| Let's try this again |
[Aug. 4th, 2009|08:41 pm] |
This past week was a good one in terms of finding good stuff to read in the first from the library
Thirteen Orphans by Jane Lindskold
Backup by Jim Butcher
and from the book store
Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia
All three were "really, I have to put this down to sleep or eat" books which hasn't happened much lately and for three in one week was really surprising.
Monster Hunter International was simply a very fun read that moved right along and one can't underestimated the importance of guns... |
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| Baen's Universe February 2008 |
[Mar. 30th, 2008|11:53 am] |
(A bit behind in reading this but better late than never)
Best of Issue
End of the Line Holly Messinger
Honorable Mention
Premature Emergence by Eric James Stone
Waking Ophelia by E. Catherine Tobler
( Read more ) |
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| Long time no write |
[Mar. 30th, 2008|11:35 am] |
The Dresden Files books 1-9 by Jim Butcher
Aquamancer by Don Callander
Geomancer by Don Callander
Undertow by Elizabeth Bear (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1) matociquala)
Hammer's Slammers Volume 1 by David Drake
( Read more ) |
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| Endgame |
[Jan. 27th, 2008|10:13 am] |
by Kristine Smith (kristine_smith)
I spent the first third of the book wondering what happened to the Jani that we had met in the previous books but then she returned. There was Jani the catalyst, Jani the thorn in people's side (and butt and foot and...), Jani the doer. After the necessary setup, we were back on the thrill ride that marks the Jani books. Once again, the thrill ride ended leaving us (and Jani) breathless and Jani victorious. There is definitely the literary equivalent of a deafening crescendo when things all finally come together. I hope Smith's other project takes off as I enjoy her writing style.
Spoiler-ish things behind the cut.
( Read more ) |
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| The Promethean Age |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|11:45 am] |
Blood and Iron and Whiskey and Water by Elizabeth Bear (matociquala)
The short stories in Jim Baen's Universe as well as Bear's live journal drew me to the Promethean Age books as they were slightly outside of what my general interest is. After reading them I feel a bit undereducated and think that a bibliography for the mythos would have been a welcome addition. I am familiar with the general mythology being put forth but not quite familiar enough to really and truly appreciate how Bear is building and shaping it. I also lack any knowledge of Christopher Marlowe other than the most general and what wikipedia spits out.
( Read more ) |
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| Janet Evanovich |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|10:49 am] |
Lean Mean Thirteen and Plum Lucky
The great thing about formula fiction is that if you like the formula then you are in luck. Thirteen fits right in with the rest of the series and may actually be a bit of retrenchment. There is a lot more focus on the main cast of characters and little on the quirky supporting characters and in fact, I don't believe, no new quirky character that got more than a fleeting role.
Plum Lucky was a bit more entertaining and even laugh out loud funny in places. I think this is because it is a "between the numbers" book that Evanovich allows herself to be a more over the top and that is makes it enjoyable as opposed to the numbers books which seem to have to fit a bit more into the mystery/thriller genre than the between the numbers books. |
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| Liaden Universe Companion - Volume 2 |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|10:46 am] |
by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (rolanni and kinzel)
As always, an interesting collection of Liaden short stories filling in the back story and the small gaps in the universe. Also as always, definitely recommended. |
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| Kris Longknife: Deserter |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|10:43 am] |
by Mike Shepherd
This one may have upgraded for me the series from something to look for in used book stored and book sales to actually buying new. The characters were more interesting and seem more comfortable in their skins. The supporting characters (especially the maid Abby) have gained more depth and makes things more interesting. |
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| House of Chains |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|10:38 am] |
by Steven Erikson
The next book in the epic saga. I think I need to start keeping notes to keep track of characters since this started with characters that showed up a couple of books back. A very dense but entertaining read. I still don't think I am any closer to figuring out where this story is headed though. I have learned not to grow attached to characters as they either end up dead or radically changed the events of the story. The system of magic and gods and what not still leaves me puzzling a bit but I've given up and just go with the general thrust of things. This one wrapped up a few loose ends (primarly Sha'ik) and seemed to be setting up things for a bigger explosion in many directions with the next book. |
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| Access Denied |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|10:02 am] |
by Donna Andrews
The premise: an AI has achieved sentience and for various reasons is acting as a detective but can't do the leg work herself (I'm sort of reminded of Nero Wolfe in some ways).
A pretty decent mystery story once you stop reading the AI introspection. Having not read the other books in the series I'm not sure if Nestor Garcia is a real integral part of the story or is a just a McGuffin and if he is ever found the series would be over. |
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