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Review: Hawkeye, Vol. 2: Little Hits by Matt Fraction and David Aja

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On October 23, 2013

In Comics, Fiction

Hawkeye, Vol. 2: Little HitsHawkeye, Vol. 2: Little Hits

by Matt Fraction
Paperback, 136 pg.
Marvel Comics, 2013

Like it’s predecessor, I enjoyed the second collection of Hawkeye comics from Fraction, et al, although I’m not as over-the-moon about this series as everyone else seems to be. It’s fun, but not frivolous — some good, dark story telling, but with a light touch.

On the whole, I thought this was a stronger collection, with better stories — although part of that might just be me growing more comfortable with this particular style.

The only negative I have to say about this is that I’m not crazy about having to wait until 2014 for Vol. 3.

Oh, incidentally, I just have to say: The issue from Pizza Dog’s point of view was utterly fantastic.

—–

3 Stars

Indexing, Episode 12: Bad Apple by Seanan McGuire

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On October 23, 2013

In Fantasy, Fiction, Indexing, Seanan McGuire, Urban Fantasy

Now that this serial is over, my plan is to write up my thoughts on this last episode and then in a day or two, write something on the series as a whole. Should prove easier to do, anyway.

—

IndexingIndexing by Seanan McGuire
Series: Indexing, #1.12

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Episode 12: Bad Apple
Spoiler-y, but not terribly so, words to follow. Use caution.

It almost had to end this way, didn’t it? The focus throughout has been on Henry and Sloane — sure, the rest of the team were used well, but McGuire’s kept our attention on these two. So when most of the Bureau is taken out of commission, obviously they’d be the two least affected. The conclusion isn’t the knock-down, drag-out, epic fighting many might have guessed. Instead, Henry and Sloane simply outsmart their nemesis, using the narrative as only those who spend every waking moment dealing with it could (not that this is violence-free, Sloane does get to strut her stuff a bit).

We also get a little more information on the Snow White fairly tale, and what it can do to a person. Pretty fascinating, although I’m not sure how much was necessary for us. I’ll probably talk more about this in the next post.

A lot of fun — a climax that seemed a bit rushed (I have to keep reminding myself that McGuire has limited space to work with here), but that’s really my only beef.

I’ve gotten used to dipping my toe into this world every couple of weeks, and I’ll miss the world. Glad I got these 12 episodes, though.

Review: China Trade

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On October 22, 2013

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

China Trade
China Trade

by S.J. Rozan
Series: Lydia Chin & Bill Smith, #1

Mass Market Paperback, 275 pg.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 1995 by

For everyone who’s wondered what Kinsey Milhone would be like if she were a young American Born Chinese woman living with her non-English speaking mother while resisting her family’s efforts to get her to stop being a P.I., this is the book for you (and sure, who among us hasn’t played with that thought experiment?).

I don’t necessarily thing that’s what Rozan was trying for — and Lydia Chin’s not so Milhone-eque that she’s not her own character, but that’s the thought that kept running through my mind. And I do mean that as a compliment.

This was a great first book for a series — a fascinating world, some really good characters that I could see myself enjoying spending time with, and room for the characters to grow and explore this world — and that’s really the thing I want in a first book in series. Rozan adds a pretty interesting case, with just enough twists, turns, and danger to keep the reader glued to the page. She faked me out once (but in an honest way), but on the whole it was easy to stay with the pair as they untangled this web, though Lydia’s final deduction surprised me (shouldn’t have, but that’s my fault).

An entertaining start to a series I look forward to reading more of.

—–

3.5 Stars

Dusted Off: The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris

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On October 21, 2013

In Fiction, Steampunk

The Janus Affair (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #2)The Janus Affair

by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris
Series: Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, #2

Mass Market Paperback, 432 pg.
Harper Voyager, 2012

This was just fun. Rollicking steampunk adventure told with just a touch of whimsy (well, maybe more than a touch when it comes to chapter titles).

This time out, our intrepid secret agents investigate the inexplicable disappearances of several leading British suffragists. Pasts come back to haunt, secrets are exposed, romances are kindled, clockwork doohickeys do all sorts of strange and wonderful things–all you can want.

I really enjoyed this first installment of this series, and this first sequel is a lot more fun–I’d be more than happy if these came out more frequently.

—–

4 Stars

Dusted Off: Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris

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On October 21, 2013

In Fiction, Steampunk

Phoenix Rising (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #1)Phoenix Rising

by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris
Series: Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, #1

Mass Market Paperback, 402 pg.
Harper Voyage, 2011

I’ve been curious about Steampunk fiction, but wasn’t sure where to start amongst all the choices out there–so I just dove in and grabbed one. If Phoenix Rising is any indicator of what the sub-genre offers, I’ll be coming back to it again and again.

Most of the ingredients of this book–the characters, the secret organizations, the conspiracies on top of conspiracies, the chemistry between the protagonists–would make for a decent read if set in contemporary England. But throw them into an alternate history of Victorian England, with advanced technology and it’s a sure winner.

I can’t think of anything really to say that doesn’t get into spoiler territory, so I’ll cut this short–as a great spy thriller with a twist, Phoenix Rising is a good, pulpy read and great introduction to what will likely be a great series.

—–

4 Stars

Saturday Miscellany – 10/19

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On October 19, 2013

In Books, News/Misc.

Been one of those weeks, and I’ve accomplished almost nothing blog-wise. I’ve started three reviews, and have notes on a couple more, but haven’t been able to translate those into something worth reading. Still I’ve been able to cobble together a decent batch of 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:

Somehow, only saw new release this week that got my attention — which is fine as my TBR pile is tall enough that a strong breeze could topple it on me and cause serious injury. Taking a glance around, next week will be fuller. Still, the fact that Michael Connelly’s The Black Box is out in Mass Market Paperback is great news, I’m always up for Harry Bosch.

Dusted Off: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

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On October 14, 2013

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Mansfield ParkMansfield Park

by Jane Austen
Original Publication: 1814

This is my third foray into the works of Austen in my resolution to read her collected works this year, and it’s as disappointing as the first two–maybe more.

Once again, we have a collection of mostly empty-headed young women who fawn over largely unworthy men with healthy inheritances/incomes. There are two of these women who are capable to some thought, of being almost well-rounded, and they’re both in love with the same man (who, other than being utterly clueless about this fact for the entire novel is the only single guy worth bothering with). But there’s a twist this time–the protagonist doesn’t come from the same social class as everyone else, she’s been taken in and raised by her wealthier uncle. Hardly a Dickensian orphan, but still, not “worthy” of being in the company with these people.

Everyone else gets married and whatnot, leaving the triangle socially isolated until things finally come to the only just (and entirely predictable) conclusion for all involved, and they all lived happily ever after.

There was nothing real here–no real heart, no soul, just a bunch of cardboard cutouts going through the motions. Once again, I have to ask–how did Austen get the rep she has? I want to fall under her spell, I want to like her stuff, but I just can’t. Not yet anyway. Here’s hoping Emma‘s better.

—–

1 Star

Dusted Off: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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On October 14, 2013

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Sense and SensibilitySense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen
Original Publication: 1811

I honestly don’t know what to say about this, my first exposure to Jane Austen (other than it’s far overdue).

I don’t see the appeal, I don’t see why this one has endured. That’s not to say I hated it. It’s just that I don’t get it. Yes, there were amusing turns of phrases here and there, and I can see where it might be seen as a template for romantic comedies since then. But..meh.

—–

2 Stars

Saturday Miscellany – 10/12

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On October 12, 2013

In Books, Calendar Items, 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 Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • The House of Hades by Rick Riordan — The Heroes of Olympus series keeps barreling along
  • The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch — oh, goody, goody, goody — the third Gentlemen Bastards novel! Check out the trailer here.
  • Inherit the Dead: A Novel by just about everyone under the sun — this looks interesting, love the idea.

From the Mailbag: Whither Pratchett?

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On October 11, 2013

In Books, News/Misc.

Received this e-mail today from someone submitting a comment to the “Suggest a Book” form:

Do have reviews on ANY Terry Pratchett book. Would love to “hear” your thoughts…

Thanks for the question! Not just because I like getting suggestions/e-mails, but also because I had nothing else to post today, having opted for sleep and time with my family over finishing a book.*

Pratchett’s a legend — almost universally praised and adored. I read the first two Discworld novels back in 2011, and didn’t care for ’em. Which I assume is an indictment of me, my taste, and very likely my morality, patriotism and love for my wife. So, readers, is it just these first couple of books? Should I start with a different Pratchett book? I’d like to bask in his particular brand of genius, just need a hand.

Anyway, I wasn’t going to bother dusting these off as they’re so short, but since you asked, here are my 2-star reviews for the first two Discworld novels.

The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1)The Colour of Magic

by Terry Pratchett
Hardcover, 183 pg.
St. Martin’s Press, 1983

It was amusing enough–chuckle-inducing in more than one place–but I never connected with it, not the story, not the characters, not the world. Left me pretty durn blah.

Probably just me, eh?

The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2)The Light Fantastic

by Terry Pratchett
Hardcover, 189 pg
Colin Smythe, 1987

I liked this one better than The Colour of Magic — it was better constructed, the characters were a touch more believable as characters, and I certainly laughed more. But, I had the same issues with this as I had with the previous.

I just didn’t care about anything or anyone, and saw no reason why I should.

Funny, clever stuff, and I couldn’t wait to be done with it.

—–

* Not that I didn’t try for all three

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