I read this as part of my continued research on the Great San Francisco Earthquake. I've read a great deal of nonfiction, but I wanted a level of deta...moreI read this as part of my continued research on the Great San Francisco Earthquake. I've read a great deal of nonfiction, but I wanted a level of detail that can only be found in fiction. I found this book, published in 2005 not long before the centennial of the quake.
1906 struck me as extremely irritating and enlightening all at once.
To begin with the irritants: the perspectives of the story. It's a first person novel that uses omniscient third person to tell the tales of a broad cast of about a dozen. It head-hops from character to character, back and forth, within a single scene. This is considered a big no-no for writers, generally, and with reason--it can be extremely confusing and frustrating to track. At the end, the first person narrator, the gutsy journalist Annalissa Passarelli, justifies this by saying the narrative of "what really happened" is told in the style of her hero, Nellie Bly. That's all well and good, but there's probably a reason why modern readers read about reporter Nellie Bly rather than read her actual chronicles.
The novel is also morally heavy-handed. It actually reminded me of the 1930s Clark Gable movie San Francisco, which blatantly uses the message that San Francisco deserved to burn because it was an ungodly city like Sodom and Gomorrah and will be rebuilt as a godly modern wonder (yes, we can snicker now). There are very few nuanced characters in this book. I suppose it could be argued that since it's told by Annalissa, it's only right that the take is biased, but it just feels melodramatic and silly at times. Her love interest, Hunter, is about as paladin as you can get, complete with riding about on a motorcycle instead of a gallant white steed. The bad guys are very bad, though a lot of what they do is based on historical fact. Dalessandro just kind of compressed a full decade of wickedness into one book, complete with overwrought action during the earthquake that reminded me way too much of the silly escapades at the end of the movie Titanic.
Now, for the positives.
At the end, the author mentions that he spent six years researching the book. It shows. The attention to detail is astonishing, and he really does make San Francisco feel visceral and real, down to the perfume and vomit in the Barbary Coast. He also demonstrates a great intimacy with San Francisco, its streets, and its hills. I envy his knowledge, really. I found myself nodding along at several points as I recognized historical details he worked in that I've already encountered in other works. If anything, he crammed too much in, as it all added to the ridiculous, moral melodrama of the plot.
It's one of those books that I'm glad I read and I will keep it handy for research purposes, but overall I didn't like that much as an actual story.(less)
Despite being fairly well read in science fiction and fantasy, I had not read Butler before, and I had specifically avoided this book. In many ways, i...moreDespite being fairly well read in science fiction and fantasy, I had not read Butler before, and I had specifically avoided this book. In many ways, it's the perfect read for me: a strong female protagonist, historical fiction that feels genuine and accurate, a time travel conceit, etc. But I also knew this book would make me uncomfortable and angry. Over the years, I read the summary more than once, considered buying the book, and put it down again. I didn't want to face the ugly racism in those pages.
But when Kindred was selected as a book club read, I decided it was time to overcome my fears. In part, it's because I'm writing a novel that also delves heavily into historical fiction and racism and gender roles. I figured that if I'm going to write on the subject, I could learn more from a grand dame of the science fiction field.
Kindred was everything I expected and feared. It's beautifully done. Every character is complicated and genuine and sympathetic, even in their awfulness. A lot of people write historical fiction that touches on slavery. Butler, however, made this work shine because she puts everything in proper context. Slave owning is shown as despicable and awful, but she also manages to show how the mentality of a slave owner is created from childhood on up. This is done through Rufus, the little red-haired boy who Dana is pulled through time to save again and again. The moral situations in the book are dire and terrible and very real in their complications. Beatings, rape, and death are all very present.
When I finished reading, I realized I had just finished a horror book. Real horror. About the dark potential of humanity and how easily we can accept things like slavery and ownership.
This is a book I will keep on my shelf because it's a classic and it's a masterpiece, but I don't think I ever want to sit down and read it again.(less)
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Quintessence is a compelling book, right from the basic concept: the world is...moreI received an advance copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Quintessence is a compelling book, right from the basic concept: the world is truly flat, and on that far edge of the Earth exists an island where immortality and magic are very real. The action of the book takes place against the religious turmoil of England with Queen Mary's rise to power, so many questions about philosophy and religion come into play as well.
The cast of characters is fairly diverse, beginning with Stephen Parrish, the physician whose obsession with the forbidden art of autopsy is bound to get him in trouble. His daughter Catherine has a major role, but in many ways she felt too good, too perfect. Catherine's mother Joan is probably the best in the book, a woman committed to her Catholicism to the point of fanaticism, but through the course of events realizes she has utterly lost sight of God within her faith. Then there is Sinclair, the alchemist who commands the mission to Horizon, and is determined to conquer God by commanding over death as well.
I really hoped to see more of Blanche and Maasha, as they had such incredible potential, but neither had the chance to step into the light.
For me, the world was what really hooked me within the book. I was fascinated by quintessence and its power; Walton created a unique magical system for his scientists to play with, and I loved how the rules came together. The characters--that's where I struggled. Catherine became such a major player, and as a woman I really wanted to connect with her, but I never felt her plight as a would-be woman scientist in the 16th century. Things seemed almost too easy for her, being one of few women on a ship full of men, and I don't mean that in a sexual way. Things were a bit black and white in terms of the Catholics and Protestants being bad and good guys.
Despite those nits, I enjoyed the book. On a side note, Tor also blessed Quintessence with one of the most beautiful covers I have seen in recent years. You're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it can't be helped.(less)
I received this middle grade ARC through NetGalley, and the publisher wanted me to note the e-ISBN in my review: 978-1-907230-49-3.
I approach this rev...moreI received this middle grade ARC through NetGalley, and the publisher wanted me to note the e-ISBN in my review: 978-1-907230-49-3.
I approach this review with a sense of dread because I really dislike writing bad things about books, and this one had so many aggravating elements I could have thrown it across the room. I didn't because, well, I was reading it on my iPad, and throwing it would be unwise. However, I did close the ebook more than once, disgusted and determined to not continue. I did read on, though, simply because 1) it was a short book, and 2) I did feel an obligation to try and finish since the publisher provided a copy.
Now, where to begin?
One of the initial issues I encountered was that the voice felt... off. Harker is supposed to be a teenager. He doesn't sound like one. He comes across like he's in his 20s or even 30s.
The plot is very easy on Harker, and I say that even though he almost dies and is battered quite a bit. He's supposed to be a boy-reporter but doesn't complete any stories because he's daydreaming, yet his editor gives him a "big story." It doesn't make sense. Why trust an inept child with a story like this? And once Harker sets out, everyone immediately spills all their secrets to him. He's under threat of death, but idles about at home for days without any issues (and how does a child afford a nice apartment on his own?). Whenever anything bad happens, he's always rescued by other people. He does very little on his own, yet he's constantly praised for being a brilliant reporter and so smart. It's not believable in the least.
The characters are all very melodramatic and black and white. There's no nuancing. When the singular female character shows up, she's beautiful and immediately interested in Harker. She's smart and savvy... until they start to work together. This, THIS, was the point that left me outright disgusted. By the end of the book, she's completely useless and actually swoons twice and is controlled through threats of rape and marriage. This is supposed to be a middle grade book, mind you.
It reads like a boy's fantasy, but the sort of fantasy that has no grounding in reality. (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've heard rave reviews of Willis for years, and this is my first book of hers. I can see why she has rightly earned so much acclaim. To Say Nothing o...moreI've heard rave reviews of Willis for years, and this is my first book of hers. I can see why she has rightly earned so much acclaim. To Say Nothing of the Dog starts out slow and a bit dizzying--not helped by the fact that the protagonist, Ned, is brain-addled after too many trips bouncing between 1940 and the current time of 2057. However, once it gets going, it's quite an amusing romp. It's staunchly science fiction, mixed with Victorian manners and romance, with a hearty homage to Agatha Christie for good measure.
This isn't a book I would read again, but it was quite enjoyable, and I will definitely seek out more of Willis's books.(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.
I received this electronic Advanced Reading Copy through NetGalley. The book is released in September 2012.
Wilderness is a book you'll be hearing and...moreI received this electronic Advanced Reading Copy through NetGalley. The book is released in September 2012.
Wilderness is a book you'll be hearing and reading a lot about in the coming months. It's just that sort of book, though in this case the buzz is well-deserved. I confess, I struggled with the first few chapters. It starts slowly, with excessive, almost purple descriptions. It also gave away the ending right away, which left me puzzled--shouldn't I be left wondering who survived?
In this case, no. It's not a thriller, it's not just a "Can they escape the bad guys?" kind of book. It's a lot deeper than that.
At heart, Wilderness is about the scars we carry with and within ourselves, the things that make us who we are. Abel Truman is physically scarred with his maimed arm and mottled chest, but the wounds within are far worse. This isn't a book that should be read by anyone coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The scenes of the Battle of the Wilderness are probably among the most beautifully written yet horrible descriptions of war I have ever read. Weller shows the humanity of war and what it does to people on both sides, as well as those caught in the middle.
There are also women of strength and character, such as Hypatia the escaped slave, and in the 1899 storyline there is Ellen. Oh, Ellen. Some of her scenes made me want to cry or to grab a weapon as if I could come to her aid. Really, I was stunned by the intense emotional reactions this book caused in me. I read through some of the battle sequences with my jaw actually gaping, and a horrible knot in my stomach. Then when Ellen and her husband were together, I wished I could hug them both.
The antagonists aren't quite as nuanced, but they aren't stock characters, either. Everyone in this book has suffered. Everyone has been altered by that suffering. Even the dogs, who Abel loves with fierce intensity, are not immune.
The book may have started at a crawl, but once the Civil War scenes began, I was utterly hooked. It's a book about horrible things, but written with eloquence and sensitivity. I will look for Lance Weller's books in the future.(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)
Disclaimer straight up: I was supplied a gratis ebook ARC of the book through NetGalley.
I desperately wish this book had existed twenty years ago when...moreDisclaimer straight up: I was supplied a gratis ebook ARC of the book through NetGalley.
I desperately wish this book had existed twenty years ago when I was twelve and utterly obsessed with the Civil War. As flawed as the novel is, it brings to life the incredibly complicated real person Sarah Edmonds. She lived as a man before the Civil War and then enlisted in the Union army, kept her secret for several years, and eventually had to desert when persistent malaria required her to seek medical treatment. Also amazing is what happened after she left the army: she wrote a book about her experiences, which became a bestseller, and twenty years later she called on the testimony of her fellow soldiers to have the desertion charges dropped. She attended a reunion of her unit and received a military pension for her remaining few years of life.
That said, the novel felt very uneven to me. Mind you, I read as an adult; as a twelve-year-old, I probably would have read the thing till it was memorized.
Moss does her utmost to stay true to the source material, and as wonderful as that is, it feels very constraining at times when she info dumps things that feel far beyond Sarah's viewpoint. The present tense narrative also feels unneeded and choppy. The romantic plot felt forced in, and sometimes the conflict between Sarah/Frank didn't feel genuine to me. There are a lot of other wonderful details though, like the difficulties Sarah had in keeping her "monthlies" a secret. So many other books ignore important elements like that.
I would really like to read more about Sarah Edmonds. This novel may be rough in spots, but it was very enlightening, and will be very empowering for tween and teen girls.(less)
I don't usually read thrillers, but something about the concept of Child 44 grabbed me. I was born in 1980. The Soviet Union was the big bad guy. I ha...moreI don't usually read thrillers, but something about the concept of Child 44 grabbed me. I was born in 1980. The Soviet Union was the big bad guy. I haven't read much on the subject of communist Russia, and this book seemed like a good opportunity. Wow, was it ever. I was hooked within the first page.
First of all: this is not a happy book. It's bleak. It's hopeless. At the same time, it's beautiful. Smith does a masterful job of showing how horrid things were in Russia, from the mass starvation to the ease of betrayal. People need to be reminded of the horrible things they are capable of so that we learn to never, ever do such things again. But that darkness still made this a difficult read at times.
Leo is a strong lead character. He's a decorated war hero who becomes a victim of the very system he has believed in his entire life. In the first chapters, it's easy to understand his idealism, even as he commits terrible acts as an MGB agent. There is still that sense that he's a good person beneath all of that. The mystery itself develops in layers as more bodies are found and the web of betrayal around Leo grows more intricate.
My one concern was that the end was almost too tidy, but in retrospect I can't see how it could have ended any other way. (less)
In 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worr...moreIn 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worried about maintaining her disabled adopted father's charms business against the threat of mail-order magic. Those worries turn out to be petty when a mine accident ends up with a magical stone embedded in her hand--the famed Native Star. The haughty local warlock, Dreadnought Stanton, believes he has connections who can help remove the stone. Backstabbings and ambushes lead the two to trust no one as they flee across the country to find the secrets of the Native Star.[return][return]This fun historical frolic has a definite urban fantasy vibe even with the Old West setting. Some aspects reminded me of Cherie Priest's Boneshaker even though the authors do very different things using the same steampunk-tinged Reconstruction period. In some spots the book felt uneven--such as the very beginning and the end--but once Emily steps into the story, her situation immediately grabbed me. The romance with her and Dreadnought felt predictable, but the story had enough twists and turns to keep everything fun even if it felt like too many fantasy elements were crammed in sometimes. I enjoyed the book and would like to read the sequel (it seems to come out today) but I'm not in a rush.(less)
I have heard about the Thursday Next series for years now. The book was a zany delight, depicting an alternative version of 1985 where literature and...moreI have heard about the Thursday Next series for years now. The book was a zany delight, depicting an alternative version of 1985 where literature and the arts ARE popular culture. Thursday is a fantastic heroine, very cool with a good aim. Some of the character names made it slightly confusing at times, but didn't detract from the pure fun of the story. I'll seek out more books in the series.(less)
Mike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I...moreMike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I jumped at the chance to give him a try and read more in one of my favorite sub-genres. Unfortunately, this novel doesn't encourage me to read him again.[return][return]First of all, the positive: the world here is fascinating, and Resnick has definitely done his research. His Tombstone is populated by people who really lived and died there. The tale is told through Doc Holliday, and his perspective is interesting and yet...[return][return]It's very hard to carry suspense in a book when your character is already dying of tuberculosis and doesn't fear death. A lot of dramatic things happen and Holliday doesn't really react. Actually, the entire cast consists of very stoic men. They make witty banter in conversation, but don't show any expression. It made the entire thing feel stiff and emotionless. The only women in the cast are Big Nose Kate, a madam, and her whores (which includes robotic ones). Most of the men in the book also frequent the whorehouse. That may be historically accurate, yet... meh. I also found the whole shiny steampunk robot sex thing to be a turn-off, and was glad it never showed a scene of it.[return][return]There was an entire subplot with Bat Masterson that seemed to be there to distract the others. I had been excited that Bat was a character, but he simply showed up, did weird stuff because of a curse, and never touched the main plot. Speaking of the main plot, the entire book works up to the big gunfight between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo. Doc quickly figures out why Ringo hasn't killed him yet, but every time they meet it becomes a chat of, 'You here to kill me yet?' 'No. Let's talk classic literature.' It was cute at first but got old as it dragged on. And then when they do fight, it's anticlimactic; actually, that's the pattern of the whole book--lots of talking and very little action. Because it's a steampunk book, it's like Resnick had to force steampunk into the resolution and then did the most obvious and practical thing (which involves fire).[return][return]Actually, a number of the steampunk elements felt forced in but didn't really make sense. For example, the point of the book is that the gunmen are there to protect Thomas Edison and Buntline. Their houses are reinforced by bullet-proof brass and even has a FORCE FIELD to keep them safe. Yet the men, especially Buntline, keep wandering all over town with chest armor but nothing to protect their heads. If they are really in danger, don't leave the house! And no one ever shot them.[return][return]In case you couldn't tell, I was disappointed by the book.[return][return]The concept is incredibly cool. I loved the world. But it really felt like it would have been better as a novella focusing on a steampunk O.K. Corral battle.[return][return]I won't be picking up the other books in the series, and I'll hold off on reading Resnick for a while, too.(less)
Alexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society...moreAlexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society. After all, there are several factors against her: a rather plain appearance, olive-toned skin and dark hair as a legacy from her deceased Italian father, and the fact that she completely lacks a soul. The latter ends up being a gift when a socially-inept vampire attacks her in a library, and Alexia's touch nullifies his supernatural powers, enabling her to kill him in self-defense. To further complicate matters, Queen Victoria's agent Lord Maccon, an insufferable Scottish werewolf, is sent to investigate. Alexia soon realizes that a wider scheme is afoot, and she needs the help of all of her friends - ranging from a foppish vampire to the gruff Lord Maccon - if she is to survive.[return][return]I loved this book. Out of over a hundred books read this year, this is among my very favorites. It was just outright fun. Carriger does a lovely job of creating a Victorian England where werewolves and vampires have openly been in society for centuries, with added steampunk touches as well. Alexia is a fantastic heroine, smart, well-read, and not afraid to wield her trusty parasol in defense. She and Lord Maccon create wonderful chemistry. I didn't expect the romance element to be so strong (or exist at all), but it really sizzled at points. I don't have a thing for werewolves, but wow, Lord Maccon is indeed quite a catch. The voice of the book is thoroughly British and only added to my delight. I will be buying the sequel to this as soon as it comes out.(less)
In Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf...moreIn Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf Lord Maccon, she's used to seeing naked men and wolves roaming about the grounds. However, when a crisis hits Queen Victoria's London, she's as baffled as the rest: all supernatural powers within a certain radius turned off. Werewolves were stuck in human form, vampires became mortal, and the local ghosts were permanently exorcised. When Lord Maccon heads back towards Scotland to deal with a family matter, the nullifying entity begins to travel north, too. With her trusty parasol in hand, Alexis heads northward by dirigible, determined to solve the mystery... and maybe find out more about her husband's mysterious past as well.[return][return]This book had all the fierce British wit of its predecessor. Carriger has created a magnificent world where the supernatural have an obvious presence in society and are indeed the backbone of the British Empire--which is in complete steampunk style, of course. [return][return]I have to say, though, that the cliffhanger ending was quite frustrating, especially as Lord Maccon's logic is concerned. Instead of merely making me want the next book, it made me feel downright angry because the truth was so obvious and other people are so dense. I would have rated it higher if not for the ending. I will definitely buy the third book when it's released, but in the meantime I'll remain rather peeved.(less)
This is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century world...moreThis is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century world: A United States where the Civil War has gone on for decades, resulting in advanced steampunk technology. There's also the small matter of a massive drill digging a hole in Seattle that released volcanic gases that turns people into zombies.[return][return]Dreadnought begins on the east coast. Mercy Lynch is a nurse in a Confederate war hospital when she learns her husband died in a POW camp. To complicate things further, she gets a telegram informing her that her estranged father is near death in Seattle. With no reason to stay in Virginia, she sets off on a cross-country journey complicated by skirmishes and the looming presence of a massive Union train known as the Dreadnought. When the Dreadnought ends up being the safest passage west, Mercy buys the ticket, only to find there is much more going on. The Dreadnought isn't a safe ride--it's a moving target, with several rail cars of particular interest to rival parties. Mercy's going to need all of her know-how and a steady aim if she'll make it off alive.[return][return]Mercy is a fantastic heroine, all smart and spunky. I have a fondness for healer characters, and it was refreshing to see a nurse in a lead role. It really brought a new perspective to an alternative history book. This ends up as a gripping action book, with steampunk vehicles such as the Dreadnought becoming characters in their own right. There were a few plot elements that were left dangling, but overall this is a tight and very well-written book, and one I am definitely keeping on my shelf.(less)
Some steampunk books lean more towards certain genres than others--this one is, at heart, a mystery novel with a steampunk London setting. It's a bit...moreSome steampunk books lean more towards certain genres than others--this one is, at heart, a mystery novel with a steampunk London setting. It's a bit stiff in some regards, and it does contain many cliches of the genre (historical steampunk does have an odd affinity for zombies). However, I found it to be a delightful romp of a read, flaws and all. I enjoyed the subtle chemistry between Sir Maurice and Veronica and how Veronica is a true lady of her time period yet still has plenty of spunk. I admit, the scenes with Veronica's sister were fascinating in a way that tended to steal the glory of the rest of the plot; I can only hope that relationship is explored more in future books. [return][return]I would really like to read on in this series.(less)
This is the tale of two cousins, a cadre of superheroes, a war, and sacrifice. In 1939, young Joseph Kavalier employed his Houdini-inspired escape tal...moreThis is the tale of two cousins, a cadre of superheroes, a war, and sacrifice. In 1939, young Joseph Kavalier employed his Houdini-inspired escape talents to smuggle himself out of Prague and into the United States. His cousin in Brooklyn, Sammy Clay, loves comic books and is awed by Joseph's natural artistic talents. Together the two young Jewish men toil to create the Escapist and Luna Moth, among others, while Joe dreams of saving his family from the devastation of Europe under Hitler. The beautiful Rosa Saks captures his heart, even as Sammy takes a very different path. Then on the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack, everything changes.[return][return]My feelings on this are mixed. It's beautifully written and captures the spirit of the time period. Joe, Sammy, Rosa, and the rest of the wide cast are alive and vibrant. I can see why Chabon won the Pulitzer for this work. However, sometimes he went into exhaustive detail. In the middle of a scene it will dive into a three page history of the comic book, or a particular setting that never returned. Sometimes the perspective changes were dizzying as well, diving into characters we only see for a few pages. It felt as though the author had so much good material, he had to make sure all of it made it into the finished product. Yes, it was interesting stuff, but an info dump is still an info dump and it detracted from the flow of the story. It's worth reading, but not keeping.(less)
I was familiar enough with William Marshal to know he was a major medieval knight of great esteem, but little else. This book covers most of his life...moreI was familiar enough with William Marshal to know he was a major medieval knight of great esteem, but little else. This book covers most of his life and creates him as a complex and comprehensive character from his youth as a tournament champion to his older years as a devoted husband and magistrate. I have a great deal of respect for the man, especially as he was known for regarding women with respect at a time when that was not regarded as prudent.[return][return]Very good, solid historical fiction, and I will be seeking out more of Chadwick's work.(less)
This young adult book focuses on a historical tragedy that is otherwise ignored - the yellow fever epidemic that crippled Philadelphia in the blisteri...moreThis young adult book focuses on a historical tragedy that is otherwise ignored - the yellow fever epidemic that crippled Philadelphia in the blistering summer of 1793. The story is told through the eyes of Mattie, a 14-year-old girl who works in her family's coffee shop. The first sign of tragedy is the death of a serving girl, but things only worsen from there. When Mattie's mother becomes ill and Mattie is forced to go to the countryside to safety, her entire world collapses. She has to be stronger than she ever thought possible to survive this ordeal.[return][return]Fever 1793 is a excellent piece of historical fiction for any age. If I found this when I was about ten, I would have read it ragged. I especially love the details that Anderson wove into the story, such as the vital role the Free African Society played in the recovery efforts and the clashing treatments of various doctors.(less)
When Maisie Thomas and her family return to Grange House in 1896 for their annual summer visit, she has no clue how this particular year will change h...moreWhen Maisie Thomas and her family return to Grange House in 1896 for their annual summer visit, she has no clue how this particular year will change her life. The almost-spectral figure of Miss Grange invites Maisie to be part of the house's story - one fulls of ghosts, lost children, and disasters visited upon generation after generation - and Maisie runs in fear. However, fate will not let her stray far. Calamity falls upon her family, and Maisie is drawn into Miss Grange's mystery, even as two young men begin to vie for her affection. As young as she is, Maisie knows one thing: she will not marry simply because it's what she is supposed to do, and nothing will ease her heart until she knows the secret of the grave in the woods.[return][return]Grange House is beautifully written with a strong clear voice. It would be easy to read it and assume it was written over a hundred years ago. Every scene - even the sentence constructive - has a distinct Victorian-Gothic lilt. The story is enjoyable as well, with the ghosts, secrets, and hidden identities that one would expect. Maisie is a likeable girl, and very true to her time period. One of the major twists to the ending seemed obvious to me for a while, but I didn't foresee everything so it still had a nice surprise.(less)
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