Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Book on Trial #27: Masque of the Red Death
NOTE: I have read the original Masque of the Red Death by Poe. I suggest others do as well, before continuing with this story. It should be available online for free. Because of the amount of books I have, I figured it would be somewhere in my stash, and sure enough I found a compendium of Poe’s stories and poetry.
Also, there are spoilers. Only spoilers.
Author: Griffin, Bethany
Title: Masque of Red Death
Keywords: Disease, Red Death, steampunk, rebellion, revolution, French revolution, Prince Prospero, Malcontent, god, science, betrayal, trust, love, triangle, cure, masquerade, kidnapped, cruelty, inhumane, wealth, poverty, children, starvation.
Recommended For: 14+ (mature content)
Rating: 
Sentence: I sentence Bethany Griffin to a life free of masks, disease, and choppy settings/scene flow.
Review: I read this book in less than two hours. I devoured this book faster than the Red Death devours a human body. There was no time for pus or bruising, I was on top of this one second and ripping it apart the next.
Yes, I adore this book, even if I only gave it four plums (it did not WOW me, but it made me relatively happy I still bother to read teen).
The Debauchery district/club that Araby frequents is a reminder, to those who have read Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allen Poe, of the atmosphere and aesthetics of the seven rooms at Prince Prospero’s masquerade. Unlike Poe’s work, Griffin introduces several dark characters in this already dark setting.
Araby, the reader’s heroine, is addicted to the release of Oblivion (a drug that reminds me of a combo of opium and heroin) and freedom from nightmares or reminders of her twin brother’s demise.
Enter April, Araby’s hilarious, superficial but life-saving best friend. When April goes missing (briefly), Elliot scoops up Araby on his dark horse and convinces her to help bring some hope and light to such a bleak, downtrodden world (through rebellion). This is where I found myself at a crossroads of love and distaste. On the one hand, Araby gives the blueprints of the masks to Elliot without a frakking fuss. How could she trust him? How is she not freaking out about having little time to make a copy? How can she betray her father? But then I realized she trusts April and April trusts Elliot. And then I realized she blames herself for pretty much everything that goes wrong, so it’s her twisted way of doing something right. And then I realized, goddamn it, I’d probably do the same thing, with the same coasting and emotionless attitude as her. Even her father, later, acknowledges that he is not sure whether what she did was right or wrong. Afterall, how can there be right and wrong in a world so warped that morals are reversed and being bad is pretty much good?
And then she trusts Will (the one very light thing in this shadowy and dank city), who I immediately fell for after reading about him and the kids. It’s pretty much a girl trap right there. How could you not love an older sibling raising these two young kids; risking his life to give them the best?
But even trusting him is a mistake and I’m frustrated with myself more than with Will; mostly because Elliot was right the entire time about trusting no one, not even him.
The reason I had to describe all of that above is because this is what it was like, reading this novel. All these surprises and traps that I wasn’t prepared for and ended up loving, despite the frustrations and mistakes.
But, as hard as it is to believe, my favourite part of Griffin’s story was not the hint of steampunk; or the death and despair; or the nod to Poe; or even the atmospheric familiarity to that of the French Revolution. It was Araby’s odd connection to April. April, the funny, not-as-superficial-as-I-thought, infected best friend. I may not love April, but goddamn it I love that Araby and April put each other’s lives above that of the men they are connected to. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s hard to find teen fiction where the friend does not betray the protagonist or, worse, become a bench warmer and basically watch their friend get screwed over. It’s fucking refreshing. It’s not all about Araby’s love interests and how she will possibly be confused later that she clearly likes both Elliot and Will, but about saving the person she loves most. And she loves April.
But seriously, she is lacking major emotions throughout the entire book, especially for being a first person perspective. I would be freaking the fuck out.
Finally, the settings and flow from scene to scene were very choppy. It’s basically the only reason I was confused during this entire ordeal of a story. Sometimes I wasn’t even sure who was saying what since Araby never seemed to reveal much of her mind to the reader to begin with; I couldn’t gauge what she knew about her father’s work, the Red Death or even what she absorbed about other people. But I’d like to associate this lack of flow in scenes to her brain being addled by drugs or even the confused fast pace of it all being so because of the presence of a contagion that could wipe out the entire human race. There is bound to be some crazy flow, right?
But still, that shit be fucking whack. She was coasting through it all like shit wasn’t going down.
Can’t wait for the fucking masquerade of death.
Posted 1 year ago
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Friday, 6 January 2012
Book…thing?
I stole this from Loving Books so I could be not bored.
- What is your favourite book?
Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones. That woman introduced me to a world of fantasy I never thought I could know.
- Who is your favourite author?
Diana Wynne Jones, Neil Gaiman, Michael Crichton, Tolkien (to name a few).
- What genre of books do you prefer?
I find I lean towards fantasy, science fiction and young adult. However, I read a healthy amount of fiction and non-fiction as well. And I mean, healthy. I can basically like any genre, as long as it is written well. I tend to steer clear of Harlequin (tried it; hated it); romance (unless it’s unconventional and about lesbians or two gay guys or something/part of a regular fiction book); and most self help (I’m not pathetic, but I have read The Book of Awesome and such—I just don’t do “HOW TO MAKE YOU HAPPIER AND SUCCESSFUL”).
- What is your favourite book series?
Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones; Sandman by Neil Gaiman; Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling; A Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle; Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (oh, shut up, guilty pleasure); The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien.
- What books did you hate reading in school?
Not many. Reading was a privilege and a pleasure. But I did hate Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, as well as Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (let’s not go there). I also really didn’t like Othello and the Merchant of Venice. Not that I hate Shakespeare, I just preferred many of his other plays, including Macbeth, As You Like It (this one is like teen LOL), etc. OMG, I remember now. I hated reading LotR II: The Two Towers. Devastatingly boring. I’m not sure why, but I haven’t read it again since (when re-reading the trilogy I skip over the second book, lol).
- What is the first book you remember reading as a child?
Red is Best by Kathy Stinson (definitely my favourite); That Fat Hat by Joanne Barkan; The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (I absolutely adored this); and various other Robert Munsch books.
- Bookstores or libraries?
Both. But I prefer owning books.
- How many books do you own?
Last time I counted it was reaching over 500, but that must have drastically increased or something (especially after this book sale in October where I bought $200 worth of books, but at like 25 cents to $3 each).
- Do you read before bed?
Yes.
- What is your most comfortable reading position?
Not quite lying down, but not quite sitting. I used to prop myself in bed, but I recently acquired this sofa that leans back with a foot rest and it’s just the perfect angle.
- What is the most recent book you read?
I am still reading Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. I can’t keep track of what I last read because sometimes I finish several books around the same time. Don’t ask me how, I just label it magic and move on.
- What quote from any book will you never forget? Why is it significant?
“Sentimental Drivel.” - Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones. It taught me to be honest, but also to fantasize in a non-idealistic way. Imperfection can be beauty as well; and thus imperfections should exist in stories as much as they exist in reality.
- Science Fiction or Fantasy?
Fantasy, hands down.
- What book do you regret reading?
None. There were books that I didn’t enjoy, or didn’t even finish, but if I wouldn’t have read them, I wouldn’t have known that. I agree with that statement.
- How large is your bookshelf?
I have one regular Billy Ikea bookshelf, but I’ve stolen extra shelves for it so it has 7 sections, plus 1 section on top of the shelf. I also have a bookshelf (also Ikea) attached to the desk and appears to have only 8 sections, but it’s actually 16, since I use the other side of it as well (there is no backing; I’m doubling my books). I also use parts of my desk. I have a mini shelf, the size of a nightstand. My dressing table is overwhelmed by books…I can’t use the mirror. And my closet. The entire top shelf! I have about 8 columns of books. There is also two boxes full, at the bottom of that closet; one box under my bed; and three boxes in my crawl space. I am also pretty sure I sleep with at least two books a night, and there are some hidden in my laundry basket (LOL).
- On average, how many books do you read per year?
Normally, around 50 per year, but last year I read over 200. :D NO LIFE.
- What book can you read hundreds of times and never get tired of it?
Fire and Hemlock, Hexwood, and Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. And oddly, the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan (haha, I love my witches).
- Do you like to read outside?
Not really. Maybe if it’s a private garden, but I hate people watching me while I read. It’s almost as creepy as people watching you while you sleep. Besides, I get really emotional when I read so my face is super amusing and easy to read.
- What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a book?
Imagination and creativity should be exercised more often.
- Of the past year, what is the greatest book you’ve read?
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern; Unwind by Shusterman; The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson; Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy by Stieg Larsson; Legend by Marie Lu; The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin; The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury; The Virgin Cure by Amy McKay; The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt; The Hollow trilogy by Jessica Verday; The Scorpio Races by Stiefvater.
So many more deserve credit. I’ve had a fantastic year for books.
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (21)
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Book on Trial #14: Cinder…cyborg?
So I read this awhile ago and totally forgot that I hadn’t reviewed it. I heard this is one of the “up and coming” great YA reads, but they said that about Divergent, as well, which some know I was not impressed by.
Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer (very clever)
Genre: Teen, dystopian, fairy tales, alluding to historical pieces, cyborgs, artificial intelligence, androids, space travel, disease, cure, death, royalty, politics, science fiction, re-established world, humour.
Recommended For: 11+
Rating: 
Sentence: I sentence Marissa Meyer to a game of Whedonverse trivia; and if I like her, she’s invited to my Avatar: The Last Airbender marathon with Marie Lu (author of Legend).
Review: I am loving the Japaneseinfluences in teen fiction, lately. I love the names being not English-influenced. I love the fact that the setting is not in the “Western” world as we know it (maybe not as they know it, lol). And I absolutely love the personalities.
If Meyer (not Stephenie) knows anything about writing; she definitely knows how to write a likable character. Cinder is tough; handy with a wrench; funny (oh yes, her humour is very endearing); and an idealist posing as a realist (which just makes her confusion even more likable).
While the story very much follows a classic Cinderella tale, there are so many other aspects which sort of change the fairy tale completely.
First off, Kai actually has a personality, which is new for “Prince Charming”. Secondly, android and and cyborgs galore! Looks like a huge factor in segregation and reason of unrest within their society. Let’s not forget the Lunar people as well.
But with Cinder’s stepsister’s illness and imminent death comes a whole whack of things she doesn’t even know about herself, let alone her country.
Cinder appears to be increasingly more self-sacrificing with each chapter. And that is where I bring up my points of issue.
1. She is clearly the moon princess/Sailor Moon/whatever, why does it take her so long to find out? I mean, I know she’s super realistic, but how has she never thought about who she is before and her lack of memory? And also, she has super cool powers that make her a sailor scout as well. :D YAY.
2. Cyborgs apparently have no backbone. There should have been riots ages ago. Cyborgs were once human and they know their treatment is unfair. Come on, where be the politics? Only when the Lunar Queen (Bitch) shows up, do people come out and riot!
3. I thought Kai was different. And yet he still seemed to be a little disgusted that she was a cyborg. That is disappointing. And it’s obvious that when her finds out he is Prince Darian and she is Princess Serena, he’ll wanna be all buddy-buddy again (openly).
Okay, okay, Darian and Serena are from Sailor Moon and I’m mixing the two up, but it’s hard not to. Good thing Cinder isn’t a crybaby and total pussy.
4. Cinder is too self-sacrificing despite her horrible experiences. I think that’s one of her greatest faults, but I’m not sure if Meyer did this on purpose or not. She seems to just drop everything to save or help the people she cares about. Future weakness, maybe?
Overall, though, this book was well-written, clever, and a lovely attempt at re-analyzing Cinderella. Although I didn’t give this book a top rating, I really did enjoy it. There were just some things I felt should have been elaborated or resolved in this book rather than in future books. I also know, from the Cinder short story by Meyer (you can find it here), that Meyer is capable of a lot better. It was a fantastic short story.
That’s why I expect I’ll probably like the later books in this series much better. And I am really excited for them!
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (7)
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Book on Trial #8: Shatter Me
I’m not gonna bother spoilering this book or summarizing plot, because I could probably do that in two sentences. :S
Title: Impress Me Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Genre: Teen, love, dystopian, supernatural, weird, odd prose, torture, captivity, power, rebellion, environmental damage.
Recommended For: Teens?
Rating: 
Sentence: I sentence Tahereh Mafi to an inability to escape run-on sentences, because it is totally hilarious because of how her main protagonist in her book “Shatter Me” never has a single run on sentence; because she talks in short and to-the-point terms, unlike in this “sentence”.
Review: This book kept me on edge. On the edge of a blade slicing, cutting, tearing
tearing
tearing
through the thrill and suspense. Impatience took a back seat and I let Mafi’s words drive me to the shattering end of the beginning.
This book is great. This book is tolerable. Despite Juliette’s odd prose and short, verb-ful sentences, it really does lack in plot. That isn’t to say I was not entertained, because I was. Besides, Juliette makes everything feel so much more intense than it actually is.
Like this:
My eyes snap to the page. I catch myself repeating the same line. This is no good. It’s a waste. Wasting away seconds. Minutes. The tick tick tocking echoes in my mind. Where was I?
^lol, that is me trying to figure out where I was in the book.
It’s almost a very crude type of language Mafi uses to keep you attentive. I swear I was reading like this O____O the entire time.
In any case, overlooking the excessive metaphors; verbs; and lack of anything actually essential to the plot of this series (other than intros, love interest, and *spoiler* escape), it was fun and short!
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (5)
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Oh. My. God. I’m almost out of space and I have three more overflowing boxes after this. My other shelf is completely packed as well.
The top of a bookshelf also counts as shelf space, right? Or, you know, any free, flat surfaces? :’)
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (31)
Thursday, 15 September 2011
THE NUMBERS ARE IN
I bought 38 books and spent only $50 (out of the $100 I took out). Meaning, on average, I spent only $1.32 per book (hardcovers and everything…even my HC edition of True Grit which was in the rare section).
Please celebrate with me by…er, reading?
I feel like such a loser sometimes. LOL. Best sale ever. Continues until Sunday. SO EXCITING.
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (11)
Monday, 12 September 2011
Just when I think I’ve added all interesting/noteworthy YA reads to my “to read” list on Goodreads, I find a gazillion more.
JesuspeopleIcan’treadTHATfast.
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (18)
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
A-ha! Finally, science attempts to back me up when I say that spoilers don’t matter or are irrelevant! Seriously, this is why I love spoilers. It doesn’t stress me out to read/watch a movie anymore.
Although, I’ll admit, I’ll Wikipedia a horror movie if I think I’ll freak without knowing any details. LOL.
Posted 1 year ago
♥ notes (7)
Excelsior, fellow book lovers!
Sometimes I wonder why my books haven't asked for my parents' blessings yet.
You don't need to know who I am. Only that I like things. Like books. I am also a bookseller, which is why my hands are so dry to the point of them peeling off like snake-skin.
This blog is meant to be as ridiculous and funny as it is serious. I love books, reviewing them, discussing them, and analyzing them, but I'm also a fan of awesome things that make me laugh.
This does not include cheesy romantic comedies or lemon-flavoured candies. These are neither laugh-worthy (usually) or awesomely yummy (ick).
