Latest Book Reviews and Comments
Sometimes I fall so deep into Eve Dallas' New York of 2050's that I forget I'm reading scifi. Then this book comes and figuratively hits the reader in the head. I loved it.
The thing about Gaiman books imo is that you either like 'em or you don't. And I liked this one very much. Intriguing memory lane of childhood fairytale, by the eyes of 9 year old boy/adult man. There a reason we don't remember some things happened long time ago as good as we should... Fairytale for adults!
I LOVE THAT BOOK<3 Hush Hush is probably the best book i ever have read! Patch is sooo my favourite <3 READ IT!<3
Thanks for advising me to read this, Sami, good advice. It definitely has an appeal and I will be reading book 2. A good read with some excellent characterisation and well crafted plot. This book has a nice feel to it. The heroes develop nicely and there's a multitude of possibilities developing. Very well honed fantasy with a good potential for more to come. I enjoyed this book.
Slight disappointment compared to previous D novels. Especially Matthew & Sue wandering off all the time, when they should have stayed still... Ugh, somebody should have tied their feet, I say! (Would have saved loads of trouble, just sayin...) Best again: The left hand <3 * "If there's one thing this world needs more of, it's thoughtful Nobles," the left hand jeered. *
Yes, it's very easy to imagine that the situation described in this book will come true. And so it's a very disturbing book if you keep this in mind while reading. I liked the style of the book very much: Emmi Itäranta didn't try to describe each and every single detail or event in the past. And so the reader has got the chance to live out his or her own imagination - really amazing!
Cursed Children of Naor is the third in the series, but I have only read two of them. I found this one highly entertaining, and lost more than a little sleep while turning pages(electronically) later than I should have. As state in the description, there are three separate stories, each standing on it's own merit, while taking place in the same universe. The first takes place in a cold, forbidding north land, the second in a high mountainous region, and the last in a hot, arid and harsh desert land. Justyna's knowledge and description of these places are extensive and bring a realism not often found in fantasy. The setting are very important to the story lines, and are very much a character in their own right. The characters in each story are rich and deep, full of human foibles and failings and well as fortitude and heroism. There is plenty of action, violence, love and great story telling for anyone interested in the fantasy genre. These stories are definitely fantasy, but can be violent and tend to the horrific sometimes, and as I am a horror fan as well, I enjoy the juxtaposition. All in all, Cursed Children of Naor was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
I am a reluctant David Drake fan. Yes, "War is Hell" but getting hit over the head with the ugliness, cruelty, violence. barbarism and often pointlessness of war can become wearing. We get it. That being said David is a master storyteller who always manages to grab you by the throat and drag you into the story for a dramatic ride that you cannot fail to appreciate. Buy the time you finish this series you will come to understand what goes through the mind of a soldier when he "sees the elephant". - Ron Restorff
I am a reluctant David Drake fan. Yes, "War is Hell" but getting hit over the head with the ugliness, cruelty, violence. barbarism and often pointlessness of war can become wearing. We get it. That being said David is a master storyteller who always manages to grab you by the throat and drag you into the story for a dramatic ride that you cannot fail to appreciate. Buy the time you finish this series you will come to understand what goes through the mind of a soldier when he "sees the elephant". - Ron Restorff
I am a reluctant David Drake fan. Yes, "War is Hell" but getting hit over the head with the ugliness, cruelty, violence. barbarism and often pointlessness of war can become wearing. We get it. That being said David is a master storyteller who always manages to grab you by the throat and drag you into the story for a dramatic ride that you cannot fail to appreciate. Buy the time you finish this series you will come to understand what goes through the mind of a soldier when he "sees the elephant". - Ron Restorff
"The Hangman's Revolution". Well, shame they changed the cover a bit. Apart from that - it's just Colfer. Like when, in Steampunk groups (because W.A.R.P. is part Steampunk) you say 'Vernian' when you're talking about Jules Verne, or 'Edisonades' when it's about books featuring Thomas Edison, you can say this is 'Colferian' or something like that. It's very simple - if you liked the first book, you'll like the second one too.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Final Empire. I had a hard time putting it down. The second book, The Well of Ascension, wasn't as enticing, but I still enjoyed it. That brings us to the third book, The Hero of Ages. I felt that this book fell flat. Some of the characters were struggling with identity issues that I felt were resolved previously. I understand that sometimes inner turmoil might not always have a quick resolution, but I didn't enjoy the characters whining about the same issues whenever their POV chapter came around (over and over again). At times, it felt as if I were re-reading previous chapters because the statements were the same. Sazed, for instance, was one of my favorite characters in the other books, but this time around I wanted to get through his chapters as quickly as possible. TenSoon's arc was the most intriguing for me. Overall, this series is entertaining and presents a unique storyline. I just wish that The Hero of Ages had been more interesting.
Good story, but suffers from the lack of Morpheus himselfi In this one he seems more like a side character than the main one.
In Naor, the Gods do not fight each other directly, but instead leave their children to battle: Both the Cursed Children as well as those who fight for the light. Cursed Children of Naor is actually the third book that Justyna Plichta-Jendzio has written in this universe, but you do not have to read the earlier books to enjoy this one. In fact, this one is broken up into three stories to show you three different stories, linked together by the themes of betrayal by those close to you and the treachery of the Cursed. However, this book also drives home the important lesson that you can't judge someone by their family or their outside visage: A man who comes from a family with a curse may work to end the curse by any means necessary instead of giving in to the power at the same time that a noble family may be hiding a secret that is destroying those and those around them. Finally, you learn that love comes in many shapes. While I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I will be purchasing the other books by this author. I am very impressed with how she handles subjects such as good, evil, betrayal and love, and will be reading the first two novels set in Naor as well to see if they're as good as this one.
A very well written set, three. stories set in the author's fantasy/horror world of Naor. A nobleman's hunting party is followed, harassed, by a werewolf. The second story, DRAGON'S RACE, finds a pair investigating a series of murders by an apparent spectral demon. The third has a man lost in the desert after fleeing the King's men and rescued by a magician. He's accompanied by a harpy and is destined to resurrect a dragon/magician. I liked the author's writing style, simple, direct, it caught me up and kept me reading. Recommended.
An enjoyable read after a slow start. Just want to add that a review of the latest book in this series on this website got me interested! Keep up the great work. - Ron Restorff
Somewhere I've read about this book, that there was not one dull page in this book - and I can only agree with that. Which is most astonishing, as this book has got 1006 pages (at least, in my edition). As it's such a rich novel, I really don't know where to start and describe only a few keywords: Footnotes: sometimes separate stories in itself - not annoying at all but a great pleasure. Mix of history and fantasy: absolutely compelling. Characters: next to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell the author has created some persons with loving detail (regardless whether it's a good or bad guy). What a shame that it's over - I would have liked to read on and on ...
As a rule I am not a fan of another author stepping into a world created by a legend just to continue a series. Often the novels fall short and it is obvious that the book is a mercenary attempt by the publisher for more revenue. Deborah J. Ross's Darkover novels are a pleasant exception. It is obvious she has done her homework and while she stays true to Bradley's world she brings a style and viewpoint that is different enough to make the series her own without disappointing long time Darkover fans. - Ron Restorff
Best 'light' book I've read in ages, I was laughing out loud more times than I can tell. Starting off with Pratchett-like humour as Zoe get's to know her new co-workers and their habits (after she's first fainted at her job interview when she realized her boss really is a vampire), is hilarious at least. Added pieces of the city guide for coteries (vampires, demons, spirit etc...)between chapters are fun addition to the book. Love the different skill & qualities different coteries have! :D Laffety makes you laugh, then suddenly pushes your face against something gore - and then makes you laught again 'till the end. Definitely will read the next Shambling Guide!
There are three stories to 'Cursed Children of Naor' and each is wonderfully realized. Each story is connected with theme, mythology, and moderately setting. I have not read the first installments in Justyna's series but this book stands well on its own merit. A Son of the Wolf Pack gives an interesting take on fantasy with some horror elements sprinkled in. The story was very griping from start to finish and it left me second guessing myself as I tried to discern who the werewolf was. Shroud of the Past offsets the first story with a very different take on story in a medieval setting and focuses on different elements. Dragon’s Race also changes the tone to more of a heroic fantasy. Lovers of each type of fantasy will find something to love about this book and its three stories. It really is worth the read!
I have few (sort of big) issues with this book, but I'm not gonna let them rule the rating, because this is a very likable book for teens and young adults. It has nice character development, believable storyline (so far at least) and reasonable relationships. It's coherent and well-built (and written). Which are things most of the teen/YA dystopias and fantasies don't usually seem to achieve - at least not all of those. My problem with this book is mainly related to the explanation of aether - the explanation which does not exist. Is it magical? Electrical? Sort of combination of both? Where did it come from? Why do some things attract it? It plays a huge role in the book and it's not explained at all. Just that it came and it makes everything miserable as hell. The other thing is that some of the "scientific" parts of the book are just nonsense. Like the limbic system stuff and how it'd become messed up.
I don't know what to say since Tim summarized it pretty nicely. I read the series in Finnish when I was around 13-14 years old and this is one of the two series which I can honestly say truly affected or changed the way I started to think or see things. I consider these books essential part of all that which made me who I am - and therefore I cannot really review these, only thank mr. Pullman.
This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.Disclosure: I was given my copy of this book by the author as a review copy. Three separate stories, one book, yet all three stories have a connection. Three horror stories, based on the evil in the land of Naor. the lord of darkness has taken over those left in Naor, and they will battle to keep the light out. Can Onoris' creatures win this battle over evil, or will they, too, be devoured by the children of Naor. I like getting three stories in one book. It makes for interesting reading. These are dark fantasy, horror stories, with enough magic to keep the reader guessing. I am intrigued by the common connection through these seemingly separate stories. This book is as good as the other books. The stories in this book exemplify the battle of good verses evil. The author does an excellent job of defining each and keeping the reader guessing as to who is good and who is evil. . There are many twists in these stories, and it will be difficult for any reader to guess the outcome. I would recommend this book to all readers of horror stories. It has enough fantasy to interest those readers who enjoy magic and the battle of demons. I will be reading the next book by this author.
The second book with Harry Dresden starts at quite a fast pace and it doesn't stop there. After the first third of the book the story starts with some kind of showdown which you will find in other books only at the end. And the narration holds its pace - it's really incredible how Jim Butcher managed to keep up the suspense for so long. If you intend to read that book: do it on a weekend or when you are on holiday. It's really a pity to have to stop reading because you have to work ...