The Bloody Chamber & other Stories by Angela Carter

07 May 2013 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, Birthdays, General Tags: , , , ,

Birthday

Today is the birthday of author Angela Carter and in honour of that I am looking at her collection of short stories in The Bloody Chamber. It is an excellent collection, if you are a fan of fairytales, or love seeing fairytales reinvented in amazing ways, then I suggest you read these stories.

Born in England in 1940, Angela Carter wrote many books in her lifetime, sadly she only lived until she was 51 years old. However in that time she managed to write a large collection of stories, poems, radio plays, as well as children’s books and much more. What I found interesting was that before she died, Carter was planning on writing a sequel to Jane Eyre. I think this would have been fantastic, it was supposedly going to be told from the perspective of Jane’s step-daughter Adele, that would have been interesting to see.

Carter was listed on The Times “50 greatest British writers since 1945” in 2008, at tenth place it is a position I agree with immensely, what I didn’t agree was that Terry Pratchett didn’t make that list at all, but we can only just forgive that because of the others that were included.

Published: July 13th 2006
Goodreads badgePublisher: Vintage
Pages: 176
Format: Book
Genre: Fairy Tales/Fantasy
★   ★   ★   ★   ★  – 5 Stars

The Bloody Chamber & Other Stories is an anthology of short fiction by Angela Carter. All of the stories share a common theme of being closely based upon fairy tales or folk tales. However, she’s stated: “My intention was not to do ‘versions’ or, as the American edition of the book said, horribly, ‘adult’ fairy tales, but to extract the latent content from the traditional stories.”

The Bloody Chamber was published in 1979 and is a collection of short stories that are dark, sinister, and marvellous all at once. What Carter manages to do is turn the fairytales we know on their head, and she makes us look at them in a new light completely. The book comprises of ten stories, The Bloody Chamber; The Courtship of Mr Lyon; The Tiger’s Bride; Puss-in-Boots; The Erl-King; The Snow Child; The Lady of the House of Love; The Werewolf; The Company of Wolves; and Wolf-Alice.

Carter looks at stories such as Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, Bluebeard, as well as folklore tales, and what she has come up with are so unique, and so amazing that it is very hard to think of them as their original stories sometimes. There is definitely so much that that can be read into these stories, I know there are hundreds of references alluded to and mentioned in short story The Bloody Chamber that have scholars running about trying to interpret, but what references that are there does not distract from the story, nor does typically knowing the originals, they are easily enjoyed without understanding the origins, but for well known stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, or Puss in Boots, then it creates an eye opener for readers.

What is wonderful about these stories is that it isn’t just another version of the traditional telling, Carter brings so much more into these stories, she alternates points of view, and she brings in strong powerful women with highly emotional and intellectual insights that create meaning and force in these tales.

Her story The Werewolf, based on Little Red Riding Hood, had a huge impact on me. Very much like the novels of John Marsden’s when I realised stories did not have to be simple and straight forward; what Carter showed me in this story was that fairytales can be complex and may not be as they appear. From this simple story I suddenly looked at other fairytales like Hansel and Gretel in a whole new light, I realised and embraced that even the simplest stories of the Gingerbread man or Snow White could be recreated in an entirely new light, changing everything it was meant to be.

I already had a huge love for fairytales, and when I read Carter’s reinventions it opened my eyes to a world of interpretation, mixing and transforming these classics into something that is powerful and magical, while still showing signs of the history of the fairytales I knew. Personal favourites would have to be Company of Wolves, Wolf-Alice, and The Werewolf, definitely interesting since they are all variations on Little Red Riding Hood, a story that I didn’t like as a child, and yet has become one that I have enjoyed most in adapted form.

 Company of Wolves was turned into a very good film in 1984. It is classified as a British Gothic fantasy-horror film and director Neil Jordon co-wrote the screenplay with Carter. It is another variation on the Little Red Riding Hood story and is set in the modern day. It is a little gruesome at times, but it is an excellent film all the same.

There is something for everyone with Carter’s works and her writing makes you reconsider writing and storytelling, especially for fairytales. They hark back to the originals where it was more truthful and realistic, certainly told as cautionary tales, but also as a representation of powerful women. To steal from Wikipedia a wonderful synopsis: “By contrasting the barren and horrific atmosphere found typically within the Gothic to the strong heroines of her story, Carter is able to create sexually liberated female characters that are set against the more traditional backdrop of the fairy tale.”

A truly wonderful set of stories that stay with you long after you finish them, I wish Angela Carter a happy birthday and I want to thank her for the influence she has had on my own writing, as well as my ideas about fairytales and the power and possibilities they possess, no matter what the form.

The Viking’s Apprentice (#1) by Kevin McLeod

24 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, General, Junior Fiction Tags: , , ,

Published: March 28th 2013
Goodreads badgePublisher: Self published
Pages: 125
Format: eBook
Genre: Junior Fiction/Fantasy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

What happens in Campbell’s Cove, must remain in Campbell’s Cove. 

Campbell’s Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people?

When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter’s Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell’s Cove and beyond.

The Viking’s Apprentice is the debut novel for author Kevin McLeod and as soon as I read the plot and saw the cover I went hunting for this book. When I realised it was an ebook only I downloaded the necessary apps and away I went head first. This is an excellent book, just as it looked like it would be. What McLeod does is he has created a world of mystery and magic within our own and even in this first book, for even as I read I could tell there would be a second, is he has engaged readers. He uses stories of an ancient time, seemingly simple, but with so much hidden meaning and history behind it, to reveal the past, explain a story and begin an adventure. However it is the way in which he does this is what was wonderful: by using characters to do the work for him he enables readers to learn alongside the children as they too hear the wild adventures of the past, hearing tales of heroics of Vikings and warriors, dragons and battles.

The story begins with Peter and his friend George going to stay with Peter’s Grandad at Campbell’s Cove for the holidays. We learn that Peter does this often and what we know of Grandad is he is a teller of stories, stories about the Cove’s history, rich in dragons, warriors, and witches. The descriptions in this story are wonderful, but it also allows the reader to create their own images. The images created as you read Grandad’s stories to the boys about when dragons were fought and villages were under threat are excellent. In so few words seemingly complete stories can be told. This is another clever trick by McLeod; readers are given the same position as the children in the beginning, we, as they, sit impatiently while Grandad recounts his stories. This is where our knowledge comes from and we must wait, unless you start speculating like I did, but McLeod gives nothing away until you and the children need to know.

In other books like Fforde or Colfer or Nix where you know the authors like to play with you so readers only get what the author wants them to have until they’re ready, McLeod does this as well, and uses the children wonderfully to do so. They are not exactly withheld information, but within the story characters respect the relationship between the boys and the Grandfather, and when questions are being asked the main response is, ‘I think it would be best for your Grandad to tell you, or ‘he wants to be the one to tell you’. I liked that part, we are being held filled with suspense about what exactly is going on, but there is a reason for it that you know will be better to help gain a full idea of the story.

That is not to say we stick with the children the entire time through this story. McLeod gives us both sides of this saga, and the ambiguity and secretive unspoken and unexplained snippets about the coming danger is very creative. This is where we are treated as a reader away from the children; there is no information though, only secrets and mysterious figures. What I always like is that there are unexplained actions that occur but we see no explanation of meaning we are left to try and figure it out for ourselves. For a book suited at this age and audience, it is rather intricate and mysterious, something I applaud.

Where this story begins to grow in excitement is when these two stories we’ve seen combine and the past seems to return, and perhaps the Vikings and dragons of Grandad’s tales are become less of a story and more of a reality. I am offering no spoilers so don’t even try, but I will say that I adored how this was revealed and how it played out. I really liked though that McLeod was able to capture the urgency in the story with his writing, you definitely feel that things have become chaotic, or have calmed down, or that there is an eerie feeling. This certainly helps create feeling of a story without actually making it blatantly obvious and announcing it to readers. By the end of this book you are hanging out for the next one, McLeod has set up this story very well and he adds just enough to make you want to keep reading about these characters and see the effects and consequences o the events in this book. I look forward to continuing this series.

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony (#5) by Eoin Colfer

12 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, Artemis Fowl Series, Junior Fiction, Young Adult Tags: , , , , ,

Published: May 31st 2007
Goodreads badgePublisher: Puffin Books
Pages: 376
Format: Book
Genre: Junior Fiction/Young Adult Fantasy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

Ten thousand years ago, humans and fairies fought a great battle for the magical island of Ireland. When it became clear that they could not win, all of the faeries moved below ground—all except for the 8th family, the demons. Rather than surrender, they used a magical time spell to take their colony out of time and into Limbo. There they have lived for decades, planning their violent revenge on humans.

Now the time spell is unraveling, and demons are beginning to materialise without warning on Earth. If humans were to find out about them, all faeries would be exposed. To protect themselves, the faeries must predict when the next demon will materialise. But in order to do so, they will have to decipher temporal equations so complicated even a great brain like Foaly can’t understand them. But he knows someone who can: Artemis Fowl.

So when a confused and frightened demon imp pops appears in a Sicilian theatre, Artemis is there to meet him. But he is not alone. Someone else has unlocked the secrets of the fairy world and managed to solve complex mathematical problems that only a genius could. And she is only twelve years old…

I adore this man, how can you not adore this man!? Why is it that he has the ability with a handful of words to change everything and make everything wonderful and beautiful and spectacular and astonishing and imaginative and poetic all at the same time! No matter what the situation there is time for quick witted jokes which makes it even better, and just when you think you finally have it sorted it out, the narrative is in place, and the ending is near, Colfer, in the space of a few words, changes everything! And I love him for it.

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony begins with one thing, moulded into another and then changes completely. You do not even realise this until you finish the book and you think about the incredible journey you have just been on. Every time I picked up this book it was by force I put it down again, especially in the final chapters.

It begins as all Artemis adventures do with the smooth charm that keeps you going, and then we merge into strange fascination, and then you are thrown into this experience where you just keep your eyes on the page, pay attention and use all your willpower not to skip ahead a few lines because as beautiful as Colfer’s sentences are, and how great his story can be, you just want to know what happens.

You know you may have read a few Artemis Fowl books when you start to know what will happen before it is revealed. Not a lot before I assure you, only by a line or so, Colfer isn’t that willing to give up his secrets and twists. In a way I’m proud because I can still enjoy Artemis’ genius in what he has in store and what decisions and risks he takes; it has in no way become predictable.

We are introduced in this book to a possible new foe and competition for Artemis, a younger, equally smart competition called Minerva. Colfer writes on the blurb that he is glad Artemis finally has some competition, I myself was wary, but Colfer handles it well, as does Artemis. Surprisingly, while you think Minerva is going to be the main point through the book, she isn’t.

This introduction and seemingly proposed issue of a new intellectual conflict does not last long and the magical world takes priority once more. I enjoyed how Colfer gave us a new perspective with a new world and characters, as good as it was that he had been changing up the existing world, it was nice to see that there are other worlds out there. Similarly as he had done when we first learned of the LEP and the People, we are given a decent introduction of the world rather than a hurried and fractured welcoming through Artemis’ interaction or some other form.

This new world is known as Hybras where a colony of demons and imps reside, living in isolation, awaiting the day they can take revenge on the humans who it seems are responsible for their exile. Despite all being equal to a degree, Hybras is ruled by Abbot, the wisest and most legendary figure in the land. All adore him and his warrior stories, all except one: No.1. No.1’s story is one we follow and discover that he is different from the others, and he doesn’t know why; that is until Artemis Fowl comes into the picture and changes everything. I liked No1, his innocence and naivety is balanced by enthusiasm and curiosity, and there is a lot plot wise that helps bring out the best in him, which makes him a great character.

Along with the new, the same faces return, though not as frequently. I was rather surprised and excited with Colfer’s approach on this one, phrases and snippets referenced beforehand suddenly make a lot more sense at the end, and it reveals a lot about how important people can be in others’ lives. We had seen this in previous books around other characters but this I was not expecting; it was intricately clever and well done.

The setting of this novel is mainly set in Hybras adding another nice change. With the initial introduction we are given further exposure through the actions of Artemis and friends. The events and risks taken in this novel bring great excitement to the story, as does the continual cryptic puzzles and problems that arise. Magic plays its hand once more in influencing and impacting on Artemis and in a few ways slightly more permanently. I know I am being deliberately vague about this entire thing because first of all, where do you even begin to talk about what happens in this book, and secondly, some of the surprises and twists are too great not to enjoy first hand. There isn’t a lot to talk about without revealing something wonderful so all you’re getting is vagueness and emotion. That hopefully is enticing enough.

You can love these books for Artemis’ wit and charm and everything else but the end of this book I think was so unexpected I think it almost outweighed the delight about everything else. I simply adored the ending! I adored it! It freaked me out, it worried me, it confused me, and I am so eager and anxious to leap into book six I just don’t know whether to wait and calm down or power on through before the curiosity is the end of me. It opens the way well for the following book and the cliff hanger he provides is definitely going to be a game changer I feel. There is something about sudden and dramatic changes that can either change things for the better or worse, but knowing Colfer he has a plan up his sleeve and whatever happens is not going to be ruined or rushed, and handled with excellent care that we have seen before.

As a character I am trying to decide which Artemis I prefer. I can’t say I prefer this Artemis over the ones we see in the earlier books, all are charming (he is always charming!), and as he nears my own age it becomes less weird that I have such an affection for him. Right? Though I do love all the sides of Artemis, especially when he tries to fight the things he can’t change, and how no matter what he is doing he still manages to think systematically and plan ahead. The fact we see Artemis grow and develop through the books is wonderful, you see the child grow emotionally while still keeping the same sharp wit and intellect of the twelve year old. Seeing his character in the next book will be a treat I feel, especially as a result of the events in this book.

A fun thing though I did notice while reading was that on the back of my cover (and now I must check all other covers) is a small disclaimer by Artemis himself. It reads: This man is NOT my biographer. He is a fantasist, writing sensationalist stories about me. I will neither confirm nor deny anything that appears between these covers. However, my lawyers – and my bodyguard – are watching. Signed Artemis Fowl ll. I love this as well, reminds me of the bits in Unfortunate Events where Snickett includes himself in the story.

There is no real, logical reason to stop following Artemis Fowl, you can never tire of him, and Colfer has yet to lose appeal if this book is anything to go by. As long as his imagination, creativity, uniqueness and genius are all in working we have nothing to worry about. Artemis Fowl’s adventures will always be there to document, no matter how unofficial they may be.

Artemis Fowl and The Opal Deception (#4) by Eoin Colfer

08 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, Artemis Fowl Series, Junior Fiction, Young Adult Tags: , , , , ,

Published: April 30 2005
Goodreads badgePublisher: Puffin Books
Pages: 343
Format: Book
Genre: Junior Fiction/Young Adult Fantasy
★   ★   ★   ★   ★  – 5 Stars

The evil pixie Opal Koboi has spent the last year in a self-induced coma, plotting her revenge on all those who foiled her attempt to destroy the LEPrecon fairy police. And Artemis Fowl is at the top of her list.

After his last run-in with the fairies, Artemis had his mind wiped of his memories of the world belowground. But they have not forgotten about him. Once again, he must stop the human and fairy worlds from colliding—only this time, Artemis faces an enemy who may have finally outsmarted him.

I would like to take this moment to quote myself if I may. Ahem, “What’s great is that there are no grand corporate plots, evil nemesis’ and no fairy political struggle infringing on the human world.” I wrote this about book one and I am actually rather pleased it has taken until Book Four to prove me wrong. Book four was always going to be interesting based on the end of book three, but this took it to another level. Artemis is always a fantastic character, but having to deal with the outcome of the last book, it only added to his charm.

Book four sees the return of dear Opal. Poor Opal has not come out of the last LEP encounter all that well but that is not going to stop her. Revenge is the key theme through this book, always a thrilling subject. As I say, I like how we had to wait to see this grand scheme. We were not thrust into it unexpectedly, and we actually got to see the cause before the retaliation which was brilliant. It was not a knee jerk reaction, nor was it rushed and passed over. Colfer thought this out and it paid off. By waiting as he did, really for the opportune moment, it had the impact and the consequences it needed to suit the world and characters it affected. By now we have history and cause, we know all the characters involved rather well, and it gels together so much better once we have become invested in these characters and their lives.

Like all Fowl books The Opal Deception is very intriguing and you only realise, well, I only realised how clever it was once I had finished. You knew it was clever and amazing and sneaky while it was going on, but then you think about it, and the title and the characters and you go, ‘ohhh, that’s quite clever actually’.

We’re given the same great characters as usual, plus some new ones, each with a witty and unique personality that is executed well. Despite visiting the same people each time, it actually doesn’t get old, even if it does sound like that in reviews. Colfer has created these characters that each time is a joy to see them do what they do. And through the narrative and the events that take place, new sides of everybody are revealed and offers that little something different about them. The story offers twists very early on and doesn’t shy away from anything. This is a little bit of a shock but it is also brave and probably necessary. Though I say this seeing how it ended and guessing where it might go next. The internal struggles described and played out in this book were also very well done, and believable, especially for Butler and Artemis I felt.

I approve very much of how Colfer keeps things in real time as it were. Artemis gets older, life goes on and real life happens amidst all this magical and exciting action and espionage. Can we call it that? I don’t see why not. I recall commenting on how enjoyable it was catching glimpses of a new side of Artemis when he is thrown into new situations, and this continues here. Whether it is his age or his experiences there is a new side of dear Arty seeping through and it is a joy watching him analyse and struggle with himself in his typical manner. But what I found great was how Artemis’ past actions had shaped him, and how without them how different he could have been. It makes you realise where he was in book one and how without realising it he has changed.

There is the usual suspense Colfer offers, but in a different form this time I felt, just as intense mind you, but focused on different expectations. I loved it, it was making me anxious trying to cope with the mystery and suspense of where this story was going. Before it was a lot about the mission or the situation they were in, and the same was true here, but there is also an additional personal suspense I guess you could call it. Less about the adventure and more suspense and guessing about characters and the direction they were headed instead; very unexpected but welcomed. Though really, trying to guess where the story is headed and trying to think a step ahead of Artemis is always a challenge and a pleasure when it comes to these books.

I think book four is a very good turning point in the Artemis saga. So much has changed by the time you are finished this book you really have no idea where it will go, again a little like the previous book, but Colfer knows what he is doing, and he directs us and leads us on the new path. I think these changes make book five more inviting because you essentially start a new saga of sorts, but with the same people you have known for what seems like forever. Definitely one of my favourites so far and one I would really like to read again quite soon.

Artemis Fowl and The Eternity Code (#3) by Eoin Colfer

05 Apr 2013 2 Comments

by Amy in 5 Stars, Artemis Fowl Series, Junior Fiction, Young Adult Tags: , , , , ,

Published: April 27 2003
Goodreads badgePublisher: Puffin Books
Pages: 329
Format: Book
Genre: Junior Fiction/Young Adult Fantasy
★   ★   ★   ★   ★  – 5 Stars

Artemis Fowl has constructed a super-computer from stolen fairy technology. In the wrong hands it could be fatal for humans and fairies alike. But no need to worry. Artemis has brilliant plan. He’s not going to use it; he’s just going to show it to ruthless American businessman with Mafia connections. His bodyguard, Butler, will be with him.
What could possibly go wrong…?

The more I read of Mr Fowl and his antics the more I enjoy them; and by enjoy I mean adore and have messed up thinking and a headache trying to figure out what is happening or about to happen. It is glorious! We begin with Artemis trying one last hurrah before going straight and as soon as soon as he begins, chaos ensues. Taking us slightly back to book one we see more fairy technology being adapted for Artemis’ use as he tries to sell modified technology. This, of course, unintentionally attracts the attention of the LEP and as things begin to go wrong, the old gang arrives to join the adventure. Is it really an Artemis book without them really? There is clearly a developing connection between Holly and Artemis, their friendship has been growing as we saw previously, but this time we see how far it has come.

What was great about this book was that we see a couple of Artemis’ failings. I think I mentioned in the Arctic Incident review that it was good to see his unnatural calm and control shaken, but this time it was less shaken than suddenly outsmarted and seemingly beaten, though by his exterior it is hard to tell how this affects him, which is why Colfer lets actions do the talking. This act of being outsmarted naturally never lasts long for Artemis and new plans are formed, but those brief moments where he is on the back foot are always a small delight.

There is added drama and suspense in this book for more direct and personal reasons than before, but naturally nothing Artemis can’t deal with. The LEP assistance is always great with the wit and sarcasm it brings, and you often wonder what would happen if there weren’t there, but as we saw from book one, Artemis makes thing happen when he wants something and he would easily adjust.

There are so many great intricacies in this book that I would love to rave about but alas, spoilers, and anything I want to mention I fear has a chance of ruining something. I will say this: what Artemis knows, and what Artemis thinks of, I am fairly certain he has already thought about before we have even had time to register the initial cause of why he is thinking it. There are times I think he knows them before Colfer sometimes as well, but if Colfer is let in on the plans, he hides them ridiculously well, always eager to just spring something on us.

Based on the events in this book I am eager to see what the next book deals with. I think more LEP exploration based on the conclusion of this, but I am sure our dear Artemis, who is growing older and more clever and charming and adorable by each book, will not be far away for long.

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