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dc7's reviews
483 reviews
The Last One by Alexandra Oliva
4.0
A thrilling post-apocalyptic survival story. I read many reviews which complained that while the premise is good, the execution is slow paced and lacking. Personally I didn't find that at all, however I did listen to the abridged version of the audiobook (so far only available in German as far as I know). Therefore I can only recommend the abridged version, the pacing is good and I enjoyed the story.
Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle
4.0
Dear Wife is a solid domestic thriller. It gave me Gone Girl vibes, BUT I also have to say that I guessed the plot twist 2 chapters into the story. That being said, if you don't read domestic thriller regularly I don't think you'll guess it, and despite guessing the twist, I still enjoyed the book a lot. I recommend this book if you like domestic thrillers in general.
Vampirul Vittorio by Laura Stroe-Botorcu, Anne Rice
1.0
Unfortunately this is by far Anne Rice's weakest vampire novel and it can safely be skipped as it has nothing to do with any other book in the Vampire Chronicles.
In this novel Vittorio di Raniari tells his life story and explains how he became a vampire. He was once a young nobleman in Renaissance Italy when his entire family got wiped out by vampires. He wants to get revenge, but falls in love with the vampire Ursula and eventually becomes a vampire himself.
It is positive that in this novel Anne Rice avoids telling the same story again, only from a different perspective - a major problem in her other books, which are often only just retelling the same story from a different point of view. Vittorio is a completely new story, BUT: the characters are flat and strangely unlikable (not intentionally), the relationship between Vittorio and Ursula is completely unbelievable, as are Vittorio's countless religious visions. In contrast to her other novels - especially those written from the perspective of the vampire Lestat - all suspense is missing here and the plot drags and drags. Massive pacing issues.
Anne Rice tried to bring something new and fresh to her vampire chronicles but unfortunately it just didn't turn out well. Even the interesting philosophical discussions can not save this book. It is her worst vampire novel to date. If you know the vampire chronicles, you can safely skip this book, the vampires from their other novels (e.g. Louis, Lestat, etc.) do not appear here, the plot of the other books is not discussed, nothing happens that would be new, important or interesting in this context. In other words: you don't miss anything. If you don't know the series, I can highly recommend "Interview with a Vampire" as a starting point.
In this novel Vittorio di Raniari tells his life story and explains how he became a vampire. He was once a young nobleman in Renaissance Italy when his entire family got wiped out by vampires. He wants to get revenge, but falls in love with the vampire Ursula and eventually becomes a vampire himself.
It is positive that in this novel Anne Rice avoids telling the same story again, only from a different perspective - a major problem in her other books, which are often only just retelling the same story from a different point of view. Vittorio is a completely new story, BUT: the characters are flat and strangely unlikable (not intentionally), the relationship between Vittorio and Ursula is completely unbelievable, as are Vittorio's countless religious visions. In contrast to her other novels - especially those written from the perspective of the vampire Lestat - all suspense is missing here and the plot drags and drags. Massive pacing issues.
Anne Rice tried to bring something new and fresh to her vampire chronicles but unfortunately it just didn't turn out well. Even the interesting philosophical discussions can not save this book. It is her worst vampire novel to date. If you know the vampire chronicles, you can safely skip this book, the vampires from their other novels (e.g. Louis, Lestat, etc.) do not appear here, the plot of the other books is not discussed, nothing happens that would be new, important or interesting in this context. In other words: you don't miss anything. If you don't know the series, I can highly recommend "Interview with a Vampire" as a starting point.
The Calligrapher's Secret by Rafik Schami
5.0
It is rare to find a novel that skillfully combines the three essential elements of a good book - interesting characters, an exciting plot and a dense atmosphere. This book hits them all.
Here, you get to immerse yourself in the world of the Damascus of the 1950s, get lost in the beautiful images that the author draws with rich words without ever getting bored. It is this descriptive narrative that, along with many other elements, gives the story such a realistic touch that even a reader who knows nothing about historic Syria can clearly picture this world.
The novel has one weakness, and that is it's slow pace. After the exciting prologue, there is a big leap into the past. The protagonists' childhoods are portrayed and the first 150 pages of the novel drag a bit. However, it gives the reader time to learn about Middle Eastern culture and get to know to vast cast of characters. There are a ton of POV changes and almost every single chapter of the first half (!) of the book is written from the perspective of a new character (!). Nevertheless the author gives each of his characters - and there are several dozens - a unique personality. All characters are hyper realistic and likeable. They are not categorised into good and bad, they all have reasons for why they do the things they do, even if these are (very) questionable. All this makes it easy for the reader to get attached to the many characters.
You learn a lot about the society and the customs of the Middle East and get an insight into the art of calligraphy, which becomes more and more important as the story progresses. What begins as a broad range of countless storylines becomes a religious-political conflict over the radical reform of the Arabic script.
A wonderful story, deep and compelling.
Here, you get to immerse yourself in the world of the Damascus of the 1950s, get lost in the beautiful images that the author draws with rich words without ever getting bored. It is this descriptive narrative that, along with many other elements, gives the story such a realistic touch that even a reader who knows nothing about historic Syria can clearly picture this world.
The novel has one weakness, and that is it's slow pace. After the exciting prologue, there is a big leap into the past. The protagonists' childhoods are portrayed and the first 150 pages of the novel drag a bit. However, it gives the reader time to learn about Middle Eastern culture and get to know to vast cast of characters. There are a ton of POV changes and almost every single chapter of the first half (!) of the book is written from the perspective of a new character (!). Nevertheless the author gives each of his characters - and there are several dozens - a unique personality. All characters are hyper realistic and likeable. They are not categorised into good and bad, they all have reasons for why they do the things they do, even if these are (very) questionable. All this makes it easy for the reader to get attached to the many characters.
You learn a lot about the society and the customs of the Middle East and get an insight into the art of calligraphy, which becomes more and more important as the story progresses. What begins as a broad range of countless storylines becomes a religious-political conflict over the radical reform of the Arabic script.
A wonderful story, deep and compelling.
Machine Metal Magic by Hanna Dare
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. Hanna Dare manages something many other authors fail at: She writes three-dimensional characters that you instantly like and at the same time writes a fast-paced story with a suspenseful plot that keeps you reading into the night. I find this combination of great characterisation and suspense way too rare and I'm glad I discovered this author.
The book's Sci-Fi world could have been described in more detail - for example I had trouble imagining the 'Sprawl' properly. Some more world building would have been great as the world this story is set in is fascinating but lacks detailed description.
There were also some logic errors and typos. Still it was a very entertaining read and I enjoyed the book so much that I'm not subtracting stars for those minor issues.
The book's Sci-Fi world could have been described in more detail - for example I had trouble imagining the 'Sprawl' properly. Some more world building would have been great as the world this story is set in is fascinating but lacks detailed description.
There were also some logic errors and typos. Still it was a very entertaining read and I enjoyed the book so much that I'm not subtracting stars for those minor issues.
Proxima Rising by Brandon Q. Morris
3.0
Proxima Rising is the first Hard SciFi novel I've read. It was exciting to learn what is scientifically possible - especially since some of it sounds really incredible.
The book struggles a bit with physical descriptions and I couldn't imagine some things in the novel, e.g. the "sheep" on Proxima. A more detailed explanation would have been helpful. The characters are mostly stereotypes too. The book reads well, it is entertaining and exciting, the protagonists always faced challenges.
There are many typos in the book and I could forgive that BUT there is one thing that really rubbed me the wrong way: the novels stops in the middle of the plot - a gimmicky and annoying ploy to get readers to buy the next book in the series. I wouldn't have had a problem if the story somehow reached at least a preliminary conclusion with some loose threads to be continued in the sequeal. E.g. the first volume describes the trip to Proxima b, the second the events there, etc. That would have been okay. But ending the book in the middle of the action is a big NO NO for me.
Overall, the novel was okay. The story is gripping, but overall it lacks that special something. I was totally disappointed with the sudden ending in the middle of the story. That could have been done better. I won't read the sequel.
The book struggles a bit with physical descriptions and I couldn't imagine some things in the novel, e.g. the "sheep" on Proxima. A more detailed explanation would have been helpful. The characters are mostly stereotypes too. The book reads well, it is entertaining and exciting, the protagonists always faced challenges.
There are many typos in the book and I could forgive that BUT there is one thing that really rubbed me the wrong way: the novels stops in the middle of the plot - a gimmicky and annoying ploy to get readers to buy the next book in the series. I wouldn't have had a problem if the story somehow reached at least a preliminary conclusion with some loose threads to be continued in the sequeal. E.g. the first volume describes the trip to Proxima b, the second the events there, etc. That would have been okay. But ending the book in the middle of the action is a big NO NO for me.
Overall, the novel was okay. The story is gripping, but overall it lacks that special something. I was totally disappointed with the sudden ending in the middle of the story. That could have been done better. I won't read the sequel.
Evolved by N.R. Walker
5.0
Evolved was a fun read. I found the premise of the book intriguing - a man disappointed by human relationships buys himself an android as a lover. The characters - even Shaun, the android - were relatable and likeable. Shaun and his 'custodian' Lloyd have great chemistry which is so important in this genre. It's a steaming hot romance! I could barely put the book down and finished it in less than a day. The story is written in a way that is easy to understand and follow. I'm also glad the author made the book a little political too and explored that side of her world.
One of the criticisms I saw in other reviews was that there was too much sex in the first half of the book. I disagree. It was an important part of the story and didn't feel forced or unnecessary.
What I didn't like so much were the logic errors in the book (e.g. if Shaun stands for Synthetic Human Android UNit, then what do Shane and Sheena stand for?) and some of the redundancies. It killed my suspension of disbelieve. The most annoying part was that the climax of the book could have made a lot more sense with a few changes. However, that only mildly detracted from the great reading experience and this is still one of the most enjoyable books I read in 2019.
One of the criticisms I saw in other reviews was that there was too much sex in the first half of the book. I disagree. It was an important part of the story and didn't feel forced or unnecessary.
What I didn't like so much were the logic errors in the book (e.g. if Shaun stands for Synthetic Human Android UNit, then what do Shane and Sheena stand for?) and some of the redundancies. It killed my suspension of disbelieve. The most annoying part was that the climax of the book could have made a lot more sense with a few changes. However, that only mildly detracted from the great reading experience and this is still one of the most enjoyable books I read in 2019.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
3.0
After having very much enjoyed watching the City of Bones movie as well as the Shadowhunters TV series I was unfortunately a little disappointed by the novel. The writing is okay, Clare uses easy-to-read, easy-to-follow language which I appreciate, although I sometimes noticed the lack of voice and inventiveness which would have made the novel so much richer.
The book was too long and the story could have been told in maybe two thirds of the pages. The beginning is quite good and so is the ending but like many other novels City of Bones suffers from saggy middle syndrome. Maybe it's because I had already seen two film adaptations of the material but I really felt like the middle of the book dragged on for way too long.
The characters in City of Bones are quite young too. They are all 15 or 16 whereas in the TV show they are 18-23 years old (and some characters in the TV show, like Alec for example, could easily be in their mid- to late-twenties). I know this is very personal and younger readers might not have a problem with it but I found it difficult to relate to a 15 year old protagonist. I'm in my 30s and naturally find it easier to connect with characters that are past the "asking adults for permission" stage in life. The themes in City of Bones are fairly mature, too, and making Clary 18 like in the TV show would have made it easier for older readers to relate. In general character development was okay though and I do love Jace, his sense of humour is the absolute highlight of the book.
Overall it's an easy to read book but it would have benefited from trimming down and slightly older characters.
The book was too long and the story could have been told in maybe two thirds of the pages. The beginning is quite good and so is the ending but like many other novels City of Bones suffers from saggy middle syndrome. Maybe it's because I had already seen two film adaptations of the material but I really felt like the middle of the book dragged on for way too long.
The characters in City of Bones are quite young too. They are all 15 or 16 whereas in the TV show they are 18-23 years old (and some characters in the TV show, like Alec for example, could easily be in their mid- to late-twenties). I know this is very personal and younger readers might not have a problem with it but I found it difficult to relate to a 15 year old protagonist. I'm in my 30s and naturally find it easier to connect with characters that are past the "asking adults for permission" stage in life. The themes in City of Bones are fairly mature, too, and making Clary 18 like in the TV show would have made it easier for older readers to relate. In general character development was okay though and I do love Jace, his sense of humour is the absolute highlight of the book.
Overall it's an easy to read book but it would have benefited from trimming down and slightly older characters.
His Grandfather's Watch by N.R. Walker
4.0
The bulk of the book tells the sweet love story of Alex and Callum. It's a fun story and easy to read but the real gem here is the backstory at the end of the book that dive's into how Callum's grandfather Hale fell in love with his friend Billy. That part of the book is really heart breaking. I was crying as I read about their tragic relationship. I really enjoy N.R. Walker's writing.
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
3.0
The Casual Vacancy was J.K. Rowling's first novel after Harry Potter and it's completely different from the latter. Therefore I wouldn't recommend reading The Casual Vacancy just because it's by J.K. Rowling or because you liked Harry Potter.
The story is told by an omniscient narrator which, as so often, makes it very difficult for the reader to connect with the characters, especially during the first half of the book. And there are so many characters. J.K. Rowling introduces around 20 "main characters" and maybe another 20 supporting characters. It's truly a huge cast and it makes the beginning of the book a very slow read as you get to know all of those different people.
Towards the second half of the book the pacing picks up. It gets more interesting as the story starts to move forward. The characters are being fleshed out very well, it's one of J.K. Rowling's greatest strengths. Unlike many other authors she shows the reader the good, the bad and the ugly of all her characters - and there is a lot of ugly.
The thing that I maybe enjoyed the most about the brilliant Harry Potter books where those ingenious plot twists. Those are missing from The Casual Vacancy. There are some surprising moments but none of them come even close to the delicious shocks J.K. Rowling delivered in Harry Potter.
The story is told by an omniscient narrator which, as so often, makes it very difficult for the reader to connect with the characters, especially during the first half of the book. And there are so many characters. J.K. Rowling introduces around 20 "main characters" and maybe another 20 supporting characters. It's truly a huge cast and it makes the beginning of the book a very slow read as you get to know all of those different people.
Towards the second half of the book the pacing picks up. It gets more interesting as the story starts to move forward. The characters are being fleshed out very well, it's one of J.K. Rowling's greatest strengths. Unlike many other authors she shows the reader the good, the bad and the ugly of all her characters - and there is a lot of ugly.
The thing that I maybe enjoyed the most about the brilliant Harry Potter books where those ingenious plot twists. Those are missing from The Casual Vacancy. There are some surprising moments but none of them come even close to the delicious shocks J.K. Rowling delivered in Harry Potter.