**spoiler alert** I've had this book in my to-read pile for two years, and I was aware that it was part of a series and that might make it a harder re...more**spoiler alert** I've had this book in my to-read pile for two years, and I was aware that it was part of a series and that might make it a harder read. For the most part, I didn't have trouble following along--not until the end--but the problem I did have was the formulaic nature of the plot. The lead characters had no depth, and no history beyond the many sexual partners they have both had. Their families and backgrounds are barely mentioned. The main plot is all about the romance, and the fate of the world is secondary. It has something of a steampunk light vibe to it, taking place in the 1870s with magic and new technological elements to the world, but doesn't really delve into that, either.
I know, silly of me to expect more from a romance. It's not that the writing is bad. I just wanted... more to Gemma and Catallus. I also wanted more to the villains, the Heirs, who are extremely one-dimensional. They want to make England the world's superpower but it's never clear why. They are also all wealthy fops, which is just weird. There's more than one instance where the heroes cry out the equivalent of "Those men are well dressed! It's the Heirs! Run!"
Catallus is black and English, descended from slaves. Again, this is something that didn't feel adequately explored.
The novel felt very long considering how few plots were braided into the book. The ending in particular dragged on, and became confusing at the point where all the previous protagonists of the series dropped in for cameos. There's also a cliche arch-villain moment that left me thinking, "Why didn't he just do that at the beginning of the book?"(less)
**spoiler alert** I've enjoyed Priest's steampunk books such as Boneshaker and Dreadnought, so I wanted to read her new urban fantasy series. I did ha...more**spoiler alert** I've enjoyed Priest's steampunk books such as Boneshaker and Dreadnought, so I wanted to read her new urban fantasy series. I did have some reservations about it--mainly in that that lead character is a vampire. I've never had much interest in the blood-suckers, but since this was Priest at the helm, I wanted to give it a try.
Raylene Pendle was a flapper when she was alive, and still has the haircut to prove it. As a vampire, she's scraped by in the years since by becoming a thief for hire. Her latest case isn't about jewels or fine art: it's about information. A blinded vampire with deep pockets wants her to dig up information about the secret government program that maimed him. As soon as she takes the case, she finds herself the new favorite person of the Men in Black and takes off cross-country to find out what the government is hiding, and how the hell to get them off her back.
I enjoyed Raylene's voice. She's snarky and a tad too profane at times, but she's fun. It's great to read about a neurotic, OCD character, but having a vampire with those issues was great. The plot raced along with lots of twists and turns. The problem I had was at the end. There was a huge build up of, "We're getting the information! We got it!" and then the finale fizzles. Too many subplots are left dangling, and not even the main plot was tied together. As a series, sure, there need to be things unresolved. In this case it felt like things were totally forgotten, and then the way the side characters come together at the end... eh. It's frustrating because I loved the book up till that point. I could forgive a few too-convenient ways she managed to escape nasty scrapes, or the no-chemistry romance that felt forced in. But I want to walk away feeling like the story WORKED. It didn't here.(less)
I received a review copy of this book from the author, but am completely honest in my opinion.
Every so often, I read a middle grade book that complete...moreI received a review copy of this book from the author, but am completely honest in my opinion.
Every so often, I read a middle grade book that completely reawakens my inner 10-year-old. This is one of those books--the sort I would have read repeatedly until I memorized it, drawn fan art of, and likely daydreamed myself into. I approached the book thinking that it looked good, but I didn't expect to like it quite so much.
What makes this book stand out?
Foremost is the main character, Tilda. She's a princess, but not in a glamorous Disney kind of way. She's been raised to take care of her holdings, to listen to her people's grievances, and write manuscripts--and that's her greatest love. Tilda was born with a twisted foot and has difficulty moving, and feels shunned by many people because of it. She's learned to be rather cold, and somewhat selfish, just to avoid the emotional pain. Only her handmaiden Judith, friend Parz, and a few adults see her as she really is.
Something that surprised me from the start was the amount of tension. A lot of bad things happen. The kids make bad choices, as do the adults around them. As an adult, I struggle with some kids' books because I find them too predictable. Handbook surprised me at every turn, and that compelled me to keep turning pages so I could find out what happened next. I also loved historical fiction as a child, and this book blends fantasy and European history in a very appealing way.
Ah, and then there was the biggest surprise of all, the one that made my inner 10-year-old squeal with delight: the magical horses. I won't say any more, as I don't want to delve into spoiler territory, but I could have so seen myself as a kid in a mad scramble for my colored pencils so I could draw these magnificent characters. I'm smiling now to even think of it.
Really, I think that's the grandest praise I can foist upon this book: it made me feel like a kid again.(less)
I used to be a Law & Order junkie. I watched every incarnation of the show. As soon as I started reading this book, I had to laugh, as it immediat...moreI used to be a Law & Order junkie. I watched every incarnation of the show. As soon as I started reading this book, I had to laugh, as it immediately struck me as Law & Order detectives investigate the paranormal. The voice is thick and heavy, abounding with profanity and dry wit, with a gravelly noire feel. Sure, it's a cliche, but one that has some truth to it from what I've seen. Plus, why mess with a good formula? You have a cop who recently lost his partner. You have the new partner, who you're not sure about trusting yet. There's the boss who's about as prickly as a porcupine. Family drama. A loathing of vampires, and yet a case now where the vamps are the murder vics--so you have to set aside your prejudices and do the damn job.
Really, the fun of the book is because it does follow the cop show tropes, yet subverts them with paranormal twists every so often. Like the acronym SWAT: Sacred Weapons and Tactics Unit. They bring along holy water, silver bullets, a cop with samurai swords, a flamethrower, and a minister, rabbi, and Jesuit to pray together and nullify any nasty black magic.
I read a lot of urban fantasy. I can be jaded about the genre at times. This one is fresh and fun. It reminds me of what I loved about Nightshifted by Cassie Alexander, where a nurse works the hidden paranormal wing of a hospital. (less)
I have wanted to read this book for years because I love healer characters, and yet it's languished in my to-read pile. I am glad to finally get aroun...moreI have wanted to read this book for years because I love healer characters, and yet it's languished in my to-read pile. I am glad to finally get around to it.
The worldbuilding is especially strong in regards to the healing. Nya lives in a conquered city where the economy relies on Healers and Pain Merchants. It's fascinating. It also has many implications that aren't explored, and likely can't be explored in a middle grade book such as this; really, with Healers so few, they shouldn't be allowed to wander the city at all because of their high value.
The moral complications here are complex and feel real. Nya is a good person in terrible straits. At the start, she's starving and desperate for food. Through the course of the book, she makes many decisions in which there is no real right or wrong answer, and suffers the consequences. This makes the novel quite dark, but I think this is also a good thing for kids in the target age group.
The main problem I had was that I was getting annoyed with a particular setting. The characters escaped, then returned, and escaped, and returned. It made the bad guys look incompetent in a ridiculous way, and it felt like it dragged on too long. I loved the first 3/4 of the book and then found my enthusiasm dimming as I read. Because of this, I likely won't pick up the sequel.(less)
I'm a sucker for good, old-fashioned fairy tales. Always have been. Therefore, when I read modern takes on fairy tales, I'm extra critical. Probably t...moreI'm a sucker for good, old-fashioned fairy tales. Always have been. Therefore, when I read modern takes on fairy tales, I'm extra critical. Probably the most important thing with a fairy tale isn't the setting or even the magic--it's that voice, a childlike feeling of wonder that accepts the extraordinary as it is.
Enchanted absolutely nails this. And the setting. And the magic. The entire book feels cozy and endearing. It's YA, the sort of YA that's perfect for anyone 11 and up who loves a solid, nostalgic fairy tale.
Sunday is a relatable heroine, the youngest of a full brood of siblings. Within the first few pages, she encounters a talking frog. She takes this quite in stride. This frog is, of course, a prince under enchantment. She and the prince have an incredible chemistry. I wouldn't call this a romance book, though their attraction is vital to the story, but wow, is it a lovely romance. Again, it feels cozy and just plain RIGHT. It's probably the best chemistry I've encountered in a YA book in a while.
Rumbold, the prince, has a dark past. Living as a frog isn't easy, but even before that time he didn't have an easy life--which was partly his own doing, and that is something he must come to accept. Too often, it feels like the woman in the romance is the one who must change or adapt while the guy is hunky and perfect and if he has a dark past, that's just part of the twisted allure. Not so here. They both mature a great deal, which also allows them to grow together.
The supporting cast sparkles with life. Sunday's family is unique, and sometimes a tad confusing because of the sheer number of characters, but since they are all distinct individuals, it becomes clear soon enough. Many, many fairy tales are woven into this single novel, and to name them all would spoil things. Sunday's family alone is a tangled knot of fairy tale references, and part of the fun is noticing the references and how they come together in entirely unexpected ways.
I did receive this book for free as part of my 2012 Hugo and Nebula Award reading, but this is one I absolutely want to buy and share. It's just that good. I will definitely read the next books in the series as they come out. (less)
Not a review, as this includes my own story. This holiday anthology of speculative fiction contains 19 stories of 500 or fewer words:
A UNICORN FOR CHR...moreNot a review, as this includes my own story. This holiday anthology of speculative fiction contains 19 stories of 500 or fewer words:
A UNICORN FOR CHRISTMAS by Beth Cato WHEN FRIENDS COME TO CALL by Zach Shephard AUTUMN WAITS by Ken MacGregor NUCLEAR FAMILY by Alex Shvartsman THE CHRISTMAS ZOMBIE by James S. Dorr MISSION LOG, DAY 67 by Lance Schonberg RESOLUTION by Amanda M. Hayes THE CONJURER by Alicia Cole NATIVITY by Brandon Alspaugh HISTORY LESSONS by Sandra McDonald GIFTED by Dan Hart MISTLETOE by Casey Peterson NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION by Katherine Sparrow THEY WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by James Aquilone IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER by Michael H. Payne THE GREATEST TIGER LANTERN OF ALL by J. Deery Wray A VISIT, A GIFT by Matthew Johnson ELECTRIC HATSUYUME by Deborah Walker A REASON TO LINGER by Alexis A. Hunter(less)
I received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.
"Strange Stories" is an apt subtitle for this collection of ten tales,...moreI received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.
"Strange Stories" is an apt subtitle for this collection of ten tales, ranging from the novella-length Hugo-nominated, "The Maiden Flight of McCauley's Bellerophon" to the flash-length "Cruel Up North." Hand has a knack for creating vivid, flawed characters--very normal people--who encounter something extraordinary on the fringe of society. Often these encounters are rather disturbing. "Near Zennor" struck me as the creepiest, evoking the isolated moorlands of Cornwall and beings that drift from the beyond.
That said, I'm not into creepy. I appreciated Hand's realistic characters, but overall the anthology was a disappointment for me. Maybe my expectations were too high, as I've heard wonderful things about Elizabeth Hand for years and this was my first time reading her work. There was a pattern to how many of the stories ended: this strange thing happened, and that was that, and I was frustrated by the lack of explanation or finality in some cases. "The Return of the Fire Witch" didn't feel like it belonged in the collection at all; it fit the theme of strangeness, but was a pure fantasy work, not set on Earth like the rest.
I'm glad I read this, just to have read Hand's work, but I think my disappointment came down to personal taste. I would be hesitant to read more of her work in the future.(less)
This book has gained considerable buzz as it nears its release in February 2013, and I was fortunate to receive a gratis copy through NetGalley.
A Natu...moreThis book has gained considerable buzz as it nears its release in February 2013, and I was fortunate to receive a gratis copy through NetGalley.
A Natural History of Dragons is an incredibly fast and gentle read, though also frustrating. The book's description gave me expectations for a different pace of story, and in the end that left me disappointed.
Set in a secondary world (i.e. not Earth), the social dynamics are thoroughly Victorian. This means that Lady Trent's interest in dragons from an early age is considered most unladylike and improper, and her desire to be near them at all is outright scandalous. Part of me wished that this had been set on Earth, as I would have loved to learn more about the dragons that inhabit our different regions.
The pacing of the book is what really took me off guard. With the title as it is, I expected more... dragons. I expected a memoir of a life filled with excitement and danger. Instead, it covered only two major phases of Lady Trent's life: her childhood interest in dragons and how she betrayed her natural self in her efforts to be proper, and her journey at nineteen to a village in a region of high steppes (it brought to mind Afghanistan or other -stans of that area of Earth) as they sought out dragons. It is realistic in that regard, really; it's hard to find things living in caves in a mountainous area (see Osama bin Laden). But just like how real archaeology can be boring and tedious, with lots of digging and dusting and very little significant discovery, it's frustrating to see these naturalists struggle to find dragons as they pompously treat villagers just as the Victorian English would treat backwards bumpkins. Lady Trent fully admits that she treated them poorly, as she has the power of hindsight, but her ignorance still made me wince more than once.
I think I would have liked the book much more if I had gone into it knowing it was really about this first adventure to find dragons, rather than expecting a life full of adventures. That said, if this is setting up a series, it does a good job; it's obvious Lady Trent has a lot more to tell. But do I want to read onward? I don't know. Lady Trent suffers in her adventure, but I know she has a long life ahead, and that does take away a lot of suspense. I know she won't die, but it means everyone around her is fair game.
It's an enjoyable read, certainly, but didn't live up to the hype or my expectations.(less)
I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This book, a sequel to Dead of Winter, will be released on January 29th, 2013.
I read the first...moreI received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This book, a sequel to Dead of Winter, will be released on January 29th, 2013.
I read the first book a few months ago, also as an advanced release copy. While not a flawless book by any means--it grated with its reliance on old west cliches--it also brought a fresh paranormal bent to a Colorado pioneer town. The dark fantasy mood was brooding and psychological, and its heroine, Cora was a big part of that. Most urban fantasy-type heroines carry a lot of physical and mental scars, but Cora's were particularly deep, to the point where most folks (rightly) deemed her crazy.
Cora is still true to herself in this book, but it was much harder to deal with her from a different point of view.
That's because this second book is from the perspective of Victoria Dawes, a young English heiress. When her parents are killed under supernatural circumstances, Victoria hears words of Cora's exploits and sets off for America so she can hire the woman gunslinger. Victoria is naive but not in a generally too-stupid-to-live way, though she does come close to the latter a few times. Really, how many times does she drop a crucifix in this book? But I do like how she develops in the end.
However, there were two aspects to the book that really irritated me.
First of all, there's Cora. As I noted, she's not easy to like from another point of view. I'm okay with having an unlikeable main character, but she's pretty extreme here, to the point where she practically lets Victoria die and be raped. The rape issue was really the worst thing here. Everyone wants to rape Victoria. It's frustrating, it's insulting, and it's a lame way to force her character to grow up. Certainly, there were rapists in the 1880s New Mexico Territory, but it's dealt with a heavy hand here, especially since men living and dead are openly lined up to rape her. It annoyed me so much I almost stopped reading. If I had bought the book, I probably would have thrown the book aside in disgust, but since this is an ARC, I felt like I had an obligation to the publisher to carry through to the end and give a fair review. I'd glad I did. The book did become better in the end, but I remain very disappointed in how it developed.
I did like Collins' fair treatment of the Navajo, though I didn't feel like Albuquerque was really explored as a setting. The prime city of the first book, Leadville, came alive as a mining town in the grip of winter. Here, Albuquerque felt too much like a cliche-old-west-town. I would like to have understood more about the villains in the book, as there were still some things I was unclear about.
If Collins does continue the series with Victoria, I might be willing to keep reading--so long as her growth is instigated by more than her own rape-ability. As it is, my support for the second book is tepid.(less)
Not a review, as this contains one of my own stories. This volume of Stupefying Stories is 64,000 words in length and contains stories by:
• “Queen of...moreNot a review, as this contains one of my own stories. This volume of Stupefying Stories is 64,000 words in length and contains stories by:
• “Queen of Sheba” by Samuel M. Johnston • “Wednesday’s Child” by Damien Walters Grintalis • “Snatching Baby Delilah” by Travis Daniel Bow • “Nonsense 101” by Gary Cuba • “Lucky” by Bill Ferris • “The Ants Go Marching” by Sarah Pinsker • “Lover’s Knot” by Ada Milenkovic Brown • “Girl Without a Name” by Courtney Valdes • “Toilet Gnomes at War” by Beth Cato • “Moondust” by Elizabeth Berger • “Citizen Astronauts” by Holliann R. Kim • “Heartbreath” by E. Catherine Tobler • “Revolver” by Clarence Young • “Office Demons” by Christie Yant • “Number Station” by Alex Shvartsman(less)
I supported Judith Tarr's Kickstarter project to fund this book and have looked forward to reading it for months. I can see why this book wasn't marke...moreI supported Judith Tarr's Kickstarter project to fund this book and have looked forward to reading it for months. I can see why this book wasn't marketable by agents and needed to be self-published: not that that it's criticism of the book's quality or story, but the fact that it's completely cross-genre. It's simultaneously a contemporary YA novel, historical fiction, and far-future science fiction. I was quite curious as to how those varied settings would weave together, and was very, very, pleased with the result.
In short, this is a book I would have read to death when I was 12-years-old and transitioning from my horse obsession to adult historical fiction and fantasy. This book has EVERYTHING I wanted at that age and could never find in one book.
Tarr is masterful in her writing. She knows her horses. She knows archaeology--the real, tedious thing, not the glorified silliness of Indiana Jones (though that's enjoyable in its own way). I loved how she wrote about ancient Egypt in particular. It's so rare to see that used as a backdrop, and again, Tarr made it feel real, not some utopia. I could smell the dust of the place.
I can't help but smile when I think of this book. My inner 12-year-old is pleased at last. (less)
I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher.
Sailor Twain compiles a serialized webcomic written and illustrated by Mark Sie...moreI received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher.
Sailor Twain compiles a serialized webcomic written and illustrated by Mark Siegel. In hardcover, the book is rather daunting in thickness at 399 pages, but it's a very fast read as it's a graphic novel. Most pages feature little text. The blurbs show an impressive array of positive remarks from notables such as John Irving, Pete Hamill, Rachel Maddow, and Robin McKinley.
Since it is a graphic novel, there are several aspects here to analyze. Siegel is an experienced artist, but I found much of the art to be easy to flip past. His depictions of the steamboat Lorelei and other scenes were fantastic and showed his talent--the depiction of the main characters, not so much. In particular, the design of the main character, Twain, bothered me because of his over-simplicity; I realize this was probably done because of the difficulty in doing detailed work in charcoal, but then why not choose another medium?
The pace is engaging. It's a very easy book to read. The characters are distinct (even if not appealing to me, personally) and the book created some deep questions early on that propel the plot: what happened on the Lorelei? Why is the Twain at the beginning so angry, when the flashback shows he's a fairly average fellow? What has the mermaid done? I should add that despite the fact this is a graphic novel, this isn't a book for kids or even young adults; there's actually a good bit of nudity and sex.
It's a good story, as moody and mysterious as a fogged-in river. But I didn't see the reason for the hype or the effusive cover blurbs. It does some unique things with mermaid mythology, but many of the big twists are predictable, and in the end it just was not a compelling read for me. Maybe this is intended more for literary types who don't read historical fantasy, and therefore this is something completely fresh for them. I didn't mind reading Sailor Twain, but it's not a book I would keep on my shelf.
Not a review, as this includes my own story "Overlap."
Summary: CUCURBITAL 3 continues the series of of mini-anthologies that provide a peek into the wr...moreNot a review, as this includes my own story "Overlap."
Summary: CUCURBITAL 3 continues the series of of mini-anthologies that provide a peek into the writing process itself. Authors are always asked two questions: "where do you get the idea for your story?" and "how do you go from idea to finished work?" This series offers insight into the second question by handing the book's authors the answer to the first one. Here are nine short stories that began with the same three prompts: madness, darkness, mattress. They cover the spectra from comic to mythic, absurd to poignant, pragmatic to breathtaking. And each began with nothing more than madness, darkness, mattress.(less)
I can't really provide an unbiased review of this, as I critiqued it from an early stage. It's wonderful to see the novel published by Liquid Silver B...moreI can't really provide an unbiased review of this, as I critiqued it from an early stage. It's wonderful to see the novel published by Liquid Silver Books.
Dy Loveday has created a dark post-apocalyptic Earth still reeling from the advent of magic and ensuing wars. The heroine, Maya, is damaged and brusque, but not in an unlikeable way. This is a romance, and the chemistry between her and Resh builds up to some sizzling scenes near the end. But more than being a paranormal romance, it's about Maya struggling through her addiction to magic and gaining control over her life. In the end, that's a power that gods and demons can't even wrest away. (less)
I received this free Advanced Release Copy through NetGalley. The book is out November 1st.
The Dead of Winter bears the pitch line, "True Grit meets T...moreI received this free Advanced Release Copy through NetGalley. The book is out November 1st.
The Dead of Winter bears the pitch line, "True Grit meets True Blood." That's quite apt. Cora and her husband hunt "spooks"--that is, the undead and other nasty critters that crawl out of hell. There aren't too many willing to take on that job in the late 19th-century pioneer west.
The book's pace and feel is like that of an urban fantasy, but against a very cold, very dark Colorado winter backdrop. The mixture works incredibly well. I read another ARC (Portlandtown by Rob DeBorde) earlier in the year that tried the same blend and pioneer setting, but felt very disjointed, with too many characters and almost too much crammed in; The Dead of Winter didn't suffer from that problem at all. It stays true to its western roots, with that paranormal touch.
As much as I love steampunk, it's good that it's not forced into a book. Sometimes a western should just be a western.
Cora is a tough-as-nails heroine. She's quick on the draw and damn good at her job, but at the same time relies heavily on her husband's wisdom and quiet, supportive presence. She also has a problem with alcohol. There is a major subplot involving her husband--I will take care not to spoil it. I caught hints early on and wondered where it was going. The climax relies heavily on this subplot, and handles it quite effectively. There's a lot of action involved, but the psychological repercussions are beautifully handled. The one thing that took away from this was a bit too much chest-thumping on the part of the villain--you know, the whole, 'I am evil and this is my dark plan for you' speech. But as that was probably the weakest element in the book, it's forgivable.
Well, I take that back--this does rely on a lot of western cliches. For example, the only women shown are Cora and prostitutes, and the word "whore" feels overused. Even if it draws on western cliches, it still feels unique because of the paranormal elements.
The Dead of Winter wasn't one of my very favorite reads of the year, but it's high up there. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book, and well worth seeking out if you love a paranormal western. Also, at the end I was thrilled to find this was a NaNoWriMo book--hooray for NaNo!(less)
I received this gratis e-ARC through the publisher on NetGalley.
I'm very familiar with Elizabeth Bear's work. I have followed her blog for many years,...moreI received this gratis e-ARC through the publisher on NetGalley.
I'm very familiar with Elizabeth Bear's work. I have followed her blog for many years, read several of her books, and a number of her short stories. It turned out that I had already read about 1/3 of the stories in this anthology--but I didn't mind in the least. I connect much more with her shorter work than I do her novels, and it was a joy to re-read her masterful work such as "Tideline," "Shoggoths in Bloom," and "The Girl Who Sang Rose Madder."
I also appreciated that the anthology introduced me to unfamiliar stories. There were three stand-outs that were future-set police mystery stories, relying heavily on new technology and dire economical and environmental constrictions on society. My favorite of these was, "In the House of Aryaman, a Lonely Signal Burns," set in India; if talking, genetically-altered cats were available, you better believe I'd go buy one.
Bear's work is solid. Even if a story didn't grab me, none of the featured works were bad, and all were worth finishing. This is an excellent anthology for those seeking out quality, contemporary speculative short fiction.(less)
I have read many advance release copies of books in recent months. A numbers have been stinkers. I confess,...moreI received this ARC from Tor via Goodreads.
I have read many advance release copies of books in recent months. A numbers have been stinkers. I confess, I was jaded to get this one, wondering if it would be yet another disappointing.
Oooooh no.
This book blew me away. Not only is it one of the best books I have read this year, I found myself becoming increasingly more distraught as it neared the end. I kept forcing myself to stick my bookmark in so I could pause and savor the pages instead of rushing through.
So what makes this book so incredible?
Three Parts Dead is fresh. It's epic fantasy blended with steampunk blended with the darkness and fast pace of urban fantasy. The characters are brilliant, nuanced, and deeply flawed. The world-building is bizarre to the point of being almost too weird, but it doesn't cross that line. Gods die in this world. Tara, the main character, is trained in necromantic law: she utilizes the magic of stone and stars to read the legal agreements of gods. When documents are legally binding, they are bound in magic; I have never come across the like in a fantasy novel.
Also, I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this one is a beaut. Bless you, Tor, for showing Tara as dark-skinned and powerful. No whitewashing here.
As of right now, this book is my absolute top contender for a Nebula nomination next year.(less)
I received this gratis copy signed by the author last year.
I tend to be rather critical of paranormal romances because they are so predictable. That's...moreI received this gratis copy signed by the author last year.
I tend to be rather critical of paranormal romances because they are so predictable. That's certainly true in this case, but there are also some charming aspects to the book--and some turn-offs as well.
Lord Benjamin didn't win me over when early on in the book, he used the word "whore" to describe a woman. I almost stopped the book right there. I'm also not keen on the whole "the leading man is an experienced lover because he's been with so many prostitutes" line that I've seen in a few Regency-setting novels now. Is it historically accurate? Yes. Is it appealing to me? NO.
The good news is that Ben uses the word "whore" in from of Elspeth later on, and she basically rips him a new one. He doesn't use the word again.
Elspeth is a very enjoyable heroine. Sure, she's a cliche with her fiery red hair that can't be tamed and a temper to match, but she's pleasant. I did love how Dare wrote the Scottish accents. Reading regional dialects can be a real pain sometimes, but Dare used the right balance so that the accent came across and yet everything was clear. An example: "Doona stop." The accents and personalities of her fellow witches are also well done.
The book was a fast, easy read. This is part of a series that matches up Ben's werewolf brothers with mates; I have to say, I have no desire to read onward. The next book is about brother William, and in Tall, Dark and Wolfish the man was sleeping with anything and everything in a skirt, and he was barely in the book. Total turn off when I figure the heroine is going to be plagued by a plethora of venereal diseases.(less)
**spoiler alert** I received this Advanced Reading Copy through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
Portlandtown in many ways feels like a dark u...more**spoiler alert** I received this Advanced Reading Copy through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
Portlandtown in many ways feels like a dark urban fantasy novel dropped in pioneer Oregon. The Wylde family possesses some particular magic abilities, and has become known as a local resource for handling paranormal matters. The vibe here is quite dark, and it works very well with the subject matter: the rising dead, evil magic, and a mysterious bad guy known as the Hanged Man.
I was a bit thrown off by the floating viewpoints of the novel, and at first the infrequent flashbacks in italics threw me off. However, after a few chapters I was able to keep track of who was who. I really enjoyed the Wylde family: Joseph, physically blind but with keen senses; Kate, his smart wife with an ability to walk in shadows; and their twins, who I was worried at first would be devices to cause stupid trouble, but instead were intelligent and powerful in their own ways.
However, there were other characters I wanted to know more. Andre and Naira, in particular, were quite fascinating. Whole books could be written on their adventures. In a way, perhaps, they were too powerful, and too convenient when they meet the Wyldes right at the end. The Hanged Man is an excellent bad guy but in a way seemed too awful--there's no nuance to him; I suspect sequels will explore his mysterious past and how he became such a powerful undead figure with a cursed gun. The gun did feel a bit like Tolkein's ring--compelling users to keep it and shoot it--but it works well in a western setting.
Portland itself is a great setting. I'm not a local, but I'm familiar enough with the city to recognize a lot of genuine history was utilized for the novel. It made the place feel like a character as well, which is something I really enjoyed.
In all, it's a good book. Not extraordinary, but a solid read. I might read onward in the series, depending on where they go and what characters are involved.(less)
I'm a fantasy writer, and for years I have heard of this book and how amusing it is. This is a book any reader of fantasy will appreciate because it m...moreI'm a fantasy writer, and for years I have heard of this book and how amusing it is. This is a book any reader of fantasy will appreciate because it merciless explores the tropes of the genre. For example, the section on Horses notes that mares never come into season during the Tour (as it calls the events in Fantasyland) and that stallions never show interest in mares; therefore, it's likely that horses breed by pollination.
The problem with the book is that it IS so exhaustive. When it comes down to it, it's like reading hundreds of pages of the dictionary; mind you, it's a funny dictionary, but it's a tiresome read after a while.(less)
If you love all things geek--video game, movie, comic book--if you have brown coat and aren't afraid to use it--if you succeed at a task and hear the...moreIf you love all things geek--video game, movie, comic book--if you have brown coat and aren't afraid to use it--if you succeed at a task and hear the Final Fantasy victory music play in your head--this book is for you. Geekomancy blends urban fantasy with the awesomeness of Ready Player One, though I found Geekomancy much more accessible. Ready Player One was all about the 1980s; Geekomancy isn't confined to any decade or media.
Ree is a great heroine--strong, yet vulnerable, completely at ease with her inner geek and not ashamed. She discovers that by tapping her media knowledge she can channel magic. That's right, the magic is derived of pop culture. Watch Princess Bride, and you're suddenly an expert swordsman. Watch an episode of the new Sherlock, and you see things with his incredible attention to detail, complete with text overlaying reality (this scene is one of the funniest in the book and had me giggling out loud).
It's easy to love Ree. Heck, it's easy to want to BE Ree. Most urban fantasies drop you in a world that is so dark that you would never want to exist there. That's not the case here. The book ended and I felt that cozy melancholy of enjoying another world and wanting it to linger a while longer. (less)
I know the author from an online writers' group, but I am still approaching this book in a balanced way.
Ironskin is a unique take on Jane Eyre, taking...more I know the author from an online writers' group, but I am still approaching this book in a balanced way.
Ironskin is a unique take on Jane Eyre, taking place in an alternate version of Earth where a human versus fey war recently ended. The world-building is fascinating in that regard. Humans relied on fey technology for centuries, utilizing their magic to power vehicles, household lights, and most everything else. In the aftermath of the war, the nation struggles to industrialize, giving it a mild steampunk feel.
The book stays true to its gothic roots. This isn't a fast-paced novel that can be easily recommended to fans of The Hunger Games, and I imagine that slowness will turn off some readers. Instead, the book develops at a creepy pace, and the household, moors, and woods are as remote and moody as requisite for the genre. Jane does have a YA feel, and at times I became frustrated at her angst. She falls in love with Edward Rochart very fast, and I didn't really feel the chemistry between them until the end.
As far as chemistry goes, though, I loved the character of Dorie. The strange, fey-like child was one of the major hooks for me as I read. I wanted to find out if Jane could ever reach Dorie and help the little girl utilize her humanity, and why Dorie was the way she was. For me, Dorie is what really made the book.
Some of the plot elements felt far too predictable to me, and the reliance on the Jane Eyre source material added to that. However, some nice twists developed near the end, and it was fascinating to see how Connolly overlapped magic into Bronte's world. This could work well as a sort of bridge book for teens who loves fantasy to read more of the classics.(less)
I found this a little slow to get going, but soon enough I was hooked. Lynch doesn't hold back anything; it's telling that George R. R. Martin wrote t...moreI found this a little slow to get going, but soon enough I was hooked. Lynch doesn't hold back anything; it's telling that George R. R. Martin wrote the cover blurb, as both authors share a certain ruthlessness towards their characters. However, that makes for a very tense, heavily-layered read. Everything is at stake. The twists and turns were fascinating and very well done.
In particular, I was surprised at how much I liked Locke. He's a thief on a grand scale, a murderer, and in many ways, not a pleasant fellow. But against a cast of murderers and schemers, Locke is definitely a good guy--not as bad as the rest, and he does have something of a moral compass, even if it's a bit skewed.
That summary has some beautiful writing itself, as there are major things that happen at the start of the book that are delicately phrased there. I am...moreThat summary has some beautiful writing itself, as there are major things that happen at the start of the book that are delicately phrased there. I am grateful that the summary tread so lightly, as the book completely surprised me with where it went and what happened from there.
There is a love story, but the book isn't a romance by any means. The true focus is on the mystery around Grace: what happened to her and her neighbors, why, and how to resolve it--if it can or should be resolved. If you have read any of de Lint's work before, you know he's a master at setting mood. The setting here may be the dusty desert southwest, but it has the full creepy vibe of his fog-filled Newford. Much of the tension is from the setting, because the book itself isn't action packed. Not many big things happen. Even so, I was completely engrossed by the book. The ending may have been a bit low key, but it still worked. There's also a horrible twist near the end that made me yelp out loud and then gnaw my lip in worry.
The Mystery of Grace is indeed mysterious, and beautiful, and frightening. I'm keeping this one on my shelf.
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