Thursdays at Orange Blossom House by Sophie Green

Released: 28 July 2021

Published by: Hachette Australia

Genre: Australian Contemporary

Source: Publisher

Pages: 410

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

QBD | Booktopia | Goodreads

From the author of beloved Top Ten bestsellers The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club and The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle comes a delightful new novel about friendship, love and finding yourself.

Far North Queensland, 1993: At 74, former cane farmer Grace Maud is feeling her age, and her isolation, and thinks the best of life may be behind her. Elsewhere in town, high school teacher Patricia has given up on her dreams of travel and adventure and has moved back home to look after her ageing parents, while cafe owner Dorothy is struggling to accept that she may never have the baby she and her husband so desperately want. Each woman has an unspoken need: reconnection. And that's how they find themselves at Orange Blossom House, surrounded by perfumed rainforest, being cajoled and encouraged by their yoga teacher, the lively Sandrine. Together, they will find courage and strength - and discover that life has much more to offer than they ever expected.

Set amid the lush beauty of tropical Queensland, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a heartwarming story of friendship and family, of chances missed and taken, and the eternal power of love.

Thank you to Hachette Australia for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A layered and smoothly woven story of the bonds between three women who are brought together in unlikely circumstances, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House sings to the tune of an afternoon breeze and time to ponder what our expectations of our identities in life are and the people we want to become. Sophie Green has already showcased her ability to write well in the genre with The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club and The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle. In this book she brings to life the cane fields in Cairns in the 1990's and sense of place as forming a home, the longing for motherhood, quest for self-discovery as an adult and how old age doesn't preclude the making of new friends. 

What might happen if women really succumb to their pain? To the anguish of not getting what they really want, either because they've been told they can't have it, or because nature is conspiring against them? Or sometimes because life just seems so hard that what they see is an unscalable peak, always in sight yet beyond their reach.

At the beginning of the story we're introduced to Grace Maud, whose life has been one on the fields but her son is beginning to have his own new ideas on how the farm should run. Toughened by her experiences, it takes more than a little persuading to get her to Sandrine's yoga class at Orange Blossom House which is the central point for all three characters meeting. Patricia's plight caring for her ailing parents, unmarried and teaching but given up most of her dreams is next, followed by Dorothy; cafe-owner with her husband and has been trying for years to have a child but with no success. These descriptions don't do the depth of these three women justice - Green's ability to add so much detail to their lives, ideas, thoughts and fears feel so realistic and are issues that many readers could relate to. The real spark comes through when little by little the barriers begin to break down and conversations are had, where each of the trio start to open up to each other and from there solutions can be found to the problems they are facing. This idea of women leaning on each other and being able to bring down the facade of being so capable, strong and perpetually self-sacrificing, is brought to the fore with nuance and heart. A healthy dose of good humour and some laughs throughout add to the light and shade within the plot, making for a read which is just as comforting as a cup of tea on a breezy spring day.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In lockdown I find myself drifting towards the kind of reads that are thoughtful but end on a high note, with a view to capturing not only our sense of place in this beautiful country but also how we find homes in the connections built among the kindness of strangers we meet in life. Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is one example of this, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Sophie Green next!

About the author

Sophie Green is an author and publisher who lives in Sydney. She has written several fiction and non-fiction books, some under other names. In her spare time she writes about country music on her blog, Sunburnt Country Music. She has been practising yoga since 1993 and teaching since 2002. Sophie's debut novel, THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE FAIRVALE LADIES BOOK CLUB, a Top Ten bestseller, was shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards for General Fiction Book of the Year 2018, and longlisted for both the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 2018 and the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018. THE SHELLY BAY LADIES SWIMMING CIRCLE was also a Top Ten bestseller.

Audiobook Review: Beautiful by Juliet Marillier

Beautiful by Juliet Marillier

Released: 2019

Published by: Audible

Genre: Fantasy

Source: Publisher

Length: 7h 18mins

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Find it on Audible 

With the Nordic fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon as her inspiration, Juliet Marillier weaves a magical story of a young princess' search for her true self.

Hulde is a queen's daughter and lives in a palace. But her life is lonely. Growing up atop the glass mountain, she knows only her violent and autocratic mother and a household of terrified servants. Then a white bear named Rune comes to visit, and Hulde learns what kindness is. But the queen has a plan for Hulde. When she turns 16, she will wed the most beautiful man in all the world. Hulde has never met her intended husband, and her mother refuses to explain the arrangement.

Hulde becomes desperate to find out more, and seeks the help of a magic mirror. Perhaps someone is coming to her rescue. On her wedding day, Hulde's existence is turned upside down. For the first time she leaves the glass mountain behind, setting out to be as brave as the heroines in her beloved storybook. The journey will test Hulde to the limit. Can she overcome her fears and take control of her own life?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I'm so glad to have finally ventured into audiobooks, and Beautiful has been a wonderful place to start. This three-part novel is inspired by a Norwegian fairytale, and takes a new turn to become about the unassuming princess who would one day reach out of the confines of her mother's rule and become a Queen of her own.

A fantasy novella such as this was rich in detail and narrated beautifully, which made it easy to listen to. The three sections were each distinct and represented different aspects of Hulde's character development, which was explored in detail throughout. While I did miss the feeling of being able to quickly flip back a page if I feel I missed an important detail, the vivid descriptions of the landscape and adventures which the protagonist encounters on her journey did make this something relaxing to listen to. There is something at once comforting and classic about a novel which has been spun from the strands of a fairytale, and Marillier has injected this story with just the right sense of magic to keep you wanting more as the tale progresses.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Beautiful was my first experience listening to an audiobook, and has definitely made me want to read more from Juliet Marillier!

Review: The Tournament by Matthew Reilly - Chivalry, Challenges, Checkmate.

The Tournament by Matthew Reilly

Released: 1st June 2014 (AU)

Published by: Pan Macmillan

Genre: Historical Thriller

Source: Library

Pages: 410

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads | QBD | Booktopia

Even a pawn can become a queen. 

 The year is 1546. Suleiman the Magnificent, the powerful and feared Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, issues an invitation to every king in Europe:

 YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR FINEST PLAYER TO COMPETE IN A CHESS TOURNAMENT TO DETERMINE THE CHAMPION OF THE KNOWN WORLD.

 The English delegation - led by esteemed scholar Roger Ascham - journeys to the glittering city of Constantinople. Accompanying Ascham is his pupil, Bess, who is about to bear witness to events she never thought possible. For on the first night of the tournament, a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered, and against the backdrop of the historic event, Ascham is tasked with finding the killer. Barbaric deaths, unimaginable depravity and diplomatic treachery unfold before Bess's eyes, indelibly shaping her character and determining how she will perform her future role...as Queen Elizabeth I.

Like Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly is one of those prolific authors I've always thought to try, but didn't know where to start! After The Tournament came recommended, and seeing it was historical fiction, there was no question that I had to give it a chance. This thrilling tale hones in on the life of a teenage Elizabeth I, where she is exposed to political intrigue and a series of ghastly murders during the chess tournament in 1546 set at the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

The object of chess is to checkmate the king. But curiously, while the king is the crux of the game, he is the most impotent piece on the board. Even pawns can become queens and every other piece can move more than one square. And so the king in chess is like a king in life: his continued reign depends upon keeping his castles intact and his subjects onside. He is hostage to his people's continued happiness. 

It's no wonder that Reilly has become known as one of the greats when it comes to writing solid action, and here he's balanced it with a well-researched foundation to make the plot realistic. Of course, there is always some creative license involved, but it was useful to read in the interview at the end of the book with the author what inspired him to tell this story. From the explanations of the architecture and opulence of the palace, to how the games of chess play out in the grand setting of Hagia Sophia, Reilly's ability to create a sense of place makes its mark here. While the writing style is often pragmatic, in a story like this there's no time for the flowery prose I've come to appreciate in other historical fiction from Kate Forsyth for example. That being said, for a book like this, which doesn't shy away from graphically exploring the sexual politics at play in the Sultan's inner circle, or the gruesome murders of both Cardinals and nobles, there is never a dull moment.

I had often wondered what had caused this profound change in my friend and now I knew. Sometimes we must go away to discover things about ourselves. Sometimes we go away with the wrong people. Sometimes we go away with the right teachers. 

Behind the drama in Constantinople is a novel exploring the coming of age of a future queen. The extracts of the rules of chess and the different roles of the pieces were a wise move to include between the chapters. Serving more as a mere reference point for those not familiar with the game, they offered a clever parallel to the politics of power in real life at the time. The bond between the chivalrous Robert Ascham and Elizabeth brought some warmth to the novel where a murderer on the loose and corrupt practices were rife. Seeing how she brought her own sense of curiosity, bravery and loyalty to her mentor and friend Elsie showcased Reilly's ability to balance both plot progression and character development to make the best of both.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This year has so far been one for stepping outside my usual reading habits, and I'm glad I've continued that and picked up The Tournament. Though I didn't have any preconceptions of Matthew Reilly's writing, it's easy to see why he's reached such acclaim. If any of you have any recommendations on where to go next with his books from here, let me know!

Review: The High Places by Fiona McFarlane - Stories of what life looks like from above

The High Places by Fiona McFarlane

Released: 1st February 2016

Published by: Penguin Australia

Genre: Short stories

Source: Library

Pages: 288

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | QBD | Booktopia

The dazzling stories in this collection find those moments when people confront the strangeness and mystery of their lives.

The revelations of intimidating old friends on holiday. An accident on a dark country road. A marine biologist in conversation with the ghost of Charles Darwin. The sudden arrival of American parachutists in a Queensland country town. A lottery win. A farmer troubled by miracles in the middle of a drought . . . The people in The High Places are jolted into seeing themselves from a fresh and often disconcerting perspective.

Ranging around the world from a remote Pacific island to outback Australia to the tourist haunts of Greece, these stories are written with extraordinary invention, great emotional insight and wry humour. Each one of them is as rich and rewarding as literature can be.

This review also appears in Vertigo 2018: Genesis

Each of the thirteen stories in The High Places offer a glimpse into those who find themselves slightly off-kilter, leaning over the precipice of a new beginning. Spanning multiple geographical landscapes and time periods, McFarlane’s sharp observations bring to light the nuanced ticks and mannerisms which make individuals their own unique selves. In a style which focuses on detail threaded through the fabric of the characters’ hopes and dreams, you can’t help feeling that you are part of these people’s lives, if only for a few pages.

He felt grateful when he looked at her. He felt an expansion in his brain that he enjoyed – a feeling that finally he had found his life, or was finding it, was on the verge on finding it, although he was still a graduate student and suspected he always would be. He said to himself, This is my youth, at this moment, right now…
          - Exotic Animal Medicine

McFarlane’s clever storylines are vividly imagined and compelling, reeling you in before a disquieting truth is revealed. In 'Exotic Animal Medicine', a young couple who have just married in secret are soon faced with the startling consequences of what began as an innocent drive through a small English village. Set in Sydney, 'Art Appreciation' depicts a relationship in its fragile early stages, questioning how sincerely we accept the interests of our lovers once our lives become entwined with theirs. What makes this collection so memorable is that each protagonist is written with an acute self-awareness and honest faults. As readers, we are able to look on from above while taking the moral high ground, until forced to realise that we are just as fallible as any of these characters. I love how thought-provoking every scenario was, communicating the subtle caution that even as we endeavour to construct the perfect house of cards, it only takes the smallest disruption for domestic bliss to fall from its eagle height.

Although McFarlane writes in lush, intelligent prose, she sensitively captures the innate self-consciousness we possess around people who are inexplicably self-assured. In the story Rose Bay, Rose considers that her sister would think it ‘immodest of her to live in a place that shared her name’, while recognising that ‘her instinct to please people, without being over-eager, came from a dislike of disagreement’. A character who similarly navigates conflict in quiet acquiescence appears in one of my personal favourites, 'Mycenae'; a wry tale of two couples on holiday among the whitewashed streets and ancient ruins in Greece. In both of these examples, not only is there a vivid sense of place, but a fresh perspective provided for the women who unknowingly stand at a tipping point in their lives. For Rose, it comes in the form of anchoring her identity outside familial ties, finally content with the life she had made for herself. On the journey to Mycenae, Janet realises that the Andersons are not necessarily experiencing the apotheosis of marital paradise, even if the mirage they so carefully projected said otherwise. The precise effects of these revelations are not explicitly explored, and what some may find frustrating is that each story lacks a proper sense of an ending. However, while I was often left on the verge of a plot point left unresolved, the first line of the next story always hooked me right back in.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, McFarlane has showcased her versatility as a writer without losing sight of creating characters whose attributes are reflected in ourselves. What I took from The High Places is that our lives are full of defining moments, with countless opportunities to begin anew - if only one would look up to see them. Where this book truly shines is in its message about assessing where we stand and what we want out of life. We can crane our necks higher and strive for more, but it’s only while remaining grounded in reality that we can finally say with confidence: “I know who I am.”

Review: The Estate (The Industry #2) by Rose Foster - A #LoveOzYA thriller not to be missed

The Estate by Rose Foster
Series: The Industry #2

Released: 22nd July 2016

Genre: YA Thriller

Source: Publisher

Pages: 414

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | Booktopia | Bookworld

Kirra Hayward has many questions. What is the Estate? Will she be safe from Latham there? Will her code cracking skills be used for good or evil? Will she ever make it home? As she reluctantly joins the ranks of criminals, Kirra begins to realise the Estate isn't quite the place of refuge she hoped it would be.

There's a bully to avoid, rumours of a second code cracker on the run, and the feeling that someone at the Estate wants Kirra gone. For good.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This review may contain spoilers for The Industry

Ever since I heard that Rose Foster's The Industry was sure to have a sequel, I just couldn't wait to read it. With anticipation high, so were my expectations for this novel - and it definitely did not disappoint. In The Estate Kirra Hayward is working within the Industry itself, having completely left her old life behind. As one of the only people who can crack the elusive Spencer coding, she's in a valuable, yet dangerous position. What this book does so well is execute the perfect combination of suspense, character development and action - what more could you ask for?

What I really appreciated about The Estate's storyline is the emphasis Foster places on developing all of her characters; broth primary and secondary. Each member of the Industry is given a unique personality and their own quirks, from the protective Desmond to the distant yet slightly maternal Aurelie who Kirra lives with. Flo, who Kirra is paired with as a 'Retreiver', is especially complex. Kirra's own conflicting emotions over whether she wanted to continue living this other life where secret documents are always circling, assassins are on the loose and people's lives are at risk, were also explored. Everything from the dialogue to the plot twists seemed fitting and flowed well, building greatly upon the foundations set in the first book of the series. 

Aside from the structure and characters, the action scenes are what really set this book apart and provided wow factor. There is an electric dynamic throughout the story, and being set in Vienna added an extra level of interest. It was good to see the camaraderie in Kirra's immediate peers, but also the thrill of characters' true colours being exposed. I really hope there will be a third book because I have to know what happens next!

FINAL THOUGHTS

WOW. This is a thriller that will keep you glued to its pages. Rose Foster has proven herself to be a masterful storyteller with great insight into her characters and how they will react in high-octane situations. With code-cracking, assassins, and plenty of action to spare, The Industry series is one you need to read. 

There's also this twitter giveaway ending 5th Feb for a chance to win both books - signed!

#YA #Giveaway! RT to win a signed copy of The Industry AND The Estate by Rose Foster. One AU winner only. Ends 5 Feb pic.twitter.com/qFLgttPtJO

— The Industry Series (@IndustryBooks) January 20, 2017

{Blog Tour} The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid Review + "My Writing Journey in GIFs"

Ever since I heard The Diabolic pitched as something comparable to The Hunger Games/Game of Thrones/Star Wars, I was definitely intrigued! Luckily this was a book which didn't disappoint, and despite my high expectations, I ended up really enjoying this gritty and engrossing read. 

To set the scene, here's the book trailer, complete with cinematic background music...

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Released: 1st November 2016
Published by: Simon and Schuster Australia
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Source: Publisher
Pages: 416
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Simon and Schuster | Booktopia | Book Depository

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for. Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia – a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity inside her that is true and pure – more so than that of most humans she encounters. Amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life – and the empire.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Diabolic is a gripping futuristic novel, exploring the issues of unfailing loyalty and protection, the bounds of friendship and questioning humanity when supposedly a being has none. Though in the beginning, I may have been skeptical of the bold comparisons this story had been held to, soon enough the plot had me hooked with every twist and moral dilemma to follow.

Nemesis is definitely one of the most badass protagonists I've come across in this genre. Her unwavering loyalty as a Diabolic to Sidonia was admirable, though detail isn't spared when it comes to getting rid of potential threats to that Impyrean's life. The fighter in Nemesis however isn't her only characteristic. There's the fundamental question of whether she does actually possess the capacity for feeling more human emotions, and this aspect of what comprises the humanity in anyone is an element which Kincaid executed well. 

World-building is another strong-suit of The Diabolic. Though it took most of the first half of the book to fully understand the customs, values and underlying conflicts in this world where education is punishable under the belief of 'Helionics' and the Emperor rules with inherently corrupt motives, it is these complexities which ultimately make the storyline so fascinating. This is a vividly imagined society hurtling through space, where knowledge is power, and playing to the ears of the right 'Grandiloquy' can be make or break. Once Nemesis is brought onto the scene disguised as Sidonia, the story escalates to new levels of heightened tension, and it is here where her character faces the biggest challenges; and sometimes taking unexpected turns. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

It's not so often that novels like these are 'stand-alones', though in this case it works - there is just the right amount of action to keep your eyes glued to the page, right up to the very last word. The Diabolic is the latest YA release to hit the shelves which not only possesses the hallmarks of its renowned comparisons, but has a unique identity all of its own. 

Guest post from S.J. Kincaid - "My Writing Journey in Gifs"

I could never possibly get published, so I'll find an office job.

I write for a hobby. I'll give a crack at a book after all!

I'll even co-write it with my best friend!

Whoa, our book got an agent! 

Agent has simply stopped e-mailing us. Guess she forgot we exist?

Goodbye, Agent.

Book two. Book three... Now I have an agent again! Finally!

Book doesn't sell.

Okay, onto the next manuscript.

Agent doesn't like next manuscript.

Leave agent. Send out three manuscripts for new agent. No agents accept.

Write another manuscript. This is old hat now.

Get an agent! Happy, though I've been here before without selling...

Book does not sell. Not so surprised.

Pursue real world job, and give one last shot to book seven. After this, I am giving up on this. Done.

Book sells! It actually sells!!! 

Career begins.

A big thank you to S.J. Kincaid for that gif-filled post - it just goes to show that the writing journey may not be an easy one, but getting published can become a reality if you keep that dream alive.

Read Me Love Me Share Me (The Simon and Schuster Australia YA page) will also be releasing a special video on release day and a giveaway for the book on 4th November. Details will be up on their facebook page.

Check out the other stops on the tour!

Review: Shield (Spark #3) by Rachael Craw

Shield by Rachael Craw

Released:1st September 2016

Published by: Walker Books Australia

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Source: Publisher

Pages: 429

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | QBD | Booktopia

Evie is out of options. She must comply with the Affinity Project – obey their rules, play their deadly games, give up Jamie. And her losses keep growing. When she decides to help a small group of Shields trying to affect change, Evie finds herself in the firing line.

Counsellor Knox is intent on revealing her secrets and shackling her to the Affinity Project for life. To protect her family, Evie must betray those closest to her.

The odds of success – let alone survival – are slim. The final thrilling conclusion to the Spark series.

Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

Rachael Craw sure knows how to end a series with a bang! There's a bittersweet feeling which came with turning the final pages of this book, but I was left as impressed as I have been since the trilogy began.

In this high-octane page-turner, Evie is once again up against the Affinity Project, and in closer proximity than ever before. With the introduction of some new faces, and the duplicitous nature of some characters becoming known, a twist is never too far away. She once again demonstrates a strength and ability to seriously kick-butt, but a sensitivity to the delicate, and seemingly futile situation of her fate. There are moral dilemmas to face, more lives at stake, and of course - opportunities to blow things up. Action, emotions and family loyalty are all on the line, executed on a knife-edge with the skill one has come to expect from Rachael Craw.

When it comes to Evie's issues with Affinity, Jamie isn't too far behind. The pair in this installment have more tension between them than ever before. Their bond is clearly electric, modeled into their DNA. Yet of course, nothing is that easy to attain in this world where your destiny is instilled in your blood, with the constant threat of exploitation. If you want to see more of Jamie, it definitely helped to read the novella 'Scar Tissue' before reading this book. Family ties are also tested, with an even greater intensity. How far would you go to save the people you love? What is the ultimate sacrifice? Craw explores these themes in ways which make your heart race, always in anticipation for the next bombshell to hit. Top tip: Have tissues ready.

FINAL THOUGHTS

What a journey it's been! I still remember first receiving SPARK in the mail 2 years ago, and though it definitely had the potential to be a great read just from looking at the blurb, little did I know how much I would come to love the series and want to support it so much. 

As an author, Rachael Craw is a class act; creating storylines with immense suspense, action-packed scenes and sentences which evoke every human emotion. Her characters have so much depth, and you can't help but be drawn into their complex web of dilemmas, following their paths with bated breath. It's the end of an era for the #SparkArmy, but I can't wait to read what she has in store for us next!

Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Released: 16th August 2011

Published by: Random House 

Genre: Science Fiction

Source: Library

Pages: 372

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | QBD | Book Depository

It's the year 2044, and the real world has become an ugly place. We're out of oil. We've wrecked the climate. Famine, poverty, and disease are widespread. Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes this depressing reality by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia where you can be anything you want to be, where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.

And like most of humanity, Wade is obsessed by the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this alternate reality: OASIS founder James Halliday, who dies with no heir, has promised that control of the OASIS - and his massive fortune - will go to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout his creation.

For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that the riddles are based in the culture of the late twentieth century. And then Wade stumbles onto the key to the first puzzle.

Suddenly, he finds himself pitted against thousands of competitors in a desperate race to claim the ultimate prize, a chase that soon takes on terrifying real-world dimensions - and that will leave both Wade and his world profoundly changed.

When I'd first come across Ready Player One, I have to admit I had my doubts over how much I'd really enjoy it...

After all, I'm:
- Not really much of a gamer
- Not a person who grew up in or have a lot of knowledge about 80's pop culture
- Not a huge fan of scifi

However:

I came to regard it with a curiosity that was ultimately hard to ignore. It was just one of those books which I knew I would be drawn to read eventually, since the premise was so fascinating and it had gotten so much praise from other booklovers out there.

And so, despite my initial doubts, this has turned out to be one of my favourite books of the year!

And I'm about to tell you why.

***

Ready Player One is a science fiction adventure that is as enchanting as it is beguiling. While on the surface it may seem like just the sort of thing only the stereotypical 'geeky gamer' will enjoy, it really is so much more. Though saturated with references to the pop culture of times gone by, in essence this is a story which tackles the inherent fallacies of a virtual world, a battle between good, evil, integrity and ethics, friendship, and a healthy dose of competition. I honestly surprised myself with how much I ended up loving this book, because it has so many of these hidden complexities and that mystical quality where no matter what you're doing, or where you are - you just can't help but be enraptured by this world Ernest Cline has created.

It was the dawn of a new era, one where most of the human race now spent all of their free time inside a video game. 

Who wouldn't want to live in a virtual reality where limitless possibilities extend across the horizon and the banalities of the real world merely fade into the distance? The answer presented in this book in the OASIS - a system developed by the enigmatic James Halliday. Wade is our protagonist, the ordinary underdog from humble beginnings who is obsessed with gaming and on a quest to complete the challenges his hero has left to society. 

Throughout the story, his journey is an exhilarating one which takes the most whimsical turns, in directions that defy logic and enchant the reader. Cline's masterful storytelling takes us on a journey through different dimensions and planets - all with that distinctive 80's charm which punctuates the whole novel. Wade is a character who holds a sense of justice, and wishes to maintain the integrity of the OASIS which had become his greatest escape from his otherwise meager existence. With the earth falling to pieces around him and the rest of humanity, this 'game' is seemingly the only good thing left; something to salvage and immerse himself in.  

Something which really stood out to me in this book aside from the thrill of the riddles throughout and dynamic settings was the deeper message here. There have been other books I've been totally mesmerized by because they take this idea of reality and a virtual one (eg. the Foreverland series), and this is no different. It too has a wow factor which is unmistakable. In a situation where the line between fact and fiction, morality and immorality are blurred, there is scope for so many complex antitheses to play out. This combination of adventure and deeper elements which make you think brought this book to a whole other level. 

In a competitive environment where so many others on the scoreboard are vying for the same prize, there is always that question of who to trust where Wade (or 'Parzival' as we come to know him) is concerned. Avatars aren't 'real' people, so nobody can be truly as they seem. Can one's personality really transcend a digital representation? This is the question which Wade must tackle, and in many ways we do as well in our own ordinary lives. As he proves, it's also a matter of becoming more comfortable in your own skin (a cliche, but one that rings true). 

From being a geeky, reclusive teen, to one who is (okay still in some ways both of those things), but with a renewed sense of confidence, it's fair to say that the character development was done well here. Basically - being a nerd pays off!

I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world. I didn't know how to connect with the people there. I was afraid, for all of my life. Right up until I knew it was ending. That was when I realised, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also the only place where you can find true happiness. Because reality is real. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, I'm so glad I took a chance on this book, and I'll definitely be off reading more in the scifi genre now - so hit me with your recommendations! Ready Player One is intelligently written, superbly executed and is about more than just gaming. Even if you're like me and not quite sure whether it's for you, believe me in saying it's worth a try. It'll take you into a reality all of its own...

Review: The Simple Act of Reading

The Simple Act of Reading
Released: 1st June 2015
Published by: Random House Australia
Genre: Non Fiction
Source: Library
Pages: 288
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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For it is in the simple act of reading where the living and the dead, the real and the imagined, meet. It is in the simple act of reading where we exercise those two most sacred of human vocations: compassion and creativity. For as we know, without either of these primes there is no possibility for a humanity present or past worth talking about. - Junot Diaz 

 A collection of essays and memoir pieces on the topic of reading, in particular what it means for writers to be readers and how that has shaped their life. The Simple Act of Reading will support Sydney Story Factory by emphasising the importance of reading in shaping an individual's future.

Contributors include; Debra Adelaide, Joan London, Delia Falconer, Sunil Badami, Gabrielle Carey, Luke Davies, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Kate Forsyth, Giulia Giuffre, Andy Griffiths, Anita Heiss, Gail Jones, Jill Jones, Catherine Keenan, Malcolm Knox, Wayne Macauley, Fiona McFarlane, David Malouf, Rosie Scott, Carrie Tiffany and Geordie Williamson.

As a reader, you'll most likely find me in the midst of a gripping work of fiction, where the imagination can run wild and the words on the page are a portal to an infinite number of worlds. However, the genre of 'books about books' has always interested me, and so I picked up The Simple Act of Reading. In this collection of essays and short memoirs, bookworms will find that some aspects of their reading experiences are bound to be reflected in the writings of so many different authors that love to read also.

This is a book which holds some beautifully worded and erudite insights into the multifaceted nature of reading. Something which particularly resonated with me is this piece from the section Reading the Signs by David Malouf:

There are some books that make such a vivid impression on us, put us so deeply under their spell, that our first acquaintance with them becomes a watershed in our lives, and the actual reading - the excited turning of pages over a period of hours or days - seems in retrospect to have taken place in a country all its own, with a light and weather like no other we have ever known.

For some of my most loved novels, this definitely rings true. I still have some memories of reading the books from my childhood when they most enchanted me - and those experiences are almost chimerical when looking back at them now. What's fascinating about a book like this is that it takes the activity of reading, which is fundamentally empiric and of course unique to each individual, and highlights some of the commonalities which many booklovers can relate to. 

This is the almost religious, meditative transcendence of the simple act of reading: that in losing ourselves in the lives of others, we can find ourselves, enabling us to see the world and those around us refracted in a new light - in our own reflection. Where else in the world can we do that? Not even in our dreams.

Perhaps one of the most enticing reasons to read is the fact that it can envelop you into anything from another planet and fantastical settings, to the contemporary versions of our own. Yet more importantly than that, what has been done so well in The Simple Act of Reading is accentuate that in having a glimpse into the lives of others, we as readers are bound to find elements of ourselves. This is arguably what makes characters relatable to us, and reading as riveting as it can be. On the contrary, reading about characters which are apparently totally different to our own selves can make us more empathetic as people, and more aware of the many nuances which define our sociey.

Like old love letters or diaries, books we once loved are souvenirs of times we do and don't want to forget, which might be why they're almost impossible to throw away without some sense of loss, even as we cannot recall all the particulars. There's a reason we give new lovers and friends and our children copies of the books we love; we're giving them a part of ourselves in an act of faith even greater than lending them.

As well as exploring the immaterial aspects of reading, this book also brings to light the joys (and perhaps perils) of owning and lending books. There are some books on my shelf which I know I will never be able to part with, since they hold too much sentimental value. While I may lend books to people in the hope that it will return to me in the same condition they received it, what's of greater significance is that maybe they will enjoy it too, and we can then discuss it afterwards.

The books that have meant the most to me have felt like the deepest secrets, as though I was the only person to have ever discovered them. But is there any greater elation than discovering someone loves the very same book you thought no one had heard of? All of a sudden, you share a secret, a dream, a memory, in a way your individual experiences and lives never could.

As I mentioned, this book is full of edifying quotes, though the one above is certainly a favourite. With so many books out there, from the glowing bestsellers to the unbeknownst gems just around the corner, it is one of the best feelings as a reader to find someone else who loves the same book you do. This is what can form friendships, and bring whole communities together. That "Oh, you read that book - me too!" moment is a magical one in itself (well, as long as they didn't hate the book...or that might be a little awkward). In any case, books generate discussion - something which takes the solitary activity of turning pages to the next level.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

In all, what made me love this book was finding so many of the reasons why I love reading reflected back at me. Though some essays I could relate to more than others, to see how these authors have also been enthralled and fascinated by reading in general was a memorable experience. If you're generally a fiction reader and wanting something inspiring and expertly written, then this is for you.

Reading is a kind of waking dream, where we can believe the magic is real, in a way we know it can never be in real life - Sunil Badami

Review: Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Series: Passenger #1

Released: 5th January 2016

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Source: Publisher

Pages: 464

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

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passage, n. i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes. ii. A journey by water; a voyage. iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time. In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now. Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily.

Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not. Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

Passenger is one of the most talked about and hyped releases to hit 2016, giving rise to some pretty high expectations on my part. I'm a huge fan of Alexandra Bracken's 'The Darkest Minds' trilogy (which I have fangirled about on goodreads here), and so was definitely excited to read this book as part of a new series. While I feel this is something I did like for the most part, I have had some conflicting opinions about it which I'm breaking down in this review:

What I enjoyed:

Timey-whimey stuff

We need more time travel in YA! It was great to see that element brought to life in Passenger, with settings from New York in the present day, to the same city back in 1776, London in the midst of WWII, Angkor in 1685, Paris in the late 1800's and Damascus in the late 16th century. Bracken has definitely done a good job in terms of trying to make the concept plausible with the introduction of the 'astrolabe'. Travelling between these dimensions and timeframes will be somewhat familiar to readers like myself who are fans of Claudia Gray's Firebird series thus far, though Passenger does differ in that it is focused more on past destinations than those in the future. While in some aspects I found that this element of the story was overshadowed by others, such as the romance and complexities of the Ironwood conspiracy, I'm still glad that it was there as one of the main ingredients. 

Dual POV's

The dual perspectives from both Etta and Nicholas is subtly done in this book, which I actually liked. Although both originally from vastly different societies and timeframes, it was interesting to see how they formed a slowly developing bond. The 'Etta as a gifted violinist' part of her character is one I would have perhaps liked to see more of throughout the novel, however the fierce loyalty to her family and those closest to her did make her a character you wanted to see succeed in her mission. Nicholas on the other hand had already struggled to overcome challenges in the early years of his life due to the racial prejudices of the time, and his protective nature over Etta was admirable. Though at times their relationship was frustrating it and isn't one of my top OTP's, I think that they make a pretty good pair overall. 

Pirates! (sort of)

Yes, that's right - the 'shiver me timbers' type that we love to see in 'Pirates of the Carribean' did make an appearance in this book. It's something that I haven't really seen much of in the genre, and found it quite a unique addition. I was expecting this to be a more prominent element of the story initially (as the cover led me to believe), so I only wish that there was more!

What I didn't:

Long-winded prose

There were definitely some short bursts of action that piqued my interest, but in some places the story did tend to drag. At close to 500 pages long, while I wouldn't say I was bored, I found some sections where the characters internalised a lot of their thoughts to be long-winded. There doesn't have to be a thrill that gets your heart racing the whole time, but more dialogue for me is what I would have preferred to break up those long passages. 

However:

It's undeniable that the ending left me wanting to know more! Alexandra Bracken has always known how to handle a good cliffhanger that will leave readers itching to read the next book she's got in store...and this is no exception. That's what brought me back to being excited about Passenger and what could transpire in the novels to follow, despite the small qualms I had with this.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, Passenger may not have quite met my towering expectations, but it's still a book I'd recommend giving a try. Even though it wasn't perfection for me as a reader, it ultimately made me excited for the next instalment - and that's the main thing!