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Review: The Bridge of Deaths

The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

I give this book a 4.

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Maggie and Bill meet by, what would normally seem like, chance. Little do they both know that they are tied to the past in a very unique way. Their connection to the past is not just the past of this book, but the past of WWII. This book tells their story and that of a, still unsolved, plane crash from the summer of 1939.

Let me start off by stating that historical fiction is not my favorite genre, but it’s growing on me. Next let me state that I don’t know if this book truly fits into the category of Historical fiction. This is one of those books that’s simply difficult to categorize. It’s also listed in some places as metaphysical or paranormal fiction, which is also misleading.

Yes there are historical elements to it and it is fiction, but I almost wish there had been more fiction than history to it… but now I’m probably confusing you.

Let’s back up a little and break this book down.

1. Metaphysical/paranormal categorization comes from the presence of and use of psychic readings, practices, and theories along with the presence and experiences of past life regressions. It is through the use of this literary tool that the modern story is tied to the past (the true historical past).

2. Historical fiction categorization for this book seems a little lacking. Aside from the fact that there is a fictional narrative to acompany the action, this is more of a case study or historical investigation. There is so much fact to this story (the footnotes alone are a work of art) that I had trouble reconciling the fiction and the non-fiction.

That’s why I stated earlier that I wish there had been more fiction. I prefer fiction over non-fiction, but in any case, this is a fascinating story about true events. I just wish there had been more narrative.

3. I’m not used to reading this kind of story. I suppose that for those who read crime thrillers or detective stories, this might be an easy read. I was shocked to find myself breaking down and analyzing evidence like a member of a CSI team. In some ways it was thrilling, in others not so much.

4. I wish there had been more time spent on the relationship of Bill and Maggie, and I don’t even care much for romances. I guess the reason I feel this way is because I became attached to them and their story. I guess I just felt like their life together was always going to be overshadowed by these strange events of the past.

I know it may sound like I don’t like this story, but let me assure you that I do. I guess because I like it so much I’m compelled to over analyze it. I’ve never read a story quite like this before and don’t know if I will again. It’s so unique that I’m still trying to process it all now, months after reading it. This book is definitely worth reading.

This book was given to me as a gift from the author.

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: Cinder

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, book 1) by Marissa Meyer

I give this book a 4.

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Cinder is just as the book and cover suggests, a futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story, but there is the brink of a great space war looming in the background. It tells the story of a cyborg teen, a mechanic, commonly referred to as Cinder. There is a mean stepmother and stepsister, but there is also a nice stepsister. There is also a scary plague and some crazy curfews and rules about life as a cyborg. So when Cinder has a chance encounter with the charming Prince Kai, the last thing she wants is for anyone to know about it, especially not him. No one can know that the Prince has associated with a cyborg peasant, but before long, that’s the least of Cinder’s worries.

I’m a fan of fairy tales and all their retellings, so it would have to take quite a bit for me not to like this story, but even with my own personal bias, I think this is a really good story. It is very creative and imaginative. I think what I like most about the story is that Cinder isn’t presented as just another girl. I know she’s a cyborg, but she’ll still a person. What I mean is that, deep down, in most Cinderella stories the girl really does want to go to the ball and dance with the prince and have butterflies flutter across the sky, but that’s not Cinder. Her youth is gone and she has too much else on her mind to even think about the ball, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t wasted a few moments thinking about how cute the prince is.

Then there is the matter of the plague, the threat of war, and the moon people. I was very impressed with the way the multiple conflicts mingled in this story. The whole idea of the traditional love story is almost put on the back burner as the rest of the story takes over. I unfortunately have read too many books and seen to many movies to be kept in the dark about Cinder’s greatest secret. I figured it out pretty quickly, but I was still impressed with how it came together. I have a feeling there will be more action in the follow-up story, simply based on the amount of intrigue and conflict in this one. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to continuing this story.

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.

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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