The Magicians of Caprona

12 Apr 2009 4 Comments

by mashadutoit in books Tags: , , , , ,

Title: The Magicians of Caprona
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Series :Part of the “Chronicles of Chrestomanci”, but is really a stand alone book
Rating:
stars_03

In Short: A fantasy set in  Italy in an alternate universe.  Two family Spell Houses, the Montanas and the Petrocchis, have been bitter rivals for generations. Tonino and his brother Paolo get caught up in the conflict.

Other books by author: “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “Charmed Life”, “The Ogre Downstairs” among many others.

caprona

Diana Wynne Jones is one of those authors who I turn to when in need of some comfort reading.  Whether its a brand new read like “The House of Many Ways”, or re-reading an old favourite like “The Magicians of Caprona” – I’m never disappointed. More

The God Beneath The Sea

02 Apr 2009 7 Comments

by mashadutoit in books, Opinions & reviews Tags: , , , , ,

Title: The God Beneath The Sea
Author: Leon Garfield and Edward Blishen
Illustrated: Charles Keeping
Series : First of two books – followed by “The Golden Shadow”
In Short: A re-telling of some of the most famous Greek myths as a single narrative.  Intense, lyrical and satisfying.

Other books by author: Leon Garfield – “Black Jack” , “Devil in the Fog”

Rating:
stars_04

cronos2

“The God Beneath the Sea” is the first in a series of two books in which the Greek myths are re-told as a single, continuous narrative by  Leon Garfield and Edward Blishen.  They explain that they wanted to rewrite the “haphazard sequence of tall tales”  as these myths are usually presented, to recapture the profound impact the stories had on them when they first read them as children. More

Inkdeath

29 Mar 2009 10 Comments

by mashadutoit in books, Opinions & reviews Tags: , , , , ,

Title: Inkdeath
Author: Cornelia Funke
Series : Third book in the “Inkheart” trilogy
In Short: A compelling story set in a glorious fantasy world.  This is a dark, grim book about difficult choices,  lit with moments of beauty.

Other books by author: “The Thief Lord”, “Dragon Rider”.

Rating:
stars_05

inkdeath

Background: Inkdeath is the final book in the trilogy which began with “Inkheart”.  It follows the story of the book restorer Mo and his young daughter Meggie.  Early in Inkheart we learn that  Mo has a very special talent: when he reads out loud, his voice beguiles the characters to step right out of the story into our world.  And sometimes,  people are swept from our world and  into the book… More