Book Reviews
Review: “Reiffen’s Choice” by S. C. Butler
I really enjoyed the writing style. While the book is targeted for the young adult, descriptions and dialogue do not blatantly point it out. Readers who enjoy writers like Raymond E. Feist and J. K. Rowling will not be disappointed by Reiffen’s Choice.
Review: “Four and Twenty Blackbirds” by Cherie Priest
Cherie Priest’s debut novel, this atmospheric Southern Gothic ghost story was originally published by a small regional press in 2003. The (shorter) new edition from Tor is an indication that greater things lie ahead for this new voice in fiction. A sequel, Wings to the Kingdom, is due from Tor in the fall, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the publisher sees a potential franchise here. Heck, I could see this showing up on the new CW network. If you like ghost stories with more texture than genuine twists, Four and Twenty Blackbirds is worth a look.
Review: “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Graphic Novel
This graphic novel is perfect for anyone that has seen the movie or read the books, and wants to remember this great story. But more than that, this would be perfect if you have young kids that would be bored with the movie, but you want to share this with them. They would love this book and could act as a gateway to get them to read the novels.
Review: “Coronets and Steel” by Sherwood Smith
The setup for Coronets and Steel reminds me irresistibly of Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Glenraven. Tho’ to be honest. I think this is a better book with more realistic characters. And that is saying a lot when the plot involves identical cousins, magic, kidnappings, royalty, mysterious middle European countries and much daring do and plot twists.
Guest Review: “Lyranel’s Song” by Leslie Carmichael
Lyranel’s Song by Leslie Carmichael is a book that thoughtful children can relax into and enjoy. The action is steady without being relentless, leaving room for characters to lead lives that young girls, in particular, could imagine themselves living. The two young readers (age 11) that I field-tested the book on often interrupted to supplement the commentary or make suggestions for what characters might do, which I always consider a good sign.
Review: “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
If Alfred Hitchcock produced and directed the television show 24, the end result would be The Da Vinci Code, a strap-yourself-in-and-hold-on-for-dear-life of a read that lives up to the hype and does not disappoint.
Review: “No Dominion” by Charlie Huston
The book is marvelously written and very heavy on dialogue and vivid, yet dark, descriptions. Twists and turns abound, unfolding the story at a steady pace. It is also written as a first-person, present tense story, a style that I usually find jarring and unbelievable.
Review: “The Mirador” by Sarah Monette
The single most impressive aspect of Sarah Monette’s writing is her strong sense of voice. The stories are told in first-person with the perspective alternating between Felix and Mildmay throughout the chapters.
