Wow...I have been a total slacker with regard to keeping this up. I missed adding a couple of really good books to the list.

First, The Inheritance, by Simon Tolkien. (Yes, for those of you Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, Simon is J.R.R. Tolkien's grandson.) Tolkien does a bang-up job with this, his second, novel. The Inheritance is a murder mystery or crime mystery (depending on how you want to view it), and tracks the events surrounding the murder of Stephen Cade's father. Stephen will hang for the crime if he's convicted...but is he the murderer? Perhaps the killer is his adopted brother, Silas...or a host of other potential suspects. The Inheritance is a good read and Tolkien does a nice job of keeping the reader guessing through most of the book.

Second, The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, by Heidi W. Durrow. This was a page-turning short novel about a young girl and her struggle to be who she truly is. Having survived a tragedy, she is now living with her grandmother (father's mother) and is learning to be "black". The Girl Who Fell From the Sky is a great book for anyone, whether dealing with a biracial heritage or not.

Currently reading: The 24th Letter, by Tom Lowe.
 

Title: Burial
Author: Neil Cross
Number of Pages: 304
Genre: Psychological Thriller

I've been a little under the weather for a few days, which was good for my reading habit but lousy for keeping this record up to date.

Burial was...disturbing. That single word, just one, sums the book up entirely.

I've read some various reviews on this one, many of which are not glowing with regard to Cross' characters. And yes, they are a little flat. I can't really say that I felt myself cheering the main character on...nor could I wish him any ill.

The more I've thought about it though, the character of Nathan in Burial (and the supporting characters as well) were, perhaps, intended to be just that wee bit aloof and removed from the reader. On the other hand, maybe I'm full of it. For this reader, the whole concept of what one’s inner person might be like while getting away with murder is just a little...detached.

Burial is worth the read, though, if being a little creeped out doesn't bother you.

Until next time...

 

Title: Edge of Apocalypse
Author: Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall
Number of pages: 423
Chapter Layout: 70 Numbered chapters
POV: Third
Genre: Fiction/Political/Christian

Given that I've thoroughly enjoyed the Patrick Bowers crime series by Steven James, I thought I would give a try at another Christian writer: Tim LaHaye. I recall him as being the author of all those Left Behind books, and he's now collaborated with Craig Parshall on this new political fiction work.

Thus far, I've read through chapter sixteen. The beginning was good...full of action and suspense with America on the brink of nuclear war. A bit more of the political has surfaced now, and the reading is still going well. There's only been one instance of pushing a little too much religion for my taste, and I'm hoping that will be the only instance. Time will tell.


Until next time...
 

Title: The Front
Author: Patricia Cornwell

Before adding in the next book, I decided to pop in and write a few words on The Front.

Story-wise...it was ok. Nothing spectacular. Nothing heart-pounding. In fact, the end fell flat in my view. Of course, my view was skewed before finishing the first chapter. Had this book been longer, I would have had to add yet another book to the short list of those I've refused to finish reading.

Short sentences to fuel a quick pace are one thing; tons of fragmented sentences are another. It made the read feel choppy or jerky. I know there are some schools of thought which say not to add unnecessary words and such to writing...but I honestly think adding an "and" now and then (or whatever other words might be necessary) to make the sentence complete isn't a crime.

Patricia Cornwell is one author who won't be tempting me with other reads.

Up next...
 

Title: The Front
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Number of pages: 180
Chapter Layout: 10 Numbered chapters
POV: Third
Genre: Mystery

I've never read any of Patricia Cornwell's books, and quite honestly, I probably wouldn't be getting ready to begin this one...except that my daughter picked it up on our last library run and decided she really didn't want to read it. Since I've finished Lost Symbol already, The Front it is.

A good mystery or crime-mystery is something I enjoy now and then, so fingers crossed this one, short as it is, will entice me to add Cornwell to my list of enjoyable authors to turn to in my times of need.

Until next time...
 

Title: The Lost Symbol
Author: Dan Brown
Number of pages: 509
Chapter Layout: Prologue, 133 Numbered chapters, and Epilogue.
POV: Third
Genre: Thriller/Suspense

After the bummer than was Vellum, I picked up (finally) Dan Brown's third Robert Langdon tale: The Lost Symbol. I thoroughly enjoyed Da Vinci Code and Angles and Demons when I read those, and now that the newness has worn off, my local library finally had Symbol on the shelf. Happy, happy. Joy, joy!

Thirty-two chapters in and it's all I can do to put the book down. Something about Brown's brief chapters and quick pacing mesh well with the voice of his writing. Of course, the way he weaves fact with fiction is nothing to sneeze at. I am SO ready to get back on this ride. Back to reading!

Until next time...

 

Title: Vellum: The Book of All Hours
Author: Hal Duncan

Hmmm...how to begin. I suppose the best course of action is to just be blunt and tell it like is...

I won't be finishing this book.

It isn't that I was offended by any of the text or something such as that; it was just so damn disjointed...in a weird connected sort of way. Sounds confusing, I know; I just cannot think of any other way to describe how Vellum read.

By around about the 50-page mark or so I realized, after some struggle, that the different "characters" the book hopped back-and-forth from were, essentially, the same...just existing within different "folds of the vellum". However, even with such realization, the next 52 pages seemed like reading at a forced march.

I'm sure the story is worthwhile to those who want to bounce around different subplots and "folds", but I just found it difficult to get interested and stay interested. Thankfully, today is Friday...Library Day! Here's to hoping at least one of the books on my "I Wanna Read..." list is there and available for checkout.

Until next time...
 

Title: Vellum: The Book of All Hours
Author: Hal Duncan
Number of pages: 463
Chapter Layout: Two "Volumes", each with seven chapters and epilogue.
POV: First and Third
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Apocalyptic

I've not actually begun reading, as of yet. I just completed the Camulod Chronicles series, and need to come to terms with the loss. After nine books with these wonderfully done characters, I feel as though I've said good-bye to a dear friend. Jack Whtye's series is more and far better than I first expected! I can only hope Vellum is half as good.

More to come, once I've actually begun. So...

Until next time...
 

Final book of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 571
Chapter Layout: Arranged in 14 Chapters, each containing sub-chapters.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

This final book to the Camulod series is told by Clother (aka Lancelot), and begins with he and Arthur waiting out a sudden snowstorm during a campaign against the Danes. Here, in this final text, the commonly known knighthood is born. *deep inhale*

The Lance Thrower turned out to be quite good, though I missed, during the course of the last two books, the close tale-telling of Arthur. Once again, for the finale, Arthur is again the focus of the tale.

This has been an exciting, interesting, and gripping series! I definitely recommend Jack Whyte and his Camulod Chronicles to any reader who enjoys action, adventure, and most especially the legend of King Arthur.

Ok, back to the action...

 

Book eight of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 622
Chapter Layout: Arranged in three parts, each with numbered chapters, and prologue.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

Uther turned out to be pretty good, although I was nearly half-way through the book before I could bring myself to say it was. Most of the questions I had concerning him weren't found in the first half of the text. *sigh*

Here again with Lance Thrower, the pov has shifted. Now the story is being told by--yes, you guessed it--Lancelot, or rather Clothar, whom we all know to be Lancelot.

To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I like Whyte's writing, and I've enjoyed the characters and story, but after Uther and now thus far into Lance Thrower I'm wishing Whyte would have cut the series off or taken a different approach in these later books. Sure, in the end, the reader will get the whole story, but I just feel as though I'm being bounced around like a ball from one taleteller to the next. I also feel as though I've been left hanging with what's going on with Arthur. Oh well...onward.

Until next time...

 

Book seven of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 623
Chapter Layout: Arranged in six parts, each with numbered chapters, prologue, and epilogue.
POV: Third
Genre: Historical Fiction

Well, I'm 212 pages into this one and a little disappointed...on two counts. First, I am having trouble understanding why this book would be the seventh in the series. The tale isn't progressing forward in any way. The story isn't being told by Merlyn or any of the other key characters. It's just...being told by someone, I know not whom. Second, I keep wondering what the point of the book is.

Sure, I can understand Whyte feeling he needed to give some background on Uther, since Uther was Arthur's father in this series. But now? As book seven? And in this way, with no clear idea of who is telling the story? I keep hoping, eventually, this "rumor" that was mentioned in the previous books about there being another child of Uther's comes to light. I just hope it comes about before the epilogue.

Until next time...

 

Book six of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 352
Chapter Layout: Arranged in three parts, each with numbered chapters, and prologue.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

Whyte left me at the close of The Fort at River's Bend in tears, morning a loss along with Merlyn. Now, in part six of the Camulod Chronicles series, Merlyn and Arthur will return to Camulod and face a war that is looming.

Outstanding series thus far! The historic, Roman aspects of the novels bring the legend of Arthur to the brim of reality and Whyte's creation of rich, believable characters pillow the facts and cradle them.

Until next time...

 

Book five of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 351
Chapter Layout: Arranged in two "books", each with numbered chapters, and prologue.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

And the story continues, following Merlyn and his small band of friends as they make a place for themselves in the once deserted roman fort - Mediobogdum.

Whyte is including far more historic detail with regard to certain aspects of life during this early period, circa 500 CE. Elaborate explanation of forging iron to construct swords is spelled out. Not only can the man write a gripping tale, but he apparently can research as well.

Until next time...

 

Book four of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 496
Chapter Layout: Arranged in three "books", each with numbered chapters, prologue and epilogue.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

This fourth book in the series of the Camulod Chronicles picks up right where Eagles' Brood left off. In this book, Merlyn meets the Arthur of the famed legend...infant child of Ygraine (daughter of Eirish King Athol) and Uther, Merlyn's cousin.

Much has happened since Skystone, book one of the series, and much is yet to happen, but the key players of the legend are coming to be and I find myself drinking the story in gulps. Thus far in the series, I would have no qualms about recommending these books to anyone. Jack Whyte has worked wonders with giving this legend a beginning!

Until next time...
 

Book three of the Camulod Chronicles
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 412
Chapter Layout: Arranged in four "books", each with numbered chapters.
POV: First
Genre: Historical Fiction

The 16th book of this year is the next installment of Jack Whyte's Camulod Chronicles series. I was mistaken in my previous entry; there are more than five books...and all the better!

I supposed I've always enjoyed the legend of King Arthur stories, Lancelot, Geneviere, Merlyn and Whyte is bringing all of that and more to vivid life within the pages of this series. I guess I'm a sucker for a good series, and since G.R.R. Martin appears to be in no damned hurry to complete his Song of Ice and Fire, I figure I might as well enjoy all that Whyte has to offer with Camulod.

This third book, The Eagles' Brood, shifts from Publius Varrus as the storyteller, to a familiar legend...Merlyn. Young Caius Merlyn Britannicus, to be exact. I have to admit, I feel a bit sad to be leaving Varrus behind after coming to know him so well through the first two books, but time does march on. Now that Excalibur has been crafted, and it's secret shared and entrusted to Merlyn, the true legend is just beginning.

Until next time...

 

Title: The Singing Sword (book two of the Camulod Chronicles)
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 537
Chapter Layout: Arranged in four "books", each with numbered chapters.
POV: First and Third
Genre: Historical Fiction

Book one, The Skystone, was fantastic! I enjoy Whyte's style and voice in the writing...so much so that I finished the book last night and immediately cracked book two open this morning.

The Singing Sword picks up where book one left off, for the most part. A brief prologue clues the reader in on a little occurrence that took place with Plubius killing Seneca in book one, which sets off a whole world of change for Plubius this far in book two. Sure, there are a few paragraphs of what I'll call 'catch up' that take place during the first couple chapters of Sword, but most every series I've read does the same thing...just in case some unsuspecting reader picks up a book other than the first and joins the journey part-way through. The background is slight though, and I didn't find it bothersome or boring in the slightest.

Looking forward to The Singing Sword and the remaining three books in the five-part series. So far, Whyte provides the reader with action, romance, and intrigue.

Until next time...

 

Title: Night
Author: Elie Wiesel

I've finished Night and it was fantastic! So much emotion and force contained within so few pages and told more predominately than shown...but with mastery. A wonderful, quick read about a horrific past we should all hope never is repeated in any way.

Title: The Skystone: The Forging of Arthur's Britain
Author: Jack Whyte
Number of pages: 489
Chapter Layout: Arranged in five "books", each with numbered chapters.
POV: First and Third
Genre: Historical Fiction

I guess you could say I've been pining for George Martin to finally complete his Song of Ice and Fire series, because I've been itching to read some good knight material. While walking up and down countless rows at the library yesterday, I came across a bookbinding that took my eye. It referred to The Camulod Chronicles. King Arthur! Knights! Hot damn!

I took the book from the shelf and opened it to find out more. I learned there were five books to the series, each of which were right in front of me on the shelf (yay, no searching endlessly to find book four or something when I would come to needing it). I also learned that the author was writing another series, which also piques my interest.

So, in my possession I have books One and Two of the Camulod Chronicles and I've started the first, The Skystone. There is quite a bit of exposition...but it is by no means dull. I've not had to force myself to read one word or section as of yet. Kudos to Whyte for what is looking to be a very entertaining and adventuresome series of books to read.

Until next time...

 

Title: Night
Author: Elie Wiesel
Number of pages: 115
Chapter Layout: Eight numbered Chapters
POV: First
Genre: Non-Fiction/Historical

After the let down of Lavinia, I decided to crack open something outside my usual fiction choices and try a brief (in case my taste just can't tolerate non-fiction) factual read. Since my daughter is currently on a Holocaust jag, I snagged one of the books she had on her dresser.

Thus far, mid-way through chapter 1, I'm engaged and off to a good start. Night doesn't read like a textbook, which is rather what I was anticipating; so this is a pleasant surprise.

Until next time...


 

Title: Lavinia
Author: Ursula K. LeGuin
Progress: Through page 62

I have to admit, I'm struggling with this read. I grasp the premise behind it, LeGuin writing Lavinia's story as Lavinia would tell it, but frankly, I'm bored.

Suitors are visiting regularly; her mother is set one, Turnus, while her father is courting the all of them. Lavinia wants no part of any of the men who are coming to vie for her. She is fixed on the apparition of Virgil, the original poet of The Aeneid, whom she talks with at the sacred place.

To be honest, nothing is happening. No action. No suspense. Not even a drippy love story at this point. In sharp contrast to the last book I read, Lavinia, thus far, is proving to be tough to pick up, not put down.

Until next time...

 

Title: Lavinia
Author: Ursula K. LeGuin
Number of pages: 272
Chapter Layout: No defined chapters by number or name.
POV: First
Genre: Fantasy

A little background, as I have barely scratched the surface of this latest reading endeavor...

Lavinia was daughter to the king in Virgil's The Aeneid, an epic poem from Trojan times in late BCE years. Her mother sought to marry her off, while her father promised her as prize to the mighty Trojan hero. (You can read The Aeneid in its entirety here   or an overview here   .) Throughout Virgil's epic Lavinia never spoke, and with Lavinia, LeGuin has given her a voice with which to tell her own story. What I've found most interesting thus far is that Lavinia describes herself and knows she is a character in the tale. I cannot think of any other book I've read that has been presented in this way, so the hook is already 'round my neck.

Okay then, I'm off to read further. Until tomorrow...