Monday, March 4, 2013
Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter
This is a remarkable first novel by a woman who writes like the poet she began as. This novel reads like a work of non-fiction; the characters were so real to me. I must admit the ending wasn't as shocking as it may have been to some people, I had it figured out quite a bit sooner than I like. That being said, the detail Ms. Harter wove into that ending was a work of art. I found myself rooting for Samantha to succeed through this entire book. I highly recommend this book for it's realism, which earned it 4 smiles from this amateur reviewer.
The Hard Way by Lee Child
I was apprehensive to pick up a Jack Reacher novel, as I have heard mixed reviews from colleagues. This book was delivered to me in a Reader's Digest set of four, and I'm not one to turn down a free book.
The story is fast paced and loaded with action. I see the appeal of this popular leading man, he is exciting and powerful. The plot was nice and unpredictable, which I adore. I found myself racing Jack to piece together the mystery, turning page after page to follow his remarkable trail. I was even satisfied when he beat me to the solution, since predictable novels frustrate me. Overall I give this book 4 smiles and a wink for an ending I didn't figure out. I can honestly say I'll pick up another Jack Reacher novel in the future. Nice work, Mr. Child, nice work.
The story is fast paced and loaded with action. I see the appeal of this popular leading man, he is exciting and powerful. The plot was nice and unpredictable, which I adore. I found myself racing Jack to piece together the mystery, turning page after page to follow his remarkable trail. I was even satisfied when he beat me to the solution, since predictable novels frustrate me. Overall I give this book 4 smiles and a wink for an ending I didn't figure out. I can honestly say I'll pick up another Jack Reacher novel in the future. Nice work, Mr. Child, nice work.
Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson
Ah, Alex Cross. You were the first James Patterson character I ever loved. The first detective to draw me in and make my addiction to detective novels something of legend around my friends and family. The first of many reasons why James Patterson became my personal hero. 20 books into the series Mr. Patterson is continuing to throw you into situations that make my heart pound against my ribs. I could not put this one down and I enjoyed every minute of the ride with Mr. Cross courtesy of Mr. Patterson.
However, it was not my favorite Alex Cross book (a prestigious title that would have to belong to "Roses are Red"). That being said, anyone who knows James Patterson knows it's not only the heroes who make his stories amazing. Patterson has a strange ability to bring your deepest fears to life in his villains. They are completely realistic, yet scary and twisted enough to lose sleep over. This was no different. In fact, this crop of villains will be haunting my imagination for months or years to come. 4 smiles for the author that can do no wrong.
However, it was not my favorite Alex Cross book (a prestigious title that would have to belong to "Roses are Red"). That being said, anyone who knows James Patterson knows it's not only the heroes who make his stories amazing. Patterson has a strange ability to bring your deepest fears to life in his villains. They are completely realistic, yet scary and twisted enough to lose sleep over. This was no different. In fact, this crop of villains will be haunting my imagination for months or years to come. 4 smiles for the author that can do no wrong.
Nevermore by James Patterson
This one was billed as "the final Maximum Ride novel". For that reason alone, I put off reading it. Maximum Ride and her flock have been a staple of my classroom library for years because of her spunk and perseverance We have used her books for lessons on plot, theme, mood, and even life-lessons on bullying. James has really brought Max to life for me, and I hated to say good-bye.
However, if all good things must come to an end then I'm glad Mr. Patterson ended this series in this way. The finale of this amazing young adult science fiction series brought all the action you'd expect, the drama and suspense from the previous book (Angel), a little romance, and of course laughter. Once again I'm in awe of the writing style of my personal hero and grateful to be able to read his work regularly. 5 giant smiles for a satisfying end to an amazing series.
However, if all good things must come to an end then I'm glad Mr. Patterson ended this series in this way. The finale of this amazing young adult science fiction series brought all the action you'd expect, the drama and suspense from the previous book (Angel), a little romance, and of course laughter. Once again I'm in awe of the writing style of my personal hero and grateful to be able to read his work regularly. 5 giant smiles for a satisfying end to an amazing series.
Chosen by Heather Fleener
Ancients of Light #1
It's probably not Heather Fleener's fault I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I think I'm about burned out on vampire stories, honestly. Probably because so many of those have crossed my path lately, it fell short of what I was looking for and instead flopped around in the "predictable" stage. I found the book to be unnecessarily lust-filled (and I'm not exactly a prude) and lacking in plot twists. In other words, boring. However, I like Kaitriana as a main character. I do find myself captivated by the language choices made by our author, leaving me to believe that Heather Fleener has more in her than what this book gives us. I'll be looking for more from her, hopefully something less mainstream. 2 smiles, and even that's generous.
"I find the notion of taming a hellcat like you rather pleasurable." -Cade
It's probably not Heather Fleener's fault I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I think I'm about burned out on vampire stories, honestly. Probably because so many of those have crossed my path lately, it fell short of what I was looking for and instead flopped around in the "predictable" stage. I found the book to be unnecessarily lust-filled (and I'm not exactly a prude) and lacking in plot twists. In other words, boring. However, I like Kaitriana as a main character. I do find myself captivated by the language choices made by our author, leaving me to believe that Heather Fleener has more in her than what this book gives us. I'll be looking for more from her, hopefully something less mainstream. 2 smiles, and even that's generous.
"I find the notion of taming a hellcat like you rather pleasurable." -Cade
Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase
Jade Calhoun, Book 1
This mystery about a haunted apartment started very, very slow. Jade Calhoun is introduced to us as a character with a strange gift, she's an empath. Never one to shy away from supernatural gift stories, I loved this idea. I found myself wishing I knew more about Jade; though perhaps this is the idea since it will evidently be a recurring character. The author seemed to hit her stride midway through the novel and really got into an ending I loved. If you can get through the beginning of the book you're in for an ending that will keep you talking for awhile. Enjoyable, for sure. Overall, 3 smiles.
This mystery about a haunted apartment started very, very slow. Jade Calhoun is introduced to us as a character with a strange gift, she's an empath. Never one to shy away from supernatural gift stories, I loved this idea. I found myself wishing I knew more about Jade; though perhaps this is the idea since it will evidently be a recurring character. The author seemed to hit her stride midway through the novel and really got into an ending I loved. If you can get through the beginning of the book you're in for an ending that will keep you talking for awhile. Enjoyable, for sure. Overall, 3 smiles.
Double Dare by Rhonda Nelson
If you're not new to this blog you know one of the things I really enjoy about a book is characters that seem real; you can relate to them. This great little book had that, big time. Louisa Honeycut and Sam Rawlins came alive for me in this little romance. They jumped right out of the pages and grabbed my attention. For me, that pushed this typical cheap romance up a level and earned it a 3 smile rating from me. If you're interested in romance novels, I'd go with this one.
Invisible by Lorena McCourtney
Ivy Malone Series #1
Just when you thought all crime-solving novels were starting to sound the same, Ivy Malone entered the scene. I found myself in that cliche position, using only the edge of my seat, during most of this fast-paced story. Ivy is NOT your typical crime solver and she is absolutely who I want to be when I am an "older" lady. I loved every minute of this book and will scour the shelves for anything else by Lorena McCourtney.
Whether your passion is mystery or just hilarity, I would highly recommend this book. 5 big smiles, 1 wink for a twist ending, and my whole-hearted endorsement of the Ivy Malone series are the results of this great free nook book find.
Only Us by Susan Mallery
This is a short story, probably best for the sappy romance crowd. It won't take you more than 15 minutes to breeze through this one and it will certainly leave you with a smile on your face. A quick could-be-real love story to revel in. I enjoyed it for what it is, but it's only a 2 smile kind of story.
Hollowmen by Amanda Hocking
A few fellow book-addicts suggested I give the sequel to Hollowland (which I previously rated only 2 smiles for flat characters) a try, claiming I was a bit hard on the author. They aren't going to be happy with this review: the sequel is a depressingly terrible conclusion to an already weak story. I found myself thinking "why did I read this" on more than one occasion. The story of Remy (who I don't feel any closer to after this second book, by the way) continues on in a rather rambling fashion. I wanted her story to have depth and complexity, but found it more "fairy tale" and obvious this time around. I'm truly saddened to do this to a book by an author I admire, but I have to say 1 smile for this sequel. Feel free to comment if you disagree.
Hollowland by Amanda Hocking
Advertised as a young-adult novel about the days following a zombie apocalypse, this book sounded action-packed. Admittedly I usually shy away from zombie novels; I wish I had stuck with that instinct. I'm an Amanda Hocking fan from previous novels but I found myself heavily disappointed in the lack of depth to her characters this time. Remy is dull, at best. I found myself unable to follow her logic and lacking love for her. It forced the plot to fall flat for me. There were also a few too many moments that felt too "adult" for the audience that we were advertising to here. 2 smiles for the idea itself, but that's the best I can do.
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson
Tandy Angel is being accused of an atrocious murder. The story that follows her is one only James Patterson could pen; one of twists I didn't see coming and a plot I absolutely fell in love with. Tandy herself is the perfect heroine for the young adult audience this was intended for. She is intelligent, curious, determined, and sassy; reminiscent of other teenage main characters Patterson has created in previous novels. Overall, this book earns a plot-twist wink and a hearty 5 smiles for being a must read for any age!
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