Little Lit: Armada by Ernest Cline

Summary:
Zack's got a pretty normal life. He's finishing high school, hanging with his friends the two Mikes, and playing video games during his spare time. Then he sees a space ship outside the school window and think he might be going crazy. Until he finds out that the video game has actually just been a preparation for the real threat. And Zack and the other leaders on the game board might be earth's best chance at survival.

What I Liked:

• I just love Cline's writing style. I love the way he puts words together. If you aren't a fan of his style, this story doesn't subsume the style the way I think Ready Player One did, but if you are, then you'll enjoy this.
• The geeky references. Yes, they are copious. Yes, they are on pretty much every page. And yes, I loved pretty much every single one.
• I'm not even sure how to phrase this, except by responding to some criticism I saw - I've seen a number of people complain that this book is just derivative of dozens of other books or movies. What I liked is that this is the exact point of the plot of the book. The point is that it is derivative. There's a purpose for that. I thought it was very clever and entertaining that Cline even has his characters basically make this criticism about their circumstances. It's very self-aware of what it is and embraces that whole-heartedly, which is what makes it work, in my opinion.
• The plot. This is a plot driven book. I found that it pulled me in and kept me engaged to find out what would happen. The characters are sort of secondary, but for some reason, this worked for this book.
• The world building was really fascinating to me this time. In Ready Player One, the story is set in a future dystopic world. Plus there's the development of all of the virtual worlds as well. Here it's set in our world, but not quite. Which to me seems like it would be much harder to write, because everything's familiar, but not really exactly familiar. It gave everything a slightly ... off (for lack of a better word) feeling, like everything was just a hair off-kilter, even before you get to the alien ships, etc.

What I Would Have Liked:

• Having said that, I would have liked it if the characters were a little better developed. There was so much fantastic potential with many of these characters, but the heavy focus on the plot left many (especially most of the secondary characters) feeling rather flat. Even the main character didn't capture me the way the protagonist of Ready Player One did.
• The female characters were slightly disappointing to me too. They felt more caricatured to me than some of (though not all of) the guys did. Again, a lot of potential if a little more time had been spent on character development.
• The ending felt pretty rushed to me, with a hair too much telling rather than showing. I was initially dissatisfied with the ending altogether, but the more I've thought about it, the more I think it was done completely intentionally to leave everything feeling just a little off.

Verdict:

• A really fun, tilt-a-whirl adventure, peppered with pop culture and sci-fi references.
• Don't expect Ready Player One, but Cline still delivers an entertaining, self-aware story that hurtles towards an inevitable and yet, somehow unexpected ending.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book via BookExpo America

Laydown Lowdown

Summer storms are in the air.  What a perfect time to relax with a new book.

"Deadfall," the follow-up to Anna Carey's "Blackbird," is available today in Young Adult along with "Blood Will Tell," by April Henry, "After Hours," by Claire Kennedy, "Get Dirty," by Gretchen McNeil, and "Hungry," by H.A. Swain.

Over in Romance,  you'll have to wait until Thursday for "Grey," by E.L. James, a retelling of "Fifty Shades of Grey," from Christian's point of view.  In the meantime,, you can check out "Opening Up," by Laure Dane and "Loving Dallas," by Caisey Quinn.

Fans of  Elmore Leonard will enjoy "Charlie Martz & Other Stories: The Unpublished Stories" from the late author.  Other new releases in Mystery/Thriller include "Death in Salem," by Eleanor Kuhns, "Paradise Sky," by Joe. R. Lansdale, and "The Precipice," by Paul Doiron.

In Science Fiction/Fantasy, you can pick up "Pure Blooded,' by Amanda Carlson "Beyond Redemption," by Michael R. Fletcher, and "The Library at Mount Char," by Scott Hawkins.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstore whenever possible.

Laydown Lowdown

As the temperatures heat up, there is nothing better than relaxing outside with a good book such as one of this week's new reads.

Look out for "Those Girls," by Lauren Saft in Young Adult today.  I just started reading my ARC of this today.  Keep your eyes on this blog for my upcoming review!  Other new releases in the genre include "Alive," by Chandler Baker, "Finding Audrey," by "Shopaholic" author, Sophie Kinsella, "Delicate Monsters," by Stephanie Kuehn, "Hello, I Love You," by Katie M. Stout, and "The Stars Rise," by Rachel Vincent.

Reach "The Breaking Point," by Jefferson Bass in Mystery/Thriller with "No Place to Die," by Claire Donohue, "The Dead Assassin," by Vaughn Entwistle, and "SignWave," by Andrew Vachss.

Load up on Romance 'till your "Heart's Desire," by T.J. Kline along with "Only a Promise," by Mary Balogh, "The Wedding Gift," by Cara Connelly, and "All's Fair in Love and Scandal," by Caroline Linden.

Beware the "Demon's Vengence" by Jocelyn Drake  in Science Fiction/Fantasy as well as "The Darkling Child: Defenders of Shannara," by Terry Brooks, "Dead Ice," by Laurell K. Hamilton, "The Invasion of the Tearling," by Erika Johnsen, and "Darwin's Watch: Science of Discworld III," by Terry Pratchett.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.

Laydown Lowdown

I'm back from Book Expo America and so is the Laydown Lowdown!  There are lots of great new reads this week so, let's get right to it.

If you're yearning for Romance this summer, check out "Crave the Night," by Lara Adrian,  "Beyond the Cut," by Sarah Castle, "One Night With a Billionaire," by Jessica Clare, "Suddenly One Summer," by Julie James, "All the Right Places," by Jenna Sutton, and "Moonlight on Nightingale Way," by Samantha Young."

If you're looking for thrills and chills, you can pick up "Finders Keepers," by Stephen King today as well as "Hell's Gate," by Richard Crompton, "The Evidence Room," by Cameron Harvey, "The Governor's Wife," by Michael Harvey, and "The Missing and the Dead," by Stuart MacBride in Mystery/Thriller/Horror.

Or maybe you'd prefer an out of this world escape with the latest Science "Nemesis Games," by James S.A. Corey, "The Fold," by Peter Clines, "From a Drood to a Kill," by Simon R. Green, and "Drink Deep," by Chloe Neill.

 You could load up a suitcase with today's Young Adult releases. Stock up with "The Witch Hunter," by Virginia Boecker, "The Devil You Know," by Trish Doller, "Charlie, Presumed Dead," by Anne Heltzel, "The Good Girls," by Sara Shepard, "Because You'll Never Meet Me," by Leah Thomas and "Siren's Fury," by Mary Weber.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Remember to support your local bookstore whenever possible.  Happy Reading.

10 Things I Loved About A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

There are three Londons. Well, four if you count the one that has been cut off because of the dangerous magic. And Kell is one of only two Travellers who can cross between the worlds. His home is in Red London where he serves the royal family, carrying letters to the rulers of the other Londons. Grey London is dreary and nearly magic-less, yet intriguing despite, or perhaps even because of this. White London is ruled by those who have fought their way to power. And everyone wants a piece of the Travellers. When Kell is betrayed he finds himself forced to band together with aspiring pirate, Lila, when their worlds collide. They're both in danger and they'll need each other if they want to survive - though that might be a lot harder than it sounds.

You can check out Victoria Schwab's website, follow her on Twitter (where she is frequently hilarious), watch her on YouTube, or see what she's posting on Tumblr.

And now, here are my 10 (non-spoilery) things I loved about A Darker Shade of Magic:

1. The Premise - There are overlapping worlds that are uniquely different yet have select similarities and crossing points? There is magic and only a couple of people whose, well, basically DNA but not passed down genetically, allows them to cross between these worlds? There is a London that has been closed off because magic became chaos and corrupted it? There are crazy rulers and shapeshifters and cross-dressing aspiring pirates? Um yes please, I would like them all.
2. Kell's Coat - I wants it. This coat turns inside out into dozens of different coats. EACH WITH THEIR OWN POCKETS. Seriously people, let's figure out how to make this. I suppose we'd need magic for that, though. Too bad we live in grey London.
3. Lila - She is undoubtedly my favorite character. Here is a female with AGENCY people. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She is occasionally rescued, but she also does the rescuing sometimes. She wants to own a pirate ship. There's some major cool factor right there. She can be selfish, but she also cares. I want more Lila.
4. Kell - He's dealing with a lot. He's somehow strong and vulnerable and caring yet tough. His upbringing has been both an asset and a liability when dealing with others. I think my favorite part of his character was his penchant for smuggling little objects and artifacts like music boxes.
5. Barron - He's really the only secondary character that I felt any connection with. I loved his relationship with Lila. And I wish there could have been more of him.
6. Creepy Villains - especially the twins. Total creep factor there. And don't even get me started on the black magical goo - that sounds really lame, but it's absolute creep-fest in the book.
7. The World - It's hard enough to develop one new world, but to build three of them? And, if I'm reading the signs right, a fourth for the next book? That's crazy pants. And Schwab pulls it off. And she pulls it off well. Each London is markedly distinct, not only because of the variations of magic ability, but in culture, political make up, architecture, etc. Really well done. Kudos.
8. Magic Rules - Anytime there is magic in a book there have to be rules as to how that magic works. And it's really obvious when this isn't well thought out. Here, it is. Very well thought out. With specific rules, balances, consequences. I'm really looking forward to seeing this developed even more in the next book.
9. More Books - Oh yes. She is working on ADSOM2 and I am super excited because I want to know what happens next.
10. Cliffhanger but Not - So there is definitely a conclusion to this book. The story wraps up. BUT there are plenty of threads left floating and some unanswered questions. Some very big unanswered questions. And plenty of material for another book. So yay! Something to look forward to!

Laydown Lowdown

It's the first Tuesday in March and there are lots of great new books to start this month off right.

Heat things up with new Romance titles such as "His to Take," by Shayla Black, "Binding Ties," by Shannon K. Butcher," "Heartbreak Cove," by Lily Everett, "Stealing Rose," by Monica Murphy, and "Darker Than Desire," by Shiloh Walker.

 

Keep your pulse racing with The Assassin," by Clive Cussler  and Justin Fox or check out "An Exaggerated Murder," by Justin Cook, "Leaving Berlin," by Joseph Kanon, "Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses," by Diane Kelly and "Dying for a Cupcake," by Denise Swanson in Mystery/Thriller.

Pick up a "Vision in Silver," by Anne Bishop in Science Fiction/Fantasy along with "Dead Heat," by Patricia Briggs, "The Crow of Connemara," by Stephen Leigh or "The Suicide Exhibition," by Justin Richards.

Head to Young Adult to find "Mosquitoland," by David Arnold, "The Dead I Know," by Scott Gardner, "An Uncertain Choice," by Jody Hedlund, "Terminal," by Kathy Reichs, and "My Best Everything," by Sarah Tomp.

Will any of these books make you "to-read" list?  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.

Vampires of Manhattan by Melissa de la Cruz

"The Vampires of Manhattan is 'hipster horror'--the memorable characters from her Blue Bloods series are older and cooler than before, trying to build 'Millennial' lives in the bustle of Manhattan while battling forces of evil and, of course, each other. Hero of this sexy, paranormal action tale is Oliver Hazard-Perry, former human conduit, and Manhattan’s only human-turned-vampire, now the head of the Blue Bloods Coven. When his all-too-human lover is found murdered on the eve of the coven’s annual Four Hundred Ball--a celebration meant to usher in a new era in vampire society, and to mark the re-unification of the Coven after decades of unrest and decay--Oliver is devastated. Now, not only is he trying to create a new world order for the immortal elite, he’s the prime suspect and is stalked by the newly installed head of the vampire secret police. Because according to the new rules, vampires who take human life can now be executed. Burned. How can an immortal sentenced to die fight back? He has to find the killer--and the answers lie deep in vampire lore" 
- melissa-delacruz.com

"Vampires of Manhattan," by Melissa de la Cruz was a quick fun read but I had a few issues with it that prevent me from giving this a rave review.

Despite being described on the authors website as "hipster horror," being told by the publishers representative who handed me the ARC of this novel at Book Expo America this year, I didn't find any hipsters in this novel aside from a passing reference to hipsters populating Brooklyn.  Unless my view of hipsters differs from the authors and publishers definition of hipsters.

I took the sub-title, "The New Blue Bloods Coven," too literally and was delighted.  I hadn't read the original series so I thought this would be a great place to start.  I figured I could start here and then check out the past coven in her original series.  However, this novel seemed to feature all the characters that were in the original series.  Fortunately de la Cruz did a good job of explaining who is who without inundating the reader with exposition.  It also made me more eager to read the original series to see what Oliver, Mimi, and Ara were like 10 years ago.

I loved the complicated relationship between Mimi and Kingsley.  Despite being supernatural beings, they seemed very human and I think most readers could relate to their relationship struggles. 

My favorite part of the novel was the middle.  The point of views switched from Mimi, Oliver and Ara to the point of view of Mimi's estranged husband Kingsley, Oliver's girlfriend Finn, and Ara's partner, Edon.  Not only did the point of view change but the time moved to five weeks prior, so it was cool to connect the dots from one character to another point and time and discover where they ended up.

I also laughed out loud at some of the humorous jabs the characters in the novel make to other famous vampires series that feature sparkly vampires and the like. In the "Blue Bloods" universe this is all part of the "conspiracy" that helps vampires like the "Blue Bloods" stay hidden in plain sight, appearing as ordinary humans who walk in the sun like you and I.

I thought the ending was a little rushed but it ended on one doozy of a cliffhanger which spins this new series on what seems to be a whole new direction unique to this "new coven."  I plan on checking out the potential sequel but while I'm waiting I think I'll catch up with the original "Blue Bloods" series to fill in some of the gaps in characters backstories and some of the vampire mythology unique to the "Blue Bloods" universe.

While I enjoyed this novel, I recommend it to original "Blue Bloods" fans first, I suggest everyone else read a few books from the original series first to fully appreciate the novel.  I'm sure existing "Blue Bloods" fans would love this novel.  I know I'd be thrilled if
de la Cruz wrote a follow-up to her "Au-Pairs" series that I adored.

Have you read "Vampires of Manhattan"?  Did you find any hipsters?  LOL, seriously, please share your thoughts!

Special thanks to Hachette Books for giving me this ARC at Book Expo America.

Laydown Lowdown

First up, I erroneously reported that this weeks latest Romance novels came out last week.  I'm sorry if I created any confusion amongst the romantics.  "A Most Naked Solution," by Anna Randol and "Somebody Like You," by Candis Terry are available today, for real this time!

Meanwhile, there must be a crime spree because there are dozens of new mysteries available today.  Some of the highlights include "A City of Broken Glass," by Rebecca Cantrell, "A Fountain Filled With Blood," by Julia Spence Flemming, "Creole Belle," by best-selling author James Lee Burke, and "Fire Season," by John Loomis.

Best-selling author Orson Scott Card teams up with Aaron Johnston to pen a prequel to Card's "Enders Game," series, "Earth Unaware."  Other new releases in Sci-Fi/Fantasy include "Queen's Hunt," by Beth Bernobich, "Ripper," by David L. Goleon, and "The Coldest War," by Ian Tregillis.

Over in Young Adult, you'll find "Spark," the 2nd novel in the "Sky Chasers" series by Amy Kathleen Ryan and "A World Away," by Nancy Grossman.

I normally don't report on e-books but I feel that "The Sweet Life," is worthy of an exception.  "The Sweet Life," is a six-part e-serial that is set three years after "Sweet Valley Confidential."  The infamous characters are now in their 30's and find their lives a lot more complicated than they used to be.  Parts 1 and 2 were released this past Sunday and subsequent installments will be released every Sunday through August 12.  Look for my review later this week.

Other new releases in fiction include "Shine, Shine, Shine," by Lydia Netzer and "When In Doubt, Add Butter," which surprisingly is not a Paula Deen cookbook but a novel by Beth Harbison.

Keep cool and Happy Reading Everyone!  Remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.

Ray Bradbury, How'd You Do That?

Originally posted on "Basso For Hire" (link below) 6/7/12.

We lost a giant this week. Ray Bradbury (1920 - 2012) passed at the age of 91. I have to admit that I am much more familiar with Bradbury’s work through television and film than by actually reading his books. I did read “Farenheit 451” years ago, and it’s on my list of “to read agains.”

But the biggest literary gut punch I ever received was Bradbury’s 1954 short story, “All Summer In A Day.” I remember reading it in 9th grade, I believe.

The story takes place in an elementary school, sometime in the future, on Venus, where an Earth colony has been established for, presumably, a number of years (perhaps decades). Venus is a world of perpetual rainstorms. The sun is only visible for two hours every seven years.

As the story begins, we see a number of 9 year old children chattering excitedly to each other and their teacher. This is the day they have been waiting for. The sun will be coming out any moment. With one exception, all of the children were too young to remember the last time the sun appeared.

That one exception is Margot, whose family arrived from Earth only 5 years ago. She is the only student who remembers the sun, and has described it in wonderment to her classmates.

Out of jealousy, resentment, or just plain wickedness, some of the other children begin to taunt Margot, accusing her of lying about seeing the sun. When the teacher leaves the room momentarily, the taunting grows contagious, and Margot’s classmates lock her in a closet and tell her she has to stay in there.

The teacher returns and begins escorting the children outside as the rain ceases and the clouds roll away. The children are enraptured at the sight of the sun, and try to make the best of every second of the next two hours. “It’s much better than sunlamps,” one of them says.

Eventually the rain returns, and everyone goes back inside. Then there is the horrible realization that Margot has remained locked in the closet while they were enjoying the sun. Guilt and shame wash over all of them as they approach the door, open it, and let Margot out of the closet.

I am a reader who likes to read things over and over again. I’ve had to replace some paperbacks that I’ve had for years because the pages were falling apart. But “All Summer In A Day” hit me so hard that I have not read it since that first time in 9th grade. Anytime I’ve ever seen a TV version of the story, I can not change the channel fast enough. I haven’t exposed my mind to it again until this morning, when I found it online and skimmed it again, just to check for details. It still messes with me.

That being said, if you’ve somehow missed reading this short story, I’m not going to tell you that you should read it. I’m not going to “urge” you to read it. Nor will I point out that, 58 years after its publication, “All Summer In A Day” is still the best material you can find if you’re looking for a way to show children how bullying affects others.

I’m just telling you to read it. Don’t go and watch the little children’s after school special version. Read the story. Just do it.

Ray Bradbury made as much of a profound impact on me in one 20 minute read as Victor Hugo did with “Les Miserables,” Alexandre Dumas with “The Count of Monte Cristo,” or Charles Dickens with “A Tale of Two Cities.”

Rest in peace, Ray Bradbury. You were one magnificent buzz kill. I promise I will, sooner or later, get around to reading “The Martian Chronicles.” You will be missed.

Basso for Hire

http://www.bassoforhire.blogspot.com/#!http://bassoforhire.blogspot.com/2012/06/ray-bradbury-howd-you-do-that.html

African-American Science Fiction and Fantasy Titles

February is Black History Month. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of African-Americans that have enriched our culture as a whole. It is a time for learning and walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. Reading is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, get out of your own head and learn about another person’s culture through the stories he or she shares. Here are three selections from African-American Science Fiction and Fantasy authors you may or may not know about.



The first book is The Einstein Intersection by Samuel R. Delany. The story is loosely based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The main character is Lo Lobey. He is a member of the alien race that has replaced humanity on Earth after our demise. Their world is full of the relics of history; all the trash and treasure that was left behind. Everything is scavenged including the myths and legends of world culture. Lo Lobey wears the story of Orpheus the way a person would wear a coat. It slips on and off in this tale creating something entirely new and beautiful.

The second book is Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. It is the story of Dana. Dana is a modern black woman living in Los Angles in 1976. Suddenly, for reasons never fully understood, she is whisked away to Maryland in the 1800’s. Dana is summoned by Rufus, a scared white child, who eventually becomes a bitter plantation owner fitting with the times. Dana only appears to assist Rufus when his life is in danger. Each time she goes back, the stays become longer. Dana must keep her wits about her in a world where she is another person’s property and has no tangible rights. One of Rufus’s illegitimate children will be Dana’s direct ancestor; adding to the complexity of Dana’s situation. This book delves into the psychology and history behind being a slave as the author conveys a realistic account of slavery to the reader. This book is a challenging and important work. It is a one-of-a-kind literary experience.

The last book on the list is The Opposite House by Helen Oyeyemi. It is about a young woman named Maja. The story is set in London as Maja deals with living in a foreign country as a woman who is the child Afro-Cuban exiles. She feels lost and seems to be sleepwalking through her life. This story is juxtaposed against a story of the gods and goddesses of Santeria. Each deity is disguising itself as a Catholic Saint to survive in the modern world. This story is an urban fantasy with a post-colonial voice. It is about feeling alien and lonely in a world full of people who are all supposed to act identically and change themselves according to social norms.

Society is changed and built by innovators; whether it is through inventions, philosophies or words. America has a sorted and complex history. We celebrate changes while asking our citizens to forget the parts of our country’s collective past that are shameful. Our culture becomes so concerned with preserving one specific history that many voices become marginalized. Black History Month is about hearing different stories, different truths and different points of view. Happy Reading.

A Princess of Mars

You may have seen the film previews for the movie "John Carter," which is scheduled for release in April.  The genesis of this story is from one of the founding fathers of Fantasy Fiction, Edgar Rice Burroughs.

In 1912, at the age of 36, Burroughs published his first novel, entitled "Under the Moons of Mars."  The title was changed to "A Princess of Mars" a couple of years after that.  The story is told in first person from the viewpoint of John Carter of Earth, who in the late 19th century is mysteriously transported from the Arizona desert to Mars.  Carter first discovers that, due to the lesser gravity and thinner atmosphere on Mars, he is tremendously stronger and faster than on earth, accidentally flinging himself several feet through the air while trying to stand up.

Carter journeys through a world full of bizarre species of beasts and "men."  Among these are the Tharks, a tribe of warlike, six-limbed 12 - 15 foot tall with four arms (not forearms - four arms).  From them he learns that the other dominant race of peoples on "Barsoom" are the red Martians, who more closely resemble the humans of earth, although with a coppery, reddish caste to their skin.  The first red Martian he encounters is Dejah Thoris, the beautiful princess of one of the dominant Barsoomian city-states.  Dejah Thoris is of course, the "princess" referred to in the book's title.

While not technically a work of "science fiction," it is interesting to look through the book and find references to many things we take for granted in the early 21st century.  Burroughs depicts flying warships engaged in air to air battles using missiles and bombs.  While the concept of aerial warfare seems commonplace to us now, remember that Burroughs wrote "A Princess of Mars" in 1912, two years before the outbreak of the First World War.  And even at the beginning of that conflict, powered flight was barely out of its infancy, and aircraft were first used primarily for reconnaissance.  Burroughs describes how the Martian aviators are able to set a heading into their craft to keep them on course, even if they were required to make detours.  This was DECADES before GPS technology came in to being.  And a key factor in the story is the Barsoomian's atmosphere processor, the operators of which are responsible for maintaining all life on the planet.

Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote several different Barsoomian novels, and John Carter, along with another of Burroughs' protagonists, made him internationally famous.  The "other protagonist"?  None other than John Clayton, Lord Greystoke.  Better known as "Tarzan of the Apes."  But "A Princess of Mars" precedes the lord of the jungle by a couple of years. 
"A Princess of Mars" is an exciting adventure story, and is viewed by many as the first significant work in the genre of fantasy literature.  I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun diversion.  There is violence in the form of hand to hand combat, and muted sensuality (the Martians don't wear clothes, but various combinations of jewelry, belts and harnesses used to help them carry their weapons and other equipment).  But there are no overt descriptions of sexuality.  I first read this when I was about 12 or 13 and, apart from giggling a little when I first realized that these people were naked, it wasn't a big deal.

Burroughs' writing style has always been such a pleasure to me.  His stories are filled with a rich vocabulary, but are nonethless fairly easy to read.  I read the book again in December, and it was like seeing an old friend again.  He made me want to write stories.  He apparently made a lot of others want to write, too.  According to Wikipedia, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Carl Sagan and John Norman are among the well-known authors who cite him as a source of inspiration.

Alan Andrews