Battle Ground (The Dresden Files #17)

 Battle Ground ( The Dresden Files #17)

by Jim Butcher

Pages: 418 

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Though this novel lacks the usual tongue-in-check humor Dresden is known for, the action in this story leaves no room for it. The preceding novel, Peace Talks, and all the books before lead up to this moment. 

Dresden has never faced worst odds. He has battled and survived vampires, zombies, a mysterious island and even fallen angels. But an old being has arisen and decided that she is going to rule the Earth once more. The last Titan has brought an army to Chicago and decided to wage her first battle here. 

Paranormal forces of all kinds, arrive in Chicago and choose sides. In this case some of Harry's worst enemies may be his greatest allies. 

Harry’s mission is simple but impossible: Save the city by killing a Titan. Just the attempt will change Harry’s life, Chicago, and the mortal world forever.

The Wizard and the Witch by John C. Sulak

Found this on a recommended reading list for fantasy titles at the library. These were two people that grew up reading fantasy and sci-fi novels and decided, hey, why does this have to be fiction? So, they created a church, raised actual unicorns, and were some of the first ones to shape and establish neopaganism and polyamory relationships as we know them today. Not really how I want to live my life, but hey, it was fascinating to read about.

Bizarre, yet oddly intriguing.

432 pages

Obsidian Son (The Temple Chronicles #1). By Shayne Silvers.

Obsidian Son (The Temple Chronicles #1). By Shayne Silvers. 2012. Argento Publishing. ASIN: B009NNHPIA (Kindle).

When the owners of Temple Industry are murdered, prodigal son, Nate Temple must return to the fold in order to unravel the mystery of his parents’ deaths. But when weredragons come to town in search of an old and mysterious tome purportedly detailing a dangerous ceremony, Nate must try to intervene. Because if the weredragons are successful, St. Louis, if not the entire world, will fall to the Obsidian Son.

Fire-breathing shapeshifters, werewolf best friend, free-lancing hunters, magic in flux and the Minotaur, Nate has an exiting go of it in the first book of this fun urban fantasy/supernatural thriller series. 

 

328 pages

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, Jim Kay (ill.)

I've really been enjoying these illustrated editions by Jim Kay. They capture the magic of the books I remember from childhood, without a lot of the baggage that comes with the movies. Seriously though, this is my favorite Harry Potter book, but my least favorite movie adaptation. This edition reminded me of all the reasons I loved it in the first place! And the Voldemort artwork was perfectly creepy!

If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series before, try out these new editions. At the very least, flip through the artwork-it's gorgeous!

451 pages

Wizard of the Grove Duology by Tanya Huff

Child of the Grove (Wizard of the Grove #1)
by Tanya Huff

288 pages, 3.5/5

The Last Wizard (Wizard of the Grove #2)
by Tanya Huff

288 pages, 5/5

Now available in one volume, the novels which began Tanya Huff's career. Child of the Grove and The Last Wizard form a powerful fantasy duology about the last wizard ever to be born into the world. It is the saga of Crystal, a daughter of Power whose destiny is to put an end to the war between wizards and the mortal world. 

I have to start this review with the following disclaimer: I am a fantasy nut; I love them in my bones, y'all.  I have yet to meet a high fantasy novel I haven't liked.    

Let's start with Child of the Grove.  This book is really two novellas.  The first 100 pages or so follows one group of characters, and then you fast forward four generations to the next group of characters.  The storyline flows through both groups, but I found myself wishing Ms. Huff had made this duology a trilogy and really explored both sets of characters. Usually, switching characters halfway through a novel makes me immediately stop, get angry, and swear off that author forever (seriously, I HATE that).  But, when I closed the book in preparation to never read it again, I found myself thinking, "This first part was great - maybe trust the author?".  So, I made myself continue.  And I'm glad I did!  This is certainly not the best fantasy novel I've ever read, but I'm glad I read it.  I was engaged in the world, cared what happened, and read it straight through, so overall, not too shabby for this author's debut novel!

On to The Last Wizard!  This is by far the better of the two novels (and you could read this without the first).  There are three major plotlines in this novel, interweaved and brilliantly executed.  I don't want to give too much away, so here's some general thoughts and themes.  Our hero, Crystal, accomplished her goal in book one, and now finds herself immortal and unnecessary.  The author explores what happens after the hero 'rides off into the sunset'.  I found that fascinating.  We also get to know one of my favorite characters of the duology, Lord Death.  He's introspective, eloquent, and charming.  Ms. Huff's strength really lies in the magical and deific characters.  I was excited when any of them popped up in the story. 

Overall, I am so glad I visited this world.  It reawakened my love for this kind of story.  

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J to the K Rowling

Continuing with my reread of HP, I finished Order of the Phoenix! It's a very unpopular opinion, but this is my favorite book in the series mostly for the antics of the Weasley twins as they make their exit out of Hogwarts forever. Plus I'm oddly fascinated with the Black home and all its weird creatures, things, and....lockets.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 870

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

Summary: "When Charmain Baker agreed to look after her great-uncle's house, she thought she was getting blissful, parent-free time to read. She didn't realize that the house bent space and time, and she did not expect to become responsible for an extremely magical stray dog and a muddled young apprentice wizard. Now, somehow, she's been targeted by a terrifying creature called a lubbock, too, and become central to the king's urgent search for the fabled Elfgift that will save the country. The king is so desperate to find the Elfgift, he's called in an intimidating sorceress named Sophie to help. And where Sophie is, the great Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer won't be far behind. How did respectable Charmain end up in such a mess, and how will she get herself out of it?" - Amazon

This is the sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, and while I wasn't as enchanted as I was in the first, this book was just as much fun with stronger side characters.  I am loving the overall style of Ms. Jones.  There is a lightness to her writing that makes traveling along with her characters a joy.  I can't wait to read the next addition to this series!

5/5

432 pages

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Wow. Talk about an intense conclusion to a 7 book journey. I still enjoy how the students come into their own in this story. I miss the time spent at Hogwarts, but it is nice to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione strike out on their own and try to figure things out without a safety net.

Despite the length, I read this straight through (again), because it's a hard story to stop mid-stream. There's just so much tension and uncertainty that I fret endlessly, despite already knowing how it ends.

I love this series. I don't think I will ever have read it enough times to satisfy myself. I don't even care that every time I reread it means I'm not reading 7 new books, because I don't miss the worlds I don't know. But I do miss this world, especially when I let too many years pass before rereading it again.

Book 17 read in 2018

Pages: 759

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I forgot how clever and amusing this book is, despite some of the heaviness that accompanies it. Well, forgot may be the wrong word. This book just happens to be squashed between my favorite book and the last book, so I think I may have somewhat overlooked how many interesting and important events occur in this story.

It was a pleasure to reread this, and I think of all the 7 books, this is the book I've read the least number of times, which is kind of a shame, since I really do enjoy it.

Book 16 read in 2018

Pages: 651

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Poor, poor Myrtle. She's so aggravating, and I love her. I also love Gilderoy Lockheart, who is a total doofus, whom I enjoy disliking. This series has some of the most unique characters. They all have their own strange personalities and quirks that add a lot to the overall story.

I especially appreciate the clever ending of this book.

Book 3 read in 2018

Pages: 341

---

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I love this one. I mean, I love all of them, and this isn't my favorite overall (book 5 is). However, I still love this one. I love Buckbeak. I love Sirius. I love the intro of the Marauder's Map. I love the quidditch angst and drama. I enjoy the darkness of the dementors and the snark of Snape.

This one is fantastic. Each book grows the world in a way that is so fascinating and enjoyable, without ever being overwhelming.

I'm so happy that I reread this, even though I've read it about 5 times before.

Book 4 read in 2018

Pages: 435

---

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I love how the angst and darkness grows as the kids grow. It has been so much fun revisiting these novels. The dance drama cracks me up, and I adore Hagrid.

I'm also excited, because next up is book 5, which is my favorite book. Yay!

Book 7 read in 2018

Pages: 752

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

This must be at least the fifth or sixth time that I’ve read this book. I stood in line at midnight for the last 3 books, and I reread the entire series up to that point each time. I’ve also listened to the audiobook by Jim Dale before, which I did again this time. I just love the way he reads these stories.

I hear Stephen Fry (British versions) is good also, but I’ve never tried him. Some part of me wants to, because at a certain point, there are no new ways to experience these books. However, I don’t want to be a traitor to Jim Dale, whom I adore.

I absolutely love these books, and I’m happy to be revisiting old friends. No matter how many times I read them, there are always small details that I forgot that delight me all over again. I suspect I will never tire of rereading these books. They’re so delightful that I can’t help getting lost inside this magical world.

My niece started reading the HP books the past couple of the years, and she has become a complete addict, even redoing her room in all HP. I love the way these books capture readers, and watching my niece fall in love with this story was about as enjoyable as falling in love with it myself.

Book 2 read in 2018

Pages: 320

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this, as I do everything from this world. Now, I'm off to watch the movie, as I am curious to see if it is good and how similar it is to the screenplay.

Book 1 read in 2018

Pages: 304

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an unusual MG fantasy novel that has both an innocence and depth that I found fascinating. Basically, it's the love child of a dark fairy tale and a Halloween horror story.

It's also a novel of contradictions. The story is dark but with just enough rays of hope to make the ugliness feel beautiful. The MC is indeed monstrous, with animal features, instincts, and a strong fight or flight mode, but she's also so desperately human that it almost aches to read about her wants and desires. There are good guys who do bad things and bad guys who do good things. All of this added such interesting textures and layers to the story.

Pages: 432