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mllelaurelWith one star/asterisk (*) being the lowest score, and five (*****) being the highest.
First Among Sequels, by Jasper Fforde.
**** (4)
Quite entertaining, with just enough insightful and thought-provoking scenes amid the silly.
Kushiel's Dart, by Jacqueline Carey (rr)
***** (5)
Still brilliant on re-read.
Fables: Sons of Empire, by Bill Willingham
*** (3)
Some promise of the series rising back out of its slump, but the main thing that bugged me about the previous volume - namely Snow's relegation to wife-and-mother-and-nothing-else status is still very much present. This is especially painful since this volume shows her in her competent glory in flashbacks.
(Clarification: I have no problem with a character becoming a wife and mother. I do have a problem with this utterly removing all her other roles within the plot.)
Kushiel's Chosen, by Jacqueline Carey (rr)
**** (4)
With this series, 'not as good as its prequel' is no insult. That's really the only reason it gets a four and not a five.
Komarr, by Lois McMaster Bujold
*** 1/2 (three-and-a-half)
As previously mentioned, this book introduces and features the only love interest of Miles' I've actually liked. This made up for a plot that didn't grab me as much as others in the series.
The Orphan's Tales: In the Night Garden, by Catherynne M. Valente
***** (5)
In a word, sublime.
The Privilege of the Sword, by Ellen Kushner
** 1/2 (two-and-a-half)
Very promising...right up until the last twenty-thirty percent, where the author proceeded to drop just about every ball she had up in the air. The book's real climax also came far, far too early - and oh, the jokes I could make about that. It did, however, make me want to re-read Swordspoint, and that counts for something.
A Civil Campaign, by Lois McMaster Bujold
***** (5)
Now this one had both great characterization and a delightful plot. It also made me laugh out loud in a doctor's office filled with stodgy elderly people. That was...interesting.
The Orphan's Tales: In the City of Coin and Spice, by Catherynne M. Valente
**** 1/2 (four-and-a-half)
Still brilliant, albeit suffering from a distinct lack of pirates.
First Among Sequels, by Jasper Fforde.
**** (4)
Quite entertaining, with just enough insightful and thought-provoking scenes amid the silly.
Kushiel's Dart, by Jacqueline Carey (rr)
***** (5)
Still brilliant on re-read.
Fables: Sons of Empire, by Bill Willingham
*** (3)
Some promise of the series rising back out of its slump, but the main thing that bugged me about the previous volume - namely Snow's relegation to wife-and-mother-and-nothing-else status is still very much present. This is especially painful since this volume shows her in her competent glory in flashbacks.
(Clarification: I have no problem with a character becoming a wife and mother. I do have a problem with this utterly removing all her other roles within the plot.)
Kushiel's Chosen, by Jacqueline Carey (rr)
**** (4)
With this series, 'not as good as its prequel' is no insult. That's really the only reason it gets a four and not a five.
Komarr, by Lois McMaster Bujold
*** 1/2 (three-and-a-half)
As previously mentioned, this book introduces and features the only love interest of Miles' I've actually liked. This made up for a plot that didn't grab me as much as others in the series.
The Orphan's Tales: In the Night Garden, by Catherynne M. Valente
***** (5)
In a word, sublime.
The Privilege of the Sword, by Ellen Kushner
** 1/2 (two-and-a-half)
Very promising...right up until the last twenty-thirty percent, where the author proceeded to drop just about every ball she had up in the air. The book's real climax also came far, far too early - and oh, the jokes I could make about that. It did, however, make me want to re-read Swordspoint, and that counts for something.
A Civil Campaign, by Lois McMaster Bujold
***** (5)
Now this one had both great characterization and a delightful plot. It also made me laugh out loud in a doctor's office filled with stodgy elderly people. That was...interesting.
The Orphan's Tales: In the City of Coin and Spice, by Catherynne M. Valente
**** 1/2 (four-and-a-half)
Still brilliant, albeit suffering from a distinct lack of pirates.
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Date: 2008-01-24 12:12 am (UTC)But agreed: As competent as Rose is, Snow's sudden transformation from Kickass De Facto Mayor to Mrs. Bigby is a little jarring. But you have to admit that the kids are adorable.
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Date: 2008-01-24 12:16 am (UTC)The kids *are* adorable. And not nearly enough of a handful to occupy their mom fulltime.
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Date: 2008-01-24 12:25 am (UTC)You know what? I wouldn't be surprised if that ends up coming up...especially as the kids age.
no subject
Date: 2008-01-24 12:42 am (UTC)I certainly hope so. It would restore a lot of my faith in Willingham's writing.