Jennifer Estep's New "Mythos Academy" series!!

The fabulous Midnight Summer Festival 

continues to delight everyone 

with its mythology-related articles,
interviews, and giveaways!

Be sure to visit all of the participating blogs!

You can access the festival by clicking

on the button located in my sidebar.

I have just discovered a terrific new YA novel,

the first in a series,

with a new spin on mythology!

Here it is!! 

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1)

Jennifer Estep

Trade Paperback, 250 pages

Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Expected Release Date:

July 26, 2011

Genre: YA Fantasy

From the Goodreads Synopsis

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War...

I think this sounds like a truly great read!  I came across this book while browsing, and found it at A Cupcake and a Latte, where Wendy (aka Mocha), the blog's creator, has posted an interview with the author, Jennifer Estep, and included a giveway, as well!  Just click on the link above for more information.

The second book in the series is already in the works, but we need to be a little patient, since its publication date is several months away.  Here are the cover and synopsis, from one of my favorite book sites, Goodreads!

 

 Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2)

Jennifer Estep

Trade Paperback, 368 pages

Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Expected Release Date: November 29, 2011

Genre: YA Fantasy

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle …

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice...

Well, I am certainly excited about this one, as well!

 Just a few more months...

Jennifer Estep

  

On My Wishlist #7

This is a fun weekly event hosted by

Carolyn at  Book Chick City,

 and runs every Saturday.

Each participating blogger features books 

s/he hasn't actually bought yet,
but desperately wants to read,

because the plots sound so very fascinating!

These books can be either newly-published,

to be released in the near future,

or they might have been in print for several years.

In my particular case, any books I place

on my wish list are strictly the print versions,

since I do not read ebooks. 

Here are my choices for this week!

The Swan Kingdom

Zoe Marriott

Trade Paperback, 288 pages

Published by Walker Books, Ltd.

March 5, 2007

Genre: YA Fantasy

From the Goodreads Synopsis

When Alexandra’s mother is slain by an unnatural beast, shadows fall on the once-lush kingdom. Too soon the widowed king is entranced by a cunning stranger — and in one chilling moment Alexandra’s beloved brothers disappear, and she is banished to a barren land. Rich in visual detail, sparked by a formidable evil, and sweetened with familial and romantic love, here is the tale of a girl who discovers powerful healing gifts — and the courage to use them to save her ailing kingdom.

When I first saw this book,

I fell in love with the gorgeous cover!

So I know I will try to buy itas soon as I possibly can!!

This is the UK cover, by the way.

The story promises to be just as enchanting as the cover,

too, since it's a classic 'hero's quest' tale,

only, in this case, the 'hero' is a heroine.

Just my cup of tea!

The Seraph Seal

Leonard Sweet,  Lori Wagner

Trade Paperback, 384 pages

Published by Thomas Nelson

April 12, 2011

Genre: Science Fiction, Christian Fiction,

Religious Thriller

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Using the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to symbolize the four Gospels, four transcendentals, and four forces of the universe (air, water, earth, and fire), Sweet and Wagner weave a fast-paced, end-times tale of good vs. evil and the promise of a new dawn for humanity.

Set in 2048, when planet Earth is suffering from the damaging effects of years of misuse and abuse, cultural history professor Paul Binder receives a mysterious letter that leads him to examine a lost 2nd-century Diatessaron manuscript. Ancient prophecies, cryptic letters, and strange events set him on a course to uncover the missing clues that could lead humanity into a new age. Each character embodies elements of the four horsemen in a race to save the world from total destruction. Layered with forgotten symbolism from the ancient, Jewish, and Christian traditions, the novel is a type of engaged fiction in which the main character's lost journal serves as a guide to the reader in interpreting clues and understanding the novel's conclusion.

This one sounds so very fascinating!

I love the subject matter,

since I've long been interested in

the spiritual riddles of the universe.

This novel also contains a lot of action,

and speculation regarding mysterious manuscripts

and end-of-times angst.

Just the thing for me to get lost in!!

And I have to say that this cover is very striking!

Ruby Red

Kerstin Gier (Author)

Anthea Bell (Translator)

Hardcover, 324 pages

Published by Henry Holt & Co.

May 10, 2011

(first published January, 2009)

Genre: YA Science Fantasy

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

I've had my eye on this one for a couple of weeks now.

The cover is absolutely luscious!

I love it even though red is not usually a color

I'm attracted to (except at Christmastime).

It's really all that elegant,

Art Nouveau scrollwork that I find so

aesthetically pleasing!

The plot sounds so very exciting!

I adore the combination of romance and time travel!

I like the new twist given to the theme

by Gier, too -- the idea of "a time travel gene"

is quite interesting.

So, what wonderful books are you all

wishing for this week?

This is a weekly book meme, hosted by

Jill at Breaking the Spine,

which features future releases that we book bloggers

are eagerly anticipating!

My pick for this week is Wolfsbane,
by Andrea Cremer.

Wolfsbane

(Nightshade #2)

Andrea Cremer

Hardcover, 400 pages

Published by Philomel

Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

From the Goodreads Synopsis

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind.

Although I do prefer the original cover,
I'm still looking forward to the release of this book!
It's just such a great story!

I must sheepishly confess that I haven't read
the first volume, Nightshade, yet...
but I do want this one already, anyway!!




So what books are you all eagerly anticipating
this Wednesday?

On My Wishlist #5

This is a fun weekly event hosted by

Carolyn at  Book Chick City,

 and runs every Saturday.

Each participating blogger features books 

s/he hasn't actually bought yet, but desperately wants to read,

because the stories sound so very fascinating!

These books can be either newly-published,

to be released in the near future,

or they might have been in print for several years.

In my particular case, any books I place

on my wish list are strictly the print versions,

since I do not read ebooks. 

Here are my choices for this week!

The Begotten: A Novel of the Gifted

(The Gifted #1)

Lisa T. Bergren

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published by Berkley Hardcover

August 1, 2006

Genres:

Christian Fiction, Fantasy,

Historical Fiction, Religious Thriller

From the Goodreads Synopsis

The year is 1339, the height of the Inquisition. A secret half a millennium old is on the brink of being exposed. Centuries before, the Church compiled the letters written by St. Paul with other texts to form the foundation of the Christian canon. But what the world doesn't know is that Paul wrote another letter-a letter speaking of men and women who, though begotten of men, possess mysterious spiritual gifts. Now, the time has come for the Gifted to gather.

The Betrayed: A Novel of the Gifted

(The Gifted #2)

Lisa T. Bergren

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published by Berkley Hardcover

September 4, 2007

Genres:

Christian Fiction, Fantasy,

Historical Fiction, Religious Thriller

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Now the breathtaking quest of the spiritually empowered Gifted ones-prophesized in a long-lost illuminated letter from the apostle Paul-continues as the healer, the priest, and the knight gather together to fight a battle in a profound new war. For the enemies of the Gifted are gathering, led by an evil lord who will do anything to destroy their unwavering faith.

The Blessed: A Novel of the Gifted

(The Gifted #3)

Lisa T. Bergren

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published by Berkley Hardcover

September 2, 2008

Genres:
Christian Fiction, Fantasy,

Historical Fiction, Religious Thriller

From the Goodreads Synopsis

In The Blessed, Sir Gianni de Capezzano and Daria d'Angelo face an uncertain future and are trailed by the enemy on a treacherous journey out of hell's reach and into their blessed destiny.

I'm really excited about these books,

and hope to add them

to my already humongous collection!

So what books have all of you added

to your wish list this week?



Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge 2011

I have just found another fabulous reading challenge!

This one is hosted by Magemanda at Floor to Ceiling Books,

and I wouldn't miss it for the world!

I love reading practically anything (except horror) 

that takes me out of this boring reality anyway,

so this shouldn't be too hard!

The minimum amount of books to be read is 12.

This challenge started in January, 2011,

and will end in December, 2011.

For the rest of the rules, and to sign up,

just go HERE.

But wait a minute...

Just what is "speculative fiction", anyway?

To quote Wikipedia:

Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as related static, motion, and virtual arts.

^{Well, I'm out as far as the horror genre is concerned,}

^{but I have no problem with the rest of the ones mentioned!}

^{(You can access the complete article HERE.)}

^{Here are some titles I'm interested in.}

^{They're not listed in any particular order.}

^{The Unicorn Sonata - Peter S. Beagle}

^{Magician: Apprentice (The Riftwar Saga #1)}

^{Raymond E. Feist}

^{Lyonesse: Suldrun's Garden (Lyonesse #1)}

^{Jack Vance}

^{The Green Pearl (Lyonesse #2)}

^{Jack Vance}

^{Madouc (Lyonesse #3) - Jack Vance}

^{Woman On the Edge of Time - Marge Piercy}

^{The Lathe of Heaven - Ursula K. LeGuin}

^{Vulcan! (Star Trek TOS) - Kathleen Sky}

^{The Asteroid Wars (The Asteroid Wars #1 - #3)}

^{Ben Bova}

^{Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini}

^{The Vampire Stalker - Allison van Diepen}

^{Nightshade - Andrea Cremer}

Book Review: Magister Ludi

Magister Ludi
Author: Hermann Hesse
(tr. by Richard & Clara Winston)
Mass Market Paperback, 520 pages
Published by Bantam, October, 1970
(Originally published as Das Glasperlenspiel,
1943, by Fretz & Warmuth Verlag AG,
Zurich, Switzerland)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Science Fantasy,
Utopian Literature

AWARDS: Nobel Prize in Literature, 1946


The great German-born writer Hermann Hesse had a profound impact on me during my college years.  I am now trying to re-read the books that so fascinated me back then, although I don't expect I'll ever really be able to plumb their depths.  Hesse was much influenced by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, so his novels are full of symbolism and the hidden workings of the human psyche.  They also portray the workings of the archetypes -- those universal denizens of Jung's collective unconscious, which is shared by the entire human race.  Adding to this is Hesse's luminous, lyrical prose, which extends itself into long, descriptive passages of great literary beauty.

In other words, this is not an easy read.  It is, however, a rewarding one, if one is willing to invest the time necessary to savor the book, since it obviously does not lend itself to fast reading.  This is by no means the type of book that one "can't put down".  In fact, one must indeed put it down, and often, so as to ponder the things Hesse is saying.  Then one is inevitably drawn back to it.  At least, this is what happened with me. 

I would call this a rather unique hybrid of novel and philosophical treatise.  In that respect, it reminds me of the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig, a book that, among others, was very influential in the development of the American counter-culture several years ago, and which I also intend to re-read.   Another book that comes to mind is Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy, by Jostein Gaarder, which I have yet to read. 

These are books that use the format of a novel to present philosophical ideas.  Therefore, the plot, if any, is driven by such ideas.  Obviously, this is not the typical novel that contains the basic elements of fiction writing as we have come to expect them.   There's no heart-pounding suspense, no fast action, little to no character conflict.  At the risk of sounding repetitious, I must again state that we are instead presented with a banquet of intellectual concepts to be pondered and enjoyed for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.   So this is literary pleasure of quite a different order. 

Through the fictional character named Joseph Knecht (whose last name in German means "servant"), Hesse presents the theme that dominates all of his books -- the intellectual life as contrasted with the active life.  Knecht undergoes an evolution in this novel, coming to the point of accepting that the intellectual life alone cannot satisfy completely, if entirely divorced from life in the sensory world.   In the process, the reader is given an intimate look into Knecht's -- and therefore, Hesse's -- inner world.  

The novel's predominant metaphor is the Glass Bead Game, invented by Hesse.  He never provides a clear picture of it, however, although he does say that, in its beginnings, the game was, indeed, played with glass beads.  Eventually, it evolved into a complex interrelationship of ideas, taken from certain fields of human knowledge, such as music, mathematics, languages, and science.   The purpose of each game is to find ways to link core concepts in these fields into one grand, symphonic whole.

There are at least two important sources of conflict in the novel, although said conflict is on a strictly intellectual level.  It's not of the action-oriented variety.  Instead, it's a clash of ideologies.  Knecht has two opponents here -- Plinio Designori, a guest student in the fictional province of Castalia, where the Glass Bead Game was developed, and Father Jacobus, a member of the Benedictine Order, whom Knecht meets when he is assigned to tutor monks in the basics of the Game.   Designori, who eventually returns to the outside world, represents the active life; he later becomes involved in politics.  Jacobus, on the other hand, represents the life of the spirit.  He is concerned about the fact that Castalia has no religion or belief in a Supreme Power.  Both of these men have a great influence on Knecht, who will eventually make the decision to fully integrate his intellectual life with that of the senses, of action.  This is despite the fact that he had been chosen to be the Magister Ludi -- the Master of the Glass Bead Game, at the age of 40.  As Magister Ludi, one of his duties includes leading the annual celebration of the game, an occasion of great ceremony in Castalia, attended by heads of state and other influential people in Hesse's futuristic world.

The novel also includes several poems "written" by Knecht in his student years, as well as three fictional lives he was required to complete as part of his studies.  These further demonstrate Hesse's power as a lyrical writer.  I only wish I knew German, so I could read this book in the original, thus getting the true "feel" of the work!

The perfect culmination to Hesse's literary work, this novel will repay the reader with some very interesting, profound concepts that will indelibly imprint themselves in his/her mind.  I would especially recommend it for those times when one does crave something to really engage the intellect.  Not that there's anything wrong with reading less challenging works, however.  It all depends on what the mind and the emotions are open to at any given point in time.  At least, this has been my experience, although I'm sure I'm not unique in this respect.


MY RATING: 


My "Favorite Authors" post about Hermann Hesse is HERE.

Here's a list of links related to the Glass Bead Game:

The Glass Bead Game - Alexander Sidorkin

The Glass Bead Game - Wikipedia

Webmagister Ludi and the Glass Bead Game - Willard van de Bogart

The Glass Bead Game: Cosmic Play in a Symbolic Universe

The Waldzell Glass Bead Game: Overview

On My Wishlist #4

This is a fun weekly event hosted by

Carolyn at  Book Chick City,

 and runs every Saturday.

Each participating blogger features books 

s/he hasn't actually bought yet, but desperately wants to read,

because the stories sound so very fascinating!

These books can be either newly-published,

to be released in the near future,

or they might have been in print for several years.

In my particular case, any books I place

on my wish list are strictly the print versions,

since I do not read ebooks. 

Here are my choices for this week!

The Hunt of the Unicorn

C.C. Humphreys

Hardcover, 341 pages

Published by Knopf Books

March 8, 2011

(first published February 28, 2011)

Genre: YA Fantasy

(By the way, I love the gorgeous cover!!)

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Elayne thinks the old family story that one of her ancestors stepped through a tapestry into a world of mythical beasts makes a great fireside tale. But she lives in the real world. In New York City. And she's outgrown that kind of fantasy.

Until she finds herself in front of a unicorn tapestry at the Cloisters museum and sees her initials woven into the fabric. And hears a unicorn calling to her. And slips and falls—into that other world.

The Map of Time

Felix J. Palma

(translated by Nick Caistor)

Hardcover, 624 pages

Published by Atria

Expected Release Date: June 28, 2011

(first published, in Spanish, Oct 15, 2008)

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction

(This cover reminds me of the one

for Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare.

I love the style of both!

Maybe they're by the same artist.)

From the Fantastic Fiction Website Synopsis

Set in Victorian London with characters real and imagined, The Map of Time is a page-turner that boasts a triple play of intertwined plots in which a skeptical H. G. Wells is called upon to investigate purported incidents of time travel and to save lives and literary classics, including Dracula and The Time Machine, from being wiped from existence. What happens if we change history? Félix J. Palma explores this question in The Map of Time, weaving a historical fantasy as imaginative as it is exciting...

El Mapa del Tiempo

Felix J. Palma

Trade Paperback, 628 pages

Published by Algaida Editores

November 2, 2010

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction

Special Note

Since this book was originally published in Spanish,

I intend to get that edition as well!

For some reason, Amazon gives a different

publication date for the Spanish edition.

(Yes, I am that much of a book addict...)

The Vampire Stalker

Allison van Diepen

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published by Point

June 1, 2011

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

From the Goodreads Synopsis

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he is Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo.

Starcrossed

Josephine Angelini

Hardcover, 496 pages

Pubhlished by HarperTeen

May 31, 2011

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

(I think this cover is sooo beautiful!)

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. 

Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. . .  and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

Toward the Gleam

T.M. Doran

Hardcover, 481 pages

Published by Ignatius Pres

March 1, 2011

Genre: Fantasy

(I love this cover as well!)

Special Note

This book is being recommended to Tolkien fans!

That puts the seal of approval on it, as far as I'm concerned,

since I absolutely love the works of that author!!

There's also a giveaway of this book

on Goodreads!

From the Goodreads Synopsis

Between the two world wars, on a hike in the English countryside, Professor John Hill takes refuge from a violent storm in a cave. There he nearly loses his life, but he also makes an astonishing discovery — an ancient manuscript housed in a cunningly crafted metal box. Though a philologist by profession, Hill cannot identify the language used in the manuscript and the time period in which it is was made, but he knows enough to make an educated guess — that the book and its case are the fruits of a long-lost, but advanced civilization.

So what books are on your wishlist this week?