I read and enjoyed both of Young's earlier novels, so I was really excited for this pirate duology set on the high seas! The titular character, Fable,I read and enjoyed both of Young's earlier novels, so I was really excited for this pirate duology set on the high seas! The titular character, Fable, scavenges an existence on a remote island, having been abandoned there four years earlier. Scrabbling together what she can, she is ready to finally get a passage back to civilization to claim what is owed to her.
Full of action, this start to the series immediately immerses the reader in this world of violent ocean storms, traders on the high seas, bartering and honor. There's a bit of a love story, too, along with plenty of secrets and it's all tinged with magic. The cliffhanger of an ending makes me ecstatic that I am able to dive right into the next book! The only downside of the book is that some of the action scenes cross into feeling a bit garbled at times which makes them a little confusing - but, for the most part, this is a fast-paced and fun read! Plus, I am super excited to see what will happen next!...more
The conclusion to the Fable duology may be even better than the first book! It picks up immediately after that cliffhanger of an ending and only inserThe conclusion to the Fable duology may be even better than the first book! It picks up immediately after that cliffhanger of an ending and only inserts some minor reminders throughout to refresh a reader's memory - just the right amount so that it's not too many for those who read these back-to-back, but enough to cover the major plot points for those that have been waiting anxiously for six months to see what happens next.
Fable learns more about herself and her past in this one. At first a prisoner on a rival trader's ship, she is both relieved and dismayed to recognize one of her own inner circle as part of the kidnapping plot. Feeling betrayed, there are also other familiar faces from the first book and for the most part, this one is just as fast-paced. There may be less action in a fighting sense, but there's still plenty - plus we learn more about these gemstones from the sea and just what makes a gem sage anyways. It's a satisfying conclusion - and though I would be happy to see the series continue, everything is pretty neatly tied up here.
I really enjoyed this one! Fable's narration means the supporting characters aren't quite as deeply developed, though. And there are a few turns to the plot here that the reader may see coming, but it's a fun and quick read with a great setting and some really unique world-building. I am definitely curious to see what Young will write next! ...more
I actually didn't realize at first that this book actually came out in 2018 under Alten's own website. I actually have a signed copy of it! And I haveI actually didn't realize at first that this book actually came out in 2018 under Alten's own website. I actually have a signed copy of it! And I have to say that this sixth installment in the series is an improvement over the fifth one. It's still not quite as much fun as I found the earlier novels to be (all the more so since this one feels rather unresolved). And I guess I just wanted even more shark fun!
Alten attempts here to explain away some of the discrepancies in the biology of his creations, but the real flaw is with how ridiculous the human characters are.... from David Taylor's CD Alarm Clock (if he was only 21 in 2017, it seems quite implausible that he would have such an antique!) to the crazy arc of Terry - back to being an action hero after her miraculous recovery from both cancer and Parkinson's. Still, I remain curious to see what will happen with the sharks themselves in the rest of the series to come (they really are the only ones that I am rooting for at this point!). I just hope that the wait isn't too long for the seventh book and that there will be more sharks and maybe less of. the other creatures......more
This book has been on my wishlist to read since I watched Blackfish over the holidays a few years ago. Though heart-breaking, the documentary is so weThis book has been on my wishlist to read since I watched Blackfish over the holidays a few years ago. Though heart-breaking, the documentary is so well done and informative. When I saw that one of the ex-trainers who had participated in the documentary wrote more about his own experiences, I knew that I wanted to read it - and then when I found out that he performed the audio version, I knew that was the way I wanted to experience it - and I am so glad that I did!
There is definitely some overlap from the documentary (which I would actually recommend viewing before listening/reading to this one, or even watching it during the same time period). It is an engaging experience and one that I definitely found myself listening to at every opportunity - not just during my commute. It definitely made me cry at times, but I think that Hargrove's story comes across very clearly and it is easy to sympathize with him, even as others criticize him for the time he spent "on the other side". But his story - because he clearly shows both sides of being within SeaWorld and being outside of it - is all the important and one that I am sure one that many will find moving. After finishing it, I only wanted to listen to more about these amazing creatures! ...more
When I first heard that there was going to be a sequel to The Loch, I was genuinely excited. And then, when I learned that the latest book in the MEG When I first heard that there was going to be a sequel to The Loch, I was genuinely excited. And then, when I learned that the latest book in the MEG series would also tie the two series together, I was even more thrilled! The titular Vostok refers to a submerged lake in Antartica, where the prologue begins. With maps, and a very thorough summary of The Loch (as well as references tying this in to the MEG universe), the book is initially engaging - though it is disappointing to see just how short-lived Wallace's happily ever after really was...
Unfortunately, this more recent book still shows the same type of editing errors - formatting problems and and verb tense inconsistencies. And women certainly are not depicted here as real people - Brandy appears to have undergone quite a massive personality change from her first appearance and the sexpot scientist's "threat" is eye-rolling... and while I had hoped that once the plot got to the actual animals, it would improve, it doesn't improve nearly as much as I wished for. The relationships between the people and their interactions are eye-rolling and while the underwater life is the best part of the book, that too is spoiled by this entirely ridiculous political/ancient aliens element. It adds a trippy level of weird propaganda to it that slows the pacing down so much...
And ultimately, the ending's "twist" feels not only overly convenient, but completely unsatisfying and also shockingly abrupt. I had been looking forward to catching up on the MEG series next, but after this disappointment I am not... I wish he had stuck to just creature-feature and left the wackadoodle stuff in the editing bin... ...more
Ocean life has always fascinated me, but it's only been in recent years as I have read more about the surprising intelligence of octopuses that I haveOcean life has always fascinated me, but it's only been in recent years as I have read more about the surprising intelligence of octopuses that I have started to become more interested in them. After a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I decided it was the perfect time to start listening to this one!
And I definitely like the obvious love here Montgomery (she actually performs this audio version herself, and while the sound quality is not the best - despite her nice speaking voice, you can clearly hear the rustle of turning pages and pages being gripped) has for cephalopods and really all marine life. But, I felt like I kept waiting for Montgomery to take a more firm stance against octopuses being kept in aquariums at all... I mean the best stories about them is the way they Shawshank themselves out of their tanks! Not to mention that this skill can cause to even further mischief, though sometimes it can end in heartbreak.
Maybe I expected the condemnation because the last non-fiction audiobook I listened to was Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish... but either way, I was surprised that Montgomery considered buying an octopus herself to keep! But, this book functions as a memoir as well, and it is clear that Montgomery built strong friendships within the Boston Aquarium.
The scuba class sections really slowed down the pacing for me, but overall, I did enjoy this book. And though I have enjoyed eating octopus in the past, I am not sure that I will be able to order them again in the future! I just wish that this had been a little less memoir and a little more science, but I definitely appreciated the obvious enthusiasm and the anecdotes. ...more
This is the first of Buckley's books that I have read, and I have some rather mixed feelings about this YA novel set in a dystopian version of Coney IThis is the first of Buckley's books that I have read, and I have some rather mixed feelings about this YA novel set in a dystopian version of Coney Island. The summer boardwalk is the site of the arrival of a mixed race group of underwater clans, the Alphas. The book opens through Lyric's eyes and it has been three years since the Alpha's have decamped onto the beach and the book opens with the monumental event of the first high school opening its doors to both Alpha and human children. Lyric is one of those students, and this integration is fraught with more tension and violence than the historic Little Rock integration (at least in terms of national attention and military involvement). Coney Island itself is cordoned off and the US government has done nothing to dispel the rumours of their own concentration camps for Alphas. And despite the police, National Guard and straight-up military, the peace cannot be kept.
It's an engaging novel, though the romance feels rather silly and groundless and the book takes an overly long time to answer some rather basic questions (like just why the Alphas have arrived on Coney Island in the first place). And there are a lot of details that just defy logic (the treatment of domestic violence in Coney Island, even with full police acknowledgment of the situation). The characters, though are mostly likable - if a little shallowly developed. The premise is certainly inventive and perhaps younger readers won't pick apart the gaps and holes in the logic. It is set up as the first in a series, so be warned that it ends abruptly with a number of unresolved issues and questions. Too many of the details offered fail to add up, which detracts from the book being completely satisfying. The climatic scenes feel very rushed, but because of the cliffhangers, I will most likely read a sequel at some point - hopefully the second installment will be more cohesive....more
Ever since finishing Frank Schatzing’s The Swarm seven years ago, I have wanted to read another one like it - a modern, exciting adventure with a deepEver since finishing Frank Schatzing’s The Swarm seven years ago, I have wanted to read another one like it - a modern, exciting adventure with a deep sea twist. And from this book’s premise and its early praise likening it to The Abyss meets The Shining, I am certainly hopeful that like Schatzing’s novel, I will read this in one breathlessly long sitting!
It opens up with Luke, a veterinarian, on his way to meet his older brother at a research station in the deepest part of the ocean - the Mariana Trench. This station, a joint venture between nations, stands as the last hope of humanity to find a cure for the terrible plague rampant across the globe - a disease with a rather innocuous name, the ‘Gets. This illness strikes its victims and eventually causes them to forget everything - even how to breathe. Along their decline, they become almost zombie-like. But Clay, Luke’s savagely brilliant brother, is hard at work at the research station in the bottom of the sea, working with a mysterious substance they have called ambrosia, which may save them all.
With short chapters, the book’s quick pacing hooks the reader in immediately. It is very well-written with a tense and quite horrific atmosphere and a hero who certainly conveys his primal reactions to his new environments, making it easy for the reader to accompany him every step of the way. This makes it most certainly a horror novel - and definitely one of the creepiest that I have read in a long while. Cutter skillfully inserts Luke’s past with his present, set on the alien and eerie landscape of a sea-station miles beneath the surface. Along with Luke, readers can easily root for Little Bee, one of the research station’s experimental animals, a chocolate lab whose fate will keep dog lovers on the edge of their seats. The isolation, coupled with brutal claustrophobia is enough to give readers in a sunlit, open backyard the willies! The suggestion of a deeper, darker, menacing presence is also skillfully handled and the nightmarish visions and dark flashbacks will stick with readers for days after closing this book’s cover. It’s wonderfully crafted and like Westlake’s black hole, readers will quickly find themselves sucked in. Cutter’s intention of frightening his readers is clear - nearly every fear and phobia is given play here - from enclosed spaces, underwater creatures, all sorts of insects, basements, clowns, losing loved ones, monsters and more. And yet, it works very well. There are some unexplored avenues of the story (the beginning and ending can stand for more detail), but all in all, it’s unsettling and terrific. I definitely plan on checking out more from this talented author! ...more
After the very memorable - and thrilling - events in the third volume of the Matthew Corbett series, this fourth installment picks up just after the eAfter the very memorable - and thrilling - events in the third volume of the Matthew Corbett series, this fourth installment picks up just after the end of Mister Slaughter. Those events weigh heavily on the series’ central character, Matthew, leaving in a foggy state. The nefarious tentacles of Dr. Fell reach out to the young problem solver, drawing him closer to him than ever. It’s an exciting novel with a change of scenery outside of the young colonies. The sea voyage and the overall aquatic undertones lend this book a fresh aspect in the series. Though it has been a few years since I read Mister Slaughter, McCammon kindly includes some refreshers not only of that book of the two previous novels in the book - but even with those reminders, this is not a series that I recommend reading out of sequence.
I love McCammon’s writing style and he balances his lifelike characters with the historical setting and a thrilling plot. Problem-solver Corbett is a resilient and sympathetic hero and I am quite curious to see what repercussions this rather explosive conclusion will leave him to deal with in future installments in the series. And though it is nice to see more of the shadowy Dr. Fell, this book raises just as many questions about the professor as it answers! The series is a fun read and I like the setting up of this archnemesis, as well as the introduction of some new and engaging characters. ...more
Unfortunately, I found this book to be a bit disappointing. Though the translation felt very smooth and without error, the perspective - that of a 42-Unfortunately, I found this book to be a bit disappointing. Though the translation felt very smooth and without error, the perspective - that of a 42-year-old autistic woman - felt rather inconsistent, and often bordering on the inauthentic. The book felt like a fictionalization of the life of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has made an amazing impact on both industry and the animal-human bond. Here, Karen revolutionized the tuna industry rather than cattle, but the similarities from the use of a harness, even to the swine slaughterhouse added up to too many coincidences for it to seem just without giving Grandin some credit.
The injustice aside, I previously held high hopes because the description mentioned feral children, the ocean and autism - all fascinating topics for fiction. One of the pre-release blurbs called this book comedic, and I definitely failed to find the humour in this book that alternated between the horror of the fishing industry and the difficulties of Karen’s communication with others. Despite this, the book’s overall tone was not depressing, but rather matter-of-fact, the one of the successes of the point-of-view in accuracy (though these insights sometimes led to the inconsistencies). I simply expected more from the book. Karen’s miraculously high functioning status considering her first seven years as little more than a feral child bordered on the extremely fantastical considering the current research into language development and the effects of neglect. And the ocean’s role revolved more on death and industry than beauty and hope.
However, the flow and style of the writing pulled me through quickly. If only the execution had supported the interesting premise......more
This sequel to Sea Change was not as exciting as the first book... and the hints of a third book seem to have not gone to fruition. Still, this had itThis sequel to Sea Change was not as exciting as the first book... and the hints of a third book seem to have not gone to fruition. Still, this had its moments of genuine excitement, though all in all, the book was bogged down with too much technical and military detail. It made it just a bit too slow-moving for my taste... But the continued character development was strong, even if the plot was not as fascinating as Sea Change....more
While ancient mysteries, lost continents and an ocean setting usually combine to create thrillers that I can’t put down - this unfortunately, was a biWhile ancient mysteries, lost continents and an ocean setting usually combine to create thrillers that I can’t put down - this unfortunately, was a bit hokier than the other books that I have read by James Rollins. Usually he does weave in an extraordinary element, but with ties to make it at least somewhat plausible. The ending, in particular, of this novel, completely fell apart for me. It completely fell outside the realm of possibility and just was too ridiculous in the way he tied everything together.
However, the characters and overall premise are solidly constructed. It still is a fast and fun read - just not an example of Rollins’ finest work. Also, this one includes more of a military and political slant that is less pronounced in his other adventure-thrillers. ...more
What an exciting and enjoyable read! A hidden research station in the Arctic Sea certainly makes for a thrilling setting! Rollins’ characters are fullWhat an exciting and enjoyable read! A hidden research station in the Arctic Sea certainly makes for a thrilling setting! Rollins’ characters are fully described and come to life within the book’s pages. The monsters add a lot of excitement - and Rollins balances the facets of his plot quite well. Of the varied cast of characters, a few really stand out - the deaf Amanda and the surprisingly sympathetic Russian admiral, in particular. Though, I think Bane, the wolf-dog, particularly stole the show!
Rollins’ talent really lies with creating great, twisting plots, lively characters and weaving in fantastic elements in very lifelike scenarios. It all combines for a fun and thrilling read!...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - and was quite excited to see it is a first book in a series! It combines quite a few of my favorite thriller elementsI thoroughly enjoyed this book - and was quite excited to see it is a first book in a series! It combines quite a few of my favorite thriller elements - an Antarctic setting, mysterious creatures and a dash of some Atlantis mystery as well! The beginning starts a bit slowly with the characters all introduced in a very “telling” rather than “showing” fashion. But the action soon speeds up until it becomes genuinely action-packed!
Everything ties together well, and the premise managed to tie in quite a few elements successfully, which bodes well for the rest of the series. Beck even managed to tie in the “Croatoan” mystery! Definitely a fun, summer thriller and a promising start for a series!...more
I quite enjoyed this sort of “creature-feature” thriller set in the Caribbean seas. The prologue hooked me in immediately, but from there the book shiI quite enjoyed this sort of “creature-feature” thriller set in the Caribbean seas. The prologue hooked me in immediately, but from there the book shifted to focus on a surprisingly lengthy set up for the characters. Though some readers might find the book slow to reach the action promised in the prologue, the strength of the character development made the overall story more of a three-dimensional read than your typical “action” novel.
I was particularly intrigued by Alena’s character, and I would love to see her in the sequel that has already been published. I definitely do plan on reading this sequel, as I am quite curious to see where the series will go. I enjoyed the book - though it does have its flaws. There are some abrupt shifts in point-of-view that are quite distracting. Also it would have been nice to have a little bit more on the actual creatures themselves - they are the star of the show, after all. Still, I am quite curious to see where the series will go in the future....more
I love sharks - and I especially love to see how they are treated in fiction, be it film or novel. So, when I read the blurb on the back of this book I love sharks - and I especially love to see how they are treated in fiction, be it film or novel. So, when I read the blurb on the back of this book that mentions a “deadly encounter” with a shark - it quickly joined my must-read pile. It was a fast and fun read - and though the shark encounter did not really satisfy my desires for a “shark” book, it was interestingly handled.
This YA novel is completely age appropriate - and a nice addition to the teen paranormal romance as a mermaid - or, rather a Syrena - novel for those ocean-lovers. It concludes on quite the cliffhanger, so I hope that a sequel hits the shelves soon!...more
I am a sucker for stories on the high seas - all the more so if it sounds like it will involve some large, predatory sea creatures. And this book certI am a sucker for stories on the high seas - all the more so if it sounds like it will involve some large, predatory sea creatures. And this book certainly fit that bill. This was a silly, but pretty fun, high seas adventure story. The premise was pretty ridiculous and the ending wasn't terribly satisfying, but it still had many exciting moments. I would read another book by him, but it would be subject dependent. Really, it was just so silly... but managed to be fun, too, which is sort of impressive. You can’t take the story very seriously, but it was a fast-paced and certainly memorable in its own way. But definitely do not try to take the “science” behind the plot as actual research. This is definitely fictional! ...more
Wow! As a huge fan of shark stories, this title naturally caught my eye. And though this didn’t replace my favorite shark titles, it certainly joined Wow! As a huge fan of shark stories, this title naturally caught my eye. And though this didn’t replace my favorite shark titles, it certainly joined them a bit. It was a lot of fun to read. And all in all, this was a pretty entertaining book - similar, of course, to Steve Alten's Meg series. Despite the anatomically strange cover, the book felt very well researched. And it was certainly entertaining, and exciting. And the book included references to all four of the Jaws films, for a little bit of added fun! With fast pacing and characters who are just complex enough for the genre, this made for a very fun read....more
Wow! This was an absolutely fascinating book!! It had all sorts of interesting facts and a great premise about Atlantis. And it certainly had a great Wow! This was an absolutely fascinating book!! It had all sorts of interesting facts and a great premise about Atlantis. And it certainly had a great sense of adventure and suspense! It was like reading an action movie - but a well-researched one! Unfortunately, the book followed the genre-standard of characters were more like caricatures than actual people... and not every little bit of the Great Mystery (including what would seem like some of the more interesting bits) was included. For all the historical background and exposition, the book was firmly rooted in the present (well, actually the future from its 2002 publication, in 2012), and involved little of the heyday of Atlantis in the past... And much like Frank Schatzing’s The Swarm, there were entire sections that were little more than "information dumps" but they were interesting and relevant to the story. I found the whole thing to be completely engrossing, but I can see how this format would not be to everyone's liking. If you can't go along for the ride, don't bother... I wouldn't recommend this to everyone I knew as a terrific piece of literature, but it sure is an exciting read and I really enjoyed it!...more
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