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philibin's reviews
815 reviews
Ukulele of Death by E.J. Copperman
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
I have to be honest... I read this just because I saw the title and thought it was funny. I wasn't expecting much from it. What I found was a funny, engaging story with good characters, a good plat, and great execution.
It is a quirky story with a female lead, who isn't anything like you'd expect. Although the characters are fun, the author does rely on stereotypical archetypes that fall victim to typical gender rolls and stale humor, but they do get off a few zingers.
The author is from New Jersey, and does take a few (ok, more than a few) cheap shots at New York.
I have to be honest... I read this just because I saw the title and thought it was funny. I wasn't expecting much from it. What I found was a funny, engaging story with good characters, a good plat, and great execution.
It is a quirky story with a female lead, who isn't anything like you'd expect. Although the characters are fun, the author does rely on stereotypical archetypes that fall victim to typical gender rolls and stale humor, but they do get off a few zingers.
The author is from New Jersey, and does take a few (ok, more than a few) cheap shots at New York.
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was a good short story. It fits perfectly inside the Ernest Cunningham universe. If you like the other books, you will like this one.
It is an enjoyable little murder mystery, with a unique delivery method. The narrator does a great job, and the length is perfect for de-stressing with a good book for the holiday season!
This was a good short story. It fits perfectly inside the Ernest Cunningham universe. If you like the other books, you will like this one.
It is an enjoyable little murder mystery, with a unique delivery method. The narrator does a great job, and the length is perfect for de-stressing with a good book for the holiday season!
No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah S. Dawson, Kevin Hearne
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
(2.5 Stars)
I really like Kevin Hearne, so this was difficult for me to rate this so low. The book rating is a 2, I bumped it up .5 because the Narrator deserves at least 2 stars just for his work. The authors really put him through all his various voices and accents for this book. Luke Daniels is one of my favorite narrators, and he can make almost any book enjoyable to listen to.
One of the reasons I really like Hearne as an author, is that his characters have a "natural humor" to them. He writes interesting, and fully developed characters. They are loveable (or dastardly), they have rich backgrounds, they have their own personalities, and they even seem "real". I think Kevin Hearne is probably a person with a good sense of humor, and it shows through in his characters. However, in this book, the humor seems forced, or maybe just too scripted or formulaic.
Unfortunately, I do not have a good feel for Dawson. I have only read this series, and a short story from the Blud series.
As far as the rest of the book, I just can't really get into it. The "humor" is a big part of the book... The puns, the double entendres, so that biases me to begin with. But aside from that, I just don't see the plot as very interesting. I don't find the story compelling, I don't find the characters relatable. And, I just don't feel like the "visualization" is as vibrant as I've come to expect.
It almost seemed like a stand-alone story, but did end up bringing in some elements from the first book to tie it together. Will I read the 3rd book in the series? Probably, but that is more because I am a completionist. I do hope it all comes together at some point.
I really like Kevin Hearne, so this was difficult for me to rate this so low. The book rating is a 2, I bumped it up .5 because the Narrator deserves at least 2 stars just for his work. The authors really put him through all his various voices and accents for this book. Luke Daniels is one of my favorite narrators, and he can make almost any book enjoyable to listen to.
One of the reasons I really like Hearne as an author, is that his characters have a "natural humor" to them. He writes interesting, and fully developed characters. They are loveable (or dastardly), they have rich backgrounds, they have their own personalities, and they even seem "real". I think Kevin Hearne is probably a person with a good sense of humor, and it shows through in his characters. However, in this book, the humor seems forced, or maybe just too scripted or formulaic.
Unfortunately, I do not have a good feel for Dawson. I have only read this series, and a short story from the Blud series.
As far as the rest of the book, I just can't really get into it. The "humor" is a big part of the book... The puns, the double entendres, so that biases me to begin with. But aside from that, I just don't see the plot as very interesting. I don't find the story compelling, I don't find the characters relatable. And, I just don't feel like the "visualization" is as vibrant as I've come to expect.
It almost seemed like a stand-alone story, but did end up bringing in some elements from the first book to tie it together. Will I read the 3rd book in the series? Probably, but that is more because I am a completionist. I do hope it all comes together at some point.
A Crack in Everything by Ruth Frances Long
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
(3.5 Stars)
There are two types of unabridged audiobooks. The first one is closer to an audio drama. Even a single author can create characters with unique tone, inflection, cadence, and even accent. The second one is where the narrator simply reads the book as presented. This narrator is firmly in the second category. Her voice is melodic and easy to understand. her pace is even and her volume is constant.
As for the story, I liked it well enough. It reminded me of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, but with a little more Vampire Diaries flavor; very teen-angsty. Interesting concept, paced well, urban fantasy.
There are two types of unabridged audiobooks. The first one is closer to an audio drama. Even a single author can create characters with unique tone, inflection, cadence, and even accent. The second one is where the narrator simply reads the book as presented. This narrator is firmly in the second category. Her voice is melodic and easy to understand. her pace is even and her volume is constant.
As for the story, I liked it well enough. It reminded me of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, but with a little more Vampire Diaries flavor; very teen-angsty. Interesting concept, paced well, urban fantasy.
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
(3.5 Stars)
This was another book that I really struggled how to rate. On one hand, the concept is superb. The theory behind the story is such a great story. I found myself having to stop listening a few times just so my own mind could explore how I would react in this situation, and just to think about the limitless possibilities for where this book could have gone.
On the other hand, I found the book very slow-paced. And even though this book went into seemingly every minute detail, some of the characters were uninspired archetypes. I believe there is a reason for this, but it still made some characters feel flat.
With that being said, I did really like this book, but not till the very end... so, stick with it, because there is a payoff. I do want to stress, I didn't dislike the book at any point. If just felt like the story dragged on, where there was action and activity, but it was glossed over to build the main character.
This was another book that I really struggled how to rate. On one hand, the concept is superb. The theory behind the story is such a great story. I found myself having to stop listening a few times just so my own mind could explore how I would react in this situation, and just to think about the limitless possibilities for where this book could have gone.
On the other hand, I found the book very slow-paced. And even though this book went into seemingly every minute detail, some of the characters were uninspired archetypes. I believe there is a reason for this, but it still made some characters feel flat.
With that being said, I did really like this book, but not till the very end... so, stick with it, because there is a payoff. I do want to stress, I didn't dislike the book at any point. If just felt like the story dragged on, where there was action and activity, but it was glossed over to build the main character.
Inland by Kate Risse
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
(2.0 Stars)
I debated if this was a 1 star or 2 stars book. I went with 2, but I'll expand on that more later.
The world-building in this book is "explained", but not coherently. It is unrealistic, implausible and just doesn't make sense or seem to be based in any reality. Even the scenes that were supposed to be tense and dramatic were just underwhelming.
The characters are flat, and unlikeable. I spent the whole book trying to bring myself to care about what happened to them. They do not follow reason, or seem to have any logic skills.
I'm trying to be generous to the author, and kept thinking that maybe this was a warning for what could happen to a country that places conspiracy theories and religious zealotry above fact, science, and reality... but I really don't think that is the case. It's like listening to a fantasy of "what could happen" as told by your crazy, tin-foil-hat wearing uncle.
The narrator was ok. She did try a few different "accents", but mostly everyone sounded the same.
Unfortunately, this book also does not have a logical ending. Like the rest of the book, it seemed confusing, not well thought out, and anticlimactic.
So, why did I give it any stars at all? especially a full two stars? Well, I have a feeling that if this book gets a sequel, I'd read it... hoping that the author grows and has an actual plan for a real ending.
I debated if this was a 1 star or 2 stars book. I went with 2, but I'll expand on that more later.
The world-building in this book is "explained", but not coherently. It is unrealistic, implausible and just doesn't make sense or seem to be based in any reality. Even the scenes that were supposed to be tense and dramatic were just underwhelming.
The characters are flat, and unlikeable. I spent the whole book trying to bring myself to care about what happened to them. They do not follow reason, or seem to have any logic skills.
I'm trying to be generous to the author, and kept thinking that maybe this was a warning for what could happen to a country that places conspiracy theories and religious zealotry above fact, science, and reality... but I really don't think that is the case. It's like listening to a fantasy of "what could happen" as told by your crazy, tin-foil-hat wearing uncle.
The narrator was ok. She did try a few different "accents", but mostly everyone sounded the same.
Unfortunately, this book also does not have a logical ending. Like the rest of the book, it seemed confusing, not well thought out, and anticlimactic.
So, why did I give it any stars at all? especially a full two stars? Well, I have a feeling that if this book gets a sequel, I'd read it... hoping that the author grows and has an actual plan for a real ending.
Bits of String Too Small to Save by Ruby Peru, Harris Philip
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
(2.0 Stars)
Where to begin with this review. I should start by saying that I am not the target audience for this book. So you could probably stop reading this review right now and just move on to the next one. However, I am the target audience of the description for this book.
I read the audiobook version, but more on that later.
This book billed itself as "Teens and YA", "Mad Max meets Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children", and "a dystopian adventure". This book is none of that. I also see a lot of comparisons to Alice in Wonderland, and while I think the author had Alice's Adventures in mind while writing this book, I simply don't see it.
What this book is, is a Children's book. The main protagonist is a ten-year-old girl, and the book is written at that level (with some odd, and unnecessary, sexual references thrown in). I'd say much closer to Pippi Longstocking meets The Wizard of Oz. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, you will immediately realize this is more of an alternate reality fantasy, or maybe fever dream, but certainly not what I would consider dystopian.
As I said above, I read the audiobook version, which was described as being narrated by the author. It was provided by #NetGalley, but this was not a typical unabridged narration. It was performed by a full cast (including the author), complete with sound effects, musical chapter breaks, and not at all what I was expecting.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll try to review this as a children's book. It has very vibrant characters and descriptive "worlds". The story is easy to follow, and has girls in leading roles. If you like watching Eloise, you would probably like this, especially if you'd like it with a heavy fantasy element. This is a fast moving, imaginative adventure. The cast of characters is acted out as an audio drama, and the book is neatly divided up in parts, since the overall length of the book is more than 10 hours.
Where to begin with this review. I should start by saying that I am not the target audience for this book. So you could probably stop reading this review right now and just move on to the next one. However, I am the target audience of the description for this book.
I read the audiobook version, but more on that later.
This book billed itself as "Teens and YA", "Mad Max meets Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children", and "a dystopian adventure". This book is none of that. I also see a lot of comparisons to Alice in Wonderland, and while I think the author had Alice's Adventures in mind while writing this book, I simply don't see it.
What this book is, is a Children's book. The main protagonist is a ten-year-old girl, and the book is written at that level (with some odd, and unnecessary, sexual references thrown in). I'd say much closer to Pippi Longstocking meets The Wizard of Oz. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, you will immediately realize this is more of an alternate reality fantasy, or maybe fever dream, but certainly not what I would consider dystopian.
As I said above, I read the audiobook version, which was described as being narrated by the author. It was provided by #NetGalley, but this was not a typical unabridged narration. It was performed by a full cast (including the author), complete with sound effects, musical chapter breaks, and not at all what I was expecting.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll try to review this as a children's book. It has very vibrant characters and descriptive "worlds". The story is easy to follow, and has girls in leading roles. If you like watching Eloise, you would probably like this, especially if you'd like it with a heavy fantasy element. This is a fast moving, imaginative adventure. The cast of characters is acted out as an audio drama, and the book is neatly divided up in parts, since the overall length of the book is more than 10 hours.
Rogue Community College by David R. Slayton
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was a very good book, and could easily be enjoyed by YA and Adults. It is a fantasy book, with LGBTQIA+ positive situations. It is not a romantasy, but there is a very small stated romantic element.
If you like this author's other series, you should like this book. I wondered if it is in the same "universe" as the Adam Binder series, but you do not have to have read anything else by this author to enjoy it.
The world is easy to understand and the characters are vibrant and unique. If I have any criticism at all, it is that the main protagonist is early to mid twenties, but has the maturity of someone who is 15-17 (ish). I think the author tries to explain that away, but it was a little distracting.
If this book becomes a series, I would continue it.
This was a very good book, and could easily be enjoyed by YA and Adults. It is a fantasy book, with LGBTQIA+ positive situations. It is not a romantasy, but there is a very small stated romantic element.
If you like this author's other series, you should like this book. I wondered if it is in the same "universe" as the Adam Binder series, but you do not have to have read anything else by this author to enjoy it.
The world is easy to understand and the characters are vibrant and unique. If I have any criticism at all, it is that the main protagonist is early to mid twenties, but has the maturity of someone who is 15-17 (ish). I think the author tries to explain that away, but it was a little distracting.
If this book becomes a series, I would continue it.
Livesuit by James S.A. Corey
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
This could be a stand-alone story... but fits well in the universe of the first book. It gives additional "life" to that world, and the characters are unique and well developed.
This is Sci-fi, and while it isn't related to The Expanse... the writing style is identical. So, if you liked that, you'll like this. And if you haven't read The Expanse, you honestly should.
This could be a stand-alone story... but fits well in the universe of the first book. It gives additional "life" to that world, and the characters are unique and well developed.
This is Sci-fi, and while it isn't related to The Expanse... the writing style is identical. So, if you liked that, you'll like this. And if you haven't read The Expanse, you honestly should.
Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
(4.5 Stars)
I wasn't sure about this series with the first book, but by the second one in the series it had me hooked. This book was really good, and was a great ending for the series.
This author is so good, and the audiobook is narrated by Luke Daniels, who is also just amazing.
If you have read any of The Iron Druid series, you'll be familiar with some of the characters, and also with the writing style. If you like History, ancient (and modern) religious myths, or just great story-telling, this would be a good book to read, but start with the first in the series. In fact, start with The Iron Druid series and then work your way through them all.
I wasn't sure about this series with the first book, but by the second one in the series it had me hooked. This book was really good, and was a great ending for the series.
This author is so good, and the audiobook is narrated by Luke Daniels, who is also just amazing.
If you have read any of The Iron Druid series, you'll be familiar with some of the characters, and also with the writing style. If you like History, ancient (and modern) religious myths, or just great story-telling, this would be a good book to read, but start with the first in the series. In fact, start with The Iron Druid series and then work your way through them all.