I'll keep this relatively brief as I've written on here about other books by Kelley Armstrong. We all know that if you're looking for a certain genre of supernatural fiction, then she's the woman to be reading.
"Personal Demon" is the eight book in her "Women of the Otherworld" series, and centers on half-demon Hope Adams. This wasn't my personal favorite in the series, but I enjoyed getting more story about the side characters from other novels and seeing how other familiar characters popped up in this book. It's very fast-paced with a detective type element to it.
To read my review of "Personal Demon", click here.
To visit Kelley Armstrong's official website, click here.
Monday 25 April 2011
Tuesday 19 April 2011
"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer
Just about everybody has heard of Stephenie Meyer. She became a superstar in the publishing world virtually overnight when her first book, "Twilight", was published. Since then the "Twilight" series has become a merchandising empire of best-selling books, popular movies, and related merchandise...but you don't need me to tell you this. Even if you've never read "Twilight", you know about the vampire love saga.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
Thursday 14 April 2011
"Distant Music" by Lee Langley
"Distant Music" is a book that is more about capturing a feeling or essence than about portraying a specific plot or even characters. The novel is an embodiment of yearning. It is about potential futures and unfulfilled dreams that are greater than a single individual or lifetime. In many ways this is a beautiful, lyrical text, but it is also deeply melancholy and haunting.
To read my longer review of "Distant Music", click here.
To find out more about author Lee Langley, click here.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
"Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis is best known for his fantasy series of children's books "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe". I loved the Narnia books as a child, and I've reread and loved them as an adult. There are a lot of religious themes in the Narnia books, and C.S. Lewis also wrote explicitly Christian texts (like "Mere Christianity").
Although C.S. Lewis is an extremely famous author, some of his books are much less known and read. In my public library I discovered a used book for sale for 20p. It was by C.S. Lewis, and I'd never heard of it before, so I bought it. The book was "Out of the Silent Planet".
"Out of the Silent Planet" is the first in a series usually referred to as either "the space trilogy" or "the cosmic trilogy". It's a science fiction book (a bizarre type of space rocket flies them to another planet), but it's religious scifi. Like most of Lewis's writing, it is imbued with religious (especially Christian) themes and imagery.
Overall, I didn't think that it was Lewis's best book. It certainly wasn't the most entertaining to read for pleasure. However, it is a thinking book. Long after you put the book down, you'll be thinking about the issues raised by Lewis and the meaning of "Out of the Silent Planet". If you're a Lewis fan or enjoy religious fiction, it's worth having a look at this oft forgotten novel.
To find out more about "Out of the Silent Planet", click here.
To find out more about C.S. Lewis and his writing, click here.
Although C.S. Lewis is an extremely famous author, some of his books are much less known and read. In my public library I discovered a used book for sale for 20p. It was by C.S. Lewis, and I'd never heard of it before, so I bought it. The book was "Out of the Silent Planet".
"Out of the Silent Planet" is the first in a series usually referred to as either "the space trilogy" or "the cosmic trilogy". It's a science fiction book (a bizarre type of space rocket flies them to another planet), but it's religious scifi. Like most of Lewis's writing, it is imbued with religious (especially Christian) themes and imagery.
Overall, I didn't think that it was Lewis's best book. It certainly wasn't the most entertaining to read for pleasure. However, it is a thinking book. Long after you put the book down, you'll be thinking about the issues raised by Lewis and the meaning of "Out of the Silent Planet". If you're a Lewis fan or enjoy religious fiction, it's worth having a look at this oft forgotten novel.
To find out more about "Out of the Silent Planet", click here.
To find out more about C.S. Lewis and his writing, click here.
Monday 11 April 2011
"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown
I know that Dan Brown is a best-selling author and that millions of people around the world read his books. He shot to fame with "The DaVinci Code" and has since written other books like "The Lost Symbol". He is probably one of the most commercially successful novel authors currently writing.
But...and I can't help adding a but...his books aren't always that great. They are fast-paced and full of a mix of conspiracies, action, and romantic possibilities. What most people seem to love about these books, though, is that Dan Brown has a gift for making the average person feel smarter and more educated than they actually are. He throws in historical and other information so that people can feel like they're puzzling things out and learning new things. Some of his information is right, some is interesting, and some is just plain wrong (for example, a retinal scanner only works on a living eye--if you cut the eye out of some one's head, like in one of his novels, it won't work for security scans).
In "The Lost Symbol", there's a lot of information about masons. Masonry plays a major part of the plot line, and there's a lot of discussion of masonic practices, history, and goals. However, Dan Brown is a novelist. He's not a mason, and he's not an educator. He writes entertaining books of fiction.
To find out how accurate Dan Brown's depiction of masonry is in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
I personally felt at times that there was too much information given about masonry. I felt like I was, as an outsider, intruding on beliefs that are important to a lot of people, and yet were taken out of context and manipulated to fit into entertainment. For more of my discussion of whether Dan Brown reveals too much about masonry in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
To find out more about "The Lost Symbol" and Dan Brown's other books, visit his official website.
But...and I can't help adding a but...his books aren't always that great. They are fast-paced and full of a mix of conspiracies, action, and romantic possibilities. What most people seem to love about these books, though, is that Dan Brown has a gift for making the average person feel smarter and more educated than they actually are. He throws in historical and other information so that people can feel like they're puzzling things out and learning new things. Some of his information is right, some is interesting, and some is just plain wrong (for example, a retinal scanner only works on a living eye--if you cut the eye out of some one's head, like in one of his novels, it won't work for security scans).
In "The Lost Symbol", there's a lot of information about masons. Masonry plays a major part of the plot line, and there's a lot of discussion of masonic practices, history, and goals. However, Dan Brown is a novelist. He's not a mason, and he's not an educator. He writes entertaining books of fiction.
To find out how accurate Dan Brown's depiction of masonry is in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
I personally felt at times that there was too much information given about masonry. I felt like I was, as an outsider, intruding on beliefs that are important to a lot of people, and yet were taken out of context and manipulated to fit into entertainment. For more of my discussion of whether Dan Brown reveals too much about masonry in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
To find out more about "The Lost Symbol" and Dan Brown's other books, visit his official website.
Thursday 7 April 2011
"Extreme Motherhood: The Triplet Diaries" by Jackie Clune
As I write this, I'm eight months pregnant. I feel huge, awkward, and impatient to meet my baby. I can't imagine taking this feeling and multiplying in by three, but that's exactly what Jackie Clune writes about in her non-fiction book "Extreme Motherhood".
Clune and her husband find out that not only do they have an accidental pregnancy, but that they're expecting triplets! Clune's book describes her pregnancy with triplets (they already had a toddler) and then life with not one, but three newborn babies. The book is honest and alternates between touching and hilarious.
There are a few moments where it's clear that Jackie Clune is a celeb and not just your average expecting mother (for example their friends pay to convert their loft--something none of my friends could afford to do for us-- and she gets a personal trainer--compliments of the West End Show Mamma Mia!-- to lose weight after the babies are born). On the whole, though, the book is very down-to-earth and just plain enjoyable.
To find out more about Jackie Clune's book "Extreme Motherhood: The Triplet Diaries", click here. You can also follow Jackie Clune on Twitter (@JackieClune).
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Potty Training Books: "Successful Potty Training" by Heather Welford & "Potty Training" by Jane Gilbert
There are a lot of books out there that cover parenting issues, including potty training. I looked at these two: "Successful Potty Training" and "Potty Training".
These two books have a very different feel to them. The first, "Successful Potty Training", is mostly dense text and is packed with lots of information. Most people won't want to read the whole book, but it's doubtful that you'll find a potty training question that isn't addressed somewhere inside. It's a bit like a potty training text book for parents.
The second, "Potty Training", is bright and accessible. It's more like flipping through a parenting magazine and is full of colorful pictures, info boxes, etc. It isn't as comprehensive, but it is more accessible.
I don't think that either of these books will revolutionize your parenting. However, if you're a bit unsure about potty training or have some questions, these books could be helpful.
To read more about my experiences with these books while potty training my daughter, click here. For more general information about potty training, click here.
These two books have a very different feel to them. The first, "Successful Potty Training", is mostly dense text and is packed with lots of information. Most people won't want to read the whole book, but it's doubtful that you'll find a potty training question that isn't addressed somewhere inside. It's a bit like a potty training text book for parents.
The second, "Potty Training", is bright and accessible. It's more like flipping through a parenting magazine and is full of colorful pictures, info boxes, etc. It isn't as comprehensive, but it is more accessible.
I don't think that either of these books will revolutionize your parenting. However, if you're a bit unsure about potty training or have some questions, these books could be helpful.
To read more about my experiences with these books while potty training my daughter, click here. For more general information about potty training, click here.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
"Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan
"Midnight Never Come" is a historical fantasy novel. It's set in Elizabethan England, but describes an underground fairy court in addition to the Tudor one that history teaches us about. Even though it is a fantasy novel, it was very carefully researched both in terms of history and folklore.
Overall, though, I have to admit that I was disapointed by "Midnight Never Come". The novel had so much potential and could have been really exciting. In the end, though, it just didn't manage to fully capture my attention or imagination. Brennan had a great concept, but --for me-- the novel didn't execute her idea as well as it could have.
To find out more about "Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan, either read my article on the book or visit Brennan's website.
Overall, though, I have to admit that I was disapointed by "Midnight Never Come". The novel had so much potential and could have been really exciting. In the end, though, it just didn't manage to fully capture my attention or imagination. Brennan had a great concept, but --for me-- the novel didn't execute her idea as well as it could have.
To find out more about "Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan, either read my article on the book or visit Brennan's website.
Monday 4 April 2011
Books on the Big Screen
Having recently read some Austen fan fiction, I was left wanting to re-visit the original. So when my husband and I wanted to put on a DVD last night, I suggested "Pride & Prejudice". We watched the 2005 version with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
Although books often get butchered when they are adapted into screenplays, this movie really did "Pride & Prejudice" justice. The film is true to Austen's original novel, and it is a beautifully made film. I absolutely love the cinematography in it (pay attention in scenes like when Elizabeth is on the swing outside, when Elizabeth and Darcy dance, etc.). This really is an example of a book that transitioned beautifully to the big screen.
There are some book-to-movie adaptations that I wish had never been made, but "Pride & Prejudice" is both a classic novel and great film. Click here to find out some other films that I think would make great movies.
Although books often get butchered when they are adapted into screenplays, this movie really did "Pride & Prejudice" justice. The film is true to Austen's original novel, and it is a beautifully made film. I absolutely love the cinematography in it (pay attention in scenes like when Elizabeth is on the swing outside, when Elizabeth and Darcy dance, etc.). This really is an example of a book that transitioned beautifully to the big screen.
There are some book-to-movie adaptations that I wish had never been made, but "Pride & Prejudice" is both a classic novel and great film. Click here to find out some other films that I think would make great movies.
Friday 1 April 2011
"Evermore" by Alyson Noel
Teen fiction is big business. Not only do teens read, lots of pre-teens and adults read teen books (technically young adult literature).
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
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