Category Archives: Book Reviews

Black Water Rising

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Marion

Black Water Rising, Attica Locke Harper Perennial, 2009 I just finished Black Water Rising, by Attica Locke.  Terry Weyna on Reading the Leaves did a detailed review of this book, so I’m going to suggest you click the link, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a comment

Adapt or Die? (UPDATE, 8/29/10)

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Marion

The Windup Girl, Paolo Bacigalupi Nightshade Books, 2009 There is a lot that’s good about Paolo Bacigalupi’s novel The Windup Girl.  There is a lot that’s wrong with it, too.  The Windup Girl won the 2009 Nebula Award.  I understand … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Woman Warrior

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Marion

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest; Stieg Larsson, Knopf,2010 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is, when all’s said and done, a paper chase, but it is still hold-your-breath exciting.  Part of this is because Stieg Larrson invites … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Short Stories

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Marion

Hart and Boot and Other Stories.  Tim Pratt, Nightshade Books, 2007 20th Century Ghost.  Joe Hill, HarperCollins, 2008 Harrowing the Dragon. Patrician McKillip, Ace, 2006  I don’t usually read short fiction.  It’s an attention-span thing.  I like to immerse myself, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | 5 Comments

Books for Cheap: Cast In Shadow

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Marion

Cast in Shadow, Michelle Sagara Luna Books, 2004 May contain spoilers. I always find books from Luna-Books, apparently an imprint of Harlequin, at the used bookstore.  From the few I’ve seen, they seem to print fantasy that’s one step away … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

This Isn’t Narnia

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Marion

The Book of Lost Things, John Connolly; Washington Square Press, 2007 A vulnerable boy makes his way into an alternate world filled with magic and danger.  To return to his own world he must find a talisman held by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Quote of the Week

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Marion

Book of Lost Things, John Connolly; Washington Square Press, 2007  (Warning:  May contain spoilers.)  As she disappeared the creepers began to wither and die, and the remains of the dead knights fell clattering to the ground.  David ran to where … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

3 Books in 30 Minutes

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Marion

I don’t like how my comments on books have been going lately.  They’re too long and I don’t seem to have much to say.  To jump-start myself I gave myself a writing challenge:  A ten-minute capsule review.  Here are three … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Lost Symbol Fails

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Marion

Caution:  Spoilers.  Everywhere.  It’s a whole convention of ‘em. Cathedral College is an elegant, castle-like edifice located adjacent to the National Cathedral.  The College of Preachers, as it was originally envisioned by the first Episcopal bishop of Washington, was founded … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Checklist of Seven

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Marion

Lots of research about a strange or obscure topic?  Check.  Famous or exotic location?  Check.  Moderately attractive woman who is a success in her (usually scientific) field?  Check.  Guidebook-quality descriptions?  Check.  Physically freakish villain with implausible motivation?  Check.  Very short … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment