Generally speaking, I liked this book, as it flows with drama and never stops.
But the 'everything that can go wrong, will go wrong' formula, is seriouGenerally speaking, I liked this book, as it flows with drama and never stops.
But the 'everything that can go wrong, will go wrong' formula, is seriously exhausting for the reader.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the various Vampire Houses and I do like the fact that Jim Butcher totally 'goes there' with the subject matter in a way that leaves your imagination to do the rest of the work without the need for his prose to get too purple.
This was an easy read that I completed in just three days, on and off. Being a big fan of Werewolf Lore I was keen to see what this installment of theThis was an easy read that I completed in just three days, on and off. Being a big fan of Werewolf Lore I was keen to see what this installment of the Dresden Files had to offer.
I wasn't too disappointed, as it's jam packed full of action and wonderful Werewolf descriptions.
I only gave this 4 stars though, because of the plot holes that left me a rather unsatisfied.
I don't want to spoil things for anyone who's not read this yet, but suffice to say I have a few questions about the broken magic circle and why no one thought to, oh... FIX IT???
Okay, that aside, the characters are building up nicely, to the point where I love some and utterly detest others, so I'm going to keep going with this series, and I hope Dresden gets some kind of redemption at some point....more
I was recommended this series because of my love of books and the fact that my working life is as an Archivist. I admit I was a bit hesitant, not beinI was recommended this series because of my love of books and the fact that my working life is as an Archivist. I admit I was a bit hesitant, not being a big fan of the 'the latest in thing', but I gave it a try and was greatly surprised.
Not many books can get away with first person PoV and make it engaging enough that you forget you're reading first person. There were moments when I found myself asking, 'did you really need to describe that outfit in detail?' but that was a minor issue.
Diana is an intriguing character, and I liked her instantly for her respect for books. The fact that she wants to be her own person, and do her research and historical studies on her own merit not at the mercy of her heritage of spells, made her relatable in many ways.
I found that I couldn't put the book down, and as I eyed the percentage getting closer to the end, I knew it was going to be left on a cliff hanger, and I would be snagging the next book - which I have already started.
So overall, I'd say it's definitely a fun read.
I love how the author doesn't dumb it down either. She throws out historical references, people and events, and well expects you to know it. If you don't, then go look it up....more
Excellent book, filled with beautiful and lyrical descriptions of Ancient Rome in the time before Caesar.
The author is certainly more than capable ofExcellent book, filled with beautiful and lyrical descriptions of Ancient Rome in the time before Caesar.
The author is certainly more than capable of drawing the reader into old rituals, and stunning scenery with flowing ease and an assurance of research well done on every topic, from poisons to bath houses.
In fact, Steven Saylor includes at the end a list of works he consulted for writing this book, so the curious can go find more for themselves.
I appreciate the tasteful way he describes both sex and sensuality and when he does feel the need to use baser descriptions, they fit very well with the 'moment' in the drama.
This is the second of his Roma Sub Rosa series and I look forward to reading the third, even if the ending on this one felt just ever so slightly contrived....more
Having read Steven Saylor's 'Roma' I was fascinated to start at the beginning of the Roma Sub Rosa series and meet Gordianus the Finder.
This was an eaHaving read Steven Saylor's 'Roma' I was fascinated to start at the beginning of the Roma Sub Rosa series and meet Gordianus the Finder.
This was an easy and enjoyable read from start to finish, though it did flag a little bit in the middle, and I've only given it 4 stars here because the repetition of certain information that the reader had already been given previously in the book, started to get very tedious after a while.
I understand that repetition is often necessary to make sure the reader gets the point, but this didn't feel like that kind of writing tool from my perspective.
The characters are hard to like at first. Their pace of life is very slow, and many of them are utterly irredeemable. But stick with it, it's worth it.
I had no idea until the end that it was based on real historical documents from the famous Orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, whom we meet in the story as the man quite literally guiding the need for Gordianus to go Find him information on a case to be presented before the Rostra in the ancient Roman Forum.
I would absolutely recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the next one in the series.
It's been a long time since I first read this book, but it certainly didn't disappoint my recollections of it.
Following the fortunes of 3 British MP'sIt's been a long time since I first read this book, but it certainly didn't disappoint my recollections of it.
Following the fortunes of 3 British MP's through the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's it was as fast moving and informative as I recall.
Each MP was equal parts heroic and hideous, with private lives that were as convoluted as their politics. At one point I found myself cheering and despising them all at once, which is sometimes how politicians can make you feel anyway on any given day.
I even enjoyed how it broke from following actual historical events, to a fictionalized place that with hindsight is rose-tinted and overly optimistic. But it didn't feel strained or contrived in getting to that point, which is what matters most such in plot details.
It's been a long time since I last read Jeffrey Archer, and where better to start again than at the beginning of his works.
This book is total fun! SeIt's been a long time since I last read Jeffrey Archer, and where better to start again than at the beginning of his works.
This book is total fun! Seriously.
Simple, straightforward, ever so slightly pretentious without being snobbish. And there's a twist in the tale that's just brilliant (the second twist was a little bit too much though to be honest).
Clear language, flowing and precise. The characters are equal parts adorable and annoying, without being tedious.
A good romping read that doesn't tax the mind too much.
As someone who enjoyed the movie for it's innovation of character and bringing back Wonder Woman as a strong female character, I was curious on how thAs someone who enjoyed the movie for it's innovation of character and bringing back Wonder Woman as a strong female character, I was curious on how the 'Movie Novelization' would read out.
It wasn't a difficult read, I finished it in a few hours (though months apart) It was enjoyable, the writing was good but not in-depth, I had been hoping for more character insight or history. It followed the movie closely, even if you wanted more.
For a movie novelization it was one of the best I've read. I would recommend it to people who have seen the movie or not. You'll fall in love with Diane and feel her pain, devotion and love. ...more
Excellent book filled with history in terms that are easy to understand and simple to follow. I learned a lot from this that I hadn't known before, anExcellent book filled with history in terms that are easy to understand and simple to follow. I learned a lot from this that I hadn't known before, and was very pleased to see mention of the awesome St. Vibiana, who's personal history and story are so slim anyway. This was great, and put the timeline of the archaeology below St. Peter's Basilica, into fuller perspective. Recommended reading!...more
As a fan of the Assassin Creed Game Series, I was looking forward to the movie. This isn't a review of the movie (that is a whole different set of revAs a fan of the Assassin Creed Game Series, I was looking forward to the movie. This isn't a review of the movie (that is a whole different set of reviews!) instead I'm focusing on the Movie Novelization.
It flowed very much like an Assassin Creed story, though it didn't truly fit into the Timeline that the Gaming Series and subsequent Book Series built.
Over all the book was decent, it flowed easily and was entertaining. It gave you some more insight into the other characters where the movie failed.
If you liked the movie, the book is recommended.
If you didn't like the movie, try the book it has more information that a fan of the series would enjoy....more
I was introduced to the Jack Reacher series via the movie! I knew a few friends who enjoyed the book series, so I decided to start reading Lee Child'sI was introduced to the Jack Reacher series via the movie! I knew a few friends who enjoyed the book series, so I decided to start reading Lee Child's book series for Jack Reacher.
The style wasn't what I was expecting, but it worked. After reading Killing Floor I was hooked, and now working my way through each of the books....more
I loved the tale of this unsolved mystery. James Ellroy does an amazing job of bring to life 1940's Los Angeles, making no pretense of the gritty undeI loved the tale of this unsolved mystery. James Ellroy does an amazing job of bring to life 1940's Los Angeles, making no pretense of the gritty underbelly along with the seedy police and political situations. I enjoyed this book, and got to a point where I couldn't it down until I knew who had killed the Black Dahlia....more
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