Fiction – Page 31 – Ryan's Book Blog

The Ruins of Gorlan

June 16, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Ruins of Gorlan is the first book of the Ranger’s Apprentice series written by Australian author John Flanagan. It follows the story of Will who is a 15 year old orphan who is has to choose his profession. He wants to become a warrior but ends up apprenticed to one of the enigmatic rangers.

My Thoughts

This book was given to me by a friend of mine and it’s taken me forever to just sit down and read it. I can thank this book for a sleepless Father’s Day morning. It was a good book with a good story behind it. I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

A good read.

Good Omens

June 15, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The book Good Omens apparently became a mini-series which aired a couple of months ago. The book details the end of the world and is seen through the eyes of an angel and a devil. These two have been around since the beginning. The literal beginning…

My Thoughts

Even though it has “Now a Prime Original Series” I had no idea it was on. Apparently, it aired a couple months back which makes more sense of why it was a popular book. I miss out on so much not watching TV…

The book was funny. It read a lot like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in some of the dry humored ridiculous events. I very much enjoyed it.

Recommendations

It’s a good read. I would recommend it.

The Lost Hero

June 14, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Lost Hero is the continuation of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. This time there was an exchange of leadership between Camp Half-blood and the heretofore unknown Roman camp for demigods. Jason, Piper, and Leo take the lead as they fight against mother nature herself.

My Thoughts

Another enjoyable easy read from Rick Riordan. The book read a lot like spin off it is by giving us just enough of the old story to keep the fans interested and giving new characters to keep the new story ark going.

Recommendation

Great for the young fantasy reader

Inheritance

June 11, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Inheritance is the 4th book in the Inheritance Cycle. It wraps up the tale of Eragon and the dragons.

My Thoughts

While still a good book and a must read for anyone who is going through the series, I thought it had everything wrapped up in too neat and tidy of a bow. I didn’t like that Arya became a rider AND the queen of the elves. Seriously, it should have been one or the other.

Recommendations

I had to get through it but I’m glad I didn’t quit.

The Wide Window

June 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Book three of the series of unfortunate events “The Wide Window” was written in 2000 following “The Reptile Room” and “The Bad Beginning“.

This time around Count Olaf dresses as “Captain Sham” who bullies the children’s new guardian into giving the kids over for adoption.

My Thoughts

This book went by fast. The genre of “absurdest fiction”, which I’ve seen these books placed, isn’t something with which I have much experience. I like the style of the books and do enjoy them.

Recommendation

It’s worth the read.

The Miserable Mill

June 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Miserable Mill is book four in the Series of Unfortunate Events from Lemony Snicket. The book, released in 2004, details the events of the Baudelaire orphans as they are passed to another foster home. This time they are required to work at a wood mill while all the time being stalked by the dreaded Count Olaf.

My Thoughts

Another interesting read. I have to admit, these books are fun to read and I want to watch the Netflix versions with my kids. Neil Patrick Harris would be a great Count Olaf. Of course, the books are pretty well patterned at this point. It’s just a matter of how ridiculous are the adults going to act and how quickly will Count Olaf show up.

Recommendations

It’s still worth reading these books in order. However, they are worth the read.

The Bad Beginning

June 3, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Bad Beginning is just that. A bad beginning. It starts with a fire and 3 newly orphaned children. They inherited a fortune and one man is out to get it. Count Olaf.

Written in 1999, The Bad Beginning is the first book of the “Series of Unfortunate Events” which is now appearing on Netflix.

My Thoughts

This story went down fast and was enjoyable. The plot is fairly transparent and it reads as an aid to children’s vocabulary.

It was also fun!

Recommendation

Read it for fun or read it to a child if you’ve forgotten how to have fun.

Brisingr

May 31, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Brisingr is the 3rd book in the Inheritance Cycle following Eldest and Eragon. Written in 2008, we learn more about the nature of magic and of dragons. The war continues to go on and Galvatorix continues to reign supreme.

My Thoughts

Christopher Paolini has an easy way of writing which helps the story bring you along. At over eight hundred pages, the book seems daunting but it went by in the flash.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes these type of books.

Old Yeller

May 15, 2019 by Ryan

Background

A 1956 children’s novel written by Fred Gipson about a young family in 1860s Texas. It is the classic tale which has been remade by Disney a year later.

My Thoughts

I hadn’t ever seen Old Yeller but knew of the ending by watching the movie “Stripes” when Bill Murray gives his inspirational speech bringing their troop together.

I also didn’t know the book was written in the 1950s. I thought it was older as it was set in the 1860s. I remember thinking that a lot of the attitudes toward kids have certainly changed in the years past. Physically discipline has pretty much gone by the way side these days. However, such was not the case in the book. As we are getting closer to another hundred years past, I wonder what else will have changed…

Recommendation

I really liked it. My guess was the book was better than the movie but I will have to see the movie to know.

Eldest

May 10, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2005, “Eldest” is the 2nd novel in the inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. In this book, Eragon visits the elves and learns the nature of magic. He becomes part of the dwarven family of Hothgar and meets another rider…

My Thoughts

I did enjoy the book but so many things happen so fast it taxes my already suspended reality. The character of Eragon is likable and wants to do the best he can. However, he blunders through just about everything. Still, I’m excited to start the next book.

Recommendations

If you read the first, you have to read the second.