Category Archives: World of Books

Max Brooks: World War Z

Book review, World of Books February 26, 2014 Comments: 4

Well, now I certainly understand why people who read the book were upset with the movie. 🙂
After reading the book, I can say the movie is rather loosely based on the book.  I’d say the title comes the closest. 😉

Ok, that was mean of me as I enjoyed the movie and I did recognize some parts of the book that I saw in the movie but really, the movie doesn’t come close to what’s in the book (then again, what movie does?). Actually, it veers off in a completely different way.

But I want to talk about the book and not about the movie. The book I would highly recommend to practically anyone. Because the most important thing that comes out of this book is the rather good (and bleak) depiction of everything that is wrong with the world today.

The story is based on interviews with particular survivors, several years after the end of the World War Z and some of them are actually scum. Not many but there is no problem picking them out. Surprisingly, all of them are either rich or in power! Can you imagine that?wwz

The way the interviews are slowly progressing gives you the image of what and how it all happened.

If you are like me and think that a book that’s based on interviews with people cannot come close to an interesting read that you will devour, well, you would be (like me) very wrong.

It’s fun how the introduction is the explanation on how this book, from the fictional point of view of the interviewer, came to be. And how he had access to many important people after the war.

I don’t want to go into details about the story but what is rather obvious is that Mr. Brooks did some great research in writing it and I, for one, actually learned a lot in general about the world we live in.

The thing is, zombies aside, this book is a very good warning against what we as humans are capable of doing to ourselves, destroying the world we know because of our greed and power cravings.

That is why World War Z is scary.

Justin Cronin: The Twelve

Book review, World of Books February 24, 2014 Leave a comment

It’s been a year since I read The Passage and I’ve been postponing reading The Twelve to closer the release date for the last book (but it’s still not known) and I could no longer wait and had to read it.

There are obvious similarities between the two. The beginning is disjointed and it takes time for the reader to get his bearings because the story is skipping backward and forward and it takes a while before you can connect what happened in the intervening years and how it reflects on the story now.

But you do and you shouldn’t stop reading even if it bothers you.the twelve

We follow the characters from the The Passage five years after the story of that book has happened and even though there is a place where humanity survives, there are hints that all hell might break loose and overtake that little human circle.

Hmm, now that I mentioned hell, I should also mention the fact that God is a big part of the story. Not in the obvious way, but there are references to Peter being a shepherd-like figure, to hearing God’s voice/hints as to which way a character’s life lies, etc. When humanity disappears, turning to God is an obvious choice. And I don’t mean it in a condescending way, we all need some kind of comfort to hold on to.

One thing Mr. Cronin does well is describe what  might be happening in someone’s mind. The description of what goes on in a mind of a crazy person here was unbelievably believable. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m leaning toward crazy?! (since I can imagine it so easily…) 😉

You know, the thing about really good post-apocalyptic books is the fact that they make you aware how much cruelty and pain we inflict on each other and how in any possible scenario of a future apocalypse (except for meteors and stuff like that), we, as humans, will be the ones responsible for bringing about the end of our world. And I really don’t have a hard time believing it after seeing one of the characters pave the road to hell by selecting the so called “good intentions road”. And true to my prediction, he certainly did that.

And here is where it gets both interesting and complicated.

We follow some of the characters from the previous book but we also learn how previous events are going to reverberate down the future and influence our heroes’ lives and choices.

The great thing about Mr. Cronin’s writing is that you really get lost in the story and feel you are truly a part of it. It keeps pulling you in and you are powerless to stop it.

N.K. Jemisin: The Broken Kingdoms read-along #4

Book review, World of Books January 28, 2014 Comments: 7

This is our final week and this week’s questions were created by Grace of Books Without Any Pictures.

 

1.  We finally meet T’vril in his new role as Lord Arameri.  Is he what you expected?
Actually yes. He didn’t get too Arameri but he’s ruthless when he needs to be (seems not as much as his Arameri kin would like).
The Broken Kingdoms by NK Jemisin
2.  Oree is given a choice, to live as the Arameri’s weapon, or to die.  What would you do in that position?
I always like to think I would choose the higher path. But I love living. That said, I’m not sure if I could live with other peoples/godlings lives on my hands.
3.  Do you think that Oree made the right decision by sending Shiny away?  How do you feel about Yeine’s role here?

Yes, but it seems Shiny was expecting it. I think Yeine made the best out of the situation, salvaging what she could without breaking anyone’s tenuous connection to sanity.
4.  What did you think of the ending of the book?  Were you satisfied?
Well, at several points I was worried it was going to go into direction I wasn’t going to enjoy but it all ended up rather well. I knew there was no chance of a happy ending for Shiny and Oree, he has much more to learn and live through before he can start being whole.

 

5.  How did The Broken Kingdoms compare to The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms?  Which did you like better?

I actually like The Broken Kingdoms better. I had a hard time consoling Yeine and Enefa and kept thinking Yeine got smothered a bit by goddess’ entity. It seems Yeine is upset a bit in this book that people find them interchangeable. 😉

This one seems more like a book about life. You have some pleasure and love, you suffer, you get better, you get some pleasure and love, disappointment follows but then there are the most amazing consequences to follow. 🙂

N.K. Jemisin: The Broken Kingdoms read-along #3

Book review, World of Books January 21, 2014 Comments: 6

This week our host is Lauren from Violin in a Void.

Let’s get to it then. 🙂

1. Oree chooses not to reveal Shiny’s identity to Dateh. Did you agree with her decision? What might have happened if she’d chosen otherwise? 

Yes, I agree. It’s never wise to share information with the bad guys. 🙂The Broken Kingdoms by NK Jemisin

I can’t even begin to guess what would have happened if she chose to disclose that information. I’m not sure how much the human Itempass could help them…

 

2. Madding’s dead 😦 How do you feel about his death? What do you make of his last words to Oree?

Didn’t see that coming. Well, not before Oree actually called him through. Then it was obvious as the arrow was just lying there. I must say I couldn’t understand how come Oree didn’t think about that?!

Anyway, what I got out of Madding’s last words is that he truly loved Oree.

 

3. Itempas has seen what terrible things people do in his name. What do you make of Dateh’s interpretation of Itempan faith? Could this help rehabilitate Itempas or will he simply see the New Lights as a delusional sect?

I’m certainly hoping it will put Shiny on the path of spiritual healing. It becomes obvious later on that he was hurt badly and in view of his unbending character, he snapped and then all hell broke lose for the next 2000 years. Talk about being in better control of one’s character…

New Lights are definitely delusional, no doubt about it.

 

4. After Madding’s death, Oree loses the will to live, except to stop the New Lights. Shiny wants to kill her because she’s a demon. Do you think she’ll survive the events of the novel? Is it safer to wipe out the demons?

Safer, probably. Better, no. There should be checks and balances. And demons fit nicely into that. I think she’ll survive, I just wonder at what cost (something is probably going to happen to her – well, more than it already has).

 

5. Itempas shares his feelings about his actions in the God’s War. Have your feelings about him changed at all?

Slightly, yes. Still, he behaved like a spoiled child. And I would expect more from a god with his background. Well, it’s never too late to learn (and learn about yourself, because that is what he seems to be doing now…)

 

6. There’s something odd about Hado. Shiny says to him “You are not quite yourself. […] Something of him lingers.” Oree notes that Hado’s shadow is darker than the non-magical things around him. Could he be more than just a spy, and if so, what?

Ha, ha, it was obvious here who he was and I wondered if the name is the same from book 1 because I just don’t remember. We learn later that he is the human version of Nahadoth from book one but for me it was obvious once I read this paragraph.

Julianna Scott: The Holders

Book review, World of Books January 18, 2014 Leave a comment

I hate to say it, but even though I enjoyed it, it was so very predictable.

Now I feel I cannot go on and make you feel it’s worth reading but if you’re up for some interesting YA fun with some amazing abilities coming through the Celtic history (I think), this would be a nice start to a series (yes, it’s a series, who knew?!). 😉holders

I really liked Becca, most of the time she seemed much smarter than the usual teenage heroines I meet. Being clumsy and not able to direct yourself in space is human nature (and hers as well). She does seem to have a teenage propensity for quick falling in love (not that Alex was far behind). I don’t count this as a spoiler as it’s rather obvious from both the blurb and the beginning of the book.

But it would be a spoiler to let you know what they discover once they get to St. Brigid’s and the story starts unraveling.

I will say that the characters are well portrayed and you understand why they act the way they do, there is a mention of the great smell of libraries (something I definitely notice) and tension at some points will make you try and read faster.

17-year-old Becca spent her whole life protecting her brother from, well, everything. The abandonment of their father, the so called ‘experts’ who insist that voices in his head are unnatural and must be dealt with, and the constant threat of being taken away to some hospital and studied like an animal. When two representatives appear claiming to have the answers to Ryland’s perceived problem, Becca doesn’t buy it for one second. That is until they seem to know things about Ryland and about Becca and Ryland’s family, that forces Becca to concede that there may be more to these people than meets the eye. Though still highly skeptical, Becca agrees to do what’s best for Ryland.

What they find at St. Brigid’s is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece together the information of their family’s heritage, their estranged Father, and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they’ve been waiting for. However, they are all–especially Becca–in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind.

She meets Alex, a Holder who is fiercely loyal to their race, and for some reason, Becca and Ryland. There’s an attraction between Becca and Alex that can’t be denied, but her true nature seems destined to keep them apart. However, certain destinies may not be as clear cut as everyone has always believed them to be.

Becca is lost, but found at the same time. Can she bring herself to leave Ryland now that he’s settled and can clearly see his future? Will she be able to put the the feelings she has for Alex aside and head back to the US? And can Becca and Ryland ever forgive their father for what he’s done?

N.K. Jemisin: The Broken Kingdoms read-along #2

Book review, World of Books January 13, 2014 Comments: 4

This week our host is S Voss from Dab of Darkness.

1) We learned some tidbits about Oree’s father in this section. Who, or what, do you think he was and what do you think of the suspicions about mob madness that Lady Serymn brought up?
I think he is one of the demon children’s children. Everything points in that direction anyway. That also makes Oree one as well.The Broken Kingdoms by NK Jemisin
As for mob madness, I think it’s just Lady Serymn’s excuse and another way of pointing the finger of blame at Nahadoth.

2) Shiny has some stern views about the relationship between Oree and Madding. What do you think of him testing her love for Madding? Do you think she said yes to Madding for the right reasons?

I think Shiny has absolutely no idea what love is and how to feel it and show it. If I start writing what I think of him, it won’t end well, but I’ll just say he’s still an ego maniac.
I do think Oree said yes to Madding for the right reasons, love is compromising. She reminds me a bit of Yeine in that regard, her skirting of danger when having sex with Madding.

3) The House of the Risen Sun has some followers with skills. What do you think of the holes, The Empty, and what has happened to Oree’s friends, both mortal and immortal? Shiny?

Can someone just push the whole order into the holes, please? As soon as possible? I think that the Arameri are proving to be just as awful (if not more) as the first book portrayed them and I really hate them. Empty is awful and I sincerely hope everyone survives it.
I’m not worried about Shiny. At all. I somehow think nothing bad will be able to happen to him.

4) Are the ambitious plans of the House of the Risen Sun justified? Noble? Or is there a particular follower you already want to seen tossed into The Empty for a spell?

Ha, ha, ha, noble? No way. There is nothing noble about them and I did notice how Lady Serynm is very adept of twisting facts to fit what she wants to say and do.
As in my previous answer, just toss the whole order in. I have no patience for stupid people (the followers who are so blind to truth and eager to follow all orders).

5) Lord Dateh, the Nypri, requested a bit of Oree’s blood for study. What do think he will do with it and what part do you think the House of the Risen Sun hopes Oree to play in their plans?

I think they will check for remnants of magical bloodline? I sincerely hope there won’t be something voodoo-ish to it, making Oree their slave.

It seems Oree is supposed to be in this book what Yeine was in the last.
Does that mean she’ll gain some kind of godhood so she can enjoy her eternity with Madding? 😉

And for my thoughts on this week’s chapters, is it just me, or does anyone else think that trying to kill Nahadoth, or believing the Gray Lady will deter him from destroying the world is the thinking of a madman? Or  thinking that Gray Lady is Arameri? That way lies destruction for those thinking it…

Checkout what my companions in the Broken Kingdoms thought this week:

Dab of Darkness

Violin in a Void

Tethyan Books

Books Without Any Pictures

Veronica Roth: Divergent

Book review, World of Books January 12, 2014 Comments: 6

Well, I’m not sure what to say about this. It was fine while it lasted but I’m not sure I’ll be continuing (I thought that even before I read the reviews on Amazon).

The idea is great. In a future dystopian world, Chicago population is divided into 5 factions that are all supposed to live a utopian life but it’s not utopian as is soon rather obvious. From the people who are unlucky to be factionless, to the fact that not all who select one of the factions will actually become its members, to the point where most factions resent Abnegation leadership.divergent

I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed with the fact that characterization is a bit lacking (also, no one packs so much muscles in 2 weeks no matter what they do) and we lack some crucial information (not even a hint to what happened to the world outside Chicago?! – that is just one thing), to the fact that what happens to Four is so very similar to what happens to Peeta in the Hunger Games…

I wish I didn’t sound so very dismissive of the book because I practically inhaled it, but by its end I was no longer sure I wanted to continue reading. Most of my questions would probably get answered in the next book, it’s just that I’m not sure I really want to read on.

The truth is, this novel feels more like a play on a dystopian novel and not an actual story that transports you into the world you’re reading about.

Does that make sense?

 

P.S. After all this, I still want to point out the fact that I read it (quickly) and enjoyed it, it’s just that in hindsight I can actually look at it and see what is it that was bothering me.

 

“In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.”

N.K. Jemisin: The Broken Kingdoms read-along #1

Book review, World of Books January 6, 2014 Comments: 9

And we’re back to the world where gods and godlings live alongside humans in the world shaped somewhat anew after what Yeine the Goddess did at the end of Thousand Kingdoms.

This week’s questions were brought to us by Grace of Books Without Any Pictures.

1.  What do you think so far of Oree Shoth?  Do you like her as much as Yeine?

Yes, I like her as much as Yeine. Possibly even more as she seems free, both to do as she pleases and like she has no burdensome limits left from her childhood.The Broken Kingdoms by NK Jemisin

 

2.  Sky is now referred to by its inhabitants as Shadow, and we get to see the city from the perspective of the commoners rather than the ruling Arameri.  What do you think of the book’s setting?
Love it. Especially imagining all the descriptions and the size of that tree. I keep needing to re-adjust my idea of how big it is. Well, no longer now but since the last book and at the beginning of this one, it didn’t seem that big in my mind.
3.  The gods play a much different role in this book than in “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms,” and spend their time interacting with the people of Sky/Shadow.  What do you think of the gods and godlings that we’ve met thus far?  Who are your favorites?
I’m not naming favorites, I expect more will appear as we get further into the book. I think it’s easy to forget they aren’t human when they move so much among people and I believe that would be a serious mistake to make.

4.  Any predictions on who or what could be killing the godlings?

Some unknown witch-magic godling? 😉 Basically, no idea.
I can’t tell where the vengeance is coming from (and it feels like vengeance) so I can’t guess who could be doing it.

5.  For everyone who read the last book, Shiny’s identity should be relatively easy to guess, even though it hasn’t been explicitly stated yet.  Do you think his punishment is suiting, or is it too much?  Is there any chance he’ll come out of this as a normal person?  How do you think Oree will react when she finds out?

Hell no, it’s not too much. And I can see Oree is not eager to make that particular assumption (whether the punishment is too much).

If this doesn’t make him become a normal person/god, nothing will.

How will Oree react? Probably with cool aplomb. 😉 I think she’s no longer too surprised by godling world. I think her drawing might be more of a shock to her than Shiny’s identity.

 

Check out my fellow readers’ thoughts:

Violin in a Void

Tethyan Books

Books Without Any Pictures

Dab of  Darkness

Emma Shortt: Waking Up Dead

Book review, World of Books January 4, 2014 Leave a comment

As I said the other day, give me anything post-apocalyptic, and I’ll start reading it immediately. 🙂 Or soon.

This one though is a post-apocalyptic romance. Yes, there are love stories happening while you fight against zombies. And quite good ones too.

It starts action-packed and very tense from the beginning and it doesn’t really lessen up. which makes sense if you can get killed by a zombie at basically any moment. There is no safe place in the life of Jackson. And it all comes accompanied by some gruesome graphic detail. It actually makes me smile thinking of those details.waking dead

I was a bit worried I wouldn’t get information on how the whole situation happened, but throughout the story there are reminiscences between Jackson and Luke (and sometimes for themselves) which slowly build the picture of what happened. It is rather reminiscent of how it happened in World War Z (the movie, I haven’t read the book yet).

I found it interesting how I could understand everything Jackson went through in her head. How what is normal in her life now would have cause immense amounts of therapy in previous life and how it normal is such a relative term depending on the circumstances. I must say I admire the person she became, because it shows she has a core of steel which would have probably never become obvious while the world was normal.

Anyway, after meeting Luke and falling for him, we follow their story of falling in love during a zombiepocalypse while searching for the last human bastion rumored to be in Texas.

At some point I started wondering at the rather obvious glaring plot hole. 🙂 Turns out I shouldn’t have worried and I’m not going to point it out now.

As I could completely understand Jackson’s position in life, I was a bit worried if Luke was going to finally decide he cannot stand it, or hopefully, man up  and understand and support her life and become her partner and not try and be her protector, because, let’s be honest, she’s better at that than he is. 😀

But, yes, their love is the one to overcome all hurdles.

And for the next book, it seems Luke’s blood might hold the key to human survival (my guess, it’s not spelled out in the story)…

Now only if the sequel might come soon…

“You know your life has hit rock bottom when you’re living off cooked rats and showering once every few months—if you’re lucky. But for Jackson Hart things are about to get a whole lot worse. When her best friend, Tye, disappears hunting for food, kick-ass Jackson’s ‘head south to safety’ plan looks like it’s dead before it’s even begun. But then she meets ex-mechanic Luke Granger, who takes her to his bunker, feeds her with non-rat based food, and offers her protection against the zombie hordes—not that she needs it. She knows how to use a machete and isn’t afraid to.

Jackson was tempted to stay in the city with her rescuer. Food, shampoo and the possibility of finally getting laid, what more could she ask for? But the flesh eaters are getting smarter and the bunker is compromised, so Jackson and Luke have no choice but to make the journey south.
Luke and Jackson team up to find other humans in a road-trip romance for the ages. They travel for thousands of miles with zombies shadowing their every move. They must utilize every resource at their disposal…and then some. On the way, they discover that even if flesh eating zombies are knocking down their door, there’s always time for sex and even love. “

My book choices in 2013

Book review, I've been thinking, Reading challenge, World of Books January 2, 2014 Comments: 10

Here is what my year looked liked when it came to reading. If you take a closer look, you will notice Harry Potter appearing several times (it was a stressful year) and you will also notice that of my 100 books in a year goal, I basically came 2/3 to the finish line (luckily that’s not how I run). 😉

I keep thinking that the fact that I read every day if I can (and I usually can, as I schedule my time in such manner), I would be able to get two books read in a week (on average) but no. Well, a part was really my fault because I got hooked on Vampire Diaries and while watching all 4 seasons in the time allotted to reading, no books were added to my list.

Generally though, I’m very happy with what I’ve read in 2013 and I highlighted my favorites.

Who knows, maybe next year is the year I hit 100. 😉

 

1. Justin Cronin: The Passage

2. J. Rollins & R. Cantrell: The Blood Gospel

3. Chris Ashbrook: A Darker Gold

4. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl: Beautiful Creatures

5. Shannon Delaney: Weather Witch

6. Melissa Marr: Carnival of Souls

7. Julie Kagawa: The Eternity Cure

8. Steven Brust: Dragon

9. Steven Brust: Issola

10. Steven Brust: Dzur

11. Robert Masello: The Romanov Cross

12. Mia Thompson: Stalking Sapphire

13. James M. Tabor: Frozen Solid

14. Eloisa James: Desperate Duchesses

15. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

16. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

17. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

18. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

19. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix

20. Kim Harisson: Once dead, twice shy

21. Stephanie Laurens: And then she fell

22. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

23. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

24. Dan Brown: Inferno

25. Claudia Dain: Daring a Duke

26. Sam Cabot: Blood of the Lamb

27. P. Briggs: River Marked

28. P. Briggs: Frost Burned

29. Kate Elliott: Cold Magic

30. Kate Elliott: Cold Steel

31. Kate Elliott: Cold Fire

32. James Rollins: The Eye of God

33. Kresley Cole: MacRieve

34. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

35. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

36. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

37. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

38. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix

39. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

40. Cinda Williams Chima: The Enchanter Heir

41. Alex Connor: The Rembrandt Secret

42. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

43. John Oehler: Aphrodesia

44. Cristin Terrill: All Our Yesterdays

45. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

46. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

47. JK. Rawling: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

48. Jennifer Lynn Barnes: The Naturals

49. Kresley Cole: Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles)

50. Lindsey Fairleigh & Lindsey Pogue: After The Ending (The Ending Series)

51. Nigel McCrery: Silent Witness

52. Lindsey Farleigh: Echo Prophecy (Echo Trilogy, #1)

53. J. Carson Black: The Survivors Club

54. Lizzy Ford: Cursed (Voodoo Nights, #1)

55. Lindsey Fairleigh & Lindsey Pogue: Into the Fire (The Ending Series #2)

56. Molly Harper: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf

57. Julianna Scott: The Holders

58. Lizzy Ford: Hear no Evil (Hidden Evil, #1)

59. Susan Isaacs: Compliments of a Friend

60. Sabrina Jeffries: When the Rogue Returns

61. Lisa Jackson: Sinister

62. Deb Marlowe: An Unexpected Encounter

63. Sarah Morgan: Sleigh Bells in the Snow

64. Veronica Roth: Divergent (Divergent series #1)

65. N.K. Jemisin: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

66. Isabella Bradford: A Wicked Pursuit

67. Scott Lynch: The Republic of Thieves

68. Jennifer Lynn Barnes: The Naturals