Aru Shah and the End of Time Summary/Review

What would you do if suddenly you were the only one who could save time? And worse than that it was your fault that it needed saving in the first place!

The Story

Aru Shah must face her fears and learn to tell the truth in this brand-new tale by Roshani Chokshi. Chokshi does a marvelous job telling the story of Aru and how she must save time. Aru does not have to save time alone but has the help of her “sister” Mini and their guardian/guide a pigeon whom they lovingly nickname Boo.

The tale is based in Indian myth and a part of Rick Riordan Presents. This book provides readers of Riordan’s own works a familiar feel but with a fresh perspective. The characters in this book are reluctant heroes (heroines) who must save the day in order to have their families restored but can they do it because not only are they untrained but they are 12 the youngest to be called to protect time ever in the history of the Pandavas.

The Review

Chokshi delights readers with an exciting world and introduction to Indian mythology. As part of Rick Riordan Presents longtime readers of Riordan will feel comfortable in the style of the book. I felt that the book was similar to the Kane Chronicles of Riordan in feel but with a new twist.

Aru and Mini each have unique perspectives on their new roles and heroes, or as they prefer heroines. Aru has heard of the Pandava brothers and reincarnation but not of her possible role in the epic tale. Mini, on the other hand, has learned about her possible place among the Pandavas and their epic story from childhood but was overlooked for her brother. Each of the girls has qualities which are necessary for them to complete the tasks. The other characters in the book are well thought out and represent other key characters in Indian mythology. Unlike Riordan’s works where the gods play a secondary part the gods and other members of myth are front and center in this new epic adventure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about Indian mythology in a fun and exciting way. Yes, the book is for middle schoolers but I believe anyone can enjoy it. And be sure to check out the glossary of terms at the back to learn more about characters, items, and more mentioned in the book. Have fun and join Aru, Mini, and Boo on their adventure through the Otherworld in an attempt to save time itself! And be sure to look out for the next Pandava Novels.

References

Chokshi, R. (2018). Aru Shah and the end of time: A Pandava novel book one. New York: Disney Hyperion.

Goodreads. (2018). Aru Shah and the end of time (Pandava quartet #1). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36222611-aru-shah-and-the-end-of-time?ac=1&from_search=true

A Wrinkle in Time Movie Review

2018 Version

2004 TV version

Well, here I am again with a review that’s not for a book. This week my sister and I went to see the ‘new’ Wrinkle in Time movie. Yes, you read that right the new movie, there is an older movie from Disney. However, it seems that this first attempt at an adaption has completely been forgotten with many saying the movie currently out is the first adaptation of the book.  According to IMDB, this version was released for TV in 2004. I have to say that while this new movie was not horrible I preferred the old one better.

They both retell the story written by Madeleine L'Engle in her novel of the same name. This review will consider the newest movie. The movie moved quickly through the tale with many adjustments and retractions. I feel that the story was lacking in the dimension which the book showed because of a shift from a focus on truth and love to simply love between Meg, one of the main characters, and her brother Charles Wallace. This lack was noticeable to me because I had seen the first movie and read the book. Calvin also became a useless character instead of the group's diplomat helping Meg along the way. I was bothered by the fact that all he could find to say was that her hair was pretty. Really, they couldn’t at least make him be able to give a better compliment. I understand they were trying to empower Meg but I felt this hurt the story because the three were to be working together to save Meg’s father and the universe. A dynamic was missing between Meg and Calvin which was seen in the book and older movie.

The storytelling itself was not that bad but I kept expecting things from the old movie and/or book. This story feels as if it moves quickly through the idea that Meg doesn’t like herself or her father but will accept what she finds. The movie shows what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself and that you should accept yourself how you are. The lessons taught are important but take away from the original story's emphasis on truth and love, alongside friendship and working together. I feel that Calvin could have been left out and the story would have been the same because his character along with a few others was unimportant to Meg's true journey to accept herself.

Reference

Cinemark. (2018). A wrinkle in time [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.cinemark.com/a-wrinkle-in-time?showDate=03/31/2018

Disney Movie Trailers [Username]. (Jul 12, 2017).  A wrinkle in time official US teaser trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4U3TeY2wtM

Heather Turner [Username]. (Apr. 2, 2012). A wrinkle in time movie trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjShe0ouiw

IMDB. (2018). A wrinkle in time (2003). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290382/

Timeless Season 1 Discussion

Well, I’ve been struggling with finding a book to read, and that’s ok. I have tried many different books but am not finding one that I really enjoy or care to stick within hopes it gets better. I currently have three books sitting waiting to be read, hoping for me to pick them up. However, in this funk, I came across a Tweet from  Smithsonian Magazine talking about a TV show I had never heard of. I decided to see if I could find it and was able to find the first season available to watch on Hulu. Well needless to say I binged the entire first season of NBC’s Timeless. If you like history, time travel, and action, or simply wondered what if an event happened differently this show is for you.

The Show

Timeless is an action-packed historians dream (or nightmare). I found the story exciting and fun with a twist of the historical. The main plot follows three travelers, a historian, scientist, and soldier, on an adventure to save history as they know it. This story raises the question of what is fate and should we change the past if we had a time machine. Each episode sees the crew following after Flynn, the presumed antagonist, as he tries to take down the “evils” of Rittenhouse. The entire season sees the team grow together and face many moral dilemmas as they come to terms with what is truly happening.

The Team

The Historian: Lucy Preston

Lucy knows what she wants, or at least she feels that she does. In the first episode, viewers are introduced to her as a professor that is following in her ailing mother’s footsteps, but her life is suddenly turned upside down when she is requested for a top secret mission. Nothing in her life makes sense anymore after one trip in an impossible time machine. While she starts out as scared, perhaps timid, by the season finale she knows what she must do. Lucy reminds me that when you know what you want to follow your passions.

The Scientist: Rufus Carlin

The only pilot left for the time machine, Rufus, becomes an unwilling accomplice on the team’s travels through time. He often sees the worst part of it, after all, he is an African American man often thrust into situations where he was seen as lesser. Finding ways to fit into the missions takes him some time, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone and hates when asked to do so. He, however, is able to save the others from many scrapes and pilots the time machine even when it almost costs him his life.

The Soldier: Wyatt Logan

The only one on the team who doesn’t ask questions when given orders Wyatt has a simple mission, take out Flynn and will do all that is necessary to accomplish his mission. At least that is his plan until Lucy or Rufus inevitably step in and question everything he was told. He sees the world in stark black and white, in the beginning, only understanding what must be done caring little for who or what gets hurt in the process. Wyatt learns that not all orders are worth following, which can hurt on the battlefield but in their work, might just save them.

Learning to work as a team is all that will save them, and possibly history, from whoever or whatever is after them. I thoroughly enjoyed the team dynamic which developed over the season and can’t wait to watch more excitement from them.

My Thoughts

This is a series and I have no way of reviewing the whole thing here but will offer my ideas. I relate the Lucy as someone who loves history and would do anything to protect it, yet understand how changing the bad might appeal. The story is written in such a way that you learn to love the characters and become attached. The dilemmas they face with traveling back in time often revolve around knowing what must happen, and often being stuck with the consequences of change or leaving it (i.e. Lincoln’s assassination or the Alamo). How their decisions play out are especially noted in the first few episodes as they continue they are less scared of how they change history and more worried if they accomplish their goal.

This show makes history fun, I especially enjoy the series because I love history. What historian or history buff hasn’t dreamed of having a time machine to travel back and see their favorite moment unfold. This show using action as a means allows fans and critics alike to in a small way fulfill this fantasy through Lucy, Rufus, and Wyatt.

Reference

Hulu.com. (2018). Timeless. Retrieved from https://www.hulu.com/timeless

IMDB. (2018). Timeless. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5511582/

NBC.com. (2018). Timeless. Retrieved from https://www.nbc.com/timeless?nbc=1

Timeless Wiki. (n.d.a). Lucy Preston [Image]. Retrieved from http://timeless.wikia.com/wiki/Lucy_Preston

Timeless Wiki. (n.d. b). Rufus Carlin [Image]. Retrieved from http://timeless.wikia.com/wiki/Rufus_Carlin

Timeless Wiki. (n.d. c). Wyatt Logan [Image]. Retrieved from http://timeless.wikia.com/wiki/Wyatt_Logan

TV Promos [Username]. Timeless (NBC) trailer hd [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSYZJGAGvww

Seventh Decimate Review

“The Magisters…do not rule the world you know. Their influence is great…. The Magisters of the Last Repository worship knowledge. The library is their temple” (261). These words revealed by Amandis, an assassin, end the quest and begin the downfall of the Prince, eventually leading him to an impossible choice. His understanding of the world around him will never be the same.

Donaldson’s Seventh Decimate is the first book in his new series, The Great God’s War. This book is packed with adventure, at least for the first three parts, with the fourth and fifth falling flat with little taking place except for annoyances and (spoiler alert) the breaking of the main character. This book is well written and exciting until the Prince and his remaining companion are in the library.

The Backstory

Bellenger and Amaika are at war and have been as long as either nation can remember so long in fact that the true reason for the war is lost. The Prince and his companions have all been through Hell, battle, at least once and understand the dire situation their home is in without magic. They are a close group who would do anything to protect each other and their nation, even die to keep their one advantage, rifles, safe. The war is beginning to wear on all concerned and they can’t make more rifles because they have lost theurgy and would be quickly destroyed by their enemies. Therefore, a quest for a way to restore their power is taken by the Prince Bifalt.

The Quest

Prince Bifalt’s quest to find the Seventh Decimate, a book of great magical power, to restore sorcery, which he despises to his homeland is one of urgency. The Prince’s determination drives him on a quest into the unknown. Donaldson creates a tale of expectation and excitement, littered with loss and regret. The company sets out with little fanfare trying not to raise hopes, each a battle-hardened soldier with experience in difficult battles. They claim to have been through Hell, most more than once. While the journey begins well, things begin to go wrong when they near the border of Amaika where seemingly at every turn the Prince and his companions seem to be thwarted, until only three remain and have crossed a desert where they are rescued by a caravan.  This rescue leads the Prince to the place he seeks, The Last Repository, but his troubles are only beginning. While there he meets the Magisters, who have called him in the hope he will agree to their terms.

Review

While I did enjoy the book I hated the ending, yes going in I knew that it was a part one but the destruction of Prince Bifalt’s spirit was just terrible. The magisters were pushy and in control of everything, the story is controlled by them in many ways. Donaldson has in effect created a group who, as the Prince explains, only care for themselves. I found the Magisters to be annoying and overly full of themselves, making the last two parts of the book terrible, but this did make me favor Bifalt, which is possibly the author’s design. The Magisters and all who are in the library keep secrets which cause more strife and difficulty for the Prince leaving him eventually stuck with an impossible choice where all outcomes cost him too much.

References

Goodreads. (2018). Seventh Decimate (The Great God's War #1) [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33865836-seventh-decimate?ac=1&from_search=true 

Donaldson, S. R. (2017). Seventh decimate: The great god’s war. New York: Berkley.

The Lost Plot: Review

Irene is back again! This time she is not the one in trouble, at least to begin with. Cogman once again presents a colorful tale of intrigue, danger, and mayhem. Readers will be delighted in this action-packed tour of Prohibition Era Boston, seeing Irene and Kai for the first time in America. Readers once again follow Irene on an adventure filled with Dragons, Librarians, Fae, books, and wolves. Each turn of the page finds more danger and adventure for the heroine of Cogman’s tale, can she save the Library once again all while keeping hold what is dear to her.

Summary

After the sudden loss of the Queen of the Southern Lands advisor a contest is arranged to select his replacement. However, this challenge is to find a book, exactly the specialty of a Librarian but the Library is neutral, choosing to remain outside of politics of Dragons. Irene is once again joined by her apprentice, Kai, at much risk to himself and the stability of the world they visit because of trouble with Dragon politics which he must stay far away from. Irene is approached with information, from one of the dragon contestants, about a rogue librarian and a request for help. What can Irene do? Irene fiercely loyal to the library refuses to assist and turns the Library, where she divers the identity of the rogue librarian, Eavtiste. Will the two of them be able to save Evatiste, who has possibly gone rogue, is there more to the story? Or will get lost in the process and harm both the Library and the world?

Review

In Cogman’s wonderfully colorful style readers are lead on an adventure back in time to a city filled with gangsters, gun mollies, and Dragons. Irene has once again found herself in the midst of politics, though she hates them, and trying to keep the peace between warring factions. I was pulled in and found myself feeling alongside Irene the dangers she was facing. The book is exciting and shows the power that inner strength gives. However, saving the world and peace for the Library will come at a great price, are Irene and Kai ready to pay it? Cogman’s detail and prose create a world that readers will not want to leave and desire to revisit over and over again. Fans will also be both saddened and delighted with the ending of this tale, which leaves them hoping for more.

References

Cogman, G. (2017). The lost plot: An invisible library novel. New York: Ace.

Goodreads. (2017). The lost plot (The invisible library #4) [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34688608-the-lost-plot

Review of The Burning Page

Irene, the book stealing librarian, is off on another adventure to save the library and world as she knows it. Genevieve Cogman once again enthralls readers with a fantastical tale of danger and intrigue as Irene goes alone to discover the reality of Alberich plans.

In The Burning Page readers see Irene as a strong independent woman who is ready to take on the world to save her beloved library. Irene’s sense of independence draws readers into her tale of adventure and leaves them wanting more. With the turn of each page, I was waiting to see the next adventure she would embark on. This novel centered prominently around Irene alone, instead of providing her with an assistant in Kai or Vale, for those familiar with the first two books in the series. In this installment, Kai has become more protective of Irene and tries to protect her, while she proves her own abilities to protect herself. Vale’s character is revealed in his own failings because of Chaos poisoning but redemption does follow. While both make appearances and do appear for the final save, Irene manages to defeat her enemy alone and unaided.

TNT's The Librarians

I highly recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy The Librarians television series on

TNT. The book has a similar feel about it with its use of magic and a library which stows away information to better the world. Both sets of librarians are working to safeguard the world from destruction. This book is also great for those who enjoy mysteries because of the plots many twists and turns before revealing how much danger Irene truly is in. The entire series has been filled with a mix of steampunk and fantasy elements ranging from dragons and werewolves to zeppelins in Victorian England.

References

Cogman, G. (2016). The burning page. New York: ROC.

Goodreads. (2018). The buring page. (The invisible library #3) [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29496544-the-burning-page

Hulu. (2018). The librarians. Retrieved from https://www.hulu.com/the-librarians

TNT Drama. (2018). The librarians. [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/the-librarians

The Masked City: A Review

I have just finished The Masked City, Cogman’s second book in her Invisible Library series. A few months ago, I reviewed the first book in this series, I’ll link it here if you are interested in that review.

I truly enjoyed the first book so much that I had to search for the second book. This second book did not disappoint in story or action. I find the use of magic and fantasy wonderful when set alongside the archetypes of the Fae. The main character, Irene, is a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants and is willing to risk it all for her student, Kai (who happens to be a shapeshifting dragon).

Cogman’s colorful storytelling draws readers into a fantastical world derived from a fairytale style Venice, where it is always Carnival! I truly loved the action-packed adventure of a Librarian spy working to thwart a war between chaos and order. Each character has a personality all their own and provides a unique perspective on events, though most of the story is discussed from Irene’s perspective. I found myself wondering about her companion Vale from the previous book when he turns up in a world which should have killed him, I hope to see more of him in the next book. Kai’s character is set in a different role, instead of being protector he is the one in need of rescue. The story is flipped, there is no damsel in distress instead Irene must rescue the dragon! This book is wonderful for those interested in fantasy action and tales of espionage.

Along with the main tale Cogman gives the reader more information about Irene and the library in a pair of appendixes entitled “Secrets from the Library.” Irene shares her top five most memorable heists and allows readers to peer into her personal background. This builds upon her as a character and shows she had an exciting life even before becoming the mentor to a dragon. The second discusses “Legends of the Library.” Here Cogman presents some of the stories told about the library and allows readers into the secrets of the Library. Learning about the world of the Library makes Cogman’s storytelling richer and fuller. The excitement of this novel is shared and expanded by these intriguing legends.

I highly recommend reading The Invisible Library series. Stay tuned for a review of Book three The Burning Page.

References

Cogman, G. (2016). The masked city: An invisible library novel. New York: Berkley.

Good Reads. (2017). The masked city (the invisible library #2) [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25761086-the-masked-city