First: a warning! This carnival will eat you alive and spit out your bones.

Welcome to the the 8th Edition of the Bookworms Carnival. I am your host, Renay. You may notice that in the world of make-believe, carnival hosts make rules for themselves and then totally ignore them. Pay no attention to the blatant host-cheating going on. >.> Instead, have fun! Explore! Add to your reading pile! Write a poem! But please don’t feed the dragons!

Click on a section of the map to begin, or skip directly to the content.

Looking to add to your to be read pile? Fantasy Book Critic spotlights debuts for February. 45+ titles! You’d never be bored.

No fantasy carnival is complete without Arthurian legend in the mix. Dewey reviews The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barrow, first in a series of stories that chronicle the life and coming of age of Merlin.

“This is the first book in a series about the legendary Merlin, though he?s still called Emrys all through this book. This first book begins when Emrys is a small child, washed up on a beach with his mother, with no memory of his previous life.”

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is the story of ex-convict Shadow and his return to society on a mythological roadtrip through America. It is a beautiful mixture of myths from ancient as well as modern sources.

Kim L reviews American Gods, saying, “All sorts of gods, folk heroes and legendary creatures of all sorts of cultures populate this book, and Gaiman brings them to life unforgettably. What would it be like to have dinner with Easter, now living as a hippie in San Francisco? How about running into a leprechaun in a bar?”

Charlie also offers us a quick view of his pleasure at Gaiman’s work with his American Gods review.

“I’ve apparently developed a little crush on Neil Gaiman. But could his stuff be any more fabulous? After reading American Gods, I’m quite convinced that when he finished writing it, he had to have just sat back and thought, “Yes, I am that good.”

With praise like that, why haven’t you read this book yet? He follows it up with similar praise about Anansi Boys, a story set in the American Gods world — the story of what happens when Charlie Nancy finds out his father was the trickster god, Anansi. Charlie says, “It is, in turn, hilarious, intellectual, thought-provoking, and heart-warming, while incorporating elements of mystery and romance.”

Elaine reviews American Gods as well.

“A deep, dark travelogue that takes you into the spirit of the American landscape, into its weird roadside attractions and a town that seems just a little too good to be true, American Gods is itself a coin trick, a sleight of hand, and before you know it you’re holding a bunch of flowers with no idea where they came from.”

Elanie also reviews Stardust, a faerie novel also by Gaiman, the story of Tristan Throne as he promises the girl he loves to retrieve a falling star for her. Little does he know that the star is a girl, and many others want her, as well.

“Essentially a coming of age tale, Stardust, like Hope Mirrlees’ Lud-in-the-Mist, deals with the boundaries between magic and normality, between Faerie and the real world. Tristan Thorn ventures into Faerie on a quest, and returns transformed, having discovered more than just a fallen star - his blanket has been stripped off.”

And as a belated bonus since I forgot to add it the first time: in celebration of seven years blogging, Neil Gaiman is busy proving that he’s awesome:

One thing we’ve decided to do, as a small celebratory birthday thing is, initially for a month, make a book of mine available online, free, gratis and for nothing.

So get out there and vote! Neil Gaiman is offering one of his books for free online! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Sarah (pussreboots) reviews Jingo by Terry Pratchett — part of the Discworld series. The book is about a dispute over an island that rises from the sea after being submerged for many years, a fantastical commentary on real-world events.

“Jingo looks at the dangers of politics on international policy. Ankh-Morpork finds itself in dispute with Klatch over a tiny island. Assuming the worse, Ankh-Morpork plans to go to war even though the city is broke.”

For those who like reading about the sky falling, Becky reviews Susan Beth’s Pfeffer’s upcoming book, The Dead and the Gone, the story of Alex Morales. It’s a sequel to Life As We Knew it, a story told to us by Miranda in a world where an asteriod hits the moon, changing life around the world.

“Those who have read Life As We Knew It, will know that this is an intense novel. That it will leave you cold and hungry and a bit anxious of full moons.”

Scott reviews Lud-in-the-Mist, by Hope Mirrlees, which I have tried to sum up five different ways an they’ve all failed in spectacular fashion, but there is Fairyland and some fruit that is possibly forbidden — and we all know that most things that are forbidden are fantastic and should be sampled at every possible opportunity, which means: read this book!

“Dorimare is bordered by Fairyland, although these days it does its very best to ignore that fact. … now the mention of Fairy is banned as indecent, and fairy fruit is so illegal that smugglers of it have to be prosecuted for smuggling silk.”

David reviews The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett, part of the Discworld series and a version of the legend of the Pied Pier.

“The book is a take on the Pied Piper folktale so we get a two-for-one on the fantasy/folklore scale, more bang for your buck if you will. The story follows Maurice, the amazing cat who is the master mind behind the money making scheme, which is basic but effective. They #8212; Maurice, the rodents and the boy piper #8212; go from town to town and bring their “plague”, which the piper can “relieve” them and they all split the money from this “public service”.”

not_cynical reviews Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, the story of Stephanie and Skulduggery, a walking, talking, skeleton detective as they team up to save the world.

“And the entire Stephanie-and-Skulduggery dynamic is incredible. There’s banter, sarcasm, Skulduggery genuinely worrying about Stephanie and Stephanie genuinely pwning Skulduggery.”

Fans of books about books, head’s up!

Nymeth reviews Voices by Ursula K. Le Guin, the second book in Annals of the Western Shore and shares the story of Memer, who lives in a world where the written word — books — are considered demonic.

“Memer lives in Ansul, a great and beautiful city, and once an important centre of knowledge and the home to one of the world’s largest libraries. Ansul is, however, under the dominion of the Alds. The Alds do their best to repress Ansul’s traditions and beliefs. And what is worse, they believe books to be blasphemous, so they destroy them — along with those who read and write them — by drowning them.”

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly is another fairytale flavored title telling the story of David and his adventures inside dark stories. Scott says, “The novel almost plays off as a fairy tale in itself. Maybe along the lines of some of Neil Gaiman’s novels/stories. Yet nothing is cliché. It all goes together well. From the very sad beginning to the very realistic sum-up at the end, it all makes for a compelling story.”

Charlie also reviews The Book of Lost Things: “John Connolly tells the story of David, who, after the death of his mother, finds himself lost both figuratively and literally. His quest takes him through the darkest of fairy tale worlds, where he battles challenge after challenge (finding help along the way, in typical epic form).”

owlmoose reviews The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden an Arabian Nights, fairytale inspired book full of stories and myths and monsters, rabbit hole after rabbit hole.

“And what stories: each tale contains a dozen others, stories within stories so intricately that I’m amazed at how well it holds together. Each character in the main story has its own story to tell, and often there are other stories within that story, nested four or five layers deep.”

Eva reviews Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, the first in the Inkworld trilogy, focusing on Maggie and her father who has a powerful bookish gift.

“When Mo reads aloud, amazing things happen, and one night nine years earlier, Mo accidentally read Capricorn and Dustfinger (and another guy) out of the book (this is also when his wife disappeared).”

Melissa brings us her reviews for the Bartimaeus trilogy, written by Jonathan Stroud, an alternate history fantasy beginning with The Amulet of Samarkand, followed by The Golem’s Eye and concluded in Ptolemy’s Gate. The first book introduces Nathaniel, an apprentice to a magician.

“Nathaniel is a 12-year-old magician’s apprentice in London. His master, Arthur Underwood, is a Minister, but an incompetent one, and he severely underestimates Nathaniel’s ability. Simon Lovelace is the magician — young, talented, ambitious, up-and-coming. And ruthless. He embarrasses Nathaniel, for which Nathaniel vows revenge. He learns to summon and control a djinn — Bartimaeus — who then steals the Amulet of Samarkand from Lovelace, setting in motion events beyond Nathaniel’s control.”

For readers who might need to read in a dark alley and require a book that’s entertaining but can also be used as a blunt weapon, you might try Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, the story of two magicians in an alternate 19th century where magic is normal (hence the alternate reality) and Napoleon is making a nuisance of himself (what else is new?). Also features footnotes, which makes it double-plus awesome. Bibliophile reviews Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, saying:

“Mr. Norrell, a recluse academic, decides to redeem the reputation of magic as a respectable profession, as well as enhancing his own reputation, by traveling to London and offering his services to the war effort. After his arrival in London Norrell is approached by Jonathan Strange, a young, self-taught prodigy in practical magic, who he reluctantly agrees to take as an apprentice.”

Nyssaneala also reviews Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell: “What makes this story unique is the foray into magical theory and a fantastical history of England. Large portions of the book are occupied with debate over the history of magic in England, and how it should be brought back.”

Also by Susanna Clarke: a collection of stories written in the same reality as Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, Elaine reviews The Ladies of Grace Adieu.

“As in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke hits just the right note, captures just the right atmosphere. I?m just sad that I will have to wait awhile before the next glimpse into the world of English magic!”

Becky reviews Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card, set in a technologically advanced world where people can watch past events unfold to study and learn from history.

“What our researchers learn is that at some point in time, future scientists, interfered or manipulated the past that turned Christopher Columbus’ interest to sailing west. Their quest to figure out how and why of this manipulation will lead them on a journey with massive consequences.”

Stephanie reviews Erec Rex: The Dragon’s Eye by Kaza Kingsley, a story about a boy who must find his mother, who has vanished — except she hasn’t exactly “vanished” — there are much more sinster things afoot.

“Erec and Bethany soon set off on a magical journey to far-away lands. In a world where magic is the norm, and all the people in “Upper Earth” are losers who have forgotten the magic. A world where Kings and Queens rule, although their time is almost at an end. To find the new rulers of the land, a contest is taking place….a contest in which Erec and Bethany find themselves thrust in the middle.”

Becky reviews The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray, the final book in the Gemma Doyle trilogy, sees Gemma travelling to the realms.

“There is mystery, confusion, epic battles between good and evil, trickery, betrayal, secrets, lies, love and lost love, fear and hope. There is family drama and school drama. And drama between friends as boundaries are pushed or nudged and little lies are told.”

David compares the book and movie versions of Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, breaking down the diffferences between the book and the film by Hayao Miyazaki.

“Sophie remains at the hat shop and produces wonderful hats and instills them with “magic”. Some are purchased and individuals have their destinies fulfilled because of them. This starts a reputation that causes the Witch of the Waste to appear and curse Sophie, turning her into a 90 year old woman and restricting her from talking about the curse to anyone.”

Eva shares her favorite fantasy titles in Fantasy At Any Age, including books by Neil Gaiman and Charles de Lint.

Just when you thought you would never find an SF/F novel with fantastic female characters that aren’t whores or sluts, bottle_of_shine’s (yay! it’s me!) totally awesome friends come through with recs in what we like to call: Girls Kick Ass Really, Really Hard: Science Fiction and Fantasy Edition.

Claire shares her love of a particular series, Great Alta, covering several titles: Sister Light, Sister Dark, White Jenna, and the One-Armed Queen. The trilogy is about Jenna, a girl orphaned three times, and raised by those who worship the Great Alta, and could possibly be a child of prophecy.

“Badass women and layers upon layers of invented myth and research entwined with the actual story.”

Kay reviews What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson. When Chris dies in an accident, his love for his wife keeps him from moving on. While she is devastated by his death, she can’t stand living without him. A fantastical spiritual romance, full of what it means to truly love.

“The imageries of Heaven and Hell are very powerfully depicted. Not only that but the author has managed to create about the only afterlife I’d ever read about that made me actually want to be there or at least look forward to it. Because he sees Heaven not only as a beautiful place where one can have anything he wants (though in Matheson’s heaven there are some limitations), but also a place where one’s goal is to keep growing spiritually.”

Becky reviews The Worthing Saga, which is a collected version of a novel and several short stories. The first parts are about suffering; the short stories adding depth by concentrating on why trying to escape our realities makes us weak.

“A life with no struggles? A life truly worry-free? A world where fire doesn’t burn you and ice doesn’t freeze you? Surely there must be a catch, right? Some reason why this world isn’t a perfect paradise…”

Melissa spreads some woe (tempered with a positive, lest it get too depressing) in her review of 1984 by George Orwell, the story of Winston Smith, a Minsitry of Truth Worker in Oceania. Big Brother reigns here, and this is Winston’s story of how he fights back but how meaningless fighting back really is.

“Above all,” he tells Winston, “we do not allow the dead to rise up against us. You must stop imagining that posterity will vindicate you, Winston. Posterity will never hear of you. You will be lifted clean out of the stream of history.”

Chris doubles up on Margaret Atwood to bring us two very poignant speculative stories about the future: The Handmaid’s Tale, a commentary on 20th century feminism and theocratic facism in the form of a shocking dystopia and Oryx and Crake, another dystopia where Snowman attempts to survine in the world as the last man alive and reflects on how the world as he knew it disenegrated. From her Oryx and Crake review:

“A big theme in Oryx and Crake, in my opinion, is ethics. In this not so distant future, there seems to be no respect for ethics and anyone who has them suffers. It’s not just the big stuff, like the creation of the Crakers or the pigoons, but little things as well.”

Reversal of fortunes: Jocelyn reviews Naughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, the first in a series that is set in a racist dystopia. The pale-skinned naughts are the lower class; the dark-skinned Crosses have the money and power.

“The ruling class to which Sephy Hadley’s family belongs are the black Crosses, named for their supposed closeness to God, and the white Naughts, like Callum and his family, are second-class citizens. In this world, it’s unacceptable for a naught and a Cross to be real friends, and unthinkable for them to fall in love. Callum and Sephy are breaking all the rules of the society they live in.”

Eva reviews Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne and tells the story of Professor Arronax and harpooner Ned Land as they are urged by the United States government to investigate charges of a sea monster sighted by several nations and damaging ships.

“…Pierre is the first-person narrator. He tells the story through his journal and, as a rational scientist, it’s easy to imagine that aboard the submarine he?d be much more focused on the nature and gadgets that surrounded him than any of the people.”

Thank you for viewing Bookworms Carnival Edition VIII! There’s a few tidbits to wrap up before we close the curtain on this impossibly complicated carnival, and anyway, you can’t go outside yet — there’s dragons. Someone fed them. I knew it.

So therefore, welcome to the official Carnival VIII contest. Dewey said I could make everything complicated; blame her. For taking the trip with me this time around, all participants in the carnival, whether your post is here or you’re just a viewer; can win a 10$ amazon gift certificate I had just hanging around. Free stuff is awesome! All you have to do is write a poem about the carnival itself (an Ode to Dewey? I VOTE YES.) or about a speculative fiction element (magic, dragons, aliens, SPACE, gigantic space spiders, totalitarian, fascist governments). Any type of poetry is accepted; free verse, haiku, sonnet, those other types that have names I don’t know because it’s been two years since my last poetry class, etc.

Send me an e-mail at thebookninja@gmail.com with your name, your website if you have one and your poem, the subject line reading “I do believe in fairies!” Even if you, you know, don’t believe in fairies. BUT WHY NOT, I ASK. WHY NOT. Entries are due by February 16th, 2008, 11pm CST and will be judged by a impartial jury of very nice goblins. Get cracking!

Also, before the carnival we had a contest for a free book for all bloggers who promoted the carnival. Dewey backed up this offer so two people would win. In a very scientific process in where I gave everyone numbers and had my boyfriend choose random ones, we have winners! The first winner (for my side) is Melissa. The second (for Dewey’s side) is Florinda. Melissa, feel free to wander around Amazon and find a book $20 or under you would like to have and e-mail its link along with your mailing address.

Florinda, e-mail Dewey for details on how to claim your prize. Thank you both for helping make the carnival a success!

Thanks to the following bloggers who took time to let their readers know about the carnival as well: Dewey, Scott, Becky, Florinda, Nymeth, Chris, Eva, Elaine, Melissa, Alisia. If you promoted and let me know and I missed it, sweet fancy moses, let me know. D:

♥ for owlmoose and not_cynical for letting me “illegally” use their posts and also for being map betas.

More thanks to echthroi for inking my map, even though he replaced one of the spears with a photo of Britney halfway through. The inspiration for said map came from XKCD: Online Communities.

Mine is not as cool. All hail XKCD.

How many of the carnival titles have you read? Here’s the list:

The Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake by Margart Atwood
The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barrow
Naughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
The Green Knowe series by L.M. Boston
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card
The Worthing Saga by Orson Scott Card
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
The Belgariad by David Eddings
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Voices by Ursula K. Le Guin
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Erec Rex: The Dragon’s Eye by Kaza Kingsley
The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
The Little Country by Charles de Lint
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson
Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees
1984 by George Orwell
Jingo by Terry Pratchett
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
The Bartimaus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
The Orphan’s Tales: In The Night Garden by Catherynne Valente
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Great Alta series by Jane Yolen

Who forgets important parts of their carnival? RENAY DOES. Hello viewers, I am Renay and I am a forgetful jerk.

Our next carnival will be hosted by The Armenian Odar [ETA: new URL!]. The theme is Women in Literature and since I know lots of people make a point to read books by female writers with kick-ass female characters, the next carnival should be sweet. Entries are due by March 14th; more information is available on the carnival home page.