"Dark Goddess," by Sarwatt Chadda, is the fanstastic sequel to "Devil's Kiss."
Bilquis SanGreal is back, and she's angry. After her best friend, and boyfriend?, died at her own hands, a sacrifice against Saint Micheal, the Knights Templar have been in turmoil. When they get wind of a vampire pack that sacrifices young oracles every year to their goddess, they set out to Russia to rescue the next sacrifice, and they can only pray that they'll find her in time. With the help of the roguish Ivan, Billi must figure out who she's fighting, where she's fighting, and how she's going to win this thing. When your enemies are the Russian equivalents of the Knights Templar, the werewolves, a maybe-mobster with a Mafia connections and a finger in every pie, and yourself, you're fighting somewhere in the snow-covered forests of Siberia, and your only weapons are arrows tipped with asteroids, you think you'd give up. But Billi won't. Not when her life and the rest of the world is at stake. Not when she could do something, instead of just standing by and watching. Not again.
Yeah. So, I forgot the name of Russian equivalent of the Knights Templar. You can't blame me. I read the book three weeks ago. I started at five'o'clock in the afternoon, and finished it at ten'o'clock at night. The power was out, so I really didn't have anything to do but read. So then I picked up another book. ("Rot and Ruin", Johnathon Maberry, but I'll get to that later.) And half the names in this book went flying out of my head. But it was so, so good. I would've let it sit a while in my brain, but it was so hot I couldn't do anything but read.
The plot line differs from the original, which was good. You know how in some authors become formulaic and all that. But this book shook it up. Also, a lot of the characters vary. That makes sense, because a bunch of the characters in the first book died, and then they visited Russia. The more minor characters are a bit hard to keep track of, in my opinion, but the main characters have distinctive names, so it doesn't really matter.
And, this is related, I promise, in some books, you know how there is a first book that has one premise? Like, one backbone. One specific task in mind. And then, in the sequel, it's all like "oh, you were acting under a prophecy, and now you need to do this and this and that?" just to make the series longer? Really, that bugs the heck out of me. It's like to two books are completely unconnected, but in characters and setting? (Mr. Percy Jackson, I'm looking at you.) But these two books are firmly connected, not just tethered together by a string.
In "Devil's Kiss" they mention that some people were out werewolf hunting. So it wasn't completely strange that the Knights Templar were out werewolf hunting in the beginning of the book. And they'd mentioned that there were some other organizations that fought the Unholy in the other book, so it wasn't completely random that there was an organization in Russia. So the books were connected. That makes me happy.
Of course, Billi was an amazingly flavored character. Ivan was too, as was Ivan's nemesis, what's-his-name. I could've used more characterization on that werewolf woman, and why she wound up helping the Knights, instead of her goddess. Um . . . and that werewolf who was the werewolf woman's daughter. What was her problem? Also, the book relies heavily on characterization from the other book. We don't see much of Arthur SanGreal, and we're already expected to know what he's like . . . But he changed suddenly at the end of "Devil's Kiss," so that doesn't work out too well. Also, the new apprentice, Mordred, and the new Father aren't explained that well. I might've been reading too quickly, but they didn't seem to be expressed to well. There were almost no personal details about either of them.
And one can surmise that Ellen (Is that her name? I know it begins with and 'e.') now likes Billi more because she didn't have to kill Arthur, like that completely random prophecy suggested she might have to. But she still killed . . . I won't say it, just so those who haven't read "Devil's Kiss" won't spoil the ending for themselves, but her behavior doesn't match up with what we know of her personality.
Anything else that I want to add? Um, that I liked the ending. Yey! A happy ending this time! It was really quite relieving. I also liked that added element of Billi having to fight her 'inner nature,' etc., because it added another dimension. Um . . . and I'm really glad that the werewolves were in there because I really like werewolves. Just sayin'. Nice to read about something other than ghuls or demented archangels, because that's all you seem to read about these days, no? (It was a joke.)
So even though we all know that there's nothing to fear but fear itself, and Billi SanGreal, I've been keeping one eye over my shoulder, holding my breath in fear of the Unholy and the all-to-realistic creatures that lurk in Sarwatt Chadda's novels.
(You think of something more clever and tell me about it, 'k?)
Again, you can visit Sarwatt Chadda and read his blog at www.sarwattchadda.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Genius Squad
"Genius Squad" by Catherine Jinks is the sequel to "Evil Genius." Also by Catherine Jinks.
Cadel Piggot--or Darkkon, or English--is fifteen years old and living in a foster home. His involvement with the Axis Institute and his maybe father are not yet in the past, because Prosper English, alias Thaddus Roth, is not willing to say anything that would incriminate himself. And, because no one can figure out if Cadel is a citizen of the United States or of Australia, Cadel's been stuck in a foster home with a malicious boy and limited computer access. It's like death after all the privacy he wanted at the Piggots, and all the computer time he wanted at the Insitute. So no wonder he jumps at the chance to join the Genius Squad in hopes of shutting down Phineas Darkkon's scam business, GenoME, with his best and only friend, Sonja. But how far will Prosper English go to make sure that his heir is under his sole control? And has Cadel finally found a good home--or is the Genius Squad just a more attractive and innocent-looking Institute?
HA! Take that, public library system! I finally found it! I am convinced that the library had been keeping this book from me, even as I'd been searching for it. They just didn't want me to read it. But now I am reading it. So, there.
It was well worth the wait, and the two months of nearly fruitless searching (Yes, I have heard of requesting a book, but I'm just to lazy, okay?). Catherine Jinks provides a compelling squeal to her first story of a genius boy warped from age two. This story, though, has a slightly different taste to it.
In "Evil Genius" we all know that Cadel was just that: an evil genius. Duh. It's in the title of the book. He wrecked all sorts of havoc on Sydney, and went to a school for villains. He was not a good person. Plain and simple. But this story explores him trying to break away from his villainous urges. Of course he still has them, and it would be completely unbelievable if he didn't. This older Cadel has gained a consciousness and a strong sense of dislike for his previous life.
But he still does preform acts of revenge, and when he does they seem pettier. He does know that, but still. Dumping soiled bedsheets on someone's shoes? What does that accomplish? Maybe it symbolizes that he's leaving behind his past as a sophisticated villain, and becoming more of a kid . . . and maybe I'm just grasping at straws.
The computer lingo is just as intriguing. I was reading the part in the book where a virus gets disguised as a software protection pop-up last night, and then I clicked on a McAfee "scan your computer" dialogue box a minute or so ago. I clicked on it out of habit, and then I completely freaked out because someone might've been trying to get into my computer files to see if I had been communicating with any fraudulent companies. Yeah. It does make me think twice about putting anything out there on the Internet.
It's also quite interesting how the information the author gives you is just barely understandable. Like, what's a "honeytoken" in relation to computers? She doesn't give you enough information so you know what it is, exactly, but she gives you enough to make sure that you aren't drowning. As she gives it to you, too, it seems natural, not like you're stupid and she's lecturing you. It's more like you're privy to Cadel's thoughts and he just barely thinks around the actual definition. So you aren't crushed and dying underneath all the foreign terms in this book: You're on top of the moon because you feel like a genius yourself for understanding it all.
One half-complaint, though. There are so many characters. Sure, all their names are distinct and their personalities individual, but at first they leave my head spinning. There are at least ten new character additions in this book, additions to an already numerous cast. You get used to them all after a while, because they are constantly reused and brought back, but still. It's mind-boggling, but it also makes it feel a bit more real, because don't we all know a gazillion people? And, bonus, you feel proud of yourself just for remembering them all.
Oh, yeah, and this is the second book of a triology, I think. The third one is called "The Genius Wars." Sounds promising, no?
I would strongly recommend reading this story of a villain turned semi-do-gooder. Science fiction has never been so down-to-Earth (sorry, I had to), and the genre of fantastical crime has never seemed so feasible. Start putting up firewalls, CEOs of fraud companies, because the Genius Squad is coming for you.
The author has her website at www.catherinejinks.com. New books, old books, kid's books, and author's bio. You know. The usual.
Cadel Piggot--or Darkkon, or English--is fifteen years old and living in a foster home. His involvement with the Axis Institute and his maybe father are not yet in the past, because Prosper English, alias Thaddus Roth, is not willing to say anything that would incriminate himself. And, because no one can figure out if Cadel is a citizen of the United States or of Australia, Cadel's been stuck in a foster home with a malicious boy and limited computer access. It's like death after all the privacy he wanted at the Piggots, and all the computer time he wanted at the Insitute. So no wonder he jumps at the chance to join the Genius Squad in hopes of shutting down Phineas Darkkon's scam business, GenoME, with his best and only friend, Sonja. But how far will Prosper English go to make sure that his heir is under his sole control? And has Cadel finally found a good home--or is the Genius Squad just a more attractive and innocent-looking Institute?
HA! Take that, public library system! I finally found it! I am convinced that the library had been keeping this book from me, even as I'd been searching for it. They just didn't want me to read it. But now I am reading it. So, there.
It was well worth the wait, and the two months of nearly fruitless searching (Yes, I have heard of requesting a book, but I'm just to lazy, okay?). Catherine Jinks provides a compelling squeal to her first story of a genius boy warped from age two. This story, though, has a slightly different taste to it.
In "Evil Genius" we all know that Cadel was just that: an evil genius. Duh. It's in the title of the book. He wrecked all sorts of havoc on Sydney, and went to a school for villains. He was not a good person. Plain and simple. But this story explores him trying to break away from his villainous urges. Of course he still has them, and it would be completely unbelievable if he didn't. This older Cadel has gained a consciousness and a strong sense of dislike for his previous life.
But he still does preform acts of revenge, and when he does they seem pettier. He does know that, but still. Dumping soiled bedsheets on someone's shoes? What does that accomplish? Maybe it symbolizes that he's leaving behind his past as a sophisticated villain, and becoming more of a kid . . . and maybe I'm just grasping at straws.
The computer lingo is just as intriguing. I was reading the part in the book where a virus gets disguised as a software protection pop-up last night, and then I clicked on a McAfee "scan your computer" dialogue box a minute or so ago. I clicked on it out of habit, and then I completely freaked out because someone might've been trying to get into my computer files to see if I had been communicating with any fraudulent companies. Yeah. It does make me think twice about putting anything out there on the Internet.
It's also quite interesting how the information the author gives you is just barely understandable. Like, what's a "honeytoken" in relation to computers? She doesn't give you enough information so you know what it is, exactly, but she gives you enough to make sure that you aren't drowning. As she gives it to you, too, it seems natural, not like you're stupid and she's lecturing you. It's more like you're privy to Cadel's thoughts and he just barely thinks around the actual definition. So you aren't crushed and dying underneath all the foreign terms in this book: You're on top of the moon because you feel like a genius yourself for understanding it all.
One half-complaint, though. There are so many characters. Sure, all their names are distinct and their personalities individual, but at first they leave my head spinning. There are at least ten new character additions in this book, additions to an already numerous cast. You get used to them all after a while, because they are constantly reused and brought back, but still. It's mind-boggling, but it also makes it feel a bit more real, because don't we all know a gazillion people? And, bonus, you feel proud of yourself just for remembering them all.
Oh, yeah, and this is the second book of a triology, I think. The third one is called "The Genius Wars." Sounds promising, no?
I would strongly recommend reading this story of a villain turned semi-do-gooder. Science fiction has never been so down-to-Earth (sorry, I had to), and the genre of fantastical crime has never seemed so feasible. Start putting up firewalls, CEOs of fraud companies, because the Genius Squad is coming for you.
The author has her website at www.catherinejinks.com. New books, old books, kid's books, and author's bio. You know. The usual.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Booklist (THIS IS NOT A BOOK TITLE)
Okay, so, I'm going to be gone for three weeks. These are some books that I've read that I really want to post on, but I don't have the time. I read about a book a day, in some cases, and I never get to post on them all. So, if you want some ideas without a page full of my annoying critique, well, I have it all right here. Enjoy?
The Auslander--Paul Dowswell. Peter is a boy living in Poland when the Nazis invade. Declared a perfect Aryan specimen, he is taken back to Germany to live with a rich professor, his wife, and their three daughters. But Peter is shocked by the way the Germans are treating his old kinsfolk, the Poles, and he decideds to help his girlfriend, Anna, make a difference. Because no matter how hard he tries, Peter still feels like he's an outsider in the country that says it's his . . . An Auslander in Nazi Germany.
Paul Dowswell's website: www.pauldowswell.co.uk
Ruby Red--Kerstin Gier (translated from German by Anthea Bell). Gwen has grown up in a household of secrets. The Montrose house is full of them. But one secret she knows is that select women in her family can time travel. Everyone says that her cousin is going to be the prodidgal time-traveler. That's what's expected, isn't it? But as secrets and lies tend to do, the mystery shrouding the whole thing fall apart, and Gwen is left holding the secret of the centuries in her hands. Some things, though, are a secret even to her and the rest of the Montrose family, and Gwen is only looking at the tip of the ice-burg.
(This book was an international best-seller in Germany. It is the first of a triology, but I haven't been able to find the other two books. I know the second is called Saphire Blue, I think, but I don't know what the third one is.)
Ashes--Ilsa J. Bick. When an electromagnetic wave sweeps the nation, knocking out all the electrionics and turning most of the population into savage 'zombies', a girl who's battling cancer, a solider on leave, and a nine-year-old girl must band together to find safety and food. What safety they find, though, may be as sick and twisted as the rest of the world.
(I'm sorry, I don't really remember anything about this book other than the basic plot line and that the solider's name was 'Tom'. It was really good, though, and I recomend it if you're into the whole 'doomsday, 2012, nuclear winter' sort of deal.)
Define "Normal" --June Ann Peters. Antonia Dillion sgined up to be a peer counsler, sure, but she didn't sgin up to counsel the baddest girl in school--Jazz Luther, a leather-rocking, piercing-adorned, tattooed bad girl. Antonia is known as a 'ya-ya', a prissy girl, one who thinks she's better than everyone elses. She's not about to contradict anyone, lest they learn the truth. And when Jazz does, Anotina thinks that nothing will be normal ever again, even as Jazz introduces her to a very different type of normal.
(A definate read, even though it's sappy and made me cry. Hey, don't judge, you haven't read it yet.)
Ash--Malinda Lo. Ash's father and mother have both passed away, leaving her to work off her step-mother's debts as she watches her step-sisters dress up to go meet and (hopefully) marry rich boys. The faerie in the wood is the only thing that keep Ash sane, and her visits to him help her remember that she isn't just a servent. When Ash meets the king's huntress, though, she beings to long for more . . . maybe even something like love?
(This was called a "modern Cinderella" or something on the back of the book. It is, in a way, but it is sent in a mythical land in the era of fancy dresses, dukes, dutchesses, and formal courting. It also has blood and creepy fairytales, so that makes it okay. ;) )
Okay, so, I guess you did get a page full of my comentary. Sorry 'bout that. and sorry that there aren't as many books on here as I would like--I guess these were the only ones that were good enough to remember. So, have fun reading, I suppose, and I'll write again in three weeks!
The Auslander--Paul Dowswell. Peter is a boy living in Poland when the Nazis invade. Declared a perfect Aryan specimen, he is taken back to Germany to live with a rich professor, his wife, and their three daughters. But Peter is shocked by the way the Germans are treating his old kinsfolk, the Poles, and he decideds to help his girlfriend, Anna, make a difference. Because no matter how hard he tries, Peter still feels like he's an outsider in the country that says it's his . . . An Auslander in Nazi Germany.
Paul Dowswell's website: www.pauldowswell.co.uk
Ruby Red--Kerstin Gier (translated from German by Anthea Bell). Gwen has grown up in a household of secrets. The Montrose house is full of them. But one secret she knows is that select women in her family can time travel. Everyone says that her cousin is going to be the prodidgal time-traveler. That's what's expected, isn't it? But as secrets and lies tend to do, the mystery shrouding the whole thing fall apart, and Gwen is left holding the secret of the centuries in her hands. Some things, though, are a secret even to her and the rest of the Montrose family, and Gwen is only looking at the tip of the ice-burg.
(This book was an international best-seller in Germany. It is the first of a triology, but I haven't been able to find the other two books. I know the second is called Saphire Blue, I think, but I don't know what the third one is.)
Ashes--Ilsa J. Bick. When an electromagnetic wave sweeps the nation, knocking out all the electrionics and turning most of the population into savage 'zombies', a girl who's battling cancer, a solider on leave, and a nine-year-old girl must band together to find safety and food. What safety they find, though, may be as sick and twisted as the rest of the world.
(I'm sorry, I don't really remember anything about this book other than the basic plot line and that the solider's name was 'Tom'. It was really good, though, and I recomend it if you're into the whole 'doomsday, 2012, nuclear winter' sort of deal.)
Define "Normal" --June Ann Peters. Antonia Dillion sgined up to be a peer counsler, sure, but she didn't sgin up to counsel the baddest girl in school--Jazz Luther, a leather-rocking, piercing-adorned, tattooed bad girl. Antonia is known as a 'ya-ya', a prissy girl, one who thinks she's better than everyone elses. She's not about to contradict anyone, lest they learn the truth. And when Jazz does, Anotina thinks that nothing will be normal ever again, even as Jazz introduces her to a very different type of normal.
(A definate read, even though it's sappy and made me cry. Hey, don't judge, you haven't read it yet.)
Ash--Malinda Lo. Ash's father and mother have both passed away, leaving her to work off her step-mother's debts as she watches her step-sisters dress up to go meet and (hopefully) marry rich boys. The faerie in the wood is the only thing that keep Ash sane, and her visits to him help her remember that she isn't just a servent. When Ash meets the king's huntress, though, she beings to long for more . . . maybe even something like love?
(This was called a "modern Cinderella" or something on the back of the book. It is, in a way, but it is sent in a mythical land in the era of fancy dresses, dukes, dutchesses, and formal courting. It also has blood and creepy fairytales, so that makes it okay. ;) )
Okay, so, I guess you did get a page full of my comentary. Sorry 'bout that. and sorry that there aren't as many books on here as I would like--I guess these were the only ones that were good enough to remember. So, have fun reading, I suppose, and I'll write again in three weeks!
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