Tag Archives: fantasy

Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones

In fairy tales, it’s always the youngest who saves the kingdom, wins the fortune, or outsmarts the dragon. The heroine of Howl’s Moving Castle knows this because she lives in the land of Ingary, where not only is there such a thing as a Royal wizard, but where there are things like boots that let you take twenty-one mile steps. Alas, Sophie is the eldest. She resigns herself to a boring life. No part of Sophie’s life, or this book, is boring though. She has many adventures as she grows into her own gifts and abilities. Sophie’s own brand of … Continue reading →

The Frog Princess – E. D. Baker

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who kissed a frog, he turned into a prince, and they lived happily ever after. Right? Not in “The Frog Princess.” She kissed the frog, and turned into a frog herself. Princess Esmeralda is not your traditional princess. She has all the grace of a goat, and can’t seem to get control of her yards and yards of skirts. Worst of all, she’s supposed to be spending the afternoon with Prince Jorge, and she can’t stand him. When she finds out he’s coming, she heads out to the swamp behind the … Continue reading →

Brandon Sanderson to Finish Robert Jordan Series

Robert Jordan was one of the most well-known fantasy writers of our time. His “Wheel of Time” series sold over fourteen million copies in North America and over thirty million copies worldwide. He created a new world and a new language that is often quoted by his followers, to the befuddlement of those around them who have not yet discovered his books. Unfortunately, Jordan passed away in September from an unusual blood disease. He had already begun outlining the twelfth and final book in the “Wheel of Time” series and had compiled copious notes on how the book should flow. … Continue reading →

Are You Trying to “Recreate” or “Create” the Unattainable Fantasy?

Staying hopeful and optimistic can be challenging for a single parent. With one foot firmly grounded in the “real world” and another reaching for a better future—many single parents work to build a healthy family and a great life. Some of us can get hitched up, however, when we are clinging to a fantasy of a perfect family; or trying to recreate an ideal that may have never really existed in the first place. I must admit that I do think a certain amount of idealism and fantasy is a good thing. But, we single parents can drive ourselves crazy … Continue reading →

Reading Felines: Tailchaser’s Song

When I was younger, I would read just about any book that had animals in it. My love for anthropomorphic animals led me (eventually) to discover Tad Williams’ Tailchaser’s Song, an epic fantasy quest story starring cats. These cats are feral cats, living away from the mysterious and not-to-be-trusted humans. One particular feral cat — our hero, Fritti Tailchaser — sets off from his familiar turf and clan to find a missing friend named Hushpad. Hushpad is the latest cat in a long line of disturbing disappearances. Along the way (as is the case in many fantasy quest tales), Tailchaser … Continue reading →

Book of Enchantments – Patricia C. Wrede

The more I read by this author, the more “enchanted” I find myself. She has taken the traditional fairy tale format and tweaked it, even poking at the stereotypical and making it seem funny. You recall the review I wrote on “Dealing with Dragons” –I loved that book and will continue to snap up whatever else I find by the same author. “Book of Enchantments” is a collection of short stories that take place in fantasy worlds in ages past as well as our own world in our own time. I’d like to share with you the highlights of some … Continue reading →

A Wizard Named Nell – Jackie French Koller

“A Wizard Named Nell” is the first book in a series entitled “The Keepers,” which is fantasy geared toward the intermediate reading level. My daughter took one look at it and clamored to be next to read it, and I’ll have no problem at all letting her. It’s a fun adventure with just enough peril, but not too much. Many hundreds of years ago, two wizard brothers fought for control of the land. The good wizard, desperate for his evil brother to be conquered, put himself and all his magic in a scepter that shone more brightly than the sun. … Continue reading →

The Santa Clause (1994)

Comedian Tim Allen stars in this modern Christmas classic about a man by the name of Scott Calvin who works at a toy factory. He is divorced and has a young son named Charlie, and they are scheduled to spend Christmas Eve together. However, the after-work party keeps Scott from being on time, making Charlie even more sure that Christmas is ruined. Scott can’t even put together a decent meal, and they end up eating at Denny’s. Scott tucks Charlie into bed after reading him the Christmas story, only to be awakened a short time later by a thumping on … Continue reading →

Fairest – Gail Carson Levine

From the author of “Ella Enchanted” comes “Fairest,” the story of a girl who was left at an inn as a small baby. The innkeepers took her in and loved her, despite the fact that as she grew, she was considered ugly by all those around her. In her kingdom, beauty was considered the most important quality, followed closely by the ability to sing. In fact, in their culture, much of their conversation was sung, rather than spoken, and if you could not sing well, you were an outcast, socially. Aza, our heroine, could sing beautifully, which more than made … Continue reading →

Have You Made a List of Those You Find Attractive?

In a previous article Courtney discussed the natural instinct that humans have to have crushes. Being physically attracted to other people is all a part of our human characteristics. Upon meeting or seeing someone new, people can become fixated or attracted to beautiful people within the first half of a second of seeing them. It is natural to want to look or even stare at people that we find to be attractive. Research has shown that our eyes automatically give attention to those of the opposite sex. The attention lasts depending on how attractive we feel that the person is. … Continue reading →