The Book Stacks

By
Thomas M. MacKay
http://members.cox.net/thomas.mackay

Writing fantasy fiction, you would expect it would always be easy to think of a way to get your characters where you want them to go, but sometimes you just get stuck. You’ve introduced your (insert fantasy race here) hero to the reader, and now you want to get him/her/it into trouble so you can have fun writing a way out of it. Or even worse, you’ve gotten your character into so much trouble you can’t figure out how he could possibly get out of it. When this happens to you - and it inevitably will, if you keep writing - here are some tried and true plot devices to get things moving.

The MacGuffin

The term “MacGuffin” was made popular by Alfred Hitchcock to refer to some object that all the characters in the story value as being supremely important. This is typically an object whose importance is far beyond the value of the object itself. The microfilm in a spy story or the loot in a thriller; the key to the MacGuffin is that it doesn’t matter to the plot what the object is - in the spy story it could just as easily be secret papers, a disk, a DNA sample, or Hitler’s pen - the plot revolves around everyone wanting it, not what it is.

This is a common device in fantasy stories, typically appearing as the object of a quest which your hero must acquire to save the kingdom. Once your protagonist knows what it is and what it’s for, the plot is off and running.

I believe you’ve mistaken me for someone else…

Mistaken identity is a great way to get your character involved in situations that do not progress naturally from your protagonist’s own actions. Whether this is the evil twin, the long lost brother, the bad guy using magic to look like the protagonist, or just someone wearing the same clothes - there are a wealth of opportunities to get your character in trouble.

Another common variation on the mistaken identity device is when the protagonist herself is mistaken about her own identity. She believes that she is a simple woodcutter’s daughter, when really she is the hidden heir to the kingdom, or the prophesied heroine that will fight the dark. This is the unknowing heir variation of mistaken identity, and typically the bad guys know the truth before the protagonist herself does, which provides the initial momentum for the story.

The “get out of jail free card”

This is one to be careful with; used too much it becomes deus ex machina and robs the story of any real sense of drama. But used sparingly it can be surprisingly effective at lending a sense of mystery to the story - always a good thing in fantasy stories. There are essentially two variations of this plot device: the Rube Goldberg machine, and the prescient patron.

Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who is famous for drawing cartoons of extremely complex and indirect machines that perform very simple tasks. The idea is to have your character do something the consequences of which are apparently insignificant, but which cascade into other consequences in a continuous chain until it comes back around at just the right time to help the character out. We’re talking mechanical, not spiritual - this is not Karma coming back to help out, but a side effect of a seemingly rational chain of events.

The protagonist knocks over a pitcher of milk that attracts a cat who is chased out by the barmaid who accidentally trips the delivery boy with the broom who stumbles against the innkeeper who drops the cask of brandy he’s manhandling right on the toe of a guardsman who jumps up with a curse and disrupts the spell of the evil wizard, allowing the protagonist to get away. This is a crude example, but when around that same number of connections is stretched across a longer work it can be an effective and humorous way to get the protagonist out of one dire situation.

Use it more than once and it quickly becomes tired, but it can be an easy device to retrofit back into a story once you’ve written your protagonist into a corner you can’t get him out of.

The prescient patron variation is much simpler; a minor character your protagonist encounters gives her a seemingly low value gift - typically as a reward for a good deed. It’s not until your protagonist finds herself in a nearly inescapable situation that she realizes that the gift is exactly what she needs for this one situation. The implication is nearly always that the giver had some foreknowledge. Again, this is a device you can typically only use once in a story without it losing its effectiveness, but the thought that there are really no coincidences is a staple in fantasy literature so don’t be shy about using the “get out of jail free” device.

The Tasks of Hercules

Literally a classic, the Tasks of Hercules are a set of quests, each building on the last, which the protagonist must complete in order to attain a single ultimate objective. The tasks are usually imposed by a single authority figure, as opposed to arising naturally from the development of the plot - this device is a plot driver, not a plot consequence.

Often the Tasks of Hercules are intended to prove the quester’s worth, though typically the authority figure assigning the quests will have a hidden agenda opposing the success of the protagonist. Your protagonist must be already skilled and knowledgeable in some arena for this plot device to work; after all, nobody would bother to assign a series of quests to the pot boy.

The nice thing about the Tasks of Hercules is that they can be used in even short works since you can jump into the story at the beginning, middle, or end of the series of tasks, depending on what you want to write – and the classic nature of this plot device requires little explanation or set up.

Out of left field

More commonly known as deus ex machina, or “god from a machine”, this plot device relies on something the author introduces suddenly without any plot setup in order to resolve a thorny plot situation – like the fairy godmother appearing just when Cinderella needs to get to the ball. Use of this plot device is generally frowned upon, as it can be jarring and will tend to disrupt the reader’s willing suspension of disbelief.

There are a couple of ways to get away with using an “out of left field” plot device.

At the very beginning of a story this can be effective to get the ball rolling, as long as you later do something to tie the divine assistance back into the plot – to explain why it happened. You can also combine this plot device with the mistaken identity device; the super-powered assistance or act of god was intended for someone else, and your protagonist just received it by mistake. The rest of the story is your protagonist trying frantically to keep up because the real hero missed the message and is off somewhere sipping margaritas and chatting up dryads.

You can actually reuse this plot device in this type of story, deriving humor out of the increasing puzzlement of the powerful messenger with long suffering questions like “Are you sure you’re a hero?” adding spice. Even with this setup, though, it’s easy to overuse this device. There just isn’t that much dramatic tension when the protagonist doesn’t have to work for his victory, and the joke will eventually get old.

The Joker’s Death Machine

Everybody is familiar with the Joker, of Batman fame. The Joker was constantly capturing poor Batman, tying him up, and unleashing some diabolical and slow acting death machine, and then going away – the better to savor the elimination of Batman over chianti and fava beans. Of course, Batman always had time to figure out a way to escape. When your protagonist is surrounded by overwhelming odds, and you don’t know what to do, let them be captured. The construct some reason why they can’t just be hacked to bits, but must be subjected to some longer, more elaborate demise.

For example, staked out alone in the holy grove beneath the light of the second moon, there to be eaten by the gnarly grue. This provides ample opportunity for the hero to figure out an escape. Then you can get back to your plot, and begin building up the suspense once again.

Snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

Oops. So you got your hero to the finish line too fast. Now what do you do for the next 30 pages? No matter how sure success seems for your protagonist, the story isn’t over until the last word is written. The magic staff can be stolen, or turn out to be a fake. The princess can be kidnapped moments before the wedding. The villain can escape from the guards – they’re only henchmen, after all. How good could they be?

There are a variety of misfortunes that can befall your poor hero even after he has success within his grasp, any of which can set him dearly back – and next time, it won’t be so easy. This plot device is a great tool in the toolkit for when you’ve made your hero too good. Kick him in the shins a few times, steal his wallet, spray paint graffiti on his shield, and he won’t look so shiny.

Readers prefer a hero with a few dings, anyway. Repeated setbacks can be frustrating for the reader, so like all plot devices moderation is the watch word, but we all sympathize with the guy who loses when he thought he was winning – and we’ll cheer the more for him when he makes a come back.

Along for the Ride

Everyone is the hero of their own story. Tolkien understood this perfectly well. The hero of the Lord of the Rings is, perhaps, the least assuming person on the cast. Gentle, well mannered, anything but a fighter – quiet dignity and iron determination perhaps best characterize Frodo.

It would have been easy to cast Gandalf or Strider as the main protagonist of the trilogy, but the character that is best beloved - that captures the imagination - is Frodo. Poor Frodo, who wanted nothing more than a prosaic life in the Shire, is dragged along by Gandalf, events, and an unwanted legacy into an adventure from which he emerges changed beyond all fit with his past, but with the respect of the most powerful and wise in the land.

This plot device is based on linking your protagonist to another character or characters whose nature or position naturally leads them into an adventure, with your protagonist dragged along almost unwillingly. This allows your protagonist to be just an ordinary guy who emerges a hero through sticking to his basic principles through extraordinary circumstances. It’s much easier for readers to identify with this type of protagonist than one who is preternaturally wise, powerful, or strong – since few of us experience those qualities in our daily lives.

The Djinn’s Bargain

Sometimes your protagonist needs to accomplish an objective that is so large in scale or scope that there is no way for the character to do it by herself. You need to be able to get her some powerful help, but without detracting from the character’s own struggles. This is when you’ll use the device of the Djinn’s Bargain.

In this device, the djinn is any powerful person or being who has the power to help your protagonist, but who will do it from their own motivations and goals – and who inevitably will exact a price for the assistance. This could be a political ally or enemy, a demon, a dark wizard – generally the “djinn” in this device is someone whose natural inclinations are opposed to those of your protagonist. Then your heroine gets to deal with the consequences of her bargain, which allows you to preserve the scope of your outer conflict and add a tangible inner conflict as well. Lovely!

Wake Up Patrick Duffy! (it was all a dream)

…then she wakes up, and the whole thing was a dream. Dreams have a long and checkered history in fantasy literature – and other forms of entertainment as well. On of the most infamous uses of this device was on the TV show “Dallas”, where during the 1985 season Bobby Ewing (played by Patrick Duffy – see how this all ties together?) dies. At the start of the next season you see Bobby in the shower, and the entire previous year’s season was “just a dream”.

The uproar from the fan base was significant, but it was the only way to get Duffy back on the show, since much of the season was about the repercussions of his character’s death. That’s a bit much, though the dream device is certainly used to famous effect in Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”, the entirety of which is supposed to be a young girl’s dream.

You probably don’t want to go this far with your use of the dream plot device, but dreams can be useful as transmitters of information, or as transformative tools for your character; for example, one recent book uses a series of dreams to educate a young mage in her craft. Warnings and portents, wisdom and eldritch connections – all are fair game for the dream plot device. Dreams also open up the opportunity to explain something about your protagonist’s past without resorting to either exposition or flashbacks. The former can make the story drag, and the latter can be jarring as it yanks you out of the story.

Additionally, conversations with dream beings can be far more candid than conversations your character would have with other characters, and dreams offer the opportunity to use that bit of imagery you’ve been trying to find a place for.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but these ten provide a substantial tool kit to start with, with an infinite number of variations and combinations possible. So when you’re stuck, grab a plot device, wedge one end into your story, and yank. That will get things moving!

Thomas M. MacKay is an author in the Return of the Sword anthology. For more information click here.

From “LAIR OF THE CHERUFE: A Tale of the Barbarian Kabar of El Hazzar” – by Angeline Hawkes

Kabar stared. Before them, salivating over his brother’s face, was a legendary Manticore. The massively muscled lion’s body crowned with the face of a man held its scaled tail and its ball of poisonous quills arched high. One launch of those darts and the Manticore could kill them all. Three rows of razor sharp teeth teasingly clenched Aeneas, toying with him like a cat does a mouse. Traken and Kabar froze.

The Manticore growled. Aeneas lay as still as he could, terror blanketing his face. Kabar’s mind raced. This was the temple guardian. Were there more? His eyes quickly moved around the edge of the clearing, finding nothing. He studied the Manticore in front of them, saw its patchy fur, yellowed teeth – age betrayed it.

Kabar turned his head slightly so he could see Traken’s face. With his eyes he indicated Traken should move toward the left side of the clearing. Traken nodded and, carefully lifting one foot from the tangled path, began moving toward the goal.

The Manticore watched Traken moving, and another growl rolled from its throat. Kabar remained frozen in place. The Manticore’s eyes shifted from Kabar to the slow moving Traken, and the beast gave Aeneas a slight shake. Aeneas whimpered and reached up with his hands to grab the beast’s head. The human face looked down and seemed to smile at Aeneas.

Kabar eyed the Manticore’s tail. He could tell the beast wasn’t sure at which man to aim its poisonous barbs. The creature was sizing up the two men, determining the larger threat. Kabar tried to catch his brother’s attention, but Aeneas was moving around too much and Kabar couldn’t make eye contact with him.

The Manticore dropped Aeneas, snapped its tail backward and loosed its barbs toward Traken. Traken dove to the ground, narrowly escaping the volley. Aeneas took the opportunity to roll to his feet, but the Manticore roared in frustration, and sunk its teeth into Aeneas’ upper arm. Aeneas shouted in pain.

Kabar reacted to his brother’s cry and leapt through the air, prepared to plunge his sword into the growling beast shaking Aeneas back and forth. He landed backward astride the beast’s body. Quickly twisting around, he clamped his powerful thighs tight to the Manticore’s sides. Down he plunged his sword, again and again, impaling the beast on the steel. The Manticore let Aeneas fly with a toss of its head and wildly thrashed, trying to free itself of the warrior on its back. Roaring in anguish the beast ran toward the temple, crashing against the wall in an attempt to knock Kabar loose. Kabar plunged the sword into the tough hide of the beast and clenched the steel in his fist.

For Return of the Sword purchase info click here: http://cyberwizardproductions.googlepages.com/returnofthesword

Thursday 13 #7

This week I bring you 13 SciFi/Fantasy Books That I Recommend. When I was younger, this was the only genre that I would read books from. I have branched out a bit since then, but I am still much more likely to choose new books to read in that area. For the record, the definitions for both Sci Fi and Fantasy are somewhat fuzzy. Some folks feel that SciFi is only differentiated by its used of futuristic gadgets. For me, Fantasy has always included stories with kids that have ESP and stories with faeries, not just whole new worlds. However you look at it, here are some books that I have enjoyed. If you have any recommendations from this genre, be sure to tell me about them.

1. The Time Garden by Edward Eager
2. Mind-Call by Wilanne Schneider Belden
3. For Love of Mother Not by Alan Dean Foster
4. Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key
5. The Children of Morrow by H. M. Hoover
6. The People: No Different Flesh by Zenna Henderson
7. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
8. So You Want To Be a Wizard by Diane Duane
9. The Green Rider by Kristen Britain
10. Sabriel by Garth Nix
11. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
12. The Hunter’s Moon by O. R. Melling
13. Hannah’s Garden by Midori Snyder

The Time Garden, Edward Eager, Mind-Call, Wilanne Schneider Belden, For Love of Mother Not, Alan Dean Foster, Escape to Witch Mountain, Alexander Key, The Children of Morrow, H. M. Hoover, The People: No Different Flesh, Zenna Henderson, Over Sea, Under Stone, Susan Cooper, So You Want To Be a Wizard, Diane Duane, The Green Rider, Kristen Britain, Sabriel, Garth Nix, Alanna: The First Adventure, Tamora Pierce, The Hunter’s Moon, O. R. Melling, Hannah’s Garden, Midori Snyder

Hello, and welcome to this meeting of the Book Stacks Book Club: Cover to Cover. Today we are discussing Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. This book is the first in the The Dark is Rising sequence. The second book is The Dark Is Rising, which tends to confuse folks. My copy of Over Sea, Under Stone is autographed by Mrs. Cooper, as I had the opportunity to hear her speak back in 2001. She’s quite the interesting speaker. I suppose that you have to be in order to keep a room full of Librarians interested. The thing that stuck with me the most from her lecture was her account of her childhood during World War II. At that time, apparently, it was common for children to have collections of shrapnel, like children today might have a collection of sea shells. As I said, it was an interesting lecture. (It was also just down the street from Powell’s Books in Portland. *grin*)

I first encountered this book, and the rest of the books in the series, in my Mother’s Middle School Library. She was a big fan of the series herself, and if you ask her about it the first thing that she will tell you is that she had to wait for each book to come out. That would place her reading of the series in the 1960s. I agree with her. I love this series. Perfectly normal kids are on holiday with their family and Great Uncle, and the war between light and dark finds them. I suppose that who you adopt into your family can make a difference, yeah? I feel like the book has aged a bit, but I don’t care. It’s still a great fantasy adventure in the land of Arthur.

Well, what did *you* think of the book? As is now customary, I would like to begin the discussion with the following question:

1. Did you like the book?

I love this book. Heck, I love the whole series. The Drew children are believable characters. The war between light and dark is fought without great magical attacks. Instead, there is an adventure with a treasure map and the battle is fought against folks in boats and the incoming tide.

2. Who was your favorite character?

Great-Uncle Merry. Well, I liked Barney for his Arthurian fixation, but there is just something about Great-Uncle Merry. Perhaps it has something to do with his identity that Barney realizes at the end. Okay, it actually has a lot to do with things that happen later in the series, but I’m not going to get into that right now. My pick is Merry Lyon.

3. Do you think that they should adapt this book for film?

Well, someone was filmed reading it back in 1969 as part of a series called Jackanory on the BBC, but that’s not the same thing. Yes, I think that they should film this book, but it should be filmed by the BBC on location in Cornwall. I don’t really see this as a big-budget blockbuster. This is more like some of the things that were filmed for Big Blue Marble when I was wee. It would probably air on CBBC and I would never get to see it.

4. What did you think of the Arthurian overtones?

Like Barney, I am always a fan of anything Arthurian. I’ve read an entire book on the stories surrounding the Holy Grail (and I hope to make it back to Vacaville some time soon so that I can retrieve my book from the friend who still has it.) The Arthurian bits in the story make me very happy. If you read the rest of the series you will discover exactly why. Right now, all I can say is that King Elvis and The Alien Space Ducks are involved.

5. Does this book make you want to visit Cornwall?

Yes. Seriously. Ever since I read this book for the first time twenty years ago I’ve wanted to go and see Cornwall for myself. I’m pretty sure that this book is the reason that Cornwall ended up on my dream itinerary for a two week vacation in the UK. Anyway, who wouldn’t want to visit Logres?

Okay, it’s your turn. What did you think?
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The book which we will be discussing next time is The Black Dudley Murder (a.k.a. The Crime at Black Dudley) by Margery Allingham. It’s the first Albert Campion mystery. We will be discussing it on September 7, 2007. Please join us for the discussion. (Oh, and I am always accepting suggestions for future selections for Cover to Cover, so feel free to comment your suggestion now. Just remember that if I choose your book you will be expected to participate.)

Cover to Cover, Over Sea, Under Stone, Susan Cooper, The Black Dudley Murder, The Crime at Black Dudley, Margery Allingham

Hello, and welcome to this meeting of the Book Stacks Book Club: Cover to Cover. Today we are discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. I’ve given you folks three weeks to get through this tome. Did you make it? I actually had finished the book by the Sunday after it came out. It only took me that long because I had other things to do around the house. I haven’t inhaled a book like that in a while. It…er…smelled good.

I’m sure that by now you know that this book is the last of a seven book series. Do not despair, however! The word on the street is that Ms. Rowling is planning to write a Harry Potter Encyclopedia, as she has all sorts of notes that did not make it into the series. (No, she will not be starting tomorrow. She’d like to spend a little time with her family I should think. Shocking fact though that may be.)

It’s been a long and wild ride since Harry first woke up in his cupboard in book 1. Characters have grown up, some have passed on, and the world has slowly become a darker place. Harry and his friends don’t even go back to school this year.

Okay. Spoiler alert. Proceed at your own risk.

Well, what did *you* think of the book? As is now customary, I would like to begin the discussion with the following question:

1. Did you like the book?

I loved the book. I loved the fact that Snape has been in love with Lily all of this time. I think that the film will cut the long tent travels short. The battle near the end was glorious. Everyone pouring into the room of requirement to join in the fight. Kreacher leading the House Elves into battle. Harry choosing to die for his friends. Neville showing himself to be a true Gryffindor.

I want to go back and re-read the whole series now.

2. Who was your favorite character apart from Harry?

Neville. I’ve been waiting for him to show his true colors this whole time. Apparently all it took was for he, Ginnie, and Luna to be left in charge of the D.A. Wow! Go Neville! (and Neville’s Grandmother.)

3. What part of the book do you want to appear in the film exactly as written?

I must have the scene with Neville facing Voldemort. In pulling the sword out of the burning hat and facing his opponent, Neville shows himself to be a true Gryffindor.

4. Do you see any influences in this book? (from other books, etc.)

Well…the part where Harry goes off to die is a bit…messianic. I’m sure that The Lord of the Rings was in there somewhere, but only because it seems to appear in nearly everything these days.

5. What, if anything, surprised you about this book?

The most surprising thing for me occurred near the very beginning of the book. Dudley Dursley actually had a civil conversation with Harry. He thanked Harry for saving his life and said that he didn’t think that Harry was a waste of space. Not that Vernon and Petunia agreed with him. And that made it all the more surprising. Dudley was thinking for himself. Good show Big D!

Okay, it’s your turn. What did you think?
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The book which we will be discussing next time is Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. It’s book one in the Dark is Rising series. The film of book 2 is coming out soon, so let’s get prepared. We will be discussing it on August 24, 2007. Please join us for the discussion. (Oh, and I am always accepting suggestions for future selections for Cover to Cover, so feel free to comment your suggestion now. Just remember that if I choose your book you will be expected to participate.)

Cover to Cover, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling, Over Sea, Under Stone, Susan Cooper, Dark is Rising

Stardust by Neil Gaiman has been made into a film. I haven’t had a chance to read the book, but the film looks like it’s going to be an adventure. To call this film star-studded would be something of an understatement. It has Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen, Sienna Miller, Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes…the list goes on. It opens in the US this Friday. Since I seem to be on a movie watching streak, hopefully I’ll make it out to see this one too. I’ll be sure to let you know what I think. Enjoy the trailer!

Stardust, Neil Gaiman

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while may have noticed that I tend to enjoy fantasy books. Lately books of that genre have become hot properties in the film industry. Harry Potter, Eragon, The Dark is Rising…the list goes on. Once such film is The Spiderwick Chronicles based on the series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. It’s due to appear in US theaters on 15 February 2008, and it stars Freddie Highmore as twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace.

Amazon says this about the first book in the series: “The first book in a beautifully produced series of five, The Field Guide sets up the story of the Grace children–13-year-old Mallory and 9-year-old twins Jared and Simon–who with their mother move into the dilapidated Spiderwick Estate only to quickly find themselves sucked into a dark and fascinating world of faeries.”

I’m not sure how much of the series that the film will cover, but I’m intrigued now. I’ve been meaning to read this series for ages. Enjoy the trailer!

The Spiderwick Chronicles, Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi, Freddie Highmore

I promised that I would post this as soon as I found it, so here you go. It’s the trailer for Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising. There are actually a couple of different versions out there, but in this one you can actually hear The Dark Rider talk. (Did you hear a really loud Squee earlier? That was me. Sorry. I didn’t mean to make anyone deaf.) Now, it’s been a while since I read this series, but based upon the evidence as provided by the trailer I’m thinking that this film bears very little resemblance to the book that I love. That being said, or better yet, in the words of my husband who has also been waiting for this film to come out: “That doesn’t mean that the film isn’t any good.” True enough. The film does look like it’ll be a lot of fun. I’m seeing it either way. (Oh, and The Dark Rider has long hair. Is it wrong of me to contemplate rooting for the bad guy? I mean, it’s Christoper Eccleston, for goodness sake.) Enjoy the long awaited trailer.

Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising, Christoper Eccleston

Hello, and welcome to this meeting of the Book Stacks Book Club: Cover to Cover. Today we are discussing Sabriel by Garth Nix. Sabriel is a dark fantasy targeted towards the teen audience, and is actually the beginning of a series which continues in Lirael, Abhorsen, and Across the Wall. Just for your information, Sabriel can stand on its own, but once you reach Lirael make sure that a copy of Abhorsen is close to hand. Trust me on this.

I first read Sabriel a few years ago, back before Abhorsen was available. I inhaled it and reached for the next book. Yes, I enjoyed it that much. I’m sure that someone out there will disagree with me, but I really feel that some of this story is strikingly original. Just about every book that you run across these days seems to be a bit derivative of something else, and I really didn’t get that feeling from Sabriel. By the way, if you get a chance, be sure to listen to the audio version of this book, as it is read by Tim Curry. He somehow manages to come up with a multitude of believable voices both male and female and in a variety of ages.

Well, what did *you* think of the book? As is now customary, I would like to begin the discussion with the following question:

1. Did you like the book?

I love this book, and I have read it a couple of times by now. I actually own the audio book version. One of the things that always grabs me about this book is Garth Nix’s use of language. His descriptive skill is nothing short of amazing. I always think, “Now, if only *I* could describe things that well.” Sabriel herself is a very strong female character who accepts her responsibilities even when she would rather be doing something else. This is not the sort of book to read if you are searching for a light bit of brain candy. This is a dark fantasy/adventure story that has you rooting for the main characters even when things seem impossibly dire.

2. Did you have a favorite character?

Sabriel is my favorite character, but I am also very fond of Touchstone and Mogget. Sabriel steps out into a world that she knows even less about than she thinks she does (initially anyway) because it is something that she has to do. Does she hide away, even when she has the opportunity to do so? Nope. She just steps out there and does what she has to, ignoring her fear and uncertainty.

3. Do you think that they could make Sabriel into a film?

No. Seriously. Too much of the story would be lost if this book was translated into film. It would end up looking like a horror flick. This is just one book that they should leave alone.

4. Where do you think that you would fit in in the Old Kingdom? Or are you destined for Ancelstierre?

Charter Mage, no doubt about it. Preferably one who works in the Clayr’s great library, but you don’t learn about that until later in the series…otherwise you’d know that King Elvis and the Alien Space Ducks work there. Yeah. Anyway, I like the way that the Great Charter describes everything and also links everything together. To be a part of that and able to describe things yourself to say, create light or Charter Sendings would be very interesting to me.

5. Are you planning on reading more of this series?

I know that I’m just being nosy now, but I’m curious. And yes, I am planning on reading the books again at some point. Well?

Okay, it’s your turn. What did you think?

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The book which we will be discussing next time is Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. Yes, we are going for a historical mystery this time around. We will be discussing Crocodile on the Sandbank on July 27, 2007. Won’t you join us? (Oh, and I am always accepting suggestions for future selections for Cover to Cover, so feel free to comment your suggestion now. Just remember that if I choose your book you will be expected to participate.)

Cover to Cover, Sabriel, Garth Nix, Crocodile on the Sandbank, Elizabeth Peters

Well, as many of you know, the first book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series: The Golden Compass is due to appear on the big screen on 7 December 2007. Here it is July already, and the teaser trailer is now available. Obviously, I had to share it with you. Enjoy!

Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials

As most of you have noticed by now, Wednesday is Book Adaptation Discussion Day here at The Book Stacks. (This may have something to do with the fact that I am slightly obsessed with books beings made into films.) Since J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is due to arrive in theaters on 11 July, I thought that you all might enjoy watching the international version of the film trailer. Judging by the trailer (which I’ve included here) it looks like I will get to see the scene that I was most hoping would make it into the film, and it looks very exciting. Probably too exciting for my mother, in fact. (Don’t worry Mom, I’ll tell you all about it.) Not much longer now.

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Hello, and welcome to this meeting of the Book Stacks Book Club, Cover to Cover. Today we are discussing The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. This book has been recommended to me several times over the past few months, so I finally decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed its status as a Sci Fi Mystery, and it threw in enough elements of a thriller to keep me reading (even when I was supposed to be doing something else.) It’s a good thing that this is book one in a series, because otherwise I’d have to pout. I want more, darn it! Well, what did you think? As is becoming customary, I would like to begin the discussion with the following question:

1. Did you like the book?
Oh, yes. Definitely. Thursday Next is a strong, resourceful female character. The plot was interesting in a you-can’t-put-the-book-down sort of way. And I loved all of the literary references. (Shakespeare is a big favorite of mine, just so you know.) The names that Mr. Fforde chose for his characters were just an added bonus.

2. Did you have a favorite character?
For once, my favorite character was actually the main character. Thursday Next was just so well written. She had a history and quirks all her own. As I said in the answer to my first question, she’s a strong female character who is also likable and interesting. Joss Whedon would be proud.

3. Do you think that they could make The Eyre Affair into a film?
Well, they could try. I mean, they’ve made all kinds of things into films at this point. They would have to make a special effort to get the details right, though. I would particularly like to see what they would do with Thursday’s car. Before you ask, no there is no word on a film for this book, yet. I just like to speculate.

4. Do you think that Shakespeare wrote those plays?
Yes. Every new theory about how this “uneducated” man couldn’t have written those plays just makes me laugh. I’d launch into my whole spiel right here, but I would doubtless bore you all, and my friend Eideann does a better job with it anyway. Just for fun though, my favorite line from Shakespeare is from Romeo and Juliet: “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls, for stony limits cannot hold love out;”

5. What level of SpecOps would you work for?
SO-27 for me, thanks. I’m thinking that LiteraTec is the best place for me. Big surprise, I know. Now…I wouldn’t mind a spot in the ChronoGuard if they were hiring, but we already knew about my thing for time travel.

Okay, it’s your turn. What did you think?

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The book which we will be discussing next time is Sabriel by Garth Nix. This is a personal favorite, and I am interested to see what you folks think of this dark fantasy. We will be discussing Sabriel on July 13, 2007. (Yes, that is three weeks away. I’m going to be on vacation on the 6th, so you have an extra week to get the reading done.) Won’t you join us?

The Eyre Affair, Jasper Fforde

I was over at the Walden Media website today. They’re the folks that are making films out of The Dark is Rising and Prince Caspian. They don’t have a trailer for The Dark is Rising up yet, but they have the teaser poster image up, (that’s it at the top of this post.) It’s coming to theaters on 5 October 2007!

Walden Media generally have some of their future projects listed, so I like to pop by periodically to see what they have in the works. Here are a couple of the Book Adaptations that are coming soon to theaters:

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith is due In Theaters on 12/25/07, but it doesn’t have it’s own page up yep.

“Based on Dick King-Smith’s acclaimed story, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep tells the magical story of a lonely boy in Scotland who finds a mysterious egg on the shore of a loch. When the egg hatches, what emerges is a water horse, a mythical sea monster of Scottish legend. But as the rapidly growing beast becomes harder to conceal from those who see it as a threat, the boy must find new ways to protect the misunderstood creature.”

Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr is due in theaters 4/25/08 and it sounds like it’s going to be quite the film.

“Nim’s Island is a heartfelt and hilarious adventure that chronicles the exploits of Nim, a young girl living a high-tech Robinson Crusoe existence on an unspoiled tropical island with her scientist father and her best friends—a motherly sea lion, a rambunctious iguana and a sea turtle. When Nim’s father embarks on a day of research at sea, she begins an unlikely e-mail communication with an agoraphobic novelist who lives in New York City. When a storm prevents her father’s return and unpredictable dangers confront Nim and the Island, she must find the resources to survive. At the same time, the novelist begins to realize that her pen pal is a little girl who is alone and in trouble. She also has to dig down for the courage to leave her safe haven and rescue Nim.”

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is supposed to arrive in theaters on 10/10/08. (Dan? Was it you who particularly liked this book?)

“For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember’s once powerful generator is failing . . . and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city’s existence, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever. Production begins July, 2007 in Belfast, Ireland.”

So, there you are. I hoped that you liked this update. As soon as there is a trailer out for The Dark is Rising, you can bet I’ll let you know.

Walden Media, The Dark is Rising, Prince Caspian, The Water Horse, Dick King-Smith, Nim’s Island, Wendy Orr, The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau

This week, I have for you a guest review of one of my favorite books: The Blue Sword By Robin McKinley.

Guest Reviewer: JM from Fiction Scribe

I didn’t always want to write. I knew I was advanced for my grade. I knew I had a flair for storytelling. But I didn’t always want to write.

Until I met Harry.

Harry Crewe, otherwise known as Angharad, comes to live in the desert country Damar after the death of her father. The desert is hardly boring, however, as it harbors many secrets, including the magical Free Hillfolk and the Blue Sword, Gonturan, which no woman has wielded for generations.

When the Hillfolk King, Corlath, finds himself kidnapping Harry – much against his better senses and the advice of others – it begins a journey of learning and opening doors to the past for both of them.

Their journey isn’t to be easy on any level, though, as they get to know each other during the harsh battle with the people to the north.

I’ve always been attracted to stories from and about deserts, and I loved this one so much, I found myself checking it out from the library every time I was there. I searched for it for years before finally finding it in a bookstore and buying a copy of my own.

The land and the people of Damar are very real, as is the magic throughout the land. This book may take place after The Hero and the Crown, but it rightfully stands as its own fantastic book. A combination of magic, battle, self-discovery, and romance made me want to move people with my stories as much as I had been moved by this one.

This book will appeal to anyone who ever wanted to be a warrior.

And to Robin McKinley – thank you.

The Blue Sword, Robin McKinley, Fiction Scribe

Daja’s Book is the third book in Tamora Pierce’s Circle of Magic series. This time Daja is the central character, as she and her friends encounter major grass fires and some of her own people. Unfortunately, Daja has been named outcast from her people and has been forbidden to speak with them. Can she and her friends stop the spread of the flames? Daja is the third of the four young mages to be featured in this series. Her magic works through smithcraft, and as a result, the reader begins to gain a small amount of knowledge in this area. As you may remember, one of the things I enjoy is well researched fiction. It’s fun to learn stuff while enjoying a good story. As is usual with Tamora Pierce’s books, this book contains thoroughly realized characters and a well thought out plot. The four children have very different personalities, for example, as well as very believable motivations. I have enjoyed the whole series so far. If you enjoy fantasy aimed at folks who are around grades 5-8 (like I do), definitely give this series a try.

Daja’s Book, Tamora Pierce