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Dusted Off: Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire

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On July 7, 2014

In Authors, Fiction, Seanan McGuire, Toby Daye

Ashes of Honor (October Daye, #6)Ashes of Honor

by Seanan McGuire
Series: Toby Daye, #6


Mass Market Paperback, 353 pg.
DAW, 2012
Read: September 5 – 6, 2012

Best.Toby Daye.Ever.

Sure, that just means it’s the best since the last one (which was the best since the one before…and so on). But still, wow. Really wow. This series has entered the terrain of Harry Dresden or Mercy Thompson–why bother writing a proper review? The reader knows it’s going to be good, the only question is, how good is this entry–really good or just great?

Action, intrigue, splash of humor, character development, romance…this one has everything. We get more of some old friends we haven’t seen in awhile, some characters who were in danger of over-use get scaled back…

couldn’t ask for more from this one.

—–

4 1/2 Stars

Dusted Off: The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams

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On July 7, 2014

In Fiction

The Dirty Streets of Heaven (Bobby Dollar, #1)The Dirty Streets of Heaven

by Tad Williams

Hardcover, 406 pg.
DAW Hardcover, 2012
Read: September 27 – October 01, 2012

Well-plotted, well-executed UF, really, really well-written–great quotable lines, more than it’s fair share of dazzling sentences. And I just didn’t like it.

Why? Because the angels aren’t all that…angelic, for lack of a better word. Honestly, the demons aren’t terribly demonic, either. Demons are pretty much your typical UF bad guys, just ugly, and we’re told really, really evil; the angels act almost identically to them, but they’re prettier. Amoral, promiscuous, substance abusing…and honestly, not that powerful aside from their ability to see the recently departed and each other’s supernatural natures.

If we can do vampires that aren’t that human, lycanthropes that aren’t terribly human, why do we have to have angels that are? Sure, coming up with heroes that are wholly (holy?) good–and keeping them interesting is challenging. But it can be done. If Williams had done that, I’d have been all in. But, ugh. Bobby Dollar and co. are nowhere close–and I’m all out.

—–

2 Stars

Saturday Miscellany — 7/5/14

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On July 5, 2014

In Books, News/Misc.

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

  • Recent Reads: The Great Way — You may remember I was pushing the Kickstarter campaign for Harry Connolly’s The Great Way awhile back — well, fantasy author C. E. Murphy’s read it and offered a very positive review. Can’t wait!
  • One-Star Book Reviews — This tumblr is a very funny collection of bits from one-star reviews found online. Have to admit, that I agree with a couple of them — the one linked here is my favorite.
  • The Lock In Audiobook: Two Versions, Two Narrators — John Scalzi’s The Lock In will be released next month, as well as two versions of the audiobook. Scalzi assures us that it’s appropriate for this novel for reasons we’ll get later. Very intriguing. I don’t normally think about getting audiobooks as new releases, but mayyyyyybe this time.
    The lists of new releases for the week that I looked at were long (and next week looks like a doozy, too), so I’m probably overlooking some winners, but here are This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • Premonitions by Jamie Schultz — Seanan McGuire described this as Leverage meets InCryptid. Which basically means this is a must read for me.
  • Artful by Peter David — “the previously untold story of the Artful Dodger, hunter of vampyres and other nasty things.” David’s strongest when he’s putting his own spin on something we already know. This should be a really good one.


Categories: Books, News/Misc.
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Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto by Matt Kibbe

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On July 4, 2014

In Politics/Current Affairs

Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian ManifestoDon’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto

by Matt Kibbe

Hardcover, 272 pg.
William Morrow, 2014
Read: June 19 – 20, 2014

FreedomWorks’ Matt Kibbe has produced a very accessible, very readable libertarian manifesto. A rallying cry for a grassroots movement of concerned citizens. He focuses on 6 Rules for Liberty, emphasizing 1 & 2:

Rules for Liberty:
1. Don’t hurt people.
2. Don’t take people’s stuff.
3. Take Responsibility.
4. Work for it.
5. Mind your own business.
6. Fight the power.

With these as a starting point, he critiques many aspects of the U. S. Government (current and recent administrations of both parties) as it currently operates. Kibbe is positive about (a few) politicians on both sides of the aisle, but he’s mostly negative about the overwhelming majority. Sure, he’s more positive about Liberty-leaning Republicans than anyone else currently in Washington, but at the end of the day, he wants to replace both parties.

Compared to a lot of Libertarian/Libertarian-ish books that I’ve read, this is pretty light reading. He jokes, he drops pop culture references, he’s not all that cranky, he writes with conviction and hope. He drops lines like:

Music and freedom just seem to go together, just like the word “bacon” belongs in any sentence that includes the phrase “proper meal.” I can’t prove it, but you just know that it’s true.

One chapter features a simulated round table between Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Mike Lee, Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Justin Amash, Rep Thomas Massie, and Rep. David Schweikert — based on interviews he conducted with each individually. Yes, a real round table would’ve been better, but this was probably easier to pull off. But seeing the way that these men were similar, yet distinct, was good to see. Kibbe’s not promoting a monolithic libertarian view, there’s room for differences based on a shared commitment to the 6 Rules.

It seems so strange that a book on politics is as dependent on a classic rock album (Rush’s 2112, which I should really try to listen to one day) as one of my favorite SF novels of recent years, but — hey, it works. I don’t think this book will convince anyone to become a Libertarian. But it does present a case for the philosophy, it will serve as a good introduction for those who are curious. In contrast to many of his peers — who come across as cranks or kooks — Kibbe comes across as someone with conviction, someone of principle, while still remaining rational.

I remember debating Chris Matthews, the guy on MSNBC’s Hardball, once at an event in Aspen. I was making a (surely profound) point, and Matthews abruptly interrupted. He does that. “I know, I know,” he said. “I read Ayn Rand in high school. I used to believe that stuff, too, but then I grew up.” Maybe he didn’t know he was parroting his favorite president, Barack Obama.
I’ve heard this so many times. I’m sure you have, too. . . Grow up. Play ball. Get in line.
Well, I don’t want to “grow up.” I don’t want to if growing up means abandoning the principle that individuals matter, that you shouldn’t hurt people or take their stuff. I don’t want to give up on values that have gotten me down the road of life this far. I won’t “grow up,” if that means not seeking ideals, taking chances, and taking responsibility for my own failures. I don’t want to compromise, at least not on the things that really matter. I don’t want to split the difference on someone else’s bad idea, and then pat myself on the back for “getting something done.”
I have no plans to fall in line.
I do the best that I can, and I belong to a community of many millions of people who seem to agree with me on the things that really matter.

—–

4 Stars

Dusted Off: The Calling by Neil Cross

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On June 30, 2014

In Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

The CallingThe Calling

by Neil Cross

Hardcover, 336 pg.
Touchstone, 2012
Read: September 13 – 14, 2012

Wow. Just…wow. The same disturbed depravity, intensity, dedication, drive that are displayed in each episode of Cross’ show are in full force here. You’ve got one very, very sick murderer (and I mean that in every possible way) being hunted by Det. Luther across London. And even tho’ most people who pick up this book know exactly how it ends (the opening scene of episode 1), you’re still on the edge of your seat, white-knucklin’ the book, breathing only when you remember.

The visuals are straight off of the show, too. I’m so, so glad that I don’t have to see the two major crime scenes on TV. Just having read them is going to stick with me for awhile, a long while probably.

Possibly even more brutal is watching the break-up of the Luther marriage. Again, we met Luther post-divorce on TV, but having to go through Zoe’s turmoil and Luther’s obliviousness at the beginning of the end…ugh. Just rip my heart out, please.

All the police characters at the heart of season 1 are here and are note perfect. Quite the achievement.

—–

4 Stars

Dusted Off: Rusty Nail by J. A. Konrath

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On June 30, 2014

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Rusty Nail (Jack Daniels Mystery, #3)Rusty Nail

by J.A. Konrath

Hardcover, 292 pg.
Hyperion, 2006
Read: August 11 – 12, 2012

Laugh out loud funny, sit on the ,of your seat tense, heartfelt moments, a couple of utterances of “ew.” This third outing for Jack Daniels is great detective novel, a heckuva read–just like the first two. I really dig this cast, this world that Konrath’s building.

What’s most impressive, I think, is the way that the first three entries to this series — while remaining pretty much standalone works — are so intricately tied together.

Of course, I appreciated the nod to Robert B. Parker and Spenser, as it was Konrath’s chapter from In Pursuit of Spenser: Mystery Writers on Robert B. Parker and the Creation of an American Hero that led me to Jack in the first place.

—–

4 Stars

Saturday Miscellany — 6/28/14

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On June 28, 2014

In Books, News/Misc.

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

    This was another of those weeks with only one release that caught my eye:

  • The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (wink, wink) — Galbraith and Cormoran Strike are back for another go ’round. I wasn’t blown away by Galbraith’s debut, but I really enjoyed it. Expect the same here.

(not sure where I found this — obviously something about goodreads — if you know, let me know so I can attribute it properly)

Little Tiny Teeth by Aaron Elkins

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On June 26, 2014

In Aaron Elkins, Fiction, Gideon Oliver, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Little Tiny Teeth (Gideon Oliver, #14)Little Tiny Teeth

by Aaron Elkins

Hardcover, 304 pg.
Berkley Hardcover, 2007
Read: June 25 – 26, 2014

Any further thoughts were interrupted by an excited clamor from the crew members on their break down below at the riverfront. They were jabbering in pidgin Spanish, pointing down into the water, and calling, apparently to Gideon. He was able to understand a few words: “Oiga, esqueletero! Aqui le tengo unos huesos!” Hey, skeleton man, I have some bones for you!
He jumped up. “They’ve found some bones.”
“More bones?” John said, getting up too. “What is it about you, Doc? Do you bring this on yourself?”

It’s a question that all of us who’ve read a few of these books have asked from time to time. Not that we really care — the important thing is that the bones are found, that Gideon Oliver gets to do his thing, and we get to watch him in wonder with John Lau (or whoever is handy).

Which makes Little Tiny Teeth a little strange.

I try to stay away from spoilers here, but I have to get a touch spoiler-y here, but it’s nothing major, nothing that should impact someone’s appreciation of the book.

I’ve been reading these books for a long time — can’t tell you for sure how long, but the year started with the numbers one, eight and nine — and I’m reasonably certain that it’s never taken this long for a body to show up. It was just shy of page 190 when we had our first homicide. Another thirty pages until we got our first bone for the Skeleton Detective to do anything with. I’m not complaining, it’s good to see someone like Elkins experiment with his formula. But man, it was strange reading — I kept wondering, where’s the body? Where are all the bones? But, as always — they came.

But before that, we meet a handful of very interesting characters, all of whom have a good start on a motive for killing someone. We’ve got the frustrated doctoral candidate who can’t get the last signature on his dissertation; the professor who’s watching her career disappear; the father of the girl who had to fend off advances from her professor; the ghost writer who was denied credit; the man pressured into smuggling drugs; and — well, there are others.

Take these people, put them on a boat down the Amazon River with Gideon Oliver and John Lau? You know you’re going to get at least one body. Elkins didn’t disappoint — a nice puzzle, some interesting characters, a lot of interesting facts about a part of the world that’s teeming with them. Which makes for a pleasant, if not outstanding read.

It would’ve been nice if we’d had a sentence or two tying up the storylines of the four supporting characters that were pretty much abandoned. Nothing much, just something like “It looks like things will end up working out for ____” or “____’s immediate future looks a little brighter without . . . ” Things felt a little rushed at the end, I guess is what I’m trying to say.

Still, a nice, relaxing time with Gideon and John (even if they weren’t that relaxed). Which is all I ask Elkins to provide. Good enough.

—–

3 Stars

Could Use a Little Help from my Readers

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On June 25, 2014

In News/Misc., Uncategorized

Am thinking of tweaking things here — I can’t change the template much, unless I start hosting this myself, and I’m not sure I have time for template tweaks. But I might change some of the graphics (if I can come up with/am given some better stars, for example).

The reviews/review-ish things are my focus now. I’m thinking of tweaking how they look, what they contain (other than my reviews). Are the links and general book information enough? Could I provide more? If so, what? Would you like a larger cover image? The reviews aren’t going to change much, hopefully they’re getting better. But the non-review stuff, I’d like to make more useful/interesting.

If you have any thoughts at all, for those of you who follow this/read this/glance here every now and then. Chime in please.

The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy

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On June 25, 2014

In Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle (The League of Princes, #2)The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle

by Christopher Healy

Hardcover, 477 pg.
Walden Pond Press, 2013
Read: Jun 17 – 20, 2014

This is not as good as The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, let me get that out of the way. But it’s hard to stay fresh with this time of humor. Still, it wasn’t stale, it was still a fun — sometimes very fun — adventure and a good story for the young — or those that can act young while reading a good book.

After their last adventure, the heroes find out that even in Fairy Tale Kingdoms, you only get 15 minutes of fame. No longer hailed as greats, their loser status has been restored and their lives are pretty much what they were before they banded together. So they all jump at the chance for further excitement, even if it comes in less-than-favorable ways. This time, the band is off to steal

We get all the characters from the first book back (at least the ones that anyone would notice), plus a few new faces — most of which I want to see again. In particuar, the character of Smimf the messenger was a great addition to the cast — he’s the proper mix of ridiculous and impossible. I could’ve used a little more of him — but not too much, I think he’s one of those characters that would grow old pretty quick.

I really enjoy Healy’s way of looking at the world and describing things, I know I posted some quotations last time, so I’ll limit myself to just one taste from this book where he explains the origin of the very nasty Warlord of Dar:

Some peole say Rundark was born out of a mad alchemist’s attempt to distill the essence of pure evil. Others claim he emerged fully grown form an erupting volcano. Although it’s also possible that he was the son of a used-cart salesman from Nebbish Village — they didn’t keep very good records in Dar.

I don’t care what age level you’re writing for, give me paragraphs like that, and I’ll read.

The last thing anyone should think about while reading this is Game of Thrones, but I couldn’t help myself. Someone needs to make a movie of this series, and they cast have to those of Maisie Williams and Rory McCann as Lila and Ruffian (quickly, before Williams grows up even more). If you watch the HBO series, I don’t know how you can read this without seeing the two of them with your mind’s eye as you read this.

I did chuckle at the tip of the cap The Princess Bride — so few in the target audience are going to get it, but for us Moms and Dads out there, it was a nice touch.

Last, but not least: Kudos to illustrator Todd Harris — his drawings are full of life and mirth. They’re the perfect accompaniment for the writing.

A lot of fun, almost as fun as the first book in the series, and well worth your time. I note there’s a third book in this series, and I really look forward to it.

—–

3 Stars

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