Review: Silent in the Grave

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I've discovered a new favorite genre! I love the mix of historical fiction, mystery, and little bit of love story. The characters are full, intriguing, mysterious, and witty. The setting is fully realized, the atmosphere intoxicating. The mystery is twisting, convoluted, and absolutely satisfying. Fantastic!



View all my reviews

Review: Fortress in the Eye of Time

Fortress in the Eye of Time by C.J. Cherryh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



It took me a really, really long time to get through this book. It's so slow-building, I gave up at least a couple times. Once I finally pushed to the end, I was satisfied that the struggle was worth it. I haven't decided if I have the patience to read the rest of the series yet, even though I'd like to know what happens.



View all my reviews

Review: The Distant Hours

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



An intriguing gothic tale of family secrets... intriguing after the first 300 pages, that is. The pieces of the story built so slowly, switching points of view and jumping back and forth through time so often, that it took 300 pages for me to begin to care or develop an attachment to any of the characters. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood - I've enjoyed similar books, but for some reason this one didn't grab me. It was still good enough that I persevered, and I was finally rewarded. The last 200 pages were haunting.



View all my reviews

Review: The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



My 9-yr-old nephew loved this series, and as I was reading it I could understand why. There's plenty of action and adventure, and the pacing jumps from action to action. As an adult, I did find it mildly entertaining, but I also found my mind drifting. For me, action on its own is too shallow. I need character development and relationships that evolve. I need characters who think a little bit. As a child, I enjoyed books that included those aspects as well, though, so I don't believe it's just that I've grown up. I never was a boy, so maybe that's it.

I did try starting the second book, but the action took right off again and I realized that I just wasn't interested enough. It made me tired.



View all my reviews

Review: Angel Burn

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



A YA paranormal romance where the angels are the bad guys! Angels are actually beings from another dimension that come to earth to feed off the energy of humans, leaving them addicted and eventually killing them. Alex is a boy who has been assassinating these angels for most of his life. He meets up with Willow, his next target, only to discover that she is something different. Discoveries and danger follow for both, and of course there's a little bit of romance.

I really enjoyed this creative take on the modern mega church movement. For those who take their faith very seriously, it could be offensive, but I got some good laughs out of it. Some of the observations I felt were very apt.

Altogether, I found it a refreshing read, offering something new from a young adult novel with enough depth to satisfy an adult. (Admittedly, I haven't read any of the other angel series out there yet, so I don't know how this compares.)

**Received free arc for review.

View all my reviews

Review: The Dragonbone Chair

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Out of the older tradition of fantasy writing, this one takes its time and builds slowly, carefully, meticulously, until we have a world and conflict that feels real and surprising in the present with the depth that a long history provides. Really good stuff if you're patient enough to let it simmer. What I would consider to be the introduction takes about 200 pages. Even then, it's not really until the end of this first book in the series that it really reaches the pace and depth that spurs you on to pick up the rest - immediately. No, it's not your quick fantasy fix, but it's infinitely more satisfying than the easy-in, easy-out fantasies that abound these days.



View all my reviews

Review: The Iron Knight

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is good quest fantasy - full of adventure and magical challenges. As the conclusion to Meghan's story, though, I missed her perspective. It focuses heavily on Ash's quest, and since his story takes him far away from Meghan, their relationship is mostly just the backdrop. For those looking for a more interactive romance, or for more about Meghan and her experiences as the Iron Queen, this may prove a little disappointing. But if you take it more as a companion novel about Ash, it's an enjoyable, fresh fantasy quest adventure.

**Received free arc for review.

View all my reviews