Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

For April's selection for Tales to Tomes Online Book Club, it was voted by the majority to read Incarceron by Catherine Fisher.  For me, this was actually a second read.  The first time, I listened to the audio version; the second was a read of the actual book held in my own two hands.  Before I get into my thoughts, however, let's visit a synopsis . . .

Incarceron is a prison so vast that it contains not only cells, but also metal forests, dilapidated cities, and vast wilderness.  Finn, a seventeen-year-old prisoner, has no memory of his childhood and is sure that he came from Outside Incarceron.  Very few prisoners believe that there is an Outside, however, which makes escape seem impossible.

And then Finn finds a crystal key that allows him to communicate with a girl named Claudia.  She claimes to live Outside - she is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, and doomed to an arranged marriage.  Finn is determined to escape the prison, and Claudia believes she can help him.  But they don't realize that there is more to Incarceron than meets the eye.  Escape will take the greatest course and cost more than they know.  (Google Books)

I believe this to be my first true steampunk read.  The genre alone intrigues me.  Being the first, however, I was not really sure what to expect.  As mentioned earlier, my first read was actually a listen late last year.  When I first started listening, I had very mixed feelings.  It was a slow start and I was a bit confused with the details of the story.  The only thing that kept me going was the narrator, Kim Mai.  Mai was simply mesmerizing to the ears!  And, thank goodness!!  About half way through, the story began to piece together and became much more interesting.  The action picked up and so did my investment in the story!

As I picked up the book this time around, I was thankfully at an advantage because of the previous listen.  I knew what was coming, what to look forward to, and the characters were able to stick with me much more the second time.  I went in with a better understanding and came out with a greater love of the characters and their development . . . Attia being my personal favorite by far, with Finn being a far second.  Claudia and Keiro, on the other hand, I still have mixed feelings about!

Since finishing the book, I have picked up the sequel, Sapphique.  I can't seem to get through this one fast enough, with the action starting from the first chapter and immediately catching my attention.

All in all, I enjoyed Incarceron, though it took me a while to get into the story.  In fact, it was better the second time around, so I recommend adding it to your re-read list if you didn't get hooked the first time!

What were your thoughts?  Would you recommend a re-read on this one?

Fun Friday: I'm Reading A Book!

Thanks to Susan over at The Book Chook, I was introduced to this little video and I could not help but share it with all my readers for a little fun this Friday!  It's a catchy tune and you may find yourself singing it out loud to those who try to talk to you while reading!!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

A while back, my readers voted that I read The Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson. The stars were aligned because around the same time, my book group selected to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. What could I do but to read this much anticipated series? (Sadly, it has taken me so long to get this review posted, despite it being written long hand for months!)

There has been so much talk about Dragon Tattoo, that from page one I was expecting utter brilliance.  Unfortunately, I did not find it.  I stuck with the book and by about the fourth chapter, the story began to get exciting.  Of course, this is also approximately where Lisbeth Salander was introduced.  Once she became a part of the story, I became hooked, wanting to discover more about her.  She is a true enigma that leaves the reader wanting more . . . wanting to solve the puzzle and figure out the secrets that are so deeply hidden.

Larsson not only intrigues his readers with a unique character in a great mystery, but he brings in true statistics from an issue plaguing his home country -- sexual crimes.  The numbers are truly staggering and adds a whole different dimension to this bestseller . . . it brings the issue to the forefront, right in the spotlight to be fought in the public eye.

All in all, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a book that left me wanting to discover more about Lisbeth (the true main character of this novel), but also interested in knowing more about a social justice issue that is usually avoided.  It is a hard topic to breach, but I believe Larsson successfully brought it out in the open and got many people around the world thinking about the topic . . . the first step in working towards a solution.

If you have read Larsson's books, what thoughts would you share with potential readers?


Looking for more reviews?
Book Journey
Dear Author
Dy's Take
English Major's Junk Food
Midnight Book Girl
Puss Reboots

WISH LIST: Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson

Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson

Description (Google Books):  

September 8, 1900, began innocently in the seaside town of Galveston, Texas. Even Isaac Cline, resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau failed to grasp the true meaning of the strange deep-sea swells and peculiar winds that greeted the city that morning. Mere hours later, Galveston found itself submerged in a monster hurricane that completely destroyed the town and killed over six thousand people in what remains the greatest natural disaster in American history--and Isaac Cline found himself the victim of a devastating personal tragedy.

Using Cline's own telegrams, letters, and reports, the testimony of scores of survivors, and our latest understanding of the science of hurricanes, Erik Larson builds a chronicle of one man's heroic struggle and fatal miscalculation in the face of a storm of unimaginable magnitude. Riveting, powerful, and unbearably suspenseful, Isaac's Storm is the story of what can happen when human arrogance meets the great uncontrollable force of nature.

Recommended by:  

Chew & Digest Books

Special Notes:  Larson's Devil in the White City still stands as my favorite non-fiction book to date.  He is an absolutely brilliant writer and I just want to read more!

Tales to Tomes Online Book Club: Choose Our May Read!

I am late in getting our next vote posted for Tales to Tomes this month as well!  Instead of gathering books, I am using those books that have received the most votes during the last couple months as our choices for May.  Deadline is Sunday, May 1st.  The chosen book will be announced on Monday, May 2nd.  If you have additional recommendations or wish to see any of these remain on the list for future votes, please be sure to post them in the comment section this month to be voted on for future selections!

THE CHOICES

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Matched by Ally Condie

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

VOTE NOW!!

2011 Fairy Tale Challenge: April Selections

Since I am way behind in posting this and the month is almost done, I am going to be keeping this month's link-ups simple.  Be sure to check out the great links from the past months . . .

January

February

March

And then, link up your April posts and reviews here . . .

Sunday Synopsis: April 24, 2011

I really don't have much to say this week!  What I do have to say will be completely random, so let's just go with it . . .

In case you have missed it, I am one of the original founders of Armchair BEA and am working on it again this year, but in the capacity of the giveaway and sponsor chair.  Most of my nightly work this past week has been on confirming sponsors for this event, preparing posts, and organizing for the upcoming event.  It has been so much fun and I can definitely tell you that there are some amazing giveaways coming your way thanks to the generous sponsors!

This last week, I also had the opportunity to attend an author event, featuring Ridley Pearson.  I have some pictures, but have not downloaded them yet.  I hope to have a separate post dedicated to my experience.  In short, it was humorous and just what I needed!

I have high hopes for more upcoming author events in my area, including one jam-packed day with local independent bookstores as well as authors in a couple of weeks.  I thought I had missed out on this event because I didn't get my ticket in time, but I received good news this week that I now have my seat reserved!!

I finished reading Incarceron by Catherine Fisher this weekend and started reading Sapphique.  I think the second is going to be a quick read.  I really want to know what happens!

We have had a number of storms hitting our area this past week again.  Every time I hear those tornado sirens go off, I remember how much I used to love spring until I moved to the Midwest!

If you are up for a fun read, you need to check out Cayla Kluver's Celebrity Saturday, featuring the one and only Easter Bunny!  I reviewed Cayla's book Legacy a couple of years ago and she did a guest post as well.  Her book is being re-released via Harlequin Teen, with new beautiful cover art.  I'm really thinking I need to get the newest version for a re-read!  (Yes, I have a copy of the old version, but the newest art is so much fun!)

Last, but not least, I hope that you have had a wonderful Easter holiday weekend.  I head back to work tomorrow, but I'm really wishing that I had one more day to read!

How has your week been?  Anything you are looking forward to this week?

Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones

For the March selection of the Tales to Tomes Online Book Club, it was voted to read Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones.  Unfortunately, March brought a number of interruptions to my reading and therefore, I was unable to discuss this book during the month and I am getting my review posted late.  However, now is the time to start chatting as it is a book that can create a lot of chatter!

Sirius, immortal Lord of the Dog Star and infamous for his fiery temper, is outraged when he is falsely accused of murder and banished to Earth. There, he must live -- and die -- in the body of a dog unless he can retrieve a mysterious celestial weapon and thereby clear his name.On Earth, Sirius is adopted by Kathleen, who has no idea that her beloved dog is anything more than an abandoned stray. With only dim memories of the star-world from which he has fallen, Sirius embarks on his mission. But his quest seems hopeless...until at last Sol, Moon, and Earth themselves come to his aid. (From Google Books)

The first item of interest to me was the name of the book as it was such a unique name and I wondered if it maybe had a dual meaning.  When I did a quick google search, this is what I found on Wikipedia:

"A dogsbody, or less commonly dog robber in the Royal Navy, is a junior officer, or more generally someone who does drudge work. A rough American equivalent would be a "gofer" or a "grunt.""

When I read this, it makes total and complete sense as to the reason why the name was chosen!   Afterall, not only was Sirius in a dog's body, but he also had to return to be a "junior officer" to figure out the mystery on his own and learn life from the beginning once again as his punishment.


However, beyond just the meaning of the title, there is so much more to this book.  In fact, if I read it again, I would probably come up with more and more things to talk about.  The few things that I did gather in my first read were cultural and discrimination issues, particularly in regards to the Irish and the history of the IRA.  In addition, the importance of the roles that nature plays, whether it may be Earth or Sun or something beyond our eyesight.  And, the most important theme that resonates the most with me is the importance of friendship, across species, as demonstrated between Sirius and Kathleen.

Dogsbody was my first introduction to Diana Wynne Jones.  I discovered that DWJ has a way of writing that completely hooks the reader.  I just wanted to keep reading because the style of writing was addictive.  I was so sad to hear of her death on March 26, 2011 after a battle with cancer.  The news hit me extra hard as my Grandfather passed only a mere three days before due to his long battle with cancer.  I don't know if it is this connection or her amazing way to hook me with this story or maybe a combination of both, but I really want to read as much DWJ that I can get my hands on.  


Do you have any additional DWJ recommendations for me?  What were your thoughts on this book?

Sunday Synopsis: April 17, 2011

Another week has gone by and I really didn't get much posted!  Actually, let's be honest . . . I didn't get anything posted!  Good news though . . . I already have one post scheduled this week!!  That's better than I can say for past weeks!  Baby steps . . . baby steps . . . baby steps!!!  I must keep telling myself this!

I have not been just sitting around idle, however.  I have been working on projects, namely the one in the book world is Armchair BEA!!  If you have not heard of it or seen the new design, you really need to click on over and check it out.  I was lucky to be a part of the event last year as one of the "founders" and am excited to be joining in again this year as the chair of the giveaways and sponsorships.  It's going to be a big project, but one that is completely worth it!  In fact, if you wish to be a sponsor, then you need to check out the Call for Sponsors!

I have also been reading and talking about this month's Tales to Tomes Book Club selection, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher.  This is a re-read for me and I'm really enjoying it the second time around.  Now that I know what is going on and am not confused with the story, I am able to really get into the story much more this time around.  If you are on Twitter, be sure to join in our chats under the hashtag #tales2tomes!

That's it for me tonight!  I'm going to go get lost in the Prison for a bit before getting some sleep.  I am really looking forward to this week . . . it's a short week thanks to Easter, which means more reading time and writing time for me!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Sunday Synopsis: April 10, 2011

I'm back!!!!!!  It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but I am glad to be home and finally getting caught up on my multitude of projects.  I'm hoping to be back to normal posting this week, including finally posting my April Fairy Tale Challenge Check-In and my review of March's Tales to Tomes selection of Dogsbody.  Be watching for them!!

In the last couple of weeks, I traveled back to my home town to attend my Grandfather's funeral services.  It was a very difficult weekend (even beyond the lost luggage and delayed flights!), but it felt so good to be with family and surrounded by so much support and familiar friendly faces.  I am still in shock at the number of people in attendance at the services (it was literally hundreds!) and the number of cards my family has received.  It brings me to tears every time that I read how this wonderful man inspired and encouraged so many people throughout his lifetime.  I cannot be more proud to be his granddaughter!  Now the healing begins and we all work to get back to the "normal" life . . . whatever that may be!

I thank you all for your thoughts, condolences, and support.  And, I wish you all the best in your reading and beyond!