Last Argument of Kings (The First Law #3) by Joe Abercrombie

Last Argument of Kings
The First Law #3
Joe Abercrombie

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 20 October 2017
Length: 670 pages

The threat of the Gurkish army looms ever closer, and everyone is preparing for battle. Logen Ninefingers heads North in order to confront Bethod once and for all. Jezal returns home intending to give up being a soldier and settle with Ardee, but not even he could predict the events that will unfold...


Well. There are certainly a few surprises in the finale of the trilogy. Some of the twists just leave you thinking 'Whhaaaaatt?'. I guess it's good to be kept on your toes though!

I'm not really sure what I think of Bayaz. Sometimes I think 'hmm, he's not so bad' and other times I think 'what a manipulative little s*&t!'. He's basically got this big plan for everything and everyone, and you are expected to go along with it, despite never being consulted. If you don't go along with his plan, you're pretty much dead. So that's that.

I feel this is a fantasy series that was lacking a map. Most books of this ilk come with a map of some description, and I found myself looking for one at the first book, then the second, and still the third, disappointed that I didn't find one in either book. Perhaps I just have the wrong copies?

While reading this, I kind of zoned out about three-quarters of the way through, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy it! On the contrary I probably found this the most interesting out of the three, perhaps because of all the plot twists! It is quite a long novel, and sometimes I felt it could have been shorter.

A good fantasy series!




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Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study in Scarlet
Sherlock Holmes #1
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Front cover

Date read: 30 September - 3 October 2017

Length: 162 pages

Dr John Watson is looking for somewhere to live after returning from India, and shares with Sherlock Holmes at the now infamous 221B Baker Street in London. Here he discovers what Mr Holmes does for a living, and soon helps him on his cases. Their first case is a murder. Although there appears to be no disfigurement on the victim's body, there is a strange word written on the wall in blood. Can Holmes and Watson catch the culprit, and discover the meaning of the word?

Sherlock Holmes is a very famous fictional character, with many novels, TV series' and films about him. Of course everyone knows about his companion Dr John Watson, but if you asked someone about it, they would generally agree that Sherlock is the protagonist. It is for that reason that I was very surprised to find that A Study in Scarlet is told from Dr Watson's point of view. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting!

A Study in Scarlet is split into 2 parts. I loved part 1. I was hooked from the get go and held on to every word. Part 2 was a bit strange and took me a while to get into, but it all makes sense in the end. The more you read the more you know!

I have loved my first experience reading about Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion Dr John Watson, and I will definitely be reading more!

Overall rating

Thanks,

The Wee Librocubicularist

Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp (J. K. Rowling)

Quidditch Through the Ages
Kennilworthy Whisp (J. K. Rowling)

Front cover

Date read: 27 - 29 September 2017

Length: 105 pages (123 with introduction)

Quidditch Through the Ages has everything you could possibly want to know about the notorious wizarding sport. From 'The Evolution of the Flying Broomstick' to 'Quidditch Today' there is really nothing left to be told. Discover all about how Quidditch came to be, and discover your favourite teams.


Quidditch is such a big thing in Harry Potter and you learn about it from the get go, particularly because Harry is the Gryffindor Seeker. It's no secret that just about everyone loves the sport, and with the exception of Hermione in the early days, goes crazy about it.

This is a good companion to the series, and you get to learn more about the famous teams which you don't really discover in the books. You hear of a few, yes, but not as many as are mentioned here. I also found the bit about the broomsticks quite interesting.


I can't wait to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard! I think that might be my favourite of the companions, but will have to read it to find out!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Before They Are Hanged (The First Law #2) by Joe Abercrombie

Before They Are Hanged
The First Law #2
Joe Abercrombie

Front Cover

Date read: 13 - 26 September 2017
Length: 570 pages

The war is well underway, and everybody has someone or something to fear. Nobody likes the Gurkish but they loom ever closer. Inquisitor Glokta is sent to Dagoska to uncover the truth of his predecessor who mysteriously disappeared. The Northmen are helping Crown Prince Ladisla, despite the fact he has the worst armed, worst trained and worst led army in the world. Jezal is travelling with Bayaz and Ninefingers, and nobody seems to like their arrangements. Despite the war, can everyone make it in once piece? Can they survive the Shanka?


The Shanka! We finally learn more about the Shanka! Some call them Flatheads because of their particularly flat faces. They appear to be somewhat ape-like creatures that are proficient with spears. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the other end of them! They are fighting for Bethod, and are ruthless.

Here we get to see some development within the characters and also their love interests. Some pairings I didn't expect, and some were more obvious. It was nice to get to know the characters on a more intimate level and not just as soldiers in a war.

I'm looking forward to reading the last in the trilogy. I want to find out what happens to Jezal and Ardee, if anything!




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist