Reading Catherynne M. Valente is a unique experience. Her writing is full of magic and imagination. It doesn't always make 'sense', but it feels right...moreReading Catherynne M. Valente is a unique experience. Her writing is full of magic and imagination. It doesn't always make 'sense', but it feels right. The child in me who never grew up, who loves fairy tales, lands of magic, mythical creatures, and folklore, ate up this story like the most scrumptious dessert. I listened to this on audio, and at first, I wasn't sure how well it would work. There are a lot of concepts, and they don't tie together in a straightforward fashion at first glance. If other readers are like me, I'd encourage you not to give up on it if it doesn't catch you right away on first listen. Initially, I felt that Ms. Valente didn't quite feel comfortable reading her story. However, that changed, and she seemed to get into the flow of it, using different voices, timbres, and cadences for the various characters. I could feel how much she loved this story she had written, and the characters within.
This novel is one that both kids and grown-ups with a love of fantasy and make-believe tales would love. It's a story of a young girl who is very, very brave, strong-minded, determined, but with a very big heart for a kid (who are considered to be mostly heartless, according to the narrator). She goes to Fairyland on a romp, to escape the reality of a mother who works all the time and a father who was shipped off to war. Feeling alone and too different from the other kids she went to school with, she longs for adventure and a place where normal isn't the ideal. That's when she gets swept off to Fairyland and becomes a champion for this place of magic. And we are along for the journey.
At times, I got a bit confused with the narrative, because it's not exactly a linear story. Fairyland isn't a place that always makes sense, and that could make for strange listening when I was focused on driving or getting where I was going. If the reader embraces that this isn't that kind of novel, it makes for a very satisfying reading experience. Just immersing oneself in this marvelous world where anything is possible is gratifying.
This book is suitable for a young audience, but there are elements that feel pretty sophisticated, if one is older and catches the subtext. Some younger readers might not get all those references, but that's okay. I think it's fine for them to grasp an understanding of the story at their own level. There is some violence and dark subject matter, but the message of self-sacrifice, determination, friendship, and love are very good elements for kids to experience.
At one point, I thought I'd have to take off half a star because of getting lost and things slowing down a bit, but the overall beauty and power of this story requires a five star rating for me. I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy mythopoeic/folklore-rich fantasy novels, young and older.(less)
I admit I am reading these books out of order, but it hasn't hurt. I like Crais' spare writing style, yet how he writes description beautifully, bring...moreI admit I am reading these books out of order, but it hasn't hurt. I like Crais' spare writing style, yet how he writes description beautifully, bringing Los Angeles to life for me as I listened. I was a bit disappointed with how quickly it ended, leaving me with some questions about why the killer was operating. The same narrator as The Watchman, and he does the Cole/Pike books perfectly well, so I shall not complain.
I exhaled a dreamy sigh whenever Pike came around. He is utterly lickable. (Did I write that in my review? Pausing to drool...) Back to the review... I am quite fond of Elvis too. I don't feel that I know him as well as Pike, but that's my fault for reading these books out of order.
It was very awesome to see Carol Starkey from Demolition Angel again. She seems a little better adjusted, but smokes like a chimney. I enjoyed the banter between her and Elvis.
This one is a low four because of the sparse detail on the killer and how it wraps up. I think the characters are a strong point for me with this series, and the mystery part is sort of an added bonus, so I can can still rate this one well. It's a four because I really liked it for the reasons I mentioned. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! (less)
This book had two things going for it before I even read it: medical drama, and paranormals. Put those together and it's magic. And it lived up to the...moreThis book had two things going for it before I even read it: medical drama, and paranormals. Put those together and it's magic. And it lived up to the potential. I am hooked on this series. I hope the next book comes out soon!
This was a gusty work, quite interesting and different. Probably one of the most overtly Christian dark fantasies I've read thus far, although I don't...moreThis was a gusty work, quite interesting and different. Probably one of the most overtly Christian dark fantasies I've read thus far, although I don't think it will find favor with a person who is fairly fundamental in their Christian beliefs (ie. avoid anything related to the occult). I was scratching my head at some of the physics concepts, since they were over my head, also some of the occult elements. Either the author did some heavy-duty research or she has a great imagination. Even though I'm not sure it was successful on all levels, I felt impressed with this novel, even as I acknowledge that it won't be for everyone. Thus the 3.75/5.0 star rating.
This was quite good. I loved the historical details, and the mystery was very interesting, with some distinct elements I haven't encountered in anothe...moreThis was quite good. I loved the historical details, and the mystery was very interesting, with some distinct elements I haven't encountered in another mystery book thus far. Mrs. Westerman and Mr. Crowther are a good combination. Also liked Jocasta, Sam, and Boyo. Recommended to fans of historical fiction and mystery.
This is actually the first book in the series that I've read, but it was fairly smooth sailing despite that fact. It did take me a while to get used t...moreThis is actually the first book in the series that I've read, but it was fairly smooth sailing despite that fact. It did take me a while to get used to the quirky/corny humor. But I have to say, I enjoyed the time I spent with Charley, Reyes, Cookie, Garrett and the others. Don't let the silly humor fool you. Darynda Jones writes a good quality mystery story.
This is not my personal taste as far as romantic suspense (don't like reading about twisted serial killers), so I don't have much of a basis for compa...moreThis is not my personal taste as far as romantic suspense (don't like reading about twisted serial killers), so I don't have much of a basis for comparison. Overall, it was pretty decent, and I did appreciate Charlotte and Daniel Rokov (of Russian heritage) as main characters, and they had good chemistry. The killer was one sick puppy!
Ms. Solomons took me back to the time around the beginning of WWII through the eyes of a girl who is a stranger in a strange land, and in such a way t...moreMs. Solomons took me back to the time around the beginning of WWII through the eyes of a girl who is a stranger in a strange land, and in such a way that my heart was completely affected by this story. Descriptive, nostalgic, and highly evocative.
I really, really liked this book. The main characters were real and three-dimensional and very likable. The romance is sweet and nicely sexy. Ms. Hart...moreI really, really liked this book. The main characters were real and three-dimensional and very likable. The romance is sweet and nicely sexy. Ms. Hart's depiction of the members of the basketball team added another layer of flavor to this story. I found myself cheering on the game scenes. I will definitely read more by this author. This is supposed to be a mini-review, so I better stop now.
The mystery was hum-drum, but the donuts made me drool. I ended up caving and going to buy donuts this morning!
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magainze...moreThe mystery was hum-drum, but the donuts made me drool. I ended up caving and going to buy donuts this morning!
Alright, I thought the narration on this book was way cheesy initially. But, like the bookcrazy girl I am who is a sucker for a good story, I got suck...moreAlright, I thought the narration on this book was way cheesy initially. But, like the bookcrazy girl I am who is a sucker for a good story, I got sucked in.
This book is many things:
*Fun aimed at kids, but fun that an adult who isn't terribly cynical and superior could enjoy. *Penetrating, insightful look at human nature and society (don't laugh--it is). *Utterly disturbing view of the unscrupulous applications of modern science. I truly did feel my stomach lurch at some of the experimentation on children that the white coats were doing. What do we allow to happen in the name of the god of progress? *Fast-paced adventure *An exploration of a family that doesn't meet the typical, Leave it to Beaver definition.
The six members of the Flock soon found their way into my heart. I hurt for them when they suffered, and feared for their safety, and cheered them for their successes. I loved all of them: Max, Fang (he's pretty droolworthy for a fourteen year old--I think I would be crushing if I was that age), Iggie, Gasman, Nudge and Angel (adorable and kind of scary in some ways). They make quite a team. Max is a really awesome main character. I think she's a great role model for young girls. Her self-sacrifice and her determination to protect her family is admirable. She's a sharp, adaptable girl.
Oh yeah. The flying is pretty awesome. It made me almost wish I had wings...well, sort of.
Warnings: *Violence involving the kids and their scary pursuers *Some questionable actions (that these kids exhibit to survive) that most parents probably wouldn't want promoted or justified to their kids, such as stealing and destruction of property. I think the way it was handled is okay, as long as a concerned parent makes it clear that this isn't acceptable behavior outside of the circumstances of this book. *As I mentioned above, the author isn't shy about mentioning human experimentation, and on children, no less. A younger reader might find that pretty disturbing. I know I did, and I'm not particularly young (late thirties).
...Yeah. So I admit I got won over. This book gets four stars from me. It's actually very good. The chapters are really short, but don't let that fool you into thinking that content in this book is neglible. There is a lot to this book. It's not even what I would consider easily digestible. The author uses a lot of sophisticated vocabulary, which is great. I'm all for kids (of all ages) looking up words. Best way to expand your vocabulary.
I would recommend this to readers who are younger or who enjoy books aimed at a younger audience. It has a lot of adventure and action, and very likable characters. My eyes are on the lookout for the rest of the books in this series. (less)
This is a collection I would recommend to a fan of westerns with a weird and/or supernatural/horror slant. The stories are short and nicely digested,...moreThis is a collection I would recommend to a fan of westerns with a weird and/or supernatural/horror slant. The stories are short and nicely digested, and full of all the things that make a western fic fan happy.
I'm not sure I'd call most of these stories horror. More like dark fiction. Some were a little too oblique for my tastes (I had more than a few 'Huh?'...moreI'm not sure I'd call most of these stories horror. More like dark fiction. Some were a little too oblique for my tastes (I had more than a few 'Huh?' moments), but the writing caliber was good across the board.
Moonbeams is an enjoyable sword and sorcery/heroic fantasy novel with good world-building. I like that the main character is a tough/capable warrior p...moreMoonbeams is an enjoyable sword and sorcery/heroic fantasy novel with good world-building. I like that the main character is a tough/capable warrior princess, and I loved the diverse characters: three college-age humans who fell into the Veil, elves, faeries, dwarves, talking horses (but not in a cheesy way), dark sorcerers, and trolgres (troll/ogre hybrids). It's worth checking out.
It's all about Dorian for me. For him, I give this three stars. Also liked the faerie aspects. Otherwise, this didn't ring my bell.
Full review will b...moreIt's all about Dorian for me. For him, I give this three stars. Also liked the faerie aspects. Otherwise, this didn't ring my bell.
This was pretty good and quite funny in parts. I think Hamlet, the cat was underutilized. His parts really made the book. I like the book and bookstor...moreThis was pretty good and quite funny in parts. I think Hamlet, the cat was underutilized. His parts really made the book. I like the book and bookstore motif.
This book didn't rock my world, but I didn't guess who the killer was, so that's good.
Reviewed for the December issue of Affaire de Coeur. Http://aff...moreThis book didn't rock my world, but I didn't guess who the killer was, so that's good.
When Grace met Seth eight years ago, she was a different person. She was shallow and spoiled, and immature. It caused her to treat him cruelly, and un...moreWhen Grace met Seth eight years ago, she was a different person. She was shallow and spoiled, and immature. It caused her to treat him cruelly, and unbeknownst to her, her grandfather got him fired. When they meet again in the present, it's clear that Seth is still holding a grudge. He buys up the controlling shares in her family's company from her grandfather's young trophy widow and Grace's ex-fiance'. So now Seth is her boss, and he wants her back in his bed. Is it just about revenge, or are the flames of passion still burning just as brightly as they did for their brief time together in the past?
I liked that Grace had come to realize that she didn't want to be the same girl she'd once been. She'd learned a lesson about what was important after the tremendous loss she'd suffered. Now she was realizing that she still loved Seth. When their passion leads to a pregnancy, they end up getting married, but can Seth love her the way she yearns to be loved by him?
This is a good Harlequin Presents. It has all the passion, drama, and angst I like in these books. I also appreciated Seth's viewpoint. He didn't always approach Grace the way I would hope, but I could understand his issues with her. At the end of the day, he was a good man, and his actions showed that he was crazy about Grace, although she couldn't see the forest for the trees. Although life had pulled them apart and in different directions, and he was angry at the way she'd dismissed him in the past, I think that he was motivated down deep by his desire to get her back, because he never got over her.
There was a poignancy in the losses that Grace suffered, losses that helped to mature her and to encourage her to get her priorities right. I think that as a mature woman, she had a lot to offer, and I can't hold what she did at eighteen against her. The same goes for Seth at twenty-two. We all make bad choices when we are young, and hopefully have the opportunity to learn from them as Grace and Seth did. I'm just glad that these two fated lovers got a second chance together. A chance to be in love, and to have a family together, which was denied the first time around.
I really liked this book, despite the sniping and back-biting between Grace and Seth initially.(less)
I ended up loving this book. It showed promise from the first page, and that promise held through to the last. I know I'm going to devour this series,...moreI ended up loving this book. It showed promise from the first page, and that promise held through to the last. I know I'm going to devour this series, and probably anything else B. Justin Shier writes. He knows just how to keep me excited about a book.
If you liked "The Magicians", you might enjoy this one. I liked it even more.
A good mix of coming of age, magic, science fantasy, and snarky humor. It earns five stars from me.
One one level, for a reader who loves short stories (as I do), for the pure essence of the medium of storytelli...moreHow to review this collection.....Hmm..
One one level, for a reader who loves short stories (as I do), for the pure essence of the medium of storytelling, this is an excellent collection. There is no question that all the writers here know their craft, and very well. I had the pleasure of being introduced to many new authors I had never read, and none of the stories were boring. I know I will definitely seek out some of these new authors to read more of their stories. Others, I'm not so sure about. Not because of a lack of ability, but I'm not sure that they write the kind of stories I like to read, if the content here indeed represents their output. It's completely possible that the pieces here are a departure. I suppose that like strangers who travel down a similar path (the world of short story literature), we might meet again. As Neil Gaiman intimated in his introduction, most of these stories caught me, and had me on the line, waiting for what happens next. Like Mr. Gaiman, that is a huge draw when I read a story. If I don't care about what happens next, I don't even bother finishing the story. For pretty much all of these stories, even the ones I didn't care for, I did keep listening to find out...what happens next. I wanted to know!
On another level, I think that if a reader picks this collection up to read fantasy/science fiction/speculative fiction and that alone, they will be disappointed. Certainly, there was a good amount of those things on offer. There were also stories that I would place firmly in the literary fiction arena. Which certainly is not a bad thing if that is your sort of reading. And if you like a literary touch to your speculative fiction reading, you will probably be a happy camper. Myself, I don't care much for the genre or its conventions, so I felt a bit like I had gone into a movie theater for a science fiction 'popcorn' movie and ended up watching an IFC-style drama about all the depressing aspects of life that I don't need to be reminded about. Not to say that the latter movie isn't well done and interesting, but certainly not what I wanted to watch, or read, in this case.
So, this one is a bit of the good and bad. I loved a few of the stories. I liked more still. Others I didn't care for or I was ambivalent about. There was one with a woman who was being stalked by an admirer who gifted her in the days around Christmas in the manner of the wonderful carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Take a moment, if you will, to consider how messed up that could be in execution. Yeah. I was bad, and it was highly hilarious and entertaining. That was by far my favorite story. This was by one of my favorite fantasy authors since I was a young girl, Diana Wynne Jones, who passed away this year, and will be mourned by this reader and many others. If that was her last story, I would raise my glass in toast to her. The Joanne Harris story was about Norse Gods in modern NYC, and it was funny and entertaining. Yeah, the Norse mythology part hooked me, but the wit kept me listening intently. The Jodi Picoult story, "Weights and Measures," had me sobbing hard and blowing my nose as I drove and listened. I think I'll avoid her books. I don't like going to that emotional place if I don't have to. But she can write. The most disturbing story was by Lawrence Block. It was called, "Catch and Release" and it was about a serial killer who had developed a habit of doing exactly that, except not with fish, and not all the time. It was....chilling, to say the least. Another story that I found very well-written but I found very unsettling and very sad was "The Stars are Falling," by Joe R. Lansdale. I've been wanting to read him for a while, and he's definitely a talented writer. The story itself was incredibly sad, but the imagery stuck with me. The sign of a good short story. There were others, lots of others, and I could probably talk about each one, but I won't dither here.
Narrator Comments: I think the narrators were very good. There was one man who I felt sounded a little too much like the PBS documentary narrators for my tastes. It took me out of the story because it was too monotone, and a bit too detached. The other narrators I liked very much.
Final Thoughts: My rating is an emotional one (that's how I roll, you see). I gave it three stars because it didn't quite give me what I wanted. That's on me, not the writers here. However, for the reader who has a serious love of the short story, and who wants to bask in that medium for many hours, or however long one wants to spend reading through an anthology, regardless of the genre and subject matter, I think this is a good collection to reach for. In that sense, it's probably more of a four star collection.
So I recommend this one with reservations... (less)
I have to be honest. At first I was having a serious 'really?' moment as I started listening. The 'really?' was because this is a three-time Newberry...moreI have to be honest. At first I was having a serious 'really?' moment as I started listening. The 'really?' was because this is a three-time Newberry Award winner, and I thought the prose was way too repetitive. The same word would be repeated three times. The same sentences twice. I was steeling myself to keep listening and hope it got better. It did. By the end of this novel, I totally realized why it is a Newberry Award winner.
Hatchet is a story of survival. The protagonist is a thirteen-year-old city boy who ends up stranded in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot of the small plane he's flying in has a heart attack and dies. I have to tell you, I am very impressed with this kid. I think I would have freaked like nobody's business. He does freak out at first (and I don't blame him), but ultimately shows a fortitude that inspires awe in this reader. He goes from a scared, helpless boy to a survivor. The Brian that was has to be broken down and reassembled into a Brian that can survive his new reality. He learns how to meet his needs in the harsh wilderness, and he comes out of it forever changed.
I love reading books/watching tv shows and movies about surviving. I don't know why, really. I don't even go camping or hiking, although I love the outdoors. I think it's because I love the idea of a person being resourceful and pitting their skills and mentality against the unprejudiced, often unsympathetic wild. Not conquering it, but learning to live in harmony, becoming a part of a vast ecosystem in a way that we can't do stuck in our comfortable city and surburban environs, another entity in the web of life. I would definitely recommend this book if you are of a similar mind.
I liked that Brian doesn't get it too easy. Not at all. He has to learn from his mistakes, and take the advantages that providence sends his way. He learns to keep food in his belly, to make a secure shelter, and to appreciate and anticipate the dangers of his environment. And in the process, he finds peace. He looks inside and finds his true self. That's what solitude and a oneness with nature will bring. I have always felt my most at peace in two places: in a spirit-filled church or by myself and with my heart open in prayer; and outside, surrounded by nature. So I really appreciated this aspect of the book. Brian starts out a boy who is emotionally lost at sea when his father and mother divorce, weighted down with the knowledge of his mother's infidelity; and finds that what seemed like tragedy and the end of his world will not conquer him. If he can survive the harsh elements of nature, all by himself, he can live with his family's fragmentation, and live to see the next day and the days after that.
I think this book is a metaphor for life. Life is harsh and we have to grow and change to survive it. We can't give up, descend into pity, and expect to be saved. We have to be strong and fight to save ourselves, whether it's physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Although this book had a very shaky start, I do have to agree that this is a winner. And I tell you what, this young man had a lot of lessons to teach me, lessons he learns the hard way. That's the power of a good fiction novel for me.(less)
I can't give this four stars because I felt my attention wandering (although I did have a lot on my mind). It was a good book, and I loved the fact th...moreI can't give this four stars because I felt my attention wandering (although I did have a lot on my mind). It was a good book, and I loved the fact that Sarah was able to keep Francisco on his toes. I really like when a heroine is not struck dumb by the awesomeness of the hero and manages to keep her faculties, despite her developing attraction and emotional bond with the hero. Although it seemed as though he had the upper hand, there was more even-handedness in the power struggle than I usually see in Harlequin Presents of this sort. In short, Francisco neither always got the last word, nor doee he always his way.
Although Francisco seemed like an arrogant stuffed shirt, I was able to see the gentle, caring side of him. He took very good care of the people in his isolated valley, and they loved him, for good reason. I could also understand why he was so smotheringly protective of his sister. It was clear that he loved her and wanted what was best, and his mother put a very unfair burden on him as a young man. I could also get why Sarah was so 'ice queen', calm and composed. Her father is an artist who isn't the most stable guy, and it made her childhood and young adulthood very uncertain. Her stolid, proper lifestyle as an adult is a rejection of his value system, and it makes sense. When it comes to parents, you either follow in their example, or resolve to be nothing like them. Of course, Sarah chose the alternative. When faced with threats on her father's life by the top-lofty, dangerous-appearing Spaniard for running off with his young sister, I could see why she tried to intervene to save her father's life, even if his antics got on her nerves.
I liked the courtship that unfolds between Francisco and Sarah. There is no full love scene in this book, and I think that was a good choice. I like the way Diana Hamilton decided not to show this, because things happened so fast between them, and it was nice to see that their feelings develop sweetly with a few kisses and passionate caresses (enough to show the strong attraction), and no actual sex to cloud the issue. In short, they were able to sort out lust from love. The ending was very sweet, Francisco going to claim his woman and showing that she means a lot to him, and her doing the same.
I couldn't rate this one last night when I marked it done, because I wasn't sure about whether I should go up to 4 stars. After reflection, it's pretty darn close, so I think I will bump this up to 3.75 stars.
I can't give this four stars because I felt my attention wandering (although I did have a lot on my mind). It was a good book, and I loved the fact th...moreI can't give this four stars because I felt my attention wandering (although I did have a lot on my mind). It was a good book, and I loved the fact that Sarah was able to keep Francisco on his toes. I really like when a heroine is not struck dumb by the awesomeness of the hero and manages to keep her faculties, despite her developing attraction and emotional bond with the hero. Although it seemed as though he had the upper hand, there was more even-handedness in the power struggle than I usually see in Harlequin Presents of this sort. In short, Francisco neither always got the last word, nor doe he always have the upper hand.
Although Francisco seemed like an arrogant stuffed shirt, I was able to see the gentle, caring side of him. He took very good care of the people in his isolated valley, and they loved him, for good reason. I could also understand why he was so smotheringly protective of his sister. It was clear that he loved her and wanted what was best, and his mother put a very unfair burden on him as a young man. I could also get why Sarah was so 'ice queen', calm and composed. Her father is an artist who isn't the most stable guy, and it made her childhood and young adulthood very uncertain. Her stolid, proper lifestyle as an adult is a rejection of his value system, and it makes sense. When it comes to parents, you either follow in their example, or resolve to be nothing like them. Of course, Sarah chose the alternative. When faced with threats on her father's life by the top-lofty, dangerous-appearing Spaniard for running off with his young sister, I could see why she tried to intervene to save her father's life, even if his antics got on her nerves.
I liked the courtship that unfolds between Francisco and Sarah. There is no full love scene in this book, and I think that was a good choice. I like the way Diana Hamilton decided not to show this, because things happened so fast between them, and it was nice to see that their feelings develop sweetly with a few kisses and passionate caresses (enough to show the strong attraction), and no actual sex to cloud the issue. In short, they were able to sort out lust from love. The ending was very sweet, Francisco going to claim his woman and showing that she means a lot to him, and her doing the same.
I couldn't rate this one last night when I marked it done, because I wasn't sure about whether I should go up to 4 stars. After reflection, it's pretty darn close, so I think I will bump this up to 3.75 stars.(less)
The fact that it took so long for me to finish listening to is in no way a reflection on the overall quality of this book. I had some issues with my C...moreThe fact that it took so long for me to finish listening to is in no way a reflection on the overall quality of this book. I had some issues with my CD player in my car, which is how I listen to audiobooks, and I started The Left Hand of God and wanted to finish that up first.
This is a book that I would say I liked, but did not love. The ideas in it were quite interesting. I love the concept of a place that is more than it seems, much like the TARDIS for Doctor Who fans. The Museum of Thieves is very much that sort of place. It has a mystical element to it that makes it a fun, and even scary place to hang out. And only the right persons can serve as the caretakers there. The Museum sees into a person, and it chooses its caretakers wisely. The Museum chose Goldie.
Goldie is a girl that seems rebellious and stubborn, but she's just a normal little girl. She yearns to be free in a world in which children are actually chained to their parents and city custodians called Blessed Guardians. Sadly, while the parents do love and wish the best for their children, the Blessed Guardians don't seem to like kids at all. In fact, they seem to go out their way to torment them in small ways.
Separation Day, the day on which Goldie is to be freed from her guardian chains, a horrible catastrophe occurs, and a person with a deeper agenda uses this to make even more restrictions on the city and to the children, putting off all the childrens' separation. Goldie can't take it and she runs off. She ends up in the Museum, and so begins her very important role in changing her city for the better.
Ms. Tanner has written an enjoyable story that has good messages that children and an older person who appreciates children's books would appreciate. She writes about the themes of responsibility, confronting and fighting fear, personal freedom, and doing what's right, even if it doesn't seem to match what others consider as right. If I had a child, I would let my child read it, and I'd discuss some of the events in the book, and use them as an opportunity for entertainment and education. Parents should be warned that there is a fair amount of violence, and that stealing is condoned, but for particular reasons that made sense to me. The villains are particularly heinous, and it is disturbing that they are so cavalier about children's lives, and perpetuate deliberate acts of emotional cruelty to them.
This book didn't blow me away, but I found it a very entertaining story. Claudia Black, who starred on Farscape and Stargate, did a great job as the narrator. She does a whole host of voices and accents, and they illustrate this story beautifully. It's a short listen, and I think that it's worthwhile if you enjoy this sort of book. Three stars seems like a low rating from me, but it reflects the fact that while I enjoyed it, it wouldn't be a favorite of mine, and I wouldn't listen to it again. That doesn't mean that you won't like it more than I did.(less)
Blood in Electric Blue is a well-written novel, a journey that is steeped in surrealism. This is one of those books where you don't quite know what is...moreBlood in Electric Blue is a well-written novel, a journey that is steeped in surrealism. This is one of those books where you don't quite know what is real and what isn't. Is Dignon really being preyed upon by a siren, or has years of physical and psychological abuse, and a hopeless, lonely adulthood broken his sanity? You don't really know. As I read this story, I came to my own conclusion, and it made me sad. I would like for lost and lonely Dignon and his brother Wilma (who is a transsexual) to have an optimistic future... Alas, it doesn't seem likely.
I thought that the writing was evocative, highly visual, and emotive. I found myself being pulled into the narrative, and cared about Dignon, feeling deeply for him. The sadness that enveloped him in his normal life, also infected me. I felt his sense of disconnection and loneliness deeply. He was like a person looking inside through the glass, trapped outside in the cold. As a cat lover, I appreciated his close bond with Mr. Tibbs, his beloved feline companion.
This struck me as a very sad story. It was also effective as a dark fiction/horror novel, even though the horror elements are somewhat ambiguous. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy dark fiction with horror elements, written in a fashion that feels 'literary.' As a person who dislikes genre snobbery, I rather dislike using that term. However, I do feel that readers who enjoy character-based stories that plumb the depths of speculative fiction and horror would view this book as a more literary-oriented novel. As such, I'd put this forth as a recommendation to reader with these tastes. If you are like me and prefer upbeat stories, you won't find that here. However, it was worth a read for its exploration of the emotional and psychological effects of abuse and isolation on a person. Essentially showcasing characters that are definitely of the walking wounded variety.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars
Thanks to Jeannie for loaning me her copy and recommending Greg Gifune as a writer to me.(less)
A thoughtful and eloquent collection of short stories of varied themes. Most fit into the speculative fiction genres, but some are mainstream fiction....moreA thoughtful and eloquent collection of short stories of varied themes. Most fit into the speculative fiction genres, but some are mainstream fiction. I think Richard Freeland is very comfortable with and shows a love for the written word.
Thoroughly enjoyable contemporary romance between two people who never thought they'd end up being instant parents to the orphaned children of their r...moreThoroughly enjoyable contemporary romance between two people who never thought they'd end up being instant parents to the orphaned children of their respective best friends. Very sweet and surprisingly sexy at the same time. I need to read some of Jo Goodman's other books, many of which I have on my to read shelf at home.
I'm eternally grateful to Hugh for turning me onto this series. There was a Pike-shaped hole in my life that I didn't even know was there prior to lis...moreI'm eternally grateful to Hugh for turning me onto this series. There was a Pike-shaped hole in my life that I didn't even know was there prior to listening to this book. Now, I can't go back to that Pike-free universe. In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book. I totally loved Pike and Cole. They definitely have a great friendship that allows them the freedom and the support to be themselves. That's definitely a blessing.
The Characters:
First and foremost, as I said, I dug Pike. I love the strong, silent type. I like that Pike is so utterly dangerous, but also very honorable, and really a Boy Scout in the way that he truly will go to HELL and back for something he believes in. He's a real protector, but he spares no sympathy for those who pose a thread to others he feels honor bound to protect. He's very taciturn, yet I felt like I grew to know him in the important ways via flashback and by the way those in his life regard him. A man like him has a way of scaring people, but those who know him well, truly, truly respect him, and his well-chosen words and physicality. Pike has this killer edge, but also this lonely, hurting boy aspect that makes me want to give him a hug, make cookies for him, and tuck him in and read him a bedtime story. I loved the way he handled Larkin. He had a way of getting her to behave, because he saw through her games, and he gave her what she needed. To be seen and to be cared for. I can totally see why she fell for him. I did too, Larkin. Although this wasn't a hugely actiony book, I definitely got the feel that Pike was a formidable guy. He doesn't play. And I tell you, that's what I want in an action hero. Although you are scary Pike, I might call you in real life (and I don't say that to most of the guys on my dangerous hero list).
Elvis Cole has a great sense of humor. And I am a sucker for a guy with a sense of humor. In the book world, my book boyfriends are the dangerous, scary types, the truly honorable men, and the guys who make me laugh (out of that list, the last two make a guy very appealing to me in real life). So, although Pike is definitely in my dangerous hero book boyfriend list, I could see me liking a guy like Cole in real life a little more. He's also very smart and perceptive. I liked the way he handled Larkin. Her ATTITUDE didn't faze him in the slightest. And although he doesn't always get Pike, he has Pike's back for sure! He's a great friend. And I can't wait to read his books.
Larkin should have annoyed the crap out of me. She reminds me of a real heiress that I really don't think much of. God tells me I shouldn't judge, and this book helped me to deal with that, because I really don't know what it's like for the heiress girls who act crazy and are famous for being rich debs. I don't walk in their shoes. This book helped me to see what life was like for a girl like Larkin. I felt for her. I could see that she was wearing armor and that armor made her prickly and compelled her to act 'stupid.' I never would have thought she'd be a good match for a guy like Pike, but she is. I have to say I'm pretty fond of Larkin. Hope to see more of her.
Storyline:
Yeah, I like bodyguard stories. Especially with a hero like Pike. I liked that there was a heavy suspense element moreso than action. It wasn't just about Pike keeping Larkin safe from the bad guys, but him trying to figure out why they were trying to kill her. I think some of the plot was a bit thin in places, but I still enjoyed it, and I felt it was well-done overall. The pieces came together, and I didn't feel like I predicted what was going on. The story progression took me to a conclusion that made sense to me. I liked that although Pike has the loner vibe, he really does use his connections and rely on people he trusts to get the job done.
Crais' Writing Style:
I thought that this book was written in a very visually appealing way. Mr. Crais writes a catchy, stylish story. Not overly noirish, but a contrast between gritty and beauty and naturalism in an unexpected way and in unexpected places. Pike comes off as very iconic. Instead of being described completely, I was given enough to get an image of him in my head. His sunglasses that hide his cold blue eyes. The way his mouth twitches when he expressed the small bit of emotion on his face. His brisk, economical way of speaking. The gentleness he shows Larkin. The violent moments aren't drawn out, but quick, yet no less brutal when needed. Usually an author might over-describe these parts to intensify these moments, but Crais doesn't do that. He writes them speedy, like they happen in real life. I don't think his approach is one of action, but more of suspense, and that comes through.
Los Angeles isn't the most beautiful place to this reader. I don't care much for the city, frankly. But Crais finds the beauty in this place, but also exposes the seamy aspects that I associate with the City of Angels. The place of both exorbitant wealth and extreme poverty. Where starlets and heiresses are just a few block away from brutal gang-bangers and the ugly taint of urban decay. This place comes to life in his capable hands. If I ever miss LA (which is unlikely), I can read his books and get my fix.
I gave this one 4.5 stars because I felt some of the pivotal aspects wrap up too quickly. I wanted more page time on a few aspects that I didn't get. But overall, this was a fun ride, and Pike is my baby boy now. I want some more!
Darn those first impressions. They are very hard to overcome. Lyon sees Silke for the first time in a sexy bunny outfit. He immediately starts thinkin...moreDarn those first impressions. They are very hard to overcome. Lyon sees Silke for the first time in a sexy bunny outfit. He immediately starts thinking she's one of those kinds of women. It doesn't help that his aging playboy uncle Hal seems to take a liking to her. Then Lyon gets the impression that Hal plans to marry her. The words "Gold Digger" become a fervent part of his vocabulary when he talks to Silke. But he's gotten it all wrong. Hal doesn't want to marry Silke, he wants to marry her mother, Satin, his lost love. It's easy to get names like Satin and Silke mixed up, especially since Silke is the spitting image of her mother.
Lyon is kind of a jerk for a large part of this book. But I found that I kind of liked him at the same time. He was rather stuffy and reminded me of the characters that Cary Grant, David Niven, and Rock Hudson used to play in the 50s romantic comedies. He had the wrong idea about the heroine, and was slow on the uptake, and it took most of the movie (book in this case) to get a clue. The whole time he's falling head over heels for Silke. Silke gave me the impression of a young Shirley MacLaine in some of those movies. I love those movies, so that gave me a good feeling when I was reading.
I liked Silke. She was feisty and independent, and able to take on this big, bossy guy without flinching. I think that her falling in love with Lyon made it easier for me to like him. And I could totally see why Lyon couldn't resist her. She had that vibrant energy and joy about her that made her very compelling. Lyon was the kind of guy who took everything too seriously, so he needs a woman like Silke. I'm glad he figures that out.
I also liked the fact that Lyon's uncle Hal and Silke's mother Satin play a big role in this book, because I love books about family connections, the wackier the better. Along with the tone, these elements made this a lighter-hearted read, although there were a few more angsty bits. This book reminds me of the sort that Emma Goldrick used to write, which is a nice association, since I loved her books. I was dead tired Saturday night, but I didn't want to put this down and go to sleep. In fact, I ended up finishing it before I went to sleep. It was worth it.(less)
Definitely get out the Kleenex when you read this book, because it will make you cry. If you don't, then I think you're a more stoic person that I am!...moreDefinitely get out the Kleenex when you read this book, because it will make you cry. If you don't, then I think you're a more stoic person that I am!
I loved this story. It was a great pleasure to listen to it on audio, narrated by the author himself. He seems like a very interesting person to know and to talk with. All the heart of him, his soul, pain, laughter, confusion, and fire that he had in him when he wrote this story emanates from him as he narrates this novel, and I was along for the ride. I actually didn't want to get out of my car when I got home this afternoon, because I wanted to finish this novel. Fortunately, it was near the end when I got home. Even though I was happy to finish it, I wanted it to go on forever. I could easily listen to further adventures of Arnold Spirit.
On an intellectual level, I was aware of the disheartening conditions that Native Americans (or Indians as Arnold calls his people) face on many reservations in the United States, but hearing it first-hand, it struck home to me how hard that life is. It was hurtful to see that Arnold was raised not to reach for any goals, to believe that as an Indian, his future was a big, black void. That he was less than anything. I screamed, "No. No. No!" But I could understand why Arnold had to change his whole mindset and learn to hope and to believe. I think it brings home how blessed many of us Americans are. Sadly, we forget that not all Americans have even the simplest of things we take for granted, such as food to eat every day, more than one pair of clothes, a decent education (Arnold's Geometry textbook at the reservation school is thirty years old) and the ability to get to school without having to walk twenty miles. Not to mention the very short average life-span of a Spokane Indian due to the ravages of alcohol. I know what it's like to be a 'minority' in this country, and everything that comes with it, but I didn't know what it was like to be an Indian, and that was an excellent learning opportunity for me.
This book is very angsty, and it's also very funny. I felt like I was there with Arnold when he goes through his milestones and horrible tragedies. I cheered him on at his successes, and cried with him when he cried. I loved him. I still do. Arnold's a part of me now. He'll stay in my mind forever, even though I will move onto reading other books, and I'm glad for that.(less)
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress
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