What are you reading?

[Child of Immanuel]

Nice review, I'm definately intrigued. But I wish you had told more about the plot of the story. I read your comments but have no framework to place them in, not even the most incomplete (that's how I always start my reviews, by telling what the story is about or giving a brief synopsis of the first events).

[Treskillard]

You are right that I forgot to include the basic plot! Ouch! I'm still new to review writing, so thanks for the tip on doing that. I shouldn't assume that people are familiar with a book when I review it.

I just fixed it in on my site, but to save you the trouble of going and reading my post again, here is what I added.

_______________________

From the back of the book: When thieves find an abandoned child lying in a monster's footprint, they have no idea that their wilderness discovery will change the course of history.

Cloaked in mystery, Auralia grows up among criminals outside the walls of House Abascar, where vicious beastmen lurk in shadow. There, she discovers an unsettling—and forbidden—talent for crafting colors that enchant all who behold them, including Abascar's hard-hearted king, an exiled wizard, and a prince who keeps dangerous secrets.

Auralia's gift opens doors from the palace to the dungeons, setting the stage for violent and miraculous change in the great houses of the Expanse.

Auralia's Colors weaves classic fantasy together with poetic prose, a suspenseful plot, adrenaline-rush action, and unpredictable characters sure to enthrall ambitious imaginations.

The Author:

Again, from the back of the book: Jeffrey Overstreet lives in Shoreline, Washington. He is a contributing editor for Seattle Pacific University's Response, posts perspectives on art and entertainment at LookingCloser.org, and his reviews are published in Christianity Today and Paste. His movie-going adventures are chronicled in his book, Through a Screen Darkly.

[Treskillard]

Oh! One more thing on the plot that makes the book unique (and that wasn't fully explained on the back of the book): All colors have been forbidden to the non-royalty of House Abascar (a kingdom). This is the backdrop for Auralia bringing forbidden colors that change the people and set the stage for changing all of the other kingdoms (future books).

[Danath]

The Last Full Measure - Jeff Shaara

[Child of Immanuel]

Treskillard, you write very well. I'm going to have to get hold of this book.

[Danath]

The Making of Modern Japan - Marius B. Jansen

[karenee]

CoI, you'll love it. It's one of those books that goes deeper than the plot, and how much it makes you think is up to you.

[Treskillard]

CoI - the ending of Auralia's Colors was very surprising ... definitely worth the read!

[Child of Immanuel]

Now reading Thomas Cahill's Hinges of History series--"How the Irish Saved Civilization," "Desire of the Everlasting Hills," and "The Gifts of the Jews." I don't agree with all his conclusions, but he definately provides a fascinating look at how the world was during several points in history.

[Danath]

Those are pretty good books. Make sure you get to 4 & 5 as well: Sailing the Wind-Dark Sea, and Mysteries of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages book was interesting, but it seems like he has an ax to grind in that one.

How the Irish Saved Civilization is my favorite so far.

[Danath]

Also, I'm reading:

Stalingrad - Antony Beevor

[Danath]

Seeing as how I'd already been on Stalingrad for a week or so, I'm finished and on to new things:

The Positronic Man - Asimov/Silverburg
Gallipli, 1915 - Tim Travers

[Shazammm]

right now, i'm reading the Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison

[Child of Immanuel]

The Search for Modern China--Spencer.

[dinadan]

"Prayers by the Lake" by St. Nikolai (Velimirovic), a 20th century Serbian saint.