50 books challenge (2008)
Same as with the movies challenge: 50 books read within 2008. Each book shall be linked to amazon, rated and reviewed.
total: 14/50 (lol failed)
Daddy's Little Girl
by Mary Higgins Clark
rating: 1 1/2 out of 5
I don't quite know what it's supposed to be, mystery? thriller? You know who did it from the start so the only question is if the heroine can prove it. I couldn't really get into the story and the heroine was pretty boring. I think the best thing I can say about it is that it helped pass a few hours of an otherwise boring day.
The Father of Forensics by Colin Evans
rating: 3/5
This was an interesting read. It's about a british pathologist named Bernard Spilsbury who, through research and experimentation, found new techniques to solve crimes in the early 1900s. He was also an expert witness in many high profile trials. I picked this book up on a whim and expected it to be a dry/boring recounting of his life but the author kinda wrote it like a story. Each chapter starts with the setting (events at the time) then presents the first details of the murder then it takes you through the steps Spilsbury took to discover who did it and how. It flows well and was easy to read despite being about forensic science XD if you like CSI and Law & Order you'll like this book. However I do have to warn that the author seems to worship the ground the doctor walked on >>; like he made a comment about a "god amoungst mortals". lol fanboy.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
rating: 4/5
The Historian is about a series of events that lead one person after another across the globe searching for Vlad (Dracula's) tomb. Roughly 80% of the book is told via flashbacks, it's odd to have so many perspectives. The amount of detail can be overwhelming and caused my eyes to glaze over a few times. Despite that I couldn't stop reading and now I kinda want to visit all the places mentioned. I have to deduct points for the ending though, I'm left with a bunch of questions and feeling unsatisfied. Is it too much to ask for people to tie up loose ends? My most burning question is "what happened to the library?" and I guess I'll have to assume that it just hasn't been found :\
Snake Agent by Liz Williams
rating 3.5/5
I liked the asian/supernatural setting and the partnership of the human Chen and demon Zhu. I have some nitpicks though. Was the demon-hunter really neccessary? He didn't add anything to the plot beyond finding the dorms. I had an inkling that it had something to do with them anyway. Same thing with Inari. She could've turned out cool but she was more like an afterthought. I hope the rest of the series focuses on Chen and Zhu, I feel that's where its strength lays.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
rating 2.5/5
This was a 400-something page book that felt like a 600+ one. It took forever for the plot to get going. Neil must like to use the word penis a lot cause he does. His characters are always peeing! It was an interesting concept of old gods versus new gods though, he just needed to make the story tighter. It seemed to drag on and on. I do have to admit he tied up just about every loose end. I was like "oh the story is over. no wait there's more... and more... and an epilogue..." XD When I finished this I had no questions left but I actually prefer that over things left open-ended like The Historian. That drove me crazy! Anyway I only know Neil Gaiman from his Sandman comics (which I liked a lot) so maybe my expectations were too high.
Dead Man Rising by Lilith Saintcrow
rating: 2.5/5
I liked the first book of this series better. I could have done without all the times it is pointed out- no, beaten into your brain, that Dante has changed. It was fine at the beginning of the book, a reminder of previous events. But did I really need to be reminded like 6 times (and that's a conservative estimate) that she can't get drunk? Okay we get it, Dante is near perfect now but not happy about it. She is never happy and I'm just getting sick of it. At the end of the first book I couldn't wait for the next one since I liked Japh and hoped he'd be brought back. At the end of the second one, not so much eager for the third installment :\
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
rating 3.5/5
Much attention is paid to detail and words, focusing on a famous author's lifestory being slowly unraveled for a biographer. Lots of twists and turns. It can be a bit dull sometimes though, like watching an indie movie when you're used to watching action flicks XD there were some little things I saw coming but the majority was a surprise, especially the conclusion of the author's story. I still have no idea how the girl made such a leap in logic. I am satisfied with just about everything being nicely tied up at the end except ofcourse for the identity of the burned twin. This isn't my usual type of story though, not quite sure if I would read another like it.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
rating: 3.5/5
It's about a guy who involunteerily jumps around in time and how he meets his wife at various ages. It's not too hard to keep track of the timeline, I just wasn't that into the story. LOL not quite a glowing review. Good for a rainy day?
Perfume by Patrick Suskind
rating: 1.5/5
This is set in 1700ish France, it's about a depraved dude with a hypersensitive sense of smell who at various times wants to create the best perfume, gets repulsed by human scents enough to live on a mountaintop for 7 years then goes back into society intent on creating a perfume that'll help him rule the world. In order to do this he kills young girls in order to steal their scents. When I reserved this I thought it was based on a true story but sadly it's not, specially thought it was cheesey when the guy uses special perfumes to avoid being caught. I would have liked a more realistic story.
The Demon and The City by Liz Williams
rating: 3/5
I don't know how I forgot to add this here but I did D: it's been about 3 months since I read this so my impression of the book is kinda fuzzy. I liked that Zhu got more of the spotlight and when Chen finally showed up it was to chase after demons and once again find themselves in a demon brothel XD the angel dude was nice, wish he'd dump the girl though. I'd love for him to hook up with Zhu ;D
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
rating: 4.5/5
Another book I forgot to list. I really liked this one, it was unique enough to keep my interest. The main character is a woman named Mercy who can shapechange into a coyote (I think that's what it was). Mercy grew up in a werewolf pack but got her naive heart broken by one. Years later she is a mechanic with her own shop, she's a tough cookie but there's a possible romance with her werewolf neighbor. That is, if her ex moving in doesn't screw things up XD There's some run ins with magic users and vampires but the main focus was on the werewolves. I heard the next book deals more with the vampires, I can't wait for it!
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
rating: 4/5
I read this in one sitting xD;; The werewolves were mostly a disappointment with the majority of them spending their time glowering or being territorial. I don't find a bunch of dudes acting like cavemen a particularly interesting read. I did kinda like Honey and I still like Warren and Kyle from the first book. However the clear winners here were the vampires. I love Stefan with his scooby doo obsession XD I'm not too sure I like the possibility that he has feelings for Mercy but still he's a rather unconventional vampire and I'd love to see more of him in future books. Not to mention The Wizard aka Wulfe *is totally not a pedo* as for the Adam vs Samuel issue, I was actually happy when it seemed like Mercy was leaning towards choosing Adam but ofcourse things could never be that simple :\ though I'd find it really ironic if after all this she chooses neither of them.
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
rating: 3/5
So the first book was all about werewolves, the second about vampires and in the third the focus is on the fae. I didn't like this one as much as the previous two. The only good thing is that it finally put the love triangle to rest unless the author brings back Stefan. It was an alright read, I liked learning some of Ben's backstory. However it was pretty much ruined for me when the author used the old sexual healing gimmick that non-con fanfic writers love to use :\ also the main plot lacked suspense, perhaps she ran out of steam or was too busy writing that spin off about Samuel's brother to properly focus. I think there is a 4rth book out now but if it's more of the same I probably won't continue with the series.
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
rating: 4/5
I saw this on Missa's list and it sounded interesting. Strong female lead, lots of political intrigue and an enemy like the Ori, not to mention the type of prince charming Disney would like. The only complaint I have is that Serene started annoying me halfway through the book. Ofcourse we the readers knew what was going on while she didn't but her bristling at everything and everyone got old real fast. Also two men falling for her in the span of only two months? Otherwise I thought it was pretty interesting. I sense a potential set up for a sequel so we'll see.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
rating: 1/5
I felt like reading some classics but I have to say that my eyes haven't glassed over so much since the Odyssey/Illiad D: I had to keep taking breaks but I eventually forced myself to read it all. I really have no idea why, except maybe because I've never left a book unfinished and I was hoping to discover why people liked it. Well I don't see it :\ I didn't like it at all. Healthcliff made everyone miserable, including me.
other book lists:
Missa
Phasera
total: 14/50 (lol failed)
Daddy's Little Girl
by Mary Higgins Clark
rating: 1 1/2 out of 5
I don't quite know what it's supposed to be, mystery? thriller? You know who did it from the start so the only question is if the heroine can prove it. I couldn't really get into the story and the heroine was pretty boring. I think the best thing I can say about it is that it helped pass a few hours of an otherwise boring day.
The Father of Forensics by Colin Evans
rating: 3/5
This was an interesting read. It's about a british pathologist named Bernard Spilsbury who, through research and experimentation, found new techniques to solve crimes in the early 1900s. He was also an expert witness in many high profile trials. I picked this book up on a whim and expected it to be a dry/boring recounting of his life but the author kinda wrote it like a story. Each chapter starts with the setting (events at the time) then presents the first details of the murder then it takes you through the steps Spilsbury took to discover who did it and how. It flows well and was easy to read despite being about forensic science XD if you like CSI and Law & Order you'll like this book. However I do have to warn that the author seems to worship the ground the doctor walked on >>; like he made a comment about a "god amoungst mortals". lol fanboy.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
rating: 4/5
The Historian is about a series of events that lead one person after another across the globe searching for Vlad (Dracula's) tomb. Roughly 80% of the book is told via flashbacks, it's odd to have so many perspectives. The amount of detail can be overwhelming and caused my eyes to glaze over a few times. Despite that I couldn't stop reading and now I kinda want to visit all the places mentioned. I have to deduct points for the ending though, I'm left with a bunch of questions and feeling unsatisfied. Is it too much to ask for people to tie up loose ends? My most burning question is "what happened to the library?" and I guess I'll have to assume that it just hasn't been found :\
Snake Agent by Liz Williams
rating 3.5/5
I liked the asian/supernatural setting and the partnership of the human Chen and demon Zhu. I have some nitpicks though. Was the demon-hunter really neccessary? He didn't add anything to the plot beyond finding the dorms. I had an inkling that it had something to do with them anyway. Same thing with Inari. She could've turned out cool but she was more like an afterthought. I hope the rest of the series focuses on Chen and Zhu, I feel that's where its strength lays.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
rating 2.5/5
This was a 400-something page book that felt like a 600+ one. It took forever for the plot to get going. Neil must like to use the word penis a lot cause he does. His characters are always peeing! It was an interesting concept of old gods versus new gods though, he just needed to make the story tighter. It seemed to drag on and on. I do have to admit he tied up just about every loose end. I was like "oh the story is over. no wait there's more... and more... and an epilogue..." XD When I finished this I had no questions left but I actually prefer that over things left open-ended like The Historian. That drove me crazy! Anyway I only know Neil Gaiman from his Sandman comics (which I liked a lot) so maybe my expectations were too high.
Dead Man Rising by Lilith Saintcrow
rating: 2.5/5
I liked the first book of this series better. I could have done without all the times it is pointed out- no, beaten into your brain, that Dante has changed. It was fine at the beginning of the book, a reminder of previous events. But did I really need to be reminded like 6 times (and that's a conservative estimate) that she can't get drunk? Okay we get it, Dante is near perfect now but not happy about it. She is never happy and I'm just getting sick of it. At the end of the first book I couldn't wait for the next one since I liked Japh and hoped he'd be brought back. At the end of the second one, not so much eager for the third installment :\
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
rating 3.5/5
Much attention is paid to detail and words, focusing on a famous author's lifestory being slowly unraveled for a biographer. Lots of twists and turns. It can be a bit dull sometimes though, like watching an indie movie when you're used to watching action flicks XD there were some little things I saw coming but the majority was a surprise, especially the conclusion of the author's story. I still have no idea how the girl made such a leap in logic. I am satisfied with just about everything being nicely tied up at the end except ofcourse for the identity of the burned twin. This isn't my usual type of story though, not quite sure if I would read another like it.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
rating: 3.5/5
It's about a guy who involunteerily jumps around in time and how he meets his wife at various ages. It's not too hard to keep track of the timeline, I just wasn't that into the story. LOL not quite a glowing review. Good for a rainy day?
Perfume by Patrick Suskind
rating: 1.5/5
This is set in 1700ish France, it's about a depraved dude with a hypersensitive sense of smell who at various times wants to create the best perfume, gets repulsed by human scents enough to live on a mountaintop for 7 years then goes back into society intent on creating a perfume that'll help him rule the world. In order to do this he kills young girls in order to steal their scents. When I reserved this I thought it was based on a true story but sadly it's not, specially thought it was cheesey when the guy uses special perfumes to avoid being caught. I would have liked a more realistic story.
The Demon and The City by Liz Williams
rating: 3/5
I don't know how I forgot to add this here but I did D: it's been about 3 months since I read this so my impression of the book is kinda fuzzy. I liked that Zhu got more of the spotlight and when Chen finally showed up it was to chase after demons and once again find themselves in a demon brothel XD the angel dude was nice, wish he'd dump the girl though. I'd love for him to hook up with Zhu ;D
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
rating: 4.5/5
Another book I forgot to list. I really liked this one, it was unique enough to keep my interest. The main character is a woman named Mercy who can shapechange into a coyote (I think that's what it was). Mercy grew up in a werewolf pack but got her naive heart broken by one. Years later she is a mechanic with her own shop, she's a tough cookie but there's a possible romance with her werewolf neighbor. That is, if her ex moving in doesn't screw things up XD There's some run ins with magic users and vampires but the main focus was on the werewolves. I heard the next book deals more with the vampires, I can't wait for it!
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
rating: 4/5
I read this in one sitting xD;; The werewolves were mostly a disappointment with the majority of them spending their time glowering or being territorial. I don't find a bunch of dudes acting like cavemen a particularly interesting read. I did kinda like Honey and I still like Warren and Kyle from the first book. However the clear winners here were the vampires. I love Stefan with his scooby doo obsession XD I'm not too sure I like the possibility that he has feelings for Mercy but still he's a rather unconventional vampire and I'd love to see more of him in future books. Not to mention The Wizard aka Wulfe *is totally not a pedo* as for the Adam vs Samuel issue, I was actually happy when it seemed like Mercy was leaning towards choosing Adam but ofcourse things could never be that simple :\ though I'd find it really ironic if after all this she chooses neither of them.
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
rating: 3/5
So the first book was all about werewolves, the second about vampires and in the third the focus is on the fae. I didn't like this one as much as the previous two. The only good thing is that it finally put the love triangle to rest unless the author brings back Stefan. It was an alright read, I liked learning some of Ben's backstory. However it was pretty much ruined for me when the author used the old sexual healing gimmick that non-con fanfic writers love to use :\ also the main plot lacked suspense, perhaps she ran out of steam or was too busy writing that spin off about Samuel's brother to properly focus. I think there is a 4rth book out now but if it's more of the same I probably won't continue with the series.
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
rating: 4/5
I saw this on Missa's list and it sounded interesting. Strong female lead, lots of political intrigue and an enemy like the Ori, not to mention the type of prince charming Disney would like. The only complaint I have is that Serene started annoying me halfway through the book. Ofcourse we the readers knew what was going on while she didn't but her bristling at everything and everyone got old real fast. Also two men falling for her in the span of only two months? Otherwise I thought it was pretty interesting. I sense a potential set up for a sequel so we'll see.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
rating: 1/5
I felt like reading some classics but I have to say that my eyes haven't glassed over so much since the Odyssey/Illiad D: I had to keep taking breaks but I eventually forced myself to read it all. I really have no idea why, except maybe because I've never left a book unfinished and I was hoping to discover why people liked it. Well I don't see it :\ I didn't like it at all. Healthcliff made everyone miserable, including me.
other book lists:
Missa
Phasera