Easily one of the funniest books I've ever read.
The story is about the Necromancer Johannes Cabal, who once upon a time sold his soul to the devil in order to get his powers. He's realized that his lack of soul is interfering with his work, however, and heads down into hell to get his soul back from Satan. Satan, naturally, has no interest in doing as he's told, and Johannes is forced to make a wager - If he can collect 100 souls within one year and give them to Satan, the devil will give him back his soul. Now, armed with a deranged carnival and necromancy, he must set out into the world in order to find him those 100 souls.
It's hilariously written, and never fails to make me laugh. Don't miss out on it, go read it now!
Friday 28 September 2012
Wednesday 26 September 2012
The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan
The first thing I have to say is that it's very short. I finished it in about ten minutes, but I'd gladly spend an hour just rereading it. It was that good. I'd definitely recommend it to just about anyone.
It's a play, and it's about a teacher named Andrew Crocker-Harris, known as the Crock amongst his students who, due to failing personal health, has had to resign from his post as a teacher. It is very short - it only takes place over the span of an afternoon - but it holds so many delicious parts. There is the student who worries that he won't pass his class, there's the wife who's been cheating on him, there's the man she's been cheating with, there's the young teacher who will replace him, as well as his wife, there's the headmaster who seems glad to be rid of him.
And then there's the moment when the worrying student gives his teacher an old copy of Agamemnon as a farewell gift.
Damn near brought me to tears, it did.
So go read it. It won't take long, and you'll be glad you did.
It's a play, and it's about a teacher named Andrew Crocker-Harris, known as the Crock amongst his students who, due to failing personal health, has had to resign from his post as a teacher. It is very short - it only takes place over the span of an afternoon - but it holds so many delicious parts. There is the student who worries that he won't pass his class, there's the wife who's been cheating on him, there's the man she's been cheating with, there's the young teacher who will replace him, as well as his wife, there's the headmaster who seems glad to be rid of him.
And then there's the moment when the worrying student gives his teacher an old copy of Agamemnon as a farewell gift.
Damn near brought me to tears, it did.
So go read it. It won't take long, and you'll be glad you did.
Monday 24 September 2012
Celephaïs by H. P. Lovecraft
I "accidentally" bought the collected works of Lovecraft the other night for my kindle. It cost me less than two quid, so I'd say it's a fair deal. In all honesty I bought it just for one of his short stories - Celephaïs.
If you haven't read this particular gem, or just haven't read any Lovecraft, I seriously suggest you do. It's hands down my favourite of his works (followed by The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath) and it is simply beautiful.
It is about Kuranes, a man who found a magnificent city called Celephaïs as a child in his dreams, and now, forty years later he's managed to find his way back to the city he once ruled as an adult. I won't tell any more than that, because you should go and read it for yourself!
Go on, go read it!
If you haven't read this particular gem, or just haven't read any Lovecraft, I seriously suggest you do. It's hands down my favourite of his works (followed by The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath) and it is simply beautiful.
It is about Kuranes, a man who found a magnificent city called Celephaïs as a child in his dreams, and now, forty years later he's managed to find his way back to the city he once ruled as an adult. I won't tell any more than that, because you should go and read it for yourself!
Go on, go read it!
Sunday 23 September 2012
The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings
I started re-reading this baby today, and have only read a chapter so far. Still, it's not like I don't know the story; it was the first fantasy-book I ever read, and as such has a very special place in my heart.
Now, I'm not blind to the faults of this book. The characters are two-dimensional at best, and the witty dialogue feels rather strained at some points. The plot is quite interesting, but sometimes gets forgotten in all the wittiness of the characters, who all speak the same way regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Still, I can't dislike this book, I just can't. Edding's other books are better both style-wise and content-wise, but this will still always be my favourite.
Read it if you just want a simple story where everything ends happily. Read it if you're not too picky about your fantasy, and most importantly read it if you feel you have enough time or are a quick reader; it is quite long.
Now, I'm not blind to the faults of this book. The characters are two-dimensional at best, and the witty dialogue feels rather strained at some points. The plot is quite interesting, but sometimes gets forgotten in all the wittiness of the characters, who all speak the same way regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Still, I can't dislike this book, I just can't. Edding's other books are better both style-wise and content-wise, but this will still always be my favourite.
Read it if you just want a simple story where everything ends happily. Read it if you're not too picky about your fantasy, and most importantly read it if you feel you have enough time or are a quick reader; it is quite long.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
I have only read three chapters so far, but what I've read has been quite good. The characters are interesting and the way she writes draws you into the story whether you like it or not. It's very entertaining and a quite comfortable read.
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