Novel Nuggets – Still Catching Up
So many outstanding reviews to write. Here are just a few more.
I was not expecting to love The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport as much as I did, but holy hell did I. It was my favorite book read in March. In The Blood Trials, Ms. Davenport creates an exciting story that also teaches the dangers of inherent racism. I love Ikenna and her loyalty, as well as her determination to succeed; I especially appreciate her unwillingness to condone the racism that permeates her society. Simply put, I loved the story, the twists, the messaging, and the characters. The Blood Trials is a do not miss!
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon is precisely what I have come to expect from Ms. McMahon. It is yet another fantastic thriller from someone who does nothing but write excellent thrillers. While I was expecting the twist, I didn’t know exactly what it would be. As such, the ending is fabulous and not at all what I thought it would be! The Children on the Hill is a fantastic emotional rollercoaster that solidifies my love for Ms. McMahon.
The Fervor by Alma Katus is what I would consider to be a mediocre horror story. The only good thing about it is the ick factor regarding the virus’s origins. That being said, I feel there was no need to add much in the way of horror, as the internment camps were horrific enough. Ms. Katsu does not take advantage of the natural horrors and instead glosses over that part of history. What she does instead portrays a heavy-handed image of systemic racism, which is her right. Maybe she feels her readers need reminding on every single page; I did not, and the messaging got old. Ms. Katsu’s books have been more miss than hit lately, and The Fervor did nothing to correct that trend.
Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey is a cute story about jealousy and family dynamics. It doesn’t have much staying power, but it is still enjoyable. I do so love the idea of a magical high school.
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell by William Klaber. It is an interesting story and ultimately a tragic one. I think a female author would have done more justice to Lucy’s story because it is not as if Lucy is transgender. The story needs someone who truly understands the limitations of being a woman. Still, the fact that Lucy did exist and did attempt to break the bonds of being female in antebellum America makes learning about her worthwhile.
Novel Nuggets – More Catching Up
So many outstanding reviews to write. Here are just a few. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake is one of those books you need to sit and let marinate. The more you do, the more you appreciate what Ms. Blake achieves. It can be a little disconcerting initially, especially...
Novel Nuggets – Catching Up
So many outstanding reviews to write. Here are just a few. Scorpica by Greer Macallister is a celebration of women and our myriad motivations. Because it spans decades, the world-building is lengthy but worth it given the depth of detail and vividness of that world....
Sunday Reflections – 07 August 2022
Reading: Babel by R. F. Kuang Listening: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman Watching: Holly and I are going a bit of a retro these days while we watch Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We have all been so busy that we are just now watching the final few...
Novel Nuggets – All About Audiobooks (Part III)
A continuation of the many audiobooks I finished since my last bout of reviews in January. I like John Scalzi's novels. I find them so much fun in a crazy science fiction way. You can tell in them that Mr. Scalzi does not take himself too seriously and loves what he...
Sunday Reflections – 26 June 2022
Reading: Locklands by Robert Bennett Jackson, followed by Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard Listening: Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski. Next up is Lab Girl by Hope Jahren Watching: We finished Squid Game and Stranger Things Season 4 Part 1. Jim and I are...
Novel Nuggets – All About Audiobooks (Part II)
One of the ways I discovered that I might not be handling the stress of the past few months is that no matter how often I tried, I could never summon the energy or desire to sit down and write reviews. At first, I didn't think anything of it, knowing I would...
Sunday Reflections – 12 June 2022
Reading: This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede to be followed by Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert Listening: The Water Knife by Paulo Bacigalupi with Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin Watching: We have been watching a lot of Dateline and 20/20 for their true-crime...
Sunday Reflections – 22 May 2022
Reading: A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow to be followed by Juniper & Thorn by Eva Reid Listening: 14 by Peter Clines to be followed by A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman Watching: We have not been watching much of anything. We tape Jeopardy! and will watch...