Review: A Fatal Likeness by Lynn Shepherd

Title: A Fatal Likeness

Author: Lynn Shepherd

Published by: Delacorte Press

Released: 2013

Summary: Detective Charles Maddox is hired to investigate aspects of Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley's life and finds more than he bargains for.

My Thoughts: So the way I came to this book was a little different. I found it at my library and decided to pick it up because it looked interesting. I enjoy mysteries and historical fiction and this one seemed to fit the bill. Then I came across an article Lynn Shepherd had written. An article that very much rubbed me the wrong way. (article here ). Shepherd pretty much told J.K. Rowling to stop writing adult books because every book she writes sells like hotcakes and pushes other lowly writers works into obscurity. Shepherd then went on to admit that she'd never read anything Rowling had wrote, including Harry Potter, and then went on to put adults reading YA down. It was mainly a sour grapes article that was very irritating to read. So, I was nervous going into this book. I wanted to judge the book by what was inside the pages and not based on the stupid article Shepherd wrote.

In the end, I just thought this book was okay. It was interesting in places, but it wasn't the most amazing, unputdownable book I've ever read and there were definitely things that irritated me.

Irritation #1: The way that the narrator talks directly to the reader in little asides, forays into modern times, and the use of terms and facts that the character's had no way of knowing at the time. It was just a little weird and kind of pulled me out of the flow of the story.

Irritation #2: The way the story dragged at various points. The "mystery" we unravel doesn't really contain all that much excitement or resolution and does cause the story to drag and sort of prolong itself. Also, I don't really think this is a mystery.

Irritation #3: I didn't really like any of the characters. Some were just despicable people and others just thought too much of themselves in their talent and intellect department. Some characters were obnoxiously full of themselves.

Irritation #4: The way the author fictionalized the life of the Shelley's as villains and despicable people. Shepherd took known facts and then wildly invented things about the Shelley's and their life. I don't claim to know anything about the Shelley's, except that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, or this group of "Romantics" the Shelley's belonged too. This book just kind of messed with my mind and insinuated and accused things of the Shelley's that might not be true. If you're interested in knowing about the Shelley's, then don't start with this book, because Shepherd makes up a majority of things about them that might hamper your views on them. Is Shepherd right in her assumptions? Who knows! Even she really doesn't. It's a dark, make-believe of the Shelley's lives that tries to confuse fact with fiction. It felt like a reporter who writes libel on persons with no ability to defend themselves.

So yeah, this wasn't my favorite book ever. I found parts of it interesting. I would suggest that Shepherd really think things through before writing articles about other authors. And if she's gonna make stuff up, make the whole thing up so people don't have a confused view of historical figures. But what do I know, I'm just a lowly reader.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Not Blown Away.

Review: I Don't Want To Kill You (John Cleaver #3) by Dan Wells

Title: I Don't Want To Kill You (John Cleaver #3)

Author: Dan Wells

Published by: TOR A Tom Doherty Associates Book

Released: 2011

Summary: John Cleaver called a demon on the phone and challenged it to a fight, so it's no surprise when another killer shows up in Clayton County. John now has to find out who Nobody is before Nobody finds him. John also has to figure out if a sociopath can really feel anything. As much as John has explored evil and death, he must now explore love. In this final installment, we find out just what kind of person John Wayne Cleaver is destined to be.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. It's deliciously creepy, at times very disturbing, and always compelling. John Wayne Cleaver is such a great character to get to know and grow with in these books. Seeing how it all ends and what he's really become was such an enjoyable process. Dan Wells' writing sucks us into the mindset of a teenage sociopath, who goes from scary to noble in the span of these three books. I really enjoyed this ending, and yet, at the same time I didn't want it to end. I could see myself reading about John Cleaver and his work for so many more books. This end gave me a little closure, but definitely left me wanting more.

I really like how John had some humanity and feeling mixed in with his monster hunting tendencies. The relationship came a little out of left field, but I really did enjoy it. It was nice to see John happy.

I also enjoyed the hunting serial killers and other things that go bump in the night aspect to it. It's so creepy and fascinating. One of my questionable guilty pleasures.

The ending kind of tore me apart. I'm glad to see shadows of John's future mapped out, but all the stuff he had to go through made my heart ache for him.

This entire series is creepy and fantastic. For anyone that loves reading about the darker side of human nature, this book series is for you. Get introduced to John Cleaver and grow with him on his journey. Also be prepared for many instances of embalming. 

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Why did this series have to end!?! I want more of John Wayne Cleaver!

Review: Invisible Murder (Nina Borg #2) by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis

Title: Invisible Murder (Nina Borg 2)

Authors: Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis

Translated by: Tara Chace

Published by: SOHO CRIME

Released: 2012

Summary: It all starts when two boys discover something in an abandoned hospital that really shouldn't have been discovered at all. What happens next is a case of crime, terror, and race issues for all involved. Nurse Nina Borg just wants to help some sick Roma children suffering from a mysterious ailment, but she gets sucked into something bigger than she could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts: This is another one of those Swedish/Danish/Nordic crime mysteries that I've been loving lately. Although, I did manage to do something stupid (again!) and pick up the second book in the series. That's okay though, because I don't think you necessarily have to read the first book to understand the story in this one.

This book was just an okay read for me. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. The first half of the book was really slow and jumped around from character to character. I knew their stories would merge at some point, but it felt like it took forever to do so. Also, the crime aspect of the book didn't kick in until a good chunk into the book. I guess I just figured that with a title like 'Invisible Murder,' there would be a murder to begin the story.

This story also covered a lot of issues. There was racism, terrorism, sex trafficking, kidnapping, chemical weapons, just soooo many things. It was hard keeping up with everything. Once everything came together, it was a very enjoyable read. The ending was a little depressing though, it seemed like none of the characters really ended up happy or that their lives were better off.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It wasn't my favorite Nordic crime fiction that I've ever read, but it was good. None of the characters really stood out to me as favorites and some of them felt sort of thrown away in the end. If you're a fan of Nordic crime fiction, then give this one a shot. Just be warned that the beginning is a slow one.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Just an okay, Nordic crime read.

Review: Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Title: Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

Author: Cynthia Hand

Published by: HarperTEEN

Released: 2012

Summary: In this second book in the Unearthly Trilogy, Clara has to deal with being a half-angel who has failed at her purpose. After the events of the last year, Clara is uncertain as to what this year has to offer. Is there a punishment for failing at your divine purpose? Clara then starts getting another vision, one that involves a graveyard, black shoes, and an all-consuming feeling of sorrow. It seems someone in Clara's life is going to pass on from this life. Clara also has to juggle two boys, Christian and Tucker, as they fight for her affection. Two boys who each offer something different to Clara. Who knew being a half-angel could be so complicated?

My Thoughts: I remember reading Unearthly and really enjoying it. The half-angels, divine purposes, and two hot boys. I was very excited to go into Hallowed, to find out just what was going to happen to Clara next.

This book was just very depressing for me, I guess the blue cover suits it well. This book has a death in it that takes up the majority of the story. The whole story is pretty much focused on death and sorrow and it was just sort of depressing to read about. Also, the person who died is someone that I don't want to think about dying, not the character as much as the role he/she has. It was just a downer kind of a book and I don't like thinking about those things or dwelling on them. I guess sad books aren't my first go to for reading pleasure.

Also this romance, love triangle thing was a little blah. I understood the two sides and I felt bad for the situation she is in. In Unearthly, I was firmly Team Tucker, just because he's such a genuine, nice guy. In this book, Tucker doesn't get a lot of scene time and his awesomeness is just kind of replaced with mushy kiss scenes. I think I know which way Clara's heart will go and I kinda understand it. I think Tucker is going to be heartbroken, but maybe staying with Clara would hurt him more in the long run. Tucker is still an awesome guy though!

All in all, this book was just an okay read. It was majorly sad and depressing which made it not the most fun story to read. I really can't wait to see what happens in the last book and what happens with Jeffrey. I think Jeffrey is hiding some secrets. For those of you that haven't read Unearthly, go do it! This is an enjoyable YA series with beautiful covers.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Sad. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.

Reading Right Now! (#16)

Here's what I'm Reading Right Now!

Title: House Of Leaves

Author: Mark Z. Danielewski

Progress: This one is a little difficult to say, because this is a very different book. I just finished the introduction to the story, so I'm probably less than 1% done with the book. Just to clarify, it's a huge book at 709 pages.

So what I'm Reading Right Now! is a book I've heard about and had my eye on for awhile. I requested it from my library through the consortium/inter-library loan program. I don't really know a lot about this book either. I do know that it's supposed to be very stylistically and differently written. It's supposed to be a horror/mess with your mind book. And a lot of people either really like it or aren't impressed by it. I don't think there is very much middle of the road when it comes to this one. All the synopsis really mentions is that a couple buys a house and the house is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. It also says something about their children coming back with stories of some kind of beast. So I'm interested. The book is sort of told in a way that sets out to make it look real, but all the text and authors mentioned are fictitious. I just finished the introduction written by Johnny Truant and I'm definitely curious. Truant starts by explaining how messed up he is and talking about the death of Zampano that started it all. I can't really say much about this book because I just started it and am really in the dark. I can't wait to read this sucker and see just what I think of it. I'm also a little scared that it could scar me for life. In one of the praise blurbs, they mentioned being scared of their closet after reading it. I hope that doesn't happen to me because I don't want to be afraid of my closet. So that's it for what I'm Reading Right Now! Let me know what you're reading and let me know if you've read House of Leaves and what you thought of it!

Top 5 Wednesday! Top 5 Books I'd Recommend for Halloween

Oh Halloween, one of the most fun holidays of the year. It's a time for ghouls, goblins, monsters, and candy! I will admit to loving reading horror and scary books all year, but Halloween gives the perfect excuse to pick up something scary. So this Top 5 Wednesday is all about books that I'd recommend for Halloween and I'm happy to oblige. Here are some Top 5 Halloween Reads in no particular order.

Title: Anna Dressed in Blood

Author: Kendare Blake

When one thinks of Halloween, one thinks of ghosts and this book is perfect for that. In fact, the cover pretty much screams Halloween. This is also a great book for people that love the show Supernatural. We are with this kid named Cas who hunts ghosts for a living as his family profession. Cas starts to hear rumors of a house that no one comes out of alive, a house haunted by a ghost of a girl named Anna, who still wears the bloody dress she died in. This book is perfect for Halloween because is has a creepy, haunted house, a ghost, a cool ghost hunter, and a whole bunch of gore. Loved this book and it's perfect for Halloween.

Title: The Monstrumologist

Author: Rick Yancey

This book was one that really grew on me as I read it. In the beginning, I thought this is going to be lame. The monsters at first reminded me of the Looney Tunes Monster. Here he is :)

And I never really found the Looney Tunes Monster to be all that scary. I think his name was George. But as the book went on, the monsters became TERRIFYING!! They ate people, they had razor sharp teeth, and they would pop out of the ground with no warning and kill everybody! Also the atmosphere of the book was really creepy. There was a little humor in the book too, with a sort of mad scientist professor and an orphan named Will Henry under his care. If you want a book that will grow on you and the scare comes more gradually, then definitely pick this one up. It is great for Halloween and I can't wait to finish the rest of the series.

Title: I Hunt Killers

Author: Barry Lyga

This one makes my Halloween list just because it is so darn creepy! While reading this at night, I had trouble going to sleep. I would hear creaks and noises and automatically think that a killer was in the house. This book deals with the son of a serial killer and his struggles to separate himself from his father and his fears that he will turn out like his father. Then some murders start happening around his hometown and it resembles his imprisoned father's crimes a lot. Jasper decides that he must catch the killer and hope that he never becomes one. If you want chills, over the top creepy, and looking over your shoulder in fear every 10 minutes, then go ahead and read this one. There is a tremendous cliff hanger at the end, which is why I'm waiting for the third book to come out so I can finish the series without having to drive myself crazy with the waiting. 

Title: I Am Not A Serial Killer

Author: Dan Wells

So yeah, another serial killer book, don't judge me. This is also a creepy, great Halloween read. In this book, our main character John Wayne Cleaver is a sociopath. He works in the family funeral home and loves being with the recently deceased. John also has many fantasies of killing people. He has steps and rules that he follows to stop himself from having the urge to actually kill anyone. Then some pretty messed up murders start happening in his town. Victims are ripped apart. John decides that he's going to hunt the killer and discovers more than he every imagined. I love this book and I love this whole series. John Wayne Cleaver is probably one of the creepiest characters I've ever come across. While reading, you are in John's head and you don't really want to think like John Cleaver. If you want to be creeped out, then go ahead and read this series. Don't say I didn't warn you though.

Title: The First Days

Author: Rhiannon Frater

ZOMBIESSSS!!! You know I had to put at least one zombie book in here and I thought I'd put in one of my favorites. Zombies are kind of a Halloween staple. The scary factor about them is not just the flesh eating, undead monster, but the vision of the end of the world and humanity struggling to survive. This is the start to one of my favorite zombie series. It's full of action, death, and zombies. This is a zombie book that should definitely be on your list to read.

So that's it, that's my Top 5 Recommended Halloween Reads. I hope you found something deliciously scary to sink your teeth into. Tell me what books you love for Halloween. I'm always excited to add another scary read to my TBR. If you want to take part in Top 5 Wednesday for yourself, then go ahead! It's full of fun topics to discuss every Wednesday. Here's the list of all the Top 5 Wednesday-ers!

Review of: Night Film By Marisha Pessl

Title: Night Film

Author: Marisha Pessl

Published by: Random House

Released: 2013

Summary: Stanilas Cordova has fascinated Scott McGrath for many years. Five years ago, McGrath set out to uncover the secrets of Cordova and thanks to a mysterious source, Scott finally thought he had something to go on. Using the information from the mysterious source, McGrath makes a claim about Cordova that gets him in trouble. Five years later McGrath has lost his job and his family, so he decides to forget about Cordova. Then Cordova's daughter is found dead of an apparent suicide and McGrath is sucked into the Cordova web once again. McGrath, with the help of two other people, set out to investigate Ashley Cordova and are shocked by what they find. Cordova is hiding more secrets than anyone could imagine, secrets that might be too dark to ever see the light of day.

My Thoughts: I first just want to point out that this is a beautifully designed book which is one of the first things that drew me to it. I love a book that incorporates pictures and documents because the story becomes more real and takes on a life of its own. Night Film felt more like a movie than a book. I felt like I was experiencing a movie rather than reading. I loved the story, the characters, really everything about this book. Entering the world of Cordova was so creepy and fun and you don't know what twist or turn was going to happen next.

I really enjoyed our band of intrepid investigators, Scott, Nora, and Hopper. I thought they made a good team and were just different enough to compliment each other.

I really loved the story as well. Being along on the journey to uncover the secrets of Ashley Cordova and her father was a ton of fun and went in some very different directions than I was expecting.

At times, it felt a little long and a little low on the action, but it was always interesting enough to keep me reading.

That ending though! It definitely left me wanting a real conclusion and I didn't really get it. I want to know what happens to Scott McGrath. The ending sort of reminded me of a Cordova film. Night Film is definitely a good book and I highly suggest you read it!

BOOKCITEMENT 4.5/5

Uncovering Cordova's secrets couldn't be more fun!