Tag: Owls

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The Bookish Owl – Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl's Moving Castle Diana Wynne Jones Owl

Next book on my reading list is Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

I saw the animated movie many, many years ago, which means I have forgotten most of it and I think my friend Line was getting fed up with me almost, but not quite, getting her references. So she got me this, and the two other books in the series, for my birthday.

Considering I got her to read Discworld (which got 47 books, plus various tie-ins), I feel like I might get caught up first.

Howl’s Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

Howl's Moving Castle Diana Wynne Jones Owl

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The Bookish Owl – A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

A Hat Full of Sky Terry Pratchett owl

I just started reading A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett!

I’m trying to consume as many books as possible before my LASIK surgery on Monday goes horribly wrong and I go blind. Just kidding… It’ll be fine.

…Probably.

But it is a fact that I’m going to be stuck at home for days while recovering without being allowed to read. Do you know what kind of hell it puts me in when someone tells me I’m not allowed to go to work, read books, play video games or even exercise?!

But back to the book (before I spiral into a pit of despair): ‘A Hat Full of Sky’ is the second book in the Tiffany Aching series of Discworld. I ended up really liking Tiffany after reading ‘The Wee Free Men’ and since I’m pretty sure that’s Granny Weatherwax with her on the cover of this one, I can only assume it’s going to be great.

A Hat Full of Sky
by Terry Pratchett

Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic—not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!

What Tiffany doesn’t know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany’s inner strength to save herself… if it can be done at all.

A Hat Full of Sky Terry Pratchett owl

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The Bookish Owl – Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski

Time of Contempts Andrzej Sapkowski Owl

It’s been at least two full weeks since I last talked about Witcher, so it’s a good thing that I’m now reading Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski!

Seeing as ‘contempt’ is in the title, it’s obviously the lovely Yennefer adorning the cover. Meaning Artemis really had to up his game so as not to have his arrogance outshined in today’s picture. Philippa Eilhart might be the Witcher-verse’s resident Crazy Owl Lady, but I have no doubt that Artemis would get along just fine as Yennefer’s familiar.

I probably lost all the non-Witcher fans now, but that’s alright. I know you’re only here for the grumpy owl!

Time of Contempt
by Andrzej Sapkowski

Geralt the Witcher has fought monsters and demons across the land, but even he may not be prepared for what is happening to his world. The kings and armies are maneuvering for position, each fearing invasion from across the river, each fearing their neighbours more. Intrigue, dissent and rebellion are on all sides.

The Elves and other non-humans are still suffering under decades of repression, and growing numbers join the commando units hidden deep in the forest, striking at will and then dissolving into the trees. The Magicians are fighting amongst themselves, some in the pay of the kings, some sympathetic to the elves.

And against this backdrop of fear and contempt Geralt and his lover Yennefer must protect Ciri, orphaned heir and sought by all sides. For the prophecy rests on her, and whether she lives or dies she has the power to save the world – or perhaps end it.

Time of Contempts Andrzej Sapkowski Owl

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The Bookish Owl – Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett

Monstrous Regiment Terry Pratchett Owl

I have been neglecting my reading (and owl photos) this month, but I’m finally back and reading Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett.

I don’t have to rave about my love for Discworld, right? You’re all caught up on that.

(If you’re not, just go to the search bar at bottom of this site and do a search for ‘Terry Pratchett’. That should bring up about a dozen posts worth of raving…)

‘Monstrous Regiment’ is part of the Industrial Revolution subseries, like ‘The Truth’, meaning it will probably be as batshit insane as every other Discworld book. It’s just going to be more modern about it.

Monstrous Regiment
by Terry Pratchett

It began as a sudden strange fancy…

Polly Perks had to become a boy in a hurry. Cutting off her hair and wearing trousers was easy. Learning to fart and belch in public and walk like an ape took more time…

And now she’s enlisted in the army, and searching for her lost brother.

But there’s a war on. There’s always a war on. And Polly and her fellow recruits are suddenly in the thick of it, without any training, and the enemy is hunting them.

All they have on their side is the most artful sergeant in the army and a vampire with a lust for coffee. Well… They have the Secret. And as they take the war to the heart of the enemy, they have to use all the resources of… the Monstrous Regiment.

Monstrous Regiment Terry Pratchett Owl

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The Bookish Owl – Illidan by William King

Illidan William King Warcraft Owl

Time for a new book. This time it’s Illidan by William King.

Yep, I’m taking a short break from my Witcher craze to read a World of Warcraft tie-in novel. After all, WoW was my first gaming obsession and I’m still not through with reading all the books I have acquired over the last 14 years. And since Illidan is one of my favorite villains/antiheroes, I decided to read another one about him and hope it goes better than War of the Ancients.

(Hint: That one ends with the world being ripped apart and Illidan thrown in prison for 10.000 years…)

Illidan
by William King

The Burning Legion has returned, and there is only one champion who can truly stand against it. Released from his bonds, Illidan prepares for the final confrontation in the alien realm of Outland, gathering an army of fel orcs, naga, blood elves, and demon hunters to his side. He alone knows what motives guide his hand; he alone understands the price that must be paid. Yet as before, he is assailed by those who see his schemes as a cynical quest for power, including the night elf Maiev Shadowsong. Warden Shadowsong will not rest until Illidan is in her custody… or in his grave.

Illidan William King Warcraft Owl

I feel like Artemis and Illidan would get along just fine. If he was able to, this tiny owl would also be yelling “You are not prepared!” at his enemies every chance he got.