ninefly

• Rated 3 stars

“excerpt from detailed review here: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-poison-sleep-by-ta-pratt.html

Marla is just as snipey and down-to-business as the first book, but we see a slightly less-prickly side of her as she gets hilariously smitten over love-talker Joshua, and employs a dying man off the street. The themes dealt with in this book are radically different from the myths and prophecies in the first, focusing instead around the various deviations of sexual attraction and power (though I wouldn't call this "steamy" lol). The twists and bends of character betrayals and deaths keep the story interesting, even if there's less action-packed violence.”

ninefly wrote this review Saturday, November 6, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“excerpt from detailed review here:
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-graceling-by-kristin-cashore.html

Not a feminist novel in any way I perceive it, and lacking in overall impact, this novel merely delivers an intriguing fantasy world, and 1.5 kickass heroines (the expected perfect boyfriend is just that, perfect and ubiquitous). The villains are not particularly interesting, nor are the side characters. Though Katsa is strong and independent, rebelling against society's pressures for women, the reader is constantly being treated to her own admonitions of how "not normal" she supposedly is. The Boyfriend, Po seems the more "feminist" character, comfortably encouraging Katsa to be the alpha female. As this series is made up of companion novels rather than sequels, the ending was filled with resolutions too abrupt (death of the Big Bad) and too vague (Po and Katsa's future). Not to say that the novel is not worth reading, but it is not as ground-breaking as I had hoped it would be.”

ninefly wrote this review Friday, October 8, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“excerpt from detailed review here:
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-what-curiosity-kills-by-helen.html

With a surreal and overly passive narrator, this rather short beginning to The Turning series is saved by the monumentally more interesting, and diverse, side characters, as well as the pleasantly unexpected developments in its second half. The uniqueness of some of the characters makes up for the lack of character development, and the "weird" writing style can grow on you, but only in this limited 200-page dose. Not really worth the hardcover price, but do give it a chance, it's a nice surreal detour, and it's not that long.”

ninefly wrote this review Wednesday, October 6, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“excerpt from detailed review here:
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-luck-in-shadows-by-lynn.html

A great GLBT fantasy that doesn't rush into a storm of UST and smut. Seregil and Alec share a slow-building relationship, from strangers to master-apprentice, to close friends and equals. The relationship plot does not push aside the fleshed-out minor characters and their web of complex motives, while the adventure plot is well thought out, and not overshadowed by relationship angst. A great first novel to a series that promises well-paced action, strong personalities, and a budding romance built on friendship and trust rather than lust.”

ninefly wrote this review Wednesday, October 6, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“excerpt from detailed review here: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-read-remember-recommend-for.html

A very organized, detailed and pretty checklist+journal for award-winning and "notable" young adult book recommendations. I definitely recommend this journal for people who like reading challenges, collecting/recording reading recommendations, and/or would like to read some good books published in the past that they may not have heard of. Though it doesn't have the limitless storage capacity of the internet, it could be a great companion on laptop-less holiday trips too.”

ninefly wrote this review Wednesday, April 21, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“full review: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-soulless-by-gail-carriger.html

overall: 4.5/5
It has been utterly too long a time since I've giggled my way through an entire novel - in the good way. This novel is filled with intricate world-building, smoothly blending paranormal oddities within a steampunk setting. The most winning part of all however, has definitely got to be the incredibly quirky, yet sympathizing and adore-able characters, major and minor. There is no cliffhanger ending, but this is the kind of book where you'll be pining for the sequel just to meet the characters again.”

ninefly wrote this review Wednesday, March 17, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“full review: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/03/audio-review-another-faust-by-dina.html

review of: audio book read by Katherine Kellgren

An amazing tale wrought out of teenage desires fulfilled and tested, complicated character dynamics, and the cruel consequences of desperation. It is hard to watch the teens grow more obsessed and dependent on their powers, at the same time alienating themselves and hiding behind their cruelty. The twists and turns in the last few chapters delves further into that overhead question of willing sacrifice versus coming to peace with oneself, culminating in what I choose to believe as an ending open for interpretation.
The narrator breathes a vibrant and colourful life into the story through her amazing range of accents for each character, major or minor, it is easy to overlook the sometimes underwhelming writing.”

ninefly wrote this review Sunday, March 7, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“excerpt from my full review here: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/02/review-nyx-wannabe.html

A very different kind of mutant superhero story, with empowered female leads, a diverse cast, and the visceral backdrop of New York City's most run-down sectors. I was quite engaged in each of the characters stories and personalities, but perhaps due to its 7-issue limited run, a lot of potential left unexplored.”

ninefly wrote this review Thursday, February 25, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Overall Rating 4.5

Jasper steals the spotlight as the sarcastic, gay Korean-American University student who finds himself conflicted between accepting the well-meaning comfort offered by people who couldn't relate to his experiences, or pushing them away with jokes and reassurances. Peter is far from the token love interest as his voice comes to life through his love of music and the emotions songs and lyrics stir within him. Claire is the mutual acquaintance that brings the two closer together, but while she is not entirely negligible, I was disappointed in her role as the author's preacher. While I was quite moved by the messages of love and peace, I felt that the stark reality of the actual consequences in the aftermath (anger, hatred, war) should not have been so easily omitted.

find a more detailed review here: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/02/review-love-is-higher-law-by-david.html”

ninefly wrote this review Saturday, February 20, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Overall Rating

An unexpectedly intricate mystery is woven neatly alongside the themes of teenage rebellion, institutional corruption, and the slightly overdramatized flashbacks to the murky past of a young Jimmy Kirk. The struggles both teens have to overcome - Spock's search for his place between the Vulcan and human races, and Kirk's reluctant admiration for the very institution he has grown up to resent - urges along character development and the beginnings of a mutually supportive friendship. I am quite disappointed of the less than satisfying portrayals of female characters, as well as the lack of PoC characters, but casual readers should have no problems enjoying this read. I should also mention that, while there are ample descriptions of high-tech settings and props, I found this novel quite accessible for non-sci-fi fans as well.

a more detailed review can be found here: http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2010/02/review-collision-course-by-william.html”

ninefly wrote this review Friday, February 19, 2010. ( reply | permalink )