Thirty-something twins, Ryan and Jane Adler, their best friends, and one bestie’s fiancée, are spending a few days at the secluded cabin in the ColoraThirty-something twins, Ryan and Jane Adler, their best friends, and one bestie’s fiancée, are spending a few days at the secluded cabin in the Colorado mountains where Ryan and Jane grew up. It’s a last get-together before Ryan leaves in a few weeks for a new position in Switzerland. Who knew it would get so cold or that there would be a blizzard or that the reception on their cells phones really sucked? What else could go wrong? I’m so glad I decided to try another one of Ahlborn’s novels and that I chose this one, as it’s the best horror story I’ve read in a while. I liked this one better than the first two I read. To me it had elements of both The Shining and Devolution. I enjoyed it so much it only took two days for me to finish it and that hasn’t happened in a long time. The writing, the characters and the story were all good. I was right on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Stories this good remind me why I enjoy reading horror so much. ...more
I live on the coast of Maine, love being on the ocean and love mermaids. So, this spectacular novel by Mira Grant was a total nightmare for me. I LOVEI live on the coast of Maine, love being on the ocean and love mermaids. So, this spectacular novel by Mira Grant was a total nightmare for me. I LOVED it. This was the scariest, most intense novel I’ve read in years. A group of scientists travel to the Mariana Trench on the Melusine, a giant cruise/research ship to see if they can find whatever left a previous ship, the Atargatis, abandoned and floating around on the ocean. Unfortunately, the scientists find what they’re looking for. Mermaids. And they’re definitely not like anything from Disney. They’re hungry. I enjoyed this book so much – great writing and characters – that as soon as I finished it, I got on Amazon and bought Grant’s previous book, Rolling in the Deep, which is the story of the Atargatis’s disastrous voyage. I think I’ve found a new suspense, horror writer! ...more
Tova Sullivan is a widow in her 70s. Before her husband, Will, died, they lost their only child, Erik, soon after he graduated from high school. His bTova Sullivan is a widow in her 70s. Before her husband, Will, died, they lost their only child, Erik, soon after he graduated from high school. His body was never found, and they never knew what happened to him, just that he was gone. Tova has plenty of friends, but she’s a bit private and doesn’t mind being alone. That’s why she loves working at the Puget Sound Aquarium, cleaning once everyone has left for the day. One night she arrives at work to find that the great Pacific octopus, Marcellus, is out of his tank. She quickly returns him to it. He wraps one of his tentacled arms around her wrist and she believes he’s grateful. He is. Marcellus knows things Tova should know but doesn’t know how to communicate these things to her. He’s determined to convey his knowledge to her, though. When she hurts herself and has to be out of work for a few weeks, her supervisor hires a young man, Cameron, to temporarily replace her. This is a story with quirky characters and strange situations. It's charming and funny. It’s Tova, Cameron & Marcellus’s story and I think it’s the best book I’ve read so far this year. I liked it so much that I slowed down my reading about 20 pages from the end, because I didn't want it to end. I loved it....more
Boy, do I ever wish I could enroll in one of this guy’s courses! Even though I read Homo Deus first, when I got the opportunity to borrow Sapiens, I tBoy, do I ever wish I could enroll in one of this guy’s courses! Even though I read Homo Deus first, when I got the opportunity to borrow Sapiens, I took it. I will read anything this man writes because Harari doesn’t just relate facts; he tells you the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of things. Things like human history, trade, religion. He makes me think thoughts I never would have, such as looking at culture as a kind of mental infection or parasite, with humans as its host. I’ve never heard culture described quite like that before. He even makes learning how life insurance came about interesting. Ok, so that makes me a total geek. I’m glad I discovered this author/professor/scholar. His writing and the questions he raises about the future of mankind really made me feel uncomfortable at times and that’s okay. He makes me think and I like that. I highly recommend this author to anyone who likes to learn about humans....more
This is the second book I’ve read written by Anthony Doerr, who is a remarkable storyteller. I was amazed at how real the characters in this story werThis is the second book I’ve read written by Anthony Doerr, who is a remarkable storyteller. I was amazed at how real the characters in this story were to me and I cared about most all of them. The story takes place in France and Germany during World War II. Children, barely teenagers, were being inducted into the Nazis to fight the war. But one particular child, Marie-Laurie, a French girl who has lost her sight, becomes part of the Resistance. I cared about these characters so much that, at times, when tragedy struck (and it did) I would have to remind myself that this was a work of fiction. I don’t want to give away any of the story, so I will just say, if you appreciate exceptional stories, check this one out....more
With all the horror I read, why is it that the books which frighten me the most are nonfiction science books? This was one of the most interesting booWith all the horror I read, why is it that the books which frighten me the most are nonfiction science books? This was one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read. There’s so much in here that I never knew or never thought about before, and a lot of it caused the same reaction in me: YIKES! Topics such as: what is reality, really? Do we know? Can we trust our senses? Or is our reality all an illusion, like in the Matrix? Do humans actually have a soul? There’s no scientific data proving we do. I think what got to me the most was realizing all the information Google has about me. I’d never given it serious thought until reading this. Google knows where I live, my birthday, who I’m married to, where I shop, what I buy, what books I read, what illnesses I’ve had, right down to when I have a toothache. Do AI algorithms know us better than our spouses? I believe they do because I’m sure Google knows more about me than my husband of 45 years. Where is humanity headed? Will we always be homo sapiens, or will AI and genetic engineering make us something different? I have always taken it for granted that homo sapiens will always be homo sapiens, but now I’m not so sure. This is fascinating reading. It’s different from anything else I’ve ever read, eye-opening and thought-provoking. I loved it....more
I got much more out of this story than just reading a book. I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about its author than that he alsoI got much more out of this story than just reading a book. I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about its author than that he also wrote The Name of The Rose. I’ve never read such a well-researched novel. I knew nothing of the Kabbalah before reading this book. I now know more than I’ve ever known, (thank you, Wikipedia). All the chapters are named for the Sephirot of the Kabbalah. I also know enough about Umberto Eco and am so impressed with his research, knowledge and writing style that I want to read everything he’s ever written. As far as mystery and suspense stories go, this one surpassed every other mystery I’ve ever read. This story is about three bored editors at a publishing house in Italy – Belbo, Diotallevi & Casaubon – who enjoy playing word and mind games. They’re all intellectuals, Diotallevi believes he’s Jewish, even though he’s not, but he knows a lot about The Kabbalah, and Casaubon has spent years studying The Templars. They meet Colonel Ardenti, who tells them he has written a book about the Templars, and how they are still waiting to find out some secret knowledge in order to have an understanding of everything and to be able to live forever. Thus, the three editors start playing a game of coming up with their own fictitious history and the consequences of what happens when they think they can play with God’s Plan. This was a fascinating story and although I didn’t really understand what the heck I was reading about when I started reading it, I was determined to continue and I’m so glad I did. This is one of those books where the beginning of the story is actually the end. I would suggest that anyone who plans on reading this scholarly mystery go to Wikipedia and learn a bit about the author and the Kabbalah. I NEVER write in my books, but I have filled this one with notes. I’m now going to read this story again – yes, it’s THAT good – with more understanding of what I’m reading about. While I’m reading it, I’ll be going through my boxes of “to be read” books, looking for The Name of the Rose. ...more
“He that knows all the Learning ever writ…” I don’t want to say a lot about this story, except that I liked it a lot. This is a book for people who lo“He that knows all the Learning ever writ…” I don’t want to say a lot about this story, except that I liked it a lot. This is a book for people who love stories. It's a story about a story, which is the ancient tale of the travels and travails of a foolish shepherd seeking a better life than his own. It’s also about how that particular tale, written in, and translated from Greek, affects, shapes and connects the lives of several people from the past, present and future. This book has to be read (listened to?) to be appreciated. This is my first Doerr novel and I enjoyed it so much that I bought two of his other books before finishing this one. Imaginative and unique, I thought this was an awesome story with first-rate characters. One character’s story just continually had me saying, “Wow.” Mind totally blown. This story was so enthralling (fascinating? marvelous? It took me away from my own little world, okay?) that I didn’t want it to end, yet I couldn’t put it down. All these peoples’ lives so different in time and space, but still connected. I loved all of them, because they all showed their love, but Omeir and his oxen, Tree and Moonlight, really got deep in my heart. No, I did not cry but I had to keep telling myself that these were fictional characters, and then I would pour myself a glass of wine. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. And because I believe this particular story belongs in a library, I’m donating it and I challenge anyone who reads this review to do the same. Libraries have always been one of my favorite places to go (that’s probably obvious). When I returned some books recently, one of the librarians told me they have two copies of this book and there’s always a waiting list. I would love for others to enjoy this story, too.
Mia kills the grand cardinal and believes she has killed Julius Scaeva. Unfortunately, Mia killed an imposter. She has taken her brother, Jonnen, and Mia kills the grand cardinal and believes she has killed Julius Scaeva. Unfortunately, Mia killed an imposter. She has taken her brother, Jonnen, and escapes upon the Bloody Maid, a ship captained by Cloud Corleone. In this last book of the trilogy, it’s Mia’s mission to put things right, to put the moon back in the sky where it belongs. She must trust and depend on her friends in order to accomplish that. Mia is going to kill Scaeva, or die trying. I don’t want to say more about this story except READ IT. This trilogy was really one of the best fantasies I’ve ever read. Kristoff created some amazing characters and really put my head in a spin when he had Mercurio write Mia’s story, which means Mercurio wrote the footnotes. No wonder I enjoyed them so much – especially page 389 – “O, fuck me, you were thinking. It’s been a while, I wonder where all the footnotes went? Maybe the author got embarrassed by everyone in his own book taking a steaming shit on them and decided to refrain for the rest of the novel? Well, fuck you, gentlefriends.” Even with all the fighting and killing, there’s still so much love in this story. And although I really hate endings and was so sad to reach the end of this story, I was happy at the way it ended. Like Mercurio, I will remember Mia. I loved this story so much that I will be looking for my next Kristoff read as soon as I post this review. ...more
Mia puts her assassin skills to work in this one and plans on getting herself sold as a slave to Sanguila Leonides so she can get close enough to JuliMia puts her assassin skills to work in this one and plans on getting herself sold as a slave to Sanguila Leonides so she can get close enough to Julius Scarva and Francesco Duomo to kill them. Leonides bids on her, but, unfortunately for Mia, Leonides' daughter, Leona, who is trying to build her own team of killing gladiatii, bids higher. Mia does gain fame as a gladiatii and becomes very valuable to her sanguila. The crowds love their little Crow and she has lots of surprises in store for them. Oh! The secrecy, the deceit, the vengeance, the twists and turns, the plans gone awry! This story has it all and more. There’s even a bit of love thrown in. If all of Kristoff’s stories are as good as this, I’m reading them all, because I am definitely loving this series! Mia is a great character, along with her shadow pets, and she makes some friends in this one, which she doesn’t usually allow herself to do. She’s full of surprises. I’m kind of sad there’s only one more book to this trilogy. And can I just say, Mercurio has such a big heart, although he tries to pretend he doesn’t, and I’d love to give him a hug? He has remained one of my favorite characters and I’m afraid the next book will be the end of him. ...more
A group of strangers are all enticed to buy into Greenloop, a no waste, no pollution community up in the mountains, about an hour and a half from SeatA group of strangers are all enticed to buy into Greenloop, a no waste, no pollution community up in the mountains, about an hour and a half from Seattle, WA. When there’s a volcanic explosion from Mt. Rainier, the world as they know it, ends. The city of Tacoma and many other communities are destroyed by mudslides. Their escape route has been destroyed, as well as cell phone coverage. They are effectively out of communication with the rest of the world. They're former city dwellers and don’t understand what is happening when rabbits and deer all start crossing their land. But when they start smelling an awful odor and hearing howls and branches breaking, they realize the Sasquatch have arrived. A colony of them. And they’re hungry. At least one of the residents, an elderly artist, Mostar, knows how to survive in bad situations, so she teaches Katie Holland what they all need to know and do to survive. Katie doesn’t like the idea of being thought of as food. I enjoyed this story so much! Very tight suspense all the way through, like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. I could not put this story down, until I would get to a point where I was so anxious for these great characters that I would just have to get out of my seat and go outside for a few minutes until I didn’t have the heebie-jeebies anymore. This is one of the first novels in a long time when, as soon as I read the last word, I turned immediately to the first page and am going to read it again, now that I know what happened. I thought it was sweet that Brooks put in a bit about Miss Piggy and Dom DeLuise, a long-time friend of his father’s. I liked his book, World War Z, too. This was a really good read.
10.2.23 - I love this story. This was my third time reading it. It’s that good. I wish Mr. Brooks would write a sequel, otherwise I will always be wondering what became of the survivors. I’ve spent some time in the woods out in Washington and it’s pretty easy for me to imagine this story really happening. That’s probably why it scares me so much....more
I’d like to thank Lisa for letting me know how much she likes this author, because it prompted me to buy this trilogy. Mia’s is sixteen-years-old. HerI’d like to thank Lisa for letting me know how much she likes this author, because it prompted me to buy this trilogy. Mia’s is sixteen-years-old. Her father was accused of being a traitor and promptly hanged. Her mother and baby brother have been thrown in prison. When she sneaks into the prison and sees her mother killed, Mia invokes a power she hasn’t even realized she has - an incredibly destructive power. Mercurio, a scabby, scuzzy, but somewhat loveable old man Mia knows and trusts, takes Mia in. He grooms her to qualify to enter a secret, exclusive assassins’ school and then sends her on an arduous journey to get there. This is the tale of her education. Oh, gentlefriends, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this story and now I want my own little shadow cat. This is my first book by Kristoff, and it definitely won’t be my last. Intrigue, love, betrayal and lots and lots of death is all in this incredible fantasy world Kristoff has created. I knew I was going to like it the second I read the first line - "People often shit themselves when they die." I was going to give this book 4 stars, but because of the informative and historical footnotes, it’s getting 5 stars. I can’t wait to start the next book!...more
I think I enjoyed this story even more than I did the first time I read it. A virus has been developed by the government that will turn humans into weI think I enjoyed this story even more than I did the first time I read it. A virus has been developed by the government that will turn humans into weapons. The thirteen test subjects are convicted felons, except for a young girl, Amy NLN. One hundred years after the virus has spread worldwide, people live in a world where one has to be constantly on the alert for an attack by the virals. Many can’t deal with the constant fear. There are lots of suicides. There’s also lots of love, such as Agent Brad Wolgast’s love for Amy. A love so strong, he’s followed her for a hundred years after becoming a viral. The characters in this book are some of the best ever created – Amy, Wolgast, Peter, Auntie, Alicia, Theo, Maus. It’s a book that once you start reading it, you become so involved in these characters and what is going on in this world, that you just can put it down. Great story....more
When I started reading this book, it seemed familiar, so I looked through all of my comments on books I've read and found that I read it nineteen yearWhen I started reading this book, it seemed familiar, so I looked through all of my comments on books I've read and found that I read it nineteen years ago. I was very disappointed that the first time I read it I didn’t really grasp anything about this story. I just wrote about what a pain it was to read about gods named Hapexamendios and goddesses named Uma Umagammagi and Jokalaylau and place names like Patashoqua and Yzordderrex and strange creatures like Little Ease. This book has them all and is so involved and has so many characters that one really needs to take notes. Perhaps I’ll do that the next time I read it, so I can keep them all straight. What I didn’t seem to grasp during my initial reading was all the themes of the story - life and death, oneness and duality, trust and betrayal, forgiveness and vengefulness, destruction and construction, male and female and gender. Pie ‘oh’ pah, introduced as the assassin hired by Charles Estabrook to murder his wife, Jude, at the beginning of the story, ended up being my favorite character. This book is really an epic story of death and rebirth, faith, and exploration into realms other than our own. And also the reconciliation of all of the realms into one interconnecting world with the entrance at 28 Gamut Street in London. I really think this is an amazing piece of work. I hope to read it again at least once more. I’ll take notes the next time. A must read for Clive Barker fans....more
Harry Koegh is one of my favorite characters. I don’t really know why. I just love his story. This was the start of my 3rd reading of Harry’s story. HHarry Koegh is one of my favorite characters. I don’t really know why. I just love his story. This was the start of my 3rd reading of Harry’s story. Harry can talk to dead people. It helps him do all sorts of things. He excels at sports, writing books, murdering killer step-fathers, etc. He’s not afraid of the dead and they all welcome him because dead people can get very lonely. In this series the good guys are very good and the bad guys are very, very bad. These books are easy to read and really terribly graphic, perhaps one of the grossest stories I’ve ever read, but I love it....more
I got much more out of this story than just reading a book. I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about it’s author, other than thatI got much more out of this story than just reading a book. I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about it’s author, other than that he also wrote The Name of The Rose. I’ve never read such a well-researched novel and don't know if I've ever read such a well-written, intricate mystery. I knew nothing of the Kabbalah before reading this book. I now know more than I’ve ever known, (thank you, Wikipedia). All the chapters are named for the Sephirot of the Kabbalah. I also now know enough about Umberto Eco and am so impressed with his research, knowledge and writing style that I want to read everything he ever wrote. As far as mystery and suspense stories go, this one surpassed every other mystery I’ve ever read. The story is about three bored editors at a publishing house in Italy – Belbo, Diotallevi & Casaubon – who enjoy playing word and mind games. They’re all intellectuals. Diotallevi believes himself to be Jewish, even though he’s not, but he knows a lot about The Kabbalah, and Casaubon has spent years studying The Templars. They meet a Colonel Ardenti, who tells them he has written a book about the Templars, and how The Templars are still here and are still waiting to find out some secret knowledge in order to have an understanding of everything and to be able to live forever. Thus, the three editors start playing a game of coming up with their own fictitious history and the consequences of what happens when they think they can play with God’s Plan. This was a fascinating story and although I didn’t really understand what the heck I was reading about when I started reading it, I was determined to continue and I’m really glad I did. This is one of those books where the beginning of the story is actually the end. I would suggest that anyone who plans on reading this mystery go to Wikipedia and learn a bit about the author and the Kabbalah. I NEVER write in my books, but I have filled this one with notes. I’m now going to read this story again – yes, it’s THAT good – with more understanding of what I’m reading about. While I’m reading it, I’ll be going through my boxes of “to be read” books, looking for The Name of the Rose....more
This was my third reading of this great Dickens story about a family wrapped up in the events of the French Revolution. Lucie Manette and her father’sThis was my third reading of this great Dickens story about a family wrapped up in the events of the French Revolution. Lucie Manette and her father’s banker, Mr. Lorry, go to Paris, as it has been discovered that Lucie’s father, who was imprisoned in the Bastille and who all think is dead, is alive. They take Dr. Manette to London, where Lucie’s love helps him recover his mind. Lucie eventually falls in love with, and marries one Charles Darnay. They lead a happy life together and have a daughter, Lucie, and a little boy who dies. Other than that, their life is good. They have good friends like Mr. Lorry, and a kind of sorry fellow, Sidney Carton, a lawyer without much ambition. He is Charles’ friend and a man who loves Lucie for her goodness. This is a story I love to read. Dickens writing wraps you up in the action and terror of the French Revolution. I have a very hard time putting this one down. Some of the characters in this one are some of my favorites of Dickens’ characters, none of the main characters, but important characters in the story, nonetheless. Sidney Carton has always been my favorite character of this story for his compassion and his eventual motivation to be a better man. Mr. Lorry is another of my favorites, for his devotion and love of this family. And Miss Pross is another favorite character. Her love for Lucie and protection of her is beautiful to read about. This story is one of my favorite stories ever....more
This book was, without a doubt, the funniest book I've ever read. I got a laugh, or at least a snicker, from every single page. Not all people may likThis book was, without a doubt, the funniest book I've ever read. I got a laugh, or at least a snicker, from every single page. Not all people may like Jon Stewart's sense of humor, and I'm a fan, but didn't realize how brilliantly humorous he is. Kudos, Jon Stewart, and your talented and funny cowriters! This book describing life on Earth to alien beings who eventually land here after human beings become extinct really hit my funny bone. I would recommend it to anyone who is human and has a sense of humor about the human race. It was so good, I even read Appendices A, B & C! I kept it in my car and only read it during my breaks at work, so it took me a long time to finish, but I enjoyed every minute of reading it....more
All good things must come to an end. If a story is really good, it takes me a long time to read the ending simply because I hate for the story to end.All good things must come to an end. If a story is really good, it takes me a long time to read the ending simply because I hate for the story to end. This is one of those stories. Michael finds the means for humans to continue on Earth and Amy, Peter, Alicia and Michael go up against Fanning in New York City in this final book of the trilogy. Full of disasters which have to be overcome, these people, along with Alicia’s horse, Soldier (I loved him!) were real heroes in this story. This story is uplifting and gives me hope for humankind. ...more
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