Week in Review -- Including Mini Reviews (January 1st to 10th)

Hello fellow book bloggers! I hope 2015 has gotten off to a great start for all of you. Reading-wise, 2015 has already proven to be a great year for me -- let's hope this continues.  Other than my Reading Resolution post (click here if you haven't already checked it out), I've been silent on the blogging front so far, but I have managed to read three books, all of which have been sitting on my TBR pile for well over a year. I've not had time to write-up full reviews for these books, but have included my brief thoughts on each of them below:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
Publisher: Little, Brown Books - Hardcover Edition (2011)
Source: Purchased

This first book in Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy has been sitting on my shelf since it was first published in 2011. I have no idea why it took me so long to read it, especially since several other readers I know and trust loved it, but it was well worth the wait! Set mainly in Prague, this YA fantasy features a unique heroine, intriguing secondary characters, and a fabulously engaging plot.  I'm not generally a fan of urban-type fantasy, or fantasy that prominently features mythological creatures, but this one had me hooked from the opening chapter. I can't wait to read book two -- which I don't have to wait to be published since the whole trilogy is now available.  For me, this is a must read for YA fantasy fans (or fantasy fans in general).

Quiver by Holly Luhning (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Publisher: Harper Perennial - Trade Paperback Edition (2012)
Source: Purchased

This modern-day tale follows a young clinical psychologist, Danica Winston, who is on a fellowship in the UK at an institution that houses a notorious killer, one who was inspired by Hungarian "Blood Countess" Elizabeth Bathory. I liked this book overall, finding the writing good and the plot engaging. Some of the information presented related to Elizabeth Bathory, however, was more than a little disturbing, and the main character made a lot of very bad decisions that made it difficult to like her at times.


The Witch of Babylon by DJ McIntosh (4 out of 5 Stars)
Publisher: Penguin Canada -- Trade Paperback (2011)
Source: Purchased

This quick moving modern-day thriller opens at the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad during the recent Iraqi War, and involves the theft of a priceless Assyrian artifact. The protagonist of the novel, John Madison, must find the relic before his enemies do, but these enemies will stop at nothing to prevent Madison from locating it before they do. Madison is a compelling protagonist, mainly because there is mystery surrounding him throughout the book.  Though his character could have been better fleshed out, The Witch of Babylon is the first book in an expected trilogy, and Madison's back story, which is only hinted at in this novel, will likely be more fully articulated in one of the two remaining novels of the trilogy. I, for one, am very curious to know the truth of his origins.  For me, the best part of the novel rests in its incorporation of Mesopotamian history and myth, which I found fascinating. I look forward to reading the trilogy's second installment, The Book of Stolen Tales. 

Looking ahead to next week, I hope to finish up the following two books:

• Suffer Little Children by Peter Tremayne -- the third novel in Tremayne's excellent Sister Fidelma historical mystery series, which is set in 7th century Ireland.

• Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey -- the second novel in Corey's epic Space Opera Science Fiction series, The Expanse. 

I'm also continuing with my re-read of Anne of Green Gables as part the Green Gables Readalong hosted by Lindsay over at Reeder Reads. 

How did your week go?

Book and Blogging Resolutions: 2015 Edition

The beginning of a new year always brings about reflections on what one would like to see and/or do in the year ahead. While I don't generally make resolutions for the non-reading parts of my life, I enjoy making them for bookish-related things -- even if I don't always keep them. So, without further ado, here are my book and blogging resolutions for 2015 (some of which look remarkably similar to those I posted for 2014):

(1) Read what I want, when I want. As indicated in some of my posts from the latter half of 2014, I suffered from serious (self-inflicted) review fatigue in 2014. This fatigue resulted in the loss of my both my reading and blogging mojo. I was on the verge of giving up on blogging, and I realized that if I didn't stop accepting books for review I'd likely lose my love of reading altogether. The solution was a simple one. I stopped accepting review copies of books, and focused instead only on those books I truly wanted to read at the time I was ready to pick up something new. With no review due dates to stress me out, my enjoyment of reading and blogging has slowly been coming back. I still plan to review books, but these books (with one or two exceptions) will come from my own collection, and the reviews will be posted according to my own schedule. I think this decision will make me a better, happier reader and book blogger.

(2) Focus on my massive TBR pile. 2014 was the year of new releases for me, so 2015 is going to be the year of the TBR pile. So many of my reading choices in 2014 were for new releases that I wondered if I would ever get back to my TBR pile -- which continues to expand, by the way! I have lots of choice on my TBR pile, but here are some of the areas I'd like to focus on:

• Canadian authors. I have lots of Canadian lit sitting unread on my shelves, and I'd like to move at least some of these unread books into the read category in 2015.

• Broaden my genre reach. I read a lot of historical fiction, or at least I did until genre fatigue set in last year. I'm getting along with historical fiction again (thank goodness!) but I plan to mix up the genres I read in 2015 so I don't read so much in one genre that I get tired of it. One area I'd like to read more in is non-fiction.  

• Get back to the classics. I've put off reading the many unread classics I've had on my shelves for years. It's time to tackle some of them!  

I'm not going to stop buying new releases, but they now won't automatically be the go to books for me when I'm looking for my next read.

(3) Increase my blogging presence. Not only do I hope to blog more, but I am going to make a much bigger effort to visit other blogs too, something I wasn't good at in 2014. I love seeing what other people are reading, and what they think of books. I love meme posts and general book-related discussions and want to take a greater part in them, whether through my own posts or visiting and commenting on those of other bloggers.  

So, those are my resolutions. What are yours?

My 10 Favourite Books of 2014

I was initially going to call this my "best books of 2014" post, but since what constitutes "best" differs depending on the reader I've instead chosen to focus attention on the ten books that made the biggest impression on me in 2014. Given I was in a review funk for the last half of the year, I've only reviewed six of the ten books on my list (click on the titles to link to the reviews).

(1) The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell (2014 - Contemporary Literature/Fantasy). Not having read Mitchell's previous novels, I wasn't sure what to expect from this one.  Well-written with a great cast of characters, I was disappointed that the book had to end.

(2) Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014 - Dystopian). This is a beautifully written tale of survival in the aftermath of a global pandemic.

(3) The Lost Sisterhood by Anne Fortier (2014 - Historical Fiction/Time Slip). Successfully blending history and myth into a fast-paced tale, Fortier has delivered a winner with The Lost Sisterhood. The focus of this book is the origins of the legendary Amazons.

(4) Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton (2014 - Historical Fiction). Stephanie Thornton is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical novelists. Daughter of the Gods tells the story of Egyptian royal Hatshepsut.

(5) The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick (2014 - Modern Day Jane Austen Re-Telling). I loved everything about this modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and think any fan of Austen would too.

(6) A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett (2013 - Memoir). This is a beautifully written memoir conveying Lindhout's fifteen months held in captivity in Somalia. Although Lindhout endured horrendous abuse at the hands of her captors, making this book difficult to read at times, she managed to hold on to the hope that she would be freed.

(7) The Iron King by Maurice Druon (2013 re-issue - Historical Fiction). Druon's Accursed King's series of historical novels, set in the French Court during the 13th and 14th centuries, has been called "the original game of thrones" by George R.R. Martin.  The Iron King is the first novel in the seven book series.

(8) The Harlot's Tale by Sam Thomas (2014 - Historical Mystery). This follow-up to Thomas' debut, The Midwife's Tale (which made my list of 2013 favourite reads) is every bit as good as its predecessor. Bridget Hodgson is an engaging heroine and the mystery is a good one.

(9) Traitor's Blade by Sebastien De Castell (2014 - Fantasy). This is the first book in a new fantasy series. The characters are great, and I love the world De Castell has created. I can't wait for the next book.

(10) The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Dicker (2014 - Mystery). Fabulously told murder mystery that left me guessing about the identify of the perpetrator until the very end.

What were your favourite books from 2014?

2014 End of Year Book Survey

Jamie over at the Perpetual Page Turner is once again hosting the End of Year Book Survey.  I participated in the Survey last year, and it is my favourite of the various ways bloggers share thoughts on their favourite (or least favourite) books and characters of the year. 

1. Best Book You Read In 2014?

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. This was the first of Mitchell's books I've had the pleasure of reading. I loved the writing, the characters, and the story.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion.  I really enjoyed Simsion's first novel, The Rosie Project, and eagerly awaited its sequel. While The Rosie Effect had some funny moments, and Don Tillman remains a favourite fiction character of mine, it did not live up to my expectations.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read in 2014? 

Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel. I picked this one up based on all the buzz surrounding it. I, however, don't often get along with highly touted books. I was pleasantly surprised by this one, and it will definitely make my list of Top 10 Books I Read in 2014.


4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did) In 2014?


Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I didn't love this book as so many other readers seemed to, but it's definitely one that needs to be talked about. I successfully convinced a number of my co-workers to read it. 

5. Best Series you Started in 2014?

Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms novels
 (I will read the final book in the series early in 2015).

6. Favorite New author you Discovered in 2014?

Sebastien de Castell, author of The Traitor's Blade, the first book in a new fantasy series. 

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?


Bird Box by Josh Malerman.  I don't generally read horror novels but this one sounded good and I wasn't disappointed.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?


I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes.  A smart thriller that was hard to put down during the final few hundred pages.

9. Book You Read In 2014 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Maybe The Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell.

10. Favorite Cover of a Book you Read in 2014?

Into the Blizzard: Walking the Field of the Newfoundland Dead by Michael Winter.  Anyone familiar with the Newfoundland Regiment and the memorial to it at Beaumont-Hamel, France, will know this cover is perfect for the book.

11. Most Memorable Character of 2014?


Pax from Michael J. Sullivan's Hollow World.

12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2014?

Non-fiction: A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett
Fiction: The Enchanted by Rene Denfield

13. Most Thought-Provoking Book of 2014?

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett. Lindhout, an aspiring Canadian journalist, was kidnapped in Somalia and held for 15 months. The abuse she endured while in captivity was horrendous, but through it all she managed to hold on to the hope that she would gain her freedom. This is an extraordinary book by a remarkable woman. Amanda's story will stay with me for a long time to come.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2014 to finally read?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 

15. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2013?

Shortest: Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn (Novella - 53 pages)
Longest:  The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Dicker (640 pages)

16. Book That Shocked You The Most

(Because of a plot twist, character death, left you hanging with your mouth wide open, etc.)

Several things in Gone Girl by Gillan Flynn shocked me, but none more so than the ending.

17. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Definitely the friendship between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti from The Traitor's Blade.

18. Favorite Book You Read in 2014 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

The Lost Sisterhood by Anne Fortier.  I previously read Fortier's novel Juliet, which is a great read, but The Lost Sisterhood is even better!

19. Best Book You Read In 2014 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Bird Box by Josh Mallerman. When it was released it was promoted/recommended heavily on my Twitter feed so I thought I'd give it a try.

20. Newest Fictional Crush from a Book you Read in 2014?


William Darcy from The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick.  Darcy has never been my favourite of Austen's heroes (that honour goes to Captain Wentworth from Persuasion), but I must say I developed a little crush on Su and Rorick's version of Darcy :-)

21. Best 2014 Debut you Read?

Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen. Great debut fantasy novel that marks the start of a new series. I can't wait to read the next one. 

22. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Hollow World by Michael J. Sullivan. Sullivan never disappoints. 

23. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?


The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick (click on the title to read my mini-review). While this book, which is a modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, won't win any literary awards, it entertained me in a way very few books have lately.  I smiled the whole time I was reading it, and was so sad that it had to come to an end.


24. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2014?

I admit to crying in the latest Bridget Jones' book, Mad About the Boy, by Helen Fielding.

25. Hidden Gem Of The Year?


Grist by Linda Little (click on the book title to read my review). A beautifully written historical novel set in 19th century rural Nova Scotia. 

26. Most Unique Book You Read In 2014?

The Bees by Laline Paul. As the  title suggests, this is a novel about a colony of bees.  Sounds odd, doesn't it? But the book is one of the most original and engaging I've read in a long time.

27. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Gone Girl by Gillan Flynn -- that ending!!! 

Holiday Novels: Do You Read Them?

With the holidays fast approaching I've been trying to decide whether or not to read something set during the Christmas season. Of the novels already sitting on my shelves the obvious choice would be Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, which I've never read but think I should. But there is also Lauren Willig's The Mischief of the Mistletoe (part of her Pink Carnation series) to consider, especially given that it has been sitting on my shelf unread since it was first published four years ago! I also have a Deanna Raybourn novella, Silent Night, which is a holiday companion to her Lady Julia Grey historical mystery series.

While I love the holidays, I've never been one to specifically read Christmas-related books at this time of year, but I've noticed that many of my fellow readers do.  So, I'd like to know if any of you make a point of reading Christmas/holiday-related fiction at this time of year? If so, what are some of your favourites?

Happy Reading!

November Reading Wrap-Up

It's hard to believe that November will be over at the end of today, and that we are heading into the busy holiday season!  I've already managed to get most of my Christmas shopping completed, and have spent much of this weekend decorating the house.

Reading-wise, I've been in a bit of a slump lately. As discussed in my recent post Genre Fatigue: Historical Fiction Edition, I'm in a major rut when it comes to historical fiction right now and, as indicated by my November reading list below, I'm reading only non-historical fiction books these days. I think my genre fatigue will likely carry-over into the new year. 

Books Read in November 2014:

• The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg (Fiction - Contemporary Mystery)
• Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season by Nick Heil  (Non-Fiction - Adventure/Mountaineering)
• The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick (Fiction - Modern-day Pride & Prejudice re-telling)
• The Grey Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (Fiction - YA Fantasy)
• Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden (Non-Fiction)
• The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (Fiction - Contemporary/Humour)
• Texts from Jane Eyre by Mallory Ortberg (Fictional)

When I look over my reading list I realize that, other than The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (click on title to read my mini-review), none of the books stand out as outstanding reads. In fact, a couple of the books on my list were a disappointment:

The Rosie Effect: I really enjoyed Graeme Simsion's first novel featuring Professor Don Tillman, The Rosie Project, but this follow-up didn't have the same effect on me. While the book did have a few laugh out loud moments, and I continue to adore Don, I felt the overall story to be a little over the top.  In addition, I didn't find Rosie anywhere near as likeable in this one.  While The Rosie Effect is by no means a bad book, I didn't have the same connection with it that I did with The Rosie Project, and for this reason it was a disappointment.



Texts From Jane Eyre by Mallory Ortberg: Based on reviews and blogger feedback I expected Texts from Jane Eyre would produce non-stop giggles. The book features series of text messages sent by famous literary characters, including Jane Eyre. While I found a few of these messages to be quite funny--the texts between Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter, and Catherine and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights stand out--the vast majority left me wondering what I'd missed. Granted, many of the characters featured in the book come from novels I've never read, but even those featuring characters I'm quite familiar with, such as Lizzie Bennet from Pride & Prejudice and Scarlet O'Hara from Gone with the Wind, failed to elicit from me any humorous response. While I found this book disappointing, others might find it appealing.

 
Have you read any of the books on my November reading list? If so, what did you think?

Genre Fatigue: Historical Fiction Edition

After a short hiatus, I decided to return to blogging a couple of months back. Unfortunately, despite my good intentions, I'm still not writing many posts. One of the principal reasons for this is that I'm suffering from severe genre fatigue when it comes to historical fiction, the genre I read and review most widely in. During 2013 and the first half of 2014, the vast majority of the books I read were historical novels. Now, I don't want to go anywhere near the genre. I have a (very) large number of unread historical works on my shelves, yet I've been reading mainly mystery/thriller, fantasy and contemporary novels, as well as some non-fiction, since mid-summer.  I keep waiting for this fatigue to come to an end, and my love of historical fiction to re-assert itself, but this has yet to happen. 

What about you, do you ever suffer from genre fatigue? If so, how do you overcome it? Are there any particular genres you tend to get tired of more than others?