Betsy B

• Rated 4 stars

“Now THIS is a vampire tale for grownups. The best imagining of Dracula and vampires I've heard of. I was engaged by the storytelling and the history was fascinating. Telling the story through so many nested flashbacks was risky, but Kostova pulled it off. I was impressed.”

Betsy B wrote this review Friday, December 26, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“I understand that this is the first of four books, but I don't know if I have the patience to bother reading the other installments. In spite of the density of this novel, the characterizations and my interest in the theory and topic kept me plugging along through two-thirds of the book. Ultimately, though, I just wasn't engaged. I wanted to like it more than I did, but perhaps it was TOO "high literary," subtle and and esoteric for my tastes.

I think Crowley's theory is a fascinating one, but ultimately the sluggish plot and ornate writing style killed my interest in pursuing it in this series of novels - at least not as casual reading material. Maybe I'll pick it up again when I have more time on my hands.”

Betsy B wrote this review Friday, December 26, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I don't normally do sci fi, but a friend recommended this book and I gave it a try. After reading Shards of Honor, which was good enough, I planned to continue reading Barrayar, but didn't expect to be reading any more in the series. Well, wow - Barrayar was SUCH a fabulous story, I look forward to reading more in this series! Great characterizations, superb storytelling. The sci fi was interesting, but the STORY just shined.”

Betsy B wrote this review Monday, July 21, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“Too boring. I didn't even finish it because more interesting books came my way.”

Betsy B wrote this review Wednesday, July 9, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This story was so well done I read it compulsively! Well-drawn characters, well paced plotting. GREAT read.”

Betsy B wrote this review Monday, June 30, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This continuation of the King Raven trilogy was better than the first book, Hood. More adventure and Will Scarlet is somewhat more fleshed out as a character than Bran was in Hood. Looking forward to the final installment in 2009!”

Betsy B wrote this review Tuesday, June 24, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“I enjoyed this reinterpretation of the Robin Hood legend, but found the characterization weaker than I'd hoped.”

Betsy B wrote this review Tuesday, June 24, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“A satisfying ending to Imriel's tale. BUT I did NOT want the series to end. Cannot wait for more from Carey!!”

Betsy B wrote this review Sunday, June 15, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This book, unflagging in its pace, brought the Italian Renaissance to life for me. Michelangelo's undisputed talent aside, I am awed by this man's capacity to survive - let alone create such difficult, magnificent masterpieces - in the midst of so much political, business and personal turmoil. Inspiring!”

Betsy B wrote this review Sunday, June 1, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Very satisfying, although not as suspenseful as other installments in the series. A fun read, though, and my 10 year old liked it best so far (Physik is still my favorite!).”

Betsy B wrote this review Thursday, April 17, 2008. ( reply | permalink )