Book Review - Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan, Brotherband Chronicles book 5

My wife is about ready to start the latest book by John Flanagan, Scorpion Mountain, so it's probably about time that I review it. One thing I like about Flanagan is that his books are clustered in shorter story lines that cover a book or three and then they jump to the next interesting part in the characters' lives. Scorpion Mountain finishes out the Heron's time as duty ship to the Araluen king. It appears that Flanagan is ending these the Heron's story lines with a saga, written by the crew and sung at a feast. I like it as it matches the culture and enhances the world. I will agree with Hal about the quality of the sagas, but Erak is too much fun to watch during them that I hope he continues doing that way.

Plot: Hal and the crew are back from Socorro with the freed slaves in hand when they finally have a chance to present themselves to the king. While there they happen to meet Princess Cassandra and save her life. The adventures of her young earned her some enemies (see Erak's Ransom, Rangers Apprentice book 7). There is a group of assassins that won't rest until they've killed her and that is has got to stop. Gillian is charged with the mission as the usual candidates are managing something else. Hal and the Heron's are to take him to Arridia as well as provide him with any military support he needs. It's a big job but they've got to do it somehow.

My personal favorites: I love how the characters keep evolving. This book gives us a look into Invgar's mind as the nearly blind strong man, as well as let's Jasper have some fun. Sometimes it's easy to forget the other characters with Hal, Stig, Thorn, and Lydia, but Flanagan gives us some good reminders that the rest of the crew is just as cool as our four commanders. The pacing was good and I enjoyed the way they figured everything out.

Considerations: Like Flanagan's other books, this book is a great middle grade/young adult book that I don't have any difficulty in recommending to anyone.

I enjoy Flanagan's books and look forward to reading this one to my kinds when they are just a little older. The total length was 480 pages.

Coming up for air

It's time to come up for air. Not in the sense of a drowning man trying to get another breath of air before sinking below the waves, but more like the pearl diver returning for his necessary allotment before returning to his highly immersive task.

.....

Don't you hate it when you have to tell somebody something and then when you actually see them you can't remember what it was? I commonly hear people my parents age talk about how they know they are old when they enter a room and forget why they did. That happens to me now, and I don't feel that old. Perhaps I'm just in denial.

Speaking of old, my birthday is this weekend. "One year older and wiser, too" goes the song. I don't know about the wiser part. There are days I still wonder whose idea it was to let me be a father. Several months ago (or maybe it was last week. who knows with this ancient memory) I was very frustrated with Tigger. He has a very short fuse that is very easy to light. His teacher at pre-school say he's great and doesn't have any problems at school, which is good. At home, however, he tends to blow up over some very small things. More often then anything else I lose my temper about him losing his temper. I worry that my temper (and the losing of it) is part of the problem and have tried to keep control of it. Angel says that my temper is scary because it's hard to tell that I've lost it until I blow sky high. I once lost my temper with Kanga because she was screaming at me (for telling her to put away her backpack) that I hulked out and screamed/bellowed back in her face. The worst part was I knew it wasn't doing any good. As soon as I started I knew how ridiculous it was and that it wouldn't help. I had the scene from Monsters Inc. in my mind when Boo sees what Sully does for work. Kanga and I talked it out after we both calmed down and promised not to scream at each other anymore. I'm proud to say that I have kept my part of the promise and I understand when she has difficulty keeping her's.

Anyway, I was frustrated with Tigger and thought, "Maybe Dad will know how to help." I picked up my phone and almost called him when I realized that he had no idea how to help. Sure, he could tell me what he and Mom did when we were young. Of course he could provide some insights and advice. But I wanted him to fix the problem and he didn't have the familiarity with my children to do it. The only person that could fix my problem for me was me. I could get advice from others, but they couldn't tell me, "X will solve the problem for you." My father was just as clueless at my age as I was. I think I did still call my dad just to catch up with him and see how he was doing, but I didn't mention my problem. A week or so later we were visiting with them and I brought up my realization. My father smiled and said, "Now you have learned wisdom, my son." Which may sound archaic but that's my father for you. So perhaps I have gotten wiser.

Audible Book Review - The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

It's amazing how different semesters can take your time over. In the past I was able to successfully blog every week, but this week is certainly taking a lot of time. I've got two other books I need to review, plus I'm almost done with one more in the same series. Well, as the semester winds down I can finally get to this. While I may not have read everything Sanderson's written, I've enjoyed everything I've read. The Rithmatist is no exception. Sanderson has a way with magic. He creates some of the most interesting and diverse magic systems there are. And the awesome thing is that he uses the rules of the magic to make it cooler. I recently bought Warbound, which was the first Sandrson book I read which uses the idea of breath and color in magic. The Alcatraz books use magic sand, lenses, and innate "talents" to great effect. Stormlight Archives uses spirits tied to ideas and gems. And don't get me started on Legion, The Emporer's Soul, and Mistborn. Each system is unique and intriguing. What's more, Sanderson immerses the reader in the world. I love the cussing in his books. That may sound strange, but it's amazing how strong "Colors!", "Shattering Glass!" and "Dusts!" can be. Here is a link to Audible's page for the book. For anyone listening to the book, there are quite a few illustrations that help. They can be found on Sanderson's home page here. The spoken descriptions are very good, so they not be necessary. Michael Kramer narrated it and did a fantastic job. He also narrates Sanderson's Stormlight Archives and the only thing that threw me was that one of the characters sounded a bit like Sadeas, but the syntax and other contexts rapidly established Nalizar as his own character.

Plot: Rithmatics is the ability to draw chalk lines and figures and make them come to life. Such skill is needed as the American Isles are constantly under threat from wild chalklings, two dimensional chalk creatures that will kill without mercy. Rithmatics is the only thing, short of a bucket of acid, that can hold them back. Joel has always wanted to be a rithmatist. The fact that he studies at one of the top rithmatic schools in the Isles doesn't help his chances though. A rithmatist is something that you are or aren't - no amount of studying will change that. Joel is not a rithmatist. But he knows rithmatics better than many of them and is doing everything he can to try to learn more. However, non-rithmatists are discouraged from studying rithmatics. Joel is determined however, and finds his opportunity when rithmatic students begin disappearing from their homes without a trace of where they went. Perhaps a non-rithmatist is just what is needed to solve the mystery. However, can a non-rithmatist survive the solution?

My personal favorites: Like I mentioned, Sanderson is fantastic with magic. Rithmatics is a simple, yet rich science that was fun to think about while listening to the book. The mystery was well done to boot. I loved the Characters and as Howard Taylor says there were some "stand up and cheer" moments. The young characters behaved believably, which is always a plus. I look forward to seeing what else Sanderson does with this world.

Considerations: This book is suitable for young adults and didn't have anything I objected to. There are some great suspenseful parts that might frighten middle grade readers, but overall it is a appropriate for young teens.

I loved The Rithmatist and will probably return to it several times in the future. Sanderson's world building is almost unmatched (with Frank Herbert being the only contender) and it was a fantastic listen. The total length was just shy of 10 and half hours.

Audible Book Review - The Heroes Guide to Storming the Castle and the Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy, The League of Princes, books 2 and 3)

Angel did end up picking up the second book in the League of Princes books with her credit and we both dove into the book quickly. Once again I'm behind on my reviewing of books. In fact, I just finished the third book yesterday, so I figured I would write the two together. Storming the Castle was a fun read that was part adventure, part heist, and part romance. The princes continue to develop and we get to come to understand them more and more. The villains are certainly villainous and it pulls some some twists and turns as it goes. Here's a link for the Audible page for Storming. Being an Outlaw continued the plot of Storming, albeit without our hero's knowledge, and carries the series to fun conclusion. It is full of our favorite characters and even introduces some new ones. It can seem a little overstuffed at times, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Here's a link for the Audible page for Outlaw. As per the first, Bronson Pinchot reads the book and does a wonderful (amazing, fantastic, marvelous, incredible) job. It is worth noting that series does a great job of giving us characters - no Heroes - of all kinds, shapes, interests, and strengths of both genders. It's worth saying that the books are not entitled "the League of Princes guide" but simply, "the Hero's guide" because the princes in the story are not the only heroes.

Plot: After the League of Princes (Charming) were hailed as heroes they were almost immediately discredited by the infamous Bandit King (a.k.a. Deeb Rauber) who then went on to bigger and badder things, like forming his own kingdom. The princes tried to settle down but Gustav still hates to live with his brothers and Liam couldn't go home for fear of being forced to marry Briar Rose. Liam shacks up with Frederic and Elle and soon makes enemies with Frederic's father who doesn't like Liam's attempt to teach them swordplay. Luckily for Frederic's father Liam is kidnapped and dragged to his own wedding. It's time to get the band back together for a grand rescue, but what starts out as a rescue of their friends turns into an attack on the Bandit King's fortress. Unfortunately for them, Deeb has made some new friends and they are far nastier than he is. Even after the League deals with Deeb and his friends, they are not done. But they don't know that until they are declared outlaws. Now just to clear their name, find out what's going on, and beat the
bad guys. All the while trying to dodge the bounty hunters on their tail. Oh, and did we mention that the ladies were framed as well?

My personal favorites: I really enjoy how competent each of of the characters are in their own way and the way they interact. Christopher Healy does a really great job of bouncing the different personalities and people off each other. I felt that each of the characters were able to grow, develop, succeed, and fail in their own way. Even Duncan and Snow had their highs and lows. Duncan's speech at the end of Outlaw was great. It felt natural to me and yet was a surprise. I should point out that while characters (particularly the couples) had traits in common, I felt like everyone was their own person. I have to say that one of my favorite things about these books is Bronson Pinchot's narration. It's no wonder that Outlaw was nominated for the Audie.

Considerations: Like the first, these are well written middle grade books that do a great job of writing to their audience. There was nothing that I felt was inappropriate for the age group.

I ripped through these two books pretty quickly and enjoyed every minute of them. The narration was a big interest, but the stories were well done. There are lots of things you can look find in these books that could come up in an English class, but they are also very entertaining. That's a rare combination. The total length of Storm was just shy of 10 and half hours and Outlaw was just over 10 and a half hours.

Heaven loves little boys

I came across this series of pictures while visiting the blog and realized that I didn't post them. Tigger and Roo are good friends who have grown, even in the time since these pictures were taken. Tigger's goose egg in the last picture was from a weight machine smacking him pretty good. He was fine, although he did have that bump for two days. 

Audible Book Review - The Hero's Guide to Saving your Kingdom by Bhristopher Healy, League of Princes, book 1

Having wrapped up the available Finishing School books I was trying to find something to get with my credit that Angel might like. It just so happened that the Audie Awards nominees were up. As I was perusing them I came across The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw, read by a favorite narrator of mine, Bronson Pinchot. I read the description, then went and looked at the first and second books in the series and thought it look interesting. I am here to say that not only was it interesting but it is fantastic! Bronson Pinchot is an amazing reader and does a fantastic job with each of the characters, even narrating goblins correctly (i.e. goblins sound like they have a mouth full of gelatin and that sounded about right). Angel hasn't used her credit yet and I'm trying to convince her to pick up the second book in the series with it, but I've been unsuccessful so far. Here is a link to the Audible page for the book. I'm looking forward to sharing Bronson's Pinchot's performance with my kids when they get just a little older.

Plot: You've heard how Prince Charming rescued Snow White, kissed Sleeping Beauty, saved Rapunzel, and won the heart of Cinderella. What you may not know is that Prince Charming is just what those idiot bards called the four separate princes who actually did those things. Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, Prince Liam, and Prince Duncan all rather dislike being a Prince Charming. They all have their different reasons, but the fact of the matter is that they have this in common. It's those blasted bards' fault that no one knows the real them. However, when someone begins kidnapping the bards with horrible and malicious murder on their mind someone has to save the day. So, it is up to the imperfect but determined League of Princes [Charming] to do it.

My personal favorites: Hands down one of the best performances I have ever heard. In addition to the great voice the story was a lot of fun. It felt like a middle grade book with twenty-something year old characters (with the exception of the bandit king), but it didn't feel awkward or out of place. The writing was clean and pacing was great. I liked the way the princes were able to get their differing abilities in order and the pay off. There were funny parts and stand up and cheer parts. The princesses were awesome as well. They were strong without the men being week. Everyone was competent in their own way, even Duncan and Fredric.

Considerations: I have no difficulty in recommending this book to anyone. I think my seven-year old would enjoy listening to it, but I might be a little over eager.

I'm already planning on re-listening to it soon (probably while waiting for my next credit). I also can't wait for my own "princes charming" (ages five years and six months) can listen to it. It was fantstic and I can't wait to listen to the others. The total length was just over nine hours.

Audible Book Review - Waistcoats and Weaponry by Gail Carrier, Finishing School Book the Third

This is the most recent of the Finishing school books to come out, so we have a wait for the fourth. That is I think there is going to be a fourth - or rather there better be. Again, I finished this a while ago, but haven't reviewed it due to classes and work. I'm learning how this series is fitting into the Gail's others and this book seems to have some key information about The Custard Protocol, her latest new story line. At least from what I could tell from reading some book summaries. Here is a link to Audible's page for the book. A fun thing about this performance, it uses music from "the official music video" for the series and even has the whole song availalbe as the last "chapter" in the audio file. I like the video so I've include it here. The series continues to be narrated by Moira Quirk who is an utter delight to listen to.

Plot: Sophronia has been at finishing school for about eighteen months now, well into her second year, and is learning all kinds of fun things. For one, they are learning seduction now and Sophronia is curious how she can apply it. Things are certainly more interesting between her, Lord Mersey and Soap. Especially when she and her Dimnity plan on attending her brother's engagement ball. However, she is very worried when Sidhaeg gets word from home that things have gone upside-down in her werewolf pack. What results is a wild chase involving a train, vampire drones, picklemen, a dirigible, the Queen's own wolf - the Dewan. Things are about to change for Sophronia and she has some important decisions to make.

My personal favorites: This book had much for of an adventure feel, particularly the parts with the train. I continued to like the characters and their personalities. Soap was delightful, as always, and I even could sympathize with Felix. Sidhaeg's troubles were relate-able and her determination was inspiring. Overall this book opens several questions, probably more than it answered, and it certainly left me ready for more.

Considerations: There are a few more references to sensuality than the last two books, but still within what I consider appropriate. There was nothing graphic and I don't have a problem recommending this book to anyone.

I don't know how long we will need to wait until the next book comes out. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it was satisfactory to me. I talked to my sister about the other books by Gail Carrier and while I may not get into those, I heartily recommend these books. The total length was just shy of nine hours.