Bought, Borrowed or Gifted: Borrowed from local library via BorrowBox
Length: 277 Pages or 6 Hours 29 Minutes
I won an Advance Reader Copy of this from the UK publisher, Bloomsbury, YEARS AGO. And I was super excited to read it. So much so, every time I picked it up, I was overcome by The Fear. You know which Fear I mean. The Fear of you hyped a book so much in your head that there is no way it’s going to live up to it.
So I waited. And waited. And one of my friends (who has read it) was surprised I haven’t read it. So more waiting. Till I saw it on my library’s audiobook app (or BorrowBox) and went “If I’m going to do it, I going to do it now”.
This is a reimagining of Norse Mythology, told in Neil Gaiman’s wit and style. There’s no other way to explain it.
This is accessible retelling of some of the Norse Myths (I know most of lost, but I can’t believe these were all the myths). Plus, with this retelling, all the incest and rape was removed. This might not be a bad thing as, with Greek mythology, it’s everywhere. I mean, Zeus is a rapist. Let’s call a spade a spade, he is.
I feel that this is aimed for a younger reader, those who are curious over Norse due to Marvel and it will come as a surprise how Odin, Thor and Loki are in Norse mythology compared to the Marvel films and graphic novels.
But this is fun and I am curious to learn more about mythology. Plus, got a ton of Gaiman on my kindle, waiting to be read, so this might be a nice way to ease self in, but we shall see…
I downloaded this back in 2012 (so I highly doubt you can find it on audible.co.uk) and when I downloaded the app on my phone and connected to my account, I rediscovered this and it was less than 15 minutes so I fancied relistening to it. Just to see how creepy it was.
Ok, let's get these questions started!
WHY DID YOU REREAD THIS BOOK?
I downloaded the Audible app on my phone and it showed me my history for the past few years of purchases and, while I was downloading an audiobook I am going to review in the next few days, I spotted this and went "Oh! You would be cool to relisten to. I remember you were slightly creepy." and downloaded it without a second thought. WHAT WAS YOUR HONEST OPINION OF THIS #RE3 THE FIRST TIME YOU READ IT?
I think I really liked it. It was very short and yet, slightly creepy and gothic. I loved Neil Gaiman's voice as he was reading the story. WHAT IS YOUR HONEST OPINION OF THIS #RE3 READ NOW?
It's creepy. I think it's because I remembered within a few minutes where the story was going and I don't know whether it's more scary listening to it at 8 o'clock at night in a house on your own, knowing what's going to happen or in the same situation but when you don't know what's going to happen next... IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY?
I believe this story is in an anthology but, I discovered a live recording on youTube (as I don't think you can get it now via Audible) so I will link you to it now. BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK/AUDIOBOOK, WILL YOU BE READING/REREADING ANY OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR?
I have since my first listen of this have read Neil Gaiman and am very intrigued over reading more. Not sure where to start. I was thinking Good Omens, but might reread Coraline...
Surprise! Yes, I know I said my next review on here will be my write up on The 100 and the sequel, Day 21, both by Kass Morgan but as I have made very little headway with Day 21, I decide to finish a book I was reading on and off for the past few weeks which I requested from BookBridgr (thank you BookBridgr), which is The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Eddie Campbell.
The story, set in the dark ages of Scotland, is of two men, strangers, who are travelling to a cave on the mysterious Misty Isle. Only one of the men knows the way as this cave is rumoured to have a cursed treasure within it. What unfolds on their journey involves greed, survival, revenge and tragedy. Though not in that order...
I am going to keep that brief as I want to leave it as vague as possible. No spoilers.
Now, my opinion on this book... it's very mixed. I'm not 100% certain where I stand with it.
It's not a novel or prose in the traditional sense, nor is it a graphic novel. It's a strange hybrid of the two, for the most part, works in the story's favor. The illustrations by Eddie Campbell are quite unique, ranging from comic strips, rushed illustrations and rushed "oil painting" style art to very detailed drawings (one of my fave drawings is a illustration of a deer. I shall pop it in the review somewhere so you can see it...).
The story, though... it didn't grab me the way I wanted it to. It felt, at times, quite flat. It didn't feel like a story written by Neil Gaiman. I admit I am not a huge fan of Neil Gaiman and I am slowly becoming aware of his writing (Doctor Who, Coraline, The Graveyard Book, MirrorMask [an awesome film, by the way - imagine Alice in Wonderland but on a serious drug trip!] and Neverwhere) but it didn't feel like him compared to what I have read.
I wonder if it's the hype that's around him at the moment and that is clouding my judgement?
Also, some of you guys will already be aware of this story as it was published in 2012 in a collection of stories called Stories: All New Tales and Neil himself read this at the Graphic festival at the Sydney Opera House several years back. At this event, Neil read the story out loud with Eddie revealing some illustartions behind the author (he drew the rest till quite recently) and the FourPlay String Quaret playing music to go alongside the story.
And I think that would have beena much more interesting reading experience. To not only read the story and stare at the illustation but to have the music to listen to (either a CD, a MP3 download or a website you could go and listen) to bring an extra dimension to the tale.
While this book might not have been my cup of tea, I am certain many fans of Neil Gaiman and Eddie Campbell will love reading this book.
It begins with milk. Well, the lack of milk, actually. Dad pops out to get some and, after a long time, he returns with milk and a story on how he got the milk. A story involving pirates, aliens, wumpires, an angry volcano god and time-travelling dinosaur. ... what? Don't you get that when you go out and buy some milk?
When Bloomsbury, the UK publisher, sent this to me, I was kinda excited to read it as it's not the "typical" Neil Gaiman book that I have read. I've only read a few Neil Gaiman novels (so am still a newbie to Gaiman's writing) and 2 of them were for teens (Coraline and The Graveyard Book). So, reading this was going to be interesting for me... But I guessed I would enjoy this because the UK cover is SHINY! For those of you who have magpie eye, you will love this book just for the shiny cover only!
This was a short and fast read for me. This wasn't aimed for my age group - I get that, I do. This is younger than my typical YA reading range but it was refreshing to read this and there were moments that I actually sniggered with laughter, mainly with lines from Professor Steg (aka the Dinosaur that's on the cover). One of my fave lines from this book was from page 41 and went like this:
"Dinosaurs are reptiles, sir," said Professor Steg. "We do not go in for milk." "Do you go in for breakfast cereal?" I asked. "Of course!" he cried. "Dinosaurs LOVEbreakfast cereal. Especially the kind with nuts in."
Why this is my favourite line, I have no idea. But it just made me smile and snigger into my cup of tea.
And the illustrations in this book - flawless. I adore Chris Riddell's drawing. I just loved all his drawers (though the Dad, I SWEAR, looks like Neil Gaiman himself!). My fave is the one on the right. I just LOVE this drawing. I want/need a framed drawing on this. Please, Bloomsbury/Chris Riddell. Please. I will love you LOADS if this happens.
I enjoyed this because it's like a nuts version of Doctor Who. Imagine if Matt Smith regenerated into a stegosaurus (now THAT would be AMAZING!). This was a tiny nod to time-travel but made it fun, silly and smiling while reading it.
I have been interested/excitement over Neil Gaiman's soon-to-be-released novel The Ocean At The End Of The Lane and I have talked to my brother-in-law's sister (who is a HUGE Neil Gaiman fan) and has said she will try and lend me two other of his novels (once I finish the Caster Chronicles - and I will finish it soon!). So, when the publisher, Headline, revealed that they were going to release a free short story with an sneaky peek of The Ocean At The End of the Lane, of course I preordered it. It was free, as well! An added bonus!
Some of you have probably read How To Talk To Girls At Parties as this was one of the short stories within one of Neil Gaiman's collection of short stories, Fragile Things. For those of you who don't, this short is about two friends who are going to a party, but go to the wrong party. There, the main character begins to notice something isn't quite right...
This was a fast read. I like my fast reads, but as this is a short story, I kinda got that. But, THIS STORY HAS NO ANSWERS! If you like it all neat and tied up in a bow, you are not going to get it here. The narrator gives us hints that we, the reader, see but for some unknown reason, he doesn't.
I did like it and I am curious to read Fragile Things, but compare to Neil's other works, I feel a bit let down. Not much of a review - sorry, but thought you ought to know.
We have a cover for Neil Gaiman's new children's book, Fortunately The Milk, and it is bright! Got your sunglasses at the ready? One... two... three...!
I warned you it was bright! And doesn't it look nuts and awesome!? This looks like one that will delight children of all ages (and yes, this does include you adult-baby folk!). Sadly, we have to wait till September. SEPTEMBER!
To tie us over, we have drawings from within the book, drawn by Chris Riddell! ENJOY!
Bloomsbury, are you SURE we have to wait till September? I want this NOW!!!
You never thought I would EVER write a blog post with THAT title, did ya? I have news from the world of James Dawson and Neil Gaiman. First, let's tackle James Dawson. Today, James and his UK publishers, Indigo, unveiled the cover to his second novel, Cruel Summer. And here it is...
You like? It's so different from his cover of Hollow Pike. But I love Hollow Pike so am super excited for this book! And here, to wet your appetites, is a short summary of the book:
Ryan is looking forward to spending the summer with his old school friends at Katie’s luxurious Spanish villa. He hasn’t seen the gang since their friend, Janey, committed suicide a year ago. He hopes this summer they’ll be able to put the past behind them and move on – until someone else arrives, claiming to have proof that Janey’s suicide was murder – and it’s only a matter of time until her killer strikes again…
Ryan was hoping for sun, sea and sand. Suddenly, he’s facing a long, hot summer of death, drama and deceit . . .
(The Cover and the summary were taken from the author's website of jamesdawsonbooks.com)
And now, to the world of Neil Gaiman. And he's a busy man, is Mr Gaiman. Not only has he written his second episode for Doctor Who (which is entitled The Last Cyberman), an adult novel coming out in May (The Ocean At The End of the Lane), and he's published a picture book (Chu's Day), but Neil has written a book for younger readers. But why am I telling you this: let's the author tell you himself.
Fortunately, the Milk will be out in September (so FAR AWAY!!!) but it looks to be as mad as a box of frogs. I can not WAIT to read this, even though I am suppose to be a grown up (when has that ever stopped me?). Also, Neil is introducing and having a story featured in a collection of beastly tales called Unnatural Creatures (it's not about book bloggers, I have been informed...) so, if you are a Neil Gaiman fan, this is your lucky year!
Wanna hear a short scary story? Of course you do, it's Halloween tomorrow. Well, Neil Gaiman has released an short scary story in audiobook form and IT'S FREE! Well, till the end of tomorrow (so, if you want it, GO GET IT NOW!!!). It's free and, every time it gets downloaded via Audible UK or Audible.com, 50p is going to charity. If you download your copy from the UK/Commonwealth store, the charity BookTrust will get the donation. If you download the story from the US store, the charity DonorsChoose.org. But this will only happen till the end of Halloween itself so GO!
If you have missed this, rumour has it that this story will be released in an upcoming anthology called Impossible Monsters, though I can't find proof of this so take this with a pinch of salt.
I'm not going to reveal much about this (yes, I know this is a review!) as it's only 12 minutes long. 2 of them is Neil talking and, oh, his voice! I love his voice. He makes the story have an extra edge of spooky and it's perfect for this time of year. Very atmospheric and almost gothic, and very clever.
What a short yet deceptive tale this is for when the nights get darker sooner...
As you guys know, I have read some Neil Gaiman. Well, I say some. I read and audiobooked Coraline, audiobooked the Graveyard Book (am planning to relisten to that soon) and I watched the film he wrote, Mirrormask. I even watched and quite liked the movie, Stardust, based on his novel of the same name. But I have never read any of his "adult" books.
They sound cool and look lovely (I love the cover to Stardust and I think the cover to Anansi Boys is kinda neat [who says "neat" nowadays? Am showing my age, me thinks]). But just never got round to reading them for several reasons. One is time. The second is that they look SCARY! As in scarily thick with SUPER tiny writing, not scary as jumping off the bookshelf and tries to eat your face off!
So, when my brother-in-law's sister Carla (here's her blog, FYI) lent me her copy of Neverwhere, I thought I should read it. And quickly. She is a family member and is just as passionate about books as I am. And we have quite similar tastes in books.
Before I go any further, when I told people on Twitter that I was reading this, I accidently set up an debate on whether the book or the series (made for the BBC in the mid-1990s) was better. I didn't even know it was a TV series, let alone figure out which is better! So, please don’t ask me! I might try and investigate, but don't hold out much hope on that front… (Just checked Amazon. There's a copy of the DVD for less than a £5. Might have to investigate this further…)
Now, I have no idea how to write this as my head is spinning! Neverwhere has the feel of London. On Acid. That's right. It was very warped. It was almost like a modern day (yet completely bizarre) version of Alice in Wonderland but the world of London Below knows the existance of London Above (aka our London). But while I say that, there's something quite fairy-tale-like about it.
I quite liked it. I didn't love it and I'm not 100% certain why. There was something off-centre about it. Maybe it was Richard, though I liked him. Actually, thinking about it, I quite liked all the characters, goodie and baddie. There was something wonderful yet perfectly normal about them. I know that makes no sense, so let me explain. All the characters (expect Richard) belong to the London Below or Neverwhere so they live in a world where the normal isn't normal. And yet, they seem perfect for this world.
Maybe it was the fact that there were loose ends. There was one or two loose ends, which aren't huge things, but still they could have been tied up. Maybe I'm wanting too much. Want everything all neat and tidy. And I think I can understand why Neil left these hanging. But that's a theory and I'm not going to say them in case it spoils the book for other people who haven't read it…
But I like Neverwhere and, when I feel brave enough, I might try and read/audiobook another of Neil Gaiman's "adult" books. Although, now, am never going to look at the London Undergound in the same way… Especially Blackfriars and Shepherd's Bush…
I read this - my first Neil Gaiman book, actually - years ago when it was first released in hardback. I think I read it within a day or two. A few years later, I got the audiobook as it was read by Dawn French and I relistened to it just now, just to refresh my memory of it as all I have in my head link to this is the film (which is good in some aspects but awful in others.)…
Coraline Jones has just moved house. Well, actually, she's moved into a flat inside a house with her mother and father. In this new flat, there is a door that opens to a brick wall. However, when Coraline opens it a second time, it opens onto a corridor. A corridor that leads to her flat. But it's not her flat. It's looks like her flat, but it's not. It's similar, but not quite exact. And then, she meets her parents, who look like her parents and sound like her parents but aren't. Her parents don’t have shiny black buttons for eyes. No, these are her Other Mother and Other Father and they have been waiting for Coraline for quite some time. This new world Coraline has walked into is a twisted version of her own and now that she's there, her Other parents (especially her Other Mother) are reluctant for her to leave…
So… what do I think? Even though I'm a little outside the primary and secondary target audience (this is a pre-teen book. Maybe early teen as well [says nothing about his age. *cough* mid-twenties *cough*]), I quite like it. I am still trying to figure out how old Coraline is (late primary school? Just about to start secondary?) as they are times she acts really young for her age and, other times, she acts a little older than her age. It's hard to nail it down.
I remember reading it the first time and listening to the audiobook and thinking of how clever it was. For example, Neil gives all the clues of what is going to happen or ideas to the plot within the first chapter and that is so clever. It was the little things that are clever. I only clearly remember the shiny black buttons and the Other Mother's right hand, and those two things are chilling for reasons I won't go into. But I do think this book is a good read and might give children chills - and that's a good thing. Kids like to feel scare yet safe at the same time.
And, dare I say it, I think adults might like this too. It's Neil Gaiman. If you’re a fan of his work, you'll read thi and wonder how he could write this for children and get away with some of the scenes. And you can see his touch (I've only read this, watched the film he wrote Mirrormask and listened to The Graveyard Book [will relisten to that soon, actually!]) and it's quite gothic, but there's something fairy tale about it. Not sure if his adult books have the same feel but there's something about his writing in these that are nice and comforting. This is the same feeling you get from Neil's episode of Doctor Who - The Doctor's Wife. It's dark, gothic yet quite fairy-tale. Because of this, Neil's episode is my fave Doctor Who episode in this currect series!
Am not 100% certain if Dawn French was the right voiceover, but she did seem to get the Other Mother's voice right. She made it sound lovely when the Other Mother was acting all sweet and nice, but when her voice had to become colder, Dawn seem to handle that alright. But some of the other characters voices didn’t feel right. Maybe it's me, but am not 100% certain if the right reader was found with the lovely Dawn French.
Now, some of you know that Coraline was turned into a film a few years ago with the vocal talents of Dakota Fanning, Terri Hatcher, Jennifier Saunders and Dawn French and directed by Henry Selick, who was heavily involved with The Nightmare Before Christmas (did he direct that or did he produce it? Can't remember at time of writing). Now, I have the DVD of this film somewhere in my house (saw it AGES again), but now, listening to the story, I realise how wrong the film was. I mean, the film is ok to watch, but if you want the film to be like the book, then you got problems. Main thing - there is no character called Wybie in the book!
And, the more I think about the film, the more I think that the film doesn't really represent the book right. The film was stop-motion animation, which is fine, but doesn't seem to fit the soul of the book (apparently, I read somewhere that Neil Gaiman wanted Coraline to be a Live-Action film but the director was against it. Hence why neil Gaiman wants the film version of The Graveyard Book and the TV version of American Gods to be live action). Also, can someone confirm to me this but is Coraline black? The reason I ask is because, in my head, I have always seen Coraline and her father as black and this didn’t happen in the film (yet I could easily imagine Terri Hatcher being Coraline's real & Other Mother). And they American-izied the story. It even says in the book that Coraline's father had to go to London due to work.
Yes, I know that these are little things but the more I thought about the book/film relationship, the more I got annoyed over it. Out of the two, I would say go the book. I always seem to say that with book/film adaptians, though there are the rare occasion that I say the film is better than the film.
I go off course. The book - Coraline - is a fast, chilly read that will make you never look at shiny black buttons in the same way again…
.JPG)
