Another excellent offering from Brandon Sanderson. I read it immediately after The Way of Kings, which is quite an epic tome, so my impressions might ...moreAnother excellent offering from Brandon Sanderson. I read it immediately after The Way of Kings, which is quite an epic tome, so my impressions might be colored by that. (Pun intended.) Mr. Sanderson once again devises a unique magic system, diverse cultures, and compelling characters. I was intrigued at his exploration of religious topics. Much like in the Mistborn trilogy, I got caught up in trying to unearth various mysteries with the characters, and I also enjoyed the same sensation of puzzling it out just as it was being revealed. Mr. Sanderson has rapidly made it into my top 5 favorite authors.(less)
I've been a fan of Susan Cooper's since childhood, but had never stumbled upon this book of hers before. Although it wasn't as evocative as others I'v...moreI've been a fan of Susan Cooper's since childhood, but had never stumbled upon this book of hers before. Although it wasn't as evocative as others I've read, it was still a good tale, easily enjoyed!(less)
Not quite sure how this got stuck in my currently reading batch. Suffice to say I read it within about 72 hours of receiving it on release date. Anoth...moreNot quite sure how this got stuck in my currently reading batch. Suffice to say I read it within about 72 hours of receiving it on release date. Another fantastic offering from Jim Butcher. Not as good as some of his books, it still kept me enthralled for hours on end & I had only the slightest inkling of who might've contracted a killer. (No, that's not a spoiler unless you've not read the previous novel!) I ended the book with my usual response, shaking my fist at the sky and crying aloud, "Curse you, Jim Butcher!" This waiting between books is just torture. Pure torture.(less)
Good summer reading! Just fun mind candy with a predictable (but enjoyable nonetheless) ending. Sometimes it's just nice to read something that's not ...moreGood summer reading! Just fun mind candy with a predictable (but enjoyable nonetheless) ending. Sometimes it's just nice to read something that's not very taxing, but catches the reader up in a fun plotline - this is it!(less)
Having heard David Sedaris on This American Life, I was really looking forward to some rollicking, amusing tales ... but not once did I laugh, even on...moreHaving heard David Sedaris on This American Life, I was really looking forward to some rollicking, amusing tales ... but not once did I laugh, even on the inside. I could see where the scenarios were funny on some level, but somehow the presentation just fell flat.(less)
In many ways, either by virtue of it being a stand-alone book or the author being more experienced, it was a tighter, cleaner read than the First Law ...moreIn many ways, either by virtue of it being a stand-alone book or the author being more experienced, it was a tighter, cleaner read than the First Law series. I quite enjoyed all of the characters (and smirked with previously introduced characters made an appearance) and was pleasantly surprised by all of the twists and turns. I look forward to reading the next installment in this universe!(less)
My online buddy, Merrick, sent this book to me when I became a mother. I didn't pick it up immediately, because the title led me to believe it was rel...moreMy online buddy, Merrick, sent this book to me when I became a mother. I didn't pick it up immediately, because the title led me to believe it was religious in nature & that was simply not at the top of my list with a little baby at home. She encouraged me to read it, though, so I opted to bring it with me on vacation. It was actually a delightful read, with almost nothing to do about religion! It was, instead, a thoughtful reflection from a mother about what experiences she chose to include in her family's life & which ones she felt needed to be pruned away. She provided a quote from another source about children being "little Zen masters" that challenge us to find our own edges - that really rang true for me & I will carry many of her reflections with me as I raise Alexandra.(less)
This book was recommended by Bethany Scott quite a while ago & I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. It was a quick, light piece, quirky & amus...moreThis book was recommended by Bethany Scott quite a while ago & I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. It was a quick, light piece, quirky & amusing. I also had to give it an extra star for the mere fact the main character uses a d10 to randomize some of his decisions!(less)
Not as strong as Ms. Shinn's other books, but still quite enjoyable. The plotline & length are pared down, to be more appealing to a young adult audie...moreNot as strong as Ms. Shinn's other books, but still quite enjoyable. The plotline & length are pared down, to be more appealing to a young adult audience, but the characterizations are as rich as ever.(less)
This book came highly recommended by several friends, and although I enjoyed it, I did not find it as compelling as my friends did. My friends also co...moreThis book came highly recommended by several friends, and although I enjoyed it, I did not find it as compelling as my friends did. My friends also commented they were highly disturbed by the foot-binding, but it did not bother me at all; I thought it was vital to understanding the period relationships between women.(less)
I fought my way through this book, wanting it to be like Edward Eager or E. Nesbitt's books from my childhood. Suffice to say it wasn't, and I won't b...moreI fought my way through this book, wanting it to be like Edward Eager or E. Nesbitt's books from my childhood. Suffice to say it wasn't, and I won't be looking for any of the sequels or more by the author. The plot made no sense, there were far too many exchanges of "knowing expressions," which never made any sense to me. I finished it gladly & feeling more than slightly confused about why I should care about any of the characters.(less)
Once again, Jim Butcher earns a place of pride on my bookshelf. Every story was appealing and interesting in its own way. For fans of the Dresden File...moreOnce again, Jim Butcher earns a place of pride on my bookshelf. Every story was appealing and interesting in its own way. For fans of the Dresden Files, this book provides a glimpse into many secondary characters' backstories ... and also provides a whole lot of chuckles, tense moments, and pieces of sheer glory. Can hardly wait for Ghost Story!(less)
Just what I've come to expect from Mercedes Lackey ... loveable, spunky characters & a good mind-candy plotline! I'll be on the lookout for the 3rd bo...moreJust what I've come to expect from Mercedes Lackey ... loveable, spunky characters & a good mind-candy plotline! I'll be on the lookout for the 3rd book in the series.(less)
Lots of the set-up seems cumbersome & refers to a myriad of cultures, countries, and clothing that left me totally lost. Once I got past all that, the...moreLots of the set-up seems cumbersome & refers to a myriad of cultures, countries, and clothing that left me totally lost. Once I got past all that, the universe was a unique one & I found myself genuinely caring about & interested in the characters. I don't know if I'll go out of my way to find the first book in the series (I think only 2 were written), but it was an enjoyable read.(less)
This book was fascinating for me to read. I could see threads and elements of Ms. Briggs' future writings, but at the same time, the writing style was...moreThis book was fascinating for me to read. I could see threads and elements of Ms. Briggs' future writings, but at the same time, the writing style was so reminiscent of my own efforts in the last 80s, it produced many a flashback.(less)