The City: A Novel by Dean Koontz...This Brand New Novel NOW Released (07-01-14)! [BONUS: "The Neighbor," The Short Story Prequel Review Included!]

The City: A Novel, by Dean Koontz is
available for purchase on July 1, 2014
from most book vendors. Amazon.com
has the title in Kindle (e-book), hard-
cover, and audio (or Audible)
formats. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     My first Dean Koontz novel was a borrowed paperback edition of One Door Away From Heaven. My daughter insisted I read Dean Koontz and told me how much she loved him as an author and that if I read his books, I, too, would come to love him. She thrust the paperback into my hands. I turned it over, read the back cover, looked at the front, then, accepting the fact that I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't give the book a try, sat down to read.

[2]

     I finished the book the next day (May 26, 2009) and had to admit I enjoyed the read. I decided that I would like to read other Dean Koontz books, if they were as good as One Door Away From Heaven (I gave it 4.0 stars out of 5, recording it in my own personal Reading Journal as I always do when I finish reading a book.).

[4]

     Today, I checked my reading list and found that I've read thirty-six (36) of his books, to date--including today's book review title, The City: A Novel. I am only about one-third (1/3) of the way through Koontz's books; and since his titles number over one hundred (100), [3]  it may be some time, yet, before I make my way through them all. 

[5]

     Since starting this blog in August 2013, I have reviewed two of Koontz's books. The two books are as follows: Innocence: A Novel (and the short story, Wilderness), click here to see that book review; and Odd Thomas, an Odd Thomas Novel, Book 1, click here to see that book review. I am happy to have had the privilege to be able to read today's book, The City: A Novel, through NetGalley via an Advance Reader Copy (ARC).  Now, I'll tell you how I found the book to be.

SHORT BOOK SYNOPSIS, The City: A Novel:

     Jonah Kirk's best friend, Malcolm, encourages him to tell his story, and, albeit reluctantly, Jonah begins recounting his story of the light and the dark days. The publisher tells us that Jonah relates his story, about how "The City" changed him, about his need to relate the story about her and all of the "terrible...and wonderful...and amazing things that happened." Importantly, Jonah wants to share with us why he is still "haunted by them."

A young boy at the piano (Frank
"Sugar Chile" Robinson). [6]

     Jonah was born a musical prodigy, destined to be a great piano player. Coming from a musical family, his mother was a wonderful singer and his grandfather was a "piano man" who played with many of the greats of his day. Jonah is just beginning to see his talents come alive.

     Jonah's life is turned upside down when first one, and then a group of dangerous people, cross his path. Though he tries to avoid them and the consequences they bring, he is, nonetheless, brought into their world with life-changing and life-shattering consequences. Jonah tells us how "mysterious" the city is and how one mysterious night, when the group of dangerous people crossed his path, he "died and woke and lived again."

Malcolm lived across the street from
Jonah. Malcolm played the sax-
ophone and often went to visit Jonah.
The two boys played and practiced
together. [7]

     The story of Jonah and his "remarkable" family is subtly revealed in a "portrait" of the city and the world that helped to make him who he is. Koontz utilizes the boy's exposure to music, art, and architecture to show us all the dreams we share. Jonah learns about the power of friendship and of surprising heroes who also cross his path. The story, much like Jonah's pen light, shines light in the dark places, illuminating magic, "dark and light," enchantment, malice, courage and honor. The only question is, will Jonah be able to recover from the "life-shattering" consequences?

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK:

     WHAT WORKED: First, Dean Koontz's extensive experience in writing books clearly shows in the facile way he weaves multiple themes and motifs together throughout the book. Initially, Sylvia (Jonah's mother) talks to Jonah about being a whole man, not half-men like Harmon Jessup (a black man) or William Murkett (a white man). And then there are dark, scary dreams (of the past as well as prophetic dreams) versus the positive dream Jonah has of becoming a piano man. 

Some of the motifs used in the book include dark and light.
We find dark and light images, dark:  in shadows, dark
rooms, "shady characters," "dark deeds," black men, ver-
sus light: sunlight and day, candles, pendants, white-
skinnned people, etc. Koontz also points out "dark
and light magic." [8]

     Continuing with the concept of black and white, I especially appreciate that Ted- dy Bledsoe (Jonah's grand- father--the "piano man."), doesn't like categorizing people into racial groups, black and white--he thinks of all the black and white musicians he has known simply as "musicians." Maybe this is why it is so easy for grandson, Jonah, who is black, and Malcolm, who is white, to become fast friends. Their shared experiences tie them together. Loss and gain. Tragedy and triumph. And, of course, music. 

     Other Koontz concepts I enjoyed included the motifs of "orphans and adopted," versus people who were childless or adopting. And a really big one: Living from the inside out:  internal changes stemming from growth versus external changes of appearance--not living your life by being impacted by outside things such as the news, but by making your own choices along the way, not letting others or circumstances dictate how you should live.

Manzanar War Relocation Center. [9]

     Other images and motifs I enjoyed included the following: Jonah as being in the belly of the whale; the consideration of the theme of "family;" the image of "The City," personified; "juju" or "voodoo thinking" versus magical thinking, and finally, I loved how Koontz worked in all the images and stories about Manzanar and its people to reinforce "living from the inside out."  

     Finally, without going through the list of all the characters, I have to say as you read the book to pay attention to Teddy Bledsoe and George Yoshioka (a Japanese tailor, formerly from Manzanar)--love those two  men. And though these two especially touched me, I also loved how Koontz made other characters come alive (like Donata Lorenzo and Jonah's mother, Sylvia--and you have to love Malcolm, what a character).

     I can't tell you more about the plot, as it would spoil the book for your reading enjoyment. Many twists and turns abound in the novel, and I am sure you will enjoy the surprises Koontz has in store for you.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:

[10]

     While I liked many things about the novel a couple things didn't work for me. First, in spite of the publisher's promo about magic, "light and dark," and even in the book, itself, the same statement about the existence of dark and light magic, I didn't really see any "dark" magic. There is light or good magic. And, there was the dark imaginings of the little boy, Jonah, as kind of superstitious fears, but it was explained to him that "juju" or "voodoo thinking" just wasn't real magic. No one in the book is a witch or warlock, necromancer or evil being or thing that uses evil or dark magic. Don't get me wrong, there are very bad people in the book, the way Hitler might have been called evil, but no magic wielding entity utilized dark magic. So, I felt a bit led on about the whole "magic dark and light," thing--dark and light images pervade the book, but no dark magic. Just bad guys.

[11]

     Second, the story is told from the perspective of a fifty-seven-year old, looking back at his nine-year-old self. He leads the story from the beginning to the climax slowly building the story. The story reads almost as a who-done-it with a crime to be solved and bad guys caught. I think the problem, here, is that I was ready for one kind of story, but got another.

     And finally, the pacing is a bit slow in the first half of the book and could have been spiced up with a little more action. The end of the book was good and had a wonderful climax and resolution; but like I said, the beginning was a little slow.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

     This book is for adults even though the protagonist (Jonah) is nine-years-old for most of the story. Jonah is telling the story orally, recording it, including all the dark and scary parts of a very troubling time he lived through. So, for these reasons, anyone who is young or of a sensitive nature should consider the reading material before actually picking it up to read. For all adults who do not fall into this category, the book will be very enjoyable and thought-provoking.

While it had a few minor problems,
I still enjoyed this book and give
it 4.0 stars out of 5. [12]

     I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and I am glad I read it. I would even consider buying it for a gift to my daughter who loves Dean Koontz as an author--I think she will love it. And, for all the above reasons, I would give this book 4.0 stars out of 5.

___________________________________

THE NEIGHBOR by Dean Koontz
[A short story prequel to the novel, The City]

[13]

    BRIEF SYNOPSIS:
     In this prequel to The City: A Novel by Dean Koontz, publishers have told us that twelve-year-old Malcolm, lives at home with his dysfunctional parents (who can't stand each other) and his best friend and sister Amalia. The geeky and socially awkward Malcolm and his beautiful and intelligent sister have their curiosity piqued when a very secretive and enigmatic neighbor moves into a neighboring house in the dark of night.

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE PREQUEL (SHORT STORY):

     Since I've already completed the review of The City: A Novel, we know that Malcolm is Jonah's friend. This short story takes place shortly before Malcolm and Jonah meet for the first time.

     The story is so short that if I tell you too much, you'll figure out the punchline. But, I think I can tell you that the story really goes far in showing the relationship between Malcolm and Amalia (Malcolm's sister). The two work together to figure out what is going on next door. The story is suspenseful and spooky and great fun to read.

I guess Malcolm or Amalia ate half of one of the
cookies they were taking to the neighbor! This story
was great fun. 4.5 stars...er...cookies out of 5! [14]

     The story was short, so I read it quickly. The cost was only $.99, so I thought it to be a good bargain for the quality of the story. I highly recommend this Dean Koontz short to everyone! I rate it 4.5 stars out of 5 for the reasons I have stated and just because I enjoyed it so much.
    

Double White Rose of Sharon. [15]
This flower is in honor of my daughter's announcement,
today, that she will be having a little girl and naming
her Sharon Kathleen. I send my daughter and my
namesake all my love and prayers. 

     Thank you all for joining me, today, as we looked at Dean Koontz's exciting new book release, The City: A Novel. Please join me, again, next week when we will look at a new title that will shortly be coming to the big screen.

     God bless you all. Be kind to each other, and don't forget to pick up a book and read for a little bit, every day. Reading is fun, good for your brain, your heart, your life. Take care, my friends, and I will see you next week. Until next time...

...many happy pages of reading.

All my love,

Sharon.

_________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
[1] "The City: A Novel." [Dean Koontz] amazon.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[2] "One Door Away From Heaven." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[3] "Koontz's Dog Days." cbsnews.com. Retrieved 06-17.14.
[4] "Innocence." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[5] "Odd Thomas: Odd Thomas Series, Book 1." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[6] "Young Little...." youtube.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[7] "Cool Character." staff.rockwood.k. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[8] "Hamlet: William Shakespeare." shrdocs.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[9] "Manzanar Relocation Center." fords.org. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[10] "That Old Black Magic." artistdirect.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[11] "Oooh." rapgenius.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[12] "Fredchuckdave." giantbomb.com. Retrieved 06-17-14.
[13] "The Neighbor." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.
[14] "The Smart Cookie Cook." thesmartcookiecook.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.
[15] "Pictures From My Garden." sparkpeople.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.

Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia--Released July 1, 2014--Now Available!

Monster Hunter Nemesis, Book 5, by Larry
Correia. RELEASE DATE 07-01-14. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

  "I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel." 

(Chapter 10, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, 

quoting Milton's Paradise Lost.)

    "I knew his secret. The thing that we all knew as Agent Franks had been the inspiration for the fictional Frankenstein's monster, and had been around for a very long time. His creator, the alchemist Konrad Dippel, had died in the seventeen-hundreds, so Franks had to have been first stitched together sometime before that. His very existence piqued my curiosity, but it was all for naught...[for every question I asked him, I got the same response,] 'Classified'" (The speaker is Owen Pitt, from Monster Hunter Le- gion by Larry Correia, Kindle loc. 1733].

     Agent Franks is peppered throughout the Monster Hunter International Series. In Monster Hunter Legion, we learned a good deal more about Agent Franks than we had in all the previous books. If you look, you can see how Larry Correia is already setting up the Nemesis book that will be the next foray into the Monster Hunter International world. In Correia's previous books we learned that Agent Franks was not classified as human. 

[2]

     And yet, he had a contract for services with the U.S. government. We learned that Franks was secretive about himself--and ultra-sensitive when it came to Project Nemesis. In Legion, for example, when one Special Task Force Unicorn agent (STFU--this could also stand for "Shut The F*** Up.") tells Franks, "If it were up to me, we'd dismantle you and bring back the Nemesis Project." Franks "...switched from Obsequious Government Employee Mode to Kill Your Ass Mode...[and said] I've been ordered to tolerate you people. If you ever mention Nemesis around me again that tolerance ends, along with your life" (Loc. 1695). This is, of course, demonstrating that Franks is very serious about Nemesis. 

BRIEF BOOK SYNOPSIS:

     As mentioned, above, Agent Franks, is seen threaded throughout the story arcs in the previous books in the series, appearing in Monster Hunter Nemesis as the main character. From previous books we know that Agent Franks' is a man cobbled together from bits and pieces of fifty different bodies. Few people know more about Franks, and that's just the way he wants to keep it.

One of Larry Correia's specially
signed books with a person-
alized drawing. Here, Agent
 Franks is punching an "iconic
monster from Warmachine." [3]

     Publishers tell us that the nearly indestructible Franks was given an "alchemical substance" which helped bring him to life...but even his creator didn't know that a spirit older than mankind seized the opportunity to dwell in the body of the cobbled together man. Although Franks has done a lot of violent things, he contracted with the government to protect the country from all supernatural enemies. The contract also absolutely prohibited the creation of any more beings like himself; the government wouldn't want to violate that provision because they wouldn't want to see Franks get angry. Would they? 

     A super secret government agency, invisible to all, with a budget hidden inside of other budgets, and headed by an influential and powerful man, the same agency that Agent Franks works for, has done the unthinkable--Project Nemesis. With his own agenda, the Director manipulates his way through red tape, acting under a cloak of secrecy and silence, he oversees the creation of not one new cobbled together man, but thirteen. Agent Franks gives new meaning to the old saying, "Hell hath no fury...."

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK:

     I must admit I am wildly happy to have had the opportunity to read this book and review it for NetGalley. I have been a huge fan of Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International Series from its inception. I have grown to know and love Owen--and all the characters. In fact, in this book, Monster Hunter Nemesis, even though he is a new character to the series, I grew to love Strayhorn. I'm also pleased that we have back (from Monster Hunter Alpha, and briefly, Monster Hunter Legion) Deputy (Heather) Kerkonen; she's a great addition to the series. In fact, it looks to be her on the cover--Kerkonen has red hair and appears as a red werewolf.

     I won't say who, because I won't spoil it for you, but as with any good series, we eventually lose a few characters along the way with which we may have formed a connection and love. It is so in this book. While this book is an action-packed book, Correia gives the reader a sanity break and permits a few quiet moments in which to feel the loss of a few of the characters. I think because he limits those moments to small intimate scenes, it is far more effective than a huge dramatic melodrama.

The Tsuchiguomo: An artists concept of the spider (mon-
ster) who is able to create illusions around herself and
others near her. She can make herself or another look like
someone else. The Tsuchiguomo in Monster Hunter
Nemesis takes the form a Japanese girl. [4]

     I've already indicated for those who do not know about this series, that this book and series is action-packed. It is full of guns, explosives, knives, halberds, canons and special weapons of all sorts. We also see a wide variety of monsters from Heather Kerkonen (a werewolf), and Agent Franks (non-human/Frankenstein-like), to an evil Tsuchigumo (Spider Creature with "Illusion" powers), and even a human under a Fey curse named Renfroe (with pecular abilities able to manipulate electricity and also act as an "electrical ghost"), just to name a few.

It is the inescapable agent
of someone's or something's
downfall. [5]

     One of the best things Larry Correia does, as I briefly mentioned, above, is set up the series so the threads of plot lines are carefully developed and lead from one book to the next. Such was the case with Monster Hunter Nemesis. The term, "Nemesis" or "Project Nemesis" was dropped along the way; even though we did not know what that term meant, we could see from Frank's reaction that this was some serious stuff. By the time we got to this book, Monster Hunter Nemesis, we were ready to find out all the dirt about the project and how it impacted all the characters and the individual plot lines.

This is the quintessential
image in most people's minds
of Frankenstein's Monster:
Boris Karloff. Our Agent
Franks looks a bit different.[6]

     In this book, Franks serves as the focal point for revealing the details of the project. And, as the publisher's indicated in the information they revealed about the book, Franks is Dippel's creation--partly; to be exact, he is an ancient spirit inhabiting the shell of that body. So why is Franks, inhabiting the body in the first place? Why is he here? What is he doing inhabiting this cobbled-together body for, literally, hundreds of years? Why has he chained himself to a contract of service to the United States government with such serious consequences if it is broken? Why is Project Nemesis such a bad idea? And, why does the Swiss Guard make an appearance in the book?  Oh my, my, my....such delicious answers to these questions. You will...LOVE...them!

Can't deny it. I love the book!
It's my favorite of the whole
series! [7]

     All right. I have to say, "I LOVED this book!" Larry Correia is just getting better and better with his writing, with his characters, themes, and plots. He puts it all together in such a cohesive and pleasing package, that the read is exciting and action-packed, certainly, but also thoughtful and pleasurable. He has become a master weaver with words, not pretentious and not base or low. Just plain ol' action-packed fun. I loved that he provided surprises for the reader, answered questions, and then left us wanting more as we think about the imminent war--and what happened to Owen, Mosh and their dad at the end of Monster Hunter Legion? I can't wait to find out. And just so you know, there are some pretty big reveals about Agent Franks that I just couldn't tell you about. You are really going to love them.

The Sig 510--one of the many guns we read about in the
Monster Hunter International Series. [8]

MY RECOMMENDATION AND RATING:

     First, if you have a problem with guns, in general, this book may not be for you. I would say this book is meant for adults, due to violence, blood, gore, and injury and death. Any one who loves high action stories, monsters, guns, shoot-em-ups, explosions, and mayhem, will like this book.

     Also, keep in mind, this book isn't about mindless violence. Larry Correia is an excellent writer and never fails to deliver a thoughtful well-planned adventure for readers. Moreover, somehow, he is able to manage elements of suspense and intrigue, as well. This book was, for me, one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year! I have been waiting in anticipation of its release...I was NOT disappointed! Thank you, Larry Correia.

All right, these are not stars. They are
little monsters--in honor of the book,
Monster Hunter Nemesis!
4.5 monsters--I guess Franks
cut one in half! (ha, ha, ha!) [9]

For all the above-listed reasons, I give this wonderful book 4.5 stars out of 5. 

Until next time...

[10]

...many happy pages of reading!

My love to you all.

Sharon.

REFERENCES
_____________________________________________________
[1] "Monster Hunter: Nemesis." amazon.com. Retrieved 05-07-14.
[2] "Monster Hunter: Legion." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.
[3] "Super Special Autographs." monsterhunternation.com. Retrieved 06-11-14.
[4] "Tsuchiguomo." deviantart.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.
[5] "Do You Know What the Word Nemesis Means?" quickmeme.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.
[6] "Happy Birthday Boris." chrispriestley.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.
[7] "We Love This Book." welovethisbook.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.
[8] "Sig 510." gunscollecting.com. Retrieved 06-11-14.
[9] "Dippy Reviews." dippyreviews.com. Retrieved 06-11-14.
[10] "Top 28 White Roses Pictures for Free Download." funstoc.com. Retrieved 06-12-14.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman in Movie Development--Read the Book Before it Comes to the Big Screen!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel
by Neil Gaiman is available in a variety of for-
mats, get your book, now, before the movie! [1]
Amazon has the first three chapters available for
FREE to download onto your Kindle/e-book read-
er. To get your free chapters, click the link, here.

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     He had delivered the eulogy, wearing clothes that were oddly comforting, white shirt, black tie, suit and shiny shoes. They were, he thought the right clothes for a very "hard day." He had "spoken the words...[meaning] them as he spoke them..." and then had left--gotten into his car and drove away. He found that the little country road he had chosen to drive down, the one he had chosen to get lost upon, had been covered in blacktop and, now, "served as a buffer between two sprawling housing estates."

     So begins The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel, by Neil Gaiman. The unnamed speaker takes us back to where he lived as a child. He travels there and, as an adult looking back, delivers a sincere eulogy.

     A eulogy, in this case, a speech in praise of the deceased, has been given, and the protagonist has left the gathering, seeking solitude and a time for reflection. We never find out who this deceased person is. No names are given. Even the protagonist is anonymous.

The book, The Ocean at the End of
the Lane, by Neil Gaiman, opens with
the protagonist having just given a
sincere eulogy. [2]

     The anonymity seems to make it easier for the reader to assume the position that the story can be about anyone--take place at any time. Neil Gaiman's selection of this writing technique to dramatize his story is one example of his masterful use of the English language; the story is a nostalgic and elegiac fable, redolent with dreaminess and poignancy. Before I get any further into the story, let's take a brief look at the synopsis.

BRIEF BOOK SYNOPSIS:
     The setting is Sussex, England. We first see a man, middle-aged, having just given a eulogy. After the eulogy he escapes the gathering, driving in his car, seeking quiet and time for contemplative thoughts. He is drawn to drive down a road from his childhood, and he observes that it has been paved over with black top, making it appear different. He notices that the road seems to act as a buffer between the two sprawling estates.

Mrs. Hempstock's property had a pond in the back
yard with a bench and a tree nearby. Here is where
our protagonist sits lost in thought and memory
for the afternoon. [3]

     Arriving at the end of the road, he sees and remembers the house at the end of the road, a place from his childhood. The protagonist gets out of the car and knocks on the Hempstock's door; three women had lived there, a grandmother, mother and daughter (Lettie). He asks the woman at the door, Lettie's mother, if Lettie had returned from "Australia," yet. Sorrowfully, he finds out that Lettie is still gone. Mrs. Hempstock offers him hot tea, but he refuses and asks if he can sit out by the pond at the back of the house for a while.

     He sits one the little bench by the pond, the ocean, and his mind drifts backward in time to his childhood, when he was seven-years-old, and living in a house not far from the Hempstock place, with his mom, dad and sister. He thinks about meeting the remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, her mother "Ginny" (a rather "stocky," Mrs. Hempstock) and Lettie's grandmother (Old Mrs. Hempstock, who was rather thin). Sitting on the bench, unbidden, the past flows into him, filling him with remembrances of a strange time, a time of scary and very dangerous events.

"The moon was still full, but now
it was low in the sky, and a dark
orange: what my mother called a
harvest moon. But things were
harvested in autumn, I knew,
not in spring" (p. 148). [4]

     Having lost all sense of time, he meanders through the memories of a dead cat, and a man who committed suicide in his father's stolen car. He sees images of an entity made up of flowing strips of cloth, and the dark, of being imprisoned, and of being cold, very cold, as he fought to keep from being drowned. He also remembers Lettie and her promise to protect him and keep from him the things trying to eat his heart and world. He remembers a little black cat with a white ear, strangely colored moons hanging in the sky, and looking at the pond, he remembers the ocean.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE:

[5]

     I don't know that I'd call this my "favorite" quote, but I certainly identify with the way the protagonist feels after he finishes eating. Have you ever felt like this after a good meal?

There was a bowl of porridge on the kitchen table and beside it, a saucer with a lump of golden honeycomb on it, and a jug of rich yellow cream. I spooned up a lump of the honeycomb and mixed it into the thick porridge, then I poured in the cream. There was toast, too, cooked beneath the grill as my father cooked it, with homemade blackberry jam. There was the best cup of tea I have ever drunk. By the fireplace, the kitten lapped at a saucer of creamy milk, and purred so loudly I could hear it across the room. I wished I could purr too. I would have purred then (p. 151).    

 

The perfect cup of tea. [6]
As I sit drafting this blog post, today,
I have a wonderful cup of oolong
tea on which to sip and inspire me.

   One of the themes throughout the book is food. This little passage is important to the boy because previously he has had some very bad food, like burnt toast. Of course, he also went hungry for a while in the story, so to be given such delicious food, is one of the ways he is nourished and cared for, in the story. And, of course, loving really good tea the way I do, I wish I could join the boy, there, with his tea and sit cozily watching the cat by the fireplace, hearing it purr.

     I would like to purr, too (just as the boy wished he could purr, too). "Purr. Purr....that be niiiiiice." I just love this quote from a cat in the movie, The Last Unicorn (our family would watch this movie quite frequently); I suppose that's how I'd feel if I were a pirate cat! Check out this very short--only 10 seconds--YouTube video clip from The Last Unicorn. [7]

   
     I know its silly, but I've been known to quote the movie from time to time--especially if I have an itchy spot on my back that I can't reach and my husband scratches it for me. Just saying.... "Purr, purr...that be niiiice!" The comfort level and feeling of safety in the Hempstock's home seems like that, too, for the boy who, as he enjoys his meal, watches the cat, hearing it purr.

THE MOVIE:

IMDb reports that Ocean at the End
of the Lane is "in development." [9]

     One of the reasons I chose The Ocean at the End of the Lane to review today, is that it has been announced that the book will be coming to the big screen. The project has been "categorized as in development." [8] When a firm date is announced for the movie's release, I will update this blog post with that information.

     I have always been interested in how a book is taken and adapted to a totally different media, in this case, a movie. I would say the same thing about the genre of graphic novels, but today, we are looking at an adaptation of a book to a movie.

[10]

     The adapter is faced with numerous choices. What to include and what to leave out. Change the age or ages, nationality or skin color, or sex of a character, change the setting to make it more film friendly, rewrite a scene because of filming schedules or actor availability, and even more troublesome, whether or not to change the plot extensively by adding characters or scenes not in the book. We've all seen these changes in movies adapted from books, and need I say, numerous more significant changes than I've mentioned, here.

     Unfortunately, we will just have to wait to see what the results are for the pending movie. We will be kept wondering for a little while, yet, what artistic choices will be made in adapting this elegiac fable to a movie.

[11]

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK
     First, the genre, loosely, is fantasy. That part is easy. But what form does that story take? Succinctly, it is known as an elegiac fable. But, what is that? You can see a short definition of fable in the little graphic on the left, here.

The Fables of Avianus,
translated by David R.
Slavitt. [12]

     Now, down to the definition of elegiac. The Free Dictionary tells us that elegiac relates to or involves an elegy; it can be mournful or express sorrow for something that is irrecoverably past or lost. It can be a funeral song or a reflective poem of regret or lamentation for the dead.

     Aesop is well-known for his fables, but it is Avianus who hits the mark for "elegiac fables." When I think of elegiac fables, I think of Avianus, a Roman, who lived and wrote in the fifth-century; he is known for his 42 elegiac fables. He was said to write about a "topsy-turvy world in which humor and cunning" were the hallmarks of his commentary about the human condition.

     The Ocean at the End of the Lane, is an adult novel in the form of an elegiac fable; it is a story that utilizes the memories of childhood and how the remembered events shape and mold the storyteller. It is a lamentation for all things lost, his friend, Letty, certainly tops the list; she has not, yet, returned from "Australia." And, since it is a story utilizing a young boy and his childhood memories, some adults think it is a story for children only. If you look beyond the child, you realize the protagonist is actually the adult speaking about what he remembers, and while he does step into the shoes of his younger self (just as he did in the Hempstocks cottage), he is, after all, still himself looking back.

The waxing (crescent) moon
is associated with the maiden. [13]

     Second, the three women: Back to our story...remember the book's opening? The protagonist had just finished giving a eulogy for an unknown deceased person. Feeling somewhat melancholy, the speaker drives off for some solitude and reflection, ending up at a place of comfort from his childhood--the house of the three women, the Hempstocks. These three women constitute the archetypes of maiden, mother and crone.

     The Maiden: Lettie represents the maiden; the maiden is virginal, about awakenings, and is associated with the waxing of the moon. At one point in the book the boy describes going out the front door, "and the moon was a thin white smile...with...spring breezes..." in the air. The moon and spring breezes described, here, illustrate the Maiden/Moon symbols--even going out the front door is a beginning, a starting of a journey. As the boy crosses the threshold and walks to the place where "it had all begun" (p.209). Lettie, the Maiden, is associated with bringing the boy to awareness--the beginning of things. As you read the book, look for the Maiden images, often seen around or concerning Lettie.

The full moon is associated with the
mother and represents abundance,
growth, knowledge, and fulfillment.[14]

     The Mother: Lettie's mother (Ginny) is the mother archetype; often connected with fertility, this archetype represents abundance, growth and knowledge--she is "fulfillment" personified and is associated with the full moon and springtime and early summer. When the young boy had entered the farmhouse the moon had been full, "and it was a perfect summer's night" (p.209). This is just one example of the full moon symbolism in the story, and the Mother archetype image superimposed to show fullness and satisfaction. Again, the full moon and Mother image are rife throughout the book, just watch to see how they are associated.

The waning (crescent) moon
is associated with the crone. [15]

     The Crone: Lettie's grandmother, old Mrs. Hempstock, fills the role of the crone; the crone is often connected to the archetype and is seen as a wise woman, the darkness of night, and death--old Mrs. Hempstock is associated with the waning moon, winter and dying earth. She often gives advice, or helps with "stitching" things together. One example of the Crone's appearance in the story occurs as the boy observes, "There were no breezes, and the night was perfectly still; our path was lit by moonlight and nothing more...[n]o magical full moon...It was...the true moon, the quarter moon, reflected..." in the pond, and Old Mrs. Hempstock stopped beside me" (p.225).

     One little aside, here. Oddly, I like the images of the two "estates," one on each side of the road. On one side live the Hemstocks, the other side of the road was where the boy's family lived. On one side, the Threefold Goddess, in guise of the Hemstock women, and on the other side of the road, their counterpart in the boy's three women: the sister, the mother, and Ursula Monkton. Cool, huh?

The Threefold Goddess is three aspects
of ONE goddess. [17]

     Overlapping or interwoven themes: An article on "Moon Magic and the Triple Goddess," by Silvestra, indicates that the moon has often been associated with or linked to water as an image, "as her [the moon's] gravitational pull affects the oceans' tides." [16] Throughout the book, the themes of water, ocean, sea, and even water in the form of tea (as an ingestible and nourishing food), rain, mist, fog, etc. are repeated, and then woven in with other important themes and images (cold water/drowning/death). A couple of examples that I have already mentioned, above, are the moon and the triple goddess.

     The opening pages of the book actually tell us, metaphorically, what the book, in its entirety, is about. The black tarmac road serves as a "buffer" between childhood and adulthood, what is remembered and what floats in the unconscious, what terrifies and what comforts. It is a buffer between loneliness and belonging, between staying and going, and between what is kept and what is lost. It is a metaphor about the "two sprawling" estates of his life, his childhood and his adulthood. It is a metaphor and a eulogy about what he has now and what he had then.

The Ocean at the End of the
Lane by Neil Gaiman, was voted
the best fantasy book of 2013
by GoodReads Readers. [19]

     This idea of incorporating all the ages of a person's life is tangentially related to the Threefold Goddess. One aspect, not yet addressed in our discussion of the Threefold Goddess, is that the Threefold Goddess is "NOT three entities, she is one." Which, in turn, is also very much like the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--three in one. [16] Importantly, when the protagonist says, "It's funny. For a moment, I thought there were two of you. Isn't that odd?" The old woman responds, "It's just me...It's only ever just me" (She's telling him that she is all three women in one!).

     And then, as he drives away, he looks back at the farmhouse in the rearview mirror of his car, and seemed to see two moons hanging in the sky, "like a pair of eyes watching me from above [the house]...one moon perfectly full and round, the other...a half-moon" (p.245)--the full moon representing Ginny (Lettie's mother), and the half-moon, the Crone. Remember, Lettie is in "Australia," metaphorically speaking. "Newness" can really only be experienced once. It takes the fullness of life and then death before you can get to rebirth.

At one point in the story the boy is
immersed into the "Ocean." [18]

     In spite of this division of the estates of his life, the boy become man is oddly unified into one being. His child self incorporated into his adult self, capable of looking forward to a time when he will join the timeless ocean of being--something he had a foreshadowing of when he was in the ocean and connected with all things. And, something akin to old Mrs. Hempstock who "remember[ed] when the moon was made" (p.44).

[20]

ODDS AND ENDS:  First, I absolutely LOVED that the boy was an AVID reader. I use to hide in my books, too, as a kid (obviously, not for the same reasons). So, I really enjoyed this aspect of the child's personality. Second, Neil Gaiman fans may find some of the story repetitive or unoriginal. As for myself, I loved the charming story and am very glad, indeed, that I read it. Some of the prose is stunningly beautiful. I loved the daffodils and sunlight in the kitchen, and the descriptions of food and eating--flat out gorgeous! I also liked the images and metaphors used for the boy's trauma of his childhood and his loss of heart; and then, of course, his fulfillment and growth as an adult where he is able to grow a new heart.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

     First, I have not addressed all the symbols (e.g. cats) and metaphors (e.g. going between the hedgerows), themes (e.g. the men leaving the farm, birth, death, the tree of life, circles), and other plots and quotes I would like to have addressed. But, it is time to move on. I've been pretty verbose, today, so thank you for your patience.

     This book is an adult fable, and think it would take an adult to appreciate all the nuances of the storytelling. Even so, I think anyone capable of reading the book would find it enjoyable. I would only label it PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) for those sensitive to issues of death and suicide, or for those who have a very sensitive nature, or who are easily scared about supernatural things or events.

 

[21]

 I loved this book and for all the above-listed reasons, I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

     Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at the exciting book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman. Join me again next week as we look at another new book. Until then, please pick up a book and read a few pages.

Until next time...

[22]

...many happy pages of reading!

Sharon.

REFERENCES

_______________________________________________________
[1] "The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel." amazon.com. Retrieved 05-31-14.
[2] "The Roosevelts." rsvlts.com. Retrieved 06-03-14.
[3] "A Bench, A Tree, and a Pond." flickr.com. Retrieved 06-03-14.
[4] "Harvest Moon Medley." a-blog-of-ones-own.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[5] "Honey: A Natural Herbal Remedy...." healingwatersclinic.com. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[6] "Halcyon Days." sanda-halcyondays.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[7]"Cat Pur." [The Last Unicorn] youtube.com. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[8] "The Ocean at the End of the Lane." IMDb. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[9] "In Development." curtisbrown.co.uk. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[10] "Keep Calm Wait and See." keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[11] "Imagine It Genre Posters: Fable." blogofbecki.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-04-14.
[12] "The Fables of Avianus." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-05-14.
[13] "The Phases of the Moon." samlrichards.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[14] "Drawing Down the Moon." legionofpagans.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[15] "Lunar Breeze." bronies.wikia.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[16] "Moon Magic and the Triple Goddess." goddessinspired.wordpress.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[17] "The Threefold Goddess...." creativegoddessinrepose.wordpress.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[18] "Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane Review." denofgeek.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[19] "goodreads Choice Awards 2013." goodreads.com. Retrieved 06-03-14.
[20] "Book of Counted Sorrows." constantcontact.com. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[21] "Power Stars." j.whyville.net. Retrieved 06-06-14.
[22] "28 White Roses Pictures For Free Download." funstoc.com. Retrieved 05-25-14.

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Shaman Rises: The Walker Papers by C.E. Murphy--The Highly Anticipated Book That Concludes this Exciting Series--Released 06-24-14!

Shaman Rises: The Walker Papers by C.E. Mur-
phy, is to be released on June 24, 2014. You can
preorder your copy now. If you haven't, yet,
read the other books, there is still time, if you
hurry along. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     "Carrie Little Turtle, moving at lightning speed, came out of nowhere and tried to rip my face off...The only thing that saved me was the sheerly instinctive flight reaction of falling over backward because something was in my face....I was surrounded and... instead of kicking ass, I was slowly wearing down....I reined in the magic and even drew it out of the sword, so it was just me and a silver rapier against seven wights on a mountainside. It was the moment they'd been waiting for. They moved as one, so fast I could barely see them...."

 

     "[A] wight's blank face curdled into a hideous smile, and beyond it I saw the others, including Carrie, coming toward me for a final time...My vision got woozy, way faster than I'd have thought possible, and I had the utterly childish thought 'This is not fair!' before I dropped to my knees, wondering faintly how I was going to get out of this one."

This is a 1969 Mustang in a rare,
"Indian Fire Red." It is a similar car
to the one Joanne Walker loves and
named, "Petit." Of course, Petit was
painted a custom purple and had
vanity plates with name, "Petit."
What is not to love about this
beautiful car? Petit is every bit as
much a character in the book
as is Joanne. You'll have to read,
Shaman Rises, to see if it made it
through the series to the end. [2]

     "Petit, my big beloved 1969 Boss 302 Mustang, custom purple paint job and Washington State vanity plates declaring her name, hit the brakes behind me, spun a flawless 180 in a spray of red dust, and came to a shuddering stop not ten inches from my nose. Morrison flung her door open, stood up with his duty weapon in hand, and shot Carrie Little Turtle between the eyes" (Mountain Echoes: The Walker Papers, pp. 108-114). [3]

     And so, we have one of the finest entrances ever: Morrison, AKA the cavalry coming over the hill (literally), to rescue our heroine! This entrance comes to us from Mountain Echoes, the book just before Shaman Rises (the final book of the Walker series). In all of C.E. Murphy's series, this is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite scenes, and maybe even, could comprise my favorite quote. The writing quality is unbeatable! How can you not love the tension created in this scene, the unexpected and dramatic entrance of Morrison--saving Jo. Wow! Wow! Wow! 

Book 8: Mountain Ech-
oes by C.E. Murphy. [3]

     In Mountain Echoes, C.E. Murphy cleverly crafts book 8 of the series to set it all up for the final installment of the series, The Walker Papers, by bringing themes, characters, and action closer to the series' conclusion in the highly anticipated final book. Joanne clashed with The Master (her arch nemesis), but it cost her dearly. Her father has gone missing and so, she returns to North Carolina to search for him. Shockingly, she meets a son she had birthed and left behind  many years ago. Complications involving dark magic come to the fore, involving Joanne and even her son, Aidan. The only question is, will she be able to turn back time and put things right? And then, of course, there's the huge cliff hanger when Gary calls Jo to tell her that his wife, Annie, is alive. WHAT?

THE SERIES

C.E. Murphy brings Cernunnos into the first
book, Urban Shaman, and we see him
throughout the series. I really liked how
C.E. Murphy included him in the plot lines
in the final book of the series. [4]

      C.E. Murphy begins her final book, Shaman Rises, with a short synopsis of each of her books in the Walker Papers series. If you haven't read the other books, but want to read  Shaman Rises, you can get up to speed on what has come before by reading the introduction with the mini synopsis for each book. I think this is a very thoughtful thing for C.E. Murphy to include in her book--she definitely gets points for that, right up front!

     The short synopsis of each book is also good for those of us who have read the books, because we can use them as a refresher for the earlier, foundational, part of the series. While I do recommend that you read the other books, I can understand the excitement of wanting to plow ahead to find out just how the series will be concluded.

     I have, for your convenience, created a short, mini, synopsis of each book, in chronological order. To look at the brief synopsis of each book of the series, please click the link to that page, here.

SHAMAN RISES

Short Synopsis of Shaman Rises:
     Throughout the series we have seen Jo first, struggle to accept her path as a shaman, and then to accept love, and finally to fight for her life and her soul. None of that seems more true than in C.E. Murphy's, Shaman Rises, to be released to book sellers on June 24, 2014.

     In this final book of the series we know Jo will have all her friends and allies around her. We know she has been preparing over the course of the past eight books, short story, and novella, to meet her old arch enemy. We probably suspect that he will have his own minions, as Jo has friends and allies. In this book, Jo gets to meet the biggest, evilest, baddest, baddie of them all...The Master.

I wanted to give you this graphic because in this image is
none other than Gary Muldoon. Yes, the same Gary Mul-
doon who is Jo's cabbie friend, the same Gary Muldoon
who calls Jo in the paragraph to the right--telling her that
his wife, Annie, is alive. Readers and fans all clamored
for a story about Gary; C.E. Murphy obliged with the no-
vella, No Dominion. That's why Gary gets his own cover![5]

    But it is Book 8, Mountain Echoes, that sets up the final book. It closes with a phone call from Gary, like this: [Gary said,] "'I called yesterday. You didn't call back. I'm in Seattle.' His voice was older and shakier than I'd ever heard it. I got up, hands cold and stomach in knots. 'I only saw the message a little while ago and hadn't had a chance--Gary, what's wrong? What's going on? Why are you in Seattle?' [Gary responds,] 'It's Annie, Jo. It's my wife. She's alive'" (p. 343).


     HOLY MACKEREL! What a cliffhanger! I could hardly wait to get Book 9 and see what was up with that, I can tell you. All the time Jo has known Gary, his Annie has been dead (approximately 15 months). She, reportedly, had been dead for three years before that. So, I just couldn't wait for C.E. Murphy to address this humongous cliff hanger in Shaman Rises! I've been on pins and needles, waiting. And let me tell you...its a doozie! The book does indeed start out with the cliff hanger and from there, gets even more exciting and complex as you turn the pages. Jo meets her old adversary, The Master. We know she is in for the fight of her life. The excitement is nonstop right to the very end.

     The publishers have told us that The Master is "bringing the final battle to Seattle." I think, though, anyone who has been a fan of the series, would suspect that that's where the battle would take place, not the Arizona desert. The publishers also tell us that "[l]ives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. [And that:] Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice...be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising." [6]

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK!

     First, I have already told you how much I wanted to read this book and sate myself on the Titanic conclusion of this wonder- ful series. I can hardly believe I have the privilege to read and review this book before its release date. Reading and reviewing books--something I dearly LOVE to do.

     Second, I think I've already kinda given away just how excited I've been waiting for this book. So...I suppose, if I have any biases towards this book, it comes from me being an avid fan of C.E. Murphy's whole The Walker Papers series.

     Third, it is brilliant the way she connected book 8 to book 9. Wow! She had me on the hook and kept me there. And then, with the opening of book 9, I was mesmerized. Finally! I got to find out what happened--the suspense was nothing short of amazing.

Here's a simple graphic I found for you to see the
character arc most writers use to make sure their
character doesn't lose their way through the book. [7]

     And then, after I had those questions answered, Murphy threw in more suspense and issues with which Jo had to "Rise" to the occasion (of course, she had help from her support group). Even so, Jo has to face some loss in her battle to save Seattle; indeed, the world. To save her friends and allies, and the city she loves, Jo lets confidence fill her, and she "Rises," indeed, as a "Shaman" (just as the title of the book proclaims).

     I found tears on my cheeks before the end of the book. I cannot say why. I found satisfaction in the final results of the book. Again, I cannot say why. And I found a profound sense of loss at having arrived at the final page of this wonderful series. If you have read the previous books, I need not say why.

     In the very first book--of any series--the reader is presented a story, and within that story being birthed upon the pages, we wonder what the book, the child of the author, will become. We are asked to be patient as that child grows with each novel. We are to watch as the child matures a bit with each new installment. The author implies that we will, in time, see the child to maturity, we will have the answer we seek. We, as readers, have spent money on that book/child, and time, and perhaps put a bit of ourselves into the pages of the book as well with our laughter, tears, hopes and longings.

C.E. Murphy answers the questions that readers have been
asking from the beginning of the series. She answers the
questions, but as much as I would like to divulge those
answers to you, I can't. I must tell you, though, when you
read this book, you will thoroughly enjoy every agonizing
wonderful minute of it. Now. Go. Read. The. Book!
Book release date: 06-24-14. [8]

     Any author who does not show us that the child, from its birth as pure potential, has grown into a being of substance, is an author who has abandoned the child and the reader. C.E. Murphy has not only delivered an answer as to who Jo would become and how she will fulfill her role in this (spiritual) world, she has given us all a pleasure-filled and satisfying journey while doing so. The loss of certain characters along the way is part of the growth, part of the experience, part of the journey that the protagonist and reader must make.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING: 

     This book is of the urban fantasy genre. Within the pages of the book we have death, physical assault, black magic and chase scenes. For anyone who is of a sensitive nature, I would caution you to consider the subject material. For those of us mature adults, who do not fit into that category, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this book just as I did (and the rest of the series, if you haven't read it).

     For all the wonderful reasons I have given, above, I rate this book 5.0 stars out of 5. As much as I loved Urban Shaman, I love Shaman Rises more. C.E. Murphy delivered.

[9]

     Thank you for taking time to read this book review today, about Shaman Rises. Join me again, next week, as we pick up another book to see if it delivers as well as C.E. Murphy's Shaman Rises. Until then, pick up a book and read, a bit. Get lost in the story. Find yourself in the story. Just read. God bless you.

Until next time...

[10]

...many happy pages of reading.

All my love,

Sharon Powers.

REFERENCES
_________________________________________________________
[1] "Shaman Rises: The Walker Papers." amazon.com. Retrieved 05-29.14.
[2] "Collector Car Price Tracker." collectorcarpricetracker.com. Retrieved 05-29.14.
[3] "Mountain Echoes: The Walker Papers." amazon.com. Retrieved 05-29-14.
[4] "Cernunnos." cernunnoscamp.org. Retrieved 05-29-14.
[5] "No Dominion." kickstarter.com. Retrieved 05-30-14.
[6] "Shaman Rises." amazon.com. Retrieved 05-30-14.
[7] "Linda Clare's Writer's Tips: July 2010." lindasclare.com. Retrieved 05-30-14.
[8] "Your Questions Answered!" aft243.org. Retrieved 05-30-14.
[9] "The Old Computer." the oldcomputer.com. Retrieved 05-30-14.
[10] "28 White Roses Pictures For Free Download." funstock. Retrieved 05-22-14.

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