C.C. Thomas's Blog, page 4
May 4, 2015
Bosch Gets Better With Age
Black Ice: Harry Bosch #2 by Michael ConnellyMystery/Thriller/Police Procedural
Like many other things (wine, cheese, women), Harry Bosch gets better with age...and by age, I mean the next book in the series. In the first book, I liked Harry, a lot, really. I just felt he was perhaps a bit too hung up on his Vietnam experiences and wondered if he were a character I could really get behind and root for, connect with, want to follow. All those doubts were erased with this second book in the series.
In this one, Bosch has been assigned clean up duty, much like those batters in the big leagues. When another cop strikes out and goes on leave, Bosch is called in to solve a case and make the department, the captain and the mayor look good. Naturally, Bosch could care less about that, which is reason enough to love him. However, he does want to solve crimes so he goes full gusto and finds himself in an international case of drugs, money laundering, murdering, theft and all those other things bad people do.
What I really like about this book is Bosch's methods. He follows ethical law which doesn't always translate to legalities. That makes for quite an interesting read. He also has a big heart and watching him always look out for the other guy is endearing. I'm not very far in, but I know that Bosch and I will have a long relationship.
Like many other things (wine, cheese, women), Harry Bosch gets better with age...and by age, I mean the next book in the series. In the first book, I liked Harry, a lot, really. I just felt he was perhaps a bit too hung up on his Vietnam experiences and wondered if he were a character I could really get behind and root for, connect with, want to follow. All those doubts were erased with this second book in the series.In this one, Bosch has been assigned clean up duty, much like those batters in the big leagues. When another cop strikes out and goes on leave, Bosch is called in to solve a case and make the department, the captain and the mayor look good. Naturally, Bosch could care less about that, which is reason enough to love him. However, he does want to solve crimes so he goes full gusto and finds himself in an international case of drugs, money laundering, murdering, theft and all those other things bad people do.
What I really like about this book is Bosch's methods. He follows ethical law which doesn't always translate to legalities. That makes for quite an interesting read. He also has a big heart and watching him always look out for the other guy is endearing. I'm not very far in, but I know that Bosch and I will have a long relationship.
May 3, 2015
Worthy of Being Called a Classic
The Education of Little Tree by Forrest CarterChildren's Classic/Historical Fiction
Generally, I find it helpful to know something of an author prior to reading their work. I like to know something about their history and life and see if I can find those threads in what I am reading. Here, though, the author's backstory is puzzling. Carter, whose real name was Asa Earl Carter, was a Ku Klux Klan member and sometime author. His writings are puzzling in light of his beliefs and the way he lived his life.
In this story, Little Tree is a five-year old boy whose parents have just died. He goes to live with his Cherokee grandparents in the hills of Tennessee. His grandparents are the descendants of those who refused to walk the Trail of Tears and instead hid in the mountains and continued their way of life as best they could. The story of Little Tree and his grandfather was so amazing and so beautiful. Because I come from a rural mountain way of life, reading of the closeness of the boy with his grandparents was so tender and touching for me. I cried at several points through the book and sobbed the last few chapters. This is an intergenerational story of heartache, traditions, ways of life and ancient wisdoms--it is a classic in every sense and deserves that rating. Carter tells of Little Tree's education in his native American heritage, in how to live with a mountain, and the important of family. Yet, the book is never one that preaches, just tells a story about a boy and his family that you desperately wished had been true. In short, I loved every word, in spite of the author and his intentions--if he had any.
I suppose, in regards to the author, I prefer to think this work of beauty in some way apologizes for his hatred in life, even if he didn't mean it to be that way. The work is so hauntingly beautiful and paints such a touching tender portrait of a lost way of life. Maybe Carter's soul wasn't all bad, just torn and conflicted--trying to bridge between how he grew up and a larger truth about life. That's what I'm walking away with.
Generally, I find it helpful to know something of an author prior to reading their work. I like to know something about their history and life and see if I can find those threads in what I am reading. Here, though, the author's backstory is puzzling. Carter, whose real name was Asa Earl Carter, was a Ku Klux Klan member and sometime author. His writings are puzzling in light of his beliefs and the way he lived his life.In this story, Little Tree is a five-year old boy whose parents have just died. He goes to live with his Cherokee grandparents in the hills of Tennessee. His grandparents are the descendants of those who refused to walk the Trail of Tears and instead hid in the mountains and continued their way of life as best they could. The story of Little Tree and his grandfather was so amazing and so beautiful. Because I come from a rural mountain way of life, reading of the closeness of the boy with his grandparents was so tender and touching for me. I cried at several points through the book and sobbed the last few chapters. This is an intergenerational story of heartache, traditions, ways of life and ancient wisdoms--it is a classic in every sense and deserves that rating. Carter tells of Little Tree's education in his native American heritage, in how to live with a mountain, and the important of family. Yet, the book is never one that preaches, just tells a story about a boy and his family that you desperately wished had been true. In short, I loved every word, in spite of the author and his intentions--if he had any.
I suppose, in regards to the author, I prefer to think this work of beauty in some way apologizes for his hatred in life, even if he didn't mean it to be that way. The work is so hauntingly beautiful and paints such a touching tender portrait of a lost way of life. Maybe Carter's soul wasn't all bad, just torn and conflicted--trying to bridge between how he grew up and a larger truth about life. That's what I'm walking away with.
May 1, 2015
A Thriller From Page One
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry
Teen Thriller
This was my second April Henry book and it was a far better read than the first one so I'm glad I kept on going!
In this book, a girl wakes up in a cabin in terrible pain. She has no idea who she is, but recognizes she is about to be murdered! Quickly gathering some inner strength, she fights off her attackers and escapes. This begins an adventure where the girl, whom we later learn is named Cady, has to figure out who she is and why there are people trying to kill her. Fortunately, a boy named Ty recognizes her dire situation and helps her to uncover her identity and her secrets.
Wow! This book was a nail-biter from beginning to end. While there are times when the reader has to suspend belief, it was a pleasure to do so. I loved the character of Cady. Even though she was being victimized, she never became a victim. She came out of the gate ready to do battle and figure out her past. The book reads a bit like an unraveling mystery where key elements, which you will never guess, are delayed. The reader can't figure out the mystery, but it sure is fun following the bread crumbs. I had read one other thriller by Henry that was much like this, but not nearly as good. Now that I understand Henry's style and genre, she is definitely an author I will be returning to.
Teen ThrillerThis was my second April Henry book and it was a far better read than the first one so I'm glad I kept on going!
In this book, a girl wakes up in a cabin in terrible pain. She has no idea who she is, but recognizes she is about to be murdered! Quickly gathering some inner strength, she fights off her attackers and escapes. This begins an adventure where the girl, whom we later learn is named Cady, has to figure out who she is and why there are people trying to kill her. Fortunately, a boy named Ty recognizes her dire situation and helps her to uncover her identity and her secrets.
Wow! This book was a nail-biter from beginning to end. While there are times when the reader has to suspend belief, it was a pleasure to do so. I loved the character of Cady. Even though she was being victimized, she never became a victim. She came out of the gate ready to do battle and figure out her past. The book reads a bit like an unraveling mystery where key elements, which you will never guess, are delayed. The reader can't figure out the mystery, but it sure is fun following the bread crumbs. I had read one other thriller by Henry that was much like this, but not nearly as good. Now that I understand Henry's style and genre, she is definitely an author I will be returning to.
April 30, 2015
Just a Book
Spirit Animals #2: Hunted by Maggie StiefvaterAdolescent Fantasy
I'll start with something positive: it was definitely better than the first one in the series. That's pretty much the start and the end of my list. It's not that this book is bad; it's just chronically okay, just alright and it never rises above that. The fault can most certainly not be with the author, who manages to fix many of the problems in the first book. My problem with the first book is that the characters were so flat and one-dimensional, owing perhaps to the sheer number of them and the brevity of the book. While, in this book, we do get to know each character more, it still isn't enough to elevate them to the "realness" of a person.
In this second installment, the four main characters continue on their quest, capturing icons in order to defeat a great evil, while also learning how to control and bond with their new spirit animals. We also meet new characters and new villains which murk up the water somewhat rather than making the plot any clearer.
In the end, it's just a book, just a story which isn't a terrible thing. For me, though, I like my books to have some sparks of life. I wouldn't keep reading it except someone bought me the whole series as a gift and I feel a bit guilty abandoning them.
I'll start with something positive: it was definitely better than the first one in the series. That's pretty much the start and the end of my list. It's not that this book is bad; it's just chronically okay, just alright and it never rises above that. The fault can most certainly not be with the author, who manages to fix many of the problems in the first book. My problem with the first book is that the characters were so flat and one-dimensional, owing perhaps to the sheer number of them and the brevity of the book. While, in this book, we do get to know each character more, it still isn't enough to elevate them to the "realness" of a person. In this second installment, the four main characters continue on their quest, capturing icons in order to defeat a great evil, while also learning how to control and bond with their new spirit animals. We also meet new characters and new villains which murk up the water somewhat rather than making the plot any clearer.
In the end, it's just a book, just a story which isn't a terrible thing. For me, though, I like my books to have some sparks of life. I wouldn't keep reading it except someone bought me the whole series as a gift and I feel a bit guilty abandoning them.
April 29, 2015
Good, Clean Fun
Antarctica #1: Journey to the Pole by Peter LerangisAdolescent Historical Fiction
I really love Peter Leranigs, but this was not my favorite book of his. However, I did like the book. It was good, just not great and that might have been because I had just finished reading an amazing book, so my expectations were high.
It is a story of the race to the pole in the early 1900's. The main character, Cole, is a young boy whose father is obsessed with finding the pole. Cole's mother has died and his stepbrother Andrew is competition for the father's affection. Cole thinks he can reconnect with his father on the voyage to the pole, until he finds out that Andrew is going as well. The voyage is filled with disaster and misadventure, both natural and man-made. And, yet, it wasn't a knuckle-biter. Perhaps I've read too many of these types of stories. The descriptions of the adventure were really fascinating--to think what men endured, what they willingly volunteered for in order to conquer unknown lands. It's very clearly a clean adventure story with nothing in it remotely inappropriate. Just good, clean fun that has a touch more family drama than hair-raising adventure for this thrill seeker.
The book did have great information on that period in history and really shows what it might have been like to travel to Antarctica back then. It's definitely a book for adolescents and has nothing in it to really interest adults.
It's part of a series, but not one I will keep reading. It just didn't hold my attention enough to search out the others.
I really love Peter Leranigs, but this was not my favorite book of his. However, I did like the book. It was good, just not great and that might have been because I had just finished reading an amazing book, so my expectations were high.It is a story of the race to the pole in the early 1900's. The main character, Cole, is a young boy whose father is obsessed with finding the pole. Cole's mother has died and his stepbrother Andrew is competition for the father's affection. Cole thinks he can reconnect with his father on the voyage to the pole, until he finds out that Andrew is going as well. The voyage is filled with disaster and misadventure, both natural and man-made. And, yet, it wasn't a knuckle-biter. Perhaps I've read too many of these types of stories. The descriptions of the adventure were really fascinating--to think what men endured, what they willingly volunteered for in order to conquer unknown lands. It's very clearly a clean adventure story with nothing in it remotely inappropriate. Just good, clean fun that has a touch more family drama than hair-raising adventure for this thrill seeker.
The book did have great information on that period in history and really shows what it might have been like to travel to Antarctica back then. It's definitely a book for adolescents and has nothing in it to really interest adults.
It's part of a series, but not one I will keep reading. It just didn't hold my attention enough to search out the others.
April 28, 2015
Good, Old-Fashioned Ghost Story
Famous Last Words by Katie AlenderYoung Adult Paranormal
Katie Alender hasn't steered me wrong yet. Each book I've read of hers (not very many, but all of them are quality writing) has been a good scary yarn from beginning to end. These are my very favorite kind of ghost stories: the old-fashioned, edge of your seat thrillers without the gory violence.
In this book, Willa and her mother have just moved to Hollywood to live with Willa's new stepfather. It's a few life for both of them, but Willa is having more trouble with the move because she is still mourning the death of her father and feels she may have helped to bring along his death. She has attempted to contact him using certain paranormal books and other items. During one of her mini-séances, she inadvertently opens a psychic doorway and discovers a murder occurred in her new home and the ghost is communicating with her. Things at school are a bit strained, too, and Willa questions whether the new friends she has made will think she's crazy. Add in the element of a serial killer running loose and you have all you need for one really good read.
I really like Alender's books and her writing style. It's easy to read and every chapter keeps you hooked on the action. I loved the old-Hollywood flavor of this book. The characters were realistic and the plot twists kept me guessing. Alender is quickly rising to the top of my favorite ghost authors. Even though she primarily writes for the young adult set, the book had more than enough to capture my adult interest.
Katie Alender hasn't steered me wrong yet. Each book I've read of hers (not very many, but all of them are quality writing) has been a good scary yarn from beginning to end. These are my very favorite kind of ghost stories: the old-fashioned, edge of your seat thrillers without the gory violence.
In this book, Willa and her mother have just moved to Hollywood to live with Willa's new stepfather. It's a few life for both of them, but Willa is having more trouble with the move because she is still mourning the death of her father and feels she may have helped to bring along his death. She has attempted to contact him using certain paranormal books and other items. During one of her mini-séances, she inadvertently opens a psychic doorway and discovers a murder occurred in her new home and the ghost is communicating with her. Things at school are a bit strained, too, and Willa questions whether the new friends she has made will think she's crazy. Add in the element of a serial killer running loose and you have all you need for one really good read.I really like Alender's books and her writing style. It's easy to read and every chapter keeps you hooked on the action. I loved the old-Hollywood flavor of this book. The characters were realistic and the plot twists kept me guessing. Alender is quickly rising to the top of my favorite ghost authors. Even though she primarily writes for the young adult set, the book had more than enough to capture my adult interest.
April 27, 2015
Loved the Ending!
Divergent #3: Allegiant by Veronica RothDystopian Teen Fiction
I'm probably not going to win any fans with this reviews, but I have to say I'm probably the only person that loved the ending!
This book series started off strong with Divergent, then went steadily downhill from there. Divergent was a story of girl versus the establishment. In book, Insurgent, girl increasingly became pro-militant and determined she knew had a better plan. In this book, the 3rd one in the series, the girl has decided her way is the only way and she knows how to save the world.
Thankfully, this isn't a story just about Tris. If it were, it would read as little more than a very confusing overthrow of some political movement that becomes increasingly murkier as the book series goes on. Tris has lost most of what made her such an incredible heroine in this last book. She is judgmental and it never really is clear why these adults in charge even listen to her. She's a teenager they saw on TV, for Pete's sake. It's just so unrealistic. I also loathe the way she treats Four, who struggles with his own identity and family. She seems determined to have him comply with her wishes, regardless of his own opinions and thoughts. It's only because of Four that I kept reading. He is really the dynamic character here and Tris is little more than a prop at the end of the book to show how his life fragments and heals. I did like the duality of the book but the constant talk of battle and insurrection was boring.
So, in the end, I probably should have stopped with book #1 in this series. It was a charmer and I only felt disappointed the farther along I went in the series. If you do manage to hang on to the end and you're like me (not a real fan), you'll probably also like the ending. I do look forward to reading "Four", the next book in this series. I hope it goes on with Four--he was always the best part, anyway.
I'm probably not going to win any fans with this reviews, but I have to say I'm probably the only person that loved the ending!
This book series started off strong with Divergent, then went steadily downhill from there. Divergent was a story of girl versus the establishment. In book, Insurgent, girl increasingly became pro-militant and determined she knew had a better plan. In this book, the 3rd one in the series, the girl has decided her way is the only way and she knows how to save the world.
Thankfully, this isn't a story just about Tris. If it were, it would read as little more than a very confusing overthrow of some political movement that becomes increasingly murkier as the book series goes on. Tris has lost most of what made her such an incredible heroine in this last book. She is judgmental and it never really is clear why these adults in charge even listen to her. She's a teenager they saw on TV, for Pete's sake. It's just so unrealistic. I also loathe the way she treats Four, who struggles with his own identity and family. She seems determined to have him comply with her wishes, regardless of his own opinions and thoughts. It's only because of Four that I kept reading. He is really the dynamic character here and Tris is little more than a prop at the end of the book to show how his life fragments and heals. I did like the duality of the book but the constant talk of battle and insurrection was boring.
So, in the end, I probably should have stopped with book #1 in this series. It was a charmer and I only felt disappointed the farther along I went in the series. If you do manage to hang on to the end and you're like me (not a real fan), you'll probably also like the ending. I do look forward to reading "Four", the next book in this series. I hope it goes on with Four--he was always the best part, anyway.
April 25, 2015
Fingers Crossed #11 is Better
Ten Big Ones: Stephanie Plum #10 by Janet Evanovitch
Romantic Thriller
Stephanie Plum is out of control. Seriously, she needs to get it together.
She's still living in a dump, still working for her uncle, still can't do her job even half-way decently. Her on again/off again relationship with a great guy is definitely off again and she can't help put push him away. All that is mostly the plot of the book which is mixed in with some really bad criminals who are determined to kill her, again. She goes to the only person who doesn't mind bending the rules for her, again. She skates by on the skin of her teeth, again. This girl. I feel like starting a fund so she can get a life coach.
I feel the plot in the last book was starting to wear a bit thin, but this book made a bit of comeback. I'm hoping it might be a turn-around for Plum. I've been through ten books with her, but it's getting a bit monotonous to watch her make the same mistakes without learning anything, kind of like Rex on his gerbil wheel. Fingers crossed that #11 will bring something new.
Romantic ThrillerStephanie Plum is out of control. Seriously, she needs to get it together.
She's still living in a dump, still working for her uncle, still can't do her job even half-way decently. Her on again/off again relationship with a great guy is definitely off again and she can't help put push him away. All that is mostly the plot of the book which is mixed in with some really bad criminals who are determined to kill her, again. She goes to the only person who doesn't mind bending the rules for her, again. She skates by on the skin of her teeth, again. This girl. I feel like starting a fund so she can get a life coach.
I feel the plot in the last book was starting to wear a bit thin, but this book made a bit of comeback. I'm hoping it might be a turn-around for Plum. I've been through ten books with her, but it's getting a bit monotonous to watch her make the same mistakes without learning anything, kind of like Rex on his gerbil wheel. Fingers crossed that #11 will bring something new.
April 24, 2015
Starting to Feel Formulaic
To the Nines: Stephanie Plum #9 by Janet Evanovitch
Romantic Mystery Thriller
My thrill with this thriller series took a bit of a nose dive in this book.
In this latest installment, less-than-adequate bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has to track down an elusive Visa bond jumper, an immigrant who doesn't seem content with upcoming arranged marriage. As always, there's a few other greasy contenders for Plum's time, but, in the end she always gets her man or woman.
The old formula that has worked for the last 8 books in the series is still working here. It's a funny, easy light hearted read. It's one where you don't have to pay too much attention to, so feel free to take it to the beach and doze off in the sun. Plum's on-again/off-again romance with Morelli takes an unexpected turn and the heat with Ranger goes up a notch or two. That part I really liked!
What I didn't like is that Plum is starting to seem like a static character. By now, she's bagged at least 30 criminals. Shouldn't she be getting a little better at her job? Isn't she tired of living in a dump and driving a wreck? Her lack of growth as a character is starting to wear thin. I hope future books show a Plum that has some changes in her life and psyche.
Romantic Mystery ThrillerMy thrill with this thriller series took a bit of a nose dive in this book.
In this latest installment, less-than-adequate bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has to track down an elusive Visa bond jumper, an immigrant who doesn't seem content with upcoming arranged marriage. As always, there's a few other greasy contenders for Plum's time, but, in the end she always gets her man or woman.
The old formula that has worked for the last 8 books in the series is still working here. It's a funny, easy light hearted read. It's one where you don't have to pay too much attention to, so feel free to take it to the beach and doze off in the sun. Plum's on-again/off-again romance with Morelli takes an unexpected turn and the heat with Ranger goes up a notch or two. That part I really liked!
What I didn't like is that Plum is starting to seem like a static character. By now, she's bagged at least 30 criminals. Shouldn't she be getting a little better at her job? Isn't she tired of living in a dump and driving a wreck? Her lack of growth as a character is starting to wear thin. I hope future books show a Plum that has some changes in her life and psyche.
April 22, 2015
Creating a Camelot with Vampires
Black Dagger Brotherhood #1: Dark Lover by J.R. WardParanormal Erotic Romance
I don't know what I expected when I was recommended this book, but...Thank you, Liz, for sending me down this path! Girl, you've done right by me.
In the book, vampire king Wrath is irresistibly drawn to his soon-to-be mate, Beth. He doesn't really need the love complications as he is trying to quell a potential uprising and hunt down bad guys who smell like baby powder. However, big baddie that he is, he is putty in her hands. Beth has problems of her own; namely, she isn't aware she's a vampire-to-be. This start of the series is the Camelot of vampire love lore.
This paranormal eroticism was my first foray into this genre and, yes, that's a genre. This book was like a pile of dark chocolate kisses--luscious, sinful, addictive and impossible to stop at just one. You have to rush on to the next book in the series. Those 500 pages slip through your fingers like water and minutes mean nothing until you get to the end. This book is like a literary masturbation with multiple orgasms. If that line offends you, make no plans to read this book series. That language is tame by comparison and reading the book will surely fry your brain neurons. It's a total overload of word sex.
My only pet peeve is with the ridiculous spelling of the character's names. Vishous, Phury, Tohrment...they sound (and probably look like) WWF wrestlers gone awry. It would be hard to keep a straight face when meeting them for the first time. It just seems a bit silly.
Overall, I love the fantasy world Ward has created. It has breathed new life into what was becoming a very tired genre. So amazing, so unbelievable and, yet, so very credible. The real strength of the books is with the incredible job Ward has done with characterization. There are so many characters and Ward fleshes each one out completely, forcing us to follow numerous subplots of very inhuman creatures with such human needs and failings.
I don't know what I expected when I was recommended this book, but...Thank you, Liz, for sending me down this path! Girl, you've done right by me.
In the book, vampire king Wrath is irresistibly drawn to his soon-to-be mate, Beth. He doesn't really need the love complications as he is trying to quell a potential uprising and hunt down bad guys who smell like baby powder. However, big baddie that he is, he is putty in her hands. Beth has problems of her own; namely, she isn't aware she's a vampire-to-be. This start of the series is the Camelot of vampire love lore.This paranormal eroticism was my first foray into this genre and, yes, that's a genre. This book was like a pile of dark chocolate kisses--luscious, sinful, addictive and impossible to stop at just one. You have to rush on to the next book in the series. Those 500 pages slip through your fingers like water and minutes mean nothing until you get to the end. This book is like a literary masturbation with multiple orgasms. If that line offends you, make no plans to read this book series. That language is tame by comparison and reading the book will surely fry your brain neurons. It's a total overload of word sex.
My only pet peeve is with the ridiculous spelling of the character's names. Vishous, Phury, Tohrment...they sound (and probably look like) WWF wrestlers gone awry. It would be hard to keep a straight face when meeting them for the first time. It just seems a bit silly.
Overall, I love the fantasy world Ward has created. It has breathed new life into what was becoming a very tired genre. So amazing, so unbelievable and, yet, so very credible. The real strength of the books is with the incredible job Ward has done with characterization. There are so many characters and Ward fleshes each one out completely, forcing us to follow numerous subplots of very inhuman creatures with such human needs and failings.
