Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 graphic novel adaptation by Tim Hamilton

If there was ever a book that I have claimed to have read but never actually read this is it, and technically I still have not read it, at least not the original. In starting and reading this adaptation I was hoping that it would kindle an interest somewhere inside me and motivate me to finally read Bradbury's work. Well it worked exactly like I hoped, and I can honestly say I am currently reading it now. well not right now, but you know what I mean. What really impressed me is how well this older classic book still applies to modern day. There are already scary signs that society is drifting that direction.

I look forward to reading the original and you can look forward to reading my review of it next month.

Prince of Thorns

Prince of Thorns Mark Lawrence, 324 pages

When he was 9 Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath was thrown into briar patch and forced to watch his mother and young brother slaughtered. At 12 he ran away from life at the castle and became the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By age 15 he intends to be king.


This was a very dark book, much darker than I actually expected, and despite this I felt that you just couldn't help rooting for the murderous psychopath of a main character. Even though the setting is a little unclear at times, I felt Lawrence did good job and would recommend this book to those who enjoy dark and violent fantasy.   

Blood Work and Blood Crime

Blood Work and Blood Crime by Kim Harrison, 169 and 166 pages

I didn't find out until I started reading Blood Crime that this was part of a larger series and in fact I was reading the second book in this new graphic novel adaptation. Luckily I found out within the first 30 pages or so and was able to get Blood Work sent to me. I know not every book series has to be read in order but for this one is certainly helped.

Blood Work follows the life of a living vampire detective named Ivy Tamwood as she gets paired up with a witch named Rachel Morgan. But the partnership is not everything it seems to be and in fact might be part of a sinister plot

Blood Crime continues where Blood Work left off and further develops the partnership of Rachel and Ivy while they hunt down who is trying to kill them.

Both of these graphic novels are well written and illustrated. I enjoyed reading them and when I found out that they are a spin off for a much larger Hallows series I was thrilled. I fully expect I will be reading more of these and parts of the original series in the coming year.

Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, translated by William Bentham, 167 pages

The Imitation of Christ has been attributed to many authors, but the most likely source was the 15th century Rhineland monk Thomas of Kempen, an eager practitioner of the devotio moderna, a school of spirituality which placed an emphasis on the individual pursuit of holiness.  One of the great successes of the early years of printing, it is solidly established among the classics of Western spirituality.

The book is a devotional, encouraging reflection upon the relationship between God and man.  The reader is urged to recognize the transient nature of worldly desire and cling to the eternal joys of the spirit.  The only goal is increased intimacy with God through formation of the virtues, particularly humility.

Mr. Punch

The tragical comedy or comical tragedy of Mr. Punch by Neil Gaiman, 112 pages

Having never seen a Punch and Judy show I was not sure if I would understand or enjoy this book but after the glowing recommendation from Kara K, and having liked everything Gaiman has written I gave it a try. When Kara said that it is not the story that haunts you but the imagery she was entirely correct. McKean's dark and gloomy style certainly leaves a lasting impression.

I think those that liked Gaiman's darker works would enjoy this but it should be emphasized that despite the childish theme of Punch and Judy this is in no way a book for children.

Sandman vol 6, 7 and 8

Sandman Volumes 6, 7 and 8 by Neil Gaiman, 40 pages, 256 pages, 169 pages.

A quick note. The omnibus I previously blogged about contained most of Volume 6 and therefore I am only counting the uncovered parts in this tally.

Now that the explanation is out of the way these volumes continue from where the omnibus leaves off.

In Sandman Volume 7: Brief Lives Delirium convinces her brother Dream to help her find their long missing brother Destruction. Of course, as it is with any story involving Delirium, the road to finding Destruction is a hazardous one.  This volume really fleshes out Deliriums character and shows that she is more than the airhead she seems. I should also mention that Delirium is still my favorite character.

In Sandman Volume 8: Worlds End we are treated to a collection of stories told by travelers trapped in an inn named "Worlds' End, a free house". These stories are all one shots and really have nothing to do with the actual Sandman story line but are entertaining none the less.

As I had said with the omnibus this is a fantastic series that I really enjoy and look forward to reading more of.

Color of Magic

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett, 210 pages

The Color of Magic in a lot of ways reminded me of Asimov’s Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. There were times that I was laughing, rolling my eyes, and times where I just shrugged my shoulders and said why not. The story follows a struggling wizard by the name of Rincewind as he plays tour guide to an insurance salesman from another part of the world named Twoflower. Of course there are also dragons, barbarians, heroes, thieves, assassins, sea monsters, a large turtle, elephants and an unusual trunk that follows them wherever they go. (If you have read the book you know why I included the turtle and elephants in the list.) With that kind of list you can envision the types of adventures Rincewind and Twoflower go on.

The Color of Magic is very fast paced and action packed. It is a quick read that I think most everyone would enjoy.

Sherlock Holmes Adaptations

A Study in Scarlet, Sign of the Four, and The Hound of the Baskervilles adaptations by Ian Edginton, 129, 124 and 127 pages

Having read some of Doyle's work namely the odd Sherlock Holmes novella or two, I was intrigued when I saw the first three Sherlock Holmes works had been adapted into graphic novels. I must admit I have never read these first few stories by Doyle but like most classical works they were on my list.

For those that don't know any of the Sherlock Holmes stories A Study in Scarlet is about how Holmes and Watson meet and work on a case about love and revenge. The Sign of the Four involves treasure and a mysterious group known as The Four who's lives revolve around it. Finally Hound of the Baskervilles is about a mysterious hound that is terrifying the Baskerville family line.

Much like other classics I blogged about recently I though by reading these adaptations I would be able to not only cross them off my list but save some time as well. However I can somewhat proudly say that while these graphic novels were quite good and, I am sure, covered the story but they seemed somewhat lacking. Sort of like watching a movie on television with the commercials versus watching it in a theatre. It is the same movie but less so, if you know what I mean. For that reason reading these adaptations only served to convince me all the more to read the originals. But I also look forward to seeing the rest of Holmes adapted to this form.

The Girl From The Well

The Girl From The Well by Rin Chupeco, 267 pages

This book was actually pretty creepy, especially for a young adult book. Future fans of Stephen King would probably love this book.  Based on the same legend that the movie, The Ring, was based on, a young Japanese woman who was drowned in a well has a restless spirit and her ghost has returned for revenge.  Having mellowed a little over the years, she is more discerning about who she targets, killing people who have murdered others, mostly murderers of children, often people who died by drowning, as she did.  She has attached herself to a young teen, Tarquin, who is inhabited by a malevolent but bound spirit.  There was plenty of blood and gore in this story but also a lot of psychological terror.  Teen horror fans should eat this up.

100 Sideways Miles

100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith, 277 pages

Finn is an epileptic and has been since an accident involving a falling horse, which killed his mother and broke his back.  The resulting surgery left him with an odd scar on his back which he tries to avoid having people see, especially since his father wrote a science fiction book about aliens that look like angels, but have the same scars because of having their wings removed.  These aliens feast on humans and one of them just happens to be named Finn.  Finn’s best friend is named Cade and the two of them do almost everything together.  When Finn gets a girlfriend, Julia, his life should be nearly perfect, but, of course, it’s not.  This is actually a very funny story about an everyday teen, just trying to get by.  Teens who like humorous real life stories will enjoy this.

The Year Of Chasing Dreams

The Year Of Chasing Dreams by Lurlene McDaniel, 327 pages

This is the sequel to The Year of Luminous Love.  You would certainly understand what was happening in this book without having read the first one but since almost all of the characters in this story were introduced in the first book, it might be more fun to read them in order.  This book starts soon after the first book ends.  Ciana and Eden are grieving the loss of their friend, Arie.  Eden is still thinking about ways to try to find the boy she met in Italy, Garret, and Ciana is struggling with her feelings for Jon and also with the hostility of some of the townspeople who want her to sell most of the estate to a developer.  Ciana and her mother both have to agree before anything can be sold, and Ciana is determined to hold on to her family’s land and work it, no matter what.  This is a story about a young woman coping with life, besides being a romance.  Fans of McDaniel’s books might be surprised that there is slightly less death and illness in this book than most of her stories.  There is still plenty of drama, so fans won’t be too disappointed.  Give this one to mostly teen girls who like realistic romances.

Holes

Holes by Louis Sachar, 233 pages

Although I’ve read this book before, I read it again recently because it is a favorite.  Stanley Yelnats has been sent to Camp Green Lake for stealing a pair of shoes.  He didn’t actually steal them; the shoes fell on his head and he was caught with them, but Stanley’s family has been under a curse since Stanley’s great-great-grandfather stole a pig and broke a promise many years ago.  At the camp, Stanley and the other boys are forced to dig a hole every day.  Although the Warden insists that this is a character-building exercise and nothing more, it is clear to Stanley that she is looking for something.  The reader gets both Stanley’s current story and some back story regarding Camp Green Lake.  Both stories come together in a fabulous conclusion.  As I said, this is one of my favorite stories and kids who like mostly realistic fiction with just a hint of the supernatural will love this book.

The Hangman’s Revolution

The Hangman’s Revolution by Eoin Colfer, 376 pages

This is the second book in the W.A.R.P. series and starts immediately after the end of the first book.  Chevron has returned from a mission in the past to find that present day is very different than when she originally left.  London is being run by the followers of Colonel Box, and their regime is one of intimidation and terror.  The only way to fix the present is to go back to the past and stop the Box Revolution.  At first Chevie doesn’t even realize what is happening, because she has new memories of this present, but since her old memories are also there, she has been saying and doing odd things that she doesn’t completely understand.  In the past, she once again reams up with Riley, her friend from the first book.  Together, the just might be able to stop Box and set London back on its original timeline.  I didn’t like this book as much as I liked the first book.  For some reason it didn’t hold my attention.  However, Colfer’s fans will probably like this new offering and teens who like science fiction will probably like this new series.

Visions

Visions by Kelley Armstrong, 448 pages

This is the new Cainesville novel.  Olivia, former socialite and current resident of Cainesville after finding out that she was the natural born daughter of two people convicted as serial killers, is being plagued by someone who keeps leaving parts of a dead girl for her to find.  At first, Olivia wasn’t sure the body was real.  She sees omens after all, and no one else saw the body originally, but it soon becomes clear that the body is a real person and she and Gabriel, her friend and mother’s lawyer, are trying to piece together who this woman is, who is leaving her body in Olivia’s path, and why.  In the meantime, Olivia has been trying to avoid her former fiancé and has become involved with a client of Gabriel’s, which could be a conflict of interest, since she has also started working for Gabriel.  This is a book for people who like the supernatural but has plenty of adventure, intrigue, and romance as well.  Armstrong builds a compelling story and I enjoyed this latest installment.

Prince Lestat

Prince Lestat by Anne Rice, 458 pages

I haven’t enjoyed Rice’s newer works as much as her earlier books.  This story is told mostly from the point of view of Lestat, although many other vampires and even some non-vampires are included in the tale.  Mostly, it is about the Voice that has been speaking to Lestat and many other vampires.  The Voice has been encouraging vampires to kill each other. Lestat suspects that it is Amel, the spirit inhabiting Mekare, one of the ancient vampires.  If Lestat is right, it still doesn’t explain how to stop the killing or what the Voice truly wants.  If they can’t figure it out quickly, all of the vampires may be doomed.  These books no longer really hold my attention.  I think there’s too much introspection and not enough story.  I wouldn’t recommend this to any but Rice’s most ardent fans.

Scorched

Scorched by Mari Mancusi, 343 pages

Trinity’s grandfather has discovered what he believes is a dragon’s egg.  Since he runs a museum, he is very excited.  Trinity is, of course, skeptical, at best.  The museum isn’t making any money and she is afraid that the state may take her away from her grandfather and put her in a home.  Imagine her surprise when she finds out that her grandfather is right.  The egg is a dragon’s egg and people have come back from the future, some to help her an others to kill her.  Unfortunately, she isn’t sure who to trust,  Connor, who claims he is there to save the world or his twin Caleb, who says Connor is here to kill her.  If she decides to trust the wrong people it could either mean her death or the end of the world.  This was a pretty decent new fantasy story for young adults.  It’s a little melodramatic in some parts, but overall a fun read.  Teens who like dragon stories will probably enjoy this book.

The Patron Saint of Ugly

The Patron Saint of Ugly by Marie Manilla
334 Pages

This the story of Garnet Ferrari, supposed saint of Sweetwater, West Virginia.  Born covered with birthmarks in the shape of countries, she is feared and hated by townspeople as a child until they discover that she has the ability to cure them of their afflictions.  Full of original and fully developed characters we read about Garnet's childhood and the events that surround it when the Catholic church is researching her possible sainthood.

I really enjoyed the book and recommend it. It was a little reminiscent of early John Irving novels such as Hotel New Hampshire.

Fatal Tree

The Fatal Tree by Steven Lawhead
356 Pages


The final chapter of the Bright Empire Series, the Fatal Tree opens with the Ley lines beginning to fail as the universe begins to contract and undo itself.  People begin to be displaced in time as this happens and the main characters of the series are in a race against time to find out the cause of this problem.


While the book had some bright spots, for me it was an unsatisfying conclusion to the series itself. 

Ring of Sky

Ring of Sky Chris Bradford, 363 pages

The Shogun has declared that any Christian or foreigner found outside the bounds of an official trading port will be put to death. Jack is close to Nagasaki, where he hopes to find a ship bound for England, but the Shogun's samurai are closing in led by an old enemy. 
 
The final book in Chris Bradford's young samurai series is filled with action and twists, and is probably the one of the best of the second part of the series. I enjoyed reading this series as a quick adventure story and was overall happy with the amount of detail and knowledge that the author put into a young adult series, and especially enjoyed the end.

Ring of Wind

Ring of Wind Chris Bradford, 345 pages

With the Shogun’s samurai hot on their trail Jack and his friends have only one hope of escape, to cross the Seto sea. Their journey though is fraught with fierce storms, and sharks. Along their passage they are captured by ninja pirates, and Jack is forced to work help these bloodthirsty people uncover the secrets of his fathers rutter.

While still packed with action and twists there wasn't as much character development, and the book felt a little bit like filler, though it was necessary in order to show part of Jack's journey. Overall not the best, but still worth reading if you've read the rest of the series. 

Ring of Fire

Ring of Fire Chris Bradford, 318 pages.

Seeking shelter from a snowstorm Jack is recruited by a village in need of protection a gang of bandits. Persuaded to stay and fight Jack must find some way to enlist other warriors to the villagers' aid before the bandits return which proves to be no easy task when the villagers have little to offer for help, and Jack the price on Jack's head grows higher. 

I felt like this book didn't have as much to offer the series as some of the others, there was no major strides towards Jack making it to Nagasaki, and the plot was essentially the same as The Seven Samurai. Other than that though it was just as well written as the previous books, and I did enjoy certain characters making reappearances.

The Revolutions

Revolutions by Felix Gilman
413 Pages

Arthur Shaw is caught up in a freak storm that hits London, causing tremendous damage. On the bright side it brings him into contact with Josephine who soon becomes his fiancee.  However the storm also causes the paper that Arthur works for to close permanently  leaving him desperate to find a way to make money and pay off his debts so the couple can marry.  Through Josephine, Arthur meets a man who offers him what seems to be an accounting job but soon becomes work that makes Arthur's fellow workers go mad.  The couple are quickly sucked into a magical battle between two competiting societies and when Josephine's conciousness is lost on Mars, Arthur must battle to save her. 

Part historical novel, part steampunk, the book begins strongly but get muddled and confusing in the middle.  2 stars out of 5.

Rosie Effect

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
304 Pages


In the book the Rosie Project, Don Tillman ended up marrying Rosie and the couple moved to New York to start a new life together.  Don is adapting quite well to life with Rosie when she announces that she  is pregnant.  Suddenly Don must revamp all of his expectations and negotiate a minefield of new situations and emotions he doesn't quite understand.  A series of misunderstandings leads to what could be the end of the relationship between Don and Rosie.

While I enjoyed the book I didn't think it was quite as good as the first novel by Simsion.  Mainly I felt this way because I though Rosie should know Don's quirks and manners by now and not become so bent out of shape by his actions. 

Rooms

Rooms by Lauren Oliver
303 Pages

When Richard Walker dies, his estranged family returns to the house he lived in, a house currently haunted by two ghosts.  His ex-wife Caroline, teenage son Trenton, and daughter Minna begin the process of packing up Richard's belongings  and the ghosts Alice and Sandra act as peeping toms on their lives and secrets.  But the ghosts have secrets of their own, secrets that tie them to the house.    When a new ghost arrives the status quo is upset and secrets begin to come out.

Strongly recommended, this book was one of the picks in LibraryReads. 

Turning Season

Turning Season by Sharon Shinn
341 Pages

 A Shifting circle novel continues the story of a community of shapeshifters.  Karadel is one such shapeshifter who is unable to control when she shifts and what animal she becomes.  Her circle of friends and fellow shapeshifters are threatened by a series of events that might expose their secret.


Sharon Shinn is a local author and I've pretty much enjoyed everything she has written.  While I'm not a huge fan of the Shifting Circle novels,  they are still an enjoyable read.

Shadow Lamp

Shadow Lamp by Steve Lawhead
388 Pages

The fourth book of the Bright Empires series begins to wrap up the series as the heroes try to find the link between the Shadow Lamp, the Skin Map, and the Spirit Well.   They must do this quickly as the Zetetic society has determined that the universe's expansion is slowing and quite possibly reversing which could mean the end of everything. 

Finally the books start to answer some questions and wrap up storylines which helps to reduce the convoluted plot.

H.P. Lovecraft: Tales

H.P. Lovecraft: Tales by H.P. Lovecraft, 578 of 807 pages read

My dad would sometimes give me short stories to read as a child, and "Cool Air" by Lovecraft was one that always stuck with me. First, I hadn't read any Lovecraft since childhood, so I figured I'd revisit his works. Second, I also used to have a black cat named Cathulu (a feline appropriate rendition of Cthulhu) but I had never actually read "The Call of Cthulhu", so I felt like it needed to happen. Third, Lovecraft is considered one of the grandfathers of horror, and I have a special place in my heart for good horror. His stuff does, however, also have a sci-fantasy element to it.
I started reading this from the beginning, but then I started jumping around, reading different stories. After the first few, I honestly started to feel like each story was the same as the last. I didn't anticipate feeling this way. Lovecraft style and wording starting feeling too repetitive, which is why I didn't actually end up finishing this book. Some of the stories were also not very short, and seemed to just drag on for too long.
I enjoyed what I did read, and he definitely had a knack for creating elaborate scenes and describing in great detail the mythical beings he dreamed up for his writing. However, he didn't have enough in his head to keep from being repetitive.
I looked up Lovecraft's personal life as I sometimes do when reading an author I know little about, and I found that his works did not actually become the cult classics they've become until well after his death. He died a sad, lonely, penniless man. If only he knew how influential his work was and how many different ways Cthulhu would be referenced and drawn later on.
All in all, Lovecraft is essential for any fan of horror, and anyone who appreciates an author with a vivid imagination. Others who read his work might not find him quite as repetitive as I did.

The Dinner

The Dinner by Herman Koch, 304 pages

This book was strongly recommended by a fellow blogger who, to build suspense, will remain nameless. While she has yet to recommend a bad book, I was not sure what to make of a novel that happens entirely around a restaurant dinner table. But what starts out as a slow novel with all of the building of the characters and their personas, eventually spirals into a dark and sinister finish. There are several hints provided throughout the novel that allude to the ending but I didn't find them to be so over done as to spoil it.

By the end I found myself liking the books delivery and pace even if the message behind it is so horribly wrong. I would have thought it difficult to convey an entire mystery and suspense story through a dinner conversation but Koch certainly pulled it off.

Though I must admit I, at times, found myself wondering if the was an underlying reason or secret behind the forceful recommendation of this book.

Ring of Water

Ring of Water Chris Bradford, 304 pages

Jack Fletcher wakes up bruised and beaten in a roadside inn. He has lost everything, including his memory of what happened. Determined to figure out what happened to him he sets off to retrieve his belongings. With only his training and a washed up Ronin for help, Jack must piece together what happened while evading the Shogun's samurai who are still searching for him.

So far I feel this is one of the better books in this series, Bradford does a good job of describing his characters as well as their situations and actions. The story itself is fast enough paced, while not becoming jumbled or incoherent and provides plenty of action and adventure that make this series worth reading.

Humanism, Reform, and the Reformation

Humanism, Reform, and the Reformation: The Career of Bishop John Fisher, edited by Brendan Bradshaw and Eamon Duffy, 225 pages

St John Fisher was the Bishop of Rochester from 1504 until his death in 1535, and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge during the same period.  Renowned as a humanist and patron of scholars, friends with Erasmus of Rotterdam, Johann Maier von Eck, and St Thomas More, Fisher stubbornly refused to recognize Henry VIII as Supreme Head of the Church of England, and was executed on the same day as More.

This book, a compilation of papers presented at a Cambridge symposium in 1985, examines the various facets of Fisher's multifaceted life, including his impact on the University, his pastoral style as bishop, his apologetical work against Luther, and his resistance to royal absolutism.  The figure revealed escapes easy categorization - neither a progressive nor a reactionary, with one foot in the humanist world of letters and the other in the scholastic world of ideas.  Above all, it reveals Fisher to have been thoroughly human, as all saints are.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Will Grayson, Will Grayson
by John Green & David Levithan, 310 pages

This book's been on my 'too read' list since it came out. After Tiger recently reviewed it, I decided I needed to finally read it. I rarely read young adult novels, but I do enjoy them in general.
The overall story was entertaining and the message being conveyed came through loud and clear. However, I had a couple issues with this book.
1. I really thought the authors tried to cram too many types of characters into one book. Gay, goth, terribly depressed, super fat kid, etc. Maybe it's just me, but I felt they could have spent less effort on that and more on just developing a couple more intricately. 
2. Although the above details were mentioned, there wasn't much to really give you a feel for how the characters looked. Everyone might not care about this, but I like to have a little something to give me a picture in my head of the characters. For some reason, I pictured nothing.
There are so many books out there now for teens that deal with being gay. I don't know if this is because so many teens are coming out or if it was just a niche that needed to be filled, but I think it's a good thing. When I was in high school, there were kids who were gay, but they did not come out until they left high school and the town, for good. I grew up in a very rural area though, so I know this was a factor. I wonder, however, if it might have been a little different if books such as these were accessible for those teens to read and relate to.
Anyway, though I thought a few things could be improved upon, I did still enjoy reading this, and it was a quick read, as teen novels tend to be.

The Big Book of Hair Metal

Big Book of Hair Metal: The Illustrated Oral History of Heavy Metal's Debauched Decade
by Martin Popoff, 23 out of 221 pages

I was still pretty high from reading Mad World when I selected this, so I was excited for another oral history related to a musical genre. Unfortunately, this book did not hold my interest even remotely as well. This book was set up starting with the decade of the 60s with some outline of the influence of hair metal (both hair metal and new wave took inspiration from black blues musicians in the 60s), continuing with the decade of the 70s (both also took inspiration from British glam) and then of course detailing each year of the 80s, where hair metal reached its heyday (also new wave's heyday). The way this book was organized was not that great, as it had lots of timelines with uninteresting details, album cover pictures scattered throughout, and it was very text heavy. None of these details are really that terrible, but I realized as I was reading this that I was never really a big hair metal fan. I could remember some of the big radio singles, but it was never really a genre that appealed to me. I do like seeing photos of anorexic dudes with huge hair and lots of makeup, similar to many of the new wave artists I adored. The hair metal guys did have a distinct feature, in that they wore lots of skin tight leather and many sported very high heeled platform boots. So, I did flip through the whole book so I could at least see all the photos. But even those weren't really that great.
If you were a true hair metal fan, this book might appeal to you a little more than it did me. If nothing else, it's good for a giggle.

Ring of Earth

Ring of Earth Chris Bradford, 319 pages

Masamoto has banished by the new Shogun and Jack is now on the run with a price on his head. All foreigners have been banished to remain is death and many have failed to make it to the ships in Nagasaki.While attempting to avoid capture by samurai Jack is captures and taken to village of ninjas, whom Jack blames for the death of his father. After much inner turmoil Jack decides to undergo ninja training, believing it will help him get to Nagasaki.

This book picks up nicely where the previous book left off with Jack leaving his friends, and continues to be a fun quick read for anyone who enjoys action and adventure, and want a break from all the supernatural young adult fiction.

Way of the Dragon

Way of the Dragon Chris Bradford, 503 pages

Japan is threatened with the war, samurai are taking sides, and soon Jacks training will be put to the test. With his father's book in the hands of Dragon Eye Jack's only hope for survival and returning home depends on mastering the Two Heavens, the sword technique of his mentor Masamoto Takeshi.

I enjoyed this book, I felt that Bradford took his time with this third book and while it lacks in some areas such as character development, it makes up for it with well written scenes and and plot twists. Overall I thought it was about average compared to the rest of the series, and definitely aimed more towards young adult.   

Shadows over Baker Street

Shadows over Baker Street, 446 pages

Shadows over Baker Street is everything it advertises itself as, which is Sherlock Holmes with Lovecraftian themes. Of course by Lovecrafitan it means Cthulhu, Innsmouthians and other macabre themes. Much like the original Holmes collection, this book is a collection of short stories, though these are written by a collaboration of different authors.

What I really liked about Shadows over Baker Street is that each and every story holds up. Where before with collections like this I would highlight the ones that I really liked and shame the ones I thought fell short here they were all good, for a Holmes novella. By that I mean they all rely on Holmes knowing more than everyone else and in some cases more than it seems likely he should know. But that is what makes a Holmes novel, well that and the brilliant deductions he comes up with. That being said I think these could have been better with the clues to the ending or what was going on spaced through the novella so that the reader could solve the case as well.

If you like the writings of Lovecraft I think you would enjoy this book though it is not as dark. If you like the Sherlock Holmes series and at least can tolerate some of the bizarre then I would say give this a try.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice, Manga adaptation by Stacy E. King, 377 pages

Pride and Prejudice is one of those classics that commonly appear on top books to read or books to read before you die. It is also one of those books that whenever someone starts talking about it I tried to fake that I might have read it. Well I still have not read the original but now at least I know enough of the characters and plot that I can discuss it without looking foolish.

Pride and Prejudice was originally written by Jane Austen and is definitely considered a classical work. It follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet and to a lesser degree her sister Jane as they explore and experience manners, morality and marriage. The book is rife with misunderstandings and misconceptions that while in that time period helped explore morality, today would be of little consequence. It is odd to see the things that back then would prevent a marriage such as family stature and wealth. While that still likely exists among the higher societies in todays time, it does nothing to associate it with the common reader.

I was hoping that by reading this manga adaptation I would then feel motivated to read the original. Sadly it had the opposite reaction. I now feel that I have read enough to be able to talk about the book and the morals that go with it and no longer need to read the original. Maybe someone will be able to convince me otherwise in the comments

Constantine Hellblazer Volumes 1-4

Original Sins, Devil You Know, Fear Machine and Family Man by Jamie Delano, 304, 264, 240 and 277 pages

These first four volumes in the Constantine Hellblazer series represent the print issues 1-32 and cover the early years of Constantine's existence (1988-1990). While I have read some comics through the years I have never been a big fan of reading a series from start to finish. Nor had I really heard of John Constantine until the semi recent movie starring Keanu Reeves. Since then there has been a reboot of the Constantine comics and also a television series. Both of these try to bring Constantine into the modern world but I feel they lose some of their grittiness in doing so.

The Hellblazer series obviously follows the life and career of John Constantine as he learns about and combats the growing dark forces. While this is sort of the theme to every comic and superhero Constantine's attitude and approach is what sets him apart. While he will morn the death of a friend or associate he still frequently throws them in harms way either as bait or through his inexperience. The fact that you also see him smoke constantly, get drunk and generally skate by while mooching off his friends helps him seem like a normal person. Since this series reached 300 issues I guess that imaging worked.

If you like darker, almost horror, comics or if you liked the Constantine movie than I recommend you give this series a try.

The Necromancer's House

The Necromancer's House by Christopher Buehlman
410 Pages

Andrew Blankenship is a recovering alcoholic and a practicing warlock whose specialty is to be able to speak with the dead through film. When one of his friends kills a Russian guy, he finds himself the target of a monster from Russian folklore who is determine to end his comfortable life as well as the lives of his friends and acquaintances. 

 A well executed book with a lot of detail.  I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.

A Wedding on Ladybug Farm

A Wedding on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball
359 Pages

I started reading this series a long time ago and  the only way I could classify it is as a Hallmark/Lifetime sort of book.  Normally I wouldn't read this type of book but I think I'm fascinated with the idea of finding an old house and uncovering mysteries while rehabbing it.

The series follows the adventures of three women who started their second lives by blending their households and buying an old mansion and farm in the Shenandoah Valley. In this book, Lindsay is getting married while Bridget and Cici struggle to understand the motives of their grown children.

The Burning Room

The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
388 Pages

Harry Bosch returns with a new partner and a new cold case to solve.   When a shooting victim dies years after being show, the death is deemed murder.  Bosch and his partner Lucia Soto must start examining the evidence to see if they can find who committed this crime in an apparent drive-by shooting. 


Michael Connelly write excellent police procedural  and this one does not fail to to satisfy.

The Day She Died

The Day She Died by Catriona McPherson
301 Pages

Jessie Constable lives a quiet life, working part-time in the local thrift shop.  She becomes involved with Gus King when he becomes upset in the local supermarket.  Soon she is living with Gus and taking care of his two children.  But as time progresses, the story Gus is telling her doesn't match up with mounting evidence. 

I found it to be fairly obvious what had happened and as a reader wanted to hit Jessie over the head with her obliviousness to what was apparent.  It should be noted that the writing style was strong enough for me to finish the book however. 

The Lesser Dead

The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman
362 Pages


This is a vampire story of a young 14 year old vampire who lives underground in New York city.  Joey Peacock relates the vampiric lore of this novel and his creation story.  The group of vampires he lives with become embroiled in a mystery of a group of children vampires who suddenly appear and start killing off large quantities of people, an act which might get the society noticed. 

A good horror story with original plotting. 

Florence Gordon

Florence Gordon by Brian Morton
306 Pages

Florence Gordon is a feminist writer who was prominent in the 60's and who now at the age of 74 is experiencing a resurgence of popularity when she receives a laudatory review in the New York Review of Books.  She is a plain spoken, sometimes harsh woman who does and says exactly what she wants without worrying about what other people think.  Her family has come to New York for a short time and Florence starts to get to know her granddaughter.  However, everyone in the family holds a secret and we see how these secrets effect their relationships.

Florence is a somewhat likeable character despite her gruff style and we see a thawing toward her granddaughter that doesn't descend into a hallmark-like ending.