All posts by Superfast Reader

The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold

American Literature

Synopsis: Infected with the spirit of a wolf, an otherwise ordinary man finds himself at the center of a kingmaking conspiracy that requires him to become a shaman or lose his soul forever. Review: The Hallowed Hunt is Lois McMaster Bujold’s third novel set in a world ruled by five capricious and demanding gods. As in the other two books, Bujold melds epic fantasy with a forensic plot and more than a trace of magery for an utterly suspenseful and compelling read. This one also…

Read More »

Priceless by Nicole Ritchie

On Reading

Synopsis: A poor little rich girl heads to the NOLA after her daddy gets sent up the river for embezzling. Review: I was hoping for a trashy roman a clef and instead I got a poorly written snooze-fest. Not that I was expecting a whole lot by way of literary merit, but I was at least hoping for some insider-y gossip. Priceless just should’ve been a whole lot more fun. Many thanks to Atria for the review copy.

Read More »

Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten

American Literature

Synopsis: When her autistic son is accused of murder, a lawyer takes the law into her own hands, convinced of his innocence despite the rampant evidence against him. Review: I really don’t think that many parents of autistic children are going to be pleased with Saving Max, which preys on the common fear that autistic children are unmanageable and unable to love. Combine that with parental anxiety over watching your vulnerable little boy grow into a strong man, and you have the roots of the…

Read More »

Another Pan by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

American Literature

Synopsis: When Peter Pan and his Lost Boys descend on a chic Manhattan boarding school, a brother and sister become embroiled in his plan to reclaim 5 ancient mummies who hold the secret to eternal life. Review: In the interest of full disclosure, I sometimes work with Daniel Nayeri, and have even had him and his lovely wife over to my house for dinner. So please don’t expect anything resembling objectivity. I’m a big fan of Daniel and his sister Dina’s unique brand of classic…

Read More »

The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

American Literature

Synopsis: Upper East Side bond trader mows down Bronx “honor student” and New York City freaks out. Review: Oh, how I love Bonfire of the Vanities! I have read it several times, most memorably rereading it in the first month after I moved to New York City, way back in 1995. I don’t know that I could ever tire of reading it, because I’m always astonished by how deep Wolfe takes you into every single little nuance of the story. And it’s funny how the…

Read More »

Horizon by Lois McMaster Bujold (The Sharing Knife, Book 4)

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: As Dag hones and refines his groundsetting skills, his farmer wife Fawn aches for a home of her own, and when they are forced to travel across malice-infested territories, their marriage is tested and their lives in jeopardy. Review: While I completely admire and love Bujold’s worldbuilding, character skills, and prose stylings, I was underwhelmed by the conclusion of this series. Possession has a ruminative tone that was disappointing after the epic promise of the first books, and I felt like the malice threat…

Read More »

Passage by Lois McMaster Bujold (The Sharing Knife, Book 3)

American Literature

Synopsis: Having awakened new, untold powers, Lakewalker Dag and his farmer wife Fawn embark down a river journey that will bring them into contact with dangers both human and not. Review: So far, Passage has been the least successful of the books in this series. While I enjoyed the texture and the details, I did feel like I was just treading water until the big conclusion. I do continue to be impressed by Bujold’s command of dialogue and characterization, and I like where the story…

Read More »

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: Now in the hands of rebel forces, Katniss Everdeen becomes the symbol for the battle against the Capitol, even as the human toll of her actions in the arena and out begins to break her sanity. Review: First reads of final books are always tough to evaluate, because desperation to have story questions answered (Team Gale/Team Peeta) make it hard to slow down and enjoy the ride. Mockingjay is much more action-y than the previous two books, and the pacing is fast fast fast.…

Read More »

Legacy by Lois McMaster Bujold (The Sharing Knife, Book 2)

American Literature

Synopsis: Wedded against custom, magical Lakewalker Dag and his farmer bride Fawn return to Dag’s family home, where they face rejection and ostracism, but when Dag is called out on patrol to battle the most fearsome malice he’s ever seen, they learn that their bond is more than just one of love and may change the world they know. Review: If Legacy weren’t such a strong book I totally would’ve put it down the second my copy of Mockingjay showed up, but Lois McMaster Bujold…

Read More »

She’s Gone Country by Jane Porter

American Literature

Synopsis: After her husband leaves her for another man, a model with three teenage boys moves back home to Texas where she runs across the champion bullrider she loved as a teen. Review: I’ve previously enjoyed Jane Porter’s books as being a cut above the usual chick lit/romance genre entrants, but She’s Gone Country didn’t rise to the occasion. While Porter gave Shey a juicy family situation–dead schizophrenic brother, depressed son, gay ex-husband–she never really came to life on the page for me. I think…

Read More »