True Blood Season 4, Episode 5

True Blood has often been aptly described as 'slow-burn', largely due to the crawling storylines and utterly boring storylines revolving auxiliary characters.

Fortunately, this season has been proving its reputation wrong, with minor storylines winding down and all characters coalescing towards the vampires-witches showdown.

It also meant more time for Eric and Sookie's amazing on-screen chemistry.

This particular scene from the episode was seared on my mind the instant I saw it.

Eric and Sookie, holding each other passionately, hoping to find solace and security.

Brandon Sanderson's Review of The Wise Man's Fear

Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss are both my favourite authors, and it was very interesting for me to hear Brandon Sanderson's comments on The Wise Man's Fear, a book that he has been anticipating as well. There's so many things I like about Patrick Rothfuss' writing, but only Brandon Sanderson has the literary talents to do the commentary justice.

Side note: I am waiting to have the time to read The Wise Man's Fear. Wow the name of the wind was 250,000 words, and that took me well over a day. It was pretty exhausting to read. The Wise Man's Fear is in fact nearly 400,000 words long

(:

Review of THE WISE MAN'S FEAR by Patrick Rothfuss

In case you haven't heard, today is the release day of the long-awaited sequel to The Name of the Wind, a delightful debut fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss. I've had the privilege of reading the book, so I thought I'd post a heads-up here for those of you who read my blog, along with a review. (Of sorts.) Also, a reminder, I did an interview with Pat (and he kind of interviewed me back) for Amazon. You can read it at this link.

PART ONE: A REVIEW OF THE WISE MAN'S FEAR

All right, so the review of Wise Man's Fear will focus on one question: Is it as good as the first?

The answer is . . . yes, and I feel that it's quite a bit better. (That is saying a lot.)

There's the review. I figure that those of you reading this blog will either:

Have read Name of the Wind and liked it, so that review should be more than enough for you.
Have read Name of the Wind and didn't like it. If so, I respect your opinion, even though you're obviously a crazy person.
Haven't yet read Name of the Wind, so giving you an extensive review of the second book would really just be a big confusing spoiler.
PART TWO: GO BUY IT

This is a very, very good book. If you liked the first, might I suggest that you go out and purchase yourself a copy this week? Pat may not mention it himself, but first-week sales are very helpful in giving a book good momentum. It will determine how long the book stays on shelves, how good its placement is in weeks to come, and how aggressively the sequel will be ordered by bookstores.

As I always state for my own books, if you're not a hardcover buyer, don't feel guilty not going out to get it—as authors, we like you to consume books as you prefer to consume them. Library, hardcover, ebook, paperback . . . your call. However, if you ARE intending to read Wise Man's Fear in hardcover, buying it early rather than late is always a nice sign for the author. Also, I've got a selfish reason for wanting Pat to sell well. I'd very much like to have a nice, friendly rivalry going with the chap. The Way of Kings hit #7 on the New York Times list. If Pat can hit in the top five with this book, it will give me something to shoot for.

(Honestly, I'm hoping he hits #1. It's well within the realm of possibility for this book, and he deserves it. It will help the entire genre if this book sells well, as it will prove that big epic fantasy books by newer authors are still viable, and will also prove that excellence will be rewarded by the readership.)

PART THREE: A LONGER REVIEW (KIND OF)

Okay, so, I'm off on a tangent again. Let's bring this back into focus. I'm going to assume that some of you haven't read Name of the Wind yet. I often suggest it to people; it's become—alongside Tigana, Eye of the World, and Dragonsbane—one of my top recommendations for fantasy readers. Often, however, people ask why they should read the book. Why do I recommend it?

Because it's awesome.

Why is it awesome?

This often stops me. Why IS Pat's writing awesome?

Well, the books have an absolutely wonderful magic system. One part science, one part historical pseudoscience, one part magical wonder. It's the type of magic system that I'm always delighted to read, and ranks among my favorites in fantasy literature. But that alone doesn't describe why the books are awesome.

In many ways, Name of the Wind is like an old, familiar coat. A young man orphaned at a young age. Time spent on the streets living as a thief and a street rat. A wizards' school. Those who have not liked the book have often complained about the familiar tropes. What I love about how Pat uses these tropes, however, is the realism he strives to impart.

I view this story like a Batman Begins-type realism reboot of many classic fantasy tropes. We get to hear the legends of Kvothe, then read the truth, and make the connections of how things spiraled from realistic to fantastic. The way Pat does this is genius. In some places, you can barely pick out the tropes he is using—after one sequence in Wise Man's Fear, I found myself laughing uproariously as I realized the mythological foundation for the sequence. There are familiar tropes, but they're taken and made so new and fresh that you have to peer through several layers of silk to see them for what they are. In other cases, there is delightful originality.

Those things, however, also fail to describe why the books are awesome.

Kvothe is a very compelling hero, very classical in that he's widely accomplished yet marred by a single dominating flaw. (In this case, his temper.) He is witty, charming, and so wonderfully capable that he's a delight to read about. (Particularly following much of the current fiction I've read, which seems to take the utmost pains to make certain I don't like anyone I'm reading about.) He's noble, yet brash, and is clever, but inexperienced. (Which makes him dense on occasion.) He lives.

But even that is not what truly makes these books awesome.

In the end, I think that if I distill why I've loved these books so much more than others, it's because of this: They're beautiful. Wise Man's Fear is a BEAUTIFUL book to read. Masterful prose, a sense of cohesion to the storytelling, a wonderful sense of pacing . . . None of that is the reason for the awesomeness any more than a single dab of paint is the reason why a Monet is a thing of wonder. But if you step back to look and digest the piece as a whole—not thinking too much about the parts—you are left with a sense of awe.

There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description. Perhaps if Kvothe were here, he could write an appropriate song that would capture it.

Brandon

p.s. As this is of note to many of those in my audience, I feel that I should mention that this book contains a fair bit more sex than the previous volume did. Pat avoids graphic details, but there are events in the latter half of the book that some readers may find discomforting.

Review of Iron Crowned - Richelle Mead

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was a big, big fan of the Dark Swan series. I loved the idea of Eugenie getting lured away by Dorian, and Richelle Mead daring to take on the sensitive issue of rape in the previous book, Thorn Queen.

After reading this book, eugenie markham just shot straight to the top of my most disliked heroine characters list(from urban fantasies/romances).

eugenie Markham is one flawed lady.

Honestly, she's unbelievably selfish, shortsighted and delusional, not to mention a closet nymphomaniac.

I think Richelle Mead made a really bad decision keeping the love triangle alive and kicking, particularly since it makes little sense to break them up, bring them back, and repeat.

The novel's overall pace is very quick, it doesn't bog you down with things you do not want to read about. The writing style, as with all Richelle Mead's narratives, are simple and straight to the point. Sometimes it works when you have got strong, well written characters like Georgina Kincaid to move the storyline along, but I think this book failed in this aspect.

Yes, Eugenie is super tough, but she's so emotionally unstable its probably best if she's committed to an institution (okay this is probably taking it too far. but you catch my drift).

This installment took the storyline in a darn awkward direction.

The way Richelle Mead ended the book is not a cliffhanger. It is the general direction for the next 10 (?) books, or so. The only way I see this cliffhanger resolved is a storyline extending decades into the future.

Overall, a disappointing addition to Ms Richelle Mead's resume. But then since I didn't like the vampire academy series (except for the first book) either, I would say Ms Mead's works are probably not my cup of tea any more.



View all my reviews

Review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Honestly, the best book I have read so far this year.

Such well crafted and vivid characters. Kresley cole had whetted our appetite with hints of this story every since the first book of the IAD series, a Hunger Like No Other. It has taken 11 books for her to finally get the story out. And boy, she doesn't disappoint.

This story features a hero darker than that from any of her previous books. This follows the recent trend of paranormal romance books featuring dark, haunted and scarred heroes. Notably from the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Larissa Ione's Demonica, etc etc.

But I daresay that Kresley Cole did better in this book than any of the other authors have managed in crafting a believable romance between a heroine and the dark, dark hero.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior narrates the 'thousand year' romance between the antagonistically immature Regin, and Berserker reincarnate Declan Chase/Aidan the Fierce. Regin is one spunky character capable of uttering the most inappropriate comments that greatly lightens the mood of the book. She's the strong, arrogant and utterly fearless female warrior that can only be one of Kresley Cole's creations.

Kresley Cole was very brave to add such a dark intensity to Regin and Chase's interactions (people who has read the book will understand what I am talking about). Many people would probably Chase's treatment of Regin a turnoff, but in this case, I think it worked very well because it helps to emphasize Chase's internal struggles later on. It was these scenes that left me cringing with horror and heartache and sympathy all at the same time.

This is one powerful romance. In the course of one book, one manages to feel sorrow, joy, pain, humor, sympathy. Most importantly, the romance was believable, as both Regin and Chase fit together so well. I perceive no age problems, and their love is made genuine by the thousand year experience. In my opinion, Kresley Cole's best work so far yet.

A must read for all paranormal romance fans.



View all my reviews

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Pt2

3 words.

OH,

My

GOD.

I am rarely ever shocked by sex or violence in movies or TV shows anymore. This is probably a fact well known by a few friends. I have gained the ability to remain very detached from a piece of entertainment while critically analyzing whatever adult elements it may contain.

But Starz Network's Spartacus just redefined the shock value of American cable television.

Simply said, Spartacus is softcore porn with extremely well written scripts and thought-out plots. The only thing separating Spartacus from porn is probably close up scenes of the genitals during intercourse. But even then, Spartacus pushes the envelop by showing frontal nudity of both female and male extras.

A friend of mine recently observed that Spartacus caters very well to the tastes of both straight and gay viewers. Personally I have never realised the part about the gay viewers. But now that she has mentioned it, it does make a lot of sense. Very honestly speaking, EVERYTHING happens on this show.

In fact, EVERYTHING happened on the latest episode, the 2nd episode of the prequel season to the original Spartacus. Let me see what happened during the episode. Well we have the camera focusing on men in loincloths training under the sun (and swinging their swords around, both literally and metaphorically speaking), a pair of gay gladiators making out, an important Roman fondling a male gladiator to ensure his 'qualifications' at the upcoming (gladiatorial) games he is organising, then the male gladiator (a slave) was forced to have sex with the wife (another slave) of his best friend (another gladiator) for the said Roman's entertainment. OMG.

And in the final scenes we have the threesome of Batiatus and his wife AND GAIA. Watching 3 middle-aged people getting it on is not usually this disturbing. But if you consider the 3 are Lucy Lawless (Xena), John Hannah (the punkish bro from The Mummy) and Jaime Murray (always the slutty woman on cable), 3 well known and respectable actors, it's VERY DISTURBING. I hereby vote this scene for the WORST sex scene of both seasons. I don't understand why the ending scenes of both episodes this season is a sex scene involving Gaia and Batiatus' wife. It is getting old (pun intended).

It is also true that these shock factors are what makes Spartacus, well Spartacus. It is so unique and braver than even True Blood. Anyway I would like to end this post on the note that Season 2 is really very enjoyable.

Dustin Clare's Gannicus? Yummy (: ->

Book Review: The Name of the Wind

What a fantastically written debut fantasy novel!

Despite being an author's debut, The Name of the Wind is definitely one of the finest fantasy works I have the fortune to encounter.

This is book 1 of the trilogy titled, The Kingkiller Chronicles, a series that is actually a biography of Kvothe, a person who will eventually become one of the most famous magicians in that world, a person who people will come to see as 'the Arcanist', 'the Bloodless, and 'The Kingkiller'.

I loved this book's pace, the world, and the main character. Most of Kvothe's history as retold in the first person narrative in this book revolves around his journey from childhood to becoming a student at the University, the leading institution of all major areas of study in the world. In some ways, this book is a throwback to Harry Potter and The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan. In other ways, it has a much darker and grittier tone than either of the preceding series.

I absolutely love this kind of coming to age novels, particularly with the main character learning magic in an institution. It is similar enough to the reader's own experiences with the education system so that he can identify with some of the events narrated in the book, yet different enough due to the magical element present. His learning journey and interaction with fellow students are so deliciously recounted that the reader feels completely immersed in the world. (BTW, this was something i felt missing from Tavi's story in The Codex Alera. The emphasize on armed conflicts in that series made it feel more like a war story)

Another great aspect of The Name of the Wind is the writer's humor. If you check out his blog posts, you can find plenty of the same wry humor. Reading it brought back the same happy feeling The Elenium had inspired, and what Harry Dresden manages to achieve sometimes in its better moments. The main character, Kvothe is mightily smart. It is a joy to read his witty remarks and how he manages to maneuver out of tight spots.

Rothfuss defines himself by creating a character that is genuinely brillant and flawed at the same time. Kvothe is not perfect. Despite his intelligence, it is apparent from the story that he is extremely reckless and prideful. While courage and pride could be applauded in characters, Kvothe possesses too much of both that he repeatedly gets into trouble. Yet, you can't help but love the character for all his flaws.

Fortunately, while the first book was published in 2006, the next book is already scheduled to be published in March. yay! Lets hope that book3 wouldn't take as long as the 2nd book did (:

Book Review: Princeps' Fury (Book 5 of the Codex Alera)

Princeps' Fury by Jim Butcher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jim Butcher had done a very good job building up the excitement in the first half of the book. In fact, his writing does excel in highlighting despairing situations. Like all other codex alera books, I greatly enjoyed the first half (or third) of the book more so than the rest put together.

There is plenty of action and plot twists all around the book. But by now, the twists have been used to prevalently throughout the series that they now come as expected. I pretty much felt that whenever the characters deign to plan anything, chances are it will somehow go wrong or something will change.

Somehow, the author just failed to deliver according to the anticipations built up in the earlier portions of the book. The book, like the rest of the series, suffers from some major issues in the plot. The most obvious ones lie with the ultimate villian - Why was the vord so insistent on killing them down to the last person? What will they eat then? Why would such a strong opponent seek an outright war with them if they seem most effective in a war of stealth? I still find the Takers more frightening than the rest of the Vord capabilities. As powerful as the Vord may be, they do not seem particularly frightening except for the sheer volume of numbers. In fact, they yet had to rely on human technology to keep their human victims in check. How then, were they able to defeat both the Canim and the Marat(before) just by their own strengths before? The Vord's reliance on human furycrafting seems to suggest human superiority that contradicts the notion about how each race is complicated yet equally valuable.

The main character, Tavi, was also described to be so brave and selfless (to the extent he completely lacks self-preservation) that he is almost unbelievable. Lets face it, realistically a person like him would have long expired if not for the ever trustworthy sense of instinct or the combination of luck and ingenuity turning events into his favour. Aside from this characteristic flaw to consistently put himself in the harm's way, there is a lack of a genuine character flaw that marks him as human, and therefore, a more relatable character.

I find this series' another main problem is its inability to maintain my level of excitement and interest when the armed conflict starts. Something is just missing from Jim Butcher's narrative when it comes to large scale conflicts, perhaps a sense of detachment in his narrative. I have read fantasy books that draw me in during large scale battles, and Jim Butcher simply failed to meet these expectations. In fact, the legion battles are about the most boring parts of the book.

All in all, I still rate 4 out of 5 because the author has managed to do a very good job with the first half of the book. Any less would be too harsh because I honestly did enjoy reading it. My review simply highlighted some problems the book suffers from, but perhaps disparate attention was paid to the good aspects of it. I am very unsatisfied with how Jim Butcher resolved the conflict in this book, and hopefully the next in the series would do a better job.



View all my reviews