For Kicks (published in 1965) - Doping and horse racing - a book by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
"For Kicks" is the quintessential Dick Francis book where the Hero tries to solve the mystery in the racing world, but this time it is doping. Daniel Roke, an Australian stud farmer is asked by Earl October to investigate a series of wins posted by unfancied horses at the all England Racing Circuit. Roke is happy in Australia but the money dangled by Mr. October is too juicy a carrot to refuse. It does not help to have dependent siblings and family, the need for money makes it more difficult to refuse the offer. So Roke reaches England to investigate and takes up a job as the stable hand in various stables.



The mystery baffling the officials are the fact that unfancied horses win the race and they appear stimulated. But tests done on them only show an increased adrenaline count with no trace of any drug. The fastest horses are also tested whether they are doped to lose, but these too come negative. Roke disguised as the stable hand at the Earls stable come in to contact with his daughters regularly. He rebuffs the elder one and a tender relationship builds with the younger Elinor.
As the investigations proceed, Roke notices that most of the winners were horses once owned by a Humber or Adams. He gets in to their stables as a stable hand and find the work conditions atrocious. Slowly but steadily he unearths the mystery which ultimately threatens his survival. This may come as a spoiler, but the real scorcher of the book is the method of doping. Using the Pavlovian principle, Francis gives a new doping mantra, fear. Fear incited by prolonged torture followed by a stimulant in this case a whistle makes the horses bolt in terror and win the race. As always Roke is found, tortured and survives to tell the tale and reap the rewards.
An amazing book, crisp and refreshing which only Francis can imagine. Dick Francis builds up the suspense gradually that the reader is completely drawn in to the plot. Unlike his many heroes, Roke is handsome and suave, but goes through the similar travesties in search of answers. One can sense the English society of the seventies, the racing fraternity and the ambience of the field through this amazing book. This one heck of a journey every reader can take.

Nerve (published in 1964) - Jockeys and horses, a book by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Rob Finn is the black sheep of the family of talented musicians. Not only he cannot sing he cannot get the love of the woman he wants. Finn is head over heels in love with Joanna who finds his attentions unwarranted due to the fact that they are first cousins. Finn learns to ride at the outback and is hired as a trainey jockey when he reaches England.



He rides the tempestuous horses and his fearlessness helps him to overcome the most beastly ones. Slowly his fame spreads and he is catapulted in to the big league of horse racing. After basking in the glory of great wins he finds sinister going ons around him. Vicious rumors are spread about fellow jockeys and soon suicides and murders happen. Canards are spread about Finn who suddenly find his rides sluggish and his winning streak severely down in the dumps. Word goes around that he has lost his “Nerve”.
As Finn tries to find the answers about himself, he looks into the death of his colleagues and finds similar patterns and rumors surrounding their ends. As he investigates he is kidnapped and is tortured and given up as dead. But the resilient Finn manages to escape and gets the police and tries to piece the puzzle. Now the motivation is to find revenge for his torture and Finn goes against a powerful adversary whose motive is to destroy jockeys who do conform. This tale is the ultimate revenge drama of a determined but unassuming man against the power corridors in the racing land. The ending is superb and you feel for Rob Finn as he struggles to find his place in the competitive world of horse racing and love. He wins the former, but alas I feel cheated as Joanna who rescues him does not return his love.
Again a great racing story from Dick Francis in his typical crisp English. Readers can feel the yesteryears Britain through his writings, especially the English Gentleman's stiff upper-lip. Rob Finn is the typical hero who plods through torture, injury and bad luck to find a smile. Again a great mystery solved with out the high tech devices, just by pursuit and brains. A great book to take home.

Dead Cert (published in 1962) - a horse racing story by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
The Dead Cert Hero, Alan York is an Amateur Jockey in the steeplechase races. During one of the races, he witnesses his friend Bill Davidson falling down from his horse and getting injured. Alan pulls up to help his friend to the hospital where he is declared dead. On his return his suspicions of foul play are confirmed when he finds the wires coiled near the fences and grooves on the posts. When he tries to bring it to the notice of the law enforcers, the wires disappear. Alan forms one of the credible witnesses for the police and soon is asking questions to the officers.



Soon he is kidnapped and beaten up severely with a warning to let go of the case. But the beatings harden his determination to find the truth about his friends death. He also meets the women of his heart, Kate and soon indulges in a cat and mouse game with the wily antagonist to protect Kate. As he digs deeper he finds a ring of power crazy aristocrats who rig races and are even willing to murder jockeys who do not agree to their demands to fix races. Bill Davidson's children secretly listening to their fathers telephonic conversation provide the vital clue to crack this mystery.
This mystery describes us the world of British race tracks before the advent of high tech. If you are interested how crime was solved without the aid of cell phones, DNA and the host of other innovations, you have come to the right place. Alan York is the upright British Gentleman, who keeps his English uptight demeanor in-spite of beatings and injuries and doggedly pursues his much connected adversary to pay for his friends death.
Francis weaves a great tale effortlessly and the amount of suspense is really high. The language is clear cut and crisp like a refreshing summer day. A great book to unwind.

Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (published in 2008) - A fantasy book, by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel as Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
The last book of the Mistborn series is equivalent to a amazing roller-coaster ride. The ups and the downs of the final battle where all the secrets are laid bare is the ultimate book. All through the 749 pages which seems to fly, not a single word is worthless and weighs its role in gold. Vin inadvertently releases a power imprisoned by Lord Ruler in the well of ascension called Ruin. Ruin is the power of destruction which was one of the foremost powers along with preservation in the universe. So with Ruin on the prowl the world is again a more dangerous place to live, mists swirl around this time making people severely ill, and ash continuously fall from the sky.
Vin tries to get through the mists swirling around to get to the bottom of the many secrets held by them. Vin's journey to unravel the metaphysical manifestations of the world takes her in direct confrontation with Ruin. She and Elend move through the normal politics of negotiations and realignment with neighboring counties often gatecrashing high profile parties.



But as Elend understands the nuances of politicking, Vin confronts the powers of the world. She understands the purpose of her chaotic childhood and becomes the essence of Preservation against Ruin.
Elend matures to a politically astute leader attracting followers and also finds time for being a proud husband. His allomantic powers also extends and slowly he becomes a natural Mistborn. But his understanding with Vin, and his trust in her powers along with love helps him to confront Ruin. Sazed, the Terris scholar, and chronicler of religions finds himself adrift after the death of his life. He is in search of the true god and a true religion. Both Elend and Sazed find their faith about the Hero of Ages is the only thing that keeps them going and ultimately this is the faith which helps them to the true word.
As the book moves along, old notions about Lord Ruler as a despicable despot are pushed away and we find reasons for his tyranny. Vin, Elend and Sazed confronts the demons of myth mongering, selfishness, superstitions and destruction of the the world. The lives and secrets of the Kandra, Koloss and the inquisitors are laid bare which helps Elend to find the ultimate metal of Attium. Ruin with his lust of destruction is checkmated by the power of love which lets Vin forget her pain and loss. She becomes the essence of preservation drubbing Ruin to help create a new world with flowers for the survivors.
This book is the ultimate fantasy saga with the most unconventional twist. Great language, greater plot and the greatest of all characterizations keeps this book a real page turner till the end. Alas these adventures are only for Allomancers and its sad indeed to be a simple mortal to watch the Mistborn's save the world.

Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (published in 2007) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris, well received, followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Well of Ascension is the second book among the Mistborn trilogy. The world has changed with the death and defeat of Lord Ruler and his evil empire and after the exhilaration of triumph, the realization of a rudderless entity is causing chaos. This confusion has many claimants for the spoils of the earlier ruler. The pure anarchy has even people cherish the earlier rule.
Vin, the protagonist and the pivotal spear against the Lord is now the girl friend of Elend the dreamy noble man. Elend is idealistic and plans to rule in a text book fashion, where constitutional rights govern all. He does not have real experience in realpolitik and is considered weak. He forms an assembly to govern the erstwhile capital of Luthadel, but these men who have no experience brings his ideals down. There are other set of Nobles, like his father Straff Venture who wants to keep their share of spoils. He amasses a large army to besiege Luthadel.



Vin on the other hand returns as the most powerful Mistborn of the region. With Keisher dead, she is emotionally very vulnerable and her only source of companionship is Keisher's Kandra, OreSeur. Kandras are magical companion's or servants whose contracts pass through inheritance. Vin also is very insecure with her relationship with the scholarly and blue blood Noble man, Elend who does not have any Allomancy powers. Will this unequal relationship survive?
Sazed pursues scholarly pursuits and stumbles upon the journal of the Lord Ruler whose ascension was the part of prophesies of Alendi. As he rushes to inform Vin he stumbles upon the most deadliest armies of all ready to savage Luthadel, the Koloss. Another noble man Lord Ashweather Cett also plans to invade Luthadel. As the petty squabbles reach the boiling point it is upon Elend's and Vin's courage to defeat the villains. Straff tries to depose Elend by manipulating the same laws that he wrote. Elend's half brother, a Mistborn himself seeks out to Vin, convinced that he can escape serving Straff if he could elope with her. The mutual fear of Elend and Vin threatens their relationship further. As the novel hurls in to one disaster after another the reader feels the pure chaos feeding Luthadel. How do people go on without a purpose? What happens after a revolution succeeds? These are the questions answered through this novel. Lofty ideals and good intentions are never enough to run a nation and satisfy the good and the bad alike.
Elend and Vin discover this bitter truth and the mist which swirls turns up another surprise for Elend. This helps Vin to reaffirm her relationship and see through the machinations of Zane. This second book takes from the real world where revolutions are planned and executed with no vision for the future. It exemplifies the great plans gone awry when greedy gather together for the spoils. This book as any middle book does hangs up over the ultimate fate and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.

Mistborn: The Final Empire (published in 2008) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Mistborn: the final empire is the first book of the trilogy by Bryan Sanderson. Here he creates a new world ruled by the evil Lord Ruler and his feudal aristocrats and a new magic Allomancy. Allomancy is the capability to ingest metals and use them to acquire superhuman abilities. This is inherent in the Mistborn's who then can manipulate any metal to propel themselves or use it as a weapon. The chief protagonist in this book itself is the evil Lord Ruler. He was the long awaited boy liberator who turns to the shadow to become the worse oppressor of the land of Skaa.



The brutal and absolute regime has gripped them in fear for thousand years with volcanic ash covering the city devoid of blooming flowers. The populace is ground under the thumb of oppression with executions for minor infractions being a norm. Food has become a scarcity and the slaves of Skaa loose their health and will to live.
Into this conundrum enters Keisher the ultimate revolutionary and Robin-hood rolled in to one. He was brutalized by the ruling class and had witnessed the killing of his wife by Lord Ruler. Thrown into the mines, Keisher is famous for being the only one to escape from the hell holes of the Lord. He seeks redemption for his people and revenge for his wife. He commands a rag tag army of small time crooks who have the confidence to infiltrate the palace of Lord Ruler himself seeking the means to kill him.
Vin is a thief off the streets who roams with her brother. Keisher soon finds her using Allomancy against an important official of the Lord Ruler and is fascinated by her talent and confidence. He takes her under his wings to tutor her to control her power. He teaches her the nuances of misting and in a Pygmalion like role helps her to move in the society. Vin learns to behave among the royals and feudal roles and soon infiltrates their rank as a lady. She soon enters the palace and stumbles upon the journals of the boy who would become Lord ruler. Vin also questions Keisher's belief that all aristocrats are evil killers especially as she falls for the young nobleman Elend. Vin grows taking along Keisher with her, as she develops her abilities to bring about the change of guard.
Mistborn is one of the most amazing book written by Sanderson. The pacing, characters and the idea itself is the most captivating. Sanderson does not indulge in time tested magic tricks, instead develops new capabilities, like Allomancy. Who else can imagine such innovative magical capabilities? Sanderson takes the story of a messiah and turns in on its head, with the corruption of the savior itself. There is no dull moment in the book as the action explodes right from page one. This book is definitely a captivating read and the only problem is keeping one's hands off it.

Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia (published in 2009) - A fantasy book by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris was well received and followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Alcatraz after successfully putting down the Librarians returns to his real home of Nalhalla. After being in the Hushlands he returns to the Smedry's hometown where he discovers that he is a celebrity. Books are written in his name and people love to be with him. Considering the painful and isolated life in the Librarian infested United States, it is a very welcome change and Alcatraz fully welcomes it.
Meanwhile the librarians who are down but not out are weaving their own webs of treachery. Alcatraz finds his father whom he rescued from the pits of Alexandria is incoherent, silent and very distant. His efforts to engage a conversation is stiffly denied. Bastille on the other hand is stripped of her title and powers as she has broken the sword. Alcatraz discovers that he was kidnapped as a baby by the librarians with his mother active complicity as she was a librarian herself. In-spite of the problems Alcatraz revels in his newfound fame and grandpa Smedry has to zap him out of it.



So begins his adventures as librarians are negotiating with the king of Nalhalla. They ask for the kingdom of Mokia in return for the cessation of hostilities. His mother Shasta meanwhile try to infiltrate the royal archives to get a rare book which gives information about the origins of the Smedry talents. So Alcatraz on his teen shoulders has the responsibility of rescuing Bastille's reputation, foil the librarian plans, nullify the treaty of Mokia and open up his father. Does he do it by keeping his wit and brash teenage angst intact? Joining Alcatraz on his quest are the usual suspects grandpa and Bastille along with a Crystin Knight; Folsom Smedry, a cousin and literary critic; and Himalaya, a reformed librarian.
Another amazing adventure from Brandon Sanderson who just knows the pulse of the reader. However here Alcatraz comes to terms with his “greatness” and admit to himself that he is the cool jock of the free kingdoms. So a new self assured Alcatraz full of himself is presented. But his sarcastic wit and classic one liners keep his ego from inflating and the readers interest. This book has a little more action with dragons, trials, and maybe a budding romance. One little jarring thing is the knights of Crystallia, which actually does amount to much. The fights between the knights are not very much the center of the plot as the title suggest. And never read the book in isolation, always follow the series order and be prepared for the unexpected giggles and guffaws.
But still just as Alcatraz realized about himself, its time we accept the fact “that the book is just awesome”.

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (published in 2008) - The second novel in the Alcatraz series

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris which was well received, followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
The second book of the Alcatraz series, it further explores the magical kingdoms and the evil cult of the librarians. Alcatraz after successfully infiltrating the Librarians is one of the most hunted boy in the planet. His grandfather plans to evacuate all of them to a safer place, but Alcatraz has other plans. He is tormented by the disappearance of his dad and plans to go to the Library of Alexandria which was his last know destination. This library is manned by its soul stealing curators who entice people to check out with a book. This library has everything written by man and is the last word in knowledge. The only catch is, if you read its books your soul is sucked out by the curators.



In Alexandria Alcatraz is soon joined by Bastille, her mother Drauline, his uncle, Kazan and cousin, Australia. Australia has the talent of waking up and looking ugly, or looking like the person whom she last thought of before falling asleep. Uncle Kazan is blessed with the talent of getting lost, that is he can get himself lost from dangerous situations and find himself back when things are favorable. Reaching the library the whole group separates and the curators tease and taunt the Occulators to take a book. Alcatraz understand their language through his translator lenses. Kazan manages to find him and awesome Bastille with the help of his “getting lost” skill. Adventures follow as they are out maneuvered and mange to outwit at the same time. Alcatraz on the trip to Alexandria learns that his is one of the greatest and dangerous talents and his father Attica had sold his soul to the curators. He finds a note written by dear dad before his transformation and finds a way to turn the clock back for his family.
The second book is hilarious, sparky and the most engaging. Sanderson employs great wit for all his characters especially for Alcatraz which makes him the smart Alec of boy wizards. The gadgets like Translator lenses and windstormers are really the ultra cool ones which all boys like to have. I am sure Bryan Sanderson would have converted some teenage fantasies writing about Alcatraz. There are some moments of awkward dialogues like when Bryan and Bastille are trapped in the pit which makes you turn the page a little faster, but on the whole the book is fast paced, engaging and great fun.
A word of caution though, always follow the Alcatraz series faithfully or else you may loose some vital points of importance. One can go ahead and have some fun times with the family with this one.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (published in 2007) - a juvenile fiction novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris which was well received, followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan asked Brandon to complete Jordan's famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Never get misled by the title, for this book is about a boy of specials talents inhabiting the world of the evil librarians. Well, librarians are book lovers nemesis, as they patiently wait to get you out of their lair. But jokes apart Alcatraz Smedry, the hero takes you in to that alter universe of magic talents. This book is targeted towards a teenager, but big kids over forty would also definitely enjoy this.
Alcatraz Smedry, is a lanky teenager who is an orphan, yanked in and out of foster homes. He is cursed with the amazing power of klutziness and tends to break, no wreck, anything in the vicinity. So no home will ever hold him or have him. In-spite of this Alcatraz accepts his way in life with humor. But on his thirteenth birthday, things begin to hit the roof. He gets a bag of sand from his biological father and even as he ponders the mysterious present it is stolen by some shady characters. As he tries to calm himself in the kitchen it catches fire and is razed down. Shocked by this, his chef foster mom gives him up and Alcatraz is back in the orphanage ready to be shot by the case worker (yes it happens).



He is visited by his grandfather Leavenworth Smedry who tells him that he belongs to a strange land of magic called the free kingdoms and he possess the amazing talent for destruction. After this shock revelation, he meets his real family, Bastille and cousins, Quentin and Singsing. The whole group are the Occulators each possessing a magical talent, Grandpa's is “coming late”. He comes late for pain, destruction, he is even late for death and therefore indestructible. Occulators are talented beings saving the world from the evil force of the librarians and the key to defeat them now is to retrieve the “bag of birthday sand” stolen from Alcatraz. Alcatraz accepts the job of rescuing the “Sands of Rashid” by infiltrating the lair of the librarians with his yellow and red tinted “Tracker Lenses”. Along with his cousins, mother and grandfather he does it with much aplomb and laughter.
Bryan Sanderson proves once again why he is one of the most talented writers around. His imagination is wonderful in making this magical world work. It is not the run of the mill, wand swishing, incantation muttering magic, its the funny bone tickling talents thats on display. Tickling the story does, with the infectious wit spread across the pages and the whole story works even to the heights of folly. From the realms of the Hushpeople i.e non magical people I can only admire Bryan's talents for weaving a story.
A warning though, you may better position somebody to pry your fingers off this book, because you might never give it up the peaceful way.

Warbreaker (published in 2009) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris which was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Bryan Sanderson unveils the plot just like a fantasy game where Gods vie for their place with mercenaries, heroes, princesses and other sword-bearers. It introduces the concept of magic called Biochromancy which involves “using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished." Everybody is born with one breath which can be bartered, sold to gain favors just as you accumulate life in your game. So as you accumulate more breaths your magical ability grows and after each threshold a “heightening” occurs conferring the holder miraculous powers. Some accumulate thousands of breaths thus becoming God like denizens themselves. These powers are life giving wonderworks and also make the accumulator ageless. This concept of accumulation of breaths is the cause of rift between the god's of Hallendren and Idris.



Sanderson weaves the tale of the two ideologies drawn from a single premise. Hallendren's Gods approve the accumulation and selling of breaths even by force. The God kings of Hallendrens even kill for the breaths and many poor people sell theirs as a means of survival. Hallendren is the place where Awakener's roam the streets in turn guarded by the Awakened corpses. The original King moves away from these mercenaries and establishes a peaceful kingdom of Idris across the mountains where magic is for everyone even though its in moderation. This socialistic situation makes Idris relatively poorer and much less colorful as the magic is spread over compared to the colorful Hallendren where a powerful individual can heighten the magical capability to new levels.
Since Idris controls the mountainous trade routes, Hallendren start sabre rattling which forces the king of Idris to revisit an old treaty to bring about peace. He plans to send his less favored younger daughter, the spoilt Siri to be the bride of Susebron, God King of Hallendren. Her sister Vivienna who was brought up for this very role feels the guilt, and follows Siri to rescue her from the clutches of evil. The God Kings are the “Returned”, the men who die a heroic death and are sent back as ageless magical beings. Siri is warned to be subservient and not to look in to the eyes of her husband.
In this conundrum lives Lightsong, another returned who makes light of his godly status. He makes jokes of his ability and is often curious about his heroic before-life and death. Siri and Vivienna come to the realization that the god kings of Hallendren are just pampered souls, but the real power lies with the priests. Vivienna discovers the plot to stir the rebellion in Idris and is constantly watched by “Vasher” whose sword has a deadly secret. As layers of treachery, threats and trouble are peeled off, each of the characters grow, Siri gains the political savvy, Lightsong his secret and Vivienna and Vasher their purpose in life with broadening of their horizons.
Sanderson unravels the plot in many layers and builds up the intrigue and suspense to dizzying new levels. Each character builds up the tempo of the story and the ending is just mind-boggling. You just turn the pages astounded at the level of his imagination. If you are a fantasy addict, the Warbreaker is a must read and if you are not it is a nice place to start.

Elantris (published in 2005) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris which was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Elantris is a world of the god's chosen people. The transformation or the Shaod picks any one from the Arnelonian nation and makes them that magical being capable of healing and amazing supernatural powers. The Elantrian's have misty white hair and the power of the AonDor makes them shine with a luminescence of the celestial bodies. The very stones of Elantris would glow, making it the true city of the gods. The 5 cities, the largest among them being Kae, around Elantris flourished under its patronage. Elantrian's never were concerned about being the revered deities and encouraged all forms of worship, especially the peaceful sect of Shu-Korath.



The books opens with the darkness where Elantris was destroyed and the Elantrians confined to its dark ghost like walls as mere corpses who would not be blessed even with the release of death. The now dreaded Shaod which makes a living man wretched, inflames and increases every pain and injury. To this world of the living dead, the much popular Raoden, the prince of Kae is thrown in as the Shaod comes up on him. His father, Iaodon masks his condition by declaring him dead and holding a funeral. Raoden's political bride Princess Sarene of Teod arrive and the marital contract binds her to the imperial household as a daughter. Sarene, a strong willed women senses something amiss about the sudden disappearance of the prince and starts to investigate the royal household and the tumultuous political situation of Kae. After the collapse of Elantris Kae has been in political turmoil for a decade with the mercenary merchants gripping the political favors with their money. The peasants and others suffer the yoke of slavery and poverty, creating a a class with simmering rage.
Compounding the troubles for Kae, the Shu-Dereth sect controlling the east under the despot Wyrn Wulfand sends in the Drakhor Monk Hrathen with a ultimatum, convert and surrender to the Shu-Dereth religion or face annihilation. Arnelon and Teod are the two nations resisting the tyrannical rule of the Wyrn and Sarene faces the complex situation of finding allies to withstand Iaodon and Hrathen. Slowly but surely she finds friends of Raoden and her kinsman who help her thwart the evil designs of Hrathen. Raoden on the other hand immerses himself in to the redemption of the Elantrians. He learns the ancient power which binds the Aons and the land and brings the living dead of the Elantris to fight their condition.
Hrathen and Sarene strive to outsmart each other, ultimately their purpose is to unite with Raoden. The book pulsates with the raw energy of its characters and is definitely a page turner. The book is a visual treat as Bryan Sanderson brings the images alive as a motion picture. You can feel the wretchedness of doom and the triumph of battle in every word. Sometimes you do feel Raoden having it too easy and Sarene, being the stereotypical strong but beautiful woman by his side, but the strength of the idea and pace of the novel makes it a best seller.

The Ivory Tower (published in 1917) - A book by Henry James, posthumously published

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Ivory Tower is an unfinished novel by Henry james about the unbridled greed and heavy costs money brings to the lives of men. It is brooding tale of the gilded age plutocrats who amassed a large fortune at the cost of others and are at last dying with squabbles around them. Rosanna Gaw, daughter of a wealthy financier Abel Gaw persuades her fathers estranged and dying partner to extend a welcome to his nephew from Europe. She had caused a rift between Betterman and his nephew, Gray a long time ago and wants to rectify the wrongs.



Rosanna gives Gray as he arrives, a letter from her soon fading father which details the business dealings between him and Betterman and the cause of their feud. Gray refuses to read the letter and puts it in a miniature ivory tower replica for future reference. Another two characters, Haughty Vint and Celia Fox arrive on the scene with villainous intentions. Vint is friends with Gray and has saved his life in the Alps. Cissy Fox intends to marry Gray for his fortune in-spite of never setting her eyes on him. She and Vint are possibly lovers and they discuss the money inherited by Gray and Rosanna. Soon Gaw and Betterman die and Gray inherits a large fortune. He enlists an unscrupulous Vint to manage it and renews his acquaintance with Cissy much to the chagrin of Rosanna. But at this point the novel breaks off never to be finished. But extensive notes left by James suggest a possible betrayal by Vint who is then magnanimously forgiven by Gray. It also hints the realization of the blackness of this ill gotten wealth by Gray and his reunion with Rosanna.
In-spite of its incomplete nature this book was a great success among the public and the critics. It may be a little jaded for the 21st century with its criticism of capitalism and ill gotten wealth. It seems that for all his ravings against large amount of money, Henry James had received a large advance for this novel from Scribners, his publisher. Overall an interesting book with good characterization.

The Outcry (published in 1911) - A light comedy by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Outcry is a humorous novel by Henry James about the collection of art by the wealthy irrespective of their knowledge and taste. This novel was intended as a play and therefore one can find the dialogues are more prominent than the background with better banter between the characters.
Lord Theign plans to sell his paintings to Breckenridge Bender, a wealthy American Magnate who plans to collect art from across the world. Theign's elder daughter has amassed large debts by gambling and he needs money immediately to cover these costs. Bender arrives and asks for the portrait of Duchess of Waterbridge by Joshua Reynolds which Theign is loath to part. Another common fixture is Lady Sandgate who hopes to find a buyer in Bender of her great grand mother's portrait by Lawrence.



Lord John, a wealthy but slimy aristocrat is smitten by Lady Grace and plans to win her hand by smoothening out the debts. Lord Theign and his elder daughter are very much inclined to the match, but Grace declines as she feels John to be a lazy cunning man. To this convoluted scene Harry Crimble, a journalist cum art critic arrive to meet the perceptive Grace to view all the paintings at the hall. Soon he finds that the little known Morretto which Bender wants to buy is a real Mantavano who would command a higher price. He ventures his guess to Theign who is skeptical and agrees reluctantly for a expert viewing. Crimble also is against the selling of Britain's historical artefact's to the money bags of the new world.
He kicks up a storm about the sale in the British papers which sure rises to be a national thunderstorm. But Bender is only mildly amused and plans to buy if it is for sale. Lady Grace fights with Lord Theign about her rejecting of Lord John's proposal and stays with Lady Sandgate. John on the other hand hopes to make some money by brokering a deal between Bender and Theign. Grace and Crimble meanwhile realize their attraction for each other and seal it with a kiss. Theign is furious and asks Amy Sandgate for help. Slowly all things come to a clear verdict as Theign realizes the dirty game played by John. Crimble is vindicated as Theign agrees to donate the painting to the British Gallery. He persuades Lady Sandgate to do the same and marries her for her part.
This novel again takes up Henry James pet project of the clashes between the Old World Europe and the Young brash America. The trophy acquisitions were frowned upon by James and the book created a mild furore. The book compared to his other works is very short and humorous. So it is a much interesting fast paced story even thought he ending is pretty tame.

The Whole Family (published in 1908) - A collaborative novel, with one written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The old adage “too many cooks spoil the broth” is a very apt signature line for this novel, The Whole family. It is a collaborative effort by twelve authors and is the brain child of William Howell. It was carried out under the direction of Harper Bazaar editor, Elizabeth Jordan. Apart from Howell the only other novelist of repute who participated in this effort was Henry James. Howell wanted to write a great novel about the effect of an engagement and marriage on the lives of different members of the family. This light hearted venture became a interplay of emotions and relationships with a black sheep of the family.



Howell starts the novel with the Talbert family who own the family business “silver plate works” which churns out mundane household items. Talbert's college educated daughter, Peggy Talbert joins the family after finishing the education and is promptly engaged to a Harry Goward. Harry is a weak person and somewhat unsuited for Peggy.
After this, the next author Mary Freeman careens off the novel from the intended path by introducing a sexually aware aunt. Howell had intended the twelve authors to explore the effect of Peggy's engagement in twelve different members of the family. The aunt was supposed to be a benevolent old maid. But Freeman gave her a bohemian touch and the aunt was a colorful attractive minx to whom Peggy's intended would be attracted to. The aunt encourages this dalliance and whole hell breaks loose.
Then the subsequent authors had to contend with the aunts effect on Peggy and other members of the family. So the confusion is much evident as each author grapples with sexuality and relationships. At last the loose ends are tied up, the aunt is exiled to New York city and the fiancée is sent packing. Peggy finds a soul mate in the staid Professor Stillman Dane. They sail for Europe for their honeymoon along with Peggy's brother Charles and his wife Lorraine.
This broth is a disaster from the word go. The characters suffer as they are constrained by the layout given to the authors. The imagination of the writers never work here and this novel feels like a amateur effort. A tame insipid ending does not help the story at all. There is no excitement and verve a novel should offer. It is better you pass this hotchpotch.

The Sense of the Past (published in 1917) - A posthumous novel by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Sense of the Past is a sweet comedy where a young American travels across time to find his ancestors. This novel was published posthumously and was largely left unfinished by the author. A large break between time and errors in aligning the characters dent the image of this book. Ralph Penderel is a history buff and his treatise on how to read history when published suitably impresses a long lost relative. So Ralph is bequeathed a old London house by the relative after his death. Ralph travels to London to view the house which is now his. As he wanders across the rooms he fonds certain disturbances. This disturbances are the break in the time line and the house has the ability to transport anybody to another time zone.



Ralph meets his ancestor who has his own name and is vastly intrigued. He meets the US ambassador at the embassy to ask for help and returns to this house. But soon he is transported to the old 19th century England where his ancestors had lived. Henry James abandons this book at this stage and carried on with life. Towards his early seventies he revived this book to escape the horrors of World War I. But many feel that as a old man he did not have the energy and the technical prowess to tie the loose ends and start the novel from 1900. Instead the book makes a quantum leap to circa 1914 where Ralph is leading the life of his ancestors.
Ralph lives in 1914 england and is engaged to a woman called Molly Modmore. But he soon is attracted to her sister Nan who has a slimy suitor Cantopher Bland. As the name suggest Bland is as Bland can get and Nan soon gets entangled with Ralph. Ralph also has to contend with their fearsome brother and mother. Here the novel breaks off completely as James would be in his death bed. Extensive notes reveal that Nan gets to know that Ralph actually belongs to the 20th century and sacrifices her own happiness to return him to his own time-line. He reunites with his old flame Aurora Coyne and lives on.
This book even though unfinished held a special fascination for the readers and was well received. It was also made in to a play and would have had the approval of Henry james. A good book to enjoy.