Coggsa's Corner

Genesis of Shannara - The Gypsy Morph

2008-09-25T21:37:00.004+10:00

OK, I have really been looking forward to this, but at the same time I am sad. Where can the series go now?
Terry Brooks is one of the authors who got me into the Sci-Fi\Fantasy genre. His books about Walker Boh and the Wish Song hooked me years ago, and now i have read them all. The world is a mix of fantasy and sci-fi, but you dont really know that until you get a fair way through the series.
This is the end of the prequel, where you know the Sci-Fi is actually giving way to the Fantasy setting, and the earlier books are yet to begin.
Terry writes in such a way that you know he's adding in lifes lessons, and a fairly blatant commentary on the state of the world, but you dont really care. In fact, even if you were fine with the state of the world, you could admit that he puts our actions in stark contrast. Thats not to say this book is about preaching, but since its got a base in the USA, and the troubles of the world in the book sound particularly realistic, theres always a sense that this might be predicting some reality that will come.
The book moves along fairly quickly, and some of the charatcers end up falling as we go, but the heroes really step up. The kids act like heroes, and those with the power to make a difference, but starting to lag and lack the sense of purpose step up and make themselves count. The action is never brutal, despite the consequences, but then you'll be left in no doubt of what happened to your favourites. Terry Brooks is a master at describing the events unflding with just enough detail to let your mind fill in the rest. Its a good tactic, because the slight lack of detail from the descriptions makes the mind work a bit harder i think, and consequently nothing seems out of place. Not that the descriptions are lacking, but they are more on the side of interpretations I'd say, than outright detailed descriptions.
However he does it, Terry Brooks has done it again. This book is the last in the Genesis of Shannara trilogy and ends the prequel to the Shannara series. If you ever had the urge to pickup a well written Sci-Fi\Fantasy books then I'd suggest you start here - or with the first book actually - because they really are some of the best stories you are ever likely to read.

I am Legend... apparently...

2008-09-19T20:05:00.012+10:00

OK, just a quick review. Haven't seen the movie, but i read the book.
Its a short story. I can see how the story would have made a good movie, especially if you add some cool action sequences, but its definitely short. And good.
I recommend the "I am Legend" short story, but the rest of the book was Richard Matheson's other short stories.... which are not good.
Despite that, its worth the price of a cheap paperback to read the story. Its not long, or deep, but gives a decent image of what post vampire infestation must be like for the last of the humans.

This is how its done!

2008-09-19T20:05:00.008+10:00

OK Kim, listen up. Nick Harkaway uses a kinda weird style of writing, and the ordering of the book gets a bit disjointed at times, but its soo worth the effort! The changes in timeline are there to help the reader understand parts, not confuse them with a sense of artiness. This book is the polar opposite of Daughters of Moab and i absolutely loved it..... well I am loving it, i havent finished yet. Its just that good that i had to say thankyou!
Nick Harkaway - Thankyou!
Dont get me wrong, the book isnt without flaws.
The main characters are fantastic, with beautiful written stories and real character behind them. The strange touches like a collection of dolls heads that is admitted to be weird, but not explored (because that would be prying) lend a certain depth to the characters that is refreshing.
The strange tangents to the story are also excellent and help add a certain commentary to the proceedings, and to the real world, that help to put actions in perspective. Its obviously our world, and it even starts in the USA, but the events and reactions are more like a commentary of what happens in our world, despite it never happening, and some of the basis for the story enever existing.
Its so hard to not spoil the story. Since I am 90% of the way through it, I know its good till the end, but i dont want to finish it. I have plenty of books to look forward to (thankyou 2nd hand bookshop!) but this one shouldnt end. The characters are real.
Maybe i am jaded from the last book i tried to read... and the pain that Kim Westwood caused me... but this book is one of the most interesting books i have read in awhile. Its not the best i have read this year (Joe Abercrombie is taking that honour so far... until i get back to Terry Brooks!) but its one of those books that does soething different, and makes characters so beleivable... I might catch myself wondering what they have been doing lately if I'm not careful.
Its just one of those books...

Daughters of Moab.... it showed such promise...

2008-09-19T20:05:00.004+10:00

OK, so maybe i had high hopes for this book. It sounded a bit different, a bit cool, and a bit Australian. At least it was Australian and different!
I just couldnt get into it. Theres a lot of people who persevere, but I like to agree with whoever said "Lifes too short to read crap books, " although that quote may also apply to bad coffee.
The premise of the book seemed good, with a post apocalyptic Australia, and some recognizable locations despite what had happened. It was really just let down by the writing. Put simply, it was too hard to understand, and then when you did understand what was going on the effort wasn't rewarded.
The idea of the Assasin was interesting...but too hard to understand.
The trains were interesting... but too hard to understand.
Its just kept on like this.
Wilbur Smith generally takes 50 pages to get going, so i gave Kim Westwood till page 100. I had to let her go.

The First Law - Joe better get writing!

2008-07-28T11:48:00.004+10:00

I tried to get into Harry Potter, I really did. The stories, the movies, the fact my partner reads them and hates fantasy... it didn't work. The stories were just too simple, the characters fairly predictable and I just didn't care.
I was going to need another English Author for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge.......
Joe Abercrombie came out of nowhere! I was at my local Borders store a while ago, and saw the cover and had the usual 'Never heard of him, and the cover art looks a bit try-hard. Might give it a miss.' After a while I did read the cover, and it piqued my interest.
And then I read all three in a row.
Joe Abercrombie has created a world with a rich history, varied cultures and savage combat, but populated by flawed characters that really are individual. The comments made by the characters, and the manner in which they go about their day suits the characters and really defines them. There is nothing generic about them, and their faults are their highlights - they really are that interesting!
All the books were released around the same time in Australia, and i note on Joe Abercrombie's website that the English and American release are close together as well. It means no long waits between books and you can concentrate on the current events without having to remember what happened in the last one.
The first book (The Blade Itself) introduces the characters, and their world. The frozen Northland full of enemy Barbarians, the Hot Deserted Southland full of Dark Skinned enemies, and the pillar of righteousness in the middle, full of 'Pinks' as one of the characters calls them.
The South is ruled by a power hungry madman, with an evil Mage as the influence behind the throne. The North is ruled by a power hungry Madman. The middle is ruled by a power hungry inner circle of administrators, because the king is mad. Pretty standard stuff, but with a personal twist.
The story gets deeper in Before They Are Hanged, with relationships, journeys and the real flaws coming to the surface, but despite the flaws the individuals begin to change, and work for the better.
By the end of Last Argument of Kings you will want some characters dead, and be scared that others characters who might originally seem to deserve it, will come to a grisly end they no longer deserve.

If i rated books out of 10, this trilogy might get it. There's no replacing Raymond E. Feist's Magician as one of the best Fantasy books I have read, but these books really are close to that level.
To quote Scott Lynch: "A long career for this guy would be a gift to our genre."

The Painted Man By Peter Brett

2008-06-15T16:25:00.003+10:00

OK, I first reviewed this on Book Tagger, but I thought I should also give the benefit to my blog! You can go and see my review here but its the same as below. This is apparently the debut novel from this Author, so I encourage you to buy it, because I want to read the next one!

Sometimes I don't like Raymond E. Feist, Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore et al. Welcome to the list Mr Brett! Not only could i not put the book down till I'd finished it at 3am, I spent the next day tired at work wondering when the next instalment was available!
When the night is as scary as this, the bravery and determination of this books main characters is refreshing. When most books make the general populace the victims, this book shows the victims have themselves that way, and the heroes really are normal people with a heart that's something out of the ordinary.
Generally you need a few books to really get to know the ins and outs of a world setting, but this book managed to get me in and understand within the first half. For a story as spread out as this, it's a fantastic effort, and really helps you to concentrate on the story, and its a good and original story.
Just let me know when to next one is available, because this is a damned good start to a series!

Orbis Terrarum Challenge Meme

2008-06-09T00:14:00.003+10:00

1.) What country do you always go back to in your travels (not just while reading for OT)?

Africa. Damned Wilbur Smith and his constant African Tales!

2.) If you could visit 4 of the countries you have read about in your life (that you haven't been to yet), which would they be and why? (you can include the book that makes you want to visit if you remember)

1. South Africa - Despite the oppression and pain that comes across in books such as Rage, Wilbur Smith paints such a beautiful picture of the landscape and (most) of the people.
2. The USA - I know I'll never experience the world of the CIA, or the amazing feats in Vegas, but just seeing things like the MGM Grand, Golden Gate Bridge, L.A, N.Y, Corvettes, Mustangs, Pick-ups... Firsthand knowledge would surely enhance the pleasure of reading aboout them later!
3. OK, Same deal as the USA. I know Italy isnt going to be Rome, but the Circus, the Colliseum and many other things are still going to be around from the times that Valerio Massimo Manfredi writes about.
4. Japan. Despite the fact that i have been there, and spent 2 weeks, I really feel like i havent been there at all! So many amazing things, so much culture and such great food!

3.) Have you ever dreamed about a country you have read about, that you have never actually traveled to- except in your dreams?

Does the Forgotten Realms count? I dream about my Sci Fi books occasionally, and its een weirder than some of the things i have read!
Otherwise, I'd have to say America. My obsession with Corvettes and V8's in general leads me to believe its my heaven :)

4.) In what ways has reading about different countries opened up your perspective about global issues?

Apartheid was probably what i started reading about when i started reading Wilbur Smith. Other than that, the Spy novels i use to read, and the real life accounts of Special Forces soldiers in Iraq, Vietnam etc have helped me understand why some things were done, but it doesnt make me agree with the methods.

5.) What countries have you felt your judgment was off about-after reading about that nation?

India. I'd love to go, but i never realised what a bizarre and violent place of oppression it used to be!

6.) Which is your favourite book that you would recommend for this challenge (you don't have to have read it during the challenge)?

Easy, the Three Musketeers! Made an easy entrance into my top 10 of all time!

7.) I am thinking about hosting again, for a full year next time starting in January, do you have any constructive criticism, is one book a month about right...more? less? Give me some thoughts.

Make it 1.5 and i think you'll have a real challenge for some people. I'd planned on being much further through my books, but its a challenge to have started at all! Life is getting in the way of my books!

8.) Anything else that you have been wanting to tell us all about? let us have it!

Nice work so far! Challenges are great, and although i have restricted myself to only one at the moment, it has helped me look for books i would NEVER have though of otherwise! Thanks!

The Three Musketeers

2008-06-08T14:13:00.004+10:00

Finally I understand why some books get labelled as 'Classic.'
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Ivanhoe when i read it a few years ago, but its the one book that i considered and accomplishment to read, due to the hard going language, and excessive... oldness. The introduction to The Three Musketeer's even states that it was easier to get into for those at the time than Ivanhoe, and that Dumas was considered a lesser writer for it, but I don't care.
OK, I'll admit the next bit had spoilers, but most people don't care. The book has been made into a few films, and even Mickey Mouse had a go at one stage, so the trials of D'Artagnan in his quest to become a Musketeer, and the various weaving in and out of historical fact were perhaps not new. Lets face it, Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, Oliver Platt, and Tim Curry made a good fist of a very shortened and Hollywoodised version of the abridged text for beginners. Where were all the love interests? The servants? The many duels? The injuries? They left out half the book!
The fight and flights were impressive, and the fact that all the Musketeers were in pain at some stage either through foolhardy duels, love or a combination of both came out well. I never found the characters to be fictional at all. This could have been someone recounting their biography in some parts, with the 'typical Gascon' interjections helping to give a good sense of D'Artagnan, and his supporters.
All in all, I think i must thank Mr Alexandre Dumas for this book. Without it, i might never have purchased another book with 'Classic' on the cover, but now I am looking forward to at least the rest of the series.
The only problem is that Sir Walter Scott is no longer that impressive. Looks like I'll need to find another book that counts as an achievement!

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony

2008-05-08T23:19:00.005+10:00

OK, I read a kids book.
And I liked it.
I added Harry Potter to my list for the Orbis Terrarum challenge because everyone raves about how good it is, and i liked the movies. I had heard the Artemis Fowl books were being made into a film, but I didnt expect to like the book this much!
Firstly, lets get one thing straight. It most definitely is a book for young teens, and doesnt have the adult or mature tone of most fantasy books. This means its easier to get into though, and for a light read its not too shabby for even us hardened fantasy aficionados!!
While the Plot is a bit forced at times, and the characters aren't going to be the inspiration for any Oscars they also have their charms, and I think a read of the whole series would only enhance their personalities. Its not only fairly logical but its also illogical enough that the slight twists only add to the suspense!
The humour in the book (especially the dwarf. I'll admit I laughed when i read the tunnelling bit!) is fairly juvenile but all in all it works. The whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts.
In the far off future if I ever have my own young adult's to induct into the cult that is reading Fantasy and Sci-Fi then this well might be one of the first steps on the journey!

Great Story, but the writing took me a while...

2008-05-07T19:08:00.004+10:00

Kate Elliot isn't a writer I had ever heard of (I dont know how, but I blame the terrible local bookshops), but the display in store and the blurb on the back hooked me in. Damn you marketers!
On the upside, I really enjoyed the story once I was in there. I didn't enjoy the writing at the start, it just didn't flow as easily as i would have liked, and the setting wasn't described as well as it might have been. I don't need things laboriously explained in painful detail (Yes, I'm looking in your direction Bryce!), but I like a bit more than I got from here. The Eagles and the main characters were described quite well at times, and the mannerisms and expressions or Mai and Joss in particular were described better towards the end of the book, so here's hoping the next 2 maintain the style!
The plot was great! A flawed hero, then a twist at the start to reset to a new Hero, and a much stronger premise. Love a good twist at the start!
I must add a note here: I generally don't like books if they require a map at the front, but a quick visual might have helped in this instance. My only other grumble with the layout of the book was the layout of the land, and the fact I didn't know where I was. The directions of flight and the location of towns and towers in relation to each other was always stated, but it just didn't gel in my mind. Maybe its just me!
Overall, loved the book. It was a holiday read at the start but it retained the magic and interest in the story till the end, and even got better. The new book "Shadow Gate" has just been released, so I know what I'm doing this weekend!
The disappointing thing: Kate has written plenty of books before, and i only just found them!
The best thing: There's more to come, and an entire back catalogue!

How can a book so painful.....

2008-04-09T19:45:00.005+10:00

Alright, I admit it. I was suckered in initially by the green pages. The idea of the wicked withes backstory was kinda interesting too..... or not as the case may be.
This books hurts me, since i know its been turned into a rather successful musical. I just dont know how.
My girlfriend was reading it before me and gave up around the halfway mark. She never really liked those kind of books anyway, so i didnt think much of it. It turns out when she said 'nothing has happened' she really meant it. The book just trundles along with nothing!
Maybe it gets better. Maybe the musical takes all the good bits from the end of the book. Maybe they just focused a bit too much on the witch as a child.
Sadly, I'll never know.
There's too many GOOD books I want to read to waste more time on this one.

Alright... thats enough.

2008-04-07T20:53:00.002+10:00

After 10 years on the road, i think i am qualified to dispense my personal suggestions on how to decrease accidents... or at least annoy me less!

Move to the left when you want to turn left! Yes, its less work to turn from the centre of the road, but you are in the way
You know those little flashy orange lights at the corner of your car? Use them! They indicate you are going to turn! Its really helpful to the rest of us!
Merging? Hit the accelerator! The rest of us are already up to speed!
Turn left with care signs mean turn left with care! Dont just turn left without looking!
If your car is slower than mine, and you are driving slower, and there are two lanes, you do not need to overtake me and then slow down.

Theres many more, and i'm sure you can think of them, but venting this might save me from ramming someone tomorrow.

A Challenge!

2008-03-31T20:27:00.000+11:00

OK, here's the deal:

- The Orbis Terrarum Challenge begins April 1 2008( you are welcome to join later) Through December 20th 2008.
- For the challenge each reader is to choose 9 books (for the 9 months).
-Each book must be by an author from a different nation in our world.

Sounds Easy? Well considering i have never done one of these, it might not be. On the other hand, I tend to demolish books rather quickly, and i always like something different, even if I do tend to stay in the Fantasy\Sci-Fi realm a lot! So, lets begin! I'll put the list as a sidebar, and I'll update it when i have finished each book.

Introductions and Beginnings...

2008-03-31T19:58:00.000+11:00

Greetings and Salutations and all that!

My name is Dave, and I'm from Australia. I'm a computer programmer, former bouncer, former Amusement Arcade worker, former McDonald's worker, former butcher shop attendant.
I like Books, Cars, travelling, interesting gadgets, V8's, Arsenal FC, Corvettes, Books and stuff!

I plan on writing whenever I feel like it, about whatever happens to be annoying or interesting me at the time.
Hope you enjoy it, and I hope I do too!