Books #93-98
93)
Ariel by Steven R. Boyett (Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy, 335 pages)
This was an incredibly engrossing read. A lovely coming-of-age novel in a post-apocalyptic world where the laws of physics have completely changed. I was incredibly impressed with the world building, the tight plotting, and the characterization. I was even more impressed after learning that the first draft of the book was completed when the author was only 19. I didn't like the ending very much, but over all, the ending fit very well with the overarching story and had been foreshadowed heavily throughout. I knew it was coming but hated it for its inevitability. Lovely lovely book. 4.5/5
94)
The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines (Fantasy, 352 pages)
I liked this even better than the first book in the series. The character development was deeper while still having an action-packed plot. I loved Hines' reinterpretation of The Little Mermaid story that made it in some ways even more tragic than Hans Christian Anderson's original. I'm anxiously looking forward to the next book. A number of things happened in Mermaid that will forever change the lives of the three princesses, and I want to see how they play out. 4/5
95)
Feels Like the First Time by Tawny Weber (Romance, 224 pages)
Free ebook download that I started because I needed something quick, brainless, and I was in the mood for a romance. This was surprisingly entertaining and much more well-written than I would have expected for a Harlequin. 3.5/5
96)
The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan (Historical Fiction, 320 pages)
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with this book. It was an impulse buy; I had never heard of the book before, but the plot sounded somewhat interesting. Once I started reading, though, I could not put it down. The narrator wasn't the most compelling character, but I loved the language the author used, the almost dreamlike storytelling narrative, and the overall plot in which the Niagra River was the unspoken main character of the book. 4/5
97)
When You Wish by Kristin Harmel (YA Chick-Lit, 288 pages)
Harmel tackles the YA genre with this story of a teenage rock star who goes off to find her long-lost father and a normal life. While a fun and light read, the book suffers from some of the pitfalls of both the YA and chick-lit genres. The character development is shallow and the plotting seems rushed. I would have loved to had read this same story in a longer form. But still, a quick fun read. 3.5/5
98)
According to Jane by Marilyn Brant (Chick-Lit, 352 pages)
This is a bit of an odd-ball premise - at age 15, Ellie gets the spirit of Jane Austen talking to her in her head and giving her life and relationship advice. The story follows Ellie through high school, college, grad school, and beyond, and details her string of (completely unsuitable) boyfriends -- each of whom Jane has much to say about. Quirky, funny, and with some really fun characters, and an ending that made me smile. Brant got Jane Austen's "voice" down. 4/5
