Tag: 3 1/2 Stars Page 7 of 41

Scattered Showers: Stories by Rainbow Rowell: Some People Want to Fill the World with Silly Love Stories

DETAILS:
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: November 7, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 282 pg.
Read Date: December 26-27, 2022

He huffed out a laugh. “I thought you said no to prom because you didn’t want to ruin everything.”

“What’s everything?” She was still whispering.

“You and me. Friendship.”

“I don’t,” she said. “But I’d rather we ruin it together than you ruin it with somebody else.”

What’s Scattered Showers About?

This is the first collection of short stories by Rainbow Rowell—nine stories, four of which had been previously published.

They are, at their core, love stories—the beginning of a relationship, the change of a relationship, the maintaining of one—and a couple that are harder to define. Rowell’s signature style and sweetness fills these pages—her light humor and propensity for happy endings, too. (propensity, not universal practice)

Checking In On Old Friends

With three of these stories, Rowell revisits characters from previous novels. We get to see some of the primary characters from Attachments in “Mixed Messages,” and a character from Fangirl in “If the Fates Allow,” and some of the characters from the Simon Snow trilogy (and, I guess, from Fangirl, too?).

I didn’t get into the Simon Snow stuff in Fangirl (and even skipped most of it) and didn’t bother with those books—but I liked the fact that Rowell did revisit some of her previous work. (I do wish we’d gotten to see Eleanor and/or Park, but am pretty sure that I’d have been annoyed at whatever she told us about them, so I’m glad she didn’t include anything about them).

Now, it’s not essential that you’re familiar with the characters in these stories to enjoy them. I don’t honestly remember who Reagan was from Fangirl (hey, it was 9 years ago, cut me some slack), but I quite enjoyed this story featuring her. I did remember the characters from Attachments, but I don’t think it enhanced my appreciation of that story—but it was nice to see a little about what’s gone on with them.

The Illustrations

Opposite the first page of each story is a full-page illustration, sort of a cover image. There are also some accent illustrations scattered throughout the stories. They were attractive and fitting to the stories. I’m not sure that they added much to the book, but I did think they were nice touches.

So, what did I think about Scattered Showers?

I’m a sucker for Rowell’s love stories, and had a lot of fun with these.* When she’s not writing about teen wizards, I have a hard time resisting her work (and don’t find much inclination to try).

* Okay, true to form, I skipped “Snow for Christmas” after the first page and a half didn’t intrigue me at all.

Out of her norm were two stories: one that’s a strange fairy-tale of sorts that I found strangely appealing, but I’m not sure how to talk about it. The closing story is about some characters who’ve taken up residence in an author’s subconscious or imagination, while they wait for the author to put them into a story or novel. I thought this was a fantastic story—Pirandello-esque, but with a Rowell-twist.

All in all, this was a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe: A Knock Out of a Debut

By HCNewton

On December 29, 2022

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

Her Name is Knight

by Yasmin Angoe

DETAILS:
Series: Nena Knight, #1
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: November 1, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 413 pg.
Read Date: December 8-12, 2022

What’s Her Name is Knight About?

I’m struggling here (and have been for a week or so) to come up with something succinct and yet descriptive. So I’m going to cop out, and borrow the description from the author’s website, because I want to get this posted (if only so I can get this book back to the library). I don’t know if I’d have said everything the third paragraph does myself—feel free to skip the first sentence of it—but I figure if Angoe is willing to say it, it can’t be that spoilery.

Stolen from her Ghanaian village as a child, Nena Knight has plenty of motives to kill. Now an elite assassin for a powerful business syndicate called the Tribe, she gets plenty of chances.

But while on assignment in Miami, Nena ends up saving a life, not taking one. She emerges from the experience a changed woman, finally hopeful for a life beyond rage and revenge. Tasked with killing a man she’s come to respect, Nena struggles to reconcile her loyalty to the Tribe with her new purpose.

Meanwhile, she learns a new Tribe council member is the same man who razed her village, murdered her family, and sold her into captivity. Nena can’t resist the temptation of vengeance―and she doesn’t want to. Before she can reclaim her life, she must leverage everything she was and everything she is to take him down and end the cycle of bloodshed for good.

The Dual Timelines

So it turns out that this novel is told in two timelines. There’s the “After,” describing the present time (everything that the description above talks about), and the “Before”—the things that happen between her village was attacked and her being brought into the Tribe. This had all the makings of a problem for me.

This feels like it’s a confession—maybe it is—books with two timelines making up the plot aren’t for me. I’m not talking about flashbacks, or anything like that. Or a big time-jump somewhere along the line. But where you have Story A taking place in one time and Story B taking place some in some other time and you have to follow each of them along for the entirety (or just about) of the novel until one timeline takes over or they merge. I’m not saying I don’t read them, or that I don’t enjoy those books. But they’re really not my thing—if for no other reason than I almost always only care about one of the timelines. Which one I care about might change while I read, but when we switch from A to B, I almost always begrudge it because I just don’t care about B and just want to get back to A.

This is particularly true when we’re dealing with the past of a character (as we are here). If I can’t guess or assume pretty much the major events in a protagonist’s childhood from what I know of them in the present, then the author either failed in their depiction of the present or is deliberately withholding something (which usually backfires in these situations).

That’s absolutely the case here with Nena Knight. You knew the bulk of what was happening in the “Before” timeline—it’s her origin story and in the “After” story we’re told about some of these events/people prior to them coming up in that timeline, or we get allusions that are clear enough that we can assume the rough outline.

However.

Angoe pulls it off—both timelines are gripping throughout (okay, it took a little bit—maybe a chapter or two—for me to get into the “Before” just because I assumed Angoe would have the problems that 90% of writers have with this setup). I did resent jumping from “After” to “Before,” because I wanted to know what happened next, but I was also glad to get back to the “Before,” because I was on tenterhooks about it after the last jump. When that chapter ended, I didn’t want to leave that timeline, but I had to know what was going on in “After.” It was a vicious cycle. A delicious one, too.

Don’t ask me how Angoe succeeded where so many falter. Skill? Magic? Both? Sure, why not?

Also? The two different voices for the timelines are an excellent choice. Angoe describes her approach:

During her childhood her story is in first person present tense so that you see the world and her journey through her eyes. As an adult, her story is in third person past tense to give you a panoramic view and scope of what this kick-ass assassin can do.

This works so well—I was a little skeptical going in, but she made a believer out of me quickly.

Now, if Angoe tries this again in the next book, will it be as effective? It beats me. I’m leaning toward no, because so few can repeat the same trick. But I’m prepared for her to prove me wrong.

So, what did I think about Her Name is Knight?

There are so many elements here that we’ve seen dozens of times before—Nikita, Black Widow, Hanna, Villanelle, etc.—young female with a traumatic past, raised by people other than her parents, trained to be a spy/assassin/etc., starts to wonder if/discovers that she’s been lied to by her handlers, and makes some connections outside of her organization that feeds their desire to get out/question. Now, there’s a reason we’ve seen these things so often—they’re reliable, there’s something about them that people enjoy. Angoe does something new and different (even if only a little) with these tried and true elements so that they feel fresh and inventive.

I’ve said it before—and I’ll say it again, and keep saying it—I don’t care if you’re telling me a story I know (unless it’s book four in a series and you’re telling the same story each time), as long as you tell it in an entertaining way. This is what Yasmin Angoe has done here.

There’s a strong—very strong—chance for Nena Knight to become my favorite kick-ass female in the near future. Lily Wong, Charlie Fox, Vanessa Michael Munroe—you’re on notice. There’s something very compelling about her, her values, and how she’s living them out. Her ass-kicking abilities are pretty compelling, too. (I’m not really a fan of that phrase, but after quoting Angoe earlier, I can’t think of another way to put it)

The supporting characters—I’m not sure how many of them will reappear in the series, so I’m going to hold off talking about them in any kind of detail—are just as well done. I could take a lot more focus on any one of them in a future book and have a blast with it. The Tribe, too, is a fascinating take on a shadowy international cabal employing our assassin-protagonist. I’m hoping to see a lot more about how and why they work in the books to come. There, too, I’m not sure how much to say. I have to see the future installments.

I’d better wrap things up because I feel like I’m spinning my wheels here—this is a killer introduction to a series. It’s so satisfying and so tantalizing at the same time—I need to know what happens to Nena next. How is she changed, and what’s stayed the same for her (that might be more interesting—what is she holding on to, or what’s so much part of her that she can’t shake it)? If you’re looking for your next thriller, you’d do well to make it this one.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Aether Powered by James T. Lambert: 21st Century Steampunk

By HCNewton

On December 15, 2022

In Literary Locals, Science Fiction, Steampunk

Literary Locals logo I’ve got a fun Q&A with the author, James T. Lambert, coming up in an hour or so—be sure to come back for it!

Aether Powered

by James T. Lambert

DETAILS:
Publisher: Bert Books
Publication Date: January 18, 2022
Format: Paperback
Length: 224 pg.
Read Date: November 30, 2022

What’s Aether Powered About?

I feel like I’m in danger of just going full-bore “here’s everything that happened in the novel” or not really giving you enough to know what the book’s about. Let’s give it the ol’ college try, though.

Joseph is studying Electrical Engineering and is just scraping by—his gig in the bar can pay the bills and come close to treating his girlfriend, Carol, in the manner she is accustomed to. But there’s no wiggle room in his budget—so when he gets an inheritance from his weird uncle, he could really use some money. Instead, he gets an oddly heavy trunk. Which isn’t going to do much for the huge tax bill he just received that’s going to hit his financial house of cards like a bowling ball.

The trunk is full of odd-looking bits and pieces, strange devices, sketches, and notes from a distant relative who’d collaborated with Nicola Tesla. Joseph doesn’t know what to make of them. He plays around with one a little bit and discovers that it seemingly has anti-gravity properties. Anti-gravity? You don’t have to think too hard to realize this could be the solution to his money problems—and a few other problems as well.

But wait…what was that thing Uncle Harry said about “Malevolent powers are at work…would do anything to secure this…”? Maybe Joesph should’ve paid a bit more attention to that because before he can figure out how to use the device to his advantage, someone tries to take it.

Joesph and Carol find themselves on the run and looking for allies they can trust (and end up finding in the least expected places).

Carol

The charitable way of describing Joseph’s girlfriend is that she’s “a real piece of work.” You know that at one point there had to be something between Carol and Joseph beyond the fact that she’s attractive, but they’ve been together long enough that it’s not evident why. The relationship isn’t in a great place, but when Joseph calls for help—she answers.

She’s out for herself at the same time, but she’s there to help, too. She proves to be both resourceful and creative.

I cannot tell you, however, how much time I spent wondering why Joesph was with her. It’s an interesting choice on Lambert’s part because I can’t imagine a lot of readers are going to warm to her for long. A morally gray protagonist, an anti-hero, or that sort of thing is pretty easy to get behind—some readers are drawn to them. But an unlikeable love interest is harder to accept (at least as I’ve been thinking about it since I read the book, maybe I’ll think of exceptions to this later). I think it’s a gutsy move, and I think it pays off.

The Seafair Pirates

On the other hand, you have the Seafair Pirates…these guys are great. There’s never a moment of doubt about what the reader is supposed to think about them, and I can’t believe a reader isn’t gladly going to fall in line.

Without getting into details they’re a bunch of people from a variety of backgrounds and industries in the Seattle area who like to get together, cosplay as pirates, drink a lot, sing pirate songs (they probably would’ve really gotten into the sea shanty craze of a year or so ago), and generally have fun together. A series of events brings Joseph into contact with them and they also end up proving to be a great source of aid to him in his struggles.

I’m not going to say more from a risk of oversharing, but I’d sign up for another book featuring them with or without Joseph.

The Steampunk Science

Most (not all) Steampunk that I’ve read dips a toe into the science, and explains a little bit of what’s going on in their contraptions, but largely, it can be summed up as: there’s a thing and it works. Not unlike the way that Philip Marlowe turns on a lamp or Kinsey Millhone uses a pay phone—we don’t need to know how electricity lights a bulb or how you can deposit coins into a…you know what? Never mind, that might not be the best example anymore.

The point I was trying to make is that Lambert doesn’t get down into the nitty-gritty to give us an explanation for how the devices from the trunk function. There was a part of me that wondered how our Electrical Engineering major was going to explain everything, and I was a little disappointed that he didn’t. But I got over it quickly—it’d have interrupted the flow of the novel, and honestly, I really don’t care. I just want to know that if he flips this switch and turns that dial, things happen. No one wants a Steampunk à la Tom Clancy.

The trunk isn’t big enough to contain too many devices, so this novel is primarily filled with things we all know and use—but we get a little Steampunk mixed in with smartphones and the Internet. Frankly, I love this combination and would gobble up more like it—from Lambert or anyone else.

So, what did I think about Aether Powered?

I don’t know that I’d consider this book a “cozy” of any particular genre. Although I probably should—it delivers the same sense of fun and warmth. Almost immediately, I had this warm attraction toward the book and Joseph—and ultimately, just about everyone in the novel. I don’t know a better way to describe it. There’s been a lot of talk this year about “cozy fantasy,” “hopepunk,” and things along those lines—and I get the same kind of feel from this book.

There’s some good action, some tense moments, and some believably unsavory characters/groups. But most of the characters you spend time with are the kind you want to see succeed and want to spend more time with because you like them. More than that, this is a fun story—it won’t take you long to see the general outline of the book as a whole, you’ll be pretty sure where you’re going to end up at the end. But it’s a fun ride along the way, and that’s the important part.

Also, as I touched on above—Steampunk tech in our world? Why don’t we see more of this? I’m all for full-on Steampunk novels. But a dash of it in a contemporary setting? It’s a great idea. Aether Powered is worth picking up just for the conceit. That Lambert surrounds this conceit with a good protagonist, rollicking supporting characters, and a fun adventure is a great bonus.

Check this out, you’ll be glad you did.

3.5 Stars

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Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham: The Actress-Essayist Does It Again

By HCNewton

On December 13, 2022

In (Auto)Biography, Humor, Non-Fiction

Have I Told You This Already?:
Stories I Don’t Want to
Forget to Remember

by Lauren Graham

DETAILS: 
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: November 15, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 186 pg.
Read Date: December 12, 2022

It’s almost as if I’m sending mixed messages, like valuing privacy whilst also being the author of a second book of personal essays.

What’s Have I Told You This Already? About?

This is a collection of essays—mostly personal—about Graham’s career (or things surrounding it) during various stages, some thoughts on filming a TV show and directing, and there’s one essay that’s devoted to just being funny.

She reflects on aging, friendship, making marmalade, and the ridiculous things that women in Hollywood have to do to maintain certain standards of appearance. She opens the book talking about memory and story-telling—where accuracy is necessary and where details can fudged because it makes a story better, and ends up with a tribute to New York City.

Whoops

I should’ve been patient and waited for the audiobook to become available. There’s nothing wrong with reading the paper version of this book—it’s perfectly charming and Graham’s voice shone through.

But.

Hearing it in her actual voice (not just what I assume it would sound like)—a few passages in particular—would be so much better. I listened to her previous book of essays (and the graduation speech) and I think this would’ve been more entertaining in audio format.

So, what did I think about Have I Told You This Already??

He said this as if his memory of the matter was not at all disturbed by something as inconsequential as fact. For years, my father told the same story about how a momentous occasion felt to him; the facts had faded over time, maybe because they weren’t the most relevant part of the day. Sometimes we polish an experience to make facts line up more closely with feelings or exaggerate moments to make a better dinner party tale. And sometimes, mercifully, details become blurry over time, maybe because the sharp reality is too painful to carry.

This was a fast and breezy read. Graham’s really skilled as a writer and her prose sings. She’s funny as you want her to be. The closing paragraph of the second essay is a work of comedic art, a string of puns that I couldn’t believe she was able to keep going as long as she is. I’m never going to quote any part of it—but I’m telling you, it was great.

There were a couple of chapters that didn’t do much for me—the chapter on various health retreats or the chapter on NYC as a friend (although I thought it was some of her strongest writing). And a couple that I was surprised I enjoyed as much as I did—like the chapter about her relationship with the department store, Barney’s. The chapter where she uses Nora Ephron’s essay, “I Feel Bad About My Neck,” to talk about aging in the Entertainment industry, was particularly effective.

Even the essays that underwhelmed me were well written, and I could see what she was trying to do—they just didn’t connect with me–but I found something to grin about or chuckle at in them. The essays that did click with me made me laugh (sometimes a lot). The rest fell somewhere between—but they were all funny (when intended to be), and I’m glad I read them all.

At the same time, I need to stress that this is not all comedy. There are some real emotions and some thinking behind some of these essays—and it’ll provoke some, too. I think in the end you get more comedy than anything else, but it wouldn’t take much for the balance to go the other way.

She has a real gift for a killer last line, too. Openings are important, but with essays of this length (especially if you’re going for comedic), a great last line is essential, and Graham knows what she’s doing there.

In the end, this was a very pleasant and engaging read that makes me really want to see more from her (which goes for pretty much everything she’s written). When her novel was published, I picked it up because I was curious about what this actress could do—I’ve picked up the 3 works since because I like the way she writes. This collection works as evidence that we should maybe think of Graham as a writer who can act.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze by Sheryl Bass, Remesh Ram (Illustrator): A Sick Dragon in Need

By HCNewton

On December 6, 2022

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Come back in an hour or so for a Q&A with the author!

Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze

by Sheryl Bass, Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Be-Kind Publishing
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Format: eBook
Length: 36 pg.
Read Date: December 2, 2022

Before We Get to the Story

I’m going to take things in a slightly different order than I usually do: I’m going to start with two important things you need to know from the outset.

The first is that Remesh Ram has given readers one of the cutest dragons ever. Really adorable.

The second thing that Ram demonstrates in almost one-half of the pages, is that a runny—nay, drippy—nose can be cute (also, this is going to really grab the attention of some kids).

The rest of the art is just as good. In a lot of books like this, all the adults/non-main characters tend to look identical—just different clothes and hair colors. Ram’s characters are clearly individuals. I really appreciated that.

Overall, bright colors, some very imaginative illustrations, and great character design. I’m really impressed with the art.

What’s Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze About?

Right, now it’s time to get to the story part.

We start out with our cute baby dragon suffering from a cold, and as he’s flying around one day he sneezes (as one does when you have a cold). Being a dragon, stuff shooting out of your nose tends to be on fire—and this sneeze did a good job of setting part of a village on fire.

Our parent-less dragon doesn’t know what to do…he’s distraught and makes plans to leave and find a new cave away from the village (while leaving an apology note behind). A determined little girl comes upon him as he’s preparing to leave and confronts him. Then she decides to find him some help.

Discussion Points

The publisher notes that this book would serve to get conversations going about:

– Found Family
– Building Trust
– Love and Kindness
– Helping Others / Sharing
– Reserving Judgement
– Accountability / Making Amends

And, yeah, I can see it functioning that way well. I do think it can come across as too heavy-handed on some of these points. But I have to remind myself that this is a book intended for a very young audience—and subtlety isn’t called for there. Heavy-handed is a selling-point.

So, what did I think about Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze?

I thought it was a cute little story. I think some of the rhymes would be fun to read aloud (I haven’t tried it yet, my dogs aren’t good audiences), and things like that are what draws a picture book to me as a potential reader-to-others. Will I have a good time reading this, or is it more of a thing you endure while hoping someone gets drowsy? (I’ve got plenty of experience with both)

I do think it’d work well for age-appropriate chats along the lines mentioned above—which is another nice bonus.

This is a great combination of attention-grabbing and attention-keeping art, a heartwarming story, some fun rhymes, and some potential life lessons. And—it’s about a dragon. Who doesn’t like to read about dragons? It’s been a while since I looked, but books for this audience about dragons aren’t super-easy to find. What better way to raise a Fantasy reader?

DISCLAIMER: I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church by Michael J. Kruger: A Needed Call to Arms

By HCNewton

On December 4, 2022

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Bully Pulpit:
Confronting the Problem
of Spiritual Abuse in
the Church

by Michael J. Kruger

DETAILS:
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: November 8, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 145 pg.
Read Date: November 20-27, 2022

The Back of the Book

Are churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders?

The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse—harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn.

Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don’t abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can’t ignore the growing number who do not. We have tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us against.

We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the church.

The Approach

Kruger is writing to defend the Church—all of it. Congregations and other organizations need to be aware of what to look for—both in leaders they are about to call, and those already called—both the attributes we want to see and the warning signs we should be aware of. We need to be able to take appropriate steps to protect the victims of abuse while investigating the claims, and part of that is recognizing the duty of leaders to do that. Yes, there’s an obligation to investigate thoroughly, to presume innocence, and to follow the existing ecclesiastical and accountability structures in place—but we shouldn’t set the well-being of a bruised reed up against those.

We—as individual believers and corporately—need to understand what spiritual abuse is, the damage it can do, and how we can inadvertently help abusers to get away with it. More than that, we need to look at the whole of Scripture to see the very consistent message that God has given when it comes to those leaders who would cause his people harm. Recognizing the seriousness of the problem from eternal and temporal perspectives ought to be the starting point.

Kruger knows his ecclesiology, he knows leadership of Christian organizations, he understands the warnings of the Bible—and he’s taken steps to learn from the abused. He puts these together to shape and inform the discussions here.

So, what did I think about Bully Pulpit?

The biggest problem with this book is that it’s an introductory volume. Kruger’s starting the conversation for many (for others, he’s continuing it, and hopefully bringing more into it). As it’s just an introduction, some of the suggestions are too vague. Also (and he admits this more than once), most of what he suggests would work best in larger congregations and organizations—which leaves out many/most of those in this country alone. Yes, most of this can be scaled down to meet a medium/small congregation’s needs, but that will present problems.

Those are really the only drawbacks I saw here. And they’re pretty minor—Bully Pulpit should serve to initiate people to the issue and prompt more people from the confessional and conservative wings of Protestantism to start addressing this problem. It’s not only an introduction in that it’s basic and a beginning—it’s introducing the topic to a whole lot of people.

Kruger is clear about the issues, he’s clear about the responsibility of the Church and her leaders to address them. This is a significant problem, and it appears to be growing (I think it’s really our being exposed to it that’s growing—as Kruger shows, we’ve seen it in the Church from the beginning). I hope that Kruger’s call to action is heeded.

Picking this up yourself or giving it away, would be a good step in that direction.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

For We Are Many (Audiobook) by Dennis E. Taylor, Ray Porter (Narrator): Who Knew that Finding a Replacement for Earth Was the Easy Part

By HCNewton

On November 7, 2022

In Audiobook, Fiction, Science Fiction

For We Are Many

by Dennis E. Taylor, Ray Porter (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Bobiverse, Book 2
Publisher: Audible Studios
Publication Date: September 18, 2017
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hrs, 59 min.
Read Date: September 28-29, 2022

What’s For We Are Many About?

It’s been around 40 years or so since the Bobs started their mission of finding a place for the tiny sliver of humanity that’s still eking out a survival on Earth. They’ve started colonizing one planet and continue to look for others.

On Earth terrorists upset with the evacuation priorities—and some that think humanity should die off—harass the efforts and cause a little trouble. Extra-terrestrial life (some sentient and some others) cause other problems for the Bobs. The Brazilian probes are still trying to attack, too.

Then they encounter an alien space-traveling species—their first. This group (soon dubbed the Others) are enough to make Star Trek‘s the Bord look warm and fuzzy. Naturally, the Bobs quickly annoy them.

But really, the biggest problem comes from within. The Bobs are having a hard time coping with their virtual invulnerability as they deal with humans (and others) who aren’t so long-lived. Some of the Bobs begin calling them “ephemerals” as they try to find ways to cope. Whatever the problems that come from their opponents throughout the universe, it looks like this one may be the biggest challenge.

Ray Porter’s Narration

Porter was the deciding factor for me trying out the series in the first place, and he’d be enough of a reason to stick around. I don’t need him to be—the story and characters are really what are keeping me around—but him doing narrating is a nice bonus.

I really don’t know what to say beyond that—I’m becoming a real Porter fan here (and got excited a couple of days ago when I saw he’s done some work on another series I just started).

So, what did I think about For We Are Many?

This is exactly what a sequel to We Are Legion (We Are Bob) should be—the action picks up right where we left off, the stories continue to develop well and we get some good resolution, the stakes get raised, and the characters develop in ways that are natural yet unanticipated. The laughs are still there as is the tension—and maybe both are a little sharper. I love how all these Bobs are variations of each other, and yet come across as so distinctive (while Porter barely does anything different for almost all of them)—that’s in the writing and the performing, and it’s just great.

The last hour or so was the best writing and character work in the two books and made me eager for the next one.

This is great popcorn fun, and something tells me that I’m going to spend a lot of time with Mr. Taylor over the next few months (at least) (and hopefully more time with Mr. Porter, too).

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston: Can Amari Rise to These New Challenges?

By HCNewton

On October 12, 2022

In Urban Fantasy, YA/MG/Children's Books

Amari and the Great Game

by B. B. Alston

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Investigations, Volume Number 2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: August 29, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 423 pg.
Read Date: October 4-5, 2022

“Amari,” says Maria. “It’s not your job to save the world every summer.”

“I don’t have a choice!”

What’s Amari and the Great Game About?

Amari has spent the last school year looking forward to one thing: it being over so she can go back to the summer program for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Not only will she have the chance for regular contact with her brother, but it’s at the Bureau that she has found purpose and a place. She’s eager to start the second summer of training as a Junior Agent and whatever work she’ll get to do in that role.

But the day before that summer is supposed to start, something happens that reignites anti-magician rhetoric and sentiment. So much so that the new Head Minister bans her from the summer program. The PR surrounding that is decidedly bad, so Amari is admitted, but the ban is just the beginning of her problems.

Magicians and people with similar profiles are under the microscope, however, and those in power are engaged in all-out persecution–because of their reputations and records, Amari and Maria are spared this. At least overtly.

Meanwhile, Amari is given the opportunity to fill an office with the League of Magicians that would put her in charge — because of her age, she doesn’t think she’s right for the position and passes. She’s not who anyone should be looking toward if it comes to war against the Bureau. But when the opportunity passes to someone else — someone who needs to be kept away from it — she steps up. Starting the Great Game — a series of challenges where these candidates face off against each other for the role.

Amari decides she has to clear Magicians of responsibility for the event that kicked off this new wave of harassment as well as compete in the game. She has to play the game on her own, but she’s going to need the help of her friends and allies (including one very unexpected ally) to pull everything off.

So, what did I think about Amari and the Great Game?

I think Middle Grade readers are going to have a ball with this–it continues the fun and voice of Amari and the Night Brothers, raises the stakes, and includes some great moments for Amari’s friends as well as for Amari. Alston’s able to address misinformation/”Fake News”/propaganda and prejudice in effective and age-appropriate ways while telling a rollicking story.

For me, and I think others who fall out of the demographic will have a similar reaction, this isn’t quite the experience the previous book was. It really felt like Alston was cherry-picking elements from similar MG series and mashing them up into this. If you’ve ever wondered, for example, what a hybrid version of Dolores Umbridge and Rita Skeeter would be like, this book will show you. If you can read the Great Game segments and not think about The Tri-Wizard Cup, you’re a better person than I am. I’ve only mentioned Potter references, but to me, the whole thing had more of a Percy Jackson-vibe.

Readers better versed in MG Fantasies might have other parallels to offer, too. And there is nothing wrong with this–authors do this all the time, and I enjoy seeing the results. Stories lift elements from others because they work well and people enjoy them (and/or they need to be skewered). Outside of parodies, I prefer not to see the influences quite as easily as I did here. But…and this is an important point…a dude pushing 50 is going to read this differently than Alston’s target audience is going to. He shouldn’t be writing to please me.

I did enjoy this–and can’t wait to see what comes next. I wasn’t prepared for the way this book wrapped up, but think it was a great choice on Alston’s part. I really like the way he’s developing the characters as well–both individually and in their relationships with each other. Yes, I’ll go into Book 3 with lower expectations than I went into this book with (I think that’s because the first novel was just that good)–but I’ll be towards the front of the line to read it when it comes out.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Great Lie by Pierce Taylor Hibbs: He Is Here, and He Is Not Silent

By HCNewton

On October 9, 2022

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Great Lie:
What All of Hell Wants
You to Keep Believing

by Pierce Taylor Hibbs

DETAILS:
Publisher: Truth Ablaze
Publication Date: September 12, 2022
Format: Paperback
Length: 190 pg.
Read Date: September 18-25, 2022

The great lie is that God is not everywhere and always present in his world.

What’s The Great Lie About?

Hibbs takes as his starting point that God is everywhere present in His world, and given his communicated nature—He is always speaking to us, through both the Creation and His Word. But since the temptation (and then fall) of Adam and Eve, the enemy wants us to think His presence is irrelevant (if He’s present). This is the Great Lie.

Hibbs spends five chapters establishing (or refreshing) the theological framework here—reminding us who God is and how He constantly is communicating to humanity, what the Great Lie is, and how we see it in Genesis 3 and worked out in the lives of some individuals as recorded in Scripture.

The second half of the book then looks at how that looks in our lives today—in the world around us, our words, our thoughts, and our actions. Then he looks at God’s response to this Great Lie.

So, what did I think about The Great Lie?

This pairs nicely with his In Divine Company, building on the idea of God’s communicative nature. This time, applying that in a different direction, but keeping the same central concern.

That alone made this book worth the read for me, I’d thought a little about how to apply thinking of God in those terms to other areas of life after reading the work on prayer, but hadn’t gotten as far as I should have. This book helps see the battle with sin through that lens—not in an exhaustive sense, but in a very real and helpful sense.

It’s incredibly practical and assuring while being grounded in thoughtful theology (as any Christian teaching should be as it aims for practically). This really doesn’t do anything new—Hibbs has no novel teaching. But he frames this in a way we’re not used to thinking about it—and that’s refreshing and challenging at the same time.

Paired with Hibbs’ characteristic clear prose and gift with language and illustrations, it’s a winner of a book. Check it out for sure.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Movies (And Other Things) (Audiobook) by Shea Serrano, Mario Toscano: The Answers to Pressing Movie Questions

By HCNewton

On September 27, 2022

In Audiobook, Non-Fiction

Movies (And Other Things)

by Shea Serrano, Mario Toscano (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Twelve
Publication Date: October 7, 2019
Format: Unabridged Audiobook 
Length: 11 hrs., 7 min.
Read Date: September 21-23, 2022

What’s Movies (And Other Things) About?

Serrano discusses movies from the point of view of a massive fan—he knows what he’s talking about, he can discuss them objectively, critically, and as a fanboy—mostly a combination thereof. In this collection of essays, he approaches films of the mid-80s (largely) to today, answering burning questions such as:
bullet Who’s the better tough guy movie dog owner? (Will Smith in Legend, Tom Hardy in The Drop, or Keanu Reeves in John Wick?)
bullet Which Movie had the more intense opening, Face/Off or Finding Nemo?
bullet When did you know Booksmart was special?
bullet Who’s in the perfect heist movie crew
bullet Which race was white-saviored the best by Kevin Costner?
bullet When did Michael B. Jordan break your heart into the most pieces? (which was immediately followed by)
bullet When was Diane Keaton the most charming in Something’s Gotta Give?

The mental whiplash between those last two shows the range that Serrano is capable of. He also ranks the deaths/trauma in the Kill Bill movies, discusses adjusting recent Academy Award nominations/wins after making sure Romantic Comedies are given their credit due, what movie villains would be fun to hang out with, and how aN NBA post-game style press conference with Michael Myers would go.

There’s a great combination of movie knowledge/insight, social commentary, and humor mixed throughout each of these. Even when it came to movies I’ve never seen, have no interest in seeing, or saw ages ago and don’t remember well, Serrano kept me pretty engaged and entertained.*

* Except maybe with the Fast and the Furious discussion, I don’t know why…I just can’t care about this franchise.

A Word About the Narration

I’ve heard Serrano as a guest on podcasts, and would’ve assumed his natural ability, experience, and passion would’ve made him a natural to read his own audiobook. But for whatever reason, Mario Toscano got the nod instead.

And I can see why—I had no problem believing I was hearing Serrano himself read these (maybe if I’d pulled up a podcast to listen to first, that wouldn’t have been true)—which is important when I’m hearing something so personal or passionate as this often is (see Black Nerd Problems, for example). Toscano sounds like a knowledgeable film geek going off on various topics—I think he could’ve put a little more energy into some of the quotations, but I’m sure there are good reasons for not doing that.

Ohh, man…

While researching this post, I saw that the ebook has three additional exclusive chapters…I might have been able to resist, but one of the chapters is “When Was Hans Gruber’s Subtlety the Most Threatening?”

So, I’m going to have to buy a print copy of this, too. I have to read this take.

So, what did I think about Movies (And Other Things)?

I had a blast with this—it’s the equivalent of sitting around with a bunch of friends talking about movies for far too long, which is one of my favorite ways to spend a lot of time. Even when I think he was out to lunch or arbitrary in some of his choices, I could get behind them for the sake of argument or be entertained by them.

Man, I wish I knew where he came up with some of the topics. If I spent a year doing nothing more than coming up with the chapter titles (never mind the content), I couldn’t be half this creative.

I didn’t need anyone reminding me of Opie Winston’s death scene—ever. But especially not in a book about movies where I didn’t know to be emotionally prepared for such a thing. Serrano lost a star from me for that one.*

* Not really, but it was cathartic to say that.

That incredibly important quibble aside, if you’re a current/former/would-be movie geek, grab this, you’ll have a blast.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.