Pitter Patter of Little Thoughts

Billy is just another guy who works at a museum making certain squids are okay for bottling. But when the largest specimen goes missing, he suddenly gets roped into a dangerous affair involving a completely different side of London that we have never seen before. And as the magic and mystery of finding the lost specimen continues, a burning apocalypse seems to be sparking in the horizon.

In Mieville's fashion, the Kraken is a rather long, almost tedious read that contains some of the most interesting and new ideas in recent books. Unfortunately, I couldn't really get myself into this world because there was just too much confusion and lack of love for any of the characters. But I am glad I powered through because the ending conclusion was worth all of it.

Also, in a sad and morbid way, I do like how Mieville isn't afraid to kill off characters.

But the thing that is so hard to read about Mieville's books is that there is always so much confusion - but the characters don't actually accomplish that much in the end. There are so many twists and turns, but in the long run... how much of it actually mattered? It leaves a little bit of a annoyed sigh from me at the end when I think about what actually happened in the book. The extended plot twists seem to make so many turns that we lose sight of the actual plot.

I love Billy and his guardian angel towards the end. I love how this main character actually manages to accomplish something.

One to thing to note in this book is how blatantly unreligious it is despite how much it talks about religion. Or perhaps because it talks so much about religion.

All in all, it's a book mildly worth reading because of the concept behind the whole thing. I've never really seen some of these ideas - and new things are quite fascinating.

Three stars because it was decently interesting. Definitely not more because I wasn't really engrossed and there are too many annoying point where I felt like I could have just dropped the book and not cared. But not less, because I did like the ending and most of the story.
Recommended for those who already know they like Mieville's writing style. If you don't, I'd suggest you read something else of his first. Also recommended for those who like longer, twisty books that don't have a definite goal or aim.

This is a dark fairy tale. A twisted tale, if you will. A Grimm tale that takes the happily ever after and crushes it with power and bloodlust and magic.

But honestly, it's not that great of a story because of it's length and therefore it's character development. It's barely okay as a short story, but that's only because the reader already knows the premise of the entire plot and is reading the tale more for the difference and the ending and the darkness rather than the story alone.

You see, Ward is cheating a bit because she doesn't actually give her characters personality. I don't feel like I know these people, even though there are really only three characters in the whole story. Their actions are unbelievable, unknown.

-mild spoilers-
I don't understand why Ella would hold that anger from two years old all the way up until she was grown up. There isn't enough detail, not enough thought behind the actions.
Same with the witch. She has not become real on paper with the scant amount of detail there.

The love is unbelievable. As if the two could really fall in love from one day each year. Or rather, it could have been possible, but the story hardly makes it seem possible.

The only redeeming factor of this short story is the ending - because that's what we're reading it for anyway. We already know the story of Cinderella. We are just reading it for the dark, dark ending.

H.M. Ward hardly does justice to re-imagining the story of Cinderella except for the ending.

But that last line was beautiful.

Two stars because it was only okay. Not great, but redeemed and given an extra star because of the ending.
If you get your hands on it, you might as well read it because it's so short. But I wouldn't really go out and recommend it to anyone. I've read better non-published dark fairy tales than this one, to be honest.

Following the surprising news that Alexia is pregnant from the past book, she is subsequently a social pariah. She finds herself cast out from the pack, disposed of her role as mujah, and living at home with her horrid family. But quickly she realizes it's not safe in London as vampires seem to be trying to kill. While that's nothing new, Alexia leaves for safety in Italy, taking Floote, Madame Lefoux, her trusty parasol, and of course, tea. There, maybe she'll find the secrets behind all of this.

I think the charm of the books is started to wear thin. I loved the first book because of that lighthearted humor in the midst of drama. I loved the idea of being concerned of one's dress while bashing someone over the head in survival. But in this book, as things start getting more dangerous, I really hate how Carriger handles the drama. Things that are actually important - Conall's anger and acceptance, forgiveness, real feelings, Biffy and that whole situation... all of it are laughed at with a foppish London dandy humor. It almost disgusts me the way important things are brushed over with such easy-joking manner.

I don't think she does major fighting scenes well either. Similar to what I was writing above - it used to be that it was possible to care about one's cravat while sticking a vampire with a pin. But that's because they were in polite society. As mass vampires start attacking, it's almost rolling-my-eyes worthy when she dodges bullets and worries about English manners.
Carriger is trying to raise the level of danger and drama, but still inject that with her witty humor. But I think she lost that balance in this book.

That might be the biggest thing I hated from this book. The fact that (spoiler) Alexia takes him back so freaking easily. So what? What happened didn't matter? All it depended on was his feelings? I can't believe it. Ugh, ugh.

Of course, some scenes are still delightful because of that serious/levity mix. Some.

This book was a bit of a travel-the-world adventure, setting the scene for future books, more so than being a delightful book on its own. The whole purpose is to find out the importance of the baby. I was interested, but not really invested. It's like we could already predict the ending before reading it.

Two and a half stars, rounded down, because it's not good enough to be three stars. And while it was a fun read at times, it really was "just okay".
Only mildly recommended for those who read the first two books. If you don't read it (and don't mind series hanging), then it's not really a big loss if you don't read it.

A strange phenomena is happening in 19th century supernatural London where the supernatural seem to be mortal all of a sudden. Alexia finds herself in a journey to Scotland to get to the bottom of this mystery.
And of course she has to do this with an entourage of silly ladies, a love-sick actor, and a handsome inventor.

From my last review, I wrote that I was rereading this series because I couldn't quite recall what happened - and I realize now that it's because the plot doesn't really concern me. They aren't quite memorable in either books. These books are light-hearted fun where we get to laugh at the wit and smile about the strange dichotomy of proper etiquette in this time period. It's not really a book that makes you think too deeply, and that's why I didn't remember the plot.

It's true, there a lot of potential flaws if you think more deeply - double standards for gossipy women, juggling different types of sub-genres, being witty to the point of petty meanness, etc.

But in the end, this book isn't meant to be read seriously, I think. It's just fun.

So in this second book, a whodunit or whatdunit sort of mystery, I'm not particularly thrilled by the resolved ending. I just enjoy the world and the characters because it's fun. But hey, sometimes that's enough for a book.

Three stars because I do like the book. But after the first one, it's not exactly a stand out book.
Recommended for those who like the first book.

Alexia Tarabotti finds herself in an unfortunate situation at a ball as a vampire corners her in the library. So she stakes it with her hair sticks - and quite rightly, because the vampire didn't even ask for introductions! But unfortunately that's the least of her troubles as the supernatural world finds interest in her, both foppish vampires and burly werewolves alike. Oh, and of course she's soulless. How's a girl to maintain proper etiquette when all this is happening?

This is a reread because I realized I couldn't remember much of this series, except for the odd emotions of fondness and appreciation for the wit in the book. I believe I went on a series rampage when I read this series (which makes it hard to remember specifics after reading such large quantities at a single time).

I love this book. It's steampunk, set in a supernatural 19th century London. Alexia's wit is always so clever - and I love how formal the times are there.

The plot is interesting and I love how it develops the world. The characters really do come to life.

Three and a half stars rounded up to four because I did reread it. And it was still good the second time around.

The Exiled Queen continues where the first book left off, with both Han and Raisa traveling across the lands to get to the famed academy where they train soldiers and magicians.

I couldn't finish this book. I almost can't believe it. It's not a horrible story, it's not as if I utterly loathe it. I got through 50% of it (120 pages or so) and then skimmed through the rest, but somehow... I just can't bear reading another 200 pages with sequels to boot.

Here are the reasons I have dropped this book, and consequently this series:
The plot has gotten ridiculously simplified. I don't even think half the plot lines are feasible.
None of the characters have changed or grown up.
I don't believe anything she writes anymore.
All of it bores me.

For the plot: (spoilers) Han meets the Bayar twins at the academy and prepares to face off. It's like Chima wanted to do a school scene of all a sudden! Ridiculous. As if problems aren't happening outside of their individual issues. What about the country and the war outside? Usually books go from a small, isolated area (like a school) and then expand outwards into the world. It doesn't really work in the reverse because there are more important things that I would rather be reading about - rather than seeing them master the magical fundamentals with childish rivalries.

As for Raisa, it's as if Chima decides to put her through a lot of trouble and give her the gift of "witch-speaking". What the bloody hell? One little speech gets her through life and death every single freaking time. I don't believe it all. She hasn't grown up nearly enough to deserve talking her way through survival and admittance to school. It's not believable and it's not doing anything for her character growth.

Picking up Cat, flaunting Han's amulet without any repercussions, Raisa preventing her death through five lines of pretty speech. No. Not believable at all. In fact, a very early point in the beginning of the story tells us that Han is going to the academy for revenge. What in freaking blazes? Nothing in his characters suggests that. I don't even know what this character is thinking. None of it is believable anymore. These characters are like caricatures of real people. It's like they're being dragged along a plot without any real character development. The main characters are too astute, the enemies are too stupid. Why aren't adults at a school smarter than the students? ...really. Caricatures, I say. Which makes me hate the story.

And the romances are just plain stupid. Everyone falls in love with everyone else - and I can literally say everyone because there are really only a handful of characters that matter.

Honestly, at this point, I don't care about the characters anymore. I don't care about the plot. I don't really care about the world and the magic. So what's there for me to continue reading?

One star because I can't finish the book. Perhaps with a bit more time on my hands and persistence, I actually probably could have finished this book through sheer will power. But it would have still been a book that is filled with unbelievable plot-twists, stagnant characters, and a very subpar world.
Recommended only if you can't bear to drop a series. And if you absolutely have nothing else to read. But I'd suggest you pick up another series entirely.

Han slips in and out of roles. At times he's the streetlord of the Raggers, sometimes he's just the older brother trying to find food for his family by scraping together enough money through trading and selling, and sometimes he feels like he's a part of the Clans with their green magic and easy company. But right now, he is just a magnet for trouble. When he picks up an amulet, Han doesn't realize he is about to be roped into trouble spanning 1000 years. Magic, corrupt guards, deception, and a pair of silver cuffs are all woven together to make a story.
Raisa is the princess of Fellsmarch, but sometimes it feels like she's more of a prisoner than anyone else in the kingdom. Her 16th birthday is approaching and that means suitors. But also danger. Slowly her eyes are opened to the strife and pain in the city.
These two seem to find themselves at the catalyst of all the war that is about to engulf this world.

At the start of the book, I thought I would really end up loving this book. It had a feel of intense buildup, good-natured trickery, wicked wit that smirks more than chuckles, and all the right components for a great rollicking adventure. I loved Han and his backstory - and how we were dumped in media res of his story. I loved the idea of the Clans versus the city intrigue. Raisa was interesting too with enough backbone and intelligence to not be a typical stupid girl in most novels.

And then the book started collapsing for me. Suddenly Raisa was kissing every single attractive boy that crossed her path; being stubborn and getting her way even though she couldn't back up her talk; saying she wanted to find out more about the kingdom and find allies... and then still being a sheltered girl that thinks about dresses more than politics - and really. What allies. The only person she talks to is a potential love interest. She's on the verge of being a stupid girl,

That's the problem with this book. It attempts to be an epic fantasy story with interweaving plot lines and a host of many major characters - but the world is surprisingly empty of other important people. Do only the Bayars have influence in court? What about other nobles or Houses? This is why I am so frustrated by the court scenes (besides Raisa being silly very often. Yes, go continue to kiss a boy that tried to seduce you with magic. Ridiculous.) The world simply needs more people to have some sort of influence.

The two story lines have to seriously converge yet - but I believe that will happen next book with the foreshadowed locations.

I usually comment on the plot and the world and the magic system - but for some odd reason, all of these things just feel pretty standard. There isn't anything wrong with these components, but none of them are particularly different or interesting. Princess tries to gain freedom and knowledge. Boy in the streets realizes he's more than he seems, and has to escape things chasing after him. Located in a city and the court with much intrigue and political dancing. The Clans are the perfect balance to wizardry magic with their typical green and world-based magic. What can I say? It's fairly standard.

So what that leaves us with is the characters. And so far... /shrug.

Three stars. A typical fantasy novel that is done with enough finesse that you want to keep reading, with a few character and plot flaws. But hardly innovative in the world of fantasy.
Recommended for those who like fantasy novels - if you were a fan of Brandon Sanderson's work (Mistborn and the like), you'll probably like this too.
-edit-
Just read through book 2 and I couldn't get through it because of stagnant characters and unbelievable plot lines. I'd suggest you don't start this series. It only goes downhill.

Ariely presents fifteen different ways where humans believe they are acting rationally - but in actuality, environmental factors and other secondary circumstances impact us so much that we behave counter to how logic would predict we should act. Essentially he tells us when we are predictably irrationally, as the title implies.

I liked this book a lot. Some of it was new, some of it I had already heard and read about (such as the trust in companies, the bit of price and pills like Tylenol correlation with placebo effects, and a couple other). Some things were new, such as the comparative effective in the first chapter or the ideas about social and monetary networks.

I didn't always agree with his conclusions or his reflections upon finishing reading about his experiments, but they were always something to consider. I, for one, still wouldn't pay for everyone's dinner or lunch at a time haha. I didn't really like his chapters on the Zero. The experiments and discussion were interesting, but when it got to the reflections, I just didn't agree. There also were a couple moments where I thought about the irrationality of the subject, and felt as if I could make a few counterarguments to the rationality of the switch in behavior.
Also, I think he has a bit of an optimistic viewpoint on changing the world through understanding how humanity is predictably irrational - especially in light of healthcare and education.

Overall, I quite enjoyed reading this book because many of the things he said did apply to my own life that I had not realized beforehand.

Four stars because I did like the book a lot and it made me think quite a bit. Not hard to read, either.
Recommended for those who are interested in a bit of psychology and understanding your own decision making. Recommended for everyone, really.

Fremont is a colonized planet, a dangerous planet that always hides predators behind its wildness. Chelo is one of the six altered humans left on this planet - but none of her community of first colonists trust her at all.

I didn't like this book because it didn't feel real. It was just too hard to immerse myself into this world, into this plot, into the characters. None of the dialogue rang true to me. The interactions felt fake and I didn't believe the colonists's hatred towards these six children. I think a lot of the problem was that the whole book was written in Chelo's perspective as first person, but we still somehow were able to know what other people felt and thought. And I just don't trust the narrator to tell me what other people are thinking. It all felt forced.

The world-building... it was a good attempt. But the world didn't really interest me. It wasn't radically different, it wasn't that dangerous to be honest (despite what the book summary promised).

Randomly picked up this book at the library because the summary looked interesting, but honestly, I just didn't care about anything in this book.

One star because I didn't want to read it, even after powering through more than 80 pages and skimming through the rest of the book.
Not recommended for anyone.

Firethorn is a self-named woman, tutored by the Dame of the house and touched by the gods. When Sire Galen asks to take her away to the war, she leaps at the chance to escape the drudgery of her world. But little does she know it's hard to keep love alive in the middle of war where there's arrogance and wagers and little love for women.

I actually picked this book up because I read the second book first on accident.
I hate this book. It is written without too many flaws, the grammar is sound and the sentence structures flow well. The action is done correctly and I do want to the turn the pages to find out what happens next. But oh my freaking goodness, the amount of misogyny found is this books is mind blowing to me. It confuses me that this book is written by a woman.

Women are whores in this book, useless except for acting as men's decorations, or sex of course. There's no way to say no to a man's advance unless you have a man to guard against. What the heck? There are so many lines in this book that make me so freaking angry. The way the men talk to the women. The way the women talk about themselves. The way anyone treats women. And the worst of all, there is no character that even mentions these problems - as if the issues are common and acceptable. Argh, I can't even. It's fine if it's done for some sort of commentary on women and war, but if this type of misogyny is treated as acceptable without any counter philosophy or objection, it's as if the reader should accept it as well.

Micklem tries to pass Firethorn as a strong independent female character, but really all she amounts to is a girl hanging onto a sugar daddy, really.

This book is all about sex and trying to be the man's favorite girl. There is literally no plot except that.

The only redeeming factor is that I was interested enough in the magic system and healing draughts.
But that will never be enough for me to overcome the fact that this book treats women as second-class citizens. No, probably worse. Like objects.
One star. Not for writing style or not being interesting, but because there is an underlying (enormous!) problem with the whole presentation of characters.
Not recommended at all unless you just love reading about how women are not worth anything except for sex.

This book also follows directly after book two and further develops the arguably most important overarching storyline of the goddess eating the world. We follow Marcus and Kit as they take steps to stop her, watch Geder playing in kingly delusions with all the force of the spider goddess to back him up, sympathize with Clara as she picks herself up from the loss, and of course watch Cithrin grow into herself.

This book leaves me pleasantly surprised. The story changed some characters, showing us a few different sides. Kingdoms fell and people plotted and the overall plot was interesting. Perhaps not exactly innovative, but interesting.

Sometimes I do wonder where Abraham is going with the story - it just feels like I'm going along for the ride without a purpose in mind. I'm not sure if that's good spontaneous writing with surprises, or improper portrayal of important plot points.

I think Abraham has a difficult time balancing character development and plot. He sometimes moves the plot forward with kingdoms destroyed and court or bank intrigue being initiated, and then we lose sight of the characters. Or sometimes we go too deep into learning characters and he completely glances over descriptions of the plot (Marcus and Kit on the adventure - it just seems underwritten, but their dynamic is good).

I think yet again, this book just simply has the same problems as the first two books as well as the positive points from them as well. In some ways, it's probably an easier read than Song of Ice and Fire because it leaves out so much of the world building and plot developments. But it is an easy enjoyable read, so there is that too.

And arghh nooo the cliffhanger! I need closure on this series because it has been such an enjoyable ride so far.

Three stars again. I am surprised it hasn't declined, as most series are wont to do.
Recommended for those who have read the previous books.

The story continues from where it left off in the first book. The plot builds as we see the strange goddess begin stirring through pawns to eat the world. We follow each of these characters's perspectives learn about Cithrin chaffing against restriction, the emptiness in Marcus's life, the depths of Dawson's staunchness to truth and justice, and of course Geder's uncertain foray into the noble world - all as the plot grows thicker with blood and confusion.

I feel the same way about this book as I did the first. It is still very similar to George R. Martin's series (albeit an easier read). I actually found this book very strangely similar to the first books of Song of Ice and Fire (doesn't Dawson remind you of Ned??), which irritated me a little because books must innovate to be interesting, not merely imitate - and this book was written in 2012. But regardless, the positive things about the book was still there. I still loved most of the characters, the style of writing very easy to follow, etc. The only difference, perhaps, is that the plot carried the book this time, rather than the characters.

The characters have already been set, in some strange fashion. While most books attempt to show different characteristics of their main cast, this book almost depends on each character's "unchangeable" personality as the story moves forward. Abraham does nothing to show us new sides of his main characters. Despite new environments and changing situations, each of them are still very much so the character that they were in the previous book.

Thus, it had to be the plot that was enticing enough to keep me flipping the pages. And it was. I wanted to know what would happen next.

By the way, I'm still annoyed at the untapped potential of the different races. Still. In book two. I don't think I have that much hope for book three on this point. Ugh.

Again, three stars because it is a good fantasy novel. Fairly average still, but still a worthwhile read if you're in need of a fantasy pick-me-up.
Recommended for people who've read the first book obviously.

Daniel Abraham weaves together a plot of kingdoms and individuals. It is a story of deception and truth telling, where orphan girls can smuggle jewels but can become so much more. Where actors and players don the leathers of mercenaries and where lords play the game of the power through puppets.

In actuality, this book is very similar to George R. Martin's series Song of Ice and Fire. It is formatted very similarly, each chapter through a different character's eyes. It jumps from seemingly unrelated story plots to another, but somehow everything that happens in one story line impacts the others. But if I were to truly compare the two, this book is a much easier read - in terms of length yes, but also in writing style (for better or for worse). He is less descriptive than Martin, less about the plot. Instead, Abraham focuses on the characters.

This book all about the characters. It's not the plot or the world that makes you read on. The plot was interesting, but at the end of the day, it can be simplified to a couple of sentences. It's the characters and how they react to these situations. You want to learn more about Marcus and his rough care for Cithrin, to know if Cithrin can pull off her deceptions, if Geder will ever stop being used as a puppet and more. But of course there is the flaw that comes with making the books about the characters - I found myself loving some more than others and found myself annoyed reading through "boring" characters. But that's only a minor annoyance because I still wanted to read through it.

One thing I think is wasted potential is the way Abraham portrays the different races in this book. Although it's a new world with all these different sentient beings, one could conceivably remove these races and just have different cultures of humans and the story would be no different. He puts this immense difference in his story world, but doesn't use it at all. There is no mention of hostility between races or really much of anything. So then why did he put this in the story? Perhaps it will reveal itself more in future books, but as of right now, it is only untapped potential. Perhaps not wasted, but untapped.
(But one thing I detest from these types of additions is that it always seems the most humanoid sentient beings are the ones most in power and the animal-like ones are devoted servants. I would imagine unrest bubbling up, but nothing is mentioned at all!)

The ending was perfect. It had the right amount of closure, but included just enough tantalizing uncertainties to make me want to keep reading. I look forward to the next book.

Three stars because I think it's a good book and I liked it. I do think it's about average or slightly above average for a fantasy/sci-fi novel (and perhaps below average for a high fantasy novel). But I enjoyed it very much and I would recommend it for people who like fantasy novels with a large number of characters.

Avice has always wanted to get out of the backwater world Embassytown. But years down the road, she finds herself returning. At first it was just to sate the curiosity of her husband about the Hosts unique to the place, but soon it becomes a matter of truth or lies, of life and death. And as a living simile, Avice finds herself in the middle of all of it. Even languages can evolve before our eyes.

I am always so conflicted about Mieville's style of writing, whether to love it or hate on it.

I loved the world. I love how he just drops you in the middle of this futuristic sci-fi world without a hint or a guide and you just have to piece it all together slowly. And when the world becomes clear, it's as if you know this town now. I love the concept of people as living language. It's such an elegant way to make this world different. The concept is just so fresh and done so well, I love it.

I have a couple problems with the characters though.
Midway through the book, I got disappointed and frustrated with Avice, thinking that argh Mieville always does this with his main character - where they seem to just be pulled and pushed around by the plot points, rather than doing things as the main character. Thankfully at the end, she emerges as a true pivotal character.

Another thing about the way he writes characters is just that I can never trust his relationships. He seems to regard love very loosely. Marriage may not mean a thing. And I never see any build up to true chemistry (romantic or otherwise) in his characters. His dialogue is usually flat in terms of chemistry. Basically, Mieville is all about the plot, not about making you love or hate the characters. His dialogue is to move the plot along, not to make a hero or a heroine.

Speaking of plot... The hard thing about reading this book is that it does feel like multiple books condensed into one. While most books have one goal and one purpose for the characters, Mieville dashes through twenty different plots. I'm never really sure where the book will go. Sometimes that's a good thing because surprise and interest is important for the reader. But sometimes it's a bad thing, because you start to wonder when the book will end. It does drag on a little in middle to be sure.

But oh the ending. It was just so right. Everything built up to that climax and I love how language became something more than just words spoken in air. The ending made this book. It was all worth it for those last scenes.

The concept of this book was just absolutely beautiful. For that, and for beautiful world building, I give this book four stars. I was hesitating between three and a half & four, but for the ending... it deserves four.
Highly recommended for people who love science fiction and new worlds. Expect many twists and turns though.

Silas Williams in the head geneticist conceiving the next United States's gladiator for the Olympic Games, in this futurist world where genetic manipulation is commonplace and a spectacle. But little does he know what a supercomputer has wrought for their new gladiator: a predator beyond their imagining.

I love this book. It takes place in a futuristic world that is not unbelievable with this amount of science.

I love the description of the gladiator and the slow progression of foreshadowed horror and fear as it grows up.

The pacing was fantastic - I never felt like the story bogged down, and I was eager to always get to the next page to see what would happen next.

Fantastic control of characters and plotline and innovative ideas. Aliens have been done before. AIs have been done before. But this sort of science melded with sports, I have not seen before.

Three and a half stars, rounded down because I don't think it merits a reread. But wonderfully written book.
Recommended for those who like a bit of aliens, science fiction, and dark themes in their books.

Anne is an orphan girl brought to Green Gables by mistake. But she quickly charms her way into this sleepy little place and fills it with bright laughter and delightful chatter.

This is a delightful book, something about the way Anne views life is just so brilliant and passionate. It takes a rare view to see the mundane with such imagination that everything becomes a reason to smile and rapture over.

Four stars because it's so beautiful. Less one star because I think I am perhaps a touch too old for it, but oh, it is so beautiful.
Recommended for everyone. But especially dreamy girls.