Hi all:
As you know apart from writing and translating (when I have time!) I read books and review in a variety of places. And every so often I bring them here for your information. Today I have a varied selection. See if you find something of interest:
The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly. Non-stop action and dragons in China.
Thanks to Net Galley I got a pre-release copy of this novel. It’s still in pre-order, so you can read about it before it comes out.
The Great Zoo of China is a good romp, a fabulous ride and a fast-paced adventure/thriller book. You have to be prepared to suspend disbelief and to not mind if situations are stretched a bit far, but if you are happy to do that…you’ll have a fun read.
The book reminded me of Jurassic Park and reading the interview with the author at the end (that I recommend to readers and writers alike) I was not surprised to discover it was one of his favourite books. The main differences are the setting and the creatures. If Jurassic Park could be seen as a criticism of capitalism’s lack of scruples, one has to wonder, what would be crueller and hungrier, capitalism run amok or communism desperate to become the biggest power by hijacking the world’s attention? While you might have your own opinion on how likely a scenario this is, the possible reasons provided as background don’t interfere greatly with the enjoyment of the story, unless you take them too seriously.
The similarities with Jurassic Park go from the pseudo-scientific details (although this book’s premise is more fanciful if you like myths and dragons you’ll enjoy the thought), to the size of the creatures, little children, and families, the action-packed episodes and our wondering who (if anybody) will make it out live.
I liked the female hero although we get but a few glimpses of her previous life and there is little psychological depth, but she has guts aplenty. It’s easy to root for her.
To begin with, the book made me think of a huge action movie, later of an adventure computer game where the main character is always looking for a new weapon to fight the big menace (here really enormous). It also reminded me of horror movies with the scary monster who refuses to die and always keeps coming at you. And of the old movies by instalments where you would go from one nail-biting cliff-hanger to the next without time to catch your breath.
The book is a quick and easy read and a page turner. It made me very aware that there are only so many ways one can say big, huge, enormous…
If you’ve read many books in this genre I don’t think it will break new ground or be utterly surprising but it achieves its aims successfully and it is big. If you want escapism, a read that will make you jump and keep you entertained, this novel more than fits the bill.
This is the pre-order link:
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Zoo-China-Matthew-Reilly-ebook/dp/B00MENIERC/
The Serpent Papers by Jessica Cornwell. Alchemy, codices and witches in Barcelona
I requested a free copy of this novel from Net Galley when I read the description and saw this was a book about a quest for knowledge, the search for an old manuscript, and the action took place in part in Barcelona. Being from Barcelona and having loved books and reading all my life, it was difficult to resist.
The Serpent Papers is the story of the search for an old illuminated manuscript (a palimpsest to be precise) that has been hidden for years to prevent its destruction. The links of this manuscript with alchemy, an enigmatic figure (Rex Illuminatus confused at times with the historical figure of Ramon Llull), immortality, witches, and women’s murders make for a complex story. At the heart of the novel there’s a scholar/detective/expert, Anna Verco, who might or might not have some paranormal powers (that might instead be due to organic reasons). Like in many of these books, the search for meaning also becomes an inquiry into the main character and what she stands for.
Cornwell (granddaughter of John le Carré) builds up a complex structure to tell her story. Letters from different periods, accounts of previous attempts at investigating Rex Illuminatus by other experts, interviews of people who knew the victims, dreams and hallucinations…All of them sound and read real, showing a breadth of knowledge and characterization rich and convincing. The language can go from the poetic and lyrical to the mundane and down-to-earth, changing registers with ease.
I loved the little snippets of folk story and legends of the city of Barcelona, the descriptions of the landscape of the island of Mallorca, and the challenges the story poses. It is not an easy read and it can be demanding, both of one’s attention and also of knowledge and deductive capacities. I wondered if a cast of characters for the different eras with some brief descriptions might not make the reading experience easier.
Men using their power and violence to silence women, women being cast as witches as a way of shutting them up, and centuries of attempts at keeping secrets under wraps are not new ideas (at times it made me think of Lars von Trier’s Antichrist although the novel is more complex) but that does not detract from a solid novel that I kept imagining in a big screen near us. I can see actresses fighting over the main character and Barcelona and Mallorca looking very handsome indeed in the adaptation.
I understand this is the first in an ‘alchemical thriller’ trilogy. The appeal and the pull on the imagination of the subject would keep readers coming back for more. Readers who like books about intrigues in a historical setting and with conspiracy theory backgrounds will enjoy it, although I suspect it might be slightly more demanding than previous titles that have become very popular.
In a separate note, I wasn’t sure about the Catalan sentences. There were a number of typos and I couldn’t work out if it was phonetically recorded rather than intended as orthographically correct. More consistency in that aspect would have made the book more seamless for me (that would not be a problem for people not familiar with Catalan).
Just in case you want to check what others have said, here is the Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/21/the-serpent-papers-jessica-cornwell-review
Here the link to the actual book:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Serpent-Papers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MELZJM2
Alex Haley’s Roots: An Author’s Odyssey by Adam Henig. Shining some light on the Roots controversy.
This is an informative account of the period of time in Alex Haley’s life following the publication of roots and the TV series but it is not a complete conventional biography. Although it does not delve deep into the author’s motives (it is not a deep psychological portrait), it does a great job of reviewing existing sources and even on occasions adding new material from interviews. I was aware of some of the controversy surrounding ‘Roots’ but not of the evidence and details that unfolded. This is a must for people interested in Roots and Haley, and considering its length, it offers a good summary of the sources. I’d love to see and read more of the extensive sources the author explored to produce this work, as there seems to exist much untapped potential.
A well-written and compelling account of a fascinating work (however we might choose to define it) that changed people’s perception of African-American history and stories.
As an author, I also enjoyed the collection of blogs chartering the journey of Adam Henig to, first research, and finally self-publish the book. I hope more books will follow.
http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Haleys-Roots-Authors-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B00HRN891A/
Thanks to all the authors for their books and special thanks to all of you for reading. Please, like, comment, share, CLICK and above all, keep reading!
46 replies on “More book recommendations! Enter dragons, alchemists and witches and Roots!”
You know i’m partial to fantasy adventures, so two of those sound very exciting. And the Roots book sounds very well done. Thanks for the info! Hugs.
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The Serpent Papers made me think of you. I think you’d be fascinated by it, Teagan. The dragons book is fun for a light but action filled read. Have a great week!
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These sound pretty entertaining.
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They surely are. Have a great week!
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The Serpent Papers sounds fabulous! Well done Olga.
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Thanks Colleen. And thanks for the invitation!
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💖
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I have prepared a post for the Wednesday quotes…:)
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I am so glad, and I can’t wait to see it! 🙂
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I hope you like it…:)
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Of course. I enjoy all the quotes. 💖
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Nothing better than seeing a quote that makes perfect sense to you at that particular moment. 🙂
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I so agree!
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Thanks Colleen! Look forward to all the quotes and you’ve made me put Downton Abbey on my “to watch” list too!
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That’s a great selection. My tbr queue will never get empty at this rate. Thank you 🙂
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Thanks Christoph. I know the feeling although you get through quite a few books yourself Christoph. Be well and keep reading and writing!
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Wonderful, thorough reviews Olga. You tempt me with the first two.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. I was going to say maybe the great zoo of Wales with dragons would be the ticket but everything considered… Perhaps not. Have a great Tuesday!
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Excellent reviews….The Serpent Papers is one that I might find a good read. Thank you:)x
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Thanks Janet. I’m sure you’ll find it inspiring. I’d hesitate to recommend it to everybody, but I’m sure most of my readers would enjoy it.
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[…] More book recommendations! Enter dragons, alchemists and witches and Roots!. […]
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Some recommended reading from Olga Nunez Miret.. Enter dragons, alchemists and witches and roots…
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Thanks so much Sally!
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Hugs..
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🙂
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Thanks, Olga, for the recommendations… All the best.
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Thanks Billy Ray. Have a great week.
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I think you picked three winners, Olga. Thanks for the introduction and I see more books on my TBR list!
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Thanks Noelle. I think my list is becoming a book in its own right! Loved your post today. Take care!
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Each of these books has lots to offer in terms of great reading. Thank you for your excellent reviews. 🙂
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Thanks Tess. Very different reading experiences but all kept me going through a difficult period. The joys of reading.
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The joys of reading. Yes, indeed. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks Tess. I know the song says money makes the world go round but…In a TV quiz yesterday they kept asking the anchor to do a sexy dance. The man said he would and picked up a book and read. And he said there is nothing sexier than somebody reading. That made the programme worth watching.
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I like that man! 🙂
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He went up quite a few notches in my esteem for sure!
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The Roots book sounds high quality and intriguing. I appreciate the reviews of these books. Like you I fit in reading often into my days 🙂
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Thanks Christy. As far as we have books to read things are never that bad. 🙂
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Wonderful selection of books and I love your commentaries, too! 🙂
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Thanks Lorna. Keep thinking of you as I translate my books with Lorna in them. She’s very stylish and gorgeous too!
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Then you picked a perfect name! 😉
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I think so! Must have know…:)
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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II also think the first two books sound interesting. There’s the exotic about them and that’s alwasy tempting Good reviews, Olga. 🙂
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Thanks Suzanne. They’re definitely worth reading and very different experiences!
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How in the world do you find the time to read everything! I am impressed!! You must read and write and translate non-stop! Kudos to your commitment!
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Thanks, Patrick. I love to read, but it’s a bit of a juggle to try to fit everything in. Although I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. You never know when you might get stuck and have some time spare in your hands!
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