Chunkster Challenge 2008

Chunkster Challenge 2008

When: January 7 - December 20, 2008
What: Read at least 4 books. Each book must be at least 450 pages regular type or 750 pages large text. See more information at the link above.

My picks

Tad Williams. The Dragonbone Chair (768 pp.) -- finished 2/9/2008
Susannah Clarke. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (846 pp.) -- finished 4/25/2008
Simon R. Green. Deathstalker Rebellion (519 pp.) -- finished 8/18/2008
A. A. Attansio. Wyvern (693 pp.) -- finished 8/29/2008

Wyvern by A.A. Attanasio

First sentence:

"Dawn built a temple of clouds above the jungle."

Description:

"He came from the jungles to challenge the world...

1609. A time when navigation was more art than science, when the whole wide world was thought of as plunder. This is the time when Jaki Gefjon was born in the dark jungle of Borneo, A fair-skinned half-breed, Jaki is outcast as a devil child. Until he emerges from the jungle and enters upon an epic adventure: through times of violence, treachery, mysticism, love, and loss." -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

This was a beautifully written epic story about life, death, love and self-discovery as Jaki Gefjon struggles to unite the teachings of both the jungle and the sea. I especially liked Jaki's interactions with his mentors Jabalwan and later Captain Pym.

Date read: 8/29/2008
Book #: 59
Challenges: Initials Reading Challenge, Unread Authors Challenge 2008, What an Animal! Challenge, Chunkster Challenge
Rating: 4*/5 = great
Genre: Adventure

ISBN-10: 0061000116
ISBN-13: 978006100119
Publisher: Harper
Year: 1988
# of Pages: 693
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
LibraryThing Page

Deathstalker Rebellion by Simon R. Green

First sentence:

"In the beginning was the Empire, and all was well."

Description:

"Owen Deathstalker -- outlawed, with a price on his head and a mighty warrior lineage in his veins -- had no choice but to embrace the destiny that befell him. With nothing to lose, only he had the courage to take up sword and energy gun against Queen Lionstone XIV.

Now as he gathers his unlikely force -- the legendary washed-up hero Jack Random, the beautiful pirate Hazel d'Arc, the original Deathstalker long since presumed dead, and the alien Hadenmen whose purposes no human can discern -- the eyes of the downtrodden are upon him...while the freedom of a galaxy awaits!" -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

This was an engaging military space opera which gave insights into many characters points of view. Though the series is about Owen Deathstalker, he is more in the background in this book. More prominent characters include Captain Jack Silence who will defend the Empire even if it's not perfect and the rebel Jack Random who is one of the few who was altered by an alien maze.

Date read: 8/18/2008
Book #: 54
Challenge: Chunkster Challenge
Series: Owen Deathstalker #2
Rating: 3*/5 = good
Genre: SF

ISBN-10: 0451455525
ISBN-13: 978045145529
Publisher: Roc
Year: 1996
# of Pages: 509
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
LibraryThing Page

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

First sentence:
"Some years ago there was in the city of York a society of magicians."

Description:

"Susanna Clarke's brilliant first novel is an utterly compelling epic tale of nineteenth century England and the two very different magicians who, as teacher and pupil and then as rival, emerge to change its history. In the year 1806, in the throes of the Napoleonic Wars, most people believe magic to be dead in England--until the reclusive Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey reveals his powers and becomes a celebrity overnight. Soon, another practicing magician emerges: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and the two join forces in the war against France. But as Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, he risks sacrificing not only his partnership with Norrell, but everything else that he holds dear." -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

I admit when I first saw this book I was reluctant to read it - not because of the subject. I like books about magic and history, but because of the size. From the beginning, however, Clarke's writing pulled me into this world in which magic is studied and practiced, used and misunderstood. I especially liked the interactions between Norrell and Strange and the ones between the servant Stephen Black and the faery gentleman with the thistle-down hair.

Date read: 4/25/2008
Book #: 25
Challenges: Book Awards Challenge; Chunkster Challenge; Spring Reading Thing Challenge 2008; What's in a Name Challenge?; Man Booker Challenge
Rating: 4*/5 = great
Genre: Historical Fantasy

ISBN-10: 1582346038
ISBN-13: 9781582346038
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Year: 2005
# of Pages: 846
Binding: Trade Paperback
LibraryThing Page

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

First sentence:

"On this day of days there was an unfamiliar stirring deep inside the dozing heart of the Hayholt, in the castle's bewildering warren of quiet passages and overgrown, ivy-choked chambers."

Description:

"A war fueled by the dark powers of sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard -- for Prester John, the High King, slayer of the dread dragon Shurakai, lies dying. And with his death, an ancient evil will at last be unleashed, as the Storm King, undead ruller of the elvishlike Sithi, seeks to regain his lost realms through a pact with one of human royal blood. Then, driven by spell-inspired jealousy, prince will fight prince, while around them, the very land begins to die.

Only a small, scattered group, the League of the Scroll, recognizes the true danger awaiting Osten Ard. And to Simon -- a castle scullion unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League -- will got the task of spearheading the quest for a solution to a riddle that offers the only hope of salvation, a riddle of long-lost swords of power...and a quest that will see him fleeing and facing enemies straight out of a legend-maker's worst nightmares!" -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

Like other epic fantasies, this book was slow to start as the world and characters were introduced in detail. Once things started going wrong with the land, and Simon had to flee his comfortable home to face the unknown, the story started picking up. I liked meeting all the characters, though sometimes I had trouble keeping them straight as the names are often similar to each other. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Stone of Farewell

Date read: 2/9/2008
Book #: 8
Series: Memory, Sorrow and Thorn #1
Challenges: Chunkster Challenge, Winter Reading Challenge
Rating: 3*/5 = good
Genre: Fantasy

ISBN-10: 0886773849
ISBN-13: 9780886773847
Publisher: DAW
Year: 1989
# of Pages: 766
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
LibraryThing Page