A classic-modern retelling of the classic historical figure. Roger Lancelyn Green tells the story of Arthur and his knights adventures in short blocksA classic-modern retelling of the classic historical figure. Roger Lancelyn Green tells the story of Arthur and his knights adventures in short blocks of chapters and non-stop action for each story.
The author applied the traditional use of dialogue that is mainly suggested towards medieval times, but it is not thick or heavily implied, but lighter for its audience and a great introduction for old-styled writing language for children. Perfect for those to dip their toes into the world of Arthurian legend.
I loved how we got to read about the other knights in Arthur's circle, share their quests and learn why they became to be part of the famous knights in history/mythology. (Depending on how you look at it ...more
Goss has crafted a sensational trilogy of 'monstrous' young women taking charge of their own fate, created witA thrilling end to a powerhouse series!
Goss has crafted a sensational trilogy of 'monstrous' young women taking charge of their own fate, created with her signature eloquence of detail and humour mixed with her profound understanding of women in the Victorian age.
There are daring rescues of the physical sense and finding voices and freedom of the self. Goss's way of weaving literature and history of the Gothic-age is expertly written, adding soft touches to each of the characters, making each of them truly shine. The love/hate banter they produce is highlighted in such a quirky and innovative way, called 'interruptions'.
Compelling mysteries laced with schemes, are combated by feminism ideas and thoughts of that time that make you reflect on life back then not just for women but minority groups too, and still to this day what we can do to change that. It really rattles through your bones.
My only complaint is that I want more! More adventures of the wonderful, slightly dysfunctional Athena Club!
For all feminists, book worms, and monstrous gentlewoman, I urge you to read this literary gem, it has captured my heart and soul, that has made its way to being one of my favourite series of all time.
Frankenstein is a Gothic book of melancholy romanticism, with a science fiction/horror twist. A classic in every sense of the word, an enduring modernFrankenstein is a Gothic book of melancholy romanticism, with a science fiction/horror twist. A classic in every sense of the word, an enduring modern horror story.
I can appreciate it and the author for what it is. Mary Shelley is the mother of modern science-fiction, a true creative genius of her time. I have the utmost respect and admiration for her. Her personal story and the background of how Frankenstein came to be written is so fascinating and inspiring. The story itself though is long-winded and monotonous, especially in this day and age. (I actually really enjoyed reading Dracula) Having said that, Mary Shelley has created one of the most iconic characters in pop culture that will remain alive, and she was only 18.
Shelley captures humanity and its disposition to deformity. The lack of kindness and empathy directed towards the creature, ultimately made him into the ‘monster’. The real horrors of the story was human behaviour. What strikes as most intriguing upon seeing fellow reviews, is the shared compassion towards the creature and the mutual agreement that Victor Frankenstein was the true villain of the tale.
It is easy to see how this book was such a phenomenon in its own time, and still to this day. Mary Shelley I applaud you and look up to you as one of the greatest female writers in history.
Everything about this book is beautiful! From the story, the illustrations, the words, the message, everything is done with such heart and beauty. ItaEverything about this book is beautiful! From the story, the illustrations, the words, the message, everything is done with such heart and beauty. Italy comes alive from the past as the story interlocks the great city with its tale. Hope and sorrow dance hand in hand together as we follow our mute protagonist Laura through a very poignant and lyrical journey.
A super quick and light read, which I find great after reading a heavy or a dark book, it freshens the palette so to say. It's magickal, that's with a 'K' darling, and utterly captivating. It touches base with historical figures of 18th century Venice, and of real children who grew up in a Venetian orphanage, which I thought was lovingly researched for it to come off the page so. And Jane's illustrations PERFECTLY complement the story.
A classic gem for children to add to their library.
A quintessential middle grade tale that boasts of simple pleasures, the beauty of nature, and the love of family and family-gained in friendships. WhaA quintessential middle grade tale that boasts of simple pleasures, the beauty of nature, and the love of family and family-gained in friendships. What I love the most about theses classics is that they really capture childhood joy and the spirit of wanderlust in the simple things mixed with imagination and nature.
This was a very heart-warming, but bittersweet read for me. The relationship between Heidi and her Grandfather was so touching and sweet that there were so many moments where I sobbed while reading, as I was extremely close to my own, and after losing him recently, the loss is still hard and painful to process, but reminded me of the special bond we had and all the good memories too.
Heidi herself is so wholesome and sweet, a strong protagonist that sits with Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Anne Cuthbert. Spyri has captured the Swedish Alps in such wonderful details, I felt I was almost there, going full on sound of music mode on the mountains! There were also some sweet sketches included within the pages.
As with those books of the time, I did find the religion to be spread a bit too much, but understandably as with the language too, was not a major hindrance.
Another perfect addition to my library and a pure delight to read.
A beautiful collection of vintage sci-fi from one of the greatest literary minds. A classic. For him to have created such advanced technological ideasA beautiful collection of vintage sci-fi from one of the greatest literary minds. A classic. For him to have created such advanced technological ideas, considering the time it was written in, was revolutionary to the age of science fiction. H. G. Wells is one of the founding pillars of the genre's history.
Each story is speculative and layered, of a dry wit, but full of heart in regards to the human experiences. Written before the turn of the century, this was well ahead of it's time and yet it still encapsulates it with its writing style, language, and the views and beliefs of society back then.
Order of favourites: The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, Food of the Gods
The striking blue leather binding embossed with a classic spaceship is the perfect cover to hold within these treasured stories, and a real treat to any readers' library.
I grabbed this book while perusing through the book store. The cover grabbed my attention and the flip through of the contents inside made me buy it. I grabbed this book while perusing through the book store. The cover grabbed my attention and the flip through of the contents inside made me buy it. This is such a beautiful and utterly creepy retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson tale The Tinderbox. The illustrations are so unbelievable stunning, they match the tone of the book perfectly, and create a harmonious balance of words and pictures. It encapsulates the fairy tale elements from Brothers Grimm, combining horror, beauty, war, magic, romance, and death to create this sweeping novel, also utilizing the colour red in the black and white pictures was a wonderful touch.
This is definitely NOT a kids book, I repeat NOT a kids book!
I feel like we don't get enough retellings from the numerous other stories that Anderson, Perrault, and the Grimm Brothers wrote. There is so much potential, and Sally Gardner grabbed this story and turned it into its own, making it stand out from the generic retelling tropes. Who would have thought turning an Anderson fairy-tale into a magical horror story would have been done so well.
The writing is simple and yet is lyrical, with melancholic undertones. It is dark and gritty, a fairy tale perfect for adults who love the Brothers Grimm stories. Believe me it is grim and gory.
The ending was horrifying in such a good way though, it felt like the wind had been punched out of me, it was so unexpected. "Fairy tales are often the cruellest stories of all" and this one certainly doesn't let you down.
An adventurous tale of the legendary Prince of Thieves. Robin Hood is a classic hero who has and will surpass the length of time. This book literally An adventurous tale of the legendary Prince of Thieves. Robin Hood is a classic hero who has and will surpass the length of time. This book literally compiles the life of Robin Hood. It is actually a quick read with short and neatly compiled chapters of his life and adventures. I love how all the Merry Men were depicted, and how they became a part of the Merry Men.
The writing style is quite modern in wit and character representation considering the time it was written. I prefer Green's Robin Hood much more than his rendition of King Arthur (which is still a good book). It's quite a fascinating read of how the man became the legend. A real pleasure to enjoy over and over again. Green gathered a whole lot of research from ballads and poems and other stories, compiling it into a refreshing, and exciting adventure classic.
Also Maid Marian slays! She is so courageous and daring for a novel published in the 50s. She is a strong character, made equal to that of Robin himself.
You'll laugh and cry, and will want to grab a bow and arrow and become apart of the Merry Men! Tally ho!
Full of eloquent underhanded humour and quirky light-heartedness, Northanger Abbey is a very different style to all of Jane Austen's other works, instFull of eloquent underhanded humour and quirky light-heartedness, Northanger Abbey is a very different style to all of Jane Austen's other works, instead focusing her signature wit and satirical tone to create a modern work with a more Gothic style setting but also takes a comical dig at Gothic and romance stories of the time.
Out of all of Jane Austen's characters, I found Catherine Morland to be the most like me, an avid reader with a pension to merge life and imagination together, that fuels our anxiety and reserved nature. I have found a 'kindred spirit' in Miss Catherine Morland, as she became a comforting reading companion and heroine.
The Thorpe's are a whole different sort of Mr Wickham/Mr Collins, bleck! And whilst Mr. Henry Tilney is a characteristically 'Austen gentleman' I find he is no Mr Darcy or Mr. Knightley and pales in comparison to them.
With it's strong, high-spirited protagonist and distinct humour, Miss Austen has written a timelessly heartening tale that I think is overlooked amongst her writing....more
Anne of Avonlea is a charming sequel to its predecessor.
It has a wonderful themes to its core; friendships, adulthood, first love and rekindled love, Anne of Avonlea is a charming sequel to its predecessor.
It has a wonderful themes to its core; friendships, adulthood, first love and rekindled love, wisdom, and the power of imagination. Anne continually remains the steadfast, kind, and dreamy heroine we love and know, with a touch of more wisdom added to her teenage years.
I adored being introduced to Miss Lavender, another 'kindred spirit' in Anne's world. She was utterly delightful and such a whimsical soul, that I only hope to be like her when I reach middle-age. She is the definition of a young soul.
Davy is a little psychopath! Seriously that child, I couldn't stand him! And yet he got away with everything!? He is horrible to his sister Dora, who is placid and sweet, but she gets shunned because of it from Marilla and Anne? I was secretly hoping for her just to put him in his place. Literally insufferable and so unfair how Dora is treated.
For such a simple plot it is full of joy and funny adventures/escapades, making the simple things in life magical.
Obviously nothing can compare to the greatness of the first novel, but it was still a very enjoyable and lovable read with familiar and new characters set in the picturesque society of the island.
My mum told me that this was her favourite book growing up (aside from Black Beauty), and so, as she was the one who has influenced me reading from a My mum told me that this was her favourite book growing up (aside from Black Beauty), and so, as she was the one who has influenced me reading from a baby, I decided to read this.
I know why it is one her favourite’s as it has been one of mine. Every time I read it its like a warm hug, slipping into to something that’s comforting, familiar and charming. A well written, timeless classic, that given it was written in the 19th century, it’s still an interesting read (I find).
The characters are loveable in their own ways (yes even Amy) that makes the novel so rich in context, and the thirst to know more about their journeys as they grown into womanhood.
Goodwives a lovely sequel to Little Women. It’s a special story as we get to see what becomes of the ‘little women’ we’ve come to know and love, shariGoodwives a lovely sequel to Little Women. It’s a special story as we get to see what becomes of the ‘little women’ we’ve come to know and love, sharing all of life’s ups and downs with the March sisters. This novel has more depth to it regarding adulthood; marriage, birth, death, careers, love etc. You’re there when they celebrate, you’re there when they grieve, you’re there through it all.
What I really like most of all, is that each girl in her own way are strong women, whether it’s Jo who wants to be a professional writer in a world that was built for men, or Meg who is perfectly happy and content as a housewife, or Amy whose experiences make her grow into a young lady, or Beth who is happy to be at home with her family and her music. Each sister grows in her own individual way through. It also makes you really enjoy home, family and friends, and all the simple things in life. It’s an autumn read for sure, with the leaves falling, a hot tea in hand, and blanket over your lap.
Good Wives goes deeper into life’s trials and tribulations than the first one, but still remains a delight to read again and again.
Please be advised that a box of tissues is a MUST for when reading this novel.
This volume is just so incredibly special to me in so many ways. It was my first ever "expensive" book purchase for 16th Birthday. It was my first eveThis volume is just so incredibly special to me in so many ways. It was my first ever "expensive" book purchase for 16th Birthday. It was my first ever leather bound edition to my collection. And it reignited my love of fairy tales since I was a girl. But these are not the fairy tales we have come to known, these are darker, bloodier, gruesome, and all the more glorious!
It's not without its wholesome morals and ethics for children, there are strong lessons to learn from this collection of stories. Within this book you will find the original tales of the most beloved characters, and let's just say that Disney sprinkled a whole heap of sugary dust on their versions compared to their OG. It gives you a feeling of simplicity and childhood, but also imparts wisdom as an adult. There’s a sort of magical realism to it regarding human affairs and behaviour.
It’s a good mixture of happy and sad endings, enchanting and disturbing tales, famous classics and unknown stories that are just as good. There are many contrasting characters; damsels in distress and intelligent, strong women; knights in shining armour and murderous brutes; talking animals and mythical creatures; heroes and villains; peasants and royalty, the list goes on that each story is so varied.
This book contains the true spirit of storytelling within its pages. I plan to read these tales to my children (if ever) and share them.
I am so happy to finally have this book in my hot little hands to add to my favourite series! After waiting years for this novel to be published, the I am so happy to finally have this book in my hot little hands to add to my favourite series! After waiting years for this novel to be published, the time has come and it did not disappoint. After all this time it still has the witty humour and remarkable imagination. I actually think this one is the funniest out of the series.
With each page I turned, it was like seeing old friends again, I was so glad to read more about our favourite characters, giving them some backstory that added to their attributes for the very start of the series. We also got to meet some new characters as well that were just as loveable and odd. (Henrietta, Smith, and of course Samarra). Samarra is a true heroine just like Rose and Laura Glue, and I instantly fell in love with her. I want to know more about the events that transpired within the Archipelago, I want to know what happened to some of the characters, and I want to know more of what this world has to offer.
Once again this series continues to fill and break my heart (not that I'm complaining). The end leaves it open for more tales to come, and I personally CANNOT WAIT until then!...more
Now I’m not ordinarily a mystery person (mystery fantasy than yes) but I LOVE Sherlock Holmes!!!!!!!! A rightly deserved literary legend! The greatestNow I’m not ordinarily a mystery person (mystery fantasy than yes) but I LOVE Sherlock Holmes!!!!!!!! A rightly deserved literary legend! The greatest literary detective of all time! How Sir Arthur Conan Doyle came up with methods of deductions is brilliant! Each novel is engrossing and you find yourself playing detective trying to figure out who the culprit is. The cases vary, some are dark and suspenseful, some are quirky and weird, and some are lighter in content to read, but all are interesting mysteries to read. Even re-reading them is always a joy as then piece together the clues that lead to the criminal. The Hounds of Baskerville, Scandal in Bohemia, and The Sussex Vampire are just a few faves to name.
This is beautiful leather bound edition, with gold edges, packed with the complete adventures of Sherlock Holmes. A must-have addition to your home library. It’s elementary!
Why can't this series go on forever and ever? I cried when I finished the book, bittersweet tears that one of favourite series was finished. But it waWhy can't this series go on forever and ever? I cried when I finished the book, bittersweet tears that one of favourite series was finished. But it was such an epic ending. The camaraderie, the laughs, the adventures, the myths, all still prescient even to the end. I read this is 1 day.
After you have finished this series you need to go back and read it all over again. There are so many Easter eggs that you don't pick up until the second, or third, or fourth re-read, I'm always finding new little bits and exciting connections every time read this series. What I love most is that even though this book ties everything together neatly, there are still wonderful opportunities for more books to be written (which I hope for with every fibre of my being). I truly love this series!
(view spoiler)[ The only thing that bothered me with this one was the 20 year time gap of protagonists went missing through time, that's just too long for my fam to be apart! (hide spoiler)]
**Also found out that there is another book to this series so excuse me while I go scream and purchase this book!!
A wonderfully whimsy classic, full of conundrums and curiosities. There’s something about Alice and the world of Wonderland that just captures my hearA wonderfully whimsy classic, full of conundrums and curiosities. There’s something about Alice and the world of Wonderland that just captures my heart, especially the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire cat. The characters are eccentric and odd, but are juxtaposed with ‘nonsensical’ wisdom that make them so lovable and creative.
Reading is as child was pure bliss, full of adventure and colour. Reading it as a teenager it was an escape from reality to another world where old friends awaited. Re-reading it as an adult though, there are so many themes that resonate with today, and the ‘madness’ of our own world, that Alice can be channelled in trying to deal with the world and society. All in all, it is all of these reading experiences above every time I re-read.
My Barnes & Noble edition beautifully compliments these classics, with a bright blue leather cover and gilded pages, as well as featuring added extras, notations, and poems as an added bonus.
This is a pure, delightful read of childhood, a mad romp down a rabbit hole!
Sara Crewe is one of those lovable main heroines, like Anne Shirley or Mary Lennox, who use their imagination, infectious posWholesome and adorable!
Sara Crewe is one of those lovable main heroines, like Anne Shirley or Mary Lennox, who use their imagination, infectious positivity and kindness to see them through tough times. She is a wonderful character for girls and women to be inspired by, especially her endurance. We connect with her as we follow her journey and the emotional journey that follows. Sara reminds me much of myself when I was a child in regard to using your imagination to make the mundane magical (came with being an only child, like Sara). Burnett incorporated important morals to the story without making it profound or tense. The touches of magic added comes to life by the authors' language and imagination, turning the bleak into the colourful.
The world will always needs stories like this; ones to be comforted by, offer hope, and teach us the importance of kindness. A comforting read to snuggle with during winter. A timeless classic that will never age! I think this is a beautiful book to recommend to anyone, a companion read for when life gets tough. A very sweet story to fill your heart.
Sure to be an instant favourite like it was with me and to be read countless times and still find it enjoyable.
I found this series from reading a recommendation from someone on tumblr...and this is one of my all time favourite series!!! Can I give this 10 starsI found this series from reading a recommendation from someone on tumblr...and this is one of my all time favourite series!!! Can I give this 10 stars!?
I love everything about it, the characters, the writing, the humour, the story, literally EVERYTHING!!!! This is a booklover's ultimate dream, a place where all the stories we've ever known exist, a place where the greatest literary minds began their journey. I finished this in 3 days, I was completely engrossed, and to find out that is was a series was the icing on cake (my favourite). Also that ending...I nearly cried (with joy). James A. Owen has done such a phenomenal job at bringing together these stories in such a way that it feels like it's history, he is such a masterful storyteller! I've read this probably more than 10 times, and every time I read it is always such a joy. Everything is connected together so well, and there are a lot of aha moments and belly chuckles mixed through.
My fingers cannot type fast enough to review, my heart just gushes with love for this novel and series. It has and forever will hold a special place in my heart.
I don't know what it is about this novel, but I found it absolutely captivating!
A lovely story to fall into any time of the year, but particularly SpI don't know what it is about this novel, but I found it absolutely captivating!
A lovely story to fall into any time of the year, but particularly Spring. It has such springtime vibes and really embodies rebirth, growth, and blossoming relationships, as well as the MC's ethereal imagination. I read this when I was a teenager, and it has such a special place in my heart for some reason and always will.
What attracted me the most was the eclectic and bohemian family living in an old crumbing castle during the 1930s. Cassandra the MC should be up there with Anne Shirley and Elizabeth Bennett, she weaves a tale full of charm, wit, and makes the mundane into something fantastical and romantic at times. All the characters seemed so life-like practically springing out of the pages! Even though this was published in the 40s, the writing language feels modern especially when compared to other classic novelists, it's tone vintage and contemporary.
The romance included is JUST the right amount for my tastes, igniting the blushes as I read and the romanticism longing.
Don't expect a happily tied up ending, instead a realistic closure of Cassandra's tale. A whimsical but bittersweet story of growing up and family.
Jacq.and.the.readstalk
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