Matthew R. Bell's Blog, page 2
December 24, 2016
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials, #1) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
There are worlds beyond our own
- the compass will show the way...
Northern Lights is one of those books that beeps on your radar whenever you see it. It's almost a childhood classic for many, and just as many have pushed me to give it a try. Which, as you can see, I have. Set in an alternate version of our world, Pullman creates a fantasy environment that can best be described as a steampunk Victorian era, one full of fantastical fiction and metaphysical madness.
It's engrossing and exciting, with smooth, indescribably addictive writing that just sweeps the reader up in its severity. And severe the novel is. While a book aimed at young adults, Northern Lights explores many existential themes that, although I found them at times heavy-handed, offer a different perspective for adults.
Armed with the political and the religious, prepare yourself for a thoughtful ride that begs for another read.
Synopsis
There are worlds beyond our own - the compass will show the way...
When Lyra is given the strange and secret alethiometer, she begins an extraordinary journey that will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. The destiny that awaits her will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights is instantly intriguing. Its world reassures with a dash of familiarity and inspires with a generous helping of the author's imagination. From there we set forth on a massive adventure, the kind you remember dreaming of as a child. I will admit, the themes and questions raised at the beginning of the novel can get pretty repetitive (for example, and no spoilers, the constant 'Dust' queries), and I was overwhelmed.
But, in retrospect, I think it works. For younger readers Northern Lights provides a thrilling tale, and the nostalgia from that tale will no doubt drive them back into the series as adults, revealing facets of the story that they missed as children. Essentially, the plot ensures that, eventually, you'll reread the novel.
Daemons and Dust and delicious developments that completely confound you drive you forward. You have a very loose grasp of the massive events, but this fits extremely well with our eleven-year-old protagonist's youthful ignorance. There's no denying the magic, however, a magical journey with an awesome mystery, action-packed battles, and gripping suspense.
And let's not forget about those themes. Northern Lights might anger you more religious readers with its science over faith ideals, but you can't deny its invigorating quality of aspiring for inner good rather than the favourable judgement of an unseen deity. We explore the known vs the unknown, innocence vs experience, and politics vs, well, other politics. All weave a fine environment that has you questioning your morality and future.
I'm even sure a lot of the novel's messages sailed right over my ignorant head, which, again, increases the chances of a reread.
And the conclusion, with its promise of other worlds and deeper depths, ensures you'll pick up the sequel the first chance you get.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
As is common with beginning entries, Northern Lights starts slow as it builds its foundations in a variety of categories. It's worth it, but the first 100 pages can be weighty with the construction and questions it offers.
It does pick up in glorious fashion, stunning the reader with inventive information and epic fights of bloodthirsty brilliance.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights showcases its cast with shining examples of fantasy heroes. We have ice-bears and witches and foreign armies; there are religious entities fighting to collapse anyone who disagrees with their doctrine. The politics of the novel can often be sharp, but a lot of the time they remain out of focus of our main character, like ghosts: Ethereal, but haunting.
Lyra, our distinctive eleven-year-old protagonist, is a tenacious little tyke in the warmest way. She's naive, but perceptive; reckless, but resourceful; stubborn, but glowing with compassion. Her smart mouth provides much-needed comic relief and a maturity that lets adults know children aren't as clueless as they'd like to believe. The way the adventure moulds her, from an inexperienced child to a hearty survivor, is the stuff of dreams.
Other characters, like Mrs Coulter and her sweet facade that can collapse into unnerving brutality, pad out the book with meaningful threads of story.
Northern Lights has a wondrous cast.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Beautiful writing paints vivid pictures of a world that resembles ours but is all the more fantastic (sorry, reality). Pullman is excellent at building a scene and interspersing it with interesting ideas and smooth dialogue.
It's very, very addictive.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights is a rich fantasy that caters to both children and adults. A pulse-pounding adventure lies in wait for both, while themes focused on theology, philosophy, and the uncertainty of our origins rivet the more mature readers with unanswerable questions.
It's also the perfect time of year to pick the story up, with its winter-wonderland landscapes and feel-good progressions.
And before I forget: Merry Christmas, folks.
It's nearly a new year again...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
There are worlds beyond our own
- the compass will show the way...
Northern Lights is one of those books that beeps on your radar whenever you see it. It's almost a childhood classic for many, and just as many have pushed me to give it a try. Which, as you can see, I have. Set in an alternate version of our world, Pullman creates a fantasy environment that can best be described as a steampunk Victorian era, one full of fantastical fiction and metaphysical madness.
It's engrossing and exciting, with smooth, indescribably addictive writing that just sweeps the reader up in its severity. And severe the novel is. While a book aimed at young adults, Northern Lights explores many existential themes that, although I found them at times heavy-handed, offer a different perspective for adults.
Armed with the political and the religious, prepare yourself for a thoughtful ride that begs for another read.
Synopsis
There are worlds beyond our own - the compass will show the way...
When Lyra is given the strange and secret alethiometer, she begins an extraordinary journey that will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. The destiny that awaits her will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights is instantly intriguing. Its world reassures with a dash of familiarity and inspires with a generous helping of the author's imagination. From there we set forth on a massive adventure, the kind you remember dreaming of as a child. I will admit, the themes and questions raised at the beginning of the novel can get pretty repetitive (for example, and no spoilers, the constant 'Dust' queries), and I was overwhelmed.
But, in retrospect, I think it works. For younger readers Northern Lights provides a thrilling tale, and the nostalgia from that tale will no doubt drive them back into the series as adults, revealing facets of the story that they missed as children. Essentially, the plot ensures that, eventually, you'll reread the novel.
Daemons and Dust and delicious developments that completely confound you drive you forward. You have a very loose grasp of the massive events, but this fits extremely well with our eleven-year-old protagonist's youthful ignorance. There's no denying the magic, however, a magical journey with an awesome mystery, action-packed battles, and gripping suspense.
And let's not forget about those themes. Northern Lights might anger you more religious readers with its science over faith ideals, but you can't deny its invigorating quality of aspiring for inner good rather than the favourable judgement of an unseen deity. We explore the known vs the unknown, innocence vs experience, and politics vs, well, other politics. All weave a fine environment that has you questioning your morality and future.
I'm even sure a lot of the novel's messages sailed right over my ignorant head, which, again, increases the chances of a reread.
And the conclusion, with its promise of other worlds and deeper depths, ensures you'll pick up the sequel the first chance you get.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
As is common with beginning entries, Northern Lights starts slow as it builds its foundations in a variety of categories. It's worth it, but the first 100 pages can be weighty with the construction and questions it offers.
It does pick up in glorious fashion, stunning the reader with inventive information and epic fights of bloodthirsty brilliance.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights showcases its cast with shining examples of fantasy heroes. We have ice-bears and witches and foreign armies; there are religious entities fighting to collapse anyone who disagrees with their doctrine. The politics of the novel can often be sharp, but a lot of the time they remain out of focus of our main character, like ghosts: Ethereal, but haunting.
Lyra, our distinctive eleven-year-old protagonist, is a tenacious little tyke in the warmest way. She's naive, but perceptive; reckless, but resourceful; stubborn, but glowing with compassion. Her smart mouth provides much-needed comic relief and a maturity that lets adults know children aren't as clueless as they'd like to believe. The way the adventure moulds her, from an inexperienced child to a hearty survivor, is the stuff of dreams.
Other characters, like Mrs Coulter and her sweet facade that can collapse into unnerving brutality, pad out the book with meaningful threads of story.
Northern Lights has a wondrous cast.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Beautiful writing paints vivid pictures of a world that resembles ours but is all the more fantastic (sorry, reality). Pullman is excellent at building a scene and interspersing it with interesting ideas and smooth dialogue.
It's very, very addictive.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Northern Lights is a rich fantasy that caters to both children and adults. A pulse-pounding adventure lies in wait for both, while themes focused on theology, philosophy, and the uncertainty of our origins rivet the more mature readers with unanswerable questions.
It's also the perfect time of year to pick the story up, with its winter-wonderland landscapes and feel-good progressions.
And before I forget: Merry Christmas, folks.
It's nearly a new year again...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 17, 2016
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli & Isles, #1) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
Today they will find her body.
I know how it will happen.
I can picture, quite vividly, the sequence of events that will lead to the discovery...
The Surgeon, book one in the Rizzoli & Isles series (although this entry only features Rizzoli and not Isles), is a story with intense emotions and experiences. It has the standard crime plot, with a serial killer on the loose in Boston, Massachusetts, but its main themes and messages surround the issue of rape and the hardships faced by women who have been raped.
As a warning, even if your stomach can handle blood, gore, and psychotic fiction, the subject matter within The Surgeon is portrayed with unforgiving honesty. Something I cannot commend the author on enough.
I would say the theme of 'men bad, women good' can sometimes be a little on the nose and harsh, but a shaky balance of opposing judgements and looks at hypocrisy help paint a diverse picture.
Synopsis
Today they will find her body. I know how it will happen. I can picture, quite vividly, the sequence of events that will lead to the discovery...
In Boston, there's a killer on the loose. A killer that targets lone women, who breaks into their apartments and performs terrifying ritualistic acts of torture on his victims before finishing them off. His surgical skills lead police to suspect he is a physician - a physician who, instead of saving lives, takes them.
But as homicide detective Thomas Moore and his partner Jane Rizzoli begin their investigation, they make a startling discovery. Closely linked to these killings is Catherine Cordell, a beautiful medic with a mysterious past. Two years ago she was subjected to a horrifying rape and attempted murder but shot her attacker dead. Now she is being targeted by this new killer who appears to know all about her past, her work at Pilgrim Medical Center, and where she lives. The man she believes she killed seems to be stalking her once again, and this time he knows exactly where to find her...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Are you a fan of the Rizzoli & Isles TV adaptation? I am, and you're in for a surprise. I expected a difference in tone, but not quite to this extent. Where the show is light and comedic, The Surgeon is dark and serious. It deals with complex issues that weave their way through a thriller with developments that act like electric shocks.
The story can sometimes be alienating, especially for male readers with its penchant to vilify the gender, but Tess's brutally realistic situations justify it to some measure. But it's not all doom and gloom. Wrapped up beside the novel's horrifying tale of a killer hunting vulnerable women is a hopeful and heartwarming thread that shows the transition from victim to survivor.
So while a bleak tone permeates the plot's world, Tess reminds us of the light.
Mystery and action go hand in hand as we race to the nail-biting finale, and the conclusions for the various storylines and themes are satisfying, with an equally ominous epilogue that demands you pick up the next instalment.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Surgeon might be 416 pages long, but just try to pull yourself away from it. Once you've started, Tess cultivates a stellar structure that feeds questions, answers, and revelations to the reader steadily, ensuring your constant attention.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Like its varying and contentious subject matters, The Surgeon is populated with a diverse range of divisive cast members. Despite the series' name of Rizzoli & Isles, Isles has yet to join the team. Jane Rizzoli acts as one of the mains, while Thomas Moore acts as the other.
Again, if you're a fan of the show first and are just picking up the novels like me, suspend your mind's picture of what the characters should be like. Names and faces are here, but their personalities are radically different. Rizzoli herself seriously divides me. She's tenacious and temperamental, with brashness that is sometimes justified, but often as subtle as a nuclear explosion. In her battle to fight the sexism she faces from some of her male colleagues, Rizzoli can be cruel and highly judgemental. Of course, she's smart, smart, smart, but her likeability comes and goes.
Despite my surprise, her dark and light nature fits with the story's atmosphere and provides a fascinating character profile. Just expect a few moments of dislike for her.
Thomas, however, provides balance as the compassionate and concentrated partner. With his mellow nature and ability to empathise, he eases cooperation from all those around him. An aspect of the novel I find unfair falls on the repeated attacks he faces from women, with blame for a psychotic's crimes being directed at him simply because he's male. While I find this unfair, it's an apt drawing of the real world that showcases hypocrisy on both sides of the gender spectrum. Rizzoli faces discrimination from select members of the force, unduly, just as Thomas faces guilt for something he hasn't done. I definitely hope to see him in future instalments.
Two other characters that only impress me are Catherine Cordell and the serial killer. Okay, so impress isn't the word I'd use for the bad guy; he terrifies me. Catherine, a rape victim, embodies the challenges women face, from the unfair perceptions of others to the fractured mentality of her mind. It's a thread that aims right for the heart, and while you want to hunt for whoever hurt her, Tess takes us on a journey of self-empowerment and justice.
The bad guy, however, is simple and bland, and no, I don't mean that negatively. The killer's ability to blend shows the reader an invisible evil that you can't see coming.
A psycho could be anyone; you have no way to know.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Pretty much perfect.
Tess delivers powerful emotions and experiences with compassion and respect. Along with that there's a morbid mystery that tantalises with twists, turns, and delicious developments.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
The Surgeon starts a series that promises to be bold. The beginning entry doesn't shy away from the hard stuff and conveys realism with stomach-churning details.
It is not for the faint of heart.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Today they will find her body.
I know how it will happen.
I can picture, quite vividly, the sequence of events that will lead to the discovery...
The Surgeon, book one in the Rizzoli & Isles series (although this entry only features Rizzoli and not Isles), is a story with intense emotions and experiences. It has the standard crime plot, with a serial killer on the loose in Boston, Massachusetts, but its main themes and messages surround the issue of rape and the hardships faced by women who have been raped.
As a warning, even if your stomach can handle blood, gore, and psychotic fiction, the subject matter within The Surgeon is portrayed with unforgiving honesty. Something I cannot commend the author on enough.
I would say the theme of 'men bad, women good' can sometimes be a little on the nose and harsh, but a shaky balance of opposing judgements and looks at hypocrisy help paint a diverse picture.
Synopsis
Today they will find her body. I know how it will happen. I can picture, quite vividly, the sequence of events that will lead to the discovery...
In Boston, there's a killer on the loose. A killer that targets lone women, who breaks into their apartments and performs terrifying ritualistic acts of torture on his victims before finishing them off. His surgical skills lead police to suspect he is a physician - a physician who, instead of saving lives, takes them.
But as homicide detective Thomas Moore and his partner Jane Rizzoli begin their investigation, they make a startling discovery. Closely linked to these killings is Catherine Cordell, a beautiful medic with a mysterious past. Two years ago she was subjected to a horrifying rape and attempted murder but shot her attacker dead. Now she is being targeted by this new killer who appears to know all about her past, her work at Pilgrim Medical Center, and where she lives. The man she believes she killed seems to be stalking her once again, and this time he knows exactly where to find her...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Are you a fan of the Rizzoli & Isles TV adaptation? I am, and you're in for a surprise. I expected a difference in tone, but not quite to this extent. Where the show is light and comedic, The Surgeon is dark and serious. It deals with complex issues that weave their way through a thriller with developments that act like electric shocks.
The story can sometimes be alienating, especially for male readers with its penchant to vilify the gender, but Tess's brutally realistic situations justify it to some measure. But it's not all doom and gloom. Wrapped up beside the novel's horrifying tale of a killer hunting vulnerable women is a hopeful and heartwarming thread that shows the transition from victim to survivor.
So while a bleak tone permeates the plot's world, Tess reminds us of the light.
Mystery and action go hand in hand as we race to the nail-biting finale, and the conclusions for the various storylines and themes are satisfying, with an equally ominous epilogue that demands you pick up the next instalment.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Surgeon might be 416 pages long, but just try to pull yourself away from it. Once you've started, Tess cultivates a stellar structure that feeds questions, answers, and revelations to the reader steadily, ensuring your constant attention.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Like its varying and contentious subject matters, The Surgeon is populated with a diverse range of divisive cast members. Despite the series' name of Rizzoli & Isles, Isles has yet to join the team. Jane Rizzoli acts as one of the mains, while Thomas Moore acts as the other.
Again, if you're a fan of the show first and are just picking up the novels like me, suspend your mind's picture of what the characters should be like. Names and faces are here, but their personalities are radically different. Rizzoli herself seriously divides me. She's tenacious and temperamental, with brashness that is sometimes justified, but often as subtle as a nuclear explosion. In her battle to fight the sexism she faces from some of her male colleagues, Rizzoli can be cruel and highly judgemental. Of course, she's smart, smart, smart, but her likeability comes and goes.
Despite my surprise, her dark and light nature fits with the story's atmosphere and provides a fascinating character profile. Just expect a few moments of dislike for her.
Thomas, however, provides balance as the compassionate and concentrated partner. With his mellow nature and ability to empathise, he eases cooperation from all those around him. An aspect of the novel I find unfair falls on the repeated attacks he faces from women, with blame for a psychotic's crimes being directed at him simply because he's male. While I find this unfair, it's an apt drawing of the real world that showcases hypocrisy on both sides of the gender spectrum. Rizzoli faces discrimination from select members of the force, unduly, just as Thomas faces guilt for something he hasn't done. I definitely hope to see him in future instalments.
Two other characters that only impress me are Catherine Cordell and the serial killer. Okay, so impress isn't the word I'd use for the bad guy; he terrifies me. Catherine, a rape victim, embodies the challenges women face, from the unfair perceptions of others to the fractured mentality of her mind. It's a thread that aims right for the heart, and while you want to hunt for whoever hurt her, Tess takes us on a journey of self-empowerment and justice.
The bad guy, however, is simple and bland, and no, I don't mean that negatively. The killer's ability to blend shows the reader an invisible evil that you can't see coming.
A psycho could be anyone; you have no way to know.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Pretty much perfect.
Tess delivers powerful emotions and experiences with compassion and respect. Along with that there's a morbid mystery that tantalises with twists, turns, and delicious developments.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
The Surgeon starts a series that promises to be bold. The beginning entry doesn't shy away from the hard stuff and conveys realism with stomach-churning details.
It is not for the faint of heart.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 16, 2016
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (The Shining, #2) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
FEAR stands for fuck everything and run.
- Old AA saying
The Shining is a classic; that's undeniable. It was a defining moment in horror fiction that terrified children and adults alike (and that includes many of my family members, my Dad foremost in pushing me to read it). So, even though it's only been a few days since I picked up The Shining and sat spellbound by its supernatural thrillings, I was equal parts excited and nervous about Doctor Sleep.
Would it live up to its predecessor? Or is The Shining a bottle of lightning that can't be replicated?
Well, the answer to both is yes. The Shining cannot be replicated, but Doctor Sleep is a powerful continuation that haunts the reader in a similar way. It's horror, without a doubt, but I'd class it as more of a supernatural thriller. It's captivating and crooked, delving deep into characters just as well as its predecessor does.
Doctor Sleep is a modern classic, with an author who's unafraid to tell the truth in its barest form and deliver thrills that no other can hope to match.
Synopsis
FOLLOWING A CHILDHOOD HAUNTED BY TERRIFYING EVENTS AT THE OVERLOOK HOTEL, DANNY TORRANCE HAS BEEN DRIFTING FOR DECADES.
Finally, he settles into a job at a nursing home where he draws on his remnant 'shining' power to help people pass on.
Then he meets Abra Stone, a young girl with the brightest 'shining' ever seen. But her gift is attracting a tribe of paranormals. They may look harmless, old and devoted to their Recreational Vehicles, but The True Knot live off the 'steam' that children like Abra produce.
Now Dan must confront his old demons as he battles for Abra's soul and survival...
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Doctor Sleep, for its first quarter, moves through several different times. We follow Danny as a young boy dealing with the demons that haunt him from the Overlook Hotel, the psychological and the very real ones that have followed him; from there we see the ways in which he deals, alcohol and violence, as he falls into the same traps as his father; and then the tale of supernatural suspense and redemption kicks off. They're all magical moments, conveying terror, realistic life development, and diverse human emotions.
And don't be worried. King amazes with his ability to naturally move the series' tone and atmosphere forward. The beginning, with Danny as a young boy, has the dark feel of The Shining, progressing into horror that's more ordinary than extraordinary before returning to the abnormal.
Danny settles in the town of Frazier, New Hampshire (although there is a lot of travelling around America within the story), and events come thick, fast, and heavy. It's unstoppable. Some developments are predictable, the kind that you're supposed to expect and want to happen, but King has some sharp surprises in store that'll send your brain cells into overdrive.
With self-destruction, guilt, and redemption, King escalates the second half to mystical madness, providing a tense showdown that has evil hiding in every corner.
It's phenomenal, plain and simple.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
Despite Doctor Sleep's contemplative pace and subtle build, King ensures that every scene has its significance. Just like The Shining, you're never bored; whether it be physical demons on the loose or inner ones clawing to escape, Doctor Sleep stuns with its realistic representations of the unnatural and the painfully natural.
In simpler terms, the novel's flow is smooth, but the story and characters demand that you take your time.
It's a demand that I, as a reader, echo: Don't rush this experience (oh, and read The Shining first; it's not strictly necessary, but you'd be doing yourself and the story a disservice if you passed it over).
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Doctor Sleep has a few more characters than its predecessor, which is fine. Their developments are solid overall and there aren't really any duds. My only slight misgivings are the 'off-screen' deaths of Wendy and Dick (although it fits Danny's development perfectly), and the absence of an origins story for The True Knot (the bad guys).
Getting away from those, however, this is Danny's story through and through, and he is absolute gold. With shades of his younger self, his father, and Stephen King himself, the now adult 'shiner' is a diverse and troubled main character. It's another instance of a protagonist that's both his own hero and antihero, and the tales that King tantalises with echo Jack from The Shining.
Danny is haunted by guilt; he's haunted by fear; he's haunted by his vices. And, unless quenched with alcohol he swore never to touch, he's haunted by very real apparitions intent on his demise. I love the way King sets Danny on a path much like his father's. The way nature vs nurture collides and has the reader wondering if Danny will succumb to what inevitably was instrumental in his Daddy's downfall. The themes of identity, destiny, and choices are fascinating and intense as they explore trails that The Shining doesn't.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
To keep it succinct: So many plots, themes, and messages collide in a smorgasbord of sensations that it takes a transcendent talent to organise them all with such precision and passion.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I don't know if Doctor Sleep is the last foray we'll have with this world and its characters, but I deeply hope it isn't. With this entry, King proves he can deliver a sequel without sacrificing any of the elements that make the original what it is.
Doctor Sleep is tense and terrifying, magical and malignant, deep and daring, and completely worth your time and attention.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
FEAR stands for fuck everything and run.
- Old AA saying
The Shining is a classic; that's undeniable. It was a defining moment in horror fiction that terrified children and adults alike (and that includes many of my family members, my Dad foremost in pushing me to read it). So, even though it's only been a few days since I picked up The Shining and sat spellbound by its supernatural thrillings, I was equal parts excited and nervous about Doctor Sleep.
Would it live up to its predecessor? Or is The Shining a bottle of lightning that can't be replicated?
Well, the answer to both is yes. The Shining cannot be replicated, but Doctor Sleep is a powerful continuation that haunts the reader in a similar way. It's horror, without a doubt, but I'd class it as more of a supernatural thriller. It's captivating and crooked, delving deep into characters just as well as its predecessor does.
Doctor Sleep is a modern classic, with an author who's unafraid to tell the truth in its barest form and deliver thrills that no other can hope to match.
Synopsis
FOLLOWING A CHILDHOOD HAUNTED BY TERRIFYING EVENTS AT THE OVERLOOK HOTEL, DANNY TORRANCE HAS BEEN DRIFTING FOR DECADES.
Finally, he settles into a job at a nursing home where he draws on his remnant 'shining' power to help people pass on.
Then he meets Abra Stone, a young girl with the brightest 'shining' ever seen. But her gift is attracting a tribe of paranormals. They may look harmless, old and devoted to their Recreational Vehicles, but The True Knot live off the 'steam' that children like Abra produce.
Now Dan must confront his old demons as he battles for Abra's soul and survival...
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Doctor Sleep, for its first quarter, moves through several different times. We follow Danny as a young boy dealing with the demons that haunt him from the Overlook Hotel, the psychological and the very real ones that have followed him; from there we see the ways in which he deals, alcohol and violence, as he falls into the same traps as his father; and then the tale of supernatural suspense and redemption kicks off. They're all magical moments, conveying terror, realistic life development, and diverse human emotions.
And don't be worried. King amazes with his ability to naturally move the series' tone and atmosphere forward. The beginning, with Danny as a young boy, has the dark feel of The Shining, progressing into horror that's more ordinary than extraordinary before returning to the abnormal.
Danny settles in the town of Frazier, New Hampshire (although there is a lot of travelling around America within the story), and events come thick, fast, and heavy. It's unstoppable. Some developments are predictable, the kind that you're supposed to expect and want to happen, but King has some sharp surprises in store that'll send your brain cells into overdrive.
With self-destruction, guilt, and redemption, King escalates the second half to mystical madness, providing a tense showdown that has evil hiding in every corner.
It's phenomenal, plain and simple.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
Despite Doctor Sleep's contemplative pace and subtle build, King ensures that every scene has its significance. Just like The Shining, you're never bored; whether it be physical demons on the loose or inner ones clawing to escape, Doctor Sleep stuns with its realistic representations of the unnatural and the painfully natural.
In simpler terms, the novel's flow is smooth, but the story and characters demand that you take your time.
It's a demand that I, as a reader, echo: Don't rush this experience (oh, and read The Shining first; it's not strictly necessary, but you'd be doing yourself and the story a disservice if you passed it over).
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Doctor Sleep has a few more characters than its predecessor, which is fine. Their developments are solid overall and there aren't really any duds. My only slight misgivings are the 'off-screen' deaths of Wendy and Dick (although it fits Danny's development perfectly), and the absence of an origins story for The True Knot (the bad guys).
Getting away from those, however, this is Danny's story through and through, and he is absolute gold. With shades of his younger self, his father, and Stephen King himself, the now adult 'shiner' is a diverse and troubled main character. It's another instance of a protagonist that's both his own hero and antihero, and the tales that King tantalises with echo Jack from The Shining.
Danny is haunted by guilt; he's haunted by fear; he's haunted by his vices. And, unless quenched with alcohol he swore never to touch, he's haunted by very real apparitions intent on his demise. I love the way King sets Danny on a path much like his father's. The way nature vs nurture collides and has the reader wondering if Danny will succumb to what inevitably was instrumental in his Daddy's downfall. The themes of identity, destiny, and choices are fascinating and intense as they explore trails that The Shining doesn't.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
To keep it succinct: So many plots, themes, and messages collide in a smorgasbord of sensations that it takes a transcendent talent to organise them all with such precision and passion.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I don't know if Doctor Sleep is the last foray we'll have with this world and its characters, but I deeply hope it isn't. With this entry, King proves he can deliver a sequel without sacrificing any of the elements that make the original what it is.
Doctor Sleep is tense and terrifying, magical and malignant, deep and daring, and completely worth your time and attention.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 13, 2016
Knots & Crosses by Ian Rankin (John Rebus, #1) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
God have mercy on them.
In Edinburgh of all places, in his own dear city.
A maniac was on the loose...
Edinburgh, Scotland, 1985.
A savage serial killer on the loose and a protagonist whose past is like a living demon.
Yep, you guessed it, we have the plot of a crime thriller that begs to be read. Knots & Crosses has its flaws and shakes, but it is one hell of an experience. It's simple, predictable even, but its execution is extraordinary. Despite having a fair idea of where events were going, Rankin still manages to pull some surprising twists that land hard and fast. Like the title suggests, a dark and brutal game awaits your participation.
Rebus, our protagonist, shines, and while other characters tend to shrink underneath his shadow, they're decent supporters. The writing is solid and professional, showcasing a beginner's potential and potency.
If this is how the series starts, I can't wait to see it mature and find its feet.
Synopsis
And in Edinburgh, of all places. I mean, you never think of that sort of thing happening in Edinburgh, do you...?
That sort of thing is the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls. And now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer. And then the messages begin to arrive: knotted string and matchstick crosses - taunting Rebus with pieces of a puzzle only he can solve.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Knots & Crosses begins with a standard crime plot: Young girls are being abducted and murdered, and the police haven't the foggiest as to the who or why. Standard, yeah, but nonetheless intriguing. A game is going on between the killer and Rebus, one that tingles with tension. Unfortunately, a few elements of said game are spoiled by the blurb (namely the fact that Rebus is receiving letters and clues from the killer). During the story's run, a lot of time is put into the characters' inability to realise that the letters are from the person they're after, and this can be infuriating.
The plot's progression during the first half also irks me a little. Rankin admits in my edition's introduction that quite a bit of police work was a mystery to him, and it shows by the lengthy feel of the case, despite the novel only being 226 pages long. Most of this time, however, is spent on more character-orientated developments, which are awesome, but a better balance would've been nice.
The real action starts about halfway through, and that action is some emotionally charged stuff. Rankin coalesces all his subtle hints, drawing on the novel's dark tone and themes of identity and sanity to deliver a phenomenal punch. The personal and the professional clash with cataclysmic creativity. There are many twists you can guess, but Rankin's big picture has some surprises yet.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Consistent but slow in the early stages, but that I expected from the beginning of a series. Once the story and main character find their feet and synchronicity, the flow forces you to turn page after page with ravenous hunger.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Overall, Knots & Crosses has a solid cast. Relationships can be convoluted at points, but the author does a stellar job of forging simple and realistic dynamics. Supporting characters aren't quite up to the challenge of standing by Rebus's side, though, with the predominant focus being on our main viewpoint's development.
Rebus himself is an absolute joy to read. Initially he's a hard man to get a grasp on, but in time it becomes clear as to why. The author wants you to question his sanity as much as he does; to scrutinise his actions; to judge whether or not Rebus deserves forgiveness for sins we have to wait to see. I will say that the nudges towards Rebus being the serial killer are wasted. Mainly because: 1. There's an entire series dedicated to him, and I highly doubt a murderer would get that; and 2. The introduction in my edition spoils the fact that Rebus is, of course, not the big bad.
The novel's themes are embodied by Rebus, however, and the sense of isolation, guilt, and redemption are wonderful aspects of the story. With a past that's black and haunted, Rebus as a character resembles many a crime fiction protagonist. At least on paper. In reality, Rankin's ability to execute his imagination enhances the standard traits, sending Rebus skyrocketing upwards.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
You can tell this is a writer's earlier work, but Rankin proves to be a pro. The potential is palpable and undeniably achieved, especially considering the amount of books and acclaim this series has. Smooth sentence structures and fun literary devices ensure a thoughtful and fast read.
It's amazing what the author can reveal without actually telling the reader straight up.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A brilliant beginning to a crime series I'm happy and excited to continue.
I need more Rebus; I need his vulnerable strength and his potential progressions.
I need, need, need, need!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
God have mercy on them.
In Edinburgh of all places, in his own dear city.
A maniac was on the loose...
Edinburgh, Scotland, 1985.
A savage serial killer on the loose and a protagonist whose past is like a living demon.
Yep, you guessed it, we have the plot of a crime thriller that begs to be read. Knots & Crosses has its flaws and shakes, but it is one hell of an experience. It's simple, predictable even, but its execution is extraordinary. Despite having a fair idea of where events were going, Rankin still manages to pull some surprising twists that land hard and fast. Like the title suggests, a dark and brutal game awaits your participation.
Rebus, our protagonist, shines, and while other characters tend to shrink underneath his shadow, they're decent supporters. The writing is solid and professional, showcasing a beginner's potential and potency.
If this is how the series starts, I can't wait to see it mature and find its feet.
Synopsis
And in Edinburgh, of all places. I mean, you never think of that sort of thing happening in Edinburgh, do you...?
That sort of thing is the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls. And now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer. And then the messages begin to arrive: knotted string and matchstick crosses - taunting Rebus with pieces of a puzzle only he can solve.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Knots & Crosses begins with a standard crime plot: Young girls are being abducted and murdered, and the police haven't the foggiest as to the who or why. Standard, yeah, but nonetheless intriguing. A game is going on between the killer and Rebus, one that tingles with tension. Unfortunately, a few elements of said game are spoiled by the blurb (namely the fact that Rebus is receiving letters and clues from the killer). During the story's run, a lot of time is put into the characters' inability to realise that the letters are from the person they're after, and this can be infuriating.
The plot's progression during the first half also irks me a little. Rankin admits in my edition's introduction that quite a bit of police work was a mystery to him, and it shows by the lengthy feel of the case, despite the novel only being 226 pages long. Most of this time, however, is spent on more character-orientated developments, which are awesome, but a better balance would've been nice.
The real action starts about halfway through, and that action is some emotionally charged stuff. Rankin coalesces all his subtle hints, drawing on the novel's dark tone and themes of identity and sanity to deliver a phenomenal punch. The personal and the professional clash with cataclysmic creativity. There are many twists you can guess, but Rankin's big picture has some surprises yet.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Consistent but slow in the early stages, but that I expected from the beginning of a series. Once the story and main character find their feet and synchronicity, the flow forces you to turn page after page with ravenous hunger.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Overall, Knots & Crosses has a solid cast. Relationships can be convoluted at points, but the author does a stellar job of forging simple and realistic dynamics. Supporting characters aren't quite up to the challenge of standing by Rebus's side, though, with the predominant focus being on our main viewpoint's development.
Rebus himself is an absolute joy to read. Initially he's a hard man to get a grasp on, but in time it becomes clear as to why. The author wants you to question his sanity as much as he does; to scrutinise his actions; to judge whether or not Rebus deserves forgiveness for sins we have to wait to see. I will say that the nudges towards Rebus being the serial killer are wasted. Mainly because: 1. There's an entire series dedicated to him, and I highly doubt a murderer would get that; and 2. The introduction in my edition spoils the fact that Rebus is, of course, not the big bad.
The novel's themes are embodied by Rebus, however, and the sense of isolation, guilt, and redemption are wonderful aspects of the story. With a past that's black and haunted, Rebus as a character resembles many a crime fiction protagonist. At least on paper. In reality, Rankin's ability to execute his imagination enhances the standard traits, sending Rebus skyrocketing upwards.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
You can tell this is a writer's earlier work, but Rankin proves to be a pro. The potential is palpable and undeniably achieved, especially considering the amount of books and acclaim this series has. Smooth sentence structures and fun literary devices ensure a thoughtful and fast read.
It's amazing what the author can reveal without actually telling the reader straight up.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A brilliant beginning to a crime series I'm happy and excited to continue.
I need more Rebus; I need his vulnerable strength and his potential progressions.
I need, need, need, need!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 12, 2016
The Oracle by K.S. Marsden (Enchena, #2) - Book Review
2.5/5 Stars
"We will be demons at dawn."
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
** The Oracle will be released on the 1st of January, 2017 after further editing. The version I read is an early one, so be warned that some aspects I comment on might be revised in the final novel.
I loved The Lost Soul, this entry's predecessor. It's an easy-going fantasy with rebellions and tyranny, all set in Enchena, a mystical kingdom dominated by magic and mystery. The Oracle is much the same. It embodies the themes of morality and oppression, tracing the journey of young adults forced to grow up fast in a tumultuous and fantastical environment. It all looks good.
But it's the same. The Oracle's story is drastically similar to The Lost Soul, and barring a few things, could be read entirely on its own. What I mean is it feels more like a beginning than a finale, which it essentially is as it rounds off the series' story (with a definitive end that leaves room for more entries if the author wishes so).
Arcs within the novel also feels rushed and clipped, with narratives started only to vanish and pop up in a form that we don't actually see the progression to.
I guess, overall, The Oracle polarises me with its beautiful world and potential clashing with a repetitive plot and jumbled journey.
Synopsis
After a brief respite, the Gardyn rebels have returned to fight the tyranny of King Hrafn and Prince David.
Samantha, Jillis and Tobias will have to find their place in the new vision of Enchena; but first, they have to risk everything to make it real.
New allies will rise, as the past plays a huge part in the future; and an Oracle must be brought, to guide them all.
Plot - 2.5/5 Stars
Okay, let's balance this show with a little positive, shall we? Reading over that intro has my guilt flaring at the negative. The Oracle is a simple, solid fantasy. The story hangs on the side of magic, and while it's not until 3/4 of the way through that we see some physical representation of that magic, Ms Marsden has a beautiful world that has a wealth of mythology to play with (adding excitement to the fact that more plots are open to be told).
There are also some phenomenal politics that breed paranoia, giving the war and struggle within the pages a severally unpredictable quality.
We begin in much the same vein as The Lost Soul, with a seemingly normal girl pulled into the world of Enchena with a part to play and a destiny to fulfil. This happens quickly, ensuring the reader is swept up in stellar supernatural events. But from there things slow down rather rapidly. The plot meanders its way to an epic finale, preferring half-built contemplation and extensive exposition. On the plus side it means you're all up-to-date on what's happening; on the other side you can't help but be a little disappointed that with a war going on you see very little actual war.
There are a couple of surprises, though, and they lead to a push in the plot as the end draws near. The end is thankfully action-packed, but also abrupt. It's something I felt a lot during this novel's run: A rushed, clipped feeling, like parts of the story that better flesh progressions have been taken out.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
While, overall, smooth and consistent, The Oracle starts fast only to lose its momentum. There aren't enough action scenes to break up the exposition, leaving things heavy with explanations and foreshadowing that only end in a little satisfaction.
Once past the stop and starts, however, the pace does pick up to execute a satisfying end.
Characters - 2.5/5 Stars
The characters are also an uneven bunch. We follow two main viewpoints: Jemma, a new addition, and Samantha, protagonist from The Lost Soul. Both have flighty personalities that enhance the sensation that parts of the novel are missing. Their motivations and attitudes change from scene to scene without any outside force. Out of the two, Samantha gains the most traction during the story's run and does earn some of her likeability back.
Relationships, from the platonic to the romantic, also face trouble. Not enough time is dedicated to their blossoming, so when things appear radically different, it's because there are too many events happening away from the reader's line of sight.
All is not on the downside, though. Siabhon, the monster with a heart, while underutilised, is hilarious. His Gollum-like dialogue and one-liners are breaths of fresh air amongst the doom and gloom.
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The book's currently unreleased, so I forgive any spelling or grammatical errors because Ms Marsden is adept at tidying them up. The Oracle's visuals are crystal clear and stunning, enhanced by the author's gorgeous style of writing. Dialogue can be a bit stiff and heavy, but it's predominantly smooth and informative.
The structure could use a better balance between adrenaline and information, but I've been told that's already in the works.
Overall - 2.5/5 Stars
I enjoyed The Oracle, but it isn't fully for me. Its predecessor, The Lost Soul, is a far superior experience. But I do advise you to take my review with a pinch of salt. A lot of my misgivings could potentially vanish in the finished novel.
Those of you who have a penchant for the young adult and fantasy genres would be remiss if you passed this series over. I have a special place in my heart for the first instalment, but despite my guilt-ridden negativity, this entry offers a fun, fast foray through a potentially epic world.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
"We will be demons at dawn."
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
** The Oracle will be released on the 1st of January, 2017 after further editing. The version I read is an early one, so be warned that some aspects I comment on might be revised in the final novel.
I loved The Lost Soul, this entry's predecessor. It's an easy-going fantasy with rebellions and tyranny, all set in Enchena, a mystical kingdom dominated by magic and mystery. The Oracle is much the same. It embodies the themes of morality and oppression, tracing the journey of young adults forced to grow up fast in a tumultuous and fantastical environment. It all looks good.
But it's the same. The Oracle's story is drastically similar to The Lost Soul, and barring a few things, could be read entirely on its own. What I mean is it feels more like a beginning than a finale, which it essentially is as it rounds off the series' story (with a definitive end that leaves room for more entries if the author wishes so).
Arcs within the novel also feels rushed and clipped, with narratives started only to vanish and pop up in a form that we don't actually see the progression to.
I guess, overall, The Oracle polarises me with its beautiful world and potential clashing with a repetitive plot and jumbled journey.
Synopsis
After a brief respite, the Gardyn rebels have returned to fight the tyranny of King Hrafn and Prince David.
Samantha, Jillis and Tobias will have to find their place in the new vision of Enchena; but first, they have to risk everything to make it real.
New allies will rise, as the past plays a huge part in the future; and an Oracle must be brought, to guide them all.
Plot - 2.5/5 Stars
Okay, let's balance this show with a little positive, shall we? Reading over that intro has my guilt flaring at the negative. The Oracle is a simple, solid fantasy. The story hangs on the side of magic, and while it's not until 3/4 of the way through that we see some physical representation of that magic, Ms Marsden has a beautiful world that has a wealth of mythology to play with (adding excitement to the fact that more plots are open to be told).
There are also some phenomenal politics that breed paranoia, giving the war and struggle within the pages a severally unpredictable quality.
We begin in much the same vein as The Lost Soul, with a seemingly normal girl pulled into the world of Enchena with a part to play and a destiny to fulfil. This happens quickly, ensuring the reader is swept up in stellar supernatural events. But from there things slow down rather rapidly. The plot meanders its way to an epic finale, preferring half-built contemplation and extensive exposition. On the plus side it means you're all up-to-date on what's happening; on the other side you can't help but be a little disappointed that with a war going on you see very little actual war.
There are a couple of surprises, though, and they lead to a push in the plot as the end draws near. The end is thankfully action-packed, but also abrupt. It's something I felt a lot during this novel's run: A rushed, clipped feeling, like parts of the story that better flesh progressions have been taken out.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
While, overall, smooth and consistent, The Oracle starts fast only to lose its momentum. There aren't enough action scenes to break up the exposition, leaving things heavy with explanations and foreshadowing that only end in a little satisfaction.
Once past the stop and starts, however, the pace does pick up to execute a satisfying end.
Characters - 2.5/5 Stars
The characters are also an uneven bunch. We follow two main viewpoints: Jemma, a new addition, and Samantha, protagonist from The Lost Soul. Both have flighty personalities that enhance the sensation that parts of the novel are missing. Their motivations and attitudes change from scene to scene without any outside force. Out of the two, Samantha gains the most traction during the story's run and does earn some of her likeability back.
Relationships, from the platonic to the romantic, also face trouble. Not enough time is dedicated to their blossoming, so when things appear radically different, it's because there are too many events happening away from the reader's line of sight.
All is not on the downside, though. Siabhon, the monster with a heart, while underutilised, is hilarious. His Gollum-like dialogue and one-liners are breaths of fresh air amongst the doom and gloom.
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The book's currently unreleased, so I forgive any spelling or grammatical errors because Ms Marsden is adept at tidying them up. The Oracle's visuals are crystal clear and stunning, enhanced by the author's gorgeous style of writing. Dialogue can be a bit stiff and heavy, but it's predominantly smooth and informative.
The structure could use a better balance between adrenaline and information, but I've been told that's already in the works.
Overall - 2.5/5 Stars
I enjoyed The Oracle, but it isn't fully for me. Its predecessor, The Lost Soul, is a far superior experience. But I do advise you to take my review with a pinch of salt. A lot of my misgivings could potentially vanish in the finished novel.
Those of you who have a penchant for the young adult and fantasy genres would be remiss if you passed this series over. I have a special place in my heart for the first instalment, but despite my guilt-ridden negativity, this entry offers a fun, fast foray through a potentially epic world.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 11, 2016
Girl Missing by Tess Gerritsen - Book Review
4/5 Stars
The first body is a mystery.
The next body is a warning.
The final body...might be hers...
Girl Missing is a solid thriller/romance novel by a solid author. Described as the 'bridge' between her more lovey-dovey type novels and her well-known medical mysteries by the author herself, Tess tells a warm tale full of horror. It's predictable, yes, but not shabby at all. The story offers a suspenseful journey that does hold a surprise or two, and while I'm usually hesitant about overt romance, it's not unwelcome here.
But there are two aspects that transcend just simple enjoyment: Kat Novak, our protagonist, and the ease with which Girl Missing can be read. Tess's writing in this novel is simple and vivid, cutting to the point with genuine emotion with a hero who is genuinely engrossing.
Synopsis
THE FIRST BODY IS A MYSTERY.
She's young. She's beautiful. And her corpse, laid out in the office of Boston medical examiner Kat Novak, betrays no secrets - except for a matchbook clutched in one stiff hand, seven numbers scrawled inside.
THE NEXT BODY IS A WARNING.
When a second victim is discovered, Kat begins to fear that a serial killer is stalking the streets. The police are sceptical. The mayor won't listen. And Kat's chief suspect is one of the town's most prominent citizens.
THE FINAL BODY...MIGHT BE HERS.
With the death toll rising, Kat races to expose a deadly predator who is closer than she ever dreamt. And every move she makes could be her very last.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Girl Missing delivers a reliable thriller full of chaos and conspiracies. Generic, maybe, for those who are crime aficionados, but nonetheless well put together and fun to read. We, of course, begin with a murder, which then leads to mystery. The story develops quickly, with a balanced structure that provides gruesome discoveries and tense action.
But the dank and dark investigation collides with red-hot romance. The warmth of that romance cuts through the morbidity, adding tenuous personal situations to the deadly professional ones. That said, don't get too comfortable, because Tess blasts forward with a tremendous, and literally explosive, push.
Things end on a satisfying note; loose ends are tied and the mystery is solved, leaving the reader with a pleasant aftertaste.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Girl Missing is driven with a brutal grip. The author doesn't waste time with fluff or formalities, instead preferring to get to the nitty-gritty with superb suspense.
There's also not a lot of medical jargon, something I'm used to in Gerritsen's other novels. While the protagonist is in the dead-body business, we spend more time on secrets and chemistry rather than the medical magic behind both. (To elaborate a little, I love Gerritsen's experience and knowledge in her books. It adds authenticity to the horror she can create and the good she can dispense, but it also adds a weighty feel that isn't present in Girl Missing.)
Characters - 4/5 Stars
And now we reach Kat Novak - protagonist, hero, full-time main character. An assistant medical examiner, Kat initially embodies your typical viewpoint. She stumbles upon a mystery that sucks her well-meaning butt into its tangled web. But Kat is so much more. She has brilliant bite to her. A feisty nature that's tempered with a harsh childhood and intrinsic compassion. She doesn't get a whole lot of medical examining done (how she keeps her job I have no idea), but her mission to avenge the dead isn't hard to imagine.
Plus she has the wit to end all wit; her sarcastic nature shines like a star.
Next up is Adam, the love interest and overall swoon-worthy male costar. Yes, I said swoon-worthy without any shame. Adam's really only there to fulfil the novel's romantic inclinations, but Tess does give him a palpable personality and fractured family dynamics. He bounces well off of Kat, and their chemistry is undeniable.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Tess pulls all the above aspects together tight, but not so tight that they could easily snap. Girl Missing revels in paranoia and love that are justified. Scenes are clear and full of excitement, whether they're showing action, mystery, or romance.
Tess Gerritsen has a way with words.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
If you're looking for a quick thriller that gets you a little hot under the collar, you could do a lot worse than Girl Missing. It might be a little predictable, but its enjoyability is never affected. Sharp writing and a fast pace round off a great story with two smoky leads at the helm.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
The first body is a mystery.
The next body is a warning.
The final body...might be hers...
Girl Missing is a solid thriller/romance novel by a solid author. Described as the 'bridge' between her more lovey-dovey type novels and her well-known medical mysteries by the author herself, Tess tells a warm tale full of horror. It's predictable, yes, but not shabby at all. The story offers a suspenseful journey that does hold a surprise or two, and while I'm usually hesitant about overt romance, it's not unwelcome here.
But there are two aspects that transcend just simple enjoyment: Kat Novak, our protagonist, and the ease with which Girl Missing can be read. Tess's writing in this novel is simple and vivid, cutting to the point with genuine emotion with a hero who is genuinely engrossing.
Synopsis
THE FIRST BODY IS A MYSTERY.
She's young. She's beautiful. And her corpse, laid out in the office of Boston medical examiner Kat Novak, betrays no secrets - except for a matchbook clutched in one stiff hand, seven numbers scrawled inside.
THE NEXT BODY IS A WARNING.
When a second victim is discovered, Kat begins to fear that a serial killer is stalking the streets. The police are sceptical. The mayor won't listen. And Kat's chief suspect is one of the town's most prominent citizens.
THE FINAL BODY...MIGHT BE HERS.
With the death toll rising, Kat races to expose a deadly predator who is closer than she ever dreamt. And every move she makes could be her very last.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Girl Missing delivers a reliable thriller full of chaos and conspiracies. Generic, maybe, for those who are crime aficionados, but nonetheless well put together and fun to read. We, of course, begin with a murder, which then leads to mystery. The story develops quickly, with a balanced structure that provides gruesome discoveries and tense action.
But the dank and dark investigation collides with red-hot romance. The warmth of that romance cuts through the morbidity, adding tenuous personal situations to the deadly professional ones. That said, don't get too comfortable, because Tess blasts forward with a tremendous, and literally explosive, push.
Things end on a satisfying note; loose ends are tied and the mystery is solved, leaving the reader with a pleasant aftertaste.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Girl Missing is driven with a brutal grip. The author doesn't waste time with fluff or formalities, instead preferring to get to the nitty-gritty with superb suspense.
There's also not a lot of medical jargon, something I'm used to in Gerritsen's other novels. While the protagonist is in the dead-body business, we spend more time on secrets and chemistry rather than the medical magic behind both. (To elaborate a little, I love Gerritsen's experience and knowledge in her books. It adds authenticity to the horror she can create and the good she can dispense, but it also adds a weighty feel that isn't present in Girl Missing.)
Characters - 4/5 Stars
And now we reach Kat Novak - protagonist, hero, full-time main character. An assistant medical examiner, Kat initially embodies your typical viewpoint. She stumbles upon a mystery that sucks her well-meaning butt into its tangled web. But Kat is so much more. She has brilliant bite to her. A feisty nature that's tempered with a harsh childhood and intrinsic compassion. She doesn't get a whole lot of medical examining done (how she keeps her job I have no idea), but her mission to avenge the dead isn't hard to imagine.
Plus she has the wit to end all wit; her sarcastic nature shines like a star.
Next up is Adam, the love interest and overall swoon-worthy male costar. Yes, I said swoon-worthy without any shame. Adam's really only there to fulfil the novel's romantic inclinations, but Tess does give him a palpable personality and fractured family dynamics. He bounces well off of Kat, and their chemistry is undeniable.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Tess pulls all the above aspects together tight, but not so tight that they could easily snap. Girl Missing revels in paranoia and love that are justified. Scenes are clear and full of excitement, whether they're showing action, mystery, or romance.
Tess Gerritsen has a way with words.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
If you're looking for a quick thriller that gets you a little hot under the collar, you could do a lot worse than Girl Missing. It might be a little predictable, but its enjoyability is never affected. Sharp writing and a fast pace round off a great story with two smoky leads at the helm.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 5, 2016
The Shining by Stephen King (The Shining, #1) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
Danny is a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage.
When his father becomes caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grow frighteningly out of control.
There is an evil force in the hotel
- and it too is beginning to shine...
The Shining is a horror classic. Is that stating the obvious? Yes. Is it redundant? No. It deserves to be repeated over and over, with emphatic excitement, because the spectacular supernatural story that this novel contains is a force to be reckoned with. Haunting horror surrounds and merges with captivating character progressions, ensuring that, by that final page, even the most critically minded will be unable to deny The Shining's revered status.
I just can't beat the book from my mind (not that I'm trying particularly hard; although, when it's time for sleep that might change). The depth of the novel's themes and its passionate dissection of the human psyche elevates everything past just simple horror. A lot of this is due to insane imagination, but the personal turmoils of the author are undeniably present and palpable.
The Shining has a sliver of King's soul, and it shines with devastating delight.
Synopsis
Danny is only five years old but in the words of Mr Hallorann he is a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage. When his father becomes caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grow frighteningly out of control. Who is the woman in Room 217? And why do the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive? There is an evil force in the hotel - and it too is beginning to shine...
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Set in the Overlook Hotel, an extravagant vista nestled in the mountains of Colorado, The Shining drenches itself in realism right from the get-go. King has a way with tone and atmosphere that, no matter how supernatural the story gets, keeps the reader grounded and terrified. Caught up in the events of the plot you'd be forgiven for jumping at the slightest sound (and, yes, this feeling continues even when you set the novel down).
I love the way the terror builds, with little quirks and habits collecting to form a picture that, once you see its scope and ramifications, you realise time has run out and it's too bloody late.
But The Shining isn't exclusively horror. It's not even exclusively supernatural. Instead, King weaves a tight tale about many different themes and trials. We follow a family on the rocks, each of them fighting metaphoric demons along with the real ones: Isolation, alcoholism, love, hope, doubt, hate, and on and on it goes. Each trait this novel possesses is tuned to perfection, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that stuns you with their sharpness.
The plot at the core, however, stands as strong as the supports that surround it. Insightful questions are answered with genuine answers, and King sprinkles some breadcrumbs to make sure the reader is never far off from the loop.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Normally I'm a reader who enjoys a faster pace, usually with the help of some mindless action, but The Shining offers a measured and contemplative experience. It has things it wants to say and scares it works the hell out of. But what I think bypasses my predilection for zoom, zoom, zoom, is the fascinating myriad of stories. This novel is never uneventful, and with King's mastery over every aspect of information in his worlds, nothing you're given ever feels like 'filler'.
Plus, when the oddities go from unnerving to terrifying, the slow, bubbling pace adds nerve-wracking tension with a gloved haymaker.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
Personalities, histories, motivations... Everything that goes into making a character is exceptional. King's ability to unfurl and study an individual's human nature with accuracy and passion is unparalleled. Infused with personal experiences of his own, The Shining comes alive.
Realistic family drama provides a sense of normalcy that is balanced with the supernatural hauntings, raising the games of both. King's cast is diverse and so well created that even the most despicable is hard to judge. The shades of grey enhance situations. Actions have consequences, nature vs nurture vs both is explored, and the sense of chaos is unstoppable as the characters all fight for control.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Stephen King.
That's really all this section needs - the author's name. The Shining wouldn't have been able to cement itself in literature in the way it has without King's talent and tenacity. Everything I wrote above is testament to just how well he can spin a phrase and build a story. Scenes stick with you and experiences are heartfelt.
With so much going on within the story, The Shining is without a doubt an intense ride, but it's also one you can go back to. I sincerely plan on rereading the book again in the future and I'm positive there will be new aspects of it for me to find.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I'm late to this party, I know, but better late than never. If you're like me and for some reason you haven't read this book, get going now! The Shining is the gold standard when it comes to supernatural horror, and its character studies are a phenomenal treat.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Danny is a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage.
When his father becomes caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grow frighteningly out of control.
There is an evil force in the hotel
- and it too is beginning to shine...
The Shining is a horror classic. Is that stating the obvious? Yes. Is it redundant? No. It deserves to be repeated over and over, with emphatic excitement, because the spectacular supernatural story that this novel contains is a force to be reckoned with. Haunting horror surrounds and merges with captivating character progressions, ensuring that, by that final page, even the most critically minded will be unable to deny The Shining's revered status.
I just can't beat the book from my mind (not that I'm trying particularly hard; although, when it's time for sleep that might change). The depth of the novel's themes and its passionate dissection of the human psyche elevates everything past just simple horror. A lot of this is due to insane imagination, but the personal turmoils of the author are undeniably present and palpable.
The Shining has a sliver of King's soul, and it shines with devastating delight.
Synopsis
Danny is only five years old but in the words of Mr Hallorann he is a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage. When his father becomes caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grow frighteningly out of control. Who is the woman in Room 217? And why do the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive? There is an evil force in the hotel - and it too is beginning to shine...
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Set in the Overlook Hotel, an extravagant vista nestled in the mountains of Colorado, The Shining drenches itself in realism right from the get-go. King has a way with tone and atmosphere that, no matter how supernatural the story gets, keeps the reader grounded and terrified. Caught up in the events of the plot you'd be forgiven for jumping at the slightest sound (and, yes, this feeling continues even when you set the novel down).
I love the way the terror builds, with little quirks and habits collecting to form a picture that, once you see its scope and ramifications, you realise time has run out and it's too bloody late.
But The Shining isn't exclusively horror. It's not even exclusively supernatural. Instead, King weaves a tight tale about many different themes and trials. We follow a family on the rocks, each of them fighting metaphoric demons along with the real ones: Isolation, alcoholism, love, hope, doubt, hate, and on and on it goes. Each trait this novel possesses is tuned to perfection, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that stuns you with their sharpness.
The plot at the core, however, stands as strong as the supports that surround it. Insightful questions are answered with genuine answers, and King sprinkles some breadcrumbs to make sure the reader is never far off from the loop.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Normally I'm a reader who enjoys a faster pace, usually with the help of some mindless action, but The Shining offers a measured and contemplative experience. It has things it wants to say and scares it works the hell out of. But what I think bypasses my predilection for zoom, zoom, zoom, is the fascinating myriad of stories. This novel is never uneventful, and with King's mastery over every aspect of information in his worlds, nothing you're given ever feels like 'filler'.
Plus, when the oddities go from unnerving to terrifying, the slow, bubbling pace adds nerve-wracking tension with a gloved haymaker.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
Personalities, histories, motivations... Everything that goes into making a character is exceptional. King's ability to unfurl and study an individual's human nature with accuracy and passion is unparalleled. Infused with personal experiences of his own, The Shining comes alive.
Realistic family drama provides a sense of normalcy that is balanced with the supernatural hauntings, raising the games of both. King's cast is diverse and so well created that even the most despicable is hard to judge. The shades of grey enhance situations. Actions have consequences, nature vs nurture vs both is explored, and the sense of chaos is unstoppable as the characters all fight for control.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Stephen King.
That's really all this section needs - the author's name. The Shining wouldn't have been able to cement itself in literature in the way it has without King's talent and tenacity. Everything I wrote above is testament to just how well he can spin a phrase and build a story. Scenes stick with you and experiences are heartfelt.
With so much going on within the story, The Shining is without a doubt an intense ride, but it's also one you can go back to. I sincerely plan on rereading the book again in the future and I'm positive there will be new aspects of it for me to find.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I'm late to this party, I know, but better late than never. If you're like me and for some reason you haven't read this book, get going now! The Shining is the gold standard when it comes to supernatural horror, and its character studies are a phenomenal treat.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
December 1, 2016
An Other Place by Darren Dash - Book Review
4/5 Stars
There is An Other Place...
where time and space are fluid...
where the moon changes colour and savage beasts run wild...
where love is a perilous proposition and the dead are swiftly forgotten...
where sandmen offer sanctuary and the Alchemist rules over all.
Welcome to An Other Place, an eerie environment that examines existence in excruciating detail. You'll form questions that no one can answer; make connections that never last; live a life never to be remembered; and don't forget the deadly changes of the moon, when nightmares become a reality only a sandman can save...
(Please be warned that as a resident of An Other Place, all these disclaimers of our culture will swiftly slink away from your memory, despite how important they are. Enjoy your stay!)
So I was gifted an early copy of this novel by author Darren Dash (also known as Darren Shan, but tell no one). I did plan on having a review done and dusted and declaring my undying love for any mind-tantalising work that births itself from this author's brain, but life rarely seems to give you a break, especially on the run up to Christmas.
But, alas, here I am. With An Other Place's release (pick it up on Amazon, folks, link up top), I knew I just had to make the time, and make the time I did. This entry to Shan's adult collection carries the same flavour many of his other novels do: A dark world with dark characters, dark actions, dark questions and even darker answers that really don't answer anything. Intrigue and mystery abound, and the world's similar yet vastly different nature to our own will definitely unnerve the hell out of you.
Synopsis
There is An Other Place... where time and space are fluid... where the moon changes colour and savage beasts run wild... where love is a perilous proposition and the dead are swiftly forgotten... where sandmen offer sanctuary and the Alchemist rules over all.
When Newman Riplan's flight into the unknown turns into a nightmarish slide between worlds, he must explore an unnamed city where unpredictable terrors are the norm. By the end of his first day adrift, his life has spun completely out of his control, but the most mind-twisting and soul-crushing revelations are only beginning. As he desperately searches for a way out, he starts to realise that the city isn't in the habit of releasing its captives.
And it seems to have a plan for him...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
An Other Place is a quirky horror that delights and disgusts with aplomb. It begins with setting a salacious tone that quickly has you wondering whether or not this kind of story is for you. I had the same experience with Dash's The Evil And The Pure, so I knew to push past my hesitation, and, boy, am I glad.
Have any of you ever played the horror game Silent Hill? (If you haven't, why? Try to grab one of the first three, you're in for an amazingly terrifying experience.) Well, An Other Place's atmosphere instantly took me to that emotional place. It has a similar vibe, where a strange, incomprehensible place so similar to reality is different enough to destroy your sanity. And I think that's where this novel excels. The world is just enough like ours that when Dash throws in his fascinating imagination it's always a surprise.
There's action and adrenaline, but An Other Place thrives on its attempt to ask existential questions that have simple answers yet can never be answered at all.
The mystery is mind-boggling, and one that works for and against the story. My only misgiving for the novel comes in its meandering steps. There's a lot of contemplation and subtle themes that in some areas it comes across as pointless, which I think is the point.
Am I losing you yet? I have thoughts I understand, but getting them out and comprehensible is becoming impossible (I've been away for a while, too, so forgive me).
An Other Place is a creepy supernatural tale of the individual and life. It plays on selfishness and consequences, humanity and knowledge, and, perhaps most of all, the fragility and shortness of life and memory.
It's definitely a novel that has many facets of information, so one read likely isn't enough to fully absorb the novel's many messages. Luckily, the first read through offers an exhilarating experience, if a metaphoric-heavy one.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Ever the master of keeping a reader enthralled, Dash has a solid structure that tries not to wander too far from its path. Action breaks up mystery and questions asked give the reader food for thought (just don't expect too many answers).
Characters - 3.5/5 Stars
This section contains a little contradiction, in a way. One of the main aspects that makes the story its unnerving best comes in the form of a simplistic cast. Newman Riplan, our protagonist, is the only character that has a tangible presence, while the rest are flighty and inconsistent. It's hard to explain if you haven't read the novel, so to save you from the rambles I feel creeping at the edge of my mind, read the book and come back.
Newman himself is a character that is deplorable yet someone who lives inside of us all. Dash puts him through the ringer, testing his sanity and faith, forcing him to make choices outside of even his dark nature. The story's hopelessness is embodied by Riplan, and even the reader comes to think that their protagonist cannot be redeemed. But Dash has an intricate and infuriating progression for his star, and while brutal and barbaric, it's fascinating.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Dash is phenomenal when it comes to translating his vivid imagination onto a page. The world is built with unflinching foundations and the story is often sharp and scintillating. Perhaps most wondrous of all is just how on point the novel's black comedy is. Portrayed by a sarcastic protagonist, the timing is impeccable and the effect is definitely dirty.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
I have a feeling An Other Place won't be for everyone, especially fans of the author. It's a startling step away from his usual pieces, even though a few of those elements we love are there. Definitive is something this story is not, so don't expect solid answers about its purpose. Dash prefers to leave you with questions after having a thrilling ride that helps you appreciate those questions' importance.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
There is An Other Place...
where time and space are fluid...
where the moon changes colour and savage beasts run wild...
where love is a perilous proposition and the dead are swiftly forgotten...
where sandmen offer sanctuary and the Alchemist rules over all.
Welcome to An Other Place, an eerie environment that examines existence in excruciating detail. You'll form questions that no one can answer; make connections that never last; live a life never to be remembered; and don't forget the deadly changes of the moon, when nightmares become a reality only a sandman can save...
(Please be warned that as a resident of An Other Place, all these disclaimers of our culture will swiftly slink away from your memory, despite how important they are. Enjoy your stay!)
So I was gifted an early copy of this novel by author Darren Dash (also known as Darren Shan, but tell no one). I did plan on having a review done and dusted and declaring my undying love for any mind-tantalising work that births itself from this author's brain, but life rarely seems to give you a break, especially on the run up to Christmas.
But, alas, here I am. With An Other Place's release (pick it up on Amazon, folks, link up top), I knew I just had to make the time, and make the time I did. This entry to Shan's adult collection carries the same flavour many of his other novels do: A dark world with dark characters, dark actions, dark questions and even darker answers that really don't answer anything. Intrigue and mystery abound, and the world's similar yet vastly different nature to our own will definitely unnerve the hell out of you.
Synopsis
There is An Other Place... where time and space are fluid... where the moon changes colour and savage beasts run wild... where love is a perilous proposition and the dead are swiftly forgotten... where sandmen offer sanctuary and the Alchemist rules over all.
When Newman Riplan's flight into the unknown turns into a nightmarish slide between worlds, he must explore an unnamed city where unpredictable terrors are the norm. By the end of his first day adrift, his life has spun completely out of his control, but the most mind-twisting and soul-crushing revelations are only beginning. As he desperately searches for a way out, he starts to realise that the city isn't in the habit of releasing its captives.
And it seems to have a plan for him...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
An Other Place is a quirky horror that delights and disgusts with aplomb. It begins with setting a salacious tone that quickly has you wondering whether or not this kind of story is for you. I had the same experience with Dash's The Evil And The Pure, so I knew to push past my hesitation, and, boy, am I glad.
Have any of you ever played the horror game Silent Hill? (If you haven't, why? Try to grab one of the first three, you're in for an amazingly terrifying experience.) Well, An Other Place's atmosphere instantly took me to that emotional place. It has a similar vibe, where a strange, incomprehensible place so similar to reality is different enough to destroy your sanity. And I think that's where this novel excels. The world is just enough like ours that when Dash throws in his fascinating imagination it's always a surprise.
There's action and adrenaline, but An Other Place thrives on its attempt to ask existential questions that have simple answers yet can never be answered at all.
The mystery is mind-boggling, and one that works for and against the story. My only misgiving for the novel comes in its meandering steps. There's a lot of contemplation and subtle themes that in some areas it comes across as pointless, which I think is the point.
Am I losing you yet? I have thoughts I understand, but getting them out and comprehensible is becoming impossible (I've been away for a while, too, so forgive me).
An Other Place is a creepy supernatural tale of the individual and life. It plays on selfishness and consequences, humanity and knowledge, and, perhaps most of all, the fragility and shortness of life and memory.
It's definitely a novel that has many facets of information, so one read likely isn't enough to fully absorb the novel's many messages. Luckily, the first read through offers an exhilarating experience, if a metaphoric-heavy one.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Ever the master of keeping a reader enthralled, Dash has a solid structure that tries not to wander too far from its path. Action breaks up mystery and questions asked give the reader food for thought (just don't expect too many answers).
Characters - 3.5/5 Stars
This section contains a little contradiction, in a way. One of the main aspects that makes the story its unnerving best comes in the form of a simplistic cast. Newman Riplan, our protagonist, is the only character that has a tangible presence, while the rest are flighty and inconsistent. It's hard to explain if you haven't read the novel, so to save you from the rambles I feel creeping at the edge of my mind, read the book and come back.
Newman himself is a character that is deplorable yet someone who lives inside of us all. Dash puts him through the ringer, testing his sanity and faith, forcing him to make choices outside of even his dark nature. The story's hopelessness is embodied by Riplan, and even the reader comes to think that their protagonist cannot be redeemed. But Dash has an intricate and infuriating progression for his star, and while brutal and barbaric, it's fascinating.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Dash is phenomenal when it comes to translating his vivid imagination onto a page. The world is built with unflinching foundations and the story is often sharp and scintillating. Perhaps most wondrous of all is just how on point the novel's black comedy is. Portrayed by a sarcastic protagonist, the timing is impeccable and the effect is definitely dirty.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
I have a feeling An Other Place won't be for everyone, especially fans of the author. It's a startling step away from his usual pieces, even though a few of those elements we love are there. Definitive is something this story is not, so don't expect solid answers about its purpose. Dash prefers to leave you with questions after having a thrilling ride that helps you appreciate those questions' importance.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
October 19, 2016
The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
A gruesome secret is about to be unearthed...
The Bone Garden is a mesmerising medical thriller/historical drama that captivates and chills. Set predominantly during the 1800s in Boston, with periodic jumps forward to the present day, Tess delivers cutting brutality, intricate mystery, and a realistic look at the hardships and class divides that plagued the times (and, in some ways, still persist today).
Historical fiction isn't something I normally pick up. Not because I don't like it, I'm just very neutral about it. Well, Ms Gerritsen has shown me what I've been missing. The way she creates the world around a vivid cast sends you back in time, and the in-depth lives we follow make you forget there's a crime story right up until it smacks you in the face just as hard as it does our characters.
And the detail... The author, with previous medical experience, is unrelenting with the macabre nightmares concocted within The Bone Garden. There are no rose-coloured glasses here, with poverty and murder painted with dark, depressing realism.
Synopsis
A GRUESOME SECRET IS ABOUT TO BE UNEARTHED...
When a human skull is dug up in a garden near Boston, Dr Maura Isles is called in to investigate. She quickly discovers that the skeleton - that of a young woman - has been buried for over a hundred years. But who was the woman? And how did she die?
It is the 1830s, and an impoverished medical student, Norris Marshall, is forced to procure corpses in order to further his studies in human anatomy.
It's a gruesome livelihood that will bring him into contact with a terrifying serial killer who slips from ballrooms to graveyards and into autopsy suites.
And who is far, far closer than Norris could ever imagine...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
The Bone Garden follows two time periods: The present and the past. In the present we journey with Julia, a newly divorced woman who uncovers a body of bones in the backyard of her newly purchased home. Intent on finding out who those bones belong to, and how they died, Julia researches the horrific history of her house and the family line who previously lived there. This propels us into the meat of the novel, the 1830s, where we spend most of our time. There we follow Rose and Norris, the former a girl in poverty who falls into the tangled web of a conspiracy, and the latter a man who's inextricably drawn into the plot of a deranged serial killer.
There's a little disjoint in switches, with chapters set in the present almost entirely useless to the overall story. The characters, though, warrant the extra time.
The 1830s, however, are a glorious, gruesome adventure that will have you eternally grateful for the modern world we live in today. The mystery is marvellous, and the way Tess entrenches it into the lives of people in the direst of circumstances only heightens the experience. We see the consequences of immigration and prejudice; the beautiful bonds of family and loyalty; and the class divides that push people to do the unthinkable.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Apart from the ragged edges of time shifting, The Bone Garden is a bubbling bowl of brilliance. It's smooth and unputdownable, with each page a delicious slice of heartbreaking reality. The flow is slow, but not in a negative way. Tess builds a vivid world with layers that need time and attention to be absorbed. The focus divides its time between intense relationships and cutting conspiracies, so there's never a dull moment.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Gosh, character personalities and progressions are phenomenal. Care has gone into the plot, but equal consideration has been given to each individual that populates the book. Strong themes of greed, selflessness, love, and hate all collide in an explosion of drama. So much so that, even without the thriller elements, this story would be tremendous.
The only irk I have is the romantic threads, and it's not that big of an irk. I think relationships within the novel are developed well and emotionally sound, but sometimes a jump from intrigue to love can leave the reader a little confused.
Oh, and although Maura Isles, one of the main characters from Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles series, is in the blurb, she only pops up for about five pages.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
You can always rely on Tess Gerritsen to infiltrate your mind with crisp images. Even if it leaves you with nightmares. Blood and gore await within The Bone Garden, and there's no holding back on stomach-churning scenes, but I dare you to try and stop.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
The Bone Garden makes me extremely grateful for the advantages I have in my life, even if it's not perfect. Hopefully it does the same for you.
All in all, Tess delivers yet another terrific tale that tickles your imagination while giving you a strong dose of reality.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
A gruesome secret is about to be unearthed...
The Bone Garden is a mesmerising medical thriller/historical drama that captivates and chills. Set predominantly during the 1800s in Boston, with periodic jumps forward to the present day, Tess delivers cutting brutality, intricate mystery, and a realistic look at the hardships and class divides that plagued the times (and, in some ways, still persist today).
Historical fiction isn't something I normally pick up. Not because I don't like it, I'm just very neutral about it. Well, Ms Gerritsen has shown me what I've been missing. The way she creates the world around a vivid cast sends you back in time, and the in-depth lives we follow make you forget there's a crime story right up until it smacks you in the face just as hard as it does our characters.
And the detail... The author, with previous medical experience, is unrelenting with the macabre nightmares concocted within The Bone Garden. There are no rose-coloured glasses here, with poverty and murder painted with dark, depressing realism.
Synopsis
A GRUESOME SECRET IS ABOUT TO BE UNEARTHED...
When a human skull is dug up in a garden near Boston, Dr Maura Isles is called in to investigate. She quickly discovers that the skeleton - that of a young woman - has been buried for over a hundred years. But who was the woman? And how did she die?
It is the 1830s, and an impoverished medical student, Norris Marshall, is forced to procure corpses in order to further his studies in human anatomy.
It's a gruesome livelihood that will bring him into contact with a terrifying serial killer who slips from ballrooms to graveyards and into autopsy suites.
And who is far, far closer than Norris could ever imagine...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
The Bone Garden follows two time periods: The present and the past. In the present we journey with Julia, a newly divorced woman who uncovers a body of bones in the backyard of her newly purchased home. Intent on finding out who those bones belong to, and how they died, Julia researches the horrific history of her house and the family line who previously lived there. This propels us into the meat of the novel, the 1830s, where we spend most of our time. There we follow Rose and Norris, the former a girl in poverty who falls into the tangled web of a conspiracy, and the latter a man who's inextricably drawn into the plot of a deranged serial killer.
There's a little disjoint in switches, with chapters set in the present almost entirely useless to the overall story. The characters, though, warrant the extra time.
The 1830s, however, are a glorious, gruesome adventure that will have you eternally grateful for the modern world we live in today. The mystery is marvellous, and the way Tess entrenches it into the lives of people in the direst of circumstances only heightens the experience. We see the consequences of immigration and prejudice; the beautiful bonds of family and loyalty; and the class divides that push people to do the unthinkable.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Apart from the ragged edges of time shifting, The Bone Garden is a bubbling bowl of brilliance. It's smooth and unputdownable, with each page a delicious slice of heartbreaking reality. The flow is slow, but not in a negative way. Tess builds a vivid world with layers that need time and attention to be absorbed. The focus divides its time between intense relationships and cutting conspiracies, so there's never a dull moment.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Gosh, character personalities and progressions are phenomenal. Care has gone into the plot, but equal consideration has been given to each individual that populates the book. Strong themes of greed, selflessness, love, and hate all collide in an explosion of drama. So much so that, even without the thriller elements, this story would be tremendous.
The only irk I have is the romantic threads, and it's not that big of an irk. I think relationships within the novel are developed well and emotionally sound, but sometimes a jump from intrigue to love can leave the reader a little confused.
Oh, and although Maura Isles, one of the main characters from Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles series, is in the blurb, she only pops up for about five pages.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
You can always rely on Tess Gerritsen to infiltrate your mind with crisp images. Even if it leaves you with nightmares. Blood and gore await within The Bone Garden, and there's no holding back on stomach-churning scenes, but I dare you to try and stop.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
The Bone Garden makes me extremely grateful for the advantages I have in my life, even if it's not perfect. Hopefully it does the same for you.
All in all, Tess delivers yet another terrific tale that tickles your imagination while giving you a strong dose of reality.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
October 15, 2016
United as One by Pittacus Lore (Lorien Legacies, #7) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
The time has come for the Garde to make their final stand...
United as One signals the end of the fantastical sci-fi series that is the Lorien Legacies, and it's a bittersweet farewell.
For a while now the Lorien Legacies has been a collection that hasn't let me down; one that's been reliable and riveting, blending genres and themes in a way that I just can't get enough of. I'm a little sad. There are still several novellas, side entries I've yet to read, but for all intents and purposes, I've reached the end of an incredible journey.
So why 4.5 and not 5 out of 5 Stars?
United as One is a tremendous tale that, more or less, wraps up the series with spectacular success. But it is a little slow to get going, which is surprising. I know final novels have to build to their finales, but the story has been building for a long, long time, and it doesn't need the slower pace in the first half.
But, don't be disheartened, this concluding instalment has a climactic battle we've all been waiting for, and it's more than satisfactory.
Synopsis
The Mogadorian invasion has come to Earth, and they have all but won the battle for our planet. Their warships loom over our most populous cities - like New York City, Tokyo, Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi - and no army will risk making a move against them. The Garde are all that stand in their way...but they are no longer alone in this fight. Human teens from across the globe, like John Smith's best friend, Sam Goode, have begun to develop Legacies of their own.
The Garde have always known there is power in numbers. If they can find these new allies and join forces with them, they just might be able to win this war.
The time has come for the Garde to make their final stand.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
United as One takes a pondering approach to begin with. The story and the cast both deal with the finale and twists that The Fate of Ten left them with, and the brief reprieve from fighting acts as both a positive and a negative. After six books of mostly balanced action and exposition, the slower approach can be a little annoying. Especially considering this is the last entry to the series.
But it's not wasted. Character development is focused on, as are more subtle acts of battle. For the first half of the novel we experience some touching emotion, but that pales in comparison to the terrific tension and the group's scenes of strategy. Psychological warfare is predominant, and the author does a great job of creating chaos without throwing our characters into a big battle.
Then again, big battles do come, and they are everything I wanted and more. United as One pulls all its lore and collects it for consecutive epic fights. Action is glorious as the author unleashes every superpower possible into stunning scenes. The final battle showcases what this series has always been about: Unity. It definitely touches your heart, and with darker themes, United as One is a fitting conclusion.
There is a look forward. After we conclude the series' arc, the author gives us a glimpse one year into the future. It ties things fine, but I'm not in love with it. It's a little rushed.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
As I said, we begin slow. It's a little jarring, considering the series is mostly fast-paced and unrelenting, but it is worth it despite being unnecessary.
The standard flow returns with a vengeance, though, and it all coalesces tightly.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Lorien Legacies has always done fantastic work with its characters, and United as One is no different. I'll happily repeat myself by saying you do, 100%, feel like you're with these diverse individuals, rather than someone watching from afar. Development is darker, which fits in line with the story's atmosphere. We've reached the precipice, and our characters know it's time to jump.
John, our protagonist (mostly), is especially great. The war between his dark side and his sense of right is invigorating. He's always been the moral compass; capable of making the hard decisions, but always making them with others in mind. United as One keeps this framework, but there's an undercurrent of unpredictability to the character, an undercurrent that's not lost on the people around him who are dealing with their own progressions.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
Pittacus Lore has to be given props for the range of emotions that this series effortlessly elicits. This entry balances light and dark, and the heroics compliment the heartbreak that the reader is helpless to experience. Scenes are simple, but expansive, with an efficient use of detail.
The first-person narrative also gives us invaluable insight into the minds of our cast, complimenting the story with genuine personal journeys. And despite my continued moaning about the slow start, the present tense doesn't make it a bumpy ride.
And let's not forget the comedy. United as One has some standout humour that had me near tears. It doesn't always hit the mark, but there are moments when you have to stop and let the wit roll through you.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I urge anyone who loves young adult novels that thrive on science-fiction and alien invasions to give this series a shot. Even if you don't, give this series a shot. It's a strong collection of epic tales that upkeep a solid quality.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
The time has come for the Garde to make their final stand...
United as One signals the end of the fantastical sci-fi series that is the Lorien Legacies, and it's a bittersweet farewell.
For a while now the Lorien Legacies has been a collection that hasn't let me down; one that's been reliable and riveting, blending genres and themes in a way that I just can't get enough of. I'm a little sad. There are still several novellas, side entries I've yet to read, but for all intents and purposes, I've reached the end of an incredible journey.
So why 4.5 and not 5 out of 5 Stars?
United as One is a tremendous tale that, more or less, wraps up the series with spectacular success. But it is a little slow to get going, which is surprising. I know final novels have to build to their finales, but the story has been building for a long, long time, and it doesn't need the slower pace in the first half.
But, don't be disheartened, this concluding instalment has a climactic battle we've all been waiting for, and it's more than satisfactory.
Synopsis
The Mogadorian invasion has come to Earth, and they have all but won the battle for our planet. Their warships loom over our most populous cities - like New York City, Tokyo, Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi - and no army will risk making a move against them. The Garde are all that stand in their way...but they are no longer alone in this fight. Human teens from across the globe, like John Smith's best friend, Sam Goode, have begun to develop Legacies of their own.
The Garde have always known there is power in numbers. If they can find these new allies and join forces with them, they just might be able to win this war.
The time has come for the Garde to make their final stand.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
United as One takes a pondering approach to begin with. The story and the cast both deal with the finale and twists that The Fate of Ten left them with, and the brief reprieve from fighting acts as both a positive and a negative. After six books of mostly balanced action and exposition, the slower approach can be a little annoying. Especially considering this is the last entry to the series.
But it's not wasted. Character development is focused on, as are more subtle acts of battle. For the first half of the novel we experience some touching emotion, but that pales in comparison to the terrific tension and the group's scenes of strategy. Psychological warfare is predominant, and the author does a great job of creating chaos without throwing our characters into a big battle.
Then again, big battles do come, and they are everything I wanted and more. United as One pulls all its lore and collects it for consecutive epic fights. Action is glorious as the author unleashes every superpower possible into stunning scenes. The final battle showcases what this series has always been about: Unity. It definitely touches your heart, and with darker themes, United as One is a fitting conclusion.
There is a look forward. After we conclude the series' arc, the author gives us a glimpse one year into the future. It ties things fine, but I'm not in love with it. It's a little rushed.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
As I said, we begin slow. It's a little jarring, considering the series is mostly fast-paced and unrelenting, but it is worth it despite being unnecessary.
The standard flow returns with a vengeance, though, and it all coalesces tightly.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Lorien Legacies has always done fantastic work with its characters, and United as One is no different. I'll happily repeat myself by saying you do, 100%, feel like you're with these diverse individuals, rather than someone watching from afar. Development is darker, which fits in line with the story's atmosphere. We've reached the precipice, and our characters know it's time to jump.
John, our protagonist (mostly), is especially great. The war between his dark side and his sense of right is invigorating. He's always been the moral compass; capable of making the hard decisions, but always making them with others in mind. United as One keeps this framework, but there's an undercurrent of unpredictability to the character, an undercurrent that's not lost on the people around him who are dealing with their own progressions.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
Pittacus Lore has to be given props for the range of emotions that this series effortlessly elicits. This entry balances light and dark, and the heroics compliment the heartbreak that the reader is helpless to experience. Scenes are simple, but expansive, with an efficient use of detail.
The first-person narrative also gives us invaluable insight into the minds of our cast, complimenting the story with genuine personal journeys. And despite my continued moaning about the slow start, the present tense doesn't make it a bumpy ride.
And let's not forget the comedy. United as One has some standout humour that had me near tears. It doesn't always hit the mark, but there are moments when you have to stop and let the wit roll through you.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I urge anyone who loves young adult novels that thrive on science-fiction and alien invasions to give this series a shot. Even if you don't, give this series a shot. It's a strong collection of epic tales that upkeep a solid quality.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
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A part of me cried out in pain...
But I wa ...more
A part of me cried out in pain...
But I wa ...more
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