Category Archives: Fiction

February 9, 2014 · 10:03 am

Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Darkly Dreaming Dexter bookTitle: Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Author: Jeff Lindsay
Source: paperbackbookswap.com
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review Summary: This was a fun read, but just too creepy for me!

Dexter is generally a nice guy except for one small thing: he’s a serial killer. Fortunately he only kills bad guys – people he knows without a doubt did something terrible but who the police can’t catch. His job as a blood spatter analyst for the police makes it easy to find victims. It also puts him right in the middle of a police investigation of some murders with an MO very much like his own. Dexter’s strange connection to the murders soon begins to make him question himself. Did he do it? Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Thriller

Tagged as , , , , dexter, , mystery, serial killer, thriller, tv show

February 8, 2014 · 12:08 pm

The Fairytale Keeper

13603568Title: The Fairytale Keeper
Author: Andrea Cefalo
Source: from author for review
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review Summary: Although I was disappointed by the way fairy tales were randomly tossed into this story, I thought it was unusually accurate and enjoyable historical fiction.

In Germany in the 1200′s, much of life revolved around the church. However, pre Martin Luther, many people in small towns still rely exclusively on sometimes corrupt officials to interpret the bible for them. When Adelaide’s town suffers a plague, the church abandons the people. Although tithes continue to increase, few priests are brave enough to provide the funeral services they claim are necessary for a happy afterlife. After a bribable but cowardly priest disrespects her mother’s funeral, Adelaide is determined to bring down the corrupt priests, despite having to work within the many rules restricting women’s rights in the middle ages. Continue reading →

6 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Historical Fiction, Re-telling

February 6, 2014 · 7:20 pm

Lumière

19448543Title: Lumière
Author: Jacqueline E. Garlick
Source: from author for review
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Summary: This was a fun, action-packed steampunk adventure with two unique and lovable protagonists.

Although her father gave away the invention meant to cure her before he died, Eyelet is determined to hunt down his invention and use it herself. In a world where madness is treated without mercy, the machine may be her only hope to cure her seizures. However, her father’s power hungry colleague, Professor Smrt, is determined to beat her to it. When she finds it at last, it’s only to watch Urlick Babbit steal it before she can. In order to defeat Smrt, she and Urlick will have to face many dangers together, including the machine which may turn out to be the greatest danger of all. (adapted from goodreads)
Continue reading →

16 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Steampunk, Young Adult

Tagged as , , , gothic, , , ,

February 3, 2014 · 7:38 am

Some Almost Awesome Fiction in Mini-Reviews

17333319Title: Burial Rites
Author: Hannah Kent
Source: library
Rating: ★★★★☆

The writing in this book was as beautiful as all the reviews say. Hannah Kent has the rare skill of finding new metaphors which speak right to the soul without relying on the familiarity of a cliche. The emotions, the tension, and the scenery were all very vividly brought to life. I was less impressed with the plot. Although I knew to expect this to be sadder than my typical fare, I was surprised by just how bleak things got. I was also unimpressed by the main characters’ naivete and inability to escape the bad situation which led to her present plight. Finally, while I loved the inclusion of “primary sources” and the real feel they gave the book, the author’s use of a report to unemotionally wrap up the ending felt very anticlimactic. The writing impressed me enough that I would still be happy to read more by Hannah Kent. Continue reading →

22 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Historical Fiction

Tagged as beautiful writing, , , , , , magical realism

February 2, 2014 · 6:04 pm

The Secret of Raven Point

16130674Title: The Secret of Raven Point
Author: Jennifer Vanderbes
Source: from publisher for review
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Summary: This book was darker and more depressing that my typical fare, so I think it’s a testament to the author’s superb writing skills that I was blown away anyway.

Juliet Dufresne has always looked up to her brother so once he enlists, becoming a nurse is an easy choice. When her brother is reported missing in action, Juliet is determined to find out what happened to him, even if that means lying about her age. However, once she reaches the front, her only connection to her brother is  a man so shell-shocked, he may never speak again. Juliet will have to work hard to balance her desire to learn more about her brother with her duty to her patient. Continue reading →

10 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Historical Fiction

Tagged as arc, army nurses, , , , , WWII

January 29, 2014 · 9:02 pm

Healer Series in Mini-Reviews

Scent of MagicTitle: Scent of Magic
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Source: Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆

Like Touch of Power, this book clearly exhibited the superb writing I’ve come to expect from Maria V. Snyder. Even better, she completely fixed the pacing issue I had with the first one. Instead of dragging at the beginning, this book started off fast. The author kept the tension and excitement high with the introduction of a second viewpoint. Strategic chapter breaks kept me constantly wondering what would happen next. The world building of the last book was expanded on in new and clever ways, always staying internally consistent. I was more engaged in this book than the previous one and loved every minute of it. Continue reading →

6 Comments

Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

· 8:47 pm

Touch of Power

Touch of PowerTitle: Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Source: library
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review Summary: Although this dragged a bit for me, the writing was practically perfect and the world building was fascinating.

Avry is the last of the healers. After a plague the healers couldn’t cure decimated the Fifteen Territories, all of the healers were hunted down and killed. On the run, Avry is eventually captured by a band of men who, surprisingly, value her healing skills over the bounty for turning her in. Unfortunately, they want her to heal the man Avry blames for the healer’s demise. The decision she has to make is a tough one, since he might also be her land’s best chance at peace. Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

Tagged as , , , , , maria v snyder, touch of power, ,