Don't they play well together?
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Composite Covers
With the arrival of The Curds and Whey Mystery imminent (June 21st), I thought it might be nice to show all three covers together in all their glory. So, without further ado...
Don't they play well together?
Don't they play well together?
I liked it then I still like it now, so there! #2
Possibly one of the finest pop songs ever written...(just ignore the Noel Edmonds waffle at the start!)
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Review: Brothers to the Death by Darren Shan
The Saga of Larten Crepsley (of which Brothers to the Death is the final volume) has been a thoughtful and restrained series. It still has many of the horrific set pieces that the author is famous for, but they're not as prevalent as in his other series, allowing more time for character development . Focusing more directly on a single main character, Shan has given us a well thought-out and flawed hero, plagued by self-doubt and a blind urge for vengeance but with a strong, albeit somewhat different to ours, moral code.
Without giving too much away, the story itself encompasses the latter half of the 20th Century, particularly World War II. When the Nazis seek an alliance with the Vampires, it's Crepsley's outburst that ultimately determines the Vampires' decision - a decision that will have huge repercussions for the main character and drives the events of the latter half of the book.
Complex family relationships are explored, questions raised in earlier books (and series) are adroitly answered and familiar characters appear (and in some cases have their origins explained) and there's a neat twist towards the end that I never saw coming (and I'm usually good at spotting them!).
One of the things I've always felt that Shan does well is his endings and this one is no exception. Avoiding pathos he skillfully wraps up a big story with a small set-piece that is not only moving but brings the saga full circle, tying it in very neatly with the original Chronicles of Darren Shan. Regular readers will end the book with a smile on their faces.
Overall, this has been a series to savour. Full of great characters, a centuries-encompassing storyline and a truly memorable conclusion, the Saga of Larten Crepsley is a worthy addition to the ranks of great horror series for younger readers.
Without giving too much away, the story itself encompasses the latter half of the 20th Century, particularly World War II. When the Nazis seek an alliance with the Vampires, it's Crepsley's outburst that ultimately determines the Vampires' decision - a decision that will have huge repercussions for the main character and drives the events of the latter half of the book.
book cover illustration courtesy of the book zone
Complex family relationships are explored, questions raised in earlier books (and series) are adroitly answered and familiar characters appear (and in some cases have their origins explained) and there's a neat twist towards the end that I never saw coming (and I'm usually good at spotting them!).
One of the things I've always felt that Shan does well is his endings and this one is no exception. Avoiding pathos he skillfully wraps up a big story with a small set-piece that is not only moving but brings the saga full circle, tying it in very neatly with the original Chronicles of Darren Shan. Regular readers will end the book with a smile on their faces.
Overall, this has been a series to savour. Full of great characters, a centuries-encompassing storyline and a truly memorable conclusion, the Saga of Larten Crepsley is a worthy addition to the ranks of great horror series for younger readers.
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