One of My Favorite Things: Frozen Hot Chocolate

Something Different: Books I'm Excited About

This month I've decided to do something a little bit different.  Instead of a regular book review, I'm going to share a couple of books I am VERY excited to read:

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Travel Spotlight

Venice

What a beautiful place to visit!

Monday Review: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

1.  Title, Author, and Cover

Gulliver’s Travels

By Jonathan Swift

2.  Genre and Reading Level

Satire, Classic, High School and up

3.  My Summary

An English surgeon with a love for travel repeatedly falls from one adventure to another on his travels around the world.  Lemuel Gulliver certainly does not have good luck when it comes to sailing.  Constantly he is shipwrecked, marooned, and abandoned on various islands where he becomes immersed in their striking cultures.  He encounters lands of tiny people, a kingdom of giants, a floating island, and even a superior race of horses.

4.  My Opinion (With a rating)

Overall: 2 Stars

For the most part the star scores for my reviews on this blog will likely skew toward the higher numbers because, like most people, I enjoy writing about things that I like.

Unfortunately, there are also some books I don’t like.  Now don’t get me wrong, a book could be wonderfully written with a mass of fans, but, I still might not enjoy it if it does not line up with my own tastes.  Therefore, you should not discount a book just because I give it a low score.

Gulliver’s Travels is a perfect example of this.  In the past few hundred years, the book has obtained classic status, yet I have chosen to give it only two stars.

Why?

Well it all comes down to Steel, Sparkle, and Scripture.

The book has plenty of Steel.  In fact, it has too much Steel and grit and bluntness for my taste.  I prefer a more polished tone and feel.  The story is meant to be an adventure story and a satire on the trouble with mankind, but the voice is too matter-of-fact, and I could never relate to the character of Gulliver.  Even his experience with a supposedly better species does not make him more loving.  Instead he just becomes judgmental.

The Sparkle in this book is so faint and week, I hardly noticed it.

Finally the Scriptural aspect was somewhat lacking as well.  While it could be argued that the story is pointing to man’s original sin, it does not point to Jesus as the solution.  Instead, Gulliver overcame his own pathetic-ness by living in a superior society and returned home full of disgust but no compassion.

5.  Who would love this book?

Although I did not enjoy this book myself, I could recommend it to fans of satire and of gritty adventure with a dash of the outlandish.  Also, I'd like to recommend a different piece by Jonathan Swift: A Modest Proposal (although this piece also is not for the squeamish).  It is brief with a very interesting history behind it. 

Movie Spotlight

Cinderella 2015

This movie came out earlier this year, and I thought it was absolutely lovely with a beautiful message and breathtaking costumes.  This is definitely one of my favorite movies!

Monday Review: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

1.  Title, Author, and Cover

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine

(This is the original cover I have from my old copy of this book.  I know it’s been updated since then, but, to me, this cover has always been perfect for the story.)

2.  Genre and Reading Level

Fairy Tale Retelling – Fantasy

Pre-teen and Teenagers (and older readers who don’t mind reading a good book written for these ages)

3.  My Summary

What if Cinderella was cursed at her birth?

Although many variations of Cinderella exist, all of the originals center on a good and obedient girl who serves those who are cruel to her.

Ella Enchanted is a retelling of Cinderella with an explanation for Cinderella’s obedience.  Soon after her birth, an air-headed fairy cursed Ella with obedience.  No matter what people tell her to do, she must obey them.

Her life isn’t too tough at first.  Her mother loves her.  Mandy, their cook, is bossy but clearly cares about her, and her grasping merchant father rarely interferes or even makes an appearance in her life.

Then her mother dies, and everything changes.  Her father sweeps in and sends her to boarding school and then expects her to marry for his own wealth and advancement, but he is actually the one who ends up marrying for money, bringing a brand new stepfamily into Ella’s life.  All are cruel and selfish.  Her younger stepsister, Olive, is mainly stupid, but the older girl, Hattie, is scheming and heartless.

The only comforts Ella has are loyal Mandy and her new friend, Prince Char.  Hattie is terribly jealous of this friendship, and the entire stepfamily tortures Ella once they discover her curse.

Ella takes it on herself to discover a cure for her curse no matter what obstacles block her way.

4.  My Opinion (With a rating)

Overall: 6 Stars

Sparkle is what shines brightest in this book.  The entire story is packed with adventure within the lush and colorful world of Frell, and Ella herself is a strong, spunky, and headstrong heroine.  Because of her curse, she develops into a resourceful and stubborn young woman with a clever sense of humor.  Her relationship with Char is especially charming, and the climax is a powerful testament to her strength and their love.

I would say there is also a decent amount of Steel that slowly builds in this book.  At first, it might seem a bit light, but, by the climax, the stakes are high, and Ella’s own determination is undeniable.  The story is narrated by Ella herself, and her humorous voice is a perfect background to her development from stubborn little girl to noble, brave, and sacrificing young woman.

Although the sacrifice Ella is willing to make at the end is beautiful, this book is not meant to be inspirational.  Therefore it is understandable that there is not really a Scriptural aspect to it.  Still, I think that this book could easily be read and enjoyed by Christian readers.

5.  Who would love this book?

Anyone who loves Cinderella, fantasy, adventure, fine young adult literature, or fairy tale retellings in general should certainly give this book a try!

Sketching Spotlight

You may have read my post earlier this month about a wonderful book called Plenilune by Jennifer Freitag.  Here is my sketch of two of its main characters, Margaret and a certain important fox:

Monday Review: Five Enchanted Roses: A Collection of Beauty and the Beast Stories By Kaycee Browning, Savannah Jezowski, Jenelle Schmidt, Dorian Tsukioka, and Hayden Wand

1.  Title, Author, and Cover

Five Enchanted Roses: A Collection of Beauty and the Beast Stories

By Kaycee Browning, Savannah Jezowski, Jenelle Schmidt, Dorian Tsukioka, and Hayden Wand

2.  Genre and Reading Level

Fairy Tale Retellings – Fantasy and Historical

Teenage and up

3.  My Summary

Five Enchanted Roses is a collection of Beauty and the Beast retellings.  These are the five short stories:

Esprit de la Rose by Kaycee Browning

Beauty and the Beast splashes to new life with ships, mermaids, and pirates in this imaginative retelling.  Life has never been easy for Cecilia, but when the Fee come to punish her privateer father for theft, they accidentally take her instead, and she is transported to another world where sailors, robbed of their human forms, suffer for the sins of their past.  They, like her, are trapped on the ship of the fearsome but charismatic Captain Pepin, but she may just be the key to their freedom.  The problem is, their return to the real world could come at a terrible cost for Cecilia.

Wither by Savannah Jezowski

Imagine a world where people must build walls and hire Spooks to keep their towns safe from ghouls and the living dead.  Amid this dark and frightful world, there are still darker legends and rumors about Briarstone Abbey and the Beast who dwells there, so when the Beast demands gentle Sookie Haverly in payment for her father’s theft of a single rose, her sister marches in to take her place and save her life.  However, Lilybet “Bet” Haverly never imagined exactly what Corwin really is or what has been doing in the Abbey, nor that her own priorities could be transformed.

Stone Curse by Jenelle Schmidt

After two years spent in a cursed castle, Karyna, lady-in-waiting to the missing princess, finally discovers a clue to breaking the curse.  If she is right, then she may finally be able to free her father and the other courtiers who’ve turned to stone, rescue the lost princess, and even return Prince Barend to his human form.  All she has to go on is a dream of another castle she and the princess visited together as children, but she sets off boldly, knowing all the while that ending the curse may cost her the easy friendship she has formed with the cursed prince.  Meanwhile, another hero also seeks to end the curse, and a beast of another kind needs of redemption.

Rosara and the Jungle King by Dorian Tsukioka

A primitive village in a wild jungle may seem an unlikely place for a beauty and a beast to live out their story, yet Rosara and Tupa, the jaguar, experience their tale as old as time in the vibrant world of their jungle home.  A violent and brutal warrior named Maor seeks to replace Rosara’s father as chief by forcefully claiming her as his third wife, but she finds an unusual ally in Tupa.  Still, she cannot run forever, and her desperation leads her to seek the help of a mischievous jungle spirit.

The Wulver’s Rose by Hayden Wand

An old and evil magic exists in the highlands of Scotland.  After a childish mistake drives Seònaid “Bonnie” Alleway and her family to the rugged moors, she senses the dark power in a nearby forest and begins experiencing dreams of an old castle, yellow roses, and a child’s plea for help.  When a wulver demands young Bonnie come to this same castle after her father takes one rose, Bonnie immediately sets off for the monster’s home.  She knows nothing of the curse placed upon Lauchlan and his daughter Róis, but she believes God has led her to the Beast and his castle for a purpose which she will need to uncover before it is too late.

4.  My Opinion (With a rating)

Overall: 6 Stars

All five stories from Five Enchanted Roses truly are enchanting.  The retellings hold true to the original fairy tale, but with unique twists, loveable characters, and vivid settings.

Steel, sparkle, and scripture are scattered throughout all five tales in varying amounts.

Esprit de la Rose by Kaycee Browning: 6 stars

This story is probably the most unusual in the set with a brave and sympathetic heroine and a suave pirate beast.  The language is beautiful, and the plot is packed with suspense and adventure.

I’m still on the fence with the rating of this story because it is so close to a seven (it is really that good).  There is plenty of Sparkle with witty banter, loveable characters, and fantastical creatures.  The Scriptural theme is also strong and brilliantly executed.  The only thing I would have enjoyed a bit more of is the Steel.  Adventure is plentiful and stakes are high, but I wanted just a bit more depth.  However, this was only a minor detail, especially in a short story.  I loved it.

Wither by Savannah Jezowski: 6 stars

The world of this story is dark and foreboding.  It is full of real grit and Steel, its heroine is a perfect match, both for the tale and for her beast.  The Scripture aspect is also strong in the truth of Corwin’s duties at Briarstone Abbey.  There is little Sparkle in the story, but it can be glimpsed here and there in the relationships between characters and in the beautiful ending.

Stone Curse by Jenelle Schmidt: 6 Stars

Karyna is daring, determined, humble and loyal, and Prince Barend will follow her to the ends of the earth, even if it means losing his mind and humanity.  Their bond is the main source of Sparkle in this tale.  Steel can also be found in their determination.  The Scriptural side is a bit subtle, but it’s there, especially in the undeserved love of one hero for an unexpected beast.

Rosara and the Jungle King by Dorian Tsukioka: 6 Stars

This setting is another unique and yet appropriate twist for Beauty and the Beast.  The characters are strong, the stakes are high, and the plot is magical.  Some Sparkle can be seen in the easy relationship between Rosara and Tupa, in Rosara’s awe of her beloved and dangerous jungle, and in the final conclusion under the watchful eye of the seemingly mischievous jungle spirit. While there is certainly a redemptive quality to this tale as with the others, I did not feel an overly strong Scriptural connection in the story.  However, the Steel is there in undeniable quantities with the wild dangers of the jungle, the volatile magic, and the even more brutal human enemy.

The Wulver’s Rose by Hayden Wand: 7 Stars

Amid a lovely collection of stories, this tale stands out as a particularly beautiful retelling.  The plot very closely follows the original fairy tale but in a fresh way with a wholly new setting and characters who are both believable and admirable.  They make mistakes, but they learn and grow from them.  Bonnie carries a heavy guilt with her, but her faith grows as she learns to forgive herself.  The Scriptural message of trust and hope is beautiful.  At the same time, a witch’s dark intentions, the natural ruggedness of Scotland, and several debilitating accidents add a layer of Steel to the story.  In addition, the reality of all the characters, especially kind Bonnie and her loving family, adds an element of Sparkle.  All three aspects blend together perfectly into this beautiful little tale.

5.  Who would love this book?

I think this book’s biggest fans would be fairy tale aficionados, particularly those who have a special love for the original Beauty and the Beast.  However, I also think that fans of fantasy would love all the tales, and The Wulver’s Rose could also appeal to historical fiction fans.

Series Spotlight: Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

The books of this series will certainly be showing up in my Monday reviews in the near future because every last one has instantly made it to my favorites list!

This fantasy series explores the epic worlds of Goldstone Wood over centuries of time.  Each story contains fantastic characters in a complex and unique plot with an important message at the heart of the tale.

Not only are the books amazing, but all of the cover art is breathtaking.  Take a look:

So what are you waiting for?  Grab a book and start reading!

Monday Review: Plenilune By Jennifer Freitag

1.  Title, Author, and Cover

 Plenilune

By Jennifer Freitag

2.  Genre and Reading Level

Planetary Fantasy / Epic Fantasy

Due to violence and other content, I’d say this book is for at least college-age and up.

3.  My Summary

Margaret Coventry knows she must leave her home in England find a husband after scandal strikes her family, but she never dreamed a suitor would find her or just how far from home he would take her.

Rupert de la Mare is ruthless in claiming whatever he wants, and, right now, he wants a bride so he can be named Overlord of Plenilune.  However, his choice may be more bring him more trouble than he bargained for.

A fox waits alone and ignored in a cellar, but his presence cannot be ignored forever.

Plenilune is a proud world, full of mighty people.  Now it needs an Overlord, as darkness and war hover on its horizon.  Can Margaret, a woman from another world, bring Plenilune the hope and leader its people truly need?

4.  My Opinion (With a rating)

6 Stars

What a beautiful piece of literature!

With lush descriptions, powerful characters, and an incredibly unique plot, Plenilune is certainly a memorable read, and only a few minor details prevented me from giving it an elusive seventh star.  Although the story is quite long, I felt like a bit more information would have been helpful, especially about Margaret’s life in England.  When I started the book, I couldn’t help but feel like I was starting to read the second book in a series without fully grasping what was going on.  Margaret was leaving home and a pushy mother after a scandal caused by her cousin, but I felt like a few more details about Margaret’s home life would have been helpful.  In addition, the book included a bit more swearing than I was comfortable with.

Still all of the characters were masterfully drawn into a fully-developed world with powerful prose.  Each character truly seemed to spring vibrantly from the pages.  Margaret in particular is intriguing.  Although kidnapped, she is not a damsel in distress.  Although stubborn, she is not invincible.  Margaret is a profound jumble of determination, refinement, pride, tenacity, vulnerability, and reserve.  Despite being dragged to a world vastly different from her own, she is able to adapt and discovers a real home, completely unlike the house she was raised in.  The man who thrusts her into the world of Plenilune is just as complex as her, although even more flawed.  Rupert de la Mare is uncompromising and domineering but self-conscious, desperate to claim what he desires, but unwilling to accept something he has not won.  When Rupert chooses Margaret for his bride, their personalities and wills clash in a flurry of sparks.  The main characters are all incredibly real and flawed as they live life to the fullest.  Even the minor characters are vividly drawn.  One of my favorite characters in the story is Dammerung, but his story is full of secrets and surprises which I will let you discover for yourself.

The text’s strikingly constructed language is powerful like steel, and the all the characters sparkle with life.  The story also includes many allusions to Christian ideas and themes, but I wanted a bit more of this scriptural element and less of the swearing and blunt violence.  Still, the overall combination of the language, the plot, and the characters of Plenilune unite to create a gorgeous and stunning story.  I absolutely loved reading this book!

5.  Who would love this book?

I believe this book would be perfect for lovers of fantasy.  The world of Plenilune is a character itself, and the adventure is outstanding.

Thursday Spotlight: What to Expect

There is less than a week now until I post my first book review, so I thought I might give you a bit of an idea of what to expect.  On the first and third weeks of every month, I’ll post a book review on Monday and a spotlight on another topic on Wednesday.  Additionally there will be some days when I post something special off-schedule.

Today is not the third Thursday of the month, but I still wanted to share something special with you.

So…

Here is a list of some of my favorite authors (and their books):

So what about you?  Do you see any of your favorite authors here?  Are any of your favorites missing?  I’d love some suggestions of great books! 

An Introduction: Hello World!

So… how to start the first blog post on one’s first blog…?

Well I’ve found it’s usually best to start with a “hello”, so…

HELLO WORLD!  It’s lovely to meet you.

I suppose you’re wondering why I’m here, and I’ll tell you.  I love to read, and I’d like to share that love with you through my reviews of some of the books I’ve read.  I read many genres including inspirational romance, historical, fantasy, mystery, the classics, and more, and I’ve found that each of my favorite stories include a delightful balance of Steel, Sparkle, and Scripture.

What does this mean?

Well, all of my favorite books have a combination of these three elements.  The Steel is its structure that make it strong and gives it depth.  A story’s Steel can be found in its consistent voice and tone, the determination or reality of its characters, the configuration and weight of its plot, the power of its language, and the stakes the characters face throughout the story.

A book’s Sparkle is the bit of fire that breathes life into its pages.  If a book’s Steel is its bones, then the Sparkle is its heart and spirit.  This spark can be found in engaging conversation, unique story lines, spunky characters, breath-taking landscapes, vivid language, heart-touching or heart-breaking scenes, sweet or epic love stories, long-awaited reunions, and unexpected plot twists.

The Scriptural element in a story tends to be the part that sticks with me the most because it holds truth for real life.  This message may come in the form of Bible verses or characters’ thoughts, struggles, and conversations, but it does not have to be overtly displayed throughout the pages.  For example, a fantasy novel may not explicitly name God or Christianity, but it can still make these known through its themes or even through allegory.

Therefore, each of my reviews will be based on these three elements, and I will use a 7 star scale.  If you want to know more about my rating system, the three elements, or myself, then go ahead and click on one of the tabs at the top of the page.

So, are you ready?  My first review will be up next Monday, so do come back, and I’ll do my best to give an honest review and keep you entertained at the same time, for “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, NIV).

Thanks for stopping by!