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Literary Review
Here is a list of the books reviewed once upon a time:
12/31/2016:
This was a story with some particularly interesting notions. The emphasis was that throughout the evolution of the zombies, they seemed to be spurred by sound with a much lesser sense of sight or touch; the greater the sound, the greater the agitation and aggression. I'm going out on a limb here as it was not actually specified in the book but I think this means that their hearing must be hypersensitive since, as anyone who is prone to migraines will attest, loud noises can decidedly be painful. Other noteworthy observations must include the sacrifice of survival, the fact there "perfect" is as relative as it is impossible and that fact that when you have to many people, even when those people happen to be dead, there is certainly 100% chance of something(s) going drastically wrong. This book leaves us with a seemingly impregnable fortress amidst a state of zombie evolution where thinking and survival are becoming very real. Tune in to "Disintegration" to find out who will triumph. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy more intellectual speculation of apocalypse thrillers.
Autumn: The Purification by David Moody
10/19/2016:
It doesn't seem to happen so often that a book ends in a total cliffhanger, even if it is part of a series. This is one such book. On the whole, it resembled Autumn, the book that kicked off the series. I was glad to see also that the story did indeed continue. The premises presented from the inception to the evolution are interesting enough to capture attention even when relived on a larger scale. I'm enjoying the series immensely and will definitely continue reading all the way through "Aftermath".
Autumn: The City by David Moody
9/7/2016:
This was a fantastically exciting and action packed story that covered two books. I especially enjoyed the second book for the perspective and the narrator. This book really shows how good intentions can go horribly wrong when for bad reasons or amazingly right when for good reasons. I think that every emotion is encompassed in this book in such a way as to keep you riveted and the evolution contained in the book are so well presented that it almost felt like I was the one evolving. The book isn't excessively gory and the apocalypse is not the center of attention and that makes a huge difference. I very strongly recommend these books.
Rise ; Rise Again Below Zero by Ben Tripp
7/14/2016:
I'm not sure what it says about me but I really didn't feel particularly entranced, especially while reading the book cover to cover; which it did specifically say was not necessary. On the other hand, the content does represent an incredible compilation of information regarding how to stay organized in everything you do to ensure that success is more easily attained; thus allowing motivation to turn against the downward spiral so common in day to day life. It takes a little effort to really absorb and implement the recomendations of this book but it is well worth the effort for anyone seeking self improvement.
Self-Hypnosis for Dummies by Mike Bryant and Peter Mabbutt
7/14/2016:
I'm not sure what it says about me but I really didn't feel particularly entranced, especially while reading the book cover to cover; which it did specifically say was not necessary. On the other hand, the content does represent an incredible compilation of information regarding how to stay organized in everything you do to ensure that success is more easily attained; thus allowing motivation to turn against the downward spiral so common in day to day life. It takes a little effort to really absorb and implement the recomendations of this book but it is well worth the effort for anyone seeking self improvement.
Self-Hypnosis for Dummies by Mike Bryant and Peter Mabbutt
7/14/2016:
This is a book born of an era past and yet I'm chagrined to say that I found myself repeatedly considering the scenarios described from the perspective of current events. If you stop and reflect, or have lived through the time about which this book was written, I'm sure that it is considerably easier to get through. While there were many interesting points that must be considered even today, the bulk of it can only serve to give some brief and vastly incomplete glimpse into the past. It was not until the last chapter where everything was pulled together that my full interest and appreciation was peaked. This is not the easiest of books to read through but it is none the less worth the effort. While this book can be purchased from Amazon, it is in the Public Domain and therefore can be had for free.
The Business of Being a Woman by Ida M. Tarbell
7/14/2016:
This is a book born of an era past and yet I'm chagrined to say that I found myself repeatedly considering the scenarios described from the perspective of current events. If you stop and reflect, or have lived through the time about which this book was written, I'm sure that it is considerably easier to get through. While there were many interesting points that must be considered even today, the bulk of it can only serve to give some brief and vastly incomplete glimpse into the past. It was not until the last chapter where everything was pulled together that my full interest and appreciation was peaked. This is not the easiest of books to read through but it is none the less worth the effort. While this book can be purchased from Amazon, it is in the Public Domain and therefore can be had for free.
The Business of Being a Woman by Ida M. Tarbell
6/25/2016:
I simply can't find it in me to rank H.P. Lovecraft among my favorite authors because his efforts to portray darkness seemed quite contrived, "dark horrible snow" indeed. Aside from this, however, the underlying message of his stories, that it is often the case that mankind produces his own horrors from the depths of his mind and imagination, is a very good point and the stories provide man fine examples. The imaging of the writing is good though I was not drawn in nearly as much as with many other authors. Overall, I enjoyed reading works from Lovecraft.
Individual short stories by H.P. LoveCraft
6/14/2016:
This is a book that could easily be a parody of the french aristocracy. While reading this book, it was always necessary to keep reminding myself that this was another time and place. Still, it was an entertaining book and if nothing else should allow some appreciation for all that women are afforded today. One other note is that this book is read by Librovox and therefore is completely free.
A Woman's Life by Guy de Maupassant
6/4/2016:
This book had a lot of neat ideas, not the least of which involved overcomplicating things. Perhaps the best representation was that the only thing to fear is fear itself. The twists were clever and the ending was crative. This is a very good book for kids to read from the problem solving to the reasonably suspensful story line.
Stone Child by Dan Poblocki
5/28/2016:
There were some very interesting concepts presented in this book about which I'm still pondering. The most interesting thus far was the introduction of the "me-doll" though I'm still not sure where that would / could have gone or what it was that brought the dolls into existence. Another thing that intrigued me was how everyone that had been in the house was in some way broken - sounds a lot like the world at large, doesn't it? - so all the dolls saw were "angry girls". This book is very interesting and definitely worth reading at any age.
The Doll Graveyard by Lois Ruby
5/13/2016:
This story did a wonderful job of giving you just enough to push you forward but not enough to diminish the suspense. Written from the perspective of youth, the heroes fall subject to their fair share of pitfalls while they stumble toward the final solution to the mystery. Further, the supernatural element is enough to be enjoyable but not over the edge (of the grave - Mwah ha haah). I particularly enjoyed the notions that interaction with spirits is predominantly about perception and how far that perception can carry you. The ending was wonderful though I can't say more without spoiling the story or the character development. There are other books related to this including Doll Graveyard and The Stone Child (coming soon). If you like ghost stories with more substance than your common variety poltergeist then add this book to your collection.
Ghosts of Graylock by Dan Poblocki
4/19/2016:
As usual, Patricia Briggs writes extremely well. Also, Charles and Anna are characters you just have to love. This ending however was easily deduced; though reading what happens to get to that ending is well worth it. I look forward to more Alpha and Omega books.
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
3/18/2016:
I think the best part of the book for me, was the consistency of the story line. When trouble was promised, trouble was delivered so the ending was not the typical sappy everyone has a perfect ending sort of ending. There was even a certain amount of unfairness about it all but that seems to be the nature of life, especially as seen through the eyes of a child. The story portrayed an interesting adventure without over complicating the plot or the characters. I was a nice book to read.
100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson
2/20/2016:
This is the third of the Alpha and Omega series and it is probably the best werewolf series I've read. It's truly a journey getting to know Charles and Anna through their many adventures traversing the realms of ghosts, vampires, magic and possibly the most insideous adversary, humans. Sometimes, gifts that elevate you above others are no match against pure fanatical hatred ... at least if you must face your trials alone. This is a wonderful story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
1/25/2016:
This is a very good portrayal of how far people will go to protect that which they think they have. It opens an important question, though - at what point do we become the very moster we perceive ourselves to be fighting? The signs are there but the ending is still a little of a surprise and yet it is fascinating to see just how the clues fell together to reach the proper conclusions. I'm not sure if this would be possible with the defensiveness of many in contemporary law inforcement but it sure is nice to think that there are still truly good people out there.
The Uninvited by Heather Graham
1/17/2016:
There are good and bad elements in every culture. Vampires are no exception. They change with the times and do what is necessary to survive, even when that means bending, perhaps to the point of fracturing, the law. Humans are always in danger but perhaps moreso when vendetta is involved. To that end, the premise of this story is plausible even without the vampire element. There are places where the action dies a little but the thrill factor is ever present. It is definitely worth reading - though perhaps best in the daylight hours. Mwah ha Haaah.
When Darkness Falls by Heather Graham
1/17/2016:
There are good and bad elements in every culture. Vampires are no exception. They change with the times and do what is necessary to survive, even when that means bending, perhaps to the point of fracturing, the law. Humans are always in danger but perhaps moreso when vendetta is involved. To that end, the premise of this story is plausible even without the vampire element. There are places where the action dies a little but the thrill factor is ever present. It is definitely worth reading - though perhaps best in the daylight hours. Mwah ha Haaah.
When Darkness Falls by Heather Graham
1/12/2016:
It is said that behind every great man is a better woman. In this case, such was the way with Charles and Anna. It was intriguing how well the story line wove its way through many angles and levels of treachery and danger with a few welcome surprised along the way. In some books, it's extremely difficult to guess at the details like who the villain is or how the story will end. In this book, the signs are there but the complications just keep on coming but as they say, it all works out in the end. One of the best aspects of this story is the depiction of the classes of werewolf in a world of humanity which is, in my opinion, wonderfully portrayed. This is a very good sequel and continues on to Fair Game.
Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
11/30/2015:
I absolutely adore this book. It brings to the surface all the fears and doubts that I'm sure everyone has in one way or the other but never speak of for fear of exposing themselves to all the arm-chair critics of the world. Best of all, it does it in a very light and wonderfully enjoyable way that keeps you wanting to keep reading from cover to cover. The art is simple yet amazing and truly adds volumes to the presentation. I very highly recomend owning (and revisiting frequently) a copy of this book for everyone.
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge
11/29/2015:
The dynamics developed between the human and the wolf were perhaps surpassed by the depiction of the interactions of the members of the pack. Even more interesting though, is the way romance builds between and is complicated by being a werewolf. The characters were well defined and the categories of dominance, that is to say not the biggest or strongest or smartest, is truly an interesting consideration. This book was really well done and is definitely worth reading.
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
11/29/2015:
The dynamics developed between the human and the wolf were perhaps surpassed by the depiction of the interactions of the members of the pack. Even more interesting though, is the way romance builds between and is complicated by being a werewolf. The characters were well defined and the categories of dominance, that is to say not the biggest or strongest or smartest, is truly an interesting consideration. This book was really well done and is definitely worth reading.
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
10/23/2015:
There were many elements to this book that made it tremendously difficult to put down. The complications keep you on the edge of your seat while the romance young love with a few twists. Even more, the action, especially toward the end makes you want to just strangle some of the characters. This is an epic saga and the story seemingly continues in Freedom is Power. I wasn't so happy with the cliff hanger of an ending but only because I didn't want the story to end. A story of Djinn told from the perspective of the Djinn with all the personal and social problems you might expect in a society was as refreshing as it was interesting. This book is most definitely worth reading. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
9/25/2015:
This book was recommended to me and I must conclude that this recommendation was exceptionally good. The word lexicon pertains to language and the language of this book is incredible. Though this may be a very slight spoiler, from start to finish the story leads into any number of possibilities but always seems true to its word (pun intended). The story is exciting and interesting and carries the imagination away to some of the what-ifs that may not have been previously considered. A book of this nature that I so enjoyed in the past was False Memories by Dean Koontz but this story was a little scarier because of the potential scale of the project. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is that I really didn’t know quite what the end would be until I actually read it for myself. The last thing that I must say is that if you are someone that stops at the last word of the story, omitting the credits, the this is one time when you should break that trend. Lexicon is an incredible book filled with intellect and excitement. It was recommended to me and I am in turn recommending it to you!
Lexicon by Max Barry
Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things by Ted Naifeh
8/25/2015:
I read the rest of the series. The stories work together to tell the tale of a girl in a new place struggling to figure out the new circumstances with which she must deal. For better or worse, her actions shape the environment for all those around her. The books are short but the stories are entertaining and each story builds on what came before. There is a very little language in it but on the whole it isn't unreasonable. This is a wonderful set of books to read.
8/19/2015:
This is a cute assortment of short stories about a socially awkward girl with a misleadingly reclusive uncle and very peculiar parents. One could say that it's magical. I rather enjoyed the stories and look forward to reading more of the Courtney Crumrin books.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
8/14/2015:
There are so many exceptionally fascinating ideas written into this book about what comes of and after the end of days that even if I were willing to spoil the book, I wouldn't know where to start. The beginning, where the scene is set and everyone is introduced take a bit to build and the people are who they were introduced to be ... or so it seems. Once the book really gets going, however, it really gets going and even though the heroes make the best of what they think they know and deal as best they can with the hurdles and hazards in their way, they are after all only people and thus subject to all the limitations of humanity. The characters provide everything that the book needs to be great whether you love them or hate them. Finally, it is pertinent to congratulate the author for the surprise ending that is simultaneously both happy and sad. Humanity will survive. It's where and when that path ends that provides the most WOW. In fact, this may be one of the best endings I've read. This book is something that really should be read though the language and imagery does lend somewhat to parental guidance.
John Dies at the End by David Wong
7/29/2015
The content was decidedly crude, decidedly intended for adults but the amusement factor was can easily be rated very high. One quote from the book: "When a man plans, a woman laughs" and the laughs just keep on coming. The story ling jumps but it's not too difficult to follow and there are quite a lot of very interesting things presented throughout the story for the mind to ponder into the wee hours of twilight. This book is definitely worth reading ... but not for the prudish or the weak of heart.
Coroline by Neil Gaiman
7/7/2015
The 3D animated movie was really neat from a special effects perspective but I found myself enjoying the Book more. There are a couple points at which the movie deviates but on the whole the story line is the same. Kudos to the movie. The development of Coroline seemed more thorough in the Book and that made all the difference. Another big plus is that the adventure, whether real or imagined, was entirely Coroline's with a little help from the cat with no name rather than a boy named Hamish rushing in and saving the day. There are other renditions of this story that I will read some time too. Whether you've seen the movie or not, this is a very good book to read.
Autumn by David Moody
7/4/2015
As I saw this book, there are actually two stories occurring simultaneously. There are the survivors smart enough to continue to survive and there are the zombies. To the horror entusiast, this may possess a thrill factor of Dawn of the Dead but throw in imagination and intellectual curiosity and you have an exceptionally intense book. Attention is captured right out of the gate and though the story takes some time go gain in strength, the fear portrayed, as seen through the eyes of the survivors, is palpable and the consequence of that fear recognizable. The end of the book is fairly standard for a thriller but I thought that the final chapter really tied up the story well. This is a good book to read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This book is full of spiders: Seriously Dude, Don't Touch It by David Wong
6/26/2015
I’m reading this series out of order but I was judging the book by its cover so to speak. I can’t tell you exactly what this book was really about without spoiling it for you to some varying degree but I can say that it adds new dimensions to the prospect of zombies or body snatchers or Zulus as they are ultimately called. The portrayal of the human reaction on so many facets of such an event seems to be remarkably spot-on and the scope of the story only encompassed a small town of about 10K – 20K. Even more disturbing than the human reaction though is the media influence, the government ignorance and most of all the presence of an enemy that we are either unable or unwilling to see. But who or what that enemy really is happens to be … well, it’s all here in this book the book just waiting for you to interpret it for yourself. It is crude at times but insanely funny and very insightful in a very human sort of way; and definitely worth reading. Finally, the narrator did a fine job reading for the audio presentation
6/26/2015
This book provides an extremely interesting interpretation of afterlife, ergo from an automotive perspective. The most interesting to me was the respective role, rules and controversy guiding the actions of each ghost and the attempts at exerting free will, at least until the point that they pass to whatever lies beyond the afterlife … let’s say the after2life if you’re into math humor. Another thing that tickled my fancy is that the book ended pretty much where it began but under different circumstances though I was rather disappointed that it ended before the heroine of the story had fixed that burden of life that was keeping her bound to the afterlife. I do hope there is/will be a follow-up to this story because I would really love to piece together the rest of the story. On the whole, it was extremely well written book that is definitely worth reading.
Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire
6/6/2015
The book started out a little slow but I suppose you really can't help it when introducing a science geek. The plot and the romance picked up quite a bit however to become a very interesting story. Perception and pride may play a role but it seems like there really wasn't enough information to determine who the villain was until finially identified near the end of the book and then it became a tricky effort of tying things up while the action was still in full throttle. I thought that this was a very good book k in part because I got to know characters that I'd only heard about in the previous books. Aside from the happily ever after, or at least until the next danger rears it's ugly head, my favorite part was the supporting role of Sarah because I had fretted for her when she over exerted herself in the previous book. This doesn't make my favorite list but it is definitely worth getting and reading.
Half Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire
5/10/2015
The book was very entertaining and kept well to the perspective of a young girl, right down to the budding of an unexpected romance. The reaction to and complications caused by Bernie's growing affections make for a great sub plot. The innocence of the story is refreshing and the end gives you one of those hind-sight duh moments where you should have seen it coming. From start to finish, this is a good book for all ages and well worth reading.
Grave Imagesy by Jenny Goebel
Read by Stephen Lang
5/8/2015
While the hero of the story is perhaps a little too good to be true, I suppose that there are such men in the world ... somewhere. Still, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, even during a moment or two where the characters had a bad case of awkwardness. On the other hand, the situation decidedly warranted such behavior. I mean, can you imagine waking up with a piece of candy in your mouth and having no idea how it got there? Woah! This book really makes you wonder about things in your life that have gone overlooked or forgotten ... or even if they were perhaps somehow intentionally misplaced? False Memory held my interest without the need for extreme violence or vulgarity though there is enough adultish content in this story to keep it down to earth.
False Memory by Dean Koontz
5/2/2015
This book is a sequel to Discount Armageddon and definitely equally entertaining, though the pot does get stirred a bit during the story. The heroine/damsel comes to the end of the time allotted for her to decide the direction of her life and her frenemy boyfriend must make an equally consequential decision. With all the obstacles that must be overcome, the solutions are often pleasantly surprising. There is not a moment of this book that didn't maintain full throttle enjoyment. While not a book for all ages, it is well worth reading and even good enough to read multiple times.
Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan Mcguire
4/6/2015
This was a particularly interesting book with very cool characters. In keeping with the entertainment factor, the bad guys aren't always so bad and the good guys aren't always so good. The ending was kind of predictable but the journey was full of a vast variety of humor, wit and adventure with a few classic quotes: "Self defense teaches you how to kick-ass. Ballroom dancing teaches you how to do it in heels." The content of this book is mature but not to excess and definitely undeniably entertaining.
Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
4/2/2015
This is a particularly interesting apocalypse book that is not about zombies bit the human fear of that which is not understood is just as prevalent throughout the story line. Better yet, there are a few more-or-less unexpected twists that keep you guessing. Of course, you can't have a good story without a little unintended if not tragic romance. While there aren't any explosions or car crashes, there is quite a lot of intrigue in a world torn apart by incredible circumstances.
Inhuman by Kat Falls
May 2015:
These are probably the best written books I've ever read. Politics, technology and apocalypse are flawlessly merged into an exciting yet heart wrenching tale of survival against odds more hopeless than you can imagine. From Feed to Deadline to Blackout, the heroes are caught between the power hungry and the mindlessly hungry. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn; but you definitely won't put the books down. There are very few books I've enjoyed enough to read multiple times but this series has something new to notice every time you read it.
Newsflesh (3 Books) by Mira Grant (Seanan McGuire)
The Dresden Files (15 Books) by Jim Butcher
Apr 2015:
Every one of these books are amazingly well written with a story line that is almost believable despite the supernatural element. With a hero who is as human as anyone else when it comes to action and reaction, it is very easy to follow the story through the epic series and never once consider stopping. One of the best features of these books is that each book is a continuation of the previous book and further develops the characters for better or worse. Since the mature content is in no way overboard, these are must have books for every collection. B.T.W. Book 16 is due to be released in September of 2015.