Sunday, August 9, 2015

"Paper Towns" by John Green

Paper Towns has been in my TBR pile(s) for a while now, so I chose it this week after finishing book 5 in A Song of Ice and Fire.  After reading A Dance with Dragons, I needed something more grounded in reality and, as usual with John Green's books, I am so glad I did.

Quentin Jacobsen's quest to find Margo Roth Spiegelman took me back to those days in high school where I was surrounded by people and had wonderful friends, but always felt like I was on the outside looking in.  I don't mean that in a bad way, I think everyone feels a sense of disconnect from the people around them, especially in our teen years. 

I loved the pace of this book and at times I was on the edge of my seat wondering where Margo's hints would lead Q and what he would find.  I found myself laughing out loud at times (once while waiting for my car to be serviced), and feeling the same sense of fear the characters felt in the 'not knowing' what was to come.  I also enjoyed seeing the strong relationships that Q had with his parents and friends, Ben and Radar. 

I wish Mr. Green was writing books when I was at teenager.  Paper Towns kept me guessing and hoping until the end, and it didn't disappoint.  I totally recommend this book for people of all ages and give it a five out of five stars.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

All Souls Trilogy By Deborah Harkness

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

I had read about "A Discovery of Witches" before it was published and it sounded really interesting, so I pre-ordered it.  When I read it, I was hooked and couldn't wait for the rest of the series.

My cousin picked up "Shadow of Night" in California while at a book signing (love her for that!), and I ordered "The Book of Life" as soon as it was available for Pre-Order.  Yes, it has taken me much longer to finish the series than I would have liked, but life interrupted - I could not focus on the books - and they need all of your attention.

Deborah Harkness has created an amazing world that incorporates the present with the past, historical figures and facts with the paranormal (two of my favorite genres are historical fiction and paranormal).  Maybe Ms. Harkness being a Professor of History adds credibility, but I almost believe the story she weaved to be true - wanted it to be true.

I don't give away much with any of my book reviews, so let me just say that I love how the characters are introduced to us, how they meet, and how they slowly get to know each other as we, the readers, get to know them.  The All Souls Trilogy isn't for the light of heart who are hoping for a quick read.  They are for the thinking person, someone who wants to get lost in a world that you think you know, but has hidden secrets from you all along.  A world that takes you back in time and brings you home with answers that the two main characters, along with the rest, need to know to survive. 

I could name every character and tell you wonderful things about them, but you need to read the books and find out about them for yourself.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  I give all three of the books in the All Souls Trilogy five out of Five stars!

My only complaint is - I want more Gallowglass - I NEED more Gallowglass!