Review: Metronome

Publisher: Unsung Stories

 

So, I totally judged this book by it's cover. I thought yes high fantasy from the offing. So when I opened it and we were in a nursing home with WM, to be honest I was rather disappointed. I didn't see how we could get to the world on the front page, I didn't see how we could get where the book was going. BUT WE DID!!! YAY

 

 

The move away from the story of the old man in his nursing home to the adventures in the dream world is perfect, it's calculated and it takes you there and you stay there. The world that is created is amazing and I truly loved it. The descriptions were fantastic and I could picture everything in my mind (not exactly as the cover maybe). I think that if the descriptions in a book are detailed but concise enough to make you completely immerse yourself then they are spot on and amazing and deserve credit. This book contains those type of descriptions. 

What I also like in this novel (and I hope I don't give too much away here) is that you never know if you are in a real situation that is in this dream world or if you are just in a situation that is in WM's subconscious/imagination. In a way, the book pokes at this possibility itself with some things related to Reid, which in itself it great.

The only criticism I would have is that the book's ending is a bit too intense and philosophical. It was rather unexpected and for me, made the book a bit too heavy and not as enjoyable when the final conclusion was drawn.

BUT, some people love this and I will let them have it ;-)

Happy Reading

BG

Review: Snake Eyes

Publisher: Crossroad Press and Bad Moon Books

 

This book was in fact two stories in one - which I had totally forgotten about YAY!

 

 

Snake Eyes

It was a really intriguing read. It was unnerving but entertaining and enjoyable at the same time to try and work out what was 'real' and what was not, I was even doing this up until the end. And if I am totally honest, even now I'm not 100pc sure what I think was the 'real' place and person of being.

 

But the story did make me feel a bit sad too with feelings of escapism being wanted and the escapism is wanted because anything would be better than leading the life you live.

 

This story was both kick ass and sad all at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

A trespasser in long lifting



I couldn't help but find this story a bit more light hearted and jovial after Snake Eyes. The amusement was great and DD was a fantastic character. But I do have to say that the end of this story as pretty deep after the fun stuff.

I think that the contract of the two stories was spot on, they both offered something that could be thoroughly enjoyed and embraced. And at the same time they showed off JD'L's skill as a writer as they were VERY different in tone and style.

The only thing I wish for these stories is that they were better subbed - I offer my services ;-)

Enjoy

BG

Review: Journey by Moonlight

Publisher: Pushkin Press

 

 

The boy was given this book for his birthday by his colleague. Apparently it's their favourite book.....hmmmm

 

Boy Geek read this book when we were on  holiday in December and immediately needed something else to read after it. I thought this was a good sign that he was enjoying reading on holiday - apparently it was because he needed something he would enjoy to read.

 

I started this book with hope because I didn't know the feelings Boy had about it. I found the first half a bit Woody Allen and could see it as one of his films. Full of whimsy and weirdness. I did indeed enjoy the first half. The premise of a chap disappearing on his honeymoon just because and staying away, just because was great.

 

BUT, about half way through the charm went. The book became monotonous, it became tedious in its whimsy as the whimsy turned dark, and repetitive and self-indulgent. I just couldn't stand to pick it up. So much so that I started reading this book on  14 January and finished it last night. I read one book at home and one on my commutes and while on my commutes I read 5 books in this time frame.

 

I really don't think this book is for me (or Boy Geek) but I'm glad at least one person out there likes it as everything needs a fan.

 

Cheers

 

BG