Artemis Fowl and The Eternity Code - Eoin Colfer

"The sonic blast from Butler's grenade had crashed through the kitchen door, sweeping aside stainless-steel implements like stalks of grass."

Child criminal genius Artemis Fowl is back for adventure number three. He has mellowed slightly under the positive influence of the LEP and due to the return of his much changed father. The family credo of "Gold is power" is called into question and the more broader question of whether Artemis will become a hero is posed.

A delightfully evil villain in the form of Jon Spiro and his evil kiwi bodyguard are about to stir things up for the tween protagonist on his "one last" jaunt in the world of crime.

Colfer transforms mythical creatures into kick-ass ones as fairies and dwarfs take on hit men and hi-tech security systems. 

As always, these little adventures prove entertaining and like a good chocolate bar - leave you wanting another bite.  5 out of 5  and thankfully more volumes to explore.

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

"Granny Trill and Granny Wallon were rival ancients and lived on each other's nerves, and their perpetual enmity was like mice in the walls and absorbed much of my early days."

My favourite chapter of this book was the one about the two grandmothers' perpetual dislike of each other. It was so delightfully realised. There were portions of the book that were a little strange to say the least - the planned and failed rape of Lizzy was particularly odd. There is, however, much to delight within this little novel that chronicles village life in the Cotswolds for a growing young boy.  4 out of 5.

The Female Man - Joanna Russ

“Underneath you keep saying pleasantly but firmly No no no no no no. But its necessary to my job and I like my job.”

The battle of the sexes becomes out and out warfare in The Female Man.  While the narrative drifts all over the place making the story a little hard to follow there are passages of this science fiction feminist piece which certainly still resonate today which is quite sad given the original publication date of 1975.

Perhaps working in male dominated industries for years confirms, for me at least, the notion that Joanna has of becoming a “female man” to get ahead in her career. To be considered on merit rather than for one’s expanse of chest. There are, however, other passages of the novel that seem quite dated.

In any case, it makes for an interesting read and something quite different from most science fiction I’ve read. Based on some key insights I’m giving this one 5 out of 5.

Ubik by Philip K Dick

"The best way to ask for beer is to sing out Ubik. Made from select hops, choice water, slow-aged for perfect flavor Ubik is the nation's number-one choice in beer. Made only in Cleveland."

Is he dead or alive and does the answer lie in the ubiquitous can whose advertisements lead each chapter? Life, death and half-life get very confusing within the world of Ubik. Having just completed my first reading, I feel the need to revisit in one uninterrupted session to further comprehend what exactly just happened.

Encompassing a strange future world where people can be placed in "cold pac"after death (a half-life state) and accessed at any time for basic communication. Each access swallows up what little half-life is left until their end finally comes around. Strange things happen when Glen Runciter accesses his wife Ella's half life. Throw in psychic powers, a lunar explosion and a spray can that does wonders and you too will be hooked on the strange, yet enticing world of Ubik.

I am a massive fan of Philip K Dick - I really had to be careful how I typed that one! This 1969 novel certainly doesn't disappoint. Michel Gondry has been working on a film adaptation for some time and it would certainly suit his dreamy aesthetic, I hope it comes to pass. 5 out of 5 squirts of Ubik from your local pharmacy.

Circus of the Damned - Laurell K Hamilton

 

"Loving the monsters always ends badly for the humans. It's a rule."

My voracious appetite for the adventures of Anita Blake required sating and as such it was on to volume 3. When last we left our intrepid adventuress, Jean Claude was the city's master vampire and Anita was overworked after dealing with killer zombies and her awakening as a necromancer.

 

This instalment kicks off with a gruesome vampire pack killing and an increase in tensions in the vampire hierarchy. Ancient vampires, a date with a cute, nice guy and a whole lot of silver bullet laden gunfights ensue.

 

This circus is full of action, but this reader is still disappointed at Anita's ability to keep Jean-Claude at arm's length. These two have to get together and soon, Richard just seems like a pale imitation.Caving? Really? Okay, rant over. I need to put Anita back on the shelf for a bit and get some work done, but she keeps calling to me. This might get a little repetitive but I'm still giving it  5 out of 5 vampire kisses.





 

The Laughing Corpse - Laurell K Hamilton

"It was like having a degree in ancient Greek or the Romantic Poets, interesting, enjoyable, but then what the hell can you do with it?"

 

I have a bit of a confession to make. I should be reading my university notes, I really should be. I have been distracted by my growing crush on master vampire, Jean-Claude. He is a cool drink of icy cold vampire hotness - that doesn't even make sense! So, after completing the first Anita Blake novel, I greedily sped on to volume 2 and was not disappointed.

While the first novel is all about the slaying of vampires, Anita turns voodoo scary in book two as her re-animation powers take flight. We learn that dead zombie bits don't mix with penguin toys and that some of the scariest creatures in town are actually human.

Throw in a wheelchair bound prostitute, a ruthless and powerful potential client for Anita and a mysteriously murderous zombie and there is action aplenty.While there is not nearly enough Jean-Claude to go around, this entertaining novel is certain not to disappoint.  5 out of 5 supernatural points.

 

 



Nemesis by Phillip Roth

 

"Escaping the city's heat entirely and being sent off to a summer camp in the mountains or the countryside was considered a child's best protection against catching polio."

 

This book saved me from being stressed about my taxi running late and possibly missing a flight back to Australia - for that I will be eternally grateful. How to describe this moving look into a summer in polio stricken Newark?

The disastrous impact of a polio outbreak on the local neighbourhood,  its playground director, Bucky Cantor and his girlfriend, Marcia, makes for a story that is destined to elicit the odd tear.

The writing is beautiful and given the depressing subject matter, it elevates the reading experience from the purely disconsolate to something far more intriguing. Growing up in an era where polio is almost eradicated lends an air of distance and mystery to the story. Not knowing how it was transmitted, I felt in a similar position to Bucky, struggling to understand how and why the events played out. Yes, I had to Google the disease after reading the book and am delighted that vaccination has saved us from undergoing a similarly torturous experience to Bucky.Given the brevity of the story, it is probably best not to give too much away. You won't regret discovering this tale for yourself. 5 out of 5