Review: The God Engines by John Scalzi

The God Engines by John Scalzi

Enslaving gods to power space ships. O Scalzi, how you delight me with your stories. This book did indeed delight. It was wonderfully different in flavor from his other books, which tend to be much more light-hearted even though they talk about war. This book was dark, and at points, I felt like an evil cheshire cat was grinning at me. I crave more of this story but unfortunately it was a novella.

I liked the characters and felt like I got to know them even thought it was a short book! There is so much more to explore in this universe that you've now created for me, Scalzi. Alas, there is no more, and Scalzi has stated that the story doesn't lend itself to anything following. Really, the lack of a sequel or hope of a sequel is the only reason why I wouldn't rate it at 5 stars. The story is a truly wonderful read.

Check out prices for The God Engines at Amazon

Review: The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastards #1) by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

There was lots to like since I always find heists to be great fun (/begin long aside not that you would have known from the fact that I don't review very many but I do in fact enjoy heist books just that there don't seem to be a whole lot in the fantasy genre perhaps or I haven't actively sought them out or some such thing /end long aside).

Locke is a splashy character and the learning to be a special kind of thief is reminiscent of Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey but more for adults, and the storyline in some ways are quite similar. Jean is great to follow as well, and I like that he names his weapons. The reveals are lots of fun.

This is the author's first offering, and it is quite good. There is a second book out already. This series is meant to be 7 books long although there has been a very long hang-up for the writing of book 3 due to depression issues of the author.

Check out prices for The Lies of Locke Lamora at Amazon

Review: Metatropolis by John Scalzi (editor& author), Karl Schroeder, Elizabeth Bear, Jay Lake, and Tobias S. Buckell

Metatropolis by John Scalzi (editor& author), Karl Schroeder, Elizabeth Bear, Jay Lake, and Tobias S. Buckell

Most compilations of short stories are hit and miss because while there is an overarching theme, the individual stories are of variable quality. Metatropolis tackles this problem by having all the writers writing in the same world (and of course having good writers and the amazing John Scalzi on the team I'm sure helped). They swapped ideas over how to build this world while they were each writing. The result is really good.

The near-future post-apocalyptic feeling is built into every detail in these stories, and the ideas that are created are amazing. I really wish this collection could be expanded into a full series to further explore the world these authors built.

I love that MMO's have been taken to a new level, and things like Amazon's mechanical turk are twisted slightly to show what could happen.

As with most post-apocalyptic novels, the tone of the stories are somewhat gritty and have a sense of removal of emotion in the wake of disaster. I loved it.

Check out prices for Metatropolis at Amazon

Review: The Desert Spear (Demon #2) by Peter V. Brett

The Desert Spear (Demon #2) by Peter V. Brett

In many ways, this second book is quite different from the first book. It spends a lot of time exploring the backstory of Jardir, which is nice to know about since it explains his actions in the first book. It also builds some nice depth to his character and Abban's, but the exploring is done without clear indication markers of the fact that we're going back into the past. The first time this happens, the reader spends a few moments going "What just happened?" which is not a good thing.

The pacing for this second book is not as fast as the first since it does spend a lot of time building up the backstory and adds more viewpoints so that there is less time for each one. (In this one there were 7 viewpoints compared with the 3 in the previous) I hope the latter books don't succumb to more viewpoints creeping in because it quickly becomes difficult to keep track of.

This book is still excellent though. The coming war and the build-up of anticipation as well as the development of the characters emotionally and power-wise is excellent. I really do hope that the third book gets written in time for publication next year although it is pretty clear at this point that this can't possibly be a trilogy.

Check out prices for The Desert Spear at Amazon

Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

In this last book of the Hunger Games trilogy, everything comes flying apart. The book feels like a spiraling descent into chaos and madness, but it's done oh so skillfully. You can feel the danger, fear, pain, and loss of sanity. This is a world that is cruel with the sing-song nature of an insane child murderer.

I would say that this book really deserves a "This shit is not for kids" sticker. I'm not even sure it is at all appropriate for young adults much more so than even the previous two books.

I had a minor issues with Gale. In the previous books we really don't see much of Gale because he's not a contestant. Now that there are no more games, he can play a more prominent role, but I'm not sure the way his character turned out gels well with how he was portrayed previously. This may be because I missed out on characterization cues before or perhaps because there just wasn't enough room to give him much depth, but I just don't feel like Gale was really Gale.

All that being said, it was still an excellent book and a fitting ending for a powerful trilogy.

Check out prices for Mockingjay at Amazon

Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Loved it. Definitely a fitting second book to what is apparently a trilogy. Prior to other people telling me that it was wonderful, I had worried that it would fizzle as the premise of the second book seemed somewhat weak, but it turned out to be good!

Unfortunately, it left us again with a mostly cliff-hangover. Granted, it was one that made sense since the main story for that book was over, but oh the agony of the wait.

When I read this book, I eagerly awaited the third and cursed Cindy (while hugging her of course for recommending the books in the first place) for having suggested the series before it was fully published.

I'm doing all three reviews in quick succession since I've finished the series, but you may want to hold off on reading all three reviews at once. Despite their not being spoilers the last one gives a sense of how the third book is which you may or may not want to know about until after you read the second book. The series as a whole is great, and I definitely recommend reading it.

Check out prices for Catching Fire at Amazon

Review: The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

So I said I would post a review of The Hunger Games because it was an excellent book (beginning of a trilogy actually), and here it is:

After much persuasion from a friend, I picked this book up to read. The cover is not all that great, and the author's other series was not particularly well known. What lay inside that uninspiring cover though was the first part of an excellent story. No wonder my friend was so adamant that I pick this up.

Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take part in a fight to the death, which is put on every year for the amusement of those living in the Capitol. The grueling fight to survive, the ever present government, and the stark contrast between those who were born lucky and those who weren't are some of the main elements which makes this such a thrilling ride.

You are lucky to be starting this now because all 3 books in this trilogy are out. This is another one of those break-out books that is an enjoyable read for readers of all ages despite being billed as young adult.


Check out prices for The Hunger Games at Amazon

Review: Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1) by John Scalzi

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

This is one of the few books/series with war as a prominent theme that I truly enjoy. Scalzi writes witty amusing characters, who are an absolute joy to read.

John Perry is old, and he is being recruited for war in outer space. In this first book, you get to learn about this new world where it's better to have old people fighting than young people. It's not your typical space opera especially with Scalzi at the helm.

The action is interspersed nicely with character development, and the depth, richness, and mild sarcasm of the author's imagination makes this book a great read.

If you like sci-fi, you should read this. If you don't like sci-fi, you still might find yourself enjoying this book.

Check out prices for Old Man's War at Amazon

Review: True Season of Love

True Season of Love by Urenna Sander

I didn't like this book much at first, the beginning seemed rather improbable with its whole love at first sight deal and having the main character auctioned off for a one night stand in the 60's. Now, my knowledge of the 60's isn't particularly complete especially in France so perhaps this was at least to some extent normal then.

Now, after the suspension of belief for the first part of the book, the book went along more probably, and was pleasant to read. The characters develop and there's a good amount of conflict and obstacles for the lovers to overcome.

There are a lot of "other people" that pursue Olivia (the female in the pair) which seemed somewhat contrived but excusable.

The middle of the book was quite long, and was filled with a lot of dithering on the part of Olivia. In addition, the temper of Ptolemy (the male half) was somewhat overbearing although it was supposed to reflect the fact that men were domineering. This, however, is in contrast to Olivia's seemingly much more modern desire for career over family and her inability to see that there are plenty of people who seem to think otherwise (again perhaps I didn't quite understand the era, but her attitude towards it didn't seem time consistent).

The ending is somewhat disappointing as the book is quite long, and there seemed to be ample time to tie up loose story ends without rushing all of it in the last 15-20 pages or so. The ending, like the beginning seems to require a bit of suspension of belief, but hey it's supposed to be a love story, romance novel so as is, it's not too bad.

Disclaimer: I won this book for free from First Reads.

Check out prices for True Season of Love at Amazon

Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

While I certainly liked this book better than the main books from Lord of the Rings, I wouldn't say I am in love with it. Bilbo is somewhat of a cuddly character in his perpetual confusion and general being swept along-ness. It is certainly a different feel than the character we briefly see in Lord of the Rings.

The whole adventure feels quite lighthearted without much doom and gloom or portents floating around. There is still perhaps a bit too much description of natural features, but hey lots of people love that stuff even if I find it ho-hum.

Check out prices for The Hobbit at Amazon

Review: Kushiel's Dart (Kushiels Legacy #1) by Jacqueling Carey

Kushiel's Dart (Kushiels Legacy #1) by Jacqueling Carey

I got this book originally as a present. I hadn't heard of the author nor the book before, and I wasn't sure it was going to be any good although the cover did promise sex if nothing else (which is did have in abundance). Once I cracked it open, however, I simply couldn't stop reading it.

Some may say that the author makes too much out of each gesture, but I love the shades of meaning she packs into each character's thoughts and actions. There is a sort of enchantment that the characters have, which makes me love them.

While the Carey does draw a lot of details of the different cultures from existing ones, it's a lot of fun to discover each "new" one through the eyes of Phedre (the main character).

Terre d'Ange is made magnificent and gorgeous through Carey's descriptions, and the political intrigue throughout the kingdom is great to follow.

Basically, I really loved this book. I think people who are into romantic fantasy should pick this one up. Do be forewarned, that there is S&M.

Check out prices for Kushiel's Dart at Amazon

A Social Blogger's Guide to the Book Blogosphere

The book blogging sphere has a LOT of social action. Maybe you're looking for a place to list a giveaway, a book challenge, or a meme! This is your one-stop shop for that info! Everything here should be free to use. If I've missed something or you would like to make others aware of an event, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Also, if anything is broken feel free to send me an email at snifflykitty@gmail.com

More links to come soon when I have a bit of time.

Edits going forward will be marked individually - Latest edit: 3/25
-Apologies, blogger messed up the anchor links for awhile but they are now fixed

Memes
Places to link a giveaway
Blog Hops
Book Challenges
ARC/Galleys
Blog Directories
Useful Widgets
Blog Designers
Add Link


Book Blog Memes

Monday
-Musing Monday Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading
This is a writing prompt every week about books.
-It's Monday, What Are You Reading? Hosted by Book Journey
Share what you are reading.

Tuesday
-Teaser Tuesday Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading
Share a couple of sentences from the book you are reading.
-Tween Tuesday Hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen
Share a great tween read.
-Top Ten Tuesday Hosted by Steph of Broke and Bookish
Pick your top ten for the theme of the week.

Wednesday
-WWW Wednesday Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading
A little past, present, and future of your readings.
-New Beginning Wednesdays Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading
Updates on your resolutions.
-Waiting on Wednesday Hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine
Share upcoming book releases that you're looking forward to.
-Whatcha Reading Wednesday Hosted by Workaday Ramblings Added (3/25)
Share what you are reading right now.

Thursday
-Booking through Thursday Hosted by Btt2
Answer a book-ish question.
-Thursday Picks Hosted by Liz of Things Liz Loves
Share books, movies, or DVDs being released in the nexst week that you are excited about.
-Third Sentence Thursday Hosted by Sniffly Kitty of Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books
Something to do with the third sentence of books every week.

Friday
-Follow Friday Hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View
A chance for new and old blogs to follow each other.
-Friday Finds Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading
Share some great reads you've heard about over the week.
-Book Beginnings on Friday Hosted by Katy of A Few More Pages
Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading.

Saturday
-On My Wishlist Hosted by Book Chick City
Share a book you've been dying to read.
-Weekend Question Hosted by Liz of Cleverly Inked
Answer the question posted.
-Saturday Situation Hosted by Lori of Pure Imagination

Sunday
-Sunday Salon Hosted by The Sunday Salon
Weekly read-a-thon although it is closed for new entries at the moment.
-In My Mailbox Hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren
Share what you received this past week whether from the library, the bookstore, or in your mailbox.
-Top 5 Sundays Hosted by Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life
Post your top 5 for the topic of the week


Places to Link your giveaway
Link up your giveaway Hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View
Book Giveaways Group on Goodreads
Book Blog Giveaways Group on Book Blogs Ning
Monday Linky Hosted by Katie of The Romantic Type
Monday Giveaway Linky Hosted by Mommy D of Mommy D's Kitchen
Tuesday Contest Linky Hosted by Melissa of Outnumbered 3:1
Double Prizes
Share Your Giveaway Sunday Hosted by The Mommy-Files
Sunday Giveaway Link Hosted by Julie of Knitting and Sundries
Saturday Situation Hosted by Lori of Pure Imagination

Blog Hops
-Book Blog Hop Hosted by Jennifer of Crazy for Books
Go on a tour of some of the blogs out there.
-Literary Blog Hop Hosted by The Blur Bookcase
This blog hop is open to blogs that primarily feature book reviews of literary fiction, classic literature, and general literary discussion.


Book Challenges

Timed
Debut Author Challenge Hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren
Live Life to the Fullest Hosted by MizB
TBR Challenge Hosted by MizB
Read n Review Hosted by MizB
Read Your Own Books Hosted by MizB
Vampire Series Challenge Hosted by MizB
100+ Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
12x12 Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
YA Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
Library Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
Lynn Viehl Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
Lisa Jackson Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge Hosted by J. Kaye of Home Girl's Book Blog
I Want More Hosted by Marce of Teat Time with Marce
The Queen of Suspense Challenge Hosted by Marce of Teat Time with Marce
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge Hosted by The Book Vixen
YA Books of the 80's and 90's Hosted by The Book Vixen
Nicholas Sparks Hosted by The Book Vixen
Men in Uniform Hosted by The Book Vixen
Aussie Author Challenge Hosted by Joanne of Booklover Book Review
Spring Reading Thing Hosted by Callapidder Days
Fall Into Reading Hosted by Callapidder Days
2nds Challenge Hosted by Katy of A Few More Pages
On the Shelf Hosted by Dutchie of Bookish Ardour
The Dystopia Challenge Hosted by Dutchie of Bookish Ardour
The Century Challenge Hosted by Dutchie of Bookish Ardour
The Comic Challenge Hosted by Dutchie of Bookish Ardour
Get Steampunked Hosted by Dutchie of Bookish Ardour
Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge Hosted by Lynossa of Deranged Book Lovers
Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge Hosted by Fatin of Romance Book Maven
Eastern European Reading Challenge Hosted by Amy of The Black Sheep Dances
Sexy Reading Challenge Hosted by Alexandria and Moira at Brazen Broads Book Bash
Gothic Reading Challenge Hosted by Susan B. Evans
Dusty Volumes Reading Challenge Hosted by Midnyte Reader
Three R's Reading Challenge Hosted by Cheryl of CMash Loves to Read, Julie of Reading with Restraint, and Gina of Hott Book
Fantasy Reading Challenge Hosted by Darlyn & Books
Morbid Romantica Challenge Hosted by Mad Scientist of Steampunkery & Book Reviews
Wish I'd Read That Hosted by Misha of My Love Affair with Books
Audio Book Challenge Hosted by I Read Banned Books Added (1/5)
42 Challenge Hosted by Shellie and John of Layers of Thought Added (1/5)

Perpetual
-Raved Reads Hosted by MizB
Create and read a list of books that you’ve always heard others rave about, and thought you should read yourself… but always put off reading “until later”.
-101 Fantasy Challenge Hosted by Michelle of True Book Addict
Pick 101 books on the massive list and read read read. This site also hosts some mini-challenges.
Girl's Book Blog
-50 States Challenge Hosted by Nothing but Reading Challenges group on Goodreads
Read books taking place in all 50 US states.
-Reading through Europe Hosted by Nothing but Reading Challenges group on Goodreads
Read books taking place in all 50 European Countries.


ARC/Galleys

ARC Tours
-Different Area Codes Book Tours
Requires at least 2 months of active blogging.
-Around the World ARC Tours
Young adult books. Requires at least 5 months of active blogging.
-1 ARC Tours
Requires 2 months of active blogging.
-Book it Forward Tours
Requires 30 reviews and active blogging.
-Crazy Book Tours
Requires at least 3 months of active blogging.
-Star Book Tours
No blogging requirement.
-Novel Noise
Your blog will be vetted for fit and requirements are unknown.
-The Teen Book Scene
Requires at least 3 months of active blogging.
-We Love YA Tour
Requires at least 3 months of active blogging.

From the Publishers Added (12/01)
-NetGalley
Ebooks only.
-BookSneeze
Mainly Christian fiction
-FSB Associates
-First Look
-Blogging for Books
Lots of Christian Fiction
-Nurture Your Books
-Gallery and Pocket Books
-Hachette Group
You can also apply to do giveaways.
-More Hachette Group


Blog Directories
Blogged
Book Blogs on Ning
The Blog Farm
Blogging Women
We Believe Blogs
Blog Catalog
On Top List

Misc Events
coming soon


Useful Widgets

Linky Lists
Simply Linked
Mr. Linky's Magical Widgets
Linky Tools
Inlinkz

Other
Tickers from Ticker Factory
Different Progress Bar Meter by Svenja


Blog Designers
-Dreamy Blog Designs
Blogger blogs only.

Add Link

Review: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

A very interesting journey Ayaan takes from ignorance to devout Muslim to infidel(aetheist). It is an autobiography so the journey takes a long time and the revelation comes at the very end. The point the book makes doesn't actually require the entire sum of her experiences to drive home but definitely worth reading.

It gives a glimpse into the culture and daily life of some places in the Muslim countries. In some ways it is frightening with its poverty and restriction on freedoms. The power dynamic within families and the society which are backed up by constant quotations from the Quran gives the people within the extremist feel of New Earthers with a militant bent.

The author's life has been threatened many time after publishing her story, and I am grateful that she had the courage to write it. It's a great autobiography/story to read.

Check out prices for Infidel at Amazon

Review: Sheepfarmer's Daughter (The Deed of Paksenarrion #1) by Elizabeth Moon

After the series of YA books I've reviewed, it is perhaps time I showed that I read more adult books on occasion. Granted, because of the Harry Potter craze, a lot more fantasy is being published for YA than ever before even if some of it is of poor quality. Some of it is fabulous though, like Hunger Games which I have yet to post a review on but will do so at some point.


Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon

It started off quite promising: girl goes off to join a mercenary company to avoid marriage. Unfortunately, it devolves into long sequences of battle maneuvering rather than focusing much on the story. I feel so cheated out of character development. I also didn't like the amount of characters that died, but I suppose that's to be expected in a war book.

I'm not sure that I want to read the next in the series as I became less and less enamored with the book as it went on. I am sure that some people will like the battle sequences although I don't have enough military experience/theoretical background (read as none) to determine whether the fighting is realistic or not.

Check out prices for Sheepfarmer's Daughter at Amazon

Review: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz #1) by Brandon Sanderson

I thought a lot of the intro scenes were somewhat needless although that might not have been the case if I had been reading it in book form rather than listening to the audiobook version (since I read a bit faster).

Granted, this is probably at a younger age level than I am suited for reading and would have earned a higher rating if I was younger. Nonetheless, I did like a lot of the weird twisted logic, and hats off to Sanderson for the absurdity level. Sanderson's world-building powers are still on display in this book with very well though-out "curses" that are actually great abilities which are revered in a different world. (If you can't tell, I love Sanderson's world-building/magic systems)

I like that this somehow manages to talk about librarians as "Big Brother" in a fantasy setting and makes swords more powerful than guns.

This is a good read for those who want a bit of lightheartedness and don't mind that this is written for kids.

Check out prices for Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians at Amazon

Review: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1)

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan

I am really confused as to why this is such a popular book. The tone and writing style in general was not very pretty and rather annoying at intervals. I wanted to bash the main character (and some side characters) over the head for most of the book, and many of the elements felt very contrived. The twisted Greek Myth stuff was kinda fun and saved the book from being an utter wash.

I suspect many people read this as a way to continue the Harry Potter binge (with publisher's cashing in) although this book utterly fails to bring the sort of charm, wonder, and depth that the HP series had.

Please don't spend time reading this book. There are better ones out there.

Check out prices for The Lightning Thief at Amazon

Project - DnD/Pathfinder

I've been working on a project, which I'd like to share briefly the details of. I've been picking up C in part because my mentor knows it fairly well and also because I've briefly used C++ in the past so C is in some respects easier to understand.

I am making a DnD(Pathfinder rules) encounter builder type thing, which I'm still in the process of deciding what I want it to do while writing some parts of it to learn C. Since it is meant to be used by anyone, I'm learning GLUT stuff in order to have a UI of some sort. I also need to pick up some perl to pull the information of Anyway, I just wanted to share this project. When I've actually got some semblance of a useable program, I'll post it here (or I might post it somewhere else and link to it here.... something like that).

Review: Homeland (The Legend of Drizzt #1) by R.A. Salvatore

Homeland by R.A. Salvatore

I rather liked the fact that this book focused primarily on a race which is not essentially good as so many fantasy novels seem to do. Granted, because of this focus, I was a bit unready for the first parts of the book. The political intrigue in the novel though drew me in. It's an interesting look at how shades of gray can seem stark white in a world of deep black. I also liked the commentary on indoctrination, and how it can reinforce a society's beliefs and make the inconsistencies go away in the minds of the indoctrinated (thinks of a segment of a certain political party).

I did not, however, love the first book perhaps because I dislike, to a certain extent, how dark the society is. The ending though is fitting for the novel. What is nice after the book ends is that 1) there are more books in the series and 2) if you play D&D this is tied into the game to some extent and now you know the story of what happened to Drizzt.

I recommend it as a read for fantasy lovers (but not for those romantic fantasy lovers for sure) and D&D players.

Check out prices for Homeland at Amazon

Review: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Dystopian present, alternate reality games, characters I can relate to, and a plot that's well written what's not to love? It is also somewhat alarming how easily this might take place today. It almost seems cyberpunk, but it's not extended into the future enough perhaps to be called cyberpunk.

The main characters are your slightly anti-authority pretty intelligent kids, who are caught up in a plausible scenario with the US government. What happens to them and their quest to fight back is just a great read. I think plenty of nerds/geeks will like this although the references in the book will become dated in a few years.

This is my first Cory Doctorow read, and I don't think it will be my last.

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

Check out prices for Little Brother at Amazon

Review: Must've Done Something Good