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1Narilka
Hello everyone! This is the first year I've tried the Club Read. I have tried the 50 book challenge in years past and have yet to achieve it so this year I decided to try something different. As a personal goal I'd like to read 30+ books this year. I'd like to whittle down my TBR pile a bit, though we'll see how it goes. Acquisitions always seem to outnumber my yearly reads. I also have a thread over in the Green Dragon so hello to any of its members that also post here :) A couple years ago I made it a goal to review every book I read as a way to write more and I'm happy to say I've stuck with that.
A Little Background
I tend to read a lot of fantasy. I do read and enjoy other genres, it's just that fantasy is my favorite. I am fairly forgiving so there will probably be many 3+ star books.
My Rating System
- Absolutely horrible, don't bother
- Meh, I finished the book somehow but would not recommend it
- An entertaining read
- Very good, I would probably recommend this book
- Excellent! A new favorite and one I could read again.
A half star is given for a book that falls between those categories.
Books Read in 2015
1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
3. Dark Warrior Rising by Ed Greenwood
4. The Drowning City by Amanda Downum
5. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
6. The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett
7. One Nation by Ben Carson
8. Dream Park by Larry Niven
9. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
10. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
11. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
12. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
13. Prophecy by Elizabeth Haydon
14. Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon
15. Cat on the Edge by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
16. Cat Under Fire by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
17. Angelfall by Susan Ee
18. World After by Susan Ee
19. End of Days by Susan Ee
20. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
21. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
22. Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
23. Cats in Cyberspace by Beth Hilgartner
24. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
25. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
26. Grounded by G. P. Ching
27. Charged by G. P. Ching
28. Wired (The Grounded Trilogy) by G. P. Ching
29. The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
30. The Truth by Terry Pratchett
Currently Reading
Fun Stats
Books Read: 30
Total Pages Read: 12443
Books Acquired in 2015: 50
Rereads: 2
From Mount TBR: 10
A Little Background
I tend to read a lot of fantasy. I do read and enjoy other genres, it's just that fantasy is my favorite. I am fairly forgiving so there will probably be many 3+ star books.
My Rating System
- Absolutely horrible, don't bother - Meh, I finished the book somehow but would not recommend it - An entertaining read - Very good, I would probably recommend this book - Excellent! A new favorite and one I could read again.A half star is given for a book that falls between those categories.
Books Read in 2015
1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
3. Dark Warrior Rising by Ed Greenwood
4. The Drowning City by Amanda Downum
5. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
6. The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett
7. One Nation by Ben Carson
8. Dream Park by Larry Niven
9. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
10. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
11. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
12. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
13. Prophecy by Elizabeth Haydon
14. Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon
15. Cat on the Edge by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
16. Cat Under Fire by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
17. Angelfall by Susan Ee
18. World After by Susan Ee
19. End of Days by Susan Ee
20. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
21. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
22. Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
23. Cats in Cyberspace by Beth Hilgartner
24. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
25. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
26. Grounded by G. P. Ching
27. Charged by G. P. Ching
28. Wired (The Grounded Trilogy) by G. P. Ching
29. The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
30. The Truth by Terry Pratchett
Currently Reading
Fun Stats
Books Read: 30
Total Pages Read: 12443
Books Acquired in 2015: 50
Rereads: 2
From Mount TBR: 10
2Narilka
1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
One choice can change everything. That's what happened to Tris Prior on her choosing day and every choice has consequences. As unrest surges around her, Tris must force herself to continue trying to save those she loves while grappling with grief and forgiveness, loyalty and betrayal, politics and family. With war looming among the factions, sides must be chosen and secrets revealed, making the consequences of choice even higher. To embrace what it means to be Divergent - what will that do to those around her?
Insurgent picks up right where Divergent leaves off. The balance of power in the city has shifted. The factions are shattering. Alliances have formed between unlikely partners. Action is packed into almost every chapter and the story moves right along.
Power and control seems to be a common theme throughout the book. Control over whole groups of people. Control over ones self. The power of information. The struggle to keep power once obtained.
The most annoying part of the book for me was the constant up and down in Tris and Tobias's relationship. The tension felt forced and unnecessary considering there was plenty of conflict in the story already.
The book ends on a bit of a bombshell. I admit I was hoping that we'd learn more along these lines while reading Divergent so I was not disappointed. It also means I must read book 3 immediately!
Rating:
One choice can change everything. That's what happened to Tris Prior on her choosing day and every choice has consequences. As unrest surges around her, Tris must force herself to continue trying to save those she loves while grappling with grief and forgiveness, loyalty and betrayal, politics and family. With war looming among the factions, sides must be chosen and secrets revealed, making the consequences of choice even higher. To embrace what it means to be Divergent - what will that do to those around her?
Insurgent picks up right where Divergent leaves off. The balance of power in the city has shifted. The factions are shattering. Alliances have formed between unlikely partners. Action is packed into almost every chapter and the story moves right along.
Power and control seems to be a common theme throughout the book. Control over whole groups of people. Control over ones self. The power of information. The struggle to keep power once obtained.
The most annoying part of the book for me was the constant up and down in Tris and Tobias's relationship. The tension felt forced and unnecessary considering there was plenty of conflict in the story already.
The book ends on a bit of a bombshell. I admit I was hoping that we'd learn more along these lines while reading Divergent so I was not disappointed. It also means I must read book 3 immediately!
Rating:
3Narilka
2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
The faction based society is no more. Shattered by violence and power struggles, Tris Prior finds herself presented with the opportunity to explore the world past the limits of what she knows. Perhaps beyond the fence she and Tobias can find a new life, one free from the lies and painful memories that lead them to their present state. Little does she expect to find new truths about her world and how that will affect everyone.
Allegiant is the third and final book of the Divergent series. Roth takes a different approach with this book and changes up the writing style. I found the change very jarring after the first two books.While I have read plenty of books with multiple points of view just fine, I found that having the story being told from two first person points of view to be confusing. I found myself often forgetting who's chapter I was in and having to go back to the chapter header to remember which point of view it was. Sometimes their chapters are so similar it could be told from either character and not matter. I think she did this for the way the story ends. It sure takes a while to get used to.
As action filled as the first two books were this one almost feels slow by comparison. The thrill ride feeling of the first two books is gone. I found the explanation for why the city exists the way it does came out of left field. Perhaps that was the point? I'm not sure.
I will say there is a certain beauty to the ending. I think I get what Roth was aiming for though it isn't 100% successful. She does try to get philosophical. I can see why many fans were angered too. It will be interesting if the movie decides to stay true to the book or if Hollywood will change things.
Over all, I'm glad I finished the series. In some ways I feel let down due to my expectation after reading the first two books. Still it was entertaining enough for 3 stars.
Rating:
The faction based society is no more. Shattered by violence and power struggles, Tris Prior finds herself presented with the opportunity to explore the world past the limits of what she knows. Perhaps beyond the fence she and Tobias can find a new life, one free from the lies and painful memories that lead them to their present state. Little does she expect to find new truths about her world and how that will affect everyone.
Allegiant is the third and final book of the Divergent series. Roth takes a different approach with this book and changes up the writing style. I found the change very jarring after the first two books.
As action filled as the first two books were this one almost feels slow by comparison. The thrill ride feeling of the first two books is gone. I found the explanation for why the city exists the way it does came out of left field. Perhaps that was the point? I'm not sure.
I will say there is a certain beauty to the ending. I think I get what Roth was aiming for though it isn't 100% successful. She does try to get philosophical. I can see why many fans were angered too. It will be interesting if the movie decides to stay true to the book or if Hollywood will change things.
Over all, I'm glad I finished the series. In some ways I feel let down due to my expectation after reading the first two books. Still it was entertaining enough for 3 stars.
Rating:
4chlorine
Thanks for the review.
I read Divergent and was not enthusiastic enough to read the sequel. Since you liked the first book more than me and cared less for the third, I wonder what I would have thought of the third? We'll probably never know though...
I read Divergent and was not enthusiastic enough to read the sequel. Since you liked the first book more than me and cared less for the third, I wonder what I would have thought of the third? We'll probably never know though...
5Narilka
>4 chlorine: That's how I felt after reading the first Hunger Games, though the movies have been pretty good. Maybe our curiosity will get the better of us some day.
6chlorine
Ha it's funny: reading the first hunger games book led me to read the second. I was quite fed up with the second but a friend convinced me that the third was worth it and I really liked it. :)
Have you read the Uglies series? It is among the first in this trend of books as far as I know and in my opinion it is widely better than both Hunger Games and Divergent.
Have you read the Uglies series? It is among the first in this trend of books as far as I know and in my opinion it is widely better than both Hunger Games and Divergent.
7Narilka
>6 chlorine: I haven't heard of that series. I'll check it out.
8fannyprice
>6 chlorine:, Seconding the vote for the Uglies series. Very fun!
9Narilka
3. Dark Warrior Rising by Ed Greenwood
For as long as can be remembered Niflgar -- dark elves -- have been raiding the Blindingbright for slaves. Orivon Firefist was captured as a child of six on one such raid. Many years pass and Orivon has grown to be one of the greatest men at forgework. Harassed and abused by his cruel mistress, Taerune, Orivon bides his time planning his escape. When a rivals attack the city he just may get his chance.
I ended up enjoying Dark Warrior Rising more than I expected. The first 80 pages or so layout a lot of groundwork, covering everything from Niflgar society and basic world building, outlining the family and society hierarchy as well as setting up rival religions. We get a taste of dark elves that are both familiar and yet different. It also ends up being an interesting look at just how quickly a few egos can tear a city apart given the opportunity. The names of just about everything took some getting used to though.
At the very end of the novel the author includes an essay tracing the origin of dark elves in mythology, focusing primarily on Norse myths though Celtic also gets a mention, and how it has been translated today. He gives examples from Beowulf to Lord of the Rings to D&D. He also explains how he chose his setting, which is deliberately not true to the myth, and why he wanted to tell his story the way he did.
The main book I would recommend to those that enjoy a good hack and slash, assuming they can make it through the slightly boring set up. The essay is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested on where some of our popular stories originated.
Rating:
For as long as can be remembered Niflgar -- dark elves -- have been raiding the Blindingbright for slaves. Orivon Firefist was captured as a child of six on one such raid. Many years pass and Orivon has grown to be one of the greatest men at forgework. Harassed and abused by his cruel mistress, Taerune, Orivon bides his time planning his escape. When a rivals attack the city he just may get his chance.
I ended up enjoying Dark Warrior Rising more than I expected. The first 80 pages or so layout a lot of groundwork, covering everything from Niflgar society and basic world building, outlining the family and society hierarchy as well as setting up rival religions. We get a taste of dark elves that are both familiar and yet different. It also ends up being an interesting look at just how quickly a few egos can tear a city apart given the opportunity. The names of just about everything took some getting used to though.
At the very end of the novel the author includes an essay tracing the origin of dark elves in mythology, focusing primarily on Norse myths though Celtic also gets a mention, and how it has been translated today. He gives examples from Beowulf to Lord of the Rings to D&D. He also explains how he chose his setting, which is deliberately not true to the myth, and why he wanted to tell his story the way he did.
The main book I would recommend to those that enjoy a good hack and slash, assuming they can make it through the slightly boring set up. The essay is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested on where some of our popular stories originated.
Rating:
11Narilka
4. The Drowning City by Amanda Downum
Symir, the Drowning City. A lush subtropical port, home to exiles and expatriates, pirates and smugglers. And violent revolutionaries who'll stop at nothing to overthrow the corrupt Imperial government. Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and spy, has been sent to Symir to stir the pot and help the revolutionaries out. Unfortunately the longer Isyllt stays in the city the more dangerous it becomes. Will she choose between her mission or saving the lives of millions?
The Drowning City is the first in The Necromancer Chronicles and the first book by Amanda Downum. There is a definite Asian/Arabic influence to the world building. I enjoyed reading about the city itself and the steamy jungle. The characters even eat a a sushi cafe at one point. The magic system is also interesting. It is more shamanistic, spirit and ghost based, quite different than anything I've read recently.
What drew me to checking the book out was the fact that the main character is both a necromancer and a spy. Here is where the story fell short for me. Isyllt wasn't very spy-like in my opinion.Several of the books revelations occurred with our her by secondary characters. In fact, more time was spent with secondary characters than with Isyllt, which was both interesting and odd. Interesting because the characters we fun to read about but odd that the heroine wasn't allowed to shine more.
For a first novel it shows promise. There is a good amount of action and political intrigue. It's also nice to see several strong female protagonists. I hope in future books the magic system is played up more and a glossary would be a good addition if "foreign" words within the context of the world will be common.
Rating:
Symir, the Drowning City. A lush subtropical port, home to exiles and expatriates, pirates and smugglers. And violent revolutionaries who'll stop at nothing to overthrow the corrupt Imperial government. Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and spy, has been sent to Symir to stir the pot and help the revolutionaries out. Unfortunately the longer Isyllt stays in the city the more dangerous it becomes. Will she choose between her mission or saving the lives of millions?
The Drowning City is the first in The Necromancer Chronicles and the first book by Amanda Downum. There is a definite Asian/Arabic influence to the world building. I enjoyed reading about the city itself and the steamy jungle. The characters even eat a a sushi cafe at one point. The magic system is also interesting. It is more shamanistic, spirit and ghost based, quite different than anything I've read recently.
What drew me to checking the book out was the fact that the main character is both a necromancer and a spy. Here is where the story fell short for me. Isyllt wasn't very spy-like in my opinion.
For a first novel it shows promise. There is a good amount of action and political intrigue. It's also nice to see several strong female protagonists. I hope in future books the magic system is played up more and a glossary would be a good addition if "foreign" words within the context of the world will be common.
Rating:
12OscarWilde87
>11 Narilka: Thank you for writing this review. I put the book on my wishlist.
13Narilka
5. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Elantris, city of the gods. It was beautiful, a place of power and magic. The very stones of the city glowed with an inner radiance. The city's inhabitants were just as magnificent with shining white hair and silvery skin that glowed like their city did. Legends claimed they were nearly immortal and could create magics with the wave of a hand. And anyone could be come one. The transformation struck randomly during the hours of the night, taking beggars to nobles. Once blessed the person became an Elantrian and moved to Elantris where they would spend the rest of eternity. Then eternity ended.
Elantris is a stand alone and first novel by Brandon Sanderson. The story revolves around three main characters: Raoden, prince of Arelon who disappeared mysteriously; Sarene, princess of Teod and betrothed to Raoden; and Hrathen, high priest of Fjordell, who will convert the people of Arelon or start a war. I enjoyed getting to know each character as each had such a different perspective.
The story is a slow build. The pacing is a bit slow as it explains the ins and outs of the world and the character introductions. Once that is out of the way though things take off. The plot constantly twists and turns with surprises around each corner. The three points of view end up weaving together a story full of mystery, intrigue and politics with a bit of action, magic and minor romance thrown into the mix.
I really like Sanderson's world building. In one novel he's written a world that feels authentic. I would love to explore the city of Elantris if only it existed! Perhaps some day he'll go back and write another novel set in the same world. It would be interesting to read about other areas referenced or more about the Fjordell religion.
Rating:
Elantris, city of the gods. It was beautiful, a place of power and magic. The very stones of the city glowed with an inner radiance. The city's inhabitants were just as magnificent with shining white hair and silvery skin that glowed like their city did. Legends claimed they were nearly immortal and could create magics with the wave of a hand. And anyone could be come one. The transformation struck randomly during the hours of the night, taking beggars to nobles. Once blessed the person became an Elantrian and moved to Elantris where they would spend the rest of eternity. Then eternity ended.
Elantris is a stand alone and first novel by Brandon Sanderson. The story revolves around three main characters: Raoden, prince of Arelon who disappeared mysteriously; Sarene, princess of Teod and betrothed to Raoden; and Hrathen, high priest of Fjordell, who will convert the people of Arelon or start a war. I enjoyed getting to know each character as each had such a different perspective.
The story is a slow build. The pacing is a bit slow as it explains the ins and outs of the world and the character introductions. Once that is out of the way though things take off. The plot constantly twists and turns with surprises around each corner. The three points of view end up weaving together a story full of mystery, intrigue and politics with a bit of action, magic and minor romance thrown into the mix.
I really like Sanderson's world building. In one novel he's written a world that feels authentic. I would love to explore the city of Elantris if only it existed! Perhaps some day he'll go back and write another novel set in the same world. It would be interesting to read about other areas referenced or more about the Fjordell religion.
Rating:
15Narilka
>14 lilisin: That's funny! I didn't really notice that the whole time I was reading the book lol
16chlorine
I have yet to read a book by Brian Sanderson. My wishlist is just too long! Have you read Mistborn?
17Narilka
>16 chlorine: Not yet. Elantris is the first I've read of Sanderson's. I enjoyed it enough I will definitely be looking into more of his works.
18Narilka
6. The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett
Dwarves, vampires and werewolves. Oh my.
The Fifth Elephant is the 24th Discworld novel and the 5th in the Guards series. This book builds on the previous Guards novels, with knowledge from those books necessary to fully understand and appreciate the characters and their situations this time around. Also, being a Guards novel, there is a mystery to solve and Vimes is on the case! Or is that on the diplomacy?
This is a bit different than a regular Discworld novel with less quick laughs and a more complicated plot. The story follows three primary threads:Commander His Excellency Duke Samuel Vimes and his diplomatic mission to Uberwald for the coronation of a new Low King; Sergent Angua goes missing and Carrot is off to find her; Sergent Fred Colon is promoted to acting Watch Captain in their absence and just what that does to both the Watch and the City. However, where there are cops there is crime.
The book has many high points. Vimes, Sybil, Detritus, Carrot, Angua and Cherry are great as always. My absolute favorite was the addition of the Igors. What a great play on that old trope! I hope they are included in future books.
While not my favorite Watch book I still found it an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Dwarves, vampires and werewolves. Oh my.
The Fifth Elephant is the 24th Discworld novel and the 5th in the Guards series. This book builds on the previous Guards novels, with knowledge from those books necessary to fully understand and appreciate the characters and their situations this time around. Also, being a Guards novel, there is a mystery to solve and Vimes is on the case! Or is that on the diplomacy?
This is a bit different than a regular Discworld novel with less quick laughs and a more complicated plot. The story follows three primary threads:
The book has many high points. Vimes, Sybil, Detritus, Carrot, Angua and Cherry are great as always. My absolute favorite was the addition of the Igors. What a great play on that old trope! I hope they are included in future books.
While not my favorite Watch book I still found it an enjoyable read.
Rating:
19dchaikin
I fond memories of The Fifth Elephant...no, that's not exactly true. I remember having fond memories of it, but I've forgotten practically the whole book...other than Fred and his sugar piles.
20Narilka
>19 dchaikin: Maybe it's time for a reread :)
21Narilka
7. One Nation by Ben Carson
One Nation is a look at America's present state and how we can learn from our past to ensure a better future. If you've read any other books by Dr. Carson or heard his Prayer Breakfast speech from 2013 then you pretty much know what to expect from this book. What I continue to like is Dr. Carson's use of personal experience to make a point and to offer up solutions instead of placing blame. It's a refreshing view point when all you see and hear from the media today is a lot of finger pointing for who is to blame for the nation's latest crisis.
Rating:
One Nation is a look at America's present state and how we can learn from our past to ensure a better future. If you've read any other books by Dr. Carson or heard his Prayer Breakfast speech from 2013 then you pretty much know what to expect from this book. What I continue to like is Dr. Carson's use of personal experience to make a point and to offer up solutions instead of placing blame. It's a refreshing view point when all you see and hear from the media today is a lot of finger pointing for who is to blame for the nation's latest crisis.
Rating:
22Narilka
8. Dream Park by Larry Niven
Dream Park offers the ultimate virtual reality experience for live action role playing adventures. The South Seas Treasure Game promises to be the biggest, most exciting game yet. Created by Legendary Game Master Lopez it is a scenario for fifteen players on a four and a half day adventure. No one expected one of the deaths to be real.
Written in the early 80s, this book is showing its age. It feels dated in a way a 50's scifi movie feels old - things that were cutting edge back in the day just don't have the same effect modern day. The dialog, especially in the beginning, is cringe worthy. The gaming parts take a while to start to feel authentic.
The mythology surrounding the Cargo Cult is intriguing. Apparently it is based in fact too.
I really wanted to like this one. The combo scifi adventure/murder mystery is a great idea. I wish it had been better executed.
Rating:
Dream Park offers the ultimate virtual reality experience for live action role playing adventures. The South Seas Treasure Game promises to be the biggest, most exciting game yet. Created by Legendary Game Master Lopez it is a scenario for fifteen players on a four and a half day adventure. No one expected one of the deaths to be real.
Written in the early 80s, this book is showing its age. It feels dated in a way a 50's scifi movie feels old - things that were cutting edge back in the day just don't have the same effect modern day. The dialog, especially in the beginning, is cringe worthy. The gaming parts take a while to start to feel authentic.
The mythology surrounding the Cargo Cult is intriguing. Apparently it is based in fact too.
I really wanted to like this one. The combo scifi adventure/murder mystery is a great idea. I wish it had been better executed.
Rating:
23valkyrdeath
>22 Narilka: I've been interested in that book for a while and have enjoyed some of Larry Niven's sci-fi books. It's a shame this one sounds like it doesn't live up to its potential.
24Narilka
>23 valkyrdeath: I saw a lot of positive reviews after I wrote up my review. Maybe you'll enjoy the book more than I did.
25Narilka
9. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Tally Youngblood is about to turn sixteen. In just a few weeks she'll undergo the operation that will turn her pretty and she will be able to rejoin her best friend. Tired of being ugly she's ready to grow up. That is until she meets her new friend Shay, another girl her age who wants to run away. Why would someone want to never be pretty?
Uglies is the first in the Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld. The world is our own set several hundred years in the future. Something happened to cause a massive global die off and the survivors rebuilt cities that use technology to live more in harmony with nature. I enjoyed Westerfeld's world building. The cities have their own culture and slang that's easy to catch on to.
I can see how this book would be appealing to young girls. Everyone wants to be pretty, go to the parties and fit in. This novel takes that premise and gives it a nice twist. Tally is a fairly typical teen. She's a clever young girl that likes to pull pranks and tricks during the lead up to her birthday. Meeting Shay completely turns her life upside down as she begins to consider why someone might not want to turn pretty. Tally begins to think independently for the first time. It's a good coming of age story combined with an interesting take on society's obsession with appearance.
I quite enjoyed this book and plan to finish the series.
Thanks again >6 chlorine: & >8 fannyprice: for the recommendation!
Rating:
Tally Youngblood is about to turn sixteen. In just a few weeks she'll undergo the operation that will turn her pretty and she will be able to rejoin her best friend. Tired of being ugly she's ready to grow up. That is until she meets her new friend Shay, another girl her age who wants to run away. Why would someone want to never be pretty?
Uglies is the first in the Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld. The world is our own set several hundred years in the future. Something happened to cause a massive global die off and the survivors rebuilt cities that use technology to live more in harmony with nature. I enjoyed Westerfeld's world building. The cities have their own culture and slang that's easy to catch on to.
I can see how this book would be appealing to young girls. Everyone wants to be pretty, go to the parties and fit in. This novel takes that premise and gives it a nice twist. Tally is a fairly typical teen. She's a clever young girl that likes to pull pranks and tricks during the lead up to her birthday. Meeting Shay completely turns her life upside down as she begins to consider why someone might not want to turn pretty. Tally begins to think independently for the first time. It's a good coming of age story combined with an interesting take on society's obsession with appearance.
I quite enjoyed this book and plan to finish the series.
Thanks again >6 chlorine: & >8 fannyprice: for the recommendation!
Rating:
27Narilka
10. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
Tally has finally become pretty! And it's everything she's ever dreamed of: living in New Pretty Town, amazing parties every night, awesome clothes, a totally hot boyfriend and she's completely popular. Yet the feeling like she's forgetting something won't go away. Something important. After being stalked at a party by someone from her ugly past she receives a letter. Reading it Tally starts to remember what's wrong and realizes just how much danger she and her friends are in.
Pretties is the second in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. The story picks up a few weeks after where book one left off. Westerfeld builds nicely on his world showing us the another facet of society. As a Pretty Tally is annoying and shallow, pretty much what you expect for a society that glorifies personal appearance. Once her memory starts to come back she starts to grow as a character again becoming more interesting. It's also interesting to read about her relationship with Shay, just how different it is from the first book.
More characters are introduced. Zane is a fun addition as is the idea behind the Crims clique. Dr. Cable, shown to us briefly in book one, continues to be an excellent villain.
This time around the Pretty slang started to grate on my nerves. Everything is always bubbly or bogus or crazy-making. I know it's part of the world building but it was almost hard to read. There are parts where they story tends to plod along while trying to explain things in Pretty terms.
Still it's a good read and a good addition to the series. On to book 3!
Rating:
Tally has finally become pretty! And it's everything she's ever dreamed of: living in New Pretty Town, amazing parties every night, awesome clothes, a totally hot boyfriend and she's completely popular. Yet the feeling like she's forgetting something won't go away. Something important. After being stalked at a party by someone from her ugly past she receives a letter. Reading it Tally starts to remember what's wrong and realizes just how much danger she and her friends are in.
Pretties is the second in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. The story picks up a few weeks after where book one left off. Westerfeld builds nicely on his world showing us the another facet of society. As a Pretty Tally is annoying and shallow, pretty much what you expect for a society that glorifies personal appearance. Once her memory starts to come back she starts to grow as a character again becoming more interesting. It's also interesting to read about her relationship with Shay, just how different it is from the first book.
More characters are introduced. Zane is a fun addition as is the idea behind the Crims clique. Dr. Cable, shown to us briefly in book one, continues to be an excellent villain.
This time around the Pretty slang started to grate on my nerves. Everything is always bubbly or bogus or crazy-making. I know it's part of the world building but it was almost hard to read. There are parts where they story tends to plod along while trying to explain things in Pretty terms.
Still it's a good read and a good addition to the series. On to book 3!
Rating:
28Narilka
11. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
"Special Circumstances." Those words send shivers down the spine. Often thought of as a boogy man or merely rumors to scare young children into behaving. That is until Tally finds herself as one of them. Now as a Special she is fiercely beautiful, a superb fighting machine, ready to protect the city and all it stands for. The strength, the speed, the clarity of focus... yet why is she plagued by questions? Why this nagging doubt that not all is quite right? The doubts are easy to ignore until she's given the opportunity to stamp out the New Smoke once and for all. Now the question is does she listen to that tiny voice or carry out her mission as programed?
Specials is the third in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. The story takes off and doesn't let go! It is action packed throughout and quite a wild ride. We rejoin Tally about a month after where book two leaves off. After becoming Special everything is more intense for Tally and that definitely comes through in the new descriptions. I have enjoyed how Westerfeld keeps giving us new insight into the world he has created simply by changing the tone of the writing through Tally's different stages.
Tally is really put through the wringer in this book. Physically, mentally, emotionally, she experiences it all. Her entire personality shift from Uglies to now is amazing, both at how she starts off acting as she is "supposed" to and then how her underlying personality fights to break through those barriers.
Some of the themes this time around take a disturbing turn. The idea behind the Cutters in particular is concerning and sometimes painful. Yet it remains fairly realistic in the depiction of the psychology behind the act.
While the ending is not exactly happy, there is hope. I found this to book to be a great read and good ending to the trilogy.
Rating:
"Special Circumstances." Those words send shivers down the spine. Often thought of as a boogy man or merely rumors to scare young children into behaving. That is until Tally finds herself as one of them. Now as a Special she is fiercely beautiful, a superb fighting machine, ready to protect the city and all it stands for. The strength, the speed, the clarity of focus... yet why is she plagued by questions? Why this nagging doubt that not all is quite right? The doubts are easy to ignore until she's given the opportunity to stamp out the New Smoke once and for all. Now the question is does she listen to that tiny voice or carry out her mission as programed?
Specials is the third in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. The story takes off and doesn't let go! It is action packed throughout and quite a wild ride. We rejoin Tally about a month after where book two leaves off. After becoming Special everything is more intense for Tally and that definitely comes through in the new descriptions. I have enjoyed how Westerfeld keeps giving us new insight into the world he has created simply by changing the tone of the writing through Tally's different stages.
Tally is really put through the wringer in this book. Physically, mentally, emotionally, she experiences it all. Her entire personality shift from Uglies to now is amazing, both at how she starts off acting as she is "supposed" to and then how her underlying personality fights to break through those barriers.
Some of the themes this time around take a disturbing turn. The idea behind the Cutters in particular is concerning and sometimes painful. Yet it remains fairly realistic in the depiction of the psychology behind the act.
While the ending is not exactly happy, there is hope. I found this to book to be a great read and good ending to the trilogy.
Rating:
29chlorine
Glad the trilogy ended up on a good note for you! I also found that the Cutters theme was disturbing but interesting.
There was something similar to that IMO in the second book, as some passages hinted towards anorexia. Addressing these topics is something I really liked in these books.
There was something similar to that IMO in the second book, as some passages hinted towards anorexia. Addressing these topics is something I really liked in these books.
30Narilka
>29 chlorine: That there is. They hit on two eating disorders if you think of the purge pills similar to bulimia.
32Narilka
12. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
Myfanwy (rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas awakens to find herself surrounded by several dead people wearing latex gloves and no idea who she is or how she got there. Not knowing what else to do she puts her hands in her pockets and pulls out a letter, which she begins to read.
The Rook is the first novel by Daniel O'Malley and I was immediately hooked. Set in modern day London the story is part Jason Bourn, part X-Men and quite the page turner!
The story gives a gradual reveal as we learn about both Myfanwys through a series of letters that the "old" Myfanwy writes to the "new" Myfanwy while "new" Myfanwy tries to figure out what exactly the old her has gotten herself into. It's a brilliant set up that works seamlessly to give us history about the Checquy and insight into other characters while not hindering the mystery or any of the action. We also get a great contrast between the two Myfanwy's and it's great to see her grow into this role she's found herself in.
The breadth of supernatural powers and events O'Malley has created is amazing. From a malevolent cube of flesh to one mind that inhabits multiple bodies there are no boring, run-of-the-mill powers here!
The mystery is well thought out and the action is engaging. There is even a heavy dose of dry humour that was a pleasant surprise. I found myself laughing out loud several times.
While The Rook is a great standalone book I'm so happy O'Malley decided to continue the series. I look forward to the next book!
Rating:
Myfanwy (rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas awakens to find herself surrounded by several dead people wearing latex gloves and no idea who she is or how she got there. Not knowing what else to do she puts her hands in her pockets and pulls out a letter, which she begins to read.
"Dear You,
The body you are wearing used to be mine. The scar on the inner left thigh is there because I fell out of a tree and impaled my leg at the age of nine. The filling in the far left tooth on the top is a result of my avoiding the dentist for four years. But you probably care little about this body’s past. After all, I’m writing this letter for you to read in the future. Perhaps you are wondering why anyone would do such a thing. The answer is both simple and complicated. The simple answer is because I knew it would be necessary.
The complicated answer could take a little more time."
The Rook is the first novel by Daniel O'Malley and I was immediately hooked. Set in modern day London the story is part Jason Bourn, part X-Men and quite the page turner!
The story gives a gradual reveal as we learn about both Myfanwys through a series of letters that the "old" Myfanwy writes to the "new" Myfanwy while "new" Myfanwy tries to figure out what exactly the old her has gotten herself into. It's a brilliant set up that works seamlessly to give us history about the Checquy and insight into other characters while not hindering the mystery or any of the action. We also get a great contrast between the two Myfanwy's and it's great to see her grow into this role she's found herself in.
The breadth of supernatural powers and events O'Malley has created is amazing. From a malevolent cube of flesh to one mind that inhabits multiple bodies there are no boring, run-of-the-mill powers here!
The mystery is well thought out and the action is engaging. There is even a heavy dose of dry humour that was a pleasant surprise. I found myself laughing out loud several times.
While The Rook is a great standalone book I'm so happy O'Malley decided to continue the series. I look forward to the next book!
Rating:
35Narilka
>34 bragan: I hope you enjoy it!
36bragan
>35 Narilka: Thanks! Not sure when I'll get to it, but it's on the wishlist now.
37Narilka
13. Prophecy by Elizabeth Haydon
Having found an ancient dragon claw in the depths of Ylorc, Rhapsody vows to return it to it's original owner. Accompanied by the mysterious Ashe, Rhapsody sets off on another journey, this time to find the dragon Elynsynos and return the piece of her missing hoard before the dragon takes her anger out on the surrounding countryside and her Bolg friends. Less than pleased at Rhapsody's decision, but knowing they are unable to change her mind, Achmed and Grunthor stay at home in Ylorc as they search to uncover more secrets that Gwilliam left behind. Yet evil never sleeps and the threat of the F'dor continues to grow, whether they know it or not.
Prophecy is the second on the Rhapsody trilogy and larger Symphony of Ages series. The story picks where events in the first book leave off. The beginning of the story plods, literally, as there is a lot of travel in the first portion of this book. Haydon does a decent job getting the reader through by using this time for some friendly banter and also as a way to give more background information about the world and the characters. Haydon's descriptive writing is beautiful and yes there is a lot of it. The dialogue is both fun and cringe worthy, but in a good way. Seeing how badly some of the interactions go and almost making us feel embarrassed for the characters does a good job feel of making the characters feel human.
That said, you'll either love or hate Rhapsody as the story progresses. She is definitely in Mary Sue territory. While I found her somewhat annoying at times overall it didn't bother me or hinder my enjoyment of the story.
This book definitely takes on a more adult theme. There is a lot more romance in this book than the first as well as more violence. Haydon is not afraid to get into details either so it may not be the best series for a younger reader.
I'm still enjoying my reread. It is as I remembered it from years past. On to book three!
Rating:
Having found an ancient dragon claw in the depths of Ylorc, Rhapsody vows to return it to it's original owner. Accompanied by the mysterious Ashe, Rhapsody sets off on another journey, this time to find the dragon Elynsynos and return the piece of her missing hoard before the dragon takes her anger out on the surrounding countryside and her Bolg friends. Less than pleased at Rhapsody's decision, but knowing they are unable to change her mind, Achmed and Grunthor stay at home in Ylorc as they search to uncover more secrets that Gwilliam left behind. Yet evil never sleeps and the threat of the F'dor continues to grow, whether they know it or not.
Prophecy is the second on the Rhapsody trilogy and larger Symphony of Ages series. The story picks where events in the first book leave off. The beginning of the story plods, literally, as there is a lot of travel in the first portion of this book. Haydon does a decent job getting the reader through by using this time for some friendly banter and also as a way to give more background information about the world and the characters. Haydon's descriptive writing is beautiful and yes there is a lot of it. The dialogue is both fun and cringe worthy, but in a good way. Seeing how badly some of the interactions go and almost making us feel embarrassed for the characters does a good job feel of making the characters feel human.
That said, you'll either love or hate Rhapsody as the story progresses. She is definitely in Mary Sue territory. While I found her somewhat annoying at times overall it didn't bother me or hinder my enjoyment of the story.
This book definitely takes on a more adult theme. There is a lot more romance in this book than the first as well as more violence. Haydon is not afraid to get into details either so it may not be the best series for a younger reader.
I'm still enjoying my reread. It is as I remembered it from years past. On to book three!
Rating:
38Narilka
14. Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon
Time is running short and the Three know they must find the demon before he plunges the world into darkness. With the knowledge of the locations of the demon spawn children, Rhapsody and Achmed leave Ylorc in Grunthor's hands while they seek each of the children out. If they can find a way to separate the demon's blood from the children it will give them a way to track the F'dor. Hopefully it will be enough.
Destiny is the final book in the Rhapsody trilogy and the third book of the larger Symphony of Ages series. Again the story picks up straight where book two leaves off. There is still a good amount of travel involved, as seems to be common in these books, yet it doesn't seem quite as plodding this time around. We get to see new areas of the world, with more details into the lore and history of the land. The world building in these books is simply amazing. Haydon knows how to create a world that feels alive.
In this book the format changes a bit. Rather than only being focused on the main characters, we are given points of view of many of the side characters introduced in the first two books. This adds a nice depth to those characters and gives insight into how actions of the three are starting to affect the rest of the world as well as the various politics between countries. It also emphasizes just how much the F'dor's influence has spread, adding to a sense of urgency to the main quest.
The love story still plays a part in this book, though less than it did in book two. It does not take over the plot and is mostly brought up at the end of the story.
Haydon does a nice job of tying up all the loose story threads. It is a satisfying ending to the trilogy.
I am unsure at this point if I'll continue to reread the rest of the books as I don't remember liking them as much. Perhaps later this year or next year.
Rating:
Time is running short and the Three know they must find the demon before he plunges the world into darkness. With the knowledge of the locations of the demon spawn children, Rhapsody and Achmed leave Ylorc in Grunthor's hands while they seek each of the children out. If they can find a way to separate the demon's blood from the children it will give them a way to track the F'dor. Hopefully it will be enough.
Destiny is the final book in the Rhapsody trilogy and the third book of the larger Symphony of Ages series. Again the story picks up straight where book two leaves off. There is still a good amount of travel involved, as seems to be common in these books, yet it doesn't seem quite as plodding this time around. We get to see new areas of the world, with more details into the lore and history of the land. The world building in these books is simply amazing. Haydon knows how to create a world that feels alive.
In this book the format changes a bit. Rather than only being focused on the main characters, we are given points of view of many of the side characters introduced in the first two books. This adds a nice depth to those characters and gives insight into how actions of the three are starting to affect the rest of the world as well as the various politics between countries. It also emphasizes just how much the F'dor's influence has spread, adding to a sense of urgency to the main quest.
The love story still plays a part in this book, though less than it did in book two. It does not take over the plot and is mostly brought up at the end of the story.
Haydon does a nice job of tying up all the loose story threads. It is a satisfying ending to the trilogy.
I am unsure at this point if I'll continue to reread the rest of the books as I don't remember liking them as much. Perhaps later this year or next year.
Rating:
39Narilka
15. Cat on the Edge by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
Molena Point is a quaint seaside town near the Bay Area of California. Everything is fairly peaceful right up until a body is discovered in the alley behind the local Deli. It seemed like the perfect crime with the only witness being a cat. And everyone knows cat's can't talk.
Cat on the Edge is the first in the Joe Grey Mysteries. This is slightly different than your average murder mystery as the murderer is identified fairly early on and it is the secondary story. Instead the real mystery lies with the cats, how they became the way they are, how they adapt to the situation and how their humans handle it all. The story has a slow reveal of the cat's nature while they put together the pieces of the murder to capture the killer. I read Murphy's Catsworld Portal years ago, which does tie in somewhat. It is not necessary to read that to enjoy this book though it will explain the mythology a bit more.
I quite enjoyed this cozy little mystery and plan to continue the series for a few books. It is a nice, light entrance to a mystery series for cat fans.
Rating:
Molena Point is a quaint seaside town near the Bay Area of California. Everything is fairly peaceful right up until a body is discovered in the alley behind the local Deli. It seemed like the perfect crime with the only witness being a cat. And everyone knows cat's can't talk.
Cat on the Edge is the first in the Joe Grey Mysteries. This is slightly different than your average murder mystery as the murderer is identified fairly early on and it is the secondary story. Instead the real mystery lies with the cats, how they became the way they are, how they adapt to the situation and how their humans handle it all. The story has a slow reveal of the cat's nature while they put together the pieces of the murder to capture the killer. I read Murphy's Catsworld Portal years ago, which does tie in somewhat. It is not necessary to read that to enjoy this book though it will explain the mythology a bit more.
I quite enjoyed this cozy little mystery and plan to continue the series for a few books. It is a nice, light entrance to a mystery series for cat fans.
Rating:
41Narilka
16. Cat Under Fire by Shirley Rousseau Muprhy
It was the talk of the town: a horrible studio fire claimed the life of a famous local artist. The police investigation is mostly complete and the murderer's trial already in progress, it looks like an open and shut case. Then why is Dulcie convinced they are about to convict the wrong person? She must find out the truth even if it means putting herself and Joe in harms way.
Cat Under Fire is the second in the Joe Grey Mysteries. This one is more of a standard cozy mystery, can the cats uncover evidence of who the real murderer is before an innocent is sent to prison. While it may be handy to understand the cat's origin from the first book, this one could easily be read stand alone. I'm interested to see if the further books are similar or if Murphy starts to build on each story as she goes.
Rating:
It was the talk of the town: a horrible studio fire claimed the life of a famous local artist. The police investigation is mostly complete and the murderer's trial already in progress, it looks like an open and shut case. Then why is Dulcie convinced they are about to convict the wrong person? She must find out the truth even if it means putting herself and Joe in harms way.
Cat Under Fire is the second in the Joe Grey Mysteries. This one is more of a standard cozy mystery, can the cats uncover evidence of who the real murderer is before an innocent is sent to prison. While it may be handy to understand the cat's origin from the first book, this one could easily be read stand alone. I'm interested to see if the further books are similar or if Murphy starts to build on each story as she goes.
Rating:
42Narilka
17. Angelfall by Susan Ee
It has been six weeks since the end of the world. Angels of the apocalypse descended to Earth and life as we know it was destroyed. Street gangs rule the day and things out of nightmares rule the night. Penryn has taken it upon herself to protect and take care of her family, her crippled seven year old sister and borderline psychotic mother. Caught witnessing a brutal attack on one of their own kind, Penryn's sister is abducted by warrior angels. All Penryn knows is she must find her and get little Paige back somehow, even if it means teaming up with the enemy.
Angelfall is the first in Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. The world building is short and to the point. We're given a post-apocalyptic Earth that is both familiar and strange enough to set the tone for the story to come. It has a feeling of wrongness to it that doesn't ever quite go away but also doesn't intrude on the storytelling.
The story takes the stereotypical idea of angels and turns them all on their head. While all have the basic look of angels we're used to, inhumanly beautiful with feathery wings, they come in many sizes, colors and factions. We are introduced to this by Penryn's point of view as she mentally labels them "the Politican" or "the cheetah" based on their general appearance and how they act. As the story progresses we're given more insight into angel society and how all is not well even within the enemy's ranks. Ee even manages to make the angels morally ambiguous by the time we reach the end of the book.
Ee's characters are well written and feel real. Penryn is a great female lead. She is both strong and vulnerable and acts just as you imagine seventeen year old who has taken on the responsibility of keeping her family alive might. She is willfully stubborn, loyal to a fault and not afraid to fight for what she believes in. You also get a good glimpse into the broken family dynamic with a mother that is suffering from severe mental illness who may have single handedly put her youngest child into a wheelchair during a psychotic episode. This adds another layer of tension to the story as Penryn is forced to guard herself and her sister from enemies both without and within. Raffe takes a little longer to get to know with his depth of character revealed slowly as the story progresses. By the end I found myself rooting for both characters.
Yes, there is a romance. It is understated and plays a minor role that enhances the story rather than distracts from it.
There are plenty of action scenes and some fairly disturbing sequences that border on the horror genre. Yet even those do not detract from the story at all. Instead they help with the world's sense of wrongness.
I've had my eye on this series for a while now and I was excited when they showed up on Amazon for $2 an ebook this month. I've already downloaded books 2 and 3 :)
Rating:
It has been six weeks since the end of the world. Angels of the apocalypse descended to Earth and life as we know it was destroyed. Street gangs rule the day and things out of nightmares rule the night. Penryn has taken it upon herself to protect and take care of her family, her crippled seven year old sister and borderline psychotic mother. Caught witnessing a brutal attack on one of their own kind, Penryn's sister is abducted by warrior angels. All Penryn knows is she must find her and get little Paige back somehow, even if it means teaming up with the enemy.
Angelfall is the first in Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. The world building is short and to the point. We're given a post-apocalyptic Earth that is both familiar and strange enough to set the tone for the story to come. It has a feeling of wrongness to it that doesn't ever quite go away but also doesn't intrude on the storytelling.
The story takes the stereotypical idea of angels and turns them all on their head. While all have the basic look of angels we're used to, inhumanly beautiful with feathery wings, they come in many sizes, colors and factions. We are introduced to this by Penryn's point of view as she mentally labels them "the Politican" or "the cheetah" based on their general appearance and how they act. As the story progresses we're given more insight into angel society and how all is not well even within the enemy's ranks. Ee even manages to make the angels morally ambiguous by the time we reach the end of the book.
Ee's characters are well written and feel real. Penryn is a great female lead. She is both strong and vulnerable and acts just as you imagine seventeen year old who has taken on the responsibility of keeping her family alive might. She is willfully stubborn, loyal to a fault and not afraid to fight for what she believes in. You also get a good glimpse into the broken family dynamic with a mother that is suffering from severe mental illness who may have single handedly put her youngest child into a wheelchair during a psychotic episode. This adds another layer of tension to the story as Penryn is forced to guard herself and her sister from enemies both without and within. Raffe takes a little longer to get to know with his depth of character revealed slowly as the story progresses. By the end I found myself rooting for both characters.
Yes, there is a romance. It is understated and plays a minor role that enhances the story rather than distracts from it.
There are plenty of action scenes and some fairly disturbing sequences that border on the horror genre. Yet even those do not detract from the story at all. Instead they help with the world's sense of wrongness.
I've had my eye on this series for a while now and I was excited when they showed up on Amazon for $2 an ebook this month. I've already downloaded books 2 and 3 :)
Rating:
43Narilka
19. World After by Susan Ee
The World Before is gone. In the World After humanity must do what it can to survive. Barely escaping from the angel's aerie in San Francisco, Penryn and her family retreat to the relative safety of a nearby Resistance outpost. Unable to understand and accept what has been done to her, a group of men that see Paige as a monster attempt to capture and take her away. Ending in a bloodbath, Paige escapes and disappears back into the city. Mom is heartbroken while Penryn is furious. Yet again Penryn must travel into angel territory in an attempt to keep her family together.
World After is the second in the Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. The book picks up the exact moment where the first leaves off. The plot definitely echos the first book. I have hope that book three will be different though! The first half of the story focuses solely on Penryn. Just as I found myself wondering if we were going to have to wait for the next book to see him again, Raffe rejoins the story. While a story about Penryn only could work the interactions between the two of them are one of my favorite parts of the book. Some of their dialog is laugh out loud funny.
Where the first book merely dips its toe in horror, this time the story has both feet firmly in the pool with the water up over our knees and the knowledge that you're still working your way to the deep end. This aspect really shines as the story progresses. It lends a darkness to the story that is felt throughout. It is also used to further show us the other side of angel society. In some ways they aren't that different from humans in the lengths they'll go to acheive a goal. Ambition is ambition no matter the species.
The characters continue to grow as the book progresses. Penryn is unwilling to accept that she may be some kind of hero, yet she continues to make hard decisions and take action when others don't, even when those actions put herself in harms way to protect those around her. I enjoy Raffe's sense of humor and the bit of levity it adds to the story. Even Paige is starting to grow. No longer the helpless little sister, her new abilities are just starting to be shown and are still a mystery yet to be solved.
Just as action packed as the before, the momentum continues to build all the way to the end. I definitely did not see the twist coming when it happened and was pleasantly surprised.
Note to self: if ever given the opportunity to name an archangel sword, take it seriously.
Rating:
The World Before is gone. In the World After humanity must do what it can to survive. Barely escaping from the angel's aerie in San Francisco, Penryn and her family retreat to the relative safety of a nearby Resistance outpost. Unable to understand and accept what has been done to her, a group of men that see Paige as a monster attempt to capture and take her away. Ending in a bloodbath, Paige escapes and disappears back into the city. Mom is heartbroken while Penryn is furious. Yet again Penryn must travel into angel territory in an attempt to keep her family together.
World After is the second in the Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. The book picks up the exact moment where the first leaves off. The plot definitely echos the first book. I have hope that book three will be different though! The first half of the story focuses solely on Penryn. Just as I found myself wondering if we were going to have to wait for the next book to see him again, Raffe rejoins the story. While a story about Penryn only could work the interactions between the two of them are one of my favorite parts of the book. Some of their dialog is laugh out loud funny.
Where the first book merely dips its toe in horror, this time the story has both feet firmly in the pool with the water up over our knees and the knowledge that you're still working your way to the deep end. This aspect really shines as the story progresses. It lends a darkness to the story that is felt throughout. It is also used to further show us the other side of angel society. In some ways they aren't that different from humans in the lengths they'll go to acheive a goal. Ambition is ambition no matter the species.
The characters continue to grow as the book progresses. Penryn is unwilling to accept that she may be some kind of hero, yet she continues to make hard decisions and take action when others don't, even when those actions put herself in harms way to protect those around her. I enjoy Raffe's sense of humor and the bit of levity it adds to the story. Even Paige is starting to grow. No longer the helpless little sister, her new abilities are just starting to be shown and are still a mystery yet to be solved.
Just as action packed as the before, the momentum continues to build all the way to the end. I definitely did not see the twist coming when it happened and was pleasantly surprised.
Note to self: if ever given the opportunity to name an archangel sword, take it seriously.
Rating:
44Narilka
19. End of Days by Susan Ee
End of Days is the third and final book of the Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. Again the story picks up the exact second where the last book leaves off. The action is still fast paced and the stakes are ramped up. No longer just a story about a family's survival, it becomes the story for the survival of humanity.
The characters continue along their arcs. Penryn starts to accept her status as hero and finally dedicates herself to the role. Raffe, the hardened warrior, realizes maybe there is more to living than just following orders. Paige's arc was the biggest disappointment for me.She had been set up as this big key to winning the war against the angels and when her big moment finally comes it is mostly dealt with off screen. Even side characters have their moments to shine. Dee and Dum are back to their old tricks. I'm glad they're given more time on the page as they had some fun to the apocalypse. We also get a peek into Beliel's past and see him in a different way.
In the first two books the romance is understated and didn't intrude on the story. Here the story of the star crossed lovers gains more focus. It was at times touching and sometimes distracting for me.
Ee continues to ramp up the horror element and I loved every second of it. In this the book does not disappoint.
Over all the book is well written and a reasonably satisfactory ending to the story. I just wish there had been something more, something that seems to be missing from the first two books. That said I'd still recommend this series to anyone who likes a fast paced, post-apocalyptic survival story.
Rating:
Someone has sprayed graffiti on the ceiling. A crude knight stands alone with his sword drawn against a fire-breathing dragon that is ten times his size. The dragon's tail disappears into darkness where the window light fades deep into the store. Beside the knight are the words “Where Have All the Heroes Gone?”
It looks to me like the artist thought the knight didn’t stand a chance against the dragon.
I know just how he feels.
End of Days is the third and final book of the Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee. Again the story picks up the exact second where the last book leaves off. The action is still fast paced and the stakes are ramped up. No longer just a story about a family's survival, it becomes the story for the survival of humanity.
The characters continue along their arcs. Penryn starts to accept her status as hero and finally dedicates herself to the role. Raffe, the hardened warrior, realizes maybe there is more to living than just following orders. Paige's arc was the biggest disappointment for me.
In the first two books the romance is understated and didn't intrude on the story. Here the story of the star crossed lovers gains more focus. It was at times touching and sometimes distracting for me.
Ee continues to ramp up the horror element and I loved every second of it. In this the book does not disappoint.
Over all the book is well written and a reasonably satisfactory ending to the story. I just wish there had been something more, something that seems to be missing from the first two books. That said I'd still recommend this series to anyone who likes a fast paced, post-apocalyptic survival story.
Rating:
45Narilka
20. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
Moving Pictures is the 10th book in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. This one took a long time for me to get into, which is unusual for a Discworld book. It wasn't until the final third of the book before the story started to draw me in. This time Discworld takes on Hollywood! Or is that a small hill named Holly Wood?
All the jokes and gags you expect from a Discworld novel abound. C. M. O. T. Dibbler channels his inner Cecil B. De Mille to make the greatest moving picture ever, featuring no less than a thousand elephants! You have Laddie the hero dog who saves children from drowning in wells. Trolls who don't want to get type cast. A giant woman carries an ape up a tall building. Even the wizards from Unseen University venture forth to see what all the hubbub is about.
Sometimes eye-roll worthy, sometimes laugh out loud funny, Moving Pictures is an entertaining read.
Rating:
Moving Pictures is the 10th book in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. This one took a long time for me to get into, which is unusual for a Discworld book. It wasn't until the final third of the book before the story started to draw me in. This time Discworld takes on Hollywood! Or is that a small hill named Holly Wood?
All the jokes and gags you expect from a Discworld novel abound. C. M. O. T. Dibbler channels his inner Cecil B. De Mille to make the greatest moving picture ever, featuring no less than a thousand elephants! You have Laddie the hero dog who saves children from drowning in wells. Trolls who don't want to get type cast. A giant woman carries an ape up a tall building. Even the wizards from Unseen University venture forth to see what all the hubbub is about.
Sometimes eye-roll worthy, sometimes laugh out loud funny, Moving Pictures is an entertaining read.
Rating:
46dchaikin
I haven't been able to to read discworld for years, but this review makes me want to try again.
47Narilka
21. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
The Blade Itself is the first book in The First Law trilogy and is the first book by Joe Abercrombie. And quite an entrance! This book has a little bit of everything a fantasy novel could ask for: a multi faceted plot, well developed characters, intrigue, excellent fight scenes, magic and some minor romance.
First, the characters. I never would have imagined someone could have written a sympathetic torturer but somehow Abercrombie did it. There is a stereotypical spoiled young noble who is starting to learn that the world doesn't revolve around him and is stranger than he ever imagined. Mysterious Magi with questionable motives appear to be having an argument within their brotherhood that will change the fate of the world. An infamous barbarian trying to escape his past and seemingly unable to do so. An escaped slave of unusual heritage and with unusual skills, though she doesn't quite know it. And side characters aplenty! The dialog between is well written. Everyone's voice has their own tone and cadence. We are also given some insight into the character's thought processes which is helpful w
Joe Abercrombie knows how to write action sequences. Most of them, especially the ones towards the end, I kept wishing someone would turn the books into a series so i could watch them play out on the big screen. They have that cinematic feel to them. The book is worth reading for the action sequences alone.
The world itself has been a slow reveal. We're given a few insights into the peoples and a couple locations and very little else. It's just enough world building to get the idea of the locations the characters are at and leaves the rest of a the world to be explored, which by the end of the novel we appear to be set up to do.
The magic system is also left deliberately mysterious. Magic is used a few times. It is more brutal than flashy and somewhat disturbing. I hope more is revealed about this in the next two books.
The story is also a slow one in the beginning. It takes a while to set up the characters before the main plot starts to move. I found it interesting and both a good and necessary set up, just a little slow to read. The ending is the exact opposite. Hang on and enjoy the ride once it starts!
Over all this was a great start to a series and one I plan to continue reading.
Rating:
"The Blade Itself incites to deeds of violence." - Homer
The Blade Itself is the first book in The First Law trilogy and is the first book by Joe Abercrombie. And quite an entrance! This book has a little bit of everything a fantasy novel could ask for: a multi faceted plot, well developed characters, intrigue, excellent fight scenes, magic and some minor romance.
First, the characters. I never would have imagined someone could have written a sympathetic torturer but somehow Abercrombie did it. There is a stereotypical spoiled young noble who is starting to learn that the world doesn't revolve around him and is stranger than he ever imagined. Mysterious Magi with questionable motives appear to be having an argument within their brotherhood that will change the fate of the world. An infamous barbarian trying to escape his past and seemingly unable to do so. An escaped slave of unusual heritage and with unusual skills, though she doesn't quite know it. And side characters aplenty! The dialog between is well written. Everyone's voice has their own tone and cadence. We are also given some insight into the character's thought processes which is helpful w
Joe Abercrombie knows how to write action sequences. Most of them, especially the ones towards the end, I kept wishing someone would turn the books into a series so i could watch them play out on the big screen. They have that cinematic feel to them. The book is worth reading for the action sequences alone.
The world itself has been a slow reveal. We're given a few insights into the peoples and a couple locations and very little else. It's just enough world building to get the idea of the locations the characters are at and leaves the rest of a the world to be explored, which by the end of the novel we appear to be set up to do.
The magic system is also left deliberately mysterious. Magic is used a few times. It is more brutal than flashy and somewhat disturbing. I hope more is revealed about this in the next two books.
The story is also a slow one in the beginning. It takes a while to set up the characters before the main plot starts to move. I found it interesting and both a good and necessary set up, just a little slow to read. The ending is the exact opposite. Hang on and enjoy the ride once it starts!
Over all this was a great start to a series and one I plan to continue reading.
Rating:
49Narilka
22. Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
Two years have passed since Locke and Jean fled Camorr for some much needed rest and recovery on the island of Tal Verrar. It is more than enough time to reestablish themselves at what they do best: setting up their next grand scheme to earn them a big score. This time the target is the Sinspire, the greatest gambling house in the world. Only open by invitation and heavily guarded it presents the ultimate challenge - how to lie, cheat and talk their way into it's vault. And all goes according to plan until their past comes back to haunt them to make them pay for past misdeeds.
Red Seas Under Red Skies is the second in the Gentlemen Bastards series. The story starts by dropping the reader straight into the middle of Locke's current scheme and things aren't going so well. In an almost TV like way we're transported back in time with a "six months ago..." style format to catch us up to the present day. Lynch makes it work. The little tease is a great hook. He also continues with the flashback format, this time using it to fill in events that happened since the first book. And it all works well together.
For the first time Lynch also gives us two strong female leads and some good female side characters. They are able to go toe to toe with their male counter parts and hold their own nicely. It was great to read! The character interactions are wonderful over all. Lynch is great at writing fun, witty banter and making characters feel real.
Unfortunately, that's where the really great parts end. Gone is the wonderful grittiness of the first book. The big story twist I kept expecting never fully materialized. Yes, their original plan goes off track, but it's nothing like the situation Locke ends up in the previous book. The first few chapters were great, same tone and feel of the first novel, and then it drops off. The story started to really drag, the pacing slowed to a crawl. Even the action scenes didn't help much to keep things moving. It picks back up at towards the end with a great finale, but it wasn't enough to save it from the slow slog through the middle of the story. The characters are engaging enough that I really did want to find out what happened to everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is not as good as the first and seems to suffer a bit from middle book syndrome. I'm hoping the third book picks up the pace again as I really like the world and characters that Lynch has created.
Rating:
Two years have passed since Locke and Jean fled Camorr for some much needed rest and recovery on the island of Tal Verrar. It is more than enough time to reestablish themselves at what they do best: setting up their next grand scheme to earn them a big score. This time the target is the Sinspire, the greatest gambling house in the world. Only open by invitation and heavily guarded it presents the ultimate challenge - how to lie, cheat and talk their way into it's vault. And all goes according to plan until their past comes back to haunt them to make them pay for past misdeeds.
Red Seas Under Red Skies is the second in the Gentlemen Bastards series. The story starts by dropping the reader straight into the middle of Locke's current scheme and things aren't going so well. In an almost TV like way we're transported back in time with a "six months ago..." style format to catch us up to the present day. Lynch makes it work. The little tease is a great hook. He also continues with the flashback format, this time using it to fill in events that happened since the first book. And it all works well together.
For the first time Lynch also gives us two strong female leads and some good female side characters. They are able to go toe to toe with their male counter parts and hold their own nicely. It was great to read! The character interactions are wonderful over all. Lynch is great at writing fun, witty banter and making characters feel real.
Unfortunately, that's where the really great parts end. Gone is the wonderful grittiness of the first book. The big story twist I kept expecting never fully materialized. Yes, their original plan goes off track, but it's nothing like the situation Locke ends up in the previous book. The first few chapters were great, same tone and feel of the first novel, and then it drops off. The story started to really drag, the pacing slowed to a crawl. Even the action scenes didn't help much to keep things moving. It picks back up at towards the end with a great finale, but it wasn't enough to save it from the slow slog through the middle of the story. The characters are engaging enough that I really did want to find out what happened to everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is not as good as the first and seems to suffer a bit from middle book syndrome. I'm hoping the third book picks up the pace again as I really like the world and characters that Lynch has created.
Rating:
50Narilka
23. Cats in Cyberspace by Beth Hilgartner
It's tough being a cat. Eat, sleep, decapitate rodents, repeat. Life is good! That is until their human companions decide to take jobs out of the house to help make ends meet. Gone are the days of home cooked meals, quality time and easy access to the out of doors. What are poor kitties to do? Fortunately for Fluffy and PKP, Dana has bought a laptop computer for the home and tries to introduce Collin to the wonders of the internet. And that's when inspiration strikes! The two felines take it upon themselves to learn how to navigate the information superhighway and figure out how to make some money to help their two-feets out.
Cats in Cyberspace is a fun read about two cats and their adventures navigating the internet to help out their poor humans. The author starts the ebook off with a note to let the reader know the setting is the late '90s and to keep things in perspective of the technology of that era. Hilgartner does a wonderful job of writing the cats and giving them mannerisms that cat owners can easily identify with and in some cases are uncannily accurate. I really enjoyed cat logic and the creative ways the cats came up with solutions to their problems. It's a fun story from start to finish, great for any cat lover.
Rating:
It's tough being a cat. Eat, sleep, decapitate rodents, repeat. Life is good! That is until their human companions decide to take jobs out of the house to help make ends meet. Gone are the days of home cooked meals, quality time and easy access to the out of doors. What are poor kitties to do? Fortunately for Fluffy and PKP, Dana has bought a laptop computer for the home and tries to introduce Collin to the wonders of the internet. And that's when inspiration strikes! The two felines take it upon themselves to learn how to navigate the information superhighway and figure out how to make some money to help their two-feets out.
Cats in Cyberspace is a fun read about two cats and their adventures navigating the internet to help out their poor humans. The author starts the ebook off with a note to let the reader know the setting is the late '90s and to keep things in perspective of the technology of that era. Hilgartner does a wonderful job of writing the cats and giving them mannerisms that cat owners can easily identify with and in some cases are uncannily accurate. I really enjoyed cat logic and the creative ways the cats came up with solutions to their problems. It's a fun story from start to finish, great for any cat lover.
Rating:
51.Monkey.
>50 Narilka: That sounds like fun!
52Narilka
24. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Storm Front is the first book of The Dresden Files. It is told from a first person perspective in a crime noir style. While I have seen moves and crime noir tv shows this is the first book I've read in the style. When I first started reading the style felt cheesy. Mid way through the book it bothered me less and by the end it didn't bother me any more.
Harry Dresden is a solid, interesting character. He's old fashioned, bad with women, good with magic, has a dry sense of humor and could use a bit more confidence in general. He has flaws. He is a reluctant hero that manages to get the job done when backed into a corner. The secondary characters are fairly two dimensional and exactly what you'd expect from the genre. There's a tough female cop trying to prove herself in a man's world. Her ass of a partner who hates Harry. A sexy reporter that likes to use feminine wiles on Harry to get a story. A typical mob boss. A local bar tender that lends a nonjudgmental ear to the paranormal community.
I liked the take on the magic system. It's been a while since I've read a book where all five elements are combined to make magic effective. Beyond the magic system there isn't much world building as the story is set in modern day Chicago. There are good moments of tension once the story gets going with some clever escapes. The action is fast paced. Butcher isn't afraid to get gritty and some of the crime scenes are downright grisly.
It was a quick fun read. The series shows promise. I'll probably continue the series some time in the future when I'm in the mood for something a little different.
Rating:
My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. I'm a wizard. I work out of an office in midtown Chicago. As far as I know, I'm the only openly practicing professional wizard in the country. You can find me in the yellow pages, under 'Wizards.' Believe it or not, I'm the only one there.
Storm Front is the first book of The Dresden Files. It is told from a first person perspective in a crime noir style. While I have seen moves and crime noir tv shows this is the first book I've read in the style. When I first started reading the style felt cheesy. Mid way through the book it bothered me less and by the end it didn't bother me any more.
Harry Dresden is a solid, interesting character. He's old fashioned, bad with women, good with magic, has a dry sense of humor and could use a bit more confidence in general. He has flaws. He is a reluctant hero that manages to get the job done when backed into a corner. The secondary characters are fairly two dimensional and exactly what you'd expect from the genre. There's a tough female cop trying to prove herself in a man's world. Her ass of a partner who hates Harry. A sexy reporter that likes to use feminine wiles on Harry to get a story. A typical mob boss. A local bar tender that lends a nonjudgmental ear to the paranormal community.
I liked the take on the magic system. It's been a while since I've read a book where all five elements are combined to make magic effective. Beyond the magic system there isn't much world building as the story is set in modern day Chicago. There are good moments of tension once the story gets going with some clever escapes. The action is fast paced. Butcher isn't afraid to get gritty and some of the crime scenes are downright grisly.
It was a quick fun read. The series shows promise. I'll probably continue the series some time in the future when I'm in the mood for something a little different.
Rating:
53Narilka
25. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
"If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans." - Stephen Hawking
The 5th Wave is the first book in the 5th Wave series. It is a post-apocalypse survival story of aliens invading earth. I saw it has a moving coming and that it was getting a lot of marketing so decided to see what hype was all about.
The world set up is well done. I like the slow reveal about each wave and how they effected us humans. While none of the first four waves are very original, they are believable. It sets the tone nicely for a survival story and adds a sense of urgency. A lot of bad things happen to a lot of people and it keeps the pages turning!
The story revolves around four main characters. Cassie is the new Katniss. She is the plucky, teenage heroine that has to learn how to survive in this new, unforgiving world, and is on a mission to save what's left of her family. There is Sammie, Cassie's kid brother. Ben, a heartthrob football player and Cassie's crush before the arrival, is being trained at a near by military base on how to kill aliens. And finally there is Evan, the mysterious rescuer who from almost the start the reader knows has a good idea of who he really is.
Yancey does a good job of messing with the reader's minds to keep you guessing at who is alien and who is human, especially in Ben's story lines. The military men have plausible enough reasons that it really keeps you guessing almost up to the reveal.
My biggest complaint isn't that the story is told in the first person or that there are multiple points of view. I generally enjoy seeing the world from multiple character view points. It's the combination of the two I found initially difficult.The first switch was especially confusing. Cassie had just been shot and then the view jumps to someone who is sick so it was easy to think her wound infected and she was delirious. It does get easier to figure out who the new point of view is once you realize the pattern, though it was still jarring for me the first few times.
It also seems like no YA novel is complete these days without the horribly obvious romance plot.Of course Cassie is rescued by the person who is supposed to kill her and of course she completely falls for him. It's borderline Stockholm syndrome. I really wish authors would get away from this fad.
I look forward to seeing the movie as I think it could translate well to the big screen. I will also definitely be continuing the series. There are aliens, and there is a girl, and Earth has been invaded. I want to find out what's next.
Rating:
"If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans." - Stephen Hawking
The 5th Wave is the first book in the 5th Wave series. It is a post-apocalypse survival story of aliens invading earth. I saw it has a moving coming and that it was getting a lot of marketing so decided to see what hype was all about.
The world set up is well done. I like the slow reveal about each wave and how they effected us humans. While none of the first four waves are very original, they are believable. It sets the tone nicely for a survival story and adds a sense of urgency. A lot of bad things happen to a lot of people and it keeps the pages turning!
The story revolves around four main characters. Cassie is the new Katniss. She is the plucky, teenage heroine that has to learn how to survive in this new, unforgiving world, and is on a mission to save what's left of her family. There is Sammie, Cassie's kid brother. Ben, a heartthrob football player and Cassie's crush before the arrival, is being trained at a near by military base on how to kill aliens. And finally there is Evan, the mysterious rescuer who from almost the start the reader knows has a good idea of who he really is.
Yancey does a good job of messing with the reader's minds to keep you guessing at who is alien and who is human, especially in Ben's story lines. The military men have plausible enough reasons that it really keeps you guessing almost up to the reveal.
My biggest complaint isn't that the story is told in the first person or that there are multiple points of view. I generally enjoy seeing the world from multiple character view points. It's the combination of the two I found initially difficult.
It also seems like no YA novel is complete these days without the horribly obvious romance plot.
I look forward to seeing the movie as I think it could translate well to the big screen. I will also definitely be continuing the series. There are aliens, and there is a girl, and Earth has been invaded. I want to find out what's next.
Rating:
54Narilka
26. Grounded by G. P. Ching
Life in Hemlock Hollow is simple. Not much has changed since the Amish first settled in the area in the 1600s. Lydia still milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every day and hopes to be courted by the boy she has known all her life. All that changes when her father has a stroke and is rushed to a hospital in the outside world for treatment. Determined to visit her father Lydia disguises herself as an Englisher to try and blend in. An ordinary light switch thrusts her into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and revelations about her personal history have life threatening consequences.
Grounded is the first in The Grounded Trilogy by G.P. Ching. I was drawn to this series by it's unique premise: a combination fish out of water/coming of age tale set in a dystopian future with a sci fi twist. The story opens with an amazing hook. There is a breakdown on a power grid during a storm and a fireman happens across an abandoned infant and a man who glows like the stars.
The story has what you expect in a YA dystopian story: a society ruled by heavy regulation, a love triangle, fast paced action and a science experiment gone out of control. The plot is rather simplistic as are the characters. The story is told completely from Lydia's perspective and she is the best fleshed out of the cast.
Overall the book was an easy, fun read with a good premise. The story itself has good action but lacks in complexity. It can also easily be read as stand alone as all loose threads are tied up at the end.
Rating:
Life in Hemlock Hollow is simple. Not much has changed since the Amish first settled in the area in the 1600s. Lydia still milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every day and hopes to be courted by the boy she has known all her life. All that changes when her father has a stroke and is rushed to a hospital in the outside world for treatment. Determined to visit her father Lydia disguises herself as an Englisher to try and blend in. An ordinary light switch thrusts her into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and revelations about her personal history have life threatening consequences.
Grounded is the first in The Grounded Trilogy by G.P. Ching. I was drawn to this series by it's unique premise: a combination fish out of water/coming of age tale set in a dystopian future with a sci fi twist. The story opens with an amazing hook. There is a breakdown on a power grid during a storm and a fireman happens across an abandoned infant and a man who glows like the stars.
The story has what you expect in a YA dystopian story: a society ruled by heavy regulation, a love triangle, fast paced action and a science experiment gone out of control. The plot is rather simplistic as are the characters. The story is told completely from Lydia's perspective and she is the best fleshed out of the cast.
Overall the book was an easy, fun read with a good premise. The story itself has good action but lacks in complexity. It can also easily be read as stand alone as all loose threads are tied up at the end.
Rating:
55Narilka
27. Charged by G. P. Ching
After her harrowing experiences in the Englisher world, Lydia has taken Korwin back with her to Hemlock Hollow. There she helps him fit in with the community as they prepare for their upcoming marriage. Just as things are settling down an untimely death has upset the community and anyone and anything from the outside world being blamed. It's becoming harder for Korwin and Lydia to maintain their secret. Can they afford to leave the relative safety of Hemlock Hollow?
Charged is the second in The Grounded Trilogy. The story picks up not long after the ending of book 1. The feels just like what it is - the middle book in a series. There are some great action parts that are fast paced and yet at the same time it doesn't seem like a lot happens. It wasn't filler exactly but it also could have used a little something extra.
I'm happy to say the love triangle is resolved rather quickly. Romance remains a motivator for some of the character's actions and it feels more natural, less contrived, than the first book.
Both Lydia and Korwin go through character arcs that help develop them. Lydia starts to become a stronger woman, learning to believe in her own strengths instead of being afraid of them.I liked the way her personal strength takes the form of a wolf in her mind. It was a great visualization for both us and the character. Korwan's arc is more subtle. He learns to find faith in something bigger than himself.
The ending leaves things set up with good hints for the final book to come.
Rating:
After her harrowing experiences in the Englisher world, Lydia has taken Korwin back with her to Hemlock Hollow. There she helps him fit in with the community as they prepare for their upcoming marriage. Just as things are settling down an untimely death has upset the community and anyone and anything from the outside world being blamed. It's becoming harder for Korwin and Lydia to maintain their secret. Can they afford to leave the relative safety of Hemlock Hollow?
Charged is the second in The Grounded Trilogy. The story picks up not long after the ending of book 1. The feels just like what it is - the middle book in a series. There are some great action parts that are fast paced and yet at the same time it doesn't seem like a lot happens. It wasn't filler exactly but it also could have used a little something extra.
I'm happy to say the love triangle is resolved rather quickly. Romance remains a motivator for some of the character's actions and it feels more natural, less contrived, than the first book.
Both Lydia and Korwin go through character arcs that help develop them. Lydia starts to become a stronger woman, learning to believe in her own strengths instead of being afraid of them.
The ending leaves things set up with good hints for the final book to come.
Rating:
56baswood
>53 Narilka: There are aliens, and there is a girl, and Earth has been invaded. I want to find out what's next.
The humans triumph - the aliens get kicked off the earth and the intrepid lovers live happily ever after - Thats just a guess.
The humans triumph - the aliens get kicked off the earth and the intrepid lovers live happily ever after - Thats just a guess.
57Narilka
>56 baswood: It being a YA series, you're probably right!
58Narilka
28. Wired (The Grounded Trilogy) by G. P. Ching
When the mission to destroy Konrad’s work doesn't go as planned, the side effects of a brain-altering chemical in Lydia's system start getting worse. It’s more important than ever for Lydia to protect the people around her. But the more she tries to help, the more she seems cursed to hurt everyone she loves.
Wired is the third and final book of The Grounded Trilogy. Picking up not long after book two, the story takes off at a sprint. The action is non-stop and well written. The love story plays a strong part again and doesn't feel distracting. One of the set ups from previous books that I'd been very curious about finally plays out and the result is everything I hoped it would be. I was a little sad at the explanation for Lydia's wolf but it also makes complete sense.
Being a YA series the ending is not completely unexpected. Ching takes a creative route to get there making for an enjoyable read and a great finish to the series. All story threads are wrapped up nicely and the characters are in a good place.
Rating:
When the mission to destroy Konrad’s work doesn't go as planned, the side effects of a brain-altering chemical in Lydia's system start getting worse. It’s more important than ever for Lydia to protect the people around her. But the more she tries to help, the more she seems cursed to hurt everyone she loves.
Wired is the third and final book of The Grounded Trilogy. Picking up not long after book two, the story takes off at a sprint. The action is non-stop and well written. The love story plays a strong part again and doesn't feel distracting. One of the set ups from previous books that I'd been very curious about finally plays out and the result is everything I hoped it would be. I was a little sad at the explanation for Lydia's wolf but it also makes complete sense.
Being a YA series the ending is not completely unexpected. Ching takes a creative route to get there making for an enjoyable read and a great finish to the series. All story threads are wrapped up nicely and the characters are in a good place.
Rating:
59Narilka
29. The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
Each night corelings rise, demons from the underworld with supernatural powers and a hatred of human kind. It has been so for hundreds of years with humans slowly losing the battle of attrition with the demons even as they hide behind the relative safety of their wards. In the small hamlet of Tibbet's Brook young Arlen watches helplessly as his mother is torn apart by demons while his father does nothing. In Cutter's Hollow Leesha has been promised to the handsomest boy in the village. When the village begins to recover after a particularly vicious coreling attack Leesha comes to realize there may be more to the world than marrying a man and making his babies. In Riverbridge young Rojer helps his family run the inn. During a coreling attack that wipes out half the town, Rojer's family sacrifices themselves so their young son may live. With hope for mankind's future fading, the three survivors will attempt the impossible, going beyond the safety of the wards in a quest to gain knowledge so humans can make a stand against the night.
The Warded Man is the first book in the Demon Cycle. Brett does a great job of giving just enough world building without bogging the story down. Both magic and science have had their turns in history and it feels like humanity has entered a new, possibly final, dark ages where old knowledge needs to be rediscovered. The various demon types are described to make each unique and still leaving them a little mysterious. The pacing of the story is near perfect. The pages flew by.
Each character is introduced in a way that builds upon what we already know of the world and doesn't distract from the others. They all have flaws. Arlen is angry and that anger gets the better of him at times. Leesha is headstrong and willful. Rojer is insecure. It's these flaws that make them feel real, giving them challenges to overcome and lets them grow. Each character is also likeable. I was cheering all three of them on the whole way.
It's a great start to a series and definitely worth a read.
Rating:
Each night corelings rise, demons from the underworld with supernatural powers and a hatred of human kind. It has been so for hundreds of years with humans slowly losing the battle of attrition with the demons even as they hide behind the relative safety of their wards. In the small hamlet of Tibbet's Brook young Arlen watches helplessly as his mother is torn apart by demons while his father does nothing. In Cutter's Hollow Leesha has been promised to the handsomest boy in the village. When the village begins to recover after a particularly vicious coreling attack Leesha comes to realize there may be more to the world than marrying a man and making his babies. In Riverbridge young Rojer helps his family run the inn. During a coreling attack that wipes out half the town, Rojer's family sacrifices themselves so their young son may live. With hope for mankind's future fading, the three survivors will attempt the impossible, going beyond the safety of the wards in a quest to gain knowledge so humans can make a stand against the night.
The Warded Man is the first book in the Demon Cycle. Brett does a great job of giving just enough world building without bogging the story down. Both magic and science have had their turns in history and it feels like humanity has entered a new, possibly final, dark ages where old knowledge needs to be rediscovered. The various demon types are described to make each unique and still leaving them a little mysterious. The pacing of the story is near perfect. The pages flew by.
Each character is introduced in a way that builds upon what we already know of the world and doesn't distract from the others. They all have flaws. Arlen is angry and that anger gets the better of him at times. Leesha is headstrong and willful. Rojer is insecure. It's these flaws that make them feel real, giving them challenges to overcome and lets them grow. Each character is also likeable. I was cheering all three of them on the whole way.
It's a great start to a series and definitely worth a read.
Rating:
60baswood
Enjoyed your review of The Warded Man
61Narilka
>60 baswood: Thanks!
62Narilka
30. The Truth by Terry Pratchett
Dwarfs can turn lead into gold. That's not just rumor, it's news! Ethical journalist William de Worde likes to investigate stories. And what better way to get the word out than to create the Ankh-Morpork Times, Discworld's first paper of record. When de Worde gets an inside scoop on a hot story concerning the city's favorite patrician, Lord Ventinari, the facts say he's guilty. Yet facts don't always tell the whole story. There's always the truth... and it's not like there's a law against writing words down.
The Truth is the 25th Discworld novel and the second in the Industrial Revolution theme. Movable type has come to Anhk-Morpork and with it investigative journalism and the invention of the Disc's first newspaper. Along the way the staff at the paper end up "helping" the Watch solve a mystery.
We are introduced to some fun new characters. William de Worde is the ethical journalist who insists that what's printed in the paper must be true. Sacharissa Cripslock is his main reporter who has a knack for thinking in headlines. Otto, a reformed vampire, is the paper's photographer. Mr. Pin and Mr. Tulip are The New Firm, a non-standard criminal group newly arrived in Ank-Morpork. Gunilla Goodmountain, the inventor and main operator of the printing press, can set type at the speed of dictation. Many of the regular Ankh-Morpork characters also make appearances as supporting cast or cameos, including most of the Watch, Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler, the Bursar of UU and Gaspode.
The Truth does not have as many jokes and puns as other Discworld novels. Instead it presents the reader with humorous situations and focuses on the characters who don't realize just how strange their view of the world really is. And there are funny shaped vegetables. It is just brilliant.
Rating:
Dwarfs can turn lead into gold. That's not just rumor, it's news! Ethical journalist William de Worde likes to investigate stories. And what better way to get the word out than to create the Ankh-Morpork Times, Discworld's first paper of record. When de Worde gets an inside scoop on a hot story concerning the city's favorite patrician, Lord Ventinari, the facts say he's guilty. Yet facts don't always tell the whole story. There's always the truth... and it's not like there's a law against writing words down.
The Truth is the 25th Discworld novel and the second in the Industrial Revolution theme. Movable type has come to Anhk-Morpork and with it investigative journalism and the invention of the Disc's first newspaper. Along the way the staff at the paper end up "helping" the Watch solve a mystery.
We are introduced to some fun new characters. William de Worde is the ethical journalist who insists that what's printed in the paper must be true. Sacharissa Cripslock is his main reporter who has a knack for thinking in headlines. Otto, a reformed vampire, is the paper's photographer. Mr. Pin and Mr. Tulip are The New Firm, a non-standard criminal group newly arrived in Ank-Morpork. Gunilla Goodmountain, the inventor and main operator of the printing press, can set type at the speed of dictation. Many of the regular Ankh-Morpork characters also make appearances as supporting cast or cameos, including most of the Watch, Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler, the Bursar of UU and Gaspode.
The Truth does not have as many jokes and puns as other Discworld novels. Instead it presents the reader with humorous situations and focuses on the characters who don't realize just how strange their view of the world really is. And there are funny shaped vegetables. It is just brilliant.
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