rone | two-book book review

Lois McMaster Bujold, "Paladin of Souls": Wonderful book. Even better than its sort-of prequel "Curse of Chalion". Ista's interaction with the gods feels very real. Some turns were predictable, but delivered so well that i never minded. Short synopsis: after being released of the aforementioned curse, Ista finds herself adrift and embarks on a pilgrimage of sorts. Stuff happens. The ending is perfect.

Neil Gaiman, "Anansi Boys": Wonderful book (thanks, palecur and amywithani). Not epic like its sort-of prequel "American Gods", but thoroughly enjoyable. Fat Charlie has a bit of "Neverwhere"'s Richard Mayhew in him (which might well have a bit of Neil Gaiman in him), but that doesn't make him feel familiar. Short synopsis: Fat Charlie's father dies and later he meets his long-lost brother. Things go a bit crazy, Fat Charlie tries to fix it, and things get crazier. Another marvelous ending. Mr. Nancy should be played, naturally, by Morgan Freeman; Spider should be played by Taye Diggs; Fat Charlie should be played by this one actor whose face i can easily picture, a black man with light skin, a pointed nose, and a receding hairline. He does comedies usually. Maybe i'll figure out who it is.