The first of a two-book manga graphic novel version of H.P. Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness about an expedition to Antarctica. Narrated by geoThe first of a two-book manga graphic novel version of H.P. Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness about an expedition to Antarctica. Narrated by geologist William Dyer, a professor at Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts, aiming to prevent an important and much-publicized scientific expedition to Antarctica following a previous expedition, where they discovered ancient ruins and a dangerous secret beyond a range of high, black mountains. A small advance group, led by Professor Lake, discovers remains of ancient lifeforms. When the main expedition loses contact with Lake's party, Dyer and a graduate student named Danforth investigate, finding Lake's camp devastated, with dogs and men slaughtered. Only Gedney and a single dogs are not found, leading to suspicion that he has lost his mind and caused the damage. Near the wrecked campsite, they find six star-shaped snow mounds with one specimen under each, and evidence that some form of dissection experiment has been done. Very dark....more
John Zarco Stewart is blissfully unaware of his family's secret Jewish roots growing up in Porto, with two close but wild friends, who suffer tragic eJohn Zarco Stewart is blissfully unaware of his family's secret Jewish roots growing up in Porto, with two close but wild friends, who suffer tragic events, leaving him alone and consumed by guilt. His father returns from a trip with a freed African slave and healer, Midnight, who becomes John's closest friend and teacher, helping him recover. Napoleon's armies invade Portugal, leading to violence, including the death of John's father. John uncovers a dark secret about his father's actions, discovering a dirty family secret, resulting in Midnight's disappearance. To find redemption, John travels to the antebellum United States seeking answers, and returning the help and solace to Midnight's enslaved daughter. Well written historical fiction....more
Defrocked priest Woody Barker leaves prison hoping for quiet life on the Alabama Gulf Coast on his houseboat, but his past and his ex-wife complicate Defrocked priest Woody Barker leaves prison hoping for quiet life on the Alabama Gulf Coast on his houseboat, but his past and his ex-wife complicate things. On her deathbed, his ex-wife reveals his existence as her father and buried treasure (from the Civil War) to their daughter, Caroline Boyer, who is an pregnant unwedded 17-year old, with a loser boyfriend, putting them all in danger from those who want the treasure. Pursued by dangerous folks, Woody, Caroline, and Gary (the emotional support goldfish) embark on a journey across the South, relying on each other to survive and find answers. Note: This book was not in a class with either of the other books I read written by Sean of the South....more
Author Dershowitz presents many of the contentious and complex issues underlying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the writing reflects his cleaAuthor Dershowitz presents many of the contentious and complex issues underlying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the writing reflects his clear support for Israeli, he cites a number of facts and uses sound reasoning to defend Israel's right to sovereignty while criticizing Hamas and Palestinian leadership putting their own people at risk for decades. Reading this book with an open mind is critical, but it is unlikely this book will change anyone's mind who have already decided which side is at fault....more
Victor, the assassin, is contacted by an old Russian friend, Norimov, who is being targeted; he fears for his daughter, Gisele, who has gone missing aVictor, the assassin, is contacted by an old Russian friend, Norimov, who is being targeted; he fears for his daughter, Gisele, who has gone missing and is in danger. Because Norimov betrayed Victor in the past, Victor refuses his plea to protect her until Norimov asks him to help in memory of and respect for his dead wife. Victor's efforts to find Gisele, a junior human rights lawyer, put them both in the crosshairs of dangerous network. Victor must learn how to work with Gisele, since he always works alone. Lots of mayhem and violence in a hectic race across London where seconds count....more
Al Huxley and Cu are police detective partners. Huxley is human while Cu is a chimpanzee whose intelligence has been enhanced via cruel and illegal exAl Huxley and Cu are police detective partners. Huxley is human while Cu is a chimpanzee whose intelligence has been enhanced via cruel and illegal experimentation, for which she has been "compensated." They are asked to solve a subway murder committed by a young woman, Elody Polle. They discover she has been controlled by a third party via a technology innovation: echogirl/echoboy, where third parties acquire the ability to see and hear through another person as well as provide instructions. Elody is devastated that her "friend" has used and then abandoned her to connect with Cu. I did not find the ending uplifting, as many others who rated this short story five stars....more
Concluding book in a science fiction trilogy. A missile hidden in a suburban home outside the Capitol destroys the Oval Office, during a Presidential Concluding book in a science fiction trilogy. A missile hidden in a suburban home outside the Capitol destroys the Oval Office, during a Presidential address, elevating the VP. The only clue to the terrorist act is a piece of paper, which says See Scalar. Travis Chase, along with his partner Paige Campbell, and tech expert Bethany Stewart from the Tangent Group investigate only to find out that the files about the massively funded project have been stolen as several others with knowledge of the project were killed at the exact moment as the President. As they keep digging, they discover the horrifying truth and work to set things right....more
Allen Levi's self-published novel Theo of Golden, sold 3,000 books in 2023 and 24,000 in 2024 before it was acquired by a major publisher, with sales Allen Levi's self-published novel Theo of Golden, sold 3,000 books in 2023 and 24,000 in 2024 before it was acquired by a major publisher, with sales exceeding 300,000 by year-end 2025. Theo moves to a small town in Georgia, where he is enthralled by 92 inked portraits for sale in the local coffee shop. He is a gregarious and generous sort, deciding to settle in town and buy the portraits for the subjects in return for a short meeting in a local public park, next to a fountain. He has a knack for seeing the kindness in people, for making them feel better about themselves or their decisions, and for helping them out. The backstory, which only comes out after a terribly sad tragedy, is wonderful. Recommended....more
2.5 stars, rounded up. Having enjoyed Stuart Gibbs's Moon Base Alpha series and this book's 4.21 average rating, I wanted to try a new series. 12-year2.5 stars, rounded up. Having enjoyed Stuart Gibbs's Moon Base Alpha series and this book's 4.21 average rating, I wanted to try a new series. 12-year old Teddy Fitzroy has had an exciting life in Africa with his parents, who are interested in caring for or photography of wildlife. They are lured to work in a new-age zoo in Texas, which hopes to draw off the Disney crowd. Things go "Belly Up" when mascot Henry the Hippo dies. He was a nasty piece of work, disliked by most people and caretakers. Turns out, he was killed by swallowing jacks with the ends sharpened to perforate his innards. Teddy is befriended by the wealthy zoo owner's daughter, who is surprisingly unspoiled, and they work together to solve the mystery. I did not care for the treatment of animals nor the fat shaming of Marge. ...more
I am part of the small minority of reviewers, who struggled with this book. Why? Because it is a very sad story, focusing on aging, the decline in menI am part of the small minority of reviewers, who struggled with this book. Why? Because it is a very sad story, focusing on aging, the decline in mental and physical health of the protagonist, loneliness, the death of his closest friend, and his son's decision to take away his beloved dog because he was unable to care for the dog properly. It was simply heart-breaking to see him lose his companion, at least for me. While I found the ending to be endearing, it could not offset the overall sadness....more
A dark comedy, which was at times laugh out loud funny. PJ Halliday, at age sixty-three, is a retired mailman, alcoholic, and winner of a $1.5 millionA dark comedy, which was at times laugh out loud funny. PJ Halliday, at age sixty-three, is a retired mailman, alcoholic, and winner of a $1.5 million lottery, who has managed through the loss of his eldest daughter, a few heart attacks, and a divorce. He has remained friends with his ex-wife, who still helps him manage his life, but he feels deserted when she and her boyfriend head to Alaska for a bird-watching vacation. Meanwhile, he becomes guardian for his estranged, deceased brother's grandchildren after they are orphaned following the bizarre deaths of their parents, providing him with a chance to be a better parent than he was with his own daughter, Sophie. When he hears that the husband of his high school crush has passed away, he decides to drive to Arizona to catch the one he missed, taking his grandniece Luna and grandnephew Ollie, a cat named Pancakes, and Sophie, who decides he is too irresponsible to go alone. They "borrow" the boyfriend's car and head off on an road-trip adventure, reminiscent of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise....more
As victor in the competition described in Book #1, Celaena Sardothien is now fulfilling her new role as King’s Champion by assassinating his enemies. As victor in the competition described in Book #1, Celaena Sardothien is now fulfilling her new role as King’s Champion by assassinating his enemies. However, Celeana is faking their deaths and helping them disappear from Adarlan, putting herself and friends at dire risk. When she is given the name of a suspected rebel leader, Archer Finn, he is a famous courtesan and well known to her from their apprentice days. He is trying to track down the lost princess, Aelin Galathynius, heir of Terrasen, who seems to be the only hope to restore the kingdom to its former glory. Celaena’s relationship with Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall continues to blossom when he is kidnapped, forcing Celaena to his rescue, during which time someone close to Celeana is killed. At a castle carnival, Celaena confers with a witch to help decipher a riddle tied to the magic Wyrdmarks she has been investigating, who says there are three Wyrdkeys needed to open the Wyrdgate to wield great power. Celaena meets a witch who is working at a carnival that has come to the castle grounds. Celaena goes to the woman to get help deciphering a riddle tied to the magic Wyrdmarks she has been investigating. The witch says the riddle describes the three Wyrdkeys necessary to open the Wyrdgate. She says the person who finds the keys and opens the gate will wield incredible power, enough to control this world and others. Chaol discovers a great secret when Celeana opens a portal to a dark world, during a battle with an otherworldly creature. He then negotiates a deal with his estranged father to send Celeana to the rival country of Wendlyn, ostensibly to kill the royal family and learn their military plans....more
Having recently read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, I am not sure I was ready for another book dealing with the effect on a marriage of a traumaHaving recently read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, I am not sure I was ready for another book dealing with the effect on a marriage of a traumatic event. Beth is married to Frank dealing with the burden of a sheep farm in rural England, when their lives are forever changed with the return of her former lover, Gabriel, a successful author. Frank's brother kills a dog attacking their farm's lambs, horrifying Gabriel's son, Leo. Leo elicits Beth's memories of her own deceased son, Bobby, and spending time with Leo, rekindles her feelings for Gabriel, despite her deep loyalty to Frank, igniting jealousy and family/community tensions, leading to a murder trial and family secrets. Lots of themes intertwined: Grief, loss, love, loyalty, betrayal, and class conflict....more
A detailed, illustrated book that describes the almost century-long construction of a fictional French Gothic cathedral (called Chutreaux), synthesiziA detailed, illustrated book that describes the almost century-long construction of a fictional French Gothic cathedral (called Chutreaux), synthesizing features from many real cathedrals like Chartres, Notre Dame, and Cologne. Author Macaulay explains the architecture, engineering (like flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, gargoyles, centering, and keystones), as well as the tools, materials, and the medieval workmen, guilds and community effort involved, from digging the foundation to the raising the final spire, making complex medieval building processes understandable for general readers through clear text and intricate ink pen drawings. Recommended for those interested in architecture....more
A well-researched and well-written book on subsistence living/poverty by a Princeton professor, who chose Milwaukee for his case studies. To me, his cA well-researched and well-written book on subsistence living/poverty by a Princeton professor, who chose Milwaukee for his case studies. To me, his central thesis that not having a stable residence (the "centrality of home") rings true, and that eviction/homelessness often lead to the real social and economic problems faced by chronically poor Americans: single parenthood, unemployment, drug addiction, and crime. As a reader, I found that the author's habit of switching among different families in no coherent order was confusing at times, and his prescriptive recommendations somewhat disappointing. 3.5 stars, rounded up in part for winning the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in General Non-Fiction....more
Brett Battles has breathed some new life into the Stuart Woods' series, as the newest ones are less formulaic and Teddy Fay is a multi-faceted charactBrett Battles has breathed some new life into the Stuart Woods' series, as the newest ones are less formulaic and Teddy Fay is a multi-faceted character as well. Centurion Pictures is having trouble with a male lead, requiring producer Billy Barnett to support his director and threaten the actor's agent with his firing. The main plot revolves around an Eastern European oligarch (Victor Popov), who has made a killing by identifying business opportunities in alternative energy and finding an insider to find dirt to negotiate a low-ball acquisition price. At the birthday party of a famous retired actor, the chief engineer has a fight with the organizer's ex-girlfriend, who ends up dead in the pool. Billy Barnett has to find the mole, free the engineer from suspicion, and stop the gangster, his mole, and his thugs. He's the man for this job....more
A very slow start, as the book's format is a compilation of Sybil Van Antwerp's life. Not understanding who the principals are initially is frustratinA very slow start, as the book's format is a compilation of Sybil Van Antwerp's life. Not understanding who the principals are initially is frustrating for the readers. Sybil was a successful woman lawyer, who made a decision to work with an accomplished judge as his clerk, where she became his primary adviser. During the course of her long career, they made one terrible legal mistake and Sybil made another terrible mistake in her personal life, leading to an estrangement from her Dutch husband. After she retires, she finds herself with too much down time, causing her to reflect on her life and the choices she has made along the way. She is also losing her eyesight, which will eventually make it impossible to type. A number of letters are written to famous authors, some of whom respond to her book commentaries. Her decision to skip her former husband's funeral upsets her relationship with her daughter overseas, which also undermines a relationship with her closest friend. Amazingly, it all works by the end, which is why this book has such high ratings. 4.5 stars, rounded up. ...more
Gabriel Dax is a London-based travel writer. While visiting the 1960s Congo, a friend asks him to interview the new Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, wGabriel Dax is a London-based travel writer. While visiting the 1960s Congo, a friend asks him to interview the new Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, with the interview tape recorded at Lumumba's request. As people start dying, a number of parties are interested in burying the recording in which Lumumba says he fears assassination and names possible threats. Gabriel's older brother works for the Foreign Service, doing an occasional favor. Then, he is asked by a female MI-6 agent to do similar favors for money, including buying art from an Iberian artist and delivering it. Separately, Gabriel survived a house fire as a child, for which his candle nightlight is blamed. His mother was killed in the fire and Gabriel's sleep has plagued with nightmares. He starts seeing a psychoanalyst to help him sleep better through open dialogue, whereby Gabriel admits an obsession with the agent. Strange happenings, but oddly satisfying....more
Walter Nash runs mergers and acquisitions brilliantly for Sybaritic Investments, helping the owners make lots of money. He is estranged from his fatheWalter Nash runs mergers and acquisitions brilliantly for Sybaritic Investments, helping the owners make lots of money. He is estranged from his father, a Vietnam vet, who dies and a war buddy (Shock or Isaiah York) says terrible things at the funeral. Nash is asked to assist the FBI gathering evidence of money laundering, only to find out their prior recruits have all died. Barton and Rhett Temple cooperate with the manipulative Victoria Steers (who rescued Sybaritic when things were dire) to destroy Nash's life, including kidnapping his daughter and creating a false narrative about sexual abuse. Nash disappears with the help of Shock, and trains to become a warrior while Rhett Temple takes initiative with his father and stepmother to ensure his ascendancy. A strong need to suspend belief, a few too many subplots, and a cliffhanger ending, which should be resolved in April 2026, with the release of the sequel. ...more
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