Some time after its publication, The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith was revealed to have been written by none other than J.K. Rowling. It was published under a pseudonym to allow the book to stand on its own merits and not that of its author. Until the revelation, it was selling slowly but surely and gathering positive reviews. It is difficult, if not impossible, to review this book without being aware of its authorship now that the secret is out. I would like to think though that I would have enjoyed the book as much whoever wrote it. It is a solidly written book, much more engaging than The Casual Vacancy which was written officially by Rowling. The Cuckoo’s Calling tells the story of Cormoran Strike, an ex-SIB private investigator hired to look into the apparent suicide of model Lula Landry. Initially it appears an open and shut case of suicide, but Strike’s client, Landry’s brother John Bristow believes she was murdered. Strike is ably aided and abetted by his temporary secretary, Robin. What I liked Meticulous planning. One of Rowling’s strengths as a writer is her detailed, long-term planning. In Harry Potter, minor throwaway lines in book…
Some time after its publication, The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith was revealed to have been written by none other than J.K. Rowling. It was published under a pseudonym to allow the book to stand on its own merits and not that of its author. Until the revelation, it was selling slowly but surely and gathering positive reviews. It is difficult, if not impossible, to review this book without being aware of its authorship now that the secret is out. I would like to think though that I would have enjoyed the book as much whoever wrote it. It is a solidly written book, much more engaging than The Casual Vacancy which was written officially by Rowling. The Cuckoo’s Calling tells the story of Cormoran Strike, an ex-SIB private investigator hired to look into the apparent suicide of model Lula Landry. Initially it appears an open and shut case of suicide, but Strike’s client, Landry’s brother John Bristow believes she was murdered. Strike is ably aided and abetted by his temporary secretary, Robin. What I liked Meticulous planning. One of Rowling’s strengths as a writer is her detailed, long-term planning. In Harry Potter, minor throwaway lines in book two…
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve is a historical novel that tells the story of Stella Bain, a young American woman serving as a volunteer in WWI France who wakes up in hospital one day with no memory of her identity or her past. It follows her struggle to discover who she is and then to reclaim her life. What I liked Engaging characters. I really enjoyed reading about the character of Stella and those who help and hinder her. She was well written and I felt absorbed in her story. The actions and reactions of the characters seemed authentic and consistent. I am not familiar with shellshock, but I can easily imagine its playing out as it did in Stella Bain. Beautifully drawn setting. The setting changes from a WWI field hospital to post war London and America, and each of them was wonderfully detailed and described. Each was very different, but well written. Nicely executed concept. Sometimes amnesia story lines can be very cheesy – think Teri Bauer in 24 – but it was well grounded and developed in Stella Bain. I’m not personally familiar with the psychology behind shellshock, but I felt the author had done her homework…
Stella Bain by Anita Shreve is a historical novel that tells the story of Stella Bain, a young American woman serving as a volunteer in WWI France who wakes up in hospital one day with no memory of her identity or her past. It follows her struggle to discover who she is and then to reclaim her life. What I liked Engaging characters. I really enjoyed reading about the character of Stella and those who help and hinder her. She was well written and I felt absorbed in her story. The actions and reactions of the characters seemed authentic and consistent. I am not familiar with shellshock, but I can easily imagine its playing out as it did in Stella Bain. Beautifully drawn setting. The setting changes from a WWI field hospital to post war London and America, and each of them was wonderfully detailed and described. Each was very different, but well written. Nicely executed concept. Sometimes amnesia story lines can be very cheesy – think Teri Bauer in 24 – but it was well grounded and developed in Stella Bain. I’m not personally familiar with the psychology behind shellshock, but I felt the author had done her homework…
OK I admit it, after reading The Shadowhunter’s Codex, I gave in and dipped back into The Mortal Instruments, even though I have lots of books I should be reading, and, quite frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. Reading for me is a real pleasure, and so I choose to read what I want to read, not always what I should. I have burned through City of Ash and intend to marathon my way through City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls. My review of City of Bones wasn’t all that glowing, but City of Ashes builds on the aspects I loved – the pacing, the worldbuilding, the clear goals – and strongly improved on the things I didn’t enjoy so much – the characters. My conclusion was that although CoB wasn’t great, it did sow some seeds for a great series, and City of Ashes fulfils that promise. If you didn’t enjoy City of Bones, please give City of Ashes a try – it’s well worth it. What I liked The worldbuilding. One of Cassandra Clare’s real strengths as a writer is her worldbuilding. The world of the Shadowhunters is so beautifully…
OK I admit it, after reading The Shadowhunter’s Codex, I gave in and dipped back into The Mortal Instruments, even though I have lots of books I should be reading, and, quite frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. Reading for me is a real pleasure, and so I choose to read what I want to read, not always what I should. I have burned through City of Ash and intend to marathon my way through City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls. My review of City of Bones wasn’t all that glowing, but City of Ashes builds on the aspects I loved – the pacing, the worldbuilding, the clear goals – and strongly improved on the things I didn’t enjoy so much – the characters. My conclusion was that although CoB wasn’t great, it did sow some seeds for a great series, and City of Ashes fulfils that promise. If you didn’t enjoy City of Bones, please give City of Ashes a try – it’s well worth it. What I liked The worldbuilding. One of Cassandra Clare’s real strengths as a writer is her worldbuilding. The world of the Shadowhunters is so beautifully…
One Great Year tells the story of lovers Marcus and Theron and spurned suitor Helghul who are from the lost world of Atitala (Atlantis). Marcus and Theron take on the role of Emissary, spiritual guide and leader to guide the world through One Great Year, the countless millennia while the world moves from a dark Iron Age to turn once again to a Golden Age. Helghul acts as the counterbalance to this goal. After the initial setup, for a good three quarters of this book I became increasingly frustrated and disengaged. My biggest issue was that I really, really didn’t like the protagonist, Marcus. He starts off the book as whiny and self absorbed, unable to look beyond the separation from his love. Several millennia and several cyclical regenerations later, the book finds him still whiny, still self absorbed and still obsessed with Theron. What made it worse for me was his neglect of his sacred duty as Emissary – I had the impression that, as far as he was concerned, the world could turn to custard if he could be with his Theron. I became really frustrated at the lack of character development for Marcus. In terms…
One Great Year tells the story of lovers Marcus and Theron and spurned suitor Helghul who are from the lost world of Atitala (Atlantis). Marcus and Theron take on the role of Emissary, spiritual guide and leader to guide the world through One Great Year, the countless millennia while the world moves from a dark Iron Age to turn once again to a Golden Age. Helghul acts as the counterbalance to this goal. After the initial setup, for a good three quarters of this book I became increasingly frustrated and disengaged. My biggest issue was that I really, really didn’t like the protagonist, Marcus. He starts off the book as whiny and self absorbed, unable to look beyond the separation from his love. Several millennia and several cyclical regenerations later, the book finds him still whiny, still self absorbed and still obsessed with Theron. What made it worse for me was his neglect of his sacred duty as Emissary – I had the impression that, as far as he was concerned, the world could turn to custard if he could be with his Theron. I became really frustrated at the lack of character development for Marcus. In terms…
My review of Irianeth
Irianeth is the twelfth and final book in Robillard’s Chevaliers d’Emeraude, (Knights of Emerald) series. In her native Quebec and also France Anne Robillard has a following like that of George R.R. Martin, complete with conventions and banquets, music and merchandise. The series is, as of yet, not available in English, which is a real shame – it is a brilliant high fantasy series with compelling characters and wonderful worldbuilding. If Anne or any publishing houses are reading this, please, please publish this series in English so that fans the world over can share this fantastic tale. However, as there is no English language version available, I will have to review the series for you. In terms of plot, Knights of Emerald follows a pretty standard fantasy trope: the Dark Emperor wants to take over the continent of Enkidiev and destroy it and, only the Knights of Emerald and their allies stand in his way. Naturally, there is a prophecy predicting his downfall with both sides using magical means to ensure/prevent its fulfilment. There are twelve books in the series of which Irianeth is the final one. Although there is the overarching plotline of the final prophesied confrontation with the…