Book Review

I actually finished this one weeks ago, but forgot to put it in the blog.

Test of the Twins
Definitely the best of the set! Lots of action and even a specific type of action that I was wanting to see in Chronicles - the hijacking of a citadel! A stand up and cheer moment for me. Another great thing was that you don't even need the first two books to be caught up with the events of this one. I don't mean to be so hard on the first two, but they weren't what I was expecting and the recapping done in Test is sufficient to set up the climax. The layout was very nice considering that they had to hop around in different times periods. They kept it easy to follow as well as smartly paced with more creative elements regarding magic use. I'm satisfied with the emotional end as well. Caramon has never been so interesting and Raistlin, though inherently bad, ends doing the right thing again. Truly neutral I guess. The ending is bittersweet as always when characters are killed off, but it was a solid ending following a well balanced exercise in storytelling. I really liked this one.

Book Review

Men Of Iron, Howard Pyle
Wow, what a great little book! It centers around a young man, Myles Falworth, who is unwittingly caught up in the political intrigue during the transition from King Richard II to King Henry the IV. The new king follows the tradition of taking out the colleagues of his predecessor. As a boy Myles' father is blinded, exiled, and still wanted for treason for aiding and harboring a loyalist to the former king during this time. His family finds protection and anonymity and he grows up a peasant until his father sends him away to a former friend who still has power in the government to enter into his service and attain knighthood. Eventually with help and guidance (unknown to him at first) he becomes a knight and avenges his father's honor and estate. I love tales of revenge. Especially righteous revenge.
But it's not just a revenge story. It's a classic "coming of age" tale that focuses on middle age chivalry. Myles is studied as he grows from his more naive and impressionable outlook on what is honorable and right to a more mature viewpoint. His boldness is helped by the fact that he's favored by his lord and master so his youthful ideals are validated. There's the disappointment of realizing that the facts of life aren't' as simple and black and white as he assumes in his youth, but he never becomes cynical as he learns to deal with the complexities of coming into his own. He remains pure at heart and heroically turns the fortunes of his own family and that of his benefactors' as well.
What I really loved was the details of life at the time period. His time spent as a squire, the rigors of the work, and the formal social interactions are historically delicious. His knighthood ceremony where he is finally inducted into the Order of the Bath by the king he was soon to defy is regarded as a nonfictional account of the proceedings. It's packed full of a lot of details and intensity for what is actually a short novelette. At times it seems too short, but classic literature was specially gifted for keeping things simple while unfolding a great yarn.
I loved  and if this is any indication of how Pyle's other works are, I'll be checking out more of them.

Going green!

Yes! This is my kind of green! Picking, which yielded more than five gallons of green beans fresh out of the garden. And this is only the first picking!

Lovely green beans! Snapping them is the most fun part. Snapping the stems off the end and then breaking them into two or three pieces. They were very clean beans as well... very few bad spots or parts that had been nibbled on by insects... Gorgeous!

After they were washed they were packed and salted for canning. The only shame about canning is that they lose that bright color, but omgoodness! I love freshly canned green beans!! All seven quarts sealed nicely and there was probably another two or three quarts left over that mom cooked with new potatoes and ham. Delicious!!

Meanwhile... the jalapeños are exploding!

Just look at that beast! And once the peppers start coming on, the poppers start piling up.

My assembly line is set up. The recipe isn't anything with concrete measurements. I do them in small batches at the time. I start with an 8 oz thing of cream cheese and add shredded cheese and bacon bits (real bacon bacon bits) until the mixture looks right. If I use it all with what I have, great, or I keep what's left until I get more. But I try not to do too many at once because it's a long process. After I halve and core them, I stuff them with the mixture, dip in milk and roll in flour. It has to dry before I can dip again in milk and roll in Italian bread crumbs. I do that twice more with the bread crumbs, drying in between each dip-n-roll. The idea is for the breading to be so thick that you can't tell which side is the filling. It's time consuming but worth it. Then I freeze them in the proportions I use and drop them in a 350 degree deep fryer for 3 minutes when I want to eat them. Yummy!!!

And that's my idea of going green in the summer!

Book Review

Sheepfarmer's Daughter, The Deed of Paksenarrion Book I by Elizabeth Moon

First of a trilogy. Sword and sorcery fantasy, but with a divergent take on the genre. The author was a Marine so she brings a different perspective to the typical fantasy formula. I like different. Paksenarrion is a sheepfarmer's daughter, for only a quarter of the first chapter, who decides to leave that life against her father's wishes to join an army like her cousin before her. It's a big plus for me that the heroine isn't "born fully formed" so to speak. She has to start at the bottom, learning how to fight and, although gifted with a lot of natural talent for the work, is nothing special at first. Just another grunt you might say. The author spends several long and I thought fascinating chapters covering Paksenarrion's training experience in a coed army. Large portions of it will hit home for military people and it's very unique since it's not something one ever thinks of when reading stories set in fantasy settings where men coexist with elves, dwarves, and magic users of all stripes. Which takes me to the setting itself which was bewildering to me at first. I didn't know what to think of it except as a kind of post-apocalyptic type of fantasy world where there isn't one or more noble kingdoms fighting a great evil with a chosen one(s) sent out to destroy the enemy and/or restore a balance of powers. No, in this world there are several military brigades that work as mercenaries contracted to fight other regiments for loot which funds a campaign and pays the soldiers. Most of them fight under and honorable leader with a specific code of conduct to be followed. But it's a look at battle that is more gritty and realistic than what is usually portrayed in a fantasy plot. Paks' outfit participates in a couple of standard contracts led by The Duke. The story culminates with several military factions banding together to stop a particularly dishonorable and malicious military leader who rules by fear, follows no code of conduct, and interferes with other campaigns for the sole purpose of domination and the pleasure of murder and torture. The focus is almost entirely on the humans. Magic is only seen on the fringes and elves and dwarves aren't even a significant part of  story.
At least not yet. It's very busy with names, places, cultures, and politicking as part of a very slow world building, (which is something I also appreciate.) The inexperienced reader would probably get frustrated and put it down, but I could see what was going on. The heroic formula still there, only introduced gradually and artfully. Several key situations, especially as the novel draws closer to the end, prove Paksenarrion to be special and a potential chosen one who will eventually answer to a higher calling to fight a more noble battle against a greater evil. There are hints of more magic to come and, I assume, an integration of the other races into this world. The biggest drawback for me is common to all war stories I read... I just have a hard time picturing terrain in my head and I frequently get lost while trying to follow the action. Of course, you can't get around that in stories with detailed battle scenes. But I never let it stop me when the story is good. I'm very interested in seeing what happens in the next installment and I'll seek it out soon.

Book Review

Six Gothic Tales

A compilation of six Gothic romance novels condensed down for Reader's Digest. Given to me by a friend a long time ago. In order they are Jamaica Inn, Mission to Malaspiga, Mistress of Mellyn, The High Valley, Thunder Heights, and Tregaron's Daughter. Definitely not my kind of thing, but I kept it around because it was a gift. It turned out to be a convenient book to keep on my bedside table to read on on weekend nights because it's not something that interested me greatly, therefore it didn't have to be portable... moving from room to room, trying not to forget it when I go out to work or wherever; that sort of thing. To my surprise I've read through them all and I find it was a interesting stretch from my "comfort zone" as far as reading goes. They say you should read things you don't like as well as an exercise in variety. And they're not the worst things I've ever read; they even seemed worth the time spent on them over the last year or so that I've been looking them over. It's the same formula over and over. Yes, I'm well aware that sci-fi and fantasy incorporates the same formulas too... it's fascinating how that sort of thing doesn't bother us when it's employed by a genre we like as opposed to one we don't. The romances made no sense to me, of course. It makes me wonder if I'm "normal" as far as being a woman is concerned because a lot of women really go for the attractions presented in these stories. But at least they're not empty erotica. (I prefer my own fantasies to someone else's in that regard.) They make a corageous attempt at murder mysteries throughout as part of the formula. One of the stories even reminded me of a similar idea I had for a story years ago. However, they're not top shelf mysteries. Even when the action was good, the motivations of the killers were lame with the exception of the last story perhaps. That one wasn't half bad. I suppose it's good stuff for those who are interested in this genre. To that extent I recommend it. But I'm going to find something a little more to my taste put at my bedside table now.

Creatures and Beasts

Surfing YouTube for lists. Today I'm enchanted with the creatures and beasts of different fandoms.

I was trying to stick with non intelligent creatures when I was collecting videos today. This list counts. Star Wars creatures are awesome.

The Harry Potter beasts mostly count too, although there are a couple of sentient forms in there.

There are more Dr. Who villains than you can count. These are the "monsterous" ones that I guess fit the creature/beast category. I'm a little surprised they left out Cybermen though.

This one isn't a ranking but it does go into detail over Middle Earth species summarizing from the various texts to give their histories and relationships to the saga. Helpful for those who found the books hard to follow. Dragons and Barlogs aren't covered in this video, but I think this guy has made more.

How I take my old shows

I've mentioned before that some may find it strange that I only watched the reruns of Star Trek TNG while writing my reviews. I can see why people would wonder why I don't just use Netflix or buy the DVDs.. I mean, who watches reruns anyway? Most people have gone with the streaming stuff rather than pay a satellite bill. So am I a snob or an old fuddy duddy? I don't know.

I'm not too much of a snob to buy DVDs. I have several series on DVD. The problem with buying a series on DVD is that I'm not the only person in the house and a large series like TNG costs well over a hundred bucks. So, the hubby and I have to agree on rather large purchases. I'm in a mixed marriage of sorts - I love Star Trek, my husband doesn't. So, obviously he's not on board with dropping that kind of money on things he doesn't like. Why don't I get them for myself? Well... who would I watch them with... the cat? I've always seen sitting down to watch something that's been paid for, movie or DVD, that's uninterrupted by commercials as a social activity no different from going to the movie theater. If I lived alone it would be a different story. My cousin told me that she used to get the stuff she liked (that her husband didn't) and watch it by herself in another room. I couldn't do that because to me it feels like time lost with my husband that I'll never get back So, I'm happy to sacrifice my desires and just stick with the things we both like together.

Perhaps I am a bit of and old fuddy duddy when it comes to Netflix or any streaming service. I realize that it's cheaper for people who can't afford DVDs or a cable bill, and I guess I'd like it better if it weren't for sketchy internet at times. But I prefer to own something if I like it. I love libraries, but I don't like taking books out and then giving them back. Netflix is kind of like that because the shows it runs are in a revolving door... they won't always be there. They'll be taken off and replaced with something else. And it seems like there's a general laziness to it. It's fun to joke about binge watching a 9 season series in two days, but for one thing that can't be healthy. And for another thing, I don't have that kind of stamina. When we watch stuff from our DVD collections, unless it's a very short season, we don't take in too many episodes at once. We're busy people and don't have all day, or all night except on a Saturday, to mess with it.

So, when I'm not watching DVDs with my husband of shows we both like, I take my shows in the form of rerun. I actually like my brain getting a break with the commercial interruptions. Because of them, I can multitask. It really feels like "just a rerun" and I'm not committed to  having social time with anyone, so if I need to do something else while it's on in the background, it's cool. And I can easily stop instead of carrying on like an addict. And I don't get too much at once. Anticipation and having to wait for more isn't a bad thing. It gives you something to look forward to like coming home after a long day, a weekend after a long week, or a get-together that only happens annually or biannually. It seems more satisfying than having all of what you want at one time. 

Anyway, I just thought I'd continue that thought from yesterday since I was talking about watching Quantum Leap reruns like an old fuddy duddy. Lol..

Quantum Leap

The Star Trek reruns have tapered off and I've been watching reruns of Quantum Leap lately. I'd forgotten how much I loved that show. It was made back when producers actually put effort into making original concepts. Did it make sense? Does time travel ever make sense? It didn't need to. Like science fiction novels of old before the science caught up to the fiction, it was just great imagination and creativity. People weren't obsessed with how realistic the science should be. They just glossed over the science and went straight to the fiction which was the continuing adventures of time traveler who changes the lives of people in the past. Lives not circumstances. Some points of history are fixed and unmovable but people within the time periods are able to be helped and their destinies reordered. Really, it's similar to Doctor Who only it's a more rigid format with no fantasy and alien aspects. The point is, it was more about the human aspect than the science.

I mean, seriously, how does Al even work? It doesn't matter. He was my favorite part of the show. And it's a testament to how less is more. There were only two main characters in the show, yet somehow they managed to have rich, meaningful episodes. The politics and some of the underlying lessons learned were overtly liberal, as everything was in the late 20th century, but the comedy and the occupational hazards of each new experience was just plain fun to watch. Literally, what would you do in someone else's shoes? Sam had to improvise the life of strangers that he knew nothing about except whatever stats Al could give him. That's what makes this show work. Not science, although it's technically science fiction.

Oddly enough I don't think I've ever seen the pilot and it's been so long since I've seen the finale that I can't remember how it ended. But no spoilers please. I'm going to keep my eye on these reruns and find out for myself. Here's to a classy classic show! Oh boy...

Book Review

War of the Twins
Okay this was much better than the first one. I had a feeling that if I hung in there it would get better. This one moves the general story along better and ties in with the original series more firmly creating a lovely harmony within this world. Time travel is always tricky to write, but easier in a fantasy setting and very nicely done. The romances were still there (a couple of additional ones in the second book) and they're still as silly to me as ever, but they're back burner. Although they never go into quite enough detail for me, I enjoyed seeing the historical events of Krynn playing out which always adds much appreciated texture to any universe. In this case, the dwarf war and Fistandantilus' fate. The growth and change of both Raistlin and Caramon is measurable in the this one offering complexities that the first book didn't. Kudos! And of course Tasselhoff is the star. I can never get enough of him. Sadly though... no dragons? Or maybe just no dragons yet? But this is a different story so I that's probably not even a valid complaint.
I was apprehensive about starting this book but now I'm looking forward to reading Test of the Twins to see how it all wraps up.

My book order has arrived!

In the mood for mystery, so I rounded out my Sherlock Holmes collection, chose an interesting looking Agatha Christie and two recommendations from friends... kind of. The first friend recommended The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Pyle, but Men of Iron looked better. I had The Sheepfarmer's Daughter on my list before the other friend officially recommended it but I'll wing that one to him anyway since I saw it in his Facebook news feed to begin with.

Book Review

Dragonlance Legends: Time of the Twins

Just finished Time of the Twins, Dragonlance Legends. Are these books getting shorter?
I don't know about this set so far. I'm not like most girls... I don't like romance novels and I was getting a big romance novel vibe off this first book. I sincerely can't relate to the attractions portrayed therein. I understand the device of a good woman attracted to a bad man, but they did such a poor job of making Raistlin truly evil that it doesn't work too well. Selfish and ambitious; chaotic neutral; but not really evil. In the first trilogy and then spilling over into this one we have to assume he's evil just because everyone assures us that he is. But he doesn't do anything too destructive until towards the end.
Moreover, the story itself seems secondary and rushed in order to focus on Crysania's feelings. It even rushes through the erosion of her convictions... she was so quickly and easily committed to Raistlin even though she's supposed to be strong... I think. The time Raistlin spent deceiving Fistandantilus? Skip it for the slender hands. Why was it okay for Fistandantilius to be there anyway during the time when magic users are shunned? Cuz of the vagaries of corruption; just skip it... more touches on the shoulder, please. The events leading to the Cataclysm? Meh... a dozen or so... who cares? - more boo-hoo over Raist's childhood sob stories. (That's an attraction I've never, ever understood.) Shouldn't the battle between Raislting and Fistandantilus have been more epic and detailed? Too hard.. too much thinks... get back to more feels now. And what did Raistlin tell Caramon's Arena friends to poison them against him? A paltry detail to some, but it's little things like this that add character. It seems like they passed up a lot of opportunities for some cool world building (since the world was different before the Cataclysm) in favor of all the raging romantic feelings.
Strike two on leading characters. Crysania isn't much better than Tanis, although I should be grateful that I was spared the details of Porthios becoming his brother-in-law... lol! But there's not as many other characters to fall back on in this book as there was in the original trilogy. Caramon and Tas have to carry the burden for logic as well as comedy and it's a bit of a stretch in some instances.
But I did like Caramon's time at the Arena. And Tas is wonderful as always. It seems a little underhanded using his predicament at the end to hook people (or maybe just me) into finding out what happens next, but I'll go ahead and fall for it and continue with the next two books. The storytelling is still very gripping and I'm enjoying the universe in general. This series could likely get better since the authors make full use of a three book arc to get everything in. We'll see.

Book Review

The Prince and The Pauper, Mark Twain.
I'm openly not a big Mark Twain fan and never could get into Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But I gotta admit I really liked this one! It's a great little story. One we all know of whether we've read it or not, but seeing it unfold as written was a real treat. It wasn't just funny but surprisingly intense and loving. It appeals to kids through the adult characters that are just too stubborn to listen to reason and also to adults through the parallel plight of to Prince's protector. I'm glad I decided to keep this one when I was letting go of books that I thought I'd never read. It's definitely in queue for a reread in the future.

My Star Trek Generations mistake

Okay, I have to own myself as an ass on this one. I saw the last half hour of Star Trek Generations today and I realized that some of the stuff I'd complained about in my review of First Contact was addressed in this film. Things about the Enterprise E and Data's emotion chip. In debate over which was better I admitted that I'd only seen this one once over 20 years ago, but I'm amazed at how much of it I'd completely forgotten. I suppose I could blame the seizures for flashing some of it away, but 20+ years is a long time too. But I'm not going to correct my First Contact review because it would be shallow of me to pretend I didn't make a mistake, embarrassing as it was. And I still think First Contact moved a little fast with enough material to cover two movies.

That being said, I can't say which was better between Generations and First Contact. Seeing the end of this movie reminded me of how frustrating I found the concept of the temporal nexus and that I didn't like the way Kirk was killed off (... somehow not as glamorous or satisfying as Spock in WoK.) And I still have no memory of what happened in the rest of this one, so I'm still leaning towards First Contact, but I'd like to see Generations from the beginning again sometime to get a refreshed perspective.