The Irresponsible Reader - I Read (a lot) and then Rant, Rave and maybe Review

I looked up at the stars. Finding one pirate after twenty years was a lot like picking one star out of this sky. Just when you thought you had it, a cloud slid by and you had to start all over when it passed.

Yet that’s just what Eddie LaCrosse sets out to do — find the unfindable, track the untrackable. For those of you who don’t know — Eddie lives in a fairly standard fantasy realm, and makes his living as a “sword jockey” — what we’d call a P.I. in our world. These books are first person narratives and read a lot like good detective novels — but with swords, horses and the occasional dragon or whatnot.

Eddie doesn’t go alone on his search for a pirate — he brings along his old friend/colleague, Jane Argo. Jane’s a former pirate turned pirate hunter turned sword jockey and is as tough as that résumé suggests. Having her come along on this adventure as the Hawk/Joe Pike figure was a great addition to a series that I didn’t think required it. But now, I want more of her — back in Eddie LaCrosse #6, or in Jane Argo #1. I could be pleased either way, as long as it’s soon.

There’s adventure, piracy, sword-play, banter, friendship, and a bit of betrayal. Enough to keep you engaged, if not turning pages as quickly as you can. Every now and then, in the middle of this fun read, Bledsoe reminds you he can do more than tell a fun action story, and drop a sentence, or phrase that shows he’s just a good writer, period. One such line that stood out to me, and I’ve tried to find excuses to use in the last couple days is:

Hawk’s been called many things over the years, but you know what captures him best, in my opinion? That he’s simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.

You get a real clear idea about this Hawk guy, the image is pretty creepy in and of itself, and yet, it looks and sounds breezy unless you think about it. I like Eddie and the rest of his world plenty — but it’s that kind of thing that keeps me coming back to Bledsoe.

Part of me is glad I read Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies before this, if I hadn’t, I’d have spent too much time comparing the pirate-y bits between the two while reading — and I think Lynch would’ve come up short. Bledsoe did a great job of nailing the life of a ship (says the guy who gets too seasick to even contemplate a day-long voyage) — both the tedium of day-to-day and the excitement of the boarding.

The last thing I can think to note, is that this book briefly features the creepiest little girl I can remember since Let the Right One In. I really can’t talk about her without ruining too much, but let me just say that absolutely loved the way that Bledsoe used her.

I couldn’t have seen the ending coming, nor the details it revealed. But it worked, it absolutely worked both as an interesting plot development, and as strong character moments. So well done. Shame on me for putting this off for so long — not a mistake I’ll make again.^*

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^* and I mean that — book 5, He Drank, and Saw the Spider came out this year, and is on my hold list at the library.

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4 1/2 Stars

The Chase by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

By HCNewton

On May 29, 2014

In A-F, Authors, Fiction, Fox and O'Hare, Janet Evanovich, Lee Goldberg, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

The Chase

by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Series: Fox and O’Hare, #2

Hardcover, 320 pg.
Bantam, 2014
Read: March 20-21, 2014

Nicolas Fox and Agent Kate O’Hare are back in action — better yet, Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg are back and better than ever. This time their target is none other than the head of a multinational security force/private army owned by the former White House Chief of Staff. Easy pickings, right?

This is just the ticket for readers who miss The A-Team or Leverage — clever schemes improbably pulled off by team of pros to take down a real scoundrel. This team gets around a bit more than the others do (better budgets in books than TV shows) — they globe hop from D.C. to Shanghai, to Montreal and more — even the Scottish hinterlands. The shenanigans in Montreal, in particular, were hilarious and ever so smooth.

I enjoyed The Heist (my review) — a lot, actually — but this was better. Everything — the interplay between the characters, the plot, the crazy schemes that Fox & O’Hare cooked up (individually and together), the new guys, the villains — all of it worked better this time out. If these two are this polished on book two, I can’t wait to see what Evanovich and Goldberg are like by the time they get to five or so.

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4 Stars

Opening Lines – Hot Lead, Cold Iron

By HCNewton

On May 28, 2014

In Blog Series, Currently Reading, News/Misc., Opening Lines, Quotations, Urban Fantasy

We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (yet, publishing companies spend big bucks on cover design/art). But, the opening sentence(s)/paragraph(s) are fair game. So, when I stumble on a good opening (or remember one and pull it off the shelves), I’ll throw it up here. Dare you not to read the rest of the book

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I really feel that fewer of modern society’s bits and pieces are sadder—more banal, I guess—than a big office. It’s kinda like, once mankind perfected the assembly line, there was nothing left to do but live on it. Desk after bulky desk, endless rows reaching into the distance like railroad tracks to nowhere; constant monotonous clacks and dings of typewriters and adding machines; tacky marble floors—and maybe columns, in the swankier joints—trying to echo the glories of ancient temples and libraries, and miserably failing at it. Honestly, I dunno if it’s more depressing or more boring.

Unless someone’s trying to rub you out in one of ’em. Then I’m pretty damn confident in telling you it’s a lot more depressing than it is boring.

Right that minute, I wasn’t looking at the desks, or the typewriters, or the pillars, because I was staring blearily at the growing puddle of red soaking into the piss-yellow carpet between my scuffed Oxfords. (Yeah, carpet. This was the second story, so no marble flooring here.) It wasn’t a whole lot of leakage, not yet, but the brick-fisted galoots flocking around me seemed right eager to help me add to it. We were having a friendly little get-together, me and the four of them, wherein I was helping them to relax by massaging their knuckles with my cheeks and my gut. Repeatedly; they musta been really tense. But hey, at least the coppery scent in my nose kept me from gagging on the mixed bouquet of old sweat, typewriter oil, and carpet shampoo.

from Hot Lead, Cold Iron by Ari Marmell

It Works if You Work It

By HCNewton

On May 27, 2014

In Uncategorized

Twice this year (so far), I’ve come home from the library with a new book in a series, eager to dive in. Only to find I’d skipped one — thankfully, before I started either novel (my son, alas, made some decent headway in one of these books before he convinced himself that something was wrong). Reading at the volume I do — and with some series books being so meaningless/interchangeable — it’s really hard to keep track of all of them. For example, I can remember exactly 1 title in Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series — Mercy Blade — and I had to look it up to know that it was the third in series. (this was not one of the series I mentioned)

For the last 5 or so years, I’ve been neurotically logging my reading, and using Goodreads for most of that time. You’d think given that, I’d at least be able to know what book is next in a series. Right? Guess that 12 Step slogan has some merit here, too: it works if you work it.

Anyone else have this problem? Other than becoming more obsessive with lists, what have you tried to help?

The Warrior by Ty Patterson

By HCNewton

On May 27, 2014

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

The Warrior

by Ty Patterson

Kindle Edition, 153 pg.
2012
Read: May 9 – 10, 2014

This short debut thriller packs a wallop. Yeah, there are flaws — notably, an opening chapter that just didn’t click for me, with fight mechanics that seemed . . . off somehow; and a final sentence that would’ve caused me to toss a paperback across the room (but a Kindle edition is safe from that fate). But the stuff between? Good, testosterone-y fun.

It’s a pretty straight-forward tale of vengeance, the lone crusader tracking down some despicable criminals, kickin’ butt and taking names along the way. Not that Zeb’s as lone as he thinks he is — former colleagues, friends, fellow-soldiers, handler, sister, and an almost-obnoxiously cute kid. Patterson knows his weapons, knows his martial arts (at least some forms), knows how to get that information across to his readers (most of the time). All the makings of a good, action read.

As I said, it’s a short novel. Goodreads tells me it’s 153 pages, and that seems about right. But the novel could’ve used another 100 pages or so. There was a lot that seemed rushed or under-developed. Some of the relationships developed so quickly it strained disbelief — and in these kind of books, it should be the heroics that strain disbelief.

On the whole, I liked the characters, and Patterson’s treatment of them. Many of them were variations on the typical action hero types, but nicely drawn. Although, I do think a few times with Zeb that Patterson aimed for enigmatic and hit ill-defined. The more citizen-y characters, worked as well — but I could’ve used more details with them, why did they take so well to this rag-tag band of adventurers?

I honestly didn’t see a lot of the end coming, and initially wasn’t thrilled with it. In retrospect, not only did I see why Patterson made the choices he made, but understood the story he was trying to tell — not the one I thought he was telling.

A fast-paced, enjoyable read — full of action and all the right kinds of characters for this sort of book. It’s commendably ambitious, just not as good as it tries to be. Still, I look forward to seeing more from Patterson.
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Note: I was graciously provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review. Hope he doesn’t regret that.

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3 Stars

Dusted Off: Harry Lipkin, Private Eye by Barry Fantoni

By HCNewton

On May 26, 2014

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

Harry Lipkin, Private Eye

by Barry Fantoni

Hardcover, 224 pg
Doubleday, 2012
Read: July 27, 2012

This book was quite the change of pace, a very “cozy” mystery feel with a teeny-tiny touch of hard-boiled flavoring. An odd PI with an offbeat approach to things, along the lines of Paul Tremblay‘s Narcoleptic Detective or Rick Yancey‘s Highly Effective Detective. Lipkin’s an amusing enough character and the robbery suspects he’s investigating are fairly interesting, but the mystery’s pretty flat and the novel doesn’t have a lot going for it.

In the end, it was a nice enough diversion for a couple of hours, but that’s basically it.

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2 Stars

John Knox by Simonetta Carr, Matt Abraxas (Illustrator)

By HCNewton

On May 25, 2014

In (Auto)Biography, History, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

John Knox

by Simonetta Carr, Matt Abraxas (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 64 pgs.
Reformation Heritage Books, 2014
Read: May 25, 2014

I’m tempted to say, for a children’s book, this is quite good. But honestly? For a brief biography for any reading level, it’s quite good.

In these pages we get a good picture of Knox’s life (public and private), his historical context, and his teachings/beliefs. Essentially, everything you could want. There’s excitement, there’s hardship, there’s triumph and there’s tragedy. This isn’t a hagiography — Carr isn’t afraid to point out weaknesses, or problems with Knox (although she could’ve gone a little further in that direction). Nor is this all sweetness and light, as you might expect from a children’s book. While not dwelling on the details of the violence in Knox’s Scotland, she doesn’t sweep it under the rug, either.

The illustrations are great — the map, the photos and historic portraits are as well. Abraxas does a really good job in making his illustrations pop — but not to the degree that they become the focal point. The text carries this book, but the illustrations aid the text, as it should be.

Assuming this is a representative sample (and, based on a couple of interviews I’ve heard with Carr, I think it is), this is “Christian Biographies For Young Readers” series to get for anyone with kids. Or anyone just wanting small biographies to teach them Church History without having to wade through a tome like Shelley or González.

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4 1/2 Stars

Saturday Miscellany — 5/24/14

By HCNewton

On May 24, 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:

How to Support an Author’s New Book: 11 Ideas For You — Some great advice for those who like to help out those who bring us such pleasure. Saw a lot of writer’s pass this along this week, and I can see why.
Dear Media, Let me help you write that article on YA literature — A YA Librarian attempts to set a few facts straight about YA books. Good for readers (particularly those skeptical of YA) as well as media-types.
The Case of the Aging Sleuths and the Dying Detectives — Max Allan Collins talks about the various ways that mystery authors have dealt with their protagonist’s aging. Nice little survey that speaks to the mystery geek in me
First Page Perfection — I haven’t read the same books that James Crossley talks about here, but I fully understand the phenomenon he talks about. I expect most readers do.
What’s in a Pen Name? — title says it all
Five Fascinating Facts about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — In honor of the 155th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s birth, here’s, well, 5 facts.
The Tufa Talk — nice little chat about a book I really enjoyed from the author and audio book narrator. (thanks, @SkyboatMedia for the head’s up on this)
‘Cheap Shot’ Brings Sports To Spenser Revival — will hopefully get my review of the new Spenser up next week, Spoiler: Loved it. This is a nice look at the book and Atkins.
Patrick Rothfuss Reviews Butcher’s Skin Game — a rave review from Rothfuss is a joy to read, this is no exception. I don’t need anything to make me want to read Skin Game, but I’ll take it.

The Severed Streets by Paul Cornell — I’ve been really looking forward to this follow-up to the dark Urban Fantasy/Police Procedural London Falling
Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J.R.R. Tolkien — Tolkien’s take on the classic, 88 years after he finished it. Who wouldn’t want to read this? Here’s a bit more on it.
Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl — Honestly, I could live without returning to the Beautiful Creatures world. Still, Link and Ridley? Tempting . . . .
Temporary Hauntings by Craig Shaw Gardner — it’s been ages since I read a Craig Shaw Gardner book, but he’s always been a sure-fire pleaser. The Temporary Magic series looks fun.
V is for Villain by Peter Moore (not Sue Grafton, really.) — Looks to be a fun YA super-hero thing. /li>

Dusted Off: Dragon Precinct by Keith R.A. DeCandido

By HCNewton

On May 19, 2014

In Fiction

Dragon Precinct

by Keith R.A. DeCandido
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What a great concept–take a typical D&D-ish city, filled with Elves, Half-Elves, Halflings, Dwarves, Magic Users, etc. and throw in a typical Law & Order-ish police force investigating a variety of crimes. Most notably, a serial killer knocking off legendary members of a band of heroes embarking on an epic quest.

Not the greatest fantasy novel I’ve read in the last few months–but such a fun one, I hated for it to end. The detectives (and most of the supporting cast) were a lotta fun, and I could spend a lot more time with them, just bantering at the tavern after their shifts, much less working their cases.

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3 Stars