Books and Reviews of the Xiao Wang

A Sword for His Women, 6/60 towards goal

2012-02-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

A Sword for His Women by A. Jacob Sweeny is an episode in the Pulse Historia series. These are shorter pieces of fiction relating to his trilogy The Pulse Myths.

I picked this up because it recieved excellent reviews. I should know better by now, "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson also recieved excellent reviews and I couldn't get past the first couple chapters. A Sword for His Women involves immortals, war, bloodshed, and a blood drinking Vlad. It should have been good. Better than this anyway...

My biggest concern is that it makes no attempt to engage the reader at all, it covers events in a very removed kind of way. They engaged the enemy, there were boats, it looked bad. Two years later... I was reading a list of events (one that didn't actually tell me what happened most of the time) and not reading a story. It was like being in History class, except that in class I got more of a feel for who Napoleon was than I did for any of these characters.

This is a book I should have passed up, and I recommend you look elsewhere too.

Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare 5/60 towards goal

2012-02-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

I had honestly never heard of this book until a writer's group meeting with the Cape Coral Creative Writers. A couple of the girls were chatting excitedly about the release of "Clockwork Prince". I decided to look into the novels, and on Christmas I ordered "Clockwork Angel." It would be over a month until I started it because, frankly, I was somewhat concerned that the book might be more chick-lit-ish. Considering the girls in my writing group I should have known better.

Now yes, there is some juvenile romance in the novel, but that is certainly in the background. The novel is about... Nephilim. My spell checker on this computer doesn't like the word, which is a horrible shame. Considering what I write, this is a word that comes up often.

Nephilim are angel/human hybrids. In Genesis angels left heaven to procreate with human women. Nephilim are their children. Different books treat them differently, speculating on what they might be like. Alivia Andder's book, Illumine, reveals that the main character is a nephilim, and that they are powerful weapons. In Clockwork Angel the nephilim are "shadow hunters" that maintain a kind of balance between humans (they call them "mundanes") and things not-so-human.

When Tessa is kidnapped by a pair of warlock sisters known as the Dark Sisters she learns that she has a mysterious power. The Dark Sisters planned on teaching her how to use it and then giving her to the secretive "Magister."

Tessa is rescued by Will, a shadow hunter, just before the Magister can take possession of her. Tessa is brought to "the Institute" where she learns that her entire life was little more than a dream, and she has only just awoken to the reality of who she is and how the world works.

Clockwork Angel was an amazing novel. Highly enjoyable. My only complaint is that on the Kindle version the formatting is a little off. On occasion the text of the story will be interrupted with the title of the book or the chapter. The first time that happened I was very confused.

I highly recommend this novel, and I am looking forward to reading Clockwork Prince.

Incarceron, by Catherine Fisher. Goal 4/60

2012-01-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Incarceron is a YA novel by Catherine Fisher that I discovered while looking through a list of books that my friend wanted to read. It looked interesting, a story about a living prison. The premise seemed so pregnant with potential.

So I read the book, and I was not disappointed. While I would have liked a lot more on the prison itself, the story focused on two primary main characters:

Finn, a prisoner within Incarceron that believes that he came from outside. He is trying to find answers to who he is and what makes him different from others.

And Claudia Arlex, the daughter of the warden of Incarceron. Her father was always distant, and she sought to learn his secrets. She is in a prison herself, being trapped in a betrothal to the prince, Caspar, whom she dislikes. She had been betrothed to his half-brother, Giles, until he met a riding accident and died.

When Finn finds a key that can offer him salvation from the hell that is Incarceron he sets out on an adventure to find his escape. Meanwhile Claudia comes upon a key of her own and discovers that there are many more secrets hidden in Incarceron than she could have guessed.

Parts of the story were highly predictable, this is a YA novel after all, but parts were surprising. I was shocked as to some of the developments, mostly surrounding John Arlex, the Warden of Incarceron.

The storyline was tight, the plot entertaining. I am looking forward to the next part of the story.

"Only the man that has known freedom can define his prison."

Illumine, by Alivia Anders Goal 3/60

2012-01-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

And the book that brings me to a whopping 5% of my goal is Illumine, the debut offering by a talented, young new author, Alivia Anders.

Illumine tells the story of Essallie Hanley. Essallie was a typical teenage girl living in New York City; she went shopping with her friends, had a boyfriend, liked to party... but something was nagging at her this time. She didn't really want to go to this party at her boyfriend's place. She was getting tired of showing up only to find him drunk. Reluctantly she shows up at the party anyway, lured in part by her friend Cassie Knight's promise that Essallie's boyfriend, Chase, had a "wicked good" surprise for her.

Essallie had no way of knowing that the surprise would be all wicked, and no good.

Betrayed by her boyfriend Chase and her 'friend' Cassie, Essallie learns that she might not be so normal after all. Unfortunately this realization comes as her boyfriend is murdered right in front of her and devoured by the very demon that he intended to give Essallie to.

Now, months later, Essallie has to deal with the emotional trauma of what happened at the party. And as she learns that the demons aren't just in her head she has to race against the clock to figure out just what she really is-- and what that all means.

The story was fast paced and had plenty of twists to keep my interest. Demons and the supernatural usually make for good reading in my opinion anyway, and I liked the take on nephilim. There are some books, like the Hunger Games, that left me content to read the first in the series and not worry about the next part, but I will definately be looking to read the next in this series.

There were some threads that seemed undeveloped, but that may be resolved in other installments. I would have been more fulfilled with a little more story on some things. Cassie being revealed as a necromancer without any justification or development, the subtle but completely unexpected and well, out-of-nowhere romance between Essallie and Kayden.

The lack of deveopment of these threads does not, however, diminish from the story itself. And I found the story enjoyable, and worthy of my time.

Proven Guilty, The Dresden Files. Goal 2/60

2012-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Book Eight of the Dresden Files, Dead Beat continues the series without slowing down. On the contrary, as the novel progresses new developments and relevations about what has gone before promise a strong, vibrant story yet to come.

While I have tackled series of multiple books like this in the past I have often found that they begin to slow and give less and less satisfaction as the story progresses. I got no further than book 8 of the Sword of Truth series despite enjoying it.

Proven Guilty did not slow me down. I am anxious to get to the next book to see how the story proceedes.

Lots of strings from previous books were developed. Harry's relationship with Murphy, Thomas, Michael, Molly and even the likes of Charity and Morgan all shift to a certain degree. And there continue to be promises of something developing between Harry and Karrin Murphey.

The book starts with the execution of a warlock-- someone that employees black magic and breaks the laws of magic-- by the White Council. The only sentence for breaking any of the laws is death. Harry is forced to witness the bloody execution despite his oppostition to it. The whole ordeal is simply too close to his past for him to accept it as correct.

Things quickly become complicated for Harry when Molly, eldest daughter of Michael and Charity Carpenter, comes to him looking for help. The story takes on many unexpected twists and sees Harry up against powerful forces of the Fae again.

An excellent read, keeping pace with an amazing series.

Dead Beat, by Jim Butcher. Finished books goal: 1/60

2012-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series has long appealed to me. A wizard living in Chicago making his -meager- living taaking cases and working with the police. Book seven of the series, Dead Beat, kept my interest at least as well as the six before it. The story was interesting and fast paced, plot twists surprising and not disappointing.

In this instalment we learn that a certain blampire (yes, blampire) is in a position to seriously damage the career and life of Harry Dresden's friend, the chief of Special Investigations, Karrin Murphey. Harry is blackmailed into helping the undead sorcerous and told to retrieve a book written by a powerful necromancer.

As it would turn out Harry is not the only one seeking the book. His quest to find it pits him against forces much more powerful than he has encountered in the past.

Many important threads from previous books are developed and explored, and memorable characters from previous novels make appearences. Harry gets into troubles that only someone like him could manage, but he is simply too stubborn to die. And polka, polka will never die.

2012

2012-01-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

This new year instead of making resolutions I decided to simply set goals. I am not going to resolve to do things differently or to make significant changes in my life, I am going to write a list of things I need to accomplish this year and go at it.

One of my goals is to finish over 60 books this year. That breaks down to five books a month. This is a very achievable goal. So the best way to keep track of this is right here on this blog. And just after midnight I completed my first novel of the new year, Dead Beat by Jim Butcher. The book was excellent, as his entire series has been, and it is a great way to start the year.

So here's to reading a lot in the new year! I am on my way!

Hunter's Run

2011-08-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hunter's Run, written by Gardner Dozois, George R. R. Martin, and Daniel Abraham is a hardcore science fiction novel. I enjoy science fiction to an extent, Ender's Game is still one of my favorite novels, but this was an extreme alien immersion. And I actually enjoyed it.
The language in the novel was strong, but perfect for the character of Ramon, the rough, dregs of society that he was.
I give the book 4 of 5 stars.

The Hunger Game, by Suzanne Collins

2011-08-10T09:32:00.001-07:00

After reading all the great reviews about this novel I was disappointed that the author was a poor writer. How you tell the story is almost as important as the story itself.
If it wasn't for the fast pace and the interesting plot, I would have cast this book aside. I shouldn't be too surprised, I mean, bad writers keep making good money and getting published. "The Gargoyle" was horrid, I didn't make it past chapter one, and it got great reviews. "Twilight." Enough said.
I gave The Hunger Games 2 and a half stars, for the plot alone. By the end of the novel I was ready to kill Katness myself if she survived the Hunger Games.

On China, by Henry Kissinger

2011-08-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

It would be an understatement to say that this was an amazing work written by the premier statesman involved in the development of Chinese and American diplomacy. "On China" is a personal account of Kissinger's many visits to China and his dealings with several generations of Chinese leaders.

Anyone seeking a clearer understanding of China and why things are the way they are needs to read this book. I will say that there are a few things I was disappointed with, he barely mentioned Sun Yat-sen and the impact he had on transitioning China from a dynastic Imperial system. The work is so focused on the diplomatic side of things he ignores any real depth concerning who the Gang of Four were and Zhou Enlai's relationship with Mao Zedong (Mao did not attend Zhou's funeral even, and Kissinger fails even to mention that there was a split).

I was always a huge admirer of Deng Xiaoping, I remember when he died. Deng Xiaoping was the leader of China when I was born, and an amazing man. Reading these behind the scenes snapshots of Deng Xiaoping altered my perception permanently, I now admire him even more, and finally understand the why's behind some of his less-than-praiseworthy moments.

I highly recommend this book, especially to any of my students representing China this year. Five out of Five stars, despite my few criticisms.

Enchantment, by Orson Scott Card

2011-07-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard the story before. The beautiful princess, much beloved by her people, is cursed by the wicked witch. Good witches keep the evil spell from killing the princess but she falls into a deep sleep from which she can only be awakened by true love's kiss. When he comes valiantly in to rescue the princess they live happily ever after.

“Enchantment” by Orson Scott Card takes that familiar fairy tale and turns it on its head. The Russian versions of these same fairy tales do not end with happily ever after. They involve adultery, murder, hatred, chaos, and in some versions the princess also dies. Ivan Petrovich Smetski, called Vanya but whose real name is Itzak Shlomo, comments that only an idiot would want to live through a Russian fairy tale... Continued

A pity that it is he that will be doing just that. 5 of 5 stars for another marvelous novel by my favorite author.

The Winning Delegate

2011-05-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

"The Winning Delegate, An Insider's Guide to Model United Nations" isn't exactly the type of book I would write a review for on this blog. It is, however, a book on an important facet of my life.

If you are interested in the ins and outs of a Model UN competition and/or want to improve your performance check out my full review.

And then, of course, click the link below and pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.

Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card

2011-04-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

Read the full review here

Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card is the ninth book in the Ender series. Chronologically it fits between Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead, but to understand its content you will want to have read the entire Shadow series, the spin off of Ender's Game that follows Julian Delphiki (Bean).

I was afraid, picking this book up twelve years after having read Ender's Game, that I would be disinterested in returning to this part of Ender's life. I thought I would be lost and confused, forgetting important plot points.

I was very wrong. It was more like a reunion with long lost but never forgotten friends. I immediately recognized the banter between Peter and Valentine, between Petra and Ender, and I loved it. I fell in love with the characters all over again, and all they needed to do was show up.

I loved this novel. I love the depth Card gives his characers. And I love the deep, intellectual jabs Card includes that would be so easy to just look over if you don't get them. Things like a verbal exchange where Ender is referred to as a knot and says he is a Gordian Knot, to just cut. References to Shakespeare's The Tempest tickled me, a joke about Caliban made me lol.

In the end, this book was a stunning reminder of why Card is my favorite author.

5 of 5 stars

Faith of the Fallen, Terry Goodkind

2011-04-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Full review here

Yes, I have yet to put up the review for the last installment or two in this series, but I just finished this one and wanted to put up the review right away.

To be honest, I was growing tired of this series. Fiction requires a certain "willing suspension of disbelief," and by book six I was becoming unwilling to buy into this story. So I was delighted that this novel was so unexpectedly amazing.

Faith of the Fallen was probably one of my favorites of the series so far. The military campaigns were genuinely exciting and made for great reading. Life portrayed under the Order was interesting Richard's efforts to show them what freedom means-- to show them that their lives are their own-- was heart stirring.

I litterally tingled with excitement as the novel sped to the powerful conclusion. It's been a long time since the end of a nove brought a tear to my eye, and this novel managed to do it.

4 1/2 of 5 stars

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

2011-03-31T22:28:00.000-07:00

Read the full review here

This was another excellent book by my favorite author, Orson Scott Card. The novel has plenty of twiats and turns and things to keep you guessing until the last page. In typical Card fashion, the protagonist is an intelligent young man. Rigg will have to use everything he learned from his mysterious father if he is to survive a life that he is suddenly thrust into.

4 of 5 stars.

Lots of Catching Up

2011-03-30T11:01:00.001-07:00

So, I have been away for a while, working on my first novel, currently titled "Caym's Service." It's never a good idea to get attached to a title too soon, so that is simply the working title.

The novel evolved a great deal over time, the main character was named Bayard Ansital, he was a demon hunter searching for the demon that permanently altered his life years ago and returned to kill his wife and child.

Now the main character is named Bayrd Anstal (flows so much nicer) a demon ruined his life 5 years ago and he ran away from it, living a life of obscurity. When he finally, after 5 years, decided to move on a woman he had a date with is brutally murdered. This sets into motion a stream of events that will reveal to Bayrd what really happened five years ago and nothing is what it seemed or even now seems.

In my typical Xiao Wang duality there is a strong romantic theme in the novel that runs parallel to the violence and bloodshed. There are three significant women in Bayrd's life through the novel, and you are left guessing until the end how that turns out.

So, shameless plug over, I have read several books in that time and need to put up reviews for them. I will do so over the next couple days.

The Eight, Katherine Neville

2010-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Full review, click here

OK. THIS novel gets 5 out of 5 stars.

This is the second time I read this novel, having read it about 10 years ago. It is so good, so powerful... when I finished it yesterday I was literally shaking.

It weaves together 2 stories, one of a young French nun and her cousin and one of a Manhattan computer expert. Although the nuns live during the time of the French revolution and the computer expert lives in the 1970's, their lives are tightly entwined.

They are all players in a game not of their choosing. They are destined for things that can only be dreamed of. They are in the Game.

Alchemy, mysticism, chemisty, physics, math, history, music and CHESS. This book has it all.

Temple of the Winds, by Terry Godkind

2010-07-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Full review here

Temple of the Winds, book four of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind does not disappoint. Like the others before it, Temple of the Winds picks up right where the previous book left off and continues the story of the difficult responsibilities that befall Richard Rahl, Master of D'hara and his beloved, Kahlan, the Mother Confessor.

This book receives, from me, 4 and a half stars. It was the best installment since the first novel, Wizard's First Rule.

The BoneMan's Daughters, by Ted Dekker

2010-06-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Full review click here

The BoneMan's Daughter's is about Ryan Evans, a military intelligence officer whose daughter is kidnapped by the BoneMan. The BoneMan is a serial killer that kidnaps young women, looking for the perfect daughter. When they fail to live up to his twisted expectations he kills them by breaking every bone in their bodies.

I found the antagonist wholey unbelieveable and that detracted from the story for me. I was mostly unimpressed, disappointing since I so enjoyed many of Dekker's other novels.

2.5 of 5 stars

Blood of the Fold, by Terry Goodkind

2010-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Full review

Let me make one thing clear right away. I loved this novel. It was a great addition to the storyline.

Having said that, it is apparent at this point that Goodkind was at the point of trying to go out of his way to breathe new life into the series. The entire series is what? Eleven, twelve books? This novel was much shorter than the previous two and made no attempt to tie up many of the loose threads at the end.

Obviously the expectation was to set up the next novel. Which, of course, I will now read. It is sitting in front of me as I type this. So in the end, Goodkind won the battle. Let's see if he keeps me glued through the entire series.

Amazon.com Widgets

Gone for Good, by Harlan Coben

2010-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Full review

Harlan Coben is a master of suspense and mystery and this novel shows that he can deliver a powerful tale.

Will Klein is still dealing with the murder of his girlfriend from 11 years ago when new information shatters what he always believed. Then his current girlfriend, whom he is about to marry, disappears and is found murdered and dumped on the side of the road.

But nothing is as it seems, and can Will figure out the truth before the truth finds him?

Four of 5 stars.

Stone of Tears, by Terry Goodkind

2010-06-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Full review

Another excellent novel by Terry Goodkind, the second book in the Sword of Truth series. Many consider it better than the first. While I don't necessarily agree, it is definately a worthy read. 4.5 of 5 stars

Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen

2010-06-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Full(er) revier

Stormy Weather is a hillarious novel by Carl Hiaasen. The books takes place following Hurricane Andrew in Dade County Florida. The characters are pleasantly insane in a way that is only believable if you have lived in Florida and know some of the crazy people that call this place home. The book does have a deal of foul language and sexual situations (fair warning), but the novel is terrific. 4 of 5 stars.

Wizard's First Rule

2010-06-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Full review here

This is an excellent novel by Terry Goodkind. Not at all what may be expected and intensely exciting from the first page. There is never a dull moment in this novel. The characters are realistic, the protaganist flawed but admirable, the villian hateful. 4 1/2 of 5 stars.