Book Reviews
Reading is a perk, and a necessity, for a writer. As a consequence I read a good deal on a pretty wide range of topics. So here is my collection of reviews for some of the books I have managed to get my hands on. Enjoy.
Nota Bene – I am also a reviewer for Book Sirens, so if you like what you see, ping me.
Book Reviews – Quick and Dirty or Reviews that Reveal
As authors we are all scrambling for reviews of our work. Give it a think. You want quick and dirty or reviews that reveal? With that in mind:
Can we talk?
2023
She Who Became the Sun: An Unsurpassed Dazzling Creation
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Shelly Parker-Chan’s novel of yearning and becoming carried me along effortlessly. The prose transports the reader from one idea and image to the next with a simple clarity of purpose.
Red Seas Under Red Skies: A Brave New Con, Again
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
A sequel that stands up to the promise of the first novel. It doesn’t ride in the shadow of its predecessor, but casts a very long shadow of its own.
The Goblin Emperor: Is the Hero too Honest?
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
I wanted something more. I think what I missed was some sense of compelling emotion. In essence the story is of a nice guy with a rotten father who gets shipped off to a gulag for 10 years with a sadist and comes back–still a nice guy.
Rise Of The Ranger: Tropes and Grit Sans Heart
Rise of the Ranger by Philip C. Quaintrell
I’m trying to set some quick thoughts down about this book, and I’m finding it nearly impossible. Mainly because I’m trying to remember the story. That’s not a good sign, I only read the book two weeks ago.
2022
The Lies of Locke Lamora: A Brave New Con
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
I don’t think I have enjoyed a book quite so much in a very long time. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch presents a richly convoluted story that twists and turns faster than a back-alley chase.
The Priory of the Orange Tree: Strong Women and Power
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannnon
I’m having a hard time formulating a book review. That’s decidedly odd. I am rarely at a loss for an opinion. This time around is a bit different. I am at no loss for opinions, but I am lacking that single thread that ties a review together.
2021
The Twin by Kevin St. Jarre
St. Jarre’s novel is a clever retelling of the story of Jesus of Nazareth focusing on the “lost years”. The tale subtly folds back in on itself. Mr. St. Jarre paints an insightful commentary on the narrative of Jesus, religion, and the human yearning to believe.
The Power of the Eight by Suzanne Rho
This is one of those books that improves after the fact. If that sounds like I am damning it with faint praise – hold on – I’m not. As I initially read the story I found it enjoyable. It’s the kind of read I like to take along with me on a lazy afternoon where I have nothing else to do.
The Things We Keep by Julee Balko
A story about grief, both that which we let go and that which we keep. The thread of grieving carries the story from far before we meet Serena to the final resolution of her own pain. As the reader progresses through the layers of understanding Ms. Balko reveals…
Intense Transformation by Paul W. Matthews
This little book is rather like a HIIT workout itself. Short, intense, sometimes a challenge, but in the end, it is worth the work.
For those that are not familiar with the term, H.I.I.T. stands for High-Intensity Interval Training. Many programs over the years have…
Ta Le by Yessoh G.D.
I picked up the novel of Yessoh G.D. entitled “Ta Le” because I wanted to experience a culture that was not my own. I find myself torn about leaving this review because my background is not African and I’m…
Dark Apprentice by Val Neil
Wow, I really dislike Nikolai Fedorov.I know this guy. He is the guy who smirks when they think you can’t see. He is the guy convinced of their own superiority. From the first page to the last Nikolai, the main character, is both protagonist and antagonist in his own story.
Steady by Dr. Sarb Johal
80% of the people around the globe would find some idea or thought within these pages that would help explain the currently fluid world we find ourselves within. They would find an understanding professional…
Oathbreaker by A.J. Rettger
If I was still giving my one line book reviews I would say Oathbreaker, the premier novel by author A.J. Rettger, was “Brain Popcorn.” I might even go with “Dark Brain Popcorn.” Oh, for simpler days.
Ground Control: Far More About Inner Than Outer Space
Ground Control by K.A. Hough
I thought I was in for a straight-forward girl meets guy, gets on a shuttle to Mars, all heck breaks loose. I could not have been more wrong. While the plot does follow the basic tenets of Sci-fi and space colonization it is far more a story about inner space than outer space.
Wild Things Will Roam: Gore-fest with a Soul
Wild Things Will Roam by K.A. West
The debut novel by K.M. West, is a post-apocalyptic gore fest with a soul. The surprises don’t stop there. The concept that the things that go bump in the night are still with us is reframed.
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2 responses to “Yearly Book Reviews: Free Peek at a Writer’s Shelf”
Hi Mari!
I would be honored if you could review my soon to be published book!
Here are a few details.
Book Title:
Anger Unmasked for Parents: Discovering the Hidden Path to Anger Management for Happy Parenting and Raising Peaceful Kids.
Genre: Nonfiction / Self-Help / Anger Management
Hey Sarah — I’m sorry your comment got munched. Thank you for thinking of me as a reviewer. I’m going to pass. I have no experience as a parent and would not be a good fit. Much luck, and congratulations on being published.