I couldn't wait to get my hands on this; word-of-mouth promised a heady, hilarious horror romp. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype for me. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this; word-of-mouth promised a heady, hilarious horror romp. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype for me. Think Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure meets Ghostbusters (or depending on your frame of reference, maybe “Ghostfacers” a la Supernatural), with Lovecraftian-style monsters, a twist of Rod Serling and a dash of psychotropic drugs to really mess you up. Sounds promising, no? Brilliantly mad? Genius even? The only problem is it falls way short of sustaining the insanity in any meaningful or satisfying way.
It is moderately amusing in places (I smiled but did not laugh out loud). Our heroes are basically doofuses (and that’s the point) but I wasn’t given the opportunity to really invest in them. The plot is outrageous and just too ambitious. It was like "enough already!!! C’mon!!!" Because the entire novel reads like one long, really whacked acid trip, you never know what’s going to happen next. Normal rules just don’t apply. Everything has a dreamlike (nightmarish) quality. That should be a good thing, but in this case I eventually just got terribly bored – oh look, another creature with eyes on stalks and baby arms for legs. Oh jeez, see that jellyfish hanging from the ceiling? Watch out for the wormhole!!!!
This book had sooo much potential and "Wong" certainly has a vivid imagination, but overall, it boils down to a "much ado about not a whole helluva lot". ...more
Simply put, great storytelling. Who knew a book about zombies could read with such realism and raw emotion? Several scenes had me white-knuckled and hSimply put, great storytelling. Who knew a book about zombies could read with such realism and raw emotion? Several scenes had me white-knuckled and holding my breath, while other scenes broke my heart and made me cry. Great suspense, near perfect narrative momentum. A totally, thoroughly enjoyable ride. And I love that the author didn't chicken out and try to wrap things up neatly at the end. Post-apocalyptic zombie books should leave you with questions and wanting more and that's exactly the experience Carrie Ryan provides.
The premise for the novel itself is a most welcome fresh perspective on the zombie apocalypse that we all know and love so well. Mary's is a society that's seven generations after the "Return" (a zombie plague). We're used to books (and movies) that take place during the initial zombie attacks, but Ryan sets her story centuries later and describes the living conditions for the descendants of the original survivors.
Argos's nails click against the wood of the floor as he sniffs at the crack under each door. The air up here is close and heavy with must. At the last door Argos begins to tremble, a low and long growl shaking his frame. I press a hand against the door, place my ear against the wood. I can hear a soft thump over and over again. Like the sound of a cat locked in a cupboard--it echoes my pounding heart. The Forest of Hands and Teeth, 192
This series lost something critical from Book 1, Time of the Reaper to the follow-up, Slave Harvest. The first book hurtles along at a pulp-riff-page-This series lost something critical from Book 1, Time of the Reaper to the follow-up, Slave Harvest. The first book hurtles along at a pulp-riff-page-turning pace; this sequel lags and sort of loses its way. In fact, I found the execution a little immature and, at times, painfully derivative. I probably could have finished it, but with so many more books waiting in the wings clamoring to be read, gladly didn't finish it. ...more
I've created a bookshelf called "pulp-riff-page-turners" and this one definitely belongs there, but not because of the cover! Good god, I don't know wI've created a bookshelf called "pulp-riff-page-turners" and this one definitely belongs there, but not because of the cover! Good god, I don't know what the publishers were thinking, but this has to rank as the worst cover ever! It simply does not do the story, or Andrew Butcher's writing, any justice. The Time of the Reaper is The Stand for younger readers, meets Lord of the Flies, with a twist of Dawson's Creek teen angst and melodrama thrown in for good measure. The formula is surprisingly addictive and I could not stop turning the pages. And I guess I won't have to yet, because this book is only the first of a trilogy! ...more
Impressive adaptation that so far, is following King's epic narrative very closely. The art is truly impressive, and I don't think I've ever seen the Impressive adaptation that so far, is following King's epic narrative very closely. The art is truly impressive, and I don't think I've ever seen the "Walkin' Dude" look so fierce (very cool). It's been a fun, nostalgic ride re-entering the world of Captain Trips, visiting with Stu, and Franny, Nick and Larry (and Flagg of course) all over again. Unlike many Constant Readers, The Stand has never been one of my favourite King novels, but I do recognize it as a staggering achievement in storytelling and am certain of its lasting cultural legacy. It's been a delight to see this story re-imagined in graphic novel format. I can't wait for the Marvel team to launch The Talisman (now THAT should be something). ...more
This is a VERY intense book that's extremely well-written. I also gave 4 stars to Scott Sigler's book Infected, (which has a similar plot), just for iThis is a VERY intense book that's extremely well-written. I also gave 4 stars to Scott Sigler's book Infected, (which has a similar plot), just for its sheer, rollicking energy. But in many respects, Moody's Hater is the better book. While Infected is plot-driven, action-packed all the way, Hater is much more emotionally charged. Danny McCoyne's character is well-developed and I found him to be very sympathetic. Hater is told in the first-person from McCoyne's point of view and this made him very real to me.
Moody's writing is so immediate and descriptive, the story unfolded in my mind's eye in a series of graphic pictures. My heart beat faster, my adrenaline levels went through the roof, and I experienced genuine dread. To coax so many emotions from me using a relatively small, unassuming canvas, is impressive to say the least. For readers who want everything nicely wrapped up by the last page, you will be disappointed. Hater is part of a projected trilogy, so the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, however; if anything, it's made me really excited for the follow-up....more
Fun, fast-paced page-turner. Great premise, if a little predictable in places. This was a simply written, “pulpy” book, but with high energy and lots Fun, fast-paced page-turner. Great premise, if a little predictable in places. This was a simply written, “pulpy” book, but with high energy and lots of suspense. Highly recommended for reluctant readers.
So this is the second collection in Marvel's graphic novel adaptation of King's Dark Tower series. While I LOVE reading about Roland again, and the arSo this is the second collection in Marvel's graphic novel adaptation of King's Dark Tower series. While I LOVE reading about Roland again, and the art work is gorgeous, I'm deeply conflicted as well. There's something here that isn't quite working for me, that seems off. I think the problem is that I'm comparing it to the source material too much, when I should be enjoying the work as its own unique experience (like a film adaptation).
It's also very much focused on young Roland. And I guess that's what's troubling me; Roland young is interesting, but Roland old is a literary legend. I long for the mature, wise, mean Roland, merciless and calculating Roland, courageous and flawed, cool and temperamental. Oh how I miss him.
The young, impetuous, impulsive, rebellious Roland is starting to be kind of a letdown by comparison. I remember feeling this way when I got to Book 4 Wizard and Glass; I enjoyed it immensely once I reconciled myself to the fact that we were going way back in the story to young Roland, but that doesn't mean I wasn't chomping at the bit to return to the "real" Roland. So the creators have decided to tell young Roland's story instead of mature, grizzled Roland. I would never have thought this could matter so much, but it does, it really does.
One more thing: when you read the novels, there is so much you DON'T know for a long time. It's like a puzzle, a really addictive puzzle. King metes out answers morsel by morsel and it's not until the last book and thousands of pages on that the full picture emerges (likely because King himself didn't know how it was all going to finally come together). But here's the thing: the graphic novels have already let so much out of the bag already...about Roland's origins, his destiny, even the Crimson King and his intentions, and what the Dark Tower is and why it's so important. It's too much too soon. I realize that the authors are working on a smaller canvas but where's the mystery? So far the story is very straightforward with uber-heroes vs. uber-villains.
My advice: Read the books first!!! There's a method to King's madness in how the Dark Tower plot unfolded over the course of three decades and thousands of pages. The reward at the end is indescribable. The graphic novels will steal that experience from you even though that is not the authors' intent. It's clear that the graphic novels are a labour of love and Peter David and Robin Furth have my utmost respect and gratitude for keeping Roland's story going. ...more
Liked this, it was okay, didn't love it. The Host has been marketed as Meyer's first "adult" novel as opposed to her YA series, Twilight, but I found Liked this, it was okay, didn't love it. The Host has been marketed as Meyer's first "adult" novel as opposed to her YA series, Twilight, but I found this one to be a little on the fluffy, adolescent side anyway. A lot of her descriptions are over-the-top dramatic, swept away, first love, I-will-die-without-this-person kind of thing. And the furthest any couple gets is a few smooches PG-style; there's no sex AT ALL and not even a hint at getting there and for an adult romance novel that's really disappointing....more
Great story! I was completely engaged the entire time. For an end-of-the-world scenario, this was believable and frightening. I will never look at theGreat story! I was completely engaged the entire time. For an end-of-the-world scenario, this was believable and frightening. I will never look at the moon the same way again. I loved that Pfeffer did not let the story run away from her or get too big, but rather, she gives us the story from the point of view of a 16 year old girl and her diary descriptions of her family's struggle. It's easy to let your imagination run wild by extrapolating for the whole world... and that's where the real horror lies! ...more
Great companion book to Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It. Whereas the latter focuses on the rural experience from the pov of a teen girl, The Dead and theGreat companion book to Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It. Whereas the latter focuses on the rural experience from the pov of a teen girl, The Dead and the Gone examines life post-disaster in the heart of the Big Apple from a young male viewpoint (17). For that reason alone, the story is edgier, harsher and more graphic. I was totally sucked in from page one; seems I just can't get enough of the end-of-the-world scenario. ...more
A lot of books get hyped and you go to read them and they are a real let-down. Most recently for me it was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. And I probablyA lot of books get hyped and you go to read them and they are a real let-down. Most recently for me it was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. And I probably had a bit of an attitude before even picking up The Road -- Pulitzer Prize winner, Oprah Book Club selection, now a "major motion picture"...yeah, yeah, yeah. All this praise and worship was a little bit nauseating. So for the first book of 2009 I decided to see if The Road could bear up under the weight of such gargantuan, exhaustive praise. In short, absolutely, unequivocally yes. I just couldn't help but be awed by McCarthy's spare prose. The Road is a real exercise in discipline. There are no extra words...none. The writing is fluid like poetry. The imagery moves from stark to hauntingly beautiful. Of all the books I've ever read on the end-of-the-world scenario, this one is bare bones, as ugly and scary as it can get. McCarthy leaves very little room for hope. It's a desolate story he is weaving and he doesn't back down or flinch for a second. Gotta respect him for that. ...more
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