My favorite books transcend genre. This one was particularly compelling in that it mixes fantasy with an alt-world of cold, Lenin-era ambiance. The prMy favorite books transcend genre. This one was particularly compelling in that it mixes fantasy with an alt-world of cold, Lenin-era ambiance. The premise is that gods once actually walked the earth, but then man killed them all. The story of the book follows the consequences of this action. This is a great, meaty fantasy and I highly recommend it for the world building and fantastic characters, including a kick-ass female lead. One of my faves of 2016....more
I really liked this book. The cover has a dude with a tiny pony tail on it, which I think is just the worst. But inside, this is a really solid mysterI really liked this book. The cover has a dude with a tiny pony tail on it, which I think is just the worst. But inside, this is a really solid mystery-sci-fi-romance. I really liked the main characters and setting and world.
I really liked this book. It's a fun historical fiction novel that has some interesting magical elements infused into the political intrigue. I'm a suI really liked this book. It's a fun historical fiction novel that has some interesting magical elements infused into the political intrigue. I'm a sucker for musicians and opera, and this book features a fantastic female protagonist who moves in the world of Hapsburg palaces and nobles. There were a lot of really fun historical details that drew me in the world. There's romance, but it's not a romance book persay. If the unique setting attracts you, give it a look!...more
AMAZING BOOK! I love love love it and frankly, there's no better book to read on the toilet. Off the toilet too, but I learned so much and the writingAMAZING BOOK! I love love love it and frankly, there's no better book to read on the toilet. Off the toilet too, but I learned so much and the writing is so engaging and entertaining and just MARVELOUS. Of course in the style of xkcd, this and Atlas Obscura would be my go-to book gifts this year. ...more
I have really been into non-fiction lately, and this is a TOME ladies and gentlemen. Impeccably researched, sometimes to it's fault, but fascinating aI have really been into non-fiction lately, and this is a TOME ladies and gentlemen. Impeccably researched, sometimes to it's fault, but fascinating and depressing at the same time. I particularly loved how I could really place myself in the world of 17th century America. And it is weirdly reflective of our culture right now in some ways? Where you see a whole society swept up in a fevor of attacking each other, against all logic. Truth was malleable, and innocent people were killed. It goes to show we have an amazing capacity to, as a group, let emotion trump logic. Often to sad consequences. ...more
I don't really like short story compilations. I'd rather have 800 pages than 80. BUT this was a VERY cool anthology of short stories by fantastic authI don't really like short story compilations. I'd rather have 800 pages than 80. BUT this was a VERY cool anthology of short stories by fantastic authors about Mad Scientists. Some were artistic, some were Dr. Horrible-esque, and all were very very enjoyable! Definitely recommend to turn your head around on the bad guy we see in all our genre faves!...more
I think this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, but it got 4 because it has some yummy steamy stuff in it. If you are intrigued by the idea ofI think this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, but it got 4 because it has some yummy steamy stuff in it. If you are intrigued by the idea of a period romance with LARPers in it? This could be your jam! We read this for Vaginal Fantasy and it was overall really enjoyed by all!...more
Ok so this is a DENSE BOOK GUYS. Very VERY well researched and supported by science, sometimes a bit too much, but nonetheless, a really fun perspectiOk so this is a DENSE BOOK GUYS. Very VERY well researched and supported by science, sometimes a bit too much, but nonetheless, a really fun perspective on the actual plausibility of the worlds and rules in the sci-fi and fantasy literature that we love so much. Only thing: He dogged on Harry Potter rules a BIT much for me, but hey, he does have a lot of points, lol.
Definitely eye opening, but not a light read. Take your time and you'll learn a lot of science, and approach your genre literature and media with more educated eyes!...more
This is a really enjoyable book that blends mystery and steampunk together. I've always been a sucker for cross-dressing ladies a-la Shakespeare, and This is a really enjoyable book that blends mystery and steampunk together. I've always been a sucker for cross-dressing ladies a-la Shakespeare, and this one really does a bang up fun job of having a protagonist who dresses as her "brother" in order to be a detective.
There's intrigue and a cool steampunk alt-world to dive into, and really interesting characters. There are hints of romance but it's certainly not a driving force. The political intrigue and mystery are, and those are where the book shines. Can't wait to read the next one!...more
I'm really into subcultures and history and this was a really fascinating glimpse into a culture I knew practically nothing about: The Romani. This boI'm really into subcultures and history and this was a really fascinating glimpse into a culture I knew practically nothing about: The Romani. This book is fabulously researched and intermixes the current world of this formerly nomadic people with their ancient, ancient history. Upshot: It's not a 100% fun read, but it is mind-opening. Poverty, prejudice, even acts of massacre are enmeshed in their history. It was almost startling to read about all this racism and endemic poverty in Europe, a continent I think most Americans associate with luxury and progressivism.
Anyway, definitely worth a read if you want to learn about a world that is incredibly foreign! I will never use the word "gypsy" again after reading this, for sure. ...more
I was sent this book and I didn't know what to expect. It was written in installments over the last year, and now it's compiled into one work. It's a I was sent this book and I didn't know what to expect. It was written in installments over the last year, and now it's compiled into one work. It's a really interesting cyberpunk-ish novella involving governmental surveillance, paranoia, and a bizarrely engaging set of characters. A really quick and fun read.
It also has my favorite line from any book this year, it made me laugh out loud: ""Dickson appeared from nowhere, like the world's shittiest elf..." ...more
This was a really fun read in the vein of Joe Abercrombie, or Richard Morgan. A great set of characters and interesting world building follows the jouThis was a really fun read in the vein of Joe Abercrombie, or Richard Morgan. A great set of characters and interesting world building follows the journey of a legendary general who tried to "get out" and gets pulled back in.
It's VERY long and definitely requires commitment, but if you like being able to crush large insects with your epic fantasy, this is a good edgy-dark addition to the genre. Looking forward to the next one....more
This is a really fascinating mystery that takes place in 1952 Barcelona, which is my favorite city I've ever been to. This period it time though was oThis is a really fascinating mystery that takes place in 1952 Barcelona, which is my favorite city I've ever been to. This period it time though was one I wasn't familiar with, and is actually a bit frightening. A corrupt government that practically owns the press adds a tense undercurrent to a really interesting mystery.
Love the setting, really interesting lady protagonist, definitely recommend especially if you've been to Spain!...more
I blurbed this book and wanted to share the blurb I wrote with everyone:
"A thrilling action adventure with brilliant literary homages to Bram Stoker'sI blurbed this book and wanted to share the blurb I wrote with everyone:
"A thrilling action adventure with brilliant literary homages to Bram Stoker's original. You never wanted to root for Dracula more!"
This is a fantastic historical novel that a friend wrote and thank goodness it's getting out to an audience! It's a thrilling romp, some of the action scenes leave you breathless. There is also a great female character who it's easy to root for and it's written very much in the style of the original. Incredibly well researched, the book is faithful and deep and fun through and through.
I don't think I've read a more exciting sci-fi novel since Neal Asher's "Owner" trilogy. This is sci-fi thriller writing at its best, I literally coulI don't think I've read a more exciting sci-fi novel since Neal Asher's "Owner" trilogy. This is sci-fi thriller writing at its best, I literally couldn't put the book down. How best to describe it? John Wick in space. Jason Bourne on an alt-Earth. Yeah, those work. All I could do while reading this was picture the John Woo version starring young Chow Yun Fat (Hard Boiled is my favorite action movie, soooo, yes I have good taste :D). If that could happen, please Hollywood, make it so!
The book follows an assassin who works for a corporation on a near-future earth. He has an implant in his brain that essentially gives him amnesia for the duration of a hit. But he's tormented by his job nonetheless. He gets sent on a mission into space to a ship wreck, which leads to an awesome twist that I don't want to spoil, and that jettisons him on the path of a world-bending mission. Upshot, he has to adjust to a strange and not-so foreign culture and kick ass over and over again. There's also an amazing female character who I couldn't stop picturing as Rooney Mara, who is incredibly kick ass herself.
I would recommend this if you like action movies, if you like thrillers like Jason Bourne novels, or Richard Morgan-type sci-fi. Please let this be a series, because I need moooooooore!...more
I am on book tour currently, and now appreciate every author who ever lived because this stuff is CRAY! It's like doing a convention for 3 weeks straiI am on book tour currently, and now appreciate every author who ever lived because this stuff is CRAY! It's like doing a convention for 3 weeks straight, but you're flying to different cities every day and since i'm a REALLY picky sleeper, I'm starting to feel like someone's trying to murder me if the bed has a low thread count. Anyway, I loaded my Kindle up with reads in anticipation of traveling a lot, and this book was #1 on my list to get to first. And I loved it!
I'm a big fan of Rachel Caine from her romance novels (and I know her in real life because I fanned out when I met her over her books several years ago, haha). She wrote a few series we've read in my Vaginal Fantasy book club, so imagine my surprise when I read this, and it's not a girlie romance at all, it's a YA novel with a boy protagonist. And it's SO GOOD!
This series is a fantasy love letter to books. When I was reading it, all I could think about was how much I loved going into a library as a kid and flipping through the books and finding new worlds. How it was forbidden to draw in a book and how terrible it was to mess one up in the slightest. Books were special. This series is set in an alt world where printing presses don't exist, the Library in Alexandria never was burnt, and knowledge is controlled by an all-powerful Library (capital letter). Our hero is a member of a family who smuggles actual books, so you're dropped immediately into a fantasy world that's rich with conflict. Anyway, I don't want to give more away, but there are amazing themes about freedom and the average person's right to knowledge, as well as the permeating feeling of REVERENCE towards books. I felt very guilty that I was reading it on a kindle, lol, and wanted to run out and buy a real live book immediately after reading.
Anyway, if you love books, this is a great read. It's YA in tone but not too kiddie, there's some dramatic stuff that happens, but it sets up for some great twists in the next book, which I'll be sure to pick up. A quick fun read.
This comes out in Sept, and I got to read an early copy of Deanna Raybourn's new series. JEALOUS MUCH? If you follow mOH HAI I GOT TO READ THIS ARC :P
This comes out in Sept, and I got to read an early copy of Deanna Raybourn's new series. JEALOUS MUCH? If you follow my reading tastes you know I'm slightly obsessed with her, we've picked her books twice at least in my Vaginal Fantasy Romance Book Club, so this was a tasty morsel to enjoy, for sure.
I love Veronica, she is a very different character from Lady Julia, and entirely enjoyable in her own way. Sassy, independent, plucky, she's a cool Nancy Drew for the turn of the century. I'm not sure if this is going to be a series, but I'm on board to read more. (also: Sexy Love Interest rawr)....more
Whelp next time I see Mamrie at a party I'm sure to be overzealously friendly because after reading this book I REALLY WANT TO BE FRIENDS but it won'tWhelp next time I see Mamrie at a party I'm sure to be overzealously friendly because after reading this book I REALLY WANT TO BE FRIENDS but it won't happen because she's busy and I'm kind of creepy. Oh well.
Of all the autobiographies I read during the last year, this and John Cleese's were my favorite. Mamrie is a great writer, and she's led a much more interesting life than I have, and her stories of friendship and drunkeness really made me jealous that I didn't move to NYC right after college and live that crazy life of...single early 20's-ness-ness. ...more
I mean, this book gave me nightmares, which is GOOD because it has a lot of horror in it, which is the point, because it's a testament to how the writI mean, this book gave me nightmares, which is GOOD because it has a lot of horror in it, which is the point, because it's a testament to how the writing was great. (HI GARY I KNOW YOU!) And there are Templars and history and knights and there's a kick-ass girl character, but I had a traumatizing experience when I was seven when my mom took me to see Aliens in the theater WAY too early, so creepy crawly things give me the heebie jeebies REALLY bad. What I'm trying to say is that if you want a really great horror fantasy book this is DEFINITELY great to pick up!...more
I love Alice Hoffman. I just think I've read too many "quirky freak show/circus people in fantasy or alt-worlds" lately. Or just in my life. This is aI love Alice Hoffman. I just think I've read too many "quirky freak show/circus people in fantasy or alt-worlds" lately. Or just in my life. This is a nice book though, the writing is lovely as always, I just felt like the ending didn't kind of live up to the beginning somehow? It felt rushed.
Basically this book reminded me of the Night Circus a lot, which I loved more and read too close to this, so there's probably that that's making me circumstantially biased. It's a very nice book! And I'm always an Alice Hoffman fan, so there....more
There are some fascinating takes on gaming in this short story collection. If you want some interesting, adult takes on aspects your favorite hobby thThere are some fascinating takes on gaming in this short story collection. If you want some interesting, adult takes on aspects your favorite hobby that you may never have thought of, this is worth picking up....more
Upfront: I'm not very objective about this book because Jenny is someone I consider a friend (although we've only met once I think!) and I'm a huge faUpfront: I'm not very objective about this book because Jenny is someone I consider a friend (although we've only met once I think!) and I'm a huge fan of her blog, AND she blurbed my book. But I wouldn't have asked her to blurb if I didn't love her stuff, ergo it doesn't feel weird to say I loved this book. So take that how you will.
This review is based on an ARC too, BTW. Basically her original book is one of my faves (I read it before I'd met her or even read much of her blog, for the record) and these new tales are just as witty and weird and fantastic as in her book debut! You'll never feel ashamed of any aspect of yourself after you read this book. Jenny makes it ok to be you, whatever it is you feel that makes you weird or broken. I love her for that.
Also, I'd never be able to sleep in her house because of all the taxidermy. ...more
This is not a book I would usually read, but I was at BookCon and I got introduced to Scott Westerfeld at a party and I have read a lot of his work, aThis is not a book I would usually read, but I was at BookCon and I got introduced to Scott Westerfeld at a party and I have read a lot of his work, and he had an ARC of this under his arm, and I said "That looks cool!" And the woman next to him just took it from him and gave it to me lol. She was the author so she was cool to do that, lol, but it really was Scott's ARC he'd been carrying around all day (which I didn't know at the time, I just took it) so sorry Scott. I'm a thief.
This book is very good though. I'm not a Marvel fan, and frankly don't read a lot of licensed, TV/Movie-based fiction ever. So this is something i never would have picked up, but glad I read! Black Widow is kind of a character I love hate. I love her tormented past, I hate how she's the lone girl elevated to play on the block with the other Superheroes, but she's organically never going to equal them because she's just not a superhero, gene-wise (Hawkeye I have the same feelings about, so it's not just a girl thing. Your bow does diddly against Hulk bicep, dude.) This book was a pretty cool YA take on her and introduces characters I'd love to see more of in the future. And since I'm a fan of Agents of Shield, it was cool to know that world building deeper than I would have known another licensed property. Anyway, for a YA superhero tale with some kickass ladies, this is a good candidate!...more
Whelp, here is one of 3 magical/fantasy/realism circus-type books I've read in the past 3 months completely accidentally coincidentally. I didn't knowWhelp, here is one of 3 magical/fantasy/realism circus-type books I've read in the past 3 months completely accidentally coincidentally. I didn't know this genre was so strong.
I picked up this book in Edinburgh while on vacation because the cover is lovely. In England. Here in the US it's kind of poopy and looks like a tampon commercial. But the book is very nice and fairy-tale-ish, kind of "Water for Chocolate" meets a seafaring fantasy world. There are a few women characters who are really great. Just the names of characters alone, Avalon and Callenish, are yummy enough to make the book worth reading. There's a sort of fatalistic Celtic air about the whole thing I enjoyed.
If you want to read a very nice book about sea-circus gypsies that is kind of depressing and uplifting and really quite artistic all at the same time, this is a good pick! The Night Circus fans would like this (review coming for that too.)...more
I mean, I'll preface this review with the fact that I think Lena Dunham is pretty awesome, and (just like Mindy Kaling) I followed her on Twitter for I mean, I'll preface this review with the fact that I think Lena Dunham is pretty awesome, and (just like Mindy Kaling) I followed her on Twitter for a spell, kind of dying inside for her to notice me and follow me back and make my life. And then maybe we could go to the spa together one day if we became besties!
It didn't happen. So I unfollowed her (and Mindy). Just out of sadness.
I've run into a lot of people who don't like Lena Dunham. If I mention "Girls" at a comic convention, it is quite clear there isn't a lot of crossover there. But if someone can make a show that is original and force people to think differently, and be brave enough to show her stomach fat to the world with literally no self-consciousness, with the attitude of, "Hey, this is me. If you think there's a problem with the way I am, that's YOUR problem" you have a fan for life in my book.
I can't say that the book changed my life, although I enjoyed it. There's something strangely east coast about her experiences and attitude that I have a hard time living vicariously, it's quite foreign for me, that upper class NYC thing from a pretty well-off person's POV that I like looking AT but can't get inside, you know? (Maybe you don't know, that's okay.) It's like watching a Woody Allen film. I get it, I don't wanna live it. But she has some great life lesson points though, and her chapter about things she's gonna write about Hollywood when she's 80 really gives me incentive to live until 90 or whatever to be able to read it. And the art is really cute. Her details are lovely, and the stories she tells about guys makes me quite relieved I chose NOT to talk about stuff like that because my stories would be SO LAME in comparison.
Bottom line if you like her show, you'll like this. She lives up to her voice and that was nice.
Whelp, look for a flood of reviews coming in, cleaning out my bedroom/office before I go on the road for book tour! That also includes a lot of autobiWhelp, look for a flood of reviews coming in, cleaning out my bedroom/office before I go on the road for book tour! That also includes a lot of autobiographies I read as research/pleasure in the last year, preparing and writing my book that I need to add to Goodreads.
I had to cut myself off from reading books in this category, actually, because I started getting intimidated and comparing my structure/writing to other peoples' autobiography structure/writing which only served to paralyze me and make me play video games instead of getting my own draft done. So I binged a lot of books the last few months in this category because my book is done and almost out and I can now lift the comparison stuff from my thoughts. Er. Kinda.
Amy Poehler is a goddess to me, and since her company and my company are both owned by Legendary and we're in the same building, i always have this faint hope I'll see her and bump into her somewhere and be able to say, "Hey, my company is near your company, we're company buddies!" It hasn't happened. So this book is my conduit to her, and it is a pretty great one.
Her life is amazing, and especially her love of improv is something I share, so reading about how she built UCB with such a cool community was inspiring. How she's stuck to her guns a lot, how she got help in the writing because things were so crazy, with friends doing guest chapters and stuff. I loved the variety and the pictures (although the one thing I will say that's negative is this book is HEAVY! It's printed on like 1000lb paper so if an intruder enters your home, look to this as a defense weapon.) Anyway, if you are interested in Amy then this is a book worth getting. Also: Her hair is entirely on point in the cover. Jelly....more
This is a very odd George RR Martin book that I picked up randomly. It's almost serialized into 5 parts, but holds together nicely as a book. It's aboThis is a very odd George RR Martin book that I picked up randomly. It's almost serialized into 5 parts, but holds together nicely as a book. It's about a very odd trader who basically gets possession of the most powerful ship in the galaxy, and how he uses it to help people. Or...hinder them. And underneath the stories there are VERY powerful environmental and animal rights messages, it's kind of amazing and dark and has an amazing sense of humor. Definitely a really fun ride, I have to check if he wrote any more with the character, because I can see a ton more happening when you're in charge of basically a God-Vessel!...more
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