I meant to publish this weeks ago, but time is just flying by, what with all the moving preparations. And somehow I've managed to gain followers?? You guys are amazing. My parents sold their business so now we should be ready to go in about a week. I can't wait! Also, thanks to akumaxkami for tagging me in the 5 things post~ I already did said post here, but I appreciate the tag ^^ Anyway, today I've got a few quick book reviews for you all.
Runemarks by Joanne Harris
Now I love Norse mythology. This is an undisputed fact. I received a book of Norse myths for Christmas which I reread whenever I'm bored. That being said, any books that are influenced by Norse mythology are quickly snatched up and read. So when Runemarks was suggested to me online I went running to my library. Now this book's plot is convoluted to say the least. BUT in a very good way. You'll start reading it and immediately roll your eyes, thinking that you've already got a good idea of where the characters stand (Heck, even who they really are) only to be completely thrown for a loop. Again and again and again. Another plus is the strong protagonist. The strong girl protagonist. I'm very sick of the weepy pining-after-my-supernatural-love-interest trope that so many books fall into nowadays. Maddy is headstrong, sensible and she feels like a real character. Then there's Loki. Loki. I've rooted for him since I was a kid who thought he just needed a big hug. After that I discovered Marvel comics where I could appreciate him as a good villain, and THEN those darn movies came out where he really needs a hug and should stop looking so damn gorgeous. I never wanted to jump the God of Mischief till Tom Hiddleston came around. Where I'm going with this, is that Loki is actually written as a sympathetic character and he's written really well. You don't trust him, but you can emphasize with him. All in all it's a great book with a unique take on Norse mythology. And it throws in plenty of goblins and magic to boot.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
We could call this book historical crime fiction I suppose, considering it bases a lot of the premise around real people and places. The book primarily follows psychologist (Or "alienist" as he's known back then) Dr. Lazslo Kriezler and reporter John Moore with their investigative team as they attempt to solve a string of gruesome murders in New York. They're somewhat of an experiment, considering the group attempts to stay disconnected from the city's corrupt police force and use new, unproven methods such as psychology and fingerprinting to catch their killer. Said killer has been targeting immigrants, young boys who have turned to prostitution in order to support themselves, and he's leaving quite a mark on the city. This is another book that will keep you guessing until the end, as its easy to jump to conclusions pertaining the evidence they have until they uncover more. As far as characters go, they're all very life-like, from the eccentric and seemingly detached Kriezler, to the gritty down to earth Moore, and best of all, determined, independent Sarah who is the first woman hired by the police force. The book explores some of the more violent aspects of humanity and delves into the nature of insanity so I feel obliged to warn you that it's very graphic at times. Still, it's one of the most gripping stories I've encountered as of late.
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
It seems I just wanted to bring you gruesome books today. Because the last book might be psychologically unnerving, but it doesn't even come close to the level of gore in this one. Not to mention, this book isn't exactly lacking in the 'psychologically terrifying' aspect either. Mr. Yancey certainly knows how to evoke horror. However, this book is more than just blood and guts and the blend of good characters, plot, and stomach churning descriptions makes for an exciting read. Will Henry's parents worked for Dr. Warthrop before they died and now he has been left under the Doctor's care. 'Care' being the subjective term here as the Doctor might be brilliant, but he's cold and severely lacking when it comes to taking care of himself, let alone others. In fact, it's hard to see why Will Henry maintains such dedication to the Doctor when he drags him into his dangerous research and yet barely spares him a passing glance. It's only when you see those brief flashes of humanity in the Doctor that you even find him a character worth liking. The Doctor is a 'Monstrumologist' who devotes himself to researching horrifying creatures that people assume only exist in their imaginations. Now a group of Anthropophagi is terrorizing the town (And just you wait till you find out what an Antropophagi is) and the Doctor has taken it upon himself to rid the town of the nasty creatures. Which isn't as easy as it sounds. Not to mention, he has to figure out how in the world they reached New England in the first place. With Will Henry bravely trailing along behind him they resolve to reach the bottom of this mystery.
In other news, how about that 12th doctor? I for one, am ridiculously happy with the choice. I don't know much about Peter Capaldi, but from what I've seen he seems perfect for the role. I'm also glad that we've got an older doctor again, because maybe we can finally escape the whole female-companion-who-serves-as-the-damsel-in-distress trope. Probably not though, considering that's mostly Moffat. He can't write strong women to save his life. I never minded people falling in love with the doctor before he came along (in fact, I enjoyed it) because at least they were strong characters in their own right who had their own motivations and didn't just exist to stroke the doctor's ego. Honestly though, I'm not surprised that Moffat can't write good female characters considering all of the misogynistic tthings he says aout women on a daily basis...*takes a deep breath*
Anyway, I've made much progress on my mask! It's finished, though I have to find a good material to black out the eyes that still enables me to see well, which could be a problem but I'll figure it out.
Runemarks by Joanne Harris
Now I love Norse mythology. This is an undisputed fact. I received a book of Norse myths for Christmas which I reread whenever I'm bored. That being said, any books that are influenced by Norse mythology are quickly snatched up and read. So when Runemarks was suggested to me online I went running to my library. Now this book's plot is convoluted to say the least. BUT in a very good way. You'll start reading it and immediately roll your eyes, thinking that you've already got a good idea of where the characters stand (Heck, even who they really are) only to be completely thrown for a loop. Again and again and again. Another plus is the strong protagonist. The strong girl protagonist. I'm very sick of the weepy pining-after-my-supernatural-love-interest trope that so many books fall into nowadays. Maddy is headstrong, sensible and she feels like a real character. Then there's Loki. Loki. I've rooted for him since I was a kid who thought he just needed a big hug. After that I discovered Marvel comics where I could appreciate him as a good villain, and THEN those darn movies came out where he really needs a hug and should stop looking so damn gorgeous. I never wanted to jump the God of Mischief till Tom Hiddleston came around. Where I'm going with this, is that Loki is actually written as a sympathetic character and he's written really well. You don't trust him, but you can emphasize with him. All in all it's a great book with a unique take on Norse mythology. And it throws in plenty of goblins and magic to boot.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
We could call this book historical crime fiction I suppose, considering it bases a lot of the premise around real people and places. The book primarily follows psychologist (Or "alienist" as he's known back then) Dr. Lazslo Kriezler and reporter John Moore with their investigative team as they attempt to solve a string of gruesome murders in New York. They're somewhat of an experiment, considering the group attempts to stay disconnected from the city's corrupt police force and use new, unproven methods such as psychology and fingerprinting to catch their killer. Said killer has been targeting immigrants, young boys who have turned to prostitution in order to support themselves, and he's leaving quite a mark on the city. This is another book that will keep you guessing until the end, as its easy to jump to conclusions pertaining the evidence they have until they uncover more. As far as characters go, they're all very life-like, from the eccentric and seemingly detached Kriezler, to the gritty down to earth Moore, and best of all, determined, independent Sarah who is the first woman hired by the police force. The book explores some of the more violent aspects of humanity and delves into the nature of insanity so I feel obliged to warn you that it's very graphic at times. Still, it's one of the most gripping stories I've encountered as of late.
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
It seems I just wanted to bring you gruesome books today. Because the last book might be psychologically unnerving, but it doesn't even come close to the level of gore in this one. Not to mention, this book isn't exactly lacking in the 'psychologically terrifying' aspect either. Mr. Yancey certainly knows how to evoke horror. However, this book is more than just blood and guts and the blend of good characters, plot, and stomach churning descriptions makes for an exciting read. Will Henry's parents worked for Dr. Warthrop before they died and now he has been left under the Doctor's care. 'Care' being the subjective term here as the Doctor might be brilliant, but he's cold and severely lacking when it comes to taking care of himself, let alone others. In fact, it's hard to see why Will Henry maintains such dedication to the Doctor when he drags him into his dangerous research and yet barely spares him a passing glance. It's only when you see those brief flashes of humanity in the Doctor that you even find him a character worth liking. The Doctor is a 'Monstrumologist' who devotes himself to researching horrifying creatures that people assume only exist in their imaginations. Now a group of Anthropophagi is terrorizing the town (And just you wait till you find out what an Antropophagi is) and the Doctor has taken it upon himself to rid the town of the nasty creatures. Which isn't as easy as it sounds. Not to mention, he has to figure out how in the world they reached New England in the first place. With Will Henry bravely trailing along behind him they resolve to reach the bottom of this mystery.
In other news, how about that 12th doctor? I for one, am ridiculously happy with the choice. I don't know much about Peter Capaldi, but from what I've seen he seems perfect for the role. I'm also glad that we've got an older doctor again, because maybe we can finally escape the whole female-companion-who-serves-as-the-damsel-in-distress trope. Probably not though, considering that's mostly Moffat. He can't write strong women to save his life. I never minded people falling in love with the doctor before he came along (in fact, I enjoyed it) because at least they were strong characters in their own right who had their own motivations and didn't just exist to stroke the doctor's ego. Honestly though, I'm not surprised that Moffat can't write good female characters considering all of the misogynistic tthings he says aout women on a daily basis...*takes a deep breath*
Anyway, I've made much progress on my mask! It's finished, though I have to find a good material to black out the eyes that still enables me to see well, which could be a problem but I'll figure it out.
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| And I've got to dirty it up of course. |
The final book looks AMAZING. My type of book.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved Alexander Vlahos as 12, but Capaldi seems like he will be fantastic! Can't wait to see him in action!
That mask looks great!
The reason I'm in Florida is for The Wizarding World- but we're doing the other parks too :)
Thank you! And yes that book is fantastic so if you ever find yourself without something to read give it a shot! I hope you had fun in Florida! :D
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