C.C. Thomas's Blog, page 14
February 3, 2014
Not Redeemable
Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret StohlTeen Paranormal Romance
This is the finale to the Beautiful Creatures series, a series I'm glad is over. It never really lived up to the promise of the first book, although I would say this one was probably the second best in the series. I really feel as if the authors could have skipped books two and three and made this one next.
The cliffhanger from the last book has Ethan jumping off the town's water tower. But, since there's a new book, there must be more to the story. And, there is. Ethan discovers that, contrary to what he thought when he flung himself off the tower, he wasn't really supposed to have died, and he restores the balance of the worlds. Again.
I will say I did not see the final twist coming--which was pretty cool. There were a lot of surprises and twists I just didn't expect. I liked the plot of the story much better than the characters. I would love to read a series about John and the young librarian. I started liking these two and Link and Ripley so much more than Ethan and Lena, who are just so depressing and whiny. I just felt like the characters didn't change at all and I never really understood why the two main characters loved one another. "Just because" is too immature a reason for long-lasting love, but that seemed to be the case. I also find it interesting that the whole story was told from a male perspective, Ethan, but the book is so obviously a book for females. If you love paranormal romance, you'll probably like these.
This is the finale to the Beautiful Creatures series, a series I'm glad is over. It never really lived up to the promise of the first book, although I would say this one was probably the second best in the series. I really feel as if the authors could have skipped books two and three and made this one next.The cliffhanger from the last book has Ethan jumping off the town's water tower. But, since there's a new book, there must be more to the story. And, there is. Ethan discovers that, contrary to what he thought when he flung himself off the tower, he wasn't really supposed to have died, and he restores the balance of the worlds. Again.
I will say I did not see the final twist coming--which was pretty cool. There were a lot of surprises and twists I just didn't expect. I liked the plot of the story much better than the characters. I would love to read a series about John and the young librarian. I started liking these two and Link and Ripley so much more than Ethan and Lena, who are just so depressing and whiny. I just felt like the characters didn't change at all and I never really understood why the two main characters loved one another. "Just because" is too immature a reason for long-lasting love, but that seemed to be the case. I also find it interesting that the whole story was told from a male perspective, Ethan, but the book is so obviously a book for females. If you love paranormal romance, you'll probably like these.
February 1, 2014
Better With Age
All That Remains: Kay Scarpetta #4 by Patricia CornwellForensic Mystery
Like wine and cheese, Scarpetta keeps getting better with the years.
Scarpetta gets called to a young couple, found dead in their car. The girl is the daughter of an important political thriller. Everyone seems to think the killing was politically motivated, but Scarpetta feels differently and she is soon on the case of a serial killer. It's a tough case (one that I, as the reader, had no hope of solving), and one that Scarpetta struggles with. It will keep you involved and guessing the whole way through. Marino is back. I really like him and the reader gets to see a little more of his tender interior. This is a nice touch and goes far towards explaining why Scarpetta likes him so much. This book has lots of red herrings, which makes the case so much more exciting. It's a complex read and one you'll have to pay attention to.
These books are procedural mysteries to the extreme with gore and graphic descriptions, but necessary since the main character does autopsies. It feels like you're doing them too, right beside Scarpetta. I also really enjoyed some 'historical' characters coming in: Abby, an old friend with some serious secrets that might derail Scarpetta's case; Benton Wesley, Scarpetta's old FBI boss who has some interest in the case that he won't share; and Mark, an old flame that she doesn't know whether she wants to rekindle or not. These can be stand alone mysteries, but if you want to follow the intricacies of Scarpetta's life, her personal struggles, then read them in order.
Like wine and cheese, Scarpetta keeps getting better with the years. Scarpetta gets called to a young couple, found dead in their car. The girl is the daughter of an important political thriller. Everyone seems to think the killing was politically motivated, but Scarpetta feels differently and she is soon on the case of a serial killer. It's a tough case (one that I, as the reader, had no hope of solving), and one that Scarpetta struggles with. It will keep you involved and guessing the whole way through. Marino is back. I really like him and the reader gets to see a little more of his tender interior. This is a nice touch and goes far towards explaining why Scarpetta likes him so much. This book has lots of red herrings, which makes the case so much more exciting. It's a complex read and one you'll have to pay attention to.
These books are procedural mysteries to the extreme with gore and graphic descriptions, but necessary since the main character does autopsies. It feels like you're doing them too, right beside Scarpetta. I also really enjoyed some 'historical' characters coming in: Abby, an old friend with some serious secrets that might derail Scarpetta's case; Benton Wesley, Scarpetta's old FBI boss who has some interest in the case that he won't share; and Mark, an old flame that she doesn't know whether she wants to rekindle or not. These can be stand alone mysteries, but if you want to follow the intricacies of Scarpetta's life, her personal struggles, then read them in order.
January 25, 2014
A New Detective to Love
The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver PotzschHistorical Mystery
I didn't expect much from this book. I don't know why--maybe because it was a free Kindle download and I have had such bad luck with those. But, this book, I loved!
The premise of the book is so fascinating and unique. I've never read anything like it before. It's a fascinating history of the role of an executioner and the importance of superstition in the 1600's. Jacob is the town's official executioner and it seems as if he has an unfortunate and unique quality of attracting death. When a young boy is pulled from the river with a witch's mark on him, Jacob knows he has to act fast or his executioner's cart will be full of accused witches.
I loved everything about it. I loved the front cover. It fit the mood of the book perfectly. Knowing the author is a descendant of a family of hangmen made the story that much more credible--and incredible! The character of the hangman was my favorite part of this book. And, he's now one of my favorite main characters. Large and in charge--he doesn't like his job as official hired killer, but he is so good at it. Plus, he's funny and clever and comes across as warm and someone you definitely want to meet. The book was full of great characters. I also loved the hangman's daughter and her love interest. I can't wait to see more about them.
I didn't expect much from this book. I don't know why--maybe because it was a free Kindle download and I have had such bad luck with those. But, this book, I loved!The premise of the book is so fascinating and unique. I've never read anything like it before. It's a fascinating history of the role of an executioner and the importance of superstition in the 1600's. Jacob is the town's official executioner and it seems as if he has an unfortunate and unique quality of attracting death. When a young boy is pulled from the river with a witch's mark on him, Jacob knows he has to act fast or his executioner's cart will be full of accused witches.
I loved everything about it. I loved the front cover. It fit the mood of the book perfectly. Knowing the author is a descendant of a family of hangmen made the story that much more credible--and incredible! The character of the hangman was my favorite part of this book. And, he's now one of my favorite main characters. Large and in charge--he doesn't like his job as official hired killer, but he is so good at it. Plus, he's funny and clever and comes across as warm and someone you definitely want to meet. The book was full of great characters. I also loved the hangman's daughter and her love interest. I can't wait to see more about them.
January 24, 2014
G is for Great!
G is For Gumshoe: Kinsey Milhone #7 by Sue GraftonMystery
I liked this one the best so far. I believe I have made that same statement for each of these books so I might not be the most reliable reviewer. Apparently, I am prone to exaggeration.
This novel takes Kinsey cross-county. I loved the new setting. I love that Grafton doesn't stay in the same locale but that she goes to other places in search of her case, her story. Grafton's gift is making the setting integral to the story and making it come alive for the reader. Kinsey is on the case of a missing mom while a contract killer is hunting her down. What a perfect time to leave town. Kinsey is hired to find a crazy old recluse by the daughter, who is herself a crazy old recluse, except rich. The mother is truly gone--abandoned her hovel trailer and taken all her belongings, but Kinsey doesn't give up. She wants to follow the course to the end. And, of course, she always gets her man.
It amazes me how very different in plot each of these books are. Usually, series detective novels follow a similar pattern that gets old after a while. But not Grafton. You just dont' know what to expect. These books are not too high-brow or a technical police procedural. Kinsey is easy to hang out with and downplays her drama well. I really liked the romantic twist with Milhone's bodyguard. It made her seem more like a real person with real emotions. Grafton's/Milhone's clinical expository is often lacking in emotion. This plot twist made Kinsey seem like a more dynamic character. I hope Dietz is a recurring character-he's good for Kinsey.
I liked this one the best so far. I believe I have made that same statement for each of these books so I might not be the most reliable reviewer. Apparently, I am prone to exaggeration.This novel takes Kinsey cross-county. I loved the new setting. I love that Grafton doesn't stay in the same locale but that she goes to other places in search of her case, her story. Grafton's gift is making the setting integral to the story and making it come alive for the reader. Kinsey is on the case of a missing mom while a contract killer is hunting her down. What a perfect time to leave town. Kinsey is hired to find a crazy old recluse by the daughter, who is herself a crazy old recluse, except rich. The mother is truly gone--abandoned her hovel trailer and taken all her belongings, but Kinsey doesn't give up. She wants to follow the course to the end. And, of course, she always gets her man.
It amazes me how very different in plot each of these books are. Usually, series detective novels follow a similar pattern that gets old after a while. But not Grafton. You just dont' know what to expect. These books are not too high-brow or a technical police procedural. Kinsey is easy to hang out with and downplays her drama well. I really liked the romantic twist with Milhone's bodyguard. It made her seem more like a real person with real emotions. Grafton's/Milhone's clinical expository is often lacking in emotion. This plot twist made Kinsey seem like a more dynamic character. I hope Dietz is a recurring character-he's good for Kinsey.
January 23, 2014
A Teenage James Bond-ette
Only the Good Spy Young: Gallagher Girls #4 by Ally CarterAdolescent Spy Thriller
I was a little worried about this book because I so disliked the last one in the series. I needn't have worried. Cammie is back to her old, neurotic self.
Cammie was hoping the life and death aspect of her last spy adventure was over, but it seems as if her dangerous life as a spy has just begun. When Cammie's most trusted teacher, Joe, is accused of being a spy, and promptly disappears, Cammie no longer knows who to trust--including her own family. This time, Cammie isn't satisfied with sitting around, waiting for things to come to her. She's not acting like the "frozen-with-fear" Cammie, like in her last book. Zach is back! Yay! He was glaringly absent in the the last book and he adds a kink in the plot.
I liked this one much better than the last, and almost as much as the first one which was my favorite so far. You definitely have to read this series in order. There was action from beginning to end, which is why I fell in love with this series. Cammie is such a strong female character. She questions her decisions, she cries--but she gets stuff done! She's a great role model for how real girls act (except in the last book, but everyone can have a bad day so I forgive her). The books are very funny and relate-able. Cammie still has her innocence and immaturity and that makes her so believable and so likable. The end was both amazing and maddening. It was definitely a cliffhanger and so unexpected. Now I can't wait to read the next one!
I was a little worried about this book because I so disliked the last one in the series. I needn't have worried. Cammie is back to her old, neurotic self.Cammie was hoping the life and death aspect of her last spy adventure was over, but it seems as if her dangerous life as a spy has just begun. When Cammie's most trusted teacher, Joe, is accused of being a spy, and promptly disappears, Cammie no longer knows who to trust--including her own family. This time, Cammie isn't satisfied with sitting around, waiting for things to come to her. She's not acting like the "frozen-with-fear" Cammie, like in her last book. Zach is back! Yay! He was glaringly absent in the the last book and he adds a kink in the plot.
I liked this one much better than the last, and almost as much as the first one which was my favorite so far. You definitely have to read this series in order. There was action from beginning to end, which is why I fell in love with this series. Cammie is such a strong female character. She questions her decisions, she cries--but she gets stuff done! She's a great role model for how real girls act (except in the last book, but everyone can have a bad day so I forgive her). The books are very funny and relate-able. Cammie still has her innocence and immaturity and that makes her so believable and so likable. The end was both amazing and maddening. It was definitely a cliffhanger and so unexpected. Now I can't wait to read the next one!
January 22, 2014
A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing
Deadly by Julie ChibbaroHistorical Fiction
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but I loved it! The reason? Because I fell in love with the main character, Prudence. She's my favorite kind of main character--plucky, curious, courageous, questioning, and hopeful. I also love her quest for knowledge. At a time when education for women was expensive, nearly impossible, and scholarly girls were on the path to old-maidhood, Prudence doesn't give up. She pushes the boundaries and lines so she can learn more and become smarter.
Prudence begs for, and finally gets permission to, leave a girls' finishing school in order to get a real job, working for a scientist. It's a perfect job for her and one that challenges her itch to learn. The backstory is about Mary Mallon, "Typhoid Mary", and is fascinating. I have read nonfiction about Mallon before but this book finally turned her into a real person for me.
I learned so much reading about Mallon this way rather than all the dry accounts. Chibarro really made the history come alive, weaving in facts seamlessly to be part of the story. The book clearly shows how the mindset of that era was different and that "Typhoid Mary" was not a cold-blooded killer, just an average citizen who didn't know how germs were spread. Deadly is a great snapshot of life in Victorian times, both the attitude and the background. This would be a great book for a book club. There are so many things to talk about--a busy book!
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but I loved it! The reason? Because I fell in love with the main character, Prudence. She's my favorite kind of main character--plucky, curious, courageous, questioning, and hopeful. I also love her quest for knowledge. At a time when education for women was expensive, nearly impossible, and scholarly girls were on the path to old-maidhood, Prudence doesn't give up. She pushes the boundaries and lines so she can learn more and become smarter.Prudence begs for, and finally gets permission to, leave a girls' finishing school in order to get a real job, working for a scientist. It's a perfect job for her and one that challenges her itch to learn. The backstory is about Mary Mallon, "Typhoid Mary", and is fascinating. I have read nonfiction about Mallon before but this book finally turned her into a real person for me.
I learned so much reading about Mallon this way rather than all the dry accounts. Chibarro really made the history come alive, weaving in facts seamlessly to be part of the story. The book clearly shows how the mindset of that era was different and that "Typhoid Mary" was not a cold-blooded killer, just an average citizen who didn't know how germs were spread. Deadly is a great snapshot of life in Victorian times, both the attitude and the background. This would be a great book for a book club. There are so many things to talk about--a busy book!
January 21, 2014
A Different Kind of Detective
A Caress of Twilight: Meredith Gentry #2 by Laurell K. HamiltonParanormal Romance/Erotica
This book starts just where the last one left off. When we last saw Fairie Princess Merry Gentry, she had just been ordered by the Queen to have unstoppable sex with her buff bodyguards until she was pregnant. It's so hard being a princess! Tough life, that.
Still, it's not all fun and games. Merry is in a reproductive race with her cousin, Prince Cel. And, if she doesn't have a baby first (the heir to throne), her days are numbered. Cel would love to kill her with his own hands. In her spare time, she also has a day job as a detective. Now that her cover has been blown, she's taking on paranormal cases. Her newest case involves a goddess who has been exiled, and solving this case could also mean Merry's death.
This is not a series that I love. The book is very long without the action needed to make reading it seem effortless. You'll be hard-pressed to find one male character to root for. No one guy stands out, which is maybe why I don't love this series. I am an old-fashioned girl like that, I suppose. I refer to these books as 'paranormal pornography', although they are really more erotica. I like a good romp in the hay as well as the next girl, but this is just too much. I'm exhausted just reading about her sexcapades. One thing I that I really didn't like was Merry's sexual tryst with the brownie/elf. For most of the book, she described this creature's innocence much as a child and treats it like a pet. This part was particularly distasteful to me--almost like bestiality.
This book starts just where the last one left off. When we last saw Fairie Princess Merry Gentry, she had just been ordered by the Queen to have unstoppable sex with her buff bodyguards until she was pregnant. It's so hard being a princess! Tough life, that.
Still, it's not all fun and games. Merry is in a reproductive race with her cousin, Prince Cel. And, if she doesn't have a baby first (the heir to throne), her days are numbered. Cel would love to kill her with his own hands. In her spare time, she also has a day job as a detective. Now that her cover has been blown, she's taking on paranormal cases. Her newest case involves a goddess who has been exiled, and solving this case could also mean Merry's death.
This is not a series that I love. The book is very long without the action needed to make reading it seem effortless. You'll be hard-pressed to find one male character to root for. No one guy stands out, which is maybe why I don't love this series. I am an old-fashioned girl like that, I suppose. I refer to these books as 'paranormal pornography', although they are really more erotica. I like a good romp in the hay as well as the next girl, but this is just too much. I'm exhausted just reading about her sexcapades. One thing I that I really didn't like was Merry's sexual tryst with the brownie/elf. For most of the book, she described this creature's innocence much as a child and treats it like a pet. This part was particularly distasteful to me--almost like bestiality.
January 19, 2014
Creepy Crawlies Galore
Infestation by Timothy J. BradleyAdolescent Science Fiction/Horror
I bought this for the boys in my classroom--a book that looks like something they would be interested in. Bugs!
Andy isn't having the best day. He's on a smelly bus on his way to a special boys' school for juvenile offenders and none of the other kids look like they want to become new buddies. Andy's day gets worse the further he drives out into the desert. They are miles of parched heat away from the nearest sign of civilization; there is a mean bully at the school; the guard in charge acts like a marine drill sergeant; and, the head of the prison is clearly crazy. Worse still, Andy learns this might not be a temporary assignment, but a permanent one--if he displeases the warden. To make matters worse, there is an earthquake, which is bad. What it reveals is worse: a secret lab experiment gone horribly wrong. A giant race of ants has invaded the school and is exterminating all the people in it. The boys all have to learn to work together to conquer a common enemy. What a great lesson!
The story felt like a throwback to a 1950's horror movie classic. Too many of today's horror stories rely on gore and inappropriate themes, but this was just good, old-fashioned scary. It was fast-paced and thrilling all the way through. The action never stopped. Andy is a likable character. His crime? Destroying the motorcycle of his abusive foster father, so we don't have to feel bad for cheering on a criminal. The other characters are sympathetic as well. They are not a bunch of hooligans, hoodlums, and hardened criminals--just misunderstood youth. Solid reading for young boys!
I bought this for the boys in my classroom--a book that looks like something they would be interested in. Bugs!
Andy isn't having the best day. He's on a smelly bus on his way to a special boys' school for juvenile offenders and none of the other kids look like they want to become new buddies. Andy's day gets worse the further he drives out into the desert. They are miles of parched heat away from the nearest sign of civilization; there is a mean bully at the school; the guard in charge acts like a marine drill sergeant; and, the head of the prison is clearly crazy. Worse still, Andy learns this might not be a temporary assignment, but a permanent one--if he displeases the warden. To make matters worse, there is an earthquake, which is bad. What it reveals is worse: a secret lab experiment gone horribly wrong. A giant race of ants has invaded the school and is exterminating all the people in it. The boys all have to learn to work together to conquer a common enemy. What a great lesson!
The story felt like a throwback to a 1950's horror movie classic. Too many of today's horror stories rely on gore and inappropriate themes, but this was just good, old-fashioned scary. It was fast-paced and thrilling all the way through. The action never stopped. Andy is a likable character. His crime? Destroying the motorcycle of his abusive foster father, so we don't have to feel bad for cheering on a criminal. The other characters are sympathetic as well. They are not a bunch of hooligans, hoodlums, and hardened criminals--just misunderstood youth. Solid reading for young boys!
January 18, 2014
As Dark as a Tunnel
The Black Echo: Harry Bosch #1 by Michael ConnellyDetective/Mystery
Harry is a vice cop called in on a murder --a dead body in a drain tunnel. He knows it won't be an ordinary case--because he knows who the victim is! The dead man is a blast from Bosch's Vietnam past, and not a happy one. Bosch and the victim were tunnel rats in 'Nam, bomb diffusers who crawled through the tunnels to find and destroy bombs before they exploded. Harry knows it can't be a coincidence he found the body, but what does it mean? How does it fit together? The incident brings back bad memories for Bosch.
I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to keep going. It felt very noir and dark to me, not usually the type of book that I like. It had a very 'Vietnam' feel to it, if that makes any sense. It was procedural and gritty and realistic. I felt like Bosch was an actual vice cop relating a case to me. The romance with a fellow worker eased the tension and bleakness of the book a little. It made Harry seem more like a normal person. It was extremely detailed and it kept my attention. There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot. It's a book you can't second guess, like one of those roller coasters that twist and turn. I do like the character of Harry--he is a rebel and he thumbs his nose at the establishment, a man after my own heart.
Harry is a vice cop called in on a murder --a dead body in a drain tunnel. He knows it won't be an ordinary case--because he knows who the victim is! The dead man is a blast from Bosch's Vietnam past, and not a happy one. Bosch and the victim were tunnel rats in 'Nam, bomb diffusers who crawled through the tunnels to find and destroy bombs before they exploded. Harry knows it can't be a coincidence he found the body, but what does it mean? How does it fit together? The incident brings back bad memories for Bosch.
I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to keep going. It felt very noir and dark to me, not usually the type of book that I like. It had a very 'Vietnam' feel to it, if that makes any sense. It was procedural and gritty and realistic. I felt like Bosch was an actual vice cop relating a case to me. The romance with a fellow worker eased the tension and bleakness of the book a little. It made Harry seem more like a normal person. It was extremely detailed and it kept my attention. There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot. It's a book you can't second guess, like one of those roller coasters that twist and turn. I do like the character of Harry--he is a rebel and he thumbs his nose at the establishment, a man after my own heart.
January 17, 2014
A Misdemeanor
The Associate by John GrishamLegal Thriller
I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read.
It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason.
This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him.
The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. Very unsatisfying.
I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read.
It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason.
This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him.
The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. Very unsatisfying.
