What Would You Do With $4,000?

Okay, so if you had $4,000, what would you spend it on?

Would it be this?

That is one epic tattoo... And it only took 22 hours in the tattoo parlour - win!

Personally, I would rather spend my $4,000 on a luxury holiday here:

Check out some more amazing pictures here of Ulusaba!

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

Jane True lives in Rockabill, working at the local bookstore, looking after her father and missing the mother who vanished when she was only young. She endures the vicious rumours about the death of her childhood sweetheart - many of Rockabill's inhabitants blame her. She hides the fact that she swims in the sea daily, despite weather and currents. She lives a lonely existence in the most part. Until she discovers the body of a man in the sea and is shown a whole new life. Jane True finds out that she is half selkie, and that she is part of a supernatural culture hidden beneath the life she has always known. However, she also discovers that someone is killing halflings, and her name is next on the list.

You know how some books can be rather po-faced and worthy, while other novels bring the fun and the humour and definitely don't take themselves too seriously? Tempest Rising is most certainly the latter. It bubbles along with fun and frivolity, giving us a wonderful heroine in the form of Jane True.

Peeler uses plenty of myths and fairytales to bring us the various supernaturals that make up her Otherworld, and I am a big fan of this - rather than vampires, we have baobhan sith; no werewolves here, instead there are nahuals and barghests. I absolutely love this, because it shows a care on Peeler's behalf and a genuine love of the fairytales that have imbued our own past.

As I say, Jane True is a wonderful heroine - snarky, and self-doubting, and cute, and quirky. She is strong and lovely, and has a very real sense of humour (i.e. thinking about her designer shoes as her windpipe is being crushed). She is well matched by a cast of mercurial, whimsical, unconventional and downright odd characters. And I'm not just talking about the supes at this point! Some of the humans are a little unorthodox as well. All the characters have effective personalities and help to drive the plot along - I particularly loved Anyan, and want to see WAY more of him!

Truly, the only downside to this novel is the fact that it is an "Origins" story, in that Jane True is being introduced to her new world. It means there is a great deal of explanation going on and not masses of plot. The tale of the halflings being killed is a little thin, but I find this acceptable because Peeler is establishing her world. I fully expect a much more immersive tale in the next volume of the series.

I would say that if you want a fluffy, fast and very fun read you should look no further than Tempest Rising! I already have the second novel in the series and am excited about getting started!

1 Year Old Today!

Floor to Ceiling Books is 1 Year Old Today!

The observant among you might have noticed that there are posts prior to 6th January 2010 - but it was only from that date that I decided I was going to take this blogging lark seriously and work hard at it.

Since that date I have achieved:

797 Twitter followers

201 FtCB blog followers

354 Blog Posts

135 Facebook followers

55,614 visitors

85,163 page views

104 Books reviewed

But - taking all of the stats out of the equation (although I am inordinately proud of them) I have also made many new friends, talked to some of my literary heroes and had enormous fun.

Thanks to you all for your support. Here's to another great year!

Men I've Loved Before by Adele Parks

Men I've Loved Before tells the story of Nat and Neil, a thirty something couple who seem to have the marriage from heaven. He has a job he adores, friends he gets on with and the perfect wife. She has a fulfilling career, a family who loves her and the perfect husband. They agree on virtually everything, especially the fact that they don't want children. Until Neil decides that he does. Suddenly they are both questioning every facet of their relationship, and Nat wonders whether any of the men she's loved before could have been the One?

I'm conflicted about Adele Parks. Universally I have loved the first hundred pages or so of every single novel she's written (this is the tenth). Parks establishes the set up of characters and relationships perfectly - she creates an entertaining picture of a couple meeting and falling in love. She writes beautifully about chaotic but perfect lives.

For me, where Parks unfailingly falls down is when she inserts the tension into a novel, and her couples start bickering. It all feels so artificial and forced. Here we have a woman who doesn't want to have a baby - but there is a big secret "reason" for this. I find it disappointing that Nat wasn't just against babies because she didn't want them - it is a valid choice these days, and not all women want babies.

I also thought Neil's storyline with the strippers was appalling, and done to fill up some space rather than to progress the plot in a meaningful way.

Lastly, for a couple who are presented as being so together and communicative and honest, why do they have so many problems talking to each other about their issues with the baby factor? *sighs* It was perplexing to me that they descended to arguments rather than just opening up. I found myself literally rolling my eyes in exasperation.

Parks also has an issue writing realistic male characters. One line stood out for me at an early stage of the novel:

"But somewhere, deep down inside him, he'd always found single-man sex unsettling. He found it a problem that even in the very moment of orgasm he'd start to panic about where his next shag would come from."

I put this line to various of my male friends and they LAUGHED at it, they were so unconvinced. That is not the response that Parks wished for, I'll wager! Karl is a stinker of a character - so vile that I shuddered whenever he was on the page. Nat's various exes universally had issues. Even Neil - supposedly the hero of the piece - ends up going to a strip club and staring rather too much at a stripper's nipples (yes, Parks did describe these nipples in sickening detail...)

I think I understand that Parks is trying to present a realistic look at life between a couple - where issues do crop up, and arguments do happen. But, seriously, I just ended up feeling depressed at their constant bickering and wishing I could shake the pair of them. I read chick lit for the escapism, not to feel sucked into the minutiae of painful discussions and problems that are seemingly unresolvable.

So, read the first one hundred pages for a great look at a fun couple. And then firmly close the book. Parks has written far better books.

Huck Finn Goes PC...

I'm cross. I mean, I found it bad enough when Enid Blyton was modernised in case children these days didn't understand certain words. But this is worse...

Censorship in my opinion.

In an updated edition, the powers that be have determined that the word 'nigger' should no longer feature in Huckleberry Finn. It will be replaced with 'slave'.

It's not a nice word, I will concede. It has been used in an appalling manner. It is derogatory in most cases of usage, and shows off a period of history that none of us should be proud about.

HOWEVER!

Huckleberry Finn was first published in 1884. In those times the 'n' word was used. The word 'injun' was also used (something else they are planning to update). It showcases a particular part of history, and to sanitize that is to almost deny that it took place. I genuinely think children (and adults!) should acknowledge the way that we behaved against black people, so that history never repeats itself.

Where is our courage? Why would we change a work that has remained as is for over a hundred years, just because 'nigger' makes people feel uncomfortable?

What is your take? Censorship or a necessary evil?

News from Solaris - and a Giveaway!

So... most of us are back in the office after a (hopefully) restful festive period. If you're depressed about it, I have just the thing to cheer you up!

I bring you news about a new Solaris release - 3rd February (UK) and 25th January (US and Canada). This would be The Sentinel Mage by Emily Gee (and isn't that a simply gorgeous cover?!)

In a distant corner of the Seven Kingdoms, an ancient curse festers and grows, consuming everything in its path. Only one man can break it: Harkeld of Osgaard, a prince with mage’s blood in his veins. But Prince Harkeld has a bounty on his head - and assassins at his heels.

Innis is a gifted shapeshifter. Now she must do the forbidden: become a man. She must stand at Prince Harkeld’s side as his armsman, protecting and deceiving him. But the deserts of Masse are more dangerous than the assassins hunting the prince. The curse has woken deadly creatures, and the magic Prince Harkeld loathes may be the only thing standing between him and death.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I, for one, am beyond excited about it. People might be familiar with the name Emily Gee - she has also released Thief With No Shadow and The Laurentine Spy (which are unconnected to The Sentinel Mage) and received warm reviews for both.

Now... the giveaway!

I have three prize packs of The Sentinel Mage/The Laurentine Spy to give away, and then two prize packs of only The Sentinel Mage. Yes, that's right, five chances to read this new novel! Hasn't that brightened your first day back in the office?

This giveaway is open worldwide (although I am unable to accept PO Box addresses). Dead easy to enter - just drop me an email to magemanda AT gmail DOT com with the subject line EMILY GEE. Please include your full name and postal address, so that I am able to pass this onto the publisher as soon as I know the winners. I promise faithfully I will not use this information for any nefarious means and will delete it as soon as the giveaway has ended and I know my winners.

The closing date is Sunday 9th January, which gives you just under a week to enter! Good luck everyone!

Archangel by Sharon Shinn

In the world of Samaria, angels are the conduits between mortals and the god Jovah. They request weather changes, medicines and, in the needful event, bring forth wrathful lightning from the god. All is done through the medium of song. Once a year the peoples of Samaria come together in glorious harmony to sing the Gloria, proof to Jovah that his people live in peace. The Archangel leads the people of Samaria in the Gloria, with his angelica at his side. Archangel tells the story of Gabriel, the Archangel-to-be, who discovers that his angelica and bride-to-be is Rachel, slave girl and part of the Edori, the wandering race who believe rather heretical views about Yovah. These star-crossed lovers destined to be together did not get the memo, and their volatile relationship is the heart of this book. It is presented against a backdrop of troubles in Samaria, as the old Archangel reveals that he no longer believes in Jovah.

I have read this book at least six times. Sometimes I like to just dip in and out and read key passages - but hesitate doing this because I get pulled into the delightful world that Shinn presents, and I luxuriate in her stunning prose.

It's hard for me to be completely objective about this novel because I love it so - instead of attempting to do that I shall link you to the review of Archangel that Sarah over at Bookworm Blues wrote. She should provide some of the reasons why this might not be the book for you.

I want to present some of the reasons why I love this novel:

The first is the world of Samaria. From the different races, which feel so realistic, such as the Jansai slavers, the Edori wanderers and the Manadavvi landowners; to the masses sung to Jovah, I loved every part of it.

I find it delicious that there are so many parallels between Samaria and our own world: Gaza, Bethel, Jordana.

And, even though I am no believer myself, I loved the faith that suffused this novel - the idea of having a greater and benevolent power watching over the world.

I also enjoyed the nature of the relationship between Gabriel and Rachel. These lovers destined to be together end up hating each other, and arguing for much of the book. I think it's fabulous that Rachel doesn't just go mutely to her fate - instead, she riles against Jovah for putting her in a situation where she doesn't have any freewill. Gabriel is an arrogant angel, who believes that Rachel should accept her fate. Their lively discussions and difficulties in compromising are a highlight of Archangel.

Finally, the beautiful prose feels like silk against my ears - in particular, Shinn's ability to describe the music of the angels defies belief: "So Naomi began her part of the ballad, and Rachel waited a full count until it was time to add her descant. She closed her eyes and began to sing, quietly at first, remembering what it was like to lay her music against someone else's. They were like two hands, pressing palm to palm; [...] Then it became a loom, Naomi's voice dark and Rachel's a bright gold thread weaving a pattern into the tight fabric."

In terms of critical themes and analysis, I am going to try and provide some thoughts. Archangel uses the world of Samaria to present the idea of unquestioning faith, and ultimate power. Here we have the idea of angels who have the power to bring Jovah's wrath on the people of Samaria, and how different angels react to this - some of them feeling the weight of responsibility, while others try to seize more and more power.

The act of denying the god is also something that I found interesting, especially in a world where faith is meant to be unquestioning. The reaction of those faced with someone who didn't believe was a reflection of what can be seen in our own world: disbelief, anger, doubt. I am not someone with faith in a god, but I could see the strength and passion of those in the novel who did believe, and it almost made me feel I was missing out.

Another theme within the novel is the question of science fiction versus fantasy. Archangel won the William Crawford Award for Achievement in Fantasy, but it is often shelved within science fiction. Those who have read this novel AND the following novels in the Samaria trilogy will know that science fiction becomes a massive part of the world, but in Archangel the science fiction is pretty much non-existent. To the point where someone hoping to read a science fiction novel would feel themselves misled. Here there are vague hints towards a science fiction element: screens through which the oracles commune with the god; discs that hold recordings of early Gloria masses; and the Kiss of the god, which seems to imply a genetics system.

In conclusion, Archangel is a tremendously beautiful novel, with strong characters and a complex love story at its heart. I think that with the rise of angel-based stories within YA, this book could be picked up by readers of YA since the sex and violence is kept to a bare minimum). Those who would enjoy it include readers of Jacqueline Carey, Mercedes Lackey and Anne Bishop. Please, read it.

Where Do You Buy Your Books?

Another one of those idle conversations on Twitter leads to me asking this question! A few people mentioned the idea of buying books in supermarkets as evil, but I do get some of my books from there. Mostly they are the disposable type (like my chick lit) that I know I'm unlikely to keep and so appreciate receiving more cheaply.

I thought I would be transparent about where my books come from, and ask you to reveal yours too!

As most people know, I am receiving a large amount of publisher review copies these days, but I would estimate them at only 40% of the books that come into the house.

30% of my books are brought in Waterstones - the books that I see on the 3 for 2 tables and buy on impulse; or when I'm desperate for a particular book and can't wait the few days to receive it from Amazon.

15% of my books come from charity bookstores. I love the excitement of browsing these and never knowing what gems you're going to find. Of course, the downside is that the author is not receiving any royalties. I guess this is my version of piracy :-/

10% of my books come from Amazon, a very small proportion! I should buy more from online stores but I simply am not great at waiting *grins*

If my calculations are correct, that should leave 3% which is library books (this year I can see that figure rising, as I continue to try and stop the rampant book buying) and 2% from supermarkets.

Fancy revealing yours?

Path of the Warrior by Gav Thorpe

Path of the Warrior is the first in a new trilogy featuring the Eldar Warriors by Gav Thorpe. It features Korlandril, a rather self-centred Eldar following the Path of the Artist at the start of the novel, and follows his journey as he discovers death and rage and learns to put on his war mask.

I have very, very mixed opinions about this novel.

On the one hand, I absolutely loved seeing more of the mysterious Eldar culture. The different Paths, the exodites versus the true Eldar, the methods of waging war, the way in which the Eldar constantly fight against the temptation of She Who Thirsts - all of this is magnificent. And damn well should be considering Thorpe's heavy involvement with the Eldar.

The first part of the novel was very entertaining - introducing the triangle of characters who will affect the future of the Eldar: Korlandril, Thirianna and Aradryan. It is interesting to see the different Paths these three will take, and how it changes their relationships. I like seeing aspects of everyday life from the Eldar point of view.

When Korlandril takes his first steps onto the Path of the Warrior, the tale remains entertaining enough (although much of the training segments feel as though they should have the 'Montage' song from Team America: World Police running behind them - very cliched). It is when Korlandril becomes lost in the lust of battle that the story loses impact and becomes merely a series of battle scenes. These should be the most exciting part of the book, but they are dull and pedestrian. I found myself flicking through pages with no real inclination to read them in depth (which is a marked difference from Dan Abnett and Graham McNeill, who both write gripping and vivid battle scenes).

I also disliked many of the characters. Korlandril himself is at first shallow and self-centred, and thinks only of his own pleasures - and then his character shifts to something so different that it feels as though you don't even know him anymore. I accept that this fits the theme of the story that Thorpe has gone for, but it makes it very, very hard to root for Korlandril.

The secondary characters are, mostly, just a fancy name and no real substance. (Speaking of the names, I know that Eldar Warriors cannot be called Bill, or Colin, or anything simple - but it became tiresome trying to work out the floral pronunciations of these characters).

The best impression I have of Path of the Warrior is that gamers can use it to flesh out the character of the Eldar army they are using. Regular readers of science fiction are unlikely to find much to impress here, especially when considering the impressive heights that Black Library novels can reach. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the Eldar race - it's just a shame that the story and characters did not live up to the world building. Flat and dull writing defeated me. Unless you have an express interest in the Eldar race, I would pass.

Spec Fiction Challenge: January Review Link Up!

Welcome to everyone who signed up for the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge!

This is post where you can link up your reviews posted on your blogs in January 2011 to be in with a chance of winning the first prize pack.

The prize pack this month consists of finished copies of Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch and Blonde Bombshell by Tom Holt, and a shiny ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (all very exciting books, I think you'll agree!)

All of the reviews you post to Mr Linky below will equate to an entry into the prize draw.

Below is the link widget. Please make sure that your link goes directly to your review and not to your main homepage. Thanks! (This is not the post to use to sign up for the challenge. If you want to do that, please go HERE.)

Good luck to you all, and I look forward to seeing your reviews for January!