Hello to anyone still popping into this blog!
(Side note: why are people still visiting this? It's been dormant for ages now and some of these posts still show up on page two of Google for reasons I don't quite understand. Anyway ...)
This is not a return to this blog. However, this is me letting everyone know that I have FINALLY started a review journal again! I have also started a blog for writing prompts!
If you're still reading reviews here, check out the new ones over here:
inkishreview.blogspot.com
And find writing prompts here:
inkishwriter.blogspot.com
I hope all of you are well!
Cheers,
Kara
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Monday, December 12, 2011
Book Review: Neverwhere
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
"Richard Mayhew is a plain man with a good heart -- and an ordinary life that is changed forever on the day that he stops to help a girl he finds bleeding on a London sidewalk. From that moment forward he is propelled into a world he never dreamed existed -- a dark subculture flourishing in abandoned subway stations and sewer tunnels below the city -- a world far stranger and more dangerous than the only one he has ever known..." (Cover blurb on book.)
Some years ago, my cousin recommended to me a book called American Gods by Neil Gaiman. At that point in my life, I was more interested in YA fiction and anything to do with Harry Potter - and, to be honest, I wasn't planning on trying anything new anytime soon. But, after a few years and several more conversations regarding said book, I picked it up at a Barnes and Noble on my way home. And, in a way that was quite surprising to me, when I started reading it I fell in love.
Writing style is something I watch for in books. A book can be good without a great writing style. In fact, that's usually what I run across - good books with something to be desired in language use. So, when I find a book with a writing style I love, I like to track down everything else that the author has written and buy one book at a time, reading as slowly as possible and enjoying each book like a fine dessert.
That is how Neverwhere came to be in my hands. (I bought my copy from a bookstore that no longer exists - a fact that tickles me a bit every time I think about it.)
Neverwhere was Gaiman's debut novel. And while I'm not quite as enraptured with this novel as I am with American Gods, it's good beginning and I imagine that it probably made a decent splash upon being published.
Neverwhere is a Sci-fi/Fantasy novel about a world called London Below, where people who fall through the cracks in society tend to end up. It's a dark, dangerous sort of place where creatures will pull you down into the gap by the tube train and there is a market place that moves around. It's a place filled with quirky characters - such as assassins, nobility, rat-speakers, door-openers, and even an angel - as well as plenty of opportunities for adventure.
At first, the novel is following Richard Mayhew through his normal, day-to-day life. And, while entertaining to read, it seems like a rather boring life. Then he stumbles upon a girl named Door, and his entire world changes. From there on out, you're on a dark, thrilling sort of adventure, and it's a pleasure to read.
While I never became extremely attached to the characters, they never failed to bring a smile to my face. Mr. Vandemar's antics, in particular, often made me laugh (And it might be a strange thing to say, but I've never found a villain quite so adorable as him. The imagery with him is just... incredibly amusing.). And, while a bit self-centered, the marquis has a certain charm to him that landed him in the position of my favorite character.
The settings were described with enough detail for a mind to cling to and invent its own imagery, which I think was a good opportunity to offer in such a novel as this one. I got a great sense of wanting to see the Floating Market while reading Neverwhere, and that's a fascination that has stuck with me ever since my first read.
On the overall, I found Neverwhere to be completely entertaining. It's strong in fantasy, with lots of imagination, and the story-telling is lovely. The characters left an amusing sort of impression and the settings were interesting. There was, admittedly, room for more development in Neverwhere, but it was a fairly satisfying read as is.
While not a very serious sort of novel, Neverwhere brought to mind a point that has stuck with me ever since:
If I stumbled upon another world filled with adventures and an entirely new culture to adjust to, would I ever want to return to this one?
This probably isn't a book for everyone, but if urban fantasy is up your alley, I'd recommend it.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
Neverwhere
Happy Reading!
Some years ago, my cousin recommended to me a book called American Gods by Neil Gaiman. At that point in my life, I was more interested in YA fiction and anything to do with Harry Potter - and, to be honest, I wasn't planning on trying anything new anytime soon. But, after a few years and several more conversations regarding said book, I picked it up at a Barnes and Noble on my way home. And, in a way that was quite surprising to me, when I started reading it I fell in love.
Writing style is something I watch for in books. A book can be good without a great writing style. In fact, that's usually what I run across - good books with something to be desired in language use. So, when I find a book with a writing style I love, I like to track down everything else that the author has written and buy one book at a time, reading as slowly as possible and enjoying each book like a fine dessert.
That is how Neverwhere came to be in my hands. (I bought my copy from a bookstore that no longer exists - a fact that tickles me a bit every time I think about it.)
Neverwhere was Gaiman's debut novel. And while I'm not quite as enraptured with this novel as I am with American Gods, it's good beginning and I imagine that it probably made a decent splash upon being published.
Neverwhere is a Sci-fi/Fantasy novel about a world called London Below, where people who fall through the cracks in society tend to end up. It's a dark, dangerous sort of place where creatures will pull you down into the gap by the tube train and there is a market place that moves around. It's a place filled with quirky characters - such as assassins, nobility, rat-speakers, door-openers, and even an angel - as well as plenty of opportunities for adventure.
At first, the novel is following Richard Mayhew through his normal, day-to-day life. And, while entertaining to read, it seems like a rather boring life. Then he stumbles upon a girl named Door, and his entire world changes. From there on out, you're on a dark, thrilling sort of adventure, and it's a pleasure to read.
While I never became extremely attached to the characters, they never failed to bring a smile to my face. Mr. Vandemar's antics, in particular, often made me laugh (And it might be a strange thing to say, but I've never found a villain quite so adorable as him. The imagery with him is just... incredibly amusing.). And, while a bit self-centered, the marquis has a certain charm to him that landed him in the position of my favorite character.
The settings were described with enough detail for a mind to cling to and invent its own imagery, which I think was a good opportunity to offer in such a novel as this one. I got a great sense of wanting to see the Floating Market while reading Neverwhere, and that's a fascination that has stuck with me ever since my first read.
On the overall, I found Neverwhere to be completely entertaining. It's strong in fantasy, with lots of imagination, and the story-telling is lovely. The characters left an amusing sort of impression and the settings were interesting. There was, admittedly, room for more development in Neverwhere, but it was a fairly satisfying read as is.
While not a very serious sort of novel, Neverwhere brought to mind a point that has stuck with me ever since:
If I stumbled upon another world filled with adventures and an entirely new culture to adjust to, would I ever want to return to this one?
This probably isn't a book for everyone, but if urban fantasy is up your alley, I'd recommend it.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
Neverwhere
Happy Reading!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Book Review: Who Will Run The Frog Hospital?
Who Will Run The Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore
"In a Paris bistro, Berie Carr, a middle-aged American woman, sits across from her husband, whom she realizes she no longer loves. Her thoughts return to a small town in upstate New York, to a time when life was as thrilling as it was ordinary, as sweet as it was bitter.What she remembers most, though, is a deep friendship she shared with a captivating girl named Sils - Sils who was always a little older, a little faster..." (Cover blurb on book)
Who Will Run The Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore was loaned to me by a professor I had during Winter Semester. I feel my reading experience was impacted by the amount of notes in the margins and the sticky notes tagging many of the pages, but even without the temptation to think further into this, I found this book to be thought provoking. (In fact, I went so far as to write an essay on it... except it wasn't required and I didn't submit it).
The main character, as is stated in the summary, is actually a middle-aged woman looking back on her teenage years. For that reason, I am unsure of how to classify this, but I think this would fall under the category of coming-of-age fiction. On a surface level, I think that's what it is, but I also feel that it goes much deeper than just coming-of-age or the teenage years.
As Berie looks back, we see her and Sils engaging in many typical (although, I hesitate to use that terminology) teen behaviors - dropping into bars with fake ids, dating, drinking, etc. However, what we're really seeing isn't Berie and Sils together, it's Berrie in comparison to Sils. Sils is prettier. Sils is a little older. Sils hit puberty first, while Berie was a late bloomer. Sils and Berie worked in the local theme park, but Sils was Cinderella and Berie was a cashier dressed in a non-becoming costume.
In short, this book looks at self-esteem, the longing to be in the spotlight, the habit of placing others on pedestals, feelings of rejection, and social maladjustment. And, even if the reader was never any semblance of these characters, I feel that this is a book most everyone can relate to on some level.
And, if you can't, then just enjoy it for the wording and the craft itself. The story feels a bit disjointed at times, but I think that was intentional and it was a detail that I think added a lot to the story.
This book is a quick read, but it is hardly a light one.
While I was reading it, the book was droll, bitter, hopeful, and melancholy. Many times throughout the novella, I caught myself smiling at details and twists of humor. I also kept a notebook beside me, taking down some particularly poignant lines that I liked.
On the overall, though, I honestly found the book to be quite disturbing. It left me depressed for couple of weeks and, thinking back on it, the same feelings return with just as much strength. This is, probably for obvious reasons, not a book I can see myself reading twice. But I am impressed that it has stuck with me so well, and in such a distinct way.
I think I can safely recommend this without going back on my feelings about it later.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
Happy reading! (Well... sort of.)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Book Review: Angelfire
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton - (2011 Debut Author Challenge: 2 of 12)
"Now she must hunt. Ellie has power that no one else can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember." (Cover blurb on book).
Before I joined the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, I found an interview with the author of this book on a web page. The cover and the cover blurb caught my interest immediately. When I found the 2011DAC a few days later, I knew I had to sign up. What better excuse could I possibly find to buy more books? And once I registered, this book was added to the list without a second thought.
After finishing it, I have to say that I'm glad I read it. From what I've heard, a lot of people are writing angels these days, but this is the first book I've read in a while including that kind of subject matter. It was a nice change from vampires, which are okay, but I've read a lot of those recently. Besides, this book also deals with reapers, which are pretty awesome if you ask me.
The main character was realistic. Her voice had a nice flow to it, and I found myself reading a lot faster than I wanted to... because I like to make my books last at least two days. The side characters all had their own voices and Ellie's friends all sound like teenagers, which was good. Of course, like always, my favorite character was a side character and a villain.
Over all, I found the storyline to be engaging. The overarching plot line was interesting and I found myself wanting to find out more about Ellie's character, as well as the world of the reapers. And while all of this supernatural-big-picture stuff is happening, there's the part of Ellie that is desperately clinging to her old life, which makes it easy for the reader to relate to her.
On the whole, I genuinely liked this book and I'm looking forward to the second book.
This book can be found in stores and online:
Angelfire
Happy reading!
PS: I think I'm doing away with the rating system from here on out. I'm finding that it's really difficult to determine what sort of rating I would give a book, when my opinion tends to change on a day to day basis. If you would like to see the rating system continue for book reviews, let me know! I'm willing to keep it if it's important to you.
"First there are nightmares. Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.
"Then come the memories. When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street corner at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the keys to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.
Before I joined the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, I found an interview with the author of this book on a web page. The cover and the cover blurb caught my interest immediately. When I found the 2011DAC a few days later, I knew I had to sign up. What better excuse could I possibly find to buy more books? And once I registered, this book was added to the list without a second thought.
After finishing it, I have to say that I'm glad I read it. From what I've heard, a lot of people are writing angels these days, but this is the first book I've read in a while including that kind of subject matter. It was a nice change from vampires, which are okay, but I've read a lot of those recently. Besides, this book also deals with reapers, which are pretty awesome if you ask me.
The main character was realistic. Her voice had a nice flow to it, and I found myself reading a lot faster than I wanted to... because I like to make my books last at least two days. The side characters all had their own voices and Ellie's friends all sound like teenagers, which was good. Of course, like always, my favorite character was a side character and a villain.
Over all, I found the storyline to be engaging. The overarching plot line was interesting and I found myself wanting to find out more about Ellie's character, as well as the world of the reapers. And while all of this supernatural-big-picture stuff is happening, there's the part of Ellie that is desperately clinging to her old life, which makes it easy for the reader to relate to her.
On the whole, I genuinely liked this book and I'm looking forward to the second book.
This book can be found in stores and online:
Angelfire
Happy reading!
PS: I think I'm doing away with the rating system from here on out. I'm finding that it's really difficult to determine what sort of rating I would give a book, when my opinion tends to change on a day to day basis. If you would like to see the rating system continue for book reviews, let me know! I'm willing to keep it if it's important to you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Book Review: Paranormalcy
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
"Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
"Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
Rating: 4/5
I picked this novel up at a bookstore a couple of days ago (a story I'll tell you later, because it's sort of long and I would rather review this right now), but I only got around to reading it today. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White was recommended to me a couple of weeks ago and, when I saw it on the table, I thought I would add it to the stack of books I was already purchasing. Once I realized how much my books were going to be, I almost put all of them except for the debut novel back, but I really couldn't help myself... and I'm glad I spent the money.
Let me start by saying: This book is a page turner. Seriously. I just read it all in a few hours, only breaking for dinner and coffee. I kept reading even when my beautiful kitty somehow swindled me out of most of my chair. But, page turning does not turn this into a proper review, so onward we go.
First off, I'm a sucker for faerie novels. So the fact that there were faeries in this novel? Automatic plus. But, with or without that aspect, I loved this book.
Characterization, in my opinion, was definitely one of the stronger points in this novel. The main character, Evie, was light and relatively cheerful, despite the rather dark situation. She was well developed and she moved the story along with ease. She made everything interesting, even simply traveling down the hallway (in a rolling chair). And I really appreciated the fact that she wasn't just a lay-down-and-take-it character, even though she had been fairly sheltered up until things started going wrong.
And Raquel - a woman who was, in many ways, Evie's parental figure - was exceptionally expressive, as well as being a very private individual. Even the smallest characters in this book had their share of personality, which was wonderful to see.
The only thing that kept me from giving this a five out of five was that, at times, I really didn't feel the relationship between Evie and some of the other characters. While all of the characters had personality, I was only told how Evie felt about them. And, to sell me completely on a book, showing versus telling really is key. Still, I thought it was excellent and I expect some of that will even out later.
Some of the plots remain unresolved by the end of the novel, but I suspect that has rather more to do with the coming sequels than a lack of attention paid to each point. I'm really looking forward to those, in case you couldn't tell already.
This book can be found in bookstores or online:
Paranormalcy
Happy readings!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Book Review: XVI
XVI by Julia Karr - (2011 Debut Author Challenge: 1 of 12)
"Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist -- sixteen. They say they're there for protection.
I went shopping yesterday or, perhaps, I went wandering and just so happened upon a bookstore. The point is, I ended up spending and hour and a half trying to decide on the perfect book instead of drinking coffee and writing as I had originally planned. I came home with one... this one (I know, an hour and a half to find one book is a little bit sad, but I might have just been enjoying the new book smell and absorbing the atmosphere).
When I saw this on the shelf, I recognized the title from the list of novels debuting this month and I thought I would give it a go. I started reading at 5:30 yesterday and I read for an hour or so. Then I picked it up again after school today and finished just a little bit ago... kind of watching movies in between chapters. I think I should clarify something right now. I did receive the book that was in the mail and I have started reading that, but this one just caught me.
XVI is a dystopian novel and an addicting read. Set in the year 2150, things have changed. Everything is ruled by the Governing Council and people literally fight to survive in a world that is supposed to be perfect. But that's just the thing, no one thinks anything is wrong. Media is pounded into their heads day after day and there's never enough silence to think for themselves, which is where Nina's journey begins.
I really enjoyed this novel. For a debut, I think it's impressive. The characters were engaging - even the ones I didn't like - and the plot kept me turning pages more rapidly than usual. Nina was a strong lead and her point of view offered the perfect mindset for this story. The only thing that really caught me off guard was the pacing. It seemed to be going along at a nice rate until I got toward the end and I realized there were ten pages left to wrap up everything. I became doubtful, but it turns out that I didn't need to be.
The ending didn't quite feel finished to me at first and the pacing still seemed off, but after looking it up, that's because it isn't finished and some of this is carrying on into the next book. According to the author website, there's supposed to be a sequel coming out at some point (wish I knew when), and this is news that I'm genuinely glad to hear. I'm not done with this world or these characters just yet.
So why the four out of five?
Well, I really was expecting a bit more action regarding the tattoo. I felt there was a lot of build up for what little came of that, but that plot wasn't necessarily the main one - as it seemed in the beginning - and perhaps it'll show up in the sequel.
There was one scene that really kind of threw me off too, but I won't go into that since I don't want to spoil anything for you.
Also, I caught a few typos, which was kind of weird. I've never seen those get through before, but maybe I'm just not usually paying attention.
But, overall and those things aside, I would have to say that I loved this book. I'm interested to see more from this author, and not just the sequel to XVI. For the moment, though, I offer my congratulations to Ms. Karr on a great debut and I recommend this book to any of you interested in YA dystopians.
This book can be found in stores and online:
XVI
Happy reading!
PS: This book is probably best for ages 14 and up.
"Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist -- sixteen. They say they're there for protection. "Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.
"Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal life is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help -- and he may just hold the key to her past.
"But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure... for Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet." (Cover blurb on book).
Rating: 4/5
I went shopping yesterday or, perhaps, I went wandering and just so happened upon a bookstore. The point is, I ended up spending and hour and a half trying to decide on the perfect book instead of drinking coffee and writing as I had originally planned. I came home with one... this one (I know, an hour and a half to find one book is a little bit sad, but I might have just been enjoying the new book smell and absorbing the atmosphere).
When I saw this on the shelf, I recognized the title from the list of novels debuting this month and I thought I would give it a go. I started reading at 5:30 yesterday and I read for an hour or so. Then I picked it up again after school today and finished just a little bit ago... kind of watching movies in between chapters. I think I should clarify something right now. I did receive the book that was in the mail and I have started reading that, but this one just caught me.
XVI is a dystopian novel and an addicting read. Set in the year 2150, things have changed. Everything is ruled by the Governing Council and people literally fight to survive in a world that is supposed to be perfect. But that's just the thing, no one thinks anything is wrong. Media is pounded into their heads day after day and there's never enough silence to think for themselves, which is where Nina's journey begins.
I really enjoyed this novel. For a debut, I think it's impressive. The characters were engaging - even the ones I didn't like - and the plot kept me turning pages more rapidly than usual. Nina was a strong lead and her point of view offered the perfect mindset for this story. The only thing that really caught me off guard was the pacing. It seemed to be going along at a nice rate until I got toward the end and I realized there were ten pages left to wrap up everything. I became doubtful, but it turns out that I didn't need to be.
The ending didn't quite feel finished to me at first and the pacing still seemed off, but after looking it up, that's because it isn't finished and some of this is carrying on into the next book. According to the author website, there's supposed to be a sequel coming out at some point (wish I knew when), and this is news that I'm genuinely glad to hear. I'm not done with this world or these characters just yet.
So why the four out of five?
Well, I really was expecting a bit more action regarding the tattoo. I felt there was a lot of build up for what little came of that, but that plot wasn't necessarily the main one - as it seemed in the beginning - and perhaps it'll show up in the sequel.
There was one scene that really kind of threw me off too, but I won't go into that since I don't want to spoil anything for you.
Also, I caught a few typos, which was kind of weird. I've never seen those get through before, but maybe I'm just not usually paying attention.
But, overall and those things aside, I would have to say that I loved this book. I'm interested to see more from this author, and not just the sequel to XVI. For the moment, though, I offer my congratulations to Ms. Karr on a great debut and I recommend this book to any of you interested in YA dystopians.
This book can be found in stores and online:
XVI
Happy reading!
PS: This book is probably best for ages 14 and up.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Book Review: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I was hesitant to read this book originally -- mostly because someone had full-out convinced me that it was about cannibalism and I wasn't totally sure I wanted to read on that topic. It's not. When I finally purchased The Hunger Games, I was pleasantly surprised to find a blend of adventure (survival of the fittest) and sort-of romance in a dystopian setting.
Katniss is a strong lead, and she's got what it takes to keep this novel alive. She's not the sort of person to let anyone walk all over her, even when the odds are against her, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her knack for survival starting in the first few pages let the reader know that she was by no means to be considered helpless, and she didn't break down just because she was in a bad situation.
Emotional involvement isn't difficult to achieve with me when I'm reading; even a terrible work of fiction can keep me hooked until the end, if only so I can have closure. But it takes a decent plot, connection to the characters, and a pretty good writing style to keep me singing praises after a few days have passed.
By the end of this novel, I was ready to go fight my own battles. And even after several weeks had passed, I was still interested in the characters, so I bought the second book (which I have yet to read). While it probably isn't for the weak of stomach, this series has my praise.
The Hunger Games has captured my attention. I won't bash you over the head with it and tell you to read it or else, but I definitely recommend it to readers looking for a thrill ride.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
The Hunger Games
Happy reading!
"Could you survive on your own in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't see the morning?
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
"Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love." (Cover blurb on book).I was hesitant to read this book originally -- mostly because someone had full-out convinced me that it was about cannibalism and I wasn't totally sure I wanted to read on that topic. It's not. When I finally purchased The Hunger Games, I was pleasantly surprised to find a blend of adventure (survival of the fittest) and sort-of romance in a dystopian setting.
Katniss is a strong lead, and she's got what it takes to keep this novel alive. She's not the sort of person to let anyone walk all over her, even when the odds are against her, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her knack for survival starting in the first few pages let the reader know that she was by no means to be considered helpless, and she didn't break down just because she was in a bad situation.
Emotional involvement isn't difficult to achieve with me when I'm reading; even a terrible work of fiction can keep me hooked until the end, if only so I can have closure. But it takes a decent plot, connection to the characters, and a pretty good writing style to keep me singing praises after a few days have passed.
By the end of this novel, I was ready to go fight my own battles. And even after several weeks had passed, I was still interested in the characters, so I bought the second book (which I have yet to read). While it probably isn't for the weak of stomach, this series has my praise.
The Hunger Games has captured my attention. I won't bash you over the head with it and tell you to read it or else, but I definitely recommend it to readers looking for a thrill ride.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
The Hunger Games
Happy reading!
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