Jess N
What a pleasantly surprising read! I never know what I'm going to get when I start a new romance novel, and this one definitely threw me for a loop. I was hooked from page one. Hooked into Parker's story, hooked on the fact that these were childhood friends, and totally enamored with everything about this potential couple. Romance lovers rejoice! This is the type of longing-sigh inspiring, toe curling, book that you've been looking for.
I'll happily admit that Parker stole my heart. I'd have let him take it a million times over. So far, my experience with leading men in romances is pretty standard. They've all been dark, brooding, bad-ass characters who win the girl over eventually. But Parker? Oh, Parker. He's the boy next door. The one who you swoon over because he's so honest, so sweet, and just downright adorable. It was a nice change of pace for me. What's not to love?
I thought Sophie was a brilliant female lead for this story. She's vivid, passionate, and the same amount of broken that Parker is. I know it seems cliche, but these two are perfect for one another. I was in love with their chemistry. Intrigued by the slow sizzle that buit between them. By the time that the steamy scenes finally made their debut? I was more than ready for them.
In terms of story, it felt fairly balanced. These two face their fair share of problems, although none of them were as big as I thought they might be. In fact, toward the end I felt the tension was a bit forced. I understood why. The ending is... well really the only word for it is adorable! However it came after a situation which I thought (keep in mind this is my opinion) shouldn't have happened. Perhaps you'll agree with me. Perhaps not! Still, I can promise the ending makes it all worth it.
If you're a fan of romance, or just dipping your toes into the genre, this is a great place to start! Parker and Sophie are sure to steal your heart. Their story is the perfect mix of sweet, steamy, and swoon-worthy. Grab a copy, and prepare to fall in love.
Where do I even start in my love for this book? Seriously. I picked up Pure on a whim, on a hunch that the cover was holding something immensely interesting, and I was dead on. Julianna Baggott doesn't just rehash the same old dystopia that is thrown around so often in young adult fiction. Far from it. What you'll find here, hidden in the pages of Pure, is a romp into the gritty and very realistic lives of those who survived the Detonations. It isn't pretty my friends, but it's fascinating.
Pressia's dystopian home is imagined and described beautifully. Baggott lures the reader into a world that has been torn apart. Whole towns leveled to the ground. People who are fused to inanimate objects, or worse yet, their own loved ones. What really comes through more than anything else here is the haunted existence that these survivors live. They've come to terms with who they are now, but so many of them cling to their remembrances of the “the Before” to stay sane. Those who survived only did so because they gave up a part of themselves. The hurt, the anguish, the spark of survival, Baggott shares it all with us through this dark and desolate world she puts her characters into.
In terms of the characters, I really enjoyed them all. From the Pressia, all the way down to the normal townspeople, each character is built lovingly and realistically. Pressia is a character who is hard not to fall for. Despite her self acknowledged flaws, she won't give up on herself or her companions. When things get tough, we meet Bradwell and Partridge. Bradwell is the epitome of what a survivor is. Never getting too close to anyone else. Until, that is, he meets Pressia. Partridge is a gorgeous mirror to the ugliness that surrounds Pressia and Bradwell. With his perfect clothes and skin, his enhanced DNA, he becomes the odd man out. However it is only by working together that these three can ultimately save themselves, and those around them.
I'm rambling I know. That's how much I enjoyed Pure. So much that I can't quite put into words how much I loved it. The action in this book is copious, the world is beautifully built, the characters are strong and lovable. Everything about Pure is new, refreshing and amazing. I've read dystopian fiction. I love dystopian fiction. It is because of this that I can say that Pure far outshines everything else I've read in this genre so far. If you are okay with a bit of grit in your reading, pick up Julianna Baggott's new book and prepare to be sucked in.
If a book can command my attention in the first few pages, then it has my heart. To be completely immersed in a story from the very beginning is truly a treat. As soon as I opened Wither, met Rhine and found out what had befallen her, there was no turning back. I read this book with a ravenous appetite, pausing only briefly to jot notes about what I wanted to share with you. Yes, that is how amazing this book is.
Rhine became my hero from the first moment that I met her. Her character is so brave in the face of danger, in the face of adversity. Even when she wasn't sure that she would ever be able to find her brother again she was hopeful. I loved how she simply refused to roll over and accept her fate. I am truly a fan of strong female characters, and Rhine fits that description more than anyone. Her story is heartbreaking, but she is able to stay her same vivid self throughout the entire ordeal. I was enraptured.
The world that Lauren DeStefano builds for the reader is truly beautiful and terrible at the same time. As I mentioned above, the reader is instantly immersed in the world of these characters. It is fascinating to watch these characters as they move through the story. Rhine and her sister wives are young women, and yet they are thrown into the lives of much older women. Watching their plight was so difficult, but I could see the glimmer of hope underneath. Their story pulled me in and kept me captivated the entire time. Add in some exquisite writing, and you have a book that I truly fell in love with.
Since this book is not due out for a while, I won't write anything that might spoil the journey for you. I will say though that the ending to this book was simply perfect to me. After reading so many books lately whose endings were disappointing, reading Wither was truly a treat from cover to cover. I highly recommend you add this to your most watched list! It will be well worth a purchase.
After sitting here, writing and rewriting the same sentences, I'm still at a loss as to how to accurately describe my feelings about Midnight City. The words bouncing around in my head range from “wow” to “stunning” so if this review is a slight rambling, please forgive me. Now that the PSA is out of the way, on to the good stuff.
For the first time ever I was given both a strong male and female protagonist. From the moment that I met Holt I knew I'd love him. His humanity is evident, even through the hard outer shell that he has built in order to survive. Here's a guy who is the perfect mix between a knight in shining armor and a lone wolf. Then I met Mira and my whole world flipped upside down. When these two characters interact, there are literally sparks. Two evenly matched, survival-minded individuals, who also happen to be of two different genders. Do you sense that there might be chemistry? Oh, you'd be right my friends.
Which brings me to my next talking point, the lack of what we all like to call “insta-love”. Holt and Mira definitely clash at first. However the further the reader follows them into the story, the more these two come to rely on one another. This is a slow, sweet, and completely believable build up. Unfortunately for you, I won't go any deeper than that. I truly believe that this is something you need to read to really appreciate. Let me just say that this romance was so fulfilling for me. It wasn't overdone, but simply added another layer to this expertly woven story.
Now I'm sure there are those of you who are balking at the idea of an alien invasion as the main premise of a book. I can assure you that the writing in Midnight City is gorgeous. It builds a world that is ravaged by invasion, and held together by only the younger generation. Even if you aren't generally a reader of science fiction, there is a strong dystopian element as well. Everything that J.Barton Mitchell writes flows just perfectly, and allows the reader to get lost in the struggle. Thus the reason I read this straight through.
Never in my bibliophilic life have I been as floored after reading a book as I was upon finishing Midnight City. This book is the whole package. A lightning fast plot, two equally matched and well-fleshed out characters, plus writing that draws you in. I loved absolutely everything about this book. More please. As soon as humanly possible.
Edit: The audio book is also pretty good! I'd suggest reading it if you can, but the narrator isn't too shabby. Still a five star read for me!
Let me be honest, I'm completely on the fence about this one. Everything Between Us turned out to be so much more than I thought it would be. It was more emotionally charged than I expected, and I loved it. There were just a few things that I couldn't let go of.
Let's start with what I liked. The characters absolutely make this list. Even if you originally dislike Daniel (and I'll be honest, I did) it's hard not to grow to love him over time. Mila Ferrera builds a character that is so deep, so broken, that I couldn't help but forgive him. Even Stella, despite her crippling phobia, is well rounded and fleshed out. No matter what else happened, I clung to these two characters. They made it all worthwhile.
That's not to say that the writing isn't well done. It most definitely is. The story that weaves these two together is just as three-dimensional as the characters themselves. They fight, love, and make bad decisions. I felt like this had all the romance I wanted, without being over the top. Even the steamy scenes were expertly written to enhance, not to overshadow. I ate it up.
The first thing I couldn't get over, and trust me I tried, was the way the book started. It took me so long to like Daniel because of the way the book opens. No matter how sweet things went from there, it was still always hiding in the back of my mind. The second issue I had wasn't as big. I just felt that the ending was a bit long. I loved the tension between Stella and Daniel. I loved how hard they worked to be together, but I also felt it was a little drawn out. I wanted to yell, “Cut them a break!”. Maybe I was a little too invested?
The fact remains that, despite any qualms I may have had, this book is very well done. I see a lot of readers falling in love with Everything Between Us. I know that I did. Take a chance why don't you? It might just be your new favorite book.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The best part of Middle Grade fiction is all the adventure that's packed into it! Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard is not exception to this rule. Rich with Indian culture, vivid descriptions and exciting moments, this a book that will be sure to enchant readers of all ages. Whether you're 8 or 80, if you like action you'll love this book!
Zoe and Zak are like night and day. Zoe follows rules and questions everything. Even when magic is right in front of her, it still takes her some time to come to terms with it. Zak, on the other hand, is impulsive and takes everything in stride. Life is an adventure to him. It's probably obvious that these two don't stat out the best of friends. However as the story progresses, and their friendship grows, it's easy to see why they compliment one another. Add in some wonderful supporting characters who, in all honesty, are just as richly built and you have a book that is easy to fall into.
Still, in case you're not a character driven reader, I'll let you know that the setting and the plot are just as well done. India comes to life on the pages and it's easy to see that Lars Guignard has done his research. From bustling cities, to high, snowy mountains, Zoe and Zak visit some amazing places in their quest for the ghost leopard. The action moves along quickly and, before you know it, the final battle is on. I was pleasantly surprised with how Guignard didn't find the need to sugarcoat things for readers. It adds to the appeal for older readers.
I'll admit that it took me a while to fall in love with Zak. He's a bit overbearing for about the first 20% of the book. However once I fell in step with him and Zoe, I was lost in the story. If you have a reader at home who loves action and adventure, or if you're that reader yourself, give this one a try!
I put off writing a review for New Sight to ruminate on how I actually felt about this book. Honestly? I think the best word to describe my feelings is disappointed. When I read the synopsis I thought I'd be thrown into a story about a manic girl who has an uncontrolled need to rip people's eyes out. That I'd slowly uncover a dark secret, and maybe the “hidden powers” that I was promised. Instead, I was given a magic system that left me confused.
The brilliant part about this book is that the hook is intense. The first page caught my attention, and it was all I could do to keep from skipping to the bottom to find out what happened next. I felt the tension, and the anger, and the despair. Color me surprised when a few chapters later it felt like a much different book. It became a monotony of being attacked-fight, rest, being attacked-fight, rest.
Sadly, not even the characters had the power to captivate me. Lys and her ragtag group of magic users were lacking in the depth department. There was so much action, so much focus on them constantly being faced with foes, that there wasn't any time to get to know them better. They felt two-dimensional, and it was like I was watching from afar rather than being right there with them. I wasn't invested in their fight. Or in their stories.
What a surprise! I hadn't heard anything about The Polaris Uprising until I stumbled across a blog tour for it. I'm glad I did. This is a gorgeous hidden gem. A dystopian book that features two very strong, very unique, sisters and their fight to keep what they believe in alive. It's been done before, but Jennifer Ibarra breathes new life into this story line. I was hooked.
I couldn't help but rally behind Ryla. Blame it on my own impetuous nature if you must, but she just stood out to me. The exact opposite of her sister Alanna in every way, Ryla was a spitfire. I loved her charisma, her ability to think on her feet, and the fact that she wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. Not that Alanna isn't a wonderful character as well! She's the kind sister, the older one who listens to reason, the one who tries to keep the peace. These two together were a pure joy to follow. I knew there was dissent coming, but the first half of the book held so much sisterly love in it.
What most impressed me about The Polaris Uprising was how easily it flowed. Every chapter brought something new to light and, even though the book switches between the view points of Alanna and Ryla, it was so simple to follow. I slowly had the opportunity to watch these girls grow up. To be right there alongside them as they discovered who they really were, and what they wanted for their futures. I can't really say much more without spoiling anything. Tragic, I know. You'll have to read this for yourself.
Suffice it say, I was impressed. I'm glad that Ryla and Alanna's story was put on my radar, and I can't wait for more! This is the first in the series, and I'm in for the long haul. That ending pretty much solidified it for me. Pick this up if you enjoy well-written dystopian fiction with strong female characters! You won't regret it.
Etched on Me deserves a round of applause. Honestly, it does. It deals with situations that most of us shy away from talking about, but it does it in a blindly honest and raw way. Things like childhood sexual abuse, depression, self-destructive behaviors, and just plain loneliness are all touched on. Lesley Holloway's story may be fiction, but the book speaks to those who know these feelings are real. Jenn Crowell shows that traumas like these have both the power to break us down, and to push us into the arms of the people we need to build us back up. It shows the reality of the long, hard climb back into the light.
In terms of the fictional side of it all, Lesley was a brilliantly written character. Sexually abused from a young age, we meet her as she has finally had the courage to escape from her abuser, and find the help she needs. What I loved about Lesley was how realistic her character felt. She isn't perfect. She's petty, jealous, loving, confused, hate-filled, and every other emotion there is out there. I eagerly followed her journey as she fought to make a life she could believe in. I cried with her, laughed with her, and felt all the bumps along the road as if I were her. Jenn Crowell has written one amazing character in Etched on Me.
In fact, that's what I loved about this whole story. The raw, gritty feel that it has to it. Lesley's recovery is brutal. It's filled with people who both lift her up, and dash her back down to the ground. She makes mistakes, stumbles and falls, yet still manages to pick herself back up. Everything about her journey made me feel like I was right there with her. This story shows us how much strength we all possess inside us. It reminds us that hope is out there. That help can be sought if you know where to look. That no one is perfect, but we can damn sure try to be our best selves. That fighting your way out of the darkness isn't easy.
I'm so glad I agreed to read Etched on Me. While I haven't had to deal with anything of this magnitude in my own life, I had no problem feeling everything Lesley felt. I honestly feel that Crowell's book has the power to change lives. To remind those out there who might be silently dealing with abuse, self-harm, or anything of that nature, that there is a voice for us all. Even if it's one told through fiction. Huge applause for this book. Highly recommended.
I won't deny that it was the synopsis that drew me to Pendomus in the first place. It had a decidedly sci fi feel to it, and I was intrigued by the fact that it revolved around humans who had colonized another planet. While it took a bit for me to fall in line with the characters and their story, Pendomus did impress me. It's a different read, and that alone kept me reading on.
I wasn't expecting Pendomus to be told in two different points of view. Runa is the main character, and narrates most of the chapters, but Traeton narrates as well. I liked Runa straight off. Her passion for nature spoke to me. I was excited to see where it would take her. Then Traeton came into the picture, and I fell in love. Sweet and helpful, he was the perfect yin to Runa's yang. Although I thought their relationship moved a little too quickly, they absolutely work well together.
In all honesty, it was the plot that initially lost me. Things started moving quickly, and I found myself floundering for the first few chapters. Instead of building up Runa's home, and Traeton's life, Pendomus throws you straight into the fray. It took me a while to find my bearings, to start to uncover why Runa was against Helix, and to understand why Traeton would want to live separate from the others. It is an odd start, but it all converged into an interesting story. Being set on a different planet allows the characters to have their own societal norms and their own mythology. Once I found my footing, I enjoyed it all.
I'd say that readers of both Fantasy and Science Fiction will find a lot to enjoy in Pendomus. As long as you're willing to take the beginning with a grain of salt and keep reading on, you'll find a solid story between these pages. The copy I read had a few grammatical issues, but it was an advanced copy. The author informed me that the finished copy is great! Add this to your reading list if you're looking for something to whisk you away to a brand new place.
First off, I was totally immersed in the setting of this book. Bold takes place in the High Desert. Can you guess who grew up there? Yup, me. So when Will was complaining about the heat, the dust, and all manner of other desert related things, I was right there along with him. I felt connected to this story on a whole other level, simply because I could easily picture every scene.
I also really enjoyed both Will and Sasha as characters. They felt realistic to me. They made normal teenage decisions, and had normal teenage issues. What set them apart were the things they were facing. I couldn't help but smile as Sasha fought against her own mortality, and tried to live each day to the fullest. Watching a quiet, shy girl wage an inner battle to break out of her shell was wonderful. In the same vein, following along as Will tried to learn who he really wanted to be was equally amazing. I adored these two, and thought they were an excellent match.
Which is why I really wished for more romance. Bold is billed as contemporary romance, but it feels like more of a coming-of-age story. True, there was romance. Still, I feel like it was greatly understated compared to the life lessons these two learn, both together and separately. The story revolves around them growing, learning boundaries, and coming to terms with who they really are. If this is what you're looking to read, you're in luck! If you're looking for straight romance, you might want to look elsewhere.
I also felt like the ending was rushed. The first half of the book moves along at a leisurely pace. I was treated to the alternating points of view, as Will and Sasha slowly got to know one another and themselves. Then, suddenly, things picked up pace towards the middle of the book. So much happened in the last half that I felt a bit winded at the end. Dialogue felt more rushed, and not as realistic as in the beginning. I was left feeling lost and wishing I had more time to get to know these characters. I didn't feel everything was wrapped up. Be warned, there are a few grammatical errors in this book. It doesn't take away from the story as a whole, but I always notice and I know others do too.
Final verdict? I'm honestly on the fence about Bold. While it had its moments, there really wasn't enough here to make this a glowing read for me.
It's been quite a while since I carved out a block of time to read a Science Fiction Epic. Once upon a time, these were a regular part of my reading regime. It's the huge worlds that are built, the ample amount of characters that come to life on the page, and the stories that feel bigger than anything I could imagine, that keep drawing me back into books like this. What caught my eye specifically about Fires of Man, was that it dealt with psionic powers. Imagine the ability to harness the energy around you, and channeling it to perform amazing feats. Summoning balls of fire in your hands, creating personal shields, and even throwing a person across the room without ever touching them. It's hard not be caught up in the idea of that. Which is why, quite honestly, I wanted to get my hands on this book.
It bears mentioning that it took me a while to become invested in this story. Fires of Man is told from multiple points of view, and it felt a little jarring to be shuttled back and forth between so many minds. What I liked about this, was that I had the ability to see the war from both sides. Levinson includes characters from the two camps of this war. All of which have their own flaws and vices. It was nice to see these characters through the eyes of others. The problem was, at least for me, that there were a lot of them. If I counted correctly, there are 7 different people to follow in this book. That's tough for anyone to keep track of.
The other issue with this layout, was that not every story overlaps. While the good majority of these characters at some point have converging stories, Faith's felt completely out in left field. She was the only character who had any resolution, not counting any who may have met gruesome ends, and so I when I reached the conclusion of the book I was confused. Did her story have a point here? It's possible that she'll make a comeback in the second book, thus making it necessary for her to be introduced here, but I don't know. For now, she felt out of place. Add in the fact that I felt the ending to be rather abrupt, and I was left feeling a little lost.
What this book does well though, is the storytelling. Fires of Man is rich with descriptive writing, drawing the reader into the world that Levinson has built for this psionic war. While most of the settings are similar to our world, they take on a life of their own. I found myself intrigued by the idea of two separate groups of psionic warriors, two sets of people who have unlimited power, as the only thing stopping the other side from harming the rest of the world. It's a large concept, and one that I'll happily follow.
So although I had a little bit of trouble with the way this story was presented, it definitely captured my imagination. I'm happy to have been introduced to Dan Levinson's writing, and I can't wait for more!
proudly proclaim my Army of Darkness fangirl status. I love absolutely everything about that movie. Love Bruce Campbell, and his particular brand of hilarity. It should come as no surprise that I snatched this graphic novel up as soon as I laid eyes on it! Steve Niles continues Ash's story, and reboots it with a vengeance. Are you ready for awesome? That's what you'll find between the pages. Settle in, you're in for a treat.
I had to hunt down a panel to share with you, because the illustrations are amazing! You can see more where I snagged this one from, on the Dynamite Website. Fans of the movie will quickly see that the illustrator holds true to our crazy, lovable and cocky Ash. His facial expressions are perfection and, coupled with the requisite hilarious one-liners, it's hard not to fall in love with reading through this. It's addictive!
Better still, is the story line itself. It sits itself snugly against where we last left off, and takes off without a second thought. You'll see characters make a reappearance, and be introduced to some new ones. I was extremely pleased with how flawlessly Steve Niles kept so close to what came before, but still managed to put his own spin on things.
I couldn't get enough of this graphic novel! I laughed out loud a whole bunch, snickered at some new very quotable parts of Ash's new story, and was all but devastated when I reached the ending. So will I be back for more? You're damn straight! You couldn't keep me away if you tried. Hail to the King, baby. More, please and thank you.
Reader be warned, A Life of Death is not an easy read. Weston Kincade doesn't pull any punches in this book. It deals with child abuse, murder, and the inevitability of death. Everything is presented in vivid color, against the stark background of what should be a normal childhood in a normal town. While the synopsis deals a lot with Alex's mysterious ability that isn't really the main focus of the book. Just be warned, most of this book isn't pretty.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how polished and quick moving A Life of Death turned out to be. This was originally a serial novel, but I was given the opportunity to read it as a whole entity. On the one hand, reading it in its entirety was nice. Things flowed along, and I didn't have to wait to see things resolved. However I can also see the benefit of reading this as a serial novel. Some parts seemed overwritten to me, but I had to keep in mind that I wasn't waiting a week, or even two, between reading.
In terms of content, you've read my piece above. A balance between light-hearted moments and dark ones is attempted here, but there is still a lot of sadness built into Alex's life. It's hard not to feel for him. I saw Alex in my mind many times while reading. A boy who lost a father. A boy whose mother has checked out. A boy who has to deal with things that, by all rights, not even people twice his age should have to deal with. I became one with Alex as I read and, even when things felt bleak, I rooted for him. Credit where credit is due, but Kincade definitely knows how to write a character.
As for Alex's ability, I saw how it fit into the story and why it was necessary. I'm still not one hundred percent sold on it, but it did make things interesting. Watching as he relived other people's deaths was both eye-opening, and terrifying. I'm not sure he ever had the chance to do too much good with his ability, but it wasn't for lack of trying. It adds another layer to his life, and keeps things from being all about his problems at home. For that, I was appreciative.
I know I'm rambling, but it's tough not to. There is so much wrapped up in A Life of Death. So many minor things that, as a whole, contribute to make this a book that's honestly tough to put down. It is a bit long. It does deal with tough issues. However it's put together in a way that creates a need to know what happens next. Whether you read this as a serial novel, or as a whole, I suggest you give this a place on your reading list.
wipes a tear away
The highest compliment I can give Madeline Claire Franklin's Robot Pony is that I wanted so much more! Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely perfect as a short story. In fact, I'm almost certain that anything else would ruin the magic of it. Still, I can't let it go. It hit me in just the right spot.
A human girl. A robot pony who is meant to be nothing but a mere toy. The utterly beautiful friendship that builds between them. I loved it. Loved it all. I picked this up to take a break between longer books, and found myself wishing for more.
What else can I say without ruining this for you? Read this. Thank you to the wonderful people who suggested it to me in the first place!
First off, a huge thank you to Edward Lorn for leading me back into the darkness. That might sound odd, but let me explain. Up until recently I've been so busy reading contemporary fiction that I forgot all about my love of reading horror. Watching it or reading it, I used to devour all things related to creepy occurrences and things that go bump in the night. This collection of stories reminded me of that love, and brought it back tenfold. So, thank you!
I'll admit this up front: I have a rather twisted sense of humor. Which is most likely why What the Dark Brings settled so well with me. That's not to say that all the stories felt this way. That's actually what I loved about this collection. Things start out rather tame, and almost sweet in a way. “Literary Sweets” felt almost like Poe to me, which is honestly the highest compliment I could give this story. Then they slowly get darker. You've been warned.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just give you some highlights. “Up on a Rooftop” was deliciously twisted, and one of my early favorites. “The Land of Her” blew me away. That's all you get from that. I adored “Sissy”, although I never want to meet her. My absolute favorite though? That award goes to “That Thing about a Picture and a Thousand Words”. Pardon my french, but HELL YES. That story just wouldn't let me go. In fact, I had my husband read it, then promptly had all my coworkers read it too. If I was going to keep thinking about it, so were they. Honorable mention also goes to “He Who Laughs Last”. What can I say? It's infectious.
The point is that I was entertained the entire time I was lost in What the Dark Brings. Even the stories that didn't become my favorites still meshed perfectly into the whole. If you can entertain me, and creep me out in equal measures? You have my attention. Read this. Preferably in the dark. Once again a big thank you to Edward Lorn! I can't wait to descend further into the darkness.
It's not often that I read novels full of espionage and politics. I'm extremely picky about those that I do choose to read. That being said, Ridley Fox is one character I'll always happily come back to. I first met him in Pandora's Succession, and quickly fell into step with his complex personality. In The Demeter Code he's back for more. A little more rough around the edges, a little less willing to play by the rules, and once again caught up in a mission that extends far beyond what he could possibly imagine.
Brooks writes this tale on a global scale. I followed Fox and he traveled the world, tracking down informants and constantly putting himself in harms way. Being completely honest, this isn't a light read in the least. If you're an avid reader of thrillers, it might be a little easier to keep up. I found myself reading this book very carefully though. It took me extra time to dissect the overlapping plot lines, catch up with the large cast of characters, and keep abreast of all the secrets being revealed. This is a well crafted novel, but it reads in a way that assumes you're used to this type of story. It took a different kind of attention for me to finish, but I didn't mind. I was more than happy to follow along.
I think the thing I've always liked most about these books is that Ridley Fox and Nita Parris complete one another so perfectly. Fox is the one who goes underground, assuming identities and creating important connections. Parris is the intel and scientific mind. She's just as fierce as Fox, but she chooses to use her talents to help him get what he needs. There's always intelligent banter between these two, perhaps even a bit of spark, but the fact remains that they're two halves of the same whole. Keeping up with them as they tried to figure out the Code was a lot of fun.
My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that this story is much more technical than where I first met Ridley Fox. As I said, it took me a lot longer to finish it than I anticipated because I really had to buckle down and read carefully. Still, the action was plentiful, the twists well executed, and I really can't be too upset. Just be warned that this is a story you're going to want to settle in for. It will sweep you up, and you'll find yourself unable to stop reading once you've started.
I can't really say too much without spoiling things, since this is a novella after all, so I'll keep things short.
Marrow's Pit was a well-written novella, but not exactly what I was expecting. Let me explain. The synopsis led me to believe that The Machine would be the main focus of this story. That I would be lost in Ballard's struggle to overcome his prison, and escape to the outside. In a way, I was given this story.
However the main focus was on an entirely different prison that I thought it would be. Again, I can't say too much but Ballard is definitely locked up. It's just much more personal than you would think. I kept hoping for more action. For more descriptions of the world this book was supposed to be built around. I know this is a novella, but I still feel there could have been more.
I feel like the ending was supposed to be poignant, but I honestly didn't get it. So points to the writing, because it is good, and points to the fact that this is an easy read despite its faults. Three stars it is.
Nostalgia made me pick up this graphic novel. Let's be honest, Turok was a part of my childhood. In the late 90's, I remember popping this game into my Nintendo 64 and loving the awesome graphics. I hoped for some of that old excitement to come pouring back in while I read this graphic novel. I wanted epic dinosaur battles, and plenty of action. I got some of that, but this wasn't quite what I was expecting.
Turok is a character that has been revamped more than a few times. First in comic books, then in the multiple video games that contained his character. I knew there was a strong possibility that this particular Turok would also be different, and he was. A lone Indian youth, separated from his clan because of some unnamed atrocity committed by his parents. A character who battles between the darkness that loneliness has placed inside him, and the kindness that his parents instilled in him as a child.
I liked this Turok. My biggest issue was that I could never really settle myself into his life. The beginning of this graphic novel was more than a bit confusing. Panels full of pain, and taunting, that didn't coalesce into something I understood. I knew that Turok's parents were dead, that it was the fault of his clan, that he was separate. I just didn't know why. Maybe they're holding on to that for a future issue? The problem was, I needed that information to fully comprehend why Turok was the way he was. Since I didn't have it, I had to take his behavior at face value.
The action in this book was actually rather lacking, which is the reason why I only gave it 3 stars. This first volume combines 7 issues of comics, and nothing all that exciting really happens. There were a few minor battles, the dinosaurs made their debut, but I wasn't feeling the story. My biggest issue, honestly, was that the way the dinosaurs arrived in this area in the first place made no sense to me. It might be different for others, but for me? It's pretty hard to fathom. For the pleasing illustrations, and the nostalgia it brought back, I'll offer up 3 stars to Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (Volume 1). I just likely won't be back for more.
I wasn't sure that Kate Daniels could be more amazing, but once again I've been proven wrong! This book is even better than the first. Our heroine is back! Her sarcastic, strong and utterly likable personality is intact, and even more honed this time. I'm always a sucker for kick-ass female leads, but Kate takes the cake. Not only is she able to handle herself, but she does it for the love and protection of others. I profess to follow Kate until the ends of the Earth! Or, until the end of the series.
The reader is reintroduced to modern day Atlanta. A world filled with magic, rife with both wondrous and deadly creatures. This time around there's a Celtic twist, and I thought that Ilona Andrews did a wonderful job of tying it in with the plot. It makes for an intriguing read. If you are an action rubbernecker, one that loves to see things heading for complete disaster, Magic Burns will be sure to please! The climax of this book almost killed me. It was perfection. Insane, amazing, perfection.
This installment also brings the sexual tension between Kate and Curran even more into the forefront. I think what I love most about Kate is that she doesn't pine over the men around her. She might be able to see herself in bed with them (I mean, who wouldn't?) but she's not a “love at first sight” kind of gal. I can tell that the relationship between these two is going somewhere, but I'm loving the slow, steady and wit-filled build up that it's taking. There are some definite milestone moments in Magic Burns, but I'll leave those for you to uncover.
Best of all, Andrews adds to her roster of characters, and they are all vividly written. Each one brings a new facet into Kate's life. Most notably added are Julie and Bran. Again, no spoilers here! Let's just say that they both bring their own unique problems to the table. It allows Kate to once again show how much she cares about the people in her life. She knows that when people get close to her they are in peril, and she'll do whatever it takes to protect them.
To be honest, I had no idea how much I was going to love this series when I first started it! After two books I'm already completely invested in Kate, her world, and all the other characters in it. Ilona Andrews is an expert at writing a story that will keep you reading ravenously. You need to pick this Urban Fantasy series up as soon as possible! In the meantime, I'll be moving on to the third book.
I loved the premise of Wish You Weren't. You've never had a younger sibling if you've never, at least once, wished they would just disappear for a while. Unfortunately for Marten, his wish actually comes true. What do you do when the one thing you thought you wanted more than anything else turns out to be a mistake? You fix it, that's what you do. This book has a ton of heart, and an adorable moral to it all.
I also adored the brotherly banter between Marten and his little brother. As the oldest in my family, I know that sometimes it's tough to have a younger sibling. You become a built in babysitter, you get in trouble if they do (even if you didn't do a thing), and sometimes you just want to plug your ears and run away. I loved how Sherrie Petersen showed this dynamic so beautifully. Marten's little brother can definitely be a pest. She also shows the flip side though, how sometimes we forget to look at the good moments too. It's a great moral for the young readers who are going to put their hands on this book.
There's so much wrapped up into this quick read. The idea of friendship, and what lengths you're willing to go to in order to help a friend. The concept of family, and that sometimes you have to sacrifice to make someone else's dream come true. Even the idea that sometimes all we need to do is speak up when we're feeling put down. Since this is such a brief read, I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling. I will say that this is sweet, and fun! A bit of time travel, a lot of heart.
So if you're looking for a new read to put into the hands of your young bibliophile? Give this one a spot on your list.Wish You Weren't will be sure to resonate with them, and it has the perfect amount of action to keep things fresh.
Can I please get a slow clap started? I seriously believe that Blackout deserves one, because I loved this story. So very, very much. I adore when perfectly normal citizens are suddenly thrown into tense survival situations. No special training. No understanding of what's going. These people are running off pure instinct which, more often than not, leads to one emotional story. I felt for these characters. I understood their terror and their hopelessness. Tim Curran places a simple question in front of the reader. When there is nothing but desolation and destruction on the horizon, do you give in or do you fight back?
Massive points go to Curran for making me feel so connected to these characters, even though this was only a novella length story. I cringed. I cheered. I felt the pit of my stomach drop to my knees as the full understanding of what was going on came crashing down around me. Each time I read a story like this, I'm reminded that it doesn't matter how long a story is. It only matters how hard the writer works to get you involved. I felt like I was a part of Blackout, and it was one harrowing experience.
Five, black as night stars to this story. I want more.
Just a quick review on this one! I honestly wish this book had been around when I was teaching children. It's a fun, adorably illustrated look at the moon and beyond. Each page is jam packed with a surprising amount of information and fun facts. Do you have a reader at home who loves Non-Fiction? A scientist, or astronaut in training? Put this into their hands. It'll be sure to delight!
I can't resist a good fairy tale, and that's a fact. I'm a firm believer that you are never too old to enjoy fairy tales and, furthermore, that they actually get better with age. This is precisely why I put Shadowskin on my reading list. It had all the markings of a good tale. A brave heroine, a magic mirror, and the curse of a deadly touch all in one book. I was ready to be swept away.
I'm happy to say that, overall, I enjoyed my romp into Archland. I found myself lost in a world torn by war, and filled with magic. A world that reminded me a lot of the numerous Fantasy books that I've come to love. I fell into step with Pomona, and genuinely enjoyed her as a character. Although she was shy, her ability to read the emotions of others and show true empathy made me smile. It's hard not to like her.
The problem I faced in Shadowskin was that so much was presented in such a short time. I went into this knowing that I was reading the first in a series, and so I hoped for a slow build up. Unfortunately, a lot was thrown at me in a short amount of time. The sheer amount of references to other fairy tales in the first half of Shadowskin left me breathless. Don't mistake me, I loved it! I just wish that it would have slowed down enough to give each story it's due.
Let me explain. There are elements from multiple stories at play here. You'll see bits of “The Six Swans”, “Beauty and the Beast” and even “The Little Mermaid”. It's a wonderful idea! To put so much fairy tale goodness in one book is genius. However because the book moves so quickly, it's easy to overlook these little homages. They aren't always fully fleshed out. I would have loved to see more, as Pomona set off on her quest. To better fall into the world that she was wandering through. I know that there are more books on the horizon, so I'll cross my fingers.
Final verdict? A pleasant, fairy tale filled read that all but flies by. I give this one a solid three stars, and look forward to seeing what happens next.