WITHERED + SERE by T.J. Klune

3 Stars

After the end of the world, everyone is certifiable. 



Batshit crazy doesn't even begin to explain the mental processing of the major characters in this book. 

"It has taken losing my mind to find my soul.”

Cavalo's internal dialogues, more than actually dialogue, with multiple parties is extensive. You ride along through extended psychotic breaks that relay backstory and characterize Cavalo as inherently unstable. Then again, no one is really fully functioning.

"We are nothing without the names we are given. It’s how we know who we are.”

I admit that this concept is repeated several times and I am absolutely perplexed by it for I see it exactly the opposite. We are more than can be contained in a few irrelevant words.

Just so you know, this ends in a cliffhanger. This is truly the first part of two, and the reason I did not start this before the second was available. I find I have less and less patience. That cover though--speaks to me. Also, I wasn't sure with all the hoopla when it came out if it was a book I actually wanted to read. But, it hits the right note for me because the Old West and post-Apocalyptic times are apparently similar, just the villains have changed. It's filled with the same scrappy pioneer spirit, no nonsense or tolerance for those who go against the tribe.

The first 40% is a bit slow at times even though there's significant action. There's a slow build up and unrolling of the past to situate the reader in the present. At times it seems to flow like molasses, and a couple of the trips on the psychotic carousel could have been eliminated without impairing the plot or comprehension.

But, there's some fun trippy meta questioning of reality and a surprising amount of empathy that evolves as the story proceeds. I don't find this story dark so much as life could be crappier--a lot crappier. 

For the rest of his life, he would wonder, in the dark of night, if that kiss had not occurred, would all that followed have been different?

Overall, an examination of the bleak reality of devastating loss.

The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships by Julie de Azevedo Hanks

2 Stars

Assertiveness is about treating yourself as an equal with others and taking ownership of your well-being while respecting others’ differences.

I hoped this would be a good book for my nieces, a guidebook of sorts to refer to as they traversed the waters of life. It is a good book, but it is less of a preemptive resource than a self-diagnostic tool. For individuals who either don't have the resources or the inclination to divulge themselves to a stranger in therapy this may be useful. For young women trying to make sense of themselves and world, less so. 

The exercises are not overly laborious, but they do ask the reader to be introspective, to analyze past events in different ways to attempt to achieve the FIVE Cs:
Clarity
Confidence
Calmness
Connection
Compassion

The means to do so are through exercises that contemplate and enhance:
Self-Reflection
Self-Awareness
Self-Soothing
Self-Expression
Self-Expansion

Assertiveness is about treating yourself as an equal with others and taking ownership of your well-being while respecting others’ differences. 

There is less assertiveness in this book than mediation of self and others. The chapter about how to broach tough discussions really made me feel like the author wanted us to mirror therapist modes with timing it right, seeking permission, keep it private--at this point, I get the difference between successfully navigating a minefield, but it's not assertive. Putting off what you want to say until someone wants to hear it--is non-confrontational, and placing someone else's needs before you. The advice made me feel like it was more about communication strategies than assertiveness. While the mind yourself, Don't Go Off Half-Cocked repeated mantra was getting stale by the end of the book. Yes, when one is emotionally compromised, it is not the time for any useful conversation to occur. 

This book is primarily focused on emotional relationships, so career or professional advice is near zero. Frankly, one of the pieces of advice I just shook my head at and would never recommend.

This skill comes in handy not only in intimate relationships but also in professional settings, where you likely have to keep your cool in stressful situations. For example, if someone interrupts you during a work meeting, it may remind you of how your older sister used to talk over you at the dinner table while you were sharing something exciting about your day. A flood of past negative experiences compounded by the immediate emotional event might feel overwhelming to you, so it would probably be best to push the emotional pause button, take a moment to identify your feelings (mindfulness), reflect on why your response is so intense, and wait to do more work on this at a later time. 

It doesn't actually tell you what to do, but to reflect on yourself. My two unprofessional cents, enquire if it is an emergency and state you're in a meeting. If emergency, beg forgiveness to participants and reschedule or ask for a small break and handle the situation. Not an emergency, clarify you'll check in when your meeting is done. 

The discussion of non verbal cues in communication was too brief. Additionally, the section of incorporating these strategies into assertive action, OSCAR was comprised of two examples! Actually, one and one/fifth; the first example only got through "O" before being resolved. This was not enough--FIVE pages. That's it.

The final quarter of the book was much weaker than the rest. I found a great deal utility in the self-examination in order to understand why one feels the way they do and therefore reacts the way they do. But, I found that the book didn't deliver on parlaying that information into interactions. They were too brief and felt rushed. For a book about assertiveness, this spent an inordinate amount of time worried about other peoples' feelings and reactions. 

Overall, this book was not what I was hoping for. It's a resource, but I find the title Assertiveness Guide slightly deceptive. 

Saying no is the primary way we express “I am me. I am not you. We are different.”

OF LAST RESORT (PRINCES OF THE BLOOD #1) by Megan Derr

4 Stars

In a world of dark magic what is terrifying?

Another great high fantasy adventure story with world building that incorporates demons, mages, priests, blood servants, and a host of other mythical creatures. Strong martial component as Raffe becomes a Blood Prince, bound to protect the land and serve the king. In traditional hero journey format, you have the unprepared suddenly thrust into his powers and all the challenges that ensue from exploring/controlling them to love to duty to the dark threat they all face for the survival of their world. 

There's a lovely romance that weaves in and out of the story, but the it predominantly deals with Raffe's journey from lesser son to powerful Prince of Blood. Entertaining, good world building--enjoyed every second I spent with it. Off to check out other books in the series.

Favorite quote: "I know how to measure the want of every man. I know how to determine the price each is willing to pay to obtain what he thinks he needs."

ALFRED HITCHCOCK by Peter Ackroyd

4 Stars 

Once the narrative is set in motion it never stops for a moment. That is the true music of Alfred Hitchcock.

Hitchcock came of age during World War I. Shy, overweight, and effeminate by East End London standards he was often alone and quietly observed his world rather than interacting with it. Themes from his childhood emerged and were replayed in his films: fear of authority figures, fascination with the murder and rape of women, and serial killers. His interest in film was obvious: the theatrical nature, the framing relates back to his youth and experiences with the stage. 

He greatly influenced cinematography. Breaking to the second character while the first is still speaking to highlight the quicker pace and advantage of talkies over silent film. He developed the "traveling shot" or "crane shot", the ten minute take, and the MacGuffin.

For Hitchcock the camera was the penultimate character in the movie. Many actors would complain through the years that they felt ignored by the director that they were irrelevant or puppets, not true, but they were subordinate to the camera. The camera's eye, the angles, the light, the abstract formalism was critical to Hitchcock; character motivation he could care less about. When actors inquired, he state the motivation was their paycheck. 

Hitchcock's famous advice to actors: "Do nothing."

More difficult than it sounds, and allows the audience to project onto the character what they want. 

Hitchcock came to America after achieving success in England under contract to Selznick. The difference in modus operandi, Hitchcock did not enjoy the American version of producers fiddling with dailies and changing his very specific vision. The first film, Rebecca ended up winning the 1940 Oscar for Best Film, which Selznick received the statuette. Additionally, the old Hollywood studio traditions of renting out contracted talent saw Hitchcock sold for double his contract price to work for others. Resentment aside, the diminished supervision/interference suited Hitchcock fine. 

Again, war was marching across Europe and criticism of Hitchcock from his homeland was particularly painful. Labeled a deserter, though forty and unfit for combat, previous good friends and colleagues from his London years turned on him. His new work was derided by the British press as "glossy and vulgar", chasing nothing but profit. The irony was that Hitchcock did do some propaganda film work for the Ministry of Information, but wouldn't refute the accusations because it was a hurtful attack from one he didn't expect, most likely. It would be another 30-40 years before the opinion of Hitchcock's work changed. 

By 1942, Hitchcock had head billing on promotional materials, and he never lost it: Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion.

Imagine having writers like Dorothy Parker, Thornton Wilder, Raymond Chandler, John Steinbeck scripting your films, though many others snubbed offers. Salvador Dali imagining a dream sequence, which ironically ended up on Spellbound's cutting room floor. 

"He really scored the sound effects the way a musician writes for instruments."

Deaths of his mother, Emma and shortly thereafter brother, William had a profound effect. While there are no recorded comments, Hitchcock rapidly lost over 100 lbs., enough that Selznick was concerned. Shadow of a Doubt (1943) was the film he was planning and filmed during this period. It is also the most critically acclaimed and the one, though he didn't praise things, he intimated was his favorite. 

"Hitchcock seems to have been obsessed with beautiful blondes but the women he liked were feisty, witty--even foul-mouthed--characters such as Carole Lombard or Tallulah Bankhead."

Both anxious and eager to strike out on his own and rid himself of Selznick's interference, Hitchcock finally in 1947 started his own company with long time colleague Sidney Bernstein, Transatlantic Pictures. The first picture was Rope. Due to the controversial material, Cary Grant and Montgomery Clift passed on playing the leads, homosexuals. The parts went to relative unknowns, but one surprise, Jimmy Stewart took the pivotal role of the students' teacher/mentor. 

I am not self-indulgent where content is concerned," he said. " I am self-indulgent about treatment. I'd compare myself to an abstract artist. My favorite is Klee."

The complaint by actors that the camera was the lead in films continues. Hitchcock continued to develop and the ten minute takes in Rope added to tension of the shots; everyone was terrified of messing up the closer to the end of the take they got. This translated into the film. Hitchcock was a grand manipulator of the actors either by the manner in which he treated them or ignored them, or the technical pre-eminence that made them feel like a puppet playing before it's eye. Unfortunately, Under Capricorn, Transatlantic Pictures second film, a vehicle written for Ingrid Bergman flopped resulting in bankruptcy.

Hitchcock planned ahead and a series of studio relationships transpired. The most notable, for me, but also considered the Golden Age of Hitchcock was his tenure with Paramount. By 1954, Rear Window was released to critical and box office acclaim. 



October, 1955 Alfred Hitchcock Presents debuted. He was set to take on television. The team he'd built over the years carried on. This brought him financial stability, and for one of his anxious temperament was a boon. But, Hitchcock's declining health and more terrifying, Alma's health scares upset him more. In his late years, he began to see how far he'd fallen behind in the trends of cinematography, disheartened and absolutely petrified of Alma deserting him in death he withered quickly. 

For readers interested in Hitchcock, his movie progress, relationships with his crew and stars, Hollywood tinder, and some of the origins of his motifs then I strongly recommend this biography. It is both informative and entertaining to read; you never feel once like you have to choose between the two while reading. 

Hitchcock once summarized the difference between his English and American periods as one between spontaneity or instinct, and calculation.

BORN TO PLEASE by G.A. Hauser

3 Stars

The power of love.

Rocky start, but soon starts to get more complex. This actually does some unveiling of character layers as it goes long, the format is quick so that takes away from some of the intensity and could be interpreted as cavalier, but as it progressed I viewed it as more jumping through stages then dismissing them. The timeline is unrealistic, but the characters' investment isn't. Personally, I think it would be more powerful stretched out with more exploration of the complicated themes: drug addiction, recovery, emotional attachment versus avoidance strategies, social class, career politics, and trust. 

As presented now, Ash and Colt are interesting men with rich backgrounds, but it ends up coming off more like a Cinderfella tale than it deserves--there's more meat, here.

"Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman

4 Stars

The obverse side is today.

That title, wow. Something as elegant as that title promises so much. If you aren't aware, then I encourage you to read a brief overview about harlequins on Wikipedia. 

My soul would be an outlaw. I can do nothing with it. 

Today, in a time obsessed with everyone being special, does this even make sense? The zeitgeist associated with the author's plea of acceptance over rigidity and sameness is nearly the other end of the pendulum swing. Where people demand exemptions regardless of need to validate how special they are. The performance of individuality is nearly as ridiculous as the conformity Ellison was railing against in this story. 



Anti-war, whispers of anarchism, state government oppression, mechanization and dehumanization, all are a part of this story, but it is not a call to arms. There is a playfulness and irreverence instead, disruption not destruction. There are many allusions to both the time period (1965) and other great works of literature that make this into a mixed-form with didactic social commentary and fiction. It is concise, elegant, and makes evident why Ellison was awarded so many honors.

"Who is the Harlequin?"

The Thoughtful Leader: A Model of Integrative Leadership by Jim Fisher

4 Stars

A leader is an idea personified in an individual.



Introductory approach to the art and science of leadership. From the title it's pretty obvious that it is a synergistic model that weaves other managerial structures together. While I have encountered many of these concepts through working in various fields and interacting on different levels, having it all in one place and methodically explained how the elements support each other is valuable. This is not an in-depth workbook; it is a strong overview.

The introduction lays out the author's background making a case for speaking from a place of authority. Excellent recommendations on other texts to read for more in-depth analysis. The constant personal interjections of phrases like "my" attempted to make it a more familial read, but it ended up detracting from the text and sounding like filler at points. 

All that said, the 9 box model is compelling.

MANAGING_______DIRECTING_______ENGAGING

PLAN-------------VISION-------------VALUES

ORGANIZE--------ALIGNMENT---------CLARITY

CONTROL--------MOTIVATION------INVOLVEMENT

Utilizing all nine strategies of this three-pronged approach tells, inspires and motivates. This integrated theory essentially synthesizes three historical leadership styles into one. Obviously, the evidence supporting this theory is anecdotal with personal stories of observations of success.

Vision is what makes the form desirable to fulfill its function. Function is critical to success and cannot be ignored.

Integrated leadership is an integrated workforce. Everyone needs to understand why they're rowing the ship, at what pace and direction to achieve success. 

Leaders who want to get things done have to manage.

Simply said, vision is not enough. Great ideas don't correlate into success and there's a reason the oldest model of management still has relevancy. (See first column)

Visions should be a stretch to a new and better place, but leaders as hardheaded managers need to know that useful visions cannot be impossible leaps.

Overall, a solid and worthwhile time investment to read even if it is a review. I will be utilizing the 9 box strategy.

LORD OF WHITE HELL #2 by Ginn Hale

5 Stars

Worth all the stars you see.

Broken down into two books so that 700 pages doesn't run off potential readers, this is a fast paced fantasy adventure story. Picking right up where book #1 leaves off we run straight ahead into all the drama and challenges Kiram and Javier face.

Duty

“It’s so much easier to relinquish power rather than accept responsibility, you know.”

Sacrifice

“Always look to your weaknesses, Kiram, and to those of your enemies,” Alizadeh advised him.

Freedom

Kiram thought he felt Javier’s lips against his cheek and then he fell into a deep sleep.

They navigate political intrigue and peril while growing up and redrawing friendships and familial relationships. They've left the Academy behind for the less structured environment of a vibrant city. Kiram saw Javier's world, and now Javier must see Kiram's. Are the differences too great? The sacrifices too big?

Overall, alluring and action packed.

Most seductive quote: 

Most beloved youth, I pray that I do not offend in sending something so simple to someone so much more delectable. I await your return as the tulip longs to penetrate the warm earth of spring.

LORD OF WHITE HELL by Ginn Hale

4 Stars

In thrall again.

Oh man, this is good, and fun, and got enough sanctioned violence to be so satisfying. Between the friendships, the curse, the power struggles, and the societal boundaries being trampled this has enough going on to keep interest. Basically, I highlighted stuff while reading, but couldn't be bothered to come here and update--no time. Later, chickadillas.

"He’ll make a better impression without a hell-branded duke flustering his little flock of hens.”

Overall, a high fantasy page turner that's sucked me right into book #2.

NOTE: This is definitely part one of a two part book, so stopping after one isn't possible.

HAPPY HOUR by Mari Carr

3 Stars

Back in the saddle, again.

Yee-Haw! Carr writes some lovely, smexilicious fun times. And yummy, breaking the fast with two colleagues who are hot and young studs. Tasty with a spicy threesome, and good feelings all round, even the unexpected assist in the DP department ;) Way to play nice, boys.

GROSGRAIN AND TAFFETA (The Corsetier #1) by A.L. Anderson

4 STARS

A whole lifetime of people telling you shouldn't like what you like and you shouldn't do what do even if it is a driving passion. What finally makes you decide you will? That you will be you.

This story had the chance to follow the well trodden path multiple times, and never did. It uses humor and family, setbacks, and acceptance to reveal Cris. There is fickleness to fate as he finds out, false starts and failure--or is it? Fundamentally, one must believe before they can conceive. To accept that one can create before it can bloom. All this set amongst sensual fabrics and fantastical musings on construction, for designing and creating a corset is structure and beauty refined. Aesthetics.



The only time you'll grasp the brass ring is when you try for it. 

And after all that, there's a fairy tale ending because it happens a lot more often than you think. It's about seeing what's in front of you, that yellow brick road, that frog, that silly bean; they're all potential. Life is potential. Finding your future means accepting you. 

The Corsetier has always had a place.



Men are beautiful. They deserve pretty things, too. 

SAVAGE RECKONING by C. Hoyt Caldwell

5 STARS

Holy Crackerdoodles--AWESOME!

This is a summer blockbuster with Appalachian Frodo and Sam. Kenny Fable is hysterical. Simple spoken, but teeming with ideas. Some are better than others, but funny. His partner, Step Crawford, the grumpy Gus of the duo has an eye on business. He's got the street smarts Kenny seems to be missing. Of course, sometimes things go sideways and then you have to improvise.

Gospel according to Step: 

"Each woman's got a different 'forget-shit' trigger, Kenny. A man's whole goddamn purpose in life is to figure out that trigger and pull it."

Enter Dani Savage, pipsqueak niece of the Sheriff trying to get taken seriously in Baptist Flats. It ain't easy being the Little Deputy or female and enforcing the law in this neck of the woods, but some people are just born with more moxy. Go Dani!

To say things aren't right in Baptist Flats is a bit of an understatement. Of course, as soon as you turn over one rock and something unsavory crawls out it makes you wonder what's underneath all the others. Trouble.

And there's is a whole lotta this:


This is fast-paced, ugly, and downright cynical-- Still one heck of a wild ride. What takes this the extra step is amidst all the crazy, wild, out of control clusterfuck there's some real gems of truth thrown out for you to take or let drop. I took a few.

"I think they just looked away for a minute. That's all."

STEALING SERENITY by Tami Veldura

3 STARS

Cat and Mouse game with ropes.

Some beautiful rope work and photography discussed, but the uneven rendering of the perspective was disorienting and managed to pull me away from the moments of intimacy with reportage statements. The elements of exhibitionism and shibari are seductive, but the story telling itself was clumsy. I did enjoy the game being played here, that's why I'm rounding up 2.5 stars to 3.

THE VIRGIN BETROTHALS by Victoria Winters

2 STARS

A floundering farce.

Honestly, this is the most generous description I can give for the disparate elements, character shifts and absurd plot twists. I would have found it more successful if the age play was integrated with humor instead of the gloomy Gothic romance trying to mesh with the Gilbert and Sullivanesque romps and betrothal swapping.

Overall, uneven execution.

A GENTLEMEN'S POSITION by K.J. Charles

4 STARS

The Tale of Tantalus, what you want is so close, but always just out of reach.

David Cyprian has constructed his own means of torture. Faithful service is a poor substitute for what he truly desires. For a man who pulls so many strings, this is one he avoids. He takes the safe bet, the sure thing rather than risk it all.



Lord Richard Vane is living a seemingly carefree life of the second son of a Marquis. Here we see the twists and the turns in the Vane tree as the skeletons dance. The realities of his position and the dedication to family that he shares with his brother. 

I thought we had lanced the pain of first love lost between Richard and Dominic, but the knife cuts deep, digging out chunks, bleeding freely. In the previous story, SEDITIOUS AFFAIR, we saw Dominic's resolution and here we reenact the grievous pain, again.

Things to adore about this is how casually Charles throws in a Jeremy Bentham reference, it's like decorating by strewing diamonds about. A thoughtful discussion on dubious consent, and when it is and when it isn't. The abuse of power and grief. For those who have seen rules broken, horribly maligned, rules often become the most important aspect of preserving sanity. The rules guide one, so one never has to see the atrocities rendered by ignoring them. 

Lord Maltravers, repugnant older brother to Ash and ducal heir once again steps forth to sally with the Ricardians along with an old foe, Skelton. Stunning gamesmanship that required calling in all chits and running the suit. Gorgeous. Devious, but absolutely breathtaking in its finality. Simply, a glorious ending for the series for it isn't until the last card is played and the trick taken that we all know.

In the end, Cyprian is stunning and Vane learns the reward of trust. There is a vulnerability explored of these two powerful and self-contained men. And while this doesn't have the historical horsepower of its predecessor, the subtly of societal maneuverings and its consequences are beautifully illustrated. A classic regency.

Overall, a balancing act between love and duty.

FITTING IN by Silvia Violet

2 STARS

Mmm... so the more the merrier, right?

Well, sure in theory, and I was plugging along totally digging the menage and D/s with some light bondage going on, but the mental whinging was too much. Would have liked it more without the repeated--repeated--repeated, fucking annoying, right?--character doubt and going back to the same well. I'm more of a dither and then jump in person, not jump in and dither, so this didn't work for me. That said, there was some fine lickety action.

GOLEM by Lorenzo Ceccotti

3 STARS

Gorgeous cover, and while I didn't expect 280 pages of that quality illustration, I had hoped for more. 

Opening sequence is an overview, unimpressive, but I think in the context of the story it is reflects the plastic and propaganda of the new Itally, paternalistic and fascist.

Second sequence is character introduction and elaboration of the world. There's this social commentary that not being Italian is probably lost in translation, but needless to say the Euro controversy and Italy's tenuous financial position makes the story's dismissiveness towards money and waste interesting from the contemporary political and economic point of view.

In the third sequence the action and conflict developed with Steno, the young hero pulled into the fight following his friend, Rosabella. The resistance is revealed, the ragtag team and the enemy is given a face.

The last two sequences deal with the conflict and the resolution.

Quality of the art varies greatly. The opening frames of each section are very detailed, atmospheric and spectacular, much like the cover. The subsequent frames are much less developed, sketchy and raw looking. It's fine, but the cover image is not indicative of the illustrations throughout the book. 

Is the story complicated? No.

Is it interesting? Yes.

I enjoyed the comic, but not enamored with it. First, there are some translation errors that are simple and surprising. They take away from the experience if not the comprehension. Second, the symbolism in this story is undoubtedly masterful in the artist's mind, but it gathers and plucks from too many sources to make it easily grasped. 

The visual symbology listed at the end that discusses images choices, names and concepts is useful. Some will be more readily comprehendible and probably picked up on during the story while others are more obscure. The strong basis in Pre-Christian symbols is apparent, though the choices made are somewhat confusing when compounded by the political themes of anti-capitalism, socialism and democracy. It's clearly got some complicated thoughts, but the mishmash muddied the message.

Overall, post-apocalyptic comic features disillusionment with modern European politics and environmentalism with savior overtones.

THE DIVINE MADNESS OF PHILLIP K. DICK by Kyle Arnold

4 STARS

Dick's origin story is grippingly tragic. The loss of his twin Jane to neglect, his near death, and the mental instability of both his parents are specters. The ghosts of his psyche echoing through his stories. Arnold breaks down the repeated story elements and analyzes them in the context of Dick's life via interviews and diary entries.

I feel terrible. His writing is a series of psychic screams. What does it make me to take pleasure in creations that exist only because a man was tortured from childhood? What began as treatment in childhood for asthma spirals wildly out of control as his addiction to amphetamines induces paranoia and fits of rage. Combined with his unhealthy interpersonal relationships learned and then replayed throughout his life makes for a sad and rather depressing reality. He needed help and while he sought it, it never worked out. He never found peace. 

That said, the way it manifested meant that Dick wasn't the nicest or most pleasant person to be around, paranoia incited physical and emotional confrontations. Additionally, his obsessions led him to make poor personal decisions which often acerbated his issues. The correlations between Dick's episodes and the effects of his various medical conditions is well done. The supporting commentary of witnesses and family who knew and were involved with Dick provide confirmation where it can. A cogent argument, but well drawn and convincing. 

The investigations into the individual cruxes or visions that affected Dick greatly: break in, the pink light, Zebra, there is surprisingly long list ... some got bogged down in the format. In order to cross off all the elements there's a great deal of repetition to breakdown the argument. It's complete, but tedious to read at times. This is hefty subject matter and feels like it. By the end, Dick's circular arguments leaves one dizzy as they're unraveled.

Overall, a comprehensive investigation of Dick's life and how it affected his writings.

LOGAN'S NEED by Sloane Kennedy

2 STARS

DNF 67%

M/M Danielle Steele with drama llamas.

I tried, but I can't suspend reality enough to go with this. The characters' emotional states require pharmaceutical assistance, which isn't happening, tongue in cheek, but there are characters that require medical attention and they're not getting it. All over the map like yo-yos.

STATUS UPDATE by Annabeth Albert

2 STARS

Oh boy. I suspect that my job today is to kick puppies. I wanted to love this story, but I had grave misgivings with the characters and their actions. 

Problem 1: The Setup

This essentially makes Adrian into a TSTL hero. Like find the body ten years later as hikers stumble across it stupid. If a female did this everyone would be screaming bloody murder about how idiotic she was. So, Adrian... no pass on that. 

Problem 2: Adrian's mouth

That boy has some serious foot in mouth disease. I know three years old who have more tact than Adrian, and he knows it--it's not a neurodiversity issue. Invasive and pushy are the nicest terms I can use here.

Problem 3: Noah's actions

I'm all for nice, but Noah's decision to help further after Adrian's been on his case and in his business without invitation--well, dude you come across as a doormat. I'm all for non-confrontational and helping, but this was beyond the call of good Christian. Then there was the incident that he knew would end that way it did and still went ahead, but I can't feel bad about it when we all know ahead of time the outcome to this self destructive choice. Heck, I would have gone into the university with my statement, but I sure as hell would know what was going to happen. 

So basically, this story had a whole bunch of head shaking in between the overly sweet intimacies. I didn't believe the characters and things they did rubbed me the wrong way. The mechanics were good and the guys end up being cute in their highly improbable and conveniently resolved world. 

KNIT TIGHT by Annabeth Albert

3 STARS

Cozy read with some fluffy goodness.

Brady, barista extraordinaire is raising his siblings after their parents are killed in an accident. Life is busy and filled with more responsibilities than the average young twenty-something. Free time--Ha. Extra money-Ha, ha. Though he never regrets his decisions, Brady's got more wishes than fishes.

Evren, the alluring nephew of a local shop owner, visits and during Knit Night Brady and he meet. While there's zings and interest, they're both busy guys and neither is looking for a quick fix. Both are dealing with their sense of being an outsider in different ways, learning that accepting help isn't a negation of their abilities or actions, and finding common ground and interests. 

I have to say there were some interesting social issues addressed, albeit in a gentle manner. I also really liked the multicultural aspect to the story. How Evren's heritage and beliefs were introduced without being spectacle, as well as the cultural biases. There was more tension over the bisexuality and it hit the issue head on in addition to anal sex which is not the be all and end all of male-male sexual relations. I enjoyed the approach and execution.

That said, the guys have exterior issues that are dominant in their lives which overshadow them individually or as a pair. If you like the 'busy and making it work' couples' stories or family based stories then this is good. For me personally, I found the circumstances overpowering to the characters. Though I enjoyed it; it wasn't a homerun.

Overall, a romance that takes backseat to family. 
3.5 stars

HIS HOLY BONES (Rifter #10) by Ginn Hale

5 STARS

Ten books and a few days later I emerge...
Victorious? Exhausted, a bit. But, most of all, at peace.

Jahn's journey is a heroic one.



Each step is fraught with both advances and pitfalls. The weaving was clever, insanely addictive as it dragged one to the next installment, the reader falling over a series of cataracts and swept away. Never getting the chance to rest as the next obstacle arises to challenge. 

Again, not going to discuss the specifics but recommend that if you enjoy fantasy novels then this might very well be a story you'll love. I DO highly suggest one prepares and sets aside time to make the full journey because interruptions and delays are probably going to be unacceptable. At least, many of my friends seemed to have the same reaction with the Rifter series--non-stop indulging until glutted with the fallen books around you. 

Series as a whole: 4 Stars
Satisfaction rating: 5 Stars, this was a great experience which fortunately, unfolded perfectly for me. 

CONVERGENCE by Michael Patrick Hicks

2 STARS

Sci-fi, assassins, and Los Angeles, this should have been right up my alley. Alas, I had some issues with the execution. The world building and characterization being top most. The action scenes were great, a bit repetitive, but solid, high velocity, and engaging. The introspection and background filling were far less successful. The sense of place, nailed it. This was Los Angeles destroyed and detailed enough that those familiar could follow Jonah's paths.

First person and descriptions are a little clunky, superficial. Makes sense in a scanning the scene manner, but combined with the first person point of view I expect more embellishment to reflect Jonah's personality. At the beginning, he sounds like he buys into stereotypes which for a man in his profession seems dangerous. Combined with the pattern of lose consciousness then flashback or change location feels plastic.

I know I'm breaking the rules of reading here by not accepting the premise set out in the blurb, but the naivete required to believe that Russia, China, and Iran could actually work together in a concerted effort is mind boggling. The internal elements in two of those countries are unstable that keeping them together is hard enough let alone mounting a coordinated offensive overseas. That said, it's managed to portray the U.N. as impotent as it is. 

Some bold, but improbable technology made me do a double take. All for heat seeking bullets, but ones that can navigate around to find gaps in plating and armor? Yeah not so much. Some things are just illogical, like the wire and pipes stripped out of a house. That makes sense in a society that is recycling and a profit can be made, but there's no infrastructure to support that so it wouldn't happen. The incentive is missing. Where is Jonah getting money to pay for things as a refuge under foreign rule? The currency is going to be different, yes black market goods can get cash, but barter is more likely.

The unexplained shift in relationship between Jonah and Alice. Fuck and roll, or friends with benefits I get, but Alice laying down her cards for no good reason--doubtful. The Alice's shift from BAMF organized crime boss to little woman--No. Then again, Jonah isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

Bouts of preaching, being overly invested in projecting present day issues into the landscape of the story from terrorism to Patriot Act to entitlement made me go 



Bogeyman, xenophobic, dystopic world building which resembles flashes from news media outlets rants rather than a cohesive sociological construct. 

And please, don't get me started on the representation of women. The frighteningly telling resolution with his daughter and Jonah's response is disturbing. And how did Jonah get from coward to hitman? The vacillation in his character from sweaty nervous to cold-blood killer was head spinning, the multiple times it happened.

Honestly, with more editing for the characters, consistency and minor grammar issues this could be strong. The concept of memory harvesting and convergences, similar to the research in social media tracking, but first person is really interesting. But here, it feels superficial and disjointed with character choices that are illogical. Like Kaften buying into Jonah's problem after his mission was complete--Nope.

So this was not my cup of tea, but it worked for many other readers. I suspect that my preference for science fiction over dystopia put this story at a disadvantage. 

Overall, uneven pacing with characterization flaws in a blockbuster format. 

CLINCH by Martin Holmén

5 STARS

1932 Stockholm, Sweden



Wheel of Fortune, for every one going up there's one going down. 

Framed for murder Kvisten searches for the witness who can clear him. A cat and mouse game across the seedy side of interwar Stockholm ensues with Harry seemingly one step behind, all the time, until his luck turns. It's a probing look at the bottom half of the city's totem from the schemers to the scrapers to the desperate, and every so often there's a glimmer of hope.

Not pretty and not cozy, there's a visceral quality to the descriptions and tone that root this squarely in the noir genre. Noir is very much a fall from grace motif; doll comes into his life and suddenly everything goes to hell in a handbasket. All it takes is one meeting and everything changed for Harry Kvisten.

Brutish and self-centered, he's a great character. In real life I'd lock horns, but he really does have that larger than life attitude that gives him a charisma that his broken face doesn't. He also has moments of unvarnished restraint or charity that you wouldn't expect which makes him unequivocally flawed, but human, and not a sociopath. His code is different, honed by scarcity and need, but it is there.

It is a textural and palpable experience reading about Kvisten's life, a series of physical events and while they are often violent that concentration lends a sensuous quality. It's this ephemera, seductive, yet blunt instances that are here then gone again. Don't misunderstand, there's nothing romantic about it; it's coarse, earthy and visceral. That "ultra-gritty" tag in the blurb is not unwarranted. If one is uncomfortable with human bodily functions than the intrinsic crudity will be off-putting.

That said, this story is rooted in 1930s Stockholm. You have a real sense of the economic inequality, the struggle, and the disturbing rise of Nazi rhetoric whispering in. There is a definite sense of place and references that a local or one with great familiarity will get that others will not. Contextually, they're understandable, but the sub context for all the regional references are right over my head, which is hard to admit and has me feeling like this:



The ending is a splashy double-cross, emotionally fraught, yet in that noir aspect untouchable. Everything has changed and nothing has. Overall, I enjoyed the chase, the betrayals, and that cynicism. It was a win, and I'll probably reread it and I already have the perfect person to buy this book for.

TITANBORN by Rhett C. Bruno

3 STARS

The measure of man is by his actions. 

Malcolm Graves is a collector. Think bounty hunter and problem solver. Been at it for decades, working for the Pervenio Corporation. Some things go down less than ideally and next thing he knows he's got a shadow. Veteran mentoring his rookie partner setup, I'll admit is a trope I love. Zhaff is the eager, emotionally unconnected understudy, textbook perfect, and naive.

They're working the case, a terrorist plot spanning Earth to Titan. Chasing into the hinterlands and the underworld areas, they court danger. If the environment doesn't get them, their opponents may. The conflict between Ringers and mud stompers is a replay of colonial power grabs, but here corporations hold the reins. Corporations fund passage off Earth for cheap and captive labor. There's also a great deal of expansionist rhetoric playing in the post meteor impact human psyche. 

Three hundred years after a meteor strike Earthlings have colonized various places include the moon Titan and Mars. Ringer, is an outsider derogatory term for Titanborn persons. Environmental conditions have affected their development. The issues of subjugation and oppression regarding Titanborn rights are center stage as they're denied or undercut for their own good. 

The world building and technology were good. Developed, believable, and solid background for the action. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of flashbacks, and used multiple times is a clumsy device for relaying backstory. Honestly, the information given while critical was unsuccessful and slowed the story down. The pace wasn't that fast that I wanted a breather. It felt like an interruption every time. The character development that needed to happen with them was unsuccessful.

Frankly, the ending sucked. It was very dramatic, borderline emo, and convenient. Overly so, and while I understand the decision I didn't buy into it because I was unconvinced by the characters. The characterizations that worked and were developed, which I had bought into ended up ignored, and I was disappointed. Man, I love that cover though. Even better in the context of the story.

Overall, fun partner chase story that implodes at the end.