Thursday, October 7, 2010

New Books!

So I thought it was about time I introduced my newest additions to my collection! I found some really good books and finally got some very old friends. I bought Princess of the Midnight Ball before reading it (shocking, I know! I never do that...well, I do now apparently) and enjoyed it. I really like it when the author adds little extras at the end, crafts you can do that tie into the story. That's what Jessica Day George has done with the two books in this series (the second, which I also bought, is Princess of Glass). She put in knitting patterns! Heaven! If I ever publish a book, I want to do that. It really lets you become part of the tale.
Anyway, I'm rambling on. I also got Mara, Daughter of the Nile (a very old, very treasured friend), and The Fever and the Flame (new found friend). All of these come highly recommended. I find the Jessica Day George books are for when you want light fairytale reading; perfect for those sparkling summer days when all you want to do is relax. The Fever and the Flame and Mara, Daughter of the Nile are both historical fiction, both fabulously done.
Right now, the book I am most excited about is Reckless, Cornelia Funke's newest book. I have ordered it from the library but am getting so impatient to read it that I might buy this one before reading as well! However, perhaps this will be a good lesson in patience. *Sigh*. Yes, I am a Cornelia Funke fan; my favourite is her Inkworld trilogy. So far. I just love discovering new treasures, and I have a hunch that Reckless will be just that.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Fairytales Retold

Once Upon a Time; the best beginning for any book. How I love fairytales! What I don't understand is why there is no genre entitled 'Fairytales Retold'. There are countless books out there that could fit into that description. For those of us who loved fairytales when we were children, retold fairytales are probably right up our alley. I know they are certainly up mine! I have a great weakness for them, so I am on the never ending search. If you are like me, then you probably know just how hard it is to find them! It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. I mean, after you've read all the obvious ones. It's very challenging to find good new fairytales turned into novels.

So I've decided to list a few that I remember were good. I hope you find some that you haven't read yet!

  • The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
  • Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
  • Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
  • Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
  • Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
  • Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier (does contain vampires, although they are not necessarily the good guys)
  • The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine (these are short, but really enjoyable)
  • The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey
  • Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguie (might have too much kissing)
  • Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley
  • Beauty by Robin McKinley
  • Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey
  • Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey
  • The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
  • Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley (I'm not too keen on some of the plot twists toward the end, which I found a bit over the top, but over all it was good)
How many of you think there should be a genre entitled 'Fairytales Retold'? What are your favourite retold fairytales? Please comment!
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