The Strain: Book One of The Strain Trilogy
Not a bad take on alternative vampire mythos. I usually like straight up vampires. They wear dark clothes and capes, sleep in coffins, bite with fangs. Generally, they don't sparkle, walk in daylight, woo pre-teens and teenagers or shoot things out of their mouths. This book is about the "shoot stingers out of their mouth" variety. Yes, they use the stinger to suck blood. While it is a scary and exciting read, I just can't appreciate it like I could an old fashion vamp novel.
A Dance With Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)
I liked this book better than the last one. My biggest complaint about the series so far is the vast amount of characters you have to keep up with. There is fighting everywhere, everyone hates everyone else. I have to look at the fire and Ice wiki to keep up sometimes. It will be worse with the next book. I read the first 5 all in a row. There will now be significant time before the next book comes out and I will forget everything that is going on!
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4)
It was a good continuation but the cliff hanger endings and multiple characters are killers. I have read a lot of series and most include books that could be read as stand alones. That would be very hard with this series. I am amazed at the depth of the story and the multitude of characters. I have to refer to a wiki to keep up. I am now on the 5th book and will continue until done.
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3)
This is very long book and a long series. I am determined to finish the series. The story is incredible and Mr. Martin's attention to detail is amazing. You find yourself rooting for individuals. I found myself loving characters I was supposed hate and hating characters I was supposed to love. I think Tyrion and Jaime Lannister are two of my favorites. They are evil yet likable at the same time. I will delve into book 4 tonight! The main issue I had with the book is the enormity of the cast. How anyone can keep up with the comings and goins of all these people without having to look back or use Wiki for reference is beyond me!
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
I have to forge ahead or I will forget what is going on. Action and intrigue galore! The sheer volume of players in this game is mind boggling. That may put some people off. It is overall a great story.
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
This was a long book! I enjoyed reading this. It is colorful and fully descriptive. The story is enhanced by love, violence, action, deceit, mystery, war, magic and all kinds of other good things! I am usually not all that fond of monster size books but that seems to be synonymous with the fantasy genre. I did start on the second tome as well.
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
Interesting history of the space race with emphasis on some of the topics not normally discussed.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Layman attempt to explain the mysteries of the universe. At times funny but at other times very dry. There is just no way to easily explain some scientific principles. Overall, if you want an insight or slight understanding of the scientific world, this in not a bad place to start. Bryson's writing is easy to follow. I have read several of his books and have yet to be disappointed.
Odd Thomas: An Odd Thomas Novel
A winner from Koontz, Sad, funny, heart-breaking. This story kept the pages turning.
Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy
Didn't finish it. If I want porn, I'll rent some!
Boneshaker (Sci Fi Essential Books)
It just didn't move me. It was an ok story but I just never could get excited about reading it.
The Colorado Kid (Hard Case Crime #13)
I enjoyed reading this. As always, Mr King put together prose that provides a vivid picture in your mind. This is unlike any other King book I have ever read showing he can expand outside his typical genre.
Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 1)
I wasn't sure how to rate this. While I liked the story, it went against my traditional observations about werewolves. I was baffled about how "The Pack" could be so all-powerful and elitist while there were so many mutts out there. Clay's treatment of Elena was misogynistic and Elena's treatment of Philip so pathetic that it made the whole lot unlikeable. I did enjoy the read so I will probably read more.
All the Pretty Horses
McCarthy is unparallelled in his ability to paint a word picture and have it materialize in front of the readers eyes. He is also a master story teller. This being said, I still can't give this more than a 3. I do not speak Spanish and with a significant portion of the dialog in Spanish, this made for a difficult read.
Already Dead (A Joe Pitt Novel)
While I liked the concept, this book drug for me. Big Pharma is at it again and Joe Pitt isn't going to stand for it. Blood and gore about and a wraith is thrown in for good measure.