October 2017 – Page 2 – Looking For a Good Book

October 17, 2017

PROGRAMMED TO PLEASE – Jenna Ives

One of my blog readers recently asked me why I read/review erotica/porn on my blog. First … I’m trying to understand the genre. Second … it’s incredibly popular, though few ever actually admit to reading it. Read almost any fiction book on the NY Times best-seller list and you’re bound to come across some incredibly Continue reading

MYSTERY, ROMANCE, SF/FANTASY

3 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Erotica, Reviews, Romance, Sex, SF/Fantasy

October 16, 2017

SHADOWED SOULS – Jim Butcher and Kerrie L. Hughes, editors

If you are a reader of urban fantasy you surely have at least heard of Jim Butcher and/or his ‘Dresden Files’ series. This anthology of short stories is set in the Dresden Files universe (it’s even considered book #14.5) – but you aren’t likely to find Harry Dresden himself making an appearance. Instead, other authors Continue reading

SF/FANTASY, SHORT FICTION, Uncategorized

4 stars, Book Reviews, Books, Reviews, SF/Fantasy, Short Stories

October 14, 2017

THE COMPLETE PHONOGRAM – graphic novel

I read a fair number of graphic novels but I don’t subscribe to any online sites or magazines that keep me informed of comic book and graphic novel trends or releases. The ARCs I receive tend to be my only source of information on what is out there. I’ve become pretty surprised at the quality Continue reading

GRAPHIC NOVEL

5 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Graphic Novels, Reviews

October 13, 2017

GRAND PASSION – graphic novel

WARNING — POTENTIAL SPOILERS Mabel and Steve are a Bonnie and Clyde type pair of thieves, robbing banks all across small towns, somewhere in rural America. After a robbery they make love, covered in their stolen money and plan their next adventure. Mac is a quiet but sturdy cop who’s moved to a small town Continue reading

GRAPHIC NOVEL

2 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Graphic Novels, Mystery, Reviews

October 12, 2017

SHAKESPEARE ON PAGE AND STAGE – Stanley Wells

There is no end to the number of books one can find on the works or study of William Shakespeare. The name ‘Stanley Wells’ is certainly familiar to anyone who’s read critical essays on Shakespeare. This book, Shakespeare On Page and Stage, is a collection of some of Wells’ essays on the Bard, his work, Continue reading

ENTERTAINMENT, NON-FICTION

3 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Entertainment, essays, Graphic Novels, Theatre

October 11, 2017

WAYLAID – Kim Harrison

I’ve discovered, having read a couple of Kim Harrison’s “The Hollows” books and the first two books in her new “The Drafter” series, that I’m not much of a Harrison fan. Looking at the themes and plots, both would seem right up my alley, but I’ve just never been able to really enjoy Harrison’s work. Continue reading

SF/FANTASY, SHORT FICTION, Uncategorized

4 stars, Book Reviews, Books, Reviews, SF/Fantasy, Short Stories

October 10, 2017

THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR – Mindee Arnett

I am really behind in my ARC book reading and I’m working my way, somewhat randomly, through a backlist of books sent to me, this being one of those books. The story takes place at Arkwell Academy – a school for ‘magickind’ and … well, let’s stop right there. Yes – the comparison to a Continue reading

SF/FANTASY, YA

3 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Reviews, SF/Fantasy, Young Adult

October 9, 2017

THE BURNING PAGE – Genevieve Cogman

Somehow I missed the second book in Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library series, but that didn’t stop me from quickly requesting this third book when I saw it was available. I realized pretty early on in the book that I’ve missed a thing or two from the second volume, but for the most part the Continue reading

SF/FANTASY

5 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Reviews, SF/Fantasy

October 7, 2017

JOHN CARTER: THE END – graphic novel

As a long-time fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ ‘John Carter of Mars’ series and someone who enjoys a good graphic novel, I figured this graphic novel, John Carter: The End, was right up my alley. Mmmmm. Not so much. John Carter and Dejah Thoris have secluded themselves from all civilization and wish to be left Continue reading

GRAPHIC NOVEL

2 Stars, Book Reviews, Books, Graphic Novels, Reviews

October 6, 2017

ARENA – Holly Jennings

This was just a heck of a lot of fun. Take the sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting and combine it with Virtual Realty gaming and a little bit of Tron, and you get Holly Jennings’ book Arena. It is the year 2054 and Virtual gladiator-style fighting is big business. Bigger than today’s Super Continue reading

SF/FANTASY

4 stars, Book Reviews, Books, Reviews, SF/Fantasy

October 5, 2017

THE BIRTHDAY BOYS – Beryl Bainbridge

THROWBACK THURSDAY: REVIEWING A REISSUE This book is an unusual format for a work of fiction … and at the same time, it’s not quite fiction. The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge is a historical fiction account of the ill-fated Robert Falcon Scott-led trip to Antarctica. It’s a relatively quick and easy read, and even Continue reading

HISTORICAL FICTION, Uncategorized

4 stars, Book Reviews, Books, Historical Fiction, Reviews

October 4, 2017

THE BEATLES – Hunter Davies

Over the last couple of years I’ve read a few Beatles-related books. Recently, while anticipating a couple of long drives, I borrowed an audio book from my local library – The Authorized Biography, The Beatles, by Hunter Davies. Davies was one of the few people allowed on the inside of The Beatles’ group, accompanying them Continue reading

ENTERTAINMENT, MEMOIR, Uncategorized

4 stars, Biography, Book Reviews, Books, Entertainment, Memoir, Music, non-fiction, Reviews