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Review: Firefight in Darkness

Firefight in Darkness (Dryad Quartet #2)by Katie Jennings

I give this book a 3, almost a 3 1/2.

 

This is the second book in the Dryad Quartet to tell the story of an orphan, but these two characters are as different as night and day. When I read Breath of Air, I knew I’d like to have a friend like Capri, but when it came to connecting with a character, Blythe would be the one to win me over. I like Blythe for so many reasons, but for some reasons I’ll try to explain, I didn’t like her story as much.

First off, I should say that I do like this book and am enjoying the series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment. I really appreciate how the tone of this book reflects the attitude and personality of its main character, just as the previous book did. For that reason alone, I could be happy enough to keep reading the series; just to see how the other books are written. Breath of Air was sweet and simple, just like Capri and Firefight in Darkness is rough and complicated, just like Blythe.

I guess what my disappointment boils down to is expectation. I didn’t think I had any expectations going into this book, but obviously I did if I’m feeling a little let down while still being very pleased with the overall story. Looking back on it now, I realize that the reason I feel disappointed is that I felt like Breath of Air seemed so natural and easy, while Firefight feels a little pushed. I feel like the character of Blythe and the many hardships she endures in this story are a little forced. I feel as if the story is trying too hard to be rough and tough. There are even a few times in the story when Blythe admits, only to herself, that she’s showing off purposely being tough so no one can see her being weak. The problem is, I kinda felt like that’s what was happening for most of the book.

Aside from that, though, the story was great. Blythe’s almost bad girl persona did suit me well and when she meets Jax, it doesn’t take a genius to see where it’s going to lead, but it was fun watching it all happen. I’d say the only other character I had any issues with was Dante and not because he was the bad guy. My problem was that he seemed to be so horribly evil, but then showed a silly side when he threw a temper tantrum that was eventually turned back into a sinister evil action. I guess I just didn’t understand why a character that was supposed to be so evil stopped to care long enough to get his feelings hurt.

My last pseudo-complaint is about the ending. I liked the ending and I liked all the action leading up to it, but the transition between the action and conclusion seemed non-existent.  It all happened so fast and calm that I kept expecting someone to jump out of a bush and start another battle to break the peace, but that was it. There was conflict and drama and then, there wasn’t. I like happy endings, so to speak, but I do sometimes expect them to take a little more effort.

All in all, the story was really good. There was more action and development of the mythology behind this series, which is always a favorite for me. So I didn’t like Blythe as much as I thought I would, but that doesn’t mean you won’t love her. I’d say if you’ve read the first one, this is definitely worth a read.

See my review of the book 1 in The Dryad Quartet, Breath of Air.

This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Review: Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

I give this book a 5.

 

This is a really good book that still has me a little confused a month after listening to the audio presentation of it. I can’t image how Hollywood was able to pull this story off, but maybe one day I’ll bring myself to the point of watching the movie.

I’m not going to make any attempts to sound super profound here: I like this book because it was magical in a completely magic-free way. Themes that come to mind in this story of stories are: reincarnation, propaganda, racism, the power of knowledge and or education, and so much more…and of course there is a sense of love, but not really romance.  There is sex, violence, music, art, philosophy, and more all cosmically mingling from one story to another in this odd anthology.

I’ve probably already confused a few people, but that’s ok because I’m still a little confused myself. I mean, I get it. I understand what I heard and how it all works together, but just don’t know if I get the meaning of it all. What I do get is a warning about the human condition and the many great and scary things we are capable of. When advancements in technology, communication, and politics come together it’s powerful, but that’s only one part of it. Time and change is a variable humanity has no control over and it seems to be the ultimate mastermind of fate.

I seriously do not have the words to describe exactly what it is about this story I loved, I just know I was intrigued and compelled to complete it from the very start. I’m a lover a well told stories and this book tells amazing stories and in a very creative way. This book makes you think about things you never knew you neglected, at least I did. I can clearly see that this book would be too intense for a great majority of my friends, which is why most of them have seen the movie, and based on their responses to that, it’s a good thing they stayed away from the book.

In any case, I think this is a great adult read. Something to get your mind going to places you never thought to go. The pace fluctuates, the themes and stories can be confusing, but reaching the end is totally worth it.

This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Review: Martian Chronicles

Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

I give this book a 4.

 

When reading this book for the first time, one has to take into consideration the period in which it was written. Bradbury’s creativity and ingenuity for space travel politics, cultural qualms, and concerns of human adaptation to space travel more than make up for the lack of technical terms and factual depictions of Mars.

These are individual accounts of trips to Mars all pulled together and retold as one chronicle of the human experience on Mars. We are giving a chance to view the human effect on Mars from multiple points of views including: disgruntled Martians, welcoming Martians, eager exploratory humans, refugees, and so much more.

This isn’t just another fast paced invasion story. The Martian Chronicles deals with of the philosophical concerns of visiting other planets and the effects of encountering an alien race. As much as I adore this story and enjoy the kooky spin the Martians and their world bring to theses matters, this story could have been told using any number of indigenous tribes right here on earth, but then there wouldn’t be as grand a feeling of exploration or adventure.

Reading story after story of how the human and Martian worlds have collided, reminded me of how it felt to watch The Twilight Zone when I was a kid. Some of it is a bit scary, but mostly it’s mysterious and thought-provoking. This is one I’d definitely recommend to any sci-fi fan and maybe even a few fantasy readers.

While there is truly something here for everyone, I don’t know that everyone would be up for it. In any case, I’d say this is a family-friendly read that dad would thoroughly enjoy.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try these link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords