Jonathan Stroud: another book... And other thoughts

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, kemper mentor
<kempermentor at y...> wrote:
> I just finished reading 'Buried Fire'.  A good read. I'm going on 
> the wait list at my library for his other book, 'Leap'.  I liked 
> the protagonist better than Nathaniel from the Bartimaeus Trilogy, 
> but I hope Nathaniel becomes less power-focused.
>  

bboyminn:

Yes, Nathaniel (John Mandrake) has a lot to learn about life, much
like Artemis Fowl, but I think the point of the story is that
Nathaniel will indeed gain more depth and compassion as a human being. 

In the last book (The Golem's Eye), he learned very much that the
world does not fit his idealistic view. Wizards are by no means the
superior beings he had been lead to believe, and he learned that the
common people are not the mindless cattle he imagined. Despite the
fact that Bartimaeus is a form of demon, I think, in the long run, he
will be a very good influence on Nathaniel. 

Although, given that two of the three books in the series are already
in print, I find it hard to believe the story can be wrapped up in
only one more book. Perhaps the story isn't as complex and deep as I
think it is. But I do agree that Nathaniel in his present state is an
unpleasant piece of work.


> Kemper continues:
>
> While I thought 'Eragon' was a titch boring of a read, much like 
> LoR, I thought the story was clever, much like LoR.  (.. 'The 
> Hobbit' however, was quite an engaging book.)  Paolini was young 
> when he wrote 'Eragon' so the writing is forgivable. Therefore, I 
> will give 'Eldest' a go later this summer.  But it is suppose to be 
> about 700 pages, that seems like a lot.  I hope he's had time to 
> edit out the dull and edit in the soul.
>  

bboyminn:

Isn't that strange. It's interesting how we all react to books
differently. I found 'Eragon' thoroughly captiving. I don't see how it
could be dull when the action never seems to stop. I will however
admit that the author's immaturity both as a person and as a writer is
evident, but that is a VERY small aspect. It's a thrilling story
filled with action and adventure, as well as interesting characters.
Personally, I'm betting Murtag is Eragon's long lost brother; same
mother, different fathers. I've already read it twice, and listened to
the books on CD this weekend (over 16 hours).

I haven't read 'Lord of the Rings' but after seeing the movies, I
think I could probably now read and enjoy it. However, years ago I
tried to read 'The Hobbit' at the enthusiastic recommendation of
friends. But it was crushingly dull; page after page after page and
nothing happens. Finally, I gave up. 

Plus, and this was also a drawback to 'Eragon', since it takes place
in a fictional/mythical place there are all these odd people and place
names, it drove me nuts. I could never remember them which made it
difficult to follow the story. 'Eragon' was not quite as bad, because
at any given time you are dealing with a limited number of people and
places. So, while I did have some problems (slightly dyslexic), I was
able to enjoy the story.

> Kemper concludes:
>
> Those looking for big person book, I stratosphere-highly recommend
> Youth in Revolt by C.D. Payne.  One of the funniest books I've ever 
> read, but I had to read it with a good dictionary.  It's told 
> through the journals of a 14-year-old, high IQ boy.  Hilarity.
> ...  
>  
> Kemper

bboyminn:

I was suprise and pleased to see that 'Youth in Revolt' was compared
to 'The Confederacy of Dunces' and referred to as 'one of those rare
works of comic precision'. That is high praise indeed.

I see that a sequel exists called 'Revolting Youth'. Have you read that?

Also, 'Buried Fire' and 'Leap' are those books by Stroud, or some
other author?

Always interesting to see another perspective.

Steve/bboyminn