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City of Fortune
8.0
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When a day at the races reveals sabotage and subterfuge, Elizabeth Miles must use every ounce of her...
Capturing the Baron’s Heart (A Wildewardian Tale)
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She was the goddess of witches and rules, but rules are made to be broken. When a reckless...
Historical Paranormal Romance
David McK (3562 KP) rated World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie Wars in Books
May 14, 2023
Audiobooks, I find, are a bit of a strange beast: some are good; some are terrible.
I think it all depends on the skill of the narrator, and how close they are to how the character 'sounds' in your head when you're reading a book: in audio (and televisual) form, after all, you are relying on someone else's characterisation.
That is where a unique - at least, I've never come across one quite like this before - hook comes in. Sure, I've listened to a few Graphic Audio's (essentially, a dramatization for the listeners) with a wide cast of characters (each performed by a different actor) before but I don't think I've ever come across one presented like this: essentially, as interviews with survivors of a global apocalypse, the World War Z(ed, not Zee - I'm British) of the title.
Forget the Brad Pitt starring movie of the same name: while it does take the occasional pointer from this, it's a very different beast indeed.
Instead, this is presented as Max Brooks - a survivor of the War - interviewing notable, key and even sometimes seemingly normal, mundane survivors of the fictional outbreak, in chronological order from the earliest inkling that something was wrong, through to the outbreak proper, the fall of society, the fight back against the hordes and the eventual reclamation of society.
I do have to say, however, that I felt that more than a few of the chapters 'sounded' the same (and I mean that in the style and tone of language used, not so much in the verbal intonation - although there is also an element of that in the audiobook), and that I did find myself 'zoning out' for periods of time. As I listened to the audiobook version, it also didn't help that one section would sound like a character was whispering (=sounds up full), and then the very next I would have to hurriedly turn the volume down if I didn't want to be deafened ...
I think it all depends on the skill of the narrator, and how close they are to how the character 'sounds' in your head when you're reading a book: in audio (and televisual) form, after all, you are relying on someone else's characterisation.
That is where a unique - at least, I've never come across one quite like this before - hook comes in. Sure, I've listened to a few Graphic Audio's (essentially, a dramatization for the listeners) with a wide cast of characters (each performed by a different actor) before but I don't think I've ever come across one presented like this: essentially, as interviews with survivors of a global apocalypse, the World War Z(ed, not Zee - I'm British) of the title.
Forget the Brad Pitt starring movie of the same name: while it does take the occasional pointer from this, it's a very different beast indeed.
Instead, this is presented as Max Brooks - a survivor of the War - interviewing notable, key and even sometimes seemingly normal, mundane survivors of the fictional outbreak, in chronological order from the earliest inkling that something was wrong, through to the outbreak proper, the fall of society, the fight back against the hordes and the eventual reclamation of society.
I do have to say, however, that I felt that more than a few of the chapters 'sounded' the same (and I mean that in the style and tone of language used, not so much in the verbal intonation - although there is also an element of that in the audiobook), and that I did find myself 'zoning out' for periods of time. As I listened to the audiobook version, it also didn't help that one section would sound like a character was whispering (=sounds up full), and then the very next I would have to hurriedly turn the volume down if I didn't want to be deafened ...
Interesting premise (1 more)
Kids with powers and no adult supervision
I really like the premise of this book. While we've seen stories that include an area being blocked off from the rest of the world by a dome like barrier, there are other things going on that make this original and different from similar stories. The kids are acquiring powers that allow them to do all sorts of things from being able to move at the speed of light to being able to heal any injury which adds something else to this story. The animals have also mutated in the form of talking wolves, flying snakes, etc. The kids are having to learn how to form a functioning society and fend for themselves since anyone 15 and over has disappeared from town. While all of this is happening, the fight between Sam and Caine for power and leadership holds your interest and keeps you reading. I will definitely be reading book 2.
McCharlie (11 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale in Books
May 18, 2017
Grippingly written - you're always looking for signs as to who is a friend/foe (2 more)
Considered sci-fi in some circles but would appeal to non-sci fi readers just the same
Equally good read as a "thinking" book or just as an ordinary lazy afternoon read
Classic Atwood - read it before you watch the series!
A cautionary tale (to the extreme) of what could happen when people fail to uphold a "fair" society and keep an increasingly authoritarian ruling class in check, told from the perspective of a reproductive servant/slave.
The story is timely given the theme of reproductive rights and women and social equality issues that have sprung up around certain political arenas in the recent news - which makes the tone of the story even more sardonic in this light. The plot and setting could comfortably fit in as a neighbouring country, say, of other dystopian novel settings such as 1984, Brave New World, and A Clockwork Orange.
The story is timely given the theme of reproductive rights and women and social equality issues that have sprung up around certain political arenas in the recent news - which makes the tone of the story even more sardonic in this light. The plot and setting could comfortably fit in as a neighbouring country, say, of other dystopian novel settings such as 1984, Brave New World, and A Clockwork Orange.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Reparation in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Ruth Rodgers] addresses the changing racial views in the south through her novel [reparation]. Katie and Delia were best friends as young children but as they got older society drove them apart. In their teens Katie witnesses a horrible incident. She carries the guilt of not standing up for her friend and what she knew was right.
Now it is 2006 and Katie has returned home to help take care of her mom. By chance she is reunited with Delia. Katie is determined to make amends and get justice for her friend.
[Rodgers] does an amazing job of portraying the emotions of the characters. The story flows well and the flashbacks fill in the history giving the reader the perspective of the narrator(Katie). I also found the mention of Juneteenth interesting because not many people are aware that this is the Independence Day for the African American community. The historic perspective fit well in with the modern day mystery.
Now it is 2006 and Katie has returned home to help take care of her mom. By chance she is reunited with Delia. Katie is determined to make amends and get justice for her friend.
[Rodgers] does an amazing job of portraying the emotions of the characters. The story flows well and the flashbacks fill in the history giving the reader the perspective of the narrator(Katie). I also found the mention of Juneteenth interesting because not many people are aware that this is the Independence Day for the African American community. The historic perspective fit well in with the modern day mystery.
So I think this was actually the first book I had read by Cecelia Ahern, which led me to read all of her books in the short time afterwards!
I was never into dystopia (but that seems to have changed now) but I fancied trying it out anyway. I love the view on the justice system in this – that when someone does something wrong they are marked for life for their mistakes. It’s strangely close to society at the moment (minus the branding) which I think is what really pulled me in.
Celestine could be a little bit annoying, but who wouldn’t complain when they are being punished for helping someone and acting out of the kindness in their heart?
I loved that the action never stopped or even slowed down. It really kept the story going and helped me keep my attention on the plot.
The story of social justice was really gripping and the closeness to reality was scary and it kept me reading.
I was never into dystopia (but that seems to have changed now) but I fancied trying it out anyway. I love the view on the justice system in this – that when someone does something wrong they are marked for life for their mistakes. It’s strangely close to society at the moment (minus the branding) which I think is what really pulled me in.
Celestine could be a little bit annoying, but who wouldn’t complain when they are being punished for helping someone and acting out of the kindness in their heart?
I loved that the action never stopped or even slowed down. It really kept the story going and helped me keep my attention on the plot.
The story of social justice was really gripping and the closeness to reality was scary and it kept me reading.
I do like a post-apocalyptic kind of book, and this delivered in spades. It was written in a completely believable way, beginning with a second American Civil war, that was ended by the North releasing hundreds of airborne viruses that infected and killed those in the South indiscriminately. And those viruses continue to kill.
Vida meets two brothers, Garrett and Dyce, and they travel together in a world where to travel alone is death, to travel or to be outside when the wind blows is death.
I loved the world building in this. There will always be comparisons to Stephen Kings ‘The Stand’ with books like this, but other than viruses and a complete breakdown of society, I couldn’t actually see a comparison.
I’m looking forward to reading ‘North’, which is the final part of this two part series, and seeing where the authors take us.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Corvus, for my copy of this book.
Vida meets two brothers, Garrett and Dyce, and they travel together in a world where to travel alone is death, to travel or to be outside when the wind blows is death.
I loved the world building in this. There will always be comparisons to Stephen Kings ‘The Stand’ with books like this, but other than viruses and a complete breakdown of society, I couldn’t actually see a comparison.
I’m looking forward to reading ‘North’, which is the final part of this two part series, and seeing where the authors take us.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Corvus, for my copy of this book.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Entangled Lives in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In Entangled Lives by Imran Omer we meet orphan Raza, and his pregnant girlfriend who are forced apart when Raza is sent to Afghanistan to join the Taliban. Growing up his life was hard, and it seems it’s not getting any easier with age. As the story unfolds, reporter Rachel Brown gets first hand experience of the horrors of war, and through her point of view were are given her part of the story, and what happens when their paths cross, not just once, but twice.
My heart went out to Raza, as we see the extreme extent of the cause; a poor and vulnerable Pakistani boy fighting not only western society and their prejudices, but a tragic fate that’s controlled by money and power.
I enjoyed reading this, sometimes harrowing, tale that’s realistic and very topical for the current climate. The stark contrast between Raza’s life, and the entitled American reporter, Rachel, is portrayed well, and reveals the depth of this story with compassion and humanity.
My heart went out to Raza, as we see the extreme extent of the cause; a poor and vulnerable Pakistani boy fighting not only western society and their prejudices, but a tragic fate that’s controlled by money and power.
I enjoyed reading this, sometimes harrowing, tale that’s realistic and very topical for the current climate. The stark contrast between Raza’s life, and the entitled American reporter, Rachel, is portrayed well, and reveals the depth of this story with compassion and humanity.
RebelFleur (1 KP) rated Lust, Lies and Lemon Cakes Too in Books
Jan 30, 2018
I'll be completely honest with you, I didn't have high hopes for this book due to having read the first one in the series. However, it turned out to be a welcome surprise. Not only was the sequel better written than the first but I feel that it was also funnier and easier to read. Adding to this, I was actually dissapointed to find I had come to the end of the book as I was looking forward to learning more about the protagonists funny life.
The books light-hearted nature was definitely helped by the fact that a lot of the humour is revolved about the male protagonist going 'viral' on the internet. I feel this helps the reader to identify with him due to the fact that technology is slowly becoming more and more prevalent in our society.
I would definitely reccommend this book to people who are looking for a light read, due to its funny nature.
The books light-hearted nature was definitely helped by the fact that a lot of the humour is revolved about the male protagonist going 'viral' on the internet. I feel this helps the reader to identify with him due to the fact that technology is slowly becoming more and more prevalent in our society.
I would definitely reccommend this book to people who are looking for a light read, due to its funny nature.