C.C. Thomas's Blog, page 8
February 27, 2015
A Tepid Romance, At Best: Dark Side of the Moon by Sherilyn Kenyon
Dark Hunter #10: Dark Side of the Moon by Sherilyn Kenyon
Paranormal Romance
I am reading this series on the recommendation of my neighbor, who keeps me fed with each new book in the series. This is a good thing as I most certainly wouldn't buy them on my own.
In the beginning, I really liked the series. It was fresh and funny, if a bit silly. However, I am always one for a good story no matter the genre, so I hung on. At first, I was disappointed. The series continued to throw good plots and interesting characters my way, drawing me deeper into the fantasy world Kenyon has created with paranormal creatures in New Orleans. After about the fifth book, though, the sparkle started to fizzle for me. This book is definitely a limp fizzle.
The main character, Ravyn, is a shape-shifting cat who was adopted and rescued by Susan, a defunct journalistic reporter. She soon learns his secret and the two are on the run from creatures who want Ravyn dead and don't care who they kill to achieve their goal.
The story on this one was just okay. The characters never really developed beyond the stock, cardboard characters and I found myself really not caring if one, or both, of them were casualties in the dark war in the book. The romance between the two was tepid at best and I really couldn't wait for it to be over.
I really hope my neighbor doesn't bring anymore of these to me. I'm ready to move on. Kenyon has lost her spell over me. I'm looking for a new author to claim me.
Paranormal RomanceI am reading this series on the recommendation of my neighbor, who keeps me fed with each new book in the series. This is a good thing as I most certainly wouldn't buy them on my own.
In the beginning, I really liked the series. It was fresh and funny, if a bit silly. However, I am always one for a good story no matter the genre, so I hung on. At first, I was disappointed. The series continued to throw good plots and interesting characters my way, drawing me deeper into the fantasy world Kenyon has created with paranormal creatures in New Orleans. After about the fifth book, though, the sparkle started to fizzle for me. This book is definitely a limp fizzle.
The main character, Ravyn, is a shape-shifting cat who was adopted and rescued by Susan, a defunct journalistic reporter. She soon learns his secret and the two are on the run from creatures who want Ravyn dead and don't care who they kill to achieve their goal.
The story on this one was just okay. The characters never really developed beyond the stock, cardboard characters and I found myself really not caring if one, or both, of them were casualties in the dark war in the book. The romance between the two was tepid at best and I really couldn't wait for it to be over.
I really hope my neighbor doesn't bring anymore of these to me. I'm ready to move on. Kenyon has lost her spell over me. I'm looking for a new author to claim me.
February 26, 2015
A Safe Read for Young Readers: Radio Fifth Grade by Gordon Korman
Radio Fifth Grade by Gordon KormanHumor/Adolescent
If you're looking for a squeaky clean read for a youngster, look no further. Radio Fifth Grade is a book that should highly appeal to boys in grades 4 or 5. It's got humor, but not potty humor. The kids are in control of the plot the whole time with no outside interference from adults. There is a "bad guy" of a new teacher (who can't relate to that) and three protagonists who remind me a bit of Hermione, Ron, and Harry Potter.
One is a genius, one is a smarty (the girl, like Hermione), and one is a comic relief. The three friends run a student radio show. Their sponsor is the local pet shop and they have been given the task of "selling" a mascot on their show each week. However, the non-talking parrot is giving them a bit of trouble so they are determined to teach him to talk. Misadventures ensue and the trio has to keep their radio show afloat whilst dealing with a new teacher who's a bit crazy and a schoolyard bully who's a whole lot of crazy.
I didn't love this book, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to young readers, especially those who are bit immature. It has some great messages and there's nothing in it that would cause alarm for any parents. Even the bullying is handled is in a productive way.
If you're looking for a squeaky clean read for a youngster, look no further. Radio Fifth Grade is a book that should highly appeal to boys in grades 4 or 5. It's got humor, but not potty humor. The kids are in control of the plot the whole time with no outside interference from adults. There is a "bad guy" of a new teacher (who can't relate to that) and three protagonists who remind me a bit of Hermione, Ron, and Harry Potter.One is a genius, one is a smarty (the girl, like Hermione), and one is a comic relief. The three friends run a student radio show. Their sponsor is the local pet shop and they have been given the task of "selling" a mascot on their show each week. However, the non-talking parrot is giving them a bit of trouble so they are determined to teach him to talk. Misadventures ensue and the trio has to keep their radio show afloat whilst dealing with a new teacher who's a bit crazy and a schoolyard bully who's a whole lot of crazy.
I didn't love this book, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to young readers, especially those who are bit immature. It has some great messages and there's nothing in it that would cause alarm for any parents. Even the bullying is handled is in a productive way.
February 23, 2015
A Great Read for Any Age: The Badger Knight by Kathryn Erskine
The Badger Knight by Kathryn ErskineHistorical Fiction/Adventure/Coming of Age
I just loved this book! Everything about it was delightful. The book itself was an art form--the cover was captivating and I would flip to it often, mesmerized by the play of colors on the pale cheeks of the boy. The pages had that deckled edge that I love. The front page of each chapter was unique and designed in such a way as to feel old and put the reader under a spell.
Lest you think I am shallow and only look at the outer appearances, I will also say the inward guts was might fine as well. The writing was funny, so funny. The historical time period was fascinating and one I wasn't necessarily familiar with. I had to run to my computer often to check out references. It had a smattering of history, adventure, morality, and love.
Adrian is an albino living during a time when such things are considered the work of the devil. He has a father who dotes over him to the point of being overprotective; a family that sneers at him; and a best friend who defends him against the town bullies. Although he's small for his size, he's big in spirit and wants to go and fight in the war against the Scots. His father nixes the idea but that doesn't stop Adrian. Away he goes on an adventure that is rife with scuffles and near misses and sweetness and heartache.
I see the book has already won some awards and rightly so! A great read for any age!
I just loved this book! Everything about it was delightful. The book itself was an art form--the cover was captivating and I would flip to it often, mesmerized by the play of colors on the pale cheeks of the boy. The pages had that deckled edge that I love. The front page of each chapter was unique and designed in such a way as to feel old and put the reader under a spell.
Lest you think I am shallow and only look at the outer appearances, I will also say the inward guts was might fine as well. The writing was funny, so funny. The historical time period was fascinating and one I wasn't necessarily familiar with. I had to run to my computer often to check out references. It had a smattering of history, adventure, morality, and love.
Adrian is an albino living during a time when such things are considered the work of the devil. He has a father who dotes over him to the point of being overprotective; a family that sneers at him; and a best friend who defends him against the town bullies. Although he's small for his size, he's big in spirit and wants to go and fight in the war against the Scots. His father nixes the idea but that doesn't stop Adrian. Away he goes on an adventure that is rife with scuffles and near misses and sweetness and heartache.
I see the book has already won some awards and rightly so! A great read for any age!
February 22, 2015
Not Mull's Best Work: Wild Born by Brandon Mull
Spirit Animals #1: Wild Born by Brandon MullYoung Adult Fantasy
I really wanted to like this series. I loved Brandon Mull and read anything and everything he's written since falling in love with his Fablehaven series years ago. Alas, this was no Fablehaven.
In this book, four unsuspecting young people drink a magical elixir when they turn 11 years old. Some lucky kids will have a reaction to the drink and a mythical creature, a spirit animal, will appear. For the four main characters in the book, the spirit animals that have bonded with them are actually ancient legends who once defeated a great enemy named "The Destroyer" and they are back to smack him down in round 2. (Sorry, but the whole plot just sounds a little silly so I lapsed off in WWF speak.)
I suspected before I read it that I might not like it. I don't like the new Scholastic bent towards having a series of authors write in a series. While it worked in the beginning for 39 Clues, all the other series have been pale in comparison. Rather, they feel like a marketing attempt with no real attempt to write a good book for young people.
This book is just very okay. There are too many characters in too short a space to care about any of them very much. We don't learn their back stories or motivations in enough degree to follow or care about them. I can't get a good picture of their enemy or his motivation or even the land they live in. And, I suspect if Mull can't pull it off, none of the other authors in the series will be able to either.
.jpg)
I really wanted to like this series. I loved Brandon Mull and read anything and everything he's written since falling in love with his Fablehaven series years ago. Alas, this was no Fablehaven.In this book, four unsuspecting young people drink a magical elixir when they turn 11 years old. Some lucky kids will have a reaction to the drink and a mythical creature, a spirit animal, will appear. For the four main characters in the book, the spirit animals that have bonded with them are actually ancient legends who once defeated a great enemy named "The Destroyer" and they are back to smack him down in round 2. (Sorry, but the whole plot just sounds a little silly so I lapsed off in WWF speak.)
I suspected before I read it that I might not like it. I don't like the new Scholastic bent towards having a series of authors write in a series. While it worked in the beginning for 39 Clues, all the other series have been pale in comparison. Rather, they feel like a marketing attempt with no real attempt to write a good book for young people.
This book is just very okay. There are too many characters in too short a space to care about any of them very much. We don't learn their back stories or motivations in enough degree to follow or care about them. I can't get a good picture of their enemy or his motivation or even the land they live in. And, I suspect if Mull can't pull it off, none of the other authors in the series will be able to either.
February 21, 2015
Quirky Travelogue: Fugitives and Refugees by Chuck Palahnuik
Fugitives and Refugees: A Walk in Portland, Oregon by Chuck Palahnuik
Travelogue
This is, by far, by favorite book by Palahniuk. I've read several of his other books and they mostly confound and confuse me with some amazing literary skill creeping in at the edges of the weirdness.
This book is just straight up weird and doesn't pretend to be anything else. It doesn't pretend to be high literature. It's just an incredibly strange man writing about his love affair with an incredible strange city, Portland. Because I write travel books and blogs and articles myself, I am always interested to read the travelogues of others. While I wouldn't visit most of the places in the book, I found it to be a very interesting and funny read. Most of the book focuses on gay bars and drug hangouts, which is maybe not the way to promote tourism but that isn't really the author's intention. His intention is just to give a shout out to the uniqueness and quirkiness of Portland. If you like smatterings of history thrown in with smatterings of fact and travel, you'll probably like this.
TravelogueThis is, by far, by favorite book by Palahniuk. I've read several of his other books and they mostly confound and confuse me with some amazing literary skill creeping in at the edges of the weirdness.
This book is just straight up weird and doesn't pretend to be anything else. It doesn't pretend to be high literature. It's just an incredibly strange man writing about his love affair with an incredible strange city, Portland. Because I write travel books and blogs and articles myself, I am always interested to read the travelogues of others. While I wouldn't visit most of the places in the book, I found it to be a very interesting and funny read. Most of the book focuses on gay bars and drug hangouts, which is maybe not the way to promote tourism but that isn't really the author's intention. His intention is just to give a shout out to the uniqueness and quirkiness of Portland. If you like smatterings of history thrown in with smatterings of fact and travel, you'll probably like this.
February 20, 2015
A Sweet Story: The Ghost in My Pocket by Kevin Lee
The Ghost in My Pocket by Kevin LeeChildren's Ghost Story/Friendship/Bullying
Let me start off by saying I absolutely hate the front cover of this book. Yes, I know the old saying and I know that makes me shallow but I find it to be off-putting. It looks a bit childish and unprofessional.
Okay, I just had to get that off my chest because it was the thing that bothered me every time I picked up this book to read it. However, once I got past the front cover, I found it to be a sweet, hear-warming story.
It's about a girl named Casey who has to move to another town so that her mother can receive medical care for some type of disease she has. (I'm guess cancer although the book never says and I don't know why.) Casey is awkward and shy, a bit chubby and had trouble making friends. Naturally, the transition won't be easy for her. Those fears prove correct when she is the target of bullying at school. She keeps a stiff upper lip and hope that someone will take a chance and befriend her. While she's exploring her new home's attic, she finds a locket and discovers a ghost that is attached to the locket. Casey's ghost becomes her new best friend.
This book isn't going to win any awards, but I found parts of it to be quite delightful. I very much liked how the author put the young people's feelings front and center. Because I read so much YA fiction, I find a lot of authors gloss over the small, daily disturbances of kids that can completely ruin their day or week. It doesn't have to be one big incident where a kid gets shoved into the toilet. The daily acts of being ignored cause a lot more damage and the author treats Casey with respect. I liked the relationship between Casey and the ghost and even her friendship with the class bully. I did find parts of the book and dialogue to be a bit stilted and hated the ending. It was just too unrealistic and a bit weird. Overall, though, I think young girls would probably like the story and would like the main character.
Let me start off by saying I absolutely hate the front cover of this book. Yes, I know the old saying and I know that makes me shallow but I find it to be off-putting. It looks a bit childish and unprofessional.
Okay, I just had to get that off my chest because it was the thing that bothered me every time I picked up this book to read it. However, once I got past the front cover, I found it to be a sweet, hear-warming story.
It's about a girl named Casey who has to move to another town so that her mother can receive medical care for some type of disease she has. (I'm guess cancer although the book never says and I don't know why.) Casey is awkward and shy, a bit chubby and had trouble making friends. Naturally, the transition won't be easy for her. Those fears prove correct when she is the target of bullying at school. She keeps a stiff upper lip and hope that someone will take a chance and befriend her. While she's exploring her new home's attic, she finds a locket and discovers a ghost that is attached to the locket. Casey's ghost becomes her new best friend.
This book isn't going to win any awards, but I found parts of it to be quite delightful. I very much liked how the author put the young people's feelings front and center. Because I read so much YA fiction, I find a lot of authors gloss over the small, daily disturbances of kids that can completely ruin their day or week. It doesn't have to be one big incident where a kid gets shoved into the toilet. The daily acts of being ignored cause a lot more damage and the author treats Casey with respect. I liked the relationship between Casey and the ghost and even her friendship with the class bully. I did find parts of the book and dialogue to be a bit stilted and hated the ending. It was just too unrealistic and a bit weird. Overall, though, I think young girls would probably like the story and would like the main character.
February 19, 2015
A Strange, and Not Pleasant, Read: A Good Man by Vanessa Morgan
A Good Man by Vanessa MorganHorror/Screenplay
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with this. It sounded interesting enough: a vampire who is a vegetarian. Hmmm. How's that going to work?
The problem is, I didn't really find out. The screenplay didn't really focus on the vegetarianism aspect of the main character. Except he threw up every time he drank someone's blood. While I normally read novels and knew there wouldn't be a lot of explanation involved, some type of dialogue would have been nice for the reader, or viewer, to know why he was so grossed out by his nature. The main crux of the play really seemed to be the main character's betrayal of his best friends. If the writer had stuck to that, it would have been a much better read.
If this were to be performed as an actual play, don't bother taking your coat off. It couldn't last more than 15 minutes. A strange, and not pleasant, read
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with this. It sounded interesting enough: a vampire who is a vegetarian. Hmmm. How's that going to work?The problem is, I didn't really find out. The screenplay didn't really focus on the vegetarianism aspect of the main character. Except he threw up every time he drank someone's blood. While I normally read novels and knew there wouldn't be a lot of explanation involved, some type of dialogue would have been nice for the reader, or viewer, to know why he was so grossed out by his nature. The main crux of the play really seemed to be the main character's betrayal of his best friends. If the writer had stuck to that, it would have been a much better read.
If this were to be performed as an actual play, don't bother taking your coat off. It couldn't last more than 15 minutes. A strange, and not pleasant, read
February 18, 2015
A Disturbing Memoir: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Memoir
This memoir was quite a surprise for me. I had read another of Walls's book and expected this one to be another light-hearted romp through the West. What I found instead was a tragic tale of child abuse, neglect, and dismal poverty.
These aren't normally the types of books I like and I usually avoid them completely. Generally, I find survivor memoirs to be full of pithy advice and sentimental inspiration. This, though, was far different. Walls makes no accusations against her parents, an alcoholic and a mentally disturbed mother. Instead, she simply relates her experiences as they occurred and lets the reader gets furious and heart-broken for her. I especially liked the section on her West Virginia childhood. With family near that area, I can confirm the unbelievable poverty and I like that Walls treated the hill people with respect, rather than ridicule as so often happens lately.
If you like memoirs, you're sure to like this one. There is no advice, but one is sure to get plenty of inspiration from hearing her tale.
.jpg)
MemoirThis memoir was quite a surprise for me. I had read another of Walls's book and expected this one to be another light-hearted romp through the West. What I found instead was a tragic tale of child abuse, neglect, and dismal poverty.
These aren't normally the types of books I like and I usually avoid them completely. Generally, I find survivor memoirs to be full of pithy advice and sentimental inspiration. This, though, was far different. Walls makes no accusations against her parents, an alcoholic and a mentally disturbed mother. Instead, she simply relates her experiences as they occurred and lets the reader gets furious and heart-broken for her. I especially liked the section on her West Virginia childhood. With family near that area, I can confirm the unbelievable poverty and I like that Walls treated the hill people with respect, rather than ridicule as so often happens lately.
If you like memoirs, you're sure to like this one. There is no advice, but one is sure to get plenty of inspiration from hearing her tale.
February 17, 2015
History and Hauntings Combine in a Perfect Mix: Ghosts of Old Louisville by David Domine
Ghosts of Old Louisville: True Tales of Hauntings in America's Largest Victorian Neighborhood by David DomineNonfiction/Ghosts
I picked up this book to read because it had a section in it about Waverly Hills TB Hospital and, since I've written a book about that subject myself, I wanted to read more about it. The section on Waverly wasn't all that great, but I'm probably a bit biased.
The rest of the book, though, was really quite good and I've had a great snow day sitting curled up by my fireplace reading about these beautiful and creepy haunted homes in Louisville. Old Louisville and the Millionaire's Row is a favorite of mine. I've attended several events there--gardening, art shows, parks, a Christmas tour--have eaten there and even stayed at a bed and breakfast there. For Halloween, we once went on a haunted tour. So, I was a fan before I even started reading. And, the book didn't disappoint.
These are my very favorite kinds of books--ones that involve a healthy dose of history with a fun dose of paranormal. I very much liked the author's writing style. I like that he didn't get so bogged down in research and fact that he passed up good old gossip and hearsay. In my opinion, those are where the best stories come from.
It is a book I can recommend to those interested in Louisville history, either for first timers or those who fell under the spell long ago.
I picked up this book to read because it had a section in it about Waverly Hills TB Hospital and, since I've written a book about that subject myself, I wanted to read more about it. The section on Waverly wasn't all that great, but I'm probably a bit biased.
The rest of the book, though, was really quite good and I've had a great snow day sitting curled up by my fireplace reading about these beautiful and creepy haunted homes in Louisville. Old Louisville and the Millionaire's Row is a favorite of mine. I've attended several events there--gardening, art shows, parks, a Christmas tour--have eaten there and even stayed at a bed and breakfast there. For Halloween, we once went on a haunted tour. So, I was a fan before I even started reading. And, the book didn't disappoint.
These are my very favorite kinds of books--ones that involve a healthy dose of history with a fun dose of paranormal. I very much liked the author's writing style. I like that he didn't get so bogged down in research and fact that he passed up good old gossip and hearsay. In my opinion, those are where the best stories come from.
It is a book I can recommend to those interested in Louisville history, either for first timers or those who fell under the spell long ago.
February 16, 2015
Appeals to My Sweet Tooth: Taking the Cake by Lisa Papametriou
Confectionately Yours #2: Taking the Cake by Lisa PapametriouAdolescent Coming of Age
This YA series is really quite adorable.
The covers are fantastic and eye-catching. The titles are peppy and upbeat. The formatting of the book, with a recipes for unique cupcake at the end of each chapter, is fun. What really sets this apart, though, is the solid storyline and plot.
Hayley and her family live above a tea and cake shop, the result of her parent's recent divorce. In this installment, she is trying, unsuccessfully, to deal with her father dating a much younger woman. And, her mother dating a man. And, her ex-best friend who is purposely flaunting her burgeoning romance with Hayley's crush. And, her guilt over letting Marco, an ex-best friend recently gained, copy off her math. And, a stomach virus. The stomach virus is the least of her problems.
The series if fun, light-hearted, but takes the serious moments seriously. I love how it deals with adolescent woes and turmoils in a respectful fashion. This series really appeals to my sweet tooth and I'll be coming back for more!
This YA series is really quite adorable.
.jpg)
The covers are fantastic and eye-catching. The titles are peppy and upbeat. The formatting of the book, with a recipes for unique cupcake at the end of each chapter, is fun. What really sets this apart, though, is the solid storyline and plot.Hayley and her family live above a tea and cake shop, the result of her parent's recent divorce. In this installment, she is trying, unsuccessfully, to deal with her father dating a much younger woman. And, her mother dating a man. And, her ex-best friend who is purposely flaunting her burgeoning romance with Hayley's crush. And, her guilt over letting Marco, an ex-best friend recently gained, copy off her math. And, a stomach virus. The stomach virus is the least of her problems.
The series if fun, light-hearted, but takes the serious moments seriously. I love how it deals with adolescent woes and turmoils in a respectful fashion. This series really appeals to my sweet tooth and I'll be coming back for more!
