Blaze

By Stephen King

Blaze is a novel centered around a mentally retarded criminal, on his own since the demise of his partner. The book is concentrated on the formation and carrying out of a kidnapping scheme in an effort to score big.

Once again, King does a great job at character development and making the story interesting because of this development. We feel for Blaze as a troubled youth who is slow because of abuse by his father. We learn of his tough life, and how he met George and began his life of crime. There are obvious parallels to the Steinbeck novel, Of Mice and Men. Blaze is a large, dim-witted soul, and similar to Lenny is lost without George. George, even in death, plays a big role in this book by guiding Blaze. Blaze follows Georges plan for wealth by kidnapping the young baby of a wealthy family.

While the main story carries on, we are given a great deal of information on Blaze’s history. This is typical King-style, and connects us further to the character. The story itself is interesting, and the history provided further endears us to Blaze. We are held in suspense as Blaze attempts the kidnapping, and his trouble with the law. With the help of George, he stays one step ahead of the law.

Overall I would recommend this book, especially for the King fans such as myself. It is not a novel that will blow you away, or leaving you at the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen. Despite this, it is an interesting and well written read.

Rating: 3.5/5 Bunsen Burners.

Up Next: Midnight by Dean Koontz (This is your last chance Dean).

Mr. X

By Peter Straub

First off, I apologize if this review is not as detailed as I would typically write. Having just finished a move, it has been a while since I have read the book. Having immensely enjoyed the collaborative books by Stephen King and Peter Straub, I thought that this book would be a comparable read to what I am used to. Boy was I wrong.

The book revolves around the main character Ned Dunstan and his family. We learn that he was born to a free spirited mother who wasn’t around much, and an unknown father. Because of this he often stayed with foster parents or his aunts. I don’t really remember much detail about this part of the book, and one reason for this is because it was so unimportant. It was not essential to the story and did not help to develop the character or provide insight to the story. The family and friends of the family are so hard to keep track of, I often didn’t know who was talking or being talked about. We also learn that he has supernatural seizures occurring on his birthday about the mysterious Mr. X. The book is further convoluted due to the constant switching between the main story from Ned’s perspective, and Mr. X.

Also, thrown into the story are a few supernatural aspects. The main character has a secret twin brother, who has certain powers (not being easily seen, time travel). The Dunstans have special powers, that are mentioned frequently but not described. (In fact, when these powers are finally explained it leaves you wondering how this even belongs in this book). The book continues slowly revealing the big “mysteries” that the author has created, which are also of little consequence. We follow the trite storyline involving several love interests. One which develops further, but is also incredibly unimportant and uninteresting. Yes, there is a connection…but really who cares. It’s awful.

Most frustrating about this book, aside from the cheesy clichés and the convoluted story, was the ending. We get a conclusion to the “story” and the book basically peters out. It was incredibly unsatisfying and I was pissed by the end of this book.

I am not ready to dismiss Peter Straub, but I can’t help but be unimpressed with him thus far. It made me wonder how much of Black House and The Talisman was actually written by Peter Straub. I hated this book, and would not recommend that you read it. Hopefully I will find a different book by this author and he will be redeemed.

Rating: 1 out of 5 Bunsen Burners

Up Next: Blaze by Stephen King

Barefoot

by Elin Hilderbrand

I had never read a book by this author before- in fact I had never heard of her or her writings. Honestly I picked this book this summer because it went with the season and was $7. I am so glad I did.

This touching book takes place in beautiful Nantucket. The author describes wonderful scenery and beaches that make you yearn for a vacation. The story follows three women: Vicki, a wife and mother, has just recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Remembering her idyllic summers in Nantucket as a child, she returns there with her two friends to receive her chemotherapy and relax in between treatments. Brenda, Vicki's sister, has just been fired from her teaching position for having a romantic relationship with a student. She is struggling to pick up the pieces from the romance that left her wanting to write a screenplay and dealing with legal issues. Last but not least there is Melanie. Melanie recently found out, after spending years and tons of money spent on trying to get pregnant, that she is. She also finds out that her husband is cheating on her.

These women are all trying to pick up pieces of their once stable lives. Each has their own problems, while trying to help each other, and enjoy a summer vacation in one house. To help Vicki with her kids, especially when she becomes to weak to watch them, the women hire a young 21 year old man named Josh. Josh becomes the last piece in the puzzle to try and help these women regain control of their families and their lives.

When I first started reading this book, I was confused with the characterization and introductions. It seemed very abrupt and almost too much at once. I was certain I wouldn't like this book from the first 20 pages. Hilderbrand keeps the readers interested and develops her characters throughout the book so you end up caring for each of them individually. Anyone who reads this book or is thinking about reading this book should keep in mind that it has very emotional topics. If you are a sensitive person, please be forewarned. I would recommend this book for someone looking for a superb and heartwarming "beach read". Enjoy!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Up Next: Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Gerald's Game

by Stephen King

Gerald’s Game is the story of a sexual fantasy gone wrong. After an unexpected incident with her husband, Jessie remains handcuffed to the bedpost. In typical fashion, Stephen King makes something happen in a story where nothing happens. We enter into the mind of Jessie as she deals with her fate, at the same time trying to escape it. We experience thirst, fear, and reflection with Jessie through the author’s spectacular writing.

This book is a very interesting read, and I found myself running the gamut of emotions along with Jessie. I was thirsty, terrified, and in cringe-worthy agony. What I didn’t expect was what we learn from Jessie’s periods of introspection. These parts of the book were also very well written, and were practically a story in itself. What I mean by this is that many elements of this book could have stood alone as separate stories. It is almost as if a short story could be written about A, B, and C. This is not meant to imply that the story did not fit well together, rather that each facet of the story was sufficiently developed that it could have been a story unto itself.

At the same time, my one critique would have to be with the ending. I’m always afraid that with these reviews I’m going to reveal too much about the book. In addition, I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading it by saying I am unhappy with the ending. Regardless, the ending was very weak. In fact, it was the only part of the book that seemed disjointed and disconnected from the actual story. It was unnecessary, and didn’t really tie things up. There are some issues that are not resolved, but I can’t say that I really noticed initially.

Overall this book was very well written, and the action keeps going throughout. (I have to laugh when I say action since the book is about a woman chained to a bed). Aside from some disturbing material, I would definitely recommend this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Bunsen Burners

Up Next: Mr. X by Peter Straub

Men of the Otherworld

by Kelley Armstrong

While Armstrong's series "Women of the Otherworld" is quite popular, this book is not part of this series, but rather a supplement to help readers know more about the characters. While the "Women of the Otherworld" series is dominated by female protagonists (as the review before this points out), this book helps readers understand and learn about the men in her series. Primarily focused on the men in the "Pack" (i.e. the werewolves). Finally a book that not only answers age old questions like, "How did Clay become a werewolf and become in Jeremy's care? Why does Jeremy have such a different demeanor?", but a book that is also from the men's point of views!

This story is compiled of four short stories. Armstrong apparently had these written as an e-series and eventually made into a book with more detail. The four stories are: Infusion, Savage, Ascension, and Kitsunegari. Infusion is the first story and answers some questions about Jeremy's family and past. Told from the point of view of his father Malcolm, this sets the mood and helps to understand Jeremy's character even more. Savage and Ascension are all from the point of view of Clay Danvers. We follow Clay from when he was bitten as a child to his life in his later years. It covers his first meeting with Jeremy, introduction into the Pack, his adventures, and friendships/enemies. This book is rich with detail that only help you love him even more as a character. Kitsunegari is told from the perspective of Jeremy and reveals what his mother was before she met her sad end.

Kelley Armstrong is a very strong writer and I so enjoy reading her books. Although I wouldn't have chosen this series or these topics on my own, I am so glad I was introduced to them. Her descriptions are fantastic and don't keep you wondering. Armstrong has a way that make such complex topics very easy to follow. I finish her books way too quickly!! I find myself upset when I have to put her books down and think about them until I can pick it back up wondering what will happen next. Armstrong's strength and interest is clearly writing about the werewolves. These books are so much stronger then the others.

My one complaint about this book is the final story Kitsunegari. Once I was introduced to Clay as the narrator and protagonist I didn't want it to stop. Kitsunegari seemed to break the flow of the book by changing it to Jeremy's point of view. It also was a less interesting topic even though it covered some needed information about Jeremy's character. While it answered these questions I would have much rather had it presented in a different way or brought up in one of the other books. It seemed a very awkward way to finish the book.

Overall this book was very interesting and I loved it! Kelley Armstrong hasn't let me down yet!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Up Next: Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Spell Bound

by Kelley Armstrong

Continuing where we left off at the end of Waking the Witch, Spell Bound is the 12th book in Kelley Armstrong's 'Women of the Otherworld' series which follows several female protagonists (Elena, Paige, Eve, Jaime, Savannah, and Hope) as they face the perils of being supernaturals (a werewolf, a witch, a half-demon/witch now deceased, a necromancer, a witch/sorcerer, and a half-demon respectively).

Savannah has just completed her first assignment on her own and has been left powerless. Literally. Then she discovers there are several people on her tail and she has no way to defend herself. As the book progresses, we find out there is more to what's going on than meets the eye. A war is on the way and everyone Savannah knows is in danger.

Kelley Armstrong's writing style is extremely appealing and easy to follow. Her world is so descriptive that the reader has no trouble visualizing what's going on. The language she uses feels completely natural to each character and to the reader as well. Many of the exchanges between the characters caused me to laugh out loud (particularly the dialogues between Savannah and Cassandra, the aging vampire).

Armstrong's female characters are strong and powerful even without their supernatural prowess. Despite their strengths, each of them is fallible and 'human.' They are easy to relate to and act like any other person you might meet. The characters and the world they reside in are believable despite the fantasy setting.

If I had to voice a complaint about this book, it would be that it ended too quickly. ;) Firstly, I had difficulty putting it down and finished it in less than a week (I was pacing myself too!). Secondly, the entire course of events does not end at the completion of the book. Several questions are not answered and some things are left unresolved. This book is the first in the series that really doesn't end when you reach the final pages. There is more to come and I cannot wait to read it. And that is probably the only other disappointing portion of this book; that the next one won't be out for some time!

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Wheeks!

Up next. . .I have no idea. I'm sort of out of reading material right now.

The Gunslinger

By Stephen King

The first book of Stephen King’s magnum opus focuses on Roland Deschain, as he tracks down the infamous “Man in Black.” This books serves as our first introduction to Roland and his World. We learn how Roland became a gunslinger, what he is pursuing (the Dark Tower), and the author starts introducing the important themes of the series.

The book begins with Roland pursuing the “Man in Black” across a vast desert. It is yet another example of one of the author’s favorite themes: walking. As he tracks the villain, he meets a few people in the desert. Through flashback, we also get to hear a little about Roland’s past and some of the supernatural encounters in the previous town of Tull. There is also a great deal of foreshadowing in this book, preparing the reader for what is going to happen in the remaining six books as he continues to pursue the “Dark Tower”.

Overall, I liked this book a great deal. It is full of action, and does a great job of building the story and making you want more. As always, Stephen King does a great job at developing his characters while leaving out enough information to keep you wondering.

This book is a terrific read, not only because the series is great, but also because it opens the door for further understanding of his other novels. (The Dark Tower, and the Crimson King are overarching themes of many of his books). I would definitely recommend this book for someone looking for a science fiction novel with a great deal of action.

Rating: 4.5/5 Bunsen Burners

Up Next: Gerald’s Game by Stephen King

A Bend in the Road

by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks is an author my mom introduced me to in high school. Being an impressionable romantic I absolutely loved his books. I was captivated by The Notebook, closely followed by A Walk to Remember. I absolutely adored them both and they were such page turners. As I opened up this book I was hoping it would turn out the same.

A Bend in the Road has the typical Nicholas Sparks formula: love and tragedy. It follows the story of Miles Ryan, a deputy sheriff, who lost his wife Missy to a car accident. Miles falls in love with his son’s teacher, Sarah Andrews, his first possible love interest since the accident. Sarah is recovering from a terrible divorce. Miles constant obsession with finding the driver that killed his wife, threatens to dissolve this romance, as does a looming secret.

This book, similar to a winding road, has many twists and turns. The constants are the characters-you will enjoy them and root for Sarah and Mile’s love. Sparks tends to always make the subject of family a part of his writing. Whether it is a close family or a family that does not get along, he makes it an interesting part of his books. This book is no different.   I found Jonah, the son, endearing and really relished the moments when Miles and Jonah were the subject of certain chapters. Nicholas Sparks does a commendable job in making readers care for his characters.

While this book had many decent attributes, it had a few things I did not like as well. This book is very much a “beach read”. I consider a “beach read” to be anything that doesn’t involve a ton of thinking and is a book that will pass the time easily and with a smile on my face.  Keeping this in mind, pick this book to be exactly that. Don’t anticipate a book that keeps you guessing or keeps you trying to remember facts from college. This book is a bit predictable and I often found myself rushing through passages because I knew what would happen. There were a few unpredictable moments but not many.

I would recommend this book as a fast read. Something not to spend too much money on and something to help you distract yourself from a 3 hour plane ride or road trip.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Coming Soon: Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong