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Fables: Camelot

Title: Fables 20: Camelot

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2014

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fairy Tales

Rose Red finally and formally takes on the mantle of Paladin of Hope to heroically rally the Fables in the tragic aftermath of "Snow White." A new dark age calls for a new Round Table, with modern knights willing to take on a sacred quest to reassemble the shattered pieces of Fabletown.

While I really enjoyed this volume, it definitely felt like a set-up for storylines to come. We get to see Rose Red assembling her knights. We learn that there's secret about Rose and Snow's lineage. We get a brewing conflict between Rose and Snow. And we have a missing wolf. I was very interested to see how they were going to reconcile all the shit that hit the fan in the last volume. This one really pulled some of those storylines together. I can't wait to read the next volume...

Fables

:

  1. Legends in Exile
  2. Animal Farm
  3. Storybook Love
  4. March of the Wooden Soldiers
  5. The Mean Seasons
  6. Homelands
  7. Arabian Nights (and Days)
  8. Wolves
  9. Sons of Empire
  10. The Good Prince
  11. War and Pieces
  12. The Dark Ages
  13. The Great Fables Crossover
  14. Witches
  15. Rose Red
  16. Super Team
  17. Inherit the Wind
  18. Cubs in Toyland
  19. Snow White
  20. Camelot
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 04.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fables: Wolves of the Heartland

Title: Fables: Wolves of the Heartland

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2012

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fairy Tales

Bigby Wolf embarks on a quest through the American Heartland to find a new location for Fabletown, a secret society of exiled fairy tale characters living among the "mundys." In his wanderings, Bigby stumbles across Story City, a small town that seems to be occupied solely by werewolves. Oddly enough, they seem to already know and revere Bigby, but at the same time they've captured and caged him.

Been meaning to pick up this volume for awhile now and thankfully I did this week. I loved the side story of Bigby and his former comrade in arms. Bigby has been one of my favorite characters from the main Fables series since the beginning. It was nice to once again learn more about his past while tying everything back to the main storyline. The fabled Story City is a fantastic setting for this story of the perfect little town gone bad. A treat for fans of the Fables series.

tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 04.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairest: Of Mice and Men

Title: Fairest 4: Cinderella -- Of Mice and Men

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2014

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fairy Tales

Cinderella returns in an all-new epic! After an assassination attempt on Snow White, Cind is called back into service to unravel an age-old conspiracy that dates back to that fateful midnight ball! Can Cind uncover the plot and prevent a massacre in Fabletown? By critically acclaimed writer Marc Andreyko (MANHUNTER, Torso, The Lost) and legendary artist Shawn McManus (CINDERELLA, SWAMP THING), FAIREST VOL. 4: CINDERELLA - OF MEN AND MICE ties directly into FABLES!

Okay... so the absolute best of the Fairest series so far. But I do love Cinderella and her spy antics. Plus it was nice to see Snow White and Beast. I also liked how they tied in the Fables version of Cinderella to the traditional story with stepsisters and a fairy godmother.

Fairest:

  • #1 Wide Awake
  • #2 Hidden Kingdom
  • In All the Land
  • #3 The Return of the Maharaja
  • #4 Of Mice and Men
tags: 4 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 04.06.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 Fairy Tales and Outlander Reading Challenges

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

The Daily Prophecy

From The Daily Prophecy:

Yes, this is happening! I contacted Debz Bookshelf (who hosted this challenge for three years) if it was okay to take it over. I’ve never hosted a reading challenge before, so it’s all new for me and I will try to make it as fun as possible! Here are the details:

The challenge runs from January 1st – December 31st 2015.

The goal is to read fairytale retellings, but if you want you can also pick other retellings. It’s up to you what you count as a fairytale. Here are a couple of books you can pick from:my bookshelf with fairytale retellings and Fairytale lists on Listopia. You can read Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult books for this challenge. Obviously, the book doesn't have to be published in 2015.

There are 6 different levels you can aim for:-Prince Charming: 1 – 4 books.-Magic mirror: 5 - 9 books.-Big bad wolf: 10 – 15 books.-The wise princess: 16 – 20 books.-Wicked fairy Godmother: 21 – 25 books.-Bluebeard: you are killing it! 26+ books.

Every beginning of the month I will make a link-up post where you put all your reviews in and they will have fun/informative introductions.

It’s not a promise, but there might be challenges.

Most important thing: HAVE FUN and spread the word :)

I want to get back into reading some fairy tale adaptations. This sounds perfect.  I decided to got with the Big Bad Wolf level of 10-15 books. Realistically, it will probably be 10 books, but maybe more.

From It's a Book Life:

Why am I hosting this challenge? A while ago I read the first book in this series and never got around to reading the rest. Then I watched the television show this past year and realized that I wanted to read this series now more than ever. Therefore, I decided to challenge myself to finally read all eight Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, and I didn't want to do it alone. I really couldn't find any other challenges out there this specific so I decided to create one. (I know this is kind of like a read-a-long but these books are so big I feel like it is more of a challenge.) **This is my first time hosting a challenge so hang in there.

Who can join? Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the challenge. It doesn't matter if you have read the books before and just want to re-read them or if this is your first time digging in.

How long does this challenge last? The challenge runs from Feb. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2015. Why those months? Those months seem to be the least hectic for everyone. Also, I wanted to aim for reading a book a month.

The Reading Schedule (The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon in Order)February - Outlander March - Dragonfly in Ember April - Voyager May - Drums of Autumn June -The Fiery Cross July - A Breathe of Snow and Ashes August - An Echo in the Bone September - Written in My Own Hearts Blood ** If you get behind or ahead in the reading schedule that is totally fine. The goal is just to read all eight books by the end of September.

Bonus Reads The Exile - A Graphic Novel Lord John Grey Series - Lord John and the Private Matter - Lord John and the Hand of Devils - Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade - Scottish Prisoner

Will there be a giveaway? If at least 10 lovely people sign up for this challenge I will host a giveaway at the end as a reward for all of those who participated, whether you read one or all eight books. There will be a chance for extra entries if you read any of the bonus books on this list.

How do you keep track and share what you have read? Head on over to the review link up post (COMING SOON!) to share your reviews on the books! If you don't have a blog you can always just post a link to your review on goodreads or simply share in the comments what book you finished reading and what you thought.

How do you join? Sign up below with the linky anytime! All you have to do is share the link to the blog post, twitter, goodreads shelf, or whatever way you want, stating that you are going to participate in the challenge. Please link back to this page so others can join the challenge as well and see what it is all about. Feel free to use the challenge banner below in your post.

I am determined to finally read this series in 2015!

tags: fairy tales, Outlander
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairest: The Return of the Maharaja

Title: Fairest 3: The Return of the Maharaja

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2014

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 144

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; 52 Books - W38; Read Your Freebies; Seriously Series

When Nalayani seeks the help of the Maharaja to save her village from the Dhole, she uncovers a secret that could change the Fables Universe forever: the still alive and long-thought dead Prince Charming!

Oh yes!  I love this series almost as much as I love the original series: Fables.  We get some of the characters from the original series (hello Prince Charming!), but expanded storylines.  We also get to explore some of the other worlds alluded to in Fables.  In this volume, we get to travel to Indu where Mowgli was from.  I loved Nalayani's character.  She's a strong, nonsense woman.  The perfect foil to Prince Charming.  And the ending was fantastic.  I hope we get to see these two again in the series.

Fairest:

  • #1 Wide Awake
  • #2 Hidden Kingdom
  • In All the Land
  • #3 The Return of the Maharaja
  • #4 Cinderella - Of Mice and Men
tags: 5 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr, Read Your Freebies, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 09.15.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairest: In All the Land

Title: Fairest: In All the Land

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2013

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series

FAIREST has explored the secret histories of the most stunning beauties in Fabletown: Cinderella, Snow White, Briar Rose, Rapunzel, and the list goes on and on. In FAIREST IN ALL THE LAND, the best names in comics take their turns fleshing out the pasts of the loveliest Fables in existence. For all those wanting to dive into FAIREST or FABLES, this original graphic novel is a fantastic entry point, as well as a great new chapter for those that have been following Bill Willingham's fairy tale epic for years.

Oh I liked this one a lot.  Cinderella gets a starring role in a murder mystery starring all our Fairest ladies.  We even get to see what's been going on in the Business Office since it was cut off from Fabletown.  A very interesting little tale.  Even I didn't foresee the entirety of the ending.  Nicely constructed storyline giving the readers just enough clues to figure it out with Cindy.  

Fairest:

  • #1 Wide Awake
  • #2 Hidden Kingdom
  • In All the Land
  • #3 The Return of the Maharaja
  • #4 Cinderella - Of Mice and Men
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 07.19.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairest: Hidden Kingdom

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Title: Fairest 2: Hidden Kingdom

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2013

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 160

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W29

And then, in a 6-part epic, Rapunzel lives one of the most regimented lives in Fabletown, forced to maintain her rapidly growing hair lest her storybook origins be revealed. But when word of her long-lost children surface, she races across the sea to find them--and a former lover.

Oh! I really really enjoyed this volume.  Rapunzel was always a small side character in the original series; it was nice for her to get her own story.  And what a story it is!  This volume got dark and then just when you thought it couldn't, it got even darker.  A very interesting storyline about Rapunzel's past colliding with her present featuring some well-known characters (Bigby, Tottenkinder) and some new ones (Tomoko, Mayumi {so creepy!}).  A great addition to the Fables universe!

Fairest:

  • #1 Wide Awake
  • #2 Hidden Kingdom
  • In All the Land
  • #3 The Return of the Maharaja
  • #4 Cinderella - Of Mice and Men
tags: 5 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 07.14.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairest: Wide Awake

Title: Fairest 1: Wide Awake

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2012

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 160

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series

New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator Bill Willingham presents a new series starring the female Fables. Balancing horror, humor and adventure in the Fables tradition, Fairest explores the secret histories of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White, Rose Red and others.

The first 6-issue tale follows the misadventures of Briar Rose immediately after the events of Fables #107 (collected in Fables Volume 16: Super Team), in which she was stolen away by the goblin army. Following this first collection, Willingham will serve as a consultant on all story arcs and introduce new writers from other mediums to the Fables mythos.

A very delightful spinoff series from the Fables series.  I loved hearing more about Briar Rose after she fell asleep to defeat the emperor.  And we get Lumi and Ali Baba as great side characters.  I had to remind myself of what happened in Fables 16, but once I jogged my memory, it was a great ride.  And we even get a bonus story starring a film noir Beast.  This volume really peaked my desire to read the rest of this series.  Off I go!

Fairest:

  • #1 Wide Awake
  • #2 Hidden Kingdom
  • In All the Land
  • #3 The Return of the Maharaja
  • #4 Cinderella - Of Mice and Men
tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, mount tbr, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.10.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fables: Snow White

Title: Fables 19: Snow White

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2013

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books -- W28; Mount TBR; Monthly Motif -- July

With Castle Dark now back in the hands of the Fables, mysteries both young and old begin to challenge the residents of Fabletown.  Bigsby and Stinky set off from Fabletown in Rose Red's blood-fueled sports car to track down the two abducted cubs.  Unfortunately for Snow White, besides suffering the trauma of having two of her cubs go missing, a long forgotten secret uncovered in Castle Dark threatens to sabatoge her and Bigsby's marriage.

While I loved the second half of this volume, I just wasn't as excited at the first part concerning Bufkin's adventures.  I skimmed through the all of Bufkin's stories to get to Snow White.  I needed to see how the search for the kids was progressing.  I wanted to see if they had made any progress on turning Castle Dark into Fabletown.  And I wanted to see how much the new residences had revealed about themselves.  I was not disappointed in those respects.  I loved and was heartbroken by Snow and Bigby's story.  Ugh!  Now I have to wait until Vol. 20 is released to see if there is any happy resolution.  We also get a bombshell dropped on the last page.  Can't wait to find out more.  Overall, I still really enjoy this series, I just want to stick to the main storyline.  One final thought: I want to know more about the relationship between the Blue Fairy and the Lady of the Lake...

Fables:

  1. Legends in Exile
  2. Animal Farm
  3. Storybook Love
  4. March of the Wooden Soldiers
  5. The Mean Seasons
  6. Homelands
  7. Arabian Nights (and Days)
  8. Wolves
  9. Sons of Empire
  10. The Good Prince
  11. War and Pieces
  12. The Dark Ages
  13. The Great Fables Crossover
  14. Witches
  15. Rose Red
  16. Super Team
  17. Inherit the Wind
  18. Cubs in Toyland
  19. Snow White
tags: 4 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, Monthly Motif, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 07.06.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Title: Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Genre: Classic fairy tales

Pages: 326

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Pile; Monthly Motif - March Fairy Tales; Well Rounded Reader - Fairy Tales; Back to the Classics -- Translation

We've all heard of the Brothers Grimm.  Their versions of the original tales are probably the most popular in Europe and America.  These are the ones that Disney used as a basis for their animated features.  Re-reading them, I was struck with how clean and happy their are.  I kept forgetting that these weren't the old stories, but a more family friendly version.  As such, I was a bit disappointed.  However, I still enjoy a nice fairy tale before bedtime.  For their longevity and appeal, I rate this collection 5 stars.

tags: 5 stars, Brothers Grimm, fairy tales
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 03.23.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2013 Reading Challenge Round-Up -- Failed Edition

Not too bad this year.  I didn't have a ton of failed challenges...  but here they are.

Goal: 10/12 books

  1. Vampires — The Passage by Justin Cronin (1/20/13)
  2. Werewolves/Shifters –
  3. Fey — Iron’s Prophecy by Julie Kagawa (10/10/13)
  4. Angels/Nephilim — As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason (9/5/13)
  5. Mermaids –
  6. Dragons — Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (10/21/13)
  7. Zombies — Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (6/13/13)
  8. Demons — The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason (8/1/13)
  9. Witches/Wizards — Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts (3/17/13)
  10. Ghosts — The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade (3/6/13)
  11. Aliens — The Host by Stephenie Meyer (8/24/13)
  12. Other (Djinn) — Ill Wind by Rachel Caine (1/12/13)

 Goal: 4/6 books

  1. The Postman by David Brin (5/27/13)
  2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (6/20/13)
  3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (12/6/13)
  4. 1984 by George Orwell
  5. Reahed by Ally Condie (7/12/13)
  6. Children of Men by P.D. James

Goal: 3/5 books

  1. Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George (3/2/13)
  2. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (3/2/13)
  3. Lost by Gregory Maguire (7/12/13)
  4. TBD
  5. TBD

Goal: 1/5 books

  1. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (10/27/13)
  2. All for Love
  3. The Devlin Diary by Christi Philips
  4. The Rossetti Letter by Christi Philips
  5. Pope Joan
  6. Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

Goal: 2/5 books

  1. Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade (3/8/13)
  2. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (7/24/13)
  3. TBD
  4. TBD
  5. TBD

1 from TBR — Change of Fortune by Jen Turano (1/3/13)

2 from TBR — Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi (1/2/13); Wanted by Mark Millar(1/2/13)

3 from TBR — Locke and Key Vol. 1 (1/4/13), Locke and Key Vol 2 (1/4/13), Beauty and the Bitch by Jasmine Haynes (1/9/13)

4 from TBR — The Wedding Gift by Lucy Kevin (1/24/13), The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein (2/7/13), Cowboys vs. Aliens (2/9/13), Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman(3/30/13)

5 from TBR — One Day by David Nicholls (1/29/13), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain (6/22/13), The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor by Robert Kirkman (7/27/13), The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (8/17/13), Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (8/19/13)

1 from series — Fables Vol 17 Inherit the Wind (2/4/13)

2 from series — Locke and Key Vol. 3 (1/5/13), Locke and Key Vol. 4 by Joe Hill (1/6/13)

3 from series — Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris (6/6/13), The Firebrand by Susan Wiggs (6/13/13), Reached by Ally Condie (7/12/13)

4 from series — Heat Stroke (1/12/13), Chill Factor (1/13/13), Firestorm (2/16/13), Thin Air by Rachel Caine (2/22/13)

5 from series — Princess of the Midnight Ball (3/2/13),Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George (3/2/13), The Ghost and the Goth (3/6/13), Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade(3/8/13), The Impossible Cube by Steven Harper (5/4/13)

1 from 2013 releases — Fables 18: Cubs in Toyland (6/23/13)

2 from 2013 releases — And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (8/8/13), Max Stops the Presses by Colleen Gleason (9/5/13)

4 from 2013 releases — A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book (9/10/13); The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (9/29/13); Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith(11/7/13); 100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes (11/11/13)

5 from 2013 releases — Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh (11/26/13)

1 from everyone but me — The Passage by Justin Cronin (1/20/13)

2 from everyone but me — The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (7/24/13), A Storm of Swords by George Martin (7/26/13)

3 from everyone but me — Every Day by David Levithan (8/15/13), The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (9/20/13); The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (9/28/13)

4 from everyone but me — Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (10/7/13); Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (10/27/13); The Road by Cormac McCarthy (12/6/13)

5 from everyone but me — A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin (4/28/13), The Walking Dead Book Five (5/14/13), The Walking Dead Book Six (5/14/13), The Walking Dead Book Seven (5/17/13), The Walking Dead Volume 17 (5/17/13)

1 reread — Lost by Gregory Maguire (7/12/13)

2 rereads – Coraline by Neil Gaiman (3/21/13), The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (4/30/13)

3 rereads — The Host by Stephenie Meyer (8/24/13); Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne(9/10/13); The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman (10/9/13)

4 rereads — Persuasion (1/21/13), Mansfield Park (2/3/13), Emma (5/22/13), Pride and Prejudice (8/28/13)

5 rereads –

Free space — Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (12/3/13)

Point Total: 190/250

  1. Read the second book in a series – The Impossible Cube by Steven Harper (5/4/13)
  2. Read a book with water on the cover –
  3. Read a book with a colour in the title –
  4. Read  a book set in the 1900′s – And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini   (8/8/13)
  5. Read a book whose author name begins with M (First or last) – Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (6/13/13)
  6. Read a book published during your birth year – The Color Purple by Alice Walker (6/24/13)
  7. Read a book with a door, lock or key on the cover –
  8. Read a book with a flower/flowers on the cover – Wedding of the Century (8/14/15)
  9. Read a book with something ‘hot’ in the title (sun, fire, heat, etc) – The Firebrand by Susan Wiggs (6/13/13)
  10. Read a book whose author name begins with J (first name only) – The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga (7/27/13)
  11. Read a book currently on a bestseller list – The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (7/7/13)
  12. Read a book that shows a woman from behind – The Hostage by Susan Wiggs (5/22/13)
  13. Read a book with a moon or stars on the cover –
  14. Read a book with an adjective in the title – The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Mark Bittner (6/26/13)
  15. Read a book whose author name begins with J (last name only) –
  16. Read any book in one weekend (Friday to Sunday) – Fables Vol 18: Cubs in Toyland (6/23/13)
  17. Read a book with a child on the cover – Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (6/20/13)
  18. Read a book with over 400 pages – Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (5/11/13)
  19. Read a book with an animal on the cover – A Storm of Swords by George Martin (7/26/13)
  20. Read a book whose author name begins with A (first or last) – Emma by Jane Austen (5/22/13)

Point total: 245/250

  1. Read a book with a famous painting on the cover –
  2. Read a book with a man and woman on the cover – Beauty or the Bitch by Jasmine Haynes (1/9/13)
  3. Read a book by a new to you author – Locke and Key Vol 2 by Joe Hill (1/4/13)
  4. Read a book that you’ve read before – Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (2/3/13)
  5. Read a book whose author name begins with J (First or last) – Change of Fortune by Jen Turano (1/3/13)
  6. Read a book that’s a collection of short stories – Stories of Hans Christian Anderson (2/26/13)
  7. Read a book about family – The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (2/14/13)
  8. Read a book currently on the NYT Bestsellers list – Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (3/15/13)
  9. Read the first book in a series – Ill Wind by Rachel Caine (1/12/13)
  10. Read a book whose author name starts with F (first or last) – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2/9/13)
  11. Read a bio/auto bio/memoir – A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah (1/21/13)
  12. Read a book with a first and last name in the title – Good Omens (Agnes Nutter) by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (1/3/13)
  13. Read a historical mystery – A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock (1/22/13)
  14. Read a book by a female author – Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi (1/2/13)
  15. Read a book whose author name begins with M (first or last) – Wanted by Mark Millar (1/2/13)
  16. Read a cult classic – Locke and Key Vol 4 Keys to the Kingdom (1/6/13)
  17. Read a book no longer under copyright – Persuasion by Jane Austen (1/21/13)
  18. Read a fantasy/scifi/steampunk – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (1/9/13)
  19. Read a book you got for Christmas – Locke and Key Vol 3 Crown of Shadows by Joe Hill (1/5/13)
  20. Read a book whose author begins with A (first or last) – Terror by Night by Ambrose Bierce (2/14/13)
tags: book bingo, dystopian, fairy tales, historical fiction, paranormal, RC Check-up, t4mc
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.02.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

MoM #22: Ever After

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Title: Ever After

Year Released/Rating: 1998 PG-13

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Dougray Scott, Angelica Houston

Directed By: Andy Tennant

Written By: Susannah Grant, Andy Tennant, Rick Parks, Charles Perrault

Genre: Drama, Romance

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: I own it

Trivia:

  • Danielle's portrait (which Leonardo da Vinci paints in the film) is actually modeled after another da Vinci work, "La Scapigliata" (also known as "Testa di fanciulla detta la scapigliata").
  • The glass slippers were made by Salvatore Ferragamo.
  • At the start of the film when the Brothers Grimm are talking to the queen about the many different versions of the Cinderella story they mention that in some versions the slippers she wears to the ball are fur rather than glass. This refers to Charles Perrault's version of the story, which was the first to introduce the glass slipper (which in French is "pantoufle de verre"), and how some people believe it was actually an misinterpretation of the words for a fur slipper (pantoufle de vair).

Summary: The "real" story of Cinderella. A refreshing new take on the classic fairy tale.

Review: 

On my list of top five movies of all time.  I am a sucker for a great romance.  And this one has everything: adventure, comedy, drama, beautiful costumes, scenery, and fabulous acting.  I love love love this retelling of Cinderella.  Angelica Houston is perfect as the evil stepmother.  Dougray Scott is the perfect prince.  And Drew Barrymore has all the spirit and fight that I always picture Cinderella to have. I watch this one every few months just for a pick me up.

Best Bits: 

  • Leonardo da Vinci: You cannot leave everything to fate, boy. She's got a lot to do. Sometimes you must give her a hand.
  • Danielle: Forgive me, Your Highness, I did not see you.  Henry: Your aim would suggest otherwise.
  • Henry: Mother, Father, I want to build a university, with the largest library on the continent, where anyone can study, no matter their station!  King Francis: All right... Who are you... and what have you done with my son?  Henry: [laughs] Oh, and I want to invite the gypsies to the ball!
  • Queen Marie: Any choice is better than Spain!
  • Danielle: [about the prince] Honestly, I think he and Marguerite deserve each other.  Paulette: Oh, bite your tongue! The only throne I want her sitting on is the one I have to clean everyday.
  • Henry: You told me it was a matter of life or death.  Leonardo da Vinci: [unrolling the Mona Lisa] A woman always is, sire.
  • Danielle: A bird may love a fish, signore, but where will they live?  Leonardo da Vinci: Then I shall have to make you wings.
  • Danielle: Signore, my name is Danielle de Barbarac, and I am but a servant.  Leonardo da Vinci: Yes, and I'm the bastard son of a peasant. What does that have to do with anything?
tags: 5 stars, fairy tales, Month of Movies, romance
categories: Movies
Sunday 09.22.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman

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Title: M is for Magic

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: HarperCollins 2007

Genre: YA Short Stories Fantasy

Pages: 260

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Neil Gaiman; TBR Pile; 52 Books - W36

How I Got It: Library Loan

Master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a breathtaking collection of tales for younger readers that may chill or amuse, but that always embrace the unexpected.

I really enjoyed this little collection of YA short stories.  Each one has the Gaiman flair for the unexpected.  Every time I started a story I knew my ideas of the ending would be dashed once Gaiman decided how he was going to end the story.  My favorite stories:

  • "Chivalry" -- I love the story of the little old lady finding a holy relic at the Oxfam shop.  It starts out a simple story and somewhere along the way it delves into mythology.
  • "The Price" -- There is something bordering on the horrific with this story.  The ending leaves the reader at a loss for a conclusion.  I love the atmosphere in this one.
  • "The Witch's Headstone" -- Another moody story that leaves me without a conclusion.  I love the of Bod and Liza.  Great idea!
tags: 4 stars, fairy tales, fantasy, Neil Gaiman, short stories, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 09.01.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Lost by Gregory Maguire

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Title: Lost

Author: Gregory Maguire

Publisher: William Morrow 2001

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Telling Tales; What's in a name -- Lost or Found; ebook; Bingo - 1 Reread

How I Got It: iPad read

Children's novelist Winifred Rudge flies from her Boston-area home to London to pay a visit to her distant cousin and old friend John. Instead of receiving his guest open-armed, John is nowhere to be found. His office staff is evasive in fielding Winnie's calls, and Mac and Jenkins, a pair of superstitious home remodelers hired by John to work on the kitchen in his absence, begin behaving strangely, as eerie symbols appear on the wall and inexplicable noises issue from the walled-up chimney space. That Winnie is not alone in her victimization by an otherworldly spirit is a good sign she's not having a breakdown. Setting the story in Winnie and John's ancestral home and filling the neighboring house with John's intimidating new inamorata, Allegra, makes us root for the self-destructive Winnie, a most unlikely heroine. An essential purchase and a substantial Halloween treat.

Hmmm...  I loved Wicked and I liked Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.  But for some reason, I'm just not that into Lost.  I remember reading this back when it was released.  I thought it was imaginative.  Upon rereading, I still feel it's imaginative, but I'm not really sucked into the story.  I can't really get behind Winnie as a main character.  And the combination of various fairy tale stories gets a bit old after a while.  I would have like a more streamlined plot line.  I don't think I will be rereading this one.

tags: 3 stars, fairy tales, fantasy, Gregory Maguire
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.12.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fables: Cubs in Toyland

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Title: Fables 18: Cubs in Toyland

Author: Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2013

Genre:  Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 192

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC - Read in one weekend; Graphic Novel; Library; 52 Books - W26; Bingo - 1 from 2013

How I Got It: Library Loan

For years, Snow White and Bigby Wolf's cubs have grown up knowing that one of them was destined for a much greater, more grave role amongst the Fables community. But no one knew how soon it would come.

When Snow and Bigby's cub Therese receives a Christmas gift from an unknown admirer, this red plastic boat magically takes her on a journey to a desolate place known as Toyland. Will Therese be their savior? Or their destroyer? FABLES VOL. 18: CUBS IN TOYLAND is the latest epic from New York Times best-selling author Bill Willingham's hit series FABLES, as the Bigby Wolf cubs learn that adventures in the land of misfit toys is much less fun than it sounds.

It's been awhile since i picked up a Fables volume.  I love this series.  I love seeing the fairy tale characters grow and change.  I love seeing them interact with each other.  I love the enemies and the dangers.  I love seeing the various worlds.  This volume had a great storyline focused on Snow White and Bigby's cubs.  Although, I must say that I was very surprised by the dark turn about halfway through the volume.  I was not expecting that at all.  At any rate, I'm excited to read more in the next volume, but I have to wait until December.

tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 06.23.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Title: Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess of the Midnight Ball #1)

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2009

Genre: YA fairy tale

Pages: 280

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Telling Tales; Women Authors; Library; Book Bingo -- 5 from series

How I Got It: Library Loan

Rose is one of twelve princesses forced to dance through the night in an underground palace. The key to breaking the spell lies in magic knitting needles, an invisibility cloak, and—of course—true love. Inspired by "The Twelve Dancing Princesses,"this novel is as captivating as it is fresh. Enchanted readers are sure to clamor for the new companion, Princess of Glass, also publishing this season.

This was such a cute little fairy tale retelling.  I sat down to read it after lunch and read it straight through.  The plot is fairly predictable.  It is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."  But it's the characters that drew me into the novel.  I love seeing all twelve of the princesses.  They each have their own personality and interests.  Rose is the focus, but each of the others are given their own time.  Galen is a treat.  I loved following him from solider to future king.  He's a down-to-earth character and kept my attention throughout.

Princess of the Midnight Ball

  1. Princess of the Midnight Ball
  2. Princess of Glass
  3. Princess of the Silver Woods
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tags: 5 stars, fairy tales, Jessica Day George, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 03.02.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

Title: Princess of Glass (Princess of the Midnight Ball #2)

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2010

Genre: YA Fairy Tales

Pages: 266

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Telling Tales; New Author; Library; Book Bingo -- 5 from series

How I Got It: Library loan

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program. She travels abroad hoping to find better political alliances and perhaps a marriage. But thanks to a vengeful fairy, Poppy's happily ever after gets complicated. This companion to Princess of the Midnight Ball will delight readers with action and romance.

So, I realized after finishing this book that I read it out of order.  Silly me!  I was wondering why lots of past plot points were referred to often.  Oh well!  It was a good little story even with my blunder.  We are treated to a retelling of Cinderella complete with glass slippers and a fairy godmother (or is she?).  Poppy must use her previous enchantment breaking experience to help the people of Breton.  I liked Poppy. She was unconventional and spunky and smart.  She kept her wits about her when faced with what seemed to be impossible odds.  Thankfully I also liked the male lead, Prince Christian.  He too is just unconventional enough to be thoroughly likable.  The characters are where this book shines.  The plot is predictable (it's Cinderella, remember?), but the characters keep it fresh and interesting.  Now that I've read book two, I guess I should go back and read book one...

Princess of the Midnight Ball

  1. Princess of the Midnight Ball
  2. Princess of Glass
  3. Princess of the Silver Woods
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tags: 4 stars, fairy tales, Jessica Day George, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 03.02.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Fables: Inherit the Wind

Title: Fables Vol 17: Inherit the Wind

Author: Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; TBR Pile; Book Bingo -- 1 from series

The tights and capes have been stored away forever, but it remains to be seen if Haven and its refugee inhabitants have survived the onslaught of. Where do the Fables go from here? Bigby and Snow White's cubs try to move forward after learning a hard lesson about life and death. And the loveable, fan-favorite hero Bufkin the Flying Monkey gets into more trouble when he finally reaches his homeland of Oz.

This Fables volume includes issues 108-113 of the original series.

I do so love the Fables series.  Somehow I completely forgot to pick up this volume when it was released last year.  Thankfully I rectified that mistake.  The best part of this volume was the storyline concerning the cubs and the choosing of the new North Wind.  I love the idea of one of the cubs becoming a new god.  The story focusing on Buffkin was interesting, but didn't captivate me.  I did love the implications in the Christmas story towards the end.  The overall story progresses well, but ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.  We are left with some major unanswered questions.  I hope they are resolved in the next volume.  I must put it on my library list for later this year.

tags: 5 stars, Bill Willingham, fairy tales, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 02.04.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Beauty and the Bitch by Jasmine Haynes

Title: Beauty and the Bitch

Author: Jasmine Haynes

Publisher: 2012

Genre: Erotic fairy tales

Pages: 114

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- Man and Woman on Cover (5 points); Genre -- Erotica; Women Authors; Ebook; Book Bingo -- 3 from TBR

How I Got It: I own it; Ebook form

Reporter Dexter King is about to get the story of a lifetime. Shelby Stewart was the hottest rising star in Hollywood until suddenly, she was cursed. Retreating to her mountain hideaway, far from that fairy tale life, she hasn’t been seen in ten years. Now Dex will ferret out the truth behind her fall from Hollywood grace. But will he find a beauty? Or a bitch?

In truth, I read this because it was free in iBooks and I needed something short to read in between colossal books.  I didn't have very high hopes, but I was pleasantly surprised after reading.  This is an interesting erotic retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  Except in this one the roles are reversed.  Dex is a great knight in shining armor and Shelby has a wonderful back and forth nature.  I really liked the storyline.  It was a nice short read while traveling back home.

tags: 4 stars, book bingo, ebook, fairy tales, Genre, Jasmine Haynes, romance, t4mc, women authors
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 01.09.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2013 Telling Tales Reading Challenge

From An Armchair by the Sea:

Here are the rules:
  • The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2013. You can sign up at any point throughout the year.
  • Again, any genre counts as long as it is in some way related to fairytale and/or mythology. Once again, if you are unsure, as long as you can make an argument for its' inclusion, it counts!
  • Re-reads count, and you are more than welcome to overlap books with other challenges.
  • Please leave me your email address in the comments if you want to participate (I promise not to harrass you, it's just so that people get a reminder every now and again about the monthly link ups, and also so I can contact you for competitions etc).
  • Please link up your reviews every month in the posts which will go up on this blog.
  • In your sign up post, please indicate the level you aim to complete. You are entirely welcome to change this as the year progresses. You can make your lists beforehand, or as you go. Whichever you prefer!
  • When you sign up, please leave the link to your sign up post, rather than just to your blog in general.
  • You don't have to have a blog to participate - you can review on Goodreads, Amazon, wherever, just let me know where you will be reviewing!
The levels are as follows:
Pixie - read 2 books
Troll under the Bridge - read 5 books
Princess - read 10 books
Prince Charming - read 15 books
Evil Queen - read 20 books
Dragon - read 30 books
King/Queen of the Silver Screen - read any number of books and watch the film adaptations.

As last year was a struggle, I'm going for the Troll Under the Bridge level of 5 books.  Here's my TBR list:

  1. Lost by Gregory Maguire
  2. Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire
  3. TBD
  4. TBD
  5. TBD
tags: fairy tales
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.04.13
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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