Magical sigils, dead apprentices, hobgoblins, curses, a battle seer, and lots of jokes about bollocks. The characters are interesting, the mystery a little forced.
Some of it was fun and funny, so seemed strained and overdone, but as the first in a new series, I enjoyed it and see potential.
Read in May. Blog review scheduled for
NetGalley/Random House
Scifi/Fantasy. Aug. 25, 2020. Print length: 336 pages
Stabbed and left by the stranger who picked him up on his way home, Karel whispers a word which each three siblings hears differently. Karel recovers, thanks to the interventions of Matthew, Zoe, and Duncan, but the lives of all four young people are changed. One traumatic incident with lasting, but different effects.
Livesey's prose tenderly examines the rippling repercussions of the one violent attack. The crime is sort of an inciting incident, and the narrative quietly follows the three siblings and the victim through their adolescence. Family dynamics play a role as the four grow into adulthood.
I loved this book. It was not at all what I expected, but it will remain one of those memorable experiences of both narrative and elegant writing that lingers for some time.
Read in March. Review scheduled for Aug.
NetGalley/Harper Collins
Literary Fiction. Aug. 11, 2020. Print length: 272 pages.
For you knitters: Yarn Bowl from Something Lucky 13
I've been meaning to read a Kevin Hearne book for awhile now and this one sounds quite intriguing. That yarn bowl is hilarious, lol. :D
ReplyDeleteSince I had not read the Iron Druid series, I thought I'd give Ink & Sigil a try. It's different :)
DeleteI'm still working through Hearne's Iron Druid series, but it's good to know he's got other fun books out there to read. :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should give in and try Iron Druid!
Delete"The Boy in the Field" sounds really good. Going on the library list.
ReplyDeleteAnd, wow! That yarn bowl really startled me as I scrolled down the page. LOL
I really liked The Boy in the Field. Not what I expected--much better. Yep, that yarn bowl will grab attention!
DeleteThe Boy in the Field sounds like a marvelous novel. I may try it on audio, but if the writing is lyrical, maybe I should do a read/listen. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThe Boy in the Field is about family dynamics, effects of trauma, and coming of age. I thought it was excellent. :)
DeleteThe Boy in the Fields sounds like a good one to me! I'm intrigued by the plot and the characters as well.
ReplyDeleteThe book was almost elegant in the combination of simplicity and complexity. I hope you give it a try!
DeleteThat yarn bowl makes me a bit queasy. If I used it, I'd keep expecting to have snot on my yarn! LOL
ReplyDeleteRepulsively cute! I see your point, Cathy. :)
DeleteI’ve heard of the Iron Druid series, but not read it myself. I think it would appeal to fans of the Dresden Files books – urban fantasy with a male protagonist and mystery with a sometimes very stereotypical male sense of humor and wish fulfillment fantasy. It's interesting that he is writing a new series, but set in the same universe.
ReplyDeleteI’ve read Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesly which I liked. I’ve also heard great thinks about The Flight of Gemma Hardy but I am now wary of re-tellings of classic novels (in this case, Jane Eyre).
:) I read Eva Moves the Furniture a long time ago, but I haven't read The Flight of Gemma Hardy. The Boy in the Field is an unusual take on crime and its effects.
DeleteThe Iron Druid Series is fantastic, you should give it a try! Thank you for the reminder about Ink and Sigil -- I'd forgotten that he had a new one coming out! It sounds fun and I could use some humour and mythological characters!
ReplyDeleteI may give the Iron Druid series a try. I wasn't completely satisfied with Ink & Sigil, but I'm interested enough to read the next outing. :)
DeleteThat bowl for yarn is so funny! So excited about the Margot Livesey book. I have several of her books on my shelf and just haven't read her yet.
ReplyDelete