Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

William Morrow

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Tom Franklin
2010

The Summary
"In the 1970s, Larry Ott and Silas "32" Jones were boyhood pals in a small town in rural Mississippi.  Their worlds were as different as night and day:  Larry was the child of lower middle-class parents, and Silas, the son of a poor, black single mother.  But then Larry took a girl to a drive-in movie and she was never seen or heard from again.  He never confessed...and was never charged.

"More than twenty years have passed.  Larry lives a solitary, shunned existence, never able to rise above the whispers of suspicion.  Silas has become the town constable.  And now another girl has disappeared, forcing two men who once called each other "friend" to confront a past they've buried for decades."

The Good
I enjoyed this book so much.

I typically do not read mysteries, especially mysteries that showcase dark secrets and some of the more unsavory aspects of small-town life.  (I live in a small Southern town, so it's a bit unnerving to see similarities between my hometown and the one pictured in Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter.)  However, I was hooked by Tom Franklin's novel almost from the start.

The pace is excellent, as it doesn't dwell for long moments and it doesn't fly through the story; the tone it sets feels distinctly Southern, it feels like it's set in the heart of Mississippi; and the writing is excellent, so easy to read and yet descriptive enough to keep me interested.

While it does get a little too descriptive, particularly in respects to describing murder scenes, I found I enjoyed Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter for it's ability to conjure a setting.  When I was reading, I could really imagine Larry and Silas's town.  I could see the kudzu, envision the dirt roads and the mosquitoes swarming around the swamps, feel the stifling summer heat.  It was exciting to read a book that felt so real, that held such a visceral impact.

The Bad
No complaints.  It reads well and I enjoyed it immensely.

The Ugly
I felt so bad for Larry.

I mean, here's this smart, sweet, and socially awkward young man who's blamed for a murder he didn't commit and then he spends the rest of his life suffering under that dark shadow.  It's heart-breaking, especially as new light is shed on the case and you realize that Larry has been shunned by his entire community simply because he was different.

It's a bit sickening.

Oh, and fair warning, there's a number of murders and attempted murders in this book.  It's not for the faint of heart and it's doesn't shy away from the ugly topics of racism, infidelity, and abuse.  It's jarring how many dark secrets lurk under the facade of one, small Southern town.

Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History

Harper Perennial

Lady Killers:  Deadly Women Throughout History
Tori Telfer
2017

The Summary
"In 1998, an FBI profiler infamously declared in a homicide, 'There are no female serial killers'--but Lady Killers offers fourteen creepy examples to the contrary.  Though largely forgotten by history, female serial killers such as Erzsebet Bathory, Nannie Doss, Mary Ann Cotton, and Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova rival their male counterparts in cunning, cruelty, and appetite for destruction.

"With a feminist lens and a witty, morbidly humorous tone, Lady Killers dismisses easy explanations (she was hormonal, she did it for love, a man made her do it) and tired tropes (she was a femme fatale, a black widow, a witch), delving into the complex reality of female aggression and predation."

The Good
Honestly, I enjoyed this book far more than I probably should have.

There's something fascinating about female serial killers.  Perhaps, I have been susceptible to the idea that women are softer, gentler, and less likely to kill, despite knowing to the contrary, and find myself aghast that these ladies existed; perhaps, I'm just fascinated by the idea of off-kilter women surviving in any way possible.

Either way, I was absolutely hooked by Lady Killers.

I had a handful of chapters that I really enjoyed:  "The Sorceress of Kilkenny," which featured Alice Kyteler who was accused of being a witch and killing four husbands; "Vipers," featuring Raya and Sakina, prostitutes who owned a brothel murdered several young women (and possibly others) in Egypt after World War I; "Wretched Woman," which focused on Mary Ann Cotton, who killed several of her own children, several of her husbands' children, several husbands (all, but one) and lovers and, quite probably, many more; and, "The Tormentor," Darya Nikolaevna Saltykova, which you can read more about later.

These were just the most fascinating chapters for me; however, every chapter was thought-provoking and captivating in its own right.  Tori Telfer does a fantastic job as an author, creating a thoroughly researched and interesting book on an increasingly morbid topic.  She writes with a sense of humor, but also a deep appreciation of forgotten and/or misinterpreted history.

I especially appreciated Telfer's dedication to telling the truth or, at the very least, getting all her facts straight.  Telfer cuts through the terrible rumors and unfounded accusations that surround these women, dismissing what she cannot prove, and creates a believable portrait of each individual.

Elizabeth Bathory, for instance, is surrounded by a dark mythos of blood, terror, and sex.  She has become, on numerous occasions, a scandalous icon for debauchery and murder, a female counterpart to the wildly popular story of Dracula.  So much of what we know of her is unreal; however, Telfer makes an effort to humanize her, to reveal her a real person.  Yes, she committed heinous crimes and, yes, she was no doubt a murderess, but Telfer tells the story of a woman (albeit, a deeply disturbed woman), rather than a vampire or a dark temptress as she's sometimes portrayed.

The Bad
No complaints.

The Ugly
It's a book about serial killers.  It's going to be awful, horrible, gruesome, and macabre; it's going to have blood, gore, and violence--and all the other horrible things associated with cold-blooded killers.  Don't go into this book thinking, "It can't possibly be that bad.  It's not like it's Charles Manson or Jeffrey Dahmer, or someone like that."

Trust me, you're wrong.

These ladies are downright terrifying, just as much as any male serial killer.  Many of them got away with killing for years, like the murderous women of Nagyrev or Nannie Doss, before they were discovered; some even avoided justice altogether, like Alice Kyteler and Kate Bender.  They're killers, plain and simple, and they're frightening in their own right.

Perhaps one of the most frightening, in my opinion, was Darya Nikolaevna Saltykova.  Darya was a Russian noblewoman who lived during the reign of Catherine the Great and she killed, at the very least, 138 people (mostly women) during her lifetime.  She was inventive in her murders and, at times, she would kill someone with her bare hands if she didn't think anyone else would or could do it.  And, as the author points out, she showed zero remorse:

"So Darya killed and killed again, confident in her impregnability and furious at her serfs for each petty mistake, for getting in her way, for being her responsibility, for existing.  If she was a god, then her serfs were her pitiful playthings.  She could make them clean; she could make them cook; she could make them scream and bleed and beg. [...] 'I am my own mistress,' she cried. 'I am not afraid of anyone.' This belief that she was superior, unassailable, and even consecrated by the law was integral to her sense of self.  Perhaps she killed to prove one simple point:  that she could."

To me, Darya is absolutely terrifying.

Jane Steele: Revisited

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Jane Steele

Lyndsay Faye

2016

The Summary
"A sensitive orphan, Jane Steele suffers first at the hands of her spiteful aunt and predatory cousin, then at a grim school where she fights for her very life until escaping to London, leaving the corpses of her tormentors behind her. After years of hiding from the law while penning macabre “last confessions” of the recently hanged, Jane thrills at discovering an advertisement. Her aunt has died and her childhood home has a new master: Mr. Charles Thornfield, who seeks a governess.

"Burning to know whether she is in fact the rightful heir, Jane takes the position incognito and learns that Highgate House is full of marvelously strange new residents--the fascinating but caustic Mr. Thornfield, an army doctor returned from the Sikh Wars, and the gracious Sikh butler Mr. Sardar Singh, whose history with Mr. Thornfield appears far deeper and darker than they pretend. As Jane catches ominous glimpses of the pair’s violent history and falls in love with the gruffly tragic Mr. Thornfield, she faces a terrible dilemma: Can she possess him--body, soul, and secrets--without revealing her own murderous past? 

"A satirical romance about identity, guilt, goodness, and the nature of lies, by a writer who Matthew Pearl calls 'superstar-caliber' and whose previous works Gillian Flynn declared 'spectacular,' Jane Steele is a brilliant and deeply absorbing book inspired by Charlotte Brontë’s classic Jane Eyre."

The Good
Not so very long ago, I actually picked up the advanced readers copy of Jane Steele and read it within a couple of days.  More recently, I found the audiobook of Lyndsay Faye's novel and, I have to say, I wasn't disappointed.  I enjoyed rereading Jane Steele and I found I liked the story just as much the second time around.

Susie Riddell does a pretty great job as narrator.  I liked the way she told Jane's story, the cadence and tone of her voice that created a character who felt real.  It was enjoyable, and I found myself finding new facets of the story to appreciate and admire.

Overall, it's a great audiobook.  Short and, while it's definitely not sweet, fun, Jane Steele is an excellent choice for any reader seeking an off-kilter romance or a deeply twisted take on a classic.  However, I will say I enjoyed reading the book more than listening to the audiobook.  For some reason, I just appreciated the feeling of the book in my hands than the earbuds in my ears as I listened to Jane's story.

But that's more personal preference than anything.

The Bad
Honestly, I had a few moments where I became annoyed by the accents.  Don't get me wrong, Susie Riddell does a great job of reading Jane Steele; however, I was always a little annoyed by Thornfield's voice.  It wasn't awful, but it did take me a little longer to acclimate to his character than usual.

Likewise, I never did warm up to Rebecca's voice.  She had a softness to her voice, a sort of whiny sound that I just didn't like.  Confidentially, I was glad when I moved beyond her story and found myself strictly accompanying Jane.

The Ugly
Blood and gore.

Jane, as she warns readers in the first pages of her "memoir," is a murderess.  She's not a gentle, tame individual like the Jane we know from Jane Eyre; rather, she's a rambunctious, foul-mouthed young woman who knows her way around a knife.  She's deadly and she can prove it, too.

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter
Lisa Patton
2009

The Summary
"Leelee Satterfield leaves her beloved Memphis to follow her husband's pipe dream:  to manage a quaint Vermont inn.  But when they arrive, young daughters and ancient Yorkie in tow, they discover pretty fast that there's a truckload of things nobody tells you about Vermont until you live there.  When Leelee is left swindled and snowbound, she's forced to confront the true depth of her Southern grit in this foreign town.

"In this moving, comedic debut, Lisa Patton paints a hilarious portrait of a life in Vermont seen through the eyes of a Southern belle.  It's a charming, fish-out-of-water tale of one woman who learns to stand up for herself--in sandals and snow boots--against all odds."

The Good
Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter is a pretty fun novel.

Sweet, humorous, and full of heart, Lisa Patton's novel is a delightful mixture of friendship, misadventure, and love.  It was an interesting blend, bringing together the warm, honeysuckle scented culture of the South and the colder, entirely foreign climate of the North.  When the two come together, it's a minefield fraught with dangers, as Leelee quickly learns.

Overall, it's a heartwarming story.  Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter takes a while to build, takes an even longer time to get to the point that you actually see the Tennessee grit and determination upon which Leelee prides herself; however, it's a good story.  It's short, sweet, and easy to read, and it's worth checking out, especially for any local Tennesseans interested in a fun, romantic debut.

The Bad
Honestly, despite sharing a state with Leelee, I found I couldn't relate to her.  I mean, I understand what it means to be a "people-pleaser." (Sometimes, it's just hard to say "no" to the folks you know and love.)  However, I had hoped Leelee would find that Southern grit and rebellious determination to turn her life around long before she actually did.

It was frustrating to witness Leelee endure problem after problem, before she finally decided to take her life into her own hands.  I hated how Baker--among others--took advantage of her.  I hated that Leelee was left to foot the bill, even when it was her scummy husband's fault.

I hated it for her.  The embarrassment, the desolation, the betrayal and confusion.  It's a bit gut-wrenching.

The Ugly
I really don't like Baker.

We'll just leave it at that, lest I spoil the story.

Taking a Break

Apologies for the month-long hiatus.  Things have been a bit busy lately, but I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things soon enough.  In the meantime, please feel free to browse books from the Archive--or check out this book review website from the Bristol Public Library.  They have a myriad of books and reviews to explore, and they're well worth checking out:  http://bristol-library-bookblog.blogspot.com/.

Enjoy and, as always, happy reading!

The Help: Revisited

Berkley Publishing Group

The Help
Kathryn Stockett
2009

The Summary
"Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step...

"Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, raising her seventeenth white child.  She's always taken orders quietly, but lately it leaves her with a bitterness she can no longer bite back.  Her friend Minny has certainly never held her tongue, or held on to a job for very long, but now she's working for a newcomer with secrets that leave her speechless.  And white socialite Skeeter has just returned from college with ambition and a degree but, to her mother's lament, no husband.  Normally Skeeter would find solace in Constantine, the beloved maid who raised her, but Constantine has inexplicably disappeared.

"Together, these seemingly different women join to work on a project that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town--to write, in secret, a tell-all book about what it's really like to work as a black maid in the white homes of the South.  Despite the terrible risks they will have to take, and the sometimes humorous boundaries they will have to cross, these three women unite with one intention:  hope for a better day."

The Good
I finished reading The Help a few years ago and, during July, I decided to join my local book club in reading it again--and I'm so glad I did.  The Help is as incredible to me now as it was to me the first time I read it.  I picked up different nuances and I noticed I related to different experiences this time around, especially where Skeeter is concerned; however, I think I love it just as much now, if not more, as I did then.

Incredibly compelling and soundly written, The Help is poignant and heart-wrenching novel that kept me glued to the pages.  I enjoyed meeting Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minnie; I especially enjoyed seeing how these ladies from distant social classes and experiences managed to create a book that is surely extraordinary.

And, as terrible as some of their stories veered, as heart-breaking as their histories are, I loved reading about them.  Their stories are compelling and beautiful, real and raw and, simply put, amazing.  I loved reading it, and I loved feeling connected to them.

Although Aibileen is still my favorite character, simply because she is an extraordinary woman, I found I connected more deeply with Skeeter during this second reading.  Having graduated from college since my first reading of The Help, I found I related more to Skeeter this time than I did the last.  That is, I recognize Skeeter's drive to do more with her life, yet she teeters between wanting to live her life--wanting to become an author--and hanging on to her family and struggling with the general expectations of Southern society.

It was a bit unexpected, maybe even a little jarring, to learn I see so much of myself and my personal experiences in Skeeter.  Although I was surprised by my connection to Skeeter, I don't think this detracted from the story in any way.  Rather, I found myself becoming more invested in the overall story and I certainly felt it more deeply.

I fully enjoyed rereading The Help.

The Bad
The Help is frequently written with a heavy emphasis on dialect and accent.  If you're not familiar with the region or it's verbal quirks, it might prove a little difficult to read.  On the other hand, if you're a Southerner or if you've ever lived in the South, reading this novel will be a piece of cake.

The Ugly
Racism.

The Lorax

Random House

The Lorax
Dr. Seuss
1971

The Summary
"In this haunting fable about the dangers of destroying our forests and woodlands, the long-suffering Lorax struggles to save all the Truffula Trees from the wicked Once-ler's axe. "

The Good
I've never read The Lorax.

There.  I've said it:  I've never read The Lorax.

Somehow, in the shuffle of children's books I've read throughout my lifetime, I never had the chance to read Dr. Seuss' Lorax.  It's kind of incredible, as I'm pretty positive I've read everything else he's ever written.

Anyway, I read The Lorax as part of a book bingo challenge at my library and, honestly, I wasn't disappointed.  It was basically what I expected.  Rhymes, bright colors, crazy creatures, unexpected morals.

It's not bad.  I can see why it's a children's classic.

The Bad
The Lorax is not my favorite Dr. Seuss book.  I reserve that strictly for Green Eggs and Ham.

The Ugly
Although The Lorax is a children's book and reads like a children's book, it's also a look at a very mature theme--that is, it shows what happens when people don't care and progress (like greed) is left unchecked by someone who does care.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not."

It's really a pretty jarring book when you think about it.

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid

Sourcebooks Casablanca

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
Grace Burrowes
2012

The Summary
"His family or his heart--one of them will be betrayed...

"Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who is wrong for him in every way.  As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English Heiress to repair the family fortunes.

"But in his intended's penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he's ever wanted in a wife."

The Good
I'll be honest, Grace Burrowes is quickly become one of my favorite romance authors.  I've read several of her novels, but, I think, The Bridegroom Wore Plaid has quickly become my favorite.  Not only was I presented with strong heroes, clever heroines, and romance, but I found a fantastically well written novel riddled with little historical details that made it both believable and incredibly satisfying.

Personally, I loved Augusta and Ian as both individuals and as a couple.  Augusta, though quiet and reclusive, is thoughtful and clever and, if we're being honest, incredibly brave.  Although she suffers unspeakable loss, losing her father, her mother, her fiance, and her home within a year, she doesn't allow her situation to define who she is or keep her down.  She manages to make the best of bad circumstances, even when they seem dire.

Ian is pragmatic, honorable, and considerate.  He loves his family and he loves his home, and he'll do anything to keep them safe--even if it means marrying a woman he doesn't love.  Yet when he does find a woman he loves (Augusta, if that wasn't obvious), he cherishes her.  Although he can't dote upon her publicly, due to their precarious positions, he treats her kindly and he is openly honest with her, creating an intimacy between them that is both fragile and precious.

Their relationship is anything but practical, and yet their happily ever after is that much sweeter for the adversity they must overcome.  It's incredibly sweet and terrifically real, and I absolutely loved it.  I quickly became invested in the characters and their story, and I'm so glad I picked up another of Grace Burrowes' novels.  I highly recommend anything she writes.

The Bad
No complaints.  I enjoyed The Bridegroom Wore Plaid immensely, and I wouldn't mind reading it again or diving into the rest of the series.

The Ugly
Augusta's uncle, remembered by me as simply "The Baron," was an awful, horrible person.  Not to ruin any plot twists, but he's quite literally the cause of all of Augusta's sorrows--and more besides.  He is, without a doubt, the most despicable character in the entire book and I wasn't particularly saddened (or surprised) by his comeuppance.

Calamity

Calamity
Brandon Sanderson
2016

The Summary
"When Calamity lit up the sky, the Epics were born.  David's fate has been tied to their villainy ever since that historic night.  Steelheart killed his father.  Firefight stole his heart.  And now Regalia has turned his closest ally into a dangerous enemy.

"David knew Prof's secret, and kept it even when the Reckoners' leader struggled to control the effects of his Epic powers.  But facing Obliteration in Babilar was too much.  Prof has now embraced his Epic destiny.  He's disappeared into those murky shadows of menace Epics are infamous for the world over, and everyone knows there's no turning back...

"But everyone is wrong.  Redemption is possible for Epics--Megan proved it.  They're not lost.  Not completely.  And David is just about crazy enough to face down the most powerful High Epic of all to get his friend back.  Or die trying."

The Good
Although Calamity seemed to fall a little flat, I will admit that I have grown to love Brandon Sanderson's work.  The Reckoners series, as a whole, is full of fantastical imagery, imaginative characters, and adventure.  I was particularly fascinated by Ildithia (formerly Atlanta).

Like Babilar, Ildithia is a city of and controlled by epics.  Unlike the watery nightmare of Babylon Restored, Ildithia is a city turned to salt--much like how Steelheart turned Chicago into steel--that slowly crumbles and rebuilds every week.  It moves slowly across the country, an oddly flourishing city maintained by Larcener, Stormwind, and others that inches its way over the landscape.

It's an incredible image that sticks in my mind:  a city of salt stone laced with layers of color that sparkles in the light, one with dusty streets and salty air.  Sanderson does such an amazing job of coming up with these ideas, like incredible cities and unusual epic powers and quirky characters.  I love his work; I certainly want to explore more even if I was a little disappointed with Calamity.

The Bad
I loved Steelheart and I enjoyed Firefight immensely; I did not like Calamity nearly as much.

Calamity is a fascinating book.  Ildithia is an incredible place, an entire city made of salt that destroys and reconstructs itself every 7 days.  Sanderson is wonderfully imaginative and inventive and he's a spectacularly writer; however, Calamity was such a disappointment for two reasons:

One, I did not like the conclusion.  I mean, the epilogue is sort of sweet and I thought it was nice that David managed, for once, to catch a break, but I absolutely hated learning the truth about Calamity.  (I'm going to start discussing spoilers from the previous book, so turn away now if you don't want to hear more.)  Granted, it was an intriguing plot twist to learn that Calamity was actually an epic through which all powers were descended; however, I didn't like the idea that Calamity was actually some kind of alien being.

Two, I disliked the alternate dimensions Megan conjured.  As we learned in the last book, Megan isn't just an illusionist, she can actually tear holes into the fabric of reality and dive into alternative universes.  Cool, right?  Except it pokes some major holes in the plot of the story and it just adds another layer of complicated ugliness that I just didn't need or want.

I loved the series overall, but, as I dwell on this finale, I can't help thinking it could have been so much better.  The Reckoners had the makings of an epic (no pun intended) series--one that I would remember for a long time, one I would convince myself I needed to grace my own shelves--but it just seemed to fall apart.

Calamity just isn't nearly as good as it's predecessors.

The Ugly
Violence, death, destruction.  What do you expect when the world has been turned upside down by epics?

Oh, and fair warning:  a main character will die before all is said and done.  Just be prepared for it.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened

Penguin Books

Let's Pretend This Never Happened:  A Mostly True Memoir
Jenny Lawson
2012

The Summary
"When Jenny Lawson was little, all she ever wanted was to fit in.  That dream was cut short by her fantastically unbalanced father and a morbidly eccentric childhood.  It did, however, open up an opportunity for Lawson to find the humor in the strange shame-spiral that is her life, and we are all the better for it.

"In the irreverent Let's Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson's long-suffering husband and sweet daughter help her uncover the surprising discover that the most terribly human moments--the ones we want to pretend never happened--are the very same moments that make us the people we are today.

"For every intellectual misfit who thought they were the only ones to think the things that Lawson dares to say out loud, this is a poignant and hysterical look at the dark, disturbing, yet wonderful moments of our lives."

The Good
Jenny Lawson is hysterically funny.

Even when bad things happen, she's willing to share them with others and laugh about what happened to her, or, at least, convince others to laugh with her as she relives the trauma.  Although she doesn't have a filter, which translates to some rather outlandish statements, Lawson is able to capture a unique voice in her memoir that makes her stories relatable and memorable.

She's a bit absurd, I know, but she's hilarious.  Even when she's faced with traumatic experiences, like Stanley the Magical Squirrel or her high school agriculture class where she lost a turkey baster inside of a cow (don't ask) or wearing a deer sweater (which is more sickening than you imagine), she manages to make these memories funny for her readers.  Moreover, she has the ability to appeal to anyone who has had a non-traditional upbringing or who has ever thought their life is absolute mayhem.

She also captures those feelings of growing up and striking out, what it's like to go back and realize that the home you once knew--the childhood you'd unexpectedly treasured--is gone.  Life changes, life keeps moving forward and you find out quickly that you can't go back.  Lawson perfectly captures that melancholy and she expresses it in a way that feels familiar, bringing out an emotion that pinches at your heartstrings.

Her book, no matter how wild and absurd and occasionally crazy it may seem, is an examination of childhood, mental illness, marriage, friendship, and motherhood.  It is a depiction of life that can seem ludicrous, but it is a full life with family, friends, love and laughter.

The Bad
I will admit that Lawson's work can be an acquired taste.  I love her books, both Let's Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy; however, I think she could rub some people the wrong way.  She's sardonic, witty, sarcastic, but she has a mouth like a sailor and she's not afraid to discuss any subject.

I'm not joking.

No matter how unbearably awkward, excruciatingly personal or heartwrenchingly horrifying, Lawson will tell you all about her experiences.  Sometimes, it's difficult because you feel like a bit of a voyeur; other times, you waffle between feeling relief that you don't have to deal with the absurdity she does or you feel a kinship for the odd and unusual things that happen to her because you endured the same.

The Ugly
Life can be an ugly, ugly business.  Lawson, for the most part, manages to take the sting from tragedy by making her readers laugh at the absurdity.  It still hurts, but, at least, some good does come from the bad.

The Trouble with Dukes

Forever

The Trouble with Dukes
Grace Burrowes
2016

The Summary
"USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes brings us the first book in her new Windham bride series!  The gossips whisper that Hamish MacHugh, the new Duke of Murdoch, is a brute, a murderer, and even worse--a Scot.  But Megan Windham sees something different, someone different.  She isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own.  For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart."

The Good
The Trouble with Dukes is lovely, light reading for an evening.  It's amusing, witty, fun and sweet, and it's a nice novel to read when you want to unwind and believe that all is well with the world.

Personally, I enjoyed Burrowes' book.  While I wasn't fond of the incredibly embarrassing situations in which Megan and Hamish seemed to continually find themselves stuck, I found I liked the characters and I liked the story.  Megan is a bright young woman and Hamish, despite his brutish exterior, is a genuinely nice man who cares for his younger siblings.  I liked them both, and I enjoyed watching their lives and stories intersect.

More importantly, I liked that Hamish wasn't your traditional knight-in-shining-armor.  He sees the strength and ingenuity of Megan, he respects her for her capabilities; however, he'll rescue her in a heartbeat should the need arise.  He doesn't seem to treat her like a damsel-in-distress, which I appreciated, but he's more than willing to act as a rescuer.

Overall, I liked reading The Trouble with Dukes.  Romance novels are my guilty pleasure, as you probably know, and The Trouble with Dukes was a nice respite from some of the drearier things I've read.  Plus, I enjoyed meeting Megan and Hamish and watching their unfolding adventure, their budding romance.

It's nice to pick up a book and just know there's going to be a happily-ever-after.

The Bad
It's not the best book by Grace Burrowes that I've ever read (I've reserved that honor for The Bridegroom Wore Plaid, a historical romance from another series); however, I can't say I've read anything bad by Burrowes.  Like I said, it's a nice book.  Not great, but it's worth spending an evening with The Trouble with Dukes.

The Ugly
I despised Sir Fletcher.  Honestly, I (like Megan) found Hamish less terrifying than Sir Fletcher, despite his dark reputation as the "Duke of Murder."  Hamish is a warrior, an honorable one at that, and he's a survivor; Fletcher is a conniving, blackmailing rat who isn't above tormenting young women or stepping on others to get what he wants.

I hated him.

Firefight

Delacorte Press

Firefight

Brandon Sanderson

2015

The Summary

"Newcago is free.

"They told David it was impossible--that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic.  Yet Steelheart--invincible, immortal, unconquerable--is dead.  And he died by David's hand.

"Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler.  Instead, it only made David realize he has questions.  Big ones.  And no one in Newcago can give him answers.

"Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though.  Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find.  Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble.  Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart.  A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived.  Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic--Firefight.  And he's willing to go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers."

The Good
Honestly, I enjoyed Firefight almost as much as I enjoyed Steelheart.  Fast-paced and action-packed, Firefight is a great sequel to the Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson.  Adding in Regalia and Obliteration gave the book an added layer of depth and danger, not to mention you're actively wondering what will happen to Prof--and you can't help wondering where Megan fits in to the grand scheme of things.

Is she good?  Is she bad?  And what will happen when Prof finds out that she's back?

Granted, I couldn't help equating some of the drama to a soap opera; however I enjoyed the novel overall.  I was also excited to learn more about Megan's powers and I was floored by the truth about Calamity.  Megan is incredible, by the way, but the "star" is still a bit of a mystery.  I won't say anymore, of course, for fear of spoilers.

Just know that Megan's powers are not what they seem and Calamity has a cause.

The Bad
I really enjoyed Firefight, don't get me wrong, but I really thought it had too much going on at once.  It's almost overwhelming the intensity of the action, how they never seem to catch a break.  It's just one fight after another after another, and it's packed with plot twists that made my head spin.

It's good, I won't deny it; however, it just has a little too much happening.

The Ugly
Death.  Gore.  Violence.

The usual.

Interstellar Cinderella

Chronicle Books LLC

Interstellar Cinderella
Deborah Underwood
Meg Hunt
2015

The Summary
"Once upon a planetoid,
amid her tools and sprockets,
a girl named Cindrella dreamed
of fixing fancy rockets.

"With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball.  But when the prince's ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue!  Readers will thank their lucky stars for this irrepressible fairy tale retelling, it's independent heroine, and its stellar happy ending."

The Good
I absolutely loved Interstellar Cinderella.  I happened across it one day at the library and I decided to read it before I returned it to the Children's Library, and I immediately fell in love with this little book.  It was so fun, so warm and colorful, so wonderfully depicted that I couldn't help enjoying it.

The art is lovely and bright, and the story is fun and heart-warming.  Meg Hunt does a fantastic job of envisioning the mechanical creations of Cinderella's world; Deborah Underwood recreates Cinderella as a smart, saavy, intrepid young girl, not to mention she gives Cinderella the agency to become what she's always wanted to be:  a rocket mechanic.

I think that's what I loved best about Interstellar Cinderella:  Cinderella isn't rescued by the prince; in fact, when he asks her to marry him, she turns him down.  That's right, Cinderella doesn't want to be married!  She's too young, she decides, and she has dreams of her own that she wants to make come true; instead, Cinderella offers to become his chief mechanic.

Interstellar Cinderella has two very important things going for it:  one, it creates an intelligent heroine who learns how to rescue herself; two, it makes it okay for a girl to focus on her dreams and aspirations of a career, rather than allow the expectations of other people dictate her life.

Yes, I know I got a lot more out of this children's book than I was probably supposed to find.  Yes, I know it's just a story.  But I found it heartwarming and, confidentially, inspiring.  It has a heroine who doesn't just dream, she tries to make her dreams come true.  She doesn't need anyone to rescue her, rather she can save herself.

And I like knowing there's that kind of heroine out there for the next girl to discover.

The Bad
I sometimes struggled with the rhyming scheme of the story, but, otherwise, no complaints.

The Ugly
There's nothing really terrible about Interstellar Cinderella.  It's a children's book.  Not to mention, it's basically Cinderella retold to include robots and space ships.  Her stepsisters and stepmother are terrible, but, spoiler alert, she manages to escape them.

It's a cute, fun book for kids.

The Last Renegade

Berkley Sensational

The Last Renegade
Jo Goodman
2012

The Summary
"As the owner of the Pennyroyal Saloon and Hotel, Lorraine Berry is privy to almost everything that goes on in Bitter Springs, Wyoming--including the bloodshed plaguing its citizens.  With all of the good men dying at the hands of a local rancher and his three sons, Raine hires a shootist to be the town's protector.  But her handsome new employee is more than a hired hand; he's a man who keeps his guns close and his secrets closer.

"After a chance encounter on the train, Kellen Coltrane travels to the Pennyroyal to carry out a dying man's last wish.  But once he meets the hotel's fiery-haired proprietor, Coltrane finds himself assuming the role of the shootist's accomplice and agrees to protect Bitter Springs.  And as he learns more about Raine's own tragedy, Coltrane can't deny his growing desire for the courageous widow, or the urge to protect her from the threat that draws near..."

The Good
Jo Goodman's novel is a western through and through.  It feels like an old western movie:  dashing heroes, fiery heroines, bad guys and good guys, gunfights and outlaws.  After reading so many historical romances set during the Victorian age or the Regency, The Last Renegade was a breath of fresh air.  It was nice to change things up.

Overall, The Last Renegade was a pretty good book.  I can't say I liked the relationship between Kellen and Lorraine.  Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them to be together; however, after realizing she divulges her entire past to him, I kind of wish he'd offered her the same courtesy and, you know, remained honest with her.  I suppose I can see why he couldn't, but it bothered me a little.  (Personal problem, not a problem with the book, I know.)

I found I enjoyed my visit to Bitter Springs, Wyoming.  It's a quintessential outlaw western:  you have a powerful family that's trying to seize control of the town; a sassy, headstrong lady out for revenge; and a devastatingly handsome gunslinger out to protect a town he's grown to like (more or less).

It's interesting and it's familiar; that is, it's almost comforting.  Bad things might happen in Westerns--there are outlaws, there are murderers, there are bad people in the world--but you get the sense that everything, eventually, will turn out alright.

Besides which, I really liked the Collins family.  They were only secondary characters, but I absolutely adored Mr. Collins' grandsons, Finn and Rabbit.  They're troublesome, they're wily, they're honestly enough to give someone gray hair, but they're good kids and I really like them.  (They're also one of the reasons the mystery as solved in the first place.)

The Bad
Kellen plays his cards carefully, keeping them close to the vest; sometimes, to the detriment of everyone else--well, more accurately, readers.  I sometimes struggled to stay on top of Kellen's plans.  I mean, he obviously didn't share all his plans and ideas with Lorraine; likewise, he doesn't always make them apparent to readers.

He's very secretive and he doesn't tell you outright what he plans to do.  I had an inkling of what would happen, but, honestly, I was wrong just as often as I was right.  Although The Last Renegade did make me realize something about myself:  I'm good at predicting plot points, but I'm very bad at solving mysteries.

The Ugly
Rape.

Will's True Wish

Will's True Wish

Grace Burrowes

2016

The Summary

"It's a dog's life...

"Will Dorning, as an earl's spare, has accepted the thankless duty of managing his rambunctious younger siblings, though Will's only true companions are the dogs he's treasured since boyhood.  When aristocratic London is plagued with a series of dognappings, Will's brothers are convinced that he's the only person who can save the stolen canines from an awful fate.

"But the lady's choice...

"Shy, bookish Lady Susannah Haddonfield has no patience with loud, smelly beasts of any species, but must appear to like dogs so as not to offend her sister's only marital prospect.  Susannah turns to will, an acquaintance from her most awkward adolescent years, to teach her how to impersonate a dog fancier.  Will has long admired Susannah, though he lacks the means to offer for her.  Yet as they work together to rescue the purloined pets, it's loyal, dashing Will who steals Susannah's heart."

The Good
Will's True Wish is a cute, little romance.  It's fluffy and, sometimes, saccharine sweet, but it's adorable and lovely--and it has dogs.  (I'm always a big fan of dogs.)  But, then again, I've loved reading Grace Burrowes for years.  Her novels are always so well written, and Will's True Wish is no different.

I like Burrowes work immensely, because she always surprises me a little.  She takes pains to provide historical accuracy, she makes an effort to convey vocal quirks and accents, and she creates believable relationships between characters.  Not to mention, I'm always impressed by how her romantic characters always maintain the utmost respect, admiration, and affection for each other.

For instance, in Will's True Wish, Will obvious respects Susannah.  He tries to be a proper gentleman and, even when he's not, he still treats Susannah with respect.  He loves her.  Even when she might act hastily or put herself in danger, he loves her and he admires her tenacity, her bravery, and her loyalty.  He truly cares about her and, even though he might not be financially comfortable enough for marriage, he's going to find a way around any difficulty to make her his wife.

It's sweet, and it's charming.  I mean, Will loves her and he's making a real effort.  Granted, they're relationship isn't perfect (no relationship is); however, they're trying.  There's a real affection between them, and they seem to respect each other enough that they're willing to take pains to ensure their loved one is cared for.

If you hadn't guessed, I enjoyed it.  Thus far, I've enjoyed all the romance novels I've read by Grace Burrowes and I can't wait to read more.

The Bad
I didn't always enjoy the tone; more accurately, I didn't like the way it sounded.  It's very proper, very polished, and it didn't always come across well in my own mind as I read.  Admittedly, it did sometimes get a little boring.  I liked the way Burrowes incorporated historical detail, using common slang and verbiage for the time; however, I found it also left me a little lost.

The Ugly
Effington.

Steelheart

Delacorte Press

Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson
2013

The Summary
"Ten years ago, Calamity came.  It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers.  The awed public started calling them Epics.

"Epics are no friends of man.  With incredible gifts came the desire to rule.  And to rule man, you must crush his will.

"Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor.  Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements.  It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him.  He is invincible.  Nobody fights back...nobody but the Reckoners.

"A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.  And David wants in.

"When Steelheart came to Chicago, he killed David's father.  For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need.  Not an object, but an experience.

"He has seen Steelheart bleed...

"And he wants revenge."

The Good
I loved Steelheart.  It's action-packed, it's interesting, and it takes everything I know about superheroes/supervillains and completely turns it on its head.  Part science-fiction, part fantasy, Steelheart is a wonderfully crafted dystopian world full of detail, depth, and intrigue.

It was so much fun to read.

I was particularly fascinated by the main characters, specifically the Reckoners.  David, as the narrator, is incredibly resourceful.  He sometimes feels like a caricature; however, he's surprisingly astute in his observations and he's wildly intelligent.  I'm always surprised by what he does and what he remembers.  He's daring, he's unexpected, which I found made Steelheart that much more interesting.

Not to mention, I found the ending to be spectacular.

After learning that Steelheart does have a weakness, I puzzled over what it might be.  Reading the prologue again, I couldn't imagine what it might be, but when David discover it, when that moment of recognition and discovery blossomed in his mind and mine, I was thrilled and astonished and excited.  I loved the conclusion.  It startled me, yes, but I found the irony of the situation to be so very satisfying.

I will definitely read the rest of the series.  Firefight is up next, followed by Calamity--and I can't wait to dive back in.

The Bad
No complaints.

The Ugly
Steelheart is graphic, bloody, and riddled with gore.  Bad things happen in Newcago, and you get the impression that, no matter what happens, things aren't really going to get better.

Ruroni Kenshin (Volume 3)

Viz Media

Rurouni Kenshin (Volume 3)
Nobuhiro Watsuki

2004

The Summary

"'Spider's Web'...like ordinary opium, but better processed.  Half the cost to produce, but twice the profits!  To the people of Aizu, Takani Megumi was a daughter in a famous family of doctors, in which everyone--women and children alike--studied medicine.  But to grasping industrialist Takeda Kanryu, she is the hen who lays the golden egg--the only one who knows the Spider's Web formula!  To stay with Kanryu is to send even more to their deaths.  But to stay with Kenshin and the others is to invite theirs..."

The Good
Although I'm not as big a fan of the third volume as I am the second one, I was excited to meet the Oniwabanshu again.  There's something about the Oniwabanshu--about how they're just a small pocket of resistance against the tide of Meiji progress--that I like.

The Bad
I'm not sure why, but I just didn't like this volume as much as I did the previous one.  I like the Oniwabanshu and, personally, I love Aoshi.  He's one of my favorite characters, because he's not actually that bad of a guy, he's more of a complicated anti-hero; however, I don't like the Takani Megumi story arc.

For some reason, it's just not that appealing to me.

The Ugly
As always, blood.  Lots and lots of blood.

Rurouni Kenshin (Volume 2)

Viz Media

Rurouni Kenshin (Volume 2)
Nobuhiro Watsuki
2003

The Summary
"When the chief of the Police Sword Corps himself comes asking for favors, things must be bad.  Hitokiri Udo Jin-e--a black-hatted, crazy-eyed slayer who fells both targets and innocent bystanders alike--is steadily working his way through a list of former Ishin Shishi patriots now ensconced within positions of power in the Meiji government.  Can Kenshin withstand the hypnotic, paralyzing effect of Jin-e...?"

The Good
I found that the second volume of Rurouni Kenshin was equally enjoyable.  Not only has the art improved, it's still just as easy to become engrossed in the story; moreover, it has one of my favorite stories.

You see, in the first volume, you have the chance to see Kenshin as a warrior.  He's obviously impressive with his sakabato; however, he's still Kenshin.  Readers see glimpses of his previous personality, like a hint of viciousness that he very rarely betrays, but it's not until his confrontation with Udo Jin-e that you see him as the hitokiri he once was.

There's something thrilling about seeing Kenshin fight and fight well against someone who is, confidentially, quite terrifying.  I kind of like seeing the hitokiri side of Kenshin, but I also think I like that he's able to pull himself from the brink and resume his happy-go-lucky facade.  I think it makes him a better, more complex character.

The Bad
No complaints.  Besides the seventh volume, where we get to meet Saito Hajime, I think it's one of my favorites.

The Ugly
Blood.

Udo Jin-e is vicious.

Ruroni Kenshin (Volume 1)

Viz Media

Rurouni Kenshin (Volume 1)
Nobuhiro Watsuki
2003

The Summary
"140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American 'Black Ships,' there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer!  His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji.  Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.

"In the 11th year of Meiji, in the middle of Tokyo, this tale begins...."

The Good
I originally watched the anime, before I picked up the first volume of Rurouni Kenshin and, honestly, it's been some time since I last read it; however, I was glad to sink back into Meiji era Tokyo and reacquaint myself with Himura Kenshin.  Jumping back into the graphic novel wasn't as difficult as I imagined.  The manga reads right to left, but it only took me a few minutes to reorient myself and I was happily plodding through the story.

I'm pleased I still enjoyed Rurouni Kenshin.  I mean, I didn't always understand the humor (of course, I never understood the humor when I first read it either), but I enjoyed returning to Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Sanoske, and everyone else.  There was a bit nostalgia there, because I remember devouring this series when I first read it; however, I found I still enjoyed it.

I like the action balanced by moments of silliness; I like the dueling kindness and ferocity of Kenshin; I even like Yahiko and Kaoru's arguments.  I find it fun to read and I enjoy it with the same enthusiasm I once did.  It's absurd, yes, but it's fascinating at the same time.  It offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and, as it's an area with which I'm unfamiliar, it's very insightful.

More to the point, as an adult, I find that I like reading the side notes Nobuhiro peppers throughout his narrative.  I once skimmed through the commentary, because I thought it was boring, but, now, I enjoy reading the "Secret Life of Characters" and finding out the different inspirations for Rurouni Kenshin.

Likewise, reading the series ago allows me to notice details I didn't catch in previous readings.  It has been literal years since I read Rurouni Kenshin, so it's nice to know I still remember the story; however, it's also interesting to see the small details I missed and the sudden clarity I have about earlier details that I hold from reading later volumes.  I know more about Kenshin now than I did then, which means it's a completely different experience to read the earliest volumes.

The Bad
Like I mentioned, I'm not sure I understand the humor in Rurouni Kenshin.  Some things are funny, some things are not.  It's kind of an acquired taste, I think, but it's pretty easy to acclimate.

One thing I have noticed since returning to the earlier volumes is how different the artwork looks to me now.  I mean, the earlier panels have thick, heavy lines in comparison to the lighter, thinner shapes of later volumes.  You can tell Nobuhiro's earlier work; that is, it shows in the heaviness of light and shadow, the proliferation of lines, the heavier details.  It's quite different from the last volume.

The Ugly
Violence.

Kenshin isn't a killer.  He vows never to kill again and he carries a sakabato, a reverse-edged sword; however, that doesn't mean he can't injure, wound, and potentially maim.  Moreover, some people don't have the same qualms as Kenshin and they won't hesitate to hurt others.

Geekerella

Geekerella

Ashley Poston

2017

The Summary

"Anything can happen once upon a con...

"When geek girl Elle Wittimer seeks a cosplay contest sponsored by the producers of Starfield, she has to enter.  First prize is an invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmidor in the reboot.  Elle's been scraping together tips from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck behind her stepmother's back, and winning this contest could be her ticket out once and for all--not to mention a fangirl's dream come true.

"Teen actor Darien Freeman is less than thrilled about this years ExcelsiCon.  He used to live for conventions, but now they're nothing but jaw-aching photo sessions and awkward meet-and-greets.  Playing Federation Prince Carmindor is all he's ever wanted, but the diehard Starfield fandom has already dismissed him as just another heartthrob.  As ExcelsiCon draws near, closet nerd Darien feels more and more like a fake--until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.

"Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom."

The Good
I have always loved Cinderella stories.  I love the happy endings and the romance, and I love the new and inventive ways authors manages to retell Cinderella's story.  However, I'm also a big fan of retellings where the heroine does something unexpected:  she saves herself.

I always love a story where the main female character has a plan to save herself.  For Elle, it's college on the opposite side of the country; however, when the opportunity arises to go to ExcelsiCon (the convention her father created), she decides to take the leap and live a dream.  She's terrified, but she doesn't let that stand in her way--which I enjoyed.

Elle is a girl who is caught in a very bad situation.  Her stepmother--or Stepmonster, as she's appropriately named--has ruled her life since Elle's father passed away.  She's manipulative, controlling, and, sometimes, just plain cruel.  (I hated her, by the way.  It doesn't take much, because she is not a lovable character.  And neither is her daughter.)

Elle, for the most part, manages to make the best out of a bad situation.  She disobeys the Stepmonster in subtle ways, and then outright challenges her.  She holds tight to her father's memory, his traditions, his fandom, and she takes a leap of faith to reach ExcelsiCon where she discovers her world is complete.

It's really a lovely story.

It's sometimes difficult to read, simply because the Stepmonster and Elle's stepsister are so very horrible; however, it's a fun, romantic and nerdy read.  I liked the friendships Elle built along the way, and I even liked Darien.  It was interesting to see how their lives intersected and how their shared adoration of Starfield becomes the focal point of their budding relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed Geekerella and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale retelling.

The Bad
Geekerella had a few errors (some books do), but it wasn't anything that detracted from the novel overall.  If I have one complaint, though, I suppose it would be that I grew tired of switching between character chapters.  I like Darien and Elle and, I think, Geekerella wouldn't have been the same without them both narrating the story.

However, I am not a fan of the dueling first-person narratives.  If I'm going to have more than one character at a time, I like for it to be third-person omniscient.  First-person point of view is for single narrators.  Anything else just doesn't feel quite right to me.

The Ugly
The Stepmonster.

Scythe

Simon & Schuster

Scythe
Neal Shusterman
2016

The Summary
"A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery.

"Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death.  Now scythes are the only ones who can end life--and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

"Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe--a role that neither wants.  These teens must master the 'art' of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

"Scythe is the debut of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price."

The Good
Scythe was incredibly compelling.  I'll be honest, it's one of those books that I just couldn't put down.  I mean, on the one hand, it's like a train wreck:  something very bad is happening, but it's hard to look away.  On the other hand, it's an breathtaking story with endearing characters, a fascinating setting, and an intriguing plot.

As the story goes on, it's easy to become attached to Citra and Rowan.  You're right in the middle of their story from the moment Scythe Faraday selects them as apprentices, so you quickly become invested in their lives and caught up in their world.  I was particularly fascinated by how their world worked, because everything down to the smallest detail is micromanaged by the Thunderhead, a "cloud" system in which the collective knowledge of all humanity is stored.

Neal Shusterman creates a unique story with Scythe, because he doesn't immediately offer readers a dystopian world event if that's what we eventually get.  It wouldn't be a stretch to say dystopian is a popular genre in YA literature (think:  Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Cinder, City of Ember--and I'm sure there's more); however, Shusterman doesn't start with a terrible world.  In fact, in Scythe the world is perfect in every way.

There's no war, no disease, no hunger, no inequality, no aging, no natural death.  Humanity has reached the zenith of its evolution:  it is perfect.  Yet beneath that veneer of perfection, you have the Scythes who help keep the human population in check--and you have a world that, for all its perfection, is stagnating.

What does humanity have left to achieve if everything has been done already?

Scythe is one of those YA novels that causes readers to ask some very hard questions about the life and death, humanity's relationship to technology, and what would really happen in a Utopian society.  It's an exciting, spine-tingling thrill ride, but it's also an intriguing examination of human psychology because it made me wonder, "What is really the purpose of life when life never ends?"

The Bad
It's a bit of a long book, admittedly; however, it captured my attention so completely, I don't think I put it down for two days.

The Ugly
I'll be honest, I thought this book was pretty intense.

Although death is everywhere in this book, it seems like such a distant concept as people can no longer really die.  You have revival centers where, if someone unexpectedly dies, they're brought back to life.  Diseases are nonexistent, aging is a thing of the past, and horrific accidents are merely an inconvenience.  There's blood and gore and horrific things that happen, yet they're only temporary--and it's really difficult to digest this cavalier attitude about death.

Besides which, I think I was spooked by the way people lived.  I don't mean the general prosperity or lack of disease or the utopia the Thunderhead has appeared to create; rather, I was a bit perturbed by a general disrespect for life.  In one of the journal entries between chapters, which are shared by the various Scythes readers meet, I stumbled across one that really made me think:

"If you've ever studied mortal age cartoons, you'll remember this one.  A coyote was always plotting the demise of a smirking long-necked bird.  The coyote never succeeded; instead, his plans always backfired.  He would blow up, or get shot, or splat from a ridiculous height. 

"And it was funny.  [...]  Because no matter how deadly his failure, he was always back in the next scene...

"I've seen human foibles that have resulted in temporary maiming or momentary loss of life.  [...]  And when it happens, people laugh, because no matter how gruesome the event, that person, just like the coyote, will be back in a day or two, as good as new, and no worse--or wiser--for the wear. 

"Immortality has turned us all into cartoons."

Human life has been downplayed, made into something laughable.  More importantly, it's not seen as a finite, precious thing; rather, it's a indefinite commodity that can be wasted.  Immortality has created a type of stagnation in human culture.  There's nothing new to discover, nothing new for which to strive, nothing new to create--so what's really left?

Scythe brings up some very interesting questions about life and human emotion and immortality, specifically what it could mean and what it could bring.  It's entertaining, yes; however, it also makes you think and it makes you wonder.  It feels distinctly dystopian, even though humanity is arguably faced with a Utopian society; it makes you wonder what's the real price tag for a perfect world.