An unusual approach to time portal fantasy where a psychiatrist in our world treats a woman in his clinic who is in reality an immortal warrior from aAn unusual approach to time portal fantasy where a psychiatrist in our world treats a woman in his clinic who is in reality an immortal warrior from another world.
The first book starts a little slowly and sometimes Daniel can be a bit irritating but overall the entire approach to the relationship between Daniel and Tenai (not romantic) is really refreshing. And I love his perspective when he gets dragged into her world and the swordplay gets a bit too real.
A bonus is the Father-Daughter relationship, something you don't see often at this level in fantasy.
The trilogy offers a massive and complex read with all the worldbuilding expertise you'd expect from Rachel Neumeier....more
The characters of Clara and Theodore are so well-developed and lovable, and I especially appreciated the representatioI absolutely adored this novel!
The characters of Clara and Theodore are so well-developed and lovable, and I especially appreciated the representation of a disabled MMC without any pity or discrimination. Mrs. Stanton is also a standout character with her unconventional antics and animal rights activism. The scavenger hunt plot takes readers on a thrilling journey through Europe, and the historical accuracy is impressive.
The author tackles heavy topics such as PTSD, commitment phobia, and social stigma with grace and sensitivity, adding depth to the story.
The romance is slow-burning and heartwarming, perfectly complementing the main plot. I also loved the fantastical element of the automata created by Clara's grandfather, which added an extra layer of creativity to the story.
The writing style is engaging and balanced, making for a captivating read that is both sweet and tense at times.
Overall, this is a well-balanced novel with a perfect blend of adventure, romance, faith, and fun. I can't wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us!
Highly recommend it for fans of clean historical fiction with a touch of magic....more
Gilman's first book in this series is the best. The way she gives the west her own unique fantasy mythology with its own rules is enthralling. Having Gilman's first book in this series is the best. The way she gives the west her own unique fantasy mythology with its own rules is enthralling. Having been raised on westerns, and having lived in the west for most of my life, I overall enjoyed the story and the world building.
Westerns as a genre come and go in popularity. There are reasons for this and one of them, Gilman gives a weak-knee response to addressing. This is the native people who lived there and the genocide by white people. In her world-building, she simply ignores them for the most part.
Since the devil controls the west, it never happens. Which really begs the question on why a "devil" would be in charge of the west when the west is mostly populated with people who are not Christians?
This is a major Elephant-in-the-Room problem that is never adequately dealt with in any of the books in this series. We get only the white folk perspective and in this day and age with Own Voices desperate to be heard, this book would have been better if she had gotten some native input before publishing.
The rating is for the overall writing quality and uniqueness that Gilman brought to her imagined world. While I did continue the series and finish it, it did grow weaker as the books progressed and the overall ending I found unsatisfying....more
This high fantasy story covers the military-brotherhood of a training camp of angels. Now if you are thinking of angels with wings and harps, think agThis high fantasy story covers the military-brotherhood of a training camp of angels. Now if you are thinking of angels with wings and harps, think again. These are super-strong, fighting machines who are being trained in teams, honing their skills while having their loyalty tested.
While central to the plot is the connection forming between Angus and Ariel (on opposite teams), the band of brothers/sisters all get their fair share of character development as well as being tested. New bonds are formed, while others are broken.
This book blew my mind away when I first read it. A fully developed high fantasy world with characters you are going to root for. Lovers of Military fantasy, High Fantasy, and those who want action-adventure will rejoice....more
This is one of DWJ's most well-known works and one of her bests. It has some themes I absolutely love, and some I don't.
First, if you've come here becThis is one of DWJ's most well-known works and one of her bests. It has some themes I absolutely love, and some I don't.
First, if you've come here because of Hayao Miyazaki's film, be aware there are some major differences between his work and the book. Miyazaki introduces a war element as the main plot and that transforms Howl to a bird creature. None of this happens in the original plot written by DWJ.
Both film and book are enchanting but in separate ways so if you approach it in this manner you'll be okay. DWJ's book is classic YA fantasy and it doesn't deal with heavy themes at all.
What DWJ does well in this book - we really get a feel for Sophie. How she feels about herself (nothing special) and her frustration with her current situation (much like Cinderella's - working for her stepmother in a hat shop). When she is cursed by the Wicked Witch of the Waste she finds a freedom to be herself and becomes more outspoken and active in deciding the course of her life. She's a great heroine to root for and actually blends well with the character that Miyazaki created.
Miyazaki's Howl shows more care and compassion than DWJ's version. In the book Howl is more of an ass, and cold-hearted. Considering that his (view spoiler)[ heart is a burned cinder under Calcifer's control that is no surprise. (hide spoiler)] The romance is very understated and if you aren't paying attention could slip by you. I wouldn't read this as a "romance."
DWJ's plot revolves around Sophie's family and an ensemble cast. There are Sophie's two sisters who have switched roles, and who have complicated situations with potential suitors, who are also under curses (very Midsummer Night's Dream here with everyone running about and it can become confusing quick).
There is also Sophie's mother, Howl's mentor, and Howl's sister and her children which provide a half-hearted origin story. Halfway through, the book is packed with people and it starts to cause dizziness. You can see why Miyazaki streamlined this for the movie.
However, this is typical of DWJ's work. It's a hallmark, and is very evident in her Chrestomanci series where everyone has to come together in the end. And sometimes it works but mostly it is just confusing.
Another classic DWJ theme is killing someone off without any real emotional impact. When Howl's mentor is (view spoiler)[murdered by the Witch of the Waste (hide spoiler)] the others treat it very casually. And even Howl's grief seems to be just another of his ploys for attention.
Unlike some of her other books, the villains in Howl's Moving Castle are actually dealt with. Thank goodness! Because letting her villains walk away is a very frustrating DWJ theme that is found in many of her books.
Personally, Howl's Moving Castle is a fun read for those who love fantasy by one of the great Brit fantasy writers of her time. Come to it with fresh eyes and no expectations.
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