Books Recently Finished
In the last two weeks or so I've started enjoying books again, so I thought I'd share some tidbits about what I've finished:
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke - It is very difficult to believe that this is the woman's first book. About a thousand pages long, it's carefully and wonderfully written, with well-drawn characters, good pacing, and fine language. Clarke creates her own vision of an England in which the grand golden age of magic passed so long ago that people only read about it in books. But it's about to come alive again in two men, neither of whom is without flaws. She uses footnotes to fill in information about magic, history, and the faeries that used to be magicians' "servants," making for an intricate world, indeed.
The Book of Lost Souls by J. Michael Straczynski and Colleen Doran - I picked this graphic novel up because I saw that it was written by JMS and because I wanted to try graphic novels again. I'm glad I gave it a shot. It's well done overall, both art and story, and I liked where it was going. As far as I'm aware, they're not going to continue with the story, but they don't have to; this book is self-contained enough to be enjoyed on its own.
The Thief of Always: A Fable by Clive Barker - I haven't read much of anything by Barker until now. I think I've picked up a book or two of his over the years and paged through them without feeling any spark for his writing. The Thief of Always, however, is a great read, quick and imaginative. I wish this had been out when I was a little girl because I think I would have loved it.
I'm on a faerie tale and fantasy kick right now. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke - It is very difficult to believe that this is the woman's first book. About a thousand pages long, it's carefully and wonderfully written, with well-drawn characters, good pacing, and fine language. Clarke creates her own vision of an England in which the grand golden age of magic passed so long ago that people only read about it in books. But it's about to come alive again in two men, neither of whom is without flaws. She uses footnotes to fill in information about magic, history, and the faeries that used to be magicians' "servants," making for an intricate world, indeed.
The Book of Lost Souls by J. Michael Straczynski and Colleen Doran - I picked this graphic novel up because I saw that it was written by JMS and because I wanted to try graphic novels again. I'm glad I gave it a shot. It's well done overall, both art and story, and I liked where it was going. As far as I'm aware, they're not going to continue with the story, but they don't have to; this book is self-contained enough to be enjoyed on its own.
The Thief of Always: A Fable by Clive Barker - I haven't read much of anything by Barker until now. I think I've picked up a book or two of his over the years and paged through them without feeling any spark for his writing. The Thief of Always, however, is a great read, quick and imaginative. I wish this had been out when I was a little girl because I think I would have loved it.
I'm on a faerie tale and fantasy kick right now. Any suggestions are appreciated.