Leah's Bookshelf

Rating: 4 of 5

Excellent! Affinity wasn't a fast-paced story but nonetheless compelling. Waters had me so thoroughly wrapped up in Margaret's POV that the "twist" actually surprised me. The mixture of journal entries from both Margaret and Selina definitely helped with that trickery.

The ending was a downer for all the right reasons.

Recommended to those who enjoy literary novels written with authentic Victorian era prose, centered around an "Is it real? Or is it fake" paranormal mystery, topped off with a love story.

Side note: This was my first Sarah Waters novel.

Rating: 2.5 of 5

The following reviews pretty much sum up my experience with Ashes.

By Wendy Darling | By Lucy | By Michelle

P.S. I plan to read reviews before making a decision about whether I'll read the sequel. If Bick wrote Shadows in the same bipolar fashion as this one, I'll likely skip it.

Edited on 10/4/12: I don't plan to read the sequel.

Rating: 3 of 5

I read Rot and Ruin in one sitting. So obviously the story held my attention - mainly because Maberry kept hinting at deeper meanings and then I wanted the full story - but overall it didn't blow my mind or get me super excited to read the sequels.

Thankfully, the aforementioned hinting lead to full explanations. That meant there were several scenes of Tom explaining something to Benny or telling him about past events. All the telling usually happened in the middle of action or potential action, so it did not feel like the dreaded info dump.

Benny, the main character, wasn't all that likable and he often vacillated between morose/irrational and friendly/sensible. (Was that intentional? Because teenagers act like that sometimes?) There were inconsistencies in worldbuilding and plot, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked by the casual reader. I dunno; I just never fully lost myself in the world or characters, which is why I won't move on to the sequel.

This one's probably a good fit for readers who enjoy zombie stories with adequate characterization, moderate action, and high sentimentality.

Note to self: Am I in a reading funk? Or am I picking the "wrong" books for me? The last few books I've read have been well-written but just okay. Hopefully I'll read one soon that'll knock my socks off.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Bardugo melds classic archetypes with proven fantasy elements to deliver an entertaining albeit predictable story. If you're looking for something that's never been explored in the fantasy genre, you may be disappointed with Shadow and Bone. (It's somewhat "by the numbers" in that respect.) But, if you have a soft spot for tales with orphans, especially orphans who underestimate themselves only to later discover unknown abilities and powerful destinies, you'll probably enjoy this book.

I found the Grisha interesting and the worldbuilding satisfactory. It was easy to "see" the Grisha and the Darkling, and most things fit within their world. There was no confusion about the war, its effects, or the Fold. And all of that information was shared without the dreaded info dump.

The chemistry between Alina and Mal was spot-on; the love triangle and power struggle between Alina, Mal and the Darkling equally so. Alina's refusal to accept her new identity and power was understandable. However, there were a few times when I wanted to smack Alina upside the head. I didn't really have a firm grasp on the exact ages of Alina and Mal, but there were scenes she acted 15, which contradicted how mature she acted for most of the story.

The twist wasn't a surprise. Perhaps for newbie fantasy readers or young adults, it will be. But, alas, I saw that one coming from the fireside conversation. Still, it was necessary and I expect Bardugo will play with that dynamic in the sequels.

Note: There were a lot of similarities with other well-known novels, mostly in worldbuilding and plot. For example, the antler necklace and the One Ring (or the Elder Wand). So, long-time fantasy readers, don't be surprised if you find yourself reading this and thinking, "Oh, that's like in so-and-so."

3 1/2 stars for being well-written and tightly plotted; characterization was adequate and I believed the worldbuilding. Obviously I had a good time reading because I finished the book in one day (two sittings). So it's weird for me to admit that I probably won't pick up the sequel. I can't say why exactly ... I just don't feel that overwhelming need to read the next one as I have with other fantasy series.

Edited 3/29/13: Okay, after reading early reviews of Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2), I will likely borrow it from the library for a summer read.

Rating: 3 of 5

This guide was definitely geared more toward people who deal with borderline personalities than people with BPD, which I was hoping it would.

The first chapters didn't offer much in the way of new information for anyone who's done simple research on BPD, but it would be a solid introduction for newbies. Chapters 8, 12 and 16 proved most informative for me, someone who interacts with BPD people on a regular basis. Specifically pages 205, 218, 256, and 260-265.

The entire book was well-organized, concise, and written in easy-to-understand language. Overall, it was just too general; there was a little bit on everything, but not an in-depth examination of any one topic.

Rating: 2.5 of 5

A quick read, I'm not sure I Hate You, Don't Leave Me would prove all that enlightening, or even helpful, for anyone seeking a deep examination of borderline personalities. It's rather broad except for the case studies, which weren't varied enough, in my opinion.

Chapter 4 - The Borderline Society was interesting, but readers have to make certain allowances for the year the book was published (1989) and realize a lot of the information, analyses and statistics are probably outdated.

"The ever-growing reverence for science and technology has led to an obsessive pursuit of precision. Calculators and computers replace memorized multiplication tables and slide rules. Velcro deprives children of learning how to tie shoelaces. Creativity and intellectual diligence are sacrificed to convenience and precision (p.67)."

Chapter 5 - Understanding and Healing offered more actionable insight than previous chapters.

"Psychological change requires resisting unproductive automatic reflexes and consciously and willfully choosing other alternatives - choices that are different, even opposite, from automatic reflex - sometimes these new ways of behaving are frightening, but they hopefully are more efficient ways of coping (p.90)."

Overall, it did not contain the information I was looking for.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

I'm a sucker for stories about human clones, what makes us human, and the nature of the soul, so The Lost Girl seemed a shoe in. Part one was the best: the introduction to Echoes and Eva's life, the Loom and its Weavers, and the budding romance between Eva and Sean. Mandanna's characterization was spot-on. At the end of part one I almost cried, almost. (If I had stopped reading at page 100, I would have rated 4 stars.)

Part two was a huge letdown. Its repetitive conversations between Eva and Ray, and Eva having the same thoughts over and over, annoyed me most. There were even instances of stating the obvious, which irks me to no end. On multiple occasions I had to remind myself this was written for teens and, thus, for a different mentality. (If I'd read only pages 101 to 294, I'd have rated it 2 stars.) Mandanna did successfully provoke my outrage over the treatment of Echoes and my desire for Eva to not only survive but be happy too.

Part three, where the majority of the action and revelations take place, was way too short. And the ending - what the frick?! Everything felt rushed: Eva and Sean, Eva and the Loom - it all seemed to "resolve" itself in the blink of an eye. There were definitely missed opportunities to explore theme and Eva's fate. I feel like maybe Mandanna's editor dropped the ball a bit. Parts two and three needed more work. For a novel over 400 pages, there should not have been a hurried feeling anywhere except the chase scenes.

Side note: Matthew was obviously a huge part of Eva's existence, but he's given little face time. The same could be said for the other Weavers and the Loom itself. I wonder if that's because the author hopes to write a sequel (or prequel) to The Lost Girl? Or was there simply too much time (aka pages) spent in part two and so she trimmed these characters and plot points?

Mandanna's writing was solid, the idea strong, the protagonist likable, and the world-building adequate. I'm definitely interested to see what she writes next.

Rating: 4 of 5

Response to come after some more thought.

Rating: 4 of 5

Mr. Hands was my first experience with Braunbeck, and I wasn't disappointed. My favorite aspect was the old-fashioned feel of a mysterious stranger spinnin' his yarn around a fire (or, in this case, a bar) whilst the "normal" folks listen and figure out whether he's dangerous, in trouble, or just full of it. The novel's structure was integral to its success; had the story been told in a linear style, I'm not sure it would've been quite as exciting or suspenseful. While neither the premise nor the delivery were original, I enjoyed both very much and never thought, "I've heard this one before." When I arrived at page 269, I didn't want the story to end.

More than entertainment, this one will make you think if you let it.

One aspect that may disturb some readers: the entire story involved the pain and suffering of children at the hands of their parents or other adults. So there's graphic violence, but most was implied.

Note: I have not yet read the novella, "Kiss of the Mudman," included in this edition.

Rating: 4 of 5

A well-crafted retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I particularly enjoyed the Beast's home and its enchantment. Spectacular imagery that any imagination would appreciate but especially young children. The romance factor was a major player, though. While I appreciated the strength and grit of Beauty, it seems love and marriage were inevitable.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

My first experience with Robert Dunbar proved enjoyable. At first I wasn't sure where the story was going with so many different characters; part two cleared up any confusion. Reminiscent of a few (beloved) X-Files episodes, e.g. "The Jersey Devil." Way more "Ewwww!" moments than I expected. Vivid imagery and well-written. I probably won't read it again, though.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

A fresh spooky tale perfect for reading in fall, when the leaves are turning and you can feel the approach of Halloween. Impressive for a debut novel in the horror genre. 2010 Winner of the Bram Stoker Award for First Novel.

Synopsis: Forget everything you know about Halloween. The stories are distortions. They were created to keep the Church of Midnight hidden from the world. Every October 31st a gateway opens to a hostile land of sacrificial magic and chaos. Since the beginning of civilization the Church of Midnight has attempted to open the gateway and unite with its other half, the Church of Morning. Each year they've come closer, waiting for the ideal sacrifice to open the gateway permanently.

Leah's Thoughts: It's been nearly eight months since I finished Black & Orange on August 17, 2012 yet much of its imagery remains fresh in my mind. Chaplain Cloth was uber creepy and his little pumpkin children even more so. The plot didn't feel tired or overdone; the pacing was steady, if maybe a little too fast for my tastes; the villains were better, more interesting, than the good guys though. There was plenty of action and a few times I was on the edge of my seat. I would definitely like to know more about the Church of Midnight and the Church of Morning, and for sure more about Chaplain Cloth.

Disclaimer: There was graphic violence and violent sex, which is probably to be expected in a "horror" novel, but better to take note than be surprised.

Rating: 4 of 5

Supernatural Horror in Literature proved a helpful resource, by one of the genre's masters, for fans of literary horror. I daresay there's enough included in the pages of this essay to keep readers busy for a couple years at least. However, don't expect in-depth analysis of the works mentioned.

Now, the fun part begins ... reading the books Lovecraft suggested.

Rating: 4.5 of 5

What's the new wife's name? I don't think I missed it, so maybe part of the story's mystery. Well-written intro / set up, especially to Manderley (ominous), and I could see Mrs. Danvers instantly. Du Maurier wrote the "second Mrs. de Winter" quite passive thus far - like Jane Eyre without Jane's passion and conviction. Hopefully she'll grow as the story continues (and put that old Danvers in her place).

Now I understand why Rebecca is touted as "the unsurpassed masterpiece of romantic suspense." Du Maurier's work is officially on my must-read list. Her characters were so REAL - I haven't loathed anyone as much as Mrs. Danvers since Delores Umbridge, and before that Miss Havisham.

Review to come.

Rating: 3 of 5

Ghost Story was okay. The pace and plot were slow-going, and the last three chapters ... awfully convenient. The book probably could've been about 150 pages shorter and still accomplished its goal. I definitely could've done without all the time spent on memories as well as Molly's Star Trek world. Perhaps I just need to take a break from Harry Dresden for a couple years in order to renew my appreciation for his charm and chaos. Too much of a good thing and all that. So, overall, not my fave novel of the Dresden Files, but I'll still pick up the next one.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Seize the Night is the first and only novel of the Dark-Hunter series I've read. For me, a guilty pleasure. It was what I expected: great chemistry between Tabitha and Valerius, just enough "romance," a dynamic world - entertaining overall. The last three to four chapters felt like a mad dash to wrap everything up, though.

What I most appreciated was, despite this being my first read in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing huge chunks of information; the novel felt like a complete story.