Thursday, March 21, 2013

Once Upon a Time VII

The Once Upon a Time Challenge has begun. And I am very excited about joining in for the first time. This event fits in perfectly with my plans to read some fantasy novels that have been languishing on my shelves for quite a while. My son loaned them to me and I have promised I would read some of them this year.



This event is hosted by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings. Carl has a wonderful blog. I thought that adjective might sound worshipful, but one definition is "inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration" so it definitely fits. Carl is a versatile reader and reviewer. He covers science fiction and mystery and fantasy and movies.

Check out the post for Once Upon a Time VII with rules and sign-ups and check out his other posts, too.

A brief description of the event from that post:
This is a reading and viewing event that encompasses four broad categories: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology, including the seemingly countless sub-genres and blending of genres that fall within this spectrum. The challenge continues through Friday, June 21st and allows for very minor (1 book only) participation as well as more immersion depending on your reading/viewing whims.
My goal is to complete Quest the Third. For this quest, I will read at least five books in any of the above categories during the three months of the challenge. In addition, I will view one of the many theatrical versions of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. (I am sure I will watch the 1935 movie with James Cagney and Dick Powell, but that is not a requirement.)


The basic list that I will be working from is:
  • The Courts of Chaos by Roger Zelazny
  • The Princess Bride by William Goldman
  • The Black Company by Glen Cook
  • Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams
  • Daemons are Forever by Simon R. Green
  • Land of Dreams by James P. Blaylock
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
  • 9Tail Fox by Jon Courtenay Grimwood



15 comments:

Cheryl @ Tales of the Marvelous said...

Welcome to the "challenge"! This is my third year, and it's always enormously fun. I don't recognize most of the books on your list...but I do have Princess Bride on mine. I read it years ago, and keep meaning to read it again.

TracyK said...

I am glad to be participating. I am not a novice with fantasy, but I do lean more to science fiction when not reading mysteries.

Gavin said...

Once Upon A Time is one of my favorite yearly reading events. I'm glad your joining in with such a great list of books!

Anonymous said...

Tracy - I must confess that fantasy isn't my genre. But I admire your plan to stretch yourself as a reader. To me, that is a good thing. And I am really interested in what you think of the books you read.

TracyK said...

I am also interested in how I like the books. I do tend more towards sci fi than fantasy. Also plan to try a few that blend fantasy and mystery and some paranormal mysteries -- which I normally shy away from.

TracyK said...

Thanks for checking in on my list. I think it is going to be great to focus on this kind of novel for a few months and make comparisons.

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Fairy tales and mythology are just as easy as fantasy, in my opinion, because there are SO many retellings in the form of fantasy novels these days. It's the folklore I'm going to have to search for. :)

Good luck!

Unknown said...

I think I'm going to participate in this event too. Fantasy isn't my usual genre of choice, but I will try to read at least one: Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. I'm not familiar with most of the titles on your list. Hope you enjoy them!

Marie
http://www.girlvsbookshelf.blogspot.com

TracyK said...

I think it will be a fun event, and I am sure I can squeeze in five fantasy books for the event this year. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell does sound good, but I am not ready to invest in such a long novel. I will be interested to see your review of it.

Sarah said...

I don't read fantasy at all Tracy but I'll be interested in your reviews. The only book I've read on your list is Harry Potter (who hasn't!)

TracyK said...

I have been putting off reading the last Harry Potter book forever. Well, at least five years. It took me a couple of years to find an affordable UK edition. I should include it in this challenge. But the length deters me. We shall see.

TBM said...

I've only read the Potter novel on your list. I look forward to your reviews. Have fun with the challenge. And I think Carl is wonderful as well.

samantha.1020 said...

Yay for Harry Potter!!! I've been considering rereading the Harry Potter series just for this challenge. I just adore them and it has been too long since I visited with them. Good luck with this challenge and I hope you enjoy all of these!!!

TracyK said...

Thanks, I think it will be fun, TBM. Carl's blog has introduced me to several books I would not even have tried, otherwise.

TracyK said...

Samantha, thanks, I think I will enjoy the books I read. Hope I do get to the Harry Potter book.