Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

A Reread Review with a very slight spoiler

Searching for Dragons is a very good sequel to Dealing with Dragons. I personally enjoyed the world-building of The Enchanted Forest and her King. I also enjoyed the visiting of Fairy Tale tropes and the bending of them. Overall, it was a fun time.

I very much love how sarcastic Mendanbar is. When paired with Telemain, Mendanbar reminded me of a science educator. One who is able to take the more complicated language and translate it into something a lay-person can understand. I feel like Mendanbar and Cimorene's relationship is well-constructed. They feel like they just fit together, even before any hint of romance happened. That's as it should be, I think. Being friends before turning to romance seems to work out the best.

I definitely feel the wizard's plot here was more involved than their plot in Dealing with Dragons. I would be interested to know how they got ahold of Kazul, exactly. Probably for the best we didn't see that bit as I doubt it would have either worked well or lived up to expectations. Zemenar just didn't count on everyone being rather more sensible than I guess people usually are in these situations. That's actually what I really like about Searching for Dragons; people actually talk to each other rather than just throwing accusations around, sight unseen.

I quite like that witches, wizards, and magicians are all separate things, rather than different word for different genders of magic user. I very much enjoyed the introduction of Telemain as the more scientific approach to magic. It's nice to have someone around to explain what's actually going on with the magic as opposed to being like "it just works." I also thought The Enchanted Forest basically working on string-theory was fun. Kind of like ley line stuff, only on a smaller scale.

Anyway, Searching for Dragons was a fun romp. Definitely a good sequel. Could maybe stand on it's own if it had to, but definitely builds on what came before it.

Favorite Line

"I'm just as curious as you are, Telemain, but I never heard that a spirit of scientific inquiry precluded taking intelligent precautions." - Morwen

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Spoiler Free Reread Review

Dealing with Dragons had been one of my favorite books since the first time I read it as a kid. It was more than likely my first introduction to the “Fractured Fairy Tale” sub-genre. I remember feeling so smart when I realized Cimorene’s aunt was Sleeping Beauty. I am very happy to say that Dealing with Dragons holds up. It’s got a very nice pace, enjoyable characters, world-building that’s not heavy-handed nor too light. I love it so, so much.

Cimorene is probably my favorite princess character ever. She’s no-nonsense, determined, curious, clever, and unafraid of work. I guess she technically falls into the “not like other girls” category, given that all the other princesses are apparently blonde, blue eyed, and waifish. This is not a problem for me as Cimorene doesn’t exude that “not like other girls” aura… if that makes sense.

Morwen, though not featured heavily in this book, is witchy life goals. I would like nothing more than to live in a secluded house with a ton of cats… and internet, which does not exist in that world so… whatever. I really like Morwen.

I like the way the world-building is done, first through the narration and then through Cimorene learning while doing her Dragon Princess duties. I’m definitely in love with the entire way the fairy tale world is fleshed out. All the fairies, dragons, giants, etc. existing and coexisting somehow. Chef’s kiss. Actually quite glad none of it is overly delved into, because I also have a feeling there’s a very real dark side to all this… but Dealing with Dragons isn’t that kind of book.

I’ve largely run out of things to say about Dealing with Dragons. I feel like it’s a really good book that stands the test of time. Prefect for the younger generations and still enjoyable for rereading as an adult. 

Favorite Lines

"I didn't ask what you'd said about it," the frog snapped. "I asked what you're going to do. Nine times out of ten, talking is a way of avoiding doing things."

"No soapsuds! It's demeaning." - Zemenar

"It certainly does," the escort dragon said. "It said all, and I meant all. If I'd meant 'all the humans,' I'd have said 'all the humans,' or maybe 'some of you' or 'you over there' or 'all you non-dragons' or --" - Frax

Goldenhand by Garth Nix

I am definitely not as enamored with Goldenhand as I was with the rest of the Abhorsen/Old Kingdom series. It was good, but it wasn’t fantastic. The pacing was quick, for the most part, but also not in a detrimental way. The characters were as lovely and vibrant as ever. Goldenhand was just missing something, for me, that would have elevated it.

Kind of in love with Mistress Finney. Might be a little silly, but I like the added dimension to message hawks. This is a very small part of the story, but I always love me some world-building so… yeah.

Not a fan of romance, really, but Nick and Lirael being awkward and ridiculous around each other amuses me. I’m not sure how I feel about another quick romance… or two, actually, but I am glad there was no will-they-won’t-they dithering for too terribly long. About a day, I think, maybe?

I feel like Ferin’s chapters detailing her battle/running-thing on the shale ridge took forever due to Nix needing to line Ferin’s actions up to Lirael’s. It did feel a little weird that Ferin’s speaking style seemed to change between that adventure and when she’s talking to Sam later. Somehow gone from perfectly eloquent to having some sort of ESL-like cadence. I’m not doing a good job of explaining, so I’ll just reiterate that it felt weird.

Overall, I’m perfectly happy with Goldenhand. Happy, not over-joyed. I’m glad Lirael got some closure with the Clayr. I’m glad Clariel gets a better ending. However, I do feel like all my emotions were spent at the end of Abhorsen, so there’s that.

A Feast for Starving Stone by Beth Cato

A Feast for Starving Stone was alright. There was slightly more world-building, mostly on what exactly the gods were capable of. Mostly it was a run-around, Solenn and Ada running from one battle to the next. Rather chaotic, in all honesty. I wasn’t as enamored with the story this time around.

More books in series need a “previously on” chapter that you can read if you need a refresher and skip if you don’t. A+ for including this, Beth Cato. Love it.

I really, really feel like Solenn has been knee-capped by Queen Abonde’s refusal to allow even the knowledge of the Coteries’ existence to come out. How the fuck is Solenn supposed to actually make any sort of headway if she’s not allowed to explain why she wants the things she wants to the humans? “You have six months to get some shit done, but you’re not allowed to tell anyone except your guards that they’re eating sentient creatures. Oh, and by the way, even touching our dead bodies is offensive.” Like, what? Abdone eventually apologies for this nonsense, but I’m still annoyed about it.

I really liked the kraken stuff. It makes complete sense that a creature so divorced from land animals would have a completely different way of looking at the world. It was neat.

I don’t really have much else to say. A Feast for Starving Stone was just alright.

Favorite Lines

"The Gods are like people, really. Just more powerful," - Adamantine Garland

"Ignorance in search of enlightenment has no need of apology," - Captain Emt

     "I killed man because of cheese once," Claudette mused.

     "Only once?" Ada murmured as they continued through the village. The rain had stopped.

     "I'm only counting deaths, not maimings."

     "An important clarification." - Caludette & Adamantine Garland  

The Creature in the Case by Garth Nix

Nick attempts some cloak-and-dagger stuff and ends up in a long chase. Very fast-paced. Not really much else to it.

Ah, a Department Thirteen, eh? No relation to a similar Warehouse, of course… Nah, D13 really seems more CIA-ish than Warehouse-ish.

Basically just an enjoyable little romp.

In Slightly Other News

I finally got my confetti! Currently upping my goal to 110.

Abhorsen by Garth Nix

Abhorsen is, without a doubt, a very good and fitting end to the trilogy… though the story goes on. Abhorsen is filled with more world-building, character growth, and… well… adventure is the only word that’s coming to mind. The pace is excellent. I devoured Abhorsen in approximately a day, if that tells you anything. It was very good. I cried. Usually the mark of a very good story.

The ABSOLUTE IRONY of Chlorr of the Mask being the one to besiege Abhorsen’s House. Spoiler if you haven’t read Clariel, but Chlorr is Clariel. And if you’ve read Clariel you understand the irony. It’s pretty delectable, honestly.

I actually enjoy Sam in this book. He doesn’t spend his time worrying or sunk into his previous depression, which is good. He’s actually shown to be more clever than he was before, so that was also good.

Lirael is ever growing, learning to be the Abhorsen-In-Waiting and actual Abhorsen. It’s pretty cool to “watch.” I especially enjoyed her few mostly-solo missions, especially the one at the end.

I am very satisfied with this ending. It was the ending of the Abhorsen/Old Kingdom series for a while. Like I said in the beginning, I cried. Several times, in fact. I’m ever a sucker for teams coming together and/or military people saying “fuck it” to the rules because they gotta do the right thing. Got both of those here. I’m still highly satisfied. But now I’m off to The Creature in the Case… well, a shower and some other things, but that’s what’s next.

A Slight Annoyance

My Goodreads reading goal was set to 80 books. Abhorsen is book 80. However!!!!

The Goodreads App glitched and did not give me the "Yay! You did it!" Plaque thingy with the confetti. I am very, very annoyed about this. 😑😡

So now I've set my goal to 81 and will hopefully get the dang confetti when I log my next book.

Lirael by Garth Nix

Lirael is largely a book of self-discovery. Lirael and Sam are figuring themselves out and being nudged along by destiny at the same time. I will warn that Lirael is quite dark. There are suicidal thoughts, dangerous creatures, and hordes of zombies.

Not gonna lie, the Clayr’s Library sounds amazing and terrifying. Like a cross between The Library (from The Librarians) and Warehouse 13. I think it ultimately does a good job showcasing what magic in this world can DO when applied in ways the characters don’t generally. Personally, I really want to explore it myself.

The Disreputable Dog is interesting. Lirael speaks her into existence, basically. She displays Mogget-like shapeshifting abilities, though is apparently much more of the Charter than Mogget ever was. She’s also a fun character, on top of all her mysteries. When she and Mogget get together, things get more interesting. I will note that The Dog seems to be able to talk more about the old school lore of the Old Kingdom a lot more freely than Mogget ever could, which is, ya know, thought-provoking.

I had completely forgotten about what’s essentially the prologue to Sam and Nick’s adventure. Geeez is it brutal.

I like that there’s a bit of explanation as to why The Book of the Dead can only be randomly remembered. Good to know someone’s looking out for the mental health of the Abhorsens. No one even thinks Sam might need some therapy after his experience. Nah, just “he needs to be busy” apparently and that will fix everything. Sabriel, Touchstone, and Ellemere are all too busy to even ask Sam what’s going on with him. News flash: Sam is not okay.

I really feel like Lirael suffers from not focusing just on Lirael. Not that I don’t like Sam, but his story is just kind of “whatever.” I’m much more invested in Lirael. I do completely understand that Sam is necessary for the story to progress, but I’m just not that into him as a character.

I did enjoy Lirael. It is definitely a stepping-stone to a larger story that needed to be broken up over two books. However, I feel that Lirael is really more about Lirael herself figuring out where she belongs. Lirael also delves more into the lore of the Old Kingdom, which I love. Definitely a good read.

My 2018 Review

Favorite Lines

"Would you believe that no less than a colonel and two captains were here yesterday, wanting me to sign the Official Secrets Act and a declaration that I wouldn't ever speak or write of the recent odd events near the Perimeter? The forgot sign language, so I expect I shall inform a deaf journalist when I get back." - Nicholas Sayre

"So you think someone went to all the trouble to make you a crypt a thousand years ago on the off chance you might turn up one day, walk in, and have a convenient heart attack." - Disreputable Dog

"You go first," retorted the Dog. "My nose still hurts from your stupid relatives' blazing doormen." - Disreputable Dog