This was a very pretty book. I think that really is the best way to describe it. The setting and the characters were all so lovingly and carefully des...moreThis was a very pretty book. I think that really is the best way to describe it. The setting and the characters were all so lovingly and carefully described, it was like looking at a paper cutting. At points it did throw the pacing off a little, but most of the time I enjoyed it. This was magical realism at its very best.
It follows two magicians, one schooled in chaos and the other in careful order, as they engage in a game to the death (and of course, fall in love in the meantime, being so inextricably bound). Their battleground is a magical circus that travels the world and only opens at night. I loved the circus and all of the characters, from the magicians, to the magical twins born within the circus, to the ordinary boy who begins the story as just a fan, and ends it as being much more important. This is a book that would bear re-reading in the future.(less)
I enjoyed this installment of the Parasol Protectorate much better than the first. Maybe because I was already introduced to the characters/world/styl...moreI enjoyed this installment of the Parasol Protectorate much better than the first. Maybe because I was already introduced to the characters/world/style...but I also thought it was a much tighter, more compelling read. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed how it tied in with Egypt, since that was around the time period England was bringing over artifacts and trading widely. I loved the deeper insight into the werewolves and their society, as well as the Preternaturals and the limits of their abilities. And I especially liked the introduction of Madame Lefoux, the crossdressing inventor! Overall, it was a quick read and the wit was enjoyable: Carriger is especially nasty to her ditzy side characters, but in an entertaining way. Cliffhanger ending, so can't wait to start the next.(less)
This book was an excellent guilty pleasure. While it was somewhat awkward in the beginning, once the author hit her stride I loved the writing style--...moreThis book was an excellent guilty pleasure. While it was somewhat awkward in the beginning, once the author hit her stride I loved the writing style-- as witty as a Jane Austen novel. The main character was a lot of fun: a smart, strong spinster who has no problem standing up for herself OR pointing out other people's faults. Plus, vampires and werewolves in regency England? That's like all of my favorite things ever combined into one book. Had to give it three stars though because it was definitely like reading a romance novel: lots of excellent smut, a somewhat predictable plot. So it's not quality literature but...I liked it. Will definitely move on to the next book in the series.(less)
**spoiler alert** I think Julian Comstock is one of the most victorian of steampunk novels that I've read thus far-- the style and print read just lik...more**spoiler alert** I think Julian Comstock is one of the most victorian of steampunk novels that I've read thus far-- the style and print read just like a 19th century novel, so at times it took concentration, but I was a 19th century literature major so I enjoyed that aspect of it immensely. It even had footnotes!
Another novel set in post-oil America, the society is fully realized, with a strong military government, a very strong religious organization, defined classes, and the reinstatement of indentured servitude filling the industrial vacuum. The book was at its best when it considered politics and the struggle between science and religion in any emerging society. I didn't enjoy so much the military narrative at the beginning of the novel, although at times it was amusing. I was finally convinced the novel was brilliant at the end, when Julian Comstock becomes President. His struggles with religion and his efforts to hold himself together while filling a powerful office were very sympathetic. In fact, all of the characters were likeable, now that I think back on it. I think the characters, the style, and the ideas presented make it an intense and worthwhile science fiction novel.(less)
Ship Breaker won the Printz award this year, given to best YA novel, and since I've read Bacigalupi before I thought I'd give this one a try. Like all...moreShip Breaker won the Printz award this year, given to best YA novel, and since I've read Bacigalupi before I thought I'd give this one a try. Like all Bacigalupi novels, it's gritty and grim, and I'm proud of the Printz committee for selecting it in spite of that. Taking place in a future America where oil is gone, global warming has melted the ice caps, and New Orleans has flooded, it follows Nailer, a young ship breaker. Ship breakers are charged with tearing apart old oil rigs for scavenged metal and wiring. How they live and the gap between the rich and the poor is startling. It feels like it really could be where we're heading, and it makes for some good thinking/discussion. It also plays with the themes of loyalty and family in an interesting way. But mostly, I just loved the characters. They were well-drawn, tough and defiant. I'm looking forward to the next installment.(less)
This book is at its heart a really fun adventure novel, taking place in post-apocalyptic Seattle and full of zombies, crazy steampunk machines, and ai...moreThis book is at its heart a really fun adventure novel, taking place in post-apocalyptic Seattle and full of zombies, crazy steampunk machines, and airships.
It's Seattle during the Civil War, and inventor Leviticus Blue has just released the Boneshaker machine on the city, a drilling monstrosity that frees the Blight--a gas that turns people into zombies. Fast forward to sixteen years later, and Seattle has been walled off to prevent further spread of the gas. But Leviticus Blue's son Zeke wants to prove he's not guilty of this heinous crime, and so goes searching for evidence inside the city. His mother Briar Wilkes follows him to bring him out.
I loved this book for Briar, who being the wife of a mad scientist has faced tons of adversity but still manages to be down-to-earth and kick-ass. I also loved the mysterious twist in the ending that keeps you reading. It does drag a little in the middle while the characters are busy settling into the city, but picks up at the end. And of course it gets points for being a really cool, perfectly envisioned world. I mean, who doesn't love zombies??(less)
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