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David McK (3562 KP) rated The Truth (Discworld, #25; Industrial Revolution, #2) in Books
Sep 11, 2022
The Truth shall set you Fret!
<2022 update>
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)
First, the obvious question: if this novel was only released in 2024, and Michael Crichton died in 2008ish, how can he possibly be the author?
The answer is he left notes for a project he had been working on, which his wife held in trust until she could find another author to take forward the story (enter, James Patterson).
While I've only read a few Patterson novels before, I have read more of Crichton works (Jurassic Park , The Lost World, Sphere, Timeline, Congo, Next, Micro, Eaters of the Dead, Prey and Pirate Latitudes all come to mind).
And, unfortunately, I have to say I was a little bit disappointed in this one.
I don't know why: maybe because I didn't really find any of the characters all that fleshed out, the set-up didn't grab me nor did the exotic location (Hawaii) but, for me, this was just one of the weaker entries in the afore-mentioned list of Crichton novels I've read: definitely not up there with the pinnacle of Jurassic Park or Prey; maybe more in line with (IMO) the weaker Pirate Latitudes or Next.
Your mileage, of course, may vary.
The answer is he left notes for a project he had been working on, which his wife held in trust until she could find another author to take forward the story (enter, James Patterson).
While I've only read a few Patterson novels before, I have read more of Crichton works (Jurassic Park , The Lost World, Sphere, Timeline, Congo, Next, Micro, Eaters of the Dead, Prey and Pirate Latitudes all come to mind).
And, unfortunately, I have to say I was a little bit disappointed in this one.
I don't know why: maybe because I didn't really find any of the characters all that fleshed out, the set-up didn't grab me nor did the exotic location (Hawaii) but, for me, this was just one of the weaker entries in the afore-mentioned list of Crichton novels I've read: definitely not up there with the pinnacle of Jurassic Park or Prey; maybe more in line with (IMO) the weaker Pirate Latitudes or Next.
Your mileage, of course, may vary.
Nicole (2 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Nov 12, 2017
Fantastic Read!
These books were wonderful. I love books that can pull you into a whole new place. Riggs hit a home run at that. The descriptions are vivid and bring you right into the world of the peculiars. The pictures throughout the book really make the characters come to life. I read every book in a couple days and I waited anxiously for each book even the graphic novels. If you are a fan on fantasy books, this is one that is definitely worth reading.
Tron (26 KP) rated Monstrous Regiment: (Discworld Novel 31) in Books
May 15, 2017
Surprisingly inspiring for young ladies (2 more)
Beautifully satirical look at the impact of war on small communities
Terry Pratchett's amazing sense of humour
Re-readable again and again!
I love this book to Death. It's one of my go to reads because it's so easy to relate to the characters, to have a good laugh and to still have a deep think about the world all at once. It's easier to follow than a lot of Discworld novels and is a stand alone story so give it a go!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Nothing in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Over the top vulgar fiction
I was looking forward to reading Hanif Kureishi's latest novel, but I was mildly disappointed. The crude humour is not to my taste and I may have missed the point to the story, but I believe loneliness as a reactionary behaviour seemed to be a major element to this. I had sympathy for the dying protagonist, stuck with little choices and watching his impending doom unfold, his wife's behaviour was horrifying so I found his pacifying attitude irritating. Not the best of novels for me.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Outside (Outside #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Everything has consequences. All actions are linked. That is the way [Shalini Boland] manages the novel [Outside]. This post-apocalyptic story takes place in England after a worldwide rash of terrorist attacks. The country has been divided into numerous walled cities of various stature and safety.
The twists and turns in this book will leave you wanting to find out more. I really enjoyed this story. I received it as a give away as part of the [Shattered World] books. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
The twists and turns in this book will leave you wanting to find out more. I really enjoyed this story. I received it as a give away as part of the [Shattered World] books. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
MaryG (0 KP) rated The Choice in Books
Sep 17, 2017
the writing (3 more)
the romantic element
the plot twist
the direction of the book
If you want a book that will make you cry from both happiness and sadness this is it. This book not only makes you believe in true love but see the heart breaking challenges of love as well. Nicholas Sparks is known for his tear-jerking romance novels and this book does not disappoint. One word of advice though; you may think you know why it is titled "The Choice" but you wont until you read it.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Time of Your Life (Season 8, Volume 4) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
TIME OF YOUR LIFE had a very confusing plot and I barely managed to follow it. I have a feeling it would have worked better shot as a television show. The best part featured Xander and Dawn's dialogue, the rest was just okay, although the additions with giants, centaurs, and forest creatures are getting ridiculous and carrying BtVS a little too far away from the series I love. Also, I didn't find the artwork as pleasing to the eye as the previous graphic novels. Definitely my least favorite in season eight so far.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated All the Lovely Bad Ones in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Everything this woman writes is gold. I am 21 years old and I love her books with a passion even though they are only meant for children. Something about the way she writes just enraptures me to the point that I must finish the book. Her novels are quick reads, but they keep you interested, even with their simplicity. There are no drastic twists in the straight forward plot and it tends to be a bit predictable. But her characters are very real in their actions, thoughts, and reactions to situations.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated In Sleeping Beauty's Bed: Erotic Fairy Tales in Books
Jan 18, 2018
As far as erotica novels go, this novel is one of the worst that I have ever read. Not only was it vague in any erotic descriptions the author decided to give use, but the actually erotica content was almost absent. It was like reading a fairy tale written for adults with all the gore and vulgarity instead the sunshine and smiles, although the happy endings were present.
When I want erotica, I want <i>erotica</i>. If I wanted some fairy tales told for adults instead children, I would read the Grimm's Fairy Tales.
When I want erotica, I want <i>erotica</i>. If I wanted some fairy tales told for adults instead children, I would read the Grimm's Fairy Tales.