"Eon," Allison Goodman, is a novel centered around a girl pretending to be a boy in a fictional setting that closely mimics old feudal China.
Eon wants to become one with the Rat Dragon. Every twelve years, each dragon chooses a new apprentice to train, and during that year the apprentice from twelve years ago attains unthinkable power. Beyond this, though, gaining the apprenticeship will mean salvation for her adopted family and the chance to make the world see that Eon is something more than a cripple. But Eon has a secret--he is actually a girl named Eona. The position of Dragoneye, lord of the dragons, is for men only, and if Eon can pass the trials with his twisted leg he must hide his true nature, or else everyone he knows could be killed. The fate of the Celestial Empire rests in the hands of a sixteen-year-old girl who can't even begin to know what she's doing, but will do anything she needs to to get the deed done.
It is a very dramatic book, with a pretty commonplace plot, if you think about the plot to the most simplistic extension. Girl gets power = girl attempt to save world. Yada de yada de blah. This, though, is not your normal fantasy. Most fantasies are based off of European culture. Take Christopher Paolini's "Inheritance Cycle." Those books had dragons that bound with humans too, but they're the type of dragons normally found in Europe. And the bond is for life, etc., but we digress.
In "Eon," there are 12 Chinese dragons, each one representing one of the symbols of the Chinese years (rat, hare, tiger). It can get a bit confusing at times, but you are not required to remember all of the names of all 12 Dragoneyes to comprehend what's happening which is a relief. And, the books does a much better job of explaining it than I do.
Combine this feature with the fact that you're in feudal China and the Emperor is basically a god, things can get very interesting. I love books where the thought processes are as equally important as the fighting, and there is a lot of intricate politics that Eon has to dance around as he makes his way through court. One mistake, and his neck could be severed. It makes for quite an interesting read.
Eon's character is very interesting in and of itself. Eon is written as a boy who is aware that he's actually a girl. So, Eon doesn't have the complete brashness of a male, but he doesn't act like a girl. His thoughts are also schooled in the way of a male's (that's why I'm calling him a 'he'--because he's so absorbed in his chosen gender he ignores his given one). The only way you would picture him as a girl is if you knew he was a girl previously. That too, adds another layer of intrigue to the whole thing. First, because it effects the way things are played out, and second, because if anyone found out, Eon's dead.
Happy book.
Moving on to Kygo, the heir to the throne. He also is a very complicated person. Raised among the women of the court, he's considered a 'girl' so he does much to prove that he really is a man. He seems to want to be seen as a benign ruler, but he isn't afraid to impose his power upon others to get what he wants. Within the court, he has the potential to be one of Eon's greatest enemies, if he ever finds out Eon's secret. He winds up being one of Eon's greatest allies. You can almost tell that the violate temper inside of him will lead to something deadly--the only thing that you're unsure of is who he'll strike out at first.
Lady Dela and Ryko are another strange pair. Lady Dela is a man who is a woman--basically, the opposite of Eon, but she hasn't changed her gender because her life is in danger, like Eon had. Ryko is her guard. On the top, he seems to be a very uncomplicated person, but in reality, he's probably the most complicated person in this book.
Lord Ido is the designated bad guy. You picture him as a pudgy, balding, old man at first, which is really annoying because then you get a different picture of him elsewhere, and you have to change your entire mental image . . . He isn't a very good bad guy, though, in this book. Much too stereotypical.
This crew of fantastic characters aids the plot in unthinkable ways. It had the potential to be a horrendously boring book, but Allison Goodman pulled it off. Kudos to her. There is a sequel, "Eona," but both books are small libraries in themselves, so I decided to review them separately. There are other reasons for this decisions, which I will soon reveal.
Excuse my absolute chaotic layout of this review. No matter how much of the above you were able to understand, I encourage you to read the books. I saw these books sitting on the shelves for about three years before I decided that they were worth my time. Don't make my mistakes, and don't wait an eon to read the fantastic combination of history and myth. (And please, excuse my horrible pun, but I had no other way to end this).
She has a fantastic author's website, http://www.alisongoodman.com.au/ One of the best I've seen, in my opinion. It tells quite a bit on her and her other books, which is always interesting.
Showing posts with label Class Struggles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Class Struggles. Show all posts
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, September 23, 2012
"Worldshaker" and "Liberator"
The "Worldshaker" and "Liberator" pair is a version of steampunk class struggle written by Richard Harland.
"Worldshaker": Colbert Porpentine is next in line to be the supreme commander of the juggernaut, the Worldshaker. But when he meets a Filthy, a girl who's supposed to be no better than an animal, he begins to rethink what it means to be human and what is the true meaning of civilized. First, though, he must survive his enemies at school, his scheming sister, marriage, and a revolution that will change the world for ever.
"Liberator": After the Filthy revolution, the Porpentines are at loss for what to do next. With rising hostilities against the "Swanks" the former Filthies have taken over the newly christen Liberator and are treating the Swanks as the Filthies used to be treated. When a new face appears on the council, Col and Riff are slowly torn apart as the Liberator falls back into the old age. The Swanks and the Filithies must put aside old difficulties, though, when their secret gets out and enemy juggernauts go on the offensive.
These are good books, in my eyes. Just to clear up some terms, "juggernauts" are gigantic ark-like metal structures that carry entire cities within them. They roll around the earth and float on the land, picking up supplies as needed. Because this is an alternate version of earth, mind you.
Colbert Porpentine is the main character. Duh. He's not a particularly genius main character, but he's not a particularly dumb one either. He's gullible, though, and he falls for the lies and stories he gets told. That allows us to sneer at him while sympathizing with him at the same time. Which is nice, because you don't often get a likable character that you're allowed to hate.
Riff, the Filthy he meets, is probably the strongest character in the first book. Since Colbert only really comes into his own in the second book, she carries the story in the first book. She is the problem as well as the solution to the problem, which is an interesting conundrum. And, of course, she provides the "romance element."
The characters each have very distinct personalities that board on absurd, but an interesting cast makes an interesting play. Though, the names of these characters are quiet annoying. Quienna, Sephalatina, Oris . . . I can't remember half of them, and I sure can't spell them. When I have to discuss the book with other people, I basically say "Col's mother" or "Col's sister." I do not use their names. Especially in the first book, when the last names are so connected to class status, so they're important . . . Urgh. Eventually you give up on trying to remember who's who, and pray that you know enough to get through the rest of the book.
The idea of the story is very interesting. An alternate earth, where Napoleon did invade England, and all of the countries of Europe had a lower class population from which they demanded forced labor. You don't really hear about Asia, either of the Americas, Africa, or Australia, but you get enough to know that they exists, and they used to be colonies of England.
Actually, you don't really get anything about the world outside the juggernaut, because that's where the people's whole lives are. It does add to the overall effect of isolation, which is an asset because it thrusts you deeper into the setting. It also adds to the overall effect of coolness when the Austrians and the Russians attack the Liberator.
So while Colbert Porpentine and his rolling city shakes the earth with their gargantuan rollers and magnificent rulers, I'll be sitting on my couch, reading. And even though it's enjoyable to watch, you can bet that my world hasn't been shaken.
"Worldshaker": Colbert Porpentine is next in line to be the supreme commander of the juggernaut, the Worldshaker. But when he meets a Filthy, a girl who's supposed to be no better than an animal, he begins to rethink what it means to be human and what is the true meaning of civilized. First, though, he must survive his enemies at school, his scheming sister, marriage, and a revolution that will change the world for ever.
"Liberator": After the Filthy revolution, the Porpentines are at loss for what to do next. With rising hostilities against the "Swanks" the former Filthies have taken over the newly christen Liberator and are treating the Swanks as the Filthies used to be treated. When a new face appears on the council, Col and Riff are slowly torn apart as the Liberator falls back into the old age. The Swanks and the Filithies must put aside old difficulties, though, when their secret gets out and enemy juggernauts go on the offensive.
These are good books, in my eyes. Just to clear up some terms, "juggernauts" are gigantic ark-like metal structures that carry entire cities within them. They roll around the earth and float on the land, picking up supplies as needed. Because this is an alternate version of earth, mind you.
Colbert Porpentine is the main character. Duh. He's not a particularly genius main character, but he's not a particularly dumb one either. He's gullible, though, and he falls for the lies and stories he gets told. That allows us to sneer at him while sympathizing with him at the same time. Which is nice, because you don't often get a likable character that you're allowed to hate.
Riff, the Filthy he meets, is probably the strongest character in the first book. Since Colbert only really comes into his own in the second book, she carries the story in the first book. She is the problem as well as the solution to the problem, which is an interesting conundrum. And, of course, she provides the "romance element."
The characters each have very distinct personalities that board on absurd, but an interesting cast makes an interesting play. Though, the names of these characters are quiet annoying. Quienna, Sephalatina, Oris . . . I can't remember half of them, and I sure can't spell them. When I have to discuss the book with other people, I basically say "Col's mother" or "Col's sister." I do not use their names. Especially in the first book, when the last names are so connected to class status, so they're important . . . Urgh. Eventually you give up on trying to remember who's who, and pray that you know enough to get through the rest of the book.
The idea of the story is very interesting. An alternate earth, where Napoleon did invade England, and all of the countries of Europe had a lower class population from which they demanded forced labor. You don't really hear about Asia, either of the Americas, Africa, or Australia, but you get enough to know that they exists, and they used to be colonies of England.
Actually, you don't really get anything about the world outside the juggernaut, because that's where the people's whole lives are. It does add to the overall effect of isolation, which is an asset because it thrusts you deeper into the setting. It also adds to the overall effect of coolness when the Austrians and the Russians attack the Liberator.
So while Colbert Porpentine and his rolling city shakes the earth with their gargantuan rollers and magnificent rulers, I'll be sitting on my couch, reading. And even though it's enjoyable to watch, you can bet that my world hasn't been shaken.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games series, by Susanne Collins. is now a staple of American pre-teen literature. What girl hasn't read of the escapades of Katniss Everdeen?
In a dystopian future the people of North America have rebelled against the government and lost, causing their country to be split up into the twelve, or thirteen, districts of Panam. Each year, districts one through thirteen have been forced to give to of their children up to the Capital to compete in a game where they will fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen, a headstrong sixteen-year-old from district 12, the mining district, is called upon to take place in this tournament. Afraid for her life Katniss enters the arena . . . and starts a revolution. The three books span from the beginning of the 74th Hunger Games to the end of a war that has rocked Panam and changed Katniss forever.
I do not see they hype around these books. Yes, they are very well written and very bloody, but I cannot connect with anyone in the books. I'm left asking the question, 'Why do I care what Katniss does? Why do I care if she survives or not?'. And, of course, there is the 'which dude should I choose' drama. I don't care about either of them. She could end up a lonely recluse for all I care.
The future these books present are grim and very believable. Emaciated children survive in the districts while well-fed and pampered children frolic in the Capital. I think I like the first book the best because it shows the connection between these two, and how absurd it is. It might also be a commentary on this world, this present time, as well.
In my opinion, the other two books are stretching the plot line a bit. It is evident that Susanne Collins made up the 'Quarter Quell' just so she could have a sequel. And why on earth would the Gamemakers turn the streets of their beloved city into an arena in Mockingjay? While you're reading it it makes some sense, but the illusion of reality it creates shatters if you try to reflect on it.
Neither Katniss nor Gale jumped off the page at me. My favorite characters were Haymitch and Peeta because they have faults and because they seem more rounded. Sure, Katniss is headstrong and rude, but she eventually becomes predictable. Gale just seems like someone that was sort of stuck on the side so there would be some dramatic tension. He is usually dismissed as a 'cousin' and Katniss doesn't spend much time agonizing over the lie. Haymitch, though, is the town drunk with a past full of pain. Peeta quietly watches Katniss from the sidelines, and you know, dramatic agony, romance gone awry, putting his heart in the wrong place, all that stuff. But when he gets stung by hornets that make you hallucinate and he starts believing that Katniss is out to kill him, well, I know I'm cruel, but that's where the real fun begins.
Basically, what I said about the Gamemakers and the Capital apply to the whole book: While you're reading it, it makes sense and it is a pretty good book, but with a second thought the books loose their meaning.
The books are a trilogy, to be read in the order of: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. And while Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, may catch on fire, she just can't catch your interest.
In a dystopian future the people of North America have rebelled against the government and lost, causing their country to be split up into the twelve, or thirteen, districts of Panam. Each year, districts one through thirteen have been forced to give to of their children up to the Capital to compete in a game where they will fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen, a headstrong sixteen-year-old from district 12, the mining district, is called upon to take place in this tournament. Afraid for her life Katniss enters the arena . . . and starts a revolution. The three books span from the beginning of the 74th Hunger Games to the end of a war that has rocked Panam and changed Katniss forever.
I do not see they hype around these books. Yes, they are very well written and very bloody, but I cannot connect with anyone in the books. I'm left asking the question, 'Why do I care what Katniss does? Why do I care if she survives or not?'. And, of course, there is the 'which dude should I choose' drama. I don't care about either of them. She could end up a lonely recluse for all I care.
The future these books present are grim and very believable. Emaciated children survive in the districts while well-fed and pampered children frolic in the Capital. I think I like the first book the best because it shows the connection between these two, and how absurd it is. It might also be a commentary on this world, this present time, as well.
In my opinion, the other two books are stretching the plot line a bit. It is evident that Susanne Collins made up the 'Quarter Quell' just so she could have a sequel. And why on earth would the Gamemakers turn the streets of their beloved city into an arena in Mockingjay? While you're reading it it makes some sense, but the illusion of reality it creates shatters if you try to reflect on it.
Neither Katniss nor Gale jumped off the page at me. My favorite characters were Haymitch and Peeta because they have faults and because they seem more rounded. Sure, Katniss is headstrong and rude, but she eventually becomes predictable. Gale just seems like someone that was sort of stuck on the side so there would be some dramatic tension. He is usually dismissed as a 'cousin' and Katniss doesn't spend much time agonizing over the lie. Haymitch, though, is the town drunk with a past full of pain. Peeta quietly watches Katniss from the sidelines, and you know, dramatic agony, romance gone awry, putting his heart in the wrong place, all that stuff. But when he gets stung by hornets that make you hallucinate and he starts believing that Katniss is out to kill him, well, I know I'm cruel, but that's where the real fun begins.
Basically, what I said about the Gamemakers and the Capital apply to the whole book: While you're reading it, it makes sense and it is a pretty good book, but with a second thought the books loose their meaning.
The books are a trilogy, to be read in the order of: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. And while Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, may catch on fire, she just can't catch your interest.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Inheritance Cycle
I'll start with a basic piece of fiction--The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.
This is a four part series about a fictional country, Agalasia, in a fictional world. There are elves, dragons, dwarves, humans, 'urgals' (brutes akin to trolls and the like), and a combined race of humans, elves, and dragons known as 'dragon riders' (humans and elves who ride dragons). If it was a historical fiction piece the setting would be the middle ages.
Agalasia is being ruled by an evil dragon rider who is supposed to be the only one who can use magic, but a rebellion has been growing. Our young hero finds himself in possesion of an illegal dragon, the power, and duty, to defeat the evil king, and the influence of a thousand coffers of gold. Aided by an old man, an outlaw, the leader of the rebels, the princess of the elves, the king of dwarves, an herbalist who might be insane, his cousin, and his dragon Eragon holds the fate of the realm in his hand.
It is basically a less complicated version of the Lord of the Rings. No, there is only one ring, but with the vast quantity of magical swords, lances, and belts you have to keep track of it doesn't really make much of a difference. At least with the rings several had the same purpose and only one had a specific name. If you read these books be prepared to have to put up with names such as 'The Belt of Beloth the Wise' and 'Zar'roc.' But, to continue my comparison, Urgals are the Orcs replacement, and instead of sightless beasts on horses you have the Ra'zac riding on letherblanka -- duck-like things riding on other duck-like things.
Thankfully, though, you can get past the complicated and similar names to some degree. And though the covers aren't stuffed full of action when you do get sword- and fist- fights they are coherant and are there for a reason. Another bonus for those unwilling to suspend their disbelief is that the 'magic' in this books comes with a well defined limit. So, while you might see hovering rocks those rocks aren't going to sprout wings and fly away.
The books in this series are as follows: Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger, Inheritance. Please, do yourself a favor and do not read them out of order. The latter three have a preface of what happened in the previous three, but in my opinion, they just confuse you even more.
The books' website--they have a few games on here and some trivia stuff. http://www.alagaesia.com/
This is a four part series about a fictional country, Agalasia, in a fictional world. There are elves, dragons, dwarves, humans, 'urgals' (brutes akin to trolls and the like), and a combined race of humans, elves, and dragons known as 'dragon riders' (humans and elves who ride dragons). If it was a historical fiction piece the setting would be the middle ages.
Agalasia is being ruled by an evil dragon rider who is supposed to be the only one who can use magic, but a rebellion has been growing. Our young hero finds himself in possesion of an illegal dragon, the power, and duty, to defeat the evil king, and the influence of a thousand coffers of gold. Aided by an old man, an outlaw, the leader of the rebels, the princess of the elves, the king of dwarves, an herbalist who might be insane, his cousin, and his dragon Eragon holds the fate of the realm in his hand.
It is basically a less complicated version of the Lord of the Rings. No, there is only one ring, but with the vast quantity of magical swords, lances, and belts you have to keep track of it doesn't really make much of a difference. At least with the rings several had the same purpose and only one had a specific name. If you read these books be prepared to have to put up with names such as 'The Belt of Beloth the Wise' and 'Zar'roc.' But, to continue my comparison, Urgals are the Orcs replacement, and instead of sightless beasts on horses you have the Ra'zac riding on letherblanka -- duck-like things riding on other duck-like things.
Thankfully, though, you can get past the complicated and similar names to some degree. And though the covers aren't stuffed full of action when you do get sword- and fist- fights they are coherant and are there for a reason. Another bonus for those unwilling to suspend their disbelief is that the 'magic' in this books comes with a well defined limit. So, while you might see hovering rocks those rocks aren't going to sprout wings and fly away.
The books in this series are as follows: Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger, Inheritance. Please, do yourself a favor and do not read them out of order. The latter three have a preface of what happened in the previous three, but in my opinion, they just confuse you even more.
The books' website--they have a few games on here and some trivia stuff. http://www.alagaesia.com/
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