Susan Hated Literature

Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
ISBN: 0380818604
DDC: 813.54
#1 in the Chalion series

Cazaril heard the mounted horsemen on the road before he saw them. He glanced over his shoulder. The well-worn track behind him curled up around a rolling rise, what passed for a hill on these high windy plains, before dipping again into the late-winter muck of Baocia’s bony soil

Lois McMaster Bujold is one of the big names in SFF, but I’ve only recently come to read her books. A few months ago I read Paladin of Souls, which is the second in the Chalion series. But although there are reoccuring characters and shared history I don’t think you have to have the first one in order to read that. I hadn’t, but I’m sure that if I now reread it after reading The Curse of Chalion it would make a lot more sense.

The main hero of this novel is Cazaril, a man who has only recently escaped from life as a slave, chained to an oar. Now he returns to a former home where he once served as page, looking for somewhere to call home. Where he can rest and recuperate. Instead he finds himself appointed secretary-tutor to the Royesse Iselle, the sister to the heir to the throne of Chalion. And in the process becomes caught up in political intrigue, as well as theological debates and the work of the gods.

In some ways Chalion stands in for Castile, with Royina (Princess) Iselle standing in for Isabella of Castile, but it is not a historical novel tinged with fantasy elements, rather a fantasy novel inspired by history.

Throughout the book religion plays a large role, as does discussion on the nature of free will and the role of the gods. But in an entertaining, though serious, way. Cazaril’s story is one of sacrifice, redemption and divince intervention.
The curse of the title happened before the novel’s beginning, but its effects, and the attempts to lift it are what drive the plot of the novel.

A good read, Caz is an entertaining and likeable character, and the plot itself will keep you reading.

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ISBN: 1841491837
Wheel of Time #10
Author: Robert Jordan
DDC: 813.54

First line:
Rodel Ituralde hated waiting, though he well knew it was the largest part of being a soldier.

This was a reread for me, I first read it when the hardback was released a few years ago. Sped through it and then said, in disgust, Nothing Happened. But as the newest book in this series came out recently I figured I’d take a skim through in preparation. Lucky I did, as I didn’t remember anything from this book. Apart from the very very end. And I think the reason is that nothing actually happens in this book, apart from one thing. At the end.

There is a lot of X going there, and Y preparing for that, and Z recovering from the other. But actual events? Few and far between.

I suppose that is the problem when you write such a long series and have so many major characters, not to mention a multitude of other minor characters. Through in a load of politics and scheming and there is quite a bit of setting up of scenarios.

Obviously, if you haven’t read the others in this series there is no point in picking this one up. If you haven’t enjoyed the others then you won’t enjoy this one. And if you read it after waiting and waiting ages since the previous one you’ll be annoyed at the lack of action and forward movement. However it does make a lot more satisfying reading when you have book 11 there and waiting to be picked up.

6/10, doorstop, epic, fantasy, jordan, Jordan, Robert, magic, One Power, Wheel of Time, robert

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Author: China Mieville
This is the third of Mieville’s books to be set in the wonderful world of New Crobuzon, and so far my favourite of this ‘verse. I enjoyed Perdido Street Station, admired more than liked The Scar, but Iron Council surpasses both of them. I was a little doubtful at first, not really getting the character of Cutter. But once the story began it sucked me in.

The ‘verse Mieville has created is simply fantastic, in both sense of the word. A variety of characters, races, and peoples all battle for the reader’s attention, and just when you want to read more about some one in particular another comes along to steal your attention.

Continue Reading »

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Episode: 1.04 -because I’m sticking with the HBO episode numbers from now on, although this is the third shown on the Beeb.

In this episode Julius finally makes it back to Rome, and although he does put the city under martial law he is careful to announce that if everyone supports him he won’t be too concerned with killing people. We also meet up with Vorenus, who is trying to become a businessman (roots in the community see), or as Mark Anthony calls him a grocer. And speaking of Mr. Anthony… well indeed. Lots of nakedness there wasn’t there?

There are various political manoeuvres as Julius begins to consolidate his power. Mainly through bribery, and speaking of money where is our little Chicken^[1] eh?

Continue Reading »

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Author: Tad Williams
ISBN: 1841491896 DDC: 813.54

When I first started this book I have to admit that I wasn’t that caught up in it, but I think that may have been whatever mood I was in at the time, because when I returned to it the next day I practically devoured it.

The basic plot revolves around a journey from our world into the world of Faerie. The main protagonist Theo lives a pretty ordinary, but not very happy life until one day a faery called Applecore turns up and brings him to the land of Faeire where he becomes involved in political plots.

The world that Williams creates in this book is a very believable one. Normally I don’t really enjoy those “crossing into other worlds” type of books, but this is a really good read. The reasons for the cross over are definite and the world of Faeire is by no means full of happy laughing unreal characters. Instead the faerie folk live realistic lives, aided in certain cases by magic.

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