Tag: Books: Commentary

Review: Children of Dune

Posted 23 November, 2017 by Lianne in Books / 0 Comments

Children of Dune (Dune #3)
By: Frank Herbert
Format/Source: Paperback; my purchase

The desert planet of Arrakis has begun to grow green and lush. The life-giving spice is abundant. The nine-year-old royal twins, possesing their father’s supernatural powers, are being groomed as Messiahs.

But there are those who think the Imperium does not need messiahs…

Just to re-iterate from yesterday, like Dune (review), I had read this book in high school and greatly enjoyed it. In an effort to finally finish reading the series–and having picked up The Great Dune Trilogy published by Gollanz–I decided to re-read the book again 🙂 The first books had left quite the impression in my mind that despite going into this third volume having some memory of what transpired, I was nonetheless looking forward to revisiting this book again.

Review: Dune Messiah

Posted 22 November, 2017 by Lianne in Books / 4 Comments

Dune Messiah (Dune #2)
By: Frank Herbert
Format/Source: Paperback; my purchase

Dune Messiah continues the story of Paul Atreides, better known – and feared – as the man christened Muad’Dib. As Emperor of the Known Universe, he possesses more power than a single man was ever meant to wield. Worshipped as a religious icon by the fanatical Fremen, Paul faces the enmity of the political houses he displaced when he assumed the throne – and a conspiracy conducted within his own sphere of influence.

And even as House Atreides begins to crumble around him from the machinations of his enemies, the true threat to Paul is directed against his lover, Chani, and the unborn heir to his family’s dynasty…

Like Dune (review), I had read this book in high school and greatly enjoyed it. In an effort to finally finish reading the series–and having picked up The Great Dune Trilogy published by Gollanz–I decided I would re-read the book again 🙂 I’ve been busy, but after reading an article on Tor.com about the miniseries) I was struck with nostalgia and decided to re-read it recently 🙂

Commentary: The Name of the Wind

Posted 28 August, 2017 by Lianne in Books / 0 Comments

The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicles #1)
By: Patrick Rothfuss
Format/Source: Mass market paperback; my purchase
My first review of the novel

MY NAME IS KVOTHE

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature–the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

I read this book years ago (see review) but with The Wise Man’s Fear sitting on my TBR pile gathering dust for how many years, I figured it was time to revisit this book before diving into the second novel. And so here we are (mind you it took me how many months to re-read it as other books got in the way and I had read parts of it during break at work) 😛

Review: Animal Farm

Posted 29 June, 2017 by Lianne in Books / 0 Comments

Animal Farm
By: George Orwell
Format/Source: Mass market paperback; my purchase

Mr. Jones of Manor Farm is so lazy and drunken that one day he forgets to feed his livestock. The ensuing rebellion under the leadership of the pigs Napoleon and Snowball leads to the animals taking over the farm. Vowing to eliminate the terrible inequities of the farmyard, the renamed Animal Farm is organized to benefit all who walk on four legs. But as time passes, the ideals of the rebellion are corrupted, then forgotten. And something new and unexpected emerges…

Moving along in my re-read, up next is Animal Farm. Like 1984 (review), I first read this book years ago when I was in undergrad and goodness, could this be any more a blatant allegory to the Russian Revolution (right down to the rise of Stalin)?

Review: 1984

Posted 28 June, 2017 by Lianne in Books / 6 Comments

1984
By: George Orwell
Format/Source: Mass market paperback; my purchase

‘It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.’

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent – even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101 . . .

So, backstory time: I first read this book in 2008. It was the heyday of me studying Soviet Russian history and I was just reading up everything I could get my hands on related to the regime, and dystopian literature reflecting on the events was one of them. So George Orwell came into my reading list at long last. I liked it the first time but despite it being the time that I started book blogging, I never got around to typing out a review of sorts about the novel. Fast forward to almost ten years later and with current events spiralling about, this book returned to attention, even selling out at some stores. I had been meaning to re-read it for some time now so I decided to pick it up again.