Side note; I hate the way blogger lets us post photos, so the titles for the first three - left to right - are 'Against The Sky', 'Galactic Beauty Queen' and 'Farsight.'
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| The Woman Who Saw The Giant Fall |
Friday 26 February 2016
A few fantasy speed watercolours
I'm happier with these. I'm trying my best to stick with the 12 colour travel set of watercolours I started with, even though I gave in and bought a larger set that's seducing me with its array of shades. With these I have drifted back to my old fantasy standbys to see how they'd work in watercolour. Some of the shading is lost in translation to the computer but I'm still pleased how they've each worked. The last is my first time working with lamp black - which never came in my set, but I bought separately. I just started throwing it down with a lot of water and if I'm honest a lot of the things I like about it are accidental. The name came from looking at it for a long time and seeing something in it that I never intended. Again they're all speed watercolours under 15 minutes each. I'm not quite confidence enough to put a long time and effort into them; yet.
Side note; I hate the way blogger lets us post photos, so the titles for the first three - left to right - are 'Against The Sky', 'Galactic Beauty Queen' and 'Farsight.'
Side note; I hate the way blogger lets us post photos, so the titles for the first three - left to right - are 'Against The Sky', 'Galactic Beauty Queen' and 'Farsight.'
Thursday 25 February 2016
Book #9 - 'Guns of the Dawn' by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Started - 22/02/16
Finished - 26/02/16
I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky's novels. Though I sometimes find them a little dry and dense they are
always precise and imaginative with fully fleshed characters you love, or love to hate. However when Guns of the Dawn was published I hesitated; as my pervious posts might suggest I read mostly fantasy. There are plenty of general fiction scattered within my tastes, but I thought this book was too set in warfare for me. In a way I was right. My sole complaint is that I wished for a little more of the 'other' throughout. There are nuggets of it don't get me wrong but I would have liked a touch more.
When I say that's my sole complaint however I mean it wholeheartedly. This book is so rich in character and flows so smoothly I've not been able to put it down. It's a wonderful, enrapturing tale that really made me feel, at one point almost to the point of tears, and laugh and possible give myself styes in both eyes staying up late to finish it. It's on the surface a tale of war and its impact, but more than that it's a family saga, the story of change, courage and compromise and the why people live. I loved every second of it and could not recommend it more.
Finished - 26/02/16
I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky's novels. Though I sometimes find them a little dry and dense they are
always precise and imaginative with fully fleshed characters you love, or love to hate. However when Guns of the Dawn was published I hesitated; as my pervious posts might suggest I read mostly fantasy. There are plenty of general fiction scattered within my tastes, but I thought this book was too set in warfare for me. In a way I was right. My sole complaint is that I wished for a little more of the 'other' throughout. There are nuggets of it don't get me wrong but I would have liked a touch more.
When I say that's my sole complaint however I mean it wholeheartedly. This book is so rich in character and flows so smoothly I've not been able to put it down. It's a wonderful, enrapturing tale that really made me feel, at one point almost to the point of tears, and laugh and possible give myself styes in both eyes staying up late to finish it. It's on the surface a tale of war and its impact, but more than that it's a family saga, the story of change, courage and compromise and the why people live. I loved every second of it and could not recommend it more.
Monday 22 February 2016
Book #8 - 'The House of Shattered Wings' by Aliette De Bodard
Started - 19/02/16
Finished - 22/02/16
A wonderful dark fantasy full of imagination. I was worried
about this one. I’ve read quite a few angel based fantasies in the past few
years, it’s not a topic I tend to gravitate towards if only because I find it
very limiting, however De Bodard creates a world that’s so much richer than the
biblical mythos. The inclusion of Asian creatures, the hints and possibilities
of other cultures I hope she delivers on in sequels, all makes this a much
deeper satisfying read.
I won’t say it’s perfect. There are times especially early
on when a lot is left unexplained. This is normally fine, I’ve talked about
pacing and information dumping before, but these things are mentioned so often –
without a single line of background explanation – that it starts to irritate.
There is also a question of the language. De Bodard is poetic, not to an excessive
level, nothing that detracts from the narrative and she knows how to be succinct
when the situation calls for it, but occasionally you feel besieged. Finally
the descriptions of Paris at turns ruined and at others close to hale with shops
and omnibuses are a little confusing; there is no clear picture of what we’re
looking at.
They are tiny complaints for a book that has darkness
without being depressing, a highly realised imagination and wonderful
surprises. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next.
Friday 19 February 2016
Book #7 - 'The Rising' by Ian Tregillis
Started 23/01/16
Finished 19/02/16
It took me an embarrassingly long time to finish this so let me start by saying that's not a reflection of
the book, more a consequence of travel chaos and organising a new job.
Now that's sorted I've managed to finish this wonderful book. Tregillis hasn't let me down, which was a worry when you love a first book so much, he keeps the story energised and intriguing with characters you really care for. Everything I've said in my micro review of 'The Mechanical' still stands, the point I wish to focus on for this book is his superb wielding of pacing. It's a masterclass never growing boring or needing to information dump to the point you don't really mind that the story hasn't progressed as much as I'd have liked from the end point of the first book to the finish of this one. Still a lot of mysteries and wonders to come I hope.
Finished 19/02/16
It took me an embarrassingly long time to finish this so let me start by saying that's not a reflection of
the book, more a consequence of travel chaos and organising a new job.
Now that's sorted I've managed to finish this wonderful book. Tregillis hasn't let me down, which was a worry when you love a first book so much, he keeps the story energised and intriguing with characters you really care for. Everything I've said in my micro review of 'The Mechanical' still stands, the point I wish to focus on for this book is his superb wielding of pacing. It's a masterclass never growing boring or needing to information dump to the point you don't really mind that the story hasn't progressed as much as I'd have liked from the end point of the first book to the finish of this one. Still a lot of mysteries and wonders to come I hope.
Saturday 6 February 2016
More Speed Watercolours
As I continue reading Ian Tregillis's 'The Rising' here are a few more of my speed watercolour paintings (under 15 minutes). I'm not satisfied with any of them but I think there are good parts to each. I'll try the same subjects again at a later date and see if I can improve them, or just to
see how my skills progress.
see how my skills progress.
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| Doll Face There Is Water In The Desert |
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| The Girl In The Hijab Tree |
Monday 1 February 2016
Adventures in waterclour #1
I've always used pastels, markers or pencils when I sketch, draw and colour. I once tried oil paints years ago when my dad was still alive - he'd learnt to paint in prison and returned to it after a stroke during a triple heart bypass as a form of physical and I suppose mental therapy - but I wasn't patient enough for the drying time. It didn't help that he was really good at it and I wanted to be that good straight away. I was about 10, 11 years old. He died when I was 12 so I never had chance for him to teach me but that drying time and the sheer mess of paint put me off until only last year. (I'm now 29).
So in a recent sale I saw a little pocket set of watercolours and I've been practicing quick, fast paintings. The first is a self portrait that I'm really pleased with. The second is drawn from imagination and hasn't transferred well in photo but I'm pleased with the over all effect. With these my aim is not to over think things and work quickly, keeping each painting under 15 minutes if I can. I've also done some small A4 canvases in acrylics, but I'll share them another time.
So in a recent sale I saw a little pocket set of watercolours and I've been practicing quick, fast paintings. The first is a self portrait that I'm really pleased with. The second is drawn from imagination and hasn't transferred well in photo but I'm pleased with the over all effect. With these my aim is not to over think things and work quickly, keeping each painting under 15 minutes if I can. I've also done some small A4 canvases in acrylics, but I'll share them another time.
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| Self 17/01/16 Weather 01/02/16 |
Book #6 - 'The Mechanial' by Ian Tregillis
Started - 23/01/16
Finished - 01/02/16
I could gush about this all day so let's start with a bit about anticipation. I wasn't anticipating this book. I've read Tregillis's Milkweed books and though I'd enjoyed them, and loved some of the characters, the story its self wore thin by the final novel and I was disappointed by the handling of the eidolons (but that's what a youth playing final fantasy does to you).
The Mechanical is an almost complete departure. All the characterisation and detail and atmosphere of the Milkweed novels but this time compounded by a rich expansive world. The only thing I can even think to complain about is the sat nav like narrative when people move around a city. I don't need so many god damn street names! It's a small thing to pick at. Its sequel 'The Rising' is going to be my next book on the list.
I could gush about this all day so let's start with a bit about anticipation. I wasn't anticipating this book. I've read Tregillis's Milkweed books and though I'd enjoyed them, and loved some of the characters, the story its self wore thin by the final novel and I was disappointed by the handling of the eidolons (but that's what a youth playing final fantasy does to you).
The Mechanical is an almost complete departure. All the characterisation and detail and atmosphere of the Milkweed novels but this time compounded by a rich expansive world. The only thing I can even think to complain about is the sat nav like narrative when people move around a city. I don't need so many god damn street names! It's a small thing to pick at. Its sequel 'The Rising' is going to be my next book on the list.
Book #5 - 'The Damned Busters' by Matthew Hughes
Started - 15/01/16
Finished - 23/01/16
I almost didn't finish this one. I know I keep going on about covers but so often they are our first point of contact. The cover art for The Damned Busters and its sequels is done by one of my favourite artists and cartoonists Tom Gauld.
It's a dark comedy dealing with the devil and demons and crime fighting, a light read I thought I was going to enjoy and ended up being a slog to finish. I gave up twice because it simply didn't hold my attention. There are some nice set pieces, but the protagonist annoyed me, a wonderful underlying concept, but nothing to care about and worst of all it didn't make me laugh. The whole story just felt too easy. I doubt I'll be getting the rest.
I almost didn't finish this one. I know I keep going on about covers but so often they are our first point of contact. The cover art for The Damned Busters and its sequels is done by one of my favourite artists and cartoonists Tom Gauld.
It's a dark comedy dealing with the devil and demons and crime fighting, a light read I thought I was going to enjoy and ended up being a slog to finish. I gave up twice because it simply didn't hold my attention. There are some nice set pieces, but the protagonist annoyed me, a wonderful underlying concept, but nothing to care about and worst of all it didn't make me laugh. The whole story just felt too easy. I doubt I'll be getting the rest.
Book #4 - 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu
Started - 13/01/16
Finished -
I'd seen this book in my local book shop for weeks and though I was draw to the dandelion on the cover I never picked it up. Then when doing one of my monthly hunts for upcoming books I came across Ken Liu's pending short story collection 'The Paper Menagerie and other stories' and the cover was simple and effect, the description enough to make me type his name into a search engine and up popped The Grace of Kings.
This is not a light read. Its detail is dense, but Liu has a lightness of touch that lets you move though it. At times I felt like I was reading a historical thesis however its reads so fluidly, with such care to detail and wonderful pacing of information that I loved every minute of it. You do feel compassion for the characters, joy at their successes and sorrow at their failures (and the occasional panic that you might know what's coming).
If I was going to poke any holes it would be a slight over anticipation of invention brought on by the jacket's blurb. There are no lies, it all features, but I was looking forward to a slightly more mechanical world. Never the less I would highly recommend this book.
I'd seen this book in my local book shop for weeks and though I was draw to the dandelion on the cover I never picked it up. Then when doing one of my monthly hunts for upcoming books I came across Ken Liu's pending short story collection 'The Paper Menagerie and other stories' and the cover was simple and effect, the description enough to make me type his name into a search engine and up popped The Grace of Kings.
This is not a light read. Its detail is dense, but Liu has a lightness of touch that lets you move though it. At times I felt like I was reading a historical thesis however its reads so fluidly, with such care to detail and wonderful pacing of information that I loved every minute of it. You do feel compassion for the characters, joy at their successes and sorrow at their failures (and the occasional panic that you might know what's coming).
If I was going to poke any holes it would be a slight over anticipation of invention brought on by the jacket's blurb. There are no lies, it all features, but I was looking forward to a slightly more mechanical world. Never the less I would highly recommend this book.
Book 3# - 'The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter' by Rod Duncan
Started - 11/01/16
Finished - 13-01/16
Again a book that's been over due reading. I sometimes have the annoying habit of saving books if I think they're going to be great for days I'm at my lowest, but then I never get around to them on the off chance I have a lower day latter on. Time to bite the bullet (no groans please).
This wasn't the novel I expected it to be. There wasn't the level of steampunk-like technology I've anticipated from a few reviews and different blurbs.
I quickly realised this didn't matter. The characters are intriguing and full, even those that should by rights be flat stereotypes. There are surprises, a rich world, hints of something greater without you wanting to leave the story to follow them. I really enjoyed this book. There is a certain degree of hardship and courage to the main character that makes you feel her struggle. I don't know if it's because my childhood was spent below the poverty line but a single scene were she worries about the amount of tea a guest is using really stuck me.
Before I'd finished I'd ordered the next in the series (with a third due for publication soon), and hope for great things to come.
Again a book that's been over due reading. I sometimes have the annoying habit of saving books if I think they're going to be great for days I'm at my lowest, but then I never get around to them on the off chance I have a lower day latter on. Time to bite the bullet (no groans please).
This wasn't the novel I expected it to be. There wasn't the level of steampunk-like technology I've anticipated from a few reviews and different blurbs.
I quickly realised this didn't matter. The characters are intriguing and full, even those that should by rights be flat stereotypes. There are surprises, a rich world, hints of something greater without you wanting to leave the story to follow them. I really enjoyed this book. There is a certain degree of hardship and courage to the main character that makes you feel her struggle. I don't know if it's because my childhood was spent below the poverty line but a single scene were she worries about the amount of tea a guest is using really stuck me.
Before I'd finished I'd ordered the next in the series (with a third due for publication soon), and hope for great things to come.
Book #2 - 'Vicious' by V.E.Schweb
Started - 07/01/16
Finished - 11/01/16
This one has been sat in my 'to read' pile for a long time. I first saw the US edition with its almost steampunk like cover, but this is the UK edition.
It's a great premise with interesting characters and lots of potential, but it never quite reaches. The whole novel feels flat and though I never exactly felt bored while reading - I was interested enough to want to know what happened in the end - I never once felt anything for the characters. I can't decide if the decision to kept it so contained helped or harmed the book. It did keep it concise, and I appreciate that the narrative stuck to its message, this is not a story about superheroes it's about revenge, but I couldn't help feeling cheated by the hints of others and their powers.
Not a bad read, but not one I'd recommend. However I have another by the same author waiting in my 'to read' pile which I'm hoping is broader.
This one has been sat in my 'to read' pile for a long time. I first saw the US edition with its almost steampunk like cover, but this is the UK edition.
It's a great premise with interesting characters and lots of potential, but it never quite reaches. The whole novel feels flat and though I never exactly felt bored while reading - I was interested enough to want to know what happened in the end - I never once felt anything for the characters. I can't decide if the decision to kept it so contained helped or harmed the book. It did keep it concise, and I appreciate that the narrative stuck to its message, this is not a story about superheroes it's about revenge, but I couldn't help feeling cheated by the hints of others and their powers.
Not a bad read, but not one I'd recommend. However I have another by the same author waiting in my 'to read' pile which I'm hoping is broader.
Book #1 - 'The Magician's Land' by Lev Grossman
Started - 01/01/16
Finished - 07/01/16
After reading the first two in The Magicians trilogy over Christmas I had high hopes. I may be late to reading them, and prompted to actually get them again now because of the new TV series based on the books, but the first book delivered everything the hype had promised. The second not so much. In essence it had everything a fantasy sequel needed; a wider scope, a larger building of the world and its potential, but it never seemed to give up the climax it hinted at and I grew frustrated with the continued return to the staid magics of the magicians when I wanted to see more of Julia's heretical brand or a more involved view of the strange and wonderful creatures of Fillory that kept being used like throw-a-way lines.
However this is about the third novel and a slight return to form. Again there is the disappointing taste of things that could have been exploited better, and the inevitable return to Fillory which I'd already grown tired off (not to say it didn't still have its enjoyable surprises). Though perhaps where The Magician Kind failed because it reached too far without the richness of detail to support it, The Magician's Land kept itself mostly to Fillory and that helped. The character development is the book's biggest pleasure. I have to said I hated Quentin. From the first page of the first book I loathed him. For some reason this didn't bother me. So to see his transformation from a bratty, naïve and disillusioned youth was a wonderful contrast.
In the end it did still read a little flat but - and you might not believe me given the above - I did enjoy it.
100 Book Challenge
Over the last two years I worked a lot. I was, and still am, in retail and I let my job take over so I didn't read as much as I wanted to considering the amount of books I buy. At times it did make me happy; advancement, the feeling of doing well in my job etc. but it didn't last. Things needed to change.
This also resulted in a 'to read' pile that's grown unruly bordering on sentience. To prevent the whimsical, but chilling, situation when I one day return from work to find my books reading each other I've set myself a 100 book challenge. Starting from the 1st of January I will attempt to read at least 100 books before 31st December 2016. It might not sound a lot, in the past when I had more time on my hands it would have been easy, but I feel I need to regain my book feet.
I was going to limit this to a facebook album of photos but why not a blog? This means I'm already on book #7 so the first few posts on this blog will be playing catch up.
I've also re-started twitter after a few years absence and I'm using the hash tag #100bc to chart my progress.
This blog, though primarily featuring the books I'm reading, will be a return to creativity for me. I'm a writer myself, an amateur artist and clay enthusiast. Interspaced between my book posts you'll see the results of me trying to teach myself how to paint properly, draw hands and expose some of my own flash fiction.
After suffering a long time with manic depression, a few rough knocks recently and the general feeling of being run down this will hopefully encourage me to enjoy my own mind again.
thank you,
Chris Parvin
This also resulted in a 'to read' pile that's grown unruly bordering on sentience. To prevent the whimsical, but chilling, situation when I one day return from work to find my books reading each other I've set myself a 100 book challenge. Starting from the 1st of January I will attempt to read at least 100 books before 31st December 2016. It might not sound a lot, in the past when I had more time on my hands it would have been easy, but I feel I need to regain my book feet.
I was going to limit this to a facebook album of photos but why not a blog? This means I'm already on book #7 so the first few posts on this blog will be playing catch up.
I've also re-started twitter after a few years absence and I'm using the hash tag #100bc to chart my progress.
This blog, though primarily featuring the books I'm reading, will be a return to creativity for me. I'm a writer myself, an amateur artist and clay enthusiast. Interspaced between my book posts you'll see the results of me trying to teach myself how to paint properly, draw hands and expose some of my own flash fiction.
After suffering a long time with manic depression, a few rough knocks recently and the general feeling of being run down this will hopefully encourage me to enjoy my own mind again.
thank you,
Chris Parvin
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