Book Review: Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: Titus Andronicus

Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 402

Published: 1594

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Titus, a model Roman, has led twenty-one of his twenty-five sons to death in Rome’s wars. We follow Titus Andronicus as he descends into a cycle of brutal vengeance against Tamora, Queen of the Goths, and her lover Aaron the Moor, after they wrong his family

Review:

Play 2 for Shakespeare Club is done and in the books! I'm really loving the live reading and discussion afterwards. It's like English class without the test. 

Here we jump to one of the most bloody plays good ol' Billy has ever written. It is so Roman that the Romans would be proud. Tragic and bloody. Titus, the perfect Roman, has returned home to bury yet another one of his sons. Chaos ensues. Blood will be shed, and revenge is never-ending. 

So yes. This was bloody, and we had a death count as we went through each Act. No one is safe. There is also a tragic scene involving Titus' daughter that definitely warrants a trigger warning. You don't "see" it happen, but you see the aftermath.

Elizabethans adored it. They love a good blood shed, so Billy certainly got his name out with this play. 

Even in the mud of blood, there is a story. It is tragic and actually really good. You really have to pay attention to what the characters are saying and doing. There is a message to be had for sure. This was one of Billy's first works, and you can see some foreshadowing into what will be written in the future. It was kind of poetic. 

We all joked that Quentin Tarantino should remake this. This would be right up his alley. 

But yes, this is....a lot. There is a scene at the end that I whispered, "What the fuck."

At the end of the day, this was intense and bloody, and I can see why the Elizabethans ate this up. Tragic, bloody, and wild. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book/Play Review: The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: The Tempest

Genre: Classic, Play, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy

Format: paperback

Pages: 218

Published: 1611

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, uses magic to shipwreck his treacherous brother Antonio and King Alonso on his enchanted island. Over twelve years prior, Prospero was exiled with his daughter, Miranda. On the island, Prospero commands the spirit Ariel and the native Caliban, manipulating the castaways through illusions.

Review:

So I have ascended to a new level of nerd....I have been accepted and joined the Flint Shakespeare Club. Weeee! I literally cried when I found out!!! How cool? What is this cool club? Well, it is a club where a bunch of like-minded folks sit around and read the play out loud and then discuss the Act(s) we just went through. Plus snackies at the end!

This was winter's book to read. Which was exciting for me because I hadn't read this one! I have slowly been going through all the plays. 

This is a tale of revenge and forgiveness. Some love and a lot of comedy mixed in. 

This play feels so different than a lot of Billy S's other plays. It still has his humor and wordplay. However, it felt like a goodbye of sorts. One can debate that the ending epilogue was a final goodbye to his fans and the public. This was his last play. Was it planned? Only guesses can keep us warm at night. 

I found this very charming. The characters and the lore and the story....charming and meaningful.

I kept thinking, though....the poor actors who play Prospero. SOOO many monologues and so many lines. Damn. I wouldn't be able to remember all my lines. 

But yes, this was really good. Honestly, I think it may have found it's way onto my top 3 fave plays by Billy S. I still have a few to get through, but this was a lovely read. 

5 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Hugh Fraser
Title: Hercule Poirot's Christmas

Series: Hercule Poirot #20

Genre: Mystery, Classics, Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 19, 1938
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement.

Review:

What better to read during Xmas then a murder? Love me some Poirot!!!!

Hercule is on the case! For this family, the holidays are no longer holly and jolly. This family reunion is marred by a murder. Lots of suspects and lots of motives because the wealthy head of the family announced he was changing his will. 

I felt like I had read this because things seemed SO familiar. Which is okay. It was nice revisiting one I had read forever ago. I thought I remembered who the murdered was, but I pleasantly re-surprised. Gasp!

I did remember one big twist so that was nice ;) I still didn't like this particular twist. I won't spoil anything. 

This was a lovely listen. The narrator did a lovely job. 

What a way to end the year! Love this author and def recommend Hercule. 

4 stars for me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #65

- Library Love #34

3-in-1 Short Story Review: Wailing Well & For the Blood is the Life

Author: MR James

Narrator: Anthony Head
Title: Wailing Well
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: January 1, 1928
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

"The Wailing Well" is a 1928 ghost story by M.R. James about a badly behaved Boy Scout named Stanley Judkins who disobeys a warning and enters a haunted field containing a well. Despite being told not to go near the field and its well, Judkins goes there to get water, only to be met with an eerie wail and supernatural terror

Review:

I'm really liking MR James. His stuff is spooky and classy. 

This short tells the story of a badly behaved Boy Scout who never, ever listens to his elders. Well. He is about to discover a horror beyond his imaginations. 

Lovely. Loved it. Spooky and fun. 

Dumb humans being dumb. Gotta love it. 

The narrator brought this story to life. 

5 stars

 

Author: F. Marion Crawford

Narrator: John Telfer
Title: For The Blood Is The Life
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: anuary 1, 1911
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

This story tells the classic gothic horror account of a young man in the thrall of a vampire, and...yes, there WILL be blood.

Review:

Something just hits different with these classic horrors. I feel like they are....scarier. Sure, lots of these modern horrors have the blood and the screams. But these oldies are classics for a reason. 

This one follows the story of a man who falls in the thrall of a vampire. He knows what he is doing, but he can't stop himself. 

This was great. I loved seeing this POV. He KNOWS he is enthralled, but he can't stop himself. Night after night. Poor man. 

This wasn't "scary" as some other horrors, but it is creepy and shows the fraility of man. Loved it. 

The narrator did a good job. 

I'll give this 5 stars as well. Why not. I was entertained. 

Author: MR James

Narrator: Peter Coates
Title: An Episode of Cathedral History
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: June 10, 1914
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Behind the stone walls of a venerable English cathedral, the past stirs with a presence that should have remained undisturbed.

In this haunting narrative, the mundane slips imperceptibly into the macabre. A scholar's inquiry unlocks a forgotten secret; shadows lengthen; and something long sealed away begins to wake. With James's signature blend of erudition, atmosphere, and mounting unease, this tale draws the listener into a world where ancient relics conceal more than dust, and history is anything but dead.

Review:

A nice way to end the Spooky Season! I'm liking this author so much. He is good!!!

A man's curiosity unlocks a haunting and forgotten secret. Behind the stone walls of an English cathedral, the past should stay undisturbed. 

Another tale of when curiosity kills the cat and MIND YO BUSINESS. LOL. Oh humans. 

But yes, this was creepy and I liked the ending. It did drag a bit in the beginning. I kept losing focus and having to rewind a couple of seconds. But once we got near the end I was absolutely hooked. 

The narrator was lovely and really brought the horror in. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #52 & #53 & #54

Audiobook Review: The Vampyre by John Polidori

Author: John W Polidori
Narrator: BJ Harrison
Title: The Vampyre
Genre: Horror, Classic, Short Story, Paranormal, Fantasy 
Format: Audiobook 
Published: April 1, 1819
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Young, impressionable Aubrey is fascinated by the enigmatic Lord Ruthven, and accompanies him on a tour to Europe. But Aubrey develops a growing distaste for Lord Ruthven’s sinister and grotesque conduct - especially as it concerns human blood.

Review:

Love a good short spooky story for Spooky season. 

Aubrey is fascinated by Lord Ruthven and joins him on a tour to Europe. However, something is wrong and Aubrey is uneasy with Lord Ruthven's grotesque conduct. 

I have to admit something....I struggled to pay attention to this. I nearly fell asleep at one point when I was listening to this and doing some coloring. 

The narrator was familiar to me and he does a great job, but not even his performance could hold my attention. 

Now, the ending was better and it got spooky, but the rest? Eh. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #50

Audiobook Review: A Warning to the Curious by MR James

Author: MR James

Narrator: David Suchet

Title: A Warning to the Curious

Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Classic, Short story

Format: Audiobook 

Published: January 1, 1925

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

The story of Paxton, an antiquarian and archaeologist who holidays in "Seaburgh" and inadvertently stumbles across one of the lost crowns of Anglia, which legendarily protect the country from invasion.

Review:

Weeee love some spooky shorts in October. This is my 2nd MR James and I really should do more. He is good. 

This is the story of Paxton who is an antiquarian and archaeologist. He is on holiday in Seaburgh. He inadvertently stumbles across one of the lost crowns of Anglia. The crown is told to protect the country from invasions, but take it...if you dare. 

Spoooooooky. The narrator really added a chill to this one. 

You can guess what is going to happen. But the scenes at the end? Oof. So good.

This was short and sweet, but it didn't need any more. It was the perfect length and it will make you think twice about grabbing old stuff. 

5 stars.

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #46

Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: Murder on the Orient Express

Series: Hercule Poirot #10

Genre: Mystery, Classics

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: January 1, 1934

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express turns into a race against time when a murder is committed. Detective Hercule Poirot interrogates the suspects during a long stop in the mountains of Yugoslavia.

Review:

I read this gem many, many, MANY years ago. I watched the movie when it came out, but again...my brain barely remembers the details. I remember the big reveal (because how could you not) but the details or so forth? Nope. 

Hercule Poirot finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation while aboard the Orient Express. It is a race against time before they reach their final destination. Lots of suspects, lots of motives...

This one is just so clever. I loved the way each chapter played out and seeing Hercule interview each of the suspects was so entertaining. 

I may remember the conclusion, but it is so so so thrilling watching Hercule pull it all together. So many little hints and tips that I caught on knowing the conclusion. 

I enjoy Hercule and his stories so much. They are entertaining and Hercule may not be the most humble of creatures, but he deserves his arrogance. 

What else to say? You don't have to read these books in order and you could read this one and enjoy it. But going back to some older books have made me appreciate Hercule a little more. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Bouc

Least Favorite Character(s): Ratchett

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #23

- Cloak & Dagger #20

Book Review: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Author: Charles Frazier

Title: Cold Mountain

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Classic

Format: paperback

Pages: 449

Published: January 1, 1997

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Cold Mountain is a novel about a soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved near the Civil War's end. At once a love story & a harrowing account of one man’s long walk home, Cold Mountain introduces a new talent in American literature.

Based on local history & family stories passed down by Frazier’s great-great-grandfather, Cold Mountain is the tale of a wounded Confederate soldier, Inman, who walks away from the ravages of the war & back home to his prewar sweetheart, Ada. His odyssey thru the devastated landscape of the soon-to-be-defeated South interweaves with Ada’s struggle to revive her father’s farm, with the help of an intrepid young drifter named Ruby. As their long-separated lives begin to converge at the close of the war, Inman & Ada confront the vastly transformed world they’ve been delivered.

Frazier reveals insight into human relations with the land & the dangers of solitude. He also shares with the great 19th century novelists a keen observation of a society undergoing change. Cold Mountain recreates a world gone by that speaks to our time.

Review:

One of my absolute favorite books. I felt it was time to revisit it since I haven't picked up this book since 2016.

This story is about WP Inman and Ada Monroe. They find love but due to war he puts on the uniform to fight for North Carolina. He may not believe in the cause, but it would be cowardly to not join. After he is injured horribly, he decides to walk away and go back home. The war is nearly done anyway and he can't take one more moment on the frontline. At the same time as his perilous walk, we also follow Ada. She was born and raised to be a lady. She only knows how to do frivolous tasks, so with her father gone and the money drained because of the war....she is struggling to survive. In walks Ruby who trains Ada to be a farmer.

This book always gets me. It is so tragic. I know how it ends, but I always have hope. Maybe it'll end differently this time!

I always wish that these two have more time together, but that is the tragedy. They are apart for so long, but I wish we had more scenes with them. Sighs. 

The format is always wild to me, but I've grown to look past it. It works for this story for some reason. Maybe I am blinded by love of the story and characters? 

What else to say?

The way the author describes our scenes is beautiful. It is majestic in a way. 

Yes, this is a love story but it is also shows a different side of the war. It really dives into the true human element. War makes monsters of us all. It may start with a noble cause but it can destroy everything and everyone. Along with the war and love element, the book does poke at deep issues at the time like racism, sexism, human rights, society, male/female gender roles, and etc.

All-in-all, this book always leaves me breathless and in tears. Now I have to watch the movie. Sigh. ;) 

5 stars from me of course. 

Favorite Character(s): Inman and Ruby

Least Favorite Character(s): Teague and his crew. 

  

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #12 (MC's name starts with 'M')

Book/Play Review: Othello by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: Othello

Genre: Classic, Tragedy, Fiction, Play

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 319

Published: 1603

Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 

In Othello, Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage that begins with fascination (between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona), with elopement, and with intense mutual devotion and that ends precipitately with jealous rage and violent deaths. He sets this story in the romantic world of the Mediterranean, moving the action from Venice to the island of Cyprus and giving it an even more exotic coloring with stories of Othello's African past. Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine—differences of race, of age, of cultural background—that one should not, perhaps, be surprised that the marriage ends disastrously. But most people who see or read the play feel that the love that the play presents between Othello and Desdemona is so strong that it would have overcome all these differences were it not for the words and actions of Othello's standard-bearer, Iago, who hates Othello and sets out to destroy him by destroying his love for Desdemona. As Othello succumbs to Iago's insinuations that Desdemona is unfaithful, fascination—which dominates the early acts of the play—turns to horror, especially for the audience. We are confronted by spectacles of a generous and trusting Othello in the grip of Iago's schemes; of an innocent Desdemona, who has given herself up entirely to her love for Othello only to be subjected to his horrifying verbal and physical assaults, the outcome of Othello's mistaken convictions about her faithlessness.

Review:

Weeeeeeeee! This is one of my favorite plays by good ol' Willy. It's been an age since I read this so it was nice revisiting it. Last time I read this was 2009. But yes, it's been years!

The play follows a diverse set of characters in Venice. Othello and Lady Desdemona elope, Othello gets his dream job, and everything seems perfect. However, Iago is set on destroying everything in Othello's life out of spite and revenge. 

This is a true tragedy and it gets me every time. The characters and the story are flawless in my opinion. I truly think that this is William Shakey's best work. The drama is perfect for the stage. It's over-the-top in spots but it is a lovely nod to Italian plays that are known for being slightly melodramatic. 

And Iago.........he is the perfect villain. I hate him, but I love hating him. He is my favorite villain still to this day. He is a terrible, hateful man, but is he evil? Eh. He truly believes that he is doing the world a favor for destroying Othello. He doesn't do these evil things just for the sake of being bad. He thinks that he is doing everyone a favor, mainly himself. But he is so clever and calculating. Honestly, if he used his skills for ACTUAL good, then he would unstoppable in the world. He is just so blinded by his jealousy and hate, but he doesn't let this fully control him. He is able to trick everyone so wonderfully. *chef kiss* 

Othello and Desdemona. *sighs* You just want them to be happy. They are soooo in love and seem so perfect for each other. However......there is a shadow upon their love. Between society, Othello's insecurities, and Iago in the shadows....they are doomed.

What I love the most (if you've read past reviews you will be able to guess what I'm about to say here) is that everyone is flawed. They are complex and oh-so human. You have no idea what will happen. Othello seems so strong and confident, but he is still insecure and petty. Desdemona and Cassio are both so sweet, but so naive. Iago seems like he could be a great guy if hate didn't blind him. All the characters hide behind theirs masks so well (which ties nicely into the Venetian setting). And society's and time period's failings will take all these flaws and brew something tragic for our characters. 

I could go on and on about how much I love this play by William S!!!! I still need to see this live. I've seen the movie, but never a live rendition of this play. Bucket list!!!! Also, I need to do an audio of this story one day.

But yes, this is (so far) my absolute favorite of William Shakespeare's stuff. I still have a bunch to read but it will be hard to topple this from the top. 

The characters....the setting....the lies....the flaws.....the tragedy. A must-read/see/hear...anyway you can get your hands on it. 

5 stars for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Desdemona (bc she is so sweet), Cassio, & Othello

- Least Favorite Character(s): Iago (BUT I love to hate him. Little villain)

Book/Play Review: King Lear by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: King Lear

Genre: Classic, Fiction, Play, Tragedy

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 339

Published: 1605

Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 

Shakespeare’s King Lear challenges us with the magnitude, intensity, and sheer duration of the pain that it represents. Its figures harden their hearts, engage in violence, or try to alleviate the suffering of others. Lear himself rages until his sanity cracks. What, then, keeps bringing us back to King Lear? For all the force of its language, King Lear is almost equally powerful when translated, suggesting that it is the story, in large part, that draws us to the play.

The play tells us about families struggling between greed and cruelty, on the one hand, and support and consolation, on the other. Emotions are extreme, magnified to gigantic proportions. We also see old age portrayed in all its vulnerability, pride, and, perhaps, wisdom—one reason this most devastating of Shakespeare’s tragedies is also perhaps his most moving.

Review:

My goal was to read one of these a year, but I do not think I read a Willie Shake last year. So I'll be reading two this year.

I've never read 'King Lear' before but I know the story well. 

The play tells us a story about families struggling between greed and cruelty or support and consolation. King Lear, an elderly king, decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters. He promises to give the largest share to the daughter who proves to love him the most. From there drama ensues when he is blinded by his ego. 

This is extremely tragic, but infuriating all at the same time. You want to shake King Lear and...to be fair....everyone. All the drama can be avoided if people JUST talk and chill. But we wouldn't have the story and the lessons that come from it. 

People claim this is one of William Shakespeare's greatest works, but I found it...good. I honestly still love 'Othello' the best though. I still have a few plays to finally read but I can safely say my favorite still sits firmly on top at the moment. However, this was pretty entertaining. 

The poetry and the drama is addicting. You won't want to set it down. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. 

The ending is tragic and sad. It was done very well. You don't have to be a literature master to understand what lessons are being taught here. It was done loud and proud, but WS has a way of not telling you, but showing you. I find he is the King of this. 

My favorite aspect of this play is that EVERYONE is complex and so very human. Sure you can point at a person or two and say they are the baddies, but they aren't evil (at least from my viewpoint). Yes, bad things happen and dumb things occur, but everyone is just so human. If you know me.....I love a complex set of characters. 

All-in-all, this is a must-read classic. Not my fave by the ol' Shakeyspeare, but it's in the top 5. It's entertaining and addicting. Lots of dumb people doing dumb things, but it is teaching a lesson or two. You can't help but feel bad for these characters. They all are complex and so very human. I'll give this 5 stars. 

(You know me...changing things up...and I'm reviving this!)

- Favorite Charater(s): Cordelia

- Least Favorite Character(s): Lear's other two daughters and (let's be honest) Lear.

TV Short/Movie Review: A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)

Title: A Garfield Christmas Special

Length: 23 mins

Released: 1987

Genre: Comedy, Family, Animation
Rating: G
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma.

REVIEW:

I love Garfield and I haven't watched this since I was a wee lil girl. I seen it on Peacock and had to watch it. :D 

Garfield and the gang go to Jon's grandma's house for the holidays. Garfield has to find a present for Grandma and...stay out of trouble. 

So cute. I loved Garfield as a kid and I still love that lil chonky boi. This was the perfect film to watch on the couch with a blankie and snacks. It's short and quick but it was funny. 

Even with the humor there were some serious tones here especially a certain scene with Grandma. It brought a little tear to my eye. 

Perfect for the holidays. I shouldn't let so many years go by before watching this again!!!

5 stars...of course. It's Garfield darnit. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cute

Audiobook Review: Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: Poirot Investigates

Series: Hercule Poirot #3

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic, Short stories, Anthology

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1, 1924

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond... then came the “suicide” that was murder... the mystery of the absurdly cheap flat...a suspicious death in a locked gun room... a million dollar bond robbery... the curse of a pharaoh’s tomb... a jewel robbery by the sea... the abduction of a prime minister... the disappearance of a banker... a phone call from a dying man... and, finally, the mystery of the missing will.

What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!

Review: 

This is a collection of mini mysteries that Poirot takes on. I remember reading a couple of these years and years ago, but it'll be fun to re-read those and to read some of the others!

We'll divide and conquer these. 

1) The Adventure of 'The Western Star'

I had read this little one years ago. So I remembered, slightly, what happened. The mystery was slightly obvious, but it is good. I think I liked this more than when I first read it. 4 stars. 

2) The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor

The ending and resolution of this one was clever!!!! Loved it. Such a nice mystery and it feels that Poirot is coming into his own. This should be made into a movie (or at least a part of the movie). 5 stars. 

3) The Adventure of the Cheap Flat

Eh. I feel like this was the weakest of them all. It was still intriguing in its own way, but meh. I found my attention drifting during this one. What even happened at the end? I can't remember.....*googles* oh, yes. Okay. 2 stars. 

4) The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Shoot. I didn't right down my thoughts about this (or type it up). Mmmm. Forgettable I guess. I don't remember a thing. Shouldn't I remember SOMETHING even though I didn't write any notes?1 star

5) The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

Oooooo Hercule. So clever. So NOT humble. I love it. This was a fun one. The ending and solution was a little on the nose. 4 stars

6) The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

I think this is one of my favorites of the whole collection. Cool location, neat crime, great solution....5 stars yes

7) The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

A cute gem! I liked this one a lot. 5 stars as well. 

8) The Kidnapped Prime Minister

Eh. This started of great but the solution was meh. Sort of anti-climatic. And honestly? Predictable in one way. It was still enjoyable for the majority of the time.  3 stars

9) The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim

Oh!!!! I remember this one! I struggled a little bit back then but I liked this one much more now. 4 stars. 

10) The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman

This was okay. I just wish it was longer. The solution seemed easily resolved. 3 stars

11) The Case of the Missing Will

Fun. I enjoyed this one. A nice conclusion. 4 stars. 

12) The Veiled Lady

Mmmmmm. I barely remember this one and I was just listening to it. 2 stars

13) The Lost Mine

Another just okay one. I think it needed more time to marinate. 3 stars 

14) The Chocolate Box

Awwww I liked this one. It was a nice ending to this collection. It went back to when our boy was a...well....boy. He was young and just getting into being a detective. The ending was great. 5 stars. 

Overall/Narrator

This was overall a lot of fun. The narrator is fantastic of course. Some greats...some misses. Overall it was totally worth it if you like Hercule and his mysteries. 

*does complicated math* I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #54

Book Review: The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle

Author: Peter S Beagle

Title: The Last Unicorn

Genre: Fantasy, YA, classics, SciFi

Format: paperback

Pages: 304

Published: March 1, 1968

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

The unicorn discovers that she is the last unicorn in the world, and sets off to find the others. She meets Schmendrick the Magician—whose magic seldom works, and never as he intended—when he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where only some of the mythical beasts displayed are illusions. They are joined by Molly Grue, who believes in legends despite her experiences with a Robin Hood wannabe and his unmerry men. Ahead wait King Haggard and his Red Bull, who banished unicorns from the land.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for YEARS but just never did it. I received this as a gift a couple years back so I was excited to read it! (*cough* so was my puppy Wallace. He got some nibbles on it. D:) 

Our story follows a unicorn who discovers she is the last unicorn in the world. She can't and won't believe it, so she sets off on an adventure to find others. On the way she meets Schmendrick the Magician whose magic seldom works. They become fast friends and companions after he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival. They soon meet up with Molly Grue who believes in legends. They find out that King Haggard and his Red Bull are the reasons behind the other unicorns disappearing. It will be up to these three to save the unicorns and bring them back to the land. 

When I was growing up I watched this movie a million times. I always fast forwarded it during a certain scene because it was scary, but I loved this movie so much. I even have watched it a time or two as an adult. Honestly, I'm ashamed I didn't read the book sooner, but oh well. 

Sighs. Let's get it over with....................

I wish I loved the book as much as I loved the movie, but it didn't feel as magical to me. The writing style had all the makings of a great writer, but I just struggled hardcore with this classic. Now, the beginning was beautiful and fantastic. However, I felt that as the story progressed he started trying too hard. There were times it felt forced. 

I never connected with anyone but the unicorn. The other characters felt 2D. The Unicorn never acted human and she didn't need to....she's a unicorn! The humans though? Eh. Meh. Boo. 

Did I enjoy the story overall though? Sure. I loved watching the unicorn make her way through this terrible world of cruddy humans. She was truly the best character. However, with a flat supporting cast and the author really trying to make this lyrical and beautiful.....it felt hollow in some parts.

I will say I am glad I read this. As with all book to movie adaptions, things are left out. I'm glad I got to read more of the lore and now I may understand the movie a bit more. That was nice. 

All-in-all, I wish I had liked this more. I did enjoy the journey by the end, but I didn't love this as the movie. The supporting cast were not as magical as the unicorn. The writing prose was lovely, but at times it felt like he was trying too hard. This is a classic and I do recommend people who loved the movie to read this. There are additional things shown here. More lore. More story. Will I read book 2? Probably not. 

I shall stamp this with 2 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fair