The Godborn (The Sundering #2)

The Godborn (The Sundering #2)

Paul S. Kemp

ISBN: 978-0-7869-6373-7

October 2013

4 Stars

 

*I received this galley from NetGalley*

Since this book is the sequel of an ongoing series and the characters are also part of a very large storyline I will leave the synopsis alone.

As someone who just discovered this storyline I found myself a little intimidated by the amount of characters, especially since some of the names are very similar.  Fortunately that problem didn’t last long and I easily caught onto a rhythm.

The world building is incredible and easily imaginable with all of the other plot elements. Action is so important in this genre and this novel does not fail to deliver. There’s just the right amount to keep a good pace but also not too much making the story feel cluttered or like its being fluffed.  The characters are so well developed that I was even able to sympathize with some of the antagonists. There’s a lot to the plot other than the obvious; things that anyone could find relevant and relate to if they prod a little below the surface.

I recommend this to fantasy fans, especially those familiar with these characters backgrounds. I also recommend this series to readers just starting in the fantasy genre.

Christian Nation

 

Christian Nation

Frederic C. Rich

ISBN: 978-0-393-24011-5

4 Stars

*I received a copy of this novel through a Library Thing giveaway.*

This review is missing a synopsis intentionally. If you’ve made it this far you’ve already read one. It’s taken me a couple of days to sit down and write this because I really didn’t know how to approach it. When I entered this giveaway I was expecting something a little different, but that’s not a bad thing. The author is very thorough and that is what surprised me. There were so many points that I could research and there are lots of things that I wish I hadn’t have learned.  As a highly opinionated person this is hard for me as this novel brings out so many views. In the beginning I thought that you had to be on one side politically and religiously to find something to like about this one but as I read on I figured out that it’s got points for everyone. Don’t get me wrong it leans more heavily one way but there are morals (for lack of a better word) that cross paths.  I will be talking about this novel and recommending it carefully.

 

Locke and Key, Vol 6

 

Locke and Key, Volume 6: Alpha & Omega

Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez (Artist

ISBN13: 9781613778531

February 2014

5 Stars

*I received this uncorrected galley through NetGalley*

I will not give a synopsis since this is a fifth in a series and I don’t want to give any spoilers by accident.

This series is one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I have been recommending it since I read the first graphic novel. There is a lot of action and the art is amazing. It’s easy to follow and a very quick read. The one thing that I like the most about this series is the characters and their dysfunctional family life.  The kids of Lovecraft may be trying to slay demons but they are also sparring with real life problems that will resonate with quite a few readers. I mentioned the art work before but just saying its amazing is an understatement. The story alone is great but the artwork really brings the characters to life making it easy to form attachments to them.  I will keep recommending this one.

 

 

A Study in Silks

A Study in Silks (The Baskerville Affair #1)

Emma Jane Holloway

ISBN: 9780345537188

September 2013

4 Stars

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

The niece of Sherlock Holmes, Evelina Cooper, has found herself enveloped in a murder mystery that needs to be solved. The timing is very inconvenient as she is about to have her first season and she has the attention of a handsome rake and an old friend who has held her heart before.  When the murder leads her in the directions of her friend’s family and the powerful steam baron she must put her secret weapon to use to find the clues before time runs out.

If the pacing hadn’t been so slow this novel would have gotten 5 stars. With the length and subject matter there needed to be some more action to keep the pages turning quickly.  The plot was great and there were lots of little twists to keep the mystery unpredictable. Nothing seemed to be cluttered or suffocating.  The characters were written very well and it was easy to become invested in them. I will recommend this one and I look forward to the next installment.

 

Control

Control

Lydia Kang      

ISBN: 9780803739048

December 2013

5 Stars

*I received an uncorrected galley from Penguin first to read*

The year 2150 is bad for Zel and Dyl after an accident takes the life of their father.  Before the sisters can even adjust to their loss Dyl is kidnapped by strangers with strange weapons making Zel unable to put up much of a fight. As soon as the incident is over Zel finds herself living amongst teens with strange abilities that should not even exist. Those new friends will end up being just what she needs in dealing with all that’s happened and with the possibility of rescuing her sister.

First of all this plot is unique (at least in my reading experience). It also crosses genre boundaries very well. There is a little bit of something for everyone.  These characters are very engaging and their relationships have a family dynamic that is relatable.  The protagonist, Zel, is a strong lead even though her character is wrought with the normal teenage self-worth doubts.  I found this to be a fun read and among the best young adult books I have read this year.   I have already recommended this novel and will continue to do so.

The Misfortunates

 

The Misfortunates

Dimitri Verhulst

ISBN: 978-1-250-03516-5

October 2013

5 Stars

*I received this ARC copy through goodreads first reads*

Dimmy is young when his mother leaves and his father moves them in with his grandmother and three uncles. Sobriety is a bad word in their house and Dimmy has to navigate his adolescent years among unapologetic alcoholics and chaotic relationships.  It is expected for Dimmy to follow in their footsteps but life could always pass on an opportunity if he’s willing to take it.

As someone who has seen loved ones battle the disease of alcoholism this novel felt familiar in some ways. A lot of readers will be able to relate on some level which makes this a subject that will never get worn out.  I almost felt guilty for liking some of the characters or finding their antics funny, but comedy can help swallow a bitter pill as long as the importance is not pushed aside. I am not going to get too wordy because this is novel is really about personal taste more so than some. I will recommend this one but I will say that if you cannot read comic antics along with alcoholism it might not be the right fit. The author in no way diminishes alcoholism in my opinion.

Bellman & Black

 

 

Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story

Diane Setterfield

ISBN: 978-1-4767-1195-9

November 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from netgalley*

3 Stars

When William Bellman was only a boy of eleven he killed a beautiful rook with his catapult.  That event will prove to be a pivotal moment in his young life and even the years to come. As a young man he seems restless but full of good intentions. As a man his life seems to be blessed considering his wonderful family and growing business. When the people he loves start to die seemingly too soon he meets a mysterious figure who proposes the business venture of Bellman & Black.

The idea behind this novel is very intriguing and I was excited to be able to read it. The author’s writing style flows well and has an almost soothing feel to it.  As far as a protagonist goes, William Bellman, is one I won’t forget soon.  He is very vivid and at times a little exhausting to read.  Unfortunately this book seemed to drag for me. There were spots that I felt the information I was given was redundant. I felt it was lacking something dramatic. Overall I am still glad that I read it.

The Darkest Path

 

The Darkest Path

Jeff Hirsch

ISBN: 978-0-545-51223-7

Oct 2013

4 Stars

*This is from an ARC copy that I won through goodreads first reads.*

Six years after fifteen year old Callum Roe and his younger brother, James, were abducted by soldiers of The Glorious Path escape becomes a necessary option.  When Cal is sent out to retrieve a stray dog to be trained for The Path; he finds in the dog an unlikely friend and ally.  Cal learns quickly he would kill his superiors to keep his new friend safe.  While on the run from The Glorious Path Callum learns more about the war between what is left of the US government and the extremist religion created by an ex US Soldier and how it’s affecting every region of the country. He will also learn about what someone will do for their family and friends, what loyalty really means, and how to survive in the midst of war.

Apocalyptic stories that have a twinge of reality are creepier than others. This is one of those that I could envision being ripped from the headlines so bring on the goose pimples.  As an animal lover I had a real appreciation for the author in the fact that he wrote realistic dog behavior as well; dogs bark and whimper at inopportune times. Being a military spouse I am also happy when military equipment is written well.  This novel has everything right for me in technical areas, but for me the characters (besides Bear) were lacking. I just didn’t find myself invested in them until the very end.  Overall, I really liked the novel. I think this is one that a lot of people can enjoy and I will feel good about recommending.

 

Day One

 

Day One

Nate Kenyon

ISBN: 978-1-250-01321-7

October 2013

4 Stars

*I received this ARC via goodreads first reads*

Journalist John Hawke is pursuing the story that will save his troubled career. When James Weller, founder of a startup technology company, agrees to let Hawke write a story about his accomplishments Hawke sees it as an opportunity to uncover a scandal.  What should be a normal day on the path to his redemption turns into a nightmare. Everything connected to the internet or with a computer chip goes haywire. He soon discovers things are not only going wrong at the office when his wife calls screaming that someone is trying to break into their apartment.  While just managing to get out of the office with his life he finds himself with a small group of survivors who try to navigate through the broken city only to realize that they are in mortal danger making getting home to his pregnant wife and son a perilous priority.

As someone who is not very tech savvy I feared I would be in over my head while reading this, but was pleasantly surprised. I did not once find myself lost and scratching my head. This novel is very fast paced with quite a bit of action making it a thrill to read. The plot is an idea that’s been around for awhile but the author’s managed to make feel different.  Even though this is what I would consider a science fiction thriller there is this great story about family under the skin that bleeds through from the beginning. The characters are why I did not give this one 5 stars. Characters are a big deal to me as a reader. I need to love or hate them and I was indifferent to this cast.  This does seem to be my complaint with a lot of thrillers that are fast paced. Overall I really liked this novel and will definitely recommend it, especially to science fiction and thriller fans.

Enon

Enon

Paul Harding

ISBN: 978-1-4000-6943-9

Sept 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

5 Stars

Charlie Crosby, grandson of George Crosby from Tinkers, is our narrator through a very difficult time in his life.  The loss of someone he loves dearly brings Charlie’s life to a crossroads where the worst grief imaginable is threatening to overcome his life and turn it into something unrecognizable.

There were many times during reading that I asked myself why I was still reading. There is nothing happy or easy about this novel. The story shows a very ugly side of grief; a side that is very realistic and devastating. To say this is a depressing story is an understatement but I kept on reading. Honestly I couldn’t have put this one down even when I wanted to. Mr. Harding’s writing is what kept me reading. It’s not about the wonderful flow of his words (which is undeniable), but the honesty of his words. He knows how to paint a breathtaking picture with words, even from the most heartbreaking of words.

I clearly recommend this one.

 

 

The Rosie Project

 

The Rosie Project

ISBN: 978-1-4767-2908-4

Oct 2013

*I received an ARC copy via goodreads first reads*

5 Stars!

I am not writing a synopsis for this one. I am assuming that if you have made it this far that you have already read a description (maybe two) and mine would just be a waste of words.

I Loved This Book! I would like to find a tall building and yell it at the top of my lungs but seeing as how I live on a military installation that could turn out to be chaotic. First of all let me say that I did relate to the main character, Don Tillman, so much that it was a little concerning but also very funny.  These characters are brilliant! Even with their glaringly obvious differences they all fit together perfectly and just make sense. I saw a lot of my relationships in theirs as well which was enlightening actually.  I could go on for pages about the character relationships. Laughter was like an automatic organ function and even with the book closed I can recall something and chuckle.  I gave up sleep for this book and sleep is something I don’t give up too easily.  There are not a lot of books I keep for the sake of reading again and again but this one has been added to that collection. Seeing as how this review makes no sense I will end it.

It’s very obvious that I have had a personal experience with this novel but I think it will be just enjoyable for others and I encourage all of you to read it.

Hollow Bones

 

 

Hollow Bones

CJ Lyons

ISBN: 978-1-250-01537-2

August 2013

4 Stars

*I received a copy of this through Library Thing early reviewers*

When an archaeology student goes missing FBI agent Caitlyn Tierney follows her gut into the jungles of Guatemala.  Finding resistance from the missing girl’s family and the locals’ only makes her more determined. She only has one ally, FBI agent Jake Carver, at her side as she faces the unexpected twists and turns leading her into the heart of darkness.

This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. With that said I will jump into my big complaint right at the start. These books are rated as standalone novels but I did feel like I was missing a little something when it came to character relationships.  That aspect could have been a lot worse (I have experienced it a couple of times so far), but it was still present.  I also expected a little more action dispersed throughout the story.  This genre benefits from action but again this was a minimal problem.

I really liked the plot of this one.  Even though there is a lot of interest in Mayan culture the author keeps that part of it fresh and unique.  There’s a lot of vivid imagery and it’s easy to lose yourself in the descriptions. The characters are great with interesting histories. This genre can easily seem bogged down and cluttered but I didn’t feel that way while reading. It has the intensity it needs but almost has an easy going feeling that makes it seem like a light read.  I have no problem recommending Hollow Bones.

 

The 9 Lives of Alexander Baddenfield

 

The 9 Lives of Alexander Baddenfield

John Bemelmans Marciano, (Illustrator) Sophie Blackall

ISBN: 978-0-670-01406-4

October 2013

*I received this ARC copy from Goodreads first reads*

5 Stars

Alexander Baddenfield is not a good little boy. In fact he is a very mean little boy who has inherited his bad attitude from the long line of Baddenfields’ before him. Being so bad has earned them all very short lives and Alexander is the very last Baddenfield left. So he comes up with a plan to have lives to spare and end the Baddenfield curse.

This is a very quick and fun read. I will say up front that obviously this book talks about death and parents should be aware of that.  Although the topic of death is a tough and touchy subject the author does so in a way that isn’t traumatic. Alexander ends up going on a few adventures and has some learning experiences.  There are a lot of moral lessons intertwined as well and they aren’t only for children.  I am sure a lot of us could learn a thing or two from Alexander Baddenfield lives.

I do recommend this book to everyone and think parents will have fun sharing it with their children.

 

Trying something a bit different

I really would like to get other readers' feedback and to discuss what you are reading too. This shouldn't be a one way street. So, I am trying to make this a more active blog instead of just my opinions on what I have read. So feel free to chime in but please be mindful of spoilers.

Ostrich

 

Ostrich

Matt Greene

ISBN: 978-0-345-54519-0

August 2013

*I won this ARC copy via goodreads.*

4.5 Stars

While recovering from brain surgery twelve year old Alex starts to take notice that the people around him are acting more strangely than usual. Written in stream of consciousness this novel follows Alex through his investigations not only of people but also of life in general.  Between his father’s Thursday night disappearances and his mother’s mysterious darkroom Alex finds that sometimes it’s not always easy to accept the truth.

First of all I will say that even after waiting a bit I am still on the fence between four and five stars.  I won’t even mention what I didn’t like because I may after more time decide it wasn’t worth pondering at all.  This is another one of those books that got me researching the facts tossed here and there throughout so I learned a few things and that’s always exciting for me. I even bothered my husband endlessly and he will be so relieved that I finished it. The humor is abundant enough to balance the rough spots which only made this book better. I recommend this novel wholeheartedly as it has something for everyone.

P.S. I do think it’s important to mention that even though this is a coming of age type of plot there are some very mature topics in which I have seen other reviewers mention.  Yes, I was shocked by some things but I have heard and seen worse on animated television shows. 

 

The Return

 

The Return

Michael Gruber

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9129-8

Sept 2013

4 Stars

*I won this ARC copy via a library thing giveaway*

Richard Marder is a man with many secrets but even those closest to him would never guess that he isn’t exactly what they believe him to be. Only one man, Patrick Francis Skelly, knows Marder’s dark side.  Their friendship, conceived during the Vietnam War, is the only relationship he has left to rely on. Marder, feeling like he has nothing left to lose, decides he must have vengeance for the actions that changed his life catastrophically; Skelly goes along for the ride. That ride, although very dangerous, brings them together with courageous people and a better understanding of their own morality.

The pacing of this novel was at times brutally slow. Honestly, there were a couple of times that I almost gave up on it. Fortunately I had to know what happened so I kept reading and it proved to be worth it in the end. Twists and turns kept the plot interesting, but the best part for me were the character relationships.   Marder and Skelly’s friendship is dysfunctional but in a way that makes them closer. There is the “odd couple” feel to them that provides some needed comic relief. This is one of those novels that I was more invested in the minor characters, but that proved to be a good thing in this case.

From the description provided on the back of the book a reader might expect this to be a violent action novel. There is the violent aspect but it goes a lot deeper into humanity and there’s an emotional side that I didn’t expect going into it which are positive attributes. Overall I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it, especially to those that don’t mind violence.

 

Pretty Dark Nothing

Pretty Dark Nothing

Heather L. Reid

ISBN: 978-0-9853278-1-1

April 2013

4 Stars

*This review is from an uncorrected galley I received through NetGalley*

I decided not to write a synopsis for this one because there is no way to do so without it sounding like a lot of other YA books out there.  Yes, there is everything one would expect to find in a young adult romance novel: romance, family dysfunction, and school drama. What set this novel apart are the darker aspects like mental illness, suicide, and the paranormal.

The reason this book didn’t get five stars is that if you take away the darker and creepy aspects it is pretty typical young adult fiction. There are a lot of dark young adult novels out there as well but this one dug its claws in and didn’t want to let go.  The protagonist, Quinn, questions her mental stability throughout the novel and I doubted right along with her.  I struggled with Aaron as he struggled with his past and unrelenting heartache.  Even the normal attributes to young adult fiction that I mentioned earlier were darker which made it more interesting.  I definitely recommend this novel, especially if you are looking for something a little different.

Songs of Willow Frost

 

Songs of Willow Frost

Jamie Ford

ISBN: 978-0-345-52202-3

Sept 2013

*I received a free uncorrected galley from netgalley*

5 Stars

 For the last five years William Eng, a twelve year old Chinese-American boy has been a residence of the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Seattle. He remembers his mother being carried away from their apartment but can only assume her fate since she never came back for him.  Every year the nuns celebrate the orphans’ birthdays’ collectively by telling them news of their families and taking them to see a movie. That is where William sees Willow Frost for the first time and knows in his heart that she is his mother. It’s that day that he decides to do whatever it takes to find Willow Frost and in turn claim the family that he lost.

This novel is told from both William and Willow’s point of view and both are equally heart wrenching as well as heartwarming. One is a story of ambition, loss and sacrifice. The other is also about ambition and loss but also friendship and longing. On top of all that emotion is the harsh truth about racial and sexual equality of that time plus the obligation of tradition.

I have been very lucky so far this year to have read some phenomenal books and have been introduced to wonderful writers. This is absolutely among the greatest novels I have ever read. It’s hard to emphasize what made it great without giving bits away so I will keep it brief.  The characters and how their stories intertwined kept me on an emotional reel.  Sometimes jumping between perspectives can seem tedious but these flowed flawlessly and seemed to balance seamlessly. The pacing was never off and the pages turned effortlessly.  There is something in these pages that everyone can relate to and something that will stick in readers’ minds for a long time. This is a novel I will visit again in the future. 

I do believe I am gushing a little. This is a must read!

 

Snow Hunters

 

Snow Hunters

Paul Yoon

ISBN: 978-1-4767-1481

August 2013

*I won this book via Goodreads*

5 Stars

After the Korean War, Yohan finds himself making a new life on the coast of Brazil. There he finds himself the friend and apprentice of a tailor, Kiyoshi. Through their work he learns a new language and the way of life in the community. Acquaintances and relationships come and go with time but the bond he forms with Kiyoshi, the church groundskeeper, and two vagabond children is what helps him conquer the demons of his past so he can embrace the future.

There is no way for me to do this novel any kind of justice. If I was to describe it in just a couple words those words would be; brilliantly beautiful.  I don’t know what to write except to try and describe what I felt while reading.

 For me the impression of relationships was the strongest. Yohan has a lot of people come and go in his life and they were mostly for brief periods of time or during brutally difficult times. Some that were longer in duration weren’t very communicative or physical like we would expect them to be. For Yohan, though, they all had an importance that he carried and reflected on and would comfort him when he needed it most.

The prose is almost magical. There is a lot of sadness but there is always something inspiring to balance it out. The pacing is perfect and once I read the first page I didn’t want to put it down.  The only thing left to say is that I absolutely adored this book and that everyone should read it.

Shake Down the Stars

 

Shake Down the Stars

Renee Swindle

ISBN: 978-0-451-41664-3

August 2013

4 Stars

*I won this book via a goodreads giveaway*

Piper Nelson’s life is complicated, to say the least.  Holding on to the past isn’t helping her stay away from the bottle, carrying on a dead end relationship with her ex-husband and being wrapped up in the drama of her semi-famous family only seems to help her pick up that said bottle.  The only way for her to even begin to work on her behavior means that she will have to come head to head with her own guilt over her daughter’s death five years ago.  New friends fall into her life at the time when she needs them most and help her to see that she can live again.

Like always I will start with my complaint. In the middle there were some slow spots for me and it held the pacing up a little bit.  Otherwise I really enjoyed this novel. I don’t always have great luck with this genre but the story hooked me in right away.  This plot could have felt cluttered with all the different dramas going on at once but it all tied in together perfectly.  The characters are great even the ones that got on my nerves and I think almost everyone can see themselves or someone they know in this bunch. The relationships are dysfunctional but also sweet in their own way.  I was so invested in this story that I laughed and cried numerous times.

Of course I recommend this one!

The Deepest Night

The Deepest Night (The Sweetest Dark #2)

Shana Abe

ISBN: 978-0-345-53173-5

August 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

4 Stars

 

As this is a sequel in a series I will not be writing a synopsis for fear of unintentionally giving away spoilers for those who have not read the first book.

Romance is not very important to me in literature so I didn’t expect romance to be one of the big reasons that I like this series so much.  It’s the eternal, tortured and dysfunctional type of love story which is my favorite kind.  The plot is full of action and adventure that kept me on my toes, but there were a couple of slow spots that didn’t seem necessary. There is a flow to the majority (the same with the first book) that I can only describe as almost melodic.  Its due in part to the language but mostly it’s the author’s descriptiveness. Those two things combined make it a pleasant read.

This is a series that I will continue to read and I recommend it as it has a lot to offer.

Frozen

 

Frozen (Heart of Dread #1)

Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

ISBN: 9780399257544

Sept 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from Penguin First to Read*

4 Stars

On the now frozen planet one city, New Vegas, manages to keep the allure of what it once was.  The casinos keep people coming in packs. A blackjack dealer, Natasha Kestal, isn’t like those who come to her table: she wants to get out of town.  There’s a land of myth, a paradise for people like her, which she just happens to have a map to.  It’s too dangerous to travel to the Blue on her own so she hires a mercenary crew led by Ryan Wesson to help get her there safely.  Everyone in the group has their secrets and agenda making every moment on the journey tense.  Nat finds herself getting closer to Wes at the same time that she comes to terms with the power inside that she has been fighting all along.  Can their love survive the choices she has to make?

The complaint I have feels so miniscule now so my rating may get changed when I think about it a little more. It started out slow for me. Obviously it wasn’t agonizingly slow. Once it did pick up (If I had to guess I would say page 50 or so) I didn’t want to stop reading. These characters are amazing. They are flawed and a bit on the dysfunctional side just the way I like them.  I was completely invested in them; even some of the minor characters. The imagery was also superb so much so that I felt that I was right there with them.  Action was abundant but not overdone to the point that it was tiring. I did not want this book to end.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed this novel.  I wish it would have had a better first impression but I impatiently await the next installment and fully recommend this one.

Golden Boy

Golden Boy

Abigail Tarttelin

ISBN: 978-1-4767-0580-4

*I won this book through a goodreads giveaway*

5 Stars

Max Walker is everything anyone could want in a son, brother, and friend. He’s academic and athletic and generally stays out of trouble.   Max’s mother is a prominent attorney and his father is running for political office. Besides the trouble his little brother seems to get into his family appears flawless.  Their secret is about to crash the image they work so hard to project though.  Max is intersex and only a few people know. When a trusted family friend abuses that trust they must face the reality that their world is going to change drastically.

The main reason for my rating this with 5 stars is the courage of Ms. Tarttelin and the bravery of this plot. This subject is something that is easier to avoid no matter how interesting it is so I really respect that. I knew from the beginning that I would rate it high because of one particular scenario. Some people will be taken aback by the vivid descriptions and subject matter as I am sure the author knows but she still chose to write it with brutal imagery.

I can’t say it enough…novels that make me look into stuff and want to learn more are honestly the best there are.  I could go on and on about the plot but that isn’t fair.  The format was something that I thought would bug me but it ended up being perfect for the flow and pacing which was great. There are characters that I fell in love with and some that I wanted to shake violently. Being invested in characters whether positively or negatively is very important and this novel delivered in that area also.

There really are no complaints and I know that I will be reading this one again as it’s an unforgettable novel. Needless to say…I truly recommend this one.

 

The Childhood of Jesus

The Childhood of Jesus

            J.M. Coetzee

            ISBN: 9781846557262

            4 Stars

            This is an uncorrected galley provided by Penguin

            A man and a boy have traveled far across oceans to reach a new land. Once there they learn the native language, Spanish, and are given new names. Their ages are determined solely on physical appearance. Washed clean of their memories, like everyone who comes to new country, the man, Simon, sets out with the difficult task of finding David’s mother.  On instinct alone he finds the woman he believes is the mother. The woman, who is successfully persuaded of the role, recognizes her son’s intelligent and unconventional wisdom as brilliance. The school and authorities see it negatively, however, and wishes to quell it by taking him away. Simon, who sees both points of view, must decide if he will help mother and son escape.

            I will start off by saying that this is the first work of this author’s that I have read and I am thoroughly impressed. My only complaint is that it did take me awhile to get with the flow of the pacing. That might just be the fact that I am unfamiliar with the author. I cannot stress enough that I enjoy reading anything that makes my brain go into overdrive and that’s exactly what just happened. First of all there are the characters and their story line which in itself is intriguing. Then there is this underlying mystery of why can’t they remember anything and where did they come from? Possibilities galore were running through my head the whole time. This is one of those novels that make you evaluate life and possibly relate to on some level. I really enjoyed it and will gladly recommend it.

 

 

 

The Companions

 

The Companions (The Sundering #1)

R.A. Salvatore

ISBN: 978-07869-6371-3

August 2013

4 Stars

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

I will not provide a synopsis for this novel as it would only give away spoilers. This is a first in a series but it follows a previous saga.

This is my first R.A. Salvatore novel and I am mad at myself that it’s taken me this long. Needless to say, I was not familiar with the story line of Drizzt or any character relationships from the previous books.  I was worried that I would be horribly lost and missing some integral part of the plot.  That happened a little in the beginning but smoothed out not long after. The characters really made this a fun read.  There is this great chemistry between them and that chemistry is what kept me very involved in their stories.  I ran into a few slow spots along the way, but the action balanced it all out.  It was a great first impression of Mr. Salvatore’s work and I will be reading everything of his that I can get my hands on. I do recommend this one, especially to fans of the fantasy genre.

Bone Orchard

Bone Orchard

Doug Johnson (based on a screenplay by Lizz-Ayn Shaarawi)

ISBN: 978-0-9888220-5-4

3 Stars

* I received this book through a goodreads giveaway*

Lazarus Walker has done everything possible to distance himself from his former life as a rocker in a heavy metal band. Unfortunately that old chaotic life seems to catch up to him every once in awhile. When a young girl shows up at his isolated home he assumes that she’s just another fan who won’t take no for an answer, but Kitty Van Winkle is not a fan and has a vindictive plan to ruin his new quiet life.

This is a very quick read and could easily be done in one sitting, which makes it great for busy summers.  I was surprised by the abundance of action that helped turn the pages even faster.  With the pacing and action combined the story flows easily all the way to the end. There are even some twists and turns that I appreciated.

As far as the characters go… I really didn’t connect with any of them.  That’s not as big of a deal as it would normally be. If there would have been a connection I may have felt worse about this one.  The plot is great but predictable enough to be disappointing.

Overall I did like this one and would recommend it, especially to those who are a fan of a quick read, thrillers, or both.

 

 

 

The Resurrectionist

The Resurrectionist

E.B. Hudspeth

ISBN: 978-1-59474-616-1

4 Stars

*I received this book via LibraryThing giveaway*

Dr. Spencer Black, a controversial surgeon, is considered a prodigy until he begins studying the unconventional. Operating on those born with deformities he comes to the conclusion that creatures of mythology are actually the ancestors of humans. He spends the rest of life experimenting in unthinkable ways to prove his theory to the world.

My complaint would have to be that there is very little text and I feel like I am missing something. The plot is incredibly fascinating to me, which could explain why the lack of text bothers me.  Carnivals have always held my interest and I think the lifestyle has an occult like appeal to people.  It’s definitely a quick read and flows very well.

The artwork is amazing. I do wish there would have been more to the story, but the pictures make up for that fact somewhat. It’s nice to be able to see what you are reading every once in awhile. I realize this will not work for everyone but I do recommend it.  The story is dark but the artwork adds a little bit of whimsy for the imagination.

The Raven's Gift

The Raven’s Gift

Don Rearden

ISBN: 978-0-14-328749-3

July 2013

*This is from an ARC copy I got through Librarything*

5 Stars

John and Anna Morgan are looking for adventure and to make a difference when they take jobs teaching in a Yup’ik Eskimo village in the Alaskan tundra. Not long after arriving however, a fatal epidemic spreads and without any help near chaos soon erupts. Fearing the other survivors’ hunger John fleas in the hopes of finding somewhere safe. Along his journey he finds companionship with a young blind Eskimo girl and an elderly woman who will help him in ways he couldn’t have imagined.

In the beginning the formatting was annoying and I was sure it would be problematic throughout. Four stars was a pretty firm rating until I realized I didn’t notice the format anymore and it turns out that it was exactly how the story needed to be told. The depth of the relationships and meaning of the story line would have been lacking if it would have been told in another way. That is this reader’s opinion anyhow. Speaking of which, the characters are amazing.  These are characters I would want to walk across the tundra with. The plot is as great as the characters. A story that teaches me something new or makes me want to learn something new is always the best kind.  Those are the type of books that stay with me forever.

Of course I will recommend this one and pass it on.

Awaken

 

Awaken (Abandon #3)

Meg Cabot

ISBN: 978-0-545-28412-7

July 2013

This is the third book in a trilogy.  If you haven’t read the first two books this may contain some spoilers.

*This review is from an uncorrected galley I received from NetGalley*

5 Stars

Pierce Oliviera has accepted the fact that she must reside in the Underworld to be with the one she loves but “happily ever after” seems impossible. The threat of the furies she’s already faced becomes even more dangerous since John breaks an important rule by reviving the soul of someone she cares about.  His action causes the imbalance of life and death that brings both of her worlds into chaos and someone will have to die to fix it.

The end of a series is always bittersweet and this is definitely my favorite of the series. If you take away all the supernatural elements of Pierce and John’s story there is a very realistic feel to it all. Their relationship is dysfunctional and tortured like so many real life relationships. The lesson is that relationships take work and compromise. At least that’s what I get out of it anyway.  The family unit is also relatable in its imperfections. The pacing is perfect and there’s quite a bit of action to keep everything flowing smoothly.

Obviously I have no complaints and recommend the whole trilogy.

 

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X)

 

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1)

Richelle Mead

ISBN: 978-0-525-95368-5

*This is a review of an uncorrected galley I received from NetGalley*

3.5 Stars

Praetorian soldier Mae Koskinen is given an unlikely assignment, which she can only view as punishment, to bring back an exile to the Republic of North America (RUNA). Justin March, who was exiled due to a job performance failure, accepts his second chance. His new assignment is to track down the cultists’ involved in some unsolved murders. Her job is to keep him safe.  Besides the tension between them, other dangers threaten to gain control of their futuristic world where humans will be merely players on a gameboard.

I really wanted to like this one a lot more. The pacing felt agonizingly slow and the action seemed sparse considering the plot.  That could have been overlooked more if there would have been more of a connection with the characters.  I was not invested in Mae and Justin until almost the end but mainly I was indifferent to Justin throughout the whole novel. There were minor characters I was more interested in. This ended up being all about the plot for me. It’s original (at least in my reading experience) and intriguing. The need to know pushed me to the end and I made me grateful that I stuck it out. I will read the future installments to see where they lead.