Category Archives: Book Review

A Man Called Horse by Dorothy M. Johnson

Book Review,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: A Man Called Horse
Author: Dorothy M. Johnson
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 10th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: She complained loudly that her daughter had let herself go too cheap.

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Synopsis

He wanted to become a man. But, instead, he became a horse.

Thoughts

I actually wouldn’t mind seeing the film that apparently exists because of this short story. It’s a nice, interesting and pleasant journey. Nothing that would completely change my world. But definitely enjoyable and probably worth seeing. In fact, I think that this is probably my favourite short story in the The Mammoth Book of Westerns collection so far. There was just something intriguing and fun about it.

I’m not really sure why I find this such a cheerful easy read – it’s a little dark considering the man called horse is kidnapped and there’s death and murder. And just all sorts of nonsense. But something about it just felt easy and comfortable. Definitely the kind of story that isn’t overly cheerful, but I still felt was weirdly comfortable (we just won’t read too much into that).

The part of the story that I think stuck with me most in this short story was the way in which Horse is able to grow. This is a pretty unique and intriguing coming of age story at its roots are in an experience that is not at all expected or typical. But it was most definitely enjoyable. I love how Horse grows from a boy who wants to be a man to a man who is just comfortable with who he is.

<- The ColtGreat Medicine ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Broken Paper Hearts by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Broken Paper Hearts (InCryptid, #0.13) by Seanan McGuire

Title: Broken Paper Hearts
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #0.13
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 10th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Seanan McGuire
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: We have to take her home now.

Synopsis

Valentine’s Day has come to Buckley Township. For Alice, that means cupcakes and paper hearts. For Jonathan, it means sleepless nights and fear, because Fran hasn’t come home.

Everything ends eventually. No matter how much you hope that it won’t.

Everything ends.

Thoughts

This is. My heart. My heart. My heart.

That’s pretty much the entirety of this review – this tiny little, short as, almost non existent short story just completely tore my heart out and then stomped on it. Just for a bit of good measure.

I’ve actually never had a short story make me cry. That was a very new experience… I think this was about seven pages – and they made me weep. Again. My heart.

I get that everything ends, and this had to too. But, without giving anything away. Seriously McGuire! WHY? Did THIS have to end now?

My heart.

<- Snakes and LaddersThe Star of New Mexico ->

Image source: Goodreads

Snakes and Ladders by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Snakes and Ladders (InCryptid, #0.12) by Seanan McGuire

Title: Snakes and Ladders
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #0.12
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 7th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Seanan McGuire
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “Damn mice.”

Synopsis

There’s nothing that little girls love more on Halloween than going trick or treating with their mother, a sackful of talking pantheistic mice, and their dead babysitter. All right, maybe there are a lot of things that little girls love more, but for Alice Healy, a nice out with her beloved mama and her favorite ghost is just about perfect.

Right up until someone snatches her off of a porch, that is.

For Alice, this is the most terrifying thing that has ever happened. For Fran, this is the end of the world, and something she may not survive; if she doesn’t get her little girl back, she may be joining Mary in the grave. And for the snake cult that grabbed Alice, this may be the chance that they’ve been waiting for…

It’s tricks and treats on a Buckley Halloween, and this time, there are more than just the usual masked monsters roaming the streets.

Thoughts

Alice is just the cutest character I’ve read in a long time. Alright, she’s going to grow up into a pretty kick ass woman by the time the full-length novels roll around. But in this short story? Yeah. She’s damn cute. And adorable. And just so funny. I love how she pretty much takes everything in her stride and just rolls with all of the insanity which is happening in her life.

Being an Aussie, I’ve never been too involved in the whole Trick or Treating thing… but this short story definitely gave me a whole new dimension of understanding. Alright, I get that this isn’t what is normally meant by trick or treating. But I still loved that the Halloween spirit was bought into this story in the typical, slightly insane InCryptid manner.

In Discount Armageddon, snake cults are mentioned a few times. This was a much better introduction to the cults – so it might have been useful to read this before actually reading the novel. I love how McGuire has been able to construct a world in which each of the short stories are introducing a new cryptid and drawing you further and further into her fantastic world building.

<- Bury Me in SatinBroken Paper Hearts ->

Image source: Goodreads

Why She Left by Kenton Bartlett

Book Review,
Overview
Why She Left by Kenton Bartlett

Title: Why She Left
Author: Kenton Bartlett
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Dates read: 19th July – 6th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Publisher: Lulu.com
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: She thanks me for the picture and tells me I’m precious.

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Synopsis

This is the story about why she left, and every relationship before and after.

With themes of loneliness, infatuation, and heartbreak – and a harsh learning curve from ages 9 to 30 – this deeply personal, semi-fictional autobiography will make you remember everyone you’ve ever loved as the author shares his gruelling pursuit towards romantic fulfilment.

Thoughts

I found this novel completely self indulgent. Which sounds kind of bad, but I don’t actually mean it in that manner. There is something about the indulgence of telling ones’ own story that works perfectly in Bartlett’s writing. Normally I get frustrated by self indulgent stories. But in the case of this, I actually found that I kind of loved it…

I loved the brutal honesty in this story – it was a little intense at points, but I really enjoyed the ways in which this highlighted the pitfalls and difficulties of relationships. Although Bartlett does have a tendency to portray himself as someone who is ultimately filled with good goals (I thought he needed to own up to more moments of anger or selfishness, which we all have)… ultimately the journeys he goes on highlights the reasons why I’m just so damn glad that I’m not single…

As someone who really hasn’t dated much, it was kind of fascinating to read a story about dating. And it was even more interesting to read it from the point of view of a man. I know what my girlfriends have experienced in dating and what pitfalls they frequently come across, but not so much what the men I know experience. It just keeps striking me as something that is completely confusing and convoluted.

Ultimately, I did really enjoy this. As I said, it felt completely self indulgent. And there were moments when I felt that Bartlett was being a little soft I suppose on his drives. But ultimately, it was a great way to look back at one’s dating life and experiences. It was a lot of fun and I would definitely read something else written by this author – maybe in hard copy this time. I just can’t get the hang of reading an ebook…

<- More Kenton BartlettMore contemporary ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Ink and Bone, Novels of the Great Library : Book 1 by Rachel Caine | 9780749017224 | Booktopia

Title: Ink and Bone
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Great Library #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Historical fiction, Steampunk
Dates read: 19th August – 5th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: You’d do well to spot the danger quickly.

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Synopsis

Knowledge is power. Power corrupts.

In a world where the ancient Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, knowledge now rules the world: freely available, but strictly controlled. Owning private books is a crime.

Jess Brightwell is the son of a black market book smuggler, sent to the Library to compete for a position as a scholar . . . but even as he forms friendships and finds his true gifts, he begins to unearth the dark secrets of the greatest, most revered institution in the world.

Those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn. . . .

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the foundational idea of this story – that knowledge is power. But, it takes it that little bit further – power always corrupts. So, in the instance of the world of The Great Library, knowledge and books = power = corruption. It’s a fantastic idea for a series and an idea which drew me in from the very beginning of the story. It was powerful, brilliant and just all around wonderful.

I didn’t connect to Jess as a lead character immediately, which sometimes happens when I read a book series. But I did eventually get there. And then all I could do was hope for the best for him. And I spent the whole time trying to figure out who was going to do the poor boy the most damage – his family, the library, his mentors, his peers…. The whole story was filled with potential pitfalls and warrens for Jess and once I felt a little in love with him, I was completely immersed in making sure he didn’t fall flat on his face.

I love how each chapter had a short excerpt from letters or correspondences written – it added a whole heap of context to the story that I would have missed otherwise. Not only with the corruption and secrets, but these excerpts helped me see into Wolfe’s history. It’s amazing, complex and beautifully intense. I absolutely adored that not only are you constantly worried about Jess, but you are also wondering what is happening with Wolfe and who is out to get him too… it was a wonderful and beautiful way to tell a story that has so many glorious twists and turns…

The plight of the Obscurists and Morgan completely broke my heart. It was seriously twisted and tragic. And this, more than anything else, makes me want to read the next book in the series as soon as I feasibly can. (Feasibly here means as soon as I have money). I loved this novel and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

<- More Rachel CainePaper and Fire ->

Image source: Booktopia

Through This House by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

Title: Through This House
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #4.5
In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th August 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: It liked them.

Synopsis

It’s hard enough doing home improvements. But attempting home improvements on a sentient house that doesn’t really want you… that’s a whole other level of difficulty.

Thoughts

I’ve read a few books in which there is the subject of fae property. It’s always fluid and responsive. But this is the first time I’ve read a story of any kind in which someone has to try and reclaim the fae property. And, in this circumstance, the fae property is not overly happy with being claimed. Leading to one hell of a home improvement job and moving in day…

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting October Daye in my reading of novels (this shall soon be rectified). And so I really enjoyed not only her characterisation, but also all of her many sidekicks. I loved this odd bod bunch that just want to find a home that can keep them safe… it was quirky and a little zaney. Humorous and just generally thoroughly enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this short story. It was funny and cute. Filled with great drama and world building. And now I just can’t wait to sink my teeth into this series…

<- Woolsley’s Kitchen NightmareThe Path ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Wrecking Party by Alastair Reynolds

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Wrecking Party
Author: Alastair Reynolds
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Cyborgs, Weird western
Dates read: 29th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s like a disease.

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Synopsis

A series of wrecks of the trains have left the town confused and angry. But when the local sheriff is told the truth by his friend… it’s seriously unexpected and more than a little dangerous.

Thoughts

I’m not sure if I just wasn’t paying overly much attention when I was reading this. Or whether it’s just not my kind of story. But, regardless, I did have to keep flicking back through this story to check out what on earth was happening. And although I love this premise, I really wasn’t all that hooked by it. Which was, honestly, a bit of a pity.

One of the things I did really love about this short story was the idea of cyborgs and this kind of massive conspiracy that reared its ugly head throughout this story. It was somewhat brilliant, and probably why I’m so disappointed that I didn’t get so hooked into this from the very beginning – the premise and conspiracy theory theme was just dang awesome.

This was a nice and easy read, but definitely one that I will try and revisit when I’m not in such a funky mood I think. Just to make sure that it was my mood and concentration which made me score this kind of low… or if the writing was really just not my style…

<- The Man With No HeartHell From the East ->

Image source: Amazon

The Colt by Wallace Stegner

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: The Colt
Author: Wallace Stegner
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 27th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Hello, Bub.

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Synopsis

This short story is about a colt that is dearly loved. But maybe not quite destined for a happily ever after…

Thoughts

I was kind of expecting a bit of a happy ending here. After all, this is a whole short story about a boy and his colt. And I was thinking that his love for the horse would be one of those that overcame all obstacles. That wasn’t the case. The end of this was a bit sad and gross. But it was still a good little short story.

I did struggle a little to get through this. I kept on getting confused as to how the colt broke his legs in the first place. I may have to read this again to make sure I didn’t just completely miss the point. But I honestly probably won’t. I love that this was about a boy and his horse (effectively), but I’m not really that emotionally engaged like I would have been normally.

This was a somewhat nice and cute short story. But it wasn’t really one that I felt was unforgettable and glorious. It was just… pleasant. Even though it ended kind of sadly.

<- Burn Him OutA Man Called Horse ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer

Title: Everything is Illuminated
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Historical fiction, War
Dates read: 24th – 27th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: It was the same reason that I would not be able to repose.

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Synopsis

With only a yellowing photograph in hand, a young man — also named Jonathan Safran Foer — sets out to find the woman who may or may not have saved his grandfather from the Nazis. Accompanied by an old man haunted by memories of the war; an amorous dog named Sammy Davis, Junior, Junior; and the unforgettable Alex, a young Ukrainian translator who speaks in a sublimely butchered English, Jonathan is led on a quixotic journey over a devastated landscape and into an unexpected past.

Thoughts

I really wasn’t a fan of this novel. The best word to describe my response to it – confused. Just. Seriously confused. I had to read this for a book club, so after discussing it for over an hour, I felt less confused. But not really… mostly our discussion was on how much we didn’t enjoy this and how confused we all felt to be quite frank.

One thing I can say about this book is that it is very well written. I loved the technical talent that was being shown. But I think that this technicality drowned out the story that I wanted to read / hear. It also made it a well written book technically, but one in which I really didn’t bond with any of the characters. I finished this and felt…. “eh”.

There was some really good humour and I did like how the language was written. It was written in a way that highlighted the language barriers and differences in translation that non-native English speakers use. It was well done and highlighted Foer’s understanding of being a non-native English speaker.

To be honest, my absolute favourite thing about this book was simply the dog – Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. I like the idea of Seeing Eye Bitch to a man who isn’t even blind. But really, that was the main redeeming factor in my mind…

<- More contemporaryMore historical fiction ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bury Me in Satin by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bury Me In Satin (InCryptid, #0.11) by Seanan McGuire

Title: Bury Me In Satin
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #0.11
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th August 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Seanan McGuire
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Alice would have pursued her amphibious quarry, but was stopped by her mother’s arm being suddenly wrapped around her waist, lifting her off the ground.

Synopsis

Things are starting to hit an easy sort of groove at the Healy house. Alice is growing up, a little spitfire of a girl who adores her father and idolizes her mother. Johnny and Fran have mostly put their ghosts behind them, and are focusing on the future, which has never seemed brighter, or more guaranteed.

Sadly, for some people, the future has already ended.

Mary Dunlavy has been Alice’s babysitter almost since the girl was born. When her father stops showing up for work, it falls to Fran to go and see what’s going on. What she finds changes everything.

There is no right and there is no wrong in some situations: there’s only the way things should have been, and the way things are.

Not everyone gets out alive.

Thoughts

It was pretty obvious that this story was going to feature Mary a little more… after all, her unique condition is hinted at in Oh Pretty Bird. But I didn’t quite expect her condition to be what it was. It was great. And I’m hoping that we get more of her as the story unfolds.

I love how even though a few curveballs are thrown Fran’s way, she just continues to take it all in stride. There is something seriously loveable and adorable about how she just goes yup… Mary’s not quite human. Cool. We’ll help her. She can continue taking care of my infant. I want ot be this unflappable in my life…

Alice is just steadily getting so, so, much bigger throughout this whole series. I can’t wait to start reading stories in which she’s an adult (or a teenager) and beginning to take the world by storm. Plus, the Healy household is just plain nuts. So I love how they can’t even find a “normal” babysitter.

<- Oh Pretty BirdSnakes and Ladders ->

Image source: Goodreads