PRE-PRE-READ
I'm not quite halfway done with Forever Odd, but i got this in from swaptree today, and it got me thinking: I havn't read this since i was about 12. Will it hold up? Lumley's Necroscope Series helped shape my direction as a reader. A family friend had it, i saw the cover, and thought, Cool! so i borrowed it, then book two, then book three, and i was hooked. I had all eight (?) at one point, but they vanished over the years, so I'm going to try and re-collect them, hopefully in hardback. (Which i think only exists in the UK editions.) But let's get to the skinny:
Lumley's Vampries ROCK. The Wamphyri could eat Lestat, the punk from twilight, the guy from 'Salem's Lot, and The Sisters of Eurelia for lunch, in one sitting. My favorite book in the series is either deadspeak (Number 5, i think) or BloodWars (Number 6, i think). His creation is parts macrbe, sexy, chilling, imaginative, and almost real.
It may have been this series (and the Dark Tower) that made me love trilogies, series, and epics above all others. And across all genres; historicals (John Jakes' North & South) and westerns (Wagons West!) and crime (the Prey Series).
I almost wrote lumley one time; I had an idea how Harry's son could have removed his little. . . .guest, (boy, I'm skating upto the line on my self-imposed spoiler's ban!) with out harming a loved one and then been okay. (whew, that was close!) I'll have to see if my idea still holds water after all these years. (But of course, I'll have to get the next 11 books, or so)
Okay, back to Odd. Gotta get past him.
MID-POINT
Wow. Looking back (to when i first read the book), I don't think i realized Lumley was British. Of course, i know it now, so it all fits, but back then it didn't connect. Another thing i realized; it never says flat out the HK is a necroscope. Until the confrontation with Sir K, the clues (which can be connected, don't get me wrong) just point in one direction. Also, i thought HK did much more stuff in this volume, but i must be mixing up the first three books. So far, so good.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Forever Odd, Dean Koontz
Forever Odd
Dean Koontz
Series: Book 2, Odd Thomas
PRE-READ
When I was younger, I was a huge Stephen King Fan. I had read a little of DK, but kinda stayed away from it because every DK book had an author photo on the back, instead of a summary. (It's a pet peeve of mine) In the last year, however, I've read at least a dozen of DK's books, maybe a dozen and a half. And there have been some good one: The Taking, From the Corner of his eye, Good Guy and Odd Thomas. The main thing i like about both of them is suspended belief. Before you crack the cover, you know at some point you will have to suspend your belief that everything around you is normal. Alien raindrops? no problem. Talking to the dead? Ask me something hard. Re-animated movie monster, or '54 Chevy? Right back 'atcha.
This is also the first trade book I've received from SwapTree. It also doesn't hurt that I've got book 3 on hold at The Next Chapter.
MID-POINT:
DK is one smart guy. how else could he write such a touching, irrevrent novel? I mean, these characters are witty, probing, and funny as hell. and It's not just Odd; it's his overweight mentor, the police chief, almost every recurring character. He has ELVIS in these novels, and it doesn't come across as cheesy. How good do you have to be to pull that one off?
I stand amazed.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
As usual, great read. Instead of another increadable ending, DK set it up to flow into the next book. (Have i mentioned i have it on hold?)
FINAL VERDICT:
HB, 1st Edition, signed.
Dean Koontz
Series: Book 2, Odd Thomas
PRE-READ
When I was younger, I was a huge Stephen King Fan. I had read a little of DK, but kinda stayed away from it because every DK book had an author photo on the back, instead of a summary. (It's a pet peeve of mine) In the last year, however, I've read at least a dozen of DK's books, maybe a dozen and a half. And there have been some good one: The Taking, From the Corner of his eye, Good Guy and Odd Thomas. The main thing i like about both of them is suspended belief. Before you crack the cover, you know at some point you will have to suspend your belief that everything around you is normal. Alien raindrops? no problem. Talking to the dead? Ask me something hard. Re-animated movie monster, or '54 Chevy? Right back 'atcha.
This is also the first trade book I've received from SwapTree. It also doesn't hurt that I've got book 3 on hold at The Next Chapter.
MID-POINT:
DK is one smart guy. how else could he write such a touching, irrevrent novel? I mean, these characters are witty, probing, and funny as hell. and It's not just Odd; it's his overweight mentor, the police chief, almost every recurring character. He has ELVIS in these novels, and it doesn't come across as cheesy. How good do you have to be to pull that one off?
I stand amazed.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
As usual, great read. Instead of another increadable ending, DK set it up to flow into the next book. (Have i mentioned i have it on hold?)
FINAL VERDICT:
HB, 1st Edition, signed.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Alien Years, Robert Silverberg
The Alien Years
Robert Silverberg
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
The cover says something like, "The best Alien invasion novel ever!" I'm about 50 pages in, and it's got my attention, but no huge fireworks.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Unsatisfying. I'm more a direct action, let's take the fight to them type of reader. That's what i enjoy. Strong characters ( in the macho sense) who go out and DO something.
These characters, however, sit on the hill in San Bernadino and plan. and plan, and plan, and plan. Not much page time was given to "rebuilding" their little feudal society, just the planning on chasing off the aliens.
HOWEVER, if you are the type of reader who enjoys the thinking behind overthrowing aliens, you'll love this book. (If you liked all the talking Leto did in God Emperor of Dune, this book is for you!) Also, the computer technology advancements in the book are outstanding, and visionary. I suspect Silverberg is one of those writers who creates with such a broad brush he will have others worlds that i will adore and gush about. (i.e., Lawrence Sanders in The Tomorrow File) This one however, was disappointing.
FINAL VERDICT:
Trade-back
Robert Silverberg
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
The cover says something like, "The best Alien invasion novel ever!" I'm about 50 pages in, and it's got my attention, but no huge fireworks.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Unsatisfying. I'm more a direct action, let's take the fight to them type of reader. That's what i enjoy. Strong characters ( in the macho sense) who go out and DO something.
These characters, however, sit on the hill in San Bernadino and plan. and plan, and plan, and plan. Not much page time was given to "rebuilding" their little feudal society, just the planning on chasing off the aliens.
HOWEVER, if you are the type of reader who enjoys the thinking behind overthrowing aliens, you'll love this book. (If you liked all the talking Leto did in God Emperor of Dune, this book is for you!) Also, the computer technology advancements in the book are outstanding, and visionary. I suspect Silverberg is one of those writers who creates with such a broad brush he will have others worlds that i will adore and gush about. (i.e., Lawrence Sanders in The Tomorrow File) This one however, was disappointing.
FINAL VERDICT:
Trade-back
Saturday, March 14, 2009
PF: Past Favorites
I will begin including some of my past favorites. They aren't current books I'm reading, but rather books I've always enjoyed. You'll be able to tell by the "PF:" designation in the post title.
It won't be divided into sections , but a general overview.
It won't be divided into sections , but a general overview.
A Clash Of Kings, George RR Martin
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Author: George RR Martin
Title: "A Clash of Kings"
Series: Book 2, A Song of Ice and Fire
PRE-READ:
Even though I decided to read WarDay before this one, I'm excited about it. GRRM ended book one with a pretty good cliffhanger, so I'm interested to see what he does with this one. Does he jump all around, like L.E. Modesitt, or is it more linear like Poalini or Jordan? We'll see.
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
Oh, of course! You already have 100+ characters, but you start this one with a new batch. Just to keep us readers on our toes, of course. Good thing it only took me 3 pages to figger out who they were.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
3/4 of the way through, i was ready to chunck it. All the people, Houses, double crosses, killings, it was just to damn complicated. However, he pulled a great ending out of his hat, and i'll have to read the next one. (Of course, he did NOTHING with the cool ending from book one in book two, so maybe book four?)
I counted; there are 12 houses. If they just have 10 people, that's 120. how can i keepup with all of them? Anyway, I'll go into this more on the Message boards, 'cause i've promised my self no spoilers on the blog.
FINAL VERDICT:
I may have to change this to a paperback set.
Author: George RR Martin
Title: "A Clash of Kings"
Series: Book 2, A Song of Ice and Fire
PRE-READ:
Even though I decided to read WarDay before this one, I'm excited about it. GRRM ended book one with a pretty good cliffhanger, so I'm interested to see what he does with this one. Does he jump all around, like L.E. Modesitt, or is it more linear like Poalini or Jordan? We'll see.
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
Oh, of course! You already have 100+ characters, but you start this one with a new batch. Just to keep us readers on our toes, of course. Good thing it only took me 3 pages to figger out who they were.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
3/4 of the way through, i was ready to chunck it. All the people, Houses, double crosses, killings, it was just to damn complicated. However, he pulled a great ending out of his hat, and i'll have to read the next one. (Of course, he did NOTHING with the cool ending from book one in book two, so maybe book four?)
I counted; there are 12 houses. If they just have 10 people, that's 120. how can i keepup with all of them? Anyway, I'll go into this more on the Message boards, 'cause i've promised my self no spoilers on the blog.
FINAL VERDICT:
I may have to change this to a paperback set.
Friday, March 13, 2009
About My Ranking Systems
Thought I'd include a quick link on how each post will be setup.
PRE-READ
My take on the book before i even open the cover. Expectations, other books I've read by the author, etc.
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
What i think about the book after I've started it, but before I finish it.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Yes, i stole this part from the BAchelor, but i'll change the name pretty soon. Just need to think of something cooler.
FINAL VERDICT:
Where this book ranks on my bookcase. From top to bottom:
1st Edition, HB: Damn good book. I want it on my shelves, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer. . . you get the drift. If it's really good, may be modified by: signed, (for single volumes) or matched set, (for series)
Hardback: A pretty good book. This is one you'll want to keep on your shelves a long time, and Read over and over
Paperback: A good read, but not much more. You may only reread it once or twice.
Tradeback: A book you read once, and won't read again.
Unfinished: Yeah, it that bad.
PRE-READ
My take on the book before i even open the cover. Expectations, other books I've read by the author, etc.
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
What i think about the book after I've started it, but before I finish it.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Yes, i stole this part from the BAchelor, but i'll change the name pretty soon. Just need to think of something cooler.
FINAL VERDICT:
Where this book ranks on my bookcase. From top to bottom:
1st Edition, HB: Damn good book. I want it on my shelves, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer. . . you get the drift. If it's really good, may be modified by: signed, (for single volumes) or matched set, (for series)
Hardback: A pretty good book. This is one you'll want to keep on your shelves a long time, and Read over and over
Paperback: A good read, but not much more. You may only reread it once or twice.
Tradeback: A book you read once, and won't read again.
Unfinished: Yeah, it that bad.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
WarDay (1984)
WarDay (1984)
Whitley Strieber & James Kunetka
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
I am 8 pages in, and CAPTIVATED. You already know my love of disaster novels. After the (semi) disappoinment of Andormeda Strain, I picked this up from The Next Chapter, and decided to try it instead of GRRM's next book. LEt me get a few more pages under my belt, and I'll fill in for you.
B.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Usually, I will post again in the middle of the book to let you know how it's going. THIS book, however, was SOOOOOO good, I didn't stop.
All i can say is to READ this book. If you like any type of End of the World novels, ( Lucifer's HAmmer, The Stand, Alas Babylon, etc.) This is a must have. It's not a feel good, non-complicated Utopia like Alas Babylon becomes, but a gritty, if-the -world -ends- bad-shit happens book.
The book portrays two journalists as they travel around what is left of America after a "limited" Nuclear exchange. They interview various people, describe what it's like, insert "government" document's they've recovered, and so on.
The irony in this book is rich, esp. when you consider how the world has changed since it was published in 1984. Refrences abound to the World Trade Center, California's immigration policys and the rise of Japen & the UK following WarDay.
It gets kind of dry when you read the reports, but you can skim them. I like how the Authors (Whitley Strieber and James Kunetka) "report" from the POV of different people in different situations, most of them extreme.
All in all, this book is a great companion to Lucifer's Hammer. Read LH first, then follow up with this one, (yes, i know, different disasters, but the same result) and you'll get a truer picture of what life will be like after "The End of the World".
FINAL VERDICT:
1st, Edition, signed by the authors.
Whitley Strieber & James Kunetka
OPENING IMPRESSIONS:
I am 8 pages in, and CAPTIVATED. You already know my love of disaster novels. After the (semi) disappoinment of Andormeda Strain, I picked this up from The Next Chapter, and decided to try it instead of GRRM's next book. LEt me get a few more pages under my belt, and I'll fill in for you.
B.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Usually, I will post again in the middle of the book to let you know how it's going. THIS book, however, was SOOOOOO good, I didn't stop.
All i can say is to READ this book. If you like any type of End of the World novels, ( Lucifer's HAmmer, The Stand, Alas Babylon, etc.) This is a must have. It's not a feel good, non-complicated Utopia like Alas Babylon becomes, but a gritty, if-the -world -ends- bad-shit happens book.
The book portrays two journalists as they travel around what is left of America after a "limited" Nuclear exchange. They interview various people, describe what it's like, insert "government" document's they've recovered, and so on.
The irony in this book is rich, esp. when you consider how the world has changed since it was published in 1984. Refrences abound to the World Trade Center, California's immigration policys and the rise of Japen & the UK following WarDay.
It gets kind of dry when you read the reports, but you can skim them. I like how the Authors (Whitley Strieber and James Kunetka) "report" from the POV of different people in different situations, most of them extreme.
All in all, this book is a great companion to Lucifer's Hammer. Read LH first, then follow up with this one, (yes, i know, different disasters, but the same result) and you'll get a truer picture of what life will be like after "The End of the World".
FINAL VERDICT:
1st, Edition, signed by the authors.
Monday, March 9, 2009
In Between. . .
Finished Andromeda, but I'm gonna pick up my other GRRM books tomorrow. So i guess I'll grab a book of shorts to take with me to Macon tomorrow. . .
B.
B.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Message Boards are open!
I have set up message boards at the following link:
www.bluesbookcase.proboards.com
Things are fluid right now, and may change up or be updated without notice.
Look around, and add your two cents!
Thanks,
B.
www.bluesbookcase.proboards.com
Things are fluid right now, and may change up or be updated without notice.
Look around, and add your two cents!
Thanks,
B.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Andromeda Strain; Michael Crichton
PRE-READ:
I have always loved disaster novels. Lucifer's Hammer, The Stand, Earth Abides, The Taking, et al. always give me a shiver. I'm really looking forward to this book. I enjoyed Jurassic Park, but thought Airframe was so-so. I guess we'll see what MC brings this time. I also want to note I'm saddened by his passing; the world is always a worser (I know. . . ) place without good writers. On another note, I always enjoy reading "older" books; It's neat to see what cutting edge was considered at the time of publication. (in this case, 1969). Grab an older Robin Cook book, and see what we've done with medicine since publication.
Makes you pine for the "good 'ol days"
FIRST IMPRESSION:
I thought it would be more of a linear story, but it reads more like an AAR. (After Action Review, for you non-Tom Clancy worms). Unless some really cool stuff happens, I can't see this being a gotta have in 1st Edition HB.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
A decent read, and I'm sure it was good for the times. But in '09, It didn't do it for me. One thing i found interesting, though, was the reference to fiberoptics at one point in the story. Did they have FO in 1969? Wow! The computer "graphic" tripped me out, a little; they look like ASCII drawings. Another thing that bothered me was the constant foreshadowing. A little is good, if it's subtle (hats off to you, Robert Jordan!) but every other chapter, umm. .. no. This is the second book in the last couple of months that i've read (Prank Night, by David Robbins) is the other.) that heavily forshadows.
I think I'll trade this one back in. And i doubt I'll watch the movie, either!.
Thanks,
B.
B.
I have always loved disaster novels. Lucifer's Hammer, The Stand, Earth Abides, The Taking, et al. always give me a shiver. I'm really looking forward to this book. I enjoyed Jurassic Park, but thought Airframe was so-so. I guess we'll see what MC brings this time. I also want to note I'm saddened by his passing; the world is always a worser (I know. . . ) place without good writers. On another note, I always enjoy reading "older" books; It's neat to see what cutting edge was considered at the time of publication. (in this case, 1969). Grab an older Robin Cook book, and see what we've done with medicine since publication.
Makes you pine for the "good 'ol days"
FIRST IMPRESSION:
I thought it would be more of a linear story, but it reads more like an AAR. (After Action Review, for you non-Tom Clancy worms). Unless some really cool stuff happens, I can't see this being a gotta have in 1st Edition HB.
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
A decent read, and I'm sure it was good for the times. But in '09, It didn't do it for me. One thing i found interesting, though, was the reference to fiberoptics at one point in the story. Did they have FO in 1969? Wow! The computer "graphic" tripped me out, a little; they look like ASCII drawings. Another thing that bothered me was the constant foreshadowing. A little is good, if it's subtle (hats off to you, Robert Jordan!) but every other chapter, umm. .. no. This is the second book in the last couple of months that i've read (Prank Night, by David Robbins) is the other.) that heavily forshadows.
I think I'll trade this one back in. And i doubt I'll watch the movie, either!.
Thanks,
B.
B.
A Game of Thrones; George RR Martin
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Author: George RR Martin
Title: "A Game of Thrones"
Series: Book 1, A Song of Ice and Fire
OPENING IMPRESSION:
Pretty good, so far. Huge cast of characters. GRRM should have put a genealogical chart at the beginning to help keep track of characters. Good worldbuilding, believable characters, but i wasn't expecting descriptive sex scenes. Kinda surprised me, b/c most epic fantasy isn't known for that. Puts the book at an "R" rating. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this to a 12-16 to read like i would the Wheel of Time.I've got the next two books on hold at The Next Chapter (770-233-0578), and i look forward to building a matched set. (If you call them, make sure you tell them I sent you !)
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Wow, what a good read. GRRM does a few things that most epic fantasy writers don't, but i won't mention them here, for fear of spoilers. Things really pick up after the 1st half of the book; more things happen, people go places, and you finally figure out who everyone is and what they are doing.
RATING:Matched hardbound set! Better than Terry Goodkind, not quite as good as Robert Jordan. (but ask me again after i read a few more)
Thanks,
B.
Author: George RR Martin
Title: "A Game of Thrones"
Series: Book 1, A Song of Ice and Fire
OPENING IMPRESSION:
Pretty good, so far. Huge cast of characters. GRRM should have put a genealogical chart at the beginning to help keep track of characters. Good worldbuilding, believable characters, but i wasn't expecting descriptive sex scenes. Kinda surprised me, b/c most epic fantasy isn't known for that. Puts the book at an "R" rating. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this to a 12-16 to read like i would the Wheel of Time.I've got the next two books on hold at The Next Chapter (770-233-0578), and i look forward to building a matched set. (If you call them, make sure you tell them I sent you !)
AFTER THE FINAL CHAPTER:
Wow, what a good read. GRRM does a few things that most epic fantasy writers don't, but i won't mention them here, for fear of spoilers. Things really pick up after the 1st half of the book; more things happen, people go places, and you finally figure out who everyone is and what they are doing.
RATING:Matched hardbound set! Better than Terry Goodkind, not quite as good as Robert Jordan. (but ask me again after i read a few more)
Thanks,
B.
Welcome to Blue's Bookcase!
Here you will find authors, sugggested titles, and just enough information to prompt your curiosity. Areas with spoliers will be clearly marked, even though i try to avoid them.
More Content will be coming soon, as i hope to expand this into an entire website foir readers.
Check back soon!
More Content will be coming soon, as i hope to expand this into an entire website foir readers.
Check back soon!
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