Graphic Novel Fan? Check Out the DARK TALES series from Canterbury Classics!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

My self-imposed BLOGAPALOOZA continues with POST #2...which is actually more like a FOUR IN ONE!  Well sometimes things are best presented together for the overall effect and that certainly fits the situation here.

Today, we're diving into a new series from Canterbury Classics that's taking tales of old, and giving them a modernization in both the story and the delivery.  What's that?  You don't do fairy tale redos?  Well, I'm going to  recommend you hold judgment until the end because I was pretty surprised myself with a few of them.  At first glance, there's no doubt you'll recognize the titles, I mean who wouldn't...they are classic stories...but that second glance will reveal the first of the "changes"...the delivery or format.  That's right, they are GRAPHIC NOVELS and while that's not completely novel, the artwork certainly is, and though I'm not one generally drawn to this particular genre, I did find some of it rather appealing.  Now, for that second surprise...

A third glance at these titles, albeit only noticeable if you actually open them so consider me your virtual page turner there, reveals the story changes themselves.  Now, don't get your pants in a bind...they didn't take liberties per se, though those they do are openly acknowledged and begged pardon for, but they may not completely be the tales you're familiar with.  How so?  Well,the opening to each (which was totally a BONUS!) reveals the history of the original story and how things have been changed or represented differently from the first publication.  For example, did YOU know Belle apparently had SIBLINGS?  Or that the Beast's curse was a tad different than simple vanity?  Or how about that Maurice was actually WELCOME to the castle and created his own mess with a warned against blunder?  Yeah...now you see what I'm getting at.  The books take us through the story as it changed throughout history, and then allow us to indulge in this modernization with full color illustrations depicting the journeys along the way.

Though I did indulge in all four tales, I admit...I had favorites...

Beauty and the Beast  (978-1-68412-099-4) was certainly one of them.  Though once again, I was surprised by the differences to the story as I remember it, this version was quite the read!  I loved Belle's fierceness and determination, though she still retained her bookish nature and loving heart.  I also enjoyed the curious nature of the castle in which they live (which was not simply filled with enchanted talking servants!) and the horrible evil that lived side by side in the shadows.  ~shudders~  It was definitely different than the Disney versions many of us know, but equally memorable!

The Snow Queen  (978-1-68412-102-1) was next up on the favorite list.  Though this was a tale I was only vaguely familiar with in its entirety, I was able to see so many other stories that were influenced by this original as I read.  Gerda was one special girl and Kay was lucky to have her on his side because there are not many that would go through so much with so little promise of a happy end.  Also, can I just say I really liked the reindeer?  He was a bright spot for me despite the terrible circumstances in which he meets Gerda, and believe me with the evil start to the story along with the Queen herself, you REALLY needed a bright spot!

The Hound of the Baskervilles ( 978-1-68412-100-7) would be third on the list....despite the fact that I was most familiar with this one (I even had a kiddie book version of it as a kid!).  It might have been the familiarity that had it sink to third, but I think it was also the illustrations.  While well penned and certainly depicting the scenes as they came, they just didn't sit as well with me.  Cie la vie, the story IS just as amazing as it's always been though, so certainly no love lost there, and it makes a great way to introduce another generation to the story they may be reluctant to divulge in classic lit.

The Call of Cthulhu (978-1-68412-101-4) unfortunately...didn't exactly make my list.  I know, I know...fans of the author's work will probably want my head for this, but keep in mind, though I know OF his works, I've never READ his works, so my opinion on this story is purely from this version.  Now, I had a coworker see I was reading it, got a little curious, and picked it up for a glance.  According to them (they ARE a fan of the author's work), while it captured the basics of the story, and the artwork was interesting, it didn't really do the work justice on the whole.  Hmm...might be a case of the book just simply doesn't translate well into this particular format...it happens, but in any case, it would still certainly serve the purpose of getting a reluctant reader interested in discovering MORE.  As for this reader, maybe one day...just not today.

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Special thanks to Casey at Media Masters Publicity for the chance to read and share these new works with you as well as the copies for review.  (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the series, or Canterbury Classics other editions, feel free to click through the links provided above.  The Dark Tales series is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Elementary indeed...: Winter at Death's Hotel by Kenneth Cameron

HI guys!

Welcome back to the place that loves exploring the world of literature one book at a time...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're stepping away from the usual teaser post for a glimpse inside the cover of a recent read of mine.  It's an ARC I agreed to review that falls into the category of "better in theory than in execution"...at least for this reader.  It stars the wife of the infamous creator of Sherlock Holmes in a murder mystery that will take her from the creme de la creme to the depths of despair and back again as she becomes the prime target due to her meddling.  Curious?  So was I.  Let us take a closer look.  Today's book of choice is...

Winter at Death's Hotel

by

Kenneth Cameron

About the book....

New York, January 1896. Arthur Conan Doyle, the renowned created of Sherlock Holmes, arrives with his wife Louisa at the Britannic Hotel in New York for his first American tour. While Arthur prepares his lectures, Louisa becomes entranced by the vibrant, dangerous metropolis brimming with debauchery and iniquity around every corner. When a woman's mutilated corpse turns up in a Bowery alley, Louisa recognizes the victim as someone she's seen in the hotel. Obsessed with the woman's gruesome death, Louisa starts piecing together clues to reveal a story of murder and depravity—a story that leads back to the hotel itself and a madman who is watching her every move.

As I said, sounds FABULOUS in theory, but for this reader, it fell a bit flat.  Allow me to explain.

On the pro side of things, we have a female lead that is interesting enough, with morals to spare and more kindness in her heart for her fellow woman than can be fathomed.  She is desperate to not let this young woman's death fall by the wayside; in my mind, she was imaging her to be someone's daughter, sister, wife, etc...sad and yet so true.  I liked the idea of exploring life from the wife of an author growing in infamy and the plan to solve a mystery of her own choosing without said husband's aid.  (Believe me, he is none too helpful.)  I enjoyed her connection with Ethel, her handmaid, and Minnie, the spunky reporter she befriends.  Her mind was open to possibilities that others of her time were not and that assisted her in seeing beyond what was simply there in front of her face.  (Nice touch!)  Marching on...

The cast of male characters were distinct and yet played second fiddle to our femme fatales, a surprising turn of events, but most enjoyed.  A favorite among them?  Detective Dunne...nicknamed "Never" Dunne.  He may not be the quickest bloke nor something to especially appealing to look at, but he's thorough, accurate and out to get the one at the heart of these heinous crimes.  Speaking of those crimes, if you've an easily turned stomach, you might not want to read parts of this while eating.  Just sayin.  *ahem*

On the con side, I had a hard time tussling with the author's writing style, especially the sentence structures.  Was it simply the style of the times? Could be, but I've read Mr. Holmes' adventures before and found them less of a mouthful.  Also, I found myself skimming a section or two trying to move things along as we would get hung up here or there with overly descriptive passages about a certain locale in the city, or the layout of a room, etc.  Some of these play bigger parts later in the story, yes, but at the time, they stalled things.  Last but not least, there was also a preoccupation with sexuality...and not just from the Butcher.  His/Her focus I understand; they were the killer and they were proving a point....however, Louisa's many bouts with "self-appreciation" were, well, to a point, unnerving.  I mean, she wasn't perverse or anything, but it just seemed awkward.

In conclusion, there is a case to be made for and against this particular fictional adventure of a real life author's wife turned sleuth.  Where will you plant your fandom flag?  Well now, that's entirely up to YOU now isn't it?  The facts have been laid before you as I saw them, but the true FINAL ANSWER is in your hands.  I do however recommend this one for adult readers and beyond due to some content as previously mentioned.

ARC for review courtesy of Liz at Sourcebooks.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog of literary wonders, be sure to visit them online, friend them on Facebook, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released earlier this month and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!