Mini Reviews 19

Here are a couple of mini reviews; I didn't have much to say about these ones (or forgot what I wanted to say).


Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
This is second in the Castle Glower series, first one was Tuesdays at the Castle, which I really enjoyed.  This one was sweet and rollicky good fun. I like the griffin most of all. The book did, however, seem to kind of lose its way a bit in the middle. I felt like it didn't move us forward a lot in the series until much later and lots of things happen right near the end that aren't entirely clear. But I might read more in the series later.


Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
This is book 3 of the Finishing School Series by Carriger.  Honestly, I wish it was the last.  I tire of the series. I'm ready for it to be over (and expected it to be the last, what with trilogies being the Thing), but there's another book.  Some stuff actually happened in this one, though I can't seem to remember much of it. It's definitely as quirky and weird as the others, if that's your thing.


Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
This book is super weird, but in a good way.  It is a crazy interesting story of reincarnation and enduring love. I was very much swept away in its atmospheric feeling and the beautiful writing. I did spend a lot of time wondering what was going on. I think that was on purpose.  I read this for the Printz award, and can see why it was chosen.  Still, very strange.  It reminded me of the strange in Chime by Franny Billingsley, which I also really liked.


Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
I read this because, Neil Gaiman.  Also, I got a review copy in the mail.  Yes!  This is such a fun book.  What a great read-aloud this would be with your kids or in school.  I loved how funny and cheeky and just downright wacky it got.  Will definitely get laughs out of your grade school kids (and older). I only wished there was more when it ended.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 18

Hey, not only is this the last of the mini reviews (for a while), but it's the last of my 2014 book reviews! I'm only five months behind - yeah?


Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Summary:
When Elizabeth Darcy's sister Lydia shows up unannounced at Pemberley, the Darcy's quiet world is shattered.  Wickham and their friend Denny got into an argument and Denny is found dead.  Wickham is the chief suspect and that brings even more shame to the Darcy family name, as Mr. Darcy's brother-in-law.  Can Elizabeth and Darcy hold their position and their family together under such pressure?

My Thoughts:
This one suffered in comparison to the mini series.  I watched it first and then read the book and not only was the fun taken out of the mystery, since I knew who had done it, but I found it a lot less exciting and intense than the show.  I admit the mini series took some liberties that I laughed at, particularly with regard to Lizzy's role in the whole thing.  Still, it made the book seem a lot slower and more boring.  Plus, mystery still isn't my favorite genre of choice.  Meh.
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The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary:
Carthya is on the brink of war and Jaron is fighting to keep his throne.  But when an unexpected threat arises, he is about to risk all in order to keep what is his.  He is ready to make a desperate move to save the kingdom, the throne, and those he cares about. Will it be enough?

My Thoughts:
I really liked the start of the series, and I am satisfied by the ending and how everything turned out. I remember enjoying the action and the excitement of watching Jeron do crazy things for his throne and his love.  I love how Nielsen is able to plot twists that are fantastic and that I don't usually see coming, though a few of them I do.  But, to be honest, it's been a few months and I can't remember much of what happened.  So, I guess there's that against it.
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Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Summary:
Sophronia continues her training as a spy and this time is caught up in a conspiracy brooding in London.  As their floating school makes its way straight into the heart of the trouble, she and her friends must discover who is behind this plot before it's too late for them all.

My Thoughts:
Well, this series is fun to read when you just want a lark.  There are plenty of politics (of the supernatural variety) and intrigue going on to keep you reading.  Also, I really like Sophronia, despite her doing some really annoying things in the romance department.  I think I do read them for the characters and the silliness.  Definitely a nice break from serious stuff (not that I was reading serious stuff anyway.)
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In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story by David McCullough

Summary from goodreads:

Christmas Eve, 1941. Mere days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message of hope that still resonates today.

My Thoughts:
This is basically a transcript from a program McCullough did with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a Christmas program (I did read this around Christmas - I was super proud of myself for doing some thematic reading, since I don't usually - too bad I didn't get a review posted until May).  But it was too short and I really wanted more details about the historical period.  There was an interesting address by PM Churchill that made me want to read a bio of him (now to figure out which of the 3 billion to read).
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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Summary:
An autobiography of the author written in verse, describes her childhood and youth and all that led her to writing stories and becoming the person she is today.

My Thoughts:
Love, love love it!  This was fantastic.  I know why this won the National Book Award (and other delightful shiny stickers). It is written so, so well (and I sometimes have a hard time with verse novels).  The story is amazing and I adored hearing more about the time period and the things Jacqueline dealt with.  Her family were awesome (well, most of them)!
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Chime by Franny Billingsley

Summary:
Briony is living with so many secrets and so much guilt, she can hardly breathe some days.  Determined never to let anyone know just what she's done, she leads a painful life of deception.  Until she begins to see that things might not have been as she thought.

My Thoughts:
This book was super weird and interesting and confusing.  I can't believe how long it took me to get to it (I got an ARC way back when).  I was sucked in from the first page!  The story was convoluted and I had no idea what was going on a lot of the time, but I have to admit I was wowed.  I loved how the end came about and how things just sort of clicked.  Intriguing, strange, and very gorgeously written!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: February 2013
Pages: 320
Source: ARC from publishers
For: Review
Series: Finishing School, Book 1

When Sophronia is sent off to be finished, she little expects the kind of finishing that goes on at her new school. On the remote, floating school, she begins to learn the arts of deception, diversion, and espionage...in addition to etiquette and decorum. But she also discovers a lot of secrets, including one that threatens the school and all she's coming to love.

Things I Liked:
I always enjoy a good steampunk novel.  For some reason, they contain just the right amount of quirky fun and strange inventions, so that I can't stop reading them.  I fell in love with Sophronia, who was such a great character to follow around in her mostly historical setting also populated with supernatural creatures and other strange inventions.  There's nothing quite like a girl who doesn't know where she fits, finds a place, and it certainly isn't where she's expected to fit.  I love all the friends she makes too - especially Sidheag, for some reason.  I like her prickly exterior and her complete lack of concern over what makes a lady.  Just an all-around fun steampunk adventure with loveable quirky characters.

Things I Didn't Like:
The plot was a little bit slow and seemed to not be getting anywhere anytime soon.  But the everything else (setting, steampunk fun, characters, etc) kept my attention engaged (though I have to admit it took me almost a month to finally finish it - mostly because I had other books that HAD to be read right away).  Also, there was an inordinate number of side characters introduced, which I assume will play larger roles in future books - a bit of setup-itis I think.  Pick this one up when you need some fun entertainment!

Read-alikes:
Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld
Also, a tiny bit Harry Potter-ish

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two mild ones

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none
despite the numerous run-ins with flywaymen and picklemen :)

Overall rating: ****

Are you a steampunk fan?  What are your favorite steampunk books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 9

It's time for another set of "mini" reviews (I use the term mini loosely, as I tend to still go on and on).

Magic Under Stone by Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 304
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Magic Under Glass, Book 2

Even though Erris has become a living person, he is still stuck in the clockwork body. He and Nimira travel to a distant place, hoping to find the one person who might know how to free him. But when Ordorio is missing, Nimira can't wait around forever and begins to seek her own answers to saving Erris.

My thoughts:
The plot and setting are fairly unique, what with a sort-of alive clockwork fairy prince and a former dancing girl learning illegal magic; I'm quite sure there aren't too many of those around.  I thought the idea of Nim finding her own magic and learning it by herself was a nice touch, since many magic systems are only taught by old magical tutors or something like it.  The story has a lot of potentially interesting side characters too, Annalie shrouded by spirits, Violet the hidden fairy princess, Ifra the reluctant jinn, Belin the conflicted fairy king.  Alas, I did not think these characters or the story lived up to their potential.  I couldn't ever muster enthusiasm for the characters or interest in the plot.  It took me months to finish and I just never cared about what happened.  It felt slow moving and very much not interesting enough to capture my attention.  I felt so lackluster about it I nearly gave up, but for some reason kept trudging through.  The ending has more action, but it's pretty condensed into the last pages.  A fun idea, but executed in such a way that I find it unfortunately forgettable.
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The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication date: February 2010
Length: 5 hrs, 28 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1

Miss Penelope Lumley did certainly not expect to have such unusual children when she took the job as governess at Ashton Park.  Raised by wolves and taken in by the Ashtons, the peculiar children are a handful as Penelope tries to reform them in time for Lady Ashton's Christmas party.  But it seems someone is determined to bring out the worst in them.

My thoughts:
Count this one in the quirky-fun middle grade category and then get your hands (or ears) on it.  I thoroughly enjoyed Penelope and her mixture of propriety and whimsical (hello, Rainbow Ponies).  Despite not being big on plot, I liked getting to know our characters, those incorrigible children and their hilarious wolf-ish antics.  It was a blast listening to it (mostly because of Katherine Kellgren) and she does fabulous spot-on accents for everyone, including some great howling.  As I said, it was a little lacking in plot, but I'm interested to see what happens in the next books, since I've got some pretty good ideas of what's coming. 
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Renegade Magic by Stephanie Burgis
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
Publication date: April 2012
Pages: 336
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Kat, Incorrigible, Book 2

After her oldest sister gets married, Kat's family is thrown into chaos by accusations made against her next older sister, Angeline. When stepmama takes them all to Bath to wait out the storm of gossip, Kat manages to find trouble there, too. Being expelled from the order of Guardians didn't even quite dampen her curiosity and she becomes embroiled in a dangerous magical conspiracy.

My thoughts:
I do truly enjoy the delightful romp that is Regency era England mixed with a spunky 12-year old and a crazy magical system all set in Bath.  Kat is so entertaining in her assumptions and her decisions.  I loved watching her do the unexpected in nearly all situations.  She reminds me a bit of Flavia de Luce, but less mean to her sisters.  I was, however, a bit disappointed in the magical details.  It felt unclear and a bit random in places, particularly in the wild magic aspect.  Perhaps that is more of something that is lightly passed over in MG books, but I kind of wanted more details.  It was still fun and refreshingly light.  I'll definitely be wanting more.
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The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication date: 1986
Pages: 5 hrs, 24 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: Song of the Lioness, Book 3

Alanna is newly knighted and newly revealed to king and court as a woman. She heads away from the uncomfortable feelings of her home and off on adventures. Ending up among the Bajir, she finds herself as head magician to their tribe and fighting off an old evil.

Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication date: 1988
Pages: 6 hrs, 58 min
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: Song of the Lioness, Book 4

 Alanna still isn't sure where she fits in.  Being the first (and only) female knight of Tortall, she certainly stands out.  But when she hears about a mysterious jewell that will bring power and prosperity to any land, she's determined to bring it home to Tortall, to help save her kingdom.  A dark familiar presence has fallen over the court and Alanna returns only to face a foe she's seen before.

My thoughts:
I thought I'd talk about the last two books in this series together, since my thoughts are pretty similar.  I love a good fantasy that has complex cultures and fabulous characters; Alanna is so prickly and ornery that you can't help but love her.  She waffles back and forth on who she loves.  She hates to be in one place.  I like how she is not your typical woman for her culture, but how she also wants to find a way to fulfill all her parts - knight, woman, wife, wanderer.  Also, you really wouldn't want her as an enemy.  Trini Alvarado does a pretty good job as narrator, but not outstanding.  I'm not really fond of the way she talks as Alanna, since it sounds kind of breathy and bored.  Still, that works sometimes.  I did get a bit bored with the episodic feel of the stories, sometimes feeling a bit meandering.  I guess I'm more of a fan of clear one-story plots.  I kept thinking the book should have been over, since the main story line had finished, but I was surprised to find more.  I was also a bit surprised by Alanna's fairly casual sexual relationships.  But, what makes this series so great is the wonderfully real fantasy world.  There are so many things going on and so many characters who come and go.  Just how a great fantasy should be.  I'm excited there are more books set in Tortall to enjoy.

Any thoughts on these books?

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Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9781416971771
Source: e-book provided by GalleyGrab

*Possibly spoilers for the first two books - ye be warned*
Alek and Deryn are both far from home on a voyage around the world to stop World War I.  Alek, who feels duty bound to stop the war, places his hopes in a crazy scientist with a big plan.  Deryn's disguise as a boy member of the crew is getting more dangerous by the minute - especially since she's in love with Alek.  With new characters and danger lurking everywhere, the two may not end up quite where they expected.

Things I Liked:
I'm not entirely sure what my favorite thing about these books is.  Honestly, it's just so much fun to read them it's almost like being on an adventure myself.  Deryn is such a prickly, smart, sassy, vulnerable and hilarious girl that you can't help but love her.  I adore her "cussing" and the plain way she talks, especially when others are dancing around a topic.  Alek is interesting in different ways - trying to find his place, wondering if he can make a difference, torn between two worlds.  And, of course, the story is so fascinating, so unexpected, and so unique that you dive in and can't surface until the conclusion is finally reached.  I loved every minute of this book and especially the illustrations, which can make some tricky concepts come to life.  A favorite series and I'm sure it will delight tween boys and girls alike.

Things I Didn't Like:
Not much.  I think a few times I was annoyed by decisions characters made, but that doesn't make the book any less enjoyable.  I honestly can't think of other things I didn't like!

Read-alikes:
Read Leviathan and Behemoth first
Reminded me of Larklight by Philip Reeve
Airborn and sequels by Kenneth Oppel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two, but most "cussing" came in the form of "bum-rag" and such like

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
there is some action, but most of it is quite mild

Overall rating: ***** 

What do you think of steampunk: like it, hate it, don't know it?

Added bonus: Scott Westerfeld is visiting Arizona next week!  Check out the details for Oct 3rd visit at Changing Hands and the Barnes and Noble in Mesa for Oct 5th.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780545203371
Source: Library

When Giuseppe, a street musician who was sold away from his family in Italy, finds a magical green violin, his life is about to change forever.  It leads him carefully into the lives of Hannah and Frederick.  Hannah is working as a maid to support her family and becomes friends with a mysterious and wealthy woman.  Frederick is a clockmaker's apprentice, secretly working on a clockwork man that he hopes will propel him into his own practice.  Their lives intertwine in unique and complex ways that will lead them all to a very different future than what they imagined.

Things I Liked:
I really liked the atmosphere and characters.  This book is a true genre blend with historical fiction being the most prominent, but a bit of fantasy and steampunk thrown in.  It was so beautifully crafted that the world felt real and I could picture the three kids all living their lives and watching them slowly intertwine.  Kirby has a way of making us care deeply for the characters and I found myself sucked into their struggles and triumphs.  Also, because it is fairly unique, I really had no idea what to expect or what turns the book would take next.  A surprising and very well written debut.  Here's a great quote to give you a taste:

On the far side of the room, beneath a wide window curtained with lace, a large woman reclined on a chaise longue like an Egyptian princess, but not a beautiful one.  The woman might have been attractive underneath her roundness, but her girth filled up whatever space her beauty might have occupied. p 34

Things I Didn't Like:
The ending was a little disappointing to me.  Mostly I thought that some of his initial pieces of the story had no real importance to the story, including the clockwork man.  There was a lot going on and I don't think the many plot lines were quite tied up.  It felt, in fact, like there would be a sequel, but I'm not sure what would happen in a sequel, since it sort of ended their stories.  I guess I just wanted to know more about some of the minor characters who were mysterious and didn't appear to have a purpose other than to save the kids from one disaster or another.  Still, I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Read-alikes:
Candle Man, Book 1 by Glenn Dakin
A bit like Leviathan and Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a little action and some frightening stuff, but nothing much

Overall rating: ****

Have you read any good genre blend books lately?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 978-1416971757
Source: e-book available from publisher

 

During an alternate history of World War I, this book picks up after Leviathan ends.  Prince Alek is being held prisoner aboard the Leviathan.  He and his men plan an escape when the ship reaches Istanbul, with the help of Deryn, who is still hiding her identity.  Both Alek and Deryn find themselves on dangerous missions among enemies.  Can the two find one another again and help to stop the war?

Things I Liked:
I'm really starting to love steampunk.  The fun way it clothes history and especially the note at the end of the book that explained what happened and what didn't, make it one of the best ways I know to learn history while being entertained.  Westerfeld has a gift for creating characters and an alternate world that seems plausible.  His creative vocabulary for the Darwinists and the Clankers and their slang always makes me adopt new words and phrases, most notably "barking spiders" and "bum-rags."  I was so glad also that the e-book ARC had the illustrations included.  These are gorgeous and completely capture the feel of the book.  Almost my favorite part of the whole series.  The story is quick and full of adventures and will surely appeal to both boys and girls alike looking for something that's a mix of fantasy, historical fiction, and action/adventure. 

This was nothing like Buckingham Palace, where Deryn had watched the changing of the Royal Lionesque Guard her first day in London.  That was four stories tall and as square as a cake.  But here the buildings were low and surrounded by colonnades, their arches decorated with checkerboards of black and white marble, as shiny as piano keys.  Steam pipes wound across the mosaicked walls lik message lizard tubes, sweating and huffing with the energies inside them. p 181 of ARC

As she drew, the whire and clatter of the machines around her, the sounds blending like the crash of distant waves.  Deryn wondered how the Clankers had managed it, translating questions into scatterings of holes in paper.  Did every wee sliver of knowledge have its own number?  The system was probably quicker than wandering through the ceiling-high shelves, but what other books might she have found, doing it herself? p 322 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
I kind of wish more had been resolved at the end, but I suppose that's what the next book is for!

Read-alikes:
Airborn and sequels by Kenneth Oppel
Larklight by Philip Reeve
Dreadnought by Cherie Priest
Definitely read Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld first

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
just some barking spiders

mrg-factor: none
one rather interesting kiss...

v-factor: ->->
there are definitely battles, though not a lot of gore

Overall rating: *****

I'm so excited for Scott Westerfeld to visit our local library this month!  Any of you fortunate enough to meet him before?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: December 2009
ISBN: 9781599904306
Source: Library

Nimira is a music-hall performer who left her home country behind for a new life.  When Hollin Parry, a sorcerer invites her to perform with a unique piano-playing automaton, she thinks it can only be an improvement to her current life.  But, Nim is surprised to discover the automaton is housing a cursed fairy prince and she is determined to save him.  Will she be able to save him in time to prevent an imminent war from erupting?

Things I Liked:
It really was a unique story.  I've never read a love story where the heroine falls in love with a fairy prince trapped in an automaton's body.  It was pretty refreshing to not have a typical paranormal love story.  I liked Nimira and Erris, though I think I liked Anni the most.  There were a lot of details about the world Dolamore created that I wanted to know more about.  I was intrigued by the different races, the different countries, and the magical elements.  Here are some interesting tidbits:

"Every person has a reason to walk the earth, Mother always said.  Sometimes the path leads in strange directions." p 93

"Some old women you can never imagine young, but you could picture Miss Rashten in an awkward sort of youth.  I guessed she had not been happy, probably the type who couldn't flirt and never seemed to dress right, who came into her power when she got past the time when such things mattered." p 167

Things I Didn't Like:
I think it could have used more details.  I thought there were unique things that she could have developed more, particularly the romance which was sweet, but not much else.  The writing was just ok for me, but I definitely will be reading more from Dolamore in the future.  I liked it and it showed lots of potential.  

Read-alikes:
It had a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel to it, so maybe Beauty by Robin McKinley

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few (I think)

mrg-factor: X
some minor implied things

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***

Do you sometimes like to wait until all the hype about a book has died down before reading it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Candle Man, Book 1: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin

*ARC provided by publisher*

Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the tale of Theo, who has definitely not had a typical childhood.  Theo has led a very sheltered life, with excursions outside the house limited to visits to the graveyard and other places where he will never come in contact with other people.  His whole world consists of only three acquaintances, because of his mysterious "illness."  Theo's life changes drastically when he finds himself escaping his "home" and running with strangers from the only place he's ever known.  As more secrets are revealed, about himself, his former care takers, and his new friends, Theo is caught up into a dangerous and ancient rivalry that forces him to choose sides and fight for his life.

Things I Liked:

Thus begins a fun new series full of interesting adventures, clever dialog, quirky characters, and strange creatures.  I found the sarcasm at times humorous, but also annoying.  I think kids will really enjoy this series that combines superhero adventures, fantastical creatures, and an intriguing mystery all into one great story.

"A world where only the chosen few will suffer the worries of power and the burden of riches.  A world where the ordinary man will enjoy the virtues of poverty, and the bliss of slavery.  And, under our guidance, this nation will command a vast, docile Empire, as it once did!" p 50 (ARC)

Things I Didn't Like:

At times it felt rather violent for younger ages.  It also was a little odd and hard to follow what exactly was happening.  I have high hopes for the sequel, though.

Read-alikes:

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

A little like Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->

quite a bit, some of it a little gory

Overall rating: ****

Do you prefer your (literary) villains to be obvious or subtle?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage,
I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathanis an alternate history, steampunk story of World War I. Prince Aleksander is on the run from his so-called allies, when his parents are unexpectedly killed. Meanwhile, Deryn is joining the British Air Service, disguised as a boy, and ends up on the Leviathan, not your typical airship. When Alek's and Deryn's paths cross, they must learn to trust each other in order to survive.

Things I Liked:
What a fabulous story! This book is full of fun and fantastical creatures - the stuff that steampunk is made of - and wonderfully quirky characters. I became fascinated with the technology from the Austro-Hungarians and the creatures from the Britains. Deryn managed to be at once lovable and prickly, becoming one of my favorite heroines of all time. In addition, the book is filled with gorgeous and accurate (to the book's descriptions) illustrations that add so much to the text. Here are a few of my favorite humorous quotes:

"They endlessly competed to see who could spit farther, drink rum faster, or belch the loudest. It was bloody exhausting, being a boy." p 102-103

"Yes," Alek said. "A frostbitten bum would've been unfortunate." p 236

Things I Didn't Like:
I was only mildly annoyed the story didn't feel like it wrapped up much. Fortunately, this means sequels!

Read-alikes:
Reminded me very much of Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
Also, Airman by Eoin Colfer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some mild fighting

Overall rating: *****

Got any favorite steampunk books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage,
I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Larklight by Philip Reeve

Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Spaceis the fantastical story of Arthur and his sister Myrtle's adventures chasing and being chased through the solar system by the evil white spiders. Hovering pigs, giant crabs, enormous anemones, malevolent moths, and a frightening pirate all play a part in this steampunk novel filled with fun and adventure.

Things I Liked:
I really enjoyed the humor, the sarcastic and wry humor. The footnotes were particularly enjoyable. The variety and types of odd creatures Reeve thought up for the book was also really fun. The adventure sequences and Art's take on all these things made the whole book for me.

Things I Didn't Like:
It wasn't very engaging. The adventures, while humorous and fairly fun, were not terribly interesting. I kept putting the book down and then later remembering to finish it. I guess what I am saying is that it was not a page-turner. I think middle grade and younger boys especially will enjoy it.

Read-alikes:
Reminded me of Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
Also The Golden Compass and sequels a little

Samples of the laughs to be had:

"...I remember thinking that there could be no fate more horrible thant to be buried alive, and wondered what type of deranged and sickly mind could have invented such a tale. But as I lay there immobilised in a jar on the wrong side of the Moon with only a ravening caterpiller for company I realised that Mr Poe was actually quite a cheery, light-hearted sort of chap, and that his story had been touchingly optimistic." p. 56

"I don't know about you, gentle reader, but when I am reading a book and people start to blub and talk about love and such I generally think it is time to skip a few pages to the next exciting story or gory battle." p. 331

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
they are all conveniently bl---ed out.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
more of the excitement and possibly frightening to very small children variety

Overall rating:***