Outside of a Dog

73pctGeek reviewed The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

The Lions of Al-Rassan (Paperback, 2002, Earthlight)

The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced …

Deliciously tragic

4 stars

Though there are a handful of Kay’s books I abhor (The Fionavar Tapestry, Ysabel), I enjoy the vast majority a lot. Then there are the ones I simply adore, and The Lions of Al-Rassan is possibly the one I love the most. It was my first Kay novel, and I’ve read it multiple times since.

The setting, a fantasy version of Moorish Spain, the believable characters, and the lyrical prose all come together into a sublimely bittersweet book. I’m a huge sucker for the delicious anguish Kay writes so well, and I’ll no doubt re-read “Lions” again in a couple of years.

73pctGeek reviewed The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of magic, deceit, and murder …

Quite liked it

3 stars

A fantasy murder mystery served with a dollop of Pacific Rim, garnished with a hint of The Goblin Emperor, and a tiny sprig of romance. It was nicely written with interesting world-building and enjoyable characters; Ana, in particular, was a delight. The murder plot and its somewhat deflated resolution kept this at a 3-star rating for me. Though the opportunity is rarely afforded in fantasy whodunits, I like to follow along and solve crimes too! While it didn't guarantee a sequel a place on my to-read list, I might try more from this author.

73pctGeek reviewed Vibrant Watercolor by Geethu Chandramohan

Vibrant Watercolor (2024, Quarto Publishing Group USA)

Lovely book on watercolour for beginners

5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting by Geethu Chandramohan.

The book is divided into two main sections, The Basics and Projects. The Basics is split into eight sections detailing tools and materials, watercolour basics, colour theory, watercolour techniques, perspective, composition, light and shadow, landscape painting.

The author includes recommendations and useful tips throughout, and each chapter is full of photographs illustrating concepts introduced in the text.

The remainder of the book consists of 14 projects, which detail step-by-step how to achieve the finished product. The text and photos are clear and seem easy to follow.

This is a very nice book for beginners, and those new to watercolour. I have added it to my wish list along with some watercolour supplies and can't wait to use Geethu Chandramohan's techniques and advice …

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting by Geethu Chandramohan.

The book is divided into two main sections, The Basics and Projects. The Basics is split into eight sections detailing tools and materials, watercolour basics, colour theory, watercolour techniques, perspective, composition, light and shadow, landscape painting.

The author includes recommendations and useful tips throughout, and each chapter is full of photographs illustrating concepts introduced in the text.

The remainder of the book consists of 14 projects, which detail step-by-step how to achieve the finished product. The text and photos are clear and seem easy to follow.

This is a very nice book for beginners, and those new to watercolour. I have added it to my wish list along with some watercolour supplies and can't wait to use Geethu Chandramohan's techniques and advice to improve my painting skills.