Company Town by Madeline Ashby

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover company town

Title: Company Town
Author: Madeline Ashby
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Science fiction, Strong women
Dates read: 14th October – 18th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: He was moving in the other direction.

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Synopsis

As one of the few people without bioengineered genetic enhancements, Go Jung-hwa has always had to scrape together a living in New Arcadia, the city-size oil rig floating in the Canadian Maritimes.

At the end of the world – life must go on.

After lynch Ltd., a technological tycoon dynasty, purchases the entire rig, Hwa’s talents and lack of any sort of altering attract their attention.

The opportunity of a lifetime… if she can manage to stay alive.

And when one of her former client’s – and friend’s – dismembered body is found floating in the North Atlantic, Hwa finds her loyalties split between her past and future. And it looks as if the future has come to collect in the present…

Thoughts

This story is absolutely brilliant and completely unforgettable! I’m hoping to find many, many, many more tales by Ashby to fill up my shelves… I just can’t seem to get the awesomeness of this story out of my head. Although, since it’s fieldwork season and I’m insanely busy, I basically had to stop reading it early on since I could already tell how hooked I was going to get…

As much as I loved this story, I did find it a little intense. It’s definitely the kind of tale that you have to concentrate on when reading. Although, I tend to feel that way about most SciFis. There is just something a little more complex and intense than most of the fantasies that I pick up…although the commentary on the world that we live in is also so much m ore poignant and beautifully intense than the run of the mill fantasies as well. There is just something so much more… extreme about a SciFi, and a well-written one like this… definitely a rave!

Hwa has to be one of my favourite heroines that I’ve read in a while. Not only does she have this amazing strength, as the story unfolds and you find out more and more about her life beforehand, you truly begin to understand how damn strong this woman is. As I said, completely unforgettable. Not the book that I want to put down at any point soon and not one that I’ll forget. I also love that Hwa is never in any way, shape or form described as beautiful. I get a little over women who have everything, and Hwa definitely doesn’t – which makes me want to be her when I grow up.

I don’t think I’ve read any books that actually feature the society of sex workers. Especially not the power of women in this industry. It turns such a taboo subject into something far more approachable. And the unionisation of the industry? Brilliant – something that I still think would be a brilliant idea, but that’s a political debate for another day…

<- More dystopia reviewsMore science fiction reviews ->

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The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the island of dr moreau

Title: the Island of Dr. Moreau
Author: H.G. Wells
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Science fiction
Dates read: 2nd – 17th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Cantebury Classics
Year: 1895
5th sentence, 74th page: I dropped the whip and snatched at the pistol in my pocket; for I meant to kill this brute, the most formidable of any left now upon the island, at the first excuse.

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Synopsis

Edward Prendick is shipwrecked in the Pacific. Rescued by Doctor Moreau’s assistant he is taken to the doctor’s island home where he discovers the doctor has been experimenting on the animal inhabitants of the island, creating bizarre proto-humans…

Thoughts

I really struggled to get all of the way through this novel. It wasn’t bad, I just really wasn’t in the mood for the convoluted nature that I’m beginning to associate with H.G. Wells’ writing. There’s always about a thousand things going on and some brilliant symbolism… which means that if I’m not quite as clued in as I’d like… it becomes more than a little difficult to truly get into the book. So, since I wanted to move another book out of my currently reading pile (it’s just getting beyond a joke at the moment), I decided to skim read through.

That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy this story. And I’ll definitely be reading it again. There was something that just sat below the surface of the words which was both haunting and brilliant. An excellent commentary on our world. and, more important to my own life, the status of science. Just because we can, it doesn’t mean that we should… but I’m never sure where the line is. I know that Dr. Moreau definitely crossed it… but that’s about the extent of my opinion on this to be honest.

There are a lot of stories which explore the question – who is more human? The man or the beast? This did so in a far more obvious and graphic manner than almost any of the stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading so far. It was intense, gave me some incredibly visual consequences and a very intriguing adventure. One in which I’m pretty sure that I missed half of the integral points… after all, I was just skim reading and not 100% into it.

The Island of Dr. Moreau is one of those stories that I’m not going to forget anytime soon. There is something hauntingly familiar about it while it manages to be completely unique and impossible to forget. Although, I did keep thinking about one of the Spy Kids movies while I was reading it… the one with the nutty scientist alone on an island filled with his own creations…

 <- The Time Machine ReviewThe Invisible Man Review ->

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Wild Ride by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kittys' greatest hits book cover

Title: Wild Ride
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.7
In: Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 17th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The Dustbowl was part of a row of simple wooden buildings set up to look like an Old West street but without disguising the modern shingles, windows, and neon beer sings.

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Synopsis

He’s just discovered that he’s not as well as he wants to be. But a motorbike accident and a twist of fate might provide him with an out. Will he be brave enough to start a new life?

Thoughts

I’ve decided that I absolutely adore werewolf stories which feature gay werewolves. This is only my second. The other is the Mercedes Thompson series. There is just something that pulls me in… I’m not sure why. Probably something to do with the fact that werewolves are often used to indicate our animalistic side, which is very much associated with power and masculinity where the males are concerned… things that are not traditionally associated with gay men. Which is stupid, but that’s another soapbox for another day. The point is… I loved this.

This isn’t a greatly positive story. Although, it’s not entirely negative either. Unlike some of the other lead-up Kitty Norville short stories, the man isn’t turned against his will and there’s really not much trauma associated with his turning. Rather, he trades one “cage” for another and then finds a way to live with the decisions he’s made. A much nicer and more PG story of paranormal turnings and becoming a monster.

What I loved most about this story though is the fact that he actually walked away. Although it was scary, possibly dangerous and could potentially lead to his death. He manages to stand up for himself, walk away and be his own person. Something that not everyone can do. Especially when surrounded by such intense peer pressure and an alpha figure such as the one in this story. All in all, a fantastic read and one that I absolutely ripped through.

 <- Looking After Family ReviewGod’s Creatures Review ->
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Wick’s End by Joanna Parypinski

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover haunted nights ellen datlow

Title: Wick’s End
Author: Joanna Parypinski
In: Haunted Nights (Lisa Morton & Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Demons, Horror, Tricksters
Dates read: 17th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Blumhouse
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: His soul was turned away from the light, and turned away, of course, from that seething pit of terror known as hell, as the devil kept his promise.

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Synopsis

A trade-off of horror stories late on All Hallows Eve. Each one scarier than the last. Each with their own, hidden message.

Thoughts

There is something that is just so… recognisable about telling ghost stories. It doesn’t matter what age or setting, telling tales that are sure to freak out your friends, peers and family is just… well, fun. Which of course meant that there had to be an exchange of ghost stories in a collection of Halloween tales. The fact that it’s an exchange of steadily creepier stories in a bar in the middle of nowhere… well, that had me grinning and clapping my hands like a little ninny.

This is a bit of a trickster tale. After all, the trickster is constantly outwitting and outmanoeuvring his enemies. And often times they are far more powerful than him. Which is what the man in this tale does… but with the devil. And yet, you know, since it’s the devil… that there will be some form of comeuppance at the end. The devil really doesn’t like to be bested, so he’s going to find a way to get his revenge… which creates an amazing cat and mouse story that I’m really disappointed ended so quickly. I mean, I would have loved to continue the cat and mouse game a little longer!

I’ve never understood what is so “cool” about Jack O’Lanterns. Or however you spell it… they’ve always seemed creepy. And I’ve watched rom coms which feature their carving as some romantic moment… ummmm. No thank you! This is a bit of a Jack O’Lantern origins story. One which far better suits my freaked out opinion on them than anything else I’ve read or seen in a long time… they are not cute and cuddly!

 <- A Small Taste of the Old Country ReviewThe Seventeen-Year Itch Review ->

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Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover magic of thieves

Title: Magic of Thieves
Author: C. Greenwood
Series: Legends of Dimmingwood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 16th – 17th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: C. Greenwodd
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Drop the pretense.

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Synopsis

In a province where magic is forbidden and its possessors are murdered by the magickless, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival – concealment. In the shadow of Dimmingwood, she finds temporary protection with a band of forest brigands led by the infamous outlaw Rideon the Red Hand.

But as Ilan matures, learns the skills of survival, and struggles to master the magic of her dying race, danger is always close behind. When old enemies reappear and new friendships lead to betrayal, will the discovery of an enchanted bow be Ilan’s final salvation or her ultimate downfall?

Thoughts

This was a quick, easy read. I didn’t mind it, but I did kind of find Ilan to be a bit of a bitch. She just used and abused so many of the people who love her. And for no good reason. Considering the fact that she loses her parents young, she actually has a fairly good upbringing. And absolutely no reason to strike out at the people she ends up striking out at… there are some people you should be bitter towards. The three people in the world who have always had your best interests at heart… probably not overly necessary to be a cow to them…

Luckily, even though I didn’t love Ilan as a character, I did love the characterisation and the storyline. Normally if I find a character just that irritating I won’t finish the book. And if I do, I don’t want to buy the rest in the series. That wasn’t the case for Magic of Thieves. I’ve already added the next two boos in the series to my wishlist and I’m eagerly awaiting the moment when I have enough money to actually buy them. Just because there is a bit of an anti-hero at the helm, it doesn’t mean I have to DNF a book. Although, it helps that she starts towards a major attitude shift at the end of the book…

I do love that Ilan is a girl who is raised by thieves and brigands. She isn’t raised to be a killer or super tough, in fact, she’s overwhelmingly naïve and weak. Yet, she’s surrounded by this completely new and unique world in which strength and the ability to kill are kind of integral. A great departure from most of the stories in which the young woman is raised in such a scenario. In fact, she acts more like a mascot than anything else to the troop she’s fallen in with.

Having said all of that, this wasn’t a stand out book. I will eventually get round to finish / reading the whole series. But, since they’re such short, easy reads… it’ll probably be when I haven’t read for a while, or finished anything and need a quick reading fix. A bit like the short story collections that I’ve ripped through this year…

 <- Rule of Thieves ReviewBetrayal of Thieves Review ->

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The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: The Haire of the Beast
Author: Donna Andrews
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, Humour, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 17th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I tried to keep my tone neutral, but brothers and sisters learn to read each other.

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Synopsis

Revenge is a dish best served cold… or as a plate of brownies! Never mess with an intelligent woman and then give her a book of powerful spells…

Thoughts

Any revenge story is going to make me laugh and smile. I’m just that kind of person… especially when that revenge story is one well deserved, in a dish best served cold. Literally. And if the guy in question is turning a woman’s brother against her? Yup, I was absolutely cackling with glee at the end of this story.

Sadly, I don’t hear many positive stories come out of tales of women in academia… I’m still hoping that this will change. But the fact that a man took advantage of his girlfriend and then proceeded to make her brother think that he was still the bees knees… Yeah, I’d be out looking for revenge too. And the way that the lead in this takes her revenge is quite brilliant, even if she isn’t sure whether or not it will actually work.

I love the idea of a spell to help you become a werewolf. It’s always interesting what mythos is employed for this transformation, and the one used in this was brilliant. Although, I don’t know if I would be so calm about the decisions she makes in the end. Even if I am 100% behind her!

 <- Gift Wrap ReviewLucy, at Christmastime Review ->

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Pele’s Tears by Catherine Mulvany

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

Title: Pele’s Tears
Author: Catherine Mulvany
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 16th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: She upended the box, staring in despair at battered copies of National Geographic and Scientific American.

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Synopsis

She’s the girl that he fell in love with. And he’s the PI she’s hired to find out what happened to her Grandmother. Will Pele’s Tears give them their happily ever after?

Thoughts

I love that this paranormal romance is partly set in Hawaii. It’s not a common setting for most of the stories that I read…and not only did I love the change, but I also haven’t had the pleasure of being there myself, so it bought to life one of the destinations on my bucket list.

Everyone has that “what if” person in their lives. That person they spend their whole time wondering what would have happened “if”. For some of us, this “what if” isn’t really bittersweet or one that we linger on. Or at least, for me, it certainly isn’t. Yet, this short story is such a tale. Not only is it a “what if” for the current generation in the story, but it’s also one for her grandmother.

Stories of the old gods and goddesses always draw me in completely. The fact that this goddess is all about giving someone a final few days with the love of her life and fixing up things so that the future is better… well, I can understand the sacrifice of Pele’s Tears…

 <- Night Vision ReviewPack Review ->
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Roadside Rescue by Pat Cadigan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for alien sex book cover

Title: Roadside Rescue
Author: Pat Cadigan
In: Alien Sex (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Aliens, Lust
Dates read: 16th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: ROC
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: We scared it, he thought, horrified.

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Synopsis

Broken down by the side of the road, a strange being decides to help him. But what he is asked for in return is a little… uncomfortable…

Thoughts

At first I thought this story wasn’t such a ridiculously uncomfortable tale… especially considering that it’s in the Alien Sex collection. And then, when I stopped reading and actually thought about it… I kind of realised that it’s probably one of the more uncomfortable stories that I’ve read so far. Because it’s subtle. And you don’t quite realise how sick it is until you finish it and move onto something… dare I say it, more “normal”.

Having said that, it’s probably one of my favourite Alien Sex short stories so far. It highlights that we all have our very different and unique sexual proclivities. That we all have the things that we find super exciting, and if you find a willing (and I stress willing here) partner, then it’s totally fine. This short story didn’t really have a willing partner. But then, he was only mildly violated (I never thought that I’d write that sentence in such a blasé manner).

All in all, I enjoyed this story. But I also finished it and sat there seriously questioning my responses to it. And wondering if there are parts of my own sex life that would make people sit there and go “huh”? (I’ll never know, because it’s not something I tend to discuss in intricate detail… but still).

 <- Dancing Chickens ReviewOmnisexual Review ->
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A Small Taste of the Old Country by Jonathan Maberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover haunted nights ellen datlow

Title: A Small Taste of the Old Country
Author: Jonathan Maberry
In: Haunted Nights (Lisa Morton & Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 15th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Blumhouse
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: “Maybe she did,” said Becker.

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Synopsis

At All Hallows Eve, the presence of the past likes to linger and haunt us. It reminds us that we are not alone in this world…

Thoughts

This was another of those stories that I just kept having random thoughts on while reading it. The dot points and tired delirium of my notes are far more entertaining than any sentences that I could turn them into… so here they are in all their slightly unusual glory…

  • That’s it, the baker is evil. Pg. 2
  • There is an obsession with Austrian and German descent… I’ve missed something here. Pg. 4
    • But they’re Argentinian? Sure, sure. That MUST be similar.
  • Now there’s talk of dead people and honouring them. Pg. 7
    • Little random, but the true meaning of All Hallows Eve is being shared and explained
  • Pretty beads
  • Very, very love the Halloween adherence to actual traditions
  • Creepy, death and fun!
  • No religion butt head!!!

Not entirely sure where the final comment came from, but I certainly enjoyed this little adventure.

 <- Dirtmouth ReviewWick’s End Review ->

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Looking After Family by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kittys' greatest hits book cover

Title: Looking After Family
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.6
In: Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 15th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The moonlit world was bright, but a kind of filtered brightness.

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Synopsis

Cormac managed to avenge his father’s death. But, he doesn’t think he’s quite done yet. When his younger cousin Bill follows him into the darkness, he realises that he may just have to readjust his priorities.

Thoughts

As a pre-story to a series about a woman who is a werewolf, I was kind of surprised to find a story about a young werewolf hunter. One that starts with the boy killing a werewolf in revenge for his father’s death and continues with his journey for revenge. Yet, I’m pretty sure that this is an origins story, one that will make a lot more sense when I meet Cormac and Bill in the full-length novels.

Bill and Cormac are a fantastic pair of cousins. Like two sides of the same coin – one is a tough, no nonsense, serious boy. The other is kind of needy, wants to impress his older cousin and show that he’s made of sterner stuff. Yet, it is ultimately this difference in personality and relationship that saves both boys – their differences and ability to accept each other that gives Cormac a chance to move on from his father’s death and live his life.

This story really asks – when is someone actually a monster? Is it just because they can kill you? Or because they do? I wonder how Cormac will answer this question as the series unfolds…

 <- The Temptation of Robin Green ReviewWild Ride Review ->
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