Novel Glimpses (10) Martian Chronicles, Florence and Giles, Good Omens, Behind Closed Doors

Novel Glimpses is a feature I created for mini-reviews. The only difference from my full reviews is I will include my Goodreads rating. Feel free to participate. Just be sure to credit me and link back if you do. (Clicking the book title will take you to the book's page on Goodreads.)

Yes! This feature is back from a long hiatus. Last time I posted one of these was in 2012! Since I don't have much time for lengthy reviews these days, this will probably be the course I will take regularly. Plus, I'm reading more, which is a positive thing, but the more I read, the less I want to write a long write-up.

The Martina Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

My Goodreads rating: 5 stars

I remember reading this when I was a girl, but I really didn't remember too much about it. Not surprising since that was probably over 35 years ago. I enjoy Bradbury's books because there is always a message. In this book, the message I gleaned was that humans aren't happy unless they're conquering and destroying. We arrive on Mars to the detriment of the Martians who currently inhabit the planet. The Martians try to stop our arrivals, but it's no use...we're relentless. My absolute favorite chapter was April 2036: Usher II. This was a masterful and fun variation on Poe's famous story, The Fall of the House of Usher.

Note: This was my Classics Club Spin 20 selection.

Florence and Giles by John Harding

My Goodreads rating: 5 stars

One of my favorite Henry James stories is The Turn of the Screw. The Times (London) review of this book stated: "Imagine The Turn of the Screw reworked by Edgar Allan Poe." So true! This was a truly Gothic novel. Very creepy and atmospheric. The main character, the little girl, Florence is forbidden to read (because girls don't need to read, according to her uncle) and so she finds inventive ways to get her hands on the books in the library. This, and her tenacity, endeared Florence to me. Another thing about Florence was her invention of her own language. She tells the story with an assortment of odd vocabulary which I thought added a certain charm to the story. This is quite a creepy mystery, bordering on horror, but in a Gothic sense, as I mentioned before. I could not hardly put this down and was thrilled by the big twist at the end. 

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

My Goodreads rating: 4 stars

I love Pratchett's wit. Add Neil Gaiman to the mix and you have a winner? So, why not five stars, you ask? Well, I probably would have enjoyed this more if I could have listened to the The BBC Radio 4 dramatisation, or read the print book. However, I did find it entertaining, and of course, I wanted to read it before the new series debuts on Amazon Prime. Now I will definitely be prepared. Looking forward to seeing what Michael Sheen and David Tennant do with their roles.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

My Goodreads rating: 5 stars

I listened to this on audio and I think it's the fastest I've ever listened to a book. I was riveted...and sickened, and very angry. I've heard many say they just didn't find it believable. Anyone who has ever been the victim of domestic abuse, whether physical, emotional, or both, will believe it. This is why I reacted so viscerally. The hopelessly trapped state in which Grace found herself was truly frightening. Another note on the believability of it all; this man had lots of money, he was a lawyer, and he was connected. It's very plausible he could have done what he did. Couple this with the manipulation and how else was Grace to act. An excellent debut novel. I look forward to more from this author.

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Novel Glimpses (9)--Middlemarch, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Graceling

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (want to read a book description?  Clicking the book covers will take you to the book's page on Amazon).

The first two books reviewed here were read for the Victorian Celebration hosted by Allie at A Literary Odyssey.  Sadly, I was only able to complete these two works during the two months, but Middlemarch is a monster so I don't feel a failure. =O)



Middlemarch by George Eliot
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
I really enjoyed this book.  I can tell that I will be ready to read more of Eliot's work in the future.  Although Middlemarch was written in the Victorian era, it was very easy to understand and, I think, easily related to our modern times.  It seems small town life hasn't much changed in 200 some years.  The gossip that seems to shape the very opinions of people toward others, whether founded or not, is very present then and now.  Eliot has created very human characters that the reader feels for.  Dr. Lydgate, with the pretty wife who loves to spend money and who he indulges to a fault, even to the detriment of their livelihood.  Dorothea, who only wants to do good works, making choices to suit that vein, at the cost of true happiness.  Fred, who loves Mary so much that he turns his life around so to win her hand.  These are the characters who Eliot leaves with a not so perfect happy ending, so to speak.  But the ending is telling of life.  Not everything is always wrapped up in pretty bows, but we can be content with what we have in life.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
This is really a short story or novella, but it packs quite a punch.  It's obvious why there are so many retellings in film and other mediums.  It is the classic story of good vs. evil.  I think the question Stevenson is asking is, if given the chance to choose between our good or evil side, what would we do?  Would we choose evil with the uninhibited conscience, willing to commit evil acts without regret.  Or would we choose our good side; the side that makes us accountable for our actions and keeps us in check morally.  I think Stevenson answers this question well with his ending.  One of the most memorable books I've read is called Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin.  It's a retelling of this story from the point of view of one of Jekyll's housemaids.  If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do.  Reading it in combination with this classic would be interesting; kind of a side by side comparison.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
This is such a wonderful book.  Though classified as young adult, it is a fantasy novel that really would appeal to any adult.  Reading it reminded me of other excellent fantasy works like Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga or Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.  Cashore has built a world made up of kingdoms, much like other fantasy novels.  What makes her story unique are the characters and the "power" they possess.  Called "Gracelings", these individuals have specials powers (their "Grace") particular to themselves.  To go along with these powers, they also have eyes of different colors.  Katsa, the star of this novel, has an eye of green and an eye of blue, both vibrantly hued.  Katsa is indeed the stand out character as she goes from thinking herself a monster to finding the truth of her Grace.  The other characters are also well written.  It's easy to find yourself invested in them throughout the book.   Perhaps what struck me the most was how Cashore could introduce a character (King Leck), who doesn't even have much "page time" (like screen time in films) in the book, but brings across such pure evil, it makes the skin crawl.  If you haven't read this book, you really should.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Fire, which I'm told tells the story of Leck, a prequel of sorts.

Novel Glimpses (8)--Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Without Mercy, The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (want to read a book description?  Clicking the book covers will take you to the book's page on Amazon).



Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
I remember reading Alice in Wonderland as a child, but I think it was some of the condensed versions and I know one was the Disney version storybook so reading the original classic was somewhat of a new experience for me.  I have to admit that I found parts of it annoying, but yet other parts were brilliant.  In a way, I enjoyed Through the Looking Glass even more.  I like the idea of the entire adventure being played out on a chess board and the incorporation of the kittens and Dinah, Alice's cat, at the end was wonderful.  Big surprise from a cat lover.  So, while I enjoyed the read overall, I am ready to get back to more adult literature. =O)

Reading challenges to be added.

Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
This was my first Lisa Jackson novel.  I listened to it on audio over a few months (yes, it takes me a few months to listen to an audio book since I only listen to them in the car).  I have to admit that I picked this one to fulfill the letter J (J for Jackson) for the A-Z Mystery Challenge I'm participating in.  It was actually pretty good, but I had a hard time getting past the voice of the reader.  Some of her character voice portrayals were really grating.  Besides that minor annoyance, the story was fairly riveting.  The killer was one sick individual and man...is there ever a twist at the end.  In all, an entertaining and well-told mystery/thriller.

Reading challenges to be added.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
I love Agatha Christie! This is only my third book of hers (Partners in Crime and Ordeal by Innocence were the others) and I'm well on my way to reading all of them because of the wonderful Agatha Christie Book Club hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea and Kindle and Me.  What I love the most about her books is that I never figure out who the killer is.  Her books are so intricately plotted that you would have to be Poirot himself to solve the mystery.  Speaking of Poirot...I love him! He is second only to Sherlock Holmes in my eyes.  Such a unique and quirky individual and so clever.  Christie really invented a gem with him.  I just can't wait to read more of the books and stories featuring Poirot.  And then, of course, there's Miss Marple.  Who would have thought I would get so excited by Agatha Christie.

Reading challenges to be added.

Novel Glimpses (7)--The Time Machine, The Color Purple

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (want to read a book description?  Clicking the book covers will take you to the book's page on Amazon).


The Color Purple by Alice Walker
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
One of my favorite films is The Color Purple.  I actually didn't realize it until recently, as I was reading the book and it just happened to come on cable.  I proceeded to watch it twice during the time of reading the book and I remembered how much I loved it.  Well, the film in no way prepared me for how wonderful the book is.  The film and the book are actually pretty close until it gets closer to the end.  The ending in the book blows the movie away.  The Color Purple is not just a story of a black woman who struggles with an abusive husband and missing a sister who she felt was the only person who ever loved her.  It's a story of a community of black people who try to exist in a world of the white man's disdain and oppression.  What makes the book so much better than the movie is that Walker allows the characters to grow in the end.  There is a feeling of redemption for all of the characters, not just Celie.  I liked it much better.  Once again, the book prevails over the movie.  Go figure. ;O)

Reading Challenges:

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
This is a really short read, but no less impactful.  Wells really was ahead of his time in the prediction of man's future on earth.  Yes, certainly, what he predicted for our future has not happened...yet...and we will never know in our lifetimes (or our childrens' lifetimes) if it will happen this way.  But I believe the future of our world is bound to end up similarly, especially if mankind doesn't start changing its ways now.  And, of course, it's a question of evolution as well.  Wells was an expert craftsman in his depiction of the starkly different characters of the Eloi and the Morlocks.  Again, for a very short book, the story packs quite a punch.  I listened to it on audio and it was very easy book to listen to in this way.

Reading Challenges:

Novel Glimpses (6)--The Book Thief, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Ordeal By Innocence

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (want to read a book description?  Clicking the book covers will take you to the book's page on Amazon).




The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak
My Goodreads rating: 5 stars
The glimpse:  I loved this book! As with any book that gets a lot of thumbs up and hype, I am always a bit skeptical that it is really as good as everyone says.  Well, in this case, the hype was totally right.  Not a typical novel surrounding Nazi Germany, the story is both inspiring and heartbreaking.  Experiencing the joy of a young girl's discovery of the written word is especially poignant.  It becomes her anchor in a world that is uncertain every day.  Zusak uses a clever narrator...Death.  An appropriate choice considering the amount of lives lost during World War II.  As usual, the Nazis' treatment of the Jewish people is shocking and sickening.  I could go a million years without having to visualize those acts in my mind.  As usual, when a book effects me in such a way that it makes me cry, it is an automatic five star book.  But do not let the sadness dissuade you from reading this book.  It is also a story of hope and, ultimately, personal triumph.

Reading Challenges
Monthly Mix-Up Mania
Historical Fiction Challenge
2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge
Historical Tour De Genre
Outdo Yourself

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

My Goodreads rating: 5 stars
The glimpse:  What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said?  I actually saw the Swedish film first and absolutely loved it.  I adore the character of Lisbeth Salander.  She is the anti-hero that everyone loves to cheer for.  I was worried that I wouldn't like her as much in the book, but I should have known.  The book is always better and it's obvious that the screenplay writer for the film and the actress who played her stayed true to the book.  I found myself scratching my head at points in the book, thinking that I really do not normally like this type of book.  The world of high finance and journalistic intrigue might normally be boring, but not in this book.  Larsson's skill as a writer makes everything come across as exciting.  The incorporation of a murder mystery...the Agatha Christie style 'locked room'...brings the story full circle and everything interconnects beautifully.  I have seen the sequels on film too, but I can't wait to finish reading the books in the series.  It really is a shame that Larsson passed away.  I can imagine that his future offerings would have been just as spectacular.

Reading Challenges
Alphabet Challenge--COMPLETED!
What an Animal Reading Challenge IV
Monthly Mix-up Mania
A - Z Mystery Author Challenge
Outdo Yourself

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie

My Goodreads rating: 5 stars
The glimpse:  First of all, I have to admit that this is only the second AC book I’ve read. Shocking, I know! I’ve been meaning to read more of her and I do own several of her books, but the ever looming TBR pile is so demanding. It’s so hard to choose what to read next!

I liked this book immediately. I knew I did because it seemed like I was getting through it so fast. Granted it took me all day to read it (approx. 12 hours or so), but actually that’s pretty fast for me! It immediately grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go.  I’m not familiar with AC’s other books, so I’m not up on her usual structure, but I have to say, I liked this structure. It made me feel like I was part of solving the crime, but I was the clueless person on the CSI team who has no idea who to suspect.  The only other AC book I have read was Partners in Crime (Tommy and Tuppence). I felt this book had a much higher level of suspense than the stories in that book, especially toward the end. It kept getting more and more suspenseful–more and more people seemed to be figuring it out and/or knew more than they were telling. I loved it!

I have to say that Agatha is the master! I am usually really good at figuring out the identity of the killer, but in this one, I was stumped almost to the very end. Only when Tina was stabbed and gave her cryptic clues after regaining consciousness did I finally know who was the murderer.  AC was excellent in what she did with her mysteries and I also really liked in this book that she raised questions of a psychological nature, such as nature vs. nurture and the art of parenting and the connection between a mother and her biological children. I do have to say that the very end (the exchange between Hester and Calgary) was a little corny, but I won’t fault Agatha for that little bit of lightness in this relatively dark mystery.

Reading Challenges
Monthly Mix-Up Mania
Outdo Yourself
Agatha Christie Reading Challenge

NOVEL GLIMPSES (5)--THE CRIMSON PETAL AND THE WHITE, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, AUTHENTICITY ACCELERATOR

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (want to read a book description?  Clicking the book covers will take you to the book's page on Amazon).

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber


My Goodreads rating: 5 stars
The glimpse:  Crimson Petal is a magnificent portrayal of life in Victorian England.  The book is so visual that the reader almost feels present in the action.  And the characters! Sugar is not your typical prostitute with a heart of gold.  Yes, she aspires to be good and she is good to a certain extent.  Only the history of her upbringing interferes with her ever achieving true goodness.  In the end, she does seem to receive some redemption, but we never really know for sure.  William is a man born to privilege, but with no desire to work to keep that privilege...until he meets Sugar.  An excellent display of a man who starts achieving due to the yearnings of his nether regions.  This, in and of itself, gives us a true idea of the kind of person William is.  And he really is not a likable person.  As with most men of this nature, when your usefulness is gone, he no longer needs you.  This holds true with his wife, Agnes, and with his concubine, Sugar.  In all, Crimson Petal gives us an excellent overview of the class structures in Victorian times and the subjugation of women that was so prevalent.  A truly excellent book that I highly recommend, with one warning.  There are some explicit sex scenes so if you are easily offended, you may wish to skip this one.

Challenges:
Alphabet Challenge
Monthly Mix-Up Mania 
Historical Fiction 2011
Chunkster
Outdo Yourself


Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen


My Goodreads rating: 5 stars

The glimpse:  What can I say about this wonderful book which I knew would be wonderful before I even read it! I'm really not going to say too much, because haven't we all read it anyway?  Oh, you haven't?  Well, what are you waiting for?  Jane Austen had such a knack with her characters and settings.  Even as much as I love the films based on the books, the book really is a literary masterpiece.  These people and their stories never get old because, although set in a different era, they are just like us.  They hurt, love, hate, jest, and experience joy in every day things, just as we do.  Such simple stories really, but how can we not identify with them when they could very well be happening to us.  This is why I think Jane endures.  Not just for her beautiful settings and her pretty and sometimes funny characters, but for her true insight into the workings of the human heart.  Well done, Jane!

Challenges:
Classics 2011
Monthly Mix-Up Mania
Chunkster
2011 Book Blogger Recommendation
1001 Books you must read before you die
Outdo Yourself


Authenticity Accelerator: How to Live an Authentic Life in Ten Words by Robert Rabbin

My Goodreads rating: 4 stars
The glimpse:  There are two reasons I like this book.  1) It's short and to the point and 2) it make sense.  I much prefer self-help/empowerment books that are not too long.  I mean, you're trying to help yourself.  Who wants it to take five years to read a book, right?  And I want said book to make sense.  I don't know how many times I've read a book like this and ended up scratching my head wondering what the hell it is the author is talking about.  Robert succeeds in making sense by talking about ten words (or five principles) to finding your authentic self.  After he describes the process, he then goes on to apply them to certain questions people have about aspects of their lives, such as:  fear, regret, right and wrong, self, success, and others.  What he says about the past is to learn from it and let it go.  You are not the person you were so move on.  Pretty simple, huh?  Sometimes we have to be told it or read it again and again for it to sink in.  And what does he say about success (and this is my favorite new quote)?  "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing.  How can you succeed or fail at that?"  My new mantra! I really liked this book.  If you're looking for some authenticity in your life, I recommend you check it out.

Challenges:
Monthly Mix-Up Mania 
The Dewey Decimal Challenge
Outdo Yourself

NOVEL GLIMPSES (4)--WHAT THE NIGHT KNOWS, THE KING'S MISTRESS, BE: EMBRACING THE MYSTERY

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (The titles are linked back to Goodreads, if you would like to read the book description).

What The Night Knows by Dean Koontz
finished on April 5, 2011

My Goodreads rating: 4 stars
The glimpse:  I've been a fan of Koontz for a long time.  Saying that, it has been years since I've read one of his books (even though I own a fair amount of his titles in my personal library).  I really enjoyed this one.  It had that level of creepiness that I've come to expect from Koontz.  The murderer is one of the worst I've read in a long time.  The level of evil in this character is unfathomable.  When that evil becomes supernatural is when it really gets scary.  This rating might have been five stars, but the ending was a tad too pat and I think the first half of the book was much more exciting than the second half.  In all though, this is a book I would recommend, especially to Koontz fans.

Qualifies for the following challenges:
Monthly Mix-Up Mania 
Horror and Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
Spring Reading Thing

BE: Embracing the Mystery by Shirlee Hall
finished April 12, 2011

My Goodreads rating: 3 stars
The glimpse:  Are you a very spiritual person?  Do you also like a lot of new age wisdom mixed in with your spirituality?  If you answered yes to one or either of these questions, then this book might be for you.  Personally, I'm not a hugely spiritual person.  I believe in God and I pray, but I'm not really....what can I say?...like this book.  I can see where she was going with it and I did like several of her insights on becoming who we want to be.  For instance, she emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, in ourselves and others, in order to become more fully realized as our true selves.  I believe this...I have to.  Mistakes I have made in recent years have really taken their toll on me mentally and I am trying to learn to forgive myself so I can move on and realize a more fulfilling life.  Also, chapters 26 and 27 are excellent in the way she gives specific guidelines for accomplishing these goals.  I wish the entire book would have been more like that.  In all, if you are spiritual or are looking to add some spiritual qualities to your life, check this book out.

Challenge:
Spring Reading Thing

The King's Mistress by Emma Campion (audio book)
finished April 28, 2011

My Goodreads rating: 4 stars
The glimpse:  This was such a great book.  My first real foray into the life of King Edward III and his mistress, Alice Perrers and it was quite enthralling.  Campion does an excellent job of portraying the plight of a woman in the 14th century.  Women had so very little choice of who they would marry.  And then, if the king wants you as his mistress, well then you better bow to his wishes.  Alice had no choice in any aspect of her life...everything was decided for her.  You could say that she was carried along by fate.  But she remained a strong woman in her own right and had many children, who were her life.  I really admired her and look forward to reading more about her.  Emma Campion is the world's foremost scholar on Alice Perrers.  I can see why she was able to write such a wonderful book.

Qualifies for the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge
Monthly Mix-Up Mania 
Historical Fiction Challenge
2011 Audiobook Challenge
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge




FTC disclaimer:  BE: Embracing the Mystery was provided to me for review by the author.  I did not receive any monetary compensation and the review was my honest opinion.

NOVEL GLIMPSES (3)--THE LAST QUEEN, ACROSS THE VEIL, AND A DNF

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (The titles are linked back to Goodreads, if you would like to read the book description).

The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
finished on March 8, 2011

My Goodreads rating:  5 stars
The glimpse:  There is a reason why historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book is one of them.  An author that can take an historical figure, write a book about him/her based in fact, and make it historically accurate and entertaining at the same time is truly gifted.  I have been interested in Queen Juana since I watched a brilliant Spanish film based on her life called "Juana La Loca" (or "Mad Love").  Not quite sure how accurate the film was, but my interest was piqued and I wanted to know more about her.  However, at the time there were no historical fiction novels about her and very little non-fiction at that (at least after a search at my library).  And then I entered the book blogging world in 2009 and I started hearing about this book and I wanted it.  I put it on my wishlist and lucky me, my lovely Holiday Swap partner sent me the book (with my other goodies)! Well, the waiting paid off.  Gortner has constructed an historically accurate novel with characters that make you want to hate (Felipe) and to cry (Juana).  The subjugation of Juana by the men in her life is both infuriating and heartbreaking and I felt every misdeed against her to the bone.  Gortner has landed himself on my list of favorite historical fiction authors and I'm pretty confident that he will stay there.  I have his The Confessions of Catherine De Medici on my TBR pile and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.  It just inched closer to the top of the pile.

Qualifies for the following challenges:
Alphabet Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge
Outdo Yourself

Across the Veil by Lisa Kessler (e book)
finished on March 25, 2011

My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
The glimpse:  I have been following Lisa's writing since I met her on MySpace, where she posted weekly short stories on her blog and I'm a big fan.  I have been rooting for her writing journey and I'm happy to say that a week (or so) after she published this story on Amazon, she received a three book contract for her Night trilogy and a novella.  Congrats to her! So, on to the review of Across the Veil.  I love Lisa's characters.  They are so real and believable.  And her blending of the real world with the fantasy world is effortless.  The life and adventures of Princess Talia, aka Natalie Thurmont, are exciting and intriguing and I can only hope that Lisa will expand her story into a full novel someday. *fingers crossed*

Qualifies for Outdo Yourself Challenge

The Virtual Life of Fizzy Oceans by David A. Ross
DNF

No star rating...DNF
The glimpse (sort of):  I really hate abandoning books and I rarely do, but I have vowed to give a book 50 pages (or so) and if it's not grabbing me by then, well....  All I can say is that this book started off like a course in learning a virtual world and then forayed into a preachy treatise on global warming.  Now don't get me wrong.  I think global warming is a very important issue, but I own An Inconvenient Truth and I think I can learn what I need to know from that book.  I want works of fiction to have a story and interesting characters...not to read like a how-to manual narrated by one of those virtual talking avatars we see so much of online these days.






I received Across the Veil from the author for review and The Virtual Life of Fizzy Oceans from the publicity company for review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I did not receive any monetary compensation.

NOVEL GLIMPSES (2)--BY FIRE, BY WATER, THE SWORD OF SHANNARA, AND OTHERS

Novel Glimpses is my feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference than with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews. Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do. (The titles are linked back to goodreads, if you would like to read the book description).

I'm so behind on reviews so a couple of these are way overdue...sorry!

By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan
finished reading on January 22, 2011

My goodreads rating:  4 stars
The glimpse:  Never have I been more thankful to live in a time...and country...where a person is free to practice any religion without fear of persecution than after reading this book.  The horrors and intricacies of religious persecution during the Inquisition in 15th century Spain chills the blood.  Kaplan shows us two sides of the Jewish faith.  One, an intelligent and determined woman who is sure and proud of her religious identity.  Another, a powerful man whose Jewish heritage he has so carefully tried to conceal.  As in any story where oppression occurs, bad things start to happen to good people and there is betrayal and loss.  Kaplan has crafted characters with depth and an interesting and heartbreaking account that any lover of historical fiction will be sure to enjoy.  Beyond enjoyment, this book also forces us to think about what we would do...what would we give up...for our religious freedom. 

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
finished reading on February 28, 2011

My goodreads rating:  4 stars
The glimpse:  I have wanted to read this book for a long time, as I'm a fan of Terry Brooks's Magic Kingdom of Landover series.  A special thanks to my long suffering friend, Heather (Between the Covers), who faithfully chatted with me on Twitter every Tuesday night, only to discover that I was never prepared.  It has been awhile since I've read high fantasy (last was Lord of the Rings over six years ago) so I had a hard time with this at first.  And when I started reading, all I could think of were the parallels to LOTR...and there are similarities.  The group on a quest for an object, in this case, a sword.  An elf-like character who is the one person who must retrieve the object.  A sniveling, Gollum-like gnome that treats the Sword of Shannara like his 'precious'.  I could go on, but I will not because I'm pretty sure a lot of fantasy emulates LOTR...and what's not to emulate, right?  But Shannara is excellent in its own right.  The premise I really enjoyed.  The fact that this world comes about hundreds of years after the destruction of the world as we know it.  Our world in the future becomes a land of shires with elves, gnomes, trolls and other creatures.  Instead of the fear of technology (which was what destroyed our world in this case), magic is now center stage and evil magic is what is being fought to vanquish.  So, an interesting concept and the book has a strong message of good and evil and finding goodness in people and the world.  One thing that disturbed me (and that I'm sure will disturb you as well, my bookish friends) is this little snippet:  "It was the personal library of the Buckhannah family, a luxury in these times when so few books were written and dissemination was considerably limited.  The Great Wars had nearly obliterated literature from the face of the earth, and little had been written in the embattled, desperate years since."  Okay now, this is a future I would not be too fond of!  (this review was a little more than a 'glimpse'...I apologize!)

The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
finished reading on January 6, 2011

My goodreads rating:  4 stars
The glimpse:  My first foray into the wonderful Regency world created by Ms. Willig and I was not disappointed.  I actually started reading this in the new year (my Christmas reading challenge lasted until the 6th).  I like to keep Christmas as long as I can. *L*  But more than being a Christmas story, Mischief is a delightful little mystery with the dashing (dare I say) and whimsical Reginald "Turnip" Fitzhugh.  The involvement of secret messages in Christmas puddings was great fun and the light romance is just something so lovely that us Jane Austen fans adore.  And Jane is even a character in the book...that pretty much seals the deal for me.  I will definitely be adding the rest of Willig's Pink Carnation series to my personal library.  Great reads and gorgeous covers! I mean look at this cover...to die for!

The Dinosaur Hunter by Homer Hickam (audio book)
finished listening February 2011

My goodreads rating:  3 stars
The glimpse:  I'm not even sure if I should have given this three stars.  It started off really good and interesting.  I mean I love anything to do with dinosaur digs and this had a mystery of murdered cows and bulls along with it.  But unlike Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston, an excellent thriller, this book just goes south really fast.  It becomes overtly corny and if there's one thing I can't stand, it's corny.  The reader, Michael Kramer, was pretty good with the reading and accents, but he could not save the story.

NOVEL GLIMPSES (1) --VAMPIRE ACADEMY, THE QUEEN'S PAWN, DRACULA IN LOVE, AND OTHERS

Novel Glimpses is my new feature for mini-reviews...really just a fancy name for them! The only difference with my traditional mini-reviews is that I will include my Goodreads rating, something I do not do with my regular reviews.  Feel free to participate...just credit me and link back if you do.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Finished reading on October 23, 2010

My Goodreads rating:  4 Stars
The glimpse:  I was skeptical about this book (and series) because of all the YA paranormal out there these days.  There have been a few that were so similar to Twilight.  Girl meets *insert paranormal creature here* and he is God-like, perfect, an Adonis and "I'm so inadequate...I can't believe he wants to be with me."  Now this isn't a bash on Twilight because I love the series.  But when it's done once, a new way of telling a paranormal story needs to be utilized.  Vampire Academy is that book.  The characters are original and Rose, a dhampir (part human blood, part vampire blood) has one priority...and it's not a guy...to protect her best friend, the Moroi (a mortal vampire), Lissa.  The story is fast paced and compelling.  I'm hoping the series continues in this vein.  That is, when I get around to reading the rest!

The Queen's Pawn by Christy English
Finished reading on September 23, 2010

My Goodreads rating:  4 Stars
The glimpse:  I am obsessed with Eleanor of Aquitaine.  I do not think the woman will ever fall out of fascination for me.  I read two books about her in 2010--this one and The Sixth Surrender by Hana Samek Norton.  In the latter book, she didn't figure as prominently, but she was so much larger than life--even in a small part, she stands out.  This book explores the complex relationship between Eleanor and the betrothed of her son, Alais.  Alais becomes a political pawn in the constant intrigue of King Henry and Eleanor.  This version of the story is very entertaining and one of the best historical fiction books I've read.

Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
Finished reading on October 31, 2010

My Goodreads rating:  4 Stars
The glimpse:  Oh, how I love Dracula! I loved Bram Stoker's novel and I love every story he's involved in...from The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova to any movie he is featured in.  What I really liked about this book though was how Essex combined the paranormal aspect along with the issues that women faced in Victorian England.  In this "vampire" book, blood figures more prominently and in a different way than in the way you would think.  John Seward, the doctor who runs the asylum, is convinced, along with Dr. Van Helsing (Von Helsinger in this version), that women are inferior and need men's blood to strengthen their characters and fortitude.  This quote is an excellent explanation:

"I hold to my theory that blood transference is the key to expedited human evolution.  The female, strengthened by male blood, will be relieved of her biological and moral weaknesses, and from the union of two superior beings will come a race of supermen with the highest and purest of human qualities and the most desirable genetic characteristics."

Pretty messed up, huh?  This part of the book was so infuriating to the feminist in me! But it made for an interesting concept.  Also, Mina's origins are really quite different in this book.  I won't give it away, but it was very interesting.  This was a great read!

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney
Finished reading on August 29, 2010

My Goodreads rating:  5 Stars
The glimpse:  It's so funny because I really hate being sad, but I can always tell a great book when it makes me cry.  I cried and cried at the end of this book.  Delaney has written one hell of a book here and I can't believe I haven't heard more about it around the blogs.  He has such a strong Irish voice in his writing.  It really reckoned me back to Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.  Delaney's writing has the authenticity of a memoir...his characters are so rich and real.  This is another historical that is worth a read...or two.  It has an interesting plot and excellent historical and cultural detail.

Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Finished reading on November 23, 2010

My Goodreads rating:  4 stars
The glimpse:  A medieval murder mystery/thriller with a little CSI/Bones mixed in...what else could a girl want?  I loved this book! The characters are interesting and the historical detail is right on point.  It is definitely a book that keeps you guessing until the end on who the murderer is.  Pretty impressive, considering that nine times out of ten, I figure it out before the end.  Adelia is a great character.  A female forensic doctor in an age when most women rarely ventured farther than the hearth and home, she faces adversity at every turn as she assists in solving the murders.  This book is a series and it continues with The Serpent's Tale, Grave Goods and A Murderous Procession.

The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick (audio)
Finished December 2010

My Goodreads rating:  5 Stars
The glimpse:  Another excellent historical read.  I can always tell when a character makes me angry enough to throw something that I'm going to love a book.  The second husband of Miriel Weaver, Robert, is just that character.  He is just so deceptively evil.  I swear, if I was in the book, I would punch him in the face.  This book weaves a clever combination of rich historical detail with a compelling narrative about a girl in medieval times who is just trying to make her way in the world and the many obstacles she faces along the way.

As you can see by some of the dates that I finished these books, I wasn't kidding about being behind on reviews!

Happy New Year!