The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison

The Hollows Insider
Kim Harrison
The Hollows

For a series guide, The Hollows Insider is really pretty cool. Rather than a bunch of dry facts, Harrison gives us a bunch of dry facts AND a story AND some hilariously subjective observations. Told from the perspective of a reporter who's investigating Rachel, The Hollows Insider documents his research, with journal entries, selections from the newspaper's files and archives, FIB and IS documents, and various other papers he's stolen or stumbled across. It's particularly funny because while Devin (the reporter) gets some of his facts right, he's quite obviously way off on many things, particularly regarding Rachel's character and goals.

I'll admit I skimmed through a lot of the fact sheets, but I did enjoy seeing Takata's lyrics and Al's comments in the demon spell books. Most of it wasn't anything particularly startling, just more detail on information that was in the books, but there were at least a couple of "holy crap, really?" revelations. I think my favorite part, though, was the list Devin compiled of Jenks's best curses, which included such gems as "damn it all to Disneyland" and "worthless as a pixy condom." (Since the facing page is a list of the names of Jenks's 54 children, the latter is apparently quite a strong one.)

This is definitely not a book you want to get as an introduction to the series. It contains spoilers for everything up to Pale Demon. But if you're already a fan, definitely check this book out - it has cool graphics, funny stories, and interesting facts that may just tide you over until A Perfect Blood comes out  in March.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What are you reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.

Completed:

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld (review)
Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks (review)
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld (review)
The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison (review)
A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson

Currently reading:


The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks

Shadow's Edge
Brent Weeks
Night Angel #2

From Goodreads: Kylar Stern has rejected the assassin's life. The Godking's successful coup has left Kylar's master, Durzo, and his best friend, Logan, dead. He is starting over: new city, new friends, and new profession. 

But when he learns that Logan might actually be alive and in hiding, Kylar is faced with an agonizing choice: will he give up the way of shadows forever and live in peace with his new family, or will he risk everything by taking on the ultimate hit?

What an amazing series. The world Brent Weeks has created in these books is fascinating, and he keeps springing new surprises. The characters are truly well done and individual, and the plot is the sort that has readers on the edge of their seats.

I'll admit, I wasn't all that thrilled with the first part of the book, which had me seriously annoyed with goody-two-shoes Elene for not understanding who Kylar was. I felt sorry for him, but at the same time wanted him to somehow just do something besides tie himself in knots for her. However, after a particularly shocking moment, the story definitely picked up the pace to the thrilling standard Weeks set in The Way of Shadows, and then I couldn't put it down.

The character growth in this installment was excellent. Logan Gyre in particular evoked sympathy, shock, anger, the whole range of emotions. I also found myself liking Vi the female wetboy far more than I expected - more than Elene, actually, though that wasn't all that difficult. And of course, I'm interested to see where Kylar ends up and how the ka'kari will continue to change him.

It's obvious I really like this story. I was really surprised by the ending, and I would have gone straight into the next one if I hadn't had a bunch of library books to read, but I'll definitely pick it up soon. I fully expect the conclusion will be just as stunning as the last two books.

Plot: 4 cupcakes
Characters: 4 cupcakes
Style: 4 cupcakes
Overall: 4 cupcakes

If you liked Shadow's Edge, try:
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Goliath
Scott Westerfeld
Leviathan #3

After aiding and abetting a revolution in Istanbul, Deryn and Alek are off to Russia to pick up some mysterious cargo. As part of a grand scheme to end the war, they head east from there for the United States, and eventually, New York. But can their friendship survive the revelation that Deryn is a girl? And can two teenagers really stop a world war?


Goliath was a very quick read that I quite enjoyed. Many of the same highlights of the previous two books apply: endearing characters, dramatic and exciting action, and a generally fascinating world make this series a pleasure to read.

Alek finally figures out that Deryn is a girl early on in this one, which is good because I was getting rather sick of that particular device. I thought the revelation and reaction were well done and believable on both their parts. Alek's fixation with his "destiny" to stop the war, however, is even more pronounced in this book and got a little tiresome after a while. Personally I prefer Deryn's "screw destiny" attitude.

Plotwise, Goliath basically continued the story of Leviathan and Behemoth. I won't say I predicted the ending of the story, but it wasn't exactly shocking either. Nikolas Tesla was an interesting addition to the crew and that particular plotline turned out rather more interesting than I expected. William Randolph Hearst's schemes, on the other hand, and those of his journalist employees, could have been better laid out - that aspect sort of died off without any real explanation.

Overall, this was a good series. It was a fun, light-hearted story that skillfully mingled history and imagination, filled with clever and intriguing characters. I definitely recommend this series if you're looking for some interesting alternate history fun.

Plot: 3 cupcakes
Characters: 4 cupcakes
Style: 4 cupcakes
Overall: 4 cupcakes

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth
Scott Westerfeld
Leviathan #2

Under suspicion on the British Leviathan, Austro-Hungarian prince Alek must find a way out before Britain's war with Austria-Hungary affects his position on the ship. Deryn, still pretending to be a boy, is assigned a secret mission upon the ship's arrival in Istanbul when it becomes clear the Germans have beaten them to the sultan. As Alek and Deryn try to keep themselves and their people safe, they find themselves as enmeshed in local unrest as they are in global war.


Behemoth was a very good followup to Leviathan. While there were times when I found it a bit slow, there was plenty of excitement as well. I particularly enjoyed the setting of Istanbul, since I don't know much about the city myself. Deryn and Alek's involvement in the alternate-history revolution, while not quite as moving as it might have been, was still interesting.

It's getting a little absurd that Alek doesn't realize Deryn is a girl. I understand Westerfeld wants to draw out the tension as long as possible, but various circumstances have done everything but throw it in his face. It's getting a little old. However, it didn't detract from the story too much, so I'll just hope it gets resolved quickly in book 3.

Having Alek and Deryn involved in an apparently democratic revolution could have been amazing, particularly in Alek the prince's case. Unfortunately, their participation was portrayed as more a choice driven by necessity than any kind of ethical support. It would have been wonderful to see something along the lines of Lilit and Nene winning Alek over with their ideals, over his resistance, but that didn't really happen here.

Even so, Behemoth was plenty enjoyable. Westerfeld does a great job keeping the pace of the story high. The perspicacious loris was a cute if unclear addition to the cast - hopefully its purpose will be revealed in the near future. I'll be starting Goliath next, so expect a review for the conclusion of the series soon!

Plot: 3 cupcakes
Characters: 4 cupcakes
Style: 3 cupcakes
Overall: 3 cupcakes

If you liked Behemoth, try:

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials #1)

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik (Temeraire #1)

Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey (Elemental Masters #4)

Friday Memes 11/18

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee. This week's features are Lauren's Book Bag and Books and Barks.
This week's question is...
What books do you want for Christmas?
All of them. All the books. 
This is probably not practical. But what I really want for Christmas is for all the books I've been waiting for to be published! Since I can't magically speed up time, for now a few of the books on my wishlist are The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett, Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson, and Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

***********************************************************************

TGIF is a meme hosted by Ginger at GReads.

This week's question is...

Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?
I'm really happy I discovered the PNR & UF Fanatics group on Goodreads this summer. They've given me so many recommendations, plus sent me some books I wanted! You guys are the best! 

Top Ten Other Worlds

In fantasy, and really in all of speculative fiction, the setting is the foundation of the story. What kinds of people are there? What can they do? What do they want? What does the world look like? The best of SF conveys complex and unique worlds that linger in their readers' imaginations. Here's mine:




10. The Hollows
Kim Harrison

While nothing in The Hollows is precisely original - there are witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, elves, fairies, pixies, etc - the way these beings are conceived is absolutely fantastic. The nature of the Ever After, the interactions between living and undead vamps, the relationships between the various supernaturals and between them and humans, just everything is extraordinarily well done. I particularly love the bit about tomatoes - who would have thought of having humans afraid of tomatoes because a virus nearly wiped out the species? Great stuff.


9. Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan

What list of fantasy worlds would be complete without The Wheel of Time? The world of the Wheel is incredibly detailed, filled with everything from magic to religion to local customs to prophecies and translations. Sure, some of the books in the middle were slow, but you can't deny this is one of the most well-thought-out worlds out there.




8. Kate Daniels
Ilona Andrews

After humanity pushed the boundaries of technology too far, magic started to take over. Now magic and tech waves pull the world in different directions, and myths walk the streets. I love how this series integrates different myths and legends from many cultures and adds something all its own. The magic waves and flares are something I never would have thought of, but make so much sense it almost seems silly no one ever came up with it before. A brilliant, highly recommended series.



7. Dune
Frank Herbert

Who comes up with a rare drug that allows pilots to navigate hyperspace or the deep, generations long machinations and genetic matching to produce some kind of mental super-human? Frank Herbert, that's who. Everything about this book is creative and excellent. I'm just going to pretend the rest of the series didn't happen, though.



6. Young Wizards
Diane Duane

The Young Wizards series combines magic and science in an incredible way. This series and A Wrinkle in Time explain my fascination with cosmology and relativity, which is otherwise weird for a liberal arts chick. Great for all ages, Young Wizards is about doing the right thing, no matter how difficult, and the magic system reflects that - just take a look at the wizards' Oath.





5. Tide Lords
Jennifer Fallon

When I say "immortal," I'm guessing you think of either Greek gods or vampires, depending on what you're reading now. But what if there were people who, for whatever reason, really couldn't die, ever? That's the question Jennifer Fallon explores in the Tide Lords, and to back it up, she's come up with a politically fascinating world filled with intrigue and secrets.




4. Codex Alera
Jim Butcher

With elemental Furies, scary bug alien things, wolf-people, barbarian tribes, byzantine politics, and absolutely wonderful characters, Codex Alera has a little bit of everything that makes fantasy great, always with a unique twist. Not only is the writing in this series excellent, the world Butcher created makes me want to go back and "visit" again and again.





3. The Kingkiller Chronicles
Patrick Rothfuss

Sympathy is one of the more scientific forms of magic out there, and it's absolutely fascinating. And the many different groups and the academic politics of the story are amazing. I eagerly await the third installment of this trilogy.






2. The Lord of the Rings
JRR Tolkien

You didn't think I was going to skip this one, did you? Middle Earth is easily the most detailed world out there. It has fully formed languages, mythologies, cultures, politics, just about everything. Please don't kill me for saying that it isn't my favorite read (it's a little slow), but credit where credit's due - Tolkien is undeniably the master and founder of modern fantasy.





1. The Stormlight Archive
Brandon Sanderson

I could have filled this list with Sanderson works. (Okay, technically he doesn't have ten different worlds, but you get the point.) He comes up with unbelievably creative and complex systems of magic, with the political, cultural, and even biological details to back them up. The Stormlight Archive is thus far his tour de force, in which he's thought every aspect through to fit in with the world he created. I was so utterly impressed by the world in this book that I almost added a new rating category just so I could give it five cupcakes.



Are you particularly intrigued by any of these? Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!