How am I supposed to wait 3 1/2 years for book 8?????
As always, Gabaldon is excellent. But I was a bit confused at the end of this one. A couple of ne...moreHow am I supposed to wait 3 1/2 years for book 8?????
As always, Gabaldon is excellent. But I was a bit confused at the end of this one. A couple of new (important) story lines came up at the end of Echo, and were then abandoned, with no more information or progression by the end. Also, a couple of ongoing storylines were partially resolved, but in an uncharacteristically abrupt way. Usually, she moves things along at a slow and steady pace, and then shows how the resolution impacts the various other plots and characters. This felt awkward. The point where she left off in Echo was uncomfortable for me. This makes it that much harder to wait for Book 8 in late 2013.(less)
This series is just so outstanding. It's almost impossible to describe the complexity and detail and fabulousness of it. You just have to read it. Com...moreThis series is just so outstanding. It's almost impossible to describe the complexity and detail and fabulousness of it. You just have to read it. Commit to 1/2 of the first book, Outlander, and you'll be hooked for life. This is a re-read for me, so I can refresh memory and move on to books 6 and 7 in the series. She goes for long periods between books, and longer when she branched out into the Lord John spinoffs, and I got preoccupied and didn't jump on 6 and 7 when they were released.(less)
Own in hardback, but am now re-reading via the convenience of Kindle. Haven't re-read it in several years... Diana Gabaldon is so amazing, and continu...moreOwn in hardback, but am now re-reading via the convenience of Kindle. Haven't re-read it in several years... Diana Gabaldon is so amazing, and continues to be so no matter how many times you read her work.
***
Finished, and immediately on to Voyager. In Dragonfly, the politics and scheming sometimes becomes a bit more detailed than I personally would like, but I know that's truly how it was. Gabaldon's research is impeccable, the way she is able to blend the historic fact and characters with the characters from Claire & Jamie's world. Their relationship never fails to boggle my mind, the complexity and depth of their personalities, the way that no matter what happens, they're always led back to each other. I have 20 other books on my Kindle awaiting reading, yet here I am re-reading (and re-buying... I own hard copies, but now want digital copies, too) this beloved series.(less)
More like 4.5 stars. (Goodreads, can we have a more accurate rating system???) Hilarious and unique, I can guarantee you've never read anything like t...moreMore like 4.5 stars. (Goodreads, can we have a more accurate rating system???) Hilarious and unique, I can guarantee you've never read anything like this before. Our protagonist is totally obnoxious, unrepentant, egotistical, weaselly, manipulative, and sneaky... which is why you're fine with the fact that he's lying under his Range Rover while a bear gnaws off his feet. While trapped, he reflects on the many reasons that none of this is his fault. It's his fat, dull wife. It's his hot, obedient "chick on the side." It's the morons in his department. As the ordeal drags on, he's more worried about his damaged Rover and wardrobe than his missing feet. He figures he'll get bionic feet, which are better anyway. He can afford them. We learn more about his earlier life and that his problems are a lot deeper than we suspected. As for the ending, I figured it could only end one of two ways, either of which would be disappointing, and I hoped Hansen pulled out something wacky and unique and satisfying. It's wacky and unique, but maybe not as satisfying as I might have hoped... yet I don't have a better idea.(less)
I say this every time... there's no such thing as a bad Dean Koontz book. This one had multiple storylines, featuring various people from different pl...moreI say this every time... there's no such thing as a bad Dean Koontz book. This one had multiple storylines, featuring various people from different places and walks of life, as the plot brings them closer and closer in intersecting patterns. The world is awaiting something wonderful or terrible, but few know it.
This didn't earn five stars, though, because the last few chapters lost me. Having just finished it, I'm asking myself what significance some of the storylines had... and what the conclusion really means. While leaving some things open for interpretation is good, this left a few more unexplained things and loose ends than I would have liked. This is the sort of thing that would probably make it a good book club book. I guess I'd feel better if I talked to someone else who has read it, and get their take on it.(less)
Very different from her paranormal books, but every bit as good. You might not think an ex-cop, female, lodge-owning, part-time hit-person would be an...moreVery different from her paranormal books, but every bit as good. You might not think an ex-cop, female, lodge-owning, part-time hit-person would be an appealing heroine, but Nadia is. Instead of all the angst and internal conflict you might expect, she doesn't lose any sleep over shooting someone between the eyes if they have it coming. She has her soft spots, but gets the job done. The secrecy of the hitman community, how they get their jobs, the planning and doing of the jobs... balanced with maintaining her "real" life running her remote lodge keeps things interesting, as do her relationships with her mentor, Jack, and fellow hitman, Quinn. I hope Armstrong keeps up with this series.(less)
I used to read a lot more techno-thriller stuff, and if that were still my main interest, this would probably be 5 stars. The biotech/parasite/infecti...moreI used to read a lot more techno-thriller stuff, and if that were still my main interest, this would probably be 5 stars. The biotech/parasite/infectious agent angle is wonderfully realistic and well-researched. Perhaps some of it is scientifically improbable, but I don't know... as most readers, even the very intelligent wouldn't. Unless you're some kind of super-scientist, this reads as very plausible.
It's gruesome, dark, and intense. The characters are rich in detail and development. There are a lot of great elements to the story, all woven together masterfully. It moves at break-neck pace, and had me a nervous wreck by the end. The final 50 pages or so, I found myself racing through it, often skipping paragraphs, only to find I had to go back to keep a good grip on the story.(less)
Well, really a sci-fi fantasy, I guess, but I don't have a shelf for that. It was headed for 4 stars till about half way. The premise is unique and in...moreWell, really a sci-fi fantasy, I guess, but I don't have a shelf for that. It was headed for 4 stars till about half way. The premise is unique and interesting. A small Texas town has been isolated by a mysterious, colorful force field (The Line) for six years. Inside, all their needs are met by benevolent aliens. Need food, a new coat, new tires? You call 911, tell the aliens, and they bring it. They stock the stores, and you go in and get what you need. No money. But people are going a bit stir-crazy, being cut off for so long. They believe/assume that a nuclear war took place, and aliens somehow sheltered them to preserve humanity. But no contact with the outside world makes things a bit tense, and when all your needs are being met, nobody really has much to do. Adultery and secrets become the norm, and the town's preacher is convinced the aliens are demons. Once things start heating up and a murder is discovered, things begin to fall apart. About half way through, I started to get bored with the aliens' cryptic advice and theology lessons about the nature of reality. Accusations abound, an arrest is finally made, a trial is held, and by then I didn't really care. I don't know what was real, what the Happy Policeman learned, or what any of it meant. I finished the book totally confused.(less)
I'd really love to find some of my writer-friends who have read this, so we can discuss it. I read Hely's book, The Ridiculous Race, and enjoyed his w...moreI'd really love to find some of my writer-friends who have read this, so we can discuss it. I read Hely's book, The Ridiculous Race, and enjoyed his writing style so much I knew I wanted to read his novel. And what could be more entertaining than a novel about a guy who decides to "defeat" his ex-girlfriend by writing a best seller before her wedding? Pete "studies" popular novels and decides the way to be successful is to mash together all the elements that the lame-brained book-reading public gets all gushy about, preferably in a lot of complex, image-filled, artsy language that it sounds like literary fiction. Easy. In an experimental ADHD drug-fueled frenzy, he bashes out the worst piece of written garbage ever... so of course it's successful. If only being famous were as easy.
Hely's analogies and similes are quirky and wonderful. And the premise of fiction pretending to be a memoir of a con-artist author is hilarious. I didn't always enjoy the "excerpts" of other characters' work that start each chapter, and at about the 3/4 mark I found my attention wandering a little, unsure what event I should start anticipating, but overall I loved it, and hope Hely is writing more.(less)
I got this because I saw somewhere that it had gotten some sort of big humor award. It was good, well-written... but not all that funny. I've read a l...moreI got this because I saw somewhere that it had gotten some sort of big humor award. It was good, well-written... but not all that funny. I've read a lot of things that were much funnier. Still, Lyndon and Woody and JuJu and Sheila and Ling Ling were good characters, there were a lot of interwoven storylines, and I enjoyed it. It just wasn't what I expected.(less)
Action packed romantic suspense. Great chemistry in the characters, compelling plot, and I love that it's set in Alaska. The characters' "baggage" is...moreAction packed romantic suspense. Great chemistry in the characters, compelling plot, and I love that it's set in Alaska. The characters' "baggage" is a bit much at time, and I had an issue with one element of the resolution, but overall a good read.(less)
This was on its way to 5 stars during the first half. Beautifully and imaginatively written, full of humor and philosophical insanity... many quotable...moreThis was on its way to 5 stars during the first half. Beautifully and imaginatively written, full of humor and philosophical insanity... many quotable quotes. Then it got repetitive and tedious. The deep philosophy lost its punch in the absence of supporting events.(less)
Was leaning toward 4 stars till the last 1/4 of the book. I get that it's wacky fantasy... but I still like to have some idea what's real, who's who,...moreWas leaning toward 4 stars till the last 1/4 of the book. I get that it's wacky fantasy... but I still like to have some idea what's real, who's who, what's reversible and what's permanent.(less)
I almost didn't get this... I was thinking as the fourth along the same storyline, it would be like the drag-it-out movie sequels. The first half was...moreI almost didn't get this... I was thinking as the fourth along the same storyline, it would be like the drag-it-out movie sequels. The first half was a pleasant surprise. The plot for this one is sufficiently different, further along the story arc that started with the firs Meg book.
I have a little problem with the voice used. It's third person, present tense, and a bit off-putting. It's not a smooth read for me.
About 2/3 of the way through, though, I started to be annoyed. Every time someone went in or near the water, something was going to eat somebody. It would be sudden and violent. The good guys would repeatedly be mere moments from certain death, but always (always) be saved at the last possible instant, either through some heroism of another good guy or a brilliant last-ditch plan. Everything became too predictable. I mean, absolutely zero surprises. You might not know WHO was going to be imploded or eaten, but you sure knew what was about to happen.
It still got three stars instead of two on the virtue of the fact that it wasn't as awful as a fourth-book sequel in a techno-thriller is likely to be.(less)
Very funny in a flawed, "Ignatius J. Reilly" kind of way. So many times I'd read a line and think I wanted to post it on Facebook or somewhere, it was...moreVery funny in a flawed, "Ignatius J. Reilly" kind of way. So many times I'd read a line and think I wanted to post it on Facebook or somewhere, it was so good and hilarious. The plot was satisfyingly complex but not overwhelmingly so, and the characters were great.(less)
I heart Christopher Moore. I can't tell you how many times while reading, I go, "Wow, what an awesome, original, hilarious line!" This is a re-read. I...moreI heart Christopher Moore. I can't tell you how many times while reading, I go, "Wow, what an awesome, original, hilarious line!" This is a re-read. I got it back from a friend, had run out of books in my book-bag, and re-read. It had been a long time, so it was as good as the first time.(less)
All dark grit, zero fluff. This is not a book I set out to read. I got it as one for my husband to consider reading. Then I ran out of books before my...moreAll dark grit, zero fluff. This is not a book I set out to read. I got it as one for my husband to consider reading. Then I ran out of books before my next library run. So I read it. It was well-written, tightly crafted, and got inside the minds of the parents of a missing child, the detective with his own troubled past who tries to help find him, and the monsters who took the boy. It got inside all their minds in ways that were often disturbing, painful... or downright horrifying. The world? Is often an ugly place, and I usually try to escape that with my "recreational reading." This book... some things I wish I didn't know. Back to paranormal romance and chick lit. Well, after I read Heart of Ice... but it can't be nearly as dark and disturbing as this book was. If this is your kind of book, you'll want to borrow extra stars from another title for it. I sort of wish I could forget parts of it.(less)
Disappointing. I usually love Robert Rankin, but this book never got off the ground for me. Too scattered, the whole concept of the "dog" never amount...moreDisappointing. I usually love Robert Rankin, but this book never got off the ground for me. Too scattered, the whole concept of the "dog" never amounts to much, and the characters didn't spark. (less)
I read my first book by this author because I wanted to read a romantic suspense (since I'm writing one). I didn't expect much, and was pleasantly sur...moreI read my first book by this author because I wanted to read a romantic suspense (since I'm writing one). I didn't expect much, and was pleasantly surprised by "Hot Night." This one was even better. Think of those thrillers written for guys, the tough, misunderstood hero, lots of drama, intrigue and adventure, an intricate plot with clear good/bad guys... now flip that into a book for women. McKenna's books lack none of the elements of a great thriller, but with the strong female perspective (and lots of hot, awesome sex), they're a lot of fun to read, and you don't feel your brain trying to atrophy as you do with many traditional romances. McKenna is fast becoming a favorite author.(less)
Not my favorite of the Shannon McKenna books I've read. The structure of crime organizations, feuds, and international intrigue, as well as very power...moreNot my favorite of the Shannon McKenna books I've read. The structure of crime organizations, feuds, and international intrigue, as well as very powerful, skilled and beautiful heroes/heroines is the same... but in this one the female character, Tamar, is a bit too hard and damaged to like, plus she has adopted a child (totally out of character) that takes her further from my ideal (I'm not into kids). The hero is good, but he is forced to do some things, because his foster father/mentor is being held by the bad guys, that are hard to accept.
Still, the plot is good, the sex scenes are intense.... I'll read more McKenna. This just wasn't the best one for me.(less)
I think I was handicapped by the fact that I never read the "real" book. I'd probably get the irony a lot more then. Still, a fun read... Regency sist...moreI think I was handicapped by the fact that I never read the "real" book. I'd probably get the irony a lot more then. Still, a fun read... Regency sisters who are uber-zombie-killers, how cool!(less)
Love Izzy. These books are so funny and quirky. Izzy in court-ordered therapy? Priceless. This family, always out-scheming and out-investigating each...moreLove Izzy. These books are so funny and quirky. Izzy in court-ordered therapy? Priceless. This family, always out-scheming and out-investigating each other is one of the best fictional families I've ever encountered.(less)
Moved to the top of the reading list because Tim Dorsey is HILARIOUS, and Serge A. Storms is my favorite wacky, off-beat, Florida-loving, psychotic se...moreMoved to the top of the reading list because Tim Dorsey is HILARIOUS, and Serge A. Storms is my favorite wacky, off-beat, Florida-loving, psychotic serial killer.
Buckley's satire is awesome. This one had lots of interesting little twists. The courtroom scenes were equally satirical, but you have to read careful...moreBuckley's satire is awesome. This one had lots of interesting little twists. The courtroom scenes were equally satirical, but you have to read carefully to catch all the humor. No skimming in this one!(less)
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