Book Review: "The Chestnut King" by N.D. Wilson

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Henry has to find a way to defeat Nimiane with the help of his friends and family.

REGARDING HENRY

Henry has a few moments where we see his personality. We admits he doesn't know how to act around his siblings because he has always been an only child. Again, I would rather see this in action multiple times instead of just being told about it.

Other feelings seem out of the blue and disjointed. Like when he is confronted by a son of Nimiane and thinks that a part of him really just wants to fight and get it over with. And yet he has never had those feelings before.

In another scene he is suddenly sarcastic. Another, he is suddenly bold and commanding. He never recognizes these behaviors as erratic so I just chalk it up to bad writing.

It's not that he's unlikable. He shows doubt, fear, and bravery. He seems heartfelt when he apologizes to his grandmother. But there is no natural development to any of these things. So I just feel indifferent about him.

RELATIONSHIPS

There is more talking about things then showing them. Henry recalls to Zeke how his father is teaching him and how strange it is to have a father. But there are no scenes where we see this awkwardness in effect. Not even any flashbacks.

In another scene he recalls some things about his father, but it's all in past tense. So I felt disconnected from his feelings. I didn't get to see these facts being learned, just had them recited to me after the fact.

UNCLE FRANK'S STORY

Uncle Frank and his family get taken by force on a ship. We don't learn much about him except for one scene where we meet a man named Roderick. The man rails against Frank's family, saying that trouble falls them everywhere they go. But he doesn't really present any evidence and I felt like I only got the beginning of a story.

Also Frank spouts some weirdly vague sayings that just make him look dense. He did this in the first book but that was before any trouble happened. So it just came off as eccentric then.

FAT FRANK-SPOILERS

Fat Frank is slowly losing his magic and will eventually die. This ties into the ending but fortunately I didn't really care since I wasn't fond of him.

HENRY'S SECRET

Henry has been sneaking back to Kansas to play ball with Zeke. Henrietta says she knows about it, but this secret isn't of any importance. Henry never gets caught and its of no real importance.

NIMIANE'S SISTER

Henry ends up meeting Nimiane's sister, Nia but we don't learn anything really important. Just that she and her sister were sealed up here long ago.

THE ROT-SPOILERS

The blood of the witch is still in Henry, and he only has so much time before it gets to his brain and he goes crazy or dies. Either way its bad. Henry feels so overwhelmed that he just shuts his feelings away. But this isn't from any pattern of behavior that we have seen from him and it's never mentioned again. Nor does his father take note while this happens in front of him.

RICHARD

We get a mention of Richard's past and how horrible it was. But Richard himself never talks about how his parents were gone, but he was left to control the estate like a puppet. It's only vaguely mentioned.

BIG BROTHER

Henry meets his big brother James, but they don't spend much time together. He isn't a distinct character either.

GRANDMA ANASTASIA

Henry's grandmother has the ability to connect to people in their dreams just like Henry. She appears multiple times in the book to give her grandson advice and direction. It's nice she had such a big role, but I didn't feel like they had any relationship prior to this. It would have been nice if he had confided in her about his dreams and his feelings. They should have had a connection before this book.

PACING

There are multiple stories, like last time. We get Henry's, Uncle Frank's and Henrietta's. Although I don't feel this helped, as I still felt that the story was slow. Again, no cliffhanger endings and the stories awkwardly all end up together.

HENRIETTA'S STORY

We see more of Una and Penelope in this book. But I didn't really notice any relationships form nor see any personalities. As such, I had little interest in their stories. Even more so than the other two. I had hoped Henry, Henrietta and Zeke would develop in the later books. But since this is the last, I knew these characters wouldn't. There was no hoping.

A VILLAIN TO FEAR?

Near the climax, Henrietta is being taken to the Queen. And even knowing her kidnapper is capable of great evil, she actually taunts him. It comes off looking as if he is no threat and she isn't scared of any repercussions. The same thing happens again, this time when she sees Nimaine herself. Henrietta calls her a name, because she knows that she will be safe, for some reason.

THE CHESTNUT KING'S OFFER

When Henry meets the chestnut king he gets an offer to stay with him. If he does, time will stop for him and the witch's blood will not kill him. Henry ponders this but there is no real chance of him taking the offer. So I didn't really take any interest. In order for these ultimatum scenes to be compelling, there must be some doubt in the readers mind about the choice to be made.

CLIMAX

Henry's friends are all taken to the Queen. Henry confronts her and defeats her. The scene feels long and drawn out but there is no suspense nor sense of urgency. Then Henry gives Fat Frank a gift that saves his life.

PROLOGUE

Henry, now an adult, is shown using his baseball skills to earn a place on a team. His girlfriend says she thinks that he can throw faster but doesn't. I didn't quite get the reason for this scene. How did Henry get so good? Did it have something to do with his magical abilities? There is no reference to being particularly good at baseball before this. Then he takes her back to Kansas with him, and she mentions a story about a boy that disappeared. I guess he is bringing her to meet his family.

This part just felt disjointed. There is no explanation to how he went missing and yet came back and also had a life and got a girlfriend.

CONCLUSION

The story somehow has no sense of urgency even with three stories going on at once. And although Henry does show emotions, it just never feels natural but instead out of the blue. Also, we keep being told things instead of shown them when it comes to relationships. I give “The Chestnut King” one and a half stars.

Book Review: "Dandelion Fire" by N.D. Wilson

SPOIL FREE SUMMARY

After an accident leaves Henry with new abilities, he decides to seek out Eli for answers. Meanwhile, Henrietta gets taken by strangers after sneaking into a cupboard and Uncle Frank and the family get into their own trouble.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Henry doesn't develop much in the book. Although attempts are made to show some emotional growth, ultimately, it failed.

Henrietta still makes dumb mistakes like stealing the key from Henry and going into a cupboard she knew nothing about. Also, for some reason she still thinks she knows best and refuses to acknowledge those past mistakes.

Uncle Frank gets his own story but I didn't feel like I got much insight into his character. A man torn between two worlds was a really interesting idea. Did he ever regret getting married? Did he think he would have found a way back before he settled down? We do see him and his wife argue some, but it's all very surface level.

Darius is the villain in this book but he is basically a puppet of Nimiane. Although we get a paragraph of his backstory, it stands alone. He never really exerts any personality or motivation for his actions and if the paragraph of his history had been omitted, I wouldn't have been looking for it. Darius just doesn't come off as needing any motivation or asking for one. He just seemed like a two dimensional villain.

Caleb is a character that meets Henrietta. He didn't really have much of a personality. I guess he was tough.

Eli is back, the same guy that Henrietta met when she followed him through Grandfather's room. He plays a key part in the story as he guides Henrietta.

PACING

There are three stories going on at once: Henrietta's, Henry's and Uncle Frank's. But the thing is, I never really felt this made things feel any faster. The stories try to compliment each other, but they go together rather awkwardly. And I often forgot what happened in the last story when I moved on to the next. There were only a few cliff hanger moments.

SAME MISTAKES

Henrietta thinks that Henry is keeping a secret from her, so for some reason she decides to go into a cupboard and almost drowns. She does admit to herself that she was stupid. But she doesn't seem to realize this a pattern of behavior. And she never brings it back up again so I never got the idea that she was learning anything.

HUMOR

There were some funny points in the story, like when Henry explains how the sandwich was made and by who. And then his story gets retold and muddled.

Eli makes some funny, if not disturbing comments.

HENRY'S EVIL PARENTS

Remember how Henry's parents were work-a-holics and he wanted them to stay missing? Well it turns out they are alive, and famous now too. Henry sees them on a talk show, telling everyone, through dramatic tears, how great it was to reunite with their son. Henry of course, had not seen them or even heard from them.

I felt it was trying too hard, like, look! Now Henry has nothing tying him to this world. Since his parents are evil. Remember, these are people who made mistakes, but never seemed to have evil intentions, as far as the reader knows. It was over kill.

FAMILY REUNION

Eventually, Henry gets to meet his long lost family. First he meets his mother, then his siblings, then his father. I was completely blown away by his reaction.

I expected shock, uncertainty, happiness; A tentative desire to show affection in a physical way. But instead we get two pages vacant of any real emotion. Henry just notes her appearance and asks about his christening.

The same goes for his father, who I expected he would have the strongest reaction too. Perhaps he would be nervous to meet him and unsure of how to act.

How does a father treat a son? His stepfather was never around. Maybe Henry would have been angry, asking if they ever even looked for him. Did they think about him? I imagined he had so many questions. But the scenes play like he is making a casual acquaintance. He seems a little nervous, but that is all. Not much interest.

TOO MANY CHARACTERS

Darius ends up working for Nimiane. Then there is Magdalena, who is sister to Eli; Monmouth and Fat Frank are both faeries who end up helping Henry; A random police officer ends up with Frank and his family. Zeke is also around for some reason. Henry has sisters that he gets to meet. Ronaldo is married to Nella, who dreams the future.

I didn't care about most of the characters mainly because I felt that they were all two dimensional and Henry didn't have any relationships with them.

RELATIONSHIPS

Henry and Zeke don't have more than a page or two in this book. So there is no development.

Henry notes that he finds Richard annoying. So, no real closeness between them is developed.

Henrietta and Eli are reunited but Eli is cruel to her. And a secret that is revealed later doesn't help.

Monmouth and Fat Frank help Henry, but Fat Frank does it begrudgingly. I am not sure why Monmouth helps. I guess they are all afraid of Nimiane and think that Henry can help defeat her because of whose son he is.

HENRY'S FIRST KILL

While being escorted by Frank and Monmouth, Henry is attacked and ends up using his new abilities to defend himself. He ends up killing some men.

This should be a huge deal to him, but his only reaction is to feel tired. There is no acknowledgment of what he just did nor any mention of the state of the bodies. Even his friends don't think to ask about his state of mind.

MYSTERIES REVEALED-SPOILERS

Many things are learned throughout the book.

Henrietta learns that her grandfather took something that got Fitzfaeren destroyed.

Henry learns that he is a seventh son. Also that he can use his dreams to spy on people as well as see into the past. But those things aren't discussed in detail. Henry never stops and freaks out, wondering why this is happening and what else may happen to him. I just never felt he was awed by anything.

Henrietta learns about Eli and his sister, Magdalena. I found it interesting, but there was no moment where I thought they learned anything crucial. Nothing that made me want her to reunite with Henry. She does learn the truth about Caleb, but by the time she meets Henry again, he is already with his family.

A GALLANT END?-SPOILERS

Eli ends up getting killed in a battle. This is supposed to be how he redeems himself, as the author states is quite plainly. But I kept thinking, that was all of a sudden. He was basically a selfish jerk but then he dies in battle, so that made up for it or something. I just felt shallow. I barely knew him and he was never portrayed with any sympathy.

WARRIORS

Uncle Frank and his family end up in the same world as Henry. Zeke is along too. Now, I understand that Frank is from this world, and probably familiar with it, but Zeke is just a kid. And yet when Henry goes to the battle, he finds Zeke fighting too.

It didn't make any sense. Why would Frank put a child in harms way? It seemed like Wilson just wanted to make Zeke seem useful somehow. The only reason he is there though, is to be Henry's friend. But they don't have much of a relationship.

HENRY'S DECISION

There is a moment when Henry returns to his house and he considers running away. He admits he wants a safe home, and even a nanny. But none of it felt real. Henry can't run. His Uncle and Family have vanished. When his caretaker showed up, they would probably have some questions. The idea of leaving like nothing happened just didn't feel plausible.

I understand the moment was there not so the reader could believe he would really leave, but to see Henry develop. But I didn't believe either. He had far too much invested in staying.

It would have been better to make it easy to leave, have his actual parents show up and show concern for him. Have Frank and everyone be fine, so he didn't feel like he was abandoning him. And yet still choose to stay, maybe even having to make an effort to do so, like sneaking away from his parents. That would have shown how much he had changed.

THE SEVENTH SON

Remember how I said the motivation of Monmouth and Fat Frank confused me? Well, they some how make him out to be a savior, because his father defeated Nimiane before (but not that well, apparently) and so he should be able to do it to.

No one pays any attention to the fact that Henry may have natural talent, but he has no training and is young and inexperienced. How will meeting his dad make him strong? And apparently they thought all of this before Henry killed some men with his magic. Because they risked their lives getting him to his family.

NO TRAINING?

Henry gains his new ability in the beginning of the story, but he never gets any guidance on how to use it. None of the characters serve as a guide to him, not even his own father. And even after meeting his family, Henry runs off to get an object and then comes back. Nothing about this felt like we were building towards an understanding of his skills.

SUDDENLY BOLD

Through most of the book Henry is meek and anxious. So when he suddenly became bold when commanding some guards, it came off as strange. If Wilson has revealed that Henry had been acting, or had suddenly grown angry and reacted, that would have been different. But it starts to feel like Henry has no real personality and simply takes on whatever persona is needed for the moment.

CLIMAX

Henry goes to retrieve missing item that Eli stored in Frank's house, along with Henrietta and Richard. He returns to his family and joins the battle. Darius is defeated.

CONCLUSION

The pacing is rather slow and the characters don't really develop much. At least, not in any way that we get to witness. Henry is just suddenly powerful. Henrietta admits she did something dumb again, but only to herself.

It's not that the story isn't an interesting idea, it's just not executed well. The relationships still feel shallow and events that should be important and emotion filled are short and dull.

I give “Dandelion Fire” two and a half stars

Book Review: "100 Cupboards" by N.D. Wilson

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Henry goes to visit relatives he hardly knows, he doesn't expect any excitement. If anything, maybe he can finally live a life as a normal boy. But when he discovers 99 cupboards hidden under the plaster in his attic room, he and his cousin get into trouble.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Henry is really quiet and reserved. It's eventually revealed that he has been sheltered his whole life and his parents are work-a-holics.

Fred is Henry's uncle. He can be quiet and knows when to leave his nephew be. But he also tends to share philosophical ideas that can be kind of confusing.

Henrietta is the cousin closest to Henry's age.

Dotty is Henry's aunt. She can be blunt and humorous but is also rather caring.

Anastasia and Penelope are both blunt and energetic. They are not in the story a lot until the climax.

Zeke is a local boy who eventually befriends Henry when he invites him to play baseball.

Nimiane is creepy witch who wants to rule everyone and has no qualms about killing children.

PACING

The pacing of the book is slower. But being as this is the first in a series, I expect it had to set the scene and introduce the characters. Although we don't get it all at once. We don't even know why Henry is visiting Kansas to see his relatives at first.

HENRY'S SCARE

Henry has grown up really sheltered his whole life. And this is emphasized by his reactions to one cupboard opening. He feels sick and throws up. I just felt this was kind of over done.

I kept having to be told how weak Henry was. We even get a scene where Henry remembers a girl was bullied and he did nothing about it. I just wish there were less remembering and more witnessing his cowardice. So when he overcame it things would feel more rewarding.

I mean, he recalls his cowardice only after saving Henrietta from the cupboard and getting attacked. So he already showed his ability to be brave. So why the remembering of his past faults now when he already showed he could change?

THRILLS & CHILLS

There are some scary scenes, or scenes where you just think, “Oh, no! Now what?” or “What the heck was that?” These were my favorite scenes and I wish there were more of them.

There was the scene where Henry saves his unconscious cousin; Where Henry gets his knife back only to discover it's tied to a bell; Where Henry awakens to plaster falling on his head.

Where Henry and Henrietta try to escape a terrifying memory where a room of people are murdered; Where Henry realizes his rope that leads him back to home has been cut off.

All of these scenes got me excited and anxious and quite frankly I wish there were more of them. It would have helped with the slower pacing.

HENRIETTA'S REACTION

Henry pulls out Henrietta's arm, thereby saving the unconscious girl and getting hurt and attacked in the process. It was probably one of the most tense scenes in the book. Henry became brave in that instant, and his potential to be a hero really showed.

Then Henrietta wakes up, and her reaction was unbelievable. She brushes off his absolute terror and the fact she was knocked out. She says she can't remember what happened.

Henry is furious at her, and rightly so. He tells her she can never come back to his room and use the cupboards. Annoyed, she leaves.

While Henry became a hero, Henrietta instantly became an obnoxious brat. It is vaguely mentioned that she apologizes later. But it didn't undo the damage.

We should have read her words exactly, and got a heartfelt apology and a hearty thank you for saving her from being dragged into God knows where. But the lack of time spent on her apology makes it seem like she still doesn't comprehend what happened.

HENRY'S PARENTS-SPOILERS

In the beginning of the book, we learn that Henry's parents are missing. A normal child would be sick with worry, not able to relax or focus on any normal activities. But it's gradually revealed that his parents are work-a-holics and all overly protective of him. To the point of it being not just unhealthy but strange.

But lots of parents work full time and see their kids too little. And in an economy where both parents are expected to work, that's kind of the norm now a days. Most kids don't even realize there was a time where mother's considered raising their children to be their only job..

So I just didn't understand why he disliked them to the point of not really caring that they could be dead. It's not like they physically abused him or something.

ELI & HENRIETTA

When Henrietta's goes off alone to find the intruder, she ends up meeting a cranky man named Eli. He doesn't tell her much and their interaction is awkward. Henrietta tries to be funny but just comes off as obnoxious. I didn't care for either of these characters.

A TAG ALONG

While looking for Henrietta, Henry meets a boy named Richard from a older, perhaps Victorian England. He ends up sneaking along. Eventually the two argue about him staying and I was disappointed to find Richard came off as unlikable too.

He doesn't like his home life but, like Henry, it doesn't sound terrible. He's not living in poverty and getting beat up by his parents or something. So I didn't get why he thought sneaking off to another universe sounded like a great idea. Especially when he witnesses Henry in a dangerous situation.

HUMOR

There are a few part of the story that reveal that Wilson actually has a pretty good sense of humor. Like when he describes how Uncle Frank tries to open the door, or when Dotty explains her conversation about the door to someone. I smiled when Arthur expect a “spiritual experience” from driving without a car seat in Uncle Frank's truck.

Although I wouldn't say the humor plays a large part in the story. It's sparsely used throughout. But sometimes it can come off awkward. Henry gets a letter referring to him as “whimpering child”. This scene would have worked better if Henry was more sarcastic and head a sense of humor himself.

THE MYSTERY OF GRANDFATHER

Turns out Henry's grandfather had a room in the house. But now that he has passed on, his room has been locked and all attempts to open it have failed. Eventually we get to see inside it and learn somethings about him, but this actually leads to more mysteries to be solved.

HENRY'S NIGHT VISITOR

In the beginning of the story, Henry sees a short old man wearing a purple robe. It's in the middle of the night when he gets up to relieve himself, so he might think he is dreaming. But he never mentions it till later, and then for some reason he finds it hard to remember. Like something is blocking his mind.

But it was just kind of confusing, as it is never explained what this block is. And it's not mentioned until much later, so I was left wondering why he didn't bring it up.

WE INTERRUPT THIS STORY...

There is a short paragraph mentioned details about two different people who would know about the cupboards. But then we never talk about it for the rest of the book. It was strange and should have been caught by the editor.

SIDE CHARACTERS

Zeke, is barely in the story. He is merely mentioned playing baseball with Henry. He gets about three lines of dialogue. So he isn't just a side character, but a minor one. Same goes for Henrietta's younger sisters. They don't really have any role to play.

That's why I was confused why they were in the climax. I mean, I guess the girls would be in the house or around when the witch came. But why Zeke? He didn't even have a personality.

At least the girls came off as annoying and obtrusive. Although the only thing bordering on a relationship is when Henry tells Penny he doesn't' want to go back to Boston. Otherwise, they don't interact.

And the girls do serve a purpose, as Dotty tells them about how she met Frank. So basically we get a history lesson we otherwise would not have.

HENRIETTA NEEDS HELP?

Eventually Henry has to go after Henrietta when she goes missing. But she is so dumb, I actually thought she just ran off without Henry. Why wouldn't she, after all? But Henry surmises that she was taken. I understand this is used to force Henry to be brave again, like the last time, but I didn't even care about Henrietta by then. She still hadn't redeemed herself in my book.

CLIMAX

Henry finds Henrietta. The witch Nimiane shows up in Henry's house while he is gone. The younger sisters and Zeke try to protect themselves and Dotty. Henry returns home and discovers that the witch has been dealt with and someone has been looking for him.

CONCLUSION

The story is original and Henry is a sympathetic character. There is enough mystery to make the reader wish to learn more, and enough revelations that create a hope that more is to come.

But the pacing is slow and characters that have no personality or any real relationships with the main character end up having a crucial role in a climax. And it feels like Henry should star in it instead. Also, I couldn't understand Henry's feelings toward his parents and Henrietta never redeems herself.

I give “100 Cupboards” three stars.

Book Review: "Airman" by Eoin Colfer

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Conor Broekhart lives on the Saltee Islands where he grows up with a princess. But when he witnesses a crime, he is framed and thrown into prison. But both of his parents were scientists, and so is Conor, who thinks the only way to escape the island prison is to fly. But even if he does, what will he do next? Get revenge or leave the islands for good?

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Conor is hardworking and smart. But he is also slightly naive and has a hard time expressing himself sometimes. He has to learn to change when he is imprisoned.

Isabella is mostly in the story as a child. She is charming and funny then. But as an adult she is rather unlikable, mainly because her only purpose is to be Conor's love interest. And their relationship feels rather cheesy and unrealistic. Also, she seems to have no faults.

Victor Vigny is a teacher to both Isabella and Conor. He is witty and charismatic. He also encourages his students.

Linus is and American who is imprisoned on the island prison. He has no sight, but is an amazing musician. He also has a sense of humor that keeps him going. He is important to Conor because he is his only friend in prison.

Bonvilain is is the main villain of the story. He is rather dramatic and egotistical and kind of comes off as a caricature.

Billtoe is in charge of the prisons and works under Bonvilian.

INSTANTLY IN LOVE

The story goes from Conor's childhood to his teen years. He is portrayed as being rather lovesick about Isabella. Victor encourages him to share his feelings. The problem is...we never see him develop these feelings. We just get Conor saying he gradually fell in love, and we have to take his word for it. Isabella seemed likable enough as a child, but we don't see her develop either.

So the whole relationship just feels cheesy and forced. Basically, the romance wasn't important enough to develop, so it wasn't given the time of day. I would have preferred that it was only hinted that he had a crush on Isabella. And that was all.

But all throughout the story, Conor mentions Isabella in a cringe-inducing fashion, calling her “Dear Isabella” ect. It's just not something I could believe. He was just a kid when he developed a crush. And his over dramatic tone about her was obnoxious at its worst, or unrealistic at its best.

ISABELLA

Isabella doesn't get any scenes until near the end of the book. We see her with Conor's father, and his family again, at a party with Bonvilain. She reveals some crucial information that must have taken some time to obtain. And she seems brave.

But since we never see her investigating or have any other scenes where she is not courage and thus must develop, it all fails to endear her to the reader. I wanted her to be worthy of Conor, but I just could never like her. At the most, I was indifferent.

CONOR & LINUS

The most imporant relationship, indeed the only one really portrayed well is between Conor and Linus. While many characters come off as charming, they tend to be two dimensional because of their lack of development in time in the story. Victor and Isabella are two examples.

But Victor and Linus' interactions are not just amusing, but also deep, as Linus probes his friend's real motivations. They get on well but also argue. They feel like real people having a real relationship.

FAMILY FIRST?

The last part of the book is where Conor debates what he should do. He eventually witnesses his parents through a window and feels great emotion. The only problem is no relationship is portrayed between him and his father or him and his mother. We are merely told that they are close. So the pain he felt rang hollow to me.

A large portion of the story revolves around a misunderstanding between Conor and his family. So it's a big element.

CONOR FINN

Conor has to learn to take on a new persona in prison, so he changes his name. Linus tells him he must forget everyone in his old life in order to survive.

We witness his intelligence and skill when a prisoner threatens him. And it wasn't overnight, as Conor wrestles with the idea of killing a man, and if he can truly change. It's not easy transition, so when the story comes back years later, the new Conor is believable.

CONOR'S FATHER

Declan, Conor's father has lost his spirit since his son has vanished. He gets one scene where we witness this and then he gets revived.

I think it was sweet, but as I barely knew the character, it didn't have the strong impact on me that was intended. I get that it served a purpose to the story, to make Conor jealous later on, but I wish I had gotten to know Declan better.

STRUCTURE-SPOILERS

We first get Conor's childhood, and then we go to his teenage years. From there we learn about his life and his relationship to Isabella. After that, he witnesses a crime and is put in prison.

The next portion is meeting Linus, facing off against a prisoner, and coming to the realization that he has to change. But doubting if he can. We get a climax that reveals his fate.

The story skips ahead a few years, where Conor is planning his escape. After he manages this, he has to return for some hidden items. He has a temporary home, gets a friend, and then decides to confront Bonvilain.

PROBLEMS IN STRUCTURE?-SPOILERS

One reason I think I had problems with this story was Conor's life after he escaped prison. He goes to meet an old prisoner's brother like he promised, but otherwise, he seems unchanged. I wanted to see him go back and forth between being Finn and Conor. After all, he grew up in an upperclass family with scientist parents. He was sheltered from any real problems that most people face.

I thought he would think it impossible to go back to that life because of what he had become, but he seems to not wish to return because he can't forgive his parents. And he doesn't struggle with this duality once his freedom is obtained. I thought he should have.

Conor only changes his mind about getting revenge on Bonvilain once he learns his parents are to be killed. That would have been fine, if had previously been motivated to leave by more than hatred of his parents.

Linus and Conor have a few good arguments that hint that his reasons for leaving are wrong. But Conor is not completely wrong, his odds of defeating Bonvilain are slim. And he says he learned about the real world in prison. This seems silly, he had to go to prison to learn that attacking a man with so much power would be suicide?

I wish he had gotten to know Malarky better (a fellow inmate who belonged to a gang that Conor joined). But that character was rather a caricature that had no depth. Perhaps others that he had known in prison could have come to his aid. But he never makes any real allies it seems.

If things kept falling into place, hinting that Conor had a fighting chance, then his final choice would seem perfect.

LEARNING THE TRUTH

I think it would have helped the story if Conor had learned or received hints that his parents were innocent of any wrongdoing. Instead, he learns it all at once, when he confront Bonvilain in the climax.

He could have learned of Isabella, or his parents, but struggled with the idea that they could accept who he has become. Instead he seems to wallow in his resentment and its not becoming.

CLIMAX

Conor finally decides that he has no choice to confront Bonvilain. He does so, and sees his family and Isabella again in the process. Bonvilain is defeated. We get a small epilogue that reveals Conor's future. He seems unaffected by his time as Finn.

CONCLUSION

My favorite part of the story was Conor's time in prison, as well as his relationship with Linus. There is plenty of action and suspense as well. But the majority of relationships that Conor has are shallow and unfulfilling. As our many of the side characters, even if some are funny.

And as much as I was rooting for Conor, he lacked depth regarding any struggle between being Finn and Conor. He simply turns of the switch and goes back to being Conor.

I give “Airman” three stars.

Book Review: "The Thirteenth Princess" by Diane Zahler

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Zita discovers the twelve princesses that she serves are actually her sisters, she attempts to get to know them. But when they start acting strange, eventually falling ill, its up to her to find out what's behind it. Is it magic?

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Zita is a serving girl who discovers she is a princess. She is shocked but happy to find that she has sisters, but worried to find out who her father is. She is rather naive and sheltered.

Bracken is the new stable boy. He becomes Zita's only other friend, besides her sisters. He likes to tease Zita and has a good sense of humor.

Aurelia is Zita's oldest sister. She plays a bigger part, compared to the other sisters.

Melik is Brecken's older brother and a knight.

Babette is a an old witch who lives in the woods. She becomes friends with Brecken and Zita.

Father is hard to get to know. He loses his temper easily and is strict with his daughters. One rare occasions though, he can be kind and gentle.

PACING

The pacing is slower, but it's not just to introduce the main characters, it's to reveal the truth about the world that Zita lives in. We slowly learn about the King and how he has affected the kingdom. As well as the fate of the Queen.

MEETING THE SISTERS

When Zita meets her sisters, they seem to become friends instantly. There isn't any development between Zita and them. Perhaps the author thought since there were so many, she couldn't take the time to develop them.

Also, when Zita learns that they are sisters, there are not any hints before then (she is told the truth pretty fast). Or any presented in hindsight, like the girls being extra nice to her, or trying to speak to her. It just feels like the relationship between Zita and her sisters is rather neglected. She could have at least picked one or two sisters that Zita bonded with.

Aurelia is in the story the most, but there aren't many exchanges between her and her little sister where they grow close. It's just assumed they already love each other and get on great.

A MENTOR

Babette plays an important role. She not only reveals something magical is going on at the castle, but she gives Zita a tool to help her as well as one for Melik. She also encourages them and teaches them a magical ability. Not to mention she saves them near the climax.

THE SPELL STARTS

Whenever Aurelia and the others get in the presence of a suitor they don't say a word. Ever. Their father is furious at them and they never even offer an explanation. Later they say it's not shyness. They just can't talk for some reason.

I thought this was kind of silly, as if anyone else had discovered they were unable to speak, it would alert them that something was horribly wrong. Maybe they had a disease. Or had a stroke. Or something. But the girls don't even discuss it in detail.

I thought that maybe they should have had physical reactions. Like every time a prince came they all fell ill, vomiting, nausea, headaches, something more extreme.

AURELIA & MELIK

Melik first sees Aurelia from afar and later decides to help Zita. He seems to have developed a crush on the oldest daughter, so it's kind of hard to believe his motivation. He essentially risks his life for a woman he has had no actual conversations with.

I really wish there had been a scene with them actually conversing. All we get is Melik proclaiming his love for Aurelia because he thought she was pretty.

ZITA & HER FATHER

The relationship had potential. I enjoyed the moment where her father showed her kindness by giving her a book of poetry that he read to her mother. As well as the realization that a father loving his daughter was foreign to Zita. But in the end I found it unfulfilling.

Also, there is some unconsistancy with his portrayal. Zita seems to think he is awful, but then she says he would never offer his daughters up as a reward to whoever can find out why they are ill.

But he doesn't seem like someone who values them. After all, he wanted just one son and never got one. If anything, he might treat them worse off because of it.

BABETTE'S GIFT

Babette reveals that she gave Aurelia the gift of love. Whoever loved her could help break through the spell. It is supposed to explain how Melik's declaration of love manages to waken Aurelia from her sleep, if only for a moment.

The problem is, Melik doesn't know her, he is merely infatuated. But perhaps this was supposed to apply to Zita too?

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

In the beginning of the story, we learn that Zita is named after the patron saint of servants. But Babette says it also means “seeker” and “little rose”. Near the end of the book Zita brings it back up, but I felt that was being too obvious. She is trying to tell the reader she has changed. I felt it was unnecessary.

ROLES-SPOILERS

Most of the characters have specific roles, which I liked. Zita got help for her sisters and figured out a trick near the climax. Melik says he senses magic before they go to Babette to ask her more. Babette provides knowledge and tools they need as well as providing assistance in the climax.

MATURE CONTENT

There are vague reference to girls getting pregnant by men and having to leave the castle. Nothing is described in detail, but it's obvious what Zita is saying, even if she doesn't understand herself.

One of Zita's sisters says that smart girls know to stop at kissing, implying that you shouldn't fornicate.

Cook says that Father had many dalliances before he met his future wife. But doesn't explain what that means when Zita asks.

A footman jokes about sharing a bed with Zita.

CLIMAX

Zita, Breckin and Melik rescue the girls, awaking them from their enchantment. Babette helps save them. The villain is revealed and their father ends up facing off with them. Afterwards, there is eventually a wedding.

THE TRUE VILLAIN-SPOILERS

There is a short reference to a smudge on an embroidered blanket. Turns out that was the villain, she was just too small to see or something. This was far too vague to be considered a hint. Although there was also a scene where she thought she saw a serving girl named Chiara, but I guess this was Taika when she took off her disguise.

Nurse, a character that didn't even have a real name, turns out to be the villain. Her name is Taika and a long time ago she was in love with the king. He loved her too, when he was a child. Her explanation as to how she manipulated the king into banning magic so she could keep the girls from ever leaving him was convoluted.

The only part that made sense was that she caused his wife to only have daughters so they would have a barrier between them. And she could comfort them. But he didn't even know that she was Taika. I think the disguise was unnecessary. She could still have been a mystery to the girls. They didn't know their father's past.

FATHER, THE HERO?-SPOILERS

At the end, Zita's father gives his life to defeat Taika. It felt surprising, and even after he died, I was thinking, is that it? Zita gets a hug from him before he dies, so she knows he loves her, or something.

It's obvious he loved his daughters if he sacrificed himself for them. But I would have prefererred to him admitting he was wrong, all those times when he yelled at the girls about their suitors. Or he apologized for causing his wife to lose heart and die. I just didn't feel like there were any real resolutions for Zita.

CONCLUSION

Zita and Breckin are likable heroes and the story unfolds well, making use of suspense while Babette plays a good mentor character. There is also some humor that I enjoyed.

But the villain came completely out of the blue, with no hints to help us figure it out. And the relationship between Melik and Aurelia was shallow. Also there wasn't any real time to develop their characters. I give “The Thirteenth Princess” two and a half stars.

Book Review: "Which witch?" by Eva Ibbotson

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Arriman is a successful evil wizard. But he's tired of waiting for a powerful one to come and replace him so he can retire. Not trusting the prophecy that said one would come, he instead sets up a contest to get a wife. Then, he hopes to have an heir. But he has his own doubts. Does he really want to marry a witch?

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Arriman is cartoonlike, but actually rather funny. He is dramatic and anything but confident about marriage.

Belladonna is the youngest of the witches and she is also a white witch. She is ashamed of it and is treated like an outcast by most witches.

Sir Simon is a ghost and also Arriman's best friend. He killed all seven of his wives.

Madame Olympia is a powerful and mysterious witch that isn't from the area.

Terrence is a young orphan boy, His only friend is his pet worm, Rover.

Mr. Leadbetter is Arriman's butler and friend. He becomes friends with Belladonna and Terence.

PACING

The pacing is slower but its not an action book. It's mostly comedy with some mystery.

STRUCTURE

The first part of the story introduces the main characters. The main part is where each witch gets to compete in the contest. They each have their own chapter. The climax involves truths being revealed and happily ever after.

HUMOR

Arriman can be funny, and Mr. Leadbetter brings some humor himself. The baby kraken that was mentioned was charming. And the idea that a witch would turn herself into a coffee table and not know how to turn back was silly and original.

My only gripe is that the majority of the book is this way. Because of that, it ranks with the lower status on my scale of Ibbotson's books.

HELPING BELLADONNA

After Belladonna meets Terence she somehow manages to do black magic. They both attribute this to one thing, and decide to work together.

CHANGE OF HEART-SPOILERS

Arriman see's Belladonna after she competes and realizes she is a white witch. But he doesn't care, he falls head over heels. I thought this was sweet, to see him act like a love-struck teenager.

CLIMAX

The story may be predictable in how it ends, but that's why it's aimed for children. It's not sophisticated but simple.

CONCLUSION

The story is simple and the characters cartoonish. It's fine for children but a story one would easily grow out of as there is no real depth.

It's good for what it is but I prefer Ibbotson's deeper stories, since I know what she is capable of: Stories that people of all ages can enjoy.

So I am being completely subjective when I give “Which witch?” two and a half stars. But in reality it's probably more like a three star story, a simple and silly tale, perfectly adequate.

Series Overview: "The Keys to the Kingdom" by Garth Nix

SUMMARY

A more detailed, spoiler filled examination of the series and the ending.

CHARACTER LIKABILITY

Arthur's likability initially started with sympathy. He became a victim when he was given the key and then was thrust into an adventure that he never wanted.

He feels real because he constantly doubts himself and worries that he is going to mess up. Eventually he becomes more confident and takes charge not just in his own situations, but standing up to Dame Primus as well.

Suzy was actually the most likable character when I first met her. She was funny and inventive. I loved her interactions with Arthur. She was like a big sister sometimes (looking out for Arthur), while other times she felt like a little one, not really thinking but just acting. Someone that Arthur had to look out for and explain things to.

Leaf was a character that I didn't know well but eventually became indifferent to her. Yes, she was brave, but I never go to see her develop. I assumed she became brave during “Drowned Wednesday”. So when I saw her revealing it in “Sir Thursday” I couldn't really feel any admiration for her. Her motivation is never quite clear either. I wish I could have seen her interact with her family. Perhaps that would have made her more likable to me.

CHARACTER GROWTH

Arthur starts out scared and unsure, just fumbling his way through. Although he becomes brave, he still doubts himself and freaks out sometimes. He feels real.

By “Lady Friday” he feels confident and sure of himself. From there he develops more, having to fight his new nature and struggle with the idea that he probably will never go home.

But his motivation is unclear, as he gets multiple scenes with different perspectives. One where he asks about how to turn back into a human and another where he says that he was supposed to be dead, and his time in the House is a bonus. So he is just happy about that.

Because of that his development came to a halt. Not to mention his lack of conflict with the character he spends the most time with, Suzy.

Suzy learns about her past in the first book, but never speaks of it again. It was such a waste, as it could have been the one thing needed to help her develop.

She is rather reckless in the beginning of the book and this doesn't really change. In fact, she develops much more selfish behavior, like when she forces Arthur to use his key. It made her come across unlikable and selfish. And the fact that Arthur didn't even feel that mad at her proved their relationship was nonexistent.

Leaf supposedly grows from scared to brave. I say supposedly because we don't see her much in “Drowned Wednesday” and by the time we do she is already brave. Also, the only relationship she developed that may have added depth was one we never got to see for ourselves: Albert.

From then on she pretty much stays the same. Although she shows a desire to save a relative, it's one we never meet. We are simply told about her in one scene.

CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS

Arthur and Suzy have an interesting relationship at first. Mainly because Suzy is so different than Arthur. She is blunt and bold, but also rather ignorant about what it's like to be human. So their interactions in the first few books are amusing.

Unfortunately, their conflict fades away and they no longer have any disagreements. Arthur seems to give up on explaining things to her. Perhaps realizing she will never change.

Arthur and Leaf don't really spend much time together. They meet in the first book for a very short time, and then she gets a longer scene in the second book. But she isn't in “Drowned Wednesday” much at all. And I think she should have been because by the end of the book, she is willing to put her life on the line to help Arthur. And yet they have no real relationship.

In “Sir Thursday” she is important, but her and Arthur never meet. Same thing in “Lady Friday”. Leaf gets a prominent place in each book, getting her own stories, but she and Arthur don't ever spend any time together.

Arthur and his family was perhaps one of the most important relationships in the story. It's this that ties him back to earth. As he doesn't really have any friends. And yet their time in the series is minuscule. I never got to see any relationships happen, I just got told about everything.

Told about how Arthur had been adopted. Told how he and his step-siblings all felt like real siblings. Told how Arthur once made a song to play for his parents to thank them for adopting him.

THE WORLD

The detailed world is definitely one of the best features of the series. The morrow days and their deadly sins, the vast different beings, from regular denizens to the pipers children. Not to mention the raised rats, which I rather loved.

There were the unique tools like the paper wings and the cool way to travel through the bottles. And the different methods of sorcery are unique and Doctor Scamandros had interesting talents.

Each part of the will had a different personality and unique form. I found the carp amusing and lordly, while the Raven was probably my favorite. The fact that it was always raining provided a hint to the location of that part of the will.

There were oceans, trains, glass towers of treasure, and a huge office building like something a child would build.

Although I felt certain things were not expanded upon. Like the gilded ones and the servants of the night.

THE ENDING

Objectively, I wish there were more hints to the ending. Arthur never got to be suspicious (although he was vaguely suspicous of Dame Primus) and he never got to investigate anything. I found it unbelievable that the Morrow days were all cast in such a bad light, when in reality they were trying to save all of existence.

I should have been skeptical of the idea that they were the bad guys. But instead I was only ever skeptical of Dame Primus. And there was no aha! Moment when we found out she was the one killing all of the morrow days. Because we never get to confront her. We just get to sit back and watch the world end. The passivity bothers me.

Arthur should have learned the truth and then had to gamble if this was indeed the truth, or a ruse to stop him by Lord Sunday. Bu the revelation happens and we have to sit back and watch it all. Arthur is the hero but ultimately he is passive. There is no choice to be made. He remains in ignorance until the end.

I felt similar in “Sir Thursday” when Arthur played an instrument, playing a song he wrote for his parents. I had wanted a little hint beforehand, so when this happened, I could have said: "I'm glad this came in handy". Like a puzzle piece. But instead it came out of the blue.

Subjectively, I think remaking the world as it was had the purpose of being like a rebirth, but it just felt like a loss to me. I kept thinking, the real people you knew are dead. You just made copies and put in the memories of the others. You failed. You're living in a fake world. And you never stood a chance.

Arthur makes a happy version of himself, and lies to him, telling him he is human. And then he gets to be the new Architect and have tea with the copy of Suzy. Hardly a satisfying ending.

Also, the lack of interaction with his mom was like a nail in the coffin. I wanted his family to know what he had done and who he had become. I wanted him to be able to say “goodbye” if need be, and “I love you”. I waited the whole series for that, and instead we only get Michaeli (his sister) learning something about him, and then we never see her again.

CONCLUSION

The characters are likable enough, but eventually their shallowness became apparent. As well as the lack of relationships between the characters.

The strong point is the world itself which is detailed and unique. Although near the end it felt like we lost the plot, as the seven deadly sins theme vanished in puff of smoke and Arthur's family is permanently obscure.

If you love stories and fantastic worlds more than characters then I think you'll love the series. You might even like the ending. It really had potential, it just never lived up to it. I give the series as a whole, three stars.

Book Review: "Lord Sunday" by Garth Nix

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Arthur has only one key left and he has become almost completely a denizen-like being. Leaf has to deal with helping those in the hospital that came back through Friday's portal. And Suzy has her own troubles.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Arthur has now become more denizen than human. He doesn't know what his fate will be but seems to be learning to accept no longer being himself.

Suzy has her own story, leading her own army of piper's children. But she doesn't really develop.

Leaf plays her own role, trying to alert the military to the hospital with all of those that came back from Lady Friday's portal. She meet's Arthur's brother.

Lord Sunday doesn't seem to have any sin. I suppose I could have been reading into it (no pun intended) when I gave Superior Saturday the sin of envy. All that was left is lust, but the theme seems to have been abandoned. Perhaps Nix thought the theme would have been too inappropriate for a childrens' book?

The Mariner makes his final return but it was rather underwhelming. His is only in the book for a few pages near the end.

PACING

The story goes to three different perspectives: Arthur's, Leaf's and Suzy's. But I didn't feel like it helped the pacing. I kept feeling like Suzy's story was dragging and although Leaf's was slightly more interesting, I still wanted to get back to Arthur. Basically, the stories didn't feel equally important.

DECEIVED IN THE GARDEN-SPOILERS

I found it interesting that the first place the Architect made was the Incomparable Gardens. So, of course I compared it to the garden of Eden myth. And when Arthur met a piper's child, I thought, wouldn't it be funny if the first being we meet in the garden is a liar? I was amused when it turned out that is was Sunday himself.

Nix seems to draw inspiration from all over the place. After all, it's clear that the Morrow Days each suffered from a deadly sin. Certain aspects seem drawn from Jewish mythology and Christian traditions, while other aspects are clearly inspired from paganism (like the Architect and the Old one having children, resembling the gods and goddesses of pagan mythology).

LORD SUNDAY

Lord Sunday isn't quite so easy to figure out, mainly because he seems to have no sin. It was quite obvious with the others, and was something to be figure out in a mere matter of pages after they were introduced. At our first meeting, he seems commanding. But not necessarily evil and selfish. And later on he even reveals important truths to Arthur.

ARTHUR'S MEMORIES

Arthur realizes he can't remember certain family members' faces. He wonders what else he has still forgotten since he was washed behind the ears. But this is never mentioned again and plays no part in the plot.

LEAF'S STORY-SPOILERS

Leaf spends a short time back in the secondary realms where she meets Arthur's brother. But she ends up back in the house, against her will. Eventually she ends up in a position of power she does not want.

THE ELEPHANT

In “Drowned Wednesday” Arthur finds his old toy elephant, because everything that is lost eventually ends up in the sea in the House. It plays a unique role, holding the last of Arthur's humanity by reminding him of his past. Not only that, but he uses newfound powers to bring it to life and use it as a partner when he is bound.

ARTHUR'S INNER CONFLICT

Arthur does have to deal with his new thoughts and feelings again. Although it's not as overt as in the last book. He does finally realize that he is no longer human, as his appearance has changed completely before the end of the book.

FINDING MOM

We finally find Arthur's mother. But circumstances don't allow us to talk to her. Ever. I felt disappointed and disconnected from everything Arthur.

His family has had basically nothing to do with the story. Even throwing his older brother didn't add anything. Since all Arthur gets is a phone call.

Something that should anchor him to his home and humanity doesn't even have any real feeling of importance.

CLIMAX

The Piper and the Mariner show up. Arthur gets the last key with the help of the will and learns the shocking truth about the architect. He has no choice in what happens next and has no power to stop it. He only has the future and has to decide what to do.

CLUES TO THE TRUTH?

I think there were hints to the truth about who Arthur would become. The Old One hints at it when he says that Arthur isn't becoming just a denizen. But something different.

Although I feel the truth about the killings should have been hinted at. Instead we only get vague feelings of unease when it comes to a certain character that tries to manipulate Arthur.

But mostly I think the climax came out of the blue. I didn't feel like there were any hints about who the Morrow days really were and what they were trying to do. None ever discussed it with Arthur or even hinted at it. Even Sunday doesn't reveal the truth when doing so could have stopped the heir.

CONCLUSION

I didn't expect any character development from Suzy, although I was hoping for it from Arthur. I was actually annoyed by the three separate stories. As far as I was concerned, this was Arthur's story. Leaf and Suzy were side characters. Leaf never had any depth or growth, and Suzy became shallow when she refused to grow.

As for the ending, I can't say it was terrible. It just wasn't what I wanted at all. Perhaps Nix was trying to be clever, to avoid a predictable “happily ever after” ending. But I felt completely disconnected as I read it.

Arthur didn't feel redeemed just resigned to his dismal fate. I think the theme was supposed to be rebirth, but to me it just felt hollow and fake. I give “Lord Sunday” two and half stars.