This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here.
When Kayden McKenna discovers a dead climber during a day of rock climbing, she immediately suspects foul play. And when the case is turned over to the town's already overburdened sheriff, he turns to former investigator Jake Westin. With his past finally revealed, Jake thinks he's ready to take on a new case, especially if it will keep him close to Kayden.
But it seems the killer knows they're on the right track and strange things start happening again in Yancey, Alaska. For Jake, this brings back fears that his world will once again put the ones he loves in danger. But things have only just gotten started and the path to the truth leads them to a truth far worse than either could ever imagine.
So despite my less-than-stellar review of Dani Pettrey's last book, I really liked this one. It hooked me from the beginning and kept my interest piqued. The characters were believable and the dialogue was better.
Pettrey's voice still shines through in her work (I love it, so thank goodness for that!) and I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes a good puzzle, mystery, thriller, etc. On a 1-10 low/high scale, I'd rate this book about a 7.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Shadow Hand, Anne Elisabeth Stengl
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here.
When Lady Daylily runs away on the day of her second (aborted) wedding into the dangerous Wilderlands, her fiancé - Prince Foxbrush - decides to be a hero and rescue her. But when Daylily's first princeling fiancé (and her love ... before he wronged her, at least) finds out that she is gone, he tries to make amends by going after her. But things go terribly awry when the woods plays tricks on each person that enters the Wilderlands; and each returns to a land that is hauntingly familiar.
Basically, this book would be amazing (though still a little confusing, maybe) if I understood what was going on. A basic understanding of what happens in this book is dependent upon the other books in the series. After getting about halfway through the book and trying very hard to follow the vague, confusing style of writing and events taking place, I had to stop until I've read the first books in the series.
Since I haven't finished the book and don't know what's going on regarding series plot lines, I can't give an adequate rating system for this book. The series, however, looks intriguing and I would love to give them a shot provided I read them in order.
When Lady Daylily runs away on the day of her second (aborted) wedding into the dangerous Wilderlands, her fiancé - Prince Foxbrush - decides to be a hero and rescue her. But when Daylily's first princeling fiancé (and her love ... before he wronged her, at least) finds out that she is gone, he tries to make amends by going after her. But things go terribly awry when the woods plays tricks on each person that enters the Wilderlands; and each returns to a land that is hauntingly familiar.
Basically, this book would be amazing (though still a little confusing, maybe) if I understood what was going on. A basic understanding of what happens in this book is dependent upon the other books in the series. After getting about halfway through the book and trying very hard to follow the vague, confusing style of writing and events taking place, I had to stop until I've read the first books in the series.
Since I haven't finished the book and don't know what's going on regarding series plot lines, I can't give an adequate rating system for this book. The series, however, looks intriguing and I would love to give them a shot provided I read them in order.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Critical Reaction, Todd M. Johnson
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bookreviewers.
After the Cold War, the Hanford Nuclear facility is now a bigger danger than ever. As the poisoned building erupts in the middle of the night, Kieran Mullaney - a survivor - tries to uncover the truth about what actually happened. But after receiving the silent treatment and facing threats in the course of his investigation, he reconnects with an old friend. Emily Hart, an inexperienced lawyer, and Kieran are sure that something bigger is going on ... and that the truth is being hidden. When the two go to Emily's father, he takes the case as an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with his daughter.
Right away I was hooked, I wanted to keep reading all day until I finished the book. With excellent pacing, a unique voice, and characters that you actually want to succeed, Johnson did an excellent job of keeping the story interesting. Filled with danger, deception, and intrigue, Critical Reaction is a must-read for those that like thrillers, mysteries, drama, and action.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a 7. I loved the way it grabbed my attention right at the beginning of the story and kept me intrigued throughout the rest of the book.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Dangerous, Caleb Bislow with Ted Kluck
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bookreviewers.
Detailing some of Caleb Bislow's adventures, trials, and experiences as an "extreme missionary," Dangerous is about going where God's love needs to be shared - no matter the level of danger. From training kids in Nebraska, to warring African tribes and red-light districts in Asia, Caleb's account is unforgettable, inspiring, terrifying, and a helpful guide to living a life in places deemed "unsafe."
I picked this book because I've always wanted to go to places everyone deems "too dangerous" to help people that have been victims of sexual slavery. Bislow's experiences and account of his travels to help other people are not only terrifying in the best of ways, but also inspiring and life-changing. I found myself completely swept up in this book and can't recommend it enough.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a must-read 9. I loved everything about Bislow's utter honesty, courage, and willingness to share everything.
Detailing some of Caleb Bislow's adventures, trials, and experiences as an "extreme missionary," Dangerous is about going where God's love needs to be shared - no matter the level of danger. From training kids in Nebraska, to warring African tribes and red-light districts in Asia, Caleb's account is unforgettable, inspiring, terrifying, and a helpful guide to living a life in places deemed "unsafe."
I picked this book because I've always wanted to go to places everyone deems "too dangerous" to help people that have been victims of sexual slavery. Bislow's experiences and account of his travels to help other people are not only terrifying in the best of ways, but also inspiring and life-changing. I found myself completely swept up in this book and can't recommend it enough.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a must-read 9. I loved everything about Bislow's utter honesty, courage, and willingness to share everything.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Stranded, Dani Pettrey
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer's site (ex: Amazon, B&N.com, etc.). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/bookreviewers.
Stranded is the third book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series (I've reviewed the other two books here [Submerged, Shattered] if you want to read those reviews too). Following the theme of the series, Stranded is a story filled with mystery, suspense, and a liberal dash of clean romantic interests between the main characters.
The story begins on a cruise ship when Darcy St. James (the nosy reporter that Gage McKenna distrusted so much in the previous books) is looking for her ex-investigative journalist partner who has uncovered a huge plot and needs Darcy's help. But Abby is nowhere to be found, which is especially troubling after someone calls "man overboard" and then Abby never shows up at her undercover job, something Abby would never do unless she's in trouble.
Darcy is intent on getting to the bottom of whatever Abby was involved with and finding her friend. But running into Gage McKenna on the ship never crossed her to-do list. Gage, hired by the cruise line to lead adventure excursions for the guests, thought that guiding tourists around his beloved Alaska was the perfect way to get pesky Darcy out of his thoughts. But when he learns that things are not exactly what they seem on the ship, he gets involved - just the thing he did not want.
With things heating up and some deeper plot running under the surface of the whole trip, Darcy and Gage are finding out that there's way more going on than a first glance will ever show.
Ok, so I have to admit that I haven't finished the book yet. Not because I've been putting it off (which I kind of have lately), but more because I got a little bit bored with it. The characters are interesting, not as fleshed out as I normally prefer them (see my comments in the Submerged and Shattered reviews, a lot of the same stuff is going on as in the first two books). Though Pettrey is definitely growing as a writer and there is a bit more depth to each character than in her previous books, it still feels like there's something missing for me in the character development.
As for the mystery, it's interesting and I definitely want to find out what the huge plot is and where Abby is, but it seems like the pace is dragging. I'm about half-way through the book and am sorely tempted to not finish just because things slowed down too much. I don't expect a lot of action and adventure in all my stories, but it would be nice to have a pace that carries me along naturally rather than trying to bog through all the mire created by Gage and Darcy's clashing.
As to that, there is a certain tension to Gage and Darcy that I both love and instantly dislike. Perhaps that's how it should be, though. Pettrey is going in directions with the romantic interest that just seem slightly flat to me as a reader. Though the tension is better than her first two books, I'm still not buying it completely. I want something a bit more believable in the characters' love story - I'm not exactly sure how to describe what needs to happen to make that more believable, but I just know that she's so close to getting it right.
But then, I'm just a reader with obvious opinions that you can either take or leave on this page and never look at again.
Pettrey's compelling voice is still present in tho book and I'm glad she didn't lose that (some multi-published authors do, sadly). Overall, and given that I'm only half-way through the book, I'd rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. I would still recommend that anyone who hasn't read Pettrey pick up this series. And if you like a good puzzle, you'll love the puzzles Pettrey creates with a refreshing view toward plots that take place in Alaska.
Stranded is the third book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series (I've reviewed the other two books here [Submerged, Shattered] if you want to read those reviews too). Following the theme of the series, Stranded is a story filled with mystery, suspense, and a liberal dash of clean romantic interests between the main characters.
The story begins on a cruise ship when Darcy St. James (the nosy reporter that Gage McKenna distrusted so much in the previous books) is looking for her ex-investigative journalist partner who has uncovered a huge plot and needs Darcy's help. But Abby is nowhere to be found, which is especially troubling after someone calls "man overboard" and then Abby never shows up at her undercover job, something Abby would never do unless she's in trouble.
Darcy is intent on getting to the bottom of whatever Abby was involved with and finding her friend. But running into Gage McKenna on the ship never crossed her to-do list. Gage, hired by the cruise line to lead adventure excursions for the guests, thought that guiding tourists around his beloved Alaska was the perfect way to get pesky Darcy out of his thoughts. But when he learns that things are not exactly what they seem on the ship, he gets involved - just the thing he did not want.
With things heating up and some deeper plot running under the surface of the whole trip, Darcy and Gage are finding out that there's way more going on than a first glance will ever show.
Ok, so I have to admit that I haven't finished the book yet. Not because I've been putting it off (which I kind of have lately), but more because I got a little bit bored with it. The characters are interesting, not as fleshed out as I normally prefer them (see my comments in the Submerged and Shattered reviews, a lot of the same stuff is going on as in the first two books). Though Pettrey is definitely growing as a writer and there is a bit more depth to each character than in her previous books, it still feels like there's something missing for me in the character development.
As for the mystery, it's interesting and I definitely want to find out what the huge plot is and where Abby is, but it seems like the pace is dragging. I'm about half-way through the book and am sorely tempted to not finish just because things slowed down too much. I don't expect a lot of action and adventure in all my stories, but it would be nice to have a pace that carries me along naturally rather than trying to bog through all the mire created by Gage and Darcy's clashing.
As to that, there is a certain tension to Gage and Darcy that I both love and instantly dislike. Perhaps that's how it should be, though. Pettrey is going in directions with the romantic interest that just seem slightly flat to me as a reader. Though the tension is better than her first two books, I'm still not buying it completely. I want something a bit more believable in the characters' love story - I'm not exactly sure how to describe what needs to happen to make that more believable, but I just know that she's so close to getting it right.
But then, I'm just a reader with obvious opinions that you can either take or leave on this page and never look at again.
Pettrey's compelling voice is still present in tho book and I'm glad she didn't lose that (some multi-published authors do, sadly). Overall, and given that I'm only half-way through the book, I'd rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. I would still recommend that anyone who hasn't read Pettrey pick up this series. And if you like a good puzzle, you'll love the puzzles Pettrey creates with a refreshing view toward plots that take place in Alaska.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Into the Whirlwind, Elizabeth Camden
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer's site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers.
Mollie Knox has everything neatly lined up and a bright future ahead for her watch-making business until the night the Chicago fire burns up her entire world. As the flames die down, and the rebuilding of Chicago commences, Mollie will do whatever she has to do to rebuild her business. But when she locks horns with Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, she finds herself pushed beyond her comfort zone. And Zack will do whatever it takes to win this beautiful and beguiling businesswoman's heart. With her heart on the line, will Mollie step out of her comfort zone to find her happily ever after? Or will all her dreams rest with her company's rebuilt future?
Camden has once again written a great story (see my Against the Tide review here). With each twist and new development in the story line, I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next. Camden's characters, like in Against the Tide, are intriguing, headstrong, at times frustrating, and very believable and real. As is more historically accurate, some of the incidents, cultural oddities, and happenings in the book are very realistic to the historic setting.
Though there were some twists and turns throughout the book, I hesitate to say that it was fairly predictable... but I have to own up to that admission - I think it lacked that bit of surprise that I expect from a new book.
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. Camden has a gift for storytelling and I was pleased with the result of the second book I've read from her. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a love story and a story of new beginnings.
Mollie Knox has everything neatly lined up and a bright future ahead for her watch-making business until the night the Chicago fire burns up her entire world. As the flames die down, and the rebuilding of Chicago commences, Mollie will do whatever she has to do to rebuild her business. But when she locks horns with Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, she finds herself pushed beyond her comfort zone. And Zack will do whatever it takes to win this beautiful and beguiling businesswoman's heart. With her heart on the line, will Mollie step out of her comfort zone to find her happily ever after? Or will all her dreams rest with her company's rebuilt future?
Camden has once again written a great story (see my Against the Tide review here). With each twist and new development in the story line, I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next. Camden's characters, like in Against the Tide, are intriguing, headstrong, at times frustrating, and very believable and real. As is more historically accurate, some of the incidents, cultural oddities, and happenings in the book are very realistic to the historic setting.
Though there were some twists and turns throughout the book, I hesitate to say that it was fairly predictable... but I have to own up to that admission - I think it lacked that bit of surprise that I expect from a new book.
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. Camden has a gift for storytelling and I was pleased with the result of the second book I've read from her. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a love story and a story of new beginnings.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Shattered, Dani Pettrey
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers.
Shattered is the second book of the Alaskan Courage Series, and the sequel to Submerged, which I reviewed last year. Like Submerged, Shattered is a story of mystery and suspense with a side order of (clean) romance.
When Piper McKenna's brother, Reef, is charged with murder, she is determined to prove his innocence. Enter the love interest; Deputy Landon Grainger has been a part of the McKenna family forever. But when all evidence points to Reef, Piper can't understand why Landon doesn't believe in her brother's innocence. Charging off into the wilderness of Alaska and Canada, as well as the California coast, Piper and Landon launch their own investigation into what actually happened to cause a murder. But with so many things unsaid between them, how will Piper and Landon work together? And as the web of intrigue thickens and twists in a tangled knot, is it love or disaster that's brewing?
I have very mixed emotions about this book. I loved the intrigue and how many tangled threads were woven into the plot. I also loved the characters and how different they all were and how all of them together somehow make a wonderful, loving family. But the characters' reactions to certain events in the book were sometimes awkward or stifled, and the love story was sweet - but was it too sweet?
But the plot was the true driving point of the whole book. With so many twists, turns, and near dead-ends, I never would have guessed the ending. Pettrey's voice is still fresh and new. Her perspective is focused and she's amazingly detailed. Despite a few things I may have overanalyzed (again), I didn't want to put the book down.
So, enough said - I loved it. Overall, I would recommend this book and anything else Pettrey writes. She's fresh, distinctive, and has some major talent that I can't wait to see develop even more. If you want a good read, this is definitely the book for you.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The Full Armor of God, Larry Richards
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
Covering spiritual forces from a Christian perspective; how they are at war against the world and how to fight back. Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians to help illustrate and guide his defense plan, Richards also covers how God can help us fight against such spiritual attacks.
I wasn't sure about reading this book at first, since it had been a long time since reading Ephesians. After a refresher in Ephesians, however, I found myself completely swept up in Richards' engaging and straightforward approach. Though I can't find enough words to say how interesting, helpful, and awesome this book is, I hope that all my readers put it on their must-read list.
Out of a 1-10 (low/high) rating, I'd rate this book at about a 7. I loved his perspective on this subject and particularly loved his use of Paul's experiences in Ephesians.
Covering spiritual forces from a Christian perspective; how they are at war against the world and how to fight back. Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians to help illustrate and guide his defense plan, Richards also covers how God can help us fight against such spiritual attacks.
I wasn't sure about reading this book at first, since it had been a long time since reading Ephesians. After a refresher in Ephesians, however, I found myself completely swept up in Richards' engaging and straightforward approach. Though I can't find enough words to say how interesting, helpful, and awesome this book is, I hope that all my readers put it on their must-read list.
Out of a 1-10 (low/high) rating, I'd rate this book at about a 7. I loved his perspective on this subject and particularly loved his use of Paul's experiences in Ephesians.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
The Tutor's Daughter, Julie Klassen
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
Emma Smallwood is (as the title of the book suggests) a widowed tutor's daughter. When her father receives a request from a noble family for private tutoring for the family's two younger boys, Emma packs her trunk full of books (and a few clothes, I suppose) and heads off to help her father in this new teaching enterprise.
But a stormy past with one of the two older brothers, a strange love interest (perhaps) with another of the older brothers, mysterious happenings, and ill-concealed secret keeping make Emma's time away from home more danger-fraught than she could possibly have imagined.
The back of the book ends its summary by saying "Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits."
If you want to see the trailer to the book (though I do not recommend it, as it's rather badly put together and acted out in my opinion), you can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZi5NQbkb0A&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=4
(Photo from Julie Klassen's website: http://www.julieklassen.com/Books.html)
But a stormy past with one of the two older brothers, a strange love interest (perhaps) with another of the older brothers, mysterious happenings, and ill-concealed secret keeping make Emma's time away from home more danger-fraught than she could possibly have imagined.
The back of the book ends its summary by saying "Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits."
If you want to see the trailer to the book (though I do not recommend it, as it's rather badly put together and acted out in my opinion), you can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZi5NQbkb0A&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=4
Okay, so maybe you've picked up on the fact that I wasn't overly thrilled with this book. I started reading and almost quit around page 90 or so. By that point, I had pretty much figured out what was going to happen at the end of the book with a few small, yet notable (and spoiler-ridden) exceptions.
I'm not going to post any spoilers here, but there was one piece to the puzzle I hadn't guessed at that surprised me (hint: it starts with an "A"). One point, out of the whole book = not impressed.
Klassen's characters are frankly uninteresting, semi-two dimensional, and not-very-real. I didn't really believe in the characters as "real" people, there was something missing ... there wasn't a lot of depth to them that intrigued me. They improved a bit as I kept reading, but not in any notable way, unfortunately.
The story line was predictable and tame - I expected a bit more from all the raving reviews I've heard about Klassen and the blurb on the back cover. Before I reached page 100 (as I mentioned earlier), I had figured out most of the book and any twists and/or turns Klassen could have thrown on the page (there was a sad lack of twists and turns, unfortunately). I was a bit disappointed on that front.
I'm not going to post any spoilers here, but there was one piece to the puzzle I hadn't guessed at that surprised me (hint: it starts with an "A"). One point, out of the whole book = not impressed.
Klassen's characters are frankly uninteresting, semi-two dimensional, and not-very-real. I didn't really believe in the characters as "real" people, there was something missing ... there wasn't a lot of depth to them that intrigued me. They improved a bit as I kept reading, but not in any notable way, unfortunately.
The story line was predictable and tame - I expected a bit more from all the raving reviews I've heard about Klassen and the blurb on the back cover. Before I reached page 100 (as I mentioned earlier), I had figured out most of the book and any twists and/or turns Klassen could have thrown on the page (there was a sad lack of twists and turns, unfortunately). I was a bit disappointed on that front.
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about 5. Klassen has talent, but I didn't see her whole potential on the page with this book. Her developing lead female character gets her bonus points, but still isn't what I would call a strong character. The dialogue was intriguing at a few points in the book, but most of it was fairly ordinary and (dare I say it?) mostly dull. The plot was predictable, tame, and (again) fairly ordinary. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for suspense, drama, romance, or a good mystery.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Against the Tide, Elizabeth Camden
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
I've been trying to write my own stuff more often lately, so I promised myself that I would start paring down on how many of these reviews I would participate in for a little while. But then I got the email notification that resulted in me reading this book and despite all my best intentions to write more, read a little less (just a little, mind you), I was hooked.
After tragically losing her parents and younger brother, immigrant Lydia Pallas has grown up from that young girl who was completely unable to speak English, and she's finally found her place in the world. With a stunning talent for languages, she has acquired a job translating intelligence for the U.S. Navy. Her ordered world is slowly jumbled when the ever-intriguing and mysterious Alexander Banebridge sweeps into her life and hires her as a translator.
Waging his own war against the opium trade, Bane will do whatever it takes to take the trade down. His past and the sacrifices made in his life, has left him with an iron will that refuses to bend under the sweet attention he craves from Lydia. But his own refusal to get her involved is overruled when his enemies in the opium trade gain a cruel upperhand over Bane. And this time, he knows he can't afford to keep Lydia out of the conflict and the danger involved in his life.
Finding a cause bigger than herself gives Lydia purpose, and though she wants absolutely nothing to do with Bane, she can't refuse his request for aid - the stakes are too high and too unusual to refuse. The mission set before her, however, will test her courage, determination, and her wits to the very edge.
Sounds good, right? I thought so too; but in reality, it was so much better than what I imagined it would be.
I started reading this one afternoon, thinking to get a few chapters out of the way and then get to writing after that. But I literally could not put this book down! One long (and very pleasant) afternoon-turned-evening later, and I was staring spell-bound at the very last page, unwilling to close the book and have the story end for real.
Camden's characters are intriguing, at times frustrating, and real. That's one of the first things I look for in a new book, and while you have to do a bit of imagining and history-minding in order to account for certain instances of naivete and/or cultural oddities, she was real to her historic setting.
And the story line was incredible. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Camden hit me with a twist, and the race to the finish line was on again (so to speak). Without spoiling any twists or the ending, I can definitely say that despite how well I can normally predict what's gonig to happen in a book, I was caught pleasantly unawares several times (which is hard to do, actually).
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about 8. Camden has talent and a natural ability to tell a good story. With a strong (but believable!) feminine character, strong supporting characters, witty dialogue, an intriguing plot, and brilliant twists, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of intrigue and (a little bit more than) a dash of romantic tension.
I've been trying to write my own stuff more often lately, so I promised myself that I would start paring down on how many of these reviews I would participate in for a little while. But then I got the email notification that resulted in me reading this book and despite all my best intentions to write more, read a little less (just a little, mind you), I was hooked.
(Photo credits go to: http://imgv2-4.scribdassets.com/img/word_document/110453310/255x300/164f01de0c/1350587760)
After tragically losing her parents and younger brother, immigrant Lydia Pallas has grown up from that young girl who was completely unable to speak English, and she's finally found her place in the world. With a stunning talent for languages, she has acquired a job translating intelligence for the U.S. Navy. Her ordered world is slowly jumbled when the ever-intriguing and mysterious Alexander Banebridge sweeps into her life and hires her as a translator.
Waging his own war against the opium trade, Bane will do whatever it takes to take the trade down. His past and the sacrifices made in his life, has left him with an iron will that refuses to bend under the sweet attention he craves from Lydia. But his own refusal to get her involved is overruled when his enemies in the opium trade gain a cruel upperhand over Bane. And this time, he knows he can't afford to keep Lydia out of the conflict and the danger involved in his life.
Finding a cause bigger than herself gives Lydia purpose, and though she wants absolutely nothing to do with Bane, she can't refuse his request for aid - the stakes are too high and too unusual to refuse. The mission set before her, however, will test her courage, determination, and her wits to the very edge.
Sounds good, right? I thought so too; but in reality, it was so much better than what I imagined it would be.
I started reading this one afternoon, thinking to get a few chapters out of the way and then get to writing after that. But I literally could not put this book down! One long (and very pleasant) afternoon-turned-evening later, and I was staring spell-bound at the very last page, unwilling to close the book and have the story end for real.
Camden's characters are intriguing, at times frustrating, and real. That's one of the first things I look for in a new book, and while you have to do a bit of imagining and history-minding in order to account for certain instances of naivete and/or cultural oddities, she was real to her historic setting.
And the story line was incredible. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Camden hit me with a twist, and the race to the finish line was on again (so to speak). Without spoiling any twists or the ending, I can definitely say that despite how well I can normally predict what's gonig to happen in a book, I was caught pleasantly unawares several times (which is hard to do, actually).
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about 8. Camden has talent and a natural ability to tell a good story. With a strong (but believable!) feminine character, strong supporting characters, witty dialogue, an intriguing plot, and brilliant twists, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of intrigue and (a little bit more than) a dash of romantic tension.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Over the Edge, Mary Connealy
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
Book three of the Kincaid Bride series, Over the Edge starts with a blazing gun fight between outlaws and a fiery woman. If that's not bad enough, her runaway husband rides to the rescue and even in her crystal-clear rage, she misses him with the bullet she intends to shoot him with.
Seth Kincaid doesn't remember his bride, or the child that inarguably inherited his eyes. Actually, he doesn't remember much of anything of the events that happened after he fought in the Civil War. All of a sudden, he has a family: a wife that's spitting mad, a loud yet adorable baby boy, and a surprise brother that finds him at the most unexpected (and opportune) moment. Needless to say, he has a lot to sort out. But while Seth is willing to make things work, his wife seems more intent on shooting him.
Check out the trailer for the book here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeSzqacHzQM&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=2&feature=plcp
Even though I was hesitant to start a book without reading the first two of the series, I started in right away, highly intrigued by the plot line the summary on the back of the book promotes. But as I kept reading, the less interested I became.
I think it's more than some of the interesting quirks each character possesses, it's more that all of the characters seem very two-dimensional (only because there is slightly more than just one-dimension, but just the tiniest bit). Instead of reading about characters that are very real in spite of the fact that they live on the page instead of in reality, I read about characters that had a single-minded determination to stay flat on the pages rather than springing up and taking on a life of their own.
The male characters, in particular, seemed very unrealistic. Each had about one real character trait and there wasn't any depth to them, which is a shame because I felt they had so much promise. Rafe, the older brother, is a control freak that treats his wife like a child (and she lets him!); Ethan, the middle child, is a smiling guy, that's it; and Seth is reckless and crazy, with a strong attraction to his "scary" wife (I've never heard a guy admit that out loud about a woman they're supposedly in love with). There's promise in each character trait, but without fleshing it out just right, you get what you read in this book (unrealistic , frustrating, and boring characters).
The plot, too, seemed a bit scatter-brained. It wasn't very focused and I found myself wondering why certain scenes kept jumping around and why some were even included in the book. It finally figured itself out, but I wasn't convinced - it definitely wasn't believable to me at every turn, which lost my interest at times.
While parts of the book were intriguing, I wouldn't want to read it again. I find I'm not particularly inclined to pick up the previous two books in this series either. Maybe it's a one-time fluke, but I wasn't overly impressed. I would rate this (on a 1-10 high/low scale) about a 3-4. The author has promise, but I think the two major things she needs to work on are: 1) character development and believability, and 2) plot structure/organization.
Book three of the Kincaid Bride series, Over the Edge starts with a blazing gun fight between outlaws and a fiery woman. If that's not bad enough, her runaway husband rides to the rescue and even in her crystal-clear rage, she misses him with the bullet she intends to shoot him with.
Seth Kincaid doesn't remember his bride, or the child that inarguably inherited his eyes. Actually, he doesn't remember much of anything of the events that happened after he fought in the Civil War. All of a sudden, he has a family: a wife that's spitting mad, a loud yet adorable baby boy, and a surprise brother that finds him at the most unexpected (and opportune) moment. Needless to say, he has a lot to sort out. But while Seth is willing to make things work, his wife seems more intent on shooting him.
Check out the trailer for the book here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeSzqacHzQM&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=2&feature=plcp
Even though I was hesitant to start a book without reading the first two of the series, I started in right away, highly intrigued by the plot line the summary on the back of the book promotes. But as I kept reading, the less interested I became.
I think it's more than some of the interesting quirks each character possesses, it's more that all of the characters seem very two-dimensional (only because there is slightly more than just one-dimension, but just the tiniest bit). Instead of reading about characters that are very real in spite of the fact that they live on the page instead of in reality, I read about characters that had a single-minded determination to stay flat on the pages rather than springing up and taking on a life of their own.
The male characters, in particular, seemed very unrealistic. Each had about one real character trait and there wasn't any depth to them, which is a shame because I felt they had so much promise. Rafe, the older brother, is a control freak that treats his wife like a child (and she lets him!); Ethan, the middle child, is a smiling guy, that's it; and Seth is reckless and crazy, with a strong attraction to his "scary" wife (I've never heard a guy admit that out loud about a woman they're supposedly in love with). There's promise in each character trait, but without fleshing it out just right, you get what you read in this book (unrealistic , frustrating, and boring characters).
The plot, too, seemed a bit scatter-brained. It wasn't very focused and I found myself wondering why certain scenes kept jumping around and why some were even included in the book. It finally figured itself out, but I wasn't convinced - it definitely wasn't believable to me at every turn, which lost my interest at times.
While parts of the book were intriguing, I wouldn't want to read it again. I find I'm not particularly inclined to pick up the previous two books in this series either. Maybe it's a one-time fluke, but I wasn't overly impressed. I would rate this (on a 1-10 high/low scale) about a 3-4. The author has promise, but I think the two major things she needs to work on are: 1) character development and believability, and 2) plot structure/organization.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Relentless Pursuit, Ken Gire
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
This book can pretty much be summed up on the cover, where it says: "God's love of outsiders including the outsider in all of us" and is accompanied by a cover with four sheep on it, one way off to the side and away from the other ones (a pretty great image, if I do say so myself).
Gire's approach kind of caught me off guard. I should just know by now, having read several books that have caught me in such a state, that I need to stop having preconceptions about the books I receive in this program. I don't really know what I expected, but I think it was something more along the lines of a manual.
I got a story book instead. Including several stories about C.S. Lewis, Francis Thompson, his own life, and many others, Gire writes with an engaging voice about relatable topic matter. He uses the stories he tells throughout each chapter in order to present a clearly understandable point to illustrate the titled theme of his book.
While I have to say that this isn't the best book I've ever read, it's certainly not on my list of bad ones either. Gire is engaging, humorous at times, clear about where his pursuit of the topic is going throughout the book, and interesting enough to hold my attention.
Out of a 1-10 (low/high) rating, I'd rate this book around 6. There are great points that Gire makes, and if you're feeling as if you're an outsider, this is definitely a good book to read to gain a (most likely) new perspective on things. I know I learned/realized a few things about myself when I read it!
This book can pretty much be summed up on the cover, where it says: "God's love of outsiders including the outsider in all of us" and is accompanied by a cover with four sheep on it, one way off to the side and away from the other ones (a pretty great image, if I do say so myself).
Gire's approach kind of caught me off guard. I should just know by now, having read several books that have caught me in such a state, that I need to stop having preconceptions about the books I receive in this program. I don't really know what I expected, but I think it was something more along the lines of a manual.
I got a story book instead. Including several stories about C.S. Lewis, Francis Thompson, his own life, and many others, Gire writes with an engaging voice about relatable topic matter. He uses the stories he tells throughout each chapter in order to present a clearly understandable point to illustrate the titled theme of his book.
While I have to say that this isn't the best book I've ever read, it's certainly not on my list of bad ones either. Gire is engaging, humorous at times, clear about where his pursuit of the topic is going throughout the book, and interesting enough to hold my attention.
Out of a 1-10 (low/high) rating, I'd rate this book around 6. There are great points that Gire makes, and if you're feeling as if you're an outsider, this is definitely a good book to read to gain a (most likely) new perspective on things. I know I learned/realized a few things about myself when I read it!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Visions of the Coming Days, R. Loren Sandford
This particular book review post is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
R. Loren Sandford writes about (well, you probably guessed this from the title) the future (and in relation, kind of about the end of days). Everyone believes something about what's coming and/or how the world will end and this is another view to fit into that category.
I have to tell you that I'm a skeptic. I believe that the word will end, yes, but I'm skeptical of the people that preach, sell, warn, and tell others about their theories on how the world will end, what will happen, what we will/will not become, blah, blah, blah. It all seems a bit crazy to me most times. For instance, a zombie/vampire apocalypse? I guess I'll believe it when I see it, otherwise I'm not buying what you're selling. A nuclear war tearing us apart, however, is much more believable to me.
But I don't know. Can anyone really know? ... I guess those are just some of the thoughts that run through my head when I hear other people talking about the end of the world and what they think/"know" (I'm a skeptic, remember?) will happen.
Stanford, however, completely blew any preconceived ideas about what he had to say right out of the water for me. I was surprised that I not only agreed with a lot of what he wrote about, but that I had been thinking along the same lines for some of the topics he discusses.
Coming from an admitted skeptic, I don't think I need to say that this makes me recommend this book wholeheartedly. It also makes me want to look into everything he said more in-depth and generate discussion with my peers and those around me about his views, how they line up with a Biblical perspective, and how practical application (if it's indeed needed based on what Stanford wrote) can be applied.
I'm not sure what else to say except that this is a must-read. Everyone needs to read this, because it's insightful, thought-provoking, and exceptionally well-written.
R. Loren Sandford writes about (well, you probably guessed this from the title) the future (and in relation, kind of about the end of days). Everyone believes something about what's coming and/or how the world will end and this is another view to fit into that category.
I have to tell you that I'm a skeptic. I believe that the word will end, yes, but I'm skeptical of the people that preach, sell, warn, and tell others about their theories on how the world will end, what will happen, what we will/will not become, blah, blah, blah. It all seems a bit crazy to me most times. For instance, a zombie/vampire apocalypse? I guess I'll believe it when I see it, otherwise I'm not buying what you're selling. A nuclear war tearing us apart, however, is much more believable to me.
But I don't know. Can anyone really know? ... I guess those are just some of the thoughts that run through my head when I hear other people talking about the end of the world and what they think/"know" (I'm a skeptic, remember?) will happen.
Stanford, however, completely blew any preconceived ideas about what he had to say right out of the water for me. I was surprised that I not only agreed with a lot of what he wrote about, but that I had been thinking along the same lines for some of the topics he discusses.
Coming from an admitted skeptic, I don't think I need to say that this makes me recommend this book wholeheartedly. It also makes me want to look into everything he said more in-depth and generate discussion with my peers and those around me about his views, how they line up with a Biblical perspective, and how practical application (if it's indeed needed based on what Stanford wrote) can be applied.
I'm not sure what else to say except that this is a must-read. Everyone needs to read this, because it's insightful, thought-provoking, and exceptionally well-written.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Love in Disguise, Carol Cox
Hello and welcome to my book review blog! For those of you that are new to my blog, and even those who aren't new, thank you for reading! It's always a pleasure to share a passion of mine - books - with other passionate people.
This particular book review post is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
Love in Disguise is a grin-enducing, edge-of-your-seat whodunnit starring a down-her-luck aspiring actress sent out to the wild, wild west. Finding herself abruptly jobless and having just had her dreams of becoming an actress quite suddenly (and cruelly) crushed by a self-absorbed diva, plain little Ellie Moore is homeless on the chilling winter streets of Chicago when she quite literally stumbles upon a prospective job opportunity. After some trickery and clever persuasion, she is sent to Arizona to catch a thief in a mining operation. But she never expected her crime-solving partner to get married and quit. And she never expected that she'd have to put her acting skills to use in more ways than she had originally planned. Now, having to play two characters in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business, and not getting caught in her roles, seems more complicated than ever. And all of that was before mine owner Steven Pierce introduced himself to her in both of her roles - one as an old lady and the other as the old lady's gorgeous and engaging niece. Now Ellie finds herself losing her heart to a man who doesn't even know her real name and appearance. But that's the least of her worries when the thief comes after both of her characters, Ellie finds herself unsure of her safety and knows time is running out for solving the case. Can she catch the thief in time or will the thief catch her first?
I have to admit that it took me a little bit of time and effort to get into this book at first. The beginning is semi-slow, but picks up in the later half of the book. I was a bit frustrated at times, wishing I could get into it more than I was, but then I mysteriously found myself at the end of the book (it had picked up and grabbed me along the way and before I knew it, it was over and I wanted to read more!).
The story line is interesting and there are scenes and ideas that definitely amused and surprised me that were different from the typical solve-the-case plot you find in most crime-solving books. I loved the tension that Cox brings to life throughout the novel, too. It's gripping, the characters are properly funny, serious, sad, etc., when they need to be, and Cox pulls off depth of emotion and relationships as if it's a talent she was born with.
The humor in the book is outrageous, witty, and helps set a great tone to the novel. Following Ellie as she tries to pull off two completely opposite characters is fascinating to read and Cox crafted everything brilliantly.
This is a must-read for anyone who likes the mystery/crime genres mixed with a good amount of humor and a dash of romantic suspense. I would highly recommend this book as a lighthearted read.
This particular book review post is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
Love in Disguise is a grin-enducing, edge-of-your-seat whodunnit starring a down-her-luck aspiring actress sent out to the wild, wild west. Finding herself abruptly jobless and having just had her dreams of becoming an actress quite suddenly (and cruelly) crushed by a self-absorbed diva, plain little Ellie Moore is homeless on the chilling winter streets of Chicago when she quite literally stumbles upon a prospective job opportunity. After some trickery and clever persuasion, she is sent to Arizona to catch a thief in a mining operation. But she never expected her crime-solving partner to get married and quit. And she never expected that she'd have to put her acting skills to use in more ways than she had originally planned. Now, having to play two characters in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business, and not getting caught in her roles, seems more complicated than ever. And all of that was before mine owner Steven Pierce introduced himself to her in both of her roles - one as an old lady and the other as the old lady's gorgeous and engaging niece. Now Ellie finds herself losing her heart to a man who doesn't even know her real name and appearance. But that's the least of her worries when the thief comes after both of her characters, Ellie finds herself unsure of her safety and knows time is running out for solving the case. Can she catch the thief in time or will the thief catch her first?
I have to admit that it took me a little bit of time and effort to get into this book at first. The beginning is semi-slow, but picks up in the later half of the book. I was a bit frustrated at times, wishing I could get into it more than I was, but then I mysteriously found myself at the end of the book (it had picked up and grabbed me along the way and before I knew it, it was over and I wanted to read more!).
The story line is interesting and there are scenes and ideas that definitely amused and surprised me that were different from the typical solve-the-case plot you find in most crime-solving books. I loved the tension that Cox brings to life throughout the novel, too. It's gripping, the characters are properly funny, serious, sad, etc., when they need to be, and Cox pulls off depth of emotion and relationships as if it's a talent she was born with.
The humor in the book is outrageous, witty, and helps set a great tone to the novel. Following Ellie as she tries to pull off two completely opposite characters is fascinating to read and Cox crafted everything brilliantly.
This is a must-read for anyone who likes the mystery/crime genres mixed with a good amount of humor and a dash of romantic suspense. I would highly recommend this book as a lighthearted read.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Submerged, Dani Pettrey
For those of you that are new to my blog, welcome! This particular book review post is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
I don’t normally read mysteries/thrillers, so this was a different experience for me. I do have to say that, while I didn’t really buy into a lot of the romance aspect of the novel (which is more familiar to me), the plot was very thrilling. Not, by any means, and edge-of-your-seat thriller, but a pleasantly mild, interest-inducing, twistedly delicious road that kept me reading just so I could find out who the mystery person at the end really was.
There were several aspects that I felt could have been worked on to make the storyline more believable/appealing. Let’s stick with believable, though, since novelists generally don’t write just to appeal to every single reader.
Aspects that could have been more believable:
Relationships – not just romantic, but generally speaking. The depth that we see doesn’t go very far, which isn’t always necessary in a novel, but in this case I feel it could have been a bit deeper – or at the very least could have involved a little more conflict than loosely one-sided from bailey's perspective. Relationships are messy – not all the time, but for the most part there is more tension running through even casual relationships (which Pettrey covers with the main character, but for the most part leaves that tension only at her doorstep and discludes others).
Romantic involvement – it was very shallow. While most romances are characterized by heavy, heavy, dirty, sweaty, etc., etc., not all of them have to be to be good, so put that out of your mind right now that that’s what I 'm trying to say. What I mean is that while most relationships may be very chaste-looking on the outside, there is more on the inside that is important to portray/mention. The romantic involvement of the two main characters in Submerged scrapes by on the shallow side, not allowing the reader to see the real attraction (attraction is more than just physical: characteristics and traits they admire, small things they do for each other, etc., all count as attraction). The author tries and makes a valiant effort, but unfortunately I’m not sure she actually got it right.
Since most of the unbelievable elements of the story (for me, at least) hinged on those two elements, I’ll leave off with that part and move on to the better stuff:
Mystery – I never would have guessed at the direction the novel took in the end, never would have guessed who the killer was. (I won’t ruin it for those who might be interested in reading this, don’t worry.) It was intriguing and absoluetly-can’t-put-it-down good. Point for Pettrey.
Plot – Complicated, a little twisted, and ultimately great! I loved trying to keep up with the plot as it went on, and it kept me off-balance enough that I didn't get bored with it. While I can generally know where the story will go near the end of any book I read, I have to say that there were definitely elements that surprised me. Point 2 for Pettrey.
A compelling story and voice – Pettrey's voice is fresh and new. Her perspective is focused and she's amazingly detailed. Despite a few things I may have overanalyzed, I couldn't put the book down and couldn't wait to pick it back up when I was absolutely forced to put it aside for a few hours.
Overall, I would recommend this book and anything else Pettrey writes. She's fresh, distinctive, and has some major talent that I can't wait to see develop even more. If you want a good read, this is definitely the book for you.
A compelling story and voice – Pettrey's voice is fresh and new. Her perspective is focused and she's amazingly detailed. Despite a few things I may have overanalyzed, I couldn't put the book down and couldn't wait to pick it back up when I was absolutely forced to put it aside for a few hours.
Overall, I would recommend this book and anything else Pettrey writes. She's fresh, distinctive, and has some major talent that I can't wait to see develop even more. If you want a good read, this is definitely the book for you.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Angels Are for Real: Inspiring, True Stories and Biblical Answers, Judith MacNutt
Time for another book review from the Bethany House program I mentioned in my last post.
For those of you that are new to my blog, welcome! The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
I think I need to stop having expectations of how a book should be when I order them. For example, I expected this book to be more textbook-like and (no other way to put this) dry. I was, however, very pleasantly surprised when I opened the cover and started reading – the dialogue was engaging and the stories were very intriguing.
But, even though the spiritual realm fascinates me, I couldn’t help being slightly freaked out by some of the stories MacNutt tells. While having a guardian angel seems appealing and yes, I can imagine very useful at times, I couldn’t help but wonder what my reaction would be if one actually appeared to me. I think I would be awed and terrified all at once, to be honest – they are heavenly beings after all.
MacNutt’s approach is understandably religious, so if you’re looking for testimonies of real people, or just a good read, I would definitely recommend this book. Overall, this is another can’t-put-it-down-but-I-really-need-to-get-some-sleep-tonight read for those interested with anything having to do with angels.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Spirit Wars, Kris Vallotton
Recently I tried something new, thinking that it would be something fun and as a benefit, I would get free books. I signed up for Bethany House's book review group. All I have to do is request a book from the links they send me, read the book (obviously), then write a review on this blog and a retailer's site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like an interesting idea to you, you can get more information/sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
So, here goes my first attempt. My first selection was Spirit Wars by Kris Vallotton.
Though I have to confess that I haven't finished the entire book yet, I couldn't put it down once I started it. The only reason I didn't finish it all in one sitting was the huge paper I had due the next day which forced me to put down the book and get down to business.
I have to admit (another confession... I promise it will be the last one) that the book surprised me entirely. I picked it up expecting some grand explanation on the theology of spiritual warfare -- mainly concerning demons and otherwordly experiences.
What I encountered was a fascinating (and sometimes shocking and thrillingly chilling) narrative on experiences and encounters with beings that live in another realm - the spiritual realm.
And while this has a religious aspect shading its explanation and approach to this realm, I would highly encourage everyone interested in this topic or type of genre to read this book. Even if you don't agree with some - or even any - of the theology, explanations, descriptions, or beliefs represented in the book, it provides a fascinating glimpse into one facet of how to view the topic of spiritual warfare.
So, here goes my first attempt. My first selection was Spirit Wars by Kris Vallotton.
Though I have to confess that I haven't finished the entire book yet, I couldn't put it down once I started it. The only reason I didn't finish it all in one sitting was the huge paper I had due the next day which forced me to put down the book and get down to business.
I have to admit (another confession... I promise it will be the last one) that the book surprised me entirely. I picked it up expecting some grand explanation on the theology of spiritual warfare -- mainly concerning demons and otherwordly experiences.
What I encountered was a fascinating (and sometimes shocking and thrillingly chilling) narrative on experiences and encounters with beings that live in another realm - the spiritual realm.
And while this has a religious aspect shading its explanation and approach to this realm, I would highly encourage everyone interested in this topic or type of genre to read this book. Even if you don't agree with some - or even any - of the theology, explanations, descriptions, or beliefs represented in the book, it provides a fascinating glimpse into one facet of how to view the topic of spiritual warfare.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The French Lieutenant's Woman, John Fowles
The French Lieutenant's Woman is a work of fiction that involves a Victorian love triangle between the main character, Charles, his fiancé, Ernestina, and the French Lieutenant's Woman, Sarah.
Charles is a gentleman, and as becomes his status in Victorian England, he is engaged to a woman of good connections, Ernestina. As they stroll down the Cobb in Lyme Regis one day, Charles notices a woman standing alone, looking out to sea. Ernestina is quick to explain that this is "the French Lieutenant's Woman" and informs her fiancé that no respectable person in town should have anything to do with the wretched creature. Charles, however, is intrigued and - if I may - a bit peaked that his fiancé is speaking so vilely. Thus begins Charles' dance with propriety, his duty to Ernestina, his compassion for Sarah, clandestine meetings, and a forbidden romance with the fallen woman of Lyme Regis.
But is Sarah everything she seems to be? *Insert dramatic music here*
Overall, I rate this novel as excellent and a must-read for all of my readers. As an exploration of the constraints of Victorian social conventions and the use of writing as a style itself, Fowles provides an interesting voice and point of view.
However, if you want to read something to simply be entertained, this probably isn't the book for you. The thickness of the book and the language that marks all Victorian-era novels (which Fowles imitates throughout the novel's entirety) can be rather, well, long.
Freedom from social conventions is an overriding theme in the novel and the exploration of boundaries is always present throughout the narrative. Obviously, each of the characters respond to these constraints in different ways. But don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything by giving you a long-winded explanation you don’t want to read anyway. But I can tell you that between all the characters, you have a full spectrum of actions and reactions to enjoy (from the straight-laced, typical Victorian reaction [spoiler: fainting!] to the throw-it-all-in-the-wind-and-let-it-play-out reaction).
But what I found most interesting in Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman was his use of style and approach to the narrative itself that - as a writer - I found absolutely fascinating.
Writing mainly from the perspective of Charles, with brief side-trips into the other character’s perspectives, Fowles constantly inserts himself into the narrative. He addresses the reader, reminding them that they’re reading a novel at various points throughout the course of the narrative. Another interesting thing I found myself liking when I read The French Lieutenant’s Woman was that Fowles repeatedly reminds the reader that he’s writing the story not for his own satisfaction , but for the reader. He tells us that he’s pushing the characters around and moving them as he wishes (like a child playing with action figures or Barbies), and not once does he let the reader forget that these characters aren’t real.
Strangely, I didn’t find myself repelled from the narrative or the characters at all. There is something indefinable (and brilliant) in Fowles’ use of words that compelled me to keep reading, to invest myself in the story and the characters even though I knew it wasn’t real and the characters didn’t exist.
But it was the ending that completely hooked me on this novel forever. Fowles takes a moment and inserts himself into the narrative in a new way (he’s literally a character in the novel!).
Put up against the ending he wants, Fowles enters the narrative to try to solve a problem – he knows he can’t simply end at this point when readers would think it too sudden and with no resolution (because that’s what we really want, isn’t it?). He also adds that the style of Victorian models that he’s using to write the narrative won’t allow this either. So Fowles gives us two possible endings.
It’s up to the reader to choose the ending they like. And to ponder the one they didn’t choose.
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