess, as she meets this Lady, setting the scene for Alanna's story, as well as some overarching themes in the Tortall world: strong female characters acting for the Immortals.
In Pierce's later works, we come to see more of how the Immortals work, and their reasons. In the Hand of the Goddess is a useful and intriguing introduction to the Immortals, and an exciting continuation of Alanna's story.
Alanna's character and talents develop, as do her relationships with friends, enemies and potential lovers.
Alanna is indeed in the hand of the Goddess, as she meets this Lady, setting the scene for Alanna's story, as well as some overarching themes in the Tortall world: strong female characters acting for the Immortals.
In Pierce's later works, we come to see more of how the Immortals work, and their reasons. In the Hand of the Goddess is a useful and intriguing introduction to the Immortals, and an exciting continuation of Alanna's story.
The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce
3.0
In The Women Who Rides Like a Man, Alanna and Coram journey to the Great Southern Desert of Tortall.
Despite her wish to go adventuring and to be unburdened, circumstances tie her down to a tribe for a time.
Romance, sorcery, and combat all catch up with her, even in the remoteness of the desert.
She is, after all, chosen by the gods.
That being said, Alanna has a bit of an issue with that: she loves to save and stir things up.
That is one of her character flaws (she needs to learn to accept she can't do ABSOLUTELY everything ever), but also a flaw in the book: it makes her rush in and change a culture with little understanding of it. In turn, the readers don't learn about diversity in culture.
In my view, she (like Pierce at this pre-diverse stage) has a lot of learning and living to do.
Despite her wish to go adventuring and to be unburdened, circumstances tie her down to a tribe for a time.
Romance, sorcery, and combat all catch up with her, even in the remoteness of the desert.
She is, after all, chosen by the gods.
That being said, Alanna has a bit of an issue with that: she loves to save and stir things up.
That is one of her character flaws (she needs to learn to accept she can't do ABSOLUTELY everything ever), but also a flaw in the book: it makes her rush in and change a culture with little understanding of it. In turn, the readers don't learn about diversity in culture.
In my view, she (like Pierce at this pre-diverse stage) has a lot of learning and living to do.