Review: The Night Watch

The Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Oh man I had so many expectations for this book and it bitterly disappointed.

Firstly, ignore that tagline on the cover that says it's like Russian JK Rowling. Clearly the Daily Telegraph was drinking some bribery cognac when they wrote that. The only thing the two have in common is a little bit of magic, but honestly this book is pretty stingy with it. Like, maybe imagine JK fell into this really dark depression, drank too much vodka and lost her creativity streak. Then MAYBE you could compare this.

It's not like I hated the story. You've got this young guy, Anton, who works for the Night Watch. These are the good guys (Light Others) who stop the bad guys (Dark Others) from getting out of control. (There's also a Day Watch full of bad guys who stop the good guys being too good.) Dark others include vampires, werewolves, witches, ghouls ... apparently just an endless stream of typical monster-movie bad guys. I can't actually say for sure, because this book has like three vampires and a couple of shapeshifters and nothing else. So here's the first disappointment: scope. Instead of throwing in all these amazingly horrible monsters, this book focuses (narrowly) on a handful of NW characters who are pretty ordinary, and a single plot involving two other pretty ordinary characters. ORDINARY. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT MAGIC AND MONSTERS AND ALL WE GET IS ORDINARY

So here's lil old Anton. I think he's supposed to be young? But to me he reads like a fussy old middle-aged man. He inevitably gets caught up in things he shouldn't and is 100% NOBODY, which was actually pretty refreshing. But he still whines and protests a lot so finds himself doing things outside the norm. He had some interesting adventures, but as mentioned, the scope just wasn't there. It's basically 500 pages of Anton wandering around not knowing what to do.

So here's my second problem: I think there may have been a serious 'lost in translation' issue. The story is so vague and random and relies heavily on the reader putting things together which, quite honestly, I struggled to put together. Maybe I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it just seemed messy to me, and I think never understood well enough what it was actually saying to figure out what it wasn't. I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt and put it down to a bad translation, because otherwise that's just rubbish, arrogant writing.

The story is divided into three parts - interlocking short stories that focus on Anton, a mysteriously powerful woman and an average kid who is destined for ... mediocre things. (I dunno, I never really worked out what his deal was, to be honest.) The prologue of each sets the scene and then we go frolicking along as Anton tries to figure out what his boss is up to and what he's supposed to do about it. Honestly, the only person thicker than me-trying-to-read-this-book is bloody Anton. If he'd been a bit sharper I'm sure this book would have been easier to read. As it was, I lost track of what was happening so many times. The Russian names don't really help, because they're hard to remember.

Disappointment #3: I found this book in the 'horror' section of the bookstore and it is most definitely NOT HORROR. I wanted horrific monsters, gore, blood, guts, suspense, tension, goosebumps, fear of sleeping ... I got yawns and a headache.

The magic was actually pretty cool when they used it. The Twilight was a bit hard to understand at first but it was quite unique, so I appreciated that element. There's some okay world-building, but the book seems to focus more on the morals of the world than how it actually functions. It also comments a lot on humankind, and by the end of the book I was kinda over being judged by this cynical Russian author who doesn't know me at all. Like, he complains so much about humans being horrible and causing their own evil, and I totally agree that the world is a bit of a mess right now, but like Samwise said, 'there's some GOOD in this world (Mr Frodo), and it's worth fighting for.' It was too dark and depressing and just chose to focus on the worst of humanity without balancing it with some good. That made me sad.

I did really like the bit towards the end (non-spoiler) where happiness was likened to flowers. That was nice. (Even if it did drag on a bit).

So, look. I didn't hate it - there's three interesting stories here. But I think you probably need to read slow to make sure you're following what's going on, and be prepared to fill in a lot of blanks yourself. Don't expect too much in the way of action, or thrills, or monsters, and be prepared for lots of commentary on the human condition.

This may go down better with a glass of vodka.

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Review: Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*My edition did NOT include Through the Looking Glass, despite having the same ISBN.

Is this possibly one of the first 'it was all a dream' pieces of literature ever written?

Despite the device being used plenty to this day, this book makes excellent use of it, and this story is entirely as bizarre as a dream that hops about nonsensically. Nothing makes sense, but it's a lot of fun in its strangeness, and there are some fascinating ideas on identity and social constructs.

Alice is a little snot, but since she's only a kid and this is her dream, you kind of just accept it. Plus, most of the other characters are just as horrible, and completely unhelpful. It raises so many questions about the characters' lives, but the answer to all is their lack of existence before the precise moment they enter Alice's adventure. Which is pretty unsatisfying but it does allow the imagination to run wild, and what is this book about if not that?

I LOVED THE WORDPLAY. Puns are the best kind of joke so I enjoyed the word banter immensely, but it's also very clever in the way it uses the multiple meanings and ambiguity of words to create conflict. I can understand Alice's frustration! Brilliantly written, though, in its contemplation of every single word. I really appreciated that.

This is fun, quirky story, even if you miss the greater symbolism. Alice is no hero, but her adventure is famous, and the book of course delivers more than any visual incarnation could.

On my part, I really must get around to TTLG.

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Review: Whisper

Whisper by Lynette Noni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What book lover doesn't love a great story about the power of words?

Naturally I was hooked from the first page, and completely unsurprised that I read this in a day. (It's why I waited for a day off to start it.) As a fan of The Medoran Chronicles, I was expecting this new offering from Lynette Noni to be pretty addictive and it didn't disappoint. That being said, I'm glad it went in a totally different direction from the fantasy world of TMC, because it made this book that much more refreshing to read.

So here is Jane, trapped in a secret government facility and experimented on. She refuses to speak. When her rigid schedule changes up and she's introduced to a new 'evaluator', things take an interesting turn.

Always fun when the cast involves a handsome, protective gentleman, who only wants the best for our heroine. The best part of YA (or any book, really) is forming unhealthy attachments to fictional characters, right? Ward, Enzo, Cami, Kael ... love them all. They are such a great crew, and really fun characters to get to know. There's also that splash of grey to give them depth, and flesh them beyond typical stereotypes.

I actually rather enjoyed how broken Jane was. There's the whole 'superpowers' angle that's alluded to in the blurb, but there's real pain in Jane's emotions, and how she reacts. I felt quite distressed by her pain, so I really loved the progression of that journey.

This is an origin story that has beautiful development made fun by colourful characters. As a lover of words myself, the theme really spoke to me (see what I did there) and I rather enjoyed that exploration, even if there was a lot to take in. The info-dumps were modulated so it wasn't too much of an overload, but it's still pretty rich in detail.

The Sydney setting was fun, too!

There were a few occurrences that I kind of expected, and the formula of the story seemed familiar, but these things made it no less enjoyable for me. I'll admit it, though - I'm a bit biased by my love of TMC. I'm so looking forward to the next installment, though, because I'm expecting it to get pretty badass.

Lovers of The Medoran Chronicles - Akarnae, Raelia, Draekora, Graevale should enjoy this new series just as much, even if it's a little different. Noni's writing still grabs you and refuses to let go. I'd also recommend this to readers who enjoy YA and dystopian, and suggest 'give it a go' for anyone looking for an easy read with some memorable characters.

I'll be eagerly awaiting book 2.

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Review: Lovesome

Lovesome by Sally Seltmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not really one for half-star ratings, but this was better than the 3s I've read this year but not quite up to a 4. So 3.5 stars I guess? I'm rounding it up, though, because I'm sure others won't be as picky as me!

This is an adorable story. At first I was a bit put off by Joni, and her arrogance and judgmental attitude, but I think the way her thoughts flit around was a very real way of portraying the character, even if that character was one I didn't like. Her opinions and perceptions are constantly changing, and I think that's something most readers should be able to relate to. It's likely some of the characters will be familiar, and it's nothing out of the box in terms of storyline, but it's written in quite a unique style so that made me appreciate it a lot more.

I love the French restaurant setting (Harland) and particularly the little community that is built there within this story. It sounds like a wonderful place to spend the evening, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters.

Annabelle was a bit of a surprise to me, because I was expecting her to be far more self-centred than she actually was. Again, her relationship with Joni seemed very realistic, even if some of the occurrences were a bit cliche.

My main criticisms:

-Joni. Did not like her at all. Half the time she's acting like a child, and the other half she's a judgmental asshole.
-The blurb was misleading. **THIS REVIEW IS FOR AN UNCORRECTED PROOF COPY** but I was under the impression there would be all this tension as Annabelle and Joni go after the same guy. That tension lasted like two pages. This is really just a cute piece of fluff about Joni's quest for love.
-The actual 'lovesome' angle. Joni is pathetically obsessed with finding a boyfriend. I wanted more out of this, but what I got was pretty watery. (view spoiler)[It's basically insta-love with James, and I was really hoping this book would go more in the, 'I'm actually a strong independent woman who don't need no man' direction. (hide spoiler)] I don't think it's a bad thing to be obsessed with love, and wanting love, but I think it was too narrow a focus, and there really should have been more on the positives of a life with no significant other. There was the potential for depth, but it stayed fluffy.
-Some of the language was off. Joni acts like a child, and so her thoughts speak like one. Eg. I've never heard a fellow Australian refer to their sleepwear as 'jammies'. It's incredible how much this one word got under my skin.
-Too many insignificant details instead of story. I really don't need to know every single outfit, nor every single song. Would much rather a little more meat in the plot.

Overall it was a pleasant little diversion into someone else's love life, and a quick, easy read. There are some memorable characters, and the French isn't overdone which was a blessing. It's not a brilliant piece of literature, but it's enjoyable enough wit a unique storytelling angle and worth a read for lovers of the chick-lit genre.

Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC copy

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Review: The Three Musketeers Collectors Library

The Three Musketeers Collectors Library by Alexandre Dumas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my heart! I have so much love for this book!

This is my third read, and a third translation. It was an interesting experience because there were quite a few details that I'd so thoroughly forgotten that I was convinced they'd been omitted from the previous versions I'd read. (I double-checked - they hadn't been.)

I think I've absorbed more details each time and I must confess, despite my unconditional love for these musketeers, they do a lot of douchey stuff. A lot has to do with the times: for example, Athos says some pretty harsh stuff about women, and there's a lot of stuff about mistresses and whipping lackeys that would be completely unacceptable in this day and age. Plus the whole idea of people dueling with the intention to actually kill one another over stupid sh*t is crazy. But despite the non-PC stuff, I love them still. They are so brave and noble and adventurous, and d'Artagnan cracks me up a lot. Athos has some great quotable lines. Porthos is completely underrated and Aramis is the sly fox with lots of secrets. They're such a dynamic group but their unshakable friendship is so iconic and such a massive draw of the book. I love the way they come together, rely on one another, know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and tell things straight up.

It's set in France, so there are a lot of places named which can get a bit confusing, but knowing the places isn't crucial to the plot. There's also a fair bit about politics and religion, but even if that stuff goes over your head you're still left with a cracking story. This is an adventure tale, about one brave musketeer and his three best friends, and the mishaps they get into.

Milady is such a magnificent villain, and never is that clearer than through the episode with Felton. Actually makes my skin crawl. Even though I already know the story, I was still hanging on the suspense. This book and its words are timeless. To me, Milady is one of the greatest villains ever written, particularly because she's badass but she also faints and rages and has typical emotional female behaviour. She's so believable it's scary. Ah, d'Artagnan, WHY did you have to piss her off?!

I also love that the cardinal, painted in such evil strokes, is still really wise and thoughtful, and not necessarily baring any evil will towards the musketeers, even if his actions oppose theirs.

This book got me absolutely fascinated with French history of this period, so much so that I've only just returned from a trip to that beautiful country. This book has given so much joy to my life - I look upon these characters as friends, and I am always so invested whenever I'm reading about their adventures. It also inspires me to be brave and adventurous, and to go after the things I want wholeheartedly. This work of fiction has become very real to me, and I feel like a better person for it.

That's like the definition of 'book nerd' right there, friends.

Of course I recommend this book. Particularly because it's a classic with a really great story. Just understand that it IS a classic, and written in a period where things were done very differently. Otherwise you'll probably get a bit offended.

As for me, well ...

I WILL NEVER STOP LOVING THIS BOOK.

NOTE: Please don't judge this book by its movies! The characters in this novel are so much more in depth, and none of the visual incarnations I've seen have come close to doing it justice. The closest would be the recent BBC Musketeers series, but even in that Athos is not the lord he is in the book. READ THE BOOK PLEASE!

Original Review (second read):

I have read a lot of books and this, THIS is the one that is held in higher esteem than any other on my shelves. This, ladies and gentlemen, is my absolute favourite book of all time.
After discovering the hidden gold that was The Son of Porthos, this required a re-read. I am so attached to these characters, and The Three Musketeers is where I first fell in love. The musketeers themselves are gallant gentlemen who value loyalty, honour, strength and bravery and are always willing to fight for what is right. They carry qualities which are sorely scarce in today's world and despite their being fiction I find them incredibly inspirational. Everything about them appeals to the romantic ideals that give me aspirations to heroism and motivate me to, quite simply, become a better person. Such is the profound impact Dumas's creations have on me. However the supporting cast are equally strong and thus entertaining, and much of the novel's focus is on the seductive anti-hero: Milady. Much of the second half of the novel is devoted to her exploits alone, but the story is in no way lessened for the diversion because it helps us to understand how this woman has come to have such influence in the lives of two of our musketeer heroes.
I could discuss these characters all day; they are masterfully created to have strengths but also flaws, and those taken from history are a painting of colourful fiction amidst fact. I've learned more about French history through reading these novels than I ever realised I wanted to know. That is one of the novel's great strengths - it doesn't let factual history alter the story, but rather paints the story around history so as to add a richness of detail to its characters and events.
The story itself moves at a fast pace and through varied adventures. There's a reason it's been repeatedly incarnated in film - and now even a TV series -: it's action-packed. Dumas crafts his words well so that we are rarely bogged down by tedious descriptions typical of writing from that era and that in itself endears his work to me. There is never a dull moment.
This novel has everything: action, adventure, romance, suspense and a cast of characters unlike any other. For me, these (four) musketeers will always be my heroes, and this novel that introduced them to me will continue to hold a special place in my heart.

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Review: Just Play Along

Just Play Along by Megan Daymond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pretty cheesy and ridiculous, but I made it to the end so that's gotta count for something!!

I quite enjoyed the way this one started - with the showdown between the hero and the bad guys. It was a unique way to hook the reader in, and such a great way to start the story.

Unfortunately what follows is some pretty average writing telling a story with an extreme lack of credibility. My first issue was with the immediate romance between Andy and detective Dan, considering the abuse she's only just been subjected to. Zero trauma for this girl, and that was my first objection. She's just been through this massive, traumatic experience but, oh my, doesn't the detective have pretty eyes??

Then we follow as the cops attempt to determine who's behind the 'snuff films/pornography' ring, and while Andy attempts to come to terms with everything with the help of a few pills. Another unique aspect poorly explored: (view spoiler)[Andy has apparently struggled with addiction in the past but her behaviour is so frustrating because there's no sympathy evoked. (hide spoiler)] Addiction is a complex monster and here it's just not given the credit. Instead, Andy says cliche things (view spoiler)[like how she can stop any time and 'just one more' (hide spoiler)] but there's no proper exploration of the grip the drugs have, so Andy just comes across as whiny, naive and idiotic.

RJ is a bizarre character, and I think we're supposed to like him? But his first encounter he (view spoiler)[licks Andy's face (hide spoiler)] so I labelled him as a proper psycho then and there. But Andy starts to think he's okay? I mean, this girl is not in her right mind. She makes incredibly stupid judgement calls. Honestly, I don't get the attraction at all. And, oh, there is plenty of attraction, because naturally every single male character that encounters her wants to jump her bones.

I found it strange that Mel didn't get much of the spotlight, considering she experienced the drama with Andy. There were so many relationship dynamics that were combed over in favour of typical shallow romance and bizarre encounters with the 'bad guys'. I liked Morgan, the female detective, but she was about the only character that didn't get on my nerves. Everyone else was ridiculous and written poorly with exaggeration.

The actual crime plot was a bit hard to follow, and not particularly thrilling. The novel just spends too much time focusing Andy and her personal dramas and it all ends up a bit tepid. It was an okay read, but there was just nothing particularly deep considering how dark it went with the subject matter.

Not so bad as a debut, but definitely needs a lot of refinement. Still, an interesting read for crime-lovers, and I'll be interested to read new work from this author as her style evolves.


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Review: Annihilation

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sufficiently creepy, fairly bizarre and totally unique. Great short read.

This was a nice thin book I took overseas with me. I remember reading it in bed one night and having to put it down because it was creeping me out too much! Considering there's no real big bad monster that was pretty impressive.

I really appreciated the slow, random suspense. I basically had no clue what was going on but was super curious. But like, curious in a, 'I want to investigate from safely behind bars' kind of way. Like when you wanna see a deadly shark up close but you're quite happy doing so from like inside an aquarium as opposed to in one of those tiny cages that every horror movie shark can chomp through.

Anyway.

It's written 'journal style' and the narrator is completely unreliable. She tells us only what she wants, and openly admits that she doesn't drop facts. So there's another whole element of suspense in the question of how much we're actually being told of the truth.

It's unlike anything I've ever read, which was a real highlight for me. I was expecting a 'mysterious evil slaughtering characters one by one' typical plot and this was not that so very refreshing! Took a little bit longer for the brain to adjust to the bizarreness of it all, but at least it does have some solidity to grip on to.

I really enjoyed it, and it was the creepy book I was expecting so thumbs up! Highly recommend if you're looking for something creepy and unique.


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