Hiya book lovers With Christmas being just around the corner, I thought I’d highlight some South African reads that should go on your TBR pile. We have so many phenomenal SA authors that deserve to be celebrated , and because this list will be an extensive one, I am splitting this post and making it a series. I know it won’t be possible to include every single South African author, but I am going to try to highlight books from every genre and make it as diverse as possible (so, with respect, please don’t ask me why so and so isn’t on the list – there’s more to come). First up: 1. Sing Down the Stars by Nerine Dorman A book I recently received for review ( thanks you NB publishers ) and am super excited about diving into is Sing Down the Stars. I was first introduced to Nerine’s writing years ago, when I read one of her first books, What Sweet Music They Make (Would 100% still love to see more of that). Over the years, I ’ve come to know Nerine as well and she’s not ...
Source: Review copy received from the publisher via Netgalley. You can purchase a copy of the book from Raru.co.za.
Summary: Goodreads
Publication date: 12 April 2016
Publisher/Distributor: Prime Books
Streets are more than thoroughfares. Cobblestone or concrete, state of mind or situation streets are catalysts for culture; sources of knowledge and connection, invisible routes to hidden levels of influence.
In worlds where magic is real, streets can be full of dangerous shadows or paths to salvation.
Wizards walk such streets, monsters lurk in their alleys, demons prowl or strut, doors open to places full of delightful enchantment or seething with sorcery, and truly dead ends abound.
This selection of stories some tales may be rediscoveries, others never encountered on your fictional map will take you for a wild ride through many realms of imagination.
Review:
Ok, I tried. I really did. I initially chose this book because I read the previous anthology of fairy tales edited by Paula Guran - an anthology which I loved and devoured in practically one sitting (side note: I'd really, really love to see Paula Guran doing another anthology of fairy tales).
The book’s summary also didn’t hurt. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see wizards, warlocks and other fairy tale creatures roaming the streets; descriptions of magic thrumming in the air and running through their veins?
Unfortunately for me, this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
I certainly don't think this is a bad collection, but I just wasn't invested enough in the theme or the stories to continue.
A good collection of tales keeps the reader coming back for more, and despite the fact that there were a few good stand out stories - Kat Howard's Painted Birds and Shivered Bones for example (seriously, her writing is exquisitely detailed and the settings she chose perfectly fit in with the story she aimed to tell) - there just wasn't enough power to completely draw me in.
Some authors had interesting, if somewhat literal interpretations of the theme, while other authors, like Neil Gaiman for instance, took a more lateral approach and focused on how the characters related to the settings instead.
All in all it's a good read if you're looking for a read between reads, but if you really want an anthology that will have you gunning for more, do read Once Upon on a Time: New Fairytales edited by Paula Guran.
Publication date: 12 April 2016
Publisher/Distributor: Prime Books
Streets are more than thoroughfares. Cobblestone or concrete, state of mind or situation streets are catalysts for culture; sources of knowledge and connection, invisible routes to hidden levels of influence.
In worlds where magic is real, streets can be full of dangerous shadows or paths to salvation.
Wizards walk such streets, monsters lurk in their alleys, demons prowl or strut, doors open to places full of delightful enchantment or seething with sorcery, and truly dead ends abound.
This selection of stories some tales may be rediscoveries, others never encountered on your fictional map will take you for a wild ride through many realms of imagination.
Review:
Ok, I tried. I really did. I initially chose this book because I read the previous anthology of fairy tales edited by Paula Guran - an anthology which I loved and devoured in practically one sitting (side note: I'd really, really love to see Paula Guran doing another anthology of fairy tales).
The book’s summary also didn’t hurt. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see wizards, warlocks and other fairy tale creatures roaming the streets; descriptions of magic thrumming in the air and running through their veins?
Unfortunately for me, this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
I certainly don't think this is a bad collection, but I just wasn't invested enough in the theme or the stories to continue.
A good collection of tales keeps the reader coming back for more, and despite the fact that there were a few good stand out stories - Kat Howard's Painted Birds and Shivered Bones for example (seriously, her writing is exquisitely detailed and the settings she chose perfectly fit in with the story she aimed to tell) - there just wasn't enough power to completely draw me in.
Some authors had interesting, if somewhat literal interpretations of the theme, while other authors, like Neil Gaiman for instance, took a more lateral approach and focused on how the characters related to the settings instead.
All in all it's a good read if you're looking for a read between reads, but if you really want an anthology that will have you gunning for more, do read Once Upon on a Time: New Fairytales edited by Paula Guran.
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