Mini Review: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Grave Peril – Jim Butcher (Published 2001)
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: Urban

Completed: November 28 2010

Towards the end of last year I decided to blow one of my Audible credits on Storm Front (review), the first book of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I was immediately hooked.

Popular opinion suggested that the series really takes off with the third entry – Grave Peril. I concur with the masses. This third entry really ramps up the tension. Butcher creates such an frightening mood that I found myself truly convinced that something terrible could happen to Harry Dresden. He becomes utterly uncertain and outmatched. The intensity overwhelmed the voice in the back of my head that tried, vainly, to remind me that Harry is the protagonist of a series that runs many books beyond this title.

For it’s value as engrossing and involving entertainment I give Grave Peril the full 5 stars. It might have even been my favourite book of the year had I not read The Lies of Locke Lamora.

Mini Review: Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson

Gardens of the Moon – Steven Erikson (Published 1999)
Genre: Fantasy

Sub-genre: Epic, in the most epic sense

Completed: January 12 2011

It’s no secret that I love Epic Fantasy. Yet the idea of beginning a series of ten books is still very daunting. It doesn’t help that ten of Erikson’s volumes in The Malazan Book of the Fallen would swallow up twenty lesser tomes. However, what Erikson’s series has to recommend it is that it will actually be finished soon. Imagine that? A long running Fantasy epic actually reaching a conclusion.

I dived into Gardens of the Moon, fully realising that the end was nigh. I wanted to find out whether I should continue reading in the series. Since this is a mini review, the short answer is yes, I will. I had been forewarned that Erikson drops his readers into the world and bombards them with information. He has certainly crammed into this novel an incredible density of world building while delivering a compelling story with co0lourful, damaged characters.

This is not a novel for first time Fantasy readers. Erikson utilises many viewpoints and it is a challenge to work your way into the story, but as with any good challenge the reward is worth the effort. I give Gardens of the Moon 3.5 stars.

 

Mini Review: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card (Published 1985)
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-genre: Military

Completed: January 6 2011

Ender’s Game is a superb novel. Read it.

I should stop there.

Ender’s Game is deservedly acknowledged as a classic of the genre. It offers an ideal gateway for readers new to Science Fiction – long-term readers have probably enjoyed it already (I’m very late to the party). It is flawlessly paced. I enjoyed the twists of the plot even having been spoiled. The conclusion is incredibly moving and simply perfect for the hauntingly memorable Ender.

I can happily remove Ender’s Game from my list of shame. It was worth the wait, but if you haven’t read it, don’t wait. My first read of 2011 is an early contender for my favourite of the year. It will take some beating. A full 5 stars.

Mini Reviews Incoming!

There are many books that I would like to be able to comment on and promote (or warn readers away from), but writing a full review for every book I read is far too time consuming.

Introducing... the Mini Review!

During my holiday I read numerous books and only took the time to write brief notes about my feelings in my phone. Over the next week I will be uploading several mini reviews for the books I read at the end of last year, and as I travelled overseas. The first salvo will be fired off in the next hour.

Making a return...

No the blog didn't die at the hands of irrelevance and apathy, but the six weeks overseas didn't help. It is very difficult to put life on hold for that length of time and expect to come home and hit the ground running. The catching up is almost done and so it's back to blogging. In fact there is likely to be a saturation of material in the next few weeks the like of which this blog has not seen. Stay tuned...