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Review Date: 5/12/2011
For my full review visit www.paperbackgoddess.blogspot.com
Auralia's Colors is an inventive story, unlike anything I had ever read before. It creates a vivid picture of a great land, called the Expanse, and of the different types of people who inhabit this land. The descriptions are very detailed, to the point where a creative mind could envision themselves walking along the banks of the River Throanscall or wandering amongst the Gatherers' huts.
The number of named characters was so massive that it is possible to become confused, or forget some altogether, so that when they are later mentioned, you have to stop and think to remember what you already learned about them. When you combine this with the extravagant descriptions, the story does have its moments where it seems long-winded and it causes you to lose interest.
I find myself with mixed emotions for Auralia's Colors. It was a good story, but I sometimes wondered if it fell into the category of "too much of a good thing."
Auralia's Colors is an inventive story, unlike anything I had ever read before. It creates a vivid picture of a great land, called the Expanse, and of the different types of people who inhabit this land. The descriptions are very detailed, to the point where a creative mind could envision themselves walking along the banks of the River Throanscall or wandering amongst the Gatherers' huts.
The number of named characters was so massive that it is possible to become confused, or forget some altogether, so that when they are later mentioned, you have to stop and think to remember what you already learned about them. When you combine this with the extravagant descriptions, the story does have its moments where it seems long-winded and it causes you to lose interest.
I find myself with mixed emotions for Auralia's Colors. It was a good story, but I sometimes wondered if it fell into the category of "too much of a good thing."
Review Date: 11/9/2011
For my full review, look for paperback goddess on blogger.
The Sword Guest is an exciting and original story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it once I got into it. The narration in The Sword Guest is abundant with cultural lore. The characters are well all developed, each having their own desires and dreams. I am really glad that I got to read this book though, because it had all of the elements of a good book - interesting characters, good background and lots of lore, a few surprises, and plenty of momentum. I am definitely looking forward to more from this writer.
The Sword Guest is an exciting and original story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it once I got into it. The narration in The Sword Guest is abundant with cultural lore. The characters are well all developed, each having their own desires and dreams. I am really glad that I got to read this book though, because it had all of the elements of a good book - interesting characters, good background and lots of lore, a few surprises, and plenty of momentum. I am definitely looking forward to more from this writer.
Review Date: 4/12/2011
My full review can be found at www.paperbackgoddess.blogspot.com
Being a fan of Anastasia lore, I had high hopes for this book. Fortunately, it did not let me down. The writing is somewhat simplistic - which is suitable for a young adult book, but at the same time, the content is high in detail and vivid imagery. Dreaming Anastasia is well developed and creative. It covers the same topics as many books that have come before it, but from a new angle. The story is dark and has many sad moments, but it has humorous points as well. Good for a light read.
Being a fan of Anastasia lore, I had high hopes for this book. Fortunately, it did not let me down. The writing is somewhat simplistic - which is suitable for a young adult book, but at the same time, the content is high in detail and vivid imagery. Dreaming Anastasia is well developed and creative. It covers the same topics as many books that have come before it, but from a new angle. The story is dark and has many sad moments, but it has humorous points as well. Good for a light read.
Review Date: 5/6/2011
Helpful Score: 2
My full review can be found at www.paperbackgoddess.blogspot.com
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is the writing style. It is not stiff and impersonal like many other books I have read. Miss Blake writes in a very friendly and welcoming manner, often using humor, which makes it seem more like a conversation than a lecture. You feel as though she is talking directly to you.
I believe that this is a wonderful book that anyone who feels the need to learn more about Pagans can enjoy. Displaying such warmth and wisdom, Deborah Blake is really in her element here.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is the writing style. It is not stiff and impersonal like many other books I have read. Miss Blake writes in a very friendly and welcoming manner, often using humor, which makes it seem more like a conversation than a lecture. You feel as though she is talking directly to you.
I believe that this is a wonderful book that anyone who feels the need to learn more about Pagans can enjoy. Displaying such warmth and wisdom, Deborah Blake is really in her element here.
Review Date: 1/9/2011
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book for the first time when I was about 12, and I loved it back then. My copy of it got lost, so I never go to read it again. Now, at 28, I had an opportunity to re-read, and I was glad I did. I had seen several bad reviews, which left me wondering if it has merely appealed to my juvenile view of the world, but I can now say knowingly - this was a good book 16 years ago and it still is.
While being modeled around a very matriarchal society, I find it to be surprisingly anti feminist. There is a distinct role reversal, but it makes the stigmas modern society places on it's women clearly obvious. And it in no way glorifies women, as many feminist works tend to.
It's true that some elements will make you want to roll your eyes, and some parts you will probably see coming. But overall, the writing is solid and the story flows nicely. There is a good blend of magic and romance, along with a sweet coming of age story.
While being modeled around a very matriarchal society, I find it to be surprisingly anti feminist. There is a distinct role reversal, but it makes the stigmas modern society places on it's women clearly obvious. And it in no way glorifies women, as many feminist works tend to.
It's true that some elements will make you want to roll your eyes, and some parts you will probably see coming. But overall, the writing is solid and the story flows nicely. There is a good blend of magic and romance, along with a sweet coming of age story.
Review Date: 12/7/2011
For my full review visit www.paperbackgoddess.blogspot.com
To Win Her Heart is a touching story of unexpected love. The story progresses at a good pace and avoids the cliches in many romance novels. To Win Her Heart is clearly written from a Christian perspective - not only determined by the lack of lustful imaginings and sex scenes, but by every element of the writing. The main characters are sure in their faith and are set to live their lives by it. This does not deter from the romance in any way, but adds to it. It has it's few "action" moments to keep you from getting bored, and it teaches respectful values.
To Win Her Heart is a touching story of unexpected love. The story progresses at a good pace and avoids the cliches in many romance novels. To Win Her Heart is clearly written from a Christian perspective - not only determined by the lack of lustful imaginings and sex scenes, but by every element of the writing. The main characters are sure in their faith and are set to live their lives by it. This does not deter from the romance in any way, but adds to it. It has it's few "action" moments to keep you from getting bored, and it teaches respectful values.
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