Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Review: American Panda by Gloria Chao (L)

Synopsis: At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents' master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies. With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can't bring herself to tell them the truth--that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese. But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels? (from the online description)

Review: After seeing this on a TBR by Tea Hags, I picked this up at the Library.
Mei is a cute, likeable character. Born from first-generation Taiwanese parents, she constantly struggles between her parents’ world and her own. Gloria Chao handled this conflict with an expert hand – giving all the character depth and flaws. This could have easily slipped into the overbearing-parent-freedom-seeking-child trope but instead, gave the reader a picture of a complex family. The story doesn’t just follow Mei’s growth, but the growth of her mother and brother as well.
The addition of the Taiwanese, including the language, gives the book an authenticity that gives the story richness. Chao includes small details, like Taiwanese food, habits, and words, which make the book so much more than just your average contemporary YA
My qualm is how quickly Mei fell in love. She was willing to defy her family after only a few moments with the boy she likes. This almost ruined the story for me. It felt rushed and silly.
If one can overlook that, this is a fun, easy read – perfect for a summer by the ocean.  

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-4841-9910-1
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 5-14-2018
Pages: 310

Review: Batman: Hush by Jim Lee, Jeph Loeb, Scott Williams et. al. (Issues 608-6019)

Synopsis:  BATMAN: HUSH is a thrilling mystery of action, intrigue, and deception penned by Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN) and illustrated by comics superstar Jim Lee (ALL STAR BATMAN & ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER) in which Batman sets out to discover the identity of a mysterious mastermind using the Joker, Riddler, Ra's al Ghul and the Dark Knight's other enemies - and allies - as pawns in a plan to wreak havoc. (from the online description)

This volume collects BATMAN #609-619

Review:  Considered a masterpiece of the Batman canon, this volume reads like a Greatest Hits of Batman’s friends and enemies.
A villain, hidden in the shadow, seems to know everyone in Batman’s life and everything about Batman’s life. Using this knowledge, he strikes at Batman, using both villain and family to threaten him. While the mystery sweeps the reader alone, with plenty of false reveals and twists, it is the interaction between Batman and Catwoman that make the story. Here, we see Bruce struggle to meld the two parts of who he is – Bruce and Batman – and to connect the two sides of his soul. The authors handle his with just enough romance and reality and never slide into the trope or the cheesy.
Fantastic art, with bold colors and dynamic lines, bring the story to life. It’s easy to see why this story arc received the praise that it did. One of my favorite arcs in the Batman story. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-1-4012-2317-5
Year Published: 2009 (Original Issues Published in 2002-2003)
Date Finished: 5-13-18
Pages: 195

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Review: Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar

Synopsis: In 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi asks Indians to give one family member to the freedom movement, ten-year-old Anjali is devastated to think of her father risking his life for the freedom struggle. But it turns out he isn't the one joining. Anjali's mother is. And with this change comes many more adjustments designed to improve their country and use "ahimsa"--non-violent resistance--to stand up to the British government. First the family must trade in their fine foreign-made clothes for homespun cotton, so Anjali has to give up her prettiest belongings. Then her mother decides to reach out to the Dalit community, the "untouchables" of society. Anjali is forced to get over her past prejudices as her family becomes increasingly involved in the movement. 
When Anjali's mother is jailed, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work, ensuring that her little part of the independence movement is completed. (from the online description)

Review: Anjali lives a comfortable life as a member of the Brahman caste in 1942 India. She enjoyed the privilege of intelligent parents, private school, lovely clothes, and good food.
She struggles to understand the sudden disruption to her life. When her mother quits her job working for the British and joins the Freedom for India movement, Anjali world shifts violently. 
The story concerns the journey of both Anjali and the people around her – including the adults. Her mother, her uncle, her classmates and neighbors.
Kelkar doesn’t sugar coat the events. There is violence. There is conflict. There is pain. Not everyone is saved, not everyone survives. Change is not pleasant. It’s awkward and uncomfortable and costly. Kelkar’s characters experience this in real ways, ways that cost them more than they thought they could pay.
This is a vital lesson for all of us. Kelkar’s uses real events to highlight this fact. With clear language, complex characters, fast-paced action, and real-world events, Kelkar creates a powerful novel. She transports the reader to India. The smells, the color, the culture, food, and clothes – she describes all of it with clear and clever language.
I would highly recommend this book to parents who want to expose their children to powerful life lessons and other cultures. Excellent for public or home education, and entertaining enough for any child.
Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: New Visions Awards, Winner (2017)

ISBN: 978-1-620-1435-68
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 5-12-18
Pages: 306

Monday, May 28, 2018

Review: Bloodshot, Volumes 1-5 by Multiple (L)


Synopsis: Bloodshot, a bioengineered weapon by Project Rising Spirit, has the powers of regeneration and meta-morphing made possible through nanites injected into his blood. After having his memory wiped numerous times, Bloodshot is out to discover who he really is and get vengeance on those who did this to him. Through his journey, he will attempt to right wrongs, save innocents, find redemption, and learn the truth about himself. And always, Blood matters. 

Authors: Christos Gage, Joshua Dysart, Emanuela Lupacchino, Brian Reber Duane Swierczynski, Barry Kitson, Stefano Gaudiano Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi,, Matthew Clark. Crisscross, Bart Sears

Review: We know this story. Bad guys turn good man into a weapon, man escapes, joins group of good guys to find revenge and the truth about himself.
Bloodshot is not that story. It starts that way. But it quickly digresses from black and white to shades of gray. Are the bad guys really bad? Are the good guys really good? Are they both and neither? What if both did evil things in the name of good?
The duplicity and constant questioning the motives of the people Bloodshot knows, the fact that good people die or lose, that he isn’t perfect, gives the characters and story complexity and depth that rise above your average superhero story.
My only complaint is that the story moved too quickly, skimming or skipping connections that seemed important. This gave the story a jerky feel, as if I walked out of the movie and missed a crucial scene. Less action crammed into the issues and a little more explanation would have made the story perfect.
I highly recommend if you are looking for something a bit different from the normal DC or Marvel superhero stories. Worth reading!




Bookmarks: 4 of 5 / 4 of 5 / 4 of 5 / 3.5 of 5 / 4 of 5

Awards: None  


ISBN: 9780979640964 / 9781939346032 / 9781939346124 / 9781939346193 / 9781939346315
Year Published: 2013 / 2013  / 2013 / 2014 / 2014
Date Finished: 5-9-2018 / 5-20-2018
Pages: 132 / 131 / 127 / 143 / 137

Friday, May 25, 2018

Review: Black Magick: The Awakening, Part I by Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott, et al (Volume 1)

Synopsis: Collecting the first five issues of the critically-acclaimed new series from creators GREG RUCKA (Lazarus, Star Wars: Shattered Empire) and NICOLA SCOTT (Secret Six, Earth-2). Rowan Black is a detective with the Portsmouth PD... and a witch, two aspects of her life she has struggled to keep separate. Now someone is targeting Rowan, someone who knows her secrets and means to expose her... or worse. (from the online description)

Review: While out during FCBD 2018, I was loitering near the new comic books waiting from my best friend to finish flirting with the cute guy behind the counter, when this comic book caught my eye. I’m a sucker for story including Witches. Partly due to an odd fascination, and partly because I was raised in a conservative home and reading about witches feels a bit rebellious.  And then I saw it was written by Greg Rucka, who authored Lazarus, my current most favorite, and I was sold.
This is a Witch-Story at its finest. Rowan Black is a detective in the public world – and a witch in private. Her power is great but it will be tested as old and new enemies seek her death. With allies, both magical and lawful, she will need all her power to confront the deadly darkness coming for her.
Using mostly shades of gray, with tints of red, bold lines, and shadowed lines, the story starts with a ritual…and a murder. Intrigue, spooky characters, murder, strange symbolism, and a hint at deadly mythology make this a fantastic read.
If you enjoy dark fantasy and witch-based stories, READ THIS! You will not regret it!

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-63215-675-4
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 5-6-2018
Pages: 132

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Review: Old Ramon by Jack Schaefer

Synopsis: Old Ramon tells the timeless coming-of-age story of a young boy who spends a summer with an old shepherd in the Mojave Desert. He leaves his textbooks behind for real life lessons with Ramon as his mentor. He learns not only how to care for the sheep but how to overcome fear, how to face death and responsibility, and the difference between being alone and being lonely. Written in Schaefer’s charming and engaging style, the novel details a boy’s discovery of both the value of friendship and the hardship of life. (from the online description)

Review: Set in the west during a different time, this is a slow and gentle story. As Ramon and the boy journey with their flock, Ramon speaks to the boy about life. In particular, the boy's misconceptions about how Ramon leads the flock - and, Ramon speaks about his own mistakes. Ramon is not perfect. He is still learning how to teach and how to lead. As he teaches the boy, he learned.

Having said that, I will remark - this is a slow book. Slow and boring. Perhaps it is because of the subject matter, perhaps the era when the book was written - but it was extremely tedious to read. The lesson of the story was important but it was hard to get to as the story was slow. It might be too slow for children of the modern age.

Spoiler: Animals die. Beware of this if you are reading it to young or tender-hearted readers (or, like me, cry when all the animals die)

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: Newbery Honor (1961)

ISBN: 978-0826-3-5764-9
Year Published: 1960
Date Finished: 5-6-2018
Pages: 102

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Review: X-O Manowar: Enter Ninjak by Robert Venditti, Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano, Moose Baumann (Volume 2) (L) and X-O Manowar: By the Sword by Robert Venditti, Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano, Moose Baumann (Volume 1) (L)

Synopsis: Born during the reign of the Roman Empire, Aric of Dacia, heir to the Visgoth, knows nothing but war. When his beloved wife is taken captive by the Romans, Aric takes a band of men and sets off to find her. Instead, they are kidnapped by an Alien race and taken as slaves by cruel masters. During a revolt, Aric bonds with the mystical, and powerful, armor worshipped by his Alien captors. With the power granted him by the armor, he frees himself, and travels to earth - only to realize he has been gone for 16th Centuries! In a strange world, with his captors coming to find him, he will take on new allies and find old enemies.

Review: From an interesting premise, this story takes the readers on a strange and exciting journey.  From the plains of Italy, to the starships of the Vine, we walk with Aric as he transforms from a Visgoth warrior to the welder of Shanhara, the sentient X-O Manowar armor.
Told in a classic comic style, with bright colors and bold lines, the story has excellent twists and turns, fast-paced plot, exciting fight-scenes, and complex characters.  As with many Valiant characters, there are no black and white people, all good or all bad. They are multifaceted, with flaws and bad habits. They make mistakes. They make evil choices. This gives the story a depth and intricacy the sets the story above your average superhero tale.
If you are looking for something different or have grown tired of the constant rehash published by DC and Marvel, try this! You won’t be disappointed!

Note:  This is not suitable for younger children. There is graphic violence and some nudity. There are also complex themes that will be too complex for young readers. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5 / 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-9796-4-0940 / 978-0-9796-4-0995
Year Published: 2012 / 2012
Date Finished: 5-3-2018
Pages: 132 / 124

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Review: I am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina, ill. by Stacey Robinson and John Jennings

Synopsis: Alfonso Jones can't wait to play the role of Hamlet in his school's hip-hop rendition of the classic Shakespearean play. He also wants to let his best friend, Danetta, know how he really feels about her. But as he is buying his first suit, an off-duty police officer mistakes a clothes hanger for a gun, and he shoots Alfonso. When Alfonso wakes up in the afterlife, he's on a ghost train guided by well-known victims of police shootings, who teach him what he needs to know about this subterranean spiritual world. Meanwhile, Alfonso's family and friends struggle with their grief and seek justice for Alfonso in the streets. As they confront their new realities, both Alfonso and those he loves realize the work that lies ahead in the fight for justice. (from the online description)

Review:  Tony Medina wrote this graphic novel as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. He based the fictional Alfonso Jones on several of the young men shot by law officers in the last few years.
I specifically asked for this book to review because I’m white and I’m a racist. As the Black Lives Matter grew to prominence, I reacted with contempt and scorn, pushing aside the movement as the petulant rantings of a self-victimizing people.
It was through speaking with a friend several years ago, that I began to question this attitude. Maybe…I was wrong.
I decide to explore the racism in my heart, a journey which has lead me to get involved in my community, listen to voices I previously ignored, contemplate thoughts I previously considered stupid, and – to read books that challenge my own experience and education.
Medina’s book is just such a book. With thick bold lines and dynamic art, Medina weaves the tale of the fictional Alfonso Jones into a narrative of black lives taken through police action. I did not agree with everything Medina said – but I can’t tell if that is because he was actually wrong or because of my own racist perceptions. It seemed as if he was saying that everyone killed by police was innocent of any crime. That isn’t true. But perhaps, that isn’t the point? Guilty or not, every American is entitled to a fair trial and the expectation of safety while under police management. As a white American, I take that expectation as fact. I am learning that for black Americans, it is a lie.
This book did not magically change my thinking. Instead, it is another valuable step in my own journey to understand the struggle of Blacks in America, and my own contribution to that injustice.
I would recommend it as part of any library dedicated to understanding the condition of black Americans and particularly, I recommend this work to anyone looking to understand a perspective outside their own.
Note: I received this free from LibaryThing’s Early Review Program, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: 2018 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens list (Young Adult Library Services Association) and the New York Public Library's list of Best Books for Teens.

ISBN: 978-1-62014-263-9-51895
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 5-1-2017
Pages: 166

Monday, May 21, 2018

Review: Annie and the Old One by Miska Miles

Synopsis: Annie is a young Navajo girl who refuses to believe that her grandmother, the Old One, will die. As she struggles to left go, she learns about life and death.

Review: Sweet story of a young girl learning to deal with the death of a loved one. Her attempts to prevent it are child-like, and remind me how child conceive the world. It was sweet and heart-breaking. An excellent book for young children, perhaps for those who are struggling to understand death.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: Newbery Honor

ISBN: 0-316-57120-2
Year Published: 1971
Date Finished: 4-30-2018
Pages: 44

Friday, May 18, 2018

Review: The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough

Synopsis: Sometimes fairy tales can come true-even for plain, shy spinsters like Missy Wright. Neither as pretty as cousin Alicia nor as domineering as mother Drusilla, she seems doomed to a quiet life of near poverty at Missalonghi, her family's pitifully small homestead in Australia's Blue Mountains. But It's a brand-new century-the twentieth-a time for new thoughts and bold new actions. And Missy Wright is about to set every self-righteous tongue in the town of Byron wagging. Because she has just set her sights on a mysterious, mistrusted and unsuspecting stranger ... who just might be Prince-Charming in disguise. (from the online description)

Review: It is impossible to read this book without comparing it to The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery. Indeed, McCullough has to answer charges of plagiarism when this was published.
The back-bone of the stories are the same: a spinster, poor among wealthy relatives, who finds out she is dying and decides to take charge of her life. From there, the details are different. McCullough version has a bit more drama, a few more villains, and several direct references to sex.
It makes sense, given that this book was published in 1987 and The Blue Castle was published 1926, when references to sex would have been taboo in proper books. McCullough’s work would not have been constrained by such laws or social rules.
That being said, I liked most of the details of McCullough’s work. Except the sex. It seemed crass, too crass for the story. It ruined the Hero for me.
It’s a sweet fun story and worth reading, preferably on a beach or by a pool. 

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-380-70458-7
Year Published: 1987
Date Finished: 4-29-2018
Pages: 189

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Review: When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore (L)

Synopsis: To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. Roses grow out of Miel’s wrist, and rumors say that she spilled out of a water tower when she was five. Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs in the trees and for how little anyone knows about his life before he and his mother moved to town. But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel’s skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they’re willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up. (from the online description)

Review:  Excellent book if you are looking for a story about secrets, gender identity, and family. Magical Realism for the modern age.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-250-05866-9
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 4-29-2018
Pages: 270

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Review: Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a Fuck by Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis (L)

Synopsis: Thug Kitchen started their wildly popular website to inspire people to eat some goddamn vegetables and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Beloved by Gwyneth Paltrow ('This might be my favorite thing ever') and with half a million Facebook fans and counting, Thug Kitchen wants to show everyone how to take charge of their plates and cook up some real f*cking food.
Yeah, plenty of blogs and cookbooks preach about how to eat more kale, why ginger fights inflammation, and how to cook with microgreens and nettles. But they are dull or pretentious as hell -and most people can't afford the hype.  
Thug Kitchen lives in the real world. In their first cookbook, they're throwing down more than 100 recipes for their best-loved meals, snacks and sides for beginning cooks to home chefs. (Roasted Beer and Lime Cauliflower Tacos? Pumpkin Chili? Grilled Peach Salsa? Believe that sh*t.) Plus they're going to arm you with all the info and techniques you need to shop on a budget and go and kick a bunch of ass on your own.  
This book is an invitation to everyone who wants to do better to elevate their kitchen game. No more ketchup and pizza counting as vegetables. No more drive-thru lines. No more avoiding the produce corner of the supermarket. Sh*t is about to get real. (from the online description)

Review: It seems fair to divide my review of this book into two parts. First, presentation - 5/5 to be sure. Hilarious. The liberal use of swear words, how they give voice to the thoughts we've all had (such as wtf is kale?) and their honesty about how most cookbooks have a tone that can be patronizing to someone who's never cooked anything but instant ramen. As for a first-level cookbook, this is it. If you want to eat healthier but are lost, pick up this book! With humor and honesty, the authors introduce new ideas and ingredients, explaining the recipes without insulting the intelligence of the reader.
The second part: The nutrition ideas - are wrong. They are, naturally, based on the nutrition advice that the government has given us since the 80s. It's all bullshit. Read Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes or see the documentary call FatHead or watch the Youtube lecture by Robert Lustig to understand why much of their advice is incorrect. However, they do include a section on the dangers of sugar, which is excellent.
In the end, if you are looking for a VEGAN cookbook, with yummy recipes and hilarious notes, buy this. But be careful of taking the nutritional advice.

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-62336-358-1
Year Published: 2014
Date Finished: 4-28-2018
Pages: 212

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Ramble: Adjustments to my 2018 Reading Goals

I posted my 2018 Goals in Early January.

After some review and consideration, I'm adjusting my goals for the year:

TOTAL: 200

120 Books
80 Graphic Novels / Manga

Mini-Challenges have been revised to reflect this change.

Christian: 10+
  
Non-Fiction: 15+

- One on Evolution
- Three written by a Non-Western Author or Translated Work
- One Biography

Science Fiction / Fantasy: 30+

- Two from the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois MacMaster Bujold
- Three Grimdark Books
- Ten+ Vintage Sci-Fi (defined as printed before 1980) 
- One Anthology
- One Trilogy (Must Be a Complete Already-Owned Trilogy)
  
Classics / General Fiction: 20+

- One Persephone Book
- Two African-American Fiction
- Ten by Non-Western Authors or Translated Works

Young Adult / Children: 20+

- Five Newbery Books

- Two Classic (Published Pre-1950)
- No More Than Five Picture/Young Reader Books


In the Fall, I will write an update of these goals and add additional adjustments depending on my success.




Review: The Valiant by Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, Paolo Rivera, Joe Rivera (L)

Synopsis: The Eternal Warrior has protected the Earth for more than 10,000 years. A master of countless weapons and long forgotten martial arts, he is guided by the Geomancers — those who speak for the Earth. During his long watch, the Eternal Warrior has failed three times. Each time, the Geomancer was killed...and a new dark age for humanity began. Each time, he was unable to stop The Immortal Enemy - a monstrous force of nature. A civilization killer. A horror that appears differently each time it arrives...and whose seemingly only purpose is to bring disorder and darkness to the world. Now, the time has come for The Immortal Enemy to return once more. But, this time, the Eternal Warrior will be ready. This time, he has a force greater than any single warrior. This time, he has...THE VALIANT. (from the online description)

Review: When an Eternal Enemy rises once again, Gilad Anni-Padda must call on all the heroes of the Valiant Universe to help protect the Geomancer and save the World.
The stories of many of these heroes intersect here, with several experiencing pivotal points in their lives. The action and plot are face-paced and edge-of-your-seat. It is a bit gory, so be aware for younger readers. The art is bold, dynamic, with extensive use of red and black. There wasn’t time to get into all the characters, so it mostly focused on Bloodshot, Gilad, and the Geomancer. I would argue this story is pivotal for all three of those characters.
An absolute must-read for any fan of the Valiant Universe.  
NOTE: I read this backwards – meaning, I read Bloodshot:Reborn first, then this one. Don’t. You need to read this BEFORE the Bloodshot:Reborn series. Also, you need to read Archer&Armstrong, at least the first 3 volumes, as well. 

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-9393-6605
Year Published: 2015
Date Finished: 4-27-18
Pages: 124

Monday, May 14, 2018

Review: The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

Synopsis: In 2003, the US invaded Iraq, including Basra. Shortly after, journalist Shaila K. Dewan found a story about the Library of Basra. Alia Muhammed Baker, the librarian, managed to save 70% of the library, with only the help of her neighbors and family. This storybook is based on a true story.

Review: With bright bold illustrations, Winter relays the story of Alia Muhammed Baker, the courageous librarian of Basra. Plain text and simple vocabulary make the book suitable for younger readers but the subject matter isn't light. The story is clear - the library was destroyed in bombs dropped by the US Military during the early days of the Iraq War. It is an important story, one what shows one of the many casualties of war. Worth reading to children, to help them understand war. It would be best if an adult reads with them to answer questions and explain the issue.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: -15-205445-6
Year Published: 2005
Date Finished: 4-23-2018
Pages: 30

Friday, May 11, 2018

Review: Lazarus X+66 by Greg Rucka, et al.

Synopsis: Six separate stories follow characters old and new from The New York Times bestselling series LAZARUS, shining light into the dark places of the world following the events of The Cull.

Review:  This is a collection of vignettes focusing on several of the side characters from the main LAZARUS storyline. Characters include Casey Solomon as she becomes a Dagger; Joacquim and how he became a Lazarus; Joe and Bobbie (parents of %%%%) and their life after the Lift; Zmey, another Lazarus, and a few other Lazari and how they navigate their family obligation with who they are.
Each story is illustrated by a different author although the stories are all written by Greg Rucka.
For any fan of this series, you must read this. It broadens and deepens the world the Forever Carlyle lives in, fleshes out many of the side characters and gives their interactions with Forever new meaning. And it shows how the other Lazari live, who they are, and why they do what they do.
I particularly enjoyed the story of Casey Solomon and Joacquim, as they are two of my favorite characters.
A Must-Read for fans of this series….

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-5343-0488-8
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 4-22-18
Pages: 176

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Review: King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence (The Broken Empire, Book Two)

Synopsis: At age nine, Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath vowed to avenge his slaughtered mother and brother—and to punish his father for not doing so. At fifteen, he began to fulfill that vow. Now, at eighteen, he must fight for what he has taken by torture and treachery. Haunted by the pain of his past, and plagued by nightmares of the atrocities he has committed, King Jorg is filled with rage. And even as his need for revenge continues to consume him, an overwhelming enemy force marches on his castle. Jorg knows that he cannot win a fair fight. But he has found a long-hidden cache of ancient artifacts. Some might call them magic. Jorg is not certain—all he knows is that their secrets can be put to terrible use in the coming battle... (from the online description)

Review: As with the previous installment, this book is full of reprehensible actions, violence, blood, and strange phenomenon.
Jorg, now King, recounts how he settled into life as a monarchy, the years leading to the current place we find him, battling invaders of his stolen land.
Lawrence once again employees the first-person narrative, divided between the present and the past. It could be confusing, but Lawrence uses a deft hand in weaving the narrative, building the past and present into one final conflict. And giving the reader a few twists and turns and at least one “Oh, didn’t see that coming” moment.
It still has the trademark GrimDark quality – people die - badly, violently, painfully. Jorg is still selfish, still cruel, still using people for his own ends. And yet, you find yourself hoping he succeeds.
As this is a post-apocalyptic future of our own work, I often wondered how Lawrence would explain the magic that clearly exists. In this book, he does, a little, and in a way that makes sense to me. It’s almost believable.
Worth reading if you enjoy dark and violent stories with intriguing plots. 

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-425-25623-7
Year Published: 2012
Date Finished: 04-21-2018
Pages: 419