12.20.09
Sunday Salon: Review of The Courtesan
Before you decide to go and pursue this novel, I strongly recommend reading the first book of the Cheney Sisters which is The Dark Queen, as The Courtesan follows events right after it. Characters from the previous novel are also mentioned and featured. Also, things in this book also have lots of references to the other one, although some of it is enough for you to understand so you don’t really have to read it..but it’s nice to read things in order isn’t it?
The Courtesan follows Gabrielle, the middle child of the three Cheney sisters who after a traumatic event, has given up being a daughter of the earth and pursues the life of a courtesan. Her ultimate goal; to seduce the King of Navarre so she can be Queen herself. However she doesn’t realize her plans are about to be interrupted by Catherine de Medici (The Dark Queen herself) who wants to keep her position of authority as Queen. Also added into the mix, is Nicolas Remy, who is deeply in love with Gabrielle. Gabrielle also loves and cares for him but she’s still scared of being in love. Everyone else has a hidden agenda and it’s up to Gabrielle to really decide what she really wants out of her life; to be truly happy with someone she loves, or to follow her ambitions?
This book was good! Gabrielle is by far the most exciting sister to read about! I loved the intrigue in the court and how beneath everyone’s plans there’s always a hidden agenda of what they really want. This is a great mix of historical fiction mixed with paranormal and fantasy. The plot was interesting, the romance was there but I was able to tolerate it, and the ending was great and I’m really looking forward to the next book. There is also a helpful author’s note at the end of the novel to explain what’s fact and fiction – very helpful and a nice explanation done by Susan Carroll.
I really liked how each Cheney sister has her own unique personality and characteristics. Ariane the oldest, is very calm, a healer, and strong. Gabrielle is quite the opposite, she’s reckless, ambitious, outspoken, and stubborn. Miri, the youngest, has an affinity with animals, but tries to see the good in everybody. Each of them has a love interest and although I liked Ariane and Renard, Gabrielle and Remy were much more passionate and “heated”. There were more explicit scenes in this one – I suppose it makes sense as Gabrielle is a courtesan but I let that slide, her and Remy had a nice chemistry and they just seemed to be great for each other. (I actually think Martin and Miri are rather cute together, I suppose we’ll see what happens next with her in the following book).
There is a good element of plot twisting and surprises, which keeps the plot interesting and keeps you turning the pages. I have to admit, some parts were a little eye rolling; especially when one is in danger and suddenly the rescue team arrives just on time. However I enjoyed this book too much to let that bother me. I did however, manage to shed a tear or two at the last chapter. It got me feeling all warm and fuzzy.
My favorite part, would be when Remy surprises Gabrielle at the masquerade party. It had great descriptions and you can vividly picture Gabrielle’s gown, and the party sounded like something I just wanted to jump into. It was a perfect scene to develop a lot of intrigue and mystery into the plot!
Overall I recommend this book to those that love a good historical fiction, mixed with magic and passionate romance, with a very passionate couple.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
12.18.09
Review of Night Shift
I’ve read a few of Lilith Saintcrow’s novels. Not one of Jill Kismet though. I’ve started with the Dante Valentine series (haven’t finished them yet) and thought they were excellent. So I decided to try this one with the expectation that I will enjoy it. Enjoy it I did! as usual they were great and filled with heart stopping action it was like watching a movie instead.
Night Shift is the story of Jill Kismet. Once, she was a prostitute, but now she’s a hunter, one who keeps the balance between humans and beings from the nightside. She’s what you might call a paranormal bounty hunter/police officer. This time, it’s a difficult case; a hellbreed run amok with a rogue Were. what’s odd is these two supernatural beings are actually together in this chase and it’s up to Jill to figure out who’s behind it and why.
Comparing this with Dante Valentine, they’re both almost similar in regards to personality. Tough and able to raise literal hell to track down villains, yet soft and sensitive sides come out when no one’s looking (well, almost). I can’t really say who I like more as they’re both such interesting characters with such horrible pasts and are able to climb out of it and become strong butt kicking characters. I like it how they’re not suffering from nyphomania like some paranormal urban fantasy characters I’ve read about which makes me roll my eyes each time they’re mentioned. I love Jill and Dante’s wit, their sarcasm, sometimes their thoughts made me laugh out loud, and their reckless impulsive behavior when fighting -it’s always exciting to read, and it just seems as if they’re not scared to run into a fight with the odds stacked against them. It’s also nice to read about a character in which not *every* other character wants to sleep with them (unlike some other urban fantasy novels I’ve read too)
I thought the plot was great, and the action sequences were awesome. There’s a lot of action in this book, I found myself reading page after page because it caught my attention and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Although this is a mystery in this book I couldn’t really bring myself to guess who it was, or who was behind everything as all I was concerned with was who Jill was going to fight next. All the pieces fit in together anyway, and the only questions I’m left with is more about Jill’s past. I’d like to know more of her and more stories of her and Mikhail.
The romance (well budding romance) between Jill and Saul is nice although I find it a little mismatched, it’s amusing to see Jill trying to push him away even though it’s not what she wants, and Saul can see right through it. I thought it was cute how Saul walks so close to Jill and invades her “personal space” much to her annoyance. In a way, I think they’re right for each other, but in other ways I don’t think so..they’re just so different, perhaps because you don’t know much about Saul and his character isn’t really that developed in the book. Perhaps in future books….
The only criticism I could give is, although the action is nice, it just seems like one huge adrenalin rush and the writing just feels haphazard. Then again it could be just me that feels this way.
Overall an excellent book if you’re looking for a strong character, a good exciting plot, and plenty of fighting scenes to get you turning page after page.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
12.10.09
Review of Cirque du Freak
I saw previews of the movie featuring The Vampire’s Assistant (which covers I think, the first three of the Darren Shan books?) and was curious. So I took the first book out of the library. First thing, I didn’t think it was going to be such a thin book. Had I known, I would have taken out the first three novels. Oh well. No problem. It’s not like I have nothing to read anyway.
I really can’t summarize this book as I’d be giving a lot away. All I can say, is it’s about a boy named Darren Shan who gets invited to come along with his best friend Steve to a freak show. It’s this one single moment which changes both of their lives forever. See? I can’t really give a real good synopsis (and I don’t like copying the back of the book either). That’s the real main idea of the book though.
I liked this book. It was short and simple and sweet. It made me cringe though, as Darren has a fondness for spiders as I love my cats and spiders aren’t exactly my favorite insect in the world. There’s a nice underlying creepiness throughout the book which I enjoyed as it kept me focused and my attention did not wander off. It was extremely fast paced and the book was far from boring. There were a few revelations and some parts where I thought sounded so predictable, actually surprised me as it didn’t go the way I thought it would. Although I rather figured Steve would go the way he would, but if he didn’t, the book wouldn’t have ended as it has and it wouldn’t have been as exciting.
I like Steve though, he’s fearless and he’s got a reckless streak that you can immediately identify as him being the one bringing all the trouble (not on purpose) but it’s him that keeps the plot flowing and making it exciting. Although Darren is the main character, if it weren’t for Steve in many aspects of the story, the plot would have stayed flat. I like Darren for his loyalty, although it didn’t do much good anyway.
There’s a great cliffhanger ending, and now I’m left wanting to read some more. It’s certainly a great start to the series and will keep readers interested and engrossed as to what will happen next to these two boys. The only thing I thought was a little odd was sometimes the boys talked like adults so at times it just didn’t sound so real, although I’m willing to let it go. The book was good enough that you can just ignore that little error.
Overall, a wonderful start to an interesting series. It gives freak shows a whole new meaning of creepiness and with a cliffhanger ending, you’re bound to swallow this series up like candy.
I give it a 8 out of 10.
NOTE: This is one of my reviews ready to be posted this week I’ll do a few at a time so readers won’t be overwhelmed! 
I finally got the internet back at home after moving all my stuff. Let’s just say there’s still boxes all over the place. Getting the web was much more important. 
11.24.09
Review of One Second After
I’m mixed as to what this book could be classified under. I wonder is science fiction would do the job? although not much science was really mentioned. However it’s post apocalyptic. Yet that doesn’t necessairly mean it’s science fiction. Do you get my dilemma? anyway, I rather like books like these, they make me think. Then I start getting paranoid and wonder what would really happen if something like this were to really occur. It makes you think, and it makes your hair rise on the back of your neck. Plus, it also makes you count your blessings a lot more.
One Second After gives you a very interesting scenario; what would happen if an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) were to be detonated in your country? the question is answered through John Matherson as he struggles to survive and save his family through this huge life changing event as it plunges the US back into the Dark Ages and into, quite literally, utter chaos. John is a college history professor and has unwittingly became one of its’ chief leaders of their little town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. He has to go through very tough decisions, very hard moments, and very dangerous ones in a country that’s total anarchy and where survival is the only thing left on one’s mind.
This was definitely mind blowing. It’s just so realistic because it’s true, we are so dependent on technology and with one simple EMP everything would just shut down. Nothing would work. It’s just amazing what we take for granted and when it’s not there, we panic and suddenly we feel so primitive. It was so interesting and I found myself turning page after page wondering what was going to happen next. Since everything was just shutting down, and John and some others in important positions were having to come together to make important decisions you wanted to know what choices one had to make when placed in a situation like this. It was just so interesting to see that just in a matter of weeks martial law sets in, decisions as to who gets the most rations, or what to do with those who are stealing and looting and get caught doing so. It was just an eye opener to see a well structured society as the one we are so used to just crumble and fall once something as catastrophic as an EMP happens.
Again I have to say what an eye opener this book is, the realism is there and everything is just so tragic especially when I read about what was happening in the senior’s home. I nearly wanted to cry. Everything was well described and the emotion is so tense and raw, you could feel what John was going through, you can feel the desparation, the anger, and anguish as you see the events through his point of view. Given the theme of this book, it’s definitely not a happy one, there were moments where you go get a chuckle or two but not so often. Even the ending, wasn’t really a great one it left you with an empty feeling, because you still weren’t sure what was going on out there, it certainly felt as if you were being kept in the dark, the same as the inhabitants of Black Mountain.
I loved the writing style of the book and the action. It just made me keep going. I wanted to see who survived and who didn’t. I wanted the best out of the characters I liked but knew it wasn’t going to end this way because the situation just seemed so bleak. You saw John from being a college professor with a specialty in military history (with military experience) to a hestitant leader who saw society crumble in days. I really did like John’s character development. It was very real and emotion filled. The other characters played their part but they were in the background the majority of the time. It was really John you’d be following throughout this book.
There’s a few things of the book I didn’t like. There were scenes where I felt there was a corny sense of patriotism and it was starting to look like a real bad Hollywood movie. Some moments were eye rolling and it sort of ruined the reading experience of the book. Then there were parts where it was predictable (the scene with Elizabeth and Ben jeeeeezzzz give me a break). So in a way, it was like reading a Hollywood movie in a book which is unfortunate as the book was fine without those moments. Also, this book is not for the squeamish there are moments of graphic violence among other things mentioned.
Overall, an eye opening book, because this sort of thing could really happen to us. It makes you now wonder about what’s being done to prevent this sort of thing. I great recommend this book for those that are into post apocalyptic fiction.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
11.19.09
Review of The Magic Thief: Stolen
I can’t remember where I heard this book from. It seems I come across so many books I would like to take a look at and then I can’t seem to remember where I saw it in the first place. Anyway, like the cover? isn’t it awesome. The one thing I like about kid’s books, their covers are so eye catching it’s like candy.
The Magic Thief:Stolen by Sarah Prineas is about a boy thief/spy living on the streets, named Conn who manages to steal the locus magicalicus from a wizard named Nevery. Nevery catches him and instead of punishing him, decides to take him under his wing to train him as an apprentice. Conn’s special, it should have killed him when he stole the stone. While trying to learn how to read, and between trying to find his very own locus magicalicus at the same time, something is happening in the city of Wellmet. Magic is slowly being drained from the city and if there is no magic, the city will suffer. Nevery is being called to find out what’s happening and what is causing the slow drainage of magic. Conn also attempts to help him, and uncovers a plot between a magic rival of Nevery’s and someone familiar to Conn himself.
This book was a short quick read, and filled with action to keep you turning page after page. What I really liked is the really neat illustrations that comes with each chapter. Also in between chapters, is pages that looks like it’s from Nevery’s journal in his writing and in his point of view which adds a little bit more to the plot to round it out evenly. This was also nice to read and it was a nice addition to the book. What I also enjoyed were the names of the places and setting of the book: City of Wellmet, and within the city there are districts like: The Twilight (bad area!) or The Sunrise (rich area), Heartsease (where Conn and Nevery live). Places like these make the setting more magical and fantastical, but I like it as it adds more feeling to the setting. What’s also a neat little add on to the book is at the end you’ll find two recipes for biscuits. You’ll find in the novel, the significance of them and how they’re a very common object in the novel. There is also a glossary and a few extras at the back of the book which is also a nice add on.
Conn sort of reminds me of Oliver Twist a little, he’s a thief and a street orphan who managed to survive for all this time before he met Nevery. He’s very brave and reckless and his curiosity and stubbornness does get the best out of him, but since the book is in his point of view his thoughts were very amusing and sometimes funny to read, especially when he meets with the Duchess and with the incident with the truth serum and the guards (a funny moment in the book). He’s a great character, and an exciting one who’s not afraid of going out there in the city all by himself which always creates some form of trouble or excitement.
However, I wish there was more to Nevery. Hopefully in the next book there will be a little more background information about him. It’s certainly not necessary but it’s always nice to read about it to give the character a more “rounded” out feel and not be so two dimensional. Another character I am curious about is Benet. I’d like to know more about him as well. It seems at times that background information might be helpful or perhaps would have helped in making the plot and its’ characters have more depth but then again, it’s not necessary and perhaps it will all be explained in the next books to come.
Overall a great page turner with plenty of action, comedy, and fantasy. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Think of Oliver Twist in a fantastical setting. I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series it’s certainly well worth it!
I give it an 8 out of 10.
11.12.09
Review of An Assembly Such as This
Here is one of the many Jane Austen spinoffs I’ve decided to read and which was one of my choices for the Everything Austen challenge. I’ve actually just started getting to like these books have also started collecting a few of the spinoff books which I wasn’t able to get from the library. Luckily the majority of the ones I was curious in, could be found in the library. This one is one of them. I’ve always wanted to see a different point of view in these Jane Austen “sequels” I know I’ve already read one in Mr Darcy’s Diary which was a good one, but this one was also in Mr Darcy’s point of view but not in an epistolary format.
An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan is all told in through Mr Darcy’s eyes and you’re in his head throughout the entire novel. You feel what he feels, you see what he sees and you experience what he goes through in the entire plot. What surprised me the most about the book was I thought it was going to cover the entire Pride and Prejudice story but it doesn’t. It actually only covers about a little less than half of the novel. Which I find, rather strange, but then I was wondering why through the last half of the book why it was so short and it was progressing rather slowly. So keep that in mind when you’re reading this novel. It’s not the entire Pride and Prejudice storyline. Hence why I believe, this book is the first of three in a trilogy.
Like I’ve been saying with most Austen spinoffs, I always proceed with caution. I don’t like being disappointed and I certainly don’t like it when my beloved classic have been ripped to shreds, and especially when it’s done horribly. Fortunately! this book has passed and I don’t regret reading this book. I actually quite liked it and I found myself laughing over parts of the book which were cleverly written and provided a lot of good humor. It was certainly nice seeing Mr Darcy’s daily life in more detail besides just hearing his thoughts and his behavior. I actually liked how this book put in little bits and pieces added to the main Pride and Prejudice plot to add more color and life to Mr Darcy. We usually see him as a brooding solitary figure which immediately we think of how boring he might be. In reality, well, Mr Darcy just doesn’t like gatherings and parties period. That’s just his nature and what’s even better, he’s a bookworm! this is one of the main reasons why I liked reading this book. Mr Darcy isn’t seen as boring, silent in his corner with his stormy thoughts. Although yes, it’s romantic but seeing a different side of him, where he’s able to show a sense of humor towards Mr Bingley (even having a moment where Bingley throws a cube of sugar at
him) makes Mr Darcy seem much more real and twice as likable. (We Darcy fanatics can all sigh in relief here!).
I’d have to say though, the plot was a little too slow to come to action and if you’re one who needs to have their attention captured right away, this might be a deterrent. I would suggest, stick with it. Especially if you’re a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. Patience is well rewarded later in the book with comical scenes and even scenes which will make you want to yank Caroline Bingley’s hair for being such a vain and vicious witch. (Yes, Miss Bingley is quite the snake in this one). Another criticism I’d have to add, not much Elizabeth in this one! you can’t feel the love between them yet. It’s understandable considering the book doesn’t even cover half of the main plot and you do feel Mr Darcy’s true feelings towards Elizabeth. It’s still growing so the romance factor in this book is rather cold which may be disappointing. As with a few previous spinoff novels I’ve read, Mr Bingley still stays the same, cheerful and so friendly but always needing someone to advise or look after him. More has been added to his character as well and his relationship with Darcy is seen in more detail. I actually liked it. It seemed as if he brought out the comical side of Mr Darcy which was nice to see.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this read. It was entertaining and although slow to start, I was glad I stayed with it until the end. I will definitely be getting the second one after this. I recommend this to all Jane Austen fans.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
11.02.09
Review of The Magicians
When I first learnt about this book, I wasn’t sure what to think about it. From what I hear about other sites I’ve been to it’s more of an adult Harry Potter mixed with Narnia. So why not give it a try. Be advised though, try NOT TO compare this book with any of the series like Harry Potter and Narnia because although there are some similarities, it would honestly skew your vision and outlook on this book. So, just keep an open mind should you choose to read this.
The Magicians focuses on young man named Quentin who’s a big fan of The Fillory novels by a Christopher Plover. Following a piece of paper which flew away from his hand one day, he finds somehow he walked into a magical enchanted area where it belongs to Brakebills Magical College for Magical Pedagogy. Think of it as Hogwarts but a college not a “high school”. From there, Quentin learns how to use magic, and studies it. He makes new friends, has the usual drama with them, and eventually after graduating from the college he throws himself into “real life” but with magic used to his advantage. Living with a bunch of friends, it seems like the great idyllic life. By a sudden discovery, they find the land of Fillory, the magical land Quentin and his friends have been reading about since they were young, does actually exist. They decide to go, but find the journey not what they expect.
It pays homage to the Harry Potter and Narnia novels, and it has similarities but that’s where it stops. It’s a coming of age novel which features Quentin and his friends he meets at Brakebills. It’s definitely a more serious novel and delves deeper into emotions and it’s more dark and definitely not a kid’s book! there’s action and drama, romance too, but there’s some twists and turns that make the book more darker and includes more “dangerous” themes which makes the book catered towards adults.
I liked the book. It certainly did grab my curiosity when I first heard about it and as I read further into it, I had to try and not put Harry Potter and Narnia comparisons, or it’ll ruin my enjoyment of this book – which I’m glad I managed to fight off. I thought it was pretty well executed and very well thought out especially with trying to juggle the Fillory part into this story and having to put it as once a fictional world that Quentin had been reading since he was a boy into a full fledged real-life fantasy world and also adding a fantasy epic plot into it as well, while also juggling the plot happening on real Earth. However, it went smooth and it did not leave me, as a reader, confused. There’s even a helpful map on the inside of the book which is an added bonus. The plot was great, as it followed Quentin from his beginning years in the college, to his graduation, to his real life entrance into the world, and to his adventures in Fillory and afterwards. It’s a great chronological way of running the story.
I have to admit, this is one of the few books I liked, but where I also had an intense dislike for the main character. I actually did not like Quentin at all. He’s such a whiner! and he’s made out to be such an “emo” I had to roll his eyes while he whined about how unhappy he was, and it was as if NOTHING could absolutely make him content not even for a full fledged chapter. Even as I finished the book, I still found that I did not like him. He just wasn’t that great, he was the main character, yes, and you saw the story through his eyes but he wasn’t really what you might think as a main character would be (not your stereotypical character in fantasy novels I suppose). I found myself drawn to Eliot more, only because of his charm and although at first I wasn’t that impressed with Alice, she earned a lot of respect from me towards the end of the novel. She certainly was a realist and was the main anchor and stability to the group of friends. Character development was great. They were all well rounded and developed as they grew older (except Quentin, who eventually matures much much later in the book).
So the only thing I disliked about the novel was Quentin and his whiny personality. Even the part with his rocky romance with Alice aggravated me. He is definitely not boyfriend material to me. (More like sledgehammer bashing material). As to the ending, I am now curious and intrigued. Is there going to be a sequel, because if there is, count me in. I’m definitely going to read it! there were some questions I found myself asking. Especially when I reached the ending.
Overall, it’s a great book when you’re in the mood for something serious, but something with fantasy as well. Be forewarned, it’s not a happy go lucky epic quest, it’s quite dark and serious. Nevertheless it was a great dramatic coming of age read that will leave you asking for more.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
10.18.09
Sunday Salon: Review of The Cage
The Cage
Thankfully I got to read non stop for about several hours uninterrupted and without distractions. It was nice. So, I got to do two reviews in a day
The Cage is the story of Riva and her family who are Polish Jews and are living through the second World War. You are looking at the world through Riva’s eyes as she struggles to survive and take care of her brothers while avoiding being rounded up and deported. You read with her as first she lives through the ghetto, then eventually gets deported and separated from her family. From them on, Riva has to survive on her own and try to survive through the horror of camp life.
I thought it was a good book. I’m assuming it’s a memoir of the author’s life (once I read her biography on Wikipedia). This book sounds vaguely familiar and I believe I have read it before a long time ago but nevertheless I thought I might as well read it again. It’s a small book with less than 200 pages and I was so interested and engrossed in it that it took me several hours to finish it. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next, I wanted to know how she managed to survive through the entire ordeal and still manage to keep hoping and to keep living. Riva is one of the most strongest characters I have ever read so far.
I admired Riva for having to take care of her brothers through the hardships of living in the ghetto. Then having to be forcefully separated, she had to survive on her own and she never lost hope. It’s as if she drew strength from losing her mother to give her the will to stay alive. Although the situation was always bleak and survival is never guaranteed, it was amazing to see how Riva managed to continue to hope even in the face of this kind of adversity.
There were a few things with this novel that I did not quite agree with. First I noticed it’s somewhat catered to children and I sort of have to wonder about that. I realized children should be taught about this moment in history but I think this book really should be catered towards teens as this story surrounded Riva in her teenage years. It just seems to make more sense. Also, I found the flow of the narration to be a little jumpy throughout the first half of the book. It was first one major event then it just skips directly to another there wasn’t real flow to put the two together into one smooth transition, it felt almost as if it was the writing was rather haphazard.
Overall though, a touching Holocaust story and not one to be missed. The story tells you that without hope, there really is nothing to live for and it’s a lesson to learn for everyone in future generations to come.
I give it an 8 out of 10
10.07.09
Review of Shutter Island
Shutter Island
This is one of the books I’ve taken out from the library for a few reasons. One: I want to see the movie. Two: It’s creepy. Three: Anything to do with asylums is creepy. Four: It’s spooky season and nothing better than reading spooky books. Shutter Island fits in on all four categories.
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is about Teddy Daniels, who with his partner Chuck Aule, go to this island which houses the criminally insane. They’re there on a case to investigate the disappearence of a patient named Rachel Solando, who seems to have vanished into thin air in what seems to be a very impossible escape from the asylum. Throughout the story, you go through Teddy’s journey to find Rachel Solando and you find out Teddy’s hidden agenda as to the real reason why he wanted to take this case. What Teddy doesn’t know is the asylum has lots of surprises in store for him and they have no intention of letting him leave the island.
There’s always something about asylums that have always given off an uncomfortable feeling. The way Lehane writes in this novel really expresses the uneasiness and queasiness about asylums and how an outsider would feel when first entering one. He does a real great job creating the mood and setting. It’s bleak. It’s dark. It’s gives off an omnious feeling that by the middle of the book you’re starting to doubt yourself and you’re not sure what’s real and what’s not. You feel what Teddy feels. It’s done really well and does a good job enticing you to read further, to get you to want to explore the asylum and join Teddy in his journey to find this missing patient. Suspecion is placed on everybody and you the feeling of mistrust starts to build throughout the book.
The plot is filled with twists and turns. It engages you to help solve the puzzles, and once you start thinking you’re one step closer to solving the case, another twist is thrown in and you’re back to square one. It’s not frustrating. It’s actually more exciting and every twist puts you into shock. I was especially shocked during the last few parts of the book. This is definitely a page turner. There a few dream sequences from Teddy that you might find strange (almost like an acid trip) but they’re almost comparable to something you might find on the show Twin Peaks. They’re just strange but it does fit the book quite nicely.
Character wise, I think the main focus would be on Teddy himself. The rest of the characters are very secondary and even his partner, Chuck, is flat. The main character development falls on Teddy and when you see what really happens to him, you’re left speechless and literally dumbfounded. He may be your typical US Marshal on a case on the outside, but inside he has a lot of skeletons in his closet that you eventually discover as the story progresses.
The only criticism I would have at this book is, it is a little predictable. I’ve seen a lot of movies end this way and it seems to be the trend (I’m not sure if books are like this as well). However the ending suits the book so I’m willing to let it go. There is mild language and talk of frontal lobotomies in detail which may be not suiting for some.
Overall a really good book and suitable for a dark rainy windy day. Really creepy and a wonderful psychological thriller with a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader occupied. Don’t mind the typical cliche ending, it’s actually suitable and worth the read. It’s amazing how much more scary asylums are than an average horror movie.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
09.22.09
Review of Pope Joan
Pope Joan UK Cover
Pope Joan US/Can Version
I was in danger of going through a reading drought. It felt as if I wasn’t able to finish anything I started, and it felt as if I wasn’t able to read as much as I wanted to! however finally! I managed to get one done! I also noticed, when I recieved this book, I was surprised to see that I got this cover then the ones I’ve seen around book blogs. At first I actually thought the library gave me the wrong book but, I was wrong it’s just another edition. Update: The wonderful staff at Random House has informed me, that it’s the UK version I have for the book, the one on the right, is the version you probably see in bookstores if you live in North America.
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross covers the legend of Johanna, or “Joan” as she was known, who poses as a man to be able to attend the schola (school) in order to learn more. At this time during the Dark Ages, women weren’t even allowed to go to school or even learn how to read (somehow, it was a very bad dangerous thing). Thanks to her older brother Matthew, Joan discovered a thirst and joy of learning to read and write, and to exchange theories and reason with other learned men. Eventually all this learning leads her to become the local physician at an abbey and from there, she’s in for an extraordinary adventure.
Joan is portrayed as a very strong and stubborn character. However because of her stubbornness it takes her farther ahead than any woman could have done during those times, and for that, I think it’s a very admirable trait in her. It’s because of this, she was able to overcome anything to do what she wanted to do the most; which was to learn. This is one of the most strongest female characters I have ever read so far and although she does have faults, she quickly overcomes them and does not relent. Even when she’s tempted to leave with Gerold (her romance interest) she still remains steadfast to her duties to the the people in Rome. Although I found it frustrating at times, especially when things start to take a turn for the worst, it’s still an admirable trait in the face of adversity.
It’s hard to feel any sympathy for any male characters in this novel. Although Gerold might be different but not as much as it all comes to the bottom line: the men in this novel prefer the women pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen. Their ignorance is so blatant you wanted to grind your teeth to stop yourself from wanting to jump in to wring their necks for thinking that way about women. However, it’s a very realistic account, for I have no doubt that’s how they thought that way (unfortunately some still do to this day).
The plot in this book flowed perfectly and had it’s good amount of climaxes and action. I was immediately sucked into the story from the beginning. I really did enjoy reading the parts on how Joan went through her journey to eventually becoming Pope. It was indeed a very nice story to read and I’d have to say it was like watching a very exciting adventure because you were always in fear of what would happen if she were to be discovered a woman. I really liked the inner politics within the Papal ranks. They’re twice as devious and conniving than the royal courts I’ve read in previous books. The writing in this book is historically accurate in my opinion, as it gives you a good look and feel as to how it felt like to live back then in this time period.
The only criticism I have is there are a lot of latin religious terminology (especially areas of the religious buildings and ranks of the papacy in Rome) which were hard to get through. I found myself looking a lot of the words up as to what this certain word referred to, and as to what was this rank in the papacy. A glossary would have helped as I had no prior knowledge in this aspect in history. The Author’s Note however, was indeed informative and a very interesting read.
Overall a great novel about a strong woman who faced the odds to do what she loved to do: read and learn. I recommend this book, it’s a wonderful read. You may even be tempted to read some background information on Pope Joan as I did (I went straight for Wikipedia the moment I finished the book)
I give it an 8 out of 10.
