Monday, December 23, 2013

Under the Apple Boughs by Peter Maughan

Under the Apple Boughs by Peter Maughan
Publisher: The Cluny Press (November 2013)
57 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Poetic, nostalgic glimpses of life in an English village, painted like a vivid still life painting for successive generations to savor.  Enjoyable read that includes various short writings on different aspects of village life, and makes you feel as if you're there. Highly recommended!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Storm Front by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files, Book 1
Publisher: Roc (April 2000)
372 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Sexual Situations and Violence

Harry Dresden is a modern day Wizard for hire.  Unfortunately, he gets caught up in a murder case in which the victims were killed using magic. Dresden reminds me of Indiana Jones . . . he’s always getting into situations in which he is in way over his head, but somehow he gets out of them by his wits and smarts. Decent story and I thought the voice actor that did the audiobook did a really nice job.

Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Publisher: Crown Business (October 2013)
256 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 3 Stars

Remote: Office Not Required is a guide for theses items:  convince an employer to allow their workers to work remotely, and properly setup a team to work remotely.  Don’t expect any current sociological or psychological research to be sited.  Most of the concepts come from pure experience from two successful business owners.  It’s a quick read and it gives plenty of advice on how to work remotely, but doesn’t provide much in the way of supporting research.

Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis

Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis
Nina Borg Mysteries, Book 3
Publisher: Soho Crime (November 2013)
337 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $9.43)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence, and Sexual Situations

With this third installment in the Nina Borg trilogy, we find Natasha and her young daughter at the center of the latest drama that Nina finds herself unwittingly involved in. Similarly constructed to Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, the seemingly innocuous trials of the young Ukrainian single mother that we've been kept abreast of all along have now taken center stage, and are revealed to be much more sinister than they had appeared thus far, and involve a pair of sisters from the past. Interesting mystery that slowly unravels, as Nina's personal life plummets further into the abyss. The series seemed to be nicely wrapped up at the end and I almost feel relief at not having to watch Nina mess up her life any further, but I would have liked to continue on with Søren. Good read nonetheless!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Invisible Murder by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis

Invisible Murder by Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis
Nina Borg Mysteries, Book 2
Publisher: Soho Crime (October 2012)
339 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $8.40)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence, and Sexual Situations

This time around, treating some immigrant Roma with a mysterious illness involves Nina Borg in a wide-ranging investigation of a suspected radioactive arms deal, and lends her an unlikely partner in a half-Roma, ex-law student also unwittingly caught up in the havoc. Interesting mystery involving a number of people and bit of commentary on Roma living conditions and treatment by governments and other citizens. I felt so bad for Sandor and the way he got roped into dealing with this mess, but he was a good bridging character to navigate things as he slowly uncovered just what exactly his younger brother was involved in and what was going on. Good read!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis

The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis
Nina Borg Mysteries, Book 1
Publisher: Soho Crime (November 2011)
321 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence, and Sexual Situations

After an unexpected phone call from an estranged friend who asks for a strange favor then promptly makes herself scarce without giving any further details, Nina finds herself retrieving a suitcase from a storage locker, only to find it contains an unconscious child. Nina has no idea how the child came to be there or what she is supposed to do with him, but it is clear that they are both in grave danger and she is the only chance the boy has. I assumed, given this is a mystery, that the main character, Nina, would be an investigator or amateur sleuth of some sort, but in fact, she is more unwittingly involved and strung along while others, mainly the boy's mother, do all the investigating and uncovering the truth of what has set all these events in motion, while Nina basically babysits the boy, tries to avoid capture, and reflects on her dysfunctional marriage to her eternally suffering husband. While her idiosyncrasies and neuroses, made her interesting to follow, she was a little too cold and detached to be endearing and I was much more drawn to the boy's mother, Sigita, so it was fortunate that much of the story was from her point of view, as she struggled to put the pieces together and find her missing boy. Great mystery, with so many different people involved, and for much of the story you don't know just exactly how everyone fits into things, but slowly everything is revealed and it becomes clear how a young boy ended up unconscious in a suitcase and stuffed in a storage locker. Great read!

How to Create a Mind by Ray Kurzweil

How to Create a Mind by Ray Kurzweil
Publisher: Viking Adult (November 2012)
352 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

In this book, Ray Kurzweil outlines his theory on how the human brain works and creates a blue print for duplicating it using software.  It sometimes reads as a computer science book; describing in detail algorithms on system hierarchies of pattern recognizers and references.  Other times it reads like a philosophy book, tackling such issues as Consciousness and Computer Rights.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

The Reckless Engineer by Jac Wright

The Reckless Engineer by Jac Wright
The Reckless Engineer Series, Book 1
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing (November 2013)
284 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Sexual Situations

With work a bit slow due to the recession and his friend arrested for murder, Jeremy indulges in a bit of amateur sleuthing in order to uncover the truth and hopefully help to clear his friend of the charges. This murder mystery takes you through a complicated web of overlapping affairs and private investigators hired by this party and that, casting suspicion on a number of characters along the way. It seemed everyone you met in this book was having an affair with someone, which brought about a lot of conflict and intrigue, but I would have preferred a least a few characters in there to be able to demonstrate some self-control and loyalty to their lover. That aside, the mystery was well-crafted and intricately arranged, to unravel slowly and not give too much away too soon. Jeremy's inner dialogue was inane at times, but in a goofy, geeky sort of way that was kind of endearing. This action-packed tale kept me riveted to the end, and I look forward to further stories from this author!

Friday, October 18, 2013

The Closet by Jac Wright


The Closet by Jac Wright
Summerset Tales, Book 1
Publisher: Midsummer Nights Artists (June 2013)
48 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

With suspicions of his wife, Carrie, having an affair and having overheard a phone call that seemed to confirm such suspicions, Duncan has set out to catch Carrie in the act or disprove his theory once and for all, but his plan doesn't exactly unfold as he'd imagined. Gripping short story, told in beautiful vivid prose following the husband's inner dialogue as he waits to find out if his wife is cheating on him, then as he deals with the aftermath of that decision. The degree of detail and description throughout the story really makes you feel as if you are there alongside the characters. My only regret is, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and left you hanging. Great read and I hope to see more stories from the Summerset Tales!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn


Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Publisher: Bantam (May 1995)
263 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

This was a page turner like no other book I read.  The further I read, the more I felt I was going to be given some secret to the universe. It didn’t disappoint either.   However, if you want a novel with an engaging plot, don’t read this book.  It’s pretty much an anthropological lecture wrapped in a simple story.  But, if you want a book that will give you a greater insight on how the world you live in came to be, read this book!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá


Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá
Publisher: Harper (June 2010)
400 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Human sexuality makes a lot more sense after reading this book!  If you are confused about why women are wired to have sex for hours while men can only last minutes?  Or why middle aged men are willing to risk everything, including their family and career, for a fling with a young woman?  Read this book!

If you believe that monogamy is natural or that God made us to only mate with one individual for the rest of your life, you may have a hard time reading this book. But for the open-minded, a great read!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Poisoned Pilgrim by Oliver Potzsch


The Poisoned Pilgrim by Oliver Potzsch
The Hangman's Daughter Series, Book 4
Publisher: AmazonCrossing (July 2013)
512 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

Simon and Magdalena embark on an ill-fated pilgrimage to the monastery on the Holy Mountain, only to become involved in the sinister things going on there, dragging their two young children and the hangman along with them for the ride. Another great murder mystery unraveled by the hangman and his family, meeting a couple other hangmen along the way. I always find the relationship between hangmen interesting in these novels. Despite being married, Simon and Magdalena continue to spar as always, Magdalena is not exactly finding motherhood a bed of roses, and the hangman's weary yet loving interaction with his grandchildren all providing an interesting realistic quality to their relationships. And as always the hangman's blunt, sometimes crass way of putting things is endlessly entertaining. Enjoyable read, despite the sad ending. I hope to see more of Magdalena's brother, Georg, as he grows into adulthood in any books that follow.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Beggar King by Oliver Potzsch


The Beggar King by Oliver Potzsch
The Hangman's Daughter Series, Book 3
Publisher: AmazonCrossing (January 2013)
514 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

This time the hangman is off to visit his ill little sister in the big city of Regensberg, having had a letter from her husband requesting his presence, and due to unfortunate circumstances Magdalena and Simon soon follow thinking to start a new life together in the metropolis where they aren't known. But, their plans are all ruined when the hangman is quickly ensnared in a devious plot of revenge by an adversary from his past. Great mystery involving the numerous powerful groups at work in the large city of Regensberg, as well as providing an opportunity to learn a good deal more of the hangman's personal history. Also a bit of evening of the playing field between Magdalena and Simon, when Magdalena puts her trust in a Venetian man in the city and Simon finds himself just as jealous as Magdalena had been in the previous book. I loved the banter and the interesting relationship that developed between the two hangmen! The next book in this series is The Poisoned Pilgrim.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzsch


The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzsch
The Hangman's Daughter Series, Book 2
Publisher: AmazonCrossing (June 2012)
516 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

With a band of robbers reeking havoc near Schongau and a dead priest found poisoned, the Hangman, his daughter Magdalena and Simon are launched into a mystery surrounding some monks and a treasure hunt of sorts involving the Knights Templar. With the arrival of the dead priest's attractive sister, Benedikta, Magdalena goes into a jealous snit, while Simon spends the greater part of the book investigating with Benedikta instead of Magdalena at his side, the hangman and Magdalena going off on adventures of their own. I didn't care much for Benedikta, but probably mainly out of sympathy for Magdalena in the beginning. I'm not sure what a hangman's daughter sees in a little dainty man like Simon other than his intellect, but I didn't care for his flirtations or his lustful thoughts about Benedikta, and I wished Magdalena could go for Philipp Hartmann (the Augsburg hangman), because he seemed so nice and a much better match, but apparently she must torture herself with Simon. Other than that, the mystery was great and I liked how all the different plots come together so nicely in the end. The next book in this series is The Beggar King.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell


Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (June 2011)
336 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Outliers sets out to dispel the myth that great success is achieved through individual talent.  It argues that success is achieved through hard work, culture, and a lot of luck.  

Even though the book is pretty short (336 pages), Malcolm Gladwell does a great job outlining his argument and citing the latest research.  The book is an easy read, but provides great insight.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Prodigal by Michael Hurley


The Prodigal by Michael Hurley
Publisher: Ragbagger Press (May 2013)
358 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Content Note: Includes Mild Swearing and Implied Sexual Situations

This is a mystical tale involving a mysterious ship named the Prodigal, the colorful inhabitants of Ocracoke Island, and the ragtag crew that came together determined to win a big race against all odds. A beautifully crafted story, both poetic and picturesque, with great characters, all realistically-flawed, and drawn together with the improbable twists of fate, all against the magical backdrop of the sea. I was riveted to the end and would recommend this story to anyone looking for a good adventure. Great read!

Friday, June 21, 2013

The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch


The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch
The Hangman's Daughter Series, Book 1
Publisher: AmazonCrossing (December 2010)
448 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

Despite the title, this is a story more about the hangman, Jakob Kuisl, then the hangman's daughter, Magdalena, but she and her suitor, Simon (the physician's son), do help the hangman in his quest to exonerate the town midwife of the charges of witchcraft and murder that have been wrongly leveled against her. A great murder mystery with a bit of social commentary leads to an interesting partnership that develops between two men who have been pushed to the fringes of society, the hangman because of his occupation and dabbling in medicinal elixirs and the physician's son because of his interest in controversial modern medical theories and practices as well as his interest in the hangman's daughter. The hangman was a great character, stoic, introspective and largely free to do as he likes due to his social outcast status, yet holding a position in society that grants him access to many places without question and a fearful respect that avoids needless hassle. Great read and I can't wait to read his next adventure! The next book in this series is The Dark Monk.

Tapping the Source by John Selby, Richard Greninger and William Gladstone


Tapping the Source by John Selby, Richard Greninger and William Gladstone
Publisher: Gildan Media, LLC (November 2010)
208 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

Tapping the Source: Using the Master Key System for Abundance and Happiness is a great modern day take on Charles Haanel’s legendary Master Key System.  As it takes you through the major points of the system, it gives you focus phrases to help you connect to “the Source” and expand your spiritual and creative abilities.

The first quarter of the book is mostly a biography on Charles Haanel and the authors of the book.  Even though it is helpful to the entire concept of the book, it is a bit dry.  If you can get through it, the book is totally worth it.  Having applied the focus phrases in my life, it has greatly helped in reducing my stress levels both at home and at work.  

Read it and apply it...it’s worth it!

Ghost Detective by Scott William Carter



Ghost Detective by Scott William Carter
Myron Vale Investigations, Book 1
Publisher: Flying Raven Press (June 2013)
267 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Infidelity and Violence

Myron Vale is about to leave on a much needed vacation when a ghost arrives seeking to hire him to find her murderer, suspecting it may have been her husband, and Myron is surprised to find her husband is the man who shot him in the head. In all honesty, I find the premise of this book a bit depressing. The idea that everyone who has ever lived and died here on earth, remains here in a new immortal form, visible only to a select few, but retaining all the flaws they had in life and unable to escape the cruelties of the world or the people in it that caused them grief, with no possibility of ever crossing over to something better, is not comforting. I did like the main character. Myron is an easy character to like. I felt bad for him in his problems dealing with his 'condition' as he calls it, as well as the tension between him and his deceased wife and the complicated nature of their relationship. I thought the murder mystery portion of the story was great, and I liked how Myron went about his 'detecting' in an easy, off-hand sort of way. I was glad to have the matter with his wife sufficiently settled, so he can move on from there in further adventures, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

Friday, June 14, 2013

The Haunted Breadbox by Scott William Carter


The Haunted Breadbox by Scott William Carter
Myron Vale Investigations, Prequel
Publisher: Flying Raven Press (May 2013)
19 pages, eBook (available for Free on Amazon)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Great introductory tale to Myron Vale, a man who is able to see and otherwise sense ghosts and the paranormal, and has become a professional paranormal investigator/exterminator of sorts. Reminded me a lot of the early books in the Odd Thomas series, and I have no doubt anyone who enjoyed those would like these. I thought it had an easy flow and great descriptive writing. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Ghost Detective!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Legend of an Iron Tower and Other Fables by Natalia Dobzhanska


Legend of an Iron Tower and Other Fables by Natalia Dobzhanska
Publisher: Knight Publishing Company (September 2012)
154 pages, eBook (available for Free on Amazon)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

Great little collection of inspirational tales, some about people overcome by despair and self-pity only to find happiness, others about the struggle and give and take between natural forces or elements, and a few about warnings gone unheeded. The description of the tales as inspirational originally gave me pause, but I was glad to find them spiritually-themed without being overly religious or preachy. Many of the tales were written with such realism of circumstance that I couldn't help but relate to them. Great read and I believe most anyone could find a tale or two in this collection that inspires further thought.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz


Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 6
Publisher: Bantam (May 2013)
354 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $13.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

In this manuscript, Odd details his adventure involving some kidnapped children and a satanic cult, among other dark entities. Annamaria and Hitchcock, along with a few new acquaintances help Odd along the way, but largely, once again, Odd is on his own to sort things out for much of the story. I confess I’m more than a little disappointed in the direction this series has taken, seeming to value sensationalism over being true to the simple things that made the first couple books great. I love Odd’s character so much, that I feel compelled to continue reading the books, just to see what he’s been made to suffer this time, but Odd seems increasingly ill-prepared for the horror contained in each new book, and yet has no option other than to deal with it. If only he could return to his simple life as a fry cook in Pico Mundo and help the everyday lingering spirits of his small town, instead of being forced to solve the problems of the world at large. I look forward to reading  the next and last book in the Odd series, Saint Odd, hoping it sees Odd returned home and reunited with Stormy at last.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb


The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks (September 2007)
480 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

With the continued increase of our dependence on and incorporation of technology, our world is moving more into a place in which the highly improbable will have a greater impact on our daily lives.  Due to complexity, there is no way to predict a “Black Swan” event, but there are ways to make sure you can capitalize on positive “Black Swan” events and ways to mitigate the negative ones. This is the center message from Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book The Black Swan.

The book does read like a philosophy book: a great deal of deep analysis with lots of quotes (even though he complains about philosophers who quote too much).  Sprinkled between the deep analysis is an elitist fervor, especially about economists and their “bell curves”. 

If you can get past his elitism and sarcasm, this book and its message are truly ingenious.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Taste of Insanity by Morenike


Taste of Insanity by Morenike
Publisher: LFF Publishing (March 2013)
254 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $6.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing, Sexual Content and Violence

This story is about a group of African American women from all walks of life that come together, three as mental health professionals (Avery, Stephanie, Lisa) and three as mental health patients (Egypt, Andrea, Blakely), and they work to help each other overcome their troubled pasts through a special program called the Rose Program. All of the characters in this story were very complex, even the mental health professionals, having a chance to air their demons. It was written in a very free-flowing style and though I couldn't really relate to most of the characters or their backgrounds, the story was very easy to read and the action kept me riveted the entire way through. This story had a very realistic ending . . . perhaps a little too realistic for me. I like everyone to live happily ever after, at least when I'm reading fiction, and that definitely did not happen in this book. But, at the same time, sometimes we all need a wakeup call, to let you know how bad others have it, and I think this definitely does that. This edition did include a fair number of editorial errors, but the characters and story were engaging enough to overlook it. Engaging read!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz


Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 5
Publisher: Bantam (July 2012)
368 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $9.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

Following his adventures with the plottings of a nuclear threat and the ill-advised experimentation with aliens, Odd is drawn to a large Victorian estate called Roseland where there seems to be more out of place than the murdered young woman and her horse that Odd keeps seeing. I found this much more compelling than the last book. The murder mystery was intriguing and flowed into something much larger and more sinister in some ways, but I felt once again that the murder mystery with the ghost would have been enough for me with out the sensational hoopla piled on top of it. I also noticed a bitter, sniping edge now and then to the narration, which seemed new and directed toward highlighting a displeasure with both government and pop culture, and though I didn't disagree with much of it, I thought it seemed misplaced and out of character, given it was Odd that is supposedly writing these manuscripts. Never the less, I enjoyed the story and thought it came to a satisfying end. Odd never takes the easy way out! I look forward to reading Odd's next adventure in Deeply Odd, due out later this month.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Odd Interlude by Dean Koontz


Odd Interlude by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Novella
Publisher: Bantam (July 2012)
306 pages, eBook (purchased myself in three parts for $5.97)
Book Rating: 3 Stars

This novella follows Odd Hours. Odd and Annamaria, on their journey toward the unknown, take a brief detour to a little place called Harmony Corner, essentially a family-owned truck stop with a diner and motel of sorts. Both Odd and Annamaria believe Odd’s services are needed there and it doesn’t take long to confirm that it is so. As with Odd Hours, this was just a bit too much for me. Odd’s gifts are of little use to him here, no dead people are beckoning, and yet he must wade through the darkness anyway. At least with this adventure he had the help of a young girl and a computer as he sorts out the evil that has contaminated the place from a nearby government research facility. This novella is followed by Odd Apocalypse.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz


Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 4
Publisher: Bantam (April 2012)
370 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a four-book bundle for $31.99)
Book Rating: 3 Stars

Losing Elvis, and gaining the much less comforting presence of Sinatra, Odd is led into an anarchical nuclear conspiracy centered in a small coastal town, among other things inhabited by packs of ferocious coyotes. This was a bit too much for me. Too removed from the ordinary and too much left unexplained. Annamaria gave me the creeps, and Odd being just naive enough to fall into some horrid trap, meant I was worried about him even more than usual, since he didn't have anyone else to lean on through this other than her enigmatic statements. I'm not looking forward to Annamaria continuing with us to the next book in this series, Odd Apocalypse, but I'll survive it, because I do still care about what happens to Odd, poor guy. He better not become romantically involved with her EVER, because she isn't half as engaging as Stormy was and it would feel like a huge betrayal to Stormy after all he's said and done. And I hope at some point Odd gets to go back home to Pico Mundo, sans Annamaria, and resume fry cooking, the mundane ghosts are much more interesting then these barely escaped epic disasters. Anyway . . . moving on.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Brother Odd by Dean Koontz


Brother Odd by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 3
Publisher: Bantam (April 2012)
450 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a four-book bundle for $31.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

Following the death of the love of his life and a horrific encounter with a crazy voodoo woman, Odd feels he needs a time-out of sorts and decides to seek the simple life by taking his respite at a monastery in the Sierra Nevada mountains, knowing that if fate is to allow him a reprieve at all, it will not last forever. As he expected fate eventually catches up to him, despite his seemingly innocuous surroundings. Only in an Odd Thomas novel would circumstances lead to storm-suited monk commandoes that are entirely believable in such a role. One hardly thinks of nuns and monks having any other life before they entered the church, but the interesting backgrounds of the nuns and monks Odd comes to know was my favorite aspect of this book. I was a bit worried about cheese factor upon the appearance of the snow beast, but things worked out to a happily logical conclusion. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Odd Hours.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Forever Odd by Dean Koontz


Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 2
Publisher: Bantam (April 2012)
352 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a four-book bundle for $31.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Once again Odd Thomas is pulled into the dark affairs of others by the force of his paranormal gifts. When the stepfather of his friend turns up in his bedroom, Odd is propelled into a race to use his gifts to do what he can to save his friend. The same adorable, sometimes rambling, chatter accompanies the flow of action in this second, first-person manuscript of Odd, and though his friends make appearances here and there, this is mostly a solo journey displaying a bit more of the intricacies of his gifts, which I found fascinating. Great read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Brother Odd.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz


Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas Series, Book 1
Publisher: Bantam (April 2012)
466 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a four-book bundle for $31.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Odd Thomas is a quirky short order cook with the ability to see and interact with the paranormal, and though he keeps his gift a secret from most, he tries to use it for the greater good. This book is written in first person and I loved the strange ramblings of the aptly named main character, his voice filled with dry/dark humor and an eccentric kind of insight about the world that was irresistible. His adventures are numerous and constant, and you never know what impossible situation he will find himself in next, or how he will get out of it. Great read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Forever Odd.

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:
Odd Thomas (2013)
Anton Yelchin, Addison Timlin, Leonor Varela
Movie Rating: NR

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

You Know Your Way Home by Suzanne Jauchius


You Know Your Way Home by Suzanne Jauchius
Publisher: Bree Noa Publishing (August 2009)
319 pages, eBook (provided by the Publisher for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is a memoir of a psychic woman's path to self-discovery and recovery from relationship addiction/codependency. This was a well-written, inspirational tale of a woman trying to be true to herself, despite the lack of encouragement from friends and family, and with few available mentors or guideposts along the way. I felt her spiritual journey was presented in a way that holds something for everyone, psychic or not, regardless of religious affiliation, and the accompanying mystical/paranormal anecdotes were great, though not overshadowing.  Great story, that kept me riveted to the end!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan


The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan
The Batch Magna Novels, Book 1
Publisher: The Cluny Press (March 2013)
287 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

After the previous squire's death, Batch Magna falls to a distant American relation, Humphrey Strange, with Wall Street ties and intentions to make the village and Manor house into a holiday vacation resort, such imminent forward progress sending the inhabitants of Batch Magna into an uproar as their quiet village life in the 1970's Welsh Marshes is set to be disturbed. Full of colorful characters and vibrant, flowing descriptions of the land and village life, this tale was a joy to read and left me feeling a strong connection to the place and people it described. Who wouldn't want to live among the motley crew of houseboat dwellers along the Cluny River, where life never seems to be dull? Great story, and I look forward to reading the next installment in the adventures of the inhabitants of Batch Magna!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

David and Bathsheba by Aida Bode


David and Bathsheba by Aida Bode
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 2008)
133 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is an adaption of the bible story about David and the adulterous affair he had with Bathsheba. It was beautifully written with language reminiscent of the bible itself, delving thoughtfully into the emotional conflict of all the parties involved and the repercussions their actions must have, yet remaining very faithful to the original story. That said, I must admit this is not my favorite bible story. The innocent husband and child were to suffer so David and Bathsheba could fulfill the prophecy and bask in their love now redeemed? As with many bible stories, it brings up more questions then it provides answers, but definitely thought-provoking and puzzling, which is perhaps its purpose. Great read with a wonderful, flowing style.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Warrior Girl by Matt Lazar and Amanda Thomas


Warrior Girl by Matt Lazar and Amanda Thomas
Publisher: Boston Avenue Media (October 2012)
228 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sun Hi is a young, naive Korean farm girl embarking on her first year at Oxford. Just barely off the train she catches the eye of Miles, attractive and worldly captain of the rowing team, and meets her difficult roommate, Marina. Drawn into coxing for the rowing team by Miles, she meets Adam, a less intense male persona who also becomes drawn to the beautiful, quiet girl. This was a great story about a reserved young girl trying to wade through her first year studies, men, roommate difficulties and vicious academic competition, while dealing with an unfamiliar culture, homesickness and her parents expectations. I liked that the villains in this story were all complicated figures with the depth to show a bit of feeling and not just remain figures lurking in the dark, waiting to pounce with perpetual evilness. Sun Hi was a noble character that was easy to like. The use of World of Warcraft as Sun Hi's coping mechanism and Adam's way of getting a bit closer to her, was very creative, and I liked the homey, safety provided to her by the supportive staff at the garden centre. Great story!

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Host by Stephenie Meyer


The Host by Stephenie Meyer
The Host Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Back Bay Books (April 2010)
625 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Earth has been methodically colonized by a parasitic alien race, who is able to access its hosts memories and knowledge, while the original person fades away into nothingness . . . in most cases. But, it seems a few determined people refuse to give up to the new soul and remain there, trying to exert their will over their body. Melanie, as a part of the human resistance, is a person who does not just fade away and keeps nagging the occupant, Wanderer, and bombarding her with memories until Wanderer cares about the people she left and wants to return to, Melanie's lover Jared and Melanie's brother Jamie. This was a very interesting story. So many love triangles of so many different kinds, and so many different relationships and associations that are interesting to think about. There is also some exploration of right and wrong and how it can be different depending on where you are coming from, not just a straight-forward, black and white answer. I loved this story! The characters, and the situations they were dealing with, were very complex and definitely kept me riveted! This book is the first in a planned trilogy and I look forward to reading the next installment when it becomes available, as well as seeing the movie version of this story, that is set to come out later this month. Excellent Read!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:
The Host (2013)
Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, Jake Abel
Movie Rating: PG-13

Monday, March 4, 2013

Ellis Angels: The Nurses of Ellis Island Hospital by Carole Lee Limata


Ellis Angels: The Nurses of Ellis Island Hospital by Carole Lee Limata
Publisher: Carole Lee Limata (February 2013)
307 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is a historical novel about the nurses of the Ellis Island Hospital during the 1920's, primarily focusing on a new nurse, Miss Angie, and the world she is immersed into once she begins work at the Hospital. Miss Angie's experiences with immigrant patients and other hospital staff serve to illustrate immigration procedure, prominent health concerns and political pressures of the day. This story reminded me a lot of Jennifer Worth's Midwife Trilogy, in it's tone and organization and I believe anyone who enjoyed that, will enjoy this. The descriptions of the life that the nurses lived and the impact they had on so many new immigrants was fascinating! Great Read!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink


To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (December 2012)
272 pages, Audiobook (purchased myself for $9.56)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Today, the average person spends around 40% of their time moving others to depart from resources.  This is the central message of Daniel Pink’s book: ‘To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others’.  With some fascinating social science and psychological research, Daniel Pink shows that, due to modern technology, many employees are forced to wear different hats, including sales.  From there he outlines different concepts on how to improve your ability to move others.  A fascinating read, it will make you rethink what “sales” means and what a “sales-person” is.

The Queen's Lover by Francine du Plessix Gray


The Queen's Lover by Francine du Plessix Gray
Publisher: The Penguin Press (June 2012)
304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $12.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Content Note: Includes Sexual Situations and Sexual Language

This is the story of Count Axel von Fersen, Swedish noble, solider and Marie Antoinette's lover. From his childhood to his violent death, this novelized account covers many areas of his life, including but not limited to his association with Marie Antoinette. Though there are some overly long excerpts from his correspondence that got a little tedious, this was a wonderful story told in both his voice and that of his sister's, in a free-flowing, many times light-hearted manner that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, much like Marie Antoinette, he would meet a horrible end. In the eulogy at his funeral, Bishop Gustaf Murray summed it up saying he was "the undeserving victim of a misled public's bloodthirsty frenzy." Ironic that Marie Antoinette and Fersen should both meet their end in such a way. Great read!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Farewell, My Queen by Chantal Thomas


Farewell, My Queen by Chantal Thomas
Publisher: George Braziller Inc. (June 2012)
257 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)
Book Rating: 3 Stars

This book tells the story of the last three days at Versailles (July 14-16, 1789), from the point of view of a servant, particularly a young woman whose occupation it is to read to the Queen, and in the end is asked to dress as the Duchess de Polignac while they make their escape to divert danger from the Queen's favorite. I found this story slow-moving, at times rambling, at times ruminating. Having just finished 'Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser', I found this lacking detail, but looking back, I think that was the point. The servants and many courtiers had little or no information about what was going on until it was upon them, leaving only the bewildering reflections of an intricate world falling apart at an amazing pace. It also showed the stark contrast between the few servants that remained loyal to stand by the royals and the great masses that fled to save themselves, with varying degrees of internal conflict. I'm hoping the movie version, which I have not seen yet, will better hold my interest.


Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:
Farewell, My Queen (2012)-Subtitled

Lea Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen

Movie Rating: R

My Rating: 4 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled
Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

Friday, February 22, 2013

Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser


Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
Publisher: Anchor (November 2002)
544 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $13.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Beginning with Marie Antoinette's birth and following along her journey of life to her death, at age 37, this account is both thorough and fascinating. For those aspects of her life that cannot be absolutely substantiated by the historical record, an attempt to conjecture viable answers is attempted, but never deemed to be fact, which I appreciated. It's a shame that a long campaign of vicious propaganda, led a people to largely support the violent end to their monarchy, when it might have been otherwise. The sordid, misguided handling of the royal family by the revolutionaries and the ultimate outcome thereof, is best summed up, as was the book, with the Queen's own words: "Oh my God, if we have committed faults, we have certainly expiated them." Excellent Read!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn
Movie Rating: PG-13
My Rating: 5 Stars
Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled
Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry