I was browsing Amazon and found this book. I love urban fantasy but get weary fast of the wise-cracking heroines often found in these books. I think t...moreI was browsing Amazon and found this book. I love urban fantasy but get weary fast of the wise-cracking heroines often found in these books. I think the general thrust of the authors is to be the next Joss Whedon, but even Joss knows when to tone it the hell down. So, anyway, my issues with that, but I do tend to like my urban fantasy a little less wiseass but still kickass with funny (like the Nightside books), and violent is okay with me, if it's not just gore for gore's sake. In fact, funny and violent works great. This is all that and more because there is great chemistry between the main characters and there are Norse gods (in fact the whole Norse mythology is here, and it's done perfectly and not in a way I've seen before). Fast moving, snappy, with interesting characters (who had depth, no matter how small the role). I loved it.
I'd never heard of this author, but I think the book was on one of the "Best of" lists I checked out a ways back. Whatever led me to it, I'm very glad...moreI'd never heard of this author, but I think the book was on one of the "Best of" lists I checked out a ways back. Whatever led me to it, I'm very glad that I bought it. A novel that features an African American cast of characters, all with their own issues, agendas, and secrets, and then piles a large dash of The X-Files on top. It's exquisitely crafted, with parallel storylines and stories within stories, and a plot that won't let up, that gives you slow reveals into the lives of the very damaged characters, who you will care deeply about anyway. It's a story about faith and religion, about doubt and perseverance, isolation and inclusion, and why we go on. I couldn't put it down and it's not a small book. Definitely worth a read, and now it's also available in paperback.
I loved Bad Monkeys and that set me looking for older stuff by Ruff. I didn't groove to the first one I tried, but this book is stupendous. I don't ac...moreI loved Bad Monkeys and that set me looking for older stuff by Ruff. I didn't groove to the first one I tried, but this book is stupendous. I don't actually suffer very often from "can't put it down," but this book was infectious that way. It has twist after twist, including which POV you can trust and which you can't. Ruff plays with craft in ways that maybe only other authors notice but it made me so envious (tense, POV, distance, etc). The story itself is realistic and moving. I really don't want to say much because you should just get this book and then experience it. Amazing.
And when you're done with this, go read Bad Monkeys if you haven't already.
I tend not to be a non-fiction fan. But every now and then you hit a non-fiction book that reads like fiction. The Hot Zone was one of those, and so i...moreI tend not to be a non-fiction fan. But every now and then you hit a non-fiction book that reads like fiction. The Hot Zone was one of those, and so is this. I could not put it down, and I learned so much about America and about the moment when this nation stood poised between the old age and the modern one. It blends the building of the Chicago World's Fair (if you want to see what an amazing structure it was, you can see pictures here) with the story of a serial killer--possibly the first of the modern times after Jack the Ripper capped off the older times only a few years back--who settled in Chicago during the fair. It sounds odd, this juxtaposition of architecture, engineering, landscape, and political/boardroom deals with the pure evil of a man who killed for the fun of it, but it works beautifully. The book is lyrical (mostly through the words of people at the time) and matter-of-fact, a blending few could pull off. A National Book Award finalist and on a lot of the "Best of" lists. I highly, highly recommend this.
**spoiler alert** This was on many of the Best of 2009 lists. It's compelling, it's well written (although oddly missing commas--and I'm usually comma...more**spoiler alert** This was on many of the Best of 2009 lists. It's compelling, it's well written (although oddly missing commas--and I'm usually comma lax--and it has a number of very awkward sentences I'd have to stop to read more than once before I got them), and it's meticulously researched. It's a MacBeth-type story set in Appalachia, in the world of the lumber barons--and the lumber workers. That part of the story works beautifully, as does the suspense--and the brutality both by people and by the dangers of the logging business. What did not work for me as well was the love story. I wished I had just a bit more back story on the two main characters. A lot hinges on their passion for each other but it came across as a bit lukewarm for me. I'm not asking for bodice-ripper heaves and sighs, just a bit more to hang my reader-hat on as far as taking it on faith that love could drive these two to what they do. And they do a lot. As I read it, I kept thinking what am amazing movie it could make, and I read that the rights are already sold. Some actress is going to have a remarkable opportunity playing Serena Pemberton.
Amazing book about a guy who is burned quite badly in a car accident and how his life changes not just in terms of the physical, but also the people h...more Amazing book about a guy who is burned quite badly in a car accident and how his life changes not just in terms of the physical, but also the people he meets, most especially a probably crazy woman who is convinced they were lovers in past lives. The descriptions of burn victims and what they go through is intense; I can go all geeky Doctor Gerri, and I got into it, but others might not, so don't read the first part while you're eating. I felt like I was reading a story that was the written love child of Tim Burton and Paul Thomas Anderson--Edward Scissorhands meets Magnolia or something. It was an awesome ride all about connection and love and past lives and suffering and Dante's Inferno and German mysticism, and even though it didn't end up where I thought it would, it was incredibly satisfying right through to the end.
This is my first venture into the weird worlds of Chuck Palahniuk. And I liked it. But I'm not sure it's for everyone. The premise is what if there we...moreThis is my first venture into the weird worlds of Chuck Palahniuk. And I liked it. But I'm not sure it's for everyone. The premise is what if there were a "culling song" that would kill whoever heard it and what if you knew that this song was in a book that was in libraries across the country--and people were reading it to their children? I'll let the rest of it unfold because to spoil this would be a crime (and also very difficult since it's so complicated a plot to try to describe other than the premise). I've never read a story that was utterly lyrical, even magical at times, and yet so deeply disturbing and disturbed (to echo the reviewer at CNN). There are images that I may never, ever lose, which is a good and bad thing, depending on the image. This is definitely not for a young reader, and if you like your stories safe and clean (or even safe and dirty) this is not for you, because it's not safe. But man...the creativity here. I read lots of books I enjoy. But only a few engender this vicious a case of writer's envy.
If you read Sharp Objects, you know how compelling this author is. Here we have another crime drama--only entirely different than the one in her first...more If you read Sharp Objects, you know how compelling this author is. Here we have another crime drama--only entirely different than the one in her first book, both in theme and writing style--and another completely damaged heroine--although, again, very different than the gal in Sharp Objects. The story zipped along, the characters coming alive, the mystery bubbling. The end though--I'm not convinced the end worked for me. She had me hooked until the last four or so chapters and then I started questioning. Maybe I didn't read closely enough in the beginning, but I think there were some clues left so subtlely, they were too subtle. Still a fast and fun read, but not as good, ultimately, as Sharp Objects.
It's not often an author takes as much time with a story as Molly Gloss does with this one. Don't let the title fool you, this is not a book about hor...more It's not often an author takes as much time with a story as Molly Gloss does with this one. Don't let the title fool you, this is not a book about horses, despite the heroine of the story being a horse whisperer of sorts. The horses merely transport the plot the same way they did people out West during the lead-up to American involvement "over there" in WWI (a period I haven't read too much about, so I found it really different).
This story is written in omniscient, which I don't see much anymore outside of Alice Hoffman's work and this is different from hers, it's almost a narrator omniscient, going back and forward in time to provide context, and it works beautifully for this tale. The Hearts of Horses is a quiet, delicate, but brutal at times, story that you just never want to end. I highly recommend this, the historical details are fascinating and so are the glimpses into the many people that come into the life of the heroine. And the heroine is entirely different from most of the witty, ballsy chicks that seem to populate a lot of what I read. She's quiet and steadfast and a wonderful counterpoint to the drama that goes on around her.
This is an absolutely beautiful book that manages to combine self discovery, art, geography/cartography, self-actualization and a whole lot of other t...moreThis is an absolutely beautiful book that manages to combine self discovery, art, geography/cartography, self-actualization and a whole lot of other themes in a way that is not preachy or stiff or anything but amazing. Terra, the heroine, has a port wine stain--that right there is amazing. This is not a Mary Sue of any kind. And even though she has issues, she is a girl you just feel for, she's not a Bella either. (And speaking of Twilight, how happy am I to read a book set in Washington State--my home--from someone who actually used the landscape as more than just a plot convenience?) Terra's search for both independence from the birthmark and from her abusive father and the small town she lives in could have been trite, but instead it was amazing. I cried often through the last part and I was usually surprised to find that I was--it was spontaneously moving, no telegraphs. The only criticism I might have is that the dad is a little over the top at times--but on the other hand, I've had friends with emotionally abusive parents. Their words shredded my friends and I can still feel the clenching of my gut at the thought of being around that, so while it's maybe over the top, it does happen, and you don't need to be struck to be abused. The journey is magical; the use of person as landscape is inspired, and there are multiple romances in this--traditional boy and girl as well as a young girl discovering herself and rediscovering her mother. Fabulous book.
I had my doubts about this book; I'm a very, very harsh critic when it comes to books about the Tudor period, especially anything to do with Anne Bole...moreI had my doubts about this book; I'm a very, very harsh critic when it comes to books about the Tudor period, especially anything to do with Anne Boleyn. And this is a huge book and was only out in hardback when I bought it. But it also was on every Best of list there was, so I gave it a shot. OMG, I'm so glad I did. This doesn't just rise to the level of the best books on the period, it transcends them. Such a powerfully different look at Thomas Cromwell, such an interesting look at Henry and the women in his and Cromwell's life. Such a wonderful look at the more famous contemporaries and friends. I can't say enough good things about this. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel and I NEVER say that. I hate books that end with the story undone but this was just so damn marvelous, taking its time to let you really soak into Cromwell's life. It's in present tense and the POV is, at times, confusing--which would normally make me abandon a book in a hurry--but you're in the hands of a master, so just give up any worries and sink yourself into the reading experience. Sublime. Truly.
Room was getting a lot of attention and I picked it up. Wow. Just wow. Written from the POV of an understandably precocious five-year-old, it chronicl...moreRoom was getting a lot of attention and I picked it up. Wow. Just wow. Written from the POV of an understandably precocious five-year-old, it chronicles several weeks in the life of him and his mother--a woman who had been abducted nine years earlier and kept in a small room alone and then with her child. It's not an easy book to read, but at times it's utterly charming--you will fall for Jack--and ultimately incredibly powerful. Translating from the vantage point of a child--even one as advanced as Jack--to try to figure out what's really going on is both challenging and ultimately fascinating. Great book. Wouldn't be surprised to see it on the Best of lists and in the award noms for 2010.
Such a fun book! I read about it on some notable book list (can't remember which one) and they weren't wrong. It's about the apocalypse, and if Supern...moreSuch a fun book! I read about it on some notable book list (can't remember which one) and they weren't wrong. It's about the apocalypse, and if Supernatural were funnier than it already is (picture it written by the folks who do Modern Family or Arrested Development), you'd have this book. Great characters, sort of reminiscent of Good Omens, but I liked this book much better since I found Good Omens slow to get going and this starts and never stops. Very, very fun.
This book is amazing. It manages to show a situation full of damage (very bad car wreck, girl in coma) without being melodramatic (and shows support a...moreThis book is amazing. It manages to show a situation full of damage (very bad car wreck, girl in coma) without being melodramatic (and shows support and love without being sappy or overdone). The heroine is one of the most engaging I've read. I truly liked her and her family. She was far from perfect but she seemed very real. It's a sad book in a lot of ways, but also examines some interesting themes around fear and love and moving on (or not). I can't wait to read the sequel. I'm being vague because I don't want to spoil things; the journey is very much the thing here.
I should note that this book has a blurb on it from USA Today that says "Will appeal to fans of Stephanie Meyer's TWILIGHT." Had I seen this in a bookstore, that blurb would have made me run screaming since there are few things I hate more in this world than Twilight (primarily, if you're interested, because I can't imagine a WORSE role model than Bella for young girls, or a worse relationship for young people to emulate--and I dig Buffy, so I clearly have no problem with teens with vamps). Fortunately, I bought the book while browsing Amazon and didn't see this blurb (or it wasn't on the cover version I saw). Because this book is NOTHING like Twilight (other than the fact that Catherine Hardwicke is going to direct the movie--and I forgive her Twilight because I loved her genius Thirteen so very, very much), so if you were holding off on this for the same reason I would have, rest assured, the only thing the two books have in common are words and a teenage heroine.
This reads a bit like Hunger Games meets Uglies, but that's okay because it's also very much its own book. It's a very fun, very fast read and it has...moreThis reads a bit like Hunger Games meets Uglies, but that's okay because it's also very much its own book. It's a very fun, very fast read and it has a brave, brave ending that made me so happy because it is not the easy out. Also, bonus, it doesn't end as an obvious series--no reason she can't keep going, and there is a natural next story, but she doesn't have to keep going (I actually avoid series--I know, I'm weird). The characters are very real in this, and the heroine is naive but it works with her environment so I forgave her--she certainly wasn't too stupid to live. Good strong worldbuilding and lovely craftsmanship on this one.
I would like to applaud this author for packing so much power into such a little book. Updating the labors of Hercules for a kid who's dealing with th...moreI would like to applaud this author for packing so much power into such a little book. Updating the labors of Hercules for a kid who's dealing with the death of his (mostly hated) father sounds strange but it works. Making it both funny and also incredibly moving pushes this into Joss Whedon territory (my biggest compliment). And to do it with such an economy of words--I'll admit, my own style can be spare so I love seeing other authors play with the same method. It's been a period where no book has held my interest or failed to annoy me, so I love this book even more than I would for breaking that streak. I gobbled this up and enjoyed every minute of the ride.(less)
This is one fun book. First off, it's a twist up of the fairy tale Cinderella. And I'm a sucker for fairy tales (as is the world as evidenced by the s...moreThis is one fun book. First off, it's a twist up of the fairy tale Cinderella. And I'm a sucker for fairy tales (as is the world as evidenced by the sudden onslaught of shows and movies). Secondly, this is an extremely clever twist up of the fairy tale. Thirdly, Cinder is no Bella Swan. She doesn't swoon, she's other in a way that makes sense, and I really was pulling for her. Wonderful worldbuilding here. I'm even (and I am NO fan of series, much prefer standalone books) looking forward to the next book. With extreme anticipation. I'm even willing to overlook the fact that I figured out the twist about two chapters in (and once you do, it makes the story even more fun as a fairy tale) and that the ending is a bit, well, rushed. I usually grade a book down when I get very close to the end and a reasonable resolution appears to not be achievable in the space left. But for a book this imaginative with craftsmanship so excellent, I'm giving it all a pass. And those who know me, know that I usually don't do that.
Read. This. Book. We need to reward writers who are both exquisite writers AND storytellers.(less)
I love Albert Brooks for his combination of cynicism and romanticism. I love his skill at mixing pathos and comedy. I love the fact that there is not...moreI love Albert Brooks for his combination of cynicism and romanticism. I love his skill at mixing pathos and comedy. I love the fact that there is not one thing in this book that doesn't seem entirely possible, and very, very likely, by the year 2030. Brooks has been a force in film for years but that doesn't always translate to print. Fortunately for us, he's a genius in either medium. His characters are engaging. There are a score of them, something I normally find very hard to track, but he introduces them effortlessly and keep them familiar. The dialogue is snappy without being too brittle or comedy perfect. The pace is magnificent--could not put the book down and sped through it. The book is both hopeful and depressing, and that's what makes it perfect: I think that's how many of us feel about the future. I don't normally buy hardcover books the minute they come out. This one I did, and I'm so very happy with it.
This is just a fun, fun, fun book. If you were wondering what the next Harry Potter-like series might be, I think this is it. It's Carnivale meets X-M...moreThis is just a fun, fun, fun book. If you were wondering what the next Harry Potter-like series might be, I think this is it. It's Carnivale meets X-Men meets Harry Potter. With a little dash of Griffin and Sabine, what with all the old pictures. I don't want to wreck anything for those who've not read it, so I'm loathe to say much about it except read it. It goes fast, it's very fun, you'll cheer, you'll be afraid: it's all good.
Oh, wow. It's easy to see why this book is up for a World Fantasy Award. It's different and charming, meandering around points but giving you more tha...moreOh, wow. It's easy to see why this book is up for a World Fantasy Award. It's different and charming, meandering around points but giving you more than enough information that when you circle back, you know why you got that seemingly irrelevant story. It's folksy, and ethnic in a way that's not done to death. The characters are memorable, the smiles many. It's just...delightful. And I don't want to ruin it for anyone by giving too much away.
One criticism. And for me, it's the difference between an A and an A+ (or four vice five stars). Wayyyy too many books saidisms (creative alternatives to said in dialogue tags) in the middle of the book. And it's the kind that don't make sense. How do you scoff a line? How do you sigh a line--especially a long line? And some adverbicide along the way would not have been unwelcome. It's a pet peeve, but it knocks me out of the story every single time. And this book was too fine to need that kind of beginner's crutch.
This book would get earn a three even if it had no real plot solely for the way Sharratt brings to life the poor in England during the times after Hen...moreThis book would get earn a three even if it had no real plot solely for the way Sharratt brings to life the poor in England during the times after Henry and into King James. I've read lots about the impact of the break with Rome on the aristocracy, but never on the poor. Nor did I have a good feel what it might entail to be truly poor but functional--and what does that even mean to be functionally beggars in essence--in these days. So for that alone, the story would be good. But it's not good. It's fantastic, and that's because through all this realism and eye-opening detail, Sharratt weaves a multi-generational story of mysticism, loyalty, betrayal, and love. Is there magic in this in the sense of fantasy type magic...who knows? That's one of the best things about this. Does a cunning woman have power because she is in league with familiars and born to it or does she have power because she believes she does? And because others do? Is there power in the whispered prayer? In the whispered curse? And where is the line between cunning woman (blesser) and witch (curser)? I I'd give this book six stars if I could. It's not a feel good book--it's inspired by real events in a time when witch hunts were a way to attract the attention of a king. But despite that, I loved these women, and I felt their journey every step of the way.(less)
I don't actually consider this book Young Adult, primarily because it's going to resonate more with woman around 50 or so (who were teens in the 1970s...moreI don't actually consider this book Young Adult, primarily because it's going to resonate more with woman around 50 or so (who were teens in the 1970s). If you weren't, I'm not sure if this will mean quite so much--and I'm not sure if it will play at all for guys. This is also going to be hard for the gen Yers and their helicopter parentals: this is set in a time when children ran free--no freakin' play dates here--and parents were suspect, not our best buds. But for me, it was a joy ride down memory lane, not only reminding me of my junior high (and to some extent high school) years, it transported me back there. Beard doesn't miss a beat in this: all the things that matter are there, and the book is, at its heart, not about a dysfunctional family (although some of it works as a theme) but about the joined-at-the-hip friendship of the unnamed narrator and her best friend. And how that friendship may or may not last through some changes. I can't say enough good things about this book. Little Jo (cuz that's what I dubbed the heroine in my mind based on a clue she gives us--and yeah it happens to be the author's name, too) spoke to me, reminded me of my best friend back in the day, and was me on many occasions. Wonderful book.(less)
I would give this book a five based solely on the digs at Twilight but fortunately there are much better reasons to give it such high marks. One: stun...moreI would give this book a five based solely on the digs at Twilight but fortunately there are much better reasons to give it such high marks. One: stunningly paced plot. Two: an endearing and unique heroine who in no way seems a Mary Sue. Three: a paranormal world that felt fresh (I admit to some fatigue with the whole paranormal thing) Four: an actual ending (sure, it might and probably will be a series, but it doesn't have to be. And that's all I ask.) Five: Great supporting characters who were nicely tinted in gray rather than black or white. Very, very fun book. I'll be happy to search for more from this author!(less)
I'm not sure what prompted me to pick this up. Could have been a review in Publisher's Weekly. At any rate, I'm so glad I read it. Told in two differe...moreI'm not sure what prompted me to pick this up. Could have been a review in Publisher's Weekly. At any rate, I'm so glad I read it. Told in two different first person voices, one a teen who's pregnant and the other a girl grieving a dad who was killed in car wreck a year before and dealing with a mom who wants to adopt the baby. Everyone is so real in this. I loved that. And the pain and uncertainty on all sides is very very real. I don't want to spoil things, so I won't say much more, but the ending was just so right--the perfect cap to a painful and pitch perfect journey. Lovely, powerful little book.(less)
I wish there were a way to give bonus stars, because this book really deserves some. Fabulously written: this is a narrator who loves words, who inhab...moreI wish there were a way to give bonus stars, because this book really deserves some. Fabulously written: this is a narrator who loves words, who inhabits the world and invests it with so much significance and meaning the way she describes things, and who you can really get behind (you WILL care what happens to her, even if she starts out a little bit of a cipher). This is straight YA, no paranormal, but yet there is still a little bit of a fairy tale aspect to this. But mostly, it's one of the most excellent looks I've seen at "The Sharp Time"--that time after you lose someone you love, when the immediate shock has worn off and you enter the learning to live without them phase. And you really are brittle glass.
It takes so little to send you over the edge.
It takes so little to bring you back.
That's the magic of this book. The ride, the journey, the connections (or lack of) in Sandinista's life, and the responsibility one takes for one's actions and feelings and how you relate to those feelings.
I loved Sandinista, and her journey made me cry but I won't tell you why, because to give away too much of this plot would be a crime. It should be discovered naturally.(less)
I wish I could give this more than five stars. This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have read in years. So inventive, amazing dialogue th...moreI wish I could give this more than five stars. This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have read in years. So inventive, amazing dialogue that is sparse but still establishes characters quickly, worldbuilding abilities off the scale (without actually leaving our world--which I often consider more magical than creating a whole new place). The story itself: epic. Non-linear at times, with a POV that I often didn't know what it was doing--and anyone who knows me, knows that is the kiss of death for me and a book--but I didn't care. I felt as if I was in the hands of a master--this was her debut, however: Damn, to have this kind of talent!--and if she wanted to treat her POV like a butterfly, flitting around and landing occasionally, that was fine with me. There is a lot of reference to Shakespeare and one can draw conclusions of a sort to Romeo and Juliet or The Tempest, but at the end of the day, this is its own story. A love story. A mystery of sorts as one tries to discover what the game these two are playing really is. A tragedy in the lack of choice so many of the protagonists have. And an adventure in the magic of a circus. Fabulous, wondrous, and amazing. I cannot wait for this woman's next book.
And best of all. It's a stand alone. I love that, God(dess) bless you, Ms. Morgenstern!(less)
I wish I could give this book more than five stars. The POV choice of First Person Plural should earn more stars alone--pulling that off, let alone ha...moreI wish I could give this book more than five stars. The POV choice of First Person Plural should earn more stars alone--pulling that off, let alone having it be the PERFECT choice for the book, is amazing. Add in the omniscient that goes with it, and the limited third that circles around the more intimate looks at the various sisters, and this makes for fascinating reading. There are layers on top of layers: Shakespeare, birth order, and a basic family story of three sisters, home for a family crisis, who love each other but don't like each other much. The craftsmanship is first rate: tight, rich writing that never goes on too long. Dialogue that is spare but gets the job done. Humor, sadness, anger, hurt. All the things families bring out, magnified by three. Wonderful, wonderful book!(less)
In the author bio on the back jacket flap, it says this book was inspired by the author watching Les Miserables. I've neither seen nor read that work,...moreIn the author bio on the back jacket flap, it says this book was inspired by the author watching Les Miserables. I've neither seen nor read that work, so I can't say if it succeeds or not as homage or updated storyline. But I can say it succeeds outstandingly well as a dystopian sci fi young adult book (and I believe a stand alone one at that--although it could easily become a series, and if it did, I'd happily buy the next book. I liked the characters that much). Written in alternating first-person POVs, which can be tricky but here is handled masterfully, the book is, at its heart, more a mystery/suspense than a sci fi, pitting two very similar characters born into very different circumstances against each other. Both characters are driven by motivations that feel real, and make decisions that are consistent with how they're written. Truly, it's a joy. My one crit is that in the last few chapters June started spouting some parenthetical Rain Man like facts, which I don't remember being present in the earlier parts of the book--hopefully if the book does turn into a series, this won't become a trend. But this was a small bump in an otherwise wonderful road. I'd heard lots of good things about this book, and they were all right. It's already been sold for filming: can't wait to see who they cast in these roles. (less)
Every year, a week before homecoming, a list comes out at Mount Washington High School, naming the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade. The effec...moreEvery year, a week before homecoming, a list comes out at Mount Washington High School, naming the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade. The effect of this on each of the girls for the week and up to the crowning of homecoming queen is charted in a fascinating look at how labels change us; how perceptions change as labels do; at the relationships we have based on our perceptions of ourselves, our bodies and how we perceive others (and how we think others perceive us); and what lengths we will go to change or solidify the perceptions and labels. And then there is also a mystery: who wrote the list this year--who writes the list any year? And why do they pick who they do?
I am consistently amazed at the quality and creativity that can be found in the Young Adult aisle. This book is really at the apex of that, with sharp, witty dialogue (but never trying to be Buffy or too smart ass), characters are so well drawn you never forget who is who, which is pretty amazing with eight starring characters and a lot of supporting cast, and a fast-moving plot that leaves you guessing till the end. And the ending is believable. This is not Disney. Some characters learn and grow. Others you can see having a meltdown in months. Still others could go either way, time will tell. I like that in a book. Be real: don't give us the Hollywood ending.
Wonderful, wonderful story. I highly recommend this. I'd give it six stars if I could.(less)
I wish I could give this monster of a book more than five stars. What an amazing ride. I'm very glad I have The Twelve on order and soon to arrive, be...moreI wish I could give this monster of a book more than five stars. What an amazing ride. I'm very glad I have The Twelve on order and soon to arrive, because I do not want to wait to keep going. In fact, I don't even want to start something new in the interim, that's how good this is and how much I want to stay in this place.
Why do I love this book? Well, first off, this is the kind of book I normally would not buy. A doorstopper of a book. Horror/suspense. First in a trilogy (I prefer standalones). But it got a lot of good press and reviews and I decided to try it. I'm so glad I did. Yes, it's an epic book. Yes, it's horror and suspense, but the author doesn't over-use gore, which I so appreciate. When he does bring that out, it's to great effect since it's used so sparingly elsewhere. This book is more than horror, though. It has elements of fantasy and sci fi that almost remind me of Anne McCaffrey's Pern series--both in terms of world-building but also in terms of creating a huge cast of characters to get to know and to love in some instances. The plot moves quickly: the size of this book is not due to annoying filler by any means. And the craftsmanship is first rate, with very few things that popped me out of the story (something I don't often say).
The other reason I love this book is just when you think you have this plot pegged, it goes some other way. Zigging when you think it will zag. Right down to the very last lines when you go "Wait...what?" Love that. Even seeming Deus ex Machinas end up being red herrings--although at times they play into my one criticism of the book before they are shown to be not the salvation one thought.
So what is that one criticism? It's this--and if I were not so in love with this book and these characters, it'd be enough to drop my rating an entire star--if the antagonists in this series are really all that (and there's no reason to think they're not) then the death toll among our key characters is far too low. I hate to say that because I love our key characters, and maybe that death toll will change in the coming books. God knows I don't actually want it to change. But there comes a point where you start rolling your eyes and saying "Seriously?" when people keep surviving attacks.
So read this book. It's fun, it's scary at times, it's moving, it's exciting, it's mystical, it's really everything you need in a big-ass, well-written book. And there's more to come. What fun!(less)
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