The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One (review)

The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One by Patrick Rothfuss is the story of the legendary Kvothe told in his own words.

The story opens up in a small hotel located in some out of the way village.  The town's men seem to frequent the hotel to drink and tell stories. As the story progresses, we soon learn that there is more to the man who runs the hotel than meets the eye.  Our suspicions are confirmed when a scribe arrives in town claiming to know who this hotel owner really is and wanting to hear his story. Though  reluctant at first, the hotel owner eventually opens up and tells his tale.

This is where the story gets kind of awesome.  the voice of the hero looking back on this life telling of his triumphs, tragedies, fears, etc. made for a very interesting and believable character and life.  it also helps that the author is a master with words, and the story flowed quite well.  if I had any criticism it would be some of the scenes seemed to either be tacked on or maybe drug just a little.  That being said I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy.
 I even think people who are not big into the fantasy genre would like it.  (the second book in this trilogy is out, but I have not read it yet.

I give this book a solid 4 stars. 

read it

Darkness Comes This Way (review)

Darkness Comes This Way is the soon to be released debut novel by Pixie Lynn Whitfield. For full disclosure I will mention I know Mrs Whitfield, and she is a friend. This fact will not influence my review in any way. My review is of an ARC. I normally mention my criticisms first, but I am saving them for last this time To me this vampire story is both familiar and fresh on the surface there are no new ideas here, but the story presents them in some pretty original ways with some creative world building that made the suspension of belief easy. I cant give anything away, but I found the overall plot to be strong with good pacing and unpredictable but fair turns. Another thing I personally liked about the story is how it mixed elements of action and mystery. The characters are pretty strong too. They are well rounded, and I found them to be quite believable. Before the critiques I have a sort of in between area I liked and disliked, the descriptions. They were well done, but I felt a bit overboard at times. My critiques are on what I call a micro level, in the scenes. The first is I thought some of the verb usage was a little weak using passive voice at the wrong times and relying too much on ly adverbs. My other critique was the strategy in the writing of a few of the scenes. A few times I was told how the character felt during the scene after it was over instead of being shown during the "action." While the second critique did break me from the story a few times it was

always easy to get back in. I recommend this book for anyone who likes vampire books and/or a good urban type adventure/mystery/fantasy. I give *** three stars

Ultraviolet by R.J Anderson (a review)

I think the best way to describe Ultraviolet is a roller coaster. To me this analogy works in two ways. The book has its ups and downs, and at the end of the day it is one fun ride. The opening of Ultraviolet grabbed me right away. Alison - the main character, wakes up in a mental institution believing she disintegrated another girl during a fight. A lot of the story is Alison trying to piece together what really happened, and I think that is one of the story's really strong points. I never quite knew what to believe or doubt till the very end.  The found the climax to be a little rushed, but it did keep me glued to the book. The less one knows about the plot before reading this book the better, but I will say it is unpredictable in a good way.

I'm a little torn on the characters. The main character has a condition called synesthesia  that allows her to use her senses in ways most people cannot.  She can taste colors and smell sounds for example.  This is a documented condition, so I thought that made it all the more interesting. The thing is without the main character fell a little short to me.  I didn't think she was a bad character or poorly written just very average if you take away the synestesia.  The supporting characters were pretty predictable during part of the story and given a bit more depth later at later points in the book.  For most of them, this was after their time on the stage.

I really admired the author's willingness to take chances in this book. Ultraviolet is filled with adventure, mystery, romance, and more. I recommend it.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Ultraviolet-R-J-Anderson/dp/0761374086

What I'm reading this week (1/30-2/5)

I've got a plethora of books on the reading list this week. (3 is a plethora for me


My printed book this week is The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
http://www.amazon.com/Way-Shadows-Night-Angel-Trilogy/dp/0316033677

On my kindle, I'm reading The Empire by Elizabeth Lang. Now as I finish these books, I'll give them a no holds barred review, but Miss Lang co-leads a writing group I'm a member. On line she's extremely nice and helpful with the writing. (Of course, she may be a total ass in real life.) I said that to say this: BUY THE EMPIRE BY ELIZABETH LANG
http://www.amazon.com/EMPIRE-Elizabeth-Lang/dp/0984329870

The third book is my graphic novel of the week and I think my most intriguing based on the concept. It's Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba. I'm just starting this book, but it seems each chapter tells the story of a day in the main character's life having him die at the end of each day.
http://www.amazon.com/Daytripper-Gabriel-Ba/dp/1401229697

Little, Big by John Crowley (gem)

Little, Big opens with Smokey Barnable starting out on a journey to Marry Daily Alice Drinkwater.  He must travel by foot a very specific path to reach Edgewood- the house of the Drinkwater family.  From here we learn the history if the Drinkwaters who are part of some sort of fairy tale that even they are not sure how,  and the history of Edgewood, a place that seems to border the real world and a world of faeries.

One thing I need to say this book does not have a traditional plot.  There is no time line and very little conflict, so why is the book a gem? 

1. The characters are shown in such simple  yet deep ways in their lives they seem like real people. 

2. The magic is and fairies are off the stage, but felt throughout the story in very powerful and believable ways. 

These two things combined make Edgewood and Drinkwaters seem very real. 

3. This is the one that puts the book over the top. Language.  The writing is so beautiful and lyrical that it makes one want to savor each sentence. 

If you choose to read Little, Big, take it slow, let your imagination absorb this magical place.  I know Little, Big is not for everyone, but I also know lots of you will be captivated by it just like me.