2011, Hyperion
I am still enjoying this series very much. Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them. The plot developments continue to engage the reader.
In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home. She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen. Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.
The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne. As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts. Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.
I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book. I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book. It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.
I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy. I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown. I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Bone Bed, by Patricia Cornwell
2012
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1, by Heather Brewer
This is a really refreshing story of an adolescent vampire, Vladimir, who is living with his human aunt and attending a human junior high school. It is a engaging read and offers a humorous look at a vampire surrounded by normies. Brewer keeps the reading going by adding a substitute teacher who appears to be possibly a dangerous "special powers" being. Readers want to continue reading to see if Mr. Otis is good or bad guy and to solve the mystery of his vampire father's life and death.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print. It is still possible to get the boxed set. I listened to it thanks to our library's audio book collection. There are graphic novels based on this book available.
The school library reviewer was not necessarily been kind to Brewer in his review of this first book, however Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus were more kind. My sense is that many junior high/middle school students would enjoy it. The humor will appeal to many of them. It is relatively uncomplicated, but offers an interesting look at a different interpretation of vampires within human society. I see great possibilities of contrasting the characterization of Vlad in this book and juxtaposing it with vampires in Twilight, Team Human,or The Mortal Instruments. I offers rich possibilities for exploration of both character development and mood/tone within literature.
As a devoted vampire literature reader, I also appreciate the many allusions to the traditions of vampire literature. Thus, it creates an opportunity to introduce students to a large literary community and literary analysis.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher
2012, ROC
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
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