Month: November 2013

Review: Sinews of the Heart

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Sinews of the Heart
Sinews of the Heart by Cody L. Stanford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I actually like anthro books so I was an easier sell for this one. I think it makes an easy and well-timed analogy to humans and their motivations and also because it’s just fun. I love Kyell Gold’s books and was thinking this might be a similar type of novel. I was also looking forward to a young adult anthro book with a genderqueer protagonist, which is more rare. The writing was amazing with interesting characters and a relatable story set amid a post-apocalyptic setting. At times the lessons within the story were a bit obvious and I felt pummeled over the head but the likeability of the narrator helped. At the core, it’s a story about acceptance and identity in whatever forms it comes. Continue reading →

Review: The Cuckoo’s Calling

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The Cuckoo's Calling
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read The Casual Vacancy and found it underwhelming to say the least. I was trepadatious to read another of Rowling’s adult works but I’d heard good reviews and took a chance. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed this story so much it kept me thinking beyond the end. I find it has the same flaws as TCV in that it’s overwritten and locaquious to a fault. The prose is trying to be witty but also trying to be way too wordy. It could easily have been trimmed down by half, but I like the bones of the story. The various characters are interesting and the mystery actually kept me wondering until the very end. I didn’t like the ending, too neat and wrapped up, but I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series. Continue reading →

Review: A Not So Hollow Heart

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A Not So Hollow Heart
A Not So Hollow Heart by Sharon Maria Bidwell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this one a lot more than I actually did. I had some problems with the character building and scant world building, surprisingly too much sex and not enough plot. I felt the entire story was crammed into a short novella when it needed more breadth to make it work. The outline of a decent to good book is there but I felt mostly disappointed with the outcome. Continue reading →

Review: Merry Gentlemen

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Merry Gentlemen
Merry Gentlemen by Josephine Myles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute, fun, and lots of campy singing. What else does a holiday novella need? Myles is a great author and she’s once again delivered with this entertaining and enjoyable story about a city-slicker who falls back in love with his country ex. The two may live seemingly very different lives but the power of love wins out. The characters are adorable and the story reads incredibly fast. There’s enough minor action and witty dialogue to keep the pages turning. The ending is a bit optimistic and overly simplified to be believed but I like the concept of love winning out anyway. I especially appreciated the touch with the cranky gull. Continue reading →

Review: Truth Or Lie

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Truth Or Lie
Truth Or Lie by Lynn Lorenz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lynn Lorenz’s work always seems to land in the middle of the range for me. It’s not great but not bad either. It’s pleasant for the time to read it and ultimately very forgettable. Truth or Lie goes along with that trend. It’s very easy to read, the characters fall in love nearly instantly, there’s a brief hint of tension but it’s smoothed over very quickly with a touch of a lesson for everyone. I think fans of the author may like this one more than those new readers but either way it’s an easy and mildly pleasant way to pass the time. Continue reading →

Review: The Eye of Minds

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The Eye of Minds
The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I keep meaning to read The Maze Runner books and haven’t yet but they’re at the top of my list now. I absolutely loved The Eye of Minds. I thought it was interesting, engaging, with several twists and turns that can be chaotic. I’m not sure the ending really worked though I loved the twist of it and the never-ending danger of the virtual world wore on me a bit but I still finished the book with a happy sigh and wanted to read it all over again immediately. I’m impressed with the writing and handling of such complex plot lines while giving relatable and engaging characters. I can easily recommend this book and I’m very much looking forward to more in the series. Continue reading →