The original series was conceived by a school teacher to give children fun adventure stories they would relate to. Some of the new spin off series seeThe original series was conceived by a school teacher to give children fun adventure stories they would relate to. Some of the new spin off series seem to be geared to teach children important lessons about science and history. I'm very happy about this development. This particular book wasn't the best of the series but as the Aldens explore Iceland, they face both real danger and some potential supernatural intervention, rarities in Boxcar World. The new series is also comfortable in ending without resolution, not everything is neatly explained, because as the scientist guiding their adventures explains, you must base everything on evidence and proof before you can say for sure. I hope the series will continue to put out spin offs in this vein....more
The premise of this little miniseries intrigued me. The Aldens this time are traveling the world to investigate rumors of monsters. I have had to readThe premise of this little miniseries intrigued me. The Aldens this time are traveling the world to investigate rumors of monsters. I have had to read them a little out of order as my library didn't have access to all of them. This one wasn't the best Boxcar Book I've read and the conclusion was a little disappointing. Rather like the TV shows it seems to be based on, there was no definitive proof of anything by the end. They did manage to work in some good appeals to scientific research as well as critical thinking, when a boy is telling people of a local sea monster because "A friend of my father's cousin saw it. He swears," the Boxcar Children know to question the statement, and to be skeptical when the boy can't even give them the man's name. So, all in all, not the best spin off I've read but reasonably entertaining....more
This story is set in an alternate universe where Indigenous myths are widely accepted. But it also seems very familiar as the Indigenous, particularlyThis story is set in an alternate universe where Indigenous myths are widely accepted. But it also seems very familiar as the Indigenous, particularly young Elatsoe of the Lipan Apache tribe (same as the author), have been targeted by the majority for centuries. Investigating her cousin's murder, young Ellie, a Ghost Whisperer, ends up taking on an endless conspiracy, of white folks against the Native Americans. In addition to an exciting story, it introduces concepts of Apache folklore into the story that illustrate broader truths. This is the author's first novel and I look forward to more from her....more
The second installment in this spin-off of the Chronicles of Narnia follows the children of the Addison Family as a mysterious medieval castle suddenlThe second installment in this spin-off of the Chronicles of Narnia follows the children of the Addison Family as a mysterious medieval castle suddenly appears near the home along with a wicked witch and a giant. In the meantime, a young girl from Ternival (Narnia) has stumbled into our world. It turns out the evil enchantress Mindra has returned and is determined to unite the crown and the jewels that will give her power over the lands once more. An important subplot involves Arash, a young man from somewhere in the Middle East, dealing with anti-immigrant sentiment in rural England. And over time he discovers he is connected to a family in Ternival, entrusted with rule, and very noble.
The reimagining of Narnia is fascinating. The stag that stands in for Aslan doesn't make an overt appearance here, unlike in the Narnia books, but Lewis's influence is everywhere, especially in the mockable antagonist who postures until the good folks laugh in her face (influences of some of our own leaders perhaps?). And the warning against the rise of evil rings especially true: "The more we can stay vigilant, and the more we can remind each other of what evil has done in the past--then the better chance we can have of recognizing it when it returns. For it WILL return." This monologue is delivered right after confronting a major character for his prejudice against those from other places. It's hard to miss the message. I look forward to the third book in the series....more
Not exactly the time of year for it, but very enjoyable. A mysterious stranger, known as Mr. Moundshroud, takes a group of excited young trick or treaNot exactly the time of year for it, but very enjoyable. A mysterious stranger, known as Mr. Moundshroud, takes a group of excited young trick or treaters on a quest through history to discover the answer to the question, "What IS Halloween?" They visit Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, modern Mexico and their own benighted home town. Along the way they rescue a friend of theirs from looming death and learn that in every age and culture, there was one night a year to reflect on the reality of life and death, day and night, planting and harvest, and that THIS was the origin of Halloween. The book is lyrically written, deceptively simple yet profound, and a must read for spooky season lovers!...more
As a longtime fan of Wales and The Prydain Chronicles this book was very familiar. Arawn of Annuvin, King Math of Caer Dathyl, Gwydion of Don, even anAs a longtime fan of Wales and The Prydain Chronicles this book was very familiar. Arawn of Annuvin, King Math of Caer Dathyl, Gwydion of Don, even an appearance by a hunter/farm girl. The story follows the Huntress Branwyn as she takes up with the trickster Gwydion and the King's son, Pryderi, to hunt magical beasts and earn a boon from the great king of the fairies. Very immersive storytelling. Fantasy at its finest!...more
I have followed Sharon's career as ASMR Glow for a few years now. I'm always a little hesitant to check out books by friends or folks I follow in otheI have followed Sharon's career as ASMR Glow for a few years now. I'm always a little hesitant to check out books by friends or folks I follow in other areas but I was intrigued by the premise.
The first of a series, apparently, this book follows Undead Cursed Warrior Dunegray. She is captured by the enemies of her king and slowly brought back into relationship with the living. Her job is to help unite the human kingdoms against the villainous sorcerer, Silnus. This leads her on a wild trip through various fantasy realms as she learns her own secret history and perhaps future destiny. But will she accept either?
Undead fantasies aren't usually my thing, but this book is quite engaging. Like many first novels, and first in a planned series, it takes awhile to get going. Sometimes the internal monologue of the characters is a little drawn out. Sharon's characters are intriguing though and well developed throughout, and she excels at creating interesting conversations between those characters that fuel development and push the plot forward. This was a very good book and I'm excited to see what she does next!...more
Humans have always feared the dark and so the dark places of the world hold special horror. This collection of short stories set in the Arctic focus oHumans have always feared the dark and so the dark places of the world hold special horror. This collection of short stories set in the Arctic focus on the dangers of dark places. Many are set in the apocalyptic future of a zombie virus or animals driven south by the climate's change, but some do draw in the spiritual side of things with mysterious demons and otherworldly presences. Overall, an enjoyable and unsettling experience....more
Not my favorite Dickens's story, but an intriguing subplot involving a disguised lover and a honorable husband drives a little nearer to Dickens's norNot my favorite Dickens's story, but an intriguing subplot involving a disguised lover and a honorable husband drives a little nearer to Dickens's normal fare, as well as his opening harangue in which he argues with the reader over the timing of the first event in the story....more
Intriguing, low stakes, fantasy story, set in the woods of Maine, following a runaway who ends up serving an evil wizard. But is he evil? The novel cuIntriguing, low stakes, fantasy story, set in the woods of Maine, following a runaway who ends up serving an evil wizard. But is he evil? The novel culminates with a Sword in the Stone type wizard duel (fans of older Disney movies will know what that means) and some interesting characters....more
A lesser known Christmas tale of Charles Dickens (though set on New Years Eve), the Chimes follows Trotty and his daughter Meg as they navigate the inA lesser known Christmas tale of Charles Dickens (though set on New Years Eve), the Chimes follows Trotty and his daughter Meg as they navigate the ins and outs of Victorian Society. While they are poor, and not rich like Scrooge, they too get visited by holiday spirits who expose their internalization of the capitalist mantra of needing to "protect" the poor from themselves. Trotty reading the media's portrayal of the rich trashing the poor describes them to himself as "bad". He is especially disgusted when he reads of a poor woman who killed both her baby and herself. But as the spirits of the Chimes (a great set of bells in a nearby church that have often comforted him) expose his worldview through a set of futuristic dreams wherein he has fallen to his death and his daughter left alone, to eventually be cast out into the snow with her infant child, only to drown them both in desperation. Like Scrooge, he does awake to happiness on New Years Day, and Dickens closes with a rousing call to action on behalf of the poor. Charles Dickens was a masterful writer. Sadly, people have reimagined him as some kind of Christian warrior who wants us to rediscover traditional Christmas and not a crusading Christian reformer who wanted the faith to make the world better for others. We need to rediscover the REAL Charles Dickens....more
"The story won't heal until the players do." This thought-provoking and difficult story spans three generations of a Sioux family from the late 1800s "The story won't heal until the players do." This thought-provoking and difficult story spans three generations of a Sioux family from the late 1800s to the early 2000s as they wrestle with the impact of colonization on their family. It contains frank discussion of the Indian Schools, poverty and alcohol and child abuse. But throughout the generations a mysterious group of dolls guides the children to discover themselves and walk out from under the horror. It's a good book, even as it deals with very difficult material....more
I will say rereading this particular book in the era of Trump and the resurgence of Christian nationalism with all its problematic features and none oI will say rereading this particular book in the era of Trump and the resurgence of Christian nationalism with all its problematic features and none of the nobility of Arthur hits a little different. While the picture of a King and a glorious, God-given destiny for particular nations is painted in an altruistic light by Lawhead, we've seen the ugly side and it's hard not to draw parallels. That said, this iteration of King Arthur at least stands up to Nazis. But the book is still enjoyable. Lawhead brings his story full circle and we begin to believe there might be a happy ending. This Arthur stares down a ruthless political machine powered by the same dark forces that stalked his kingdom in older days. And we get a little more of the workings of Arthur's inner mind in this volume than we do in any of the others, narrated as they were by his advisors or warriors. The idea of a returning King Arthur has been tantalizing for centuries and Lawhead does an intriguing job of imagining HOW it might happen in these latter days....more
One of the best books of the series, Grail follows King Arthur's intention to build a shrine to the holy grail and what happens when his greatest knigOne of the best books of the series, Grail follows King Arthur's intention to build a shrine to the holy grail and what happens when his greatest knight, Llenlleawg (Lancelot) betrays him by stealing the Grail and Queen Gwenhyvar. The story is told from the perspective of Gwalchavad (Galahad) and includes a beautiful and deadly maiden, a land populated by the undead, and the great cosmic war between Heaven and Hell. I first read this years ago around Halloween time so for me it still brings great spooky season vibes....more
On my first read through this was probably my least favorite of the six, but since I discovered it continued the series I loved which I thought concluOn my first read through this was probably my least favorite of the six, but since I discovered it continued the series I loved which I thought concluded with three volumes I was excited. Still a little troubled by some of the Christian Nationalist ideals in it, especially since the series is being adapted for TV by a rightwing propaganda site. Still, Lawhead's rich writing and characterization are beautiful and well to be experienced....more
Rereading this series still has the power to move me all these years later. One of the best retellings. I was distressed to learn that the series is bRereading this series still has the power to move me all these years later. One of the best retellings. I was distressed to learn that the series is being adapted for TV by the extreme right-wing channel DailyWire. And sad to say, upon rereading one can see where perhaps the story of barbarians swarming a fortress of light tends to interest those kinds of people. I hope for Lawhead's own sake this wasn't intentional on his part. When Arthur builds a fleet, Merlin predicts that for the rest of time Britain will rule the waves, definitely meant to evoke the idea that all of Britain's subsequent history, including imperialism, was somehow begun by Arthur and blessed by God. Still, even with all that, it's a masterful retelling and raw in its emotion....more
