Well, I was hoping to update this blog a bit more often, but I have focus issues, and tend to wander off in the middle of updates to drink beer or do logic puzzles.
Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston
Rating: ***(1/2)
While Card's name is the one most prominent on the cover, it's clear that screenwriter Johnston is the primary writer of this novel. An intriguing storyline in the near future revolves around a mysterious religious group who is found to be spreading a gene-therapy treatment, in the form of a virus fatal to anyone other than the recipient. The fast-paced novel flashes between people caught up in the group, people abducted by the group, and the government agents trying to stop it. The book has a very 'movie' feel to it, including gunfights, high speed chases, and suspenseful action scenes, which somewhat detracts from the overall 'realistic future' feel of the book. Characterization remains focused on a few key players, while others are stereotypical side personalities- the successful female agent, the overbearing federal director, the homeless woman with the heart of gold... However, the novel overall is extremely interesting, and many of the twists and turns in the plot are quite intriguing. A quick, and exciting read.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rating: ****
I initially became intrigued by this book when I saw the sequel, City of Ashes, in the clearance section at Wal-Mart. I was somewhat discouraged from reading it when I discovered it was a series, and the fact that the most prominent review on the cover was from Twilight's Stephanie Meyer, despite several glowing reviews from prominent critics. However, after passing it by several times, its shiny cover lured me in. The story is an urban fantasy, centered around 15-year old Clary Fray, and the spiral her life takes one weekend night. She witnesses the death of a demon at the hands of 3 other teenagers, and is quickly introduced into the other side of New York City, populated by demons, werewolves, and other sorts, and somewhat policed by a mysterious force called the Shadowhunters. Ms.Clare's writing is fast-paced and complex, twisting and turning its way through the mystery that is Clary's past and future colliding. This is a great novel, creating a believable new side to New York City, with well developed characters, an exciting storyline, and enough romance for the intended audience. I've already purchased the second book in the series, excited to find out what happens.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming Reviews:
(some of which I realized I've been promising for a while now)
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
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