Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 24

I am not immune to those supplements that publishers release relating to series that I enjoy, from novella collections to addendums. (I do not; however, find myself interested in related coloring books or graphic novels.) And I am not an avid reader of e-books, so the two listings you’ll find in this post I have read in physical book form.

The Shadowhunter’s Codex (Oct. 29, 2013) by Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis.

Congratulations. In taking a chance on this book and by merely opening it, you, the reader, are ready to prepare for life as a Shadowhunter. We are of a specific number chosen by the Angel to keep our world safe from demons and help keep peace amongst Downworlders. It is not an undertaking for the faint of heart. In fact, a majority of Shadowhunters will die as Shadowhunters. And, not to frighten you, but most will die whilst in battle with demons. A buzzkill? Yes, but I don’t want you to accept your new place under false pretenses. As you will find while reading this Codex (yes, this is homework), you will find that the world navigated by Shadowhunters is beautiful, but often brutal, as can easily be said about the mundane world. The Codex you are reading is a modern edition, which uses the best printing techniques of the 21^st century. Or, if you happen upon it on one of those nifty little tablets, the best in electronic reading techniques. So, welcome, new Shadowhunter!

            Think of this as an addendum to any of Clare’s Shadowhunter-related stories. The Codex is reminiscent of a book that may be assigned to you in school, but this guide has a little bit of everything: history, laws, non-human denizens, etc. The most entertaining part about this supplement is that it supplies banter amongst Clary, Jace and Simon. Otherwise, this book read as technical. Technical about things magical and otherworldly, yes, but still technical. Any true fan has added this to her/his bookshelf, but for others who’ve read the Shadowhunters books (any of them) in passing only, you may want to skip this one.

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Nov. 15, 2016) by Cassandra Clare, et al.

“Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy” is a collection of short stories featuring Simon Lewis. His is a unique perspective. He’s been a mundane, and he’s been a Downworlder (type: vampire). Previously called the “Daylighter,” he gave up most of his memories while in Edom, a demon realm of Hell, so that he and his friends could be returned safely to the world known. Amnesia is a companion following closely, but memories resurface at odd intervals and often without warning, especially the unpleasant ones. It’s a struggle to see your friends know you as someone you don’t remember being. But with his memories also went his Downworlder status. Has anyone else ever been “cured” of vampirism? Probably not. Until Simon.

            “Tales” contains 10 short stories written by Cassandra Clare. She collaborates on each story with other YA authors: Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan and Robin Wasserman. The short stories are listed in the order they’re placed in the book.

1. Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

At the Shadowhunter Academy, Simon Lewis is an “exceptional” mundane. Essentially, he’s a mundane with elite status, so instead of following the track of the “dregs” (derogatory term clearly used by those of elitist mindsets), he gets to jump right into training. Violent training, stabby training and lots of running (training). Warlock Catarina Loss seems to despise him (though he does not know why and wonders if it’s due to something pre-amnesia), and the Shadowhunter-descended students are mostly highbrow in their attitudes toward mundanes. At least his roommate, George Lovelace, is a decent sort, even though he’s buff, looks like a model and is exceedingly good at riding a horse.

2. The Lost Herondale by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

Sed lex, dura lex (Latin): “The Law is hard, but it is the Law.” Those Shadowhunters don’t mess around. To Shadowhunters, the worst thing for them to do isn’t kill an innocent. “The worst thing any Shadowhunter can do is betray his fellows in the heat of battle. The worst thing a Shadowhunter can be is a coward.” Lazlo Balogh, Head of the Budapest Institute, shares an example with the story of Tobias Herondale. It didn’t matter that his mind cracked, and he wandered around unhinged in the forest with no knowledge of who he was. All the other Shadowhunters saw was someone who fled and without Tobias to punish, the Clave punished his pregnant wife. (She died, in case you were wondering.) Catarina Loss has a different story, and Simon hears it. He also encounters a vampire he should know from his past, but clearly doesn’t remember her.

3. The Whitechapel Fiend by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson.

“I spy, with my little eye, something that begins with S.” It’s probably slime and hopefully it’s not snake, but it’s actually Simon, according to George. But now that Simon said the word snake in their dark, dank basement room with “the floor of ultimate moisture,” all George can think about is that there are snakes. (Are there snakes in Idris? Idris doesn’t seem like a place that would tolerate snakes.) Simon works on Falling Out of Trees with Jace Herondale, and their history lecture has a guest speaker: Tessa Gray. While she looks like a sophomore in college, she’s actually about 150 years old (talk about aging well). Tessa is a Downworlder and a Shadowhunter both. She shares a tale of how Jack the Ripper was conjured. There were brutal murders, as most everyone knows, but Tessa’s tale is different. Tessa’s tale includes a demon child.

4. Nothing but Shadows by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

In a common scene at Shadowhunter Academy in 2008, Jon Cartwright is being his usual pompous Shadowhunter self, assuming that those of Shadowhunter upbringing are naturally better and smarter at everything, Julie Beauvale agrees with him, and mundies (mundanes) like Marisol Garza and Sunil Sadasivan speak against them. In Marisol’s case, she also challenges “the elites” to beat the mundanes. In baseball. At Shadowhunter Academy in 1899, James Herondale is looking forward to starting school. All he wants is to be a Shadowhunter, of which he comes from an esteemed line of. He is also studious and an avid reader. He wants to befriend cousins Christopher Lightwood and Thomas Lightwood, though the former has a concerning attraction to explosives, and is less excited about trying to befriend Matthew Fairchild. James’ father wants him to befriend Alastair Carstairs, but that shall not happen. James is an outcast, but it gets worse when he discovers he has a warlock side, that the Nephilim side did not burn the rest out. In that happening, though, he may find a friend in someone he never expected to consider one.

5. The Evil We Love by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

The guest speaker is the Inquisitor himself, Robert Lightwood. Some, like Simon (and this reader) know that he was once part of Valentine’s inner Circle. He speaks of his time with Valentine and how he wanted his approval even when Valentine did things that were unspeakable. Even when it meant turning his back on absolute love and loyalty, two things Robert didn’t seem capable of. In 2008, the appearance of Isabelle Lightwood with her father has Simon reeling, and it appears she’s using her radiant beauty and admired Shadowhunter status to convince him and his classmates to summon a demon. Simon is wholly against this. What is Isabelle doing? Is this all fun and games to her? Will they all be expelled or worse?

6. Pale Kings and Princes by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

Their current events class, according to Simons’ thoughts, could just as easily be titled “Why Faeries Suck.” It’s presided over by Freeman Mayhew, who, despite his gesticulations about the times he fought demons, doesn’t look like he could fight so much as a cold. The guest speaker for the day is Helen Blackthorn, who, since the Dark War, has been exiled to Wrangel Island (“an Arctic outpost that was the hub of the world’s protective wards”). Her girlfriend, Aline Penhallow, went with her. The official standing is that they’re studying the wards, but unofficially, everyone knows they’re punishing Helen for being part Faerie, like it’s her fault. She’s supposed to be “teaching” the class that Faeries sow nothing but destruction with their preferred weapon being human love. A Faerie can love with whole body and soul. But also with destruction. And with a gift.

7. Bitter of Tongue by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

The Daylighter is in a mildly good-humored mood. His roommate and school best friend, George, is leading the team (consisting of their classmates) on a mission to stop faeries from slipping over their borders to engage in illicit trade. When a cloaked and hooded faerie is found and pursuit is initiated, Simon prevents George from going to Faerie … and winds up in Faerieland himself. In a cage and wondering if he’ll be fed to the hounds by the purple-eared faerie who’s captured him, that question leaves when that faerie flees the Wild Hunt faerie (which is better than that faerie’s alternative that the Wild Hunt faerie will “bring back my lord Gwyn your tongue”). The faerie of the Wild Hunt is none other than Mark Blackthorn of the Los Angeles Institute, brother to Helen (see “Pale Kings and Princes,” above). Mark continues to hope for rescue by Shadowhunters … that aren’t going to come. Still, he asks after his siblings, noting that he recalls all of their names. Faerie hasn’t taken that. And Simon takes Mark’s words of love back to the Blackthorn family, even if it’s only Helen that hears them.

8. The Fiery Trial by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson.

Thoughts of parabatai are in the air. Classmates Julie Beauvale and Beatriz Mendoza have decided to become parabatai. And Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn are soon to go through their parabatai ceremony and have asked Clary Fairchild and Simon to be witnesses. They will stand with them at the Fiery Trial, which is the true name of the parabatai ceremony. At Shadowhunter Academy, Simon is brought to a room which also includes Magnus Bane, Jem Carstairs, Catarina and Clary. Simon and Clary are offered tea to drink, and they both find themselves in New York. But, what? Did they Portal from Idris to New York without knowing? And now where did Clary go? Simon’s pretty sure what’s going on isn’t real, but he has to reach Clary! Why? For what purpose is Simon having hallucinations?

9. Born to Endless Night by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

So many old things are creations of enduring beauty like the pyramids or Michelangelo’s David. Versailles. And Magnus Bane (he doesn’t lack for self-confidence). Magnus is in Idris to be a guest lecturer at Shadowhunter Academy at the request of his old friend Catarina Loss. Life, as is wont to do, goes in an unanticipated direction when a baby is dropped off on the steps of Shadowhunter Academy. And not just any baby. A very blue baby, like the “blue of Captain America’s suit.” It’s a warlock baby, and the poor little soul has been abandoned. Do they inform the Clave and give them care of the baby? Definitely not. Magnus and his boyfriend, Alec Lightwood, take on the wee one as if it were completely natural to suddenly have a child they didn’t know they were getting. But they are taken with the approximate eight-month-old boy, and the rest of the family is, too, as evidenced when they all descend upon the Academy. Jace is seen lying on the floor stuffing crevices with material, while Isabelle is seen baby-proofing from a stool. Now, what to name the baby?

10. Angels Twice Descending by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

Ascension day is near, but first Simon gets to Portal back to his mom’s in New York, eating cold ziti, the leftovers tasting like home. When his mom tells him she loves him unconditionally, he acts as though she means it, but remembers that there was a time where her love clearly had conditions. The day of the Ascension rings in brightly. Simon is happy, he tells George he’s a brother to him (which then means a hug is inescapable), and all of Simon’s friends are crowded behind the rows of students so intensely fixed on Simon “as if they could get him through the Ascension with sheer force of will.” Simon will drink from the Mortal Cup. And so will the others in his class. Will they all be Shadowhunters by the day’s end?

 

            Concluding thoughts: For anyone who’s familiar with Clare’s immersive world of Shadowhunters, this is a snappy collection of short stories. The stories so often involve other familiar characters that it’s like a reunion, and some of the stories also provide insight to other historical Shadowhunter or Downworlder characters, which is often entertaining. With 10 stories totaling 655 pages in the hardcover version, it’s a lot to get through, but I still recommend it for those who find they like this fantasy world.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 23

Picture books is where it’s at with this post. Since gaining a nephew, I figured I would buy more picture books, but that hasn’t yet been the case. I suspect that’s because he’s still in board books, and when I buy those, I gift them to him and don’t normally pause to post about them.

Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses (Aug. 27, 2018) by Susan ^and James Patterson.

   Hsinping Pan, illustrator.

Kids learn quickly that a cow moos and a pig oinks; they soon learn what a kitty is or a bunny, but do they know that a southern red muntjac barks like a dog? That an axolotl is known as a walking fish, but is actually a salamander with a surprisingly cute face? Do kids you know know that a wombat’s poop comes out in the shape of a cube due to its slow digestive process or that a markhor goat’s horns are so long that the goat can scratch its own back? These unusual critters – some actually cuddly, others definitely not – are each accompanied by fascinating facts.

            The second in the “Big Words for Little Geniuses” series by wife-and-husband duo Susan and James Patterson is a delightful treat of unique facts, radiant illustrations and family fun. The illustrations are adorable and almost caricature-like, because, let’s be honest, some of these “cuddly critters” are not only not cuddly at all, but downright dangerous and others are not so cute as their illustrations may make them seem. That doesn’t stop me from reveling in the adorableness of this picture book!

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes (Nov. 6, 2018) by Eva Chen.

   Derek Desierto, illustrator.

There is nothing like a favorite pair of shoes. It doesn’t matter how worn they are or how boring, for favorite shoes will be favorites per the owner’s own reasons. What does one do when favorite shoes go missing? That is Juno’s dilemma, but imagine her surprise when searching the innermost depths of her closet deposits her in a vast hall of shoes. It’s “a cornucopia of shoes! A feast of fashion!” What must it be like to step into the footwear of Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey or Lady Gaga? Juno can let you know.

            A debut picture book from Instagram superstar Chen (I’d never heard of her, but that’s only because I’m not much for social media), this story manages to be precocious and empowering to girls within a fashion footwear fairytale. Juno is clearly a vivacious character, and I think it will be easy for readers to like her.

The Night Before the Snow Day (Oct. 11, 2016) by Natasha Wing.

   Amy Wummer, illustrator.

It’s a school night and a big storm is blanketing the town in snow. How much will fall? Will there be a blizzard? Will school be canceled tomorrow? The featured girl in the story certainly hopes so as she’s dancing her snow dance and dreaming of snowball fights.

            Rhyming stories are not for everyone, I realize, but I enjoy them. Wing’s follows the tone of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The story is uncomplicated but sweet. And whether your kid-self preferred reading in front of a cozy fireplace (me) or building snow forts in the backyard (my brothers), I think we can all agree that an unplanned day off from school for a snow day was a welcome day off!

The Snowy Nap (Oct. 16, 2018) by Jan Brett.

Winter is fast-approaching, and Hedgie, a young hedgehog, takes one last walk around the farm before settling into hibernation. As he wanders and various animal members of the farm tell him of things he will miss, Hedgie realizes that he doesn’t want to sleep all winter long like last year. But staying outside as it gets colder and colder doesn’t keep him awake. Lisa, a young girl living on the Danish island of Funen, brings him inside to warm up, and he’s able to observe so much winter liveliness. After his adventure from the inside of a warm, cozy home, Hedgie succumbs to his long snowy nap, and Lisa returns him to his burrow.

            In this adorable companion to Brett’s classic “The Hat,” the author writes and illustrates another story that is liltingly sweet. Her trademark border illustrations continue to tell a tale of their own, ending with all of the non-hibernating friends paying Lisa’s house a surprise visit. Brett’s meticulous and finely-detailed illustrations of soft watercolors and gouache illuminate a winsome story. This is a winter idyll.

Sulwe (Oct. 15, 2019) by Lupita Nyong’o.

   Vashti Harrison, illustrator.

Longing emanates from Sulwe, whose skin is the color of midnight. She prays for light skin like her mama, “the color of dawn,” or her sister, Mich, “the color of high noon.” Instead, she is teased for the dark shade of her skin. But one night she is born away on a star (like her name means) and hears the story of Night and Day. Two sisters, they were close until Night became fed up with the hurtful words people threw at her. She left until Day searched for her. Like Sulwe, Night never felt beautiful or accepted as she is. As Day says to Night when they reunite, “When you are darkest is when you are most beautiful. It’s when you are most you.”

            Yes, this debut picture book is from the Academy Award-winning actress, and it is a story as beautiful as Sulwe. It is an enthralling story that shines light on the painful realness of colorism, but in a tender and nurturing way. This story is smart and the illustrations are sweeping and lovely. I love the galactic iridescence. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the story regarding the subject matter, and I hope this story shows up in so many classrooms and libraries. It’s a story for adults and kids alike; we should find the beauty within ourselves and know we are beautiful on the outside no matter what we look like.

            At the end of the story, Nyong’o shares her own past experiences with the hurtfulness surrounding her complexion. Many of us know what it’s like to be teased for something we cannot change: the shape of our eyes or the color of our skin, for example. It does hurt, and it is painful. Love yourselves and empower others. Do not tear others down, as it only makes you a bully, too.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 22

Here is another trilogy in which I’ve had each book since its respective release day, and I’m only now getting around to publishing this post. 2019 barely remains, but here this post finally is.

Lady Midnight (Mar. 8, 2016) by Cassandra Clare.

It’s been five years since Emma Carstairs’ parents were murdered, their mutilated bodies washed ashore from the ocean with an unknown language scrawled on their bodies. The Clave blamed their murders on Sebastian Morgenstern, and he’s deceased, so case closed, but Emma knows differently. Her best friend and parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, believes her, as do the other Blackthorn siblings, and their tutor, Diana Wrayburn. She gathers information from any source she can, including from Johnny Rook. His information is good, but it comes at a hefty price, and his “office” is located in the Shadow Market, a place Nephilim are not supposed to go, save on official Shadowhunter business. New deaths have been occurring near the Los Angeles Institute, where Emma and the Blackthorns live, along with Cristina Mendoza Rosales, on her travel year from the Mexico City Institute. Some of them are fey, but with the Cold Peace, no one is supposed to offer them aid or ask for their help or communicate with them at all. But they are visited by a few, and they leave someone conditionally with them. The oldest Blackthorn, Mark, who’s half-faerie, and has been with the Wild Hunt these past five years (though much more time has passed in Faerie). Who’s behind the killings? Who is the Guardian?

            Mental health issues are not met with understanding amongst Shadowhunters, so Julian has spent these past years doing what Uncle Arthur cannot, even though Arthur is the head of the institute. Arthur’s mind was broken as a young man by the fey. Julian has kept the gravity of Arthur’s mental health a secret, except from warlock-friend Malcolm Fade. With Mark having been stolen away to the Wild Hunt and Helen, also half-faerie, exiled to Wrangel Island, Julian has been the oldest. He’s had to grow up too fast too soon in order to care for his four younger siblings: Tiberius (Ty) and Livia (Livvy), twin 15-year-olds, Drusilla (Dru), age 13, and Octavian (Tavvy), age 7. Then there’s the secret of Emma, his parabatai, with whom romantic love (eros) is forbidden. But what if Emma harbors a similar secret?

            For those familiar with Clare’s world of Shadowhunters, this is a mostly enjoyable start to The Dark Artifices trilogy, though it is drawn out. With a focus on the love of parabatai expected to be platonic, the reader already knows a romantic love story is going to brew between the main characters, so that part of the plot did not feel fresh. Fortunately, the Shadowhunter universe remains a literary multiplex of fierce warrior heroics, teenage neuroticism, ichor-drenched action, dangerous secrets, a grudge-filled obsession fueled by misplaced blame, and snarky banter. Fans will appreciate visits from familiar characters such as Magnus Bane, Clary Fairchild and Jace Herondale.

Lord of Shadows (May 23, 2017) by Cassandra Clare.

Romantic love is forbidden, and Emma knows why. It isn’t for some fluffy reason or that the Clave is being the usual stuffy Clave. No. While romantic love with one’s parabatai can bring power in runes placed on one another, it can also destroy, making loved ones enemies, turning sanity to madness. Emma determines to make Julian un-love her. Ideally, she’d separate herself from him, but that would separate her from all of the Blackthorns, and she cannot abandon them when they’re threatened on multiple sides from multiple foes. Centurions have descended upon the Los Angeles Institute, unofficially led by Zara Dearborn. It’s clear she has her own agenda, which centers on her hatred of Downworlders. When someone thought to be dead resurfaces in one’s decomposing glory, danger comes to the doors of the institute. Diana convinces the Blackthorns, Emma and Christopher “Kit” Herondale to seek refuge in the London Institute.

            An unsanctioned and secret mission takes Julian, Emma, Cristina and Mark to Faerie. Here, they recover someone sentenced to death, and they all entered because of individual truths that a phouka told them that would come to pass if they entered Faerie and, of course, paid the toll. Before they leave Faerie, the Unseelie King aims to kill them and post-Faerie-realm calls upon the Riders of Mannan (there are seven, they’re all immortal siblings, and none have ever been killed), but in the Unseelie lands they are rescued by a Seelie Faerie, who happens to be a maternal aunt to Mark and Helen. They meet with the Seelie Queen, and she wants the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of immense and terrible power. How can they trust her promises when Faeries are known to twist truths to suit themselves amidst their spectacular revels and waiting dangers?

            This middle novel of the bestselling YA Shadowhunters trilogy is a miasma of romantic drama and relationship triangles, occupational adventures and daily dangers (oftentimes related), family ties and bonds of friendship, noisome Centurions, Faeries – both cunning and murderous – and death. “Lord of Shadows” is a book courting darkness that could slay like a Mantid demon. Tendrils of light, like the quicksilver brilliance of a fleck of diamond, are few, but can be found in unexpected places (like Gwyn ap Nudd and his attraction to Diana). The romantic drama continues to underwhelm me, but the pace is decent enough considering the book’s volume.

Queen of Air and Darkness (Dec. 4, 2018) by Cassandra Clare.

Tragedy for an innocent fallen blankets the Blackthorn family and Emma with suffocating weight. Julian decides he does not want to feel anything anymore at all. Ty wants to bring the deceased back to life and is willing to use questionable means to get the ingredients needed for such a spell. Mostly, though, grief will have to wait. The Dearborns remain in the picture – both Zara and her father, Horace – and they will go to great lengths to be in power. They are driven by avarice and egoism. Horace sends Emma and Julian on a quest to Faerie, but it isn’t so much a quest as a suicide mission. Their time in Faerie isn’t rewarded with a return to the mortal world, but to Thule, an alternate world of desolation and evil. Thule is the world as it would be if Clary Fairchild hadn’t defeated Sebastian Morgenstern. In Thule, Sebastian rules, Jace Herondale is no hero, the Endarkened continue to exist and Livvy Blackthorn is a lead rebel/freedom fighter. In Thule, Livvy is the lone Blackthorn who isn’t dead or turned. Thule is poisonous to Nephilim; runes do nothing in that world, which explains why there are guns when Shadowhunters do not use such mundane weapons. In a world without good magic, overrun by demons and hellbeasts and Endarkened, one must turn to other means of weaponry. Returned to the mortal world, the Cohort (Dearborn and company) is readying for a climactic announcement that is ruined by, well, the good guys. Losses are heavy, but relationships are solidified (there are multiple storylines going on), a familiar couple ties the knot, and the Seelie Queen receives the one she longs for most.

            In volume alone, this book is a lot. The hardcover version I have is 880 pages. There are currently only two authors whose books I’d happily read if they had such high page counts, and this is not one of them. After reading the trilogy, I understand the route that she went, but there are too many threads, too many characters to follow. I enjoy when any book or series has strong supporting characters that you feel like you kind of know, but that doesn’t mean I need to be involved in following their romance issues. I also thought having an alternate world in Thule was unnecessary, though, again, I understand why she went that route to get to where she wanted to end the trilogy.

            Despite the sheer length of the story, there’s no doubt that Clare’s functioning magic system is fascinating and unique to her. The forbidden love from so many sides can too easily become gag-inducing and eye-rolling due to its schmaltziness, but it’s countered with darkness. Focusing on the two main characters, there’s Julian, who became too serious and adult when he was still a child, and Emma, whose trauma as a youth caused her to become obsessed with revenge, adopt a flippant attitude and seemingly relish reckless moments. Everyone in the stories seems to be preternaturally beautiful or uncannily pretty, so deal with that how you will. Overall, any Shadowhunter fan will have long ago added this to their bookshelf, I’d expect, but I didn’t feel that this was the author’s best work.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 21

As Laini Taylor’s writings are works of beauty and art that most can only dream of achieving, I decided it would befit this duology to have its own post. Note: Spoilers are present in the “Muse of Nightmares” section.

Strange the Dreamer (Mar. 28, 2017) by Laini Taylor.

Growing up as a foundling, alone and unloved, and given the name Lazlo Strange (“Strange because that was the surname given to all foundlings in the Kingdom of Zosma and Lazlo after a monk’s tongueless uncle” since the monks didn’t think he’d live anyway), it is perhaps unsurprising that Lazlo is sustained by his dreams and stories of a city called Weep. It had a different name once, but when the Godslayer came, Weep’s true name disappeared as if by magic. Fate perhaps looked upon Lazlo when once he had to deliver manuscripts to the Great Library of Zosma. He never returned to the monks. Delving deep into folktales, fairytales, myths and legends, hiding under dust though they were, Lazlo was engrossed. He was found days later by Master Hyrrokin, who told him, “The library knows its own mind. When it steals a boy, we let it keep him.” On his own time, Lazlo pieces together whatever he can about Weep (which he calls the Unseen City), even teaching himself what he can of their language. Imagine his surprise when the Godslayer himself, Eril-Fane, arrives in Zosma with a contingent of Tizerkane, but it is Thyon Nero, the alchemist (who distilled azoth), who steals his spotlight. Until. Until he bursts aloud to Eril-Fane, in Unseen, not like a language coated in dust and commonness, but in reverence, like the precious gem it is. So Strange the Dreamer goes with Eril-Fane and the Tizerkane.

            Sarai, the Muse of Nightmares, is a nightmare-weaver. One of five blue-skinned godspawn, she is one of the child survivors of the Carnage. In that attack, it wasn’t only the savage gods that were slain, it was the children, too. Age didn’t matter. Blue skin = death. When Sarai takes one smithereen of darkness (a moth) to visit Lazlo’s dreams, she’s thrust into a place, not of fears and nightmares, but of strange loveliness and imaginative wonderment. Sarai, Sparrow, Ruby, Feral and Minya reside in the floating citadel overhead, which blocks out the sunlight for the townspeople below (the people of Weep do not know they exist). Minya wants Sarai to be nightmare victorious; the nightmares Sarai weaves in a person’s mind should be as bad as can be “for vengeance.” And how easy it is for Sarai to take a person’s dreams and make them into nightmares, “For what was a person but the sum of all the scraps of their memory and experience: a finite set of components with an infinite array of expressions” (p. 146). Lazlo changes that for her. He isn’t a nightmare; he is her dreamer.

            There is magic in the title and within the story, just as there is the beauty of connection and the ugliness of discrimination. Taylor’s writing is so lyrical that it’s like reading a graceful dance. The world-building is remarkable, the plot has depth, and the setting can be dark or lush or both at once. I was enthralled and could bask in the gorgeousness of the author’s prose for several wandering days. For anyone who’s read Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, this is a must-have for one’s bookshelf, not solely because of the elegant writing, but for the references to that trilogy, one that has me hoping she’ll write more books that tie together with these two series.

Muse of Nightmares (Oct. 2, 2018) by Laini Taylor.

Not everyone has fled Weep. Eril-Fane and Azareen remain, along with some of the Tizerkane, including Ruza and Tzara, faranji Calixte Dagaz and Thyon Nero (the “golden godson”) and Eril-Fane’s mom, Suheyla. The last time anyone saw Lazlo, he was flying on a mesarthium creature (called Rasalas, but remade) up to the citadel, bearing the body of Sarai a.k.a. the Muse of Nightmares, in his own Mesarthim blue. There, he has met the other demigods (or godspawn, derogatorily): Sparrow (Orchid Witch), Ruby (Bonfire), Feral (Cloud Thief) and Minya (Minya is all there is). Minya, jealous of Lazlo’s gift and with a hold on Sarai’s tether, plans to use the threat of Sarai’s evanescence to exact her revenge on the city, no matter that she looks like she’s six years old. They incapacitate Minya (for her own good), so her violent threat is at bay, but Lazlo and the others need to decide where to go next. There’s also the matter of supplies, as they could use real food and decent clothing.

            Also centering in this tale are sisters Kora (Korako Nyoka-vasa) and Nova (Novali Nyoka-vasa). Seen in Nova’s flashbacks, they were inseparable until a young Skathis kept Kora for her astral (“of the stars”) gift and dropped Nova out of the ship like trash, not because she lacked a gift, but because he feared it. She’s a pirate. Hundreds of years ago, Kora asked Nova to do the impossible and travel across worlds – entire worlds! – to find her. Nova did, but she was too late. Instead of her beloved sister, she sees someone who looks like Skathis and has his gift, but isn’t, and she steals it anyway. Wraith, known for winking in and out of existence, is more obviously present, but why? And what will Nova do when she’s in denial of Kora’s absence?

            Anyone familiar with Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy will recognize references to the worlds in which they take place, which pleases me greatly, as I hope these characters will all one day converge like a new Avengers masterpiece, but literary. Taylor’s character-driven plot and impressive world-building are fluid and graceful. It’s like gliding down an exhale after dancing up an inhale. The writing is ornate and beautiful. “Muse of Nightmares” is an exquisite fantasy where moths are epic, nightmares are the norm and dreams are lovely things just out of reach (unless you’re Lazlo Strange; his Dreamer’s Weep is a sight). The story is weighty and complex, luxurious and rich. I am captivated yet again by Taylor’s wordsmithing.

Additional Notes:

·   Cataclysm: when one of the two Sixes cut a door too far between worlds, opening into darkness and loosing the darkness that’s alive

·   Continuum: the great All, an infinite number of universes lying pressed together like pages, which can be traversed through portals

·   Faerers: the lightbearers, seraphim who created those portals between worlds

·   Mesarthium: blue metal of the Mesarthim (“Mesarthium is no ordinary metal, for it is perfectly adamant: impenetrable, unassailable.”)

·   Uzumark: an intricate network of waterways carving through the bedrock of Weep

·   Yeldez: a courtyard house

Gods/Goddesses:

·   Skathis: god of beasts and high lord of the Mesarthim, “most monstrous of them all”

·   Isagol: goddess of despair

·   Korako: goddess of secrets

·   Letha: goddess of oblivion

·   Vanth: god of storms

·   Ikirok: god of revelry who served as executioner “in his spare time”

Terms:

·   al-Meliz: toward Meliz

·   ez-Meliz: away from Meliz

Worlds:

·   Earth: world of people like you and me

·   Eretz: world of the chimaera, which runs parallel to Earth

·   Meliz: world of the seraphim

·   Mesaret: world with the extraordinary blue metal that made its people like gods. “With their skyships and soldier-wizards, they were invincible. For a time.”

·   Var Elient: world with the red sea, called Arev Bael, which contains impressive monsters and tezerl stalks grow out of the sea

·   Zeru: world in which this duology takes place

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 20

I nicknamed this compilation “Borrowed Edition.” Each book featured here was borrowed from someone I know (and they’re all family members, it turns out). One of the books featured comes from a local author. Do you read books from authors local to your area? If so, please share in the comments.

Granny Pins a Pilferer (July 19, 2016) by Julie Seedorf.

*Borrowed from: my mom*

Where there is sleuthing to be done in Fuchsia, Minnesota, one can bet that Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt Crickett will be nearby. When Mavis’ sister is found dead and other recent deaths at the Next to the Last Resting Place nursing home seem suspicious, Hermiony takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of the mystery … by getting herself admitted to the nursing home, of course. Her onset of memory lapses is oh-so-very sudden, and her supercilious (her word) new husband and former detective, Silas Crickett, can handle her no longer! So off to the nursing home she goes. She gets assigned to a table at mealtimes with a trio of women named Frederica, Hildebrand and Millicent, one of whom is mute, but only sometimes, and they all are fond of a special Happy Juice. While Hermiony’s got her hands full with her investigation, Silas is entangled in his own. He’s trying to discover why his house was blown up when the culprit had to know he wasn’t even home. Along with their friends and the shysters (their bevy of pets), Hermiony and Silas will have to solve two mysteries before one – or both – is sent to a permanent last resting place.

            While this fifth story in Seedorf’s Fuchsia, Minnesota Mystery series doesn’t contain a densely complex plot, it is a fun little romp. Discerning readers may find Granny’s antics to be noisome and over-the-top, but it isn’t Granny’s personality to be a no-frills laywoman detective. She’s got sass, spunk and verve to rival any millennial. Seedorf’s writing of this series is comedic and light-hearted. Things such as memory loss are very serious matters, but that doesn’t mean that one has to be only serious about it at all times. Infusing something with humor can be a coping mechanism to stave away the overwhelming awfulness of something, to keep the darkness at bay. Geared for adults (though not only for the already-gray set), this is a casual story for a relaxing evening or whenever one is looking for light reading.

Hidden Universe Travel Guides: Star Trek: Vulcan (July 19, 2016) by Dayton Ward.

   Livio Ramondelli and Peter Markowski, artists.

*Borrowed from: my brother (though I discovered the book and bought it)*

Thinking of planning your next vacation? If you’re leaning toward space travel, consider a trip to Vulcan, the home planet of Spock, and make this your go-to travel guide regarding the Federation’s most logical planet. This guide gives readers insight into the planet’s major regions, listing popular attractions and nightlife, dining and lodging options. Discover the planet’s busiest population center of ShiKahr, which is also the capital city, Vulcana Regar, Vulcan’s largest city and the planet’s metropolitan heart and soul, or the heat of Vulcan’s Forge (the heat on Vulcan can be “so oppressive that even Vulcans are known to express discomfort”). There’s history to be learned through the guidebook, as well as key Vulcan phrases such as, “Nam-tor puyan-tvi-shal wilat,” which asks, “Where is your restroom?” (a useful phrase to learn in any language, so long as you also understand the responses) and a tactful reminder to respect the customs of the Vulcan people (this is mentioned multiple times throughout the guide). You can even learn what to do should you find yourself hosting a dying Vulcan’s katra (it involves “a three-day, two-night all expenses paid trip to Mount Seleya,” where Vulcan High Masters will help you transfer the katra to an Adept or someone else trained in handling them) or find yourself challenged over a Vulcan marriage (as an outworlder, it is acceptable for you to decline without fear of ridicule). And, this is very important, master the traditional salutation of the Vulcan people. Getting it wrong is simply not logical.

            Who knew that a fictional travel guide could be so entertaining? But this one is. It’s fascinating, dynamic and fun, and it stays true to the character of the Vulcans while reading as a real-world travel guide. It features original illustrations. That, blended with the cultural and geographical highlights of the featured regions, forges a fantastical guide that’s equal parts knowledgeable and witty. I read this from the standpoint of someone who’s not a hardcore fan with bulk knowledge of Star Trek, yet I remained intrigued and regaled throughout.

            Two more key points as I close: (1) If visiting Vulcan, don’t get eaten (that advice is in there, no joke) and (2) Live long and prosper.

Trick or Treat, Pout-Pout Fish (Aug. 9, 2016) by Deborah Diesen.

   Dan Hanna, illustrator.

*Borrowed from: my nephew (gave this book to him for Halloween)*

It’s an under-the-sea Halloween! Join Pout-Pout Fish and swim along with him as he introduces us to various sea-dwelling friends in their costumes. Who’s a pirate? Or a goblin? Or an astronaut?

            This mini adventure is very simple, meant to keep the interest of the littlest tykes for a brief moment in time. While it doesn’t add any thrills, it is a sweet story with bubbly rhymes and colorful art. It’s tagged for ages 1-3.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 19

In this easy-reading, middle-grade novels post, you’ll see stories featuring 10-year-old Blaire Wilson, American Girl’s Girl of the Year for 2019. She’s a chef, crafter, farmer and overall creative girl full of “idea-sparks.”

Blaire (Dec. 26, 2018) by Jennifer Castle.

Welcome to Pleasant View Farm Bed-and-Breakfast! Blaire Wilson and her family own and operate the farm-to-table family business. Her mom runs the restaurant, her dad runs the business and marketing side of the farm + other projects, her grandpa manages the check-in desk and greets guests, her younger brother (Beckett) helps with the chores, and Blaire does all of the above. She also creates recipes with her mom and posts them on the farm’s website. Unfortunately, she’s been hesitant to cook, as she’s had a recent lactose intolerance diagnosis. She’s embarrassed to think she’s singled out for her intolerance, such as having replacement snacks if a classmate brings a birthday treat she can’t eat. Blaire tries to ignore it by diving into other projects. Her dad has been renovating a barn, making it into an event venue. It happens to be that one of the staff, who’s like family, gets engaged (Caterina “Cat” Minardi), and Blaire suggests they be the first to get married in the barn. Trouble is, it’s a-ways away from being finished. Blaire pushes her best friend, Theodora “Thea” Dimitriou, into helping, but her friend quits coming to help. When Blaire is called out on all the time spent on “wedding stuff” and shirking other responsibilities and her friends, will her epic plans turn into epic fails?

            Blaire learns a lot in this story that translates to our everyday lives as well, be you a youth or adult, from time management skills to working hard and being responsible to not forgetting about your friends. It’s also a story that encourages us to not be embarrassed by new situations in our lives (like a food allergy) that affect how we live (and eat). Blaire isn’t without the occasional dramatic display, which I think is an honest representation of most youth. I appreciated this story that promotes teamwork amongst family and how difficult it can be to have something different about oneself. It shows that what may seem like no big deal to one person has a profound effect on another. While the story is light fare, it isn’t fluffy, but like a rich custard, full of the flavors of personalities, busyness, learning and growing.

Blaire Cooks Up a Plan (Dec. 26, 2018) by Jennifer Castle.

Living on the family farm where they all pitch in with the farm-to-table bed-and-breakfast means that life is never boring for Blaire or her family in fictional Bluefield, New York, near the Shawangunk Ridge in a corner of New York’s Hudson Valley. This is evidenced  when Marco Gonzalez shows up of an early morning, and Blaire greets him … in her pajamas after a tenting sleepover with her best friend, Thea. Marco is her favorite designer with a very successful online video channel called “Room Revolutions.” He’s working on a project in the area, and Blaire, much to her awed delight, gets to be involved! But timing will be tricky, as she and her class also have the 5^th Grade Community Service Challenge to think about. Blaire wants to do something awesome, but what? She befriends a young girl, Abby, at the local food pantry, and discovers that she knows what she wants to do to make a positive difference in her community. As it were, it’s a project that’s too big for herself. She’ll need the help of her entire class, including Eli Carr, the reserved new kid. All of the extra hands mean extra help, but will all the extra feet spell catastrophe in the kitchen?

            Blaire’s lactose intolerance isn’t the horror it was to her in the first story, but it hasn’t fully ebbed, either. She remains reticent to share it with her entire class, but she’s always got plenty on her plate to keep her distracted. I liked to watch her grow from someone who wanted to do an awesome project so it’d be displayed in their school’s All-Stars case to someone who just wants to make a difference for the better. In so doing, she doesn’t only empower herself, but her classmates and all she meets at the food pantry, especially young Abby. This story is sweet-as-pie, and I love the story’s focus on volunteerism.