#bdt5

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Setting we’d like to visit, pick #1 : the library in The Way of Kings

Synopsis : ‘ Roshar is a world of stone swept by tempests that shape ecology and civilization. Animals and plants retract; cities are built in shelter. In centuries since ten orders of Knights fell, their Shardblade swords and Shardplate armor still transform men into near-invincible warriors. Wars are fought for them, and won by them.

In one such war on the ruined Shattered Plains, slave Kaladin struggles to save his men and fathom leaders who deem them expendable, in senseless wars where ten armies fight separately against one foe. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Fascinated by the ancient text namedThe Way of Kings and troubled by visions of ancient times, he doubts his sanity. Across the ocean, Shallan trains under eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece Jasnah. Though Shallan genuinely loves learning, she plans a daring theft. Her research hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war. ‘

The library in Kharbranth from the Stormlight Archive is my top pick. I have a confession : I'm not even sure I'm talking about the right city. There is a city in those books with an enormous library. And there is a city named Kharbranth. I'm just not 100% the two are the same.I'm pretty sure they are. If I remember the map correctly then I have the right city. But there is a small chance I'm wrong and I thought I should be honest about it ^^

Anyway, there is an independant city on Roshar (that's what this world is called) that has a giant library. Scholar from all over the world come to consult the books.

In The Way of Kings two characters use the library : Shanan and Jasnah. Jasnah is a scholar (the scholars are mostly women in this world) and Shanan comes to the city to become her apprentice. And even though they probably didn't have my favorite storyline this is the setting I would visit.

The library is apparently very big. To the point of having rudimentary elevators even. And over the course of the book we only got to see a small part of it. It was still pretty cool because this library seems to have everything in it. Shanan has to read some book for her education so it has some recent stuffs. But it also has legend dating back to the beginning of this world.

So... you know, vast selection. I bet they have urban fantasy shelf even though their world is a fantasy one and their version of urban probably differs from us. But I bet they have one because the library is just that big. Do you have a way to prove me wrong? (if you do please tell me)

It shouldn't surprise anyone that a bookworm decided to pick a library to visit really. I wish I had a more magical one but I haven't found a book with that. Yet.

But for people who don't like libraries (what's your problem?) there are other cool stuffs about Kharbranth. It's a port so there's a lot of traffic. Which mean interesting people to meet and probably a cool market. And the architecture sounds pretty cool and unique. A bit like... the Mont Saint Michel? I'm sure just visiting the city would be cool.But personally I'll just get lost in the library ^^

Few links : 

My review

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

[robiok]

TOP 5 SETTINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT PICK #2: The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice I.E. Sexy Vampires in Love in New Orleans

(this ia just partial of the series, it’s not a complete list)

This makes a lot of sense since 1. I’m a vampire warlord myself, 2. I irrationally and passionately love everything about New Orleans and Louisiana, USA.

I have discovered The Vampire Chrinicles series (thanks to my cool uncle recommending it to me) when I was in high school. I love history and I have a taste for the macabre at the same time. I’m also extremely intrigued by fashion, art and the decadence that seems to be the shadow to these lights.

I like to describe this novels (and really any book I ever read by madame Rice) as jewels.

The writing and the beautifully crafted plots are something that speaks of a great author. If you haven’t tried Madame Rice’s work then please do. I’m not saying it’s for everyone but…give it a shot because if you love it then you will have the chance to discover a beautiful, complex and tragically magical universe.

The Story itself spans through space and time, vampires being near immortal and their origins being… complicated.

BUT!

The first book to this iconic series is Interview with the Vampire and it takes place in Louisiana mainly (or at first).

Just…I love it?

This is not the first novel I read of Madame, Pandora is the one that initiated me but OH LORD every book is so good…just amazing.

I’m gonna leave here the plot for Interview with the Vampire now.

Here are the confessions of a vampire. Hypnotic, shocking, and chillingly erotic, this is a novel of mesmerizing beauty and astonishing force—a story of danger and flight, of love and loss, of suspense and resolution, and of the extraordinary power of the senses. It is a novel only Anne Rice could write.

This whole universe is already a cult, the modern gothic literature recognizes the series as a sort of modern classic.

I’m simply in love with it.

WHY IS IT A HORRIBLE IDEA TO VISIT?

In a sentence: these are real vampires. They drink human blood, kill people and love so intensely that if their fangs won’t kill you it will probably be your own heart to do it.

WOULD IT BE WORTH IT?

Guys, I’m so ready it’s not even funny.

 (The gifs are from the cult movie with Brad Pitt in the role of Louis and Tom Cruise in the role of Lestat…Yes, I’m trash for it are you even asking??)

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Rules

Announcement

PLEASE CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!

[ladmob]

https://dk.ladmobly.com/bdT5

insulting a assured dude - beautiful

insulting a self-assured dude – astonishing

Source

#HumorTruths, #Problems, #Stupidness, #WeekendsHumorFunny

[princesseliza90]

Parents of the future generation have the responsibility of raising our children to be global citizens.

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Favorite book dads/father figures, pick #1 : Edwin in La Quête D’Ewilan by Pierre Bottero

This is a french serie so I’ll spare you the synopsis since this hasn’t been translated to english (as far as I know. Correct me if I’m wrong)

Edwin is both a father figure and a dad and I decided to talk about both instead of just one because... I LOVE HIM DEEPLY AND WANT TO TALK ABOUT HIM FOREVER!!He's not actively going around to adopt children; he just happen to be the designated army officer when a certain girl decide to go on a 'saving the world' mission (honestly he doesn't really mind ^^). 

Anyway, over the books he has been a father figure to Ewilan and Salim, then he has a son and I'm gonna tell you all about that instead of just rambling about the man himself! (I would like that though. I would like it a lot) Let's start with Ewilan and Salim!

 He first meet them when they magically teleport in his world. He quickly realises that 1) Ewilan can still do magic while every wizards in the land have been powerless for years 2) she is the (lost) daughter of one of his (also lost) best friends. He saves their lives and then they are off on a quest to save the magical land. Easy right?

What's great about Edwin's relationship with Ewilan is that he's one of the only adult who treats her like a child. 

Ewillan is pretty special (not in a bad way) and very mature for her age so she goes pretty fast from student to colleague with the magicians around her. She forms a sisterly bond with Ellana (which is great and gives me emotions). And Bjorn is a bit too immature to be considered a responsible adult (sorry dude ^^).

But Edwin is not a magician. He is however a respected warrior. He's also the second most powerful man in the empire (right after the emperor himself). So he is a responsible adult and though he is impressed by some of the magic Ewilan does he doesn't let it get to his head and he never forgets that she is a 14 years old girl. He teaches her the more mundane things about this new world. He protects her. He doesn't let her take the lead on things that aren't specifically magic (read : 'no young lady we are not crossing half of this empire with only two guards as an escort. We're gonna take 20 of my highly train soldiers and nothing less'). She is a child, he is an adult and he’ll make sure she won’t get more endangered in this quest than she absolutely need. And if they develop a mutual respect and unbreakable family bond along the way... Well, it’s just the author emotionally manipulating me AND I APPRECIATE THAT!!

 And when she grows up in the second trilogy they are a bit more equal since she knows much more about the world and herself by now. But it never changes the fact that when she needs advices she goes to him. And if she needs help he is there for her. I love how this relationship evolved from 'you're my mission and also the daughter of an old friend' and 'you're a mean for me to complete my quest' to 'we're family and if you ever need me you know I'll be there'. It's truly amazing.

His relationship with Salim is a bit different because Salim isn't a magic user either. So they have more in common. But at the same time Edwin kinda sees Salim as just 'Ewilan's friend that we have to take along because she says so' at first. And after that Salim becomes Ellana’s apprentice which could have made it easy for Edwin and Salim to never bond much.

But I would argue Edwin had a very important part in Salim's life. Edwin obviously taught him a lot of practical skills. He also taught him to know his strengths and weaknesses; accept them and use them. He showed him that the most obvious way is not always the right way for you. Salim will always look up to Edwin, in a way, and they will always be part of the same found family that went on a journey to save the world. And that just my kind of thing so now I'll cry in a corner for a bit okay?

Now let's talk ship and how my ship HAD A BABY AND BASICALLY UNITED THE WORLD TO SAVE HIM FROM STUFFS!!!

Quick recap : Edwin meet Ellana, they have an epic perfect slow burn that I love to pieces because they are some of my favorite characters ever. Eventually they get together and are happy and decide to have a kid. I think they name their kid Dorian if my memories are corrects.

Long story short Dorian is abducted by a terrible sect and edwin is led to believe that Ellana is dead.

She is actually just baddly injured and gets herself back in shape to go save her baby. Meanwhile, Edwin is going through the empire to gather an army to attack the place where his son is held (he kinda unites factions who've been holding grudges for years as he does so. But that's details ^^). We don't get to see Edwin interact with his kid as a grown up (saddly the auhor died before that) BUT HE WAS READY TO DESTROY THE WORLD FOR HIS BOY SO I SAY HE WINS!!!

(There totally an epic battle then the family is reunited at the end and everything is great. Just in case you’re wondering)

It will surprise absolutely no one that I am very much looking forward to continuing my reread of this serie ^^

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

Some links :

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

The rules

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Setting we’d like to visit, Pick 2 : The Chromeria from The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

(I’ve only read the first one but it was too much pretty to resist)

Synopsis : “ Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals. But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.“

I'm gonna need to explain a bit how the world works before I can explain why I'd want to visit the Chromeria. 

In this world some people are able to control the light. Generally they control one color. Sometimes they control a few. But only The Prism control all the color. The spectrum has 7 colors if I remember correctly (yep, this is another time where I'm gonna half assed a worldbuilding lesson for you ^^)

Anyway, those magicians abviously have a HQ. And that HQ is the Chromeria, more precisely : Little Jasper. The Chromeria is an island made of two smaller islands : Little Jasper and Big Jasper.

Little Jasper has some towers on it. Each color has it's tower and if I remember right the towers rotate. And there's a structure up in the air connecting the towers. So the people can avoid having to go down on the ground every time they need to go to another tower.

Big Jasper is more like a normal city. It has a port and marquets and tons of buildings. Just a city.

But even then I'd prefer to visit Big Jasper and stay for from Little Japser because I'm not fond of towers. But the description of them make them sound very beautiful but also like I'd have a heart attack if I ever stepped into one. Some of them bend slightly outward above the water. Some of them are made of a magical glass like component. And I never want to end up on that glass bridge thing that connect them all.

So what would we do on our visit?

First, we'd take a quick tour of Little Jasper. From the ground. Because it truly sounds beautiful. 

I'd really want to visit on Sun Day if it was possible.Little Japser has moveable mirrors in the middle of each intersection. And on Sun Day the Prism comes on Big Jasper and does a light show with the mirror. Like fireworks on New Year basically.

I'd really want to see that.But Big Jasper sounds nice on any day. They use magic to light some of the places. I'd like to see that.

And visit the ports. And the market. And I want to see the architecture because all the buildings are with colorful domes at the top. I think it sound really pretty and like we'd have a great afternoon with some exercise too (lots of walking)

Some links :

My review for The Black Prism

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

The rules

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

[robiok]

TOP 5 Settings We Would Like To Visit Pick #4: PARASOL PROTECTORATE SERIES i.e. SteamPunk Paranormal Victorian London

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

1.  I’m a history buff: when you ask me WHERE I wanna go I reply ‘you meant WHEN right? As in Time Travel options right?

So, expect this historical thing to come back.

Case in point: this pick.

WHY DO I WANT TO VISIT THIS SETTING?

Parasol Protectorate is a 5 books series by Gail Carriger that takes place in Victorian time, most times in London (mostly, not necessarily)  in a world where the paranormal is first REAL and second PUBLIC.

Once again I can’t go deeper into the magic system but know that in this books some lords are humans and some are werewolves and vampires. There’s also Ghosts and of course, Alexia Tarabotti.

If you are a fan of the Regency-Victorian eras, with their fashion, society and mentality I would say this series is an excellent choice. The author has great knowledge of the time in all the above mentioned areas and a style that beautifully lends to the illusion you are actually reading from the perspective of someone living in this time.

Alexia is a character that slowly grew on me, I adore the romance and Lord Maccon (not in book 3 at least until the end…Blameless is my least favorite in the series and I could have done without it but now that it’s out of my way I have great hopes for the next 2 books in the series!)

It’s a series that’s full of irony, humor and representation and on this topic: if someone is capable of give me representation in a Victorian book, regardless of the paranormal element I may add, what excuses have those author that pretend it’s impossible in their much more flexible fantasy? Just casually looking at some undeservedly revered authors…yes I’m shading SJM.

And I’m so right.

 So, this is why it’s a great place (and time) to visit: the fashion, the drama and the paranormal. What can you ask more? And the love interest is a SCOT! Imagine his sexy accent! I am, and drooling.

But…

WHY IS IT A HORRIBLE IDEA TO VISIT?

Well, first: I’m italian and we were not appreciated in England at the time apparently. Alexia is only half italian and yea, it’s not easy.

Second, werewolves and vampires?

Also weird scientific cults.

Oh, and corsets. In general I’m a woman and that means that it’s always gonna be the wrong time period for me but mostly, corsets.

Here goes the synopsis for book 1, Soulless:

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire--and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

My Soulless review

My Changeless review

My Blameless review

My The Strange Case of the Werewolf That Wasn’t review (Novella 0.5)

Announcement

Rules

PLEASE CHECK #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

[robiok]

TOP 5 Settings We Would Like To Visit Pick #5: KATE DANIELS UNIVERSE i.e. POST APOCALIPTIC URBAN FANTASY-ATLANTA

I have no excuses for this.

I can only admit my weakness and hope in your understanding.

I am in love with everything this series is but Atlanta is what stole my heart first. As Thelma said in the announcement (link at the bottom of the post) we can’t focus on the magic systems here but know that in this case the setting and the magic are deeply linked.

(link to where I found the image)

I’ll try to be concise but precise in explaining:

WHY I PICKED KATE DANIELS?

This setting is technically talking pretty small compared to other big series, it’s urban fantasy and so the action takes place in one CITY: Atlanta.

But it’s not your average ‘magic under the surface of a normal city’ fantasy, this is a world where magic burst out and overwhelmed everything like a storm, wave of it changing the world from how we knew it forever and even decades later the wave keep coming, less destructive but still dangerous and unstoppable.

This is the city that lives after surviving a MAGICAL APOCALYPSE.

 As in the best Urban Fantasy, the city Atlanta is a character as much as the stage of events. It manages to appear incredible and huge because the authors give you both its faces it, taking you around it and explaining you how that massive magical forest came to be where once stood a simple park due to magic and amazingness.

I adored how this city never seems too small, you almost can’t believe everything is contains and even if some part of you occasionally wonders about what miracles could be happening in the rest of the world, Atlanta becomes another protagonist of the story and you want to stay there, to see her story and be immerse in it because this is a world in a world.

This incredible setting joined by the amazing MAGIC system (that will be the topic of another post I’m sure, so don’t sweat) makes the perfect combination.

I simply could NOT avoid including this in my top.

WHY IS THE WORST IDEA TO VISIT THIS?

Because I would quite probably be dead by the end of the day, in a world where the balance between technology and magic is unpredictable, some curse in my blood could be awakened and kill me or make other kill me or both, generally everything is dangerous and lethal…

Would it be worth it, though? Yes.

 Just do yourself a favor and start the series so when the next inevitable post about it appears you’ll be able to fangirl over it with me!

 :)

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Announcement

Rules

PLEASE CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!

[robiok]

Ultimate Top 5 Favorite Fathers/Father Figures

(Go watch Logan, I don’t care who you are or what you think of X-Men, go because...reasons.)

Okay so once again Thelma and I are just too busy to take the time to discuss our picks on a post here pn tumblr, we had to do this behind the scenes and here I come to you with the end result already set!

As Usual:

Here is the Announcement for the theme

Here are the Rules (we break them but we TRY NOT TO)

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Okay, now the actual TOP!

1) Jon Glass from the Lynburn Legacy trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan (My post, Thelma’s post)

2) Prince Brigan from Fire by Kristin Cashore (my post)

3) Evan from How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets by Garth Stein (my post)

4) Dalinar Kholin from The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (Thelma’s post)

5) Adam from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (Thelma’s post)

(This picture does not include the last book in the series because...I couldn’t find a pic that did? Google failed me.)

This is it for this month!

PLEASE CHECK #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!

[robiok]

Top 5 Settings We Would Like to Visit Pick #3: Tales of the Otori by Lian Hearn i.e Ancient Japan Goodness

I am OBSESSED with Japan.

The culture, the history...everything.

This has been one of my greatest tresures in Middle School, I found the first book of the series for 4 euros (CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??) as I was groceries shopping with my mother. 

I still remember begging her to get me the book and barely convincing her because it was so cheap.

This is my edition! *happy sigh*

It took me YEARS to find the sequels (not in this version), to this day I rememeber the joy of reading it.

(This is the bind up paperback I have)

The Tales of Otori is an historical fiction trilogy that sometimes tip toes around a little bit of paranormal, to which the beautiful and rich mythology of Japan lends amazing inspiration.

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori #1)

In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard. The youth Takeo has been brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary, preternatural skills. When Takeo's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru. Under the tutelage of Shigeru, he learns that he too possesses the skills of the Tribe. And, with this knowledge, he embarks on a journey that will lead him across the famed nightingale floor—and to his own unimaginable destiny...

I wouldn’t be able to tell you if it’s adult or YA, I rememeber that blood, death and sexual content were present but I think they were presented in a way that can be read by Young Adults that enjoy historical fiction. The protagonist is a young man so I guess YA would not be a wrong classfication...a more mature YA for sure, though.

The story is heartwrenching but exciting, the battles and fighting scenes are amazing and the main character was engaging.

I loved everything!

The writing is rich and beautiful too, btw.

WHY IS IT AN HORRIBLE IDEA TO VISIT?

I am a woman, not noble and I have no idea how to kill anyone with a japanese weapon. I would so die!

Granted, I would do so in the most beautiful place surrounded by hot samurai and ninjas but still.

WOULD IT BE WORTH IT?

*me already packing the time-machine* Hell YES.

(To anyone that reconginsed the gifs: YES I am Hakuoki Trash, come cry with me over sexy samurai please) (No. I am not sorry, I did my best to educate myself on the culture, language, mythology and history of Japan, I EARNED My right to drool over sexy samurai.)

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Rules

Announcement

PLEASE CHECK #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Settings we’d like to visit, Pick 5 : Akiva from Aftermath by Chuck Wendig

Synopsis : “ The second Death Star is destroyed. The Emperor and his powerful enforcer, Darth Vader, are rumored to be dead. The Galactic Empire is in chaos. Across the galaxy, some systems celebrate, while in others Imperial factions tighten their grip. Optimism and fear reign side by side. And while the Rebel Alliance engages the fractured forces of the Empire, a lone Rebel scout uncovers a secret Imperial meeting… “

I know I'm way day late, May the fourth was yesterday but for me Star Wars day is every day!

Why did I pick Akiva?

Here's the story : I'm a big Star Wars fan but I have yet to read any of the book. Aftermath is actually the first book I picked up. I started it two days ago and didn't have much time to read (exam *cry*). I've only read 100 pages so far and Akiva is basically the only setting so far. Yep, my reason for picking it is that I want to go to a galaxy far, far away and this is my only option so far.

For those of you who don't know Akiva is a planet on the outer rim. Which means it's on smuggler's routes and isn't exactly part of the Republic. Plus, Aftermath takes place right after Return of the Jedi so the New Republic is barely even a thing yet.

What would I do while I'm there?

Honestly, I'd just find a way to cheat and stay there to live for the rest of my life. I'd want to meet Leia, help the New Republic and later on I'd want to meet Rey, Finn and Poe. I'd want to learn to speak whatever it is droids speaks (the word escape me right now ^^) I'd like to visit the important planet of the saga and then I'd just go live the rest of my life on Endor to watch things from afar probably.

But if I respected the rules : for an afternoon on Akiva I'd just try to visit and not get myself killed. Maybe get into a space ship? I'd like to see one of the videos of Leia that's going around at the time. I'd try blue milk if it's available. Lot's of boring stuffs really!

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

Some links :

The rules

My Goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Favorite book dads/father figures, pick #3 : Adam in Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called summary : “ Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy's next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy's connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water...”

Maybe nostaligia played a lot in how high Adam is on this list. Mercy Thompson is the first urban fantasy I ever read so it will always have soft spot in my heart (totally deserved because this is a good serie despite some flaws).

Obviously this post isn’t about Mercy, it’s about Adam who’s her neighbor and also a werewolf. Which means he is basically immortal, very strong, fast, has enhanced senses... you know the drill! But here we’re talking about Adam being a dad. 

He has a human daughter, Jesse, who’s a teenager (an awesome one btw). In this world female werewolves can’t have children and when a human woman gets impregnated by a werewolf the pregnancy generally doesn’t go well. So the fact that Jesse exist is pretty special already. 

And there’s even more to it : Adam is the alpha of the local werewolf pack so Jesse has like dozens of werewolves ready to protect her. Adam is also older than he seems, he fought in the Vietnam war (which is where he got turn into a werewolf) which means he was raised in a different time. And last but not least : Adam and Jesse’s mother are divorced; meaning Jesse mostly lives away with her mom (in the beginning).

This situation could’ve gone really wrong really fast. the werewolves could’ve pushed the protective crap too far. Adam could’ve raised a spoiled brat. Or he could’ve been overprotective and have super backward views on how a woman should be. But this was handled really well! At least to me.

We meet Jesse fairly quick because she is at Adam’s when the story begins (her mom took a random trip or something). She’s a good kid, polite, smart but also a bit weird. She dyes her hair weird colors (like neon orange) so Adam can be a dad and disapprove of one thing she does ^^

I love their relationship because Jesse is very mature for her age so she is aware of how much Adam would be ready to do for her if she asked. But she doesn’t. She doesn’t use the fact that she is very important to him to manipulate him (Okay maybe sometimes, she drives a hard bargain, but nothing worse than any teenager would do really ^^)

On the other hand he always put her first while doing his best to not smother her. He doesn’t always understand her but he tries to do his best to raise her normally even though she is a human surrounded by supernatural creatures. He doesn’t underestimate what she can handle either and doesn’t isolate her. He tries to include her in his world as much as he can. And he supports her decisions and as she grows up he starts treating her more as an adult. 

He also totally raised her to be a smart independant woman who can handle herself in this pretty dangerous world while always letting her know that she can always count on him and Mercy and the pack to always have her back.

So in the end I love this father daughter relationship because it has all the elements I like. And a nice bonus is that I got to see it evolve over the course of 9 books so by now I’m super biased because those characters are like members of my family really

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

Links :

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

Rules

[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Settings we’d like to visit, pick 3 : the assassins’ lair in Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Synopsis : “ In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family. Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined. Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves. Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge? “

It was suppose to be Roby’s turn to post but she doesn’t have internet right now so it’s me again!

Anyway, ready for another round of 'Thelma doesn't remember half of the worldbuilding because she has terrible memory. But she's gonna attempt to explain it anyway'? Spoiler : This is gonna be a disaster. 

Nevernight is aboout Mia, a girl who wants to become an assassin. To do that she wants to join a guild of assassins known as 'the Red Church'. Their school is somewhere secret in the mountains.This is where things get shaky : I don't remember if the school itself is called the Quiet Moutain or if that's just the region. Or maybe the school is called the Red Church? Or the Church? Can you see my problem here??

Why would I want to visit? And what would we do there?

Well, first this is set in a world where it's sunny basically all the time (there are three suns) and this is the only place where it's night all the time. I'd want to see that.

Second, I want to take a look at the room where they learn about poisons. I'm a chemist and this is basically their murderous equivalent of chemistry. I'd be really interested in seeing their lab. Just... for science!

There are a ton of other cool stuffs obviously. 

They have a blood pool they can use to teleport to other places. They have a dining hall. And a creepy hall with a huge statue of the goddess they serve. That's where they bury their dead too. They have a cool training room at the top...

Basically if I didn't risk being killed by all the inhabitants I'd want to live there. But I realise this is super dangerous so nooooope.

Then you may wonder why the hell would I even want to visit? Well; I am who I am and one thing tipped the scales : the library.

They have a giant library with basically all the books in the world. And Any bookworm would want to see a library like that right? Even if there were dangerous creatures called 'bookworms' lurking in there ready to eat people, right?? It's totally normal to want to see what books would be in there. I also want to meet the crazy librarian. Skim through some books. I just really want to see the creepy magic library. I'm weak like that ^^

A few links :

My review of Nevernight

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

The rules

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[robiok]

FAVORITE FATHERS PICK #2: EVAN FROM HOW EVAN BROKE HIS HEAD AND OTHER SECRETS by GARTH STEIN

When Thelma reads this she will probably have to sit down and take deep breath because…

This is a contemporary novel!

To be precise this is an adult contemporary novel dealing with a young man suffering from epilepsy that suddenly he is father or a teen-ager and since the kid’s mum just tragically died he has to suddenly grow up –a thing he really is not ready to do- and take responsibility for this child’s life.

He is a musician, his life is anything but structured or typical…this does not look easy.

I grabbed this book in my local library one summer, completely on a whim and devoured it. I was so incredibly surprised about how much I enjoyed it, and to this day it’s one of the few contemporary I can call a favorite that is not a thriller-mystery or adventure novel. It was a little summer miracle.

If you asked me today what caught my eye about it I would have no idea...perhaps the cover.

(This is the italian cover of the edition I read)

Yet what it’s amazing is that once I read the synopsis I did not put it down and never looked back. I took it, read it and never regretted it.

It’s been a while since I read it but so sadly I don’t have a perfectly clear picture of  it yet I’ll try to describe what I loved so much.

Usually I’m a fan of those father that are very reliable, strong and kind they offer support and acceptance to their kids. Evan is so not that! He is a mess, as I said, a sort of Peter Pan. His epilepsy –which he fights with medical use of marijuana too- influences every aspect of his life (and by the way, personally I think the depiction of the illness was great, showed how big it was but never Evan was reduced to his condition) and his career is really not the most stable. YET! He shows his son, Dean, little by little, that even as weird and imperfect and unconventional as they are they can be a family, Evan will do his best and hopefully Dean will help him along the way and show him how to better be a family with him.

This is really it, just the fact that this is the story of how a guy in his thirties gets a teen ager son and is along figuring out how to be a Dad. A Dad to a teen age boy. Wow, am I right?

I honestly completely and totally loved it.

Not much else to add considering this is a contemporary…anything else would be a spoiler, literally!

I just…hope anyone that picks it up can enjoy it too!

Here is the Goodreads’ synopsis.

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Rules

Announcement

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[the-bookself-dark-fairy]

Favorite book dads/father figures, pick #4 : Dalinar Kholin from The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Summary : “ Roshar is a world of stone swept by tempests that shape ecology and civilization. Animals and plants retract; cities are built in shelter. In centuries since ten orders of Knights fell, their Shardblade swords and Shardplate armor still transform men into near-invincible warriors. Wars are fought for them, and won by them. In one such war on the ruined Shattered Plains, slave Kaladin struggles to save his men and fathom leaders who deem them expendable, in senseless wars where ten armies fight separately against one foe. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Fascinated by the ancient text namedThe Way of Kings and troubled by visions of ancient times, he doubts his sanity. Across the ocean, Shallan trains under eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece Jasnah. Though Shallan genuinely loves learning, she plans a daring theft. Her research hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war. “

(Last time I read this synopsis I thought it was super confusing but now it actually seems super clear. It’s amazing actually amazing that they managed to make a summary for a book this complex. But I digress ^^)

My goodreads review

Dalinar Kholin is a brightlord, uncle of the king and commander of an army. He has this reputation of being a great warrior and very rightful (I hope that’s the right word?) man. He was a bit more wild in his youth but now of all the brightlord he is the only one who follows the Code (I hope it’s called that... There was a lot of information in this book. It’s a bit mixed up in my head, I read it in like five days ^^). Basically he is the only one who doesn’t allow his soldiers to drink on the job and they better button their shirt right! You know the type, he is Stannis Baratheon except we like him more (at least I do) and he doesn’t need someone to have vision for him, he just does it himself. (We’ll come back to that...) Or maybe he is Eddard Stark? Or maybe I hould stop comparing him to these people because it makes me feel like he is going to die *nervous laugh*

(He’s totally gonna die huh? I really should have stopped following that line of thought... I’m gonna need so much time to prepare myself for that... Anyhow : back to the topic :)

Dalinar has two sons (who’s names I totally remembered instantly because my brain works like that ^^) Adolin and Renarin.

Adolin is like a younger version of Dalinar. He is Dalinar when he was still getting super drunk after a battle, when he flirted with ladies and thought everything could be solved by a fight. 

What differenciate them is that Adolin has Dalinar for a father. Which means he follows his dad’s lead when it comes to following the Code and how to handle their army. That works well because Adolin is very loyal and Dalinar is a good dad. Dalinar let his son live his life, he let him flirt with a different girls each week and do some reckless stuffs because he knows his son has to make his own mistakes. He trusts in the fact that his son is a good man and will understand his point of view eventually.

Dalinar also does this thing I find hilariously cute where he asks Adolin ‘how are things going with *lady name*’ and Adolin looks so shocked before he explains that he is not courting that one anymore. Then Renarin summarizes his brother latest flirts and Dalinar looks super confused and Renarin laughs. I swear it is super cute!

Let’s go back to the ‘Dalinar has visions’ thing, shall we? 

In Roshar there’s enormous storms pretty regularly. And recently Dalinar started having visions during those storms which lead to rumours that he is going crazy. That and other things are starting to weaken the reputation of his house. Dalinar is aware of all of that but he follows the Code which basically says ‘rumours aren’t worth your time’ (or whatever). But Adolin is really shaken by all of this and when he brings it up with his father Dalinar doesn’t dismiss his concern. They have some serious conversations where he really thinks about his son’s opinion and they come to an agreement on how they will handle this. An agreement that suit them both because Dalinar cares about his son’s opinion and know it’s important to communicate AND BASICALLY I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS!!!

It’s just so cool to see a single dad in fantasy who could be the worst. Dalinar could just let Adolin do whatever he wants or let someone else handle him. But he doesn’t. He keeps him around but doesn’t try to control every aspect of his life. He trusts that his son will call him out on his decisions as much as he himself will point out Adolin’s shortcomings.

It’s great. Love it. 

Now let’s talk Renarin and Dalinar. We see Renarin less; he his the younger of the two (he’s like 16?) and the nerd. Like, there is no nerds in this world, but he is one anyway ^^

Contrary to his brother he is not a warrior (not for lack of wanting, but he has a blood disease that would weaken him too much on the battle field). So contrary to Adolin he doesn’t have this ‘we’re both warriors’ thing to create common ground with his dad. But Dalinar loves and respect him and his opinions as much as Adolin’s (he is maybe a bit more protective of Renarin but I think it’s because he is the youngest). Renarin has a much better grasp on what’s going on in court in my opinion

(Renarin hasn’t reached Tyrion’s level yet but I hope he’ll get there; although maybe less bitterness could be nice)

I loved how his relationship with his second son was different from the one he has with Adolin while being so similar. I feel like Renarin understands his father’s decisions more but at the same time they still have disagreements on other points. And they talk it out like he does with Adolin. And  sometimes the three of them talk all together because did I mention that there is also a cool brotherly bond here? Just throwing this out there ^^ Dalinar totally raised his two kids to appreciate and support each other. This family is super loyal to one another and I love it!

In the end I’d say that what puts Dalinar on this list as a good dad is the fact that he could’ve so easely been the worst. I see a lot of ‘meh’ dads in fantasy because ‘they’re badasses so it’s okay if they don’t know how to deal with their kids’. But it’s not what happened here. He may not be sure about what he is doing but he tries his best and honestly for me that what good parents do : they try their best because there is no set plan to raise every children ever.

(Sorry for all the GoT gifs ^^ I couldn’t resist!)

PLEASE REBLOG AND CHECH #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!

Some links :

My goodreads

Roby’s goodreads

Rules

[robiok]

FAVORITE FATHERS PICK #1: PRINCE BRIGAN FROM ‘FIRE’, BOOK #2 IN THE CHANGELING COMAPION-TRILOGY BY KRISTIN CASHORE

(this is the cover of my ebook edition)

(this is the original paperback cover)

Well, we got to the top, it seems and that belongs to one of my dearest characters.

Prince Brigan is the love interest for the protagonist of the novel Fire…and you guessed it her name is Fire. Wow, you are so intuitive!

This whole trilogy is sort of a hidden gem, it’s not unknown among readers and reviewers and it’s actually surrounded by great appreciation because luckily the majority who read it agrees that this whole trilogy is amazing.

Personally I read only Fire, and since they are companions with Graceling, book 1, being somehow related to book 3, titled Bitterblue, that is perfectly fine  and you could do the same if so inclined.

That said here goes the synopsis for Fire:

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men. This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own. Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom. If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Prince Brigan is generally my favorite kind of parent: he has a busy agenda and a dangerous one too yet still always keeps his role as a general and a royal on the same level as being a good father. He loves his daughter, Hanna, protects her and never forgets to make her feel loved and special.

He does make mistakes that are though still surrounded by the idea that he loves his kid and will make up to it and it’s also important to note that these mistakes are never so big to actually endanger the Hanna physically or mentally. 

Brigan is level headed, moral but not naïve or –worst- blindly idealistic.

He lives his role as commander and prince that won’t become king unless his brother dies with no heir without any jealousy. He loves his family, respects his subjects and is fiercely loyal to his country and people.

(I’ll throw in there that this man and Fire have one of my favorite slow burn: I will say there is a scene when he physically attacks Fire, under the assumption that she is a danger and influenced by her blood-born power that awakens primal urges in everyone that sees her. He will apologize and make amend, eventually change his opinion to the point of falling for Fire but I thought I’d give the trigger warning. If anyyone where to pick this book up I want them to be informed. Fire’s power is a sort of psychic drug that brings out the most basic urges-lusts from the people that see her –literally they only need eye contact or her simple presence…it’s pretty terrible- but after this one accident there won’t be anything like that again, Brigan controls himself. Plus Fire is a sort of unexpected badass...I love her a lot *sobs*)

(I’m not trying to scare anyone from shaming my love for this ship what do you mean *whistling away*)

I don’t have much else to add because although a fundamental component of the character being a father is just a side of someone that shows himself also a leader, a brother, a soldier and a young scared man, SO REALLY I LOVE HIM BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS TOO BUT I CAN’T GO THERE BECAUSE THE TOPIC IS FAVORITE FATHERS.

So...

I adored any scene of Brigan with Hanna and I strongly suggest you pick up this book if you’re on the market for quality YA Fantasy. I’m told the rest of the trilogy is equally good and Thelma loved Graceling!

Go read it and enjoy it!

IMPORTANT LINKS

My Goodreads

Thelma’s Goodreads

Rules

Announcement

CHECK #BOOKDRAGON’S TOP 5 AND #BDT5 FOR MORE!!