Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Not So Into Fantasy--Or Is She?

I know I've mentioned before that I don't read much fantasy. Okay, I have to admit I have never finished a fantasy book--until tonight. Yes, I've read much of the Chronicles of Narnia while reading to my kids at night. But sadly, Princess isn't into them as much as Elder and Frodo, and she is usually my nighttime responsibility. So, my chronicles are limited to nights when Daddy is away.

I love the movies, by the way.

It is because I am one of those readers that needs no description. Say apartment, don't tell me about the apartment, because it will always be my husbands apartment from sophomore year, no more, no less. So if you dump me into a world where nothing is anything that I could possible imagine I have trouble. (See why I enjoy the movies? Now I know what they mean by furry two foot high creatures who talk.)

But, I just finished DragonKnight by Donita K. Paul and it was really good. It took me a while--I had to keep referencing the map--but I finally got myself accustomed to the world and tore through it once I did. This book kept me turning page after page long after I should have surrendered to the call of the pillow. My heavy eyelids can attest to that.

The chapters are short so it is far too easy to read "just one more."

Oh, and the wisdom. I love it. Keep in mind this is fantasy, so God isn't, but Wulder, the creator, is.

"'Taste now and imagine. For this pleasure is as a grain of salt to what I have prepared for you who follow Me.'"

"Beyond what we see, our fire enlightens or destroys."

"Wulder appreciates diverse sizes, shapes and colors in is creation. And if He does, then who are we to pass judgment based on such criteria?"

"There comes a time when words lost their ability to accomplish change and just became noises in the air."

"She breathed in, remembering the promise Wulder had made in His Tomes that this world spun towards an end of His design. And she breathed out, purposely shedding the demand in her soul that everything be made right. Right now, this very instant."

Isn't it marvelous?

Now, DragonKnight is apparently the third in a series and it is certainly a very good book on its own merit, but I intend to get my hands on the first two books. There is much about this land that I want to know. And my son loves it.

Since I figured it out and all.

7 comments:

Julie Carobini said...

I don't read much Fantasy either, but I do remember meeting Donita at a writer's conference. She was at dinner, friendly but quiet. Could've knocked me over when she produced her book cover with a DRAGON on it, of all things. Too, too funny. Nice passages that you quoted, btw.

Camy Tang said...

I've heard wonderful things about this series! I've been wanting to dive into it but there are so many other books I have to read first. I lent my copy of DRAGONSPELL to a junior high kid at church and he LOVED it.
Camy

Donita K. Paul said...

Thanks, Jamie, for including DragonKnight in your blog. Waving hello to Camy and Julie! I am in a motel room in the wilds of Indiana, cut off from friends and family, in a vain attempt to get quality writing done without interruption. I am getting some rest and relaxation with a ton of guilt for not writing prolifically. However, this morning I decided God knows what He's doing. (Imagine that!) and He knew I need some quality breathing space. The book will get written, just not this week. LOL!

Anonymous said...

Found your site through Camy's tag. I'm not much of a fantasy girl either but my daughter is always trying to get me to read it. Maybe I'll give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

Unknown said...

Ok, I have read the first two, and I can't wait to get my hands on the third one. I'm gonna have to get the library to go ahead and buy it.

Chaos-Jamie said...

Lucky for most of us, we only have other people living in our brains. Donita has whole universes. I think I'd be quiet too!

Rebecca LuElla Miller said...

Jamie, thanks for the link to your site. Great comments. I will happily mention your site tomorrow as part of the Christian SF/Fantasy Blog Tour. One thing I'm hoping is that more people such as you, who haven't read much fantasy for one reason or another, discover some of the up and coming fantasy Christians are putting out.

Consider joining the tour next month--it would be great to have you (and Julie and Camy! ;-) )

Becky