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- Novel written by T.J. Klune
- Published 17 March 2020
- Standalone
Listened to the audiobook with Daniel Henning – fine narrator.
I’ve probably had enough cosy fantasy for a while.
The House in the Cerulean Sea popped up in recommendations a couple of times and it has a cute cover, so I loaded into my player and gave it a shot. I can’t bring myself to feel enough emotions over this book to really regret the choice, but I could probably have spent my time better elsewhere.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is another one of these aggressively inoffensive books that are intended to feel like a warm bath or a getaway from the challenges of real life. And I get that that is popular subgenre right now; Nettle & Bone even managed to snag a Hugo with that style of storytelling (and arguably, the Hugo winning Wayfarer-series falls within the same category).
Most of those books don’t really click with me though, and unfortunately neither did The House in the Cerulean Sea. Klune’s desire to constantly put the reader at ease means that there really is no conflict worth mentioning in the story (at least: not between the main characters).
A by-product of focussing on comfort is that the novel is quite repetitive, even for a short 8-hour listen. The book revolves around the care given to the small group of children in the orphanage. The children are each recognisable and unique, but they also effectively have only one line each . Throughout the story, they sort of repeat a different variation on that line every time they open their mouth. The grown up characters are little different. The effect is that yes, the reader gets familiar with all the characters in the book quickly, but they also feel like caricatures of themselves.
That is unfortunate, because the plot is similarly predictable. I get that that is probably also linked to that idea of comfort: Klune is not out to surprise the reader with a big twist (though I suppose the book pretends to have a couple of mysteries). Still, just a little effort could have given the reader a reward for finishing other than the conclusion that was inevitable from basically the moment Linus arrives at the orphanage.
I feel this book would probably have needed a good dose of humour to pull it out of mediocrity. And my impression is that Klune does try: a few of the children are so surreal that their first few appearances are rather funny. But that does not last (also because of the repetitiveness mentioned above), and Linus’ awkwardness never really brought a smile to my face.
In conclusion, The House on the Cerulean Sea may be cuddly and cute to some, but it was sickly sweet and ultimately somewhat boring to me. Perhaps more of a read for small children than for adults, which I understand it was intended for…
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- Video game developed by Ubisoft Quebec
- Published by Ubisoft
- Released om October 5th, 2018
- Action Role-playing game
- Platforms: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One,
- Playing time: 50-150 hours
Before we get started on this one, a little background on me: when I was a child, I was OBSESSED with Greek mythology. Like, legitimately obsessed. I’d read all the retellings for children (not Percy Jackson but Dutch children’s retellings, of which there are a surprising amount). My favourite was the story of Odysseus, even though in retrospect he was the absolute worst.
I’ve also never been particularly interested in the Assassin’s Creed-franchise. I really liked the idea of being able to walk around cities of the past, but the whole sci-fi plot and the templar thing kind of put me off the games. I may not have even played Assassin’s Creed Odyssey if it hadn’t been for the reviews I’ve read. Lots of people described it as “barely assassin’s creed” or even as similar to Bioware games. And I LOVE Bioware games.
Let me first explain the type of gamer I am: I’m a total casual. I’m here for a good time, not a hard time. The story of a game is what usually matters most to me, and the gameplay has to be fun enough to carry me through to the end. I’m not looking for particularly interesting combat, and frankly Assassin’s Creed doesn’t really offer that (at least the way I play it). I’m happy to just shoot some arrows at people from a bush!
The main draw this game has for me is being able to walk around Ancient Greece. The world is absolutely gorgeous, and I could (and have) spent hours just walking around and taking it all in. It’s lots of fun to be able to compare current locations in Greece with their versions in Assassin’s Creed, like The Acropolis or Delphi. A lot of research and heart have gone into this game and it really shows.
I’ll be honest: the story of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is… fine. It’s not amazing, but it’s serviceable. Where the game really shines for me are the characters, specifically Kassandra, when you play her as the main character. Her voice acting is phenomenal and often very funny. While the game itself isn’t necessarily “funny”, there are quite a few humorous scenes, made more so by the choices made in the acting.
I was a little worried about the “Assassin’s Creed” content in the game, meaning the scenes set in the present. As I mentioned, I haven’t played any other Assassin’s Creed games and I genuinely don’t care about the overarching plot. To their credit, there were very few of these scenes in the game, and I think they were mostly optional. I don’t think you could play through the main story without going through any of them, but I also don’t think there’s more than half an hour of them in the “Odyssey” quest. This does mean that they fully pull you out of the game and feel like an absolute chore when you play them, but I also get that this is a franchise and they were kind of telling this big story and they can’t just cut it out altogether.
I’m not totally sure when I can say I’ve really “finished” Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. I’ve played the full “Odyssey” quest, but there’s definitely stuff I’ve seen online that I haven’t run into, so I think I’m not fully done. I do feel like there is a big difference in quality between the “in-world” quests and the whole Animus/Atlantis/Sci-fi/Templars storyline. This makes it hard to really give it a star rating for the whole game. However, because the main quest was so much fun I do think it merits 4,5 stars just for that.
- Novel written by Paulo Coelho
- Translated by Alan R. Clarke
- Published in 1988
- Standalone
Listened to the Alan R. Clarke translation, narrated by Jeremy Irons. I’m going to have to admit that seeing Irons as the narrator was at least half the reason I finally listened to The Alchemist and he did not disappoint: Irons has an incredible voice that fits the story very well.
The Alchemist is one of these novels that I have been aware of for a long time. I’m not sure why I never read it, but I regret that now. I would have loved to have read this as a kid.
The Alchemist is a retelling of a story told a thousand times: a shepherd boy leaving all he knows behind, travelling to foreign lands, looking for treasure. Of course, he finds and experiences much more along the way, and of course, there is a classic twist at the end.
That classic tale is mostly a vehicle, however, for the book’s message: that everyone has a personal legend, and that the universe will conspire to help a person who is on their way to achieving that personal legend. It is a book about seeking out and committing to your destiny, no matter the setbacks along the way.
It is a beautiful and inspiring message, even if I’m not sure I agree: the world is a rather unyielding and unfair place, and even people trying really hard sometimes don’t make it. Still, Coelho’s characters are so confident that I didn’t doubt for a moment that the boy would manifest that personal legend.
Perhaps the best thing about The Alchemist is its length. It is about four hours of listening, I would venture about 200 pages long. On the right day, you could definitely finish it in a single inspirational and heart-warming sitting.
I love the simplicity, the single-minded focus of The Alchemist. There is not a word spent on a tangent, never a second thought required from the reader. The plot follows predictable lines, the book is set in the real world, many of the characters are stereotypes – all so that the reader keeps his mind on what really matters: the message.
The focus on the message is reinforced by the simple and elegant style of the book. To give one example: the main character is named in the first sentence of the book, but that is the only time his name is used; through the rest of the novel, he is just ‘the boy’. That this makes perfect sense throughout the novel is a sign of Coelho’s craftsmanship.
Especially because it is so short, I would whole-heartedly recommend The Alchemist to almost anyone: cynical folks like me who need a break, the better-natured readers looking for an inspirational tale to reinforce their energy, even readers who have never tried fantasy before and want to dip their toes in the water via Coelho’s simple magical realism. I am sure each and every one of them would remember The Alchemist for the rest of their lives.
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- Novel written by Patricia A. McKillip
- Published in 7 June 2005
- Standalone
Listened to the audiobook with Gabrielle de Cuir – well narrated, but I did have to speed her up by 1.8x because of her pace. That did make the book a nice and short listen at ~6 hours.
Warning: this review is as much about my character development as a reviewer as it is about Od Magic.
I am in a busy period at work and I have less time and energy to spend on reading, so I decided to re-read something rather than picking up something new.
I remember reading Od Magic 6 years ago when I had just decided I wanted to get back into reading and wanted to branch out a bit beyond the obvious big names such as George R.R. Martin and Robin Hobb. I also remember disliking Od Magic, even though some of the whimsical atmosphere did stick with me.
I decided to re-read it as a bit of a challenge to myself: was Od Magic really as bad as the notes I took back then made it out to be? Or has reading a lot more over the past half decade made me appreciate Od Magic more?
I am glad to find that the second is true: having read a lot more these past years, I have come to understand what Od Magic tried to achieve much better. My tastes have also developed, and I have come to appreciate low stakes, low violence, atmospheric storytelling a lot more. I love grimdark stories, but not every book needs to be A Song of Ice and Fire or First Law.
So on second read, I liked Od Magic. It is a comfortable cozy fantasy avant la lettre with no pretentions, likeable characters and a great atmosphere.
I probably shouldn’t overshoot this point: Od Magic isn’t brilliant, and it is not the type of book that makes me come back to fantasy all the time. But as a simple feel good read or perhaps something to read to children, it just about manages it make my list of recommendations.
What lets Od Magic down is definitely the middle section. After a nice introduction that sets up the story well, the middle is a bit of a messy tangle of storylines following different of different characters looking for each other in the Twilight Quarter, the mysterious part of town filled with minor magics and nightlife that is easily the book’s best backdrop (though I would have loved a little more detail).
Unfortunately, I found there is too much in-and-out and repetition in this section – it just lacks structure and I can understand why I zoned out the first time I read Od Magic. You’re not reading Od Magic for the plot anyway, so perhaps McKillip or her editor should have simplified this part of the story or cut one or two the lines.
Still, even though the middle is messy and the ending isn’t exactly unpredictable or spectacular, I did find the conclusion satisfying.
That, too, is a marked difference from my first read, because I remember being disappointed by the lack of a twist or reveal and especially the absence of real fireworks. But this time, I actually enjoyed the mild finale. It fits the book, which is comfortable and calm throughout. Why should then ending shake that up?
I guess that the main takeaway from this review is that Od Magic is just very mild, and for me it takes a certain mindset to appreciate that. But if you happen to like mild fantasy, I would certainly recommend it.
The fact that I now see the value of Od Magic shows to me that I have learned to appreciate things that aren’t necessarily my style. The past years of reading and writing reviews have helped me bring into focus better what my personal likes and biases are, and to separate these from the inherent quality of a story. I have learned that a story that does not fit my particular niche can still be great at what it wants to do. That lesson alone made re-reading Od Magic worth the time.
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- Movie directed by Peter Jackson
- Based on The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Cate Blanchett and others
- Released 28 November 2012
- Runtime: 169 minutes (theatrical edition) or 182 minutes (extended edition)
(Nota bene: this review relates to the extended edition of the movie. Though I’ve once seen the theatrical editions of the The Hobbit trilogy, the extended editions always have my preference, and I’ve seen them more times than I can count.)
Let’s start with the obvious caveat, one most people will probably agree with (some more fervently than others): The Hobbit trilogy is not of the same quality as The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The use of CGI is arguably too much, the writing and pacing are less on point and they gave Peter Jackson a little too much free rein to express his very niche sense of humour. These are just a few of the examples that prevent this trilogy from being the masterpiece The Lord of the Rings is. Still, I like this movies very much, maybe more than they deserve. As such, I rewatch them all each year, just as I do with the The Lord of the Rings.
An Unexpected Journey was very much an unexpected experience all those years ago. It’s hard to imagine now, but for years it seemed like there wouldn’t be any other movies (or let alone series) set in Middle-Earth. I was very grateful to get the opportunity to revisit this beloved universe, with familiar faces such as Sir Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett reprising their roles. Compared with the screenwriters’ representation of Tolkien’s themes, Howard Shore’s music and the stunning landscapes of New-Zealand made it feel like I was returning home after a long time away.
I shall admit I find it hard to gauge how much my enjoyment of these movies is determined by my nostalgia for The Lord of the Rings, or even the original source material itself. Would people like them better or worse if they weren’t in the shadow of these other media? I can’t say.
Something I can say, is that I very much like Martin Freeman’s portrayal of a younger Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit drawn into a dangerous adventure he doesn’t quite understand. His (often subtle) facial expressions really give depth to a character that has to be able to be funny and endearing, as well as a protagonist with emotional depth.
However, the adaptation of Thorin Oakenshield (masterfully portrayed by Richard Armitage) is what probably resonated the most with me. The narrative of a banished king trying to reclaim his heritage with a small band of loyal warriors is in itself gripping enough. Yet, An Unexpected Journey introduces a Thorin with internal struggles that I feel don’t often get explored in media: the personal threat of a genetic mental disorder you might inherit. Though I (nor the DSM, probably) wouldn’t normally consider ‘dragon-sickness’ a mental disorder – it seems more like a magical influence or a higher susceptibility to greed/paranoia – the other characters treat it as such. This is the build-up of (potentially) great characterization. Is Thorin prone to the same ‘sickness’ that seems to run in his family? If so, does this undermine the leadership capabilities he clearly has? Can he give his people what they need by reclaiming their home and the dangerous wealth that lies there?
Though, as I already mentioned, there are some aspects of An Unexpected Journey I’m less fond of. At times, the humour can be jarring, in the form of anachronisms, inappropriate ‘final words’ and the interpretation of Radagast the Brown (though I love Sylvester McCoy). Furthermore, there are some adaptation choices I have ambivalent feelings about. For example, I like the inclusion of an antagonist to weave most of the random misadventures on the road together, but I don’t see why it couldn’t have been Bolg instead of Azog (something I will feel a lot stronger about when we arrive at The Battle of the Five Armies). Additionally, the added time pressure of the quest always seemed unnecessary to me, and only results in some awkward scenes throughout the trilogy.
All in all, it might be fair to say An Unexpected Journey is something of a hot mess, with a lot to say about it, both positive and negative. Frankly, his review is already longer than I thought it would get. To offer some final thoughts… If you’ve read the book, I feel this first movie most captures the whimsical adventurous feel of The Hobbit. It’s worth a try if you’re somehow unfamiliar with all the other movies and books, but want a taste that of Middle-Earth that is a little more accessible. Tolkien purists should give it a wide berth, though.
Also, this movie doesn’t feature enough Smaug. Luckily for me, that what the next movie is for.
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- Novel written by Tonke Dragt
- Published in April 1965
- Sequel to The Letter for the King
The Secrets of the Wild Wood is the sequel to The Letter for the King, which has been collected! Click here to read our in-depth discussion.
If you’ve read my review of the first part of this series, you’ll know I think The Secrets of the Wild Woods is one of the best, if not the best, fantasy books ever written in Dutch. Yes, it is originally intended for children, and yes, that is noticeable. But even for grown-ups, the book is so full of atmosphere and tension that it is tough to put away.
Where the The Letter for the King is a bit more cautious about how it approaches the many dangers of an adventurer’s life (Dragt sanitises some, simply dodges others) to fit on a kid’s bookshelf, The Secrets of the Wild Woods does away with that approach somewhat and delves deeper into the dark side of a medieval world full of knights and riders in red: there’s war, there’s fighting, there’s killing and dying.
Though the setting never becomes grim or dark, The Secrets of the Wild Wood exchanges a little of the fairy tale-esque atmosphere of the first book for a slightly harsher view of knighthood, and I love it. For me, it compares to the stories of King Arthur and his knights of the round table – there’s quests, heroics, deceit, a clear sense of right and wrong, and honour even among the enemy.
As a result of the dangers feeling more tangible and real, the book’s pacing and tension turn up a notch too – there’s more happening at the same time, and Tiuri’s (and the other characters’) predicaments grow more dire. The plot is a little more involved and you’ll find yourself flipping back to the map more often than before.
It brings Secrets of the Wild Woods closer to the more traditional grown-up fantasy fare whilst still retaining some of that beautiful simplicity. Perhaps we could see Secrets of the Wild Woods as a bridge for a young reader from children’s fantasy to YA or adult books.
I would recommend Secrets of the Wild Woods to anyone who enjoyed The Letter for the King. Even if you finished The Letter for the King and thought it was ok, but were put off a little because it was too much a children’s book for you, maybe still give this one a go: Secrets of the Wild Woods brings a little more grim to an otherwise noble world and a plot with a few more twists and turns.
Plus, it heavily features Knight Ristridin who is hands down the best character in all of Dutch speculative literature, if not in all of fantasy literature the world over. He’s the Dutch Aragorn. Knight Ristridin is the reason I attend H.E.M.A./historical fencing training every week. You need more of Knight Ristridin in your life.
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Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea – T.J. Klune
Linus Baker is one of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth’s most experienced case workers: his knowledge of the Rules and Regulations is impeccable, and his reports are precise, professional and unbiased. When he is called before Extremely Upper Management, he still fears his job is on the line – but instead, he is tasked with writing a report on one of the Department’s most classified orphanages, hidden somewhere on an island near a fishing village, far away from the city. Equipped with a thin stack of files on the children in the orphanage and its master, Linus boards the train with Extremely Upper Management’s warnings still ringing in his ears. Though Linus Baker has met his fair share of magical youth, what he will find in the house on the cerulean sea is a shock even to him…
Review: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Ubisoft
The peloponnesian war is raging in Ancient Greece, and you are a mercenary trying to reunite your broken family and stop the mysterious cult of Cosmos. Throughout your quest, you meet philosophers and historians, and you fight ancient warriors and mythical beasts.
Review: The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
The boy is a shepherd on the plains of Andalucía, with a recurring dream of treasure. When a gypsy fortune-teller tells the boy that his treasure is buried near the pyramids of Egypt and a mysterious man tells the boy that he ought to seek out his personal legend, the boy decides to leave behind his life as a shepherd, to sell his flock and to set out on a journey to find the treasure at the foot of the pyramids.
Review: Od Magic – Patricia A. McKillip
Brenden Vetch likes to talk to plants more than he likes talking to people – but when the great wizard Od invites him to become a gardener at her school of magic, he sets out to the capital of the kingdom to take up residence. Meanwhile, the capital is enthralled by the presence of the mysterious illusionist Tyramin, the King and his wizards wondering whether the illusive enchanter practices real and illegal magic of if perhaps it is all just tricks. Finally princess Sulys, the King’s daughter, finds that her betrothal to the cold wizard Valoren, one of the King’s counsellors, makes her question her father’s laws and judgment.
Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Peter Jackson
Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit with no experience when it comes to world beyond his home, is invited to join thirteen dwarves on their quest to reclaim their homeland. Of course, there’s potentially a dragon to deal with first, but that’s why they need Bilbo to be their burglar. Is he willing to trade the comforts of home for a rather uncomfortable adventure?
Review: The Secrets of the Wild Wood – Tonke Dragt
When the wandering knight Ristridin of the South does not return from his quest in the Wild Woods at the agreed upon time, Tiuri of the White Shield, his squire Piak, and Ristridin’s other friends set out to find him. But the Wild Woods are full of secrets, dangers, and men in green…
