Merry's Book Club
Brought to you by The Merry LibrarianArchive for Fantasy/ Adventure
“Raven’s Ladder” by Jeffrey Overstreet
There was magic in the high-fantasy world of Auralia’s Colors, the first “strand” in the Auralia’s Thread series, that drew me in with both its familiarity—for my own life at the time, much like House Abascar, felt void of all color—and its mystery. The characters quickly became the friends I needed, and I devoured every word of Overstreet’s compelling first novel. It’s no surprise, then, that I’ve followed this series with the enthusiasm of an adventurous child.
Raven’s Ladder, the third—or gold—“strand,” continues to follow the bedraggled citizens of the fallen House Abascar as they struggle to gain the faith and resources necessary to rebuild their home. King Cal-Raven must not only fight to keep the bloodthirsty Cent Regus beastmen from annihilating his people, he must also face those within his kingdom who conspire against his rule. When a personal encounter with the mysterious Keeper sends Cal-Raven on a dangerous and secretive quest, his people are left to question the sanity of their king and the future of his kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cyndere, of House Bel Amica, is on her own mission to cultivate a friendship with the beastman, Jordam, whose once-ferocious nature has been transformed by the power of the water from Auralia’s well. Her desire to see the Cent Regus beastmen freed from their savage curse is countered by the manipulative power of the Seers—a devious and controlling group of religious leaders. When, in their king’s absence, the refugees of House Abascar are welcomed into the alluring arms of Bel Amica, the schemes of the Seers threaten to destroy everything Cyndere and King Cal-Raven have worked for.
What I love about Overstreet and the Auralia’s Thread series is the fearlessness with which the story tackles themes of friendship, forgiveness, redemption and faith. This is no trite allegory, nor is it needlessly monstrous. Overstreet has created a world as breathtaking as it is savage, and his characters are complex, loveable, and richly satisfying. The faith of King Cal-Raven, so unrelenting in the beginning, suffers blow after perilous blow. Jordam, whose thirst for the cursed Essence burns daily in his veins, must make the impossible choice between his very nature and the tenuous friendships he’s formed. And Cyndere, whose own heart is beleaguered by pain and loss, risks losing everything for the sake of her cause.
The decisions and actions of Overstreet’s characters never fail to resonate with or surprise his readers. Raven’s Ladder has further proven the author’s mastery of storytelling, and draws readers into a world as real as Middle Earth and as inviting as Narnia.
“Rex Libris #1: I, Librarian” by James Turner
The plot:
Rex Libris, an immortal librarian first employed by the Library of Alexandria, writes his life story, including how he came to be in the present (with lots of help from futuristic gadgets and gizmos) and his daily job at the Middleton Public Library. Rex works with the sorceress Circe, who is rather hilariously stuck baking cookies and staying behind the reference desk. In this first collection, interspersed with conferences with Rex’s editor, who wants a story ever more fantastic than even an immortal can give, is the story of a demon samurai attacking the library, and Rex’s journey to retrieve a very overdue book from a space warlord.
Why You’ll Love It:
You don’t have to be a librarian to enjoy Rex’s humor, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. This first edition is truly laugh-out-loud funny, especially when Rex is talking to Thoth (the library administrator), his sidekick Simonides, and the editor who insists that any comic can make sense given even scantily clad women.
Who Will/Should Read It:
Librarians, of course, if you haven’t already. Of course, anyone with a good sense of humor and vault of literary knowledge will also get laughs out of Rex’s adventures. If you enjoyed Javier Grillo-Marxuach’s Middleman series, Rex Libris will amuse with the way it takes its silliness seriously.
