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David McK (3663 KP) rated Shadow of the Sith in Books
Apr 22, 2023
Disney-era Star Wars extended universe novel, set in the period between the end of 'Return of the Jedi' and the start of 'The Force Awakens'.
So same period as covered in TVs 'The Mandalorian', of which this makes no mention.
The novel also double-downs on the big (and not-at-all-well-received due to some extreme clunkiness) twist introduced in 'The Rise of Skywalker', with Luke Skywalker - here, before his hermit days - and Lando Calrissian both being drawn into the protection of a family (who they never meet in person) that is being hunted by the Sith: a family that includes a very young Rey.
I actually found this to be not that bad a read that at least attempted to fix some of the problems in The Rise of Skywalker, although I do have to say that it started from an almost impossible position and chose probably one of the least-liked aspects of that film (and character from the sequel trilogy) to concentrate on/be built around!
So same period as covered in TVs 'The Mandalorian', of which this makes no mention.
The novel also double-downs on the big (and not-at-all-well-received due to some extreme clunkiness) twist introduced in 'The Rise of Skywalker', with Luke Skywalker - here, before his hermit days - and Lando Calrissian both being drawn into the protection of a family (who they never meet in person) that is being hunted by the Sith: a family that includes a very young Rey.
I actually found this to be not that bad a read that at least attempted to fix some of the problems in The Rise of Skywalker, although I do have to say that it started from an almost impossible position and chose probably one of the least-liked aspects of that film (and character from the sequel trilogy) to concentrate on/be built around!
David McK (3663 KP) rated Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches #4) in Books
Oct 30, 2022
As a character, Granny Weatherwax first appeared in the third Discworld novel Equal Rites, which was about, well, Equal Rights for both sexes. She then re-appeared (and beacem the unofficial head of her coven) in both Wyrd Sisters (where the broad outline of the plot bears a striking resemblance to certain Scottish play) and Witches Abroad (fairytales as you've never heard them before!). This is thus the fourth Discworld novel to include her as a main character, this time taking its inspiration from another Shakespeare play: A Midsummers night dream.
In this, and unlike the Elves of most comtemporary literature (Elves = good), the Elvish race are a foe to be reckoned with! This quote from about half-way through sums it up:
'Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.
Elves are fantastic. They creat fantasies.
Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.
Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.
Elves are terrific. They beget terror.
The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake ...
No-one ever said Elves are nice.
Elves are bad.'
In this, and unlike the Elves of most comtemporary literature (Elves = good), the Elvish race are a foe to be reckoned with! This quote from about half-way through sums it up:
'Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.
Elves are fantastic. They creat fantasies.
Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.
Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.
Elves are terrific. They beget terror.
The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake ...
No-one ever said Elves are nice.
Elves are bad.'
The sentence
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In this stunning and timely novel, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author Louise...
David McK (3663 KP) rated The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in Books
May 18, 2025
I read the original Hunger Games trilogy back in the early to mid 2010s, before I saw any of the movies.
I watched the movie of this one first, before reading the book.
And, I have to say, that a prequel for President Snow - as portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the movies - was not my first thought on how Suzanne Collins could expand her world.
But that's pretty much who this centres on, with one whole section of the 3-part novel also set during the 10th annual Hunger Games which, here, are still relatively new and with large parts of the novel concerning how said Games could be made more 'entertaining' for the viewers in the Capitol.
Note I said 'for viewers in the Capitol', as their children are never selected in The Reaping to take place in said Games ...
Personally, I found Cornelius Snow (and Lucy Gray Baird, who he is chosen to mentor) to not be as strong or engaging a protagonist as Katniss Everdeen was. YMMV, of course.
I watched the movie of this one first, before reading the book.
And, I have to say, that a prequel for President Snow - as portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the movies - was not my first thought on how Suzanne Collins could expand her world.
But that's pretty much who this centres on, with one whole section of the 3-part novel also set during the 10th annual Hunger Games which, here, are still relatively new and with large parts of the novel concerning how said Games could be made more 'entertaining' for the viewers in the Capitol.
Note I said 'for viewers in the Capitol', as their children are never selected in The Reaping to take place in said Games ...
Personally, I found Cornelius Snow (and Lucy Gray Baird, who he is chosen to mentor) to not be as strong or engaging a protagonist as Katniss Everdeen was. YMMV, of course.
I've seen The Tempest, and so I was interested to see an origin story for Sycorax - the most powerful witch of Algiers. Except she isn't the evil monster that Shakespeare has written about. In this story, she is a child, a girl and a young woman. A young woman who knows too much and is too different to the others in her village, protected by her parents up until the point where they are no longer able to protect her.
I love the way in this is written - it's lyrical with a nod to the style of Shakespeare, Nydia Hetherington gives a reason for Sycorax's differences: her physical difference is due to illness and injury, her witch qualities are due to the fact that she simply knows too much for a woman in a time where women shouldn't have known anything beyond childbirth, motherhood and housework.
And then there's the element of magic that runs throughout the novel - which is always a winner as far as I'm concerned. A really enjoyable novel.
I love the way in this is written - it's lyrical with a nod to the style of Shakespeare, Nydia Hetherington gives a reason for Sycorax's differences: her physical difference is due to illness and injury, her witch qualities are due to the fact that she simply knows too much for a woman in a time where women shouldn't have known anything beyond childbirth, motherhood and housework.
And then there's the element of magic that runs throughout the novel - which is always a winner as far as I'm concerned. A really enjoyable novel.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated A Killing Way in Books
May 8, 2025 (Updated May 8, 2025)
Tracking a Painting Stolen by a Dead Man
When famed silent film cowboy William S. Hart hires Nate Ross, he is looking for a portrait that was recently stolen from his home. He even knows who stole it. The catch? The thief was killed in a suspicious accident that has deeply divided the community of cowboy actors. Can Nate navigate the controversy and find the painting?
Since I live in the town that William S. Hart called home, I got a kick out of seeing a couple places I know well show in this historical mystery. The plot and pacing were great, and I had a hard time putting down this PI novel. Speaking of being a PI novel, there is a little more content than I might normally read, but it was a small amount. The characters are good overall. A few could be stronger, but fans will be happy to spend more time with everyone. If you haven’t started this fun series yet, fix that today.
Since I live in the town that William S. Hart called home, I got a kick out of seeing a couple places I know well show in this historical mystery. The plot and pacing were great, and I had a hard time putting down this PI novel. Speaking of being a PI novel, there is a little more content than I might normally read, but it was a small amount. The characters are good overall. A few could be stronger, but fans will be happy to spend more time with everyone. If you haven’t started this fun series yet, fix that today.
ClareR (6037 KP) rated Days of Light in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Days of Light tells the story of Ivy, from 1938 when she’s young and inexperienced, up to the 1990’s in her final years. Each time we step forward in time, we see Ivy on the same day. We see the consequences of her life choices, her losses and how she matures.
After the initial chapter where Ivy’s brother dies and she decides to marry a much older friend of the family, time jumps forward in decades to begin with, and longer periods of time nearer the end. Ivy joins a religious order as a nun, but I think this is largely because of the unresolved feelings she has for her friend, Frances.
There is a very spiritual feel to this novel: from the first chapter and the light that Ivy sees that distracts her from her brother drowning, her religious awakening, and the light she sees at the end of her life.
This was a lovely, gentle and thoughtful novel. It was an absolute pleasure to read.
After the initial chapter where Ivy’s brother dies and she decides to marry a much older friend of the family, time jumps forward in decades to begin with, and longer periods of time nearer the end. Ivy joins a religious order as a nun, but I think this is largely because of the unresolved feelings she has for her friend, Frances.
There is a very spiritual feel to this novel: from the first chapter and the light that Ivy sees that distracts her from her brother drowning, her religious awakening, and the light she sees at the end of her life.
This was a lovely, gentle and thoughtful novel. It was an absolute pleasure to read.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Burial Society in Books
Jan 10, 2018
Surprising (2 more)
Fast read
Original plot
Enjoyable, twisty novel
In Paris with her father and brother, eighteen-year-old Natalie Burrows returns back to their hotel room and finds her father dead. His death triggers an open wound in Natalie, reminding her of when her mother, Mallory, went missing three years earlier and was never found. A man who was her mother's supposed lover claimed responsibility for her disappearance and death. Natalie and her older brother Jake are both still reeling from that incident, as is Brian's brother, Frank, who must come to Paris to help his niece and nephew after his brother's death--much like he did following Mallory's disappearance. Meanwhile, also in Paris is a woman named Catherine who goes by many aliases; she has a vested interest in the Burrows family and is watching them from afar. When Brian is killed, the fate all these characters intertwines in ways no one could quite possibly imagine.
This was a really interesting novel that took me by surprise. It's told in very short bursts of chapters, each one from a different point of view--Catherine, Natalie, Jake, Frank, and so on. Most of the narrative is in the present, but we occasionally go back in time. The format takes a little getting used to but it's also incredibly effective in building up suspense and keeping you guessing, wondering, and frustrated (in a good way) as to what is happening.
The novel gets off to an interesting start and just keeps on rolling. I was completely bewildered from the beginning and fascinated, wondering how all the characters related to each other. The book was perplexing and if I hadn't read it while I was moving, I probably would have whipped through it in a day or two--it has all the makings of a very fast read.
I do want to note that there is a self-harm trigger in the book, so please take note if that's something that affects you.
The characters in the novel are all varied. I was probably drawn more to Catherine and Jake, but each is fascinating in their own right. You are always a little wary of each, contemplating how much we truly know them and can trust them. The book gives us a couple of good "oh wow" moments, which I certainly appreciated. I eventually mostly worked things out near the end, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel. Through it all, we're always puzzling things out, wondering what happened to Mallory and how things will play out.
Overall, this is a different sort of book, and I enjoyed the original plot. It's a bit odd at times and sometimes confusing, but it certainly kept me reading. An enjoyable, twisty read. 4 stars.
This was a really interesting novel that took me by surprise. It's told in very short bursts of chapters, each one from a different point of view--Catherine, Natalie, Jake, Frank, and so on. Most of the narrative is in the present, but we occasionally go back in time. The format takes a little getting used to but it's also incredibly effective in building up suspense and keeping you guessing, wondering, and frustrated (in a good way) as to what is happening.
The novel gets off to an interesting start and just keeps on rolling. I was completely bewildered from the beginning and fascinated, wondering how all the characters related to each other. The book was perplexing and if I hadn't read it while I was moving, I probably would have whipped through it in a day or two--it has all the makings of a very fast read.
I do want to note that there is a self-harm trigger in the book, so please take note if that's something that affects you.
The characters in the novel are all varied. I was probably drawn more to Catherine and Jake, but each is fascinating in their own right. You are always a little wary of each, contemplating how much we truly know them and can trust them. The book gives us a couple of good "oh wow" moments, which I certainly appreciated. I eventually mostly worked things out near the end, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel. Through it all, we're always puzzling things out, wondering what happened to Mallory and how things will play out.
Overall, this is a different sort of book, and I enjoyed the original plot. It's a bit odd at times and sometimes confusing, but it certainly kept me reading. An enjoyable, twisty read. 4 stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Other Mother in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Twisty psychological thriller
When Daphne flees her home, taking very little but her six-month-old daughter, Chloe, she isn't sure what to expect. She's leaving everything behind (including her controlling husband) to work for one of her favorite authors, Schuyler, as an archivist. She'll be living in the shadow of a mental hospital, which Schulyer's late father ran for many years. Daphne hopes this will be a new start and a way to escape both her husband and the dark moods, diagnosed as postpartum mood disorder, she felt when Chloe was born. She'll also miss her friend, Laurel, with whom she formed a tight bond after meeting in a mother's group.
Get ready: this book is a crazy, bewildering ride. It will also always have the distinction of being the novel I was reading on an airplane trip to San Diego when one of my five-year-old daughters threw up. Twice. So it will be memorable in several ways. :)
If you're looking for an easy, linear psychological thriller, this one may not be for you. This novel is confusing and crazy and makes you question everything you're reading. But it's an exciting, twisty thriller and a great, fast read (and a welcome distraction from vomiting children). Most of it is told in current-day descriptions from Daphne, along with excerpts from her journal from her postpartum mothers group. As Daphne meets her new boss, Schuyler, and becomes fascinated with a patient of her father's, Edith, we also eventually hear from Edith and excerpts from Edith's journal, too. The entire result is a wonderful, twisted, tale that has you frantically turning pages, trying to work things out and figure out who is who and what the heck is going on.
I don't want to reveal too much, as it's best going in without too many preconceived notions. The novel has a bit of gothic in it, as many of Goodman's do, with the mental hospital looming in the background. The idea of postpartum depression and motherhood is a theme running throughout, as well.
Overall, even though I was sometimes frustrated as I tried to work through this one, I wound up enjoying it. I was impressed at how things came together and enjoyed the wild ride I was on. I've loved Goodman since The Lake of Dead Languages and find myself looking forward to each new novel she releases. This one was different, but I was quite caught up in its characters and dark themes. Definitely worth a read.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Librarything in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Get ready: this book is a crazy, bewildering ride. It will also always have the distinction of being the novel I was reading on an airplane trip to San Diego when one of my five-year-old daughters threw up. Twice. So it will be memorable in several ways. :)
If you're looking for an easy, linear psychological thriller, this one may not be for you. This novel is confusing and crazy and makes you question everything you're reading. But it's an exciting, twisty thriller and a great, fast read (and a welcome distraction from vomiting children). Most of it is told in current-day descriptions from Daphne, along with excerpts from her journal from her postpartum mothers group. As Daphne meets her new boss, Schuyler, and becomes fascinated with a patient of her father's, Edith, we also eventually hear from Edith and excerpts from Edith's journal, too. The entire result is a wonderful, twisted, tale that has you frantically turning pages, trying to work things out and figure out who is who and what the heck is going on.
I don't want to reveal too much, as it's best going in without too many preconceived notions. The novel has a bit of gothic in it, as many of Goodman's do, with the mental hospital looming in the background. The idea of postpartum depression and motherhood is a theme running throughout, as well.
Overall, even though I was sometimes frustrated as I tried to work through this one, I wound up enjoying it. I was impressed at how things came together and enjoyed the wild ride I was on. I've loved Goodman since The Lake of Dead Languages and find myself looking forward to each new novel she releases. This one was different, but I was quite caught up in its characters and dark themes. Definitely worth a read.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Librarything in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Breakdown in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Predictable (1 more)
Silly plot
Cass is driving home one rainy night--taking the back road to her house--when she sees a woman stopped by the side of the road. Cass pauses to help her, but eventually drives home without making any contact. She feels bad about not assisting, but the crazy storm prevents her from even seeing who is in the car. It's only later that her husband tells her that someone was murdered that night, and Cass realizes that it was the same woman she saw. Eventually Cass realizes it was a woman she knew, Jane, and she feels even worse. After, Cass is consumed by Jane's murder. She feels watched and is convinced the murderer is calling her house repeatedly. She's forgetting things, unable to work her household appliances, and receiving items she swears she never ordered. Is Cass truly going crazy--and is the murderer coming for her next?
This book was a weird one for me. I'm one of the few who didn't read Paris' first novel, but I'd heard all the hype and was curious to try this one. The novel relies on the unreliable narrator trope big time; I was certainly befuddled early on whether Cass was indeed an unreliable narrator going mad, or whether someone was messing with her. The problem, for me, was that I was expecting an amazing thriller, but I found the novel rather predictable from the get-go. I figured things out early on. Still, I have to give it to Paris: I felt compelled to keep reading despite it all. The book is a page-turner, for sure.
However, the plot is based on silly secrets and a lack of communication (both huge pet peeves of mine). Cass won't go to the police about seeing Jane's car simply because she doesn't want to tell her husband she took a shortcut she promised she wouldn't take? Seriously? Her friend's life is worth less than that? Further, she won't tell anyone about her dementia fears and forgetfulness. It was very frustrating and often times, I found myself more baffled than intrigued by the mystery.
In the end, this was an interesting one. I found it very predictable and honestly felt like I'd read this novel already (I swear I've read a book with a very similar plot: something that will drive me crazy forever). Still, it was compulsively readable and easy-to-read. Overall, probably about 2.5 stars for me. However, it seems like most people loved this, so take my review with a grain of salt!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
This book was a weird one for me. I'm one of the few who didn't read Paris' first novel, but I'd heard all the hype and was curious to try this one. The novel relies on the unreliable narrator trope big time; I was certainly befuddled early on whether Cass was indeed an unreliable narrator going mad, or whether someone was messing with her. The problem, for me, was that I was expecting an amazing thriller, but I found the novel rather predictable from the get-go. I figured things out early on. Still, I have to give it to Paris: I felt compelled to keep reading despite it all. The book is a page-turner, for sure.
However, the plot is based on silly secrets and a lack of communication (both huge pet peeves of mine). Cass won't go to the police about seeing Jane's car simply because she doesn't want to tell her husband she took a shortcut she promised she wouldn't take? Seriously? Her friend's life is worth less than that? Further, she won't tell anyone about her dementia fears and forgetfulness. It was very frustrating and often times, I found myself more baffled than intrigued by the mystery.
In the end, this was an interesting one. I found it very predictable and honestly felt like I'd read this novel already (I swear I've read a book with a very similar plot: something that will drive me crazy forever). Still, it was compulsively readable and easy-to-read. Overall, probably about 2.5 stars for me. However, it seems like most people loved this, so take my review with a grain of salt!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.