I read this a long time ago, but it left a strong impression. The Last Ship tells the story of the last survivors of a global nuclear holocaust: the cI read this a long time ago, but it left a strong impression. The Last Ship tells the story of the last survivors of a global nuclear holocaust: the crew of a Navy warship. As they navigate their way through horror after horror, they must form their own version of human society and try to find a way to have a future. The writing is a little stilted and off-putting at times, but the overall story is moving and disturbing, and well worth the effort....more
I've come to realize that the three little words I hate the most when it comes to fiction are "to be continued". It was not until I was three pages frI've come to realize that the three little words I hate the most when it comes to fiction are "to be continued". It was not until I was three pages from the end of "Hater" that I discovered that this book is the first in a trilogy, and boy, do I feel ripped off. "Hater" has an interesting plot: Seemingly normal people suddenly turn into ruthless killers, and as the wave of violence spreads and becomes unstoppable, society falls apart with no rational explanation. The writing in this book is only fair, peppered with clunky sentences and imprecise grammar. The overall story is intriguing, although the characters are wooden and not terribly appealing. As I read "Haters", I was drawn onward by the promise of finding out the secret behind the violent transformations. Unfortunately, no answers are provided. The book ends with a great big battle scene, and then those three dreaded words. I doubt I'll be back for part two....more
At the risk of gushing, let me just say that I LOVED this book. I can't remember the last book that made me gasp out loud while reading -- and this onAt the risk of gushing, let me just say that I LOVED this book. I can't remember the last book that made me gasp out loud while reading -- and this one did it at least three times. "Fingersmith", set in Victorian England, gets its start, literally, in a den of thieves. It manages to incorporate every possible trope of the era, yet does so in a way that's both fresh and startling. To disclose anything of the plot would be to ruin the joy of being shocked to the core by the twists and turns of this unusual book. Filled with well-drawn characters, including pickpockets and thieves, con men and gaolers, insane asylums nurses and booksellers, the mad and the suffering, "Fingersmith" is an evocative period piece as well as a superb literary adventure. I can't recommend it highly enough, or give enough praise to the author's achievement. I certainly look forward to reading more of her work!...more
"The Little Stranger" by Sarah Waters was, for me, a disappointment. I've read two other books by Waters ("Fingersmith" and "Tipping the Velvet"), whi"The Little Stranger" by Sarah Waters was, for me, a disappointment. I've read two other books by Waters ("Fingersmith" and "Tipping the Velvet"), which were among the best books I've read all year. "The Little Stranger", while well written, felt like quite a slog. Waters does a great job of evoking a period in time -- in this case, post WWII English countryside. The story focuses on a country doctor's growing relationship with the Ayres family of Hundreds Hall. The Hall, and the family, have suffered over the year and have fallen into disrepair. When mysterious occurrences begin to tear the family apart even further, Dr. Faraday tries his best to provide rational explanations and treatments for the puzzling and ultimately dangerous events. I had expected this book to be spooky and compelling. Instead it was slow and plodding, with rare bursts of suspense tucked in among pages of exposition. All in all, while Waters' excellent writing is always enjoyable, "The Little Stranger" was a let-down. ...more
"The 19th Wife" is a fictional account of both Ann Eliza Young, 19th wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, and the protagonist, Jordan Scott, a "lost "The 19th Wife" is a fictional account of both Ann Eliza Young, 19th wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, and the protagonist, Jordan Scott, a "lost boy" of a fundamentalist sect of Latter Day Saints. The story revolves around Jordan's search for the truth after his mother is accused of murdering her husband, to whom she is but one of perhaps two dozen wives living in a polygamous subculture. Woven throughout Jordan's story are diaries, news articles, and various other historical documents (fictional, of course) pertaining to Ann Eliza's upbringing in the 1800's, tracing the history of early Mormonism and culminating in her marriage to and divorce from Brigham Young. The modern and historical stories are both fascinating, although the alternating structure of the books makes it difficult to fully become involved in and follow either story. "The 19th Wife" is intriguing and certainly kept my attention; however, I would recommend the non-fiction "Under the Banner of Heaven" over "The 19th Wife" for anyone looking for a book that covers Mormon history and modern day fundamentalism. Reading "The 19th Wife" after "Under the Banner..." felt a little redundant to me....more
LOVED THIS BOOK! A bit of Lord of the Rings, a smidge of Codex Alera, a whole lot of intrigue, suspense, and adventure. A Game of Thrones is big and dLOVED THIS BOOK! A bit of Lord of the Rings, a smidge of Codex Alera, a whole lot of intrigue, suspense, and adventure. A Game of Thrones is big and dense, with an immense cast of characters, but absolutely worth the effort. I'd heard that George R. R. Martin is brutal, showing no compunction about killing off the good guys as well as the bad, and it's absolutely true. I couldn't put this book down, despite the heartache along the way, and can't wait to get my hands on the 2nd in the series....more
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