Elizabeth Suggs's Blog, page 9
March 2, 2021
Book Review: Pretty Lies
By Elizabeth Suggs
Pretty Lies by Jessica Scurlock is a great debut novel with distinctive characters, action, and mystery.
Scurlock takes us into a world of totalitarian government rule. Our main character, Ivy, moves and flows through this world, believing herself to be kept safe by the Enlightened Society, once known as the United States of America. While sometimes certain aspects of the setting were difficult for me to believe, this was a fun read.
One of Scurlock’s strengths as a writer is her ability to create a situation with characters that draws you in, as if it were you experiencing it as one of the characters. Scurlock did a phenomenal job at this, and I always wanted more.
My favorite moments were the chemistry between two of the characters. This was hot and very real. I loved it. I also loved the occurrence of hot cocoa. Hot cocoa brings not only family together, but friends. It is the very thing that calms troubled minds, even in the worst of times. I drank a lot more hot cocoa (I even attempted several homemade batches!) while reading this story.
If you’re looking for something fun, that’ll pull you in, then this is your story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“No matter what tribulations we face, the small things still have an enormous impact.”
“The cracking of bone splits the night, the echoes burrowing into my skull.”
I enjoyed Shurlock’s story, and I’m excited for book two!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 26, 2021
Book Review: No Pain, No Game
No Pain, No Game by Lucie Ataya is a dystopian novel that explores what would happen if convicts sentenced to death row were put up on reality TV and tortured to death.
I enjoyed this book, but just like hunger games or the movie “Purge,” the premise is a little unbelievable, sometimes breaking my suspension of disbelief. At the same time, however, who’s to say something like this WOULDN’T happen to society? We had public execution and torture during the middle ages; what makes us so different now? What TRULY separates us? Humans are still just as bloodthirsty. And if we got desperate enough, perhaps we would revert back to past mistakes.
This was a fun exploration into the mind and forced me to think about what really makes up humanity and society. My only real critique was about the character Miranda. We got many descriptions and stories from other characters, and while we did get some from her, I believe her story fell flat. There wasn’t enough time taken to her investigation, nor of her past. There were certain elements I would have loved to see fleshed out more, but she was still a great character, and I enjoyed her and Pedro’s relationship.
Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this book, and the polished writing and formatting made it all the more enjoyable.
There were some AWESOME quotes in this book too:
“...The smile on his face was as polished and impeccable as the dark designer suit he was wearing.”
“The beast had awoken, and deciding upon not granting its prey any mercy, it had sprinted towards it at full speed, pouncing before allowing itself another moment of doubt.”
“He was every shadow children feared underneath their beds, every unknown movement at the corner of dark little streets, and that fresh breeze of panic one shattered from when standing too close to the edge of a cliff.”
“The world of fame and fortune was a solitary one, and everyone wasn’t cut out for it.”
If you enjoy dystopian stories, check this one out! This is a great addition to the genre.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 22, 2021
Book Review: The Unnaturals
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Unnaturals by Dustin Dixon is a dystopian novel about two different life forms on earth: the humans and the unnaturals.
The story centers around one of the unnaturals named “UN-27.” Stolen from his golden-skinned comrades outside the human city, he is primed, like many of his other brethren, to be part of the fiercest fighting force of the humans the world has ever known.
I really like the premise of this story, as it explores race and the effects of climate change in a new way, but the characters fell a little flat to me. UN-27 occasionally “felt” things, but even these emotions were off or nonexistent. The only character that seemed to color all emotions and bring to life Dixon’s writing was the leader of the humans, Kole. There is real, raw anger there, which I loved.
Here are some cool quotes:
”He stalked purposefully out into the night, on a mission to redeem all those who had suffered alongside him at the hands of the Puritan Promethiate Kole.”
“He was now running through the town with a child in one arm and a rifle in the other.”
Dixon has very polished writing and I see great things in his future, but this particular story wasn’t for me.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 19, 2021
Book Review: Count of Monte Cristo
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a story of love, adventure, and, most importantly, revenge.
Alexandre Dumas
Completed in 1844, the novel is one of Dumas' more popular works, similar to The Three Musketeers. Lesser known is the second author of the novel, Auguste Maquet. Maquet wasn't credited with the work to the same extent as Dumas due to a decision by the publisher. And since the story has two authors, there are many inconsistencies in the book, as well as slightly different tones of voice.
The Count of Monte Cristo takes place during 1815–1893 in France, Italy, and the Islands in the Mediterranean sea. The story is about Edmond Dantès, first mate of the Pharaon, who was falsely accused of treason. He was imprisoned without a trial right before he's set to be married.
While the first 100 pages or so (depending on the translation) focuses mostly on Dantès, most of the book afterward focuses on characters Dantès has impacted, and in fact, I believe the novel becomes less about Dantès and more about how this almost ethereal being, who can disguise himself at will and fool nearly everyone, affects others.
From time-to-time, I enjoy the large classic novel, and while I enjoyed certain parts, there were many other points I didn't relish, but this has more to do with my lack of interest in war and my dislike of certain characters than the story itself.
The story really shines with Valentine. Her story only seems related to the count much later. And I also loved the slight lesbianness to Louise and Eugénie. While it was never said they were off to be in love, the way it was written, from Eugénie dressing as a man and despising marriage, preferring to run off with her friend to do art for the rest of her life, led me to believe this fact.
The funny thing is, Dantès was one of my least liked characters. His watching of people to "protect them," his owning of "slaves" (no matter his excuses), and his story ending made me very disappointed with his character.
My favorite quotes:
"Love this line in politics, my dear fellow, you know, as well as I do, there are no men, but ideas—no feelings, but interest; in politics, we do not kill a man, we only remove an obstacle, that is all."
"A good mother cannot depart without her son."
"There is neither happiness nor unhappiness in this world; there is only the comparison of one state with another. Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss."
I'm not sure I'll ever reread this book, though I can see why others might want to try reading it.
Want to read more classics reviews? Check out Anna Karenina!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 17, 2021
Book Review: Edge of Light
By Elizabeth Suggs
Edge of Light by Jay Antani is a YA/Hard Sci-fi Adventure Thriller about seventeen-year-old Dev Harrison and his friends, dealing with the aftermath of a meteor exploding over Los Angeles.
This story hits fast and hard! There’s definitely a lot to unpack here. From a road trip that lands Dev and his friends in a shifty town to dealing with the FBI, this will keep you on the edge of your feet. I also really loved the chemistry between the friends. This was well-thought-out and one of Antani’s strengths.
Here are some cool quotes:
“I feel her mouth for all of two seconds, but already I know it will blaze for eons in my mind.”
“The sky is now a mix of ashen purple, tinged with gold, out of the northeast, and the reddish-gray marine layer creeping in off the coast.”
While I’m not a huge fan of YA, I had a fun time with this book. Check this story out if you’re looking for a YA that’ll keep you on your toes!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 14, 2021
Book Review: The Clocktower
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Clocktower: And Other Short Stories by N. T. Laemmle is a set of modern-day fables, interwoven in a striking poetic world.
Each story is very different from the others in this collection. What connects the stories is the lesson behind each one, and while some of the lessons were so subtle I had to go back and reread the story again, others were bright and bold in my face.
My favorite stories were “The Brothers,” “Abnormal Psychology,” “The Crow’s Nest,” and “The Clocktower.” These stories stood out to me in their beauty and style, though you can’t go wrong with any of them.
“The Clocktower” starts out the anthology. It’s an abstract concept of caging oneself. The imagery and emotions are very striking in this story. It’s a fantastic choice to start with.
“The Brothers” is about, you guessed it, brothers. This tale is one about believing your life is the only way, but whether it’s set all in meditation or focused on work, it becomes imbalanced. Better to meditate and be productive than to think one is superior and only worth doing. I really enjoyed this, and there was a fun twist at the end!
“Abnormal Psychology” is a short and sweet story about a girl who does things because they are “cool.” A boy approaches her and makes her question this reality she’s set herself in.
“The Crow’s Nest” was a cautionary tale on that male(or female!) bravado, which sometimes happens in a society, even one as small as a boat. This happened to occur between the captain and the first mate. One wanted one thing, the other another, and yet neither could confront the other, so they danced around, playing with lives in the process. Very engaging story. Honestly, it’s probably my favorite in the bunch.
Also, not part of my selected stories, but I needed to call out this quote because it made me laugh: “Paler than a princess’ arse." This was from "No One Dropped the Boulder."
This is a great collection of stories. I can’t wait to read more!
Here are some fun quotes:
People don’t much care about the size of their own lot in life, only that they aren’t getting cheated by their neighbor. That they’ll accept less from the world, so long is their neighbors are getting even less than them! — “No One Dropped the Boulder”
What kind of world would it be if people overcame their hardships without ever really identifying and learning from their mistakes? — “No One Dropped the Boulder”
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 12, 2021
Book Review: Colony One
By Elizabeth Suggs
Colony One by T. L. Ford is a fun sci-fi/mafia adventure story about an orphan girl named Alex Smith.
I enjoyed this story for the most part, and I think T. L. is a talented and very analytical writer, but sometimes I felt this was to a fault. The book feels like two different stories, one where Alex is on the streets and then gets involved with the mafia, and then the other is about her experience founding Colony One. And unfortunately for me, it felt like the story dragged on near the middle when she’s creating her business.
I think what hung me up for so long was that we were living Alex’s life from a child to adult, with rarely any stopping. Life changes as a person ages, and things become unrecognizable or different. This isn’t a bad thing, but I would have enjoyed the story more if quite a bit of the middle had been skipped, so we could keep up a quicker pace.
I wasn’t in love with the ending or some of Alex’s characteristics, but I thought the story was fun, especially in the beginning. One of my favorite things throughout the book are the fun illustrations occasionally placed on the page. They emphasized different points and helped me, as a reader, better identify with the message.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“She wasn’t a particularly beautiful young girl, despite her long yellowish-brown hair.”
“Without the usual prod with a stick for mice and spiders, he reached in and pulled out his spare shiv.”
“The dank, abandoned warehouse with broken floors smelled like mice nests.”
If you have the patience, you should read this story. There are points and sentences that I really marveled at and I think it’s definitely worth the read, but it’s not for everyone. I look forward to seeing what else T.L. comes up with.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 10, 2021
Book Review: Flowers for Algernon
By Elizabeth Suggs
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a fantasy tale about a science procedure on a lab rat and a man.
The story is written as a diary by a mentally disabled man named Charlie. He and a lab rat, Algernon, have an experimental procedure done to cause their intelligence to skyrocket. This seems like a breakthrough in science, and maybe it is! But what it means is not necessarily what anyone had planned.
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, it was hard to put down. I found myself more than just a reader in this story. I saw through Charlie’s eyes. I listened to his stories and became a watcher of his world. Charlie is a very interesting character, and his change of intelligence is hopeful, even with the ending.
Keyes writes in a way to make a reader think about possibility, not just in science, but in how people act around others and how that can change drastically with IQ. It also shows that there is a happy medium of intelligence because, at one point, the road becomes solemn and lonely. This slow progression is interesting and heart-wrenching.
Here is my favorite quote, which really sums up the ideas of the book:
Quote: “How strange is that people of honest feelings and sensibility, who would not take advantage of a man born without arms or legs or eyes—how such people think nothing of abusing a man born with low intelligence.”
Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend. This is one of those must-read classics, but please, ONLY read the book. The movie is atrocious.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 8, 2021
Book Review: Donn's Hill
By Elizabeth Suggs
Donn’s Hill by Caryn Larrinaga is a psychic mystery with great writing and interesting characters.
Larrinaga did well crafting unique characters with their own voice and personality. In fact, I think the interpersonal relationships are the crux of this story and it’s how our main character, Mackenzie Clair, learns to accept and understand herself.
There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue, but the tone throughout the book seemed slightly off and a little too light for how the novel began. While the lightness may work for some people, it, and the slow pacing, pulled me out of the story.
Here’s my favorite quote:
“For one hideous instant, I thought he was drinking his tobacco spit back down.”
Donn's Hill is for a reader who really loves the back-and-forth with characters, but it wasn’t quite for me. However, I think it could be for other readers, and I would like to see more of her work.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
February 2, 2021
Book Review: Omer Pasha Latas
By Elizabeth Suggs
Omer Pasha Latas by Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić is set during nineteenth-century Sarajevo, a place where both Muslims and Christians live, harboring uneasy feelings toward one another and resentment for the Ottoman rule.
While I didn’t find a common plot in this story, other than the actions of Omer and his troops, I found the story quite engaging. This book is about characters, rather than plot, which fit perfectly.
For instance, Andrić's most prominent character is Omer Pasha Latas, a sexual deviant and a turncoat. This quote sums up how horrible Omer Pasha Latas was to Bosnia and the Ottoman Empire as a whole: “Yes, killing and lechery! Because everything in this house is infected with foul, profane lechery: timber and stone and every last rag; bread and water and air are infected with it; and lechery kills, it must kill, for it’s the same as death, unnatural, shameful. Gossip is the order of the day: an invisible web of intrigue, slander, whispering and, particularly malicious gossip was constantly being woven, tangled, untangled and woven anew.”
But Andrić doesn’t stop there. Another haunting picture is of a man only briefly mentioned. It is Osman, the town fool. He went crazy for never finding his love, a stranger.
Then there’s my favorite character of them all: Saida Hanuma, a character well ahead of her time. Saida Hanuma is a refreshing take on women. Andrić is one of the only male writers of his time (I know of) who actually gives women a three-dimensional image.
Saida Hanuma is strong and clever, yet too trusting. It's with this trusting she falls into traps. She is quite possibly one of my favorite female characters of all time. Here are two quotes that really explain what she went through:
“As though it had a hundred paws, it was tearing through the thick branches in which she was hidden, breaking them, maddened by the desire to reach her, naked and defenseless, to tell her to pieces and devour her.”
“These men would never grasp the simple truth that the female being sitting before then, attracting them so irresistibly, was not here for them, and was not merely what they saw and desired: she was a whole, complex person, with specific characteristics and needs, and her own soul, at the end of the day. No one asked her what she thought and felt, what she believed, what she expected from life, they simply stretched out their hands toward her throat and waist, as if drowning.”
Andrić’s novel is well worth the read. It exposes readers to a classical world not often taught in history classes (at least the classes I took in high school or college). It is the other side of the world. The world of the Ottomans and their power. This power destroyed lives and towns. It was unstoppable.
More quotes I loved:
“They drink anything that intoxicates, fuddles the mind, anything that silences memories, clouds the present and conjures a better future, anything that can at least for a moment alter the image of the real world, which was for them insupportable.”
“Your ever stronger heartbeats merge into a single one. Your breath is stilled, your eyes dimmed by the golden clouds through which you are flying. This is not a journey, nor is it escape, but miraculous salvation at a moment when it seemed that everything had come to an end and there was no hope. Something beyond all probability is happening, the opposite of the obvious.”
“They tried everything: loosening the chain, or making it hot, or holding it in their hands.”
“Even angels would be corrupted by these idlers and perverts.”
“He never would have done that in a decent country, among other people. But here, here even a lamb of God would turn into a lynx, a tiger.”
Everyone should learn about this. I highly suggest this!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
