Smashbomb

As someone who hasn't read any of the Dark Tower series outside of the mentions in King's short stories it was interesting to have a reference pop up again. Coupled with the "The Little Sisters of Eluria" from 'Everything's Eventual' it's enough to pique my interest in the series.

And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.

Another mediocre one for me.

Kudos

Merissa (13373 KP) rated Light a Candle for the Beast in Books

Dec 17, 2018

I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

This is a short re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It is only 24 pages long so doesn't take long to read at all. However, during those 24 pages you will be immersed in the story and given a depth of detail usually only found in longer books. This is the story as told by 'Belle's' sister - not someone heard of much at all in the Disney version. In the original version, she did have two older sisters so this is more true to that than the other.

Fairytales used to be dark, usually with at least one warning of what could happen if you weren't careful. Light a Candle for the Beast shows just what can happen if one of your family is mistreated by someone who doesn't care.

Very well written, clear and concise with characters that are detailed even within a short space of time. Definitely recommended for fans of darker fairytales and fantasy.

Kudos

David McK (3623 KP) rated Nightlife (Cal Leandros #1) in Books

Jan 28, 2019

Originally picked up on a whim (as a Christmas present from my Amazon wishlist back in the early 2010s), and I'm glad I did. Be looking for more of this series, methinks.

<edit in 2018>
I've just re-read this again, and can fill in a bit more now than my previous 'review' (above).

This falls firmly into the Urban Fantasy genre, mainly told in the first person, with Cal(iban) Leandros the main narrator of the story, and with the Grendels (or Auphe, or Elf!) the main antagonists: the main, but not the only. In this world (or New York), there's also a Boggle in the park, Trolls (at least one) in the underground, Werewolves, Vampires and other associated mythological creatures, including one who takes a prominent role: that of Darkling (whose sisters are the Banshees of Irish myth). Caliban definitely undergoes quite a bit throughout this story with a major transformation in his character taking place roughly about halfway through: read it, and you'll see what I mean!