I swear, I’ll have an actual post soon!
Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of those surprising gems that I found while pursuing the “available now” lists on my local library’s online offerings.
Part family “dramedy,” part sci-fi, part mob story, part love story, this tells the story of an fairly dysfunctional family with some amazing gifts, and how they use them to save the world.
Paramnesia: The Deadish Chronicles, Book #1 by Brian Wilkinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Paramnesia provides a new and interesting twist on the urban fantasy genre, while introducing readers to a strong and fearless female protagonist, Nora, who discovers that she can see the dead after she and her boyfriend (who just happens to be one of the dead people she now sees…not a spoiler, it’s in the description) get into a tussle with a Revenant.
I have to admit, at the beginning, I was having a hard time getting into the story. There were several pop culture references which were somewhat outdated. Example: Nora, refers to herself as a “…Buffy, not a Cordelia…” which for me, a 45 year old “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” nerd, total got, but the target audience, may not. Most of the pop culture references arose during the first several chapters, and once the action got going, those dropped off and the storyline was more action-driven, rather than trying to character and setting-build.
So, Nora deals with her parents and BFF-Vee, who seems to be the best person on Earth, thinking she’s loony, a dead-“ex”-bf (ex, because, well, he’s dead) that she’s still pining for, her new friends in the “Deadish society” and a Revenant (who is working for forces that are much more deadly than the Revenant itself) all while understanding her new normal. Once we get to that part, the characters are more relatable, the action quicker and more action-y, and I’ll admit, I did shed some tears during a few places at the end–so it made me feel some feels. I was actually bummed when it came to an end, and if it wasn’t for the choppy beginning, this would probably be a 4-star review.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
And why is there a picture of the Tardis on the header?
Welcome to Agul Siento…translated as “Blue Heaven” and was a place of import in Stephen King’s Dark Tower opus. I am creating this space as a place to brainstorm, rant, be inspired, and hopefully inspire..this will be a place for ideas, recipes, pictures, stories, reviews…and whatever the frell else I can do with this thing.
I was trying to find the quintessential “ME” when I was attempting to create a clever and memorable title and theme for this silly blog, and I discovered that really, I geek out on SO MANY THINGS, it was difficult to pick just one. So, I settled on the fandom that I have loved the longest, SK’s crazy-ass story of Roland, Jake, Oy, the beams, the Tower, and Ka would be the inspiration for the title of this, but not the only influence on my ramblings.
I am a teacher-turned-district lackey living in the ‘burbs south of Denver, Colorado. I have 2 human children, 2 furbabies, a fabulous husband, a revolving door of fish, and a serious addiction to my computer. I love to cook, but not clean, and I can’t remain true to a recipe to save my life. I’m a horrible decorator, and my house usually has a layer of clutter all over it–but the house is comfy and it’s home. I’m not much of a baker, but I’m on a quest to perfect yeast breads–which can be hard with the high altitude.
Chances are, if there’s a devout fandom attached, I’m part of it, at least peripherally: Doctor Who, anything by Joss Whedon (Firefly and Buffy are my ultimate faves,) most things Sci-Fi, Sherlock, and Star Wars (Episodes IV-VI, natch.) I’m a voracious reader, I love music (chick rockers are my goddesses!) and I TRY to stay healthy by lifting weights, practicing yoga, and doing various things for cardio.
But frankly, I don’t usually run…unless something is chasing me.
So, the whole “surviving until the Zombie Apocalype” tagline…it’s a thing. I’m a busy girl, yet somehow I manage to cook mostly from scratch, look decent for a mom of two in her *cough40’scough*, and keep a full-time job that I love and that I think is important. If I can do it, holy balls, people anyone can!! Seriously.
*Disclaimers*
I’m one of those “intelligent, classy, well-educated women, who says ‘fuck’ a lot,” so if cussing bothers you, I’m sure there’s some squeaky-clean blogs out there for you.
I’m an apathetic-atheist. I don’t mind people that believe in a higher-power and follow an organized religion, as long as they keep their beliefs out of my body, schools, politics, and house.
I’m not a very nice person. Well, I am, but I like to get snarky from time to time. It will happen. I will do what I can to keep the identities of those I’m bitching about on the DL.
I’m a self-proclaimed grammar nerd.
The views expressed here are mine and mine alone, and do not in any way, shape, or form reflect those of my friends, family, spouse, and/or employer. (Don’t fire me, please!!)
Algul Siento 