Fables Vol 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

Type of Read:
Graphic Novel

Plot Summary:
All the fables of old have been run out of their Homeland and have made a new home in New York. Those fables that cannot pass as humans have to live on a secluded Farm so mundys don't discover them.

Strengths:
It was a lot of fun to come across new characters and try to think of what fable they were originally from. There's Prince Charming (who's actually not that great of a person), Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and The Big Bad Wolf (now known as Bigby Wolf). Most of the fables are obvious, but the one that tripped me up was a character names Flycatcher. It wasn't until the third novel that I finally figured it out. Not Really A Spoiler: He was the Frog Prince!

Another strength of this series is how intricate that plots are. As the story progresses, the more things tie in together. Things that seem insignificant in one story, become major plot twists later. I'm not sure if the writers had everything planned from the beginning or if they just let the story unfold as they write, but whatever they do, it's fantastic.

Last but not least is the characters. If you've read my other blog posts, you know how important characters are to me. The more the reader can connect with them, the more we care. I absolutely love the relationship between Bigby and Snow. Not to give any spoilers, there is tension there that has probably be festering for several centuries. (Fables lives a long time)

Weaknesses:
The first volume's plot was a little weak. It serves more as an introduction to Fabletown and the main characters. As the stories progress, the plot thickens and the characters become more believable. But the first novel is kind of 'eh'. It's a little predictable and the characters are a little shallow. But stick with it! They get better.

Also, there are some surprisingly inappropriate parts. I was reading this at work (shhhh) and had to stop when I came across a certain illustration. It was definitely not safe for work. Also there is quite a bit of language. It's not gratuitous, but not something you would want your child to read.

Lastly, this is still an on going series. It is rumored that it will end after novel #21, but they just recently released #19. This means that if you fly through this series as fast as I do, there will come a time when you have to wait...

Opinion and Recommendation:
If you are new to graphic novels this is a good series to start out with. It has fairy tale characters that most of us have grown up with, but they are for grown ups. I have been checking them out from the library mainly because I go through a graphic novel in about two hours. But when I have the time and finances, you can bet that I will be purchasing the series. So you can do what I did and just test out the series, but be warned. It's very addicting. (I stayed up until 4 am one day in order to finish one)

Top Ten Books That Have Effected My Life

So there is this chain going around Facebook that asks what your top ten books that have effected or impacted your life. I normally ignore things like this because 
a) I don't think I have ten other friends that haven't been tagged yet, and 
b) I think most chains are just attention grabbers (ex. "tell me the top ten things you love about me" or "ten words that describe me best")

Since I am comfortable with the friends I have and I know that they love me :) I don't need this kind of confirmation. Plus I don't want to seem too needy (FEED ME AND TELL ME I'M PRETTY!!)

But this one was different. It got me thinking. What are the ten books that have shaped me? I could have faked it and said that books like Pride and Prejudice and Moby Dick were really important to me. They weren't. I'm a fantasy nerd and the books that have shaped me are books that are inspiring, smartly written, and transport the reader to different worlds.

So I posted my top ten on Facebook, but I thought I could take this opportunity to explain my reasons for choosing each one. So here's the initial list. 

1. Eragon- Christopher Paolini 
2. Mistborn- Brandon Sanderson
3. Harry Potter- J.K. Rowling 
4. Dreams of Gods and Monsters- Laini Taylor 
5. Black Prism- Brent Weeks
6. Name of the Wind- Patrick Rothfuss
7. Theft of Swords- Michael J. Sullivan
8. Ella Enchanted- Gail Levine
9. Promise of Blood- Brian McClellan
10. Shadow of Night- Deborah Harkness 

Eargon by Christopher Paolini
I think this series is just inspiring. The vocabulary is astounding and complex, the world and language that was built is so intricate and the most amazing part of all...it was written by a teenager. He was published when he was nineteen, but he started this story when he was just fourteen. Fourteen!! I mean I thought I was doing some amazing things at fourteen (competing high level gymnastics) but in my mind that's no where as cool as establishing yourself as a writer and immortalizing yourself through your work.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
So if you've been reading my blog (which you totally should be doing) you know that I'm a big Sanderson fan. He can build a world like no one else. I feel like he thinks of everything. He sees the outline of the world, he sees the religion or religions that were established, he brings a distinct history that backs up the world, and so much more. Reading his novels and listening to him lecture on writing, you can tell he is a very smart man. He might be a little full of himself, but with his writing, he has that right. 

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Oh Harry Potter...what can I say? I was of the generation that grew up alongside Harry Potter and his gang. Every year that Harry grew, so did I. We even suffered teenage angst together (probably not in the same way...) But that's the beauty of Harry Potter. He grows with the audience. Each book matures, in the writing style, the reading level, and the themes. The first book may seem a little simple, but it was meant to be read by 4th-5th graders. Then there is final book in the series which has matured to the point where the readers have to deal with The Final Battle. (Don't get me started on Hedwig, Dobby, or George)

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
This is a book I've recently read, and I loved it. Taylor has a very unique writing style that borders on poetry. (Don't worry, it doesn't rhyme) There is a flow to her storytelling that's memorizing. It's different and I find it inspiring. And that says nothing about the world and mythos that she has created. The ending of the trilogy was brilliant. Without ruining it, all I'm going to say is that it ends with a beginning ( a reoccurring theme). 

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
I think I've said this before, but where Brandon Sanderson is a master world builder, Brent Weeks is a master character builder. He creates characters that are real and believable. Events in their lives have shaped them and they live in a grey area. Most heroes in stories always do the right thing. Weeks' characters don't. They make mistakes, they fail at tasks they were given, and they have a little of good and bad in them. The reason The Black Prism stands out to me is because of one of the main characters, Kip Guile. Kip was born out of wedlock and has been mistreated by just about everyone he knows his entire life. Then suddenly he is swept up in an adventure that he knows little about. Kip is supposed to be our hero, but he is neither the most powerful magic user or the fittest fighter. He is actually chubby, ignorant, and a loud mouth. But you still find yourself rooting for him to succeed.

Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This is another book written by a very smart author. The way I usually describe this book is it is a story within a story. Kind of like The Princess Bride movie. This book truly transports the reader into a different world. It's almost like Rothfuss has pulled off an Inception in our brains. He tells the story of a man who as built himself into a legend. It is beautifully written and has gotten several non-readers to read this complex and very long series. I feel like this should be a goal of all authors. Way to go Rothfuss!

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
This series doesn't get as much credit as it should. The plot might seem a little straight forward at first, but the entire 6 book series ties together is a magical way. I loved it and couldn't put it down. But the most inspiring thing about this series is the relationship between the two main characters. There is so much history and repertoire that there could be an entire series just on their past exploits (which Sullivan has begun to explore). The characters are complete opposites. One, the mercenary, is a great fighter with an even greater sense of loyalty and honor. The other, the thief, just wants to get the job done at any cost. I loved how distinct the characters were and how deep they became as the story progressed.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine
It has been YEARS since I picked up this book, but let me tell you, I LOVED it when I was younger. I have an old copy of this book still and it is worn out and falling apart. I think it's greatest appeal comes from the fact that it is based in a fairy tale world with trolls, and fairies and curses. It cautions against getting what you wish for and finding your inner strength. It was a coming of age story with a dash of justice thrown in. I can't wait to have a little girl to read this to one day.

Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
I liked this series because it shows how one person can patent an entirely new genre: The Flintlock Fantasy. Sure there have been fantasies that have incorporated guns and into their warfare, but McClellan takes it to a whole new level. He bases his magic system on gun powder. He sets his world in a more technologically advanced society then most fantasy worlds (think more American Revolution then English Middle Ages). His characters are complex and the plot is masterful. He is a new writer and is learning, but he has learned from the best (he took classes from Brandon Sanderson at BYU). He might be just starting out, but he has come into the literary world with a bang! (get it...flinklock...guns...they go bang...never mind)

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
I've written a review already on this book (which you should go read) so I'm not going to go into much depth. Harkness knows her stuff. Her writing is not only engaging and wonderful, it's accurate. She is a historian with the degrees and the academic writings to prove it. It is a wonderfully written series that everyone should try.

Ok so that's my list. I wish I could say that I would add To Kill a Mocking Bird or Gulliver's Travels to the list, but I probably wouldn't. I love my fantasy!! Tell me your top ten books are and why!

Added:
Ok so I forgot one book that has definately shaped me, but I didn't have the heart to kick any of the others off. So I'm adding it to the list. I have eleven books that shaped me, sue me. 

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead
I LOVE Robin Hood and this book is what brought that love to life. Instead of being set in the usual King Richard-Prince John era, this series is set during the Norman invasion. It is steeped in Celtic mythology and more closely resembles what might have really happened. It's different than most Robin Hood stories, but just as magical. Some people have tried to read this series, but couldn't get into it. And that's ok. Maybe it's not for everyone. But I was sucked into this book and fell in love with it. 

Deadpool Volume 1 by Posehn and Dugan

Type of Read:

Graphic Novel

Plot Summary:

There is a deranged and very patriotic necromancer on the loose who is intent on raising all of the dead presidents in order to right the wrongs in America. Since it is bad publicity for America's heroes to take down America's past leaders, Deadpool is recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D to get a handle on the problem. Being the Merc with a Mouth, he never stops joking and poking fun at the presidents, S.H.I.E.L.D., and just about anyone else that happens to cross his path.

Background:

I'm not going to pretend that I am an all-knowing master of everything Deadpool, but here is just a brief overview of who Deadpool is. (A lot of Deadpool's background is vague and changes often depending on the telling) Deadpool AKA Wade Wilson was dying of cancer when he is recruited by the same organization that filled Wolverine with adamantium. Wade was given different abilities from different mutants including Wolverine's rapid healing ability. While the cancer was stopped and he gained superhuman abilities, he was severely disfigured with horrible burns and scars over his body, and he went insane. He is known for seeing illusions and hearing voices. Despite everything, he has a wicked sense of humor and he is known for breaking the fourth wall (this means he addresses the audience directly...Google 'fourth wall' for a better explanation). Also, he can't die. In some ways Deadpool is a tragic hero because he doesn't necessarily enjoy his life, but he can't end it. Also, no one, even other superheroes, likes him. 

Strengths:

I really like Deadpool. He's one of those characters you really shouldn't like, but his witty comments and funny jokes kind of masks the brutality he displays.  This was my first Deadpool experience, and I was very impressed with it. I found myself giggling and then showing my husband the instances where Deadpool broke the fourth wall. I even read parts to my grandfather who chuckled. I later learned that this particular graphic novel is a reboot of the Deadpool series so I don't know how different this version is from others. But if you want a good experience, check this one out!

Weaknesses:

While there is very little language in this book, there are some adult jokes and references that are not appropriate for a younger audience. Plus it's bloody and violent. (While Deadpool can't die, he can get seriously injured....like he gets shot in the head or gets his legs smashed to smithereens) 

Also, there are some political jokes sprinkled in throughout the dialogue. Some people might find this inappropriate or distasteful. But readers have to remember that they are just jokes. Some are hits and some are misses.

Opinion and Recommendation:

This was a great read. It was larger and longer than most graphic novels that I've read before, but I demolished this novel in a day. It was funny and clever and very enjoyable. I had a gift card to Barnes and Noble and this was an impulse buy, but I'm glad I bought it. I will definitely be reading through this again and even sharing it with friends. If you don't feel like shelling out the money for this hardback graphic novel, just pop into the library and request it.