Andrea Murray's Blog: Author of the Vivid Trilogy and Omni, page 11
February 19, 2014
Review of Schasm by Shari J. Ryan
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good mind trip, but this one was off the charts on the bizarre-o-meter. It almost felt like a B movie gone bad with its sinister Walter Mittyesque quality. I would normally have abandoned a novel that left me as frustrated as Schasm, but I kept thinking—hoping—it would improve, that her situation and abilities would be clarified. However, I was just as confused when I finished as when I began. I realize the novel is, to a certain extent, supposed to be confusing with all the drifting Chloe does, but the lack of “rules” really got to me. I lost track of what drift she was experiencing, and by the end, she’s in a drift inside a drift with multiple versions of herself and other characters. For example, when Alex explains that time was supposed to “reset” itself, I wondered how he even knew that. He doesn’t explain, and she really doesn’t ask. Very frustrating.
I found some concepts completely out of character as well. When she discovers a mysterious box of letters in her closet (letters her mother hoped she would never find yet kept in Chloe’s closet?), she doesn’t immediately read them all. Why not? She wants answers, but she doesn’t read the letters? And she’s never questioned the fact that she hasn’t seen a photo album in her home? I work with teenagers every day. This seemed so off to me. Also, Alex doesn’t act like ANY teenage boy I’ve ever seen. I understand he drifts to all these time periods and places, but there’s no way he behaves as he does—crazy or not. I found the whole “I love you so much because I knew you as a child” attitude unbelievable, and I wanted some sort of normalcy in this whole ultra-strange novel.
The mother is an overdone villain worthy of a fairytale’s wicked queen. She was outrageously over-the-top. Her cruelty was boundless, slapping Chloe, feeding her burned turkey bacon (This was mentioned often and began to grate on my nerves.), and finally committing her. However, despite all her mistreatment, Chloe chooses at times to believe her? The relationship with the mother could have been its own novel. In fact, that’s one of the big problems with the book. I felt there were too many stories happening at once—the childhood love, the long-lost uncle, the mean mother, the crazy girl. Just too much!
The redeeming quality that kept this one from being a one-star rating was the “tripiness”. I liked some of the twists, but I just felt no stability, kind of like Chloe herself.
2 stars
I love a good mind trip, but this one was off the charts on the bizarre-o-meter. It almost felt like a B movie gone bad with its sinister Walter Mittyesque quality. I would normally have abandoned a novel that left me as frustrated as Schasm, but I kept thinking—hoping—it would improve, that her situation and abilities would be clarified. However, I was just as confused when I finished as when I began. I realize the novel is, to a certain extent, supposed to be confusing with all the drifting Chloe does, but the lack of “rules” really got to me. I lost track of what drift she was experiencing, and by the end, she’s in a drift inside a drift with multiple versions of herself and other characters. For example, when Alex explains that time was supposed to “reset” itself, I wondered how he even knew that. He doesn’t explain, and she really doesn’t ask. Very frustrating.
I found some concepts completely out of character as well. When she discovers a mysterious box of letters in her closet (letters her mother hoped she would never find yet kept in Chloe’s closet?), she doesn’t immediately read them all. Why not? She wants answers, but she doesn’t read the letters? And she’s never questioned the fact that she hasn’t seen a photo album in her home? I work with teenagers every day. This seemed so off to me. Also, Alex doesn’t act like ANY teenage boy I’ve ever seen. I understand he drifts to all these time periods and places, but there’s no way he behaves as he does—crazy or not. I found the whole “I love you so much because I knew you as a child” attitude unbelievable, and I wanted some sort of normalcy in this whole ultra-strange novel.
The mother is an overdone villain worthy of a fairytale’s wicked queen. She was outrageously over-the-top. Her cruelty was boundless, slapping Chloe, feeding her burned turkey bacon (This was mentioned often and began to grate on my nerves.), and finally committing her. However, despite all her mistreatment, Chloe chooses at times to believe her? The relationship with the mother could have been its own novel. In fact, that’s one of the big problems with the book. I felt there were too many stories happening at once—the childhood love, the long-lost uncle, the mean mother, the crazy girl. Just too much!
The redeeming quality that kept this one from being a one-star rating was the “tripiness”. I liked some of the twists, but I just felt no stability, kind of like Chloe herself.
2 stars
Review of A Questionable Friendship by Samantha March
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Looking for a realistic read with drama and heart? If you are, this one’s for you. I’m not typically a fan of realistic fiction, preferring instead to escape into the otherworldly, but A Questionable Friendship drew me in. For me, the most engaging part of the novel was Brynne’s brush with mortality. Recently, I had a very challenging episode when I had my first mammogram. I spent the day draped in a wraparound gown with a room of other anxious women awaiting results from my scan then chewing my nails and texting my husband when I was given a more diagnostic test. By the time we moved on to an ultrasound, I was in tears, thinking how unfair it was that women spend their lives dealing with boobs and Pap tests. I also sympathized with her need to and inability to conceive. The tension, the pressure, Brynne experienced really resonated with me. And who hasn’t dealt with friendship issues? We’ve all had those friends that we really loved become distant and drift from us. The love and eventual distance between Portland and Brynne dredged up some regrets of my own.
I have to admit I was a little envious of the love between Aaron and Brynne. He was perfect, maybe bit too much, but hey, everybody loves a romance! I was surprised by the twist with Portland, but I had some difficulty actually seeing the event as completely plausible even seeing all the problems she and Trent were having, and I’d rather the epilogue have been Brynne sometime in the distant future, possibly seeing her a few years distant from the climax. Overall, though, this was is a great, chick read.
4 Stars
Looking for a realistic read with drama and heart? If you are, this one’s for you. I’m not typically a fan of realistic fiction, preferring instead to escape into the otherworldly, but A Questionable Friendship drew me in. For me, the most engaging part of the novel was Brynne’s brush with mortality. Recently, I had a very challenging episode when I had my first mammogram. I spent the day draped in a wraparound gown with a room of other anxious women awaiting results from my scan then chewing my nails and texting my husband when I was given a more diagnostic test. By the time we moved on to an ultrasound, I was in tears, thinking how unfair it was that women spend their lives dealing with boobs and Pap tests. I also sympathized with her need to and inability to conceive. The tension, the pressure, Brynne experienced really resonated with me. And who hasn’t dealt with friendship issues? We’ve all had those friends that we really loved become distant and drift from us. The love and eventual distance between Portland and Brynne dredged up some regrets of my own.
I have to admit I was a little envious of the love between Aaron and Brynne. He was perfect, maybe bit too much, but hey, everybody loves a romance! I was surprised by the twist with Portland, but I had some difficulty actually seeing the event as completely plausible even seeing all the problems she and Trent were having, and I’d rather the epilogue have been Brynne sometime in the distant future, possibly seeing her a few years distant from the climax. Overall, though, this was is a great, chick read.
4 Stars
February 17, 2014
Darrell Awards Finalist!
Omni has been named a finalist in the YA Sci/Fi category for the Darrell Awards, an award given to the best fiction from the Mid-South! I'm so honored and excited!
http://darrellawards.wordpress.com/20...
http://darrellawards.wordpress.com/20...
February 9, 2014
Review of Grim edited by Christine Johnson
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Parents are terrible. That was my thought while reading these stories. We (Yes, I include myself in that assortment.) are terrible people. Throughout history, we have told and retold some gruesome stories to our children. This epiphany came to me many years ago while teaching a modernized version of Little Red Riding Hood in my advanced comp class to use as a compare and contrast, but this novel reaffirms my stance. We have utilized some intensely horrific stories to teach our children lessons about the dangers of strangers, the lure of temptation, and messing with the natural order of the universe. Granted, these are important lessons, and oftentimes the stories don’t even come close to the magnitude of the real deal. We want to scare the heck out of our kids to keep them safe, and while I’m cringing inside at the depravity of some of these retellings, I also realize how they don’t do justice the horrible injustice of some of the very real events in this modern world. Tales of incest, cannibalism, and rape may seems totally inappropriate to a story we would tell our kids, but that pales in comparison to the reality.
Grim is not, necessarily, meant for children. It is mature for YA audiences, but the stories these authors have chosen began as fairytales. I made it my mission to read the original stories that are the basis for the modernized versions, and all relate back to an original tale. Some I recognized immediately; some were much more obscure. There are tales set in the original time period as well as some set in modern times. There are even a few dystopian stories. I particularly enjoyed “Beast/Beast” by Tessa Gratton, “Sell Out” by Jackson Pearse, and “A Read Boy” by Claudia Gray. Some left a bubble of unease and disgust in my belly, like “Thinner than Water” by Saundra Mitchell, “Skin Trade” by Mira McEntire, and “Better” by Shaun David Hutchinson. The modernization came fluidly in some while others were forced, as though the author were grabbing at straws to try to modernize it (“Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tongue” by Christine Johnson and “Before the Rose Bloomed” by Ellen Hopkins).
3.5 Stars
Parents are terrible. That was my thought while reading these stories. We (Yes, I include myself in that assortment.) are terrible people. Throughout history, we have told and retold some gruesome stories to our children. This epiphany came to me many years ago while teaching a modernized version of Little Red Riding Hood in my advanced comp class to use as a compare and contrast, but this novel reaffirms my stance. We have utilized some intensely horrific stories to teach our children lessons about the dangers of strangers, the lure of temptation, and messing with the natural order of the universe. Granted, these are important lessons, and oftentimes the stories don’t even come close to the magnitude of the real deal. We want to scare the heck out of our kids to keep them safe, and while I’m cringing inside at the depravity of some of these retellings, I also realize how they don’t do justice the horrible injustice of some of the very real events in this modern world. Tales of incest, cannibalism, and rape may seems totally inappropriate to a story we would tell our kids, but that pales in comparison to the reality.
Grim is not, necessarily, meant for children. It is mature for YA audiences, but the stories these authors have chosen began as fairytales. I made it my mission to read the original stories that are the basis for the modernized versions, and all relate back to an original tale. Some I recognized immediately; some were much more obscure. There are tales set in the original time period as well as some set in modern times. There are even a few dystopian stories. I particularly enjoyed “Beast/Beast” by Tessa Gratton, “Sell Out” by Jackson Pearse, and “A Read Boy” by Claudia Gray. Some left a bubble of unease and disgust in my belly, like “Thinner than Water” by Saundra Mitchell, “Skin Trade” by Mira McEntire, and “Better” by Shaun David Hutchinson. The modernization came fluidly in some while others were forced, as though the author were grabbing at straws to try to modernize it (“Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tongue” by Christine Johnson and “Before the Rose Bloomed” by Ellen Hopkins).
3.5 Stars
February 4, 2014
Review of Sylar Wishes by Tina L. Hook
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When I began this novel, I didn’t realize this was a sequel, and if you haven’t read the first novel, I cannot recommend trying the second. For the majority of the novel, I was completely confused. Seven POVs (alternating between first and third) didn’t help my understanding. By the end, even the comet gets a few cryptic chapters.
I felt as confused with all the body snatching as the men in the novel. I had to rely on the chapter headings to keep track of what was happening. With each leap, the characters lose and transfer memories, and by the end, I knew the feeling exactly. I was so confused by who had slept with whom and who was pretending to be whom that I began to question if I’d missed some chapters somewhere.
I struggled to the end, hoping for some closure; however, I found it unsatisfying. It really seemed like several novels jammed into one. The author definitely has some talent, but I think the romance aspect was much better executed than the sci-fi. I enjoyed Wells’s story, and I really wished the novel had explored that relationship more, but I found the other men confusing and contradictory. In fact, everyone’s emotions were convoluted. No one seems to know what he/she wants . . . not sexy enough, too sexy, not forceful, too forceful. The men were completely threatened by confident women but complained when they subjugated themselves.
The idea is interesting, but I’m afraid it was stellar.
2 stars
When I began this novel, I didn’t realize this was a sequel, and if you haven’t read the first novel, I cannot recommend trying the second. For the majority of the novel, I was completely confused. Seven POVs (alternating between first and third) didn’t help my understanding. By the end, even the comet gets a few cryptic chapters.
I felt as confused with all the body snatching as the men in the novel. I had to rely on the chapter headings to keep track of what was happening. With each leap, the characters lose and transfer memories, and by the end, I knew the feeling exactly. I was so confused by who had slept with whom and who was pretending to be whom that I began to question if I’d missed some chapters somewhere.
I struggled to the end, hoping for some closure; however, I found it unsatisfying. It really seemed like several novels jammed into one. The author definitely has some talent, but I think the romance aspect was much better executed than the sci-fi. I enjoyed Wells’s story, and I really wished the novel had explored that relationship more, but I found the other men confusing and contradictory. In fact, everyone’s emotions were convoluted. No one seems to know what he/she wants . . . not sexy enough, too sexy, not forceful, too forceful. The men were completely threatened by confident women but complained when they subjugated themselves.
The idea is interesting, but I’m afraid it was stellar.
2 stars
February 1, 2014
Review of The Quick by Lauren Owen
I was confused by the basic story in this novel. The beginning was well-written and interesting, and when the novel switched narration (for the first time) to James’s POV, I still found the story easy to follow and intriguing. A gay man in Victorian England, while probably not uncommon, isn’t often the central figure in a novel, but when the story’s POV changed again and the plot began to involve a secretive vampire cult, I began to lose interest. A gay, Victorian vampire? According to this novel, Queen Vicky’s London was lousy with them. While this is a unique idea, I became bored with the pacing and the overwhelming number of characters and changing POV. I normally enjoy an omniscient novel, but I had difficulty keeping up with all the side plots.
The writing style is in keeping with the time period, and the secrecy of the Aegolius Club was interesting; however, at times, the novel just lagged. The real action didn’t begin until around forty percent into the novel, and I had to force myself to keep going sometimes. Oddly enough, the story is both connected and disjointed.
2.5 Stars
The writing style is in keeping with the time period, and the secrecy of the Aegolius Club was interesting; however, at times, the novel just lagged. The real action didn’t begin until around forty percent into the novel, and I had to force myself to keep going sometimes. Oddly enough, the story is both connected and disjointed.
2.5 Stars
January 25, 2014
Review of Impossible Things by Kate Johnson
When I first received this novel, I was skeptical. It’s most definitely not the typical romance novel, and I tend toward the traditional when I read a romance novel. The notion of a blind slave, an unlikely warrior, finding love in the arms of a man who stretches human skin across the prow of his ship seemed farfetched even to a tarnished reader like me. However, I found it “impossible” not love this novel.
The story pulls in the reader with action and mystery from page one. Ishtaer’s weakness and ultimate strength are endearing and heartfelt. Her story, aside from the whole Chosen marks thing, might be one felt by millions of former slaves spread throughout history. Despite the fantasy aspect, her journey to find herself is one experienced by most people, learning to reach into your core and pull out the courage buried there. And Kael! Well, a warlord who kills and maims one second and hugs his children the next? What female reader doesn’t want to imagine that for herself?
The mix of antiquity and modern was interesting, but it kept me wondering about the time period, which is my only complaint. Is it a futuristic world or an entirely different reality? Is it the past or the future? I needed a bit more backstory on that issue, but not enough to diminish my enjoyment of the plot and characters.
5 stars
January 20, 2014
Review of Tangled Hearts by Heather McCollum
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Pirates, magic, and Highlanders—OH MY! I loved this novel! I haven’t been able to say that in a long while, but really did enjoy this one. Set against the real of Henry VIII, this novel spoke to my not-so-hidden Anglophile like no other. The Tudor rule, fraught with intrigue, ambushes, and beheadings, is one of my favorite time periods, and when you mix that with a handsome Highland warrior and a witchy female pirate, well, how can it miss the mark? I enjoyed nearly every part of the novel.
The action is fast-paced, and the scenes are vividly painted. McCollum’s characters are endearing and realistic, and her descriptions of court life are as laced with danger as the actual viper-infested period must have been. I found myself as anxious as Dory herself, and let’s not forget about Ewan, the strapping, scarred Scots who swoops in to rescue his lady love (who rescues him right back before it’s all done). While the story may have been a bit less than 100% historical, the plot remains viable, and the love is steamy though a little sedate by many romance novel standards, but overall, a fine read.
4.5 stars
Pirates, magic, and Highlanders—OH MY! I loved this novel! I haven’t been able to say that in a long while, but really did enjoy this one. Set against the real of Henry VIII, this novel spoke to my not-so-hidden Anglophile like no other. The Tudor rule, fraught with intrigue, ambushes, and beheadings, is one of my favorite time periods, and when you mix that with a handsome Highland warrior and a witchy female pirate, well, how can it miss the mark? I enjoyed nearly every part of the novel.
The action is fast-paced, and the scenes are vividly painted. McCollum’s characters are endearing and realistic, and her descriptions of court life are as laced with danger as the actual viper-infested period must have been. I found myself as anxious as Dory herself, and let’s not forget about Ewan, the strapping, scarred Scots who swoops in to rescue his lady love (who rescues him right back before it’s all done). While the story may have been a bit less than 100% historical, the plot remains viable, and the love is steamy though a little sedate by many romance novel standards, but overall, a fine read.
4.5 stars
January 10, 2014
Review of House of Bathory by Linda Lafferty
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.House of Bathory is a tale of incestual and sadistic horror, framed by a modern story that mirrors the twisted history until the two are so intertwined it’s impossible to tell where one stops and the other begins. The history in this novel is extensive, sometimes a little overwhelming, but being a history buff, I appreciated the research and detail in the scenes depicting the seventeenth century world of Eastern Europe and the court of Elizabeth Bathory. Lafferty does a great job of interlocking the past and present events, showing how the past leaks its way into our own lives and seeming to support the Jungian discourse of the wheel of life.
This was one of those stories I couldn’t forget. I found myself wondering what the characters were doing—a sign of good novel. However, with twelve plus POVs and 486 pages, this one isn’t for a light, weekend read. With all of that omniscience, I felt I needed a guidebook at times to keep track of the plot.
There were a few episodes which needed more explanation, like a seeming past-life episode that Daisy experiences, and the storyline with Daisy’s father wasn’t foreshadowed enough to create believability. I also wondered about the age range for this one. I first selected an ARC because I thought it fell into the YA historical genre, but while Daisy’s story carries a portion of the plot, it is relatively small, and the language and suggestive content makes it mature.
4 stars
