Where Madness Roosts by Darrell Drake – Review
Book Reviews , eBook reviews / May 22, 2013

Where Madness Roosts is a stand-alone novella in the Flameforged saga, of which I received a free review copy.  I have not read the other two novels in the series, Within Ruin and Everautumn, but that did not impact my reading of this novella. The story centres around two elven twins, Merrill and Almi, whose master/lover/husband Virgil is apparently murdered at a high-level diplomatic conference.  It follows their investigation into and attempts at revenge for, the killing. The twins are aided in in this by their psychic bond.   The world building is interesting with anthropomorphic furnishings and other creatures.  The characterisation of the twins is also nicely done.  They are clearly not  human, and do not think in human ways, but yet are generally relatable.  The description of the grief and depression into which the twins fall after Virgil’s murder is a highlight of the novel.    Mr Drake has a distinctive writing style that may not appeal to everyone.  He makes use of his extensive vocabulary which some may find distracting.  This for me did detract somewhat from the story and the characters and for me, personally, did impact my enjoyment of the story. For this reason I…

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau – Review
Book Reviews , eBook reviews / May 1, 2013

I received a free review copy of The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau through Netgalley, and here are my thoughts. The Testing tells the story of Cia Vale from a small village struggling to survive in a post apocalyptic future. The government invites Cia to undergo testing for admittance to the University, an opportunity which could change her life and that of her community. It soon becomes apparent that this is not an invitation Cia can refuse, and that she will become involved in a struggle for her very survival. It is very difficult to read this book without comparing it to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Many of the same themes are there: dystopian society struggling after a cataclysmic war; young teens forced by an all-powerful government to compete to the death in a competition for a marvelous prize; heroine torn between two loves; shadowy rebel forces attempting to overthrow the government. What I didn’t like I felt at times this borrowed too heavily from The Hunger Games. The premise is very similar, and many of the same themes are explored. Again, comparing The Testing to The Hunger Games, I felt the setup was lacking somewhat. In The Hunger Games,…

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau – Review
Book Reviews , eBook reviews / May 1, 2013

I received a free review copy of The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau through Netgalley, and here are my thoughts. The Testing tells the story of Cia Vale from a small village struggling to survive in a post apocalyptic future. The government invites Cia to undergo testing for admittance to the University, an opportunity which could change her life and that of her community. It soon becomes apparent that this is not an invitation Cia can refuse, and that she will become involved in a struggle for her very survival. It is very difficult to read this book without comparing it to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Many of the same themes are there: dystopian society struggling after a cataclysmic war; young teens forced by an all-powerful government to compete to the death in a competition for a marvelous prize; heroine torn between two loves; shadowy rebel forces attempting to overthrow the government. What I didn’t like I felt at times this borrowed too heavily from The Hunger Games. The premise is very similar, and many of the same themes are explored. Again, comparing The Testing to The Hunger Games, I felt the setup was lacking somewhat. In The Hunger Games,…

Reading Roundup 11th March 2013
Book Reviews , Reading Roundup / March 11, 2013

It has to be said I’ve been slightly disappointed in the books I’ve read recently. I was unable to get into them for some reason. The Blade Itself by Joe Ambercrombie I read this on recommendation by Rick Riordan, one of my favourite young adult writers. I listened to it partly in audiobook and then gave up and read it on Kindle. I don’t believe it was a fault of the narrator; he did a good job, but I just couldn’t get into it very easily. On the positive side, I see that Amazon has enabled Whispersync for Voice for purchases on the Canadian store. It worked perfectly on this book. However, they do not yet offer the price reduction for both items, but maybe that will come. The Blade Itself is very similar to George R.R, Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire in that character development is more important than plot progression. That is all very well, but Ambercrombie can’t compare to the depth of characterization that Martin has reached. None of the characters grabbed me in the manner of Tyrion, Jaime or Arya. In all fairness, Martin has had five books to develop his characters, while I…

Reading Roundup 11th March 2013
Book Reviews , Reading Roundup / March 11, 2013

It has to be said I’ve been slightly disappointed in the books I’ve read recently. I was unable to get into them for some reason. The Blade Itself by Joe Ambercrombie I read this on recommendation by Rick Riordan, one of my favourite young adult writers. I listened to it partly in audiobook and then gave up and read it on Kindle. I don’t believe it was a fault of the narrator; he did a good job, but I just couldn’t get into it very easily. On the positive side, I see that Amazon has enabled Whispersync for Voice for purchases on the Canadian store. It worked perfectly on this book. However, they do not yet offer the price reduction for both items, but maybe that will come. The Blade Itself is very similar to George R.R, Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire in that character development is more important than plot progression. That is all very well, but Ambercrombie can’t compare to the depth of characterization that Martin has reached. None of the characters grabbed me in the manner of Tyrion, Jaime or Arya. In all fairness, Martin has had five books to develop his characters, while I…

As Sweet as Honey – Review
Book Reviews , eBook reviews / February 21, 2013

This is not the usual kind of book I read, but Random House was kind enough to give me a free review copy. I found it to be a very well written, gentle read and did enjoy it. I personally wasn’t very familiar with the culture of South Asia, but I felt the author did an excellent job of making it comprehensible to an outsider without over explaining. It was easy to become drawn into Meterling’s world on Pi and understand the expectations that were on her as well as to understand the consequences her decisions might have. As I am not from that culture, the importance placed on, for example, compatible horoscopes in marriage partners is foreign to me, but due to the excellent writing, I could easily understand its impact within Meterling’s family. This is also a book of well-drawn contrasts and conflicts. I found it interesting to compare and contrast the viewpoint of the children to Meterling’s situation to Meterling’s own thoughts. A nice contrast is also set up between the colour, warmth and friendliness of Pi and the cold, greyness of London. This ties in well to Meterling’s emotional state at the time as she attempts…

As Sweet as Honey – Review
Book Reviews , eBook reviews / February 21, 2013

This is not the usual kind of book I read, but Random House was kind enough to give me a free review copy. I found it to be a very well written, gentle read and did enjoy it. I personally wasn’t very familiar with the culture of South Asia, but I felt the author did an excellent job of making it comprehensible to an outsider without over explaining. It was easy to become drawn into Meterling’s world on Pi and understand the expectations that were on her as well as to understand the consequences her decisions might have. As I am not from that culture, the importance placed on, for example, compatible horoscopes in marriage partners is foreign to me, but due to the excellent writing, I could easily understand its impact within Meterling’s family. This is also a book of well-drawn contrasts and conflicts. I found it interesting to compare and contrast the viewpoint of the children to Meterling’s situation to Meterling’s own thoughts. A nice contrast is also set up between the colour, warmth and friendliness of Pi and the cold, greyness of London. This ties in well to Meterling’s emotional state at the time as she attempts…

The Warded Man – Review
Audiobook reviews , Book Reviews / February 11, 2013

In writing this review of Peter V. Brett’s The Warded Man, I would like to focus on a quote from about two thirds of the way through the book: Arlen’s fingers tightened on the metal spear as he stepped from the circle. Cue cliffhanger chapter break. For me, this was a real “oh, crap” moment, on a par with seeing Aragorn’s forces surrounded by the Mordor hordes in the Return of the King movie, and perfectly encapsulates Peter V. Brett’s mastery of his craft. This is just one of many excellently written scenes. This one in particular works for me for several reasons; first, the author has done his world building well. At this point in the story the reader is well aware of the likely consequences of Arlen’s stepping outside of the circle and has good reason to fear for Arlen’s safety. Of course, none of that matters if the reader is not emotionally invested in Arlen. Brett has developed his character well. Arlen is not always likeable, but he is relatable. His decision to leave the circle, while terrifying, is logical and easily understandable based on Brett’s characterisation. The reader cares about what happens to Arlen and the…

The Warded Man – Review
Audiobook reviews , Book Reviews / February 11, 2013

In writing this review of Peter V. Brett’s The Warded Man, I would like to focus on a quote from about two thirds of the way through the book: Arlen’s fingers tightened on the metal spear as he stepped from the circle. Cue cliffhanger chapter break. For me, this was a real “oh, crap” moment, on a par with seeing Aragorn’s forces surrounded by the Mordor hordes in the Return of the King movie, and perfectly encapsulates Peter V. Brett’s mastery of his craft. This is just one of many excellently written scenes. This one in particular works for me for several reasons; first, the author has done his world building well. At this point in the story the reader is well aware of the likely consequences of Arlen’s stepping outside of the circle and has good reason to fear for Arlen’s safety. Of course, none of that matters if the reader is not emotionally invested in Arlen. Brett has developed his character well. Arlen is not always likeable, but he is relatable. His decision to leave the circle, while terrifying, is logical and easily understandable based on Brett’s characterisation. The reader cares about what happens to Arlen and the…

Reading A Memory of Light – SPOILERS
Audiobook reviews , Book Reviews / January 14, 2013

So, I have just finished reading A Memory of Light, the final book in the Wheel of Time. I thought the best way to review it would be to show and discuss the various texts I sent to my friend Natasha while reading. The texts were written as I was reading, the comments after I’d finished the book. I started reading from Chapter 3 as I had already read the prereleased prologue and first two chapters. There are of course spoilers for the entire book here. Proceed at your own risk: Random thoughts Surprised how much impact Moraine had on the negotiations at the Fields of Merrilor. Thought her Crowning Moment of Awesome would be at the end at Shayol Ghul Certainly, she did have a big influence on the discussions, and it’s true the Dragon’s Peace would have failed without her. However, I’m not certain these actions were worth Mat’s eye to save the world. Elayne as Commander-in-Chief of Team Light? I think not. Yes, I know she’s been trained in politics since she was a babe in arms, and I know there’s a precedent with Egwene as the youngest Amyrlin Seat ever, but really? Hold on, Lan. Team…