I just didn't really get into this one. The main character was mostly unlikable and rather useless. I didn't like either love interest, the c...more2.5 stars
I just didn't really get into this one. The main character was mostly unlikable and rather useless. I didn't like either love interest, the current or the former. I didn't like how the bad guys just went on for like 5 pages explaining exactly how and why they did what they did. (Who really does that?) I didn't like how things only sorta came together but left a bunch of random threads dangling.
Maybe the next book is better and this is just a case of trying to introduce too much into a new setting but it didn't inspire me enough to read another one.
Just didn't really feel this one. Wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't enjoyable either.(less)
What to say about the final Sookie Stackhouse book? I admit I'm sad the series is over, though the last several books have been subpar. I think it's j...moreWhat to say about the final Sookie Stackhouse book? I admit I'm sad the series is over, though the last several books have been subpar. I think it's just more a fondness for the early days of the book when I laughed at the idea of a character named Vampire Bill. It was just so ordinary and refreshing in a genre full of melodrama.
The problem is that the Sookie books became kinda unnecessary after the Sookie show took off as such a hit. The show was dynamic and in your face and made for awesome television. It also went places entirely different from where the books had gone. It got confusing after awhile to keep the two utterly unique storylines separate.
Unfortunately, the success of the show was really - if you'll pardon my pun - the nail in the coffin of the series. Yes, it limped on for a few more books but there really wasn't much point. In a way, I feel bad for Charlaine Harris because the show kinda stole her fire and made a better version of her own creation then she did.
Speaking of Harris, I don't think she knew what to do with Eric in this book since he is barely in it and it's very firmly wrapped up. She also gives into what feels like fan fic wet dreams with the ultimate coupling of (view spoiler)[Sookie and Sam (hide spoiler)].
She tries to mention just about every character she can to give them at least a brief cameo to say goodbye, but ultimately, the book just kinda ends almost in the middle of a scene and that's it. Game's over, time to go home.
I'm giving it three stars for fondness, not for the quality of this specific book or the ending. Just because it will always be a series I remember enjoying so much when I first encountered it and one that can continue to live on in a different form on tv.
So thanks, Harris for your fun creation. Sorry it got away from you and turned into something else but I appreciate that it started with a telepathic waitress in a backwater Louisiana town out of your imagination and I enjoyed (most) of the ride.(less)
It was ok. Interesting idea but a lot of weird editing errors. It dragged on a bit too. It's as if the book is trying VERY HARD to be the next big, ep...moreIt was ok. Interesting idea but a lot of weird editing errors. It dragged on a bit too. It's as if the book is trying VERY HARD to be the next big, epic series but doesn't quite have the chops to be at that level.(less)
I really hated this book. Even when I don't like the writing or the characters, I often like the idea. This book didn't even have that going for it. I...moreI really hated this book. Even when I don't like the writing or the characters, I often like the idea. This book didn't even have that going for it. I just didn't like a single thing about it.
It felt like entering a story already in progress. I actually read a dozen pages, stopped, and Googled to see if I had mistakenly gotten a second or third book in a series. Nope, this is supposed to be the first. Except that it starts off after a civil war of sorts between humans and non-human others. Problem is, it's written like you're supposed to just know all about it. Even though it wasn't clear how long it went on for, what started it, how bad it was (casualties? destruction of cities? Who knows!) or even if it was just isolated to the US or North America or the world...? No clue.
Then they don't bother telling you anything about what all the other races are - again, it's like you're just supposed to know. More then halfway through the book, there's a shape shifter. Oh, well, thanks for telling me randomly now. I went half the book not even knowing it was a type. And, even the ones they do show you - a vampire, a werewolf, a mage, and a wraith - none are really explained or explored at all. Why is the mage bald for example? It was made to sound like there was a reason behind it but you didn't bother telling us the reason.
The only race that gets even the slightest info is the vampires of course. And even then, it doesn't make sense. They're immortal. And yet, they're dying? Um, how exactly does that work? And it was like every time the author couldn't figure out where to go next, there would just conveniently be a new power or trick to a power. Like, oh, by the way, apparently gold suppresses mind-reading ability? But don't ask questions because we not only won't get into the details of the telepathy, we certainly won't get into the gold issue either. And, need a plot twist? Now I've just randomly decided that one vampire can't teleport another vampire (oh, did I mention they can fucking teleport too??) because you know, brainwaves. Um, yeah.
If all that weren't bad enough, the book is dry and blunt as hell. Even the sex scenes are just awful in a very blunt, vulgar and utterly unflattering manner. It was all (view spoiler)[cock (hide spoiler)] and (view spoiler)[cum (hide spoiler)] that. Lovely. It's like reading a sex-scene written by a very dull biologist. Technical and crude with no grace or style. I'm not a romance reader by any stretch of the imagination but a lot of Urban Fantasy stories these days have Paranormal Romance overlays so I've read my fair share of sex scenes as a result. I'd take repetitive and flowery over dry and crude any day.
The book just ends. Practically in mid-sentence. Nothing is resolved and yet there's no interesting cliffhanger. It's like the author just stopped typing once a certain word count was reached. In fact, that's the entire feel of this book: just enough to get it technically into a story, but no heart, no soul, no passion. It has the right number of pages and time passes and things happen but no story is told. No journey is undertaken. You feel no accomplishment for having gone through it other then the relief that the damned thing is finally over.
What a sad book. The concept was interesting but the book was just so painfully cheesy that it was an eye-roll fest throughout. There were so many cut...moreWhat a sad book. The concept was interesting but the book was just so painfully cheesy that it was an eye-roll fest throughout. There were so many cut-and-paste sex scenes with the most repetitive descriptions, you'd think she took writing instruction from Laurell K. Hamilton. All the while, it was awkward and childish.
I don't know how many times she had to use the word "mating;" the mating, mating sex, etc. Or "brand;" Yes, we GET that she has a flame mating brand starting at her left nipple. Please refrain from telling us 5 or 6 dozen times, mkay?
Had it been a "bonding" or a "merging" or hell, a "joining" even it would have sounded less stupid and childish than "the mating." What is this, high school biology class?
Just SO tacky and repetitive and sad. Interesting idea ruined in awful writing.(less)
What threw me at first with this book is that it's a memoir and NOT an autobiography. I went into it expecting more about Roenick specificall...more3.5 stars
What threw me at first with this book is that it's a memoir and NOT an autobiography. I went into it expecting more about Roenick specifically, where this was more him telling you stories about hockey, his time in the NHL, players and games. You do learn about Roenick in the process but not as much as you would were it a real autobiography. Once I realized that, I liked it more.
At first, I was a little confused about the style of the stories as it felt like a guy just casually talking to you about things that happened or people he knew.
The book also needed more editing. There are a number of grammatical errors and awkward sentences (and sentence fragments) which seem to stem from having dictated the stories for typing. And while I understand that the book has that loose, conversational style to it, some tinkering to make it read better would have been appreciated. (Maybe if there's an audiobook version, the text would sound better as it stands.)
Still, I did find it interesting look at general life as an NHL player and did learn a little bit more about Roenick in the process. For a host of illogical reasons, I was a big fan of Phoenix (Coyotes) during the time Roenick was on ice with them, so I've always had a soft spot for him as a player. Besides the fact he was really good, he always was a showman both with his play and his commentary. (In fact, I can think of no better job for him in his post-NHL career as he currently has as a commentator for NBC Sports Network. Sadly, he only tends to do the Western Conference games so I don't get to hear him often but it's a job well-suited for someone who's never been afraid to tell it as he sees it.)
What's funny about the book though, is for all of Roenick's tendency to say what's on his mind - the book opens with "In 2007, I was watching Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby being interviewed live by NBC analyst Pierre McGuire before an NHL playoff game, and I wanted to reach through the television and grab Crosby by the fucking throat." - he's surprisingly balanced in his opinions of players and coaches in the book. He tempers his aggravations with compliments and often admits his opinion on one aspect doesn't change his admiration of another. So it's much less scalding then you might expect.
Roenick is, at the end of the day, in his own words "an entertainer" and hockey fans should enjoy this book whether a Roenick fan specifically or not. It might not be the "tell all" or have as much "shock value" as the cover blurb implies, but its still an entertaining read and interesting for those who enjoy the NHL.(less)
Adorable, classic fairy tale story with lovely illustrations. Though geared towards the younger crowd, it's still an enjoyable read for the story and...moreAdorable, classic fairy tale story with lovely illustrations. Though geared towards the younger crowd, it's still an enjoyable read for the story and art quality for an adult.(less)
It was fine. Felt like the book was filler though, for all that things did happen. It felt like you were waiting for Big Things To Happen but really,...moreIt was fine. Felt like the book was filler though, for all that things did happen. It felt like you were waiting for Big Things To Happen but really, you just got a set up for big things in future books instead. Oh well.
Curious to see where this whole thing is going to go though.(less)
I finished my last book and this was still sitting on my Nook unread. Mainly because the first one had serious issues. And number two sat around, unre...moreI finished my last book and this was still sitting on my Nook unread. Mainly because the first one had serious issues. And number two sat around, unread and without any real interest in reading it for over two years. Hrm.
I liked it better than the first, but...eh. Not by much. It was just still just ok for me. About a 2.5 star maybe? It was honestly just filler to pass the time while waiting for my library holds to come in. When you're done with your magazines on hand and you've got no book....well, something is better than nothing I guess. Though there is a lot that's better than this.(less)
I am definitely enjoying this series more now then I did when it started. I like the Charley is getting to know a little bit more about what makes her...moreI am definitely enjoying this series more now then I did when it started. I like the Charley is getting to know a little bit more about what makes her the Grim Reaper and what that means. Some of my earlier complaints about how it seemed to be pretty lame are now being addressed and I appreciate the growth of the character's depth in that way. Looking forward to book 5.(less)
I was immediately drawn to this book by the description. I am a sucker for all things time travel and the Victorian slant with H.G. Wells and company...moreI was immediately drawn to this book by the description. I am a sucker for all things time travel and the Victorian slant with H.G. Wells and company seemed a delightful twist.
The first thing that worried me was finding out this was a translation. I've read several translated books before but always found them lacking. I'm sure the translation itself was perfectly acceptable but, you just lose something intrinsic when you convert a book. Yes, you get the words but often the meaning is distorted. This is very often the case with books translated from non-Romantic languages especially. (i.e. a book translated from Russian)
In this book, however, I found the fluidity and feel of the story to suffer no loss for it's translation. In fact, it still maintained a wonderful, fluid style with a slight tenancy towards verbosity that I actually found endearing. There are occasions where the more "wordy" and elegant style of prose simply works, and for a story set in Victorian England, I can think of no better instance for it's use.
The book is told in three parts. Each of the three stories are connected however with characters and situations overlapping and interacting. It's like three small puzzles, which come together to form a larger whole.
I really can't get into the details of the smaller stories without giving away too much of the larger story. Each of the three stories, however, deals with major events and the idea of time travel as a means of either fixing and/or altering past events. This is a very broad description though because I don't want to give anything away.
I will say that the first story had me hooked right away. I plunged into the world easily and greedily. So I was a little shocked when (view spoiler)[you find out it was a hoax. (hide spoiler)] Then you get into the second story and (view spoiler)[time travel is still not actually happening; it too is trickery. (hide spoiler)] So I felt a little (view spoiler)[disappointed by the start of the third story, thinking the entire book was going to be a fraud; no real time travel at all. The third story goes on a different track all together though and opens some interesting possibilities. (hide spoiler)]
By the end, I felt I had been on a bit of a wild ride. And it left me more curious than anything, wondering exactly what was next. There is a second book already out (I'm a little late reading this one) so I am curious to see what that one is about.
I would definitely recommend this book, though with the slight caveat that all is not what it appears. Fans of stories such as Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will enjoy this creative and interesting book.(less)
I found this sitting on my Nook when I was in need of something to read and inbetween books. I didn't realize it was pure chick lit; her previous ones...moreI found this sitting on my Nook when I was in need of something to read and inbetween books. I didn't realize it was pure chick lit; her previous ones I read were paranormal romance. But there's no vampires or werewolves in this one.
It's amusing and sarcastic style, but I have to say I was annoyed at how much shit everyone gave Lacey for her email. It was really annoying how everyone was acting like what she did was SO much worse then the fact her husband was cheating on her! Very annoying. So I took points off for that. Because it's just bullshit that even a chick lit author would perpetrate the societal bullshit that a woman who's been the victim, should basically shut up and mind her place and slink away silently. A wronged woman should NOT be silent and it kinda offended me just how often people rallied to the husband's defense/side while simultaneously scolding Lacey.
Beyond that though, it's a mostly light book, poolside type reading and if you can get past the high irritation of everyone who should be FOR Lacey not-so-silently scolding her actions, it's a decent enough read.(less)
I forgot what a dark series this is. Goodness. It's very well written and extremely original and fully flushed out; believable. That's what makes it s...moreI forgot what a dark series this is. Goodness. It's very well written and extremely original and fully flushed out; believable. That's what makes it so damned dark and creepy. It's the kind of story that sinks it's teeth into you and makes you visualize and imagine what it would be like. And that's not a terribly pleasant thing to do!
Still, it's a very good book. I liked how the focus changed for this to two new POV's but still tied in and related to the first one. The little author note at the end says to stick with it because there is a light at the end so I will read the third, but fair warning, this series is not light or fluffy. It's disturbing, though very deviously crafted and still worth a read.(less)
The first two in this series were entertaining but fluffy. The kind of book where the irreverence is amusing but it's too much, too often so you find...moreThe first two in this series were entertaining but fluffy. The kind of book where the irreverence is amusing but it's too much, too often so you find yourself with a stuttered reading experience. It's not smooth; the story doesn't flow. And it's hard to get fully into the plot.
This third book, while still possessing the same rapid-fire snark, managed to pull it off better. Either that, or I'm more used to it now. Either way, I felt this volume had more "meat" to it and it felt like a fully, more well-rounded tale.
Charley is snarktastic and occasionally a bit dumb, but not always and when she is, she's the first to call herself out on it. For all that she's "super human" due to her Grim Reaper nature, she's also very human and thus, relatable despite being basically a magic being.
I enjoyed this one more but you definitely need to read the first two to really understand what's going on here. I can only hope that the next book will be as solid and enjoyable as this one was because I felt like it was in this book, the whole thing finally came together and "clicked."(less)
My problem with this story is that it's translated from Hungarian. So you always feel like you're several steps behind in understanding what...more*ARC Copy*
My problem with this story is that it's translated from Hungarian. So you always feel like you're several steps behind in understanding what's going on. It was 50 pages or so before I realized the main character was a girl. The writing was awkward and there was no use of pronouns so how was I supposed to know "Jerne" was a girl's name? It's that kind of thing which is frustrating when reading a poorly translated book.
I don't know the social customs, or insider jokes, or cultural references that are made in this book. So I can't relate to what's going on in anyway. And things I get the impression are supposed to be witty or a commentary on life don't have any impact to me since they don't make any sense. I have no frame of reference to relate to.
I got through the first half of the book and intended to take a break but then push through the second half. But I just found myself not wanting to finish it. I don't think it's a bad book - if you read it in the native language. But I do think that it's awkward and unrelatable for the general vampire-fiction loving public of English speakers. It's just a case of being too foreign to truly enjoy.(less)
I was a little worried when I picked this up from the library. It looked so slim! I was afraid that it would be one of those "filler" books in a long...moreI was a little worried when I picked this up from the library. It looked so slim! I was afraid that it would be one of those "filler" books in a long series. You know, the ones where not much of actual plot progression happens and it just tides you over until the next.
Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth! I greatly enjoyed this one. I felt it provided a solid mystery and plot, good pacing and satisfying conclusion. I did think that the only weak link was the bad guy. It seemed obvious to me from the start so that took a little off the overall experience, but really, only slightly. Even so, I was quickly sucked into the world again and enjoyed my time within.
Chicagoland Vampires is one of my favorite series of recent years and I really find myself looking forward to them. Seven books in, it still does not disappoint.(less)
The first half of the book felt more recappy then story progression. It did pick up though as the book went on. And I do like the happenings....more3.5 stars
The first half of the book felt more recappy then story progression. It did pick up though as the book went on. And I do like the happenings. Though I must say, the fact that (view spoiler)[a character named Persephone winds up in the underworld with Hades was a bit cheeky. (hide spoiler)].
The real problem with this book was that it felt like "middle book" syndrome. Some recapping to get you caught back up, some action, but not a massive amount of moving forward of the overall plot. Lots of books get this way midway through the series when the author wants to parcel out the big events slowly. It's a hard line to walk. This one more sets up for the next book rather than all the events unfolding here. We'll see ramifications later on.
I like the series and I will definitely read the next but this one just wasn't my favorite in the lineup. Not bad, just more of a tease of where it will go from here.(less)
Ok, first off it's important to note that this book is supposed to be an entirely new "world" from the "Chronicles of the Necromancer" and "Fallen Kin...moreOk, first off it's important to note that this book is supposed to be an entirely new "world" from the "Chronicles of the Necromancer" and "Fallen Kings" series.
This really wasn't clear at all and I was 2/3 of the way through the book and still unsure if it was supposed to be a new world or simply, another continent like North America versus Europe or something. The only way I figured it out for certain was by flipping to the back "extras" section where there was a Q&A with the author and the first question mentioned it was a new world.
Sheesh! Why was it so hard to make that clear? Without a map in the book and with the same kind of level of technology/society, with the same use of magic and with the same kinds of vampires, it was really impossible to tell!
Ok, now the book itself was ok. I felt it started off REALLY slow and I had a hard time getting into it. Martin throws a lot of details about Lords and countries and rulers and such at you and who's aligned with whom....but it's all rapid pace and without any real context. And again, no map or anything so it's hard to even visualize the areas discussed.
The largest bulk of the story, however, takes place basically in the Arctic circle in a prison colony. This part really drags on and since the larger story isn't about this location, I'm not sure why more then 1/2 the book is dedicated to it.
When the characters need to get back to the mainland, an empty merchant ship that's in perfect condition, complete with a full hold of unspoiled food for the journey conveniently washes up right on their shore. Wow! How lucky! *eye roll*
Once they get back, it turns into a bit of an Abbot and Costello routine where half of the characters are blindly trudging forward with a half-assed plan and the other half find out it's Really Bad if the first half gets to the Important Location without specific information and timing. D'oh!
So, I don't know. This one had ok moments and it felt familiar - because after all, it's really the same exact type of setting just apparently a "new" world of the same thing - but I just couldn't get into it the way I did the other two series. It's not bad but for as long as it was, I just kinda wanted it to be over so I could move on to something else. And that's a bummer.(less)
Such a quick read, I actually got through it in a day. I still like the overall story though and it's a fun, light series though this one has a slight...moreSuch a quick read, I actually got through it in a day. I still like the overall story though and it's a fun, light series though this one has a slightly heavier premise.
Problem is, that the seriousness never gets more than surface deep and the problem is resolved very easily, in a "get out of jail free" sort of way. Just, oh look, problem solved. There's no real drama, no angst, no challenge or quest. Just, poof. Giant reset button that she falls directly into.
So it's not great but if you get this far then you're not really expecting much and thus, it's not horrible. Just lazy.(less)
Even eleven books in, I still enjoy this series. Ivy was almost not to be found though which was odd. (I felt too, like there is a missing short story...moreEven eleven books in, I still enjoy this series. Ivy was almost not to be found though which was odd. (I felt too, like there is a missing short story there about Ivy's time away. Did I miss it?) Rachel seemed to do pretty good though, both in taking action and asking for help when needed.
As the books go on, I like both Al and Trent much more. They both have really developed as characters. I also like that Rachel is accepting and referring to herself as a demon. It's about time that she stop trying to hide who she is and embrace it. (Just because she's a demon doesn't mean she's not still her either which it's about time she realized that in this book.)
I enjoyed this one more than the first. It wasn't a direct sequel in that it featured a new, primary character. However, it related to the first becau...moreI enjoyed this one more than the first. It wasn't a direct sequel in that it featured a new, primary character. However, it related to the first because it turns out the new character is connected into the first book. So it's more like an extended story in the same world with some of the original characters in a secondary role.
The only thing I really found awkward about this one was the character of Brody. In the first book, he came across as a pushy asshole. Self-centered and narrow minded, he felt hostile and caring only about his own story and well-being. In the second, he's an entirely different person; likable, funny and caring. I get why she wanted to include him in this part of the story arc, but he really might as well have been a different person for as jarring a change as I felt he made.
Still, I found this one touching. The main character felt much less pathetic from the first and she felt more like a real person.(less)
What a funny and clever idea for a book! Everyone knows about the plight of poor "Ensign Smoking Boots" (as I call the redshirts) in Star Trek and thi...moreWhat a funny and clever idea for a book! Everyone knows about the plight of poor "Ensign Smoking Boots" (as I call the redshirts) in Star Trek and this plays off that idea. But it expands on it and shows the concept from the point of view of those hapless ensigns and how they come together to figure out what the heck is going on.
The book tells the main story arch and then follows up with three "post scripts" of a sort, finishing off the stories of additional characters you met along the way too. (I was surprised at first when the book ended and there were so many more pages left.) The book could have simply left it without the three additional codas but they really rounded out the tale and were even more smartly written than the main novel.
It's amusing and fun and if you're a fan of SciFi, you'll get a kick out of this. (less)
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