chibichatter!

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As of late I have taken an interest in reading. For years now I have been lucky to read 3 novels in a year due to an annoying inability to focus my attention. But lately, I have managed to read as many books within the last 6 weeks and am plowing into my fourth right now. Admittedly I’m not the fastest reader or greatest critic, but I figured I would do a mini review of each book I have recently read. So here goes *deep breath*

The Key to Rondo

I really like Emily Rodda books and The Key to Rondo was no exception. Two cousins come into possession of an delicately illustrated music box which has been in their family for generations. The box has strict rules: Only turn the key three times. Don’t turn the key or pick up the box while the music is playing. Don’t close the lid until the music has stopped. Reliable Leo has no problem maintaining the rules, but the unpredictable Mimi does. When the rules are broken, the painted images on the box come alive and both children are sucked into the magical world of Rondo.

The world of Rondo draws on the charms of classic fairytales with familiar elements such as a gingerbread house (Hansel and Gretel), wolves hunting children in the forest (Red Riding Hood) and a cursed princess being turned into a swan (The Swan Princess) popping up in the story from time to time. This gives the story a lovely, nostalgic feeling even though it’s an original adventure. It’s like reading all my favourite fairtytales at once! 

I really liked the contrasting personalities between Mimi and Leo. Mimi’s character really bloomed in the world of Rondo, where she appeared more at home than in the real world. Leo’s struggles against his genetic predisposition towards being a safe, sensible, non-risk taking individual are evident, and we see his personality slowly change as Mimi’s chaotic determination slowly rubs off on him.

Overall The Key to Rondo is a fun story with lots of unique characters. The second book: The Wizard of Rondo is now available which I will certainly read as I am eager to continue reading more adventures in the world of Rondo. 

The Tapestry Book 1: The Hound of Rowan 

I got this book as a free bonus with “Brisinger” (which I have yet to read). Although it uses the same basic formula as the Harry Potter books, I still found this to be a pretty good read.

After experiencing a strange vision appearing in the designs of a faded old tapestry in an art gallery, Max discovers he has the rare skills of a creator, and is swept off to a magical school in England known as Rowan. At the time of his enrollment, other “potentials” for the school start disappearing, evil shapeshifting beings known as “Vyes” start appearing, and signs start pointing to the return of the “Dark Times” and even the Dark Lord himself.

The truly unique components I loved about this book include the room configurations, where roommates are determined by the house itself and dorm layouts are formed from the combined magical potential of the roommates. Rooms vary from the ordinary to the extraordinary, ranging from leaky hovels to submarines, egyptian temples and in Max’s case, a sky observatory. Students are assigned wards from the sanctuary – a haven on the school grounds where magical animals seek refuge. The animal wards each have distinct personalities, some with the ability to talk, and are cared for by their human protectors who they often remain with for their entire lives. Max’s charge Nick the Lymrill I could easy relate to as a cross between my moody cat and my overexcited dog. I also like “The Course” which was like a virtual reality training room.  

Overall I very much enjoyed The Tapestry. My only complaints being that the story tended to progress in bounds giving the occassional feeling that something was missing. I also wish there was a bit more insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters, as I sometimes found it hard to relate to them.   

Flitterwig 

I absolutely adored this book and I’m still smiling about it now. Flitterwig is about elves, pixies, gnomes and other little creatures known as ‘Magicals’ who come from the world of Magus. They enlist the help of a 10 year old girl known as Ella who is a ‘Flitterwig,’ a human with magical powers and the ability to see these magical beings. Ella is believed to be the ‘Cleartheart’ – a Flitterwig with the ability to perform strong magic that no other Flitterwig can perform, and is prophesied to save the kingdom of Magus, also breaking the ban which prevents Magicals and humans from interacting with each other.

Flitterwig is a delightful adventure touching on important subjects like pollution and sugar overindulgance. The little pixie named Dixon is the funniest little creature, and his constant rhyming and sincere affection for Ella makes him the star of the story. The novel makes wonderful use of all senses with particular emphasis on the sense of smell, the descriptions so detailed you can almost smell the oranges, rain and cinnamon. I loved the use of words such as “pollucification,” “stretchification,” and “shrinkification” which made the story all the more adorable, and the “trogglification” which occurs when magicals eat too much sugar is pure genius.

Although the book is aimed at a younger audience, I absolutely adored Flitterwig and know I will read it over and over (especially because Dixon is so cute!). It’s rare to find such an innocent, fun, well written book with such a feel good factor. I really, really hope the author will consider writing a sequel! 

Currently Reading: Twilight

Love this book so far. It has been been affecting me strangely though – perhaps a little too addictive. I can only think to describe it as a thick syrup. Once I stop reading, I can’t separate myself from it – my mind gets all thick and ’syrupy.’ Perhaps I’m trying too hard to control the emotions which arise from it. Hmm. Well I will write a full review later.