Recently, I’ve read more books than I can possibly review. Or that I want to review. So I’m doing another round of mini-reviews. Hopefully this will allow me to catch up without disappointing anyone (mostly myself).
Above by Isla Morley
One line synopsis: Sixteen year old Blythe is kidnapped by and held captive by a mostly unhinged survivalist in rural Kansas, she spends more than a decade of her life trapped there with no clue what’s going on in the outside world.
Thoughts: The writing itself is nice enough, but the pacing and plot are just a little bit off. The novel has an almost 1970s vibe, as well as a bit of a Christian fiction undertone, even though it was set in modern times. There is an interesting twist towards the end, but not enough to redeem the story for me. 2/5.
Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
One line synopsis: In the third and final installment into the Paradox series (read the reviews for the first two here), Devi Morris is running for her life – with Rupert by her side – attempting to figure out how she is the key to saving the universe.
Thoughts: I enjoyed all of this series, it’s not perfect, but well worth reading if you have a thing for kickass women (and men) in science fiction. And you know I do. 4/5.
Steal the North by Heather Brittain Bergstrom
One line synopsis: Discovering that her mother has been keeping her family’s past a secret, sixteen year old Emmy is sent to her Aunt’s for the summer to participate in a faith healing – where she discovers a family she never knew she had and a love that will change her life.
Thoughts: I thought this was a brilliant novel. I also think it has great crossover potential between YA and adult readers. It reads easily and coming of age novels are universal. This novel’s subject matter – separated families, death, and young love – are all topic that resonate deeply with me. Highly recommend for people who love a good family drama with a bit of cult-like religion mixed in (even if it’s heavy on the melodrama). 4.5/5.
The Plover by Brian Doyle
One line synopsis: Declan O’Donnell sets off on a voyage across the Pacific and meets a wide range of others.
Thoughts: This one wasn’t for me at the time I was trying to read it. Written in near stream of consciousness, this is not an easy book, although the language is absolutely beautiful. I’d consider reading this again someday to see if I’d have a more favorable opinion, but currently 2/5. Beautiful, but I didn’t find it enjoyable.
Anyone else in a bit of a slump? I know I can’t be the only one…
flannel and folklore 
I’m in a blogging slump… A few reviews to write, a few memes missed… Haven’t been blown away by a book for ages.
On a brighter note, I selected Tell the Wolves I’m Home as my book group’s next read. So things are looking up, right?
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Me either, Steal the North was close, but it was more due to the subject than the actual book.
Eeek. Yes, yes it is. I’m nearly convinced you are going to love it.
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I’m glad you ended up reading Steal the North and it worked for you! Totally agree on the YA crossover potential – I hope it makes it into the hands of some usual YA readers because I definitely think they’d dig it.
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I thinks it is really a good fit for readers of both groups. I don’t know if the subject will appeal to YA reader though, I think they might read about the religion aspect of it and bail. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.
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Mini reviews are a great way to keep up with your reading progress. Unfortunately I don’t read that fast, so if I would do mini reviews you’ll get one post a month with reviews haha :p
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I actually think more people are likely to read a set of my mini-reviews than several longer ones. I’m cynical that way 😉
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Rachel Bach’s Paradox books caught my attention some time ago (kickass female protagonist + sci-fi novel = sold)–after reading your mini review here, I definitely need to check it out 🙂
Am also adding Steal the North to the list; the premise sounds intriguing 🙂
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I really liked that series, it is a little heavy on the romance by book three, but still worth it.
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I’ve been waiting for that Paradox series to end so I could read the whole thing… of course, now that it has, who knows when I’ll finally get to it.
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They’re really quick reads, if that helps, a bit much with the romance, but still pretty good.
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I definitely have slumps. When it comes to a reading slump, it’s usually because the past few books just didn’t do it for me (it looks like 2 of your mini-reviews were duds). Sometimes reading something I’ve been putting off for a long time helps. Also, reaching for a classic will un-slump me sometimes.
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I feel like this year has been one big slump. Whine, whine, whine… I’ve gotten too spoiled with good books in the past.
Maybe I should just break out Jane Eyre again. It usually helps.
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Hi Rory, thanks for reviewing my debut novel, STEAL THE NORTH. I am glad you were able to connect with it. Interested readers can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hbbergstrom OR on my author webpage: http://www.heatherbrittainbergstrom.com. Thanks again, Rory. Best wishes.
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You’re welcome, I loved it. I’ve been recommending it to everyone who might be interested (I’m a bit of a book pusher…).
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The slumps man. They seem to be going around. I’m sure you’ll bust out of it soon!
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You’re more optimistic than I am.
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Nope, you’re not the only one. I keep reading but no writing (or not enough). I’ve got 6 books awaiting review and I’m slowly forgetting their details.
So sorry to hear about The Plover because Mink River is one of my favorites.
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I HAVE to read these Rachel Bach books. HAVE TO. Especially knowing that you enjoyed them. They always catch my eye in the bookstore, but for some crazy reason, I kept hesitating.
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