Book Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

After three years in prison, Shadow has done his time. But as the time until his release ticks away, he can feel a storm brewing. Two days before he gets out, his wife Laura dies in a mysterious car crash, in adulterous circumstances. Dazed, Shadow travels home, only to encounter the bizarre Mr Wednesday claiming to be a refugee from a distant war, a former god and the king of America. Together they embark on a very strange journey across the States, along the way solving the murders which have occurred every winter in one small American town. But the storm is about to break... Disturbing, gripping and profoundly strange, Gaiman's epic novel sees him on the road to the heart of America.

A novel of epic proportions. Shadow, a recently released convict finds the life he left behind in pieces, his wife is dead and he has no job to return to. By a strike of luck Shadow meets Wednesday, (who turns out to be a god), and he offers Shadow a job. Together they travel across America searching out for the forgotten gods, in preparation for a war against the newer modern gods.

Gaiman uses many different mythologies to help shape this epic novel. Many themes are also dealt with in this novel, including; death, life, love, religion, belief, deception and many more. Despite the serious themes, this book was fun to read. The plot was unpredictable, deep and thrilling and the the relationship between Shadow and Wednesday was interesting to read about.

Favourite Quote: 'What I say is, a town isn't a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it's got a bookstore, it know's it's not foolin' a soul.'

American Gods is a long book, but in my opinion is worth a read. However, despite its length I still think it needs a proper sequel, and Anansi Boys does not count as it is a spin off novel. I believe that Shadow is a character which can be developed further and Gaiman could also incorporate more myths as well. All in all a very good book

9.2/10

Happy New Year

It is the new year and I have decided to set myself some reading resolutions. I often fall into the habit of re-reading my favourite books. Well, this stops now. I aim to read mostly new books that I have not read.

With my Christmas money I have bought 'The Final Empire' by Brandon Sanderson. I really want to read more different fantasy novels. Currently I am reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, which I am really enjoying. A book review should be up in a few days time.

I also plan to read more classics, including the Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights. As a reader I really like the fact that there are so many different books to choose from. For example, I have also bought Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs which contains old photographs to add to the story of the book. I am ready to try anything new and interesting. Reading for pleasure for me means reading a book you enjoy, though new books often surprise me.

My plan for this blog is to review at least 3 books a month, starting with American Gods.

New releases that I am looking forward to include Armada by Ernest Cline and The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett. In terms of films I cannot wait to see the Avengers: Age of Ultron and The Theory of Everything.

Happy new year, and keep reading. :)

Monday Reviews: The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies

The last Hobbit movie is just pure fantasy action. The dwarfs, elves, orcs and men men of the lake go to war over the treasure of Erebor. I think that the last movie was really good despite a lot of changes from the original book. Moreover, there are those who hold the opinion that three films are too much for adapting one small children's classic. However, the Hobbit films, like the book, are just fun. If you want traditional epic fantasy then the Lord of the Rings fits that description perfectly.

Peter Jackson's interpretation of Tolkien's work divides opinion. However, if you want to read the original story then what are you waiting for? Both the Hobbit and the Lord of The Rings are brilliant fun and epic books to read. The movies are good to watch as well, especially with family or friends.

My favourite part of the movie is the scene where Sauron and the Nazgul are expelled from Dol Guldur by Galadriel, Elrond and Saruman. (oops a spoiler) I highly recommend watching this movie and then re-watch Lord of the Rings and if you have not already read the books, release your inner geek.

Though I liked the movie, I liked LOTR Return of the King more, so my rating is 8.9/10.

Reading Review of 2014

This year has been a good reading year. I have read more books than last year, including many good ones. Fantasy is still very much my favourite book genre though I have also read more sci fi.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was the book that surprised me the most. It was a book that caught my imagination and reinforced my love of books. I have also re-read both the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Middle Earth is still a fantastic place to visit every year and the last Hobbit movie is not the end, the books and films will remain to be enjoy for eternity.

I am sure next year will be a good year to read books and explore many new worlds. My reading revolution is to try out more fantasy series, particularly ones written by Brandon Sanderson.

My review of the Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies should be up by the end the week. Hope everyone has nearly finished all their preparations for Christmas.

Xmas and imagination

Christmas is a time for children to enjoy being children. Imagination is key to bringing Christmas to life. As Dumbledore said "of course it is happening inside your head Harry, but why does that mean it is not real." The human world is shaped by belief and imagination.

The Greek philosopher argued that the world of our senses was an imperfect version of the ideal. Everything had its true form in the world of ideas. In our minds as children we believed in Santa Claus, and therefore for us he existed. On an adult level we believe in the existence of countries and democracy despite the corruption.

I would encourage everyone to enjoy jumping into their imagination. Next week the final part of The Hobbit is out and that is an example of how a vision of one author has impacted on many people. Many readers, movie fans and gamers have entered the realm of Middle Earth, in a way it has become a reality that exists inside our minds. Escape helps calm the mind from anxiety and stress and helps inspire more progressive thought.

Believe in the magic of this season, be as happy as possible and I hope everyone enjoys this season of good will.  

Christmas Blog Countdown 2

As promised I am blogging everyday on the lead up to Christmas. Today I will talk about Christmas food. Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends and that includes feasting on comfort foods. I cannot wait to have my first mince pie and I am really looking forward to eating lots of chocolate.

Love them or hate them this is the month for Brussel Sprouts. This is the season to be jolly and celebrate the end of the year. Hope you all are in good spirits, in my next blog I will share some jolly songs to get you all in the mood for Christmas.

Christmas Blog Countdown 1

It is the first of December and I am in a good mood. I  am currently reading Inkspell, which is good so far. The Christmas decs are up and it is starting to feel like Christmas.

I do need to wrap up some presents still, so preparation is still in need of doing. Also I cannot wait to see the final part of the Hobbit in cinemas in two weeks. I love Billy Boyd's song for the Hobbit, which is very poetic, which fits with the tone of Tolkien's world. I for one will be sitting through the credits and listening to The Last Goodbye by Billy Boyd and will reflect on the memories of watching Peter Jackson's excellent adaptations of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit.

Tomorrow I will talk about Christmas and food, seasons greetings :)