Category Archives: Book Review

The First Men in the Moon by H.G. Wells

December 27, 2019Book ReviewClassics, H.G. Wells, Science Fictionskyebjenner

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Title: The First Men in the Moon
Author: H.G. Wells
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Science fiction
Dates read: 26th – 17th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Cantebury Classics
Year: 1901
5th sentence, 74th page: “They’re not seeking us, or thinking of us.”

When penniless businessman Mr Bedford retreats to the Kent coast to write a play, he meets by chance the brilliant Dr Cavor, an absent-minded scientist on the brink of developing a material that blocks gravity. Cavor soon succeeds in his experiments, only to tell a stunned Bedford the invention makes possible one of the oldest dreams of humanity: a journey to the moon. With Bedford motivated by money, and Cavor by the desire for knowledge, the two embark on the expedition. But neither are prepared for what they find – a world of freezing nights, boiling days and sinister alien life, on which they may be trapped forever.

The second to last book in my H.G. Wells novel run. I seem to be ripping through them ridiculously quickly. It is yet another fun, engaging and thrilling read. Another tale that I loved and found ridiculously engaging. I think that the very mention of the moon made me feel light and floaty while reading this. Something that was a little more surreal than the other Wells books so far.

This is another story that I’m going to have to read another ten times to truly “get” what’s going on. There is just something ridiculously fun about the multi-layers in this story. The way that they’re built upon one another, so you’re not only taken on an adventure across the moon, in a battle with moon-Martians.

The characters in this novel are fun and witty. Which is why it’s understandable that this is such a well-known classic. They’re relatable and accessible. Easy to listen to and see. And definitely an enjoyable bunch of companions to take on the journey with you. Not the kind of book that I would leave collecting dust on my shelves – it’s going to be one that I’ll read again and again and again.

There’s not many stories in my collection that are based on the moon. Yet, it’s something that I am fascinated by. After all, we look up at it every night. And people have actually set foot on the moon…

<- The War of the Worlds Review

The Food of the Gods Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

When Gargoyles Fly by Lori Devoti

December 27, 2019Book ReviewGargoyles, Lori Devoti, Paranormal Romance, The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

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Title: When Gargoyles Fly
Author: Lori Devoti
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Gargoyles, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 27th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Her hands were wrapped around his neck, her cheek pressed against his chest.

She wants to carve a beautiful gargoyle like the one she comes across everyday. But, when she’s pushed off the building and the gargoyle she bought to life saves her, all bets are off.

This is my first ever gargoyle story. Which is intensely exciting, because I got to create a new bookshelf in my shelves. I spent most of the time thinking about the funny gargoyle sidekicks in The Hunchback of Notre Dame though… which, considering this was a fairly serious gargoyle. And apparently a sexy one… the images in my head really didn’t suit this story.

I’m a big believer in the idea that everything has a “soul” or spirit. Something that vibrates at a frequency and connects all of us. Although I don’t feel a huge connection with stone, I do think that it does have some kind of life in it. This short story reflects that idea. It was kind of brilliant how it worked. And the idea that a woman / artist was able to somehow bring this to life…intriguing. Actually, I found the artistic side of this story so much more romantic than the actual romance side of it.

This is not my favourite romance in this collection so far. Which was surprising… it started out with so much promise! But there was something just a little… meh about the story. Mord just let the woman he loves roam around and get put into a crazy asylum… not my favourite way to deal with a romantic story, and no fun, powerful message behind it. He was just stupid.

<- Pack Review

The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

December 26, 2019Book ReviewBook to Film, Classics, H.G. Wells, Science Fictionskyebjenner

Image result for book cover the war of the worlds

Title: The War of the Worlds
Author: H.G. Wells
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Classics, Science fiction
Dates read: 24th – 26th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Cantebury Classics
Year: 1898
5th sentence, 74th page: Save for the sound we lay quite still in the scullery; I for my part scarce dared breathe, and sat with my eyes fixed on the faint light of the kitchen door.

With H.G. Wells’ other novels, The War of the Worlds was one of the first and greatest works of science fiction ever to be written. Even long before man had learned to fly, H.G. Wells wrote this story of the Martian attack on England. These unearthly creatures arrive in huge cylinders, from which they escape as soon as the metal is cool. The first falls near Woking and is regarded as a curiosity rather than a danger until the Martians climb out of it and kill many of the gaping crowd with a Heat-Ray. These unearthly creatures have heads four feet in diameter and colossal round bodies, and by manipulating two terrifying machines – the Handling Machine and the Fighting Machine – they are as versatile as humans and at the same time insuperable. They cause boundless destruction. The inhabitants of the Earth are powerless against them, and it looks as if the end of the World has come. But there is one factor which the Martians, in spite of their superior intelligence, have not reckoned on. It is this which brings about a miraculous conclusion to this famous work of the imagination.

This is a surprisingly intense story. The last few H.G. Wells books that I’ve read have felt a little more humorous, and so this one kind of took me by surprise. It is far more dark and dangerous. A little more serious and definitely one I’m going to have to read again multiple times to truly understand what I’ve actually been reading. Although, even on my first read through… I seriously enjoyed it and can completely understand why it is a classic!

I’m always a sucker for a first person POV. And it’s not something I tend to come across so much in classics that were written in the 1800s. Actually, off the top of my head, it’s the first classic of this era that I’ve enjoyed the first person POV. It gave a unique voice and feeling to the story that I really wasn’t expecting. And one I was kind of sad to close the pages on. Although, again, very different from the glimpses I’ve caught of the movie.

Although I absolutely ripped through this story and found it quite easy to get through. It was still quite an intense read. There is a lot going on throughout and there are multiple moments when you really just have to sit back and absorb what you’ve just read.

I can see the roots of a lot of modern stories in this novel. You can understand why Wells is one of the forefathers / founding fathers of the science fiction genre. I’m so glad that I’ve had the pleasure of reading this, and I look forward to pursuing it a few more times in my future.

<- The Invisible Man Review

The First Men in the Moon Review ->

Image source: New York Reviews

Guns for the Dead by Melissa Marr

December 26, 2019Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Graveminder, Melissa Marr, Naked City, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Womenskyebjenner

Title: Guns for the Dead
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Graveminder #1.6
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 26th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He sipped his drink and stared at Alicia, who now stood with her hands on her hips.

Frank wants a job with the gun runner of the undead world. The interview is unique in so many ways. But, he might just get the job after all… if he survives.

I always like a good gun runner story. One that takes place in the land of the dead – well, it wasn’t entirely what I expected, but it was definitely enjoyable. The fact that the female in this was seriously tough and starts out the story by shooting a man… well, that is going to draw me in immediately.

I’ve been on some uncomfortable job interviews but starting out by getting shot and then ending by watching someone get killed. Well, it’s a lot more intense than any of the interviews I’ve ever been on. And hopefully ever will go on. But it was certainly an interesting way to tell a story.

This was a fantastic short story. Now I can’t wait to buy the books in the larger series! I’ve had them on my wishlist for a while, but this has certainly given me the inspiration to actually buy it this time.

<- The Way Station Review

And Go Like This Review ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

December 25, 2019Book ReviewHidden Legacy, Ilona Andrews, Nevada Baylor Trilogy, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Strong Womenskyebjenner

Title: Burn For Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1, Nevada Baylor Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Strong women
Dates read: 24th – 26th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Reginald works for me.

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career – a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan – a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

This isn’t an intensely overboard romance, but there is enough fire and spice to make it impossible to put down. That perfect balance for when you want something a little gooey, but not overboard like some of the other romances on my shelves. Actually, the end doesn’t even end as a happily ever after, ride off into the sunset thing. Which was perfect, because now I can’t wait to read the next book and see if they get together in that.

I am completely in love with Nevada. She’s tough and independent and her powers are triggered by her protective instincts. There is just something about the combination that is impossible not to love. However, I’m pretty much guaranteed to love any character that Andrews creates – there is just something all-consuming about the female leads that are created in their works. The men are also awesome, and I enjoyed Rogan… but Nevada is amazing. My favourite female lead of the month.

Most romancey books that I read, it’s fairly obvious that the male is attracted to the female from the beginning. And by the end he’s in love. That doesn’t really happen in this, and I’m still not sure if he’s flipped the switch to actually being in love yet… but I’m sure he eventually will. I also can’t figure out if he’s exactly what Nevada believes he is, or if he’s just very, very good at hiding that side of himself. Like I said, I can’t wait to dig into White Hot.

I’m pretty sure that a future bombshell that is going to be dropped is that Nevada is a Prime. There is a bit of mystery to peoples’ responses to her that hints at some kind of big reveal later in the series. And I’m fairly certain that that is it… which of course, just makes me THAT MUCH MORE keen to read the next damn novel… but I’m trying to get through my massive TBR first.

<- More Ilona Andrews

White Hot ->

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The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson

December 25, 2019Book ReviewChristmas, Dark Fantasy, Kat Richardson, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves, Wolfsbane and Mistletoeskyebjenner

Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: The Werewolf Before Christmas
Author: Kat Richardson
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Dark fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 25th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: And hope.

He’s a werewolf stuck halfway between his forms at the North Pole. And, he’s understandably peckish… but maybe it wasn’t such a great idea to eat Rudolph.

Most Christmas stories I tend to read are quite happy. I’ve NEVER read one that starts with a werewolf eating Rudolph. That was a shock. It was hilarious, and I scared my dog by spitting out a bit of my tea as I held in the laughter (yes, I have a twisted sense of humour, so sue me). But it was also incredibly unique. As I said, I’ve never had the pleasure of reading a story which begins with Rudolph being eaten by a werewolf. And not just a werewolf, but a werewolf stuck in a crazy kind of half-form that he can’t seem to get out of. Little wonder that that image made me spit out my tea.

Although this was a story that starts with Rudolph, there were a surprising amount of Christian overtones. In fact, Santa only visits good little Christian boys and girls… which I found a bit annoying – but that’s my own religious hangups. I did like that there were a number of versions of the Saint Nikolas mythos added into the telling of the tale. It wasn’t just about our more modern / common versions of this. And there was also his evil shadow to contend with…

I love that the last spin on this featured Rudolph’s nose. Instead of a light to guide the way, the werewolf was able to use his superior sense of smell. And the way that he uses this to navigate the night… brilliant. Even though I’m pretty sure the werewolf is still kind of evil and needs a swift kick up the bum… all in the name of the Christmas spirit of course!

<- The Night Things Changed Review

Fresh Meat Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Knowledge of Medicine by Erin N. Kennemer

December 24, 2019Book ReviewCrime, Erin N. Kennemer, Historical fiction, The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Storiesskyebjenner

Image result for the mammoth book of jack the ripper stories book cover

Title: Knowledge of Medicine
Author: Erin N. Kennemer
In: The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (Maxim Jakubowski)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Historical fiction
Dates read: 25th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: And it just kept shining.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Women are being attacked and no one cares. Until a midwife with a sister in the business starts mutilating the corpses. Will the price for her interference be too high?

Prostitutes seem to feature really highly in unsolved crimes. Or as the victims of serial killers. This short story definitely highlights the reasons why – people just don’t care about this part of the population. Or at least, those in Whitechapel during the murders certainly didn’t. This was immediately highlighted in this tale and definitely made me feel guilty for some of my lack of awareness of some of the modern-day versions of this.

I did love that this story wasn’t so much about the killer, but about the victims. The woman who is featured isn’t actually a murderer at all. But she’s the reason for the belief that The Ripper was a doctor – she’s a midwife and the one mutilating the bodies. She’s also responsible for the letters. Both key aspects that told people a serial killer was on the loose. I actually really liked this form of vigilante justice. Alright, it’s off-kilter and incredibly uncomfortable, but it actually makes sense.

The ending to this story is really tragic. It acted as a reminder as to the final act of the Ripper and highlights the fact the protagonist in this story was the one who was bringing attention to the serial killer. When her will is broken, her chores are. It leaves you with a really horrifying belief that he might have actually kept on killing long after Mary.

<- Monkeys Review

The Monster’s Leather Apron Review ->

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Killing Moon by Rebecca York

December 24, 2019Book ReviewMoon, Paranormal Romance, Rebecca York, Romantic Suspense, Werewolvesskyebjenner

Image result for book cover killing moon rebecca york

Title: Killing Moon
Author: Rebecca York
Series: Moon #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Werewolves
Dates read: 9th – 24th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: I got all comforts of home out here.

In the woods, a killer waits, surrounded by the graves of his victims, anticipating his next kill. In the woods, a wolf stalks its prey, surrendering only to the laws of nature, not of man…

Private investigator Ross Marshall has a special talent for tracking – a talent that has helped him locate missing persons when the police’s trail has gone cold. Now his current case has led him to a body buried in an isolated rural area – and a serial killer who is looking for a new victim. But while gathering evidence for the police, something goes very wrong…

The last thing genetic researcher Megan Sheridan expected was to discover her client shot and unconscious. Ross Marshall had requested her lab to run genetic tests on him, but instead of taking a blood sample, Megan found herself tending his wounds. Although frightened by the secrets she knows he is hiding, Megan is compelled to him by a force she can’t explain – or resist. Ross tries to deny the ancient instincts clamouring for him to take Megan as his mate, for to do so would sentence her to a lifetime of sorrow. But now Ross has an even more urgent reason to stay away from Megan: The killer that he’d been hunting has turned the tables – and is now hunting him…

This book was amazing! Which I kind of thought it would be, since I enjoyed the novella in this series so much… what I wasn’t expecting was to walk around for a few days feeling like I just had to get my nose back into this book. That there was no way I could pause and not read it because I really, really wanted to know what happened next. I did exercise self-control and spread this over a few days… just so I could actually pretend to be an adult.

I have my bookshelves sorted into genre… and I’m still not sure where to sit this book. It is currently in paranormal romance, but I feel like it could sit in the romantic suspense section. I’ll probably just have to read the next few books in this series to determine where to put it… not a difficult thing to do at all.

Megan and Ross are a fantastic couple to feature in a romance. They both fight the pull (and who hasn’t?), and then, when they finally do decide to give in… they end up constantly putting themselves into horrible positions just so that the other one can be happy. Or, at least, they tend to stupidly make decisions which then lead to more upset and discord, just because they think that they’re doing the “right thing”. Stupid, annoying and, ultimately, made it incredibly fun to read.

I don’t have the pleasure of often reading books which feature a scientist. But, since I’m within that field, it’s something that I love. Especially when it’s the woman who is the scientist, not the man. There was something fun about the intersection between genetics, murder and mystery that plays against the romance in this story. Definitely one that I will keep reaching for again and again and again.

<- More Rebecca York

Edge of the Moon ->

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The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

December 23, 2019Book ReviewClassics, H.G. Wells, Humour, Science Fictionskyebjenner

Image result for book cover the invisible man

Title: The Invisible Man
Author: H.G. Wells
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Humour, Science fiction
Dates read: 23rd – 24th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Cantebury Classics
Year: 1897
5th sentence, 74th page: Finally all the chairs were turnhed up on to the counters, leaving the floor clear.

This masterpiece of science fiction is the fascinating story of Griffin, a scientist who creates a serum to render himself invisible, and his descent into madness that follows.

I remember first hearing the name Griffin in a TV show called Sanctuary. Griffin is the ancestor of the invisible girl in the story. I knew that it was a reference to classical literature (Griffin’s friends were John Druitt, Nikola Tesla & Dr. Watson), but I didn’t know which story and / or author. So when I started reading this H.G. Wells novel, I literally screamed with joy. I finally got to read the literature that included the character! And it was honestly far better than I had ever expected.

So far in my little H.G. Wells run that I seem to be having this month, this is definitely the most humorous of the tales. There is just something that is kind of sickly hilarious about an invisible man running around, trying to find a way to be “seen” again. There is a very serious undertone, but mostly I just found this funny and easy. It had me smiling at a time that I was really stressing, and for that I’m thankful. I also now have the fantastic image of a naked, sneezing, insane man running around. Which is definitely a weird, funny one to have in your head.

To top off the kind of hilarious imagery of a naked, sneezing man running about trying to find a way to be recognised is the fact that it all takes place in a tiny, quaint town. The juxtaposition is somewhat hilarious and the way it completely turns the world as it is known on its head… completely unforgettable and priceless. Although Griffin doesn’t truly start to crack until halfway through the story, even the lead up, and the slight hints are enough to leave you grinning.

Thus far, this is definitely my favourite H.G. Wells book. Not only is it very witty and humorous, it reminds us that we all need to be acknowledged and recognised. And if we’re not… well, we all go a little bit insane. Definitely a classic that I’ll be picking up again and again in the future.

<- The Island of Dr. Moreau Review

The War of the Worlds Review ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Witch Hazel by Jeffrey Ford

December 23, 2019Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Haunted Nights, Horror, Jeffrey Fordskyebjenner

Image result for book cover haunted nights ellen datlow

Title: Witch Hazel
Author: Jeffrey Ford
In: Haunted Nights (Lisa Morton & Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror
Dates read: 24th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Blumhouse
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d drink and talk, and I’d listen.

We wear sprigs of hazel to honour the souls on All Hallows Eve. But where does that practice originally come from?

So I’ve never heard of the practice of wearing a sprig of hazel on All Hallows Eve. Although, I don’t really know all that much about All Hallows Eve (or Halloween) since it is not within my normal experiences. Regardless, I liked this kind of origins story to such a practice. It took a practice that seems cute and folksy… and then turns it into a horrifying mess that makes you cringe. A lot.

The image of a beautiful young woman covered in blood, running around with a Hachette in a forest is pretty much what nightmares are made of. The fact that she kills her dog just expands on the horrors of this. Certainly not an image that I can get out of my head. And the fact that it’s all because there is some weird disease going around? Creepy, creepy, creepy. And blood everywhere.

I did really enjoyed the fact that this story also plays on the superstitions which tend to surround twins. The idea that there is something a little bit evil about twins (sorry to my twin-friends out there). The haunting that they perform and the twist at the end makes me not want to see one of my very good friends for a little while… being that she’s a twin who loves blood and all (she’s a nurse, nothing weird here).

<- A Flicker of Light on Devil’s Night Review

Nos Galan Gaeaf Review ->