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So very much happens in this book, and it is so very well written. Two ex-con fathers, who never accepted that their sons were gay, have to come to terms with that as they're also learning to accept each other and trying to avenge their sons' deaths. Despite the unrelenting pace of the plot, Cosby allows their dialogue and thoughts on their emotional journey to evolve naturally, while never shortchanging the reader on the "revenge" promise on the book jacket. This story satisfies on every level and inspires me to look for more of his writing.

If you're in the mood for a Western with equal parts humor and violence, look no further. The humor is in part the writing and, for me, was in part the dialect and way the dialogue was written, formal in a way that makes these folks living on the edge of society sound as good as if they were highly educated. The violence is never gratuitous and unfolds frequently, quickly, and graphically. Lansdale is talented at setting the scene and moves the plot along; it can be hard to decide when to set this book down. Looks like he's got an impressive list of previously published books that I'd say now are worth looking in to!

Books about books are always fun for bibliophiles, or at least they are if well done, as was this novel. The main character isn't the most engaging with the world - he's either an extreme introvert, with anxiety, or maybe on the spectrum - but as written he is initially likable, and becomes more so as the story unfolds. Amanda - his girlfriend, then wife - is a big part of that evolution and, though deceased, gains her own substance through the retrospective portions of the book. The timeline cycles between Peter's (our hero) current time, his college years when his interest in books and Amanda was developing, and the times of the manuscript of interest, which start around 1600. The latter timeline moves fast enough, at least through characters, that keeping notes is something I wish I'd done. Overall the pace moves along nicely, often with cliffhangers at the end of chapters, but with an ending that I felt was a bit disappointingly convenient.

I think my favorite of the three in this series. By now I've adjusted to the tone - serious, but with playful elements, such as the names of pre-apocalyptic locations. Like the end of the 2nd novel, all of the characters from prior are together. More than half of the novel looks back at Zeb's story and, as someone wh0's existed outside of the strictly legal his whole life, that tale is fascinating for readers who enjoy insight like that, similar to moviegoers who enjoy movies like Goodfellas or Casino. This novel has the most humor of the three, and some of the interactions with the Crakers, especially at story time, are laugh-out-loud funny. And there is a satisfying ending to this storied trilogy that makes it a worthwhile read overall.

Why not a 5 star review? Like Margaret Atwood needs my approval (or not (she doesn't)). Partly it's on me - I expected more post-apocalyptic and while 10% of the novel does focus on Snowman's post-event existence, most of the novel is about what led up to said event and the odd triangle between he, Crake, and Oryx. Maybe I wanted a bit more detail about the Crakers? It certainly is a compelling tale; I liked the generally short chapter lengths and the plot moves along nicely. The science is believable (important, since one needs narrative consistency) and I will be moving on to complete the trilogy. Maybe what seems to be her uncanny ability to predict elements of the future makes me uncomfortable...

Fantastic read about one small chapter in WWII. Hampton Sides is up there with Erik Larson in his ability to find out-of-the-way historical events then spin them into page-turning novels. The actual rescue is relatively brief, but the background of the prisoners and the rescuers, the prisoner camp stories, the approach of the nascent Army Rangers to the camp to effect the rescue, and the escape thereafter, makes for a gripping story. Sides reminds us that reality can match or exceed fantasy when the story and subjects are exceptional, even if buried under so much other history. Can't recommend this book enough if you're looking for tales of perseverance and heroism.

This is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read (like this review...?). Believable characters and dialogue. A significant plot twist midway through leading up to a nice series of them at the end. And, of course, as of now there are two sequels, the next of which is on my short list. So, enjoy!

From a bit of a distance (meaning I finished this book a few months ago, so recall is a bit hazy) I would say I have a fond memory of this book but not a remarkable one. Since the rationale for the health benefits of alcohol seems only to be diminishing with time, the main title feels a bit of a misnomer. It might be better considered as a reference book; it can be very list-heavy at times (and not always interesting lists). I don't doubt that significant work went into writing it, and there is much merit between the pages, I just view it more as an interesting, one time, read.

The back cover blurb for this book about a young woman (Lucy) trying to make a better life for herself and the boy she wants to foster (Christopher) makes it seem as if the focus is on the contest. But, and more importantly, it really focuses on the relationships of not only Lucy and Christopher, but of the other main characters with Lucy and with each other. The contest has some clever moments, and the fictional books and island they're based on are interesting, but the heart of this book is not with the plot or the setting, but with the people in Lucy's life.

ery satisfying end to the trilogy. As more and more ash falls, the physical darkness is accompanied by a pervasive dark mood. As always, action and conflict are frequent and well-written. There are short passages before each chapter as in previous books but this time they caught my eye as reminiscent of the Dune series. Both the main and the secondary characters (and some of the latter are becoming the former) mature into the fullest realization of their potential. As a whole, it is an imaginative original series that is well worth the read.

Admittedly a bit biased going into this book, knowing it was the bridge of the trilogy, which stereotype it fits, even as it manages to keep the pace and interest of the first book. Main characters Vin and Elend are all angsty about their identities, their relationship, and what direction their lives should take, but even as they're mooning about the action keeps moving, and there is no shortage of bad-ass magic and conflict. Sazed gets a bigger role, and is an interesting secondary character, with most of the crew from the first novel fading a bit to the background. The pace picks up in the final pages to a conclusion that nicely tees up the 3rd and final book.

Original and outstanding initial novel in the Mistborn trilogy. The two main characters are an older, experienced Mistborn, with the confidence and swagger one expects from the traditional male protagonist, but also with some vulnerabilities and surprises, and a young female Mistborn, just beginning to learn how to use her powers, with the lack of confidence and inexperience one expects from the traditional female acolyte, but also with inspiring tenacity and an adventurous spirit. Both are nicely complex, and are complimented by layered, engaging, and interesting supporting characters. The magic system, based on the use of metals such as iron and pewter, is novel clever, and plays an appropriately significant role in the plot, which moves at the action pace I prefer. There's a bit of political intrigue, a mystery to be solved, and an ending that is both satisfying and nicely sets up the 2nd novel. Highly recommended.

This book stands out from the preceding Culture books in that it isn't populated with sentient droids and exotic humans using implanted glands to enhance their abilities as they navigate complex intercultural relations. Rather, there is an almost medieval conflict between two nations, on a planet far, far away to be sure, but more focused on the personal and political conflicts within and between the characters. I thought the characters had depth, and alternating between the two main stories every other chapter works well. For the reader of prior Culture novels (which I would recommend) there is an element of the Culture that gradually rises to the level of awareness, but even that remains mostly implied. It's almost more Culture-series adjacent, rather than a core novel of that series, but enjoyable nevertheless.

My least favorite TJ Klune book so far - yet I'm pleased to say still a 4 and well worth reading; it only pales slightly when compared to his outstanding (perhaps even flawless?) prior books. For me, the central relationship shown developing between our human protagonist Victor and the android HAP never quite clicked the way the core relationships have in earlier books. That said, Kline does a very believable job creating the atmosphere and backstory of a future where humans have been hunted without remorse by robots/androids. All of the characters are well-developed; Nurse Ratched and Rambo are a joy throughout and perhaps two of the most entertaining side-kicks ever. It is a bit melancholic at the end but throughout Klune finds positive, kind ways to show some of the more uplifting aspects of our humanity that we can choose to define who we are.

This collection of short stories (or novellas, call them what you will) nicely expands some of Earthsea's history. Best read after the core four Ged novels (Wizard of Earthsea, Tombs of Atuan (my favorite), Farthest Shore, and Tehanu) each story features different characters, yet they work well as a collection. The style is definitely in keeping with the novels above: slower paced, for me at times almost dreamlike; magic wielded mostly in subtle forms but still a central tenet of each story; and characters whom the reader gets to know, but it seems never entirely, and there remains aspects unrevealed. I'm going to go with On the High Marsh as my favorite, for the element of mystery in that tale, and a cameo appearance by Ged. Overall, perhaps of less interest if you're not passionate about Earthsea, but well worth reading if you're a serious fan of LeGuin's fantasy creation.

I feel like this novel starts off very promising but about mid-way starts to lose steam and then kind of fizzles to a finish. Clearly there are supernatural elements at play (so I wouldn't consider that revelation a spoiler) but I found that element to be less satisfying as the story progressed. A likable protagonist, but the characters overall seemed a bit underdeveloped and lacked the depth the best authors develop. There are some nice (by which I mean dramatic, not pleasant) surprises along the way, but the end, for me, just didn't measure up to the potential that seems present in the earlier pages. Since the end is how you finish most books, I walked away with a less than glowing appreciation for the author's efforts.

I approached this book with great excitement - I have an undergraduate science degree and have enjoyed many science/physics books written for the average reader in the (many) years since college. The book is not without merit, it simply did not catch on with me. Who doesn't love a bit of humor and self-deprecation? - but at times it seemed, with the associated footnotes, to become distracting; maybe 20% less would have made the book more readable. Too often I'd be following the explanation, and then some leap of logic, over too many steps for me to understand, would lead to a conclusion or change in direction that left me just reading words that no longer made sense. I appreciate the introduction to Emily Noether, and her theorem, but the need to relate every point to a symmetry forced the writing, I think, into channels that led to the lack of clarity. So, I respect that many have rated this book highly, but there will soon be another copy on the bookshelf of our local bookstore (lightly used) available for purchase.

As with many middle entries (eg Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back), one could look at this book as just a bridge between the set-up and the denouement. But as with the best middle entries (LOTR The Two Towers, and the quality of this book is such that I think it's a fair name-check) it does so in a way that nicely adds layers to the story and characters. From a plot perspective, our surprisingly sympathetic torturer Glokta is sent south to defend an outpost of the Union; soldier West heads north, with the Northmen, to stave off an incursion there; and the First of the Magi, shallow Jezal, mysterious Ferro, and surprisingly sophisticated barbarian Logan head west in search of an all-powerful weapon. Not unlike Game of Thrones (another intentional name-check), everything doesn't always work out, and it's a strong reader (stronger than this one) who won't have a few moments as this book wraps up. Have the third in hand, you won't want to wait to start it.

Very promising start to the First Law Trilogy. This first entry slowly brings together the three key characters: a barbarian, who is actually pretty reflective intellectually; a gifted swordsman, with shallowness to match his ego; and a torturer who, unless you can't let go of your Amnesty International credentials just a bit, is surprisingly sympathetic. Then there's a strong second tier of supporting characters who, as I'm halfway through the middle book now, take on increasingly prominent and interesting roles. There's political intrigue, a bit of magic, lots of violence and swordplay, and hints of a world-saving adventure to come. It moves quickly and sets up the 2nd novel so nicely that I had to roll right into "Before They Are Hanged"; it was only with the greatest discipline that I could pull myself away for this review. And, now, gotta go - "Before..." isn't going to read itself!

Stephen King is a giant among men when it comes to authorship but maybe that's not a good thing if it leads his editor to, I guess, not edit; at 598 pages in the trade paperback version, this book is about 25% too long. Charlie, our protagonist, is a complex character, honest about both his good and bad attributes, and I'm a fan of a well-developed hero, but it takes just under 200 pages before he makes his first foray into the "portal to another world" promised on the back cover. And then, the story is good, but not particularly original or creative and, again, where three words could do, King uses four or five. Does it enhance the reading experience to know that breakfast was eggs and potatoes, and the host ate a little, and Charlie's dog ate a little, and Charlie ate the rest? No, no it does not. It's hard to make progress and keep some sense of momentum when you're wading upstream against a flood of prose. In the end, the relationship between Charlie and Radar, his dog, is endearing, and the reason for the title becomes evident over the course of the story, but would I read it again or recommend to a friend? No; and maybe, with a clear caveat about the length. I've liked a lot of King's writing; just not this effort.

This debut (for the series) novel is sneaky good. Molly is a delight - I presume she's on the spectrum (it's never definitively stated) of which she has a degree of self-awareness, with an underlying, and dominant, core of innate goodness. Supporting characters are reasonably-well fleshed out, but Molly is the undeniable focus and the reader (at least, this one) never tires of learning her thoughts and feelings. The main mystery isn't that mysterious, but the various revelations made throughout of Molly's life, which keep coming up to the very end, only serve to further endear her to the reader. More books to come - yes, please!!

Since nearly the entire story takes place on a spaceship, it's not incorrect to classify this novel as science fiction, though there are much weightier themes being explored throughout. On the ship, society is stratified much as was the antebellum South, and so racism (rightly) permeates every page, and the painful and ugly reality of that status impacts our heroine over and over, both directly and indirectly. Queer identity is also an distinct element, but more subtly, and someday that won't be an aspect of writing that will be notable, it'll just be one more piece of information that develops the character for the reader. I gave it less than a five-star rating because I was looking for more science-y fiction, but the social fiction in this book resonated and, I imagine, will for many readers be the more attractive aspect of this fine debut effort.

From the title, to the subtitle, to the grey-brown cover, this sat uninspiringly on my "Want To Read" bookshelf for a long time, a persistent reminder that I need to think more carefully about the books I buy before I plunk down the dollars to do so. But, when guilt finally overcame lack of enthusiasm, I reluctantly started the Prologue - and I found a marvelous book about a part of Oregon that I've increasingly enjoyed over the years and the truly fascinating history behind it. If someone isn't having to drink their own urine (there's a lot of urine-drinking) or eat their footwear to survive the overland approach, then they're going mad, drowning, or getting blown up in one of the other groups trying to establish a fur-trading empire in the Northwest on behalf of John Jacob Astor. Some of the personalities can get a bit jumbled and the photos aren't really all that helpful, but the main characters do make a lasting impression. It is a tale legitimately full of twists and surprises, engagingly written and, as with Nathanial Philbrick and Erik Larson, proof that fiction has nothing on really well-written non-fiction and the drama of the real world.

Mostly entertaining, though there are a few reasons I'm going to give this a less than top rating. The characters seem both likable and complex, but the origin story, for reasons only know to the editors, is placed at the end of the book, rather than the beginning (so, if you read it, start at the end with short story The Thief with Two Deaths). One of the major ongoing conflicts is between a representative of the Forest against one of the Garden but, again, the background of that isn't given until about 2/3 of the way through the book and earlier placement would have given the reader useful information. Nevertheless, the pace of the novel is measured, the magic is interesting, and the ending sets up nicely for the sequel. Which is the reason for the final complaint - the three-book series is out of print (guess I shouldn't have let the first one languish on my To Read shelf for lo these many years). I'm trying to find a used trade paperback online, as I'm interested enough to try to continue the series. If I am successful, look for a review of The Silk Map in the near-ish future.

A disappointingly quick read, for the simple reason that it's over all too quick. Gotta admire the talent to keep a breakneck pace but not make the reader feel rushed, or that the story is getting short shrift. I like nuanced characters, with depth and layers, and again, without a surfeit of words, Harper writes believable characters from a world few, if any of us, will ever experience; the changing perspectives from which the story is told certainly enhance that. Dark and criminal as that world may be, there is skill too in creating a sense at least of sympathy for Nate, and of investment in Polly, who has a lot of growing up to do in a very short, and stressful, amount of time. And maybe a slightly ominous ending....?

As an avid reader, stories about books and those passionate about them always have a special fascination. This excellent novel invests a delightful amount of time at the outset establishing the protagonist's deep attachment to the written word, and then transitions to the exploration of a mystery through the trope of a storyteller speaking to a writer. I'd call the plot measured but never lagging, the characters well-developed and layered, the gradual revelation of the mystery excitingly suspenseful, and the ending gratifying. Enjoy!

The back cover promises sorcery, steampunk, and "a firm nod to Holmes" and, yes, the book does touch on those themes, but from the outset it feels as if the author is continuously a step or two ahead of the reader. Maybe the next two books in the trilogy clarify the many allusions made but throughout this book, as the plot careens from one scene to the next, the reader (at least this one) remains behind and baffled. It is difficult to get to know the characters and the nature of their relationships to each other. There seems to be an original concept for how the magic works and the idea that, like a tide, there is a renewal every day is interesting, but again a coherent explanation is lacking which, if you want to make the magic a central concept, is probably worth providing. There is a climax to the story that seems to hint at questions unanswered, which presumably are to entice the reader to the subsequent novels, but what those might be, I'm at a loss to say. So, good ideas, but too much happens too quickly, with too little to ground the reader, to make this a series worth continuing.

Christopher Moore is back on his A-game with this follow up to Noir. The story combines mostly a noir detective theme (duh) with a bit of science fiction and magic, leavened by just the right amount of humor. Reading Noir first might enrich the reading of Razzmatazz, but isn't essential, as the characters have the right amount of depth/detail for the noir style, and Moore keeps the plot moving along nicely in the setting of San Francisco and environs. It's nice add to the Moore collection on any shelf.

As sad as I was for this series to come to a close this, the 9th book, does so in magnificent fashion. During the first major action sequence, I found myself marveling that after thousands of pages with the same authors, the action still pops, the dialogue is snappy, and the main characters are fully realized and, each in their own way, connect with the reader. Minor characters, just as fully developed as our four main heroes, have come and gone but always enriched the story, and there is at one that makes a welcome return from earlier in the series. It may be perceived by some as heretical, but I put this series on a par with the Mars books of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Asimov's Foundation, and Dune; truly the royalty of science fiction. Paired with the Amazon Prime series (which dramatizes about the first 40% of the books) it is as fully realized a universe, and as well written, as anything there is in fiction.

The best thing about Chapterhouse Dune is that it finally puts an end to the series, the quality of which drastically declines in the final two novels. One positive is that many of the characters from Heretics continue in Chapterhouse, so there isn't the disconnect that occurs between books 4 and 5 when many new characters, about whom the reader cares little, populate the pages. However, there is so little depth to the characters that it's still difficult to connect - yes, they philosophize and verbally joust throughout, but that doesn't make them relatable, interesting, or even sympathetic. There's little action, and Herbert's expectation that the reader will understand his increasingly obtuse allusions is too demanding to make the reading pleasant. It does wrap the series up, to a certain extent, though not enough to prevent Herbert's son and Kevin Anderson from mining the intellectual property for another two books. As for me, I think the options are just to have a nice trade paperback of Dune as an epic novel, the trilogy with its slack middle but strong bookends, or the first four as the saga of the Atreides. But #5 and #6 - nevermore.

For all that I revere Dune, the first book in the series, the rest of the original six novels are very uneven, and fall off quickly in the final two. Though I finished Heretics several weeks ago, even now I recall what a difficult read it was, and it was only a desire to complete the entire series at least once, and sheer bloody mindedness, that kept me going. Characters are unsympathetic and not well developed, I didn't really care what happened to any of them, as long as I was turning pages. There is more action than in Messiah, but even then the plot is labyrinthine and, at the end, it's not entirely clear what has happened, to whom, and why. Herbert's allusions, and what he expects the reader to intuit, become increasingly impenetrable. For those yet to embark on reading the full series, stop after God Emperor; as much as that book is a drop in quality compared to the original Dune, this book is below God Emperor.

Everything Matters! Except this awful novel. I am, admittedly, writing some weeks/months after finishing it, not that I'm overly detailed in my reviews anyway, but my recollection of how I felt when I turned the last page of this book was: never again. Regardless of the baggage our protagonist is carrying, he's highly unlikeable. His love interest, similarly so. The denouement - confusing, pointless, undermines the entire rest of the novel and, perhaps most damningly, uninteresting. Maybe the more philosophical can wring some meaning out of this tripe, but I came up empty. If you still want to read this, you'll be able to get my copy cheap, used, as soon as I can get it back to the bookstore.

To be fair, I read this book some months ago but, on the other hand, I remember being underwhelmed almost immediately, so I think the 3 stars is at least a defensible emotional rating. I'd waited a long time to acquire my copy, and eagerly dove into it hoping for a nice astrophysics fix (I've got some science background with an undergraduate chemistry degree and an MD degree, though that's obviously more about the biological sciences). At this point, I think it's only fair to say it is a quick read and not one that is particularly demanding though, the other side of that coin, it's not particularly educational. I do recall it goes into a lot of detail about dark matter, so that concept certainly got driven home, and it turns out that dark matter is a pretty big deal. I'll hang on to it, and go back again when I'm jonesing for a bit of astrophysics, but for someone looking for an excellent science book, I strongly recommend Simon Singh's the Big Bang - it's what I wished Dr. Tyson's book had been.

Fantastic 3rd novel from the author who sprang into our awareness with The Martian, slid just a little bit with his sophomore effort Artemis, and now IMHO rises to match that first, superlative effort. Science is once again central to this sci-fi novel, but at a very accessible level, and the fun of The Martian is back with challenges, all very cleverly posed and met, seemingly every chapter. About a quarter of the way through is an event that at first I found incredibly random and off-putting, but which eventually becomes, even more than the sci-fi, the heart and the great reward of the book. The lightning-fast-paced plot line is greatly enriched by the relationships between the characters, elevating the overall quality and impact of the story. Recommended without reservations.

What a pleasure that, eight books into this nine book series, the whole reading experience continues to be strong. There are beloved familiar characters, not with James Bond-like eternal youth, rather, they're aging and changing in a way that lends authenticity to the story, and there are also new characters adding perspectives that enrich the story. While much of the focus has shifted from our solar system to Laconia, there remains enough spacefaring adventure to satisfy those who loved the swashbuckling feel of the earlier novels. The plot remains fast-paced, yet never sacrifices the detail that makes it such a complete and satisfying tale. It will be with a combination of excitement and melancholy that I'll pick up the final book - I expect both to be fully satisfied but also greatly disappointed to say goodbye to such a consistently great sci-fi saga.

A very interesting exploration of a shameful aspect of US history relating to the treatment of Native Americans, specifically the Osage of Oklahoma. While at times the account seems a bit scant of detail, that is likely due to the nature of the crimes committed and the lack of source material from which to draw. Grann does a good job of keeping the pace brisk, even with necessary asides to flesh out details of certain characters or related events. While there isn't a main protagonist, as in fiction, the most dominant character is the main investigator, Tom White and, in some ways, the revelations that come after the main criminal is convicted are even more shocking than the nature of the crimes on which the novel is initially based. A dramatis personae would have been helpful to keep track of the myriad characters, but even without those details the magnitude of the wrongs done the Osage is clearly communicated.

This was my first Simone St. James book and it certainly did satisfy. The story unfolds over two timelines, as Carly in 2017 tries to find out what happened to her aunt Viv in 1982, when she disappeared from a backwater town in upstate New York. Both main characters are engaging and, along with the supporting cast, are have depth, with the added bonus that the majority of the characters are strong, clever women. The plot moves along at a good pace, and the alternating chapters offer lots of opportunities for surprises and cliff-hangers. There's just the right amount of supernatural at play, with those scenes being some of the most gripping in the book. The ending was disappointing only because it meant the book was over; the conclusion is satisfying and leaves no loose ends. Yes, I will be exploring more St. James books.

This is a simply fantastic book about, as the subtitle suggests, the origin of the universe, but it's even more an excellent explanation and demonstration of the scientific process. Starting in the 6th century BC, Singh takes the reader through 5 chapters: how calculations about our planet and solar system were made; the debate between a Big Bang Universe v. a static universe; the evolution of cosmology that perhaps supported the former; solving problems such as atom formation, and theorizing about essential discoveries such as cosmic background radiation; and finally the final pieces of work that allowed the paradigm shift to the Big Bang as the dominant model of our universe. Explanations are detailed but not overly complicated, and the thought progression is so logical that it makes what could be a confusing mass of information into a linear tale that is as entertaining as it is well-written. Highly recommended for any reader with even a casual interest in the universe in which we live came to be.

No, you don't have to read Ender's Game before you read Ender's Shadow, but taken in that order it makes for a really enjoyable duology. Ender's Shadow follows Bean, an important, though still secondary, character from Ender's Game, as he charts his own course from the streets of Rotterdam to the orbiting Battle School, and then through the same climactic events that complete Ender's Game. While flashing out more of the world that exists following the first (hostile) contact with an alien species, the story is also solid on its own merits. I'd go five stars except not only do l feel like the reader never develops the same empathy for Bean as one does for Ender in the first novel, but also there are some implications of Bean's past that remain unsatisfyingly unresolved at the end of the novel. Still, Shadow is a novel that is well worth the read.

A sci-fi classic, perfect in every way. A main character who is complex and for whom the reader feels immediate empathy that only increases as he faces evolving challenges over the course of the novel. Each chapter starts with a behind-the-scenes discussion between the adults setting his course of instruction, and then the action-packed narrative quickly moves the story forward. Satisfying subplots, and hard-core science (or plausible workarounds) informing the fiction. And one of the best twists in literature at the end. One of my favorite books.

I think this not being a five has to be on me and ultimately a feeling of not fully connecting with the novel. It's well-written and clearly well sourced as, at least in the trade paperback format, the last quarter is an interesting epilogue with an explanation and a retelling of all of the fairy tales around which the core of the story is built. Each does, in very significant ways, guide the narrative. The protagonist is likable (as he should be in this case) and while maybe the plot and action are at a bit slower pace than might be ideal, everything is nicely wrapped up by the end with no gaps or deus ex machina. Yeah, it's gotta be me - read this and enjoy!

Erik Larson is on that short list of authors where I don't need to know what the book is about or what the reviews are - as soon as his latest is available in trade paperback, it's time to make the purchase and then enjoy the story. This is yet another in his unbroken string of successes (Isaac's Storm maybe being the one, but still barely, exception, so I don't sound completely fanboy) that takes as the main theme Churchill's first year in office as PM. The Battle of Britain, the Blitz, Churchill's family, and the thoughts and behaviors of some of the German High Command help flesh out what is a comprehensive look at Churchill as leader of England at at time when it was effectively the only major nation opposing Hitler. There's always just the right amount of detail, with a pace that is more akin to a thriller than a history book. Boring? Never. Highly, highly recommended.

I think this is more of an anthropology book using science fiction to set up a speculative encounter between two species rather than primarily science fiction. Relativity and interstellar travel are discussed but, even less than the first book, are secondary to a study of the interactions between the individuals in the story and the species, and the different classes within those species, that occur within the context of human first contact with another sentient, and not entirely dissimilar, alien civilization. The power of Russell's writing is that, even as dry as what I just wrote sounds, it manages to be engaging throughout. The pace tends toward the slow, but not too much so, and the reader gets a very complete feeling for the nature of the main characters. There are strong themes of acceptance and forgiveness that run throughout. Paired with the first novel The Sparrow, which must be read first, it is a strong duology.

Odd to be against the tide of popular opinion, but I just was meh about this book. Let's start with the value - at $16 for 149 pages of widely-spaced text, you're not getting much for your reading dollar. I'm not cheap when it comes to spending money on my reading, but this is a lightweight of a novel. Which I could forgive if the characters were engaging, or the humor was top-notch, or the concepts were imaginative. But, the characters are written superficially, the humor is more gentle cynicism (Marvin the Paranoid Android from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series is far more incisive and humorous in his observation of the human condition), and the concepts are only mildly clever - I'd characterize this book as being written on a YA level. I was tremendously excited for this series based on the reviews I'd read, and cheers to those who've enjoyed the series, seemingly immensely. It's just not for me.

I read Tehanu as part of the Complete Illustrated Edition (CIE) of The Books of Earthsea, but I'd not been aware before that there was anything beyond the original trilogy. It turns out the CIE is a LOT of Earthsea, certainly more than I bargained for when I ordered it based on a favorable review, a fond recollection of my readings many years ago, and a bit of extra birthday cash. Le Guin has a very distinct writing style, and once you settle into it, it sort of gently carries you along with the narrative, never jarring, a very measured pace, with lots of themes both explicit and implicit. Tehanu is a look later in life at the two main characters from The Tombs of Atuan, as events bring Ged and Tenar back together on Gont. There is a scarred (physically and emotionally) child that must be protected and raised, and throughout the story a sense of closure on many different levels. Because of those different themes, or at least the way the author addresses them in this novel, it is distinct from the first three books, yet still provides a sense of completion to Ged's, and Tenar's, tales.

I'd planned to rate this one star below whatever I rated Ready Player One, but it appears I never rated RP1. I'd've given RP1 five stars, which would equate to four for RP2 (duh) but I think even knowing this was a sophomore effort and thus expecting less, RP2 still underdelivers, hence, three stars. The format is similar to the first book, with tasks that must be accomplished in generally three areas of 80s era pop culture to complete a quest, essentially to save the world. But there isn't the same connection to the characters that was crucial to the first book's success, nor the developing relationships between those characters that were of such interest. Also, the protagonist/author spend most of the first quarter of the book bemoaning what the OASIS is doing to society and peoples' connectedness (or lack thereof) but even a suggestion of a resolution to that very real conundrum is not forthcoming. So, the fun is really dependent on how much the reader will enjoy geeking out over John Hughes films, the music of Prince, and the Lord of the Rings/Silmarillion. That will still provide fun for many, but disappointingly much less than with RP1.

This is a very well-written book; I originally rated it four stars then reflected a bit and realized I had no reason not to rate it five, other than maybe it just didn't 100% connect with me. But the characters are fully developed, and they engage the reader's interest and empathy. The plot moves along nicely, and there's some nice subplots. The story of Loo's life (the daughter) with Samuel alternates with chapters for each of the 12 bullets Samuel (the dad) has taken over his life, and it all comes together in a very satisfying climax. Good atmosphere; really, there's nothing not to like. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do now that I realize how much I really enjoyed it.

Usual disclaimer: I completed this book some months ago and just now am getting around to writing the review. I was more impressed with her books about Doc Holliday and the Earps (Doc and Epitaph, both 5 stars) but it appears she first published this book (and the sequel) as science fiction (or speculative fiction). The latter may be a better characterization since The Sparrow focuses less on the technical aspects of contact with an alien civilization and more on the theological and philosophical implications for those involved in the contact. For that reason, I found the narrative sometimes to be a bit slow, or at least less plot-driven. If I remember correctly, it alternates between both an older timeline that gets the characters to the contact, along with a timeline starting with their arrival at Alpha Centauri. I'll be proceeding to the sequel, though I'd say 80% out of intrinsic desire and 20% out of a sense of obligation to see where the author goes with the story.

I'm somewhat surprised to be giving a Tana French novel a less than rave review which is, I believe, a first for me. It'd be a four-star novel, at least, for anyone else: interesting characters, a plot that moves along nicely, a mystery solved, and a few bonus surprises along the way. What's lacking is that immersive atmosphere with which her prior novels are infused; a sense, communicated so powerfully just through words, that you are indeed in Ireland, rich with the language and accents of the people. Though partly this is due to the main character being an American, even the other characters with whom he interacts, all Irish, seem just a bit less fully realized than the reader otherwise gets with all of her other novels. I'm hoping with the next she returns to her usual, superlative, form.

Paradoxically inspired by the musical, I thought it would be fun and informative to delve into the full factual history of this seminal founding father. This is a very dense book, which speaks to the excellent scholarship behind the writing. I did wonder, at times, if perhaps a bit less detail would've allowed for a better flow to the reading, though that is my sole, and minor, criticism. Hamilton's accomplishments have been essential to the evolution of our nation and economy, and are even more impressive given his origin story and the challenges he faced over the course of his career. It's interesting also to get glimpses of the other founding fathers (Jefferson comes off as a bit of a tool, IMHO, which I found a bit surprising). Chernow is fair in assessing Hamilton's shortcomings as well, resulting a comprehensive sense of the man and how he came to be central to the history of these United States.

This will be a review of all four books in the Wayfarers Series. Given that the first three won the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Series, you know already that you’re reading quality (the fourth is intended to be the conclusion of the series). In summary, these books seem mostly about how life in a universe with multiple sentient species might function, with humanity a recent and so far relatively minor presence (in fact, in the 4th book, there is no major human character). The crises within each book, and the resolutions, are less important than the journey and the interaction of the characters on that journey. The books are best read in order (though that’s not essential) as travels of the crew of a spaceship in the first novel introduces many of the species and concepts that inform the subsequent books. I enjoyed that, while there is no core group of characters throughout the series, ones that we meet in earlier books reappear in later ones. For example, a secondary and a minor character in the first are jointly the focus of the second book, and a different minor character from the first is a major player in the last. These are character-driven books which the sci-fi setting serves to bring together and to add influences to the relationships. Overall, less the dramatics of a space opera and more the sense of a comprehensive composition.

This will be a review of all four books in the Wayfarers Series. Given that the first three won the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Series, you know already that you’re reading quality (the fourth is intended to be the conclusion of the series). In summary, these books seem mostly about how life in a universe with multiple sentient species might function, with humanity a recent and so far relatively minor presence (in fact, in the 4th book, there is no major human character). The crises within each book, and the resolutions, are less important than the journey and the interaction of the characters on that journey. The books are best read in order (though that’s not essential) as travels of the crew of a spaceship in the first novel introduces many of the species and concepts that inform the subsequent books. I enjoyed that, while there is no core group of characters throughout the series, ones that we meet in earlier books reappear in later ones. For example, a secondary and a minor character in the first are jointly the focus of the second book, and a different minor character from the first is a major player in the last. These are character-driven books which the sci-fi setting serves to bring together and to add influences to the relationships. Overall, less the dramatics of a space opera and more the sense of a comprehensive composition.

This will be a review of all four books in the Wayfarers Series. Given that the first three won the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Series, you know already that you’re reading quality (the fourth is intended to be the conclusion of the series). In summary, these books seem mostly about how life in a universe with multiple sentient species might function, with humanity a recent and so far relatively minor presence (in fact, in the 4th book, there is no major human character). The crises within each book, and the resolutions, are less important than the journey and the interaction of the characters on that journey. The books are best read in order (though that’s not essential) as travels of the crew of a spaceship in the first novel introduces many of the species and concepts that inform the subsequent books. I enjoyed that, while there is no core group of characters throughout the series, ones that we meet in earlier books reappear in later ones. For example, a secondary and a minor character in the first are jointly the focus of the second book, and a different minor character from the first is a major player in the last. These are character-driven books which the sci-fi setting serves to bring together and to add influences to the relationships. Overall, less the dramatics of a space opera and more the sense of a comprehensive composition.

This novel continues the superlative writing of the preceding "Doc". As with that book, the rich descriptions of the characters, their interactions, and their world are the driving forces. Though action abounds, the crux of the Earp/Holliday legend, the fight at the OK Corral, takes only about three pages. Still, at the end of the preceding chapter, as one character yells "The Earps are coming", the tension is palpable. The remaining 40% of the book addresses the aftermath, making for a complete telling of all of the events surrounding that infamous 30 second gunfight. For me, its a sign of an excellent book when, as I'm nearing the end, I'm finding things other than reading, in order to stretch out the finish. So sad to be done, but these are on my shelf, ready to be revisited in the future.

Possibly a perfect novel, and I'm generally not well disposed toward historical fiction. This first novel gives the background of the Earps and Doc Holliday, bringing them together in Dodge City before the 2nd book (to which I am looking forward immensely) takes them to Tombstone and the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. The pace is perfect - the Earp siblings are already in Dodge City, but John Henry Holliday starts in Georgia and then works his way to them. Each significant character gets an in-depth background, and even though the story is so well done that the writing is always interesting, this just makes the characters that more well-rounded. Dialogue, motivations, interactions - all feel genuine. And the pace is ideal - slow and measured when that's what is needed, but with plenty of good Western action as well. Hard to put down, and that seems all due to the craft of the author, who has written this so well that you just want...one...more...page. On to the sequel, "Epitaph"!

As would be expected for a sophomore effort, this book is a step down from Kings of the Wyld. Still, since that was an outstanding book, that slight decrease in quality still leaves Blood Rose as a very good book that still twists the fantasy genre enough to be a stand-out effort - one worth seeking out and enjoying. Similar themes to the preceding book, with band of mercenaries traveling the world to perform in stadiums similar to the rock bands of our times. The characters seems just a wee bit less well-defined, but all are still enjoyable, with both genuine strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of Bloody Rose's band is more nebulous than was the clear mission in Kings, which does leave the reader, even as one enjoys the story, wondering what that story arc is going to be. I'd like to think Nicholas Eames would have found his groove in the next book, but given that Bloody Rose has a first publish date of August 2018, I fear where that third novel may (or may not) be.

As usual, I've delayed writing this review (I'd much rather move on to reading the next novel in my queue) far too long, so this will be more of a sense of the book and short on details. There is an element of Stephen King in the way that an evil mystery is gradually revealed, yet the underlying nature of that evil is left unexplained. The main heroine is strong, the love interest is a nice, slow burn, and the antagonist is suitably creepy, perhaps even more for being a bit impersonal about his crimes and victims. Failing to pay attention to the dates from the outset make it a bit hard to follow in the early stages of the book, so pay attention from the beginning, as the time-travel aspects can get a bit blurry otherwise.

A perfect book? You decide - start with a world in which bands of mercenaries are treated like rock stars. People it with interesting, heroic but flawed, realistic characters. Tell a compelling story that draws the reader inexorably along. Use clever dialogue, a bit of magic here and there, fantastic creatures, energetic fights, and unique weapons (with great names). Leaven passion with intelligence and humor. This is as much fun as I've had reading a book in a long, long time. And I'm off now to the sequel to see if the promise of this first novel continues.

This is a fun little romp from an acclaimed author, though as I'm familiar with him from the Amber series, it was a distinctly different writing style. It's narrated by Jack the Ripper's dog Snuff, and part of the fun is that the plot is gradually revealed, rather than being clearly defined from the outset. There are supporting characters who are well-known, such as the Great Detective (clearly Sherlock Holmes), and others that have no clear parallel in literature, such as the witch Jill. In this recurring battle between forces that want to unleash chaos on our world, and those who oppose them, allies and enemies only slowly reveal themselves, working within a set of rules that prove more to be guidelines. The book is a quick read that, though not deep, is still a good time and, so, recommended.

Christopher Moore is one of the handful of authors whose books I buy the instant they're available. The vast majority of his books are outstanding; even the ones that fall short of that high standard are entertaining; there just never seems to be a 3-star or lower effort. Also being a Shakespeare nut (pun intended), I'm fairly certain I over-anticipated this book. Damning by faint praise, there's nothing in these pages not to like, it's just that this novel doesn't reach the heights of which he's capable. And I use the f-bomb like a comma (with apologies to Doonesbury, from which that statement is derived) but even so, I feel like the language could have been dialed back a bit, just like sometimes you get better results with a quiet voice rather than shouting. All that whining aside, it's wonderful to have Pocket of Dog Snogging and his compatriots back in action, and to see Moore's continue to take on, and riff on, Shakespearean classics. Yup, I'll be there on day one for the next Moore release.

This last entry in Hilary Mantel's trilogy of Thomas Cromwell covers the last portion of his career as advisor, amongst many other roles, to King Henry VIII. Though the pace picks up a bit, in general time does not pass quickly, giving the author much leisure to explore Cromwell's world and thoughts. Despite that, and the historical importance of both Henry VIII as king and Cromwell as one of his most prominent advisors, it's not my favorite series. Lots of words over three novels, yet I still feel as if I don't know Cromwell, or his friends, family, allies, and enemies, all that well. I don't mind not having direct insight into Henry's mind, as I was intrigued to discover him through his influence on the thoughts and behaviors of others, but for me, two books with more direct writing might have been preferable. Getting a feel for the time and places in the book is the same - on one hand very detailed, yet on the other I feel I have a sense of the atmosphere rather than more detailed knowledge of that world.

In some ways, these books are highly detailed historical fiction, with enjoyable detail for many conversations and events. At other times, detail is lacking, such as with the decision of Henry VIII to split the English church from Roman Catholicism and the Pope (which chronologically fits in the first book but seems never to be discussed in any detail). Character backgrounds and development are variable, though by the end of this second of three novels the main characters are fairly well established and the relationships between them clearer. Some characters, even in the same paragraph, can be referred to by their title, a shortening of that title, their first and or last name, and/or a nickname, which adds an additional challenge to following conversations and the action. For the dedicated historian and/or Anglophile, a very good read, but otherwise I think most readers will struggle to enjoy this series.

First in a series of three, this novel follows Thomas Cromwell as he rises from assistant to the declining Archbishop Wolsey to become a close confidant of King Henry VIII. Though I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction, this series garners such respect that I felt compelled to tackle it again after reading only this novel several years ago. Mantel's writing style is both detailed and distanced - settings in particular are richly described and one gets a good feel for the London of the early 1500s. Conversely, the natures of the various characters, even the protagonist Thomas Cromwell, can be murky, becoming clear only over the course of the entire book. Conversations can be both explicit and vague - quotation marks come and go, so it's not always clear until well into a passage that the words are being spoken and are not simply descriptive. It also behooves the reader to be familiar with the political and religious milieu of the times as, for example, an understanding of the disagreements between Catholics and nascent Protestants is assumed. Still, the overall effect is a worthwhile immersion into the personalities and issues that defined this period of English history. This entry takes the reader up to when Henry's 2nd wife Anne becomes queen, and hints at the difficulties to come in the next installment.

This tome (1124 pages in trade paperback) follows six or so family lines (inter-marriage and the appearance and disappearance of certain lines in certain time periods make an exact accounting impossible) in London, from 54 BC to 1997. The broad sweep means characters change frequently, but many of the more prominent ones are characterized well enough for the reader to become invested in their fates. Use of these families as a mechanism to explore the development of the city of London is identical to the technique Rutherford used for "Paris" to which I often found myself comparing this book, with the advantage going to "Paris". Nevertheless, the characters, the history, and the development of the city itself are very enjoyable and this book, while hefty, is a worthy read.

This is a gem of a book. Endlessly irreverent, but never heretical, this is an authentic retelling of the Bible, book by book. Each section, such as the Torah (the first 5 books) gets an overview, then each book is retold in a very stripped down, no-nonsense, fashion, with an accompanying illustration or two. I've tried before to read the Bible, inevitably getting bogged down when it gets to who beget whom (so pretty early on), but this book rewards the reader with an overview of the entire source material, leavened with humor all the way. Highly recommended.

While directed at a very specific audience - those about to go off to war, the people that train them, and family who love them (OK maybe not so very specific...) - this is a rewarding book as well for any reader. As a self-identified "literary reader" I don't think it's particularly well-written, but the subject matter ultimately transcends any snobbishness about vocabulary or grammar. It's very personal; Marlantes uses his own experiences in Vietnam to draw larger conclusions about how we can better train and prepare young people to be warriors. There's some very important lessons and thoughtful observations developed over the course of the book; if/when I know of anyone preparing to enter the military, I'd recommend this book as required reading.

It's amazing how fast I completed this book on this, my second reading. Partly that's because it's written in a fairly simple lexicon (Budo is, after all, the imaginary friend of an eight-year old) but mostly it is due to the quality of the writing and the way this subtly suspenseful story plays out. It's a very creative look at how the world of imaginary friends works, and how Budo in particular is not only Max's friend but also how he perceives the adult world. It also gives the reader what seems to be an informative perspective on how children on the spectrum interact with the broader world. The ending (sweet?, bittersweet? - you decide) will cement this story in your memory.

This review is for both Six of Crows and the follow up Crooked Kingdom, since they’re essentially parts one and two of the same story – and you won’t want to stop once you’ve started. The setting seems equivalent to our early 1800s, but magic coexists with gunpowder, and both will be wielded repeatedly and to great effect. Backstories show real trauma, which each of the central six characters has had to overcome to achieve a level of success in a what is mostly a criminal underworld, yet all the characters invite empathy, and how they interact and grow over the course of the two books far exceeds the usual YA fare. The plot moves along briskly: plans are made but are almost always derailed by some unforeseen factor, then those complications are overcome, only to face yet another challenge. You’ll want to have the second book in hand as you’re finishing the first, as the cliffhanger ending is not something you want to endure for very long. The finale is satisfying but not oversimplified – the reader won’t be disappointed, but neither is every issue definitively solved; there are unknowns that will allow the reader to enjoy speculating what might come next. These are fine books, and easy to recommend to anyone looking for a quality fantasy series.

This review is for both Six of Crows and the follow up Crooked Kingdom, since they’re essentially parts one and two of the same story – and you won’t want to stop once you’ve started. The setting seems equivalent to our early 1800s, but magic coexists with gunpowder, and both will be wielded repeatedly and to great effect. Backstories show real trauma, which each of the central six characters has had to overcome to achieve a level of success in a what is mostly a criminal underworld, yet all the characters invite empathy, and how they interact and grow over the course of the two books far exceeds the usual YA fare. The plot moves along briskly: plans are made but are almost always derailed by some unforeseen factor, then those complications are overcome, only to face yet another challenge. You’ll want to have the second book in hand as you’re finishing the first, as the cliffhanger ending is not something you want to endure for very long. The finale is satisfying but not oversimplified – the reader won’t be disappointed, but neither is every issue definitively solved; there are unknowns that will allow the reader to enjoy speculating what might come next. These are fine books, and easy to recommend to anyone looking for a quality fantasy series.

Why I'm commenting on a series that seems to be out of print is a bit beyond me, but it's been one of my personal faves for many, many years, and over multiple readings. After completing it yet again, I can confidently say this final book in the series brings it to a completely satisfying conclusion. The individuals and factions we've been following throughout all get what seem to be appropriate endings to their stories, in some cases even better than they might have hoped for. It's fun to think back to the eight individuals that comprised Group Green at the outset, reflect on the arcs their stories followed, and also remember the new characters met along the way, and the outcomes both good and unfortunate for all. Fantastic series if you get a chance to read it.

The third of four books in the Saga of the Pliocene Exile starts with a look back at the arrival of rebels from the Galactic Milieu 6 million years in the future, who came to the Pliocene many years before the group of travelers whom we've been following. While the rebels have been hinted at in the prior two books, now they will start to play an increasingly active role in the events in Europe. Post-prologue, the narrative picks up immediately after the cataclysmic ending of the 2nd book, as human, Tanu, and Firvulag factions seek to establish alliances, and cement advantages, over their rivals. Though many prior characters are, for a variety of reasons, out of the picture, new characters are introduced, and continue to enrich the intricate plot. This book may have a little more exposition than the prior two, but it is all in service of enhancing the complexity of the characters and storyline, and to set up the denouement in the fourth and final book.

The 22nd century finds humanity as one of six space-faring races, with emerging psychic abilities that are leading to a unified galactic mind. For those who don't fit into that universe, there is a one-way time portal to Earth of 6 million years prior, with the promise of return to a simpler life. Book 1 in this series showed that the unexpected presence of two related humanoid alien races makes that very much not the case, and in this second installment we mostly follow the southern members of the group that went through the time portal together and were separated on arrival. This group has greater potential for development of their psychic abilities, which will prove to have transformative effects on the balanced society that existed before the time portal brought humans to the Pliocene epoch. There is a steady build to a cataclysmic and electrifying conclusion, with continued development of both the positive and negative aspects of the nuanced characters. And a hint of additional elements that will further impact this world in book 3.

This is at least the 3rd (and judging from the condition of the books, almost certainly more than that) time I've read this series. Clearly, I'm a fan - what's not to like? The series starts in a far-advanced future universe, where humanity has conquered the stars, joined five other races in a Galactic Milieu, and is gradually developing mental powers such as psychokinesis and a universal consciousness. For those unfortunates who can't adapt to these conditions, a single, one-way, portal to the Earth of 6 million years ago has fortunately been discovered. This entry in the series introduces us to our eight main characters and their backstories, and sends them back in time, though it turns out not to be the unoccupied virgin world they signed up for. Split into two groups by the humanoid alien race that is, in fact, in residence in the area of the time gate, this book mainly focuses on the northern group. Characters are interesting and have depth, and while there's plenty of exposition to inform the reader, the action never stops. Can't wait to get on to the next of the four books!

While perhaps just a wee bit slow at the very outset, once this book gets going it's non-stop suspense and action to the end. The strong female protagonist has a perfect balance of angst and courage, empathy balanced with intelligence. The characters are multidimensional and fully realized, as is the main setting, a large but dilapidated English country estate that is dense with atmosphere. There are a few instances where the reader can glean insight before Our Heroine, which makes it fun to watch her then make a discovery, but there are plenty of surprises in store as well. Most of the story takes place in the cold and wet of an English winter, and the writing is so good you can feel your fingers aching with the cold. Outstanding, start to finish. Save this book for when you've got enough free time to pick it up and not stop until you reach the final page.

With any Culture book I feel as if I'm getting to see just one very small part of an incredibly advanced, unimaginably expansive future civilization, but the books are written with such skill that as you progress in each story, you gradually acclimate to that world. This is a solid entry in the series, which, from a purely science fiction perspective, is of high quality. But there are two issues I have with this particular entry: the first is that while quite a bit happens, in the end it sort of fizzles out, and doesn't reach much of a satisfying conclusion. There are no loose ends, it just overall doesn't seem to go anywhere. The second is that there are an overwhelming number of characters - I love that ships and drones have consciousness and personalities, but so many are thrown at the reader that I wouldn't read it again without creating my own list of dramatis personae (and I suggest anyone yet to start the book do so from page 1). Because of the large number of characters, I don't think any one or two are created with any depth to allow the reader to connect with them, which detracts from the overall effect of the writing.

This is not a book, had I read the review I'm about to write, that I would have thought I would like. It is science fiction, in that it takes place in a future with technology beyond our own current ability, but the issue that triggers events in the story isn't ever revealed in any detail. Though there is a trip for the earthbound characters, and the group in space is returning from the moons of Jupiter, there is very little of what I would consider to be action. To the extent that there is a plot, it develops very slowly, and really not very much happens. I'd describe the writing as lyrical, not usually a selling point for me. And yet, overall, the structure of the story works quite well. Maybe there's some romanticism to the description of how each of the two main protagonists makes their way in situations that really are very lonely, even if they're not actually alone. Maybe there's more hope than seems easily evident in what has to be considered a post-apocalyptic novel. Then there's the Netflix dramatization The Midnight Sky - not a faithful adaptation, horribly wrong with much of the science, and certainly confusing without having read the novel, but a nice compliment to the book if read in conjunction. A book that shouldn't work, with a movie that on its own is below par, end up together being a very nice combination.

The Cabal books are such a joy that it is disheartening to come to this hiatus in the series. This entry brings Leonie Barrow back (see books 1 and 2) to join Johannes and his brother Horst, along with Miss Smith, the (deceased) necromancer from the old cemetery of Hlanith necropolis in the Dreamlands (see book 3). The party is complete with the addition of the devil Zarenyia, who combines salaciousness with a fondness, and extreme competence, for violence. As usual, the prose is so packed with clever dialogue, and the plot moves at such a pace, that one reading doesn't really suffice; I look forward to future re-readings to more fully absorb all that these books offer the reader. While the conclusion brings the story to successful completion, there are enough loose ends that one can legitimately hold out hope for future novels, which I look forward to with great anticipation.

Not that I have to categorize every book I read into a specific genre (or genres), but I have no idea how to classify this book, and it's driving me nuts. It's probably what's keeping me from giving this 5 stars, because there is no question this is a unique novel. It's certainly appealing as a fan of the written word to have a story set in a society where authors and books are held in the highest regard. At times it seems to be written for a young adult reader, but the vocabulary is fairly advanced, and I suspect there are overall concepts and themes that I'm not sure I've fully appreciated even yet, some days after finishing it. While the drawings again seem to give it a more juvenile feel, they're fun and provide variety for the reader. The best I can do to let anyone reading this know what they're in for is to say it felt like a mashup of Roald Dahl's writing and Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast series. It's certainly stayed with me, and what more can a reader ask for than to enjoy a book that they remember for long afterwards?

What happens when an unscrupulous entrepreneur, driven by a misguided sense of duty, finds a way to outsource mundane tasks to a world of fantastical beings? That's the main theme that Tom Holt's humorous novel builds upon, though it felt to me as if it only did so with a moderate degree of success. Maybe it was references to Pratchett and Adams in one of the reviews that set the expectations too high. In part, I think it takes too long to establish the characters, and the distinctions between our reality and the fantasy world, and then to understand what exactly is transpiring in the interactions between all of those. The characters were enjoyable, but maybe too many protagonists? An entertaining read, but not one that rises to the level of the best in the fantasy/sci-fi/humor genre.

This is a murder investigation procedural of middling quality. None of the characters are particularly likable; they're not necessarily unpleasant, but their behaviors and conversation don't always feel consistent, which for me is mildly off-putting. The author introduces the idea of a "murder gene" and, though I don't know the actual science (or lack thereof) behind that concept, it isn't an idea that's very well developed during the course of the story. There are intermittent hints that what seems to be the main plot line may not be the direction the story is ultimately headed, and there are a couple of interesting twists late in the book, but not on the order of the best examples of this style (such as Presumed Innocent). Not a bad read, but not one that makes me want to hold on to it for future re-reading or pursue other books by the same author.

With a substantial jump forward in time, we get an aging Rocinante crew, but not too old still to play an important role in a galactic crisis. I'd have to think back more carefully than I'm willing to about the preceding books but it seems that the planned 9-book series could also be seen as three sequential trilogies, each with its own crisis and resolution, then reset and repeat. So after what seemed like a resolution in book 6, this 7th entry tees up a new crisis, as rogue Martian elements return from their new home on Laconia with protomolecule-enhanced tech and intentions that Our Heroes simply cannot accept. It's action-packed, deliciously sci-fi, and primes the reader for the penultimate next book. It's a very fun read and a nice continuation of a phenomenal space opera series.

Elements of this book are fascinating - the personalities who founded Nike and how each individual influenced the company over the years, the crises the fledgling business faced time and again, triumphing always but sometimes perilously close to disaster, and the endgame of ultimately going public. There's real insight here as well, particularly the amount of personal time and effort invested by the founders to forward their vision, but also the outcome and positive consequences of, for example, the sweatshop controversy of recent years. The author seems reasonably honest when talking about the costs of his passion on those around him, partners/subordinates and family alike. I did find the forward a bit off-putting - it seemed like sophomoric philosophizing, which then made me aware (and annoyed) when that recurred periodically in the book. Overall, a quick, interesting, and mostly rewarding diversion.

Johannes' brother Horst, a reluctant vampire, returns in this 4th installment of the Cabal series, and what a pleasure it is to have him back. He's a most self-deprecating and polite supernatural being, and his humor and compassion serve as a refreshing counterpoint to Johannes' sarcasm and misanthropy - the combination of their personalities and skillsets make for a formidable pairing. The pacing of the plot is brisk, and the supporting cast of characters are all fully realized in their own right. It's been awhile since I read the first of the series, but I view this as a return to the excellent form that only faltered a wee bit in The Fear Institute. The clever dialogue and imaginative turns of phrase on seemingly every page make for a very entertaining read.

This is a very well done coming-of-age book, with a nice mystery twist that enhances the main story and elevates it above the standard in this genre. We follow Michele, a 9-year old growing up in a small Italian town, as he navigates the sometimes challenging dynamics posed by both his small group of friends and by his family. The nature of the mystery is slowly revealed, from his perspective, with excellent and consistent character development and a pace that never lags. You can feel the heat and dustiness of the setting, and Michele's frustrations and joys, as the story unfolds. My only dislike was the abrupt nature of the ending, but perhaps the questions with which I was left reflect more my desire for a continuation of the story rather than any lack on the part of the author. Certainly worth reading so you can decide for yourself!

This is simply an outstanding book from start to finish. Enough information is provided about the overall Korean War, MacArthur and his sycophantic staff, and diplomacy between China and the US on the world stage to inform the overall story, but the focus is on the efforts of the Marines (and to a much lesser extent the Army) to push from the coast of Korea to the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and China. Seeing that there were only two pages of maps, I was a bit concerned about following the story, but between those and the comprehensive descriptions provided by the author, one can easily follow the evolution of the battle. The actions of individual battalions and companies are detailed, while the heroic efforts of several of the combatants complete the story. One gains a deep respect and appreciation for what those soldiers accomplished, individually and collectively. The Epilogue and Afterword bring the entirety to a very satisfying conclusion - I'll definitely be reading more of Hampton Sides.

It's been many years since I finished the 7th, and what should have been the absolute final, book in the Harry Potter series. I was actually unaware of the existence of this particular literary disaster until a friend mentioned it and I, anticipating immersing myself lovingly in the nostalgia of the Harry Potter universe, borrowed her copy and put it at the top of my "To Read" list. Unfortunately, there is nothing to recommend this book. Characters are poorly described, even given that this is a play: old characters are pale shadows of themselves, and new ones are unsympathetic and uninteresting. What was endearing about Harry was that forces were aligned against him but, with the help of his friends, he persevered. His son is just a whiner. The plot of the book, centering around time travel, is a repeat of a device used in the original series, where it was used much more imaginatively and effectively. My advice: stop with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and walk away from a fantastic series with memories unspoiled by this sad little add-on.

So far, my least favorite of the Johannes Cabal series, but still a very good rating, indicating the high regard in which I hold this author and this very imaginative series. Cabal is, as usual, very intelligent, emotionally distant, and determinedly self-interested. There is an insightful thread of the story that illustrates that getting what you want isn't always what you expect. I suppose I found the supporting characters less engaging than in past novels (kind of was hoping Miss Barrow from the prior two books would return; I'll hold out hope that we've not seen the last of her), and felt the Dreamlands weren't as fully realized as I might have anticipated given the usual attention to detail and creativity of the prior novels. Small complaints all - this is still a delightful read and a worthy entry to the series, and I'll be gladly proceed to the next entry in short order.

I was told this was a Young Adult book, which made me hesitant to commit to it for some time, thinking my time and effort would not be proportionately rewarded. Nothing could be further from the truth - it doesn't matter for what age or audience this was written, it's simple a heartbreakingly (not a spoiler, as a book about a family hiding a Jewish man in 1940s Germany, narrated by Death, certainly isn't going to fall in the Humor category) wonderful story of a girl's tween and teen years as she's adopted by a childless older couple living in a small town near Munich during WWII. While there are moments of humor, it's a delightfully complex coming-of-age story, in uniquely challenging circumstances, with characters that model perseverance, tolerance, compassion, and love. That a recurring theme is Liesel's (Our Heroine) desire to read, and her love of books, is a bonus for those of us that also value the written word and the covers and pages of our favorite novels. Books don't get better than this.

This installment of The Expanse series, to my great satisfaction, has the crew of the Rocinante back together, with the interesting additions of Clarissa Mao and Bobby Draper. And for the most part, we're back out in space, shuttling between the increasingly complex set of alliances and enemies that is evolving as the story proceeds. It's increasingly challenging to take time off between books (to read other books or series) as the nuances of the shifting relationships between Earth, Mars, the Outer Planets, the colonists, and various fragments thereof become more difficult to recall. This is a compliment to the authors, who don't just recycle Our Heroes though repeats of prior plots but rather are growing the universe and the relationships therein. Lots of points of view, all of which weave a rich and seamless picture. Another satisfying conclusion has me planning to read only one interim book, therefore, before returning to The Expanse #7 - Persepolis Rising.

My reading of this book may have been too sporadic, but I finish it feeling underwhelmed. It's tough subject matter - serial killers are, as a whole, a pretty sick group, and case after case of gory details starts to wear, but at the very least should inspire empathy for those who actually have to investigate these types of criminals. The tone of the book is casual and conversational - these are the memories of an experienced agent who trained himself and others in an entirely new branch of criminology. Nevertheless, I feel as if I got much less out of the book than I'd anticipated (though I ask myself if I really want to understand the minds of people that can commit such crimes). I think the lives of the agents, their relationships, the development of the unit at the FBI, and the evolution of the science of psychological profiling is communicated much better in the Netflix series of the same name that was inspired by this book - in this rare instance, my recommendation is that the show is better than the book.

Though I'm an OA, a good YA friend recommended this to me, and I found it quite satisfying. The idea of having Greek gods narrate the story was clever (and might even spark a bit of interest in the Greek pantheon in a YA? One can hope). The main plot is very well done, as is the secondary plot, and the characterizations are as good as you'll find in regular adult literature. I found the themes of battle fatigue/PTSD and racism to be unexpectedly well-informed, not to a fully adult level but much more nuanced and advanced than I'd anticipated. A couple of twists at the end bring the novel to a strong and satisfying conclusion. This book is a delight.

Fairly substantial undertaking for my first Murakami book (the trade paperback clocks in at 1157 pages) that wasn't overtly disappointing, but also doesn't inspire me to explore any of his other works. Being a translated work may impact the flow of the language and, thus, the richness of the prose, but dialogue, for example, is not only stilted but also often repetitive in a way that suggests the original would be the same. Conversely, I presume it being a translated work accounts for some of the more amusing phrasing. I liked the combination of fantasy elements with a contemporary reality. The plot moves along well for much of the book, but seems to slow noticeably in the last 1/4. Unfortunately, there were a number of loose ends, including major characters who just disappeared from the story line with little explanation and less sense. Overall, it was a worthwhile read, but not one to inspire interest in revisiting it in the future (back to Powells with this copy) or passion for more Murakami.

This is a challenging, but not unrewarding, novel to tackle. The first time I attempted it I made it about halfway through, by which point I was completely lost with respect both to characters and plot. The second time through, with the aid of copious notes and reference to at least two websites for the jargon and plot, I was able to get to the end, and enjoyed it very much. I don't regret the extra time spent on notes and research, and with that additional effort I was able to read at a reasonable pace, but this is a book where I believe the casual reader will struggle to get even to the midway point. The entire novel is consistent with the main theme of espionage - characters can have vague attributes and uncertain loyalties, locations and times can be blurred, and throughout the reader struggles, as does our hero George Smiley, to grasp who is doing what, and for what reasons. The genesis of my interest was the 2012 movie, starring Gary Oldman as Smiley; reviews make it also sound very difficult to follow, but I should be well-prepared after my 1.5 attempts, ultimately successful, at the source material.

It's been a long time since I visited Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, and of the 10 books prior to this one, I've read only six, which certainly could have had an impact on my understanding of, and appreciation for, this entry. I still very much enjoyed it. This time around, a Voice is influencing some older vampires to turn on younger generations of vampire, with the nature of that Voice, and a proposition of how to deal with it, evolving as the story progresses. Various chapters are told from the perspectives, Lestat's included, of many of the vampires we've met in previous stories, and it's where knowing more of the prior novels would have enriched the reading. Regardless, it was a fantastic way to get back into the vampire mindset, and moves the plot forward effectively though, as always, the Vampire Chronicles are more about the thoughts and moods of her characters rather than being action- or plot-driven. If you approach this novel prepared for its combination of the ancient, gothic, and modern, it's a joy to immerse yourself in Rice's, and Lestat's, world again.

Of the non-trilogy Foundation books, this is perhaps both the most satisfying and the most maddening. Let's dispense with the latter: the dialogue, particularly that between Foundationer Golan Trevize and Gaian denizen Bliss, usually along the lines of individuality versus community but sometime as well about sexuality or parenting, is neither illuminating nor interesting. Characters remain, as I appreciate now reading Asimov some 25 years after I first tackled the extended Foundation series of all five books, one-dimensional and more often than not pedantic. But the joy of this book is the search for Earth, and the worlds through which Golan, Bliss, and the historian Dom journey as they seek the planet from which humanity originated. Even more fun to read if you've read the older Robot and Empire books that in Asimov's sci fi universe precede the Foundation novels - if nothing else, at least read The Caves of Steel before starting the Foundation series. Fantastic plot twist at the end of this final book, with a hint of foreboding, that effectively concludes the series, but doesn't necessarily end the story...

One of the few trilogies, written or filmed, in which the middle installment doesn't disappoint. The First Foundation continues to face threats from without; first from a last rally of the waning Galactic Empire, and then from the classic antagonist the Mule. The opening challenge again shows how Seldon's psychohistory correctly charts the course of the Foundation. The second is both a character study and a bit of a mystery, while still maintaining a strong science fiction atmosphere. It's a quick read, as are all of the relatively short books in the trilogy, but that just means you will quickly be ready to move on to the final novel. Thrilling!

Justifiably high on the list of science fiction classics, this first of the three original Foundation novels sets the stage for the series. Protagonists come and go, typically present for one, or at most, two, of the five parts that make up the novel, but they're well characterized and nicely serve this plot- and idea-driven book that describes a small group of scientists, situated at the outer rim of the galaxy, who are tasked with shortening the interregnum between the failing and the future Galactic Empires, from 30,000 years to (only) 1000 years. The dilemmas which they face, and the solutions thereof, are a delight to read. I'm excited to move on the next installment in the series!

This novel starts the Foundation series at the heart of Asimov's entire Robot/Empire/Foundation universe; it was written later than the core Foundation novels, and proceeds next to Forward the Foundation. Prelude concerns itself with Hari Seldon's arrival on Trantor, the capital planet of the Galactic Empire, and traces his journey through three of the subcultures of the planet as he seeks to determine if his theory of psychohistory can evolve to any practical application. As with much of Asimov, there are sometimes lengthy philosophical discussions, or characters working through their thoughts, but the plot moves at a reasonable pace, and there's some nice twists at the end. Characters aren't very nuanced, tending to the unidimensional (the good are virtuous, the bad are unredeemable) but this book starts the classic Foundation series off on a solid footing.

This series just keeps getting better and better. Originally, I thought I'd rate this entry lower, since the main four characters spend virtually all of the novel pursuing separate activities, but the more I think about it, the more I realize the advantages of breaking them up for a bit. The overall story arc really moves the plot forward, with (at least for me) a major, unexpected, shocking event. We get background on Naomi that more fully characterizes her, Alex and Bobbi develop a nice working partnership/friendship (maybe more to come? - that'd be fun), and the always-simmering threat that is Amos gets both to kick some serious a** and show more of his actually very compassionate side. If anything, Holden takes a back seat this time around, but that's fine, as the story feels primed to take off in the next novel. Fantastic series that keeps getting more interesting while still allowing for fully realized, and nuanced, characters.

The dark and clever humor with which this book starts immediately drew me in, having, as others have noted, shades of Pratchett and Gaiman. Drawing on a Faustian premise, Johannes Cabal must redeem his already-mortgaged soul by collecting 100 others. His resources: a mothballed carnival, a big ball of evil power from Satan himself, and his brother Horst, a vampire who also serves as a moral counterweight to Cabal's pragmatic self-centeredness. The setting is an indeterminate time that feels both post-industrial and a bit gothic. The characters are nuanced, and the plot moves along nicely. I only held back on the highest rating as I think the ending was a bit underwhelming, not as clever as the rest of the book would lead you to think it will be, but I'm intrigued enough that I will move on to the next in the series with great optimism.

This novel is essentially four novellas linked by the shared history of four siblings. At the outset of the story they set out together to find a fortune teller who, once found, tells each of them separately the supposed day they will die. Each story then looks at how the siblings individually live their lives informed by that knowledge. There is a supernatural element, which is explored only in cursory fashion, and that's fine, as it's part of the mystery of the story. It's well written, with complex characters and a nicely paced plot, and it's interesting, and a little philosophical, to see the various ways in which one could use that information in making life choices.

I cringed a bit early in my reading because of what seemed like culturally-insensitive descriptions of Native Americans and their culture. I ended up being thankful that I decided to try to tolerate such, in light of the book having been written in 1964, as ultimately it ended up being an outstanding read. It has some of the sensibility of Mark Twain in the way that it looks at how ludicrous are some of the prejudices we bring to our interaction with other cultures, as Jack Crabb alternates repeatedly between living with Native Americans and then US settlers. The mainstream culture doesn't always look so good against Native American society, but each gets both honored and skewered for their various aspects. The final act, set at the Battle of Little Bighorn, is fascinating, and led to lots of back and forth between the book and Google to contrast known history and the historical fiction of LBM (which ends up being pretty accurate). Real historical figures weave in and out of this story - if you can turn down your PC sensitivity, you will be rewarded.

Without implying that Robert Jackson Bennett's writing is derivative (it's not), this novel time and again had a flavor of Stephen King visits the desert Southwest. And whether you like King or not, you can't argue with his success, so that's intended as a compliment. Bennett has his own voice, with this story combining horror, suspense, and science fiction into a very engaging tale of how a woman exploring her mother's past stirs up trouble in the present. The female lead, Mona, is inspiring, while still having flaws and feeling genuine. The mystery unfolds at the right pace, and the plot never lags - it's a book that's difficult to put down.

This may actually shade a bit towards a 3-star rating but I finished it a couple of weeks ago so if faded recall is affecting my review it's all on me. I found it difficult to get into the story because it took me awhile to put together that the protagonist had memory loss about the events surrounding the loss of her daughter, compound by severe postpartum depression. That slower start (for me) also made it more challenging to find the necessary empathy for the lead character. However, once I engaged more fully with the book, it did move at a nice pace, with good character development, and some nice plot twists along the way. And I did find myself pulling hard for our heroine. The ending felt a little bit rushed, but overall I can strongly recommend this for mystery/thriller fans.

Another stellar (no pun intended, though it is a pretty good play on words) entry in The Expanse series. I took a several month's break between the 3rd book and this one, but after recently watching season 3 of the series on Amazon Prime, I couldn't wait to get back into the books. And I was not disappointed - the interim did not dull my recall of the characters or main plot lines and, though it took me a few chapters to really get into this story, it eventually delivered in full space opera fashion, as did the first three novels. Great character development, fast-paced action, and deliciously sci fi. What a wonderful series; can't wait to get to #5!

This aptly named novel is a solid addition to the Dracula/vampire canon. The main characters are engaging, there's nice interplay between the various time periods in which the story takes place, and I suspect a fair amount of research was done to make the details of the regional history and the settings accurate. However, any story that hinges, as this one does, on elucidating the specific movements of a group of monks in southeast Europe in medieval times is bound to be, more often than not, a bit slow, as the author focuses on the details of the actual scholarship that would be necessary for such an undertaking. And unfortunately, at the end of 650+ pages, I found the ending anticlimactic. While I enjoyed the book while I was reading it, it's not one that I see myself needing or wanting to read again.

I'm working my way through Banks' Culture books, and so read this short-story collection in the recommended order; overall, I'd summarize it as "uneven". The featured, and title, novella examines the interaction between a Culture observation expedition and our own beloved Earth, so it's a fairly interesting exploration of how our poor and backward planet would be viewed by the Culture. A couple of the short stories were of little value (Road of Skulls and Scratch, the latter being nearly unreadable). Odd Attachment is a morbidly amusing tale, Cleaning Up is sarcastically humorous, Descendant slowly builds the horror, and Piece has a satisfyingly thrilling twist at the end. I enjoyed most of the stories, but I suspect one could reasonable skip this collection and not enjoy the other Culture novels any less.

Absolutely one of my favorite authors; one of the handful where I don't research the books, I just buy them as soon as they're available. So it's on me that I was a wee bit disappointed when this wasn't part of the evolving saga of the Dublin Murder Squad. However, even accounting for that the book, while a strong effort and eminently worth having/reading, is a notch below her very best. It's a fine character study of a protagonist suffering PTSD following a brutal attack in his home, with strong and interesting secondary characters who talk and interact in ways that never strike a wrong note. I suppose the underlying mystery wasn't as involving as some of her best efforts, though the ways in which both the main plot and the subplots unfold cannot be faulted - good pacing, little surprises along the way, maybe just not as big a payoff at the end as the greedy reader might desire. (Minor (?) spoiler alert - there is an outstanding explanation of how insidious and damaging bullying can be). Still - buy it, read it, enjoy it, and keep it. Yup, I'll be buying the next one as soon as it's available!

Don't get me wrong; though I'm rating this less than a 5, it's by no means a disappointment. It just that, being as I'm constantly on the alert for new Christopher Moore books, expectation levels are high, and perhaps unfairly so. For some reason, Noir seems less satisfying than his best works, but it's still entirely worthwhile, and still headed to join all of his others on my shelf (thus making my collection, to my knowledge, complete). Perhaps the characters are just a bit less engaging than is the norm (and I would have loved at least one more appearance by Mrs. Jones, Lone's mother); maybe I just wasn't in as receptive a mood as I could have been for his take on hardboiled pulp fiction; perhaps the usual plethora of subplots wasn't as engaging as his best stuff. Were I introducing a new reader to Christopher Moore, I wouldn't tell them to avoid this book, but I'd probably recommend another as a first experience, such as Lamb or You Suck, to really let them get hooked on this wonderful author's body of work.

Easy review, though I was slow to come to this book - the subject looked very specific and not relevant to me as a non-rower, but I finally decided to give it a go after a chorus of great reviews from friends and family. They were right - although the reader know the result from the outset of the book, it is nevertheless a fascinating, stay-up-too-late-to-read-just-a-few-more-pages account of the quest of the University of Washington 8-man crew to advance to complete at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It's primarily a human interest story, with the author providing just the right amount of technical information about rowing so the reader can understand the challenges of training and competing in the sport, along with historical perspective to place the story and the accomplishments of the team in context. All of the many personalities are described in exquisite detail, particularly the main protagonist Joe Rantz, with no point during the story where the plot slows or your interest level flags. Get it today!

This is a very enlightening day-in-the-life-of story. If the idea of working in the kitchen of a busy restaurant is of interest, the author will take you from arrival first thing in the morning to start prep for the day, through the chaos of the dinner rush, to the final post-closing drink at the bar with co-workers. You can feel the ebb and flow of the pace, get to know how each station works individually while contributing to the whole, understand the roles of the various (and numerous) chefs, and gain an appreciation for all the work that goes into what arrives at your table. It's a quick read, but none the less fascinating for that.

Very focused, and nicely detailed, description of Charles Lindbergh's transformative solo flight across the Atlantic. Written from a pilot's perspective, the book highlights the flight itself, with interspersed historical context to fully develop the characters and story. Very little of Lindberg's (sometimes controversial) post-flight career is discussed, but it needn't be, as the flight itself is dramatic enough to carry weight of the narrative. The reader will return again and again to the photo of the cockpit, marveling at the technical and physical factors overcome during the 33 and a half hour flight. Being a map guy, larger maps would have been appreciated, but that small quibble aside, this is a very interesting read.

This review is for the first three entries in the Gentleman Bas**** [can't publish this review with the mildly naughty actual word] series, The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies, and The Republic of Thieves. Overall, it's a stunning series, centered on the escapades of Locke and his best friend Jean, in a feudal world set amongst the still impressive ruins of a former civilization. The books have lovingly detailed settings, a series of interesting supporting characters, mysteries gradually revealed, loves won and lost, and references back and forth between the novels that make each part of a greater whole. What is frustrating is that Lies was published in 2006, and online resources indicate that the manuscript for the 4th of a planned seven novels total has just been delivered. The author Scott Lynch has reportedly had health issues, but that means #4 is likely to published no sooner than 2020, and who knows when then to expect the remaining three novels. Here's wishing the best of health to Mr. Lynch as, if he continues to deliver writing of the quality shown thus far, this will be a wonderfully epic series.

This review is for the first three entries in the Gentleman Bas**** [can't publish this review with the mildly naughty actual word] series, The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies, and The Republic of Thieves. Overall, it's a stunning series, centered on the escapades of Locke and his best friend Jean, in a feudal world set amongst the still impressive ruins of a former civilization. The books have lovingly detailed settings, a series of interesting supporting characters, mysteries gradually revealed, loves won and lost, and references back and forth between the novels that make each part of a greater whole. What is frustrating is that Lies was published in 2006, and online resources indicate that the manuscript for the 4th of a planned seven novels total has just been delivered. The author Scott Lynch has reportedly had health issues, but that means #4 is likely to published no sooner than 2020, and who knows when then to expect the remaining three novels. Here's wishing the best of health to Mr. Lynch as, if he continues to deliver writing of the quality shown thus far, this will be a wonderfully epic series.

This review is for the first three entries in the Gentleman Bas**** [can't publish this review with the mildly naughty actual word] series, The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies, and The Republic of Thieves. Overall, it's a stunning series, centered on the escapades of Locke and his best friend Jean, in a feudal world set amongst the still impressive ruins of a former civilization. The books have lovingly detailed settings, a series of interesting supporting characters, mysteries gradually revealed, loves won and lost, and references back and forth between the novels that make each part of a greater whole. What is frustrating is that Lies was published in 2006, and online resources indicate that the manuscript for the 4th of a planned seven novels total has just been delivered. The author Scott Lynch has reportedly had health issues, but that means #4 is likely to published no sooner than 2020, and who knows when then to expect the remaining three novels. Here's wishing the best of health to Mr. Lynch as, if he continues to deliver writing of the quality shown thus far, this will be a wonderfully epic series.

Exquisitely detailed (perhaps too much so for any but the most dedicated Everest enthusiasts, but excellent for that crowd) description of the first three attempts to conquer Mt. Everest. The book is divided into roughly three acts: the first focuses on the men who prepared for the first attempt, many, if not all, of whom had served in World War I. The descriptions of that conflagration are harrowing to the extent of almost being the main theme of that part of the book. The second act regards the attempt to explore the terrain around Everest from a Tibetan approach, as Nepal was effectively closed to Westerners at that time. The culture of Tibet and the efforts necessary to map the mountains and passes and find an approach that could work from the north impart an appreciation of the daunting challenges the climbers were up against at that time. The final act focuses on the second and third expeditions, in 1922 and 1924, as climbers attempt to ascend Everest, culminating in the deaths of Mallory and Irvine. The epilogue about the discovery of Mallory's remains allows for closure of this chapter of the Everest saga. Throughout, there is ample attention to detail, with maps that are a great help in orienting the reader. Photos are not in chronological order, but that is the sole minor complaint of what is otherwise an excellent resource for the discovery, exploration, and initial attempts to summit Mt. Everest.

After 30+ years, I decided to re-read the Deryni series, but this 2nd book of the Legends of Camber of Culdi prequel trilogy has brought that project to a halt. It's not that the books are poorly written - characters are well-defined, reasonably motivated, and articulate, but a bit dull. The settings are detailed, and there aren't gaping holes in the plot. It's just that not much happens, the supernatural powers the Deryni enjoy aren't that super, and the pace is mostly plodding. Much time and detail is spent exploring the functioning of the church, modeled on Roman Catholicism, and for me that wasn't particularly interesting, and has sent me on to other reading pursuits.

I'm revisiting this series after having first read it 30 or more years ago. It's an interesting mix of Catholicism and magic in what are feudal times, where the distances between settings are commonly how far a horse can ride in a day or three. Characters are a bit lacking in depth; the good guys are pretty uniformly good, and the bad guys bad through and through, lacking the flaws and quirks of more contemporary fiction. Still, the mechanics and politics of toppling a corrupt ruler, and replacing him with a potentially much better, but at best reluctant, king are handled well. The novel sets up nicely as the first book in the Legends of Camber of Culdi trilogy which, in the Deryni world's timeline, precedes the other four trilogies and one stand-alone novel.

Clever sci-fi novel from John Scalzi that postulates a future in which humanity, as it expands to the stars, needs a fighting force to protect its gains as it seeks to colonize planets in competition with numerous other intelligent, and not usually not friendly, alien races. Though it's been some time since I read Heinlein's Starship Troopers, this novel does have echos of that master's style, particularly with respect to character development. The process of transforming septuagenarians into an effective interstellar fighting force is explained in thoughtful detail in roughly the book's first half, and the conflicts thereafter are explained both militarily and politically. This turns out to be the first of what Wikipedia (I'm embarrassed to use that reference) says is a six-book series, one which I'd continue if only I could reliably find the books in trade paperback format.

This entry to the Pratchett oeuvre is ostensibly a Rincewind novel (not my favorite character, but he always comes with the Luggage, which is surprisingly personable, for not being a person) that takes place between Sourcery and Interesting Times. Despite having a consistent protagonist, the Rincewind books feel more episodic to me than, for example, later (better?) series such as the witches, the Night Watch, and Tiffany Aching. Still, the book is a pleasant enough riff on the Faust saga and, being relatively short, is a quick read. With the unfortunate passing of Terry Pratchett, even his lesser works are worth a reading, or re-reading, and this book, while not the author at his very best, is still a worthwhile pursuit for any who want just a bit more Discworld.

What a joy to be organizing my Discworld novels and come across two (this one and Eric) that I'd not read before. Rincewind is not my favorite character, and the early novels are just a bit below the quality of later series (the witches, the Night Watch, Tiffany Aching), but still, it's Pratchett, whose less-than-stellar works are still quite well written. The Luggage is a surprisingly nuanced player, given its nature, and there is a strong female character in Conina and quality time with the Librarian. We also gain a better understanding of how magic works, and wizards function, on the Disc. With Terry Pratchett's too-early passing, there will be no more new novels, but I, and all of his fans, can still look forward to re-reading all of his extensive body of work.

In this, the 7th (and as of March 2019, final) book in the Jasper Fforde's series, Thursday Next is showing her age and the accumulating toll the preceding books/years/adventures have taken on her physical body. But her mind remains as sharp as ever, as she continues to meet the challenges of raising her family, stopping Aornis (who, as a mnemonomorph, can manipulate memories) and, of course, the ever present Goliath corporation. Goliath introduces Thursday lookalikes so good they fool even Thursday, and there's even a bit of time-travel fun. The book ends on a very sweet note - but wouldn't another addition to the series some day be nice?

Entry #6 in the Thursday Next series differs substantially from the other books as it primarily follows written Thursday, in the remade Bookworld, as she seeks to find the missing real Thursday with the help of her clockwork butler Sprockett. Aside from a couple of forays into the real world, most of this book explores the geography and functioning of the various genres, organized like regions, on Fiction Island. There's the usual mix of mysteries to be solved and humor to enjoy, with mostly new, but occasionally recurring, characters. But the real star here is the Bookworld, and it does not disappoint.

While the 5th book in the Thursday Next series is a continuation of her saga, the 14 years that have passed in the book's timeline makes it feel in some ways like the start of a separate series. As usual, there are any number of plotlines in play, two of the main ones being Thursday trying to direct her son, Friday, to his destiny as director of the ChronoGuard, with all of the usual confusion that time travel entails, while also trying to train two - very different - versions of herself from the Bookworld to be Jurisfiction agents. Along the way, Fforde continues to expand on the world he's created - both the off-kilter "real" world and an increasingly detailed Bookworld. Literary references for dedicated bibliophiles are scattered throughout, adding to the enjoyment of this solid entry to the series.

This little gem of a novel is a easy, but very enjoyable, read. Consisting solely of the letters written by a disillusioned small-college English professor, it works on several levels. The language of the letters themselves - humorous, wistful, snarky, cajoling, apologetic, and so much more - is thoroughly delightful. There's the mystery of the professor's background, the clues that give insight into how he's reached his current state of affairs, or you can enjoy the subplots of various recurring figures to whom he refers. Spanning less than a year, based on the dates of the entries, the reader nevertheless gets a sense of much of the author's adult life, both triumphs and travails. At only 180 pages, it's over too quickly, but now sits on my shelf waiting for a future re-read(s).

Highly imaginative and genuinely original series that, if one must assign a category, probably falls closer to fantasy than science fiction. I'm reviewing all three books in the series with this one review, in part because (duh) it's a series and if you're going to read one book you should commit to all three, and also because, more than most trilogies, there's little separation from one novel to the next; these could easily have been published as one book as there isn't much sense of a climax, or a pause in the narrative, at the ends of the first two books. The plot follows a few (but ultimately focuses on two) of the subset of humans that can control geological forces - the flow of magma, the movement of continental faults, the raising and lowering of mountainous amounts of rock. While forces of incomprehensible power are on display, there's also a very human and intimate element to the central plot of a woman who has loved, lost all, recovered, and is again threatened with loss of everything of value to her. My only criticism, as a self-confessed literalist, is that some of the storytelling can be a bit ephemeral, but if you don't mind the occasional vagueness of the prose (this is not a criticism of the writer's ability, just a personal preference) then this series has nothing to detract from the enjoyment it otherwise consistently delivers.

Highly imaginative and genuinely original series that, if one must assign a category, probably falls closer to fantasy than science fiction. I'm reviewing all three books in the series with this one review, in part because (duh) it's a series and if you're going to read one book you should commit to all three, and also because, more than most trilogies, there's little separation from one novel to the next; these could easily have been published as one book as there isn't much sense of a climax, or a pause in the narrative, at the ends of the first two books. The plot follows a few (but ultimately focuses on two) of the subset of humans that can control geological forces - the flow of magma, the movement of continental faults, the raising and lowering of mountainous amounts of rock. While forces of incomprehensible power are on display, there's also a very human and intimate element to the central plot of a woman who has loved, lost all, recovered, and is again threatened with loss of everything of value to her. My only criticism, as a self-confessed literalist, is that some of the storytelling can be a bit ephemeral, but if you don't mind the occasional vagueness of the prose (this is not a criticism of the writer's ability, just a personal preference) then this series has nothing to detract from the enjoyment it otherwise consistently delivers.

Highly imaginative and genuinely original series that, if one must assign a category, probably falls closer to fantasy than science fiction. I'm reviewing all three books in the series with this one review, in part because (duh) it's a series and if you're going to read one book you should commit to all three, and also because, more than most trilogies, there's little separation from one novel to the next; these could easily have been published as one book as there isn't much sense of a climax, or a pause in the narrative, at the ends of the first two books. The plot follows a few (but ultimately focuses on two) of the subset of humans that can control geological forces - the flow of magma, the movement of continental faults, the raising and lowering of mountainous amounts of rock. While forces of incomprehensible power are on display, there's also a very human and intimate element to the central plot of a woman who has loved, lost all, recovered, and is again threatened with loss of everything of value to her. My only criticism, as a self-confessed literalist, is that some of the storytelling can be a bit ephemeral, but if you don't mind the occasional vagueness of the prose (this is not a criticism of the writer's ability, just a personal preference) then this series has nothing to detract from the enjoyment it otherwise consistently delivers.

My first Tom Robbins experience, and a very positive one it was. While there is a mid-70s sensibility to some of the writing and concepts, as long as you don't mind revisiting that era, the story, characters, and concepts therein are by no means dated. The plot is somewhat meandering but, again, once you're in the correct mindset it's nice to just follow along as the action waxes and wanes. What is superlative is Robbins' ability to coin a phrase; nearly every page has some gem, some verbal twist or metaphor that adds immensely to the reader's enjoyment.

What a delightful murder mystery! This is my first Horowitz book, and I wouldn't usually list Mystery as my favorite genre, but all the planets aligned and I found this to be a fascinating, can't-put-it-down, read. It's a two-fer: the first third or so is a proof of a mystery novel by an author who's a character in the book, and that then relates to a murder that transpires, and is solved, in the rest of the book. I think part of why it was so fascinating is that the clues, and what of course will prove to be false leads, come seemingly non-stop in both stories. The pace never flags. And by the end, at least for this simple mind, all is resolved, in both tales, with no loose ends.

Solid effort from author Backman. While Britt-Marie is no Ove, he's one of my favorite characters of all time in fiction, so this book had an uphill battle from the outset. The approach is a bit formulaic, but sometimes it's nice to mostly know what's coming, and it's a good formula - a previously invisible member of society finds worth and self-realization, and we get to watch an isolated person find her community. There's humor, pathos, and a plot that moves along nicely. Mostly good things happen, but it's not overly saccharine, and I found the ending a bit ambiguous, sort of like life seems usually to turn out.

Eminently satisfying conclusion to the Thursday Next tetralogy. Thursday returns to the real world, with Hamlet in tow, one of her many tasks in this novel being to disentangle his play from the Merry Wives of Windsor. While caring for her son Friday, she must get her husband Landon uneradicated. She must find out where the fictional Yorrick Kaine originates, in order to stop him from becoming dictator of England, and she must make sure Swindon wins the croquet championship (the Superhoop) in order to prevent the end of the world. There's a LOT going on in this book, but author Fforde manages to bring everything together by the end in a way that wraps up all the loose ends (even a couple left over from prior books). Now, a brief break and on to the next Thursday trilogy!

Solid third entry in the Thursday Next series. For the majority of this book, author Fforde places Thursday in the alternate universe of the Bookworld, where fiction comes into being and all fictional beings live out their book, and extra-book, lives. Very inventive in explaining the mechanics of how characters and stories come into being, and how they're preserved for readers throughout time. The plot line of the series isn't necessarily linear but whether one looks at this as a diversion from Thursday's "real" world of Swindon, or a fleshing out of the entire Thursday universe, it continues her saga quite nicely.

The Thursday Next series continues with a strong sophomore entry. While dealing with the not-always-positive ramifications of her success in The Eyre Affair, she must continue to battle the evil Goliath corporation and try to rescue her eradicated husband. She also has to learn a new position as a Prose Resource Operative, a police force within books, where she is apprenticed to Mrs. Havisham of Great Expectations, who is hell on wheels, both figuratively and literally. As with the first novel, a broad appreciation of literature is rewarded in this adventuresome homage to the written word.

What a delightful book for book lovers (and series, which I'm just starting to re-read now that I've got all seven novels in trade paperback). Everyone can enjoy it really, but particularly those that truly love books - our strong female heroine, with many layers of complexity and a great sense of irony and humor, lives in a world where books and authors (and croquet) are of greatest importance. As a Special Operative in the little-respected literary detection division that polices books, she ends up getting into a non-stop adventure that involves time-travel, physically entering various stories (most notably Jane Eyre), and the hunt for a vicious killer. Tons of fun, and a great start to the series, which I'm off to keep working on!

Despite the accolades and generally very positive reviews this series has received, I found myself uninspired by this first entry, and unmotivated to continue. There isn't a glaring reason why - the characters have reasonable depth, but perhaps are too close to familiar conventions (internally conflicted hero, woman compatriot with mysterious past, neither recognizing their growing attraction). The are no gaps in the plot, which moves at a comfortable pace. But while the magic is creative, it seems discordant that guns are also present - both a revolver and a shotgun - without other reference to similar technology and for no discernible reason. Not quite deus ex machina, but off-putting. I'm usually committed to following through to the end of a series (all 14 volumes of the Wheel of Time series, thank you very much), but not this time.

This is a solid novel, but for me there was nothing that made it stand out. All of the characters are nicely developed, the plot moves at a good pace, and there's twists, as one would expect from a mystery/thriller novel. The subplot with the main character's husband seemed a bit overwrought. I was disappointed that the suggestion that the lying game the girls developed during their school years was a key aspect of their friendship - other than a few examples that seemed trivial, the author fails to deliver any substantial lies or consequences thereof, or on why that made them such an insular clique. The main and central characters are all strong women and it's not a taxing read - one could enjoy this as a fine beach read.

Excellent effort from the apparently infrequently published Donna Tartt. I haven't read anything by her before, and I find myself somewhat puzzlingly fascinated by this book. The protagonist isn't terribly likable, yet the reasons for what flaws he has are entirely understandable, and while he doesn't necessarily rise above them, the ways he tries to address them give him a humanity and a believability that must be the key to his attraction. The description of his hedonistic teens and questionable to illegal adult activities is, to a obligate rule-follower, fascinating, akin to the explanatory expositions in the moves Goodfellas and Casino. And his friend Boris - even with some head-scratching, I can't recall a better buddy character; when he shows up, the pace inevitably accelerates, due solely to his personality. Guess I should check out some other Donna Tartt offerings.

I'm not rating this as highly as the Martian, and I can't really put my finger on a specific reason. Main, and supporting, character(s) are well-developed, consistent, and have depth and nuance (maybe there's a bit less of the humor of The Martian?). Science has a significant, and well-explained (maybe not quite as well as The Martian?) presence. Plot is plausible, and proceeds apace (maybe a couple of deus ex machina moments that The Martian didn't have?). Maybe it's a self-fulfilling review (The Martian was so great, this second effort can't be as great; hey, look, it isn't). Or maybe I'm just cranky. Bottom line: this is a fun, very readable book, and it's probably unfair to compare it to one of the great SF success stories of the past decade. I say: buy, read, enjoy.

I know (knew) nothing about Norse mythology, but the Notes accompanying this latest effort from Neil Gaiman suggest academic rigor, leavened by Gaiman's characteristic wit. The humor can be as subtle as a simple turn of phrase, or broader as needed but, regardless, it permeates every story and gives these myths a modern sensibility, without distancing them from their ancient origins. Of particular fascination is the duality of Loki, who causes some of the greatest problems for the gods, while also giving them some of their greatest triumphs.

Precursor to his epic Guns, Germs, and Steel (GGS), in this book author Diamond looks at a wide range of topics, primarily behavioral, and how they may have come into being from an evolutionary perspective. It's not quite on the level of GGS, but still a very readable and scientifically rigorous examination of our sexuality, language and art, and even destructive behaviors, that may be, though often are not, uniquely human. Best read before GGS, as it sets up that book quite nicely.

This book is not a long read - 308 pages but line spacing is about 1.5, sentences are relatively short, and the writing style is simple - but it is certainly an engaging story and is one of those rare books that fully delivers on the back cover hype. The pace never flags; just as the implications of one revelation are settling, some new twist comes to light. At the same time, the story is fully developed, characters have depth and layers, and their predicaments and decisions feel genuine. It's over quick, but it's a ton of fun while it lasts.

This is Christopher Moore's second novel and, though it's not on par with the best of his later work, it is a solid foundation upon which his inimitable style builds. In my opinion, a synopsis isn't necessary (that's why books have back covers and dust jackets); what is essential to know is that if you like the rapid pace of Moore's plotting, witty dialogue with frequent clever turns of phrase, the occasional supernatural being showing up to influence human events, and a plot that will, by the end, pull together all the seeming narrative detours, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. Bonus for those who have read, or will read, other Moore novels is the appearance of characters recurring in later tales, such as Detective Rivera and, especially, Minty Fresh.

While never boring, this tale of an immortality project gone awry fails to fully engage the reader (at least, this one). The plot is interesting enough, but the descriptions of both settings and protagonist(s) are so remote that it is difficult to get a satisfying sense of where (or when, though seemingly the distant future) the story is taking place, or get meaningfully involved with the characters. The main character, a extremely introverted entomologist, does come into focus enough toward the end of the book to engender some empathy. Interestingly, the author appears to be responsible for ET, the Extra-Terrestrial, the precursor to the Steven Spielberg movie of the same name. Unfortunately, at least with The Amphora Project, he does not achieve the same level of storytelling.

The prologue alone is masterful; the rest of the book continues this superlative standard as it details the very personal experiences of a soldier serving in Vietnam. Enlisting with the best of intentions, the author is gradually but brutally disillusioned by the realities of the watershed conflict that still impacts, as do all sentinel events, how we understand armed conflict and the human condition. Essential reading for anyone who aspires to understand post-WWII US foreign and military policy, not for the specific way it impacts quotidian decisions, but for how it fundamentally influences how we, as US citizens, view ourselves and our role, and the capability and costs of achieving that role, in global geopolitics. Even more importantly it expresses, as well as the written word can, the indescribably strong bonds, and horrific costs, that war exacts from those who wage it.

I first became interested in Brian Greene when watching his PBS series of the same name as this book, which adds substantial detail and depth to the concepts he presented in those episodes. While there may have been landmark advances in the now now, nearly 20 years, since the first edition of this work was published, as a non-theoretical physicist, I found his explanation of both General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics eminently understandable. The science becomes increasingly demanding as the book progresses to multidimensional constructs and superstring theory, but the reader is well rewarded for perseverance. Who needs fiction when reality is almost beyond belief?

I hate to come across as a hater, and I'd feel awful if the author ever read this, but wow - this is novel is bottom 10% lifetime. Reading the synopsis, it was clear that the storyline was similar to the Terminator movie franchise, but with all the positive reviews, and the cover blurbs from respected authors, I figured that the details of the plot and or subplots, or the description of the world of the novel, or development of the characters would make up for that. Wrong on all accounts - this is a disjointed series of vignettes, where large gaps in the story arc are made by unidimensional characters - partway through I started to think maybe it was a YA novel, but even if that's the intent (and I've not seen anything to say that it is), it's not a good one. I stuck with it to the end, only because it's an incredibly simple read, and hope springs eternal - though in this case it was squashed like a small rotten tomato. Watch Terminator 1 and 2 and you'll be much more satisfied if you're looking for a computers-become-sapient-and-take-over-the-world narrative.

Though this is only the third in a series that currently stands at seven novels, with additional shorter works, it can also be viewed as a very satisfying conclusion to the initial trilogy. As with the preceding novels, chapters are told alternately from the perspective of, this time, four of the main characters, including James Holden, Our Hero and the captain of the Rocinante. Character development remains strong, so even as several new players enter this plot-driven, fast-paced, space opera, they add to the richness of the narrative. Highly recommended!

Here's how good this series is: I'm 80% of the way through the third novel and only now am able to tear myself away to review this, the second novel (the SyFy series based on these novels, The Expanse, is also worthy watching). This sophomore effort does not suffer from The-Empire-Strikes-Back-Syndrome of feeling like just a bridge between the first and third installments - it is a satisfying novel independent of its position in the series. Three new characters are introduced - Bobbie, as bad-assed a Martian marine as one could hope for; Prax, a delightfully geeky scientist from Ganymede who is an equally passionate father; and Avasarala, a UN undersecretary and one of the most delightfully profane characters I've ever come across. Even while expanding on the political aspects of the novel's universe, the pace never flags, while the characters continue to demonstrate depth and development worthy of top-shelf literature. Why are you wasting time reading this review instead of getting on with the series?

When everything comes together in a novel, it's magic. A seemingly random attack on a small spacecraft is prelude to two storylines that gradually merge, told throughout, in alternating chapters, from the perspective of the two main characters. Then the narrative veers off in unpredictable, but entirely plausible, directions that elevate this novel to the top tier of science fiction. The setting is the not-too-far-distant future, when humanity is colonizing the solar system but has yet to depart for the stars. With the author disclaiming that the science is exhaustively researched, it is nevertheless unfailingly entertaining. Characters are not only well-developed on their own, but are allowed to change and grow through their interactions. There's wit, and drama, and a plot that maintains a non-stop pace while never seeming frantic. Total space opera, and totally wonderful. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get move on to the next installment, Caliban's War...

This review is for the entire trilogy (The Three Body Problem, The Dark Forest, and Death's End). Despite starting the series with great anticipation, on the recommendation of a trusted science, and science fiction, fan/friend, only determination, not desire, allowed me to complete it. Admittedly, it's been some months since I finished the third installment, as my reluctance to give a poor review has delayed this writing, and so some details are fuzzy. In general, I found the characters difficult to connect with, and I don't recall a single strong character who is present throughout the telling, around whom the reader can organize the story arc. The writing overall is often more science than fiction; as an avid reader of science non-fiction, I could follow the story as the physics moved into extra dimensions, but the fiction part, the story being told, was not engaging enough to hold my interest. While I can understand how these books could be very appealing to a reader, I guess this time, I am not that reader.

This review is for the entire trilogy (The Three Body Problem, The Dark Forest, and Death's End). Despite starting the series with great anticipation, on the recommendation of a trusted science, and science fiction, fan/friend, only determination, not desire, allowed me to complete it. Admittedly, it's been some months since I finished the third installment, as my reluctance to give a poor review has delayed this writing, and so some details are fuzzy. In general, I found the characters difficult to connect with, and I don't recall a single strong character who is present throughout the telling, around whom the reader can organize the story arc. The writing overall is often more science than fiction; as an avid reader of science non-fiction, I could follow the story as the physics moved into extra dimensions, but the fiction part, the story being told, was not engaging enough to hold my interest. While I can understand how these books could be very appealing to a reader, I guess this time, I am not that reader.

This review is for the entire trilogy (The Three Body Problem, The Dark Forest, and Death's End). Despite starting the series with great anticipation, on the recommendation of a trusted science, and science fiction, fan/friend, only determination, not desire, allowed me to complete it. Admittedly, it's been some months since I finished the third installment, as my reluctance to give a poor review has delayed this writing, and so some details are fuzzy. In general, I found the characters difficult to connect with, and I don't recall a single strong character who is present throughout the telling, around whom the reader can organize the story arc. The writing overall is often more science than fiction; as an avid reader of science non-fiction, I could follow the story as the physics moved into extra dimensions, but the fiction part, the story being told, was not engaging enough to hold my interest. While I can understand how these books could be very appealing to a reader, I guess this time, I am not that reader.

I knew that having just been to Martha's Vineyard was not reason enough to buy this book, but I was hoping it would add a layer of enjoyment to the reading. Turns out very little happens on the island, though that does not in any way detract from the quality of the writing. For the most part, it is a tale well told, with strong, believable characters and sharp pacing - the chapter breaks serve more to draw the reader inexorably on than to suggest a pause. Much of the media coverage of the incident is sadly familiar given today's 24 hour news cycle. Unfortunately, the denouement was disappointing, enough so to drop this from a five-star to a three-star (maybe three and a half, if fractions were permitted), perhaps in comparison to the strength of the rest of the novel, but a disappointment nonetheless.

Another superlative entry in Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series. While the protagonist varies in each novel, many of the main characters are recurring (this novel's partners, Conway and Moran, were also featured in The Secret Place, though that was told from Moran's perspective; this time it's Conway's turn). Each time, dialogue is authentic and the dialect so well written it's like Guinness for the brain. The plotting is always tight and pacing never flags. Characters, and their strengths and weaknesses, challenges and successes, come across as genuine, and the author never hits a wrong note - Tana French is definitely one of the handful of authors where each new book is an instant buy.

For the reader in need of a Neil Gaiman fix, this collection of poetry and short stories satisfies nicely. There are 24 submissions in all, varying widely in length from two pages of poetry to novellas, both excellent, set in the worlds of Dr. Who and the American Gods. Some insight into each offering is given by the author in the Introduction, and while quality is uniformly high, there are entries that still manage to stand out. For me, most notable were Orange, composed solely of responses given to inferred questions from an investigator, and Click-Clack the Rattlebag, the best short horror story I've read since Lavinia and Francine try to avoid The Lonely One in Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine - masterful. If you're a Gaiman fan, won't it be fun to see which stories you connect with?

Thinking this book was just going to be some cross-cultural circle-of-life experience, I avoided it for months. That is, in fact, exactly what it turned out to be, but oh, how wonderfully so. Set in Ethiopia, it is the story of twins, born to a nun, and follows them from birth through adulthood, with a rich plot that involves abandonment by their father, the death of their mother, the love of their foster parents, the history of Ethiopia, and their own career choices and decisions as they enter adulthood. The characters are richly described and fully realized. The culture of both their household and their country are fascinating, both to learn about and to see how it impacts their growth. The plot never flags, never. I'll set it aside for now, but this novel will be a pleasure to return to, again and again, for years to come.

Not as complicated as some of the synopses make it sound, this novel does, in a way, contain three stories in one - one contemporary, one with the same central character told in retrospect, and a metaphoric science fiction tale. Characters are leisurely, but superbly, developed - the family tree I started drawing at the outset to keep relationships straight proved unnecessary. While the narrative alternates between the three scenarios above, it does so in stretches sufficiently long to allow the reader to fully immerse in, and experience/enjoy, each interval, then proceed to the next without losing continuity. The plot is compelling, the foreshadowing subtle, and the conclusion satisfying. This was my first Margaret Atwood book, and I look forward to exploring her works further.

Erik Larson is one of my go-to authors - odd topics that initially seem only tangentially related become, in his hands, inextricably intertwined and interesting, even (usually) fascinating. So I bought this novel with only a cursory glance at the back cover and found, both to my relief and disappointment, that he is not perfect. The topic, the 1900 hurricane that savaged Galveston, TX was timely, given that I finished reading it about 10 days before Hurricane Harvey struck TX (August 2017). In fact, the best parts of the book are those that deal with the state of the art of storm prediction and reporting at the turn of the century, particularly in juxtaposition to the ability we now have to track and report on extreme weather. What was missing, though, was a protagonist, or protagonists, with strong character development, around which the narrative could evolve. Both the historical and personality elements are otherwise present in Larson's other novels; the lack of the latter, in this case, makes it his least accomplished effort. And note to the publisher - photography had been around for decades, and specific photos are even referenced in the text; why not give the reader a few to peruse? But make no mistake, Mr. Larson is still on the buy-first, ask-questions-later list.

After watching the original British TV series (2010/2012) based on the Dirk Gently characters, I was inspired to return to the novels. Sadly, though I'm a dedicated and longstanding Douglas Adams/Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan, the first of the Dirk Gently series falls far short of the brilliance of that other series. While the characters are fully and delightfully developed, the plot is convoluted, and even after this, now second or third, reading I find the ending confusing and unsatisfying. Most importantly, the cleverness and wit pervasive in the Hitchhiker's series text occurs only in brief flashes in this book. It's not without merit, but if you've read the Hitchhiker series first, lower your expectations for this book by an order or two of magnitude.

Series Review for Acacia, Other Lands, Sacred Band. Following four royal siblings, this trilogy tells of their fall and gradual return to prominence, progressively revolutionizing not only the kingdom they were originally born to rule but also other lands and races. The story lines of each diverge and converge as they follow interesting individual paths and periodically come back together in various combinations. David Anthony Durham's world is original, varied, and rich in detail, as much fun to explore as are the plotlines, which can take surprising and dramatic turns. Aside from the four protagonists, there is a large, but not unmanageable, cast of equally well done supporting characters. The supernatural elements are unlike traditional magic but also original and creative and, if you're patient, there will be dragons. Overall, an outstanding series and highly recommended.

Series Review for Acacia, Other Lands, Sacred Band. Following four royal siblings, this trilogy tells of their fall and gradual return to prominence, progressively revolutionizing not only the kingdom they were originally born to rule but also other lands and races. The story lines of each diverge and converge as they follow interesting individual paths and periodically come back together in various combinations. David Anthony Durham's world is original, varied, and rich in detail, as much fun to explore as are the plotlines, which can take surprising and dramatic turns. Aside from the four protagonists, there is a large, but not unmanageable, cast of equally well done supporting characters. The supernatural elements are unlike traditional magic but also original and creative and, if you're patient, there will be dragons. Overall, an outstanding series and highly recommended.

Series Review for Acacia, Other Lands, Sacred Band. Following four royal siblings, this trilogy tells of their fall and gradual return to prominence, progressively revolutionizing not only the kingdom they were originally born to rule but also other lands and races. The story lines of each diverge and converge as they follow interesting individual paths and periodically come back together in various combinations. David Anthony Durham's world is original, varied, and rich in detail, as much fun to explore as are the plotlines, which can take surprising and dramatic turns. Aside from the four protagonists, there is a large, but not unmanageable, cast of equally well done supporting characters. The supernatural elements are unlike traditional magic but also original and creative and, if you're patient, there will be dragons. Overall, an outstanding series and highly recommended.

This is a strong entry for YA literature, but very much written for that level of reader, which is less evident during the first novel (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children) than becomes evident in the 2nd (Hollow City) and 3rd (Library of Souls). While the main and supporting characters are not overly complex, neither are they stereotypes or caricatures, and they do develop over the course of the series. For the most part, the vintage photos are entertaining, and they often enhance, for example, the imagining of the characters, but there are times as well when the narrative seems to try a bit too hard to be relevant to a particular image. The plotting can be a bit slow (there are probably two books worth of material expanded to three novels) and while the series comes to a satisfying conclusion, it does so only through deus ex machina to a distracting degree. Overall, the integration of photos into the story is a clever technique, and while underwhelming to an older reader, these books are perfectly appropriate to a YA audience.

This is a strong entry for YA literature, but very much written for that level of reader, which is less evident during the first novel (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children) than becomes evident in the 2nd (Hollow City) and 3rd (Library of Souls). While the main and supporting characters are not overly complex, neither are they stereotypes or caricatures, and they do develop over the course of the series. For the most part, the vintage photos are entertaining, and they often enhance, for example, the imagining of the characters, but there are times as well when the narrative seems to try a bit too hard to be relevant to a particular image. The plotting can be a bit slow (there are probably two books worth of material expanded to three novels) and while the series comes to a satisfying conclusion, it does so only through deus ex machina to a distracting degree. Overall, the integration of photos into the story is a clever technique, and while underwhelming to an older reader, these books are perfectly appropriate to a YA audience.

This is a strong entry for YA literature, but very much written for that level of reader, which is less evident during the first novel (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children) than becomes evident in the 2nd (Hollow City) and 3rd (Library of Souls). While the main and supporting characters are not overly complex, neither are they stereotypes or caricatures, and they do develop over the course of the series. For the most part, the vintage photos are entertaining, and they often enhance, for example, the imagining of the characters, but there are times as well when the narrative seems to try a bit too hard to be relevant to a particular image. The plotting can be a bit slow (there are probably two books worth of material expanded to three novels) and while the series comes to a satisfying conclusion, it does so only through deus ex machina to a distracting degree. Overall, the integration of photos into the story is a clever technique, and while underwhelming to an older reader, these books are perfectly appropriate to a YA audience.

As with most anthologies, the range of interest in each individual piece ranges from intense to "Huh - what were they thinking when they included this one?" (Ogres of East Africa). The Blue Afternoon That Lasted Forever might be the best of the bunch, and has the most science underlying its premise. I found the most entertaining to be How The Marquis Got His Coat Back, which I determined before I realized it was authored by Neil Gaiman. And the most intriguing, while still being relatable, would go to The Thing About Shapes to Come. I've read better anthologies, hence the moderate rating, but between these covers are some worthy stories and ideas.

Heinlein's style is so distinctive that even reading one of his books for the first time gives one a feeling of nostalgia for almost any of his other works. True to form, while the story is told from the perspective of the mother of the recurring character Lazarus Long (who does appear in these pages), the characters are uniformly witty, intelligent, rational, and unabashedly sensual, with little regard for many traditional societal taboos. While the most likely classification for this novel would be science fiction, it's fairly light on futuristic themes. Time traveling is of some importance to the plot, but most of the story is akin to Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury - a fond look back at what it might have been like to live through the early and mid-1900s in middle America. Certainly an enjoyable read, and a fine addition to his body of work.

Lucien (Lucy) MInor, accomplished solely as a liar in his hometown, sets off to seek his fortune in the only position he can secure, undermajordomo of the remote castle of Baron Von Aux. Along the way he meets many characters against whom he must measure himself, and one with whom he falls in love. Written in the manner of a fable, the always-quirky characters sometimes speak or behave oddly, but there is humor throughout and it is intriguing to follow Lucy's growth. It can, at intervals, feel hauntingly similar to the Gothic style of Mervyn Peake, author of the Gormenghast trilogy (fortunately, with a less-impenetrable vocabulary), but given the high regard I have for those novels, it is good company in which to be.

This little book, whose cleverness far exceeds its size, relates 30 different ideas about how time might flow in contrast to how we experience it. A few interludes suggest these might have been ways Einstein was conceiving of, or dreaming of, time as he was coming up with his Theory of Relativity. Chapters are generally only 5-7 pages long, and the ideas are described in a dreamlike fashion, with varying degrees of detail and plausibility, but each could be an alternative to our universe. A quick, but fun and intriguing, read.

This is an interesting book that takes the reader in chronologic order, from the very first simple substitution codes through to theoretical coding methods yet to be developed. Real-life stories of the use of codes throughout history are interspersed amongst the progression of code making and code breaking techniques. It is fascinating to hear how first the code makers, then the code breakers, alternate supremacy as their respective techniques advance. It is a veritable parade of truly clever and talented practitioners of the science. I gave this less than a perfect score only because the mathematics get increasingly challenging as technology advances, and it takes a fairly dedicated reader to push through to the end.

This book could do for fantasy what Ready Player One (RPO) did for science fiction. Written from the perspective of a necromancer just returned from exile, who immediately finds himself not only under attack from multiple foes but also unsure of who his allies are, the integration of magic into our world is creative and original. Cultural references and the sense of humor are very similar to, but not in any way derivative of, RPO (another novel to which I gave top rating), and likely land most solidly in the reference frame of 40- and 50-year olds, but will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The plot consistently moves at a sharp pace, but the substantial attention given to character development and witty dialogue never make it feel rushed. While the story comes to a satisfying conclusion and could stand alone, it is a bonus that this is just the introduction to this world and it's characters, and I'll eagerly await the next installment in this nascent series.

The reviews and ads for this book made me think it was a thriller and, while there are times it is thrilling, it's more a study on the devastation wrought when a child goes missing, even more traumatic for the circumstances being mysterious and thus leaving the remaining family members, initially, without closure. Once that becomes evident, the storytelling settles into a pace, and the character development into a depth, that keeps the reader's interest even in the more contemplative passages. The subjects evoke, where appropriate, sympathy and, elsewhere, the contempt they deserve. If you're a parent, you'll need to be able to separate the premise from the legitimate real life fears that does make this in many ways a horror story, but even though that's something I sometimes find challenging to do, I still found this to be a very worthwhile read.

This is less a story of a human family from a canine perspective than it is use of the dog, Enzo, as narrator. Once I got over the relatively minor disappointment of it not being the former, I found it an enjoyable and well-told story, and found the use of auto racing as a recurrent metaphor particularly interesting. The characters are strong and believable, and the plot is nicely paced. It's emotionally honest throughout and, with a satisfying ending, well worth the read.

As I work my way through the Culture series, I find this the least interesting of the first three novels. Following the plot is challenging, with alternating chapters switching back and forth between anterograde and retrograde timelines. Storytelling can be very detailed at times, very superficial at others, which gives a sense of uneven pacing and further limits the ability of the reader to engage with the characters, which are complex but not very sympathetic. On it's own, not a great story, but perhaps it will add to the entirety of the story arc - won't know for 7 more books...

I think this is the first Christopher Moore novel to which I am giving a mediocre review. I've read nearly all of his books to date, and I usually find the characters fresh and detailed, the plot convoluted but ultimately cohesive, and the writing both creative and humorous. While this effort doesn't fail in any of those areas, it's very much an effort that pales in comparison to A Dirty Job, to which it is a sequel. Same characters, whom we get to know little better than in the original, including the same antagonists, with only a couple of relatively minor new players. Same setting and a very similar, if not identical, story arc. If you enjoyed A Dirty Job, this is a similar, but lesser, work.

Re-read this in preparation for the now-available sequel - such a pleasure to again hold a Christopher Moore novel. Beta-Male thrift store owner Charlie loses his wife during childbirth, then gradually comes to the realization that he has become one of Death's minions, assigned to collect souls from the dying and pass them along to their next living recipient. With a hilarious cast of irreverent (there is an unwritten rule requiring that word to appear in any Christopher Moore book review) supporting characters, including one of my personal favorites, Mr. Minty Fresh, the plot sizzles along as Charlie battles to save San Francisco, and ultimately the world, from apocalyptic doom in the form of a tripartite Celtic goddess and her demon master. With Sophie, Charlie's daughter, looking to follow her father into the family business (new and old), I'm taking a break only long enough to write this review, then its on to "Secondhand Souls"!

Another superlative effort from Erik Larson. He consistently takes minor or neglected historical events and weaves the facts into stories that are as informative as they are suspenseful. The denouement of this tale is well-known and incontrovertible, but Larson still infuses the telling with drama and compelling human interest, both from the perspective of the Lusitania passengers as well as their U-boat stalkers. This book is as much a page-turner as any New York Times bestselling thriller - Larson makes history sing! Now back to waiting for the next wonderful work from his pen...

While I've always enjoyed Stephenson's books, I was particularly anticipating the arrival of Seveneves after what I thought was the overwhelming success of Reamde. I found myself a bit disappointed, though specifying reasons, without sounding like an arrogant critic, is challenging. Seveneves is epic in scope, which somewhat limits the depth with which the main characters can be developed. The jump to the far future, at the 2/3 point of the novel, doesn't help, as we lose the characters we've been following and are introduced to an entirely new cast for the last third. The science seems well grounded, and is explained with Stephenson's usual thoroughness throughout. (Stop here to avoid a minor spoiler alert) The length to which various segments of humanity go to accentuate their origins, in the latter third of the novel, seems more calculated to allow the author to create differences, primarily to fuel conflict, rather than to speculate how the remnants of humanity might evolve in the proposed scenario. Given the choice of one end-of-the-world novel, I think I'd choose Lucifer's Hammer (by Niven and Pournelle). One cannot deny the ambition behind Seveneves, but I think the final effort may have fallen short of the author's best work.

Comparison of this book to the author's debut, Ready Player One, is as unflattering as it is inevitable. The plot of Armada is straightforward, but story and character development are sadly lacking. The reader, as with the main character (and I suspect the author as well), is likely to be left musing over the unsatisfying conclusion. While this book likely has some fanboy appeal, and could be considered a competent YA novel, one hopes future efforts are closer in quality to the author's first book.

Admittedly, I pursued this book after inadvertently encountering the trailer for the movie, the thought then being that I'd read the book and subsequently enjoy the movie. Unfortunately, the book (which is always better than the movie, right?), wasn't even as good as the trailer, which leaves me a bit lost, except to return the book and hope the next owner enjoys it more than did I. For older, crankier readers such as myself, I thought the character development was shallow, the humor never seemed really to connect, and the emotion was unengaging. But I treat my books well, so there will be a used book in excellent condition available at Powell's shortly...

Who would think that a book about a maligned ambassador to pre-WWII Germany and his family would be of interest? History has not treated William Dodd well, and the events of the novel precede the of course fascinating, and so exhaustively documented, drama of the actual war period. Nevertheless, this is another wonderful effort from Erik Larson, who seems to excel at taking seemingly minor events, initially appearing unrelated, and weaving them into a well-told and engaging story. This tale will inform the reader of the evolution of cultural and societal changes in Germany as the leaders of that country moved it, and the world, toward WWII. This book sat on my bookshelf for too long before I ventured to start it; the best thing about the delay being that I've now realized he should be on my buy-as-soon-as-published list, and so next up is his recently released "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania". Can't wait!

It's been awhile since I've read Tana French, mostly because I don't see anything new coming soon and so I've waited as long as I could in hopes of shortening those dark days until she publishes again. This novel continues her excellent police procedurals about the Dublin Murder Squad, with unique and detailed characters, dialogue in a rich Irish dialect, and a detailed plot that keeps the reader guessing until it all comes together seamlessly at the climax. This time events all take place within one day, and the time pressure on our pair of detectives, along with their nascent relationship wherein trust has yet to be established, adds to the suspense and complexities of this wonderful addition to the series.

If you can get yourself in the mindset of the late 1950s, when this novel was first released, you will discover a wonderful memoir of summer as seen through the eyes of two young brothers. From the first press of dandelion wine, to the last adventure of the season, all of the wonders and the freedom of the summer months is brought to life by the incomparable Ray Bradbury. There are poignant moments, outright funny stories, and one of the best suspense/horror chapters I can recall. While this book has an older publishing date, by no means is it dated. It would be perfect to start in the coming weeks, as our own summer is just around the corner!

The brevity of this book, and the straightforward narrative, best characterize it as children's literature, but there are nuances to the story, and to the wonderful drawings, that make it a pleasure for adults as well. I've gone through it alone in detail at least three times, and continue to find additional aspects of the art to appreciate. Whether it's a previously unseen figure on one of the busy pages, or discovering something new in the contemplative facial expression of a main character on one of the quieter pages, the illustrations in this book put it on a par with the best of children's literature. I enthusiastically recommend this wonderful book.

This review will be for the series as a whole and, in short, it is simply outstanding. While clearly, sometimes explicitly, paying homage to the worlds of Narnia and Harry Potter, there's more mature themes as are found in, for example, Catcher in the Rye and Less Than Zero. Yet none of those laudatory comparisons should in any way detract from the superlative originality of this series. Strong and interesting characters, ideal plot pacing, and dialogue that never strikes a false note. Magic, materialism, platonic and romantic relationships, introspection and thoughtful contemplation, and climactic conflicts and battles - I wouldn't have thought there were books that could comfortably sit on my shelves between Tolkien and Irving, but this series is worthy of that spot.

This review will be for the series as a whole and, in short, it is simply outstanding. While clearly, sometimes explicitly, paying homage to the worlds of Narnia and Harry Potter, there's more mature themes as are found in, for example, Catcher in the Rye and Less Than Zero. Yet none of those laudatory comparisons should in any way detract from the superlative originality of this series. Strong and interesting characters, ideal plot pacing, and dialogue that never strikes a false note. Magic, materialism, platonic and romantic relationships, introspection and thoughtful contemplation, and climactic conflicts and battles - I wouldn't have thought there were books that could comfortably sit on my shelves between Tolkien and Irving, but this series is worthy of that spot.

This review will be for the series as a whole and, in short, it is simply outstanding. While clearly, sometimes explicitly, paying homage to the worlds of Narnia and Harry Potter, there's more mature themes as are found in, for example, Catcher in the Rye and Less Than Zero. Yet none of those laudatory comparisons should in any way detract from the superlative originality of this series. Strong and interesting characters, ideal plot pacing, and dialogue that never strikes a false note. Magic, materialism, platonic and romantic relationships, introspection and thoughtful contemplation, and climactic conflicts and battles - I wouldn't have thought there were books that could comfortably sit on my shelves between Tolkien and Irving, but this series is worthy of that spot.

If I had a Top Ten (? Bottom Ten) Worst Books, this would receive strong consideration for one of the top spots. Awful, awful, awful. There's about enough plot here for a short story, fleshed out to novel length with seemingly endless, and impenetrable, sophomoric philosophizing about Beauty and Art and Life and Death and....zzzz. Sentences longer than the last 5 minutes of an NBA game will have your eyes crossing as they search for the beginning, to start over again in the (false) hope that THIS time it will make sense. Then (semi-spoiler alert), when it's all slowly starting to come together at the end and you're starting to think maybe the hours you've invested haven't been completely wasted - BAM!! - one of the most senseless endings in all of Western literature. Monumentally bad - seriously, go find something else to read, there's no happiness between these covers.

Despite the sad inevitability the title suggests, and delivers on even in the Prologue, this is a entertaining, if at times darkly so, novel. Numerous plot lines, both major and minor, intertwine seamlessly; the most amusing, because of the accuracy with which the author captures teenage boy relationships, dialogue, and humor, is that of Skippy and his friends. The excitement and confusion of a first crush is evident as well in Skippy's pursuit of Lori, and the melancholy of (teacher) Howard's middle-age crisis hits close to home for those of us at a more...mature stage in our lives. The characters are fully developed and, though I (thankfully) can't claim a boarding school background, the nature of such an experience, for both students and adults alike, seemed an accurate portrayal. Thoroughly enjoyable!

An engaging history of the Vidocq Society, an association of top professionals from the various disciplines involved in murder investigation, whose purpose is to examine cases that have gone unsolved for at least two years. It's very interesting to learn how forensic pathologists, forensic artists, and especially psychological profilers work, and how their disparate styles can complement each other. While the Society's 90% success rate is admirable, the author seems to hold little, if anything, back in describing crime scenes and what victims suffered, with numerous cases that plumb the depths of human misery and death. The writing style is at times over-the-top potboiler in nature, which can either amuse or annoy, depending on one's mood. Fascinating book, but be forewarned you'll endure many tales about the worst things one human being can do to another.

This sweeping, Michener-esque epic is an outstanding tale focused on Paris and Parisian culture. It is a work of historical fiction, following various members of six families back and forth from the 1200s through WW II. The family trees in the front of the book are invaluable, as this is an extensive and detailed tome, but despite there being a series of small dramas, rather than a single climax toward which the story builds, the characters are engaging and the stories never feel slow or contrived. The chapters that follow a ironworker constructing the Statue of Liberty, to which we later return when he is helping build the Eiffel Tower, were particular favorites. The struggles and triumphs of multiple generations combine to create a comprehensive picture of how historical and cultural events transpired to influence the growth and evolution of one of the great cities in the world. I read this as a prelude to a visit to Paris later this year, and for 800 pages it engaged my attention and introduced the city in a way that no non-fiction history or travel book could.

This book is a relatively quick read, and actually delivers on the promise (on the back cover) of an escalating conflict and dramatic climax. The author does an outstanding job of pacing the slow reveal of the underlying natures of his protagonists, and the reader's growing familiarity with their personalities and motivations greatly enriches the evolution of the story. No one is going to hold any of these folks up as models of laudable behavior, but then that's what makes them interesting, isn't it?

Most authors will say (and I concur) that there is no such thing as a perfect book. OK, then let's call this one merely flawless. There are moments where the mathematical calculations our hero is making are eye-crossingly complex, but those are balanced with scatalogical sophomoric humor and everything in between. Throughout, the author keeps the reader riveted by one man's struggle to survive alone on Mars, alternating with the efforts of the Earth-bound scientists and his fellow astronauts to aid him. There's few books I recommend without reservation; if you're a fan of science fiction (with this more akin to near-future fiction), you should enjoy this book immensely.

This review is for the entire series, as I read, and cautiously enjoyed, the first two books, in great part with anticipation for revelations and a conclusion(s) in the final novel. Unfortunately, that never occurs. Characterizations are, at best, impersonal, and the writing sporadically clear, then muddled. The intent of the author seems to be to describe humanity's encounter with another culture so alien that we can't communicate with it or understand its intent/purpose, and while that prospect is intellectually plausible, given the myriad ways in which life could evolve in another time/place, the lack of meaningful interaction between the characters and whatever that Other is, deprives the story of interest and prevents it from coming to any comprehensible conclusion. Of all the questions that are posed or develop over the course of the three books few, if any, are answered coherently. The concepts are not without merit, and much promise is hinted at but, ultimately, the series fails to deliver.

This review is for the entire series, as I read, and cautiously enjoyed, the first two books, in great part with anticipation for revelations and a conclusion(s) in the final novel. Unfortunately, that never occurs. Characterizations are, at best, impersonal, and the writing sporadically clear, then muddled. The intent of the author seems to be to describe humanity's encounter with another culture so alien that we can't communicate with it or understand its intent/purpose, and while that prospect is intellectually plausible, given the myriad ways in which life could evolve in another time/place, the lack of meaningful interaction between the characters and whatever that Other is, deprives the story of interest and prevents it from coming to any comprehensible conclusion. Of all the questions that are posed or develop over the course of the three books few, if any, are answered coherently. The concepts are not without merit, and much promise is hinted at but, ultimately, the series fails to deliver.

This review is for the entire series, as I read, and cautiously enjoyed, the first two books, in great part with anticipation for revelations and a conclusion(s) in the final novel. Unfortunately, that never occurs. Characterizations are, at best, impersonal, and the writing sporadically clear, then muddled. The intent of the author seems to be to describe humanity's encounter with another culture so alien that we can't communicate with it or understand its intent/purpose, and while that prospect is intellectually plausible, given the myriad ways in which life could evolve in another time/place, the lack of meaningful interaction between the characters and whatever that Other is, deprives the story of interest and prevents it from coming to any comprehensible conclusion. Of all the questions that are posed or develop over the course of the three books few, if any, are answered coherently. The concepts are not without merit, and much promise is hinted at but, ultimately, the series fails to deliver.

The confluence of Marconi's development of wireless telegraphy and an obscure murder case from early 1900s London as a thrilling, entertaining, enthralling novel? Right - even I didn't believe the book jacket hype when I picked this up while browsing at the PDX Powell's, but this is one of the most memorable books I've read in the past twelve months. Sharing only a common time period for the majority of the book, the evolution of each of the two plots alone proves thoroughly enjoyable; when they come together for the last act of the novel, the denouement is everything for which an author strives and a reader hopes. Enjoy!

A description of the evolution of the periodic table, including how atoms and matter come into being. While the scientific explanations lack clarity at times, the book overall does a good job of explaining the organization of the periodic table and the races to discover/describe new elements. Later chapters focus on specific groups of elements, by location on the table or by shared traits, to provide further insight into the chemistry and physics underlying the periodic table as we know it today. Much of the information is described in vignettes about the scientists themselves, as well as their rivalries, which adds an element of entertainment.

The original date of publication for this book was 1959, but the story it tells is by no means dated. It is divided into three sections: preparations leading up to D-Day, events the night prior, and what transpired on the day of the invasion. It is unusual for a history of D-Day to contain no maps, but even a basic one of the beaches and areas inland will do, as this book is less interested in specifying the strategy and tactics of the combatants than recording D-Day through the stories of specific soldiers and civilians - mostly Allied, but with useful insight provided as well from the German perspective. Other sources can be sought to provide details about troop deployments - this novel focuses on personal accounts of arguably the most significant event of WWII. It should be part of any serious WWII collection.

All books that seek to reason a way to belief in God (or a god) suffer from the same problem, which is that ultimately you can't prove what must be a faith-based decision. However, Collins does a good job of looking at the juxtaposition of faith and science, and how each seeks to address the greater questions of life. He then looks at four different world-view options, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each. The strength of this book is actually in his explanation of the scientific perspective, but as a believer he represents that position well, and one can learn a great deal about both science and religion without feeling either side is overrepresented.

Yet another thoroughly enjoyable addition to Terry Pratchett's continuously expanding, and immensely creative, Discworld universe. Moist von Lipwig (previously featured in "Going Postal" and "Making Money") is not only in charge of building the first railway, but must do so in time to avert an impending political crisis. Clever plotting, witty dialogue, and laugh-out-loud humor prevail, with a subtle subtext of social commentary. With Harry King, Lord Vetinari, and cameos from many other familiar characters, it is the type of book where you can't wait to turn the page, in order to get to the next one, until you come to the melancholic realization that there's just a few pages left...

I approached this trilogy (Wool, Shift, and Dust) with great anticipation, but I became increasingly disillusioned as the series progressed and, at the end, find myself moderately disappointed. The basic premise is interesting, as is the way the backstory is gradually revealed as the main plotlines advance. However, most of the major players, in addition to being somewhat unlikeable, are also rather superficially characterized. Half of the 2nd volume follows an teenager as he grows up isolated from contact with others, and in addition to just not being that interesting, it reveals the main weakness of these books: the seeming lack of an editor. The content of these three books would have made a very good single novel, and where the third leaves off would have made a good starting point for continuation of the story. In short, these three novels are one good one stretched too thin.

I approached this trilogy (Wool, Shift, and Dust) with great anticipation, but I became increasingly disillusioned as the series progressed and, at the end, find myself moderately disappointed. The basic premise is interesting, as is the way the backstory is gradually revealed as the main plotlines advance. However, most of the major players, in addition to being somewhat unlikeable, are also rather superficially characterized. Half of the 2nd volume follows an teenager as he grows up isolated from contact with others, and in addition to just not being that interesting, it reveals the main weakness of these books: the seeming lack of an editor. The content of these three books would have made a very good single novel, and where the third leaves off would have made a good starting point for continuation of the story. In short, these three novels are one good one stretched too thin.

I approached this trilogy (Wool, Shift, and Dust) with great anticipation, but I became increasingly disillusioned as the series progressed and, at the end, find myself moderately disappointed. The basic premise is interesting, as is the way the backstory is gradually revealed as the main plotlines advance. However, most of the major players, in addition to being somewhat unlikeable, are also rather superficially characterized. Half of the 2nd volume follows an teenager as he grows up isolated from contact with others, and in addition to just not being that interesting, it reveals the main weakness of these books: the seeming lack of an editor. The content of these three books would have made a very good single novel, and where the third leaves off would have made a good starting point for continuation of the story. In short, these three novels are one good one stretched too thin.

Disappointing 3rd entry in a series which started strong but has declined with each successive novel. I suspect declining involvement by Pratchett as any humor or light-heartedness is nearly non-existent. There are too many threads following too many characters to either percieve an overall themes or get invested in individual stories. The opportunity to explore an infinite number of worlds, one of the most exciting possibilites of the original concept, is poorly realized. I was glad when it ended and, should the series continue, won't be following it any longer.

A very good history of the rise, tenure, and fall of northern Italy's Medici family. Appropriate emphasis primarily on the earlier representatives of the family, with less, but still adequately detailed, focus on the less interesting, less accomplished latter family members. I would have loved to see some photos/pictures of paintings/busts, but as preparation for a trip to Florence, this book gave me an excellent overview of the personalities and politics of the times (1400s and 1500s).

Can a book that clocks in at just over 1000 pages be a riveting page-turner? In this case, the answer is an emphatic "Yes!" Stephenson intertwines the sagas of several main players, all uniquely characterized, in a novel that spans the globe from the US to China. Drug smuggling, Russian mobsters, charismatic terrorists, virtual reality computer gaming, international spies, computer geeks, money-laundering - they're all there and they all combine to form this highly entertaining novel. Precise detail never detracts from the non-stop pacing of the story, and a book that at first looks to be a massive undertaking all to soon approaches an ending that is disappointing only because it means the end of this superlative accomplishement.

Pocket, the fool from "Fool", returns in this mash-up of Shakespeare's Othello and The Merchant of Venice. It's a typical Christopher Moore book, which is to say highly entertaining, well-plotted, humorous but with moments of genuine pathos, all told in language both witty and profane. Good things happen to the good guys and bad things to the bad guys (eventually), there's a bantering Chorus and, of course, a ghost. Great fun and over all too quickly.

Author Terry Pratchett brings the Johnny trilogy to a fully satisfying close with this final book. A thoughtful protagonist you can't help rooting for, quirky supporting characters, witty dialogue, and solid plotting (including time travel!) showcase Pratchett's full talent. Though often categorized as Young Adult/Children's literature, these books, increasingly as the series progresses, absolutely can be enjoyed by adult fans of Pratchett (ala the Tiffany Aching series). One reads slower as the end of the book approaches, knowing that, at least for now, this is the last of a very enjoyable series.

This book continues the saga of Johnny, from "Only You Can Save Mankind", and his misfit group of friends. While the first book seems tentative, in this one author Terry Pratchett's signature style is more fully on display, with an interesting plot and relevant, intertwined subplots. If "Only You Can Save Mankind" was the appetizer, this book, though a quick read, is neverthless a satisfying main course.

First of the Johnny Maxwell Trilogy, it's also the least strong. The basics of a Terry Pratchett novel are there, but there's just not much to it - think Terry Pratchett light. Still, the signature humor is present in nascent form, the underlying concept is innovative, and it serves as a solid introduction to the main characters that return in the subsequent two stories. Worth reading to establish that familiarity, and for a quick, enjoyable read.

Periodically it's fun to go back and read some of the classics in Science Fiction; this novel, of course, became the movie Blade Runner. Character development may not be as detailed as in contemporary novels, but the concepts and ideas were original, insightful, and influential, providing a foundation for subsequent authors just as Shakespeare does for modern playwrights. The dysptopian view of this post-apocalyptic novel focuses on what it means to be human, and how we might someday deal with threats to that identity from androids with advanced Artificial Intelligence. Definitely should be on the shelf of any SciFi fan.

Solid follow up to The Long Earth. Characters are genuine and the plot follows several threads throughout. There is no concluding resolution, as there will be more book(s) to follow, but it remains interesting to see how the authors extrapolate the science of multiverses into a dramatic, fun read.

This excellent novel gives an overview of the Allies' southern approach to Germany in WWII, starting in Sicily and following the 157th US Infantry Regiment through Italy, France, and finally Germany, including Dachau, before they end the war in Munich. The story primarily focuses on Felix Sparks, a 2nd lieutenant who rises through battlefield commisions to colonel, but ranges in perspective from squad to corps, and even army, level as needed to forward the narrative. The book provides a good overview of the lesser known aspects of the U.S. presence in Europe, most closely following Sparks as he rises from a humble upbringing through the ranks on the basis of merit. The combination of personal account, with both tactical and strategic perspectives, makes it well worth adding to a WWII reading list or book collection.

Review is for both Blackout and All Clear. Complaints first: 1. More historical fiction than science fiction: There is an underlying time travel/science fiction element to the books, but 95% of the content is about living in England during the years before and during WWII - Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz, and the V-1 and V-2 rocket attacks. 2. Total content of the two books is 25-50% too long - for example, when a character is faced with a dilemma, the reader doesn't need to hear them think through every ramification of every option they have, every time; as another example, when our heroes are escaping from a 7-story building, it isn't necessary for the author to take us through every floor, with the thoughts and concerns of each character on each floor. Overall, however, the books are highly readable, and since many chapters end in cliffhanger fashion, the story does keep one's interest. Characters are likeable and believable. And as historical fiction goes, the information is fascinating - I'm a big fan of history, and these books gave me a comprehensive appreciation of the dangers and sacrifices of the people of Britain during WWII, which lasted much longer for them than it did for American and Americans. The time travel element is also flawlessly executed, though you should keep the first novel handy as you read the second, to go back and reference chapters that, at the time you first read them, don't seem to fit the story. It's not linear, and keeping notes as to who is who, and when, will serve you well. So if you dont' mind the occasional thought of "C'mon, get on with it", these can be very enjoyable books.

Review is for both Blackout and All Clear. Complaints first: 1. More historical fiction than science fiction: There is an underlying time travel/science fiction element to the books, but 95% of the content is about living in England during the years before and during WWII - Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz, and the V-1 and V-2 rocket attacks. 2. Total content of the two books is 25-50% too long - for example, when a character is faced with a dilemma, the reader doesn't need to hear them think through every ramification of every option they have, every time; as another example, when our heroes are escaping from a 7-story building, it isn't necessary for the author to take us through every floor, with the thoughts and concerns of each character on each floor. Overall, however, the books are highly readable, and since many chapters end in cliffhanger fashion, the story does keep one's interest. Characters are likeable and believable. And as historical fiction goes, the information is fascinating - I'm a big fan of history, and these books gave me a comprehensive appreciation of the dangers and sacrifices of the people of Britain during WWII, which lasted much longer for them than it did for American and Americans. The time travel element is also flawlessly executed, though you should keep the first novel handy as you read the second, to go back and reference chapters that, at the time you first read them, don't seem to fit the story. It's not linear, and keeping notes as to who is who, and when, will serve you well. So if you dont' mind the occasional thought of "C'mon, get on with it", these can be very enjoyable books.