Topic: Book Reviews

[Dragonfire]

I've managed to read a few books recently that I've enjoyed.  I even got reviews of them done on Epinions.

Treachery in Death - newest book in the In Death series...book 32 in the series.

Deeper Than the Dead - Mystery/thriller about the search for a serial killer in 1985...before DNA evidence was being used.  Interesting plot, especially since I'm use to books, movies and tv shows that rely on DNA evidence.

In Too Deep - Sort of a romantic suspense with psychic characters. The book is entertaining, though the mystery could be stronger.

Apple Turnover Murder - This is the 13th book in a series featuring the same main characters.  It is the first of these books I've read, but I liked it enough that I think I'll try a few of the earlier books.  The main character owns a bakery and ends up solving murders.  The mystery is very light and even fluffy, but it is entertaining.

[DJ Doena]

I recently read The Hunger Games trilogy



The story is about a post-apocalyptic world (i.e. North America) where there are no countries anymore. There are only 12 Districts and the Capitol. There used to be a 13th District but it was completely destroyed during the last rebellion of the Districts against the Capitol.

Now the Capitol rules with an iron fist and to prove their supremacy, each year the districts have to "provide" two children between the ages 12 and 16 - one girl and one boy. Then these 24 are sent to a fighting area which only one winner will leave alive.

The protagonist of the books is Katniss Aberdeen and she fights in the 74th Hunger Games for her very survival.


I watched the movie first but found it lacking because Katniss' behaviour in the Capitol outside the arena seemed odd. The book made a good job explaining her motivations far better than the film. I really, really liked the first book which made me eager to read the sequels.

The second book already dropped in quality IMHO. After all, it was basically the same story again albeit with a twist.

The third one ultimately dropped the ball IMHO. It was rushed and simply skipped over huge parts of the time when Katniss was conveniently injured or unconscious (for example, we never learn what happened with the Nut. Did the soldiers surrender eventually? Did they all suffocate to death?

I have similar complaints about the last Harry Potter book. When you keep in mind how hard it was to destroy the first Horcruxes, the diary, the ring, the locket, then the destruction of the last Horcruxes seemed really easy in comparison and it felt rushed - as if JK Rowling just wanted to get it over with.

I had the same feeling with Mockingjay to be honest.  

[DSig]

I hadn't really notice this Book section but tripped over it today.  Books used to be # 1 for me but has move to number 3 following Movies and Music (having swapped with Movies).  Looks like this doesn't get used much ... hoping this changes.


Author: Eoin Colfer
Publisher: Hyperion
Date: 2009

...And Another Thing is the 6th book in the trilogy Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy started by the the brilliant Douglas Adams.  Having loved all H2G2 things since early 80's (81/82) when NPR first broadcast the series, i was amazed when I ran across this book at a bargain book store.  Since the sad demise of Douglas Adams I never would have thought .'that anyone would have the "BBB" to attempt to write to his story.  But I was wrong.

Overall this is a great read and I am really surprised how well Eoin Colfer carries the voice of Douglas Adams.  Having never heard of him before (award winning author of the Armetis Fowl Series[url]) I was really surprised that this was even being tried ... but H2G2 ... come on.

But it is very well done.  All the great characters are back and the addition of Random, Arthur and Trillium's daughter, is really fun.

If you are a H2G2 fan and haven't read this then you are in for a fun surprise.