The Curve of the Earth moves at quite a quick pace, which is another reason why I think being somewhat aware of the details of the world before you st...moreThe Curve of the Earth moves at quite a quick pace, which is another reason why I think being somewhat aware of the details of the world before you start the book might be a good idea. Morden is unrepentant. His writing is fluid and often so detailed and lush you can get lost in it, but the intricacies that he weaves into this quick moving tale are truly mind blowing. It’s part adventure, part 1984, and possibly an eerie glimpse into an ominous future. Regardless, the protagonist and his team are an absolute riot to follow. Petrovitch is hilarious, and while he is occasionally hard to believe, it’s his companions, like Michael, that keep him grounded and believable. The Curve of the Earth is an adventure with a deep message hidden at its core and plenty of pulse pumping action.
The plot of Necessary Evil is just as fast paced and intricate as all the other books. In fact, with the time jump going on, I’d say it’s even more in...moreThe plot of Necessary Evil is just as fast paced and intricate as all the other books. In fact, with the time jump going on, I’d say it’s even more intricate than the other books. It’s detailed and riveting. Tregillis ends his series with one hell of a bang, but somehow that fits. It’s dark and atmospheric. His characters are raw and real, but it’s the details that really make Necessary Evil stand out. It’s those details that show Tregillis for the literary grandmaster that he truly is. Necessary Evil is the end of a series that rocked my world. It’s a series I’ve already read twice, and I have every intention of reading it over and over again. Necessary Evil ties everything together nicely and the complex, fast moving, incredibly dark plot is the icing on the cake. This is an edge-of-your-seat read that had me saying (very unprofessionally), “holy shit…” in absolute reverence over and over again.
Grail of the Summer Stars is full of adventure, misdirection, and plenty of very detailed and twisted history. There’s romance, friendship, betrayal,...moreGrail of the Summer Stars is full of adventure, misdirection, and plenty of very detailed and twisted history. There’s romance, friendship, betrayal, growth, revelations and much more. Basically, it’s anything anyone could possibly want in a book. I can honestly say the only other urban fantasy book I’ve enjoyed this much for many of the same reasons is Of Blood and Honey by Stina Leicht. These two authors know how to write an incredible story full of emotional drama, depth and amazing world building.
Freda Warrington doesn’t just write urban fantasy. She’s mastered it.
Iron Kin really isn’t my typical cup of tea. I’m not that into romance, but I read it because it looked interesting. This isn’t your typical romance b...moreIron Kin really isn’t my typical cup of tea. I’m not that into romance, but I read it because it looked interesting. This isn’t your typical romance book. The politics, steampunk and interesting magic system attest to that. If Scott had more emphasis on those elements, Iron Kin, and the series itself, would probably appeal to a wider audience. As it is, Iron Kin is a fun, distracting fantasy novel that will appeal to romance readers, while probably not being the right flavor for many fantasy readers, like myself.
A Matter of Blood blew me away. It’s a fast moving, gripping tale that is equal parts horror and thriller. The plot is tense and quick moving, if a bi...moreA Matter of Blood blew me away. It’s a fast moving, gripping tale that is equal parts horror and thriller. The plot is tense and quick moving, if a bit clumsy at times. You should set aside some time to read this one, as it’s a novel that will keep you up far past your bedtime.
Marquitz is a hilarious author, and no matter how serious, gritty or intense the action got, he managed to keep me laughing. Resurrection itself has...more Marquitz is a hilarious author, and no matter how serious, gritty or intense the action got, he managed to keep me laughing. Resurrection itself has a rather surreal quality that is truly enjoyable. It’s part braincandy and part over-the-top noir that somehow works perfectly. Marquitz only seems to improve with each book released. Equal parts badass and hilariously irreverent, Marquitz always manages to scratch my literary itch. Seriously, if you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for?
I think Sword of Fire and Sea will have a rather divided audience. Readers will either love it for the style and art of it; or they will be a bit less...moreI think Sword of Fire and Sea will have a rather divided audience. Readers will either love it for the style and art of it; or they will be a bit less enamored due to the fact that it’s a rather two-dimensional affair with a plot and characters to match. To sum it up, it is unbelievable, but beautiful.
Edwards builds a great foundation for Earth Girl. The story is fresh, the setting is unique, the issues dealt with are one of a kind, but somehow a pr...moreEdwards builds a great foundation for Earth Girl. The story is fresh, the setting is unique, the issues dealt with are one of a kind, but somehow a predictable plot and some really unbelievable characters and situations overshadow all of this. Earth Girl is a fun read, and Edwards handles some sensitive issues with real poise, which sets this young adult read in a category all its own. While I might pick on some aspects of this book, it’s worth a read. Edwards is bold and inventive. Earth Girl brings fresh color to a genre that is going stale.
Jernigan has really unleashed something unique on the world with No Return. It doesn’t fit nicely into any boxes or cookie cutters. It’s quick moving,...moreJernigan has really unleashed something unique on the world with No Return. It doesn’t fit nicely into any boxes or cookie cutters. It’s quick moving, subtle yet bold, and absolutely R-Rated and raw. While there’s plenty here that might make some readers uncomfortable, I think Jernigan should take that as a compliment. It’s not often that a book is realistic and vivid enough to make readers uncomfortable. That kind of sums up No Return for me. It’s bold and vivid and it will probably make you uncomfortable, but that’s not a bad thing. Jernigan takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey and he leaves you breathless, gasping, and full of new thoughts.
Deep Down is well worth a read. Coates’ unique writing style deserves much praise and attention. She has managed to write a unique, mature and believa...moreDeep Down is well worth a read. Coates’ unique writing style deserves much praise and attention. She has managed to write a unique, mature and believable urban fantasy that could easily appeal to a wide audience. Hallie is a wonderful character to follow, despite the fact that she can seem a little withdrawn from the reader at times. I have to admit, the more I read from Coates, the more addicted to her writing I become. Deep Down is an incredibly effective subtle thrill ride. Give it a try. I bet it will surprise you.
If I had to compare this book to others I’ve read, I’d say An Inquiry into Love and Death reminds me a bit of Among Others by Jo Walton, wi...more3.5/5 stars
If I had to compare this book to others I’ve read, I’d say An Inquiry into Love and Death reminds me a bit of Among Others by Jo Walton, with a touch of Freda Warrington thrown in for good measure. The historical research and detail is incredibly well done, the romance is sweet and the writing really works to bring everything to life. St. James has an uncanny ability to balance a fairly stereotypical and rather predictable plot with some excellent writing and characters you truly care about. An Inquiry into Love and Death is a short book and a quick read, but it’s a charming one – some rather educational, believable brain candy. It’s a book that deserves far more attention than it has received so far.
Blood’s Pride, in the end, left me incredibly frustrated. The world and cultures show incredible potential, but the plot and characters are completely...moreBlood’s Pride, in the end, left me incredibly frustrated. The world and cultures show incredible potential, but the plot and characters are completely lacking. Awkwardly paced, with events that never seem to stop happening and characters that you’ve probably read about in a hundred other books before, Blood’s Pride never really surfaces. Too many events, too many battles, uninteresting characters, and a clunky plot bog down this book, which is unfortunate because juxtaposed to that is some great writing and a fantastically unique world. Sadly, the wonderful cultures just aren’t enough to revive this work.
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