Fiction Read over the Sept Holidays

'The Laws of Magic' by Michael Pryor

Although it took some time to get used to the views and values of 'The Laws of Magic' and the sometimes stifling world of these upper crust, Edwardian Brits. Still, with a great opening line like: 'Aubrey Fitzwilliam hated being dead.' - and the scientific treatment of magic which is an unusual approach, I quickly became entranced. If you like reading novels written in the time of Sherlock Holmes but enjoy the twist of the supernatural, this series is the one for you.

****

'The Further Adventure of Sherlock Holmes: The Seventh Bullet' by Daniel D. Victor and 'Seance for a Vampire' by Fred Saberhagen.

I found both these books extremely good reading and surprisingly complementary to the original Sherlock Holmes books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Written as the orignal tales were written, through the eyes of Watson, arch villains and love interests return but in a style and dealing with concerns that have a more modern flavour. Holmes' ability to rationalise the most cryptic clues and formulate a thesis are just as impressive while the decision to relate Holmes to Dracula in the 'Seance for a Vampire' novel comes off believable and possibly may even account for some of his extraordinary, almost supernatural abilities, at times. A great series, well worth reading.


****1/2


The Seventh Bullet' by Daniel D. Victor

Set in the U.S. and dealing with the murder of David Graham Philips supposedly with a six shooter but involving a mysterious seventh bullet, the plot has all the conspiracy theories, political machinations and washing of dirty linens in public as the notorious J.F.K. assassination with it's 'magic bullet'. The combination makes for a heady, page flipping read with numerous red herrings to keep you wondering. Highly recommended.

****1/2

'Clockwork Angel' by Cassandra Clare

This prequel to 'the Mortal Instruments' series actually eclipses the first three books: 'City of Bones/Ashes/Glass which in themselves are a brilliant read. Theresa Gray travels to London following the death of her aunt and an invitation from her brother to join him. She is met by two mysterious and troubling women who claim to be taking her to her brother but who are kidnapping her for their own ends. She is eventually dramatically rescued by shadowhunters Will Herondale and Henry Branwell and taken to the safety of 'the Institute'. Tess is not an ordinary girl and the kidnap which was to eventuate in a marriage with the 'Magistrar' instead with Tess' rescue plunges the shadowhunters into a war against Downworlders and clockwork creatures. The novel is filled with exciting scenes such as where Tess and Will enter the vampire community disguised, when Jem and Will are lured away and confront the Dark sisters and their attempted ressurection and the scene where Tess commits suicide. The relationships between the characters are also complex with many as yet unrevealed secrets motivating their reactions. I couldn't put it down and can't recommend it highly enough.

*****

'A Fisherman of the Inland Sea' by Ursula K. Le Guin


I bought this book online expecting it to include at least a couple of Earthsea stories, however despite there being none at all, I still found the collection to be an excellent read. The stories explore the lives of people who inhabit imaginary worlds and speculative futures but the issues they confront - sexism, abuse, racism, guilt, sexuality, freedom etc... are just as applicable to contemporary readers. In fact, something about the fact that the tragedies and misunderstandings and enlightenments that Le Guin's characters experience at a distance because they are not of our time, allows us to judge and understand more clearly because of that distance. Her work is always a joy to read while her insights and wisdom are always profound without being didactic.

****
'The Butterfly Tattoo' by Philip Pullman

I decided to read this book after reading the 'Northern Lights' trilogy being curious as to how Pullman might tackle a realistic (as opposed to fantasy) novel. I was pleasantly surprised finding the relationships between the characters complex and interesting and towards the end, poignantly tragic. Jenny was particularly intriguing. At first it is easy to both feel attracted to but perhaps a little superior to her easy going rootlessness and lack of ambition but towards the end of the novel when we begin to be given insights into the abuse she suffered as a child, sympathy and understanding create true tolerance.

****