http://www.goodreads.com/user/updates_rss/81560 en-US Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:53:25 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif -618660208 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:53:25 -0700 GroupUser8981 http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/601.LiveJournal_Volunteers_and_Staff Denise joined the LiveJournal Volunteers and Staff group. ]]> 268506 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 05:32:28 -0700 Comment37710 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2035774 Denise's review of Kushiel's Justice (Kushiel's Legacy, Book 5)
by Jacqueline Carey

The fourth -- the first one of this trilogy -- isn't up to the first three, but I think part of that was that she was trying to find the main character's voice. This one more than makes up for it, though. ]]> 268507 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 04:37:14 -0700 Review2048290 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2048290 to: Smoke and Ashes (Paperback) by Tanya Huff
bookshelves: fantasy
These books are made all the more awesome for knowing what I know about television production and the Vancouver TV scene in particular. (Add in the level about the show being made of the series this is a spinoff from, and you have true meta hilarity.)


]]> 268508 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:38:31 -0700 Review2035774 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2035774 to: Kushiel's Justice (Kushiel's Legacy, Book 5) by Jacqueline Carey
bookshelves: fantasy
Amazingly lush, lyrical, and beautifully drawn, like all of the books in this world; I always have to read them in one sitting, because they're so full-body immersive that to stop mid-way leaves me feeling like I've been hit with a bucket of cold water. And when I'm done, I always have to close the cover and sit for a while, quietly reflecting and trying to absorb and engage with the story. They make you think, and more than that, they make you feel.

This one is much better than the first in Imriel's trilogy (which was good, almost great even, but not the same level of incandescent that the first trilogy always had). Carey has found Imri's voice, and it's a good one: clear and distinct, and watching him mature through this book is a delight. The dilemmas that drive the book are natural and real in the context of the world Carey's created, though it might feel artifical to someone who isn't familiar with the imperatives and values of her society.

This isn't quite a five-star book, but it's better than what I'd consider four-star, and since we can't give half stars, I'm rounding up! Still, if you're interested -- and I really think that any fantasy fan should read this series if you haven't already -- start with the first book of the first trilogy, Kushiel's Dart, and go from there. (I will warn you that the first bits of Dart are slow-going; in the grandest High Political Fantasy tradition, she jumps right in and starts throwing political machination around within the first few pages, and it will take you a while to sort out who's who and what factions exist. Stick with it. It's worth it. Oh, is it ever worth it.)

Carey's one of those authors that I wish I could read again for the first time, immersing myself in her world and her characters and all of her societal structures and discovering them slowly again. This is a series for people who love political high fantasy with deep roots and immersive worlds. Seriously, if you haven't read them yet, do. ]]> 268509 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:18:41 -0700 Review2022026 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2022026 to: The Rowan (Paperback) by Anne McCaffrey
bookshelves: sf
This didn't hold up to a reread as much as I'd hoped -- when I was younger I adored it, and now I can see the flaws. But still, entertaining. ]]> 268510 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 01:21:05 -0700 Review2021733 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2021733 to: A Talent For War (Paperback) by Jack McDevitt
bookshelves: sf
A complex book -- more complex than it appears on the surface -- and McDevitt doesn't quite hit what he swings at, but still eminently readable. Interestingly enough, I read this series backwards by accident; it works in both directions. ]]> 268511 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 05:40:36 -0700 Comment34815 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1412233 Emily Ann's review of Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Plus)
by Bart D. Ehrman

If you're ever looking for a good reading list around this topic, let me know. Ehrmann's one of the really well-known scholars, and I haven't read this particular one yet but I have read his others, and he sometimes tapdances over the tops of stuff. Ever try some John Dominic Crossan? ]]>