Book review: Solstice Wood by Patricia A. McKillip

I've read some of McKillip's fantasy in the past and enjoyed it, and this book was recommended to me by a friend, so I dove in, knowing it was different from her other work.

I had just read Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist, which has a similar theme of the world of faerie intersecting with the modern world, and had been disappointed by it. I found it to be formulaic and predictable, written like a treatment for a bad 70's TV movie.

Solstice Wood couldn't be more different. Yes, it takes place in "upstate NY" and yes, it features faerie in the modern world, but that's where the similarity ends. The characters are realistic and well-rounded, not stereotypes and caricatures. The descriptions of faerie are ethereal and believable, and McKillip didn't feel the need to invent an evil nemesis to ramp up the conflict. The fae are mysterious and slightly menacing, yes, just as they are in the lore, but they are not evil.

The story is told from multiple points of view, which is especially interesting when you see the same scene as experienced by different characters. It adds layers to the story that you might not get from a third-person POV.

The story revolves around Sylvia Lynn, who returns to her hometown to attend the funeral of her grandfather. Her grandmother, who raised her, is trying to get Sylvia to move back home, which she ardently resists. Mysterious happenings surround Lynn Hall, the family home, and a series of eccentric characters surround the family, especially the strange Fiber Guild, who seem to be doing more than just needlework in their monthly meetings.

I loved the little charming touches added to the story, like the Community Phone Bush (the only spot in town able to receive a cell phone signal), and the changeling who loves Gram's cookies.

I liked this book a lot, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, magical realism, or mythic fiction. If you like Charles de Lint, Emma Bull, or Teri Windling, you'll enjoy Solstice Wood


Find Solstice Wood at Amazon.

DVD Review: Casanova

I don't know how anyone can make a movie about Casanova boring, but these filmmakers managed to do it. The plot, such as it is, plods along without much happening at all. I found it curious that Casanova's reputation is more alluded to than shown, and no mention at all was made of the fact that he was a practicing magician. An unfortunate stumble for Heath Ledger, who could have made this role great. I fell asleep not once, but twice while trying to watch it; I never made it to the end.

DVD Review: Transformers

I am not the target market for this movie, being the wrong age and gender, but I enjoyed it all the same. It requires a big suspension of disbelief, with huge plot holes you could drive Optimus Prime through, but the "wow" factor more than makes up for it. The effects are truly incredible, even if the robots are a bit on the overdone side. The protagonist is likable, a sort of every-teen who isn't special or handsome, which makes you root for him all the more. He's a good kid, and his parents are great comic relief. The ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel which, due to the success of this movie, I would be willing to bet on. I hope they do as good a job on it.

DVD Review: Doctor Who Series 2

I am a Doctor Who fan from way back, when Tom Baker was still the Doctor. I was thrilled when they brought the franchise back, and I loved Christopher Eccleston's Doctor, so I was not sure how much I would like David Tennant in that role. The only role I had seen him in was his very brief stint in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I'm happy to say that I love David Tennant as the Doctor. I think he is the best yet. His relationship with Rose is wonderful, his sense of humor is great, and he's just a lot of fun to watch. There are a couple of stumbles, but no series is great every episode. The extras are interesting, especially David's video diary. I highly recommend it to fans of the show.

DVD Review: Beowulf Director's Cut

Despite being cowritten by one of my favorite writers (Neil Gaiman), I found this movie very disappointing. The visuals, instead of being stunning (as was obviously meant) were no better than those of a video game. The story was too much of a departure from the original, lacking both power and subtlety. The 3-D 'tricks,' not being seen in 3-D, were just annoying. The bits-hiding maneuvers were better in The Simpsons Movie. The overall tone and themes of the movie seem to be aimed at twelve-year-old boys. If this is what you are, you will love this movie. If you are not, skip it.