I read only four books for the Once Upon a Time Challenge at Stainless Steel Droppings, although my goal was to read five books. The event included reading or viewing from four broad categories: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology. I stuck mostly with fantasy although I guess Princess Bride is also of the fairy tale type of story.
This was the first time I had participated, and my goal was to dabble in fantasy after a long break. I enjoyed all the books I read and some of them were spectacular. You can check out the Review Site where participants posted links to any book or screen posts related to this event.
- The Courts of Chaos by Roger Zelazny
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
- Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
- Daemons are Forever by Simon R. Green
Although I don't enjoy fantasy in general as much as other genres, I did discover more about what I like and dislike in fantasy fiction, and have a lot of of fantasy books I plan to read in the next year or two.
My favorite read for the challenge was Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch. That one is a blend of fantasy and mystery and it has all the elements of a police procedural. I was pulled in by the cover art, but I would not have been open to paranormal elements in a mystery in the past.
The one book that I most regret not reading is The Black Company by Glen Cook. I think I would like that book. If I don't read it before then, I will definitely include it in the next Once Upon a Time Challenge reading.
Thanks to Carl V. Anderson at Stainless Steel Droppings for hosting this challenge.
10 comments:
Tracy, there's a common thread running through all the four categories and each one can easily pass off for the other. I like reading books in all four categories though I'd prefer "mythology" over the rest. I also enjoyed reading your reviews of "The Last Policeman" by Ben H. Winters and "Daemons Are Forever" by Simon R. Green (which I read as "Diamonds"). Both have interesting, and rather unusual, themes. I'm no doomsday sayer but I like reading the apocalyptic type of novels, though the movies are a lot more fun.
Tracy, glad you enjoyed the attempt at completing the challenge and read some decent books along the way, but fair to say I can happily pass these ones by without too many regrets. What inner resolve I have!
Glad you enjoyed the Rivers of London book, at least Tracy! It's always to try and expend your reading - I do admire you.
Prashant, I realized too late that I could have read an Arthurian legend for mythology, but could never think of any folklore I would want to read. I enjoyed this apocalyptic novel (Last Policeman) and probably would like others.
There was a time when I was lamenting that there were no good new crime novels coming out. (A long time ago.) Now there are too many good ones and I will never get to them all. So I agree, no time to fit in other types of reading.
Thanks, Sarah. Rivers of London was great, but now that book and The Last Policeman are competing for my favorite this month. They are so different but both entertaining in their own way.
So glad you liked the Aaronovitch as I thought it was a real treat - I have yet to get to the sequels but am greatly looking forward to them, and I say that as someone who is not really into Harry Potter and th elike. PRINCESS BRIDE is of course a classic of the genre and I won;t hear a word said against it anyway - that would be inconceivale ...
Sergio, Rivers of London was great fun and I am also looking forward to continuing that series. So different from what I normally read. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Princess Bride. A great read. It inspired me to find more Goldman books to read. I know they will be different but I think I will like them.
Oh, I'm sorry I missed this challenge! I used to read a lot of fantasy, but I realized recently that I haven't read much adult fantasy in quite a long time. And while the YA stuff is good, it's often lacking a certain depth that I love in the genre. I think it's great that you used the challenge to reach outside your comfort zone. I think challenges are just great for that :)
DoingDewey, It is a great challenge and I hope to do it again next year. I do like reading outside my comfort zone, hope to try a few more genres or sub-genres next year.
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