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I've been reading as normal (a book or two a week + graphic novels) but it's been a while since I posted here, so here's a couple of the most interesting books I've read that you might want to know about:
The Man Who Crossed Worlds
by Chris Strange
Fans of the Dresden Files are going to find a lot of similarities between Miles Franco and Harry Dresden: personality, economic status, penchant for one-liners at inopportune moments, inability to deal with women (which I think is an incredibly ridiculous character trait, but there you have it). If you can get over the frequent sense of deja vu, you'll find an engaging story that isn't just a Dresden knockoff. Interesting world, interesting problems, interesting mystery and the start of some interesting characters. It all adds up to a story that's hard to put down, and leaves you eager for more from that world. And it's nice to see more urban fantasy that doesn't rely on werewolves, vampires or faeries!
Chris Strange is definitely an author worth watching in the future: I have this sense that it won't be long before he blows past more urban fantasy tropes and into something fantastically new.
[Disclosure: I received this book free as part of a Member Giveaway in exchange for a review.]
Peeps
by Scott Westerfeld
This brilliant blend of parasitology, biology and mythology makes for the most novel interpretation of vampires I've read in forever. Plus, it's a book that's hard to put down with ideas that linger with you. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoilers; you should just go read it yourself! This is now my favourite vampire book ever, probably because it's so different from most.
(Note: I also read the sequel, which is good, but not AMAZING the way I thought Peeps was.)
Chasing Yesterday Series: Awakening, Betrayal, and Truth
by Robin Wasserman
A teenaged girl wakes up with no memory of who she is and is told she was the only survivor of a huge building collapse. So what does it mean when her nightmares tell her that she was the one who can destroy buildings with her mind? This series follows the mystery of who she is, both to herself and to those who seek to control her. I read the first two books in single sittings, caught up in the story of a girl who seems to have telekinetic powers... but isn't sure that she isn't just mentally damaged, as the adults around her seem to think. The third book slows down some, but I definitely don't regret reading through 'till the end.
The Nose Knows: A Spunky Mystery
by Holly L. Lewitas
This mystery is told from the point of view of Spunky, a terrier mix who despite her advancing age, lives up to her name. I was initially worried this would be too cheesy, but Spunky's unique point of view complements the story in a delightful way. The big mystery doesn't really start 'till halfway through the book, but the lead up as Spunky and the cats of the family do their best to meddle in their Mom's life and practice as a psychologist in a benevolent way is utterly charming. Lots of thoughts about animal and human minds. This is a fun read for pet lovers, a decent mystery, and a book I'll definitely be recommending to friends.
[Note: This book was received as part of a members giveaway in exchange for a review.]
The Man Who Crossed Worlds
by Chris Strange
Fans of the Dresden Files are going to find a lot of similarities between Miles Franco and Harry Dresden: personality, economic status, penchant for one-liners at inopportune moments, inability to deal with women (which I think is an incredibly ridiculous character trait, but there you have it). If you can get over the frequent sense of deja vu, you'll find an engaging story that isn't just a Dresden knockoff. Interesting world, interesting problems, interesting mystery and the start of some interesting characters. It all adds up to a story that's hard to put down, and leaves you eager for more from that world. And it's nice to see more urban fantasy that doesn't rely on werewolves, vampires or faeries!
Chris Strange is definitely an author worth watching in the future: I have this sense that it won't be long before he blows past more urban fantasy tropes and into something fantastically new.
[Disclosure: I received this book free as part of a Member Giveaway in exchange for a review.]
Peeps
by Scott Westerfeld
This brilliant blend of parasitology, biology and mythology makes for the most novel interpretation of vampires I've read in forever. Plus, it's a book that's hard to put down with ideas that linger with you. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoilers; you should just go read it yourself! This is now my favourite vampire book ever, probably because it's so different from most.
(Note: I also read the sequel, which is good, but not AMAZING the way I thought Peeps was.)
Chasing Yesterday Series: Awakening, Betrayal, and Truth
by Robin Wasserman
A teenaged girl wakes up with no memory of who she is and is told she was the only survivor of a huge building collapse. So what does it mean when her nightmares tell her that she was the one who can destroy buildings with her mind? This series follows the mystery of who she is, both to herself and to those who seek to control her. I read the first two books in single sittings, caught up in the story of a girl who seems to have telekinetic powers... but isn't sure that she isn't just mentally damaged, as the adults around her seem to think. The third book slows down some, but I definitely don't regret reading through 'till the end.
The Nose Knows: A Spunky Mystery
by Holly L. Lewitas
This mystery is told from the point of view of Spunky, a terrier mix who despite her advancing age, lives up to her name. I was initially worried this would be too cheesy, but Spunky's unique point of view complements the story in a delightful way. The big mystery doesn't really start 'till halfway through the book, but the lead up as Spunky and the cats of the family do their best to meddle in their Mom's life and practice as a psychologist in a benevolent way is utterly charming. Lots of thoughts about animal and human minds. This is a fun read for pet lovers, a decent mystery, and a book I'll definitely be recommending to friends.
[Note: This book was received as part of a members giveaway in exchange for a review.]