Bona Fide's Menu
Books
- Delivery of the week: Reviewer copy of The Rats and the Ruling Sea by Robert V.S. Redick
- Shelf discovery of the week: The Fool's Gold Trilogy by Jude Fisher
- PAX BRITANNIA news
Blogosphere
This week I received my second reviewer copy in trade paperback format and "only" 634 pages. I read around 30 pages per hours. That would mean theoretically I can read the book within one day. Did you ever read 24 hours at a stretch? Oops, I forgot to tell you the title and the author: It is The Rats and the Ruling Sea (2009) [US][UK], which will hit stores on both sides of the Atlantic on 29th of October. It is the second book of the Chatrand Voayge series. When everything goes well I will start reading on upcoming Sunday. So hopefully I can offer you my review before October 29th. In case you missed it, read my post The World of Robert V.S. Redick with more information about the author and his books. is the second book of the Chatrand Voyage series.
Surprise, suprise. I found a whole unread trilogy in the depths of my bookshelf! I must admit I can't remember when and why I bought these books. After reading the blurb I remembered one reason: A heroine.As mentioned in the menu I talk about the Fool's Gold trilogy by Jude Fisher which is the pseudonym for Jane Johnson, who is the Publisher of HarperCollins' science fiction and fantasy list, Voyager. For more information visit Jude Fisher's website. The site has been update last in 2007. Jane Johnson decided to write and publish the next books under own name. Let's come back to the books. As I didn't read them I just can offer you the paperback covers and blurbs and a review for each book. There are different covers for the UK and the US edition. I own the US edition. Therefore I show you the US covers.
The series starts with Sorcery Rising (2003, pb) [US][UK].
The story continues in Wild Magic (2004, pb) [US][UK].
The story ends with The Rose of the World (2006, pb) [US][UK].
On Thursday I posted about The World of PAX BRITANNIA. In case you like the series as much as I do you will be as happy as I am about the following news posted by Jonathan Green himself:
"Following on from Blood Royal [US, Apr 2010][UK, Dec 2009], and the second book in the new Ulysses Quicksilver story arc, is Dark Side...
Blogosphere
Jessica Strider over at Sci-Fi Fan Letter started to create a steampunk reading list. I know this is not the first try. But it seems the people who would like to enter the world of steampunk novels is growing. Maybe you find some interesting books over there or you can add books to the list.
Steampunk is an ongoing theme for me. And when I think of gears pictures of astronomical clocks pop up in my mind. If you want to see good collection of this kind of clocks then head over to Incredible Astronomical Clocks. So many gears.....
In summer I posted about British pub signs because you find pub signs from time to time in fantasy books. Now the wonderful people from Dark Roasted Blend posted British Pubs: Signs of the Times, Part Two. And again the found splendid and weird pub signs.
You have children or you know children who like to play but not to read?
Maybe this is the solution for you: Read Fantasy books coming to the Nintendo DS this Christmas by Fantasy Book Reviews.
Movies
With the last Roundup I discovered web comics for me. This week a web series arouse my interest:
Riese, a steampunk inspired series. It is about a female traveller named Riese. She has to flee across the lands of Eleysia. Her compagnion is Fenrir, a wolf. The Sect, a mysterious and brutal religious group is hunting Riese. Assassins are on her track and she has to discover her own secret. Watch the trailer:
Quotes
So this week I present you some German proverbs. As there was not much time to work on this within this week, I use wikiqoute as my main source.
- Steampunk reading list by Jessica Strider
- Astronomical Clocks: so many gears.....
- British Pubs: Sign of the Times, Part Two
- A reading bait for kids
- Riese - The Series
- This week German proverbs instead of quotes
This week I received my second reviewer copy in trade paperback format and "only" 634 pages. I read around 30 pages per hours. That would mean theoretically I can read the book within one day. Did you ever read 24 hours at a stretch? Oops, I forgot to tell you the title and the author: It is The Rats and the Ruling Sea (2009) [US][UK], which will hit stores on both sides of the Atlantic on 29th of October. It is the second book of the Chatrand Voayge series. When everything goes well I will start reading on upcoming Sunday. So hopefully I can offer you my review before October 29th. In case you missed it, read my post The World of Robert V.S. Redick with more information about the author and his books. is the second book of the Chatrand Voyage series.Surprise, suprise. I found a whole unread trilogy in the depths of my bookshelf! I must admit I can't remember when and why I bought these books. After reading the blurb I remembered one reason: A heroine.As mentioned in the menu I talk about the Fool's Gold trilogy by Jude Fisher which is the pseudonym for Jane Johnson, who is the Publisher of HarperCollins' science fiction and fantasy list, Voyager. For more information visit Jude Fisher's website. The site has been update last in 2007. Jane Johnson decided to write and publish the next books under own name. Let's come back to the books. As I didn't read them I just can offer you the paperback covers and blurbs and a review for each book. There are different covers for the UK and the US edition. I own the US edition. Therefore I show you the US covers.
The series starts with Sorcery Rising (2003, pb) [US][UK].
"From the barren isles of the North come the Eyrans. Hardy seafaring folk. From the South come their old enemies, the Istrians. Slave-owners, who drove the Eyrans from their lands. And from all over Elda come the nomadic peoples - the Footloose - purveyors of charms and (untilnow) harmless potions.For more information read Victoria Strauss's review of Sorcery Rising.
But whence comes the sorcery that disrupts the annual Allfair at which they all gather?
Katla Aransen and her family have sailed to the fair to trade their goods. The Vingo clan have travelled from Istria to purchase a bride for their appaling eldest son. Tycho Issian has come to sell his daughter to the highest bidder. King Ravn Asharson, Stallion of the North, seeks a political alliance; while others seek his downfall.
For centuries, Elda has been bereft of magic; but this year something has changed. A mysterious force is abroad once more, and it will change the world forever..." [Source]
The story continues in Wild Magic (2004, pb) [US][UK]."Magic has returned to Elda, creating all manner of wonders and terrors.For more information read Victoria Strauss's review of Wild Magic.
None yet know that the source of this magic is the legendary Rosa Eldi, restored to the world, but not yet restored to herself. Unaware of her true nature, she has married King Ravn Asharson of the North, and now with usurpers and assassins circling she must conceive a child to establish the succession.
In the Southern Empire, the fire of holy war is smouldering and violence is everywhere, fuelled by fundamentalist hatred and bigotry. Caught up in these machinations, peace-loving Saro Vingo is forced to take up arms against the North; and Virelai, apprentice sorcerer, finds himself chained to the murderous plans of his master, Tycho Issian.
Ignoring his king's call to arms, Aran Aranson, chief of the Rockfall clan, is in the grip of a mad obsession borne of a magical map and dreams of sailing the frozen seas to Sanctuary, island of legend, to find a fortune. His daughter, Katla, dreams of sailing with him; but her fate lies elsewhere.
All over Elda, forces are aligning themselves for good or for evil. There is magic in the world again, but it is wild and unpredictable, and few will count its touch a blessing." [Source]
The story ends with The Rose of the World (2006, pb) [US][UK].
"The Goddess of Elda - the Rose of the World - is now free and married to King Ravn of the Northern Isles. But the ships of the Southern Empire, under the fanatical leadership of Lord Tycho Issian, are bringing holy war to the North; and she may soon become a prize of combat.For more information read Victoria Strauss's review of The Rose of the World.
Meanwhile, Katla Aransen has been abducted by Istrian raiders and finds herself in the harem of Rui Finco, Lord of Forent. There she will learn for herself the hardship suffered by the women of the South.
And Saro Vingo is imprisoned beneath the Eternal City, listening to the cries of those tortured by his mad brother, Tanto, Tycho Issian's henchman. Can he escape and put an end to his brother's atrocities?
North will fight South and all those caught in the vice of their passage will be crushed - unless guardianship of Elda is taken from the bloody hands of the warmongers and returned to those who truly care for it. " [Source]
On Thursday I posted about The World of PAX BRITANNIA. In case you like the series as much as I do you will be as happy as I am about the following news posted by Jonathan Green himself:
"Following on from Blood Royal [US, Apr 2010][UK, Dec 2009], and the second book in the new Ulysses Quicksilver story arc, is Dark Side...
"Escape the rat race of the human race andViva La Steampunk!
Start a new life on the Moon!
You'll find incredible opportunities awaiting industrious individuals in the off-world colonies on Earth's most popular emigration destination.
And if you're simply looking to get away from it all at the Empire's most exclusive holiday resort, with weekly flights departing from the London spaceports, let us bring you the Moon in style!
From the architectural splendour of Luna Prime to the unrivalled calm of Tranquility and Serenity City, there really is something for everyone on Earth's favourite satellite.
See your world as never before when you experience Earthriseover the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the Island of the Winds and wonder at the Peaks of Eternal Light. Marvel at the magnificence of the Moon massifs and charter a solar yacht to voyage across the mysterious Sea of Dreams.
Or if it's adventure you're looking for, why not seek out old enemies and win new allies as you hunt for the killer of your nearest and dearest? While you're at it, investigate industrial espionage undertaken on an audacious scale. Partake in a breathless race against time across the dust deserts of the Ocean of Storms and witness the breaching of Man's final frontier firsthand.
So what are you waiting for? Murder and mayhem await you on the dark side of the Moon. But remember, in space no one can hear you hullabaloo.[Source]
Blogosphere
Jessica Strider over at Sci-Fi Fan Letter started to create a steampunk reading list. I know this is not the first try. But it seems the people who would like to enter the world of steampunk novels is growing. Maybe you find some interesting books over there or you can add books to the list.
Steampunk is an ongoing theme for me. And when I think of gears pictures of astronomical clocks pop up in my mind. If you want to see good collection of this kind of clocks then head over to Incredible Astronomical Clocks. So many gears.....
In summer I posted about British pub signs because you find pub signs from time to time in fantasy books. Now the wonderful people from Dark Roasted Blend posted British Pubs: Signs of the Times, Part Two. And again the found splendid and weird pub signs.
You have children or you know children who like to play but not to read?
Maybe this is the solution for you: Read Fantasy books coming to the Nintendo DS this Christmas by Fantasy Book Reviews.
Movies
With the last Roundup I discovered web comics for me. This week a web series arouse my interest:
Riese, a steampunk inspired series. It is about a female traveller named Riese. She has to flee across the lands of Eleysia. Her compagnion is Fenrir, a wolf. The Sect, a mysterious and brutal religious group is hunting Riese. Assassins are on her track and she has to discover her own secret. Watch the trailer:
Quotes
So this week I present you some German proverbs. As there was not much time to work on this within this week, I use wikiqoute as my main source.
" * Wein auf Bier, das rat' ich dir. Bier auf Wein, das lass sein. (humorous)
Translation: "Wine on beer, I recommend to you. Beer on wine, leave alone."
Meaning: "Cider on beer, never fear; beer upon cider, makes a bad rider."
Alternate: "Liquor before beer, all is clear; beer before liquor, get sicker and sicker."
American: "Beer on whiskey, pretty risky; Whiskey on beer, have no fear." or "Liquor before beer, you're in the clear; beer before liquor, never been sicker."”
Translation: "Wine on beer, I recommend to you. Beer on wine, leave alone."
Meaning: "Cider on beer, never fear; beer upon cider, makes a bad rider."
Alternate: "Liquor before beer, all is clear; beer before liquor, get sicker and sicker."
American: "Beer on whiskey, pretty risky; Whiskey on beer, have no fear." or "Liquor before beer, you're in the clear; beer before liquor, never been sicker."”
" * Bei Nacht sind alle Katzen grau
Translation: In the night all cats are gray
Meaning: Human vision switches to monochrome mode in the dark.
Meaning: Used when explaining why you could not discern one thing from the other, either literally or as a metaphor. (Polite)
other Meaning: If it is late enough and I am drunk enough I don´t care what my one-night-stand looks like. (Vulgar)”
Translation: In the night all cats are gray
Meaning: Human vision switches to monochrome mode in the dark.
Meaning: Used when explaining why you could not discern one thing from the other, either literally or as a metaphor. (Polite)
other Meaning: If it is late enough and I am drunk enough I don´t care what my one-night-stand looks like. (Vulgar)”
" * Du siehst den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht.
Translation: You fail to see the forest because of all the trees.
Said when somebody fails to see the obvious solution to a problem.
Equivalent: You can't see the wood for the trees.
Equivalent: You can't see the forest for the trees.
Meaning: You only see the details, but not the big picture.”
Translation: You fail to see the forest because of all the trees.
Said when somebody fails to see the obvious solution to a problem.
Equivalent: You can't see the wood for the trees.
Equivalent: You can't see the forest for the trees.
Meaning: You only see the details, but not the big picture.”
6 comments:
What? I'm an "okay" fast reader but my eyes tend to get blurry after several hours of reading, so I don't think I could read 24 hours straight. :)
Wow, I wonder how many books you actually have since you come across all kinds of good stuff hidden on your shelf!
Riese looks pretty cool :)
Oh, those German proverbs were funny and fun to read :D
Another great Roundup!
Krista,
thanks for your comment and compliments. I can't read 24 hours straight too. That was just a theoretical calculation. I'm happy to read three or four hours straight. My reading speed depends on language. I read faster in German than in English.
But I try to improve. Anyway reading should be a pleasure and no work.
To be honest I don't own so many books ( must be around 380). But more than 160 books are unread. Since 2008 I bought as much books as possible. And I still buy around five six books per month. Unfortunately I buy more than I can read :-) I think this is a book lover disease.
I will add more German proverbs in future....
Talk about coincidence, I recently discovered the Rose of the World books in my unread pile as well. I have since read them. I wouldn't call them stellar, but I enjoyed them. It doesn't take much, some wizards, a couple bad guys, and lots of magic will get me every time.
Kevin,
I think from time totime it is worth to have a look at all the unread books we have. Your example shows me that I'm not the only one.
Not every book must be stellar. Most important is that we enjoy reading. That is my main reason why I read books.
The ingredients you listed fit for me as well.
But I still don't know when I will read these books. Need to check again my reading list.
I love the German proverbs! Since: dann kann ich einfach mein Deutsch ein bisschen verbessern!
Too little sleep, tell me about it... I've been working my fingers off editing, and still, BEST SERVED COLD lays untouched on the shelf...
Dave,
I hope everything goes well with your novel.
Ich habe festgestellt, dass mein Deutsch schlechter wird, je mehr ich mich mit Englisch beschäftige.
I think I will continue with German proverbs for a while. It is also good for me.
In future I try to avoid to write or speak about time because it seems we all don't have enough and it would be a waste of time to write about time we don't have because we talk about time we don't have because we talk about the time we need for talking about time which we don't have and so on..... :-))
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