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David McK (3562 KP) rated Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles, #1) in Books

Nov 20, 2019

Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles, #1)

Philip Reeve | 2004 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy

6.9

(8 Ratings)

Book Rating

Well, that was … unusual .. to say the least.

This was one of those stories that I'd been meaning to read for ages, but had never really got round to, and proved to (effectively) be a mash-up of Young Adult dystopian future with steampunk.

Steampunk, as a genre, is not one that I've really read all that much in - ab out the only other one that currently springs to mind is Jim Butcher's Cinder Spires series (all one book, so far!), but I tend to associate it more with an alternate past or present than the far future, which is when this one is set.

The main draw for me - and, I'm sure, many others - was the central concept of cities on wheels, cities that need to keep mobile and scavenge/attack each other in order to keep going - or, as it is described here by characters within, of 'Municipal Darwinism'.

While I found the writing and general plot a bit - how shall I say? - lacklustre? flat? I did enjoy the central premise of the story, and may come back to the world to see what else happens in future instalments.

Kudos

lurkykitty (3 KP) rated Saint X in Books

Mar 26, 2020

Saint X

Alexis Schaitkin | 2020 | Thriller

7.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

A compelling and intelligent mystery

When Claire is only seven years old, her eighteen year-old sister Alison disappears and is found dead when their family takes a vacation on a Caribbean island. This book takes place mostly in NYC where Claire, now called Emily, is a young adult working at her first job. By happenstance, she runs into one of the men from the island who was accused of killing her sister, but was not convicted due to lack of evidence. She befriends this man to learn more about what happened to her sister, to the detriment of her own mental health. The initial impression of this book was that it would be a fast paced thriller with a stunning conclusion. However, it is more a commentary on unresolved grief, the assumptions that are made based on race and class, and how one event can shatter the lives of so many. It could still be categorized as a mystery. I found the multiple points of view valuable in understanding the characters and events. Even though, at times, Saint X did not move quickly, it was still a compelling and interesting read.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Hunting for Hidden Gold in Books

Apr 25, 2020

Hunting for Hidden Gold

Franklin W. Dixon | 1963 | Children, Mystery

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Thieves and Gold Out West

When their dad requests their help, Frank and Joe Hardy are only too happy to jump on a plane to Montana. Fenton Hardy is on the trail of a gang of thieves, but before they leave, Frank and Joe also hear about some gold that’s been lost in the area for years. With danger attacking even before they land in Montana, the brothers have to figure out who the mole in town in, where the gang is hiding, and possibly find time for a treasure hunt. Can they do it?

It’s fun to revisit these characters even as an adult. The action starts almost immediately and never really lets up, not that I’m complaining. There was even one part of the plot that the Hardys couldn’t figure out right away, which was a nice change. The characters are thin, and we don’t see much of the usual supporting players. There are definitely some dated references, but as long as kids know the book is older, they should be fine with it. I know I had fun revisiting these characters.