The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf |
| Posted: 14 Oct 2011 03:22 AM PDT This sequel to The Magician explores what happens after the thrones of Fillory have been won. The Magician King BEFORE we go into the review proper, I must warn readers that this is a sequel of which I have not read the first, or original, book. This is not a usual occurrence for me as, like most regular readers, I like to proceed naturally from book one to two to three. But two factors made me pick up this book: one, I was quite desperate at that time for some (any!) new reading material and the synopsis appealed to me; and two, I knew Lev Grossman is a book critic for Time magazine, and I wanted to know how good he would be as an author, considering that he has a full-time job criticising (both positively and negatively, I'm sure) other writers. Anyway, The Magician King is a follow-up to The Magicians, published in 2009. The one thing that continually ran through my mind while reading this book was how it is mainly set in what is basically a grown-up version of Narnia, called Fillory. There are the direct counterparts: Ember (the ram) for Aslan (the lion), the Wood Between the Worlds for the Neitherlands, and the magic rings for the magic buttons (used to travel between worlds). And also general characteristics like having four kings and queens who come from another world, talking animals, mythical creatures, and a similar concept of magic. But while Narnia is acceptable children's literature, Fillory is definitely darker and more real, making it more suitable for adult, or young adult, consumption. The Magician King picks up a couple of years after the first book, where main protagonist Quentin Coldwater and his friends fought their battles and gained the thrones of Fillory. Despite achieving his ultimate childhood fantasy, Quentin now finds himself bored, as being a king of Fillory is not as fulfilling as he thought it would be. Because of that, he grabs the excuse to go off on a sea voyage to the Outer Island – which, the friends discover has not been paying its taxes for a couple of years. There, Quentin and fellow ruler Julia Quinn veer off in search of a mythical key on another island. But once they find it and try to use it, both of them land back in their own world, where they immediately try to find a way back to Fillory. Those who have read the first book might be happy to know that along the way, the pair also meets up with some old friends. This basically forms the first two parts of the narrative, while the second half of the book revolves around a quest for seven keys that are needed to save Fillory. An equally important part of the book is Julia's back story after she was rejected by Brakebills – the magical college where Quentin and the others studied in the first book; her discovery that magic is real after the failure of the memory-erasing spell the college cast on her; her desperate determination to learn as much magic as possible anywhere she can find it, and the consequences of that determination. The narrative switches between her story, which reflects a different, rougher and less regulated system of magic than the one taught by Brakebills, and the main storyline. Fans should pay attention to Julia's story as, I suspect, it will provide the backdrop to the third (and probably final) story that Grossman is currently planning. So, did I find it a good read? Suffice to say that I intend to pick up The Magician soon to flesh out all the quick summaries I got from this sequel about what happened before. I enjoyed the writing, which is occasionally self-mocking and sarcastic, and is scattered with many pop culture references. The switch between the two narratives is also well done, and gives a good sense of what the characters are going through. I don't think those who read the first book will be disappointed, although I must say I think that the vibe of this book is somewhat different. If The Magician is about discovering that magic and a world like Fillory is real, then this book, as mentioned by Grossman in an interview for Kepler's Books' blog, is inspired by the thought of what would have happened if the Pevensies had not investigated the lamppost at the end of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. So, if you have ever desperately wished that the back of your cupboard could lead some place else, or that magic really exists, I would definitely recommend this book (and probably the first one, too). Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Posted: 14 Oct 2011 03:13 AM PDT COMIC shop Earth 638 is having an "open house" event called Comics Are Cool (4pm onwards) on Oct 29 at its premises at Kelana Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Prominent comic publishers, creative talents and artists from the homegrown scene like Tan Eng Huat, Alan Quah, Sheldon Goh, Lefty Kam, alongside Gilamon Studios and Pekomik's finest will be part of the independently organised event. Activities include book signings, meet-the-fans, live sketching and basically, a networking session to get to know the good people in the local comics scene. Loads of merchandise and local/ mainstream comics on sale. For more info, call 03-78048380, email: (earth638@yahoo.com). Earth 638 is located at 2nd Floor, Kelana Mall, Jalan SS6/12, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Browse: (earth638comics.blogspot.com). Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Making sense of data explosion Posted: 13 Oct 2011 08:24 PM PDT Drinking From The Fire Hose Author: Christopher J. Frank and Paul Magnone Publisher: Portfolio, 215 pages WITH the world moving at such a fast pace, data explosion has become a bit overwhelming for many people. Today, everything is tracked, measured, compared and analysed. Where does it end? The authors show that the challenge lies not in how much data you can generate, but how much you can get out from it. How do you transform figures into useful information? How do you convey your results for maximum impact? Numerous case studies of iconic brands (for instance, American Express, IBM, Microsoft and Starbucks) illustrate the principles raised in this book. Lost And Found Author: Geneen Roth Publisher: Viking, 205 pages THERE was a silver lining in store for Geneen Roth when she lost her life savings during the financial turbulence. The shock prompted her to examine her priorities and explore how her unconscious choices – binge shopping, using money as a substitute for love, and "treating" herself in ways that fell short of expectations – almost led to her demise. Roth relates her experiences and hard-won wisdom in this book and offers strategies for supporting and sustaining our lives with the resources we have at hand. Apprenticed To Spirit Author: David Spangler Publisher: Riverhead Books, 295 pages HE dropped out of college to follow an inner spiritual calling. This presence (the author named it John) became his colleague and mentor. He trailed the presence for the next three decades, learning the ways of the spiritual world. It was his guide to understanding the sacredness within us and the nature of the human spirit. This book charts the highlights of David Spangler's journey and serves as a manual for those who want to lead enlightened lives. The Method Method Author: Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry Publisher: Portfolio, 244 pages CHILDHOOD friends Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry wanted to start a business with a difference – they planned to produce cleaning products in pretty packages. And what if these products not only worked well but also smelled nice and were eco-friendly, too? They started out by selling surface cleaner out of the trunk of their car and the company soon began to thrive. At the heart of its success lies seven principles, including quick action, inspiring advocates and touching the hearts of consumers. A-Z Guide To The Hadith Author: Mokhtar Stork Publisher: Marshall Cavendish, 564 pages THIS book is for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Prophet Muhammad, whether he's a student of Islam, a Muslim convert or simply someone interested in the culture, religion and life of the prophet. Structured alphabetically for easy reference, it cites the sayings of the prophet on numerous subjects and provides an insight to the Quran. A detailed explanation of different aspects of the Islamic culture is included. You Losing Weight Author: Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz Publisher: Free Press, 115 pages DON'T expect to be able to cheat when it comes to weight loss. There are no shortcuts. But you can diet smart, not hard, and in this book, the authors share 99 tips and strategies for getting your body into shape. They also share with readers why crash dieting cannot work for long and what lifestyle changes you can make to become healthier. Packed with food plans, shopping lists and advice on weight loss, this guide promises to help you shed and keep those pounds off for good. I'm Just Sayin'! Author: Kim Zimmer with Laura Morton Publisher: New American Library, 301 pages SHE has taken on the role of a cancer survivor, a loving mother, a Civil War belle, a time traveller, a manic-depressive and an Amish woman on the long-running television drama, Guiding Light. This candid memoir by an Emmy-award winner and icon of daytime television is packed with photographs and insider stories. It provides an insight into the parallel lives of Zimmer and her fictional character, Reva Shayne, and includes anecdotes of what really happens off-screen. The Big Enough Company Author: Adelaide Lancaster and Amy Abrams Publisher: Portfolio, 262 pages ENTREPRENEURS start their own businesses thinking that it will give them freedom to work on their own terms, be their own boss and be able to tailor the company to meet their needs. However, many of them find that this is easier said than done. This guide explores how to grow an enterprise that is not only successful but also can sustain the owner's goals. It includes information gleaned from interviews with more than 100 women business owners and strives to empower entrepreneurs to not buckle under peer pressure and take charge of the business the way they want to. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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