Just for “Sandmagic” by Orson Scott Card - 4 stars
For hate was a greater teacher than any of the books of dark lore, and Cer lived on hate.
Relato Just for “Sandmagic” by Orson Scott Card - 4 stars
For hate was a greater teacher than any of the books of dark lore, and Cer lived on hate.
Relato corto, situado en el mismo universo de "Mither Mages", en un tiempo no especificado, auqnue pretende ser precuela.
Siendo niño, Cer presencia como a su padre le dan muerte unos soldados y desde entonces su vida se ve consumida por una sed de venganza.
Buena forma de narrar, y hay una mezcla como de historia antigua con cierta mitología, por supuesto lo del pastor de arboles me ha encantado
“Do you think that there is slavery in this wood? Do you think I am a king? Only men allow men to rule them. Here in this wood there is only love, and on that love and by that love the trees and I have the magic of the wood.” Cer looked down, disappointed.
al igual que ese final con rasgos de realismo mágico con la arena.
Hacia bastante rato que no leía a Orson Scott Card, creo que lo último fue Columbus, aunque en algún momento debería seguir con Alvin ¿o ver 3.5 stars
Hacia bastante rato que no leía a Orson Scott Card, creo que lo último fue Columbus, aunque en algún momento debería seguir con Alvin ¿o ver lo último de Ender? Bueno, buscando por ahí me saltó este libro que me era desconocido y que apunta a mitología vikinga ejem Asgardiana esto quiero decir Nórdica ;P
¿De qué va? Danny North es un chico de 11 años que vive con su familia extendida, primos, tíos y tíos abuelos, en un valle apartado al oeste de Virginia. Solamente se relacionan entre ellos, y no se rebajan a relacionarse con 'mortales', verán , en un lejano pasado los North llegaron a ser conocidos como 'dioses'. Todos son magos con cierta especialidad: árboles, aves, viento, etc. Bueno, todos excepto Danny, que es un squib uh un drekka. [Si hablo de squibs es porque estas Familias me recuerdan fuertemente a los sangre pura tipo Gaunt del universo Potteriano.]
¿A quién podía gustarle un chico que encarnaba la degeneración de la herencia familiar? La sangre de la familia North era cada vez más débil y Danny era el más débil de todos.
A pesar de ser el más listo de los chicos, el no poseer magia le pone en desventaja con sus primos, y teme no poder sobrevivir. Sin embargo todo cambia un día cuando descubre que si posee un don muy especial, uno que irónicamente le pone en mayor peligro que ser un drekka. La familia North es vigilada estrechamente por el resto de las Familias debido a Loki, quien cerró la puerta a Westil (su hogar original) dejandoles varados en Midgard desde 632, lo que llevo a la decadencia de todos. Asi que si encuentran a alguien con poderes como Loki, un abre puertas, le matan. (view spoiler)[ ( lo cual es francamente lo más ridículo del mundo, porque todos quieren volver a Westil y para ello necesitan un abre puertas! ) (hide spoiler)]
Asi las cosas, Danny tiene que escaparse en volandas y en el camino ir aprendiendo cosas .
...a los Localizadores y también a los Husmeadores, las clases más bajas de mago teleportadores, se les permitía vivir, porque si alguien abría una puerta, ellos podían localizarlo.
La historia es interesante, pero como alguien ponía, hay mucho blabla y poco fondo, y lo peor hay muchas cosas que sobran , como la escena en el baño, varias ideas que pasan por la mente de un chico de trece años que es prácticamente como alguien saliendo de un culto a la vida en la ciudad, es listo de libros, pero ingenuo en otras coas, y francamente la mente de un mocoso treceañero es bastante prosaica y no muy agradable. Danny aprende de amistad, que detesta a su familia inmediata, y que es bastante impulsivo (cof casi como Potter).
Paralelamente se narra una historia, que parece más bien de otra época y más cercana a la fantasía, de Pan, y su paso desde un árbol a intrigas de corte, y que nos imaginamos muy pronto de quien se trata.
Igual, espero leer el siguiente libro de esta trilogía.
----------------
This time in English:
It's been a while since I read Orson Scott Card, I think the last one was Columbus, although at some point I should continue with Alvin or see the latest from Ender? Anyway, looking around I came across this book that was unknown to me and that points to Viking mythology, ahem Asgardian, I mean Nordic ;P
What is it about? Danny North is an 11-year-old boy who lives with his extended family, cousins, uncles and great-uncles, in a remote valley in western Virginia. They only interact with each other, and do not lower themselves to interact with 'mortals', you see, in the distant past the Norths became known as 'gods'. They are all magicals with a certain specialty: trees, birds, wind, etc. Well, all except Danny, who is a squib uh I mean a drekka. [If I talk about squibs it's because these Families remind me strongly of the Gaunt-type purebloods of the Potter universe.]
In these twilight times Norths may not have all the power they used to have before Loki closed the gates, before the centuries of war with the other families. But they were superb hunters. Nobody evaded them. Danny knew he took his life in his hands every time he left. He was insane to do it. Yet he felt so free outside the compound. The world was so large, so full of people who did not despise him yet.
Despite being the smartest of the boys, not having magic puts him at a disadvantage with his cousins, and he fears he won't be able to survive. However, everything changes one day when he discovers that he does have a very special gift, one that ironically puts him in greater danger than being a drekka. The North family is closely watched by the rest of the Families because of Loki, who closed the door to Westil (their original home) leaving them stranded in Midgard since 632, which led to the decline of everyone. So if they find someone with powers like Loki, a door opener, they kill him. (view spoiler)[ (which is frankly the most ridiculous thing in the world, because everyone wants to get back to Westil and to do so they need a door opener!) (hide spoiler)]
So Danny has to escape on the wing and learn things along the way.
The story is interesting, but as someone put it, there is a lot of blah blah and little substance (tell and not show), and the worst thing is that there are many things that are left over, like the scene in the bathroom, various ideas that go through the mind of a thirteen year old boy who is practically like someone leaving a cult to live in the city, he is book smart, but naive in other things, and frankly the mind of a thirteen year old brat is quite prosaic and not very nice. Danny learns about friendship, that he hates his immediate family, and that he is quite impulsive (cough, almost like Potter).
At the same time, there is a story that seems to be from another era and closer to fantasy, about Pan, and his transition from a tree to court intrigues, and we quickly imagine who he is.
Anyway, I hope to read the next book in this trilogy....more
Stalin might die. Aleksandra might die. The Americans might drop lots of their new bombs…
Alek3.5
Go on. Try to stay alive.
Maybe something would change.
Stalin might die. Aleksandra might die. The Americans might drop lots of their new bombs…
Aleksandra is a zek, a gulag prisioner, and one day two officials come with a new mission for her, not as a sniper but as a talented contorsionist in a secret destination in another part of Siberia. It's that or dire consequences for her family , the usual threats.
The soviets are intrigued by an anomaly and want it explored . For Aleksandra is another camp, another mortal mission or maybe .... could be a possible scape.
The story is intriguing, but too short to further explore the true horror of the situation and the character's distress. It does well to express disconnect and coldness to deal with all of this, that of a betrayed soldier.
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Aleksandra es un zek, una prisionera de gulag, y un día dos oficiales vienen con una nueva misión para ella, no como francotiradora sino como contorsionista talentosa en un destino secreto en otra parte de Siberia. Es eso o consecuencias nefastas para su familia, las amenazas habituales.
Los soviéticos están intrigados por una anomalía y quieren explorarla. Para Aleksandra es otro campamento, otra misión mortal o tal vez ... podría ser un posible escape.
La historia es intrigante, pero demasiado corta para explorar aún más el verdadero horror de la situación y la angustia del personaje. Acierta en expresar desconexión y frialdad para lidiar con todo esto, el de un soldado traicionado....more
Juro que habia visto esto en forma independiente, pero tal vez fue que se echó para atrás la publicación. De todas maneras, odio 4 silly wolfy stars.
Juro que habia visto esto en forma independiente, pero tal vez fue que se echó para atrás la publicación. De todas maneras, odio que me hayan borrado mi pequeño comentario acerca de una historia corta en tono de broma acerca de Asil uno de mis personajes favoritos en el mundo de Alfa y Omega de Patricia Briggs. Tenia guardadas las citas, pero no el susodicho comentario.
Unappreciated Gifts by Patricia Briggs - Some members of Adam's pack think Asil should get out more, so they've challenged him to accept a series of blind dates . . . (uno tan sólo se pregunta quién es capaz de querer embromar al temible Moor...)
Todo comienza con un e-mail, y puede decirse que con un reto a enfrentar 5 citas a ciegas (hechas en sitios de citas en linea) con unas pequeñas especificaciones.
A successful date is one in which a) neither party runs screaming into the night b) there are no dead bodies at the end of it and c) lasts longer than two hours—at least an hour and a half of which is spent with your date—which is an hour and fifty minutes longer than we expect any date of yours to last.
[image]
He approved of the photo. If he had to have a photo posted on a website called biteme, he supposed that it was good to have one in which it was possible to discern just how handsome he was.
Asil no tomandose en serio y demostrando su lado vanidoso, es genial y divertido.
Beside him, Kelly straightened a little. “She did throw herself in front of the bus, didn’t she? Even if the bus was already stopped.” “I am not a bus,” murmured Asil as someone stepped up to a microphone and chatted some canned welcome speech. “A chariot. A Porsche. But not a bus.” “See,” said Kelly to no one Asil could discern. “He’s funny.”
Y ni hablar del TANGO. porque Asil+Tango=donde compro los boletos.
Pero es demasiado corto, y te quedan ganas de saber como le va con las otras citas.
Merged review:
4 silly wolfy stars.
Juro que habia visto esto en forma independiente, pero tal vez fue que se echó para atrás la publicación. De todas maneras, odio que me hayan borrado mi pequeño comentario acerca de una historia corta en tono de broma acerca de Asil uno de mis personajes favoritos en el mundo de Alfa y Omega de Patricia Briggs. Tenia guardadas las citas, pero no el susodicho comentario.
Unappreciated Gifts by Patricia Briggs - Some members of Adam's pack think Asil should get out more, so they've challenged him to accept a series of blind dates . . . (uno tan sólo se pregunta quién es capaz de querer embromar al temible Moor...)
Todo comienza con un e-mail, y puede decirse que con un reto a enfrentar 5 citas a ciegas (hechas en sitios de citas en linea) con unas pequeñas especificaciones.
A successful date is one in which a) neither party runs screaming into the night b) there are no dead bodies at the end of it and c) lasts longer than two hours—at least an hour and a half of which is spent with your date—which is an hour and fifty minutes longer than we expect any date of yours to last.
[image]
He approved of the photo. If he had to have a photo posted on a website called biteme, he supposed that it was good to have one in which it was possible to discern just how handsome he was.
Asil no tomandose en serio y demostrando su lado vanidoso, es genial y divertido.
Beside him, Kelly straightened a little. “She did throw herself in front of the bus, didn’t she? Even if the bus was already stopped.” “I am not a bus,” murmured Asil as someone stepped up to a microphone and chatted some canned welcome speech. “A chariot. A Porsche. But not a bus.” “See,” said Kelly to no one Asil could discern. “He’s funny.”
Y ni hablar del TANGO. porque Asil+Tango=donde compro los boletos.
Pero es demasiado corto, y te quedan ganas de saber como le va con las otras citas....more
I'm a bit lost about set a warning in here because after reading tons of M/M material (coffanfictioncof) I know that this particular issue put off man I'm a bit lost about set a warning in here because after reading tons of M/M material (coffanfictioncof) I know that this particular issue put off many people. And Spoiler: (view spoiler)[after Harry Potter's fanfic explanations of magical wombs and potions, and c-sections, though this was a new one, it was really weird and gross :P) (hide spoiler)]
I didn't read the first novel of the serie, but I think that can be read as stand alone. It's a short novel, but I think that the trope of 'misunderstanding' that maybe could works in some comedies, is not working here because is center to the comprehension between the couple. Jobe took a LOT for granted. Not cool. What happen with talk the things in detail to get to know each other instead of "oh, I thought you knew" after all the business is done?
I'm a bit lost about set a warning in here because after reading tons of M/M material (coffanfictioncof) I know that this particular issue put off many people. And Spoiler: (view spoiler)[after Harry Potter's fanfic explanations of magical wombs and potions, and c-sections, though this was a new one, it was really weird and gross :P) (hide spoiler)]
I didn't read the first novel of the serie, but I think that can be read as stand alone. It's a short novel, but I think that the trope of 'misunderstanding' that maybe could works in some comedies, is not working here because is center to the comprehension between the couple. Jobe took a LOT for granted. Not cool. What happen with talk the things in detail to get to know each other instead of "oh, I thought you knew" after all the business is done?
Esta es una de mis series favoritas de fantasia urbana, junto con las de Mercy Thompson y de Kate Andrews. Con frecuencia uno se pregunta si vale4,5 ★
Esta es una de mis series favoritas de fantasia urbana, junto con las de Mercy Thompson y de Kate Andrews. Con frecuencia uno se pregunta si vale la pena comprar/leer una antologia, y según mi percepción las historias de aqui ameritan leerse.
We sa and the Lumber King - a snippet in the Hunger Times. Beast and invading Humans. (ok)
Haints - 4,5 stars -(Molly POV) Molly and a Haunted House unreveal a drama, helped by Jane. I like that it shows a bit about Big Evan, and the interaction between Molly and Jane, and the way she see Jane.
Signatures of the Dead - 4 stars -(Molly POV). I confess that I didn't remember more than the aftermath of this (published before in Strange Brew ) , so I really enjoy it. Shows a more human side of Jane, vulnerable. And make more angry with the Everheart witches for not valued her more after all this.
Cajun with Fangs 4.5 stars -(view spoiler)[It baffled how the cook put Jane down so fast! (hide spoiler)] Nice and with a happy ending. The usual put ins scene, vampires vs witches, but all goes in the little details, and the humor.
Merged review:
4,5 ★
Esta es una de mis series favoritas de fantasia urbana, junto con las de Mercy Thompson y de Kate Andrews. Con frecuencia uno se pregunta si vale la pena comprar/leer una antologia, y según mi percepción las historias de aqui ameritan leerse.
We sa and the Lumber King - a snippet in the Hunger Times. Beast and invading Humans. (ok)
Haints - 4,5 stars -(Molly POV) Molly and a Haunted House unreveal a drama, helped by Jane. I like that it shows a bit about Big Evan, and the interaction between Molly and Jane, and the way she see Jane.
Signatures of the Dead - 4 stars -(Molly POV). I confess that I didn't remember more than the aftermath of this (published before in Strange Brew ) , so I really enjoy it. Shows a more human side of Jane, vulnerable. And make more angry with the Everheart witches for not valued her more after all this.
Cajun with Fangs 4.5 stars -(view spoiler)[It baffled how the cook put Jane down so fast! (hide spoiler)] Nice and with a happy ending. The usual put ins scene, vampires vs witches, but all goes in the little details, and the humor....more
Un nuevo problema perturbador y sobrenatural en este Londres de prostitutas, piratas, ladrones, contrabandistas, damas y aristocratas transplantados aUn nuevo problema perturbador y sobrenatural en este Londres de prostitutas, piratas, ladrones, contrabandistas, damas y aristocratas transplantados añorando sitios más exóticos, y de practicantes de lo oculto. Y donde amar a alguien todavia se considera indecible.
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.” It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his. “And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.” “To the grave.” Crane said
Merged review:
Un nuevo problema perturbador y sobrenatural en este Londres de prostitutas, piratas, ladrones, contrabandistas, damas y aristocratas transplantados añorando sitios más exóticos, y de practicantes de lo oculto. Y donde amar a alguien todavia se considera indecible.
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.” It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his. “And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.” “To the grave.” Crane said...more
+Digital Arc gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
2.5 the spiritual-guide was out the building stars
Not as I was expecting. S+Digital Arc gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
2.5 the spiritual-guide was out the building stars
Not as I was expecting. Seriously tempted to put just 2 stars to this book.
Journalist seeks to unmask a medium in Victorian London, the plot is complicated in a tangle of questioning for an inheritance.
Strangely, during the narration of the séance, I keep thinking in Houdini and his own obsession with spiritualism. [image]
My problem with this book is that Nathaniel Roy -the journalist and former lawyer- is an uncharitable character, from a priveleged upbringing , he has never suffered hunger or despair to do everything to survive, but he feels with the right to judge others. In another hand, Justin Lazarus, the subject that deceives those who 'want to be deceived', is a character of gray morality, much more understandable; and I could sympathize with him.
The vision of London wrapped in a tangible fog where Justin manages to navigate is not very subtle, but convincing. I think they are not the type of couple that you expect to stay together for a long time, not with the way Nathaniel thinks.
The drama /mystery that comes from the previous book about the Count's heritage, is entertained by the development, although the clue I discovered it immediately.
That plot stay undefined, with continuation in the next book. (view spoiler)[And, I don't know why, but I still have suspicion about cousin Tim. (hide spoiler)]
Definitely, not the best book of KJ. ------------------------------------------------ /Spanish version:
Periodista busca desenmascarar a un medium en Londres victoriano. Nathaniel Roy es un personaje poco querible , nunca ha padecido hambre ni desesperación por hacer de todo para sobrevivir, pero se siente con todo derecho a juzgar a los demás. Justin Lazarus, el sujeto que engaña a quienes quieren dejarse engañar , resulta un personaje de moral gris, mucho más comprensible. La visión de Londres envuelto en una niebla tangible donde Justin consigue navegar no es muy sutil, pero convincente. No es el tipo de pareja que uno espera que permanezca junta por mucho tiempo, no por como piensa Nathaniel.
El drama/misterio que viene desde el libro anterior en torno a la herencia del Conde , es entretenido por el desarrollo, aunque la pista la descubri de inmediato. Esa trama queda sin definir, con continuación en el próximo libro.
No es el mejor libro de KJ, y eso es una lástima. ----- pre-review: I'm such an idiot. Totally forgot I got this arc. (meanwhile I'd been congratulating myself for not having more pendings reviews -arg)
Merged review:
+Digital Arc gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
2.5 the spiritual-guide was out the building stars
Not as I was expecting. Seriously tempted to put just 2 stars to this book.
Journalist seeks to unmask a medium in Victorian London, the plot is complicated in a tangle of questioning for an inheritance.
Strangely, during the narration of the séance, I keep thinking in Houdini and his own obsession with spiritualism. [image]
My problem with this book is that Nathaniel Roy -the journalist and former lawyer- is an uncharitable character, from a priveleged upbringing , he has never suffered hunger or despair to do everything to survive, but he feels with the right to judge others. In another hand, Justin Lazarus, the subject that deceives those who 'want to be deceived', is a character of gray morality, much more understandable; and I could sympathize with him.
The vision of London wrapped in a tangible fog where Justin manages to navigate is not very subtle, but convincing. I think they are not the type of couple that you expect to stay together for a long time, not with the way Nathaniel thinks.
The drama /mystery that comes from the previous book about the Count's heritage, is entertained by the development, although the clue I discovered it immediately.
That plot stay undefined, with continuation in the next book. (view spoiler)[And, I don't know why, but I still have suspicion about cousin Tim. (hide spoiler)]
Definitely, not the best book of KJ. ------------------------------------------------ /Spanish version:
Periodista busca desenmascarar a un medium en Londres victoriano. Nathaniel Roy es un personaje poco querible , nunca ha padecido hambre ni desesperación por hacer de todo para sobrevivir, pero se siente con todo derecho a juzgar a los demás. Justin Lazarus, el sujeto que engaña a quienes quieren dejarse engañar , resulta un personaje de moral gris, mucho más comprensible. La visión de Londres envuelto en una niebla tangible donde Justin consigue navegar no es muy sutil, pero convincente. No es el tipo de pareja que uno espera que permanezca junta por mucho tiempo, no por como piensa Nathaniel.
El drama/misterio que viene desde el libro anterior en torno a la herencia del Conde , es entretenido por el desarrollo, aunque la pista la descubri de inmediato. Esa trama queda sin definir, con continuación en el próximo libro.
No es el mejor libro de KJ, y eso es una lástima. ----- pre-review: I'm such an idiot. Totally forgot I got this arc. (meanwhile I'd been congratulating myself for not having more pendings reviews -arg)...more