Frankenstien is a classic Gothic horror novel written by Mary Shelley with an introduction written by Charlotte Gordon with contribution by Charles E.Frankenstien is a classic Gothic horror novel written by Mary Shelley with an introduction written by Charlotte Gordon with contribution by Charles E. Robinson. It is about a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who creates a hideous, sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Frankenstein's Monster, erroneously referred to as Frankenstein is a creature created by Victor Frankenstein his laboratory through an ambiguous method consisting of chemistry and alchemy. He is described as eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly, but sensitive and emotional. The monster attempts to fit into human society but is shunned, which leads him to seek revenge against Victor Frankenstein.
Frankenstein is written rather well. It is an epistolary novel with challenging themes and often uncomfortable motifs – doubling, parenthood, feminism, loneliness, the righteous anger of the outcast, the equally transformative powers of love and hate, the natural world, the limitations of revenge, and the horror of science without conscience.
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text with additional material and an introduction from Charlotte Gordon, proves that the novel was a living thing, and a troublesome one at that - even to its own maker. Mary Shelley published two distinct editions of the book. This edition contains many of the hallmarks of the story as the stage and cinema later understood it. This text has few drastic differences from the more well-known version, but even small changes are thrown into striking relief. It is filled less with the hubris of Victor Frankenstein, but more introspective and about choices and the responsibility of such choices.
All in all, Frankenstein: The 1818 Text is a wonderful story detailing on one of the most popular monsters in the original text as the creator has first written him.
Merged review:
Frankenstien is a classic Gothic horror novel written by Mary Shelley with an introduction written by Charlotte Gordon with contribution by Charles E. Robinson. It is about a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who creates a hideous, sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Frankenstein's Monster, erroneously referred to as Frankenstein is a creature created by Victor Frankenstein his laboratory through an ambiguous method consisting of chemistry and alchemy. He is described as eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly, but sensitive and emotional. The monster attempts to fit into human society but is shunned, which leads him to seek revenge against Victor Frankenstein.
Frankenstein is written rather well. It is an epistolary novel with challenging themes and often uncomfortable motifs – doubling, parenthood, feminism, loneliness, the righteous anger of the outcast, the equally transformative powers of love and hate, the natural world, the limitations of revenge, and the horror of science without conscience.
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text with additional material and an introduction from Charlotte Gordon, proves that the novel was a living thing, and a troublesome one at that - even to its own maker. Mary Shelley published two distinct editions of the book. This edition contains many of the hallmarks of the story as the stage and cinema later understood it. This text has few drastic differences from the more well-known version, but even small changes are thrown into striking relief. It is filled less with the hubris of Victor Frankenstein, but more introspective and about choices and the responsibility of such choices.
All in all, Frankenstein: The 1818 Text is a wonderful story detailing on one of the most popular monsters in the original text as the creator has first written him....more
Only a Shadow is a novella from the Fated Blades series written by Steve Bein, which has venerable shinobi Jujiro recruiting a brave young ninja Tada Only a Shadow is a novella from the Fated Blades series written by Steve Bein, which has venerable shinobi Jujiro recruiting a brave young ninja Tada to steal a particular sword and restore power to the Iga clan. This novella takes place before Daughter of the Sword, but should be read after it.
The story is set in 117th year of the Muromachi era or 1442 and is about Iga Jujiro and his new ninja recruit Tada and their plan to steal the Tiger of the Mountain from their clan's enemies. It is a dual point of view between these two character and they each have their own plans and machinations. It is a heist story, but also one in which both characters strive to do what they feel is right and in the end only one may prevail.
Only a Shadow is written rather well. The novella is a perfect introduction to Bein's writing style and the Fated Blades universe. The story immediately drops the reader into a world wherein ninjas are actively working and feudal clan warfare is raising its ugly head. Bein introduces both main characters and their motivations while simultaneously laying out the background story of one of the famed blades.
All in all, Only a Shadow is a wonderfully written novella about the sword's history and gives a wonderful backstory to the core series. It is also a worthy addition to the Fated Blades universe – enriching it just a tad more.
Merged review:
Only a Shadow is a novella from the Fated Blades series written by Steve Bein, which has venerable shinobi Jujiro recruiting a brave young ninja Tada to steal a particular sword and restore power to the Iga clan. This novella takes place before Daughter of the Sword, but should be read after it.
The story is set in 117th year of the Muromachi era or 1442 and is about Iga Jujiro and his new ninja recruit Tada and their plan to steal the Tiger of the Mountain from their clan's enemies. It is a dual point of view between these two character and they each have their own plans and machinations. It is a heist story, but also one in which both characters strive to do what they feel is right and in the end only one may prevail.
Only a Shadow is written rather well. The novella is a perfect introduction to Bein's writing style and the Fated Blades universe. The story immediately drops the reader into a world wherein ninjas are actively working and feudal clan warfare is raising its ugly head. Bein introduces both main characters and their motivations while simultaneously laying out the background story of one of the famed blades.
All in all, Only a Shadow is a wonderfully written novella about the sword's history and gives a wonderful backstory to the core series. It is also a worthy addition to the Fated Blades universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is a short story from the Parasol Protectorate series written by Gail Carriger, which stars Alessandro "SThe Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is a short story from the Parasol Protectorate series written by Gail Carriger, which stars Alessandro "Sandy" Tarabotti and his valet Floote on a mission in Egypt. This short story takes place about twenty years before Soulless, but it is best read any time after it, because the world is better explained.
Set about twenty years prior to the series, the reader finally gets a glimpse of Alexia's father, Alessandro Tarabotti. Alessandro Tarabotti is the deceased preternatural father of Alexia Tarabotti Maccon and grandfather of Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama. This short story retells his second adventure in Egypt working for the Templars, where he encounters mummies, werewolves, preserved feline cats, and Leticia Loontwill – Alexia's mother.
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is written rather well. The narrative flowed well and Carriger's humor shone through. It was interesting getting to know the characters that one day produce Alexia Tarabotti and how they met during an adventure in Egypt. However, the short story is far too short, to really get to know these new characters and could benefit with addition length.
All in all, The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is a wonderfully written short story about the often talked about, but never seen Alessandro Tarabotti and gives a nice backstory to the father of the main protagonist. It is also a worthy addition to the Parasol Protectorate universe – enriching it just a tad more.
Merged review:
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is a short story from the Parasol Protectorate series written by Gail Carriger, which stars Alessandro "Sandy" Tarabotti and his valet Floote on a mission in Egypt. This short story takes place about twenty years before Soulless, but it is best read any time after it, because the world is better explained.
Set about twenty years prior to the series, the reader finally gets a glimpse of Alexia's father, Alessandro Tarabotti. Alessandro Tarabotti is the deceased preternatural father of Alexia Tarabotti Maccon and grandfather of Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama. This short story retells his second adventure in Egypt working for the Templars, where he encounters mummies, werewolves, preserved feline cats, and Leticia Loontwill – Alexia's mother.
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is written rather well. The narrative flowed well and Carriger's humor shone through. It was interesting getting to know the characters that one day produce Alexia Tarabotti and how they met during an adventure in Egypt. However, the short story is far too short, to really get to know these new characters and could benefit with addition length.
All in all, The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't is a wonderfully written short story about the often talked about, but never seen Alessandro Tarabotti and gives a nice backstory to the father of the main protagonist. It is also a worthy addition to the Parasol Protectorate universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Shadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. WhileShadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. While taking place prior to Ink – the first installment, this should be read after it as complements rather well with it.
This novella introduces both main characters prior to them meeting each other. Katie Greene's mother just died and is devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she has known and move across the world to Japan. Meanwhile, Yuu Tomohiro is living his daily nightmare as he struggles to control his strange abilities and keeps everyone at arm's length.
Shadow is written rather well. Switching from dual first person perspectives, readers get a chance to get into the heads of the protagonist – especially Yuu Tomohiro as it is through him that readers get a chance to connect with the mythology in the series and the dreams – the shadows, that he is having is nothing but a precursor to the core series.
All in all, Shadow is an interesting addition to the Paper Gods series and enhances the wonderful world that Sun has created.
Merged review:
Shadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. While taking place prior to Ink – the first installment, this should be read after it as complements rather well with it.
This novella introduces both main characters prior to them meeting each other. Katie Greene's mother just died and is devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she has known and move across the world to Japan. Meanwhile, Yuu Tomohiro is living his daily nightmare as he struggles to control his strange abilities and keeps everyone at arm's length.
Shadow is written rather well. Switching from dual first person perspectives, readers get a chance to get into the heads of the protagonist – especially Yuu Tomohiro as it is through him that readers get a chance to connect with the mythology in the series and the dreams – the shadows, that he is having is nothing but a precursor to the core series.
All in all, Shadow is an interesting addition to the Paper Gods series and enhances the wonderful world that Sun has created....more
City of Demons is a short story from Georgina Kincaid series written by Richelle Mead, which was first published in the anthology Eternal Lover and laCity of Demons is a short story from Georgina Kincaid series written by Richelle Mead, which was first published in the anthology Eternal Lover and later as an e-book. This short story takes place after Succubus on Top. The story is centered on Georgina Kincaid and Seth Mortensen taking a trip to Los Angeles on a somewhat romantic getaway.
Georgina is asked to attend jury duty, instead of her boss Jerome, in Los Angeles and she is permitted to take Seth Mortensen, her boyfriend, with her. Their excursion to the City of Angels uncovers a lot of the undercurrents in their relationship making them both do stupid things.
City of Demons is written rather well. Mead seems to take caution when writing this piece to make it more or less independent from the core series, giving new readers unfamiliar with her work to follow it without confusion. Furthermore, despite its paranormal background the story deals primarily with the insecurities that plague all relationships at some point. This is done realistically and with great respect to the many woes, troubles and questions that we all have.
All in all, City of Demons is a wonderfully written short story about the joys and pitfalls of being in a relationship when taking a romantic trip together. It is also a worthy addition to Georgina Kincaid universe – enriching it just a tad more.
Merged review:
City of Demons is a short story from Georgina Kincaid series written by Richelle Mead, which was first published in the anthology Eternal Lover and later as an e-book. This short story takes place after Succubus on Top. The story is centered on Georgina Kincaid and Seth Mortensen taking a trip to Los Angeles on a somewhat romantic getaway.
Georgina is asked to attend jury duty, instead of her boss Jerome, in Los Angeles and she is permitted to take Seth Mortensen, her boyfriend, with her. Their excursion to the City of Angels uncovers a lot of the undercurrents in their relationship making them both do stupid things.
City of Demons is written rather well. Mead seems to take caution when writing this piece to make it more or less independent from the core series, giving new readers unfamiliar with her work to follow it without confusion. Furthermore, despite its paranormal background the story deals primarily with the insecurities that plague all relationships at some point. This is done realistically and with great respect to the many woes, troubles and questions that we all have.
All in all, City of Demons is a wonderfully written short story about the joys and pitfalls of being in a relationship when taking a romantic trip together. It is also a worthy addition to Georgina Kincaid universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Homecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, howeveHomecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, however this short story should be read after Witch Eyes – the first book.
The short story is set prior to the first book. Set a year before, Braden Michaels, more than anything, wants to have a friend or two, but being a witch in training and homeschooled makes that yearning difficult to achieve – without a charisma spell, which backfires tremendously.
Homecoming is written moderately well. There wasn't much meat to this story, but it was a quick read and it is short and sweet. The narrative is rather simplistic and straightforward and shows a nice insight to the main protagonist in Braden Michaels. In short, it is a decent introduction to the series and the main protagonist, but not crucial to the series if missed.
All in all, Homecoming is a moderately written short story about the life and times of Braden Michaels a year before his life-changing event that happens in the core series. It is also a good addition to the Witch Eyes universe, albeit it is not necessarily needed to be read.
Merged review:
Homecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, however this short story should be read after Witch Eyes – the first book.
The short story is set prior to the first book. Set a year before, Braden Michaels, more than anything, wants to have a friend or two, but being a witch in training and homeschooled makes that yearning difficult to achieve – without a charisma spell, which backfires tremendously.
Homecoming is written moderately well. There wasn't much meat to this story, but it was a quick read and it is short and sweet. The narrative is rather simplistic and straightforward and shows a nice insight to the main protagonist in Braden Michaels. In short, it is a decent introduction to the series and the main protagonist, but not crucial to the series if missed.
All in all, Homecoming is a moderately written short story about the life and times of Braden Michaels a year before his life-changing event that happens in the core series. It is also a good addition to the Witch Eyes universe, albeit it is not necessarily needed to be read....more
The Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) writtThe Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) written by Cassandra Clare and later bound up in The Bane Chronicles. This short story is co-written by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Magnus Bane is back in London for a short business trip in 1903. While staying at a club to pass the time, Magnus sees James Herondale, the son and spitting image of his father Will Herondale, of The Infernal Device fame. When Magnus witnesses James Herondale vanishes in front of his eyes, he notes that James must have inherited powers from his mother, Tessa Grey, an unmarked warlock as his golden eyes are a token of his infernal blood. Magnus wonders whether the Clave cares for a shadowhunter who can perform magic, as well as attacking mundanes which he should be protecting.
After chasing James around London for the last few hours Magnus delivers him home and is reunited with Tessa and Will, whom he last saw a quarter a century ago. Tessa seemed ageless and has grown in her magic abilities and Will who has aged significantly since the last time he saw him. Yet, Will is still as handsome as ever, with tousled black hair and bright blue eyes. He is broader, with laugh lines, which Magnus thinks makes him more handsome, as he looks happy.
The Midnight Heir is written rather well. It gives more history to Magnus Bane this time in Edwardian London. It introduces James Herondale, the son of William Herondale and Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices fame. Apparently, Magnus Bane witness James Herondale inheriting his mother's powers, which is manifested in his golden eyes. It is interesting how the golden eyes are viewed differently as it was admired in Jace Herondale and disdained for James Herondale as he felt damned.
All in all, The Midnight Heir is well written short story about James Herondale and how he copes with having demonic powers, which he inherited from his mother through the perspective of Magnus Bane. It is also a wonderful addition to The Shadowhunter Chronicles universe, enriching the series a tad bit more.
Merged review:
The Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) written by Cassandra Clare and later bound up in The Bane Chronicles. This short story is co-written by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Magnus Bane is back in London for a short business trip in 1903. While staying at a club to pass the time, Magnus sees James Herondale, the son and spitting image of his father Will Herondale, of The Infernal Device fame. When Magnus witnesses James Herondale vanishes in front of his eyes, he notes that James must have inherited powers from his mother, Tessa Grey, an unmarked warlock as his golden eyes are a token of his infernal blood. Magnus wonders whether the Clave cares for a shadowhunter who can perform magic, as well as attacking mundanes which he should be protecting.
After chasing James around London for the last few hours Magnus delivers him home and is reunited with Tessa and Will, whom he last saw a quarter a century ago. Tessa seemed ageless and has grown in her magic abilities and Will who has aged significantly since the last time he saw him. Yet, Will is still as handsome as ever, with tousled black hair and bright blue eyes. He is broader, with laugh lines, which Magnus thinks makes him more handsome, as he looks happy.
The Midnight Heir is written rather well. It gives more history to Magnus Bane this time in Edwardian London. It introduces James Herondale, the son of William Herondale and Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices fame. Apparently, Magnus Bane witness James Herondale inheriting his mother's powers, which is manifested in his golden eyes. It is interesting how the golden eyes are viewed differently as it was admired in Jace Herondale and disdained for James Herondale as he felt damned.
All in all, The Midnight Heir is well written short story about James Herondale and how he copes with having demonic powers, which he inherited from his mother through the perspective of Magnus Bane. It is also a wonderful addition to The Shadowhunter Chronicles universe, enriching the series a tad bit more....more
Origin is the fifth book in the Robert Langdon series written by Dan Brown and centered on Robert Langdon, a professor of art history and symbology atOrigin is the fifth book in the Robert Langdon series written by Dan Brown and centered on Robert Langdon, a professor of art history and symbology at Harvard.
Robert Langdon visits the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, to hear a lecture by Edmond Kirsch, a former student of his who's now a billionaire computer scientist, futurist, inventor, and entrepreneur. Kirsch promises in the buildup to his lecture to answer to the fundamental questions that would shatter the world's religions.
When evil doers thwart Kirsch's efforts to disseminate this great news, Langdon goes on the run, accompanied by Ambra Vidal, the stunningly beautiful director of the Guggenheim Museum, on a mission to find those responsible and to share Kirsch's discovery with the world.
Origin is written rather well. Brown sets an explosive pace as Langdon and Vidal race through Spain, Dubai, and Budapest to figure out the revelation that Edmond Kirsch has found that would end the age of religion and usher in the age of science, but was assassinated before it could be revealed. They have to outwit another secret society, or rather, a schismatic set of the Catholic Church – The Palmarian. While written rather well, the conclusion or apex of the story was much to be desired.
All in all, Origin is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to an equally wonderful series. It is yet unknown (at the date of this review) if there would be further adventures with Robert Langdon, but I will not be adverse if there were more....more
The Battle of the Labyrinth is the fourth and penultimate book in Percy Jackson and the Olympians series written by Rick Riordan. It follows the advenThe Battle of the Labyrinth is the fourth and penultimate book in Percy Jackson and the Olympians series written by Rick Riordan. It follows the adventures of modern-day fifteen-year-old demigod Percy Jackson and his friends Annabeth Chase, Grover Underwood, Rachel Dare, and Tyson attempt to stop Luke Castellan and his army from invading Camp Half-Blood through Daedalus' labyrinth by trying to prevent the Ariadne's string from falling into his hands.
Percy Jackson's fourth summer at Camp Half-Blood has his friends, Annabeth Chase and the satyr Grover Underwood furiously working to prevent former camp counselor Luke Castellan from resurrecting Kronos, whose goal is to overthrow the gods.
When the heroes learn that Luke can breach Camp Half-Blood's security through an exit from Daedalus' Labyrinth, they enter the maze in search of the inventor and a way to stop the invasion. Along the way, they encounter a lifetime supply of nightmare-inducing, richly imagined monsters.
The Battle of the Labyrinth is written extremely well, it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Riordan improves in his writing with his strengths is the wry interplay between the real and the surreal. The wit, rousing swordplay and breakneck pace is rather addicting and hard to put down.
All in all, The Battle of the Labyrinth is written extremely well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Harley Quinn: Villain of the Year is a one-shot tie-in to the Year of the Villain event written by Mark Russell and penciled by Mike Norton. It was fiHarley Quinn: Villain of the Year is a one-shot tie-in to the Year of the Villain event written by Mark Russell and penciled by Mike Norton. It was first published on 11 December 2019 with a cover date of February 2020.
Harley Quinn is slated to host the Doomies – the Annual Villain Awards. However, someone is threatening to destroy the event for being forgotten and ignored. Instead of cancelling the event, Apex Lex Luthor wants Harley Quinn to host the awards event, while trying to figure out who is threatening to kill everyone at the event.
Mark Russell penned the entire one-shot. For the most part it was written rather well – surprisingly. To be frank, there's not a lot of substance to the story plot wise. There is some plot, but it takes a backseat to the book's main goal: sharing the results of DC's Villain of the Year polling and it does that in a splendidly wrapped package that's highly entertaining, and Harley Quinn was perhaps the perfect host for the awards ceremony.
Mike Norton penciled this one-shot, which is rather surprising for a Harley Quinn one-shot/special as there tends to be multiple pencilers. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. Norton did an outstanding job recreating an awards ceremony, this issue is jammed packed with villains from the well-known to the really obscure – all dressed in formal ware. Furthermore, the many dress changes for Harley Quinn, the host, is reminiscent of many hosts of such ceremonies.
All in all, Harley Quinn: Villain of the Year is a simple, but fun story about what an annual awards ceremony for villains might look like.
Merged review:
Harley Quinn: Villain of the Year is a one-shot tie-in to the Year of the Villain event written by Mark Russell and penciled by Mike Norton. It was first published on 11 December 2019 with a cover date of February 2020.
Harley Quinn is slated to host the Doomies – the Annual Villain Awards. However, someone is threatening to destroy the event for being forgotten and ignored. Instead of cancelling the event, Apex Lex Luthor wants Harley Quinn to host the awards event, while trying to figure out who is threatening to kill everyone at the event.
Mark Russell penned the entire one-shot. For the most part it was written rather well – surprisingly. To be frank, there's not a lot of substance to the story plot wise. There is some plot, but it takes a backseat to the book's main goal: sharing the results of DC's Villain of the Year polling and it does that in a splendidly wrapped package that's highly entertaining, and Harley Quinn was perhaps the perfect host for the awards ceremony.
Mike Norton penciled this one-shot, which is rather surprising for a Harley Quinn one-shot/special as there tends to be multiple pencilers. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. Norton did an outstanding job recreating an awards ceremony, this issue is jammed packed with villains from the well-known to the really obscure – all dressed in formal ware. Furthermore, the many dress changes for Harley Quinn, the host, is reminiscent of many hosts of such ceremonies.
All in all, Harley Quinn: Villain of the Year is a simple, but fun story about what an annual awards ceremony for villains might look like....more
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first book in the Millennium series written by Stieg Larsson and centered on Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, puThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first book in the Millennium series written by Stieg Larsson and centered on Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, publisher, and part owner of the monthly political magazine Millennium and Lisbeth Salander, a freelance surveillance agent and researcher specializing in investigating people on behalf of Milton Security.
Mikael Blomkvist is a publisher of the Swedish political magazine Millennium, loses a libel case involving allegations about billionaire industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström. Mikael Blomkvist is sentenced to three months in prison, which was deferred, and ordered to pay hefty damages and costs. Soon afterwards, he is invited to meet Henrik Vanger, the retired CEO of the Vanger Corporation, unaware that Henrik Vanger has checked into his personal and professional history. Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but deeply troubled researcher and computer hacker, has carried out the investigation of Mikael Blomkvist's circumstances.
Henrik Vanger promises to provide Mikael Blomkvist with evidence against Hans-Erik Wennerström in return for discovering what happened to his grandniece, Harriet Vagner, who disappeared in 1966. Henrik Vanger believes a member of the family murdered her. Harriet Vanger disappeared during a family gathering at the Vanger estate on Hedeby Island, when the island was temporarily cut off from the mainland by a traffic accident on the bridge.
Mikael Blomkvist moves to the island and begins to research the Vanger family history and the disappearance of Harriet Vagner. As he does, he meets most of the remaining Vanger clan, including Martin Vanger, current CEO of the Vanger Corporation, Isabella Vanger, mother of Martin and Harriet Vanger, and Cecilia Vanger, a headmistress who was Harriet Vanger's younger aunt and friend, though Cecilia's sister Anita Vanger was closer both in age and friendship to the missing girl.
Despite all expectation to the contrary, Mikael Blomkvist identifies new evidence into the disappearance of Harriet Vagner. One clue is a pair of photographs, detailing her sudden discomfort at the sight of a young man in a prep school blazer. Another lies in her journal, which contains a set of five names and five-digit numbers believed to be old telephone numbers.
However, Pernilla Abrahamsson, his daughter, identifies them as passages from the Book of Leviticus. They describe rules about the treatment and punishment of women, and Mikael Blomkvist correlates one of them with the grotesque murder of a Vanger Corporation secretary in 1949. Mikael Blomkvist realizes that he may be on the trail of a serial killer, and the scope of the resulting research makes him request a research assistant – Lisbeth Salander.
Lisbeth Salander is a computer hacker with a photographic memory and the titular girl. She was ruled legally incompetent as a child and is under the care of a legal guardian, Holger Palmgren. When he had a stroke, Nils Bjurman, who uses his position to extort sexual favors from her and eventually rapes her, replaces Holger Palmgren. After using a hidden camera to record her assault, Lisbeth Salander takes her revenge, torturing Holger Bjurman and threatening to ruin him unless he gives her full control of her life and finances. Lisbeth Salander then uses a tattoo machine to brand him as a rapist.
When Mikael Blomkvist sees the report she prepared for Henrik Vanger, he realises that Lisbeth Salander has hacked into his computer. He confronts her and asks her to help him with the investigation, to which she agrees. The two eventually become lovers, but Lisbeth Salander continues to keep him at an emotional distance. Together, they continue their investigation and their suspicions are heightened when a local cat is left dismembered on Mikael Blomkvist's porch, and when he is fired upon from a distance during an afternoon jog.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is written rather well. It is a wonderful psychological thriller novel set in Sweden. It started and ended rather slow, but the middle of the book was quite invigorating. The novel perks up as their investigation gains speed, through it was quite difficult determining who's who in the Vanger family tree as there are various cousins, nephews, half-siblings, and the like that seem to populate the family.
The last third (thematically) of the narrative seemed to slow down and to really concluded the narrative that started at the beginning with Mikael Blomkvist's dealings with Hans-Erik Wennerström, while not as interesting as the Vanger case, it made a rather nice conclusion, despite it being a tad more boring. I am not sure, if it is the writing or the translation to blame, but this last part was a tad of struggle to finish. Finally, the characters seemed to be subdued or shallow, again not sure if it was the writing or translation or if it is the Swedish culture, but the characterization should be more in depth.
All in all, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is written extremely well and is a strong start to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Merged review:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first book in the Millennium series written by Stieg Larsson and centered on Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, publisher, and part owner of the monthly political magazine Millennium and Lisbeth Salander, a freelance surveillance agent and researcher specializing in investigating people on behalf of Milton Security.
Mikael Blomkvist is a publisher of the Swedish political magazine Millennium, loses a libel case involving allegations about billionaire industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström. Mikael Blomkvist is sentenced to three months in prison, which was deferred, and ordered to pay hefty damages and costs. Soon afterwards, he is invited to meet Henrik Vanger, the retired CEO of the Vanger Corporation, unaware that Henrik Vanger has checked into his personal and professional history. Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but deeply troubled researcher and computer hacker, has carried out the investigation of Mikael Blomkvist's circumstances.
Henrik Vanger promises to provide Mikael Blomkvist with evidence against Hans-Erik Wennerström in return for discovering what happened to his grandniece, Harriet Vagner, who disappeared in 1966. Henrik Vanger believes a member of the family murdered her. Harriet Vanger disappeared during a family gathering at the Vanger estate on Hedeby Island, when the island was temporarily cut off from the mainland by a traffic accident on the bridge.
Mikael Blomkvist moves to the island and begins to research the Vanger family history and the disappearance of Harriet Vagner. As he does, he meets most of the remaining Vanger clan, including Martin Vanger, current CEO of the Vanger Corporation, Isabella Vanger, mother of Martin and Harriet Vanger, and Cecilia Vanger, a headmistress who was Harriet Vanger's younger aunt and friend, though Cecilia's sister Anita Vanger was closer both in age and friendship to the missing girl.
Despite all expectation to the contrary, Mikael Blomkvist identifies new evidence into the disappearance of Harriet Vagner. One clue is a pair of photographs, detailing her sudden discomfort at the sight of a young man in a prep school blazer. Another lies in her journal, which contains a set of five names and five-digit numbers believed to be old telephone numbers.
However, Pernilla Abrahamsson, his daughter, identifies them as passages from the Book of Leviticus. They describe rules about the treatment and punishment of women, and Mikael Blomkvist correlates one of them with the grotesque murder of a Vanger Corporation secretary in 1949. Mikael Blomkvist realizes that he may be on the trail of a serial killer, and the scope of the resulting research makes him request a research assistant – Lisbeth Salander.
Lisbeth Salander is a computer hacker with a photographic memory and the titular girl. She was ruled legally incompetent as a child and is under the care of a legal guardian, Holger Palmgren. When he had a stroke, Nils Bjurman, who uses his position to extort sexual favors from her and eventually rapes her, replaces Holger Palmgren. After using a hidden camera to record her assault, Lisbeth Salander takes her revenge, torturing Holger Bjurman and threatening to ruin him unless he gives her full control of her life and finances. Lisbeth Salander then uses a tattoo machine to brand him as a rapist.
When Mikael Blomkvist sees the report she prepared for Henrik Vanger, he realises that Lisbeth Salander has hacked into his computer. He confronts her and asks her to help him with the investigation, to which she agrees. The two eventually become lovers, but Lisbeth Salander continues to keep him at an emotional distance. Together, they continue their investigation and their suspicions are heightened when a local cat is left dismembered on Mikael Blomkvist's porch, and when he is fired upon from a distance during an afternoon jog.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is written rather well. It is a wonderful psychological thriller novel set in Sweden. It started and ended rather slow, but the middle of the book was quite invigorating. The novel perks up as their investigation gains speed, through it was quite difficult determining who's who in the Vanger family tree as there are various cousins, nephews, half-siblings, and the like that seem to populate the family.
The last third (thematically) of the narrative seemed to slow down and to really concluded the narrative that started at the beginning with Mikael Blomkvist's dealings with Hans-Erik Wennerström, while not as interesting as the Vanger case, it made a rather nice conclusion, despite it being a tad more boring. I am not sure, if it is the writing or the translation to blame, but this last part was a tad of struggle to finish. Finally, the characters seemed to be subdued or shallow, again not sure if it was the writing or translation or if it is the Swedish culture, but the characterization should be more in depth.
All in all, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is written extremely well and is a strong start to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
One Piece, Vol. 73 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (722–731) of the on-going manga series.
This tankōOne Piece, Vol. 73 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (722–731) of the on-going manga series.
This tankōbon continues the Dressrosa Arc. The final block of the Corrida Colosseum begins after Cavendish stopped the crowd from jeering Rebecca, which she manages to defeat her opponents by tripping them out of the ring. The defeated fighters of the previous block are dumped on in a pit full of toys with the others. Later on, Luffy and Bartolomeo meet someone who has been long believed to be dead.
Meanwhile, Zoro and Kin'emon try to find a way to enter the Colosseum to save Luffy, while Violet helps Sanji return to the Thousand Sunny to reunite with Nami and the rest of the crew. Sanji begins a fight with Doflamingo, but was defeated immediately. Before delivering the killing blow, Trafalgar Law came to deflect Doflamingo's attack and returned both Sanji and Caesar back to the ship, telling everyone to go to Zou as soon as possible.
Ricky reveals himself to be Riku Doldo III, the former king of Dressrosa. While Thunder Soldier tells the Straw Hats how the former King Riku lost his throne and the respect of his people – ten years ago.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Eiichirō Oda. For the most part it is written and constructed rather well. It continues the Dressrosa Arc, which is divided into three main stories – the Battle Royale that Monkey D. Luffy enters. The second story deals with the Straw Hats and their continuing mission to destroy the SMILE Factory. Lastly, there is a flashback history about Dressrosa and how the king of the island lost the respect of his people.
All in all, One Piece, Vol. 73 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more....more
Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler is a children's picture book written by Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by Aimée SicDancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler is a children's picture book written by Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. It centers on abstract expressionist painter Helen Frankenthaler, who carries a deep fascination with color and light from childhood to adulthood.
Helen Frankenthaler was an American abstract expressionist painter. She was a major contributor to the history of postwar American painting. Having exhibited her work for over six decades, she spanned several generations of abstract painters while continuing to produce vital and ever-changing new work.
Brown's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narration frames her artistic motivations as primarily emotional, undermining her deliberate aesthetic decisions. Moreover, though the textual descriptions of Frankenthaler's process are gorgeous. Backmatter includes a timeline, activities, author's notes, quotes and sources, primary and secondary bibliography. With sweeping strokes, Sicuro conveys the young artist’s joy in the act of creation, her images of seaside landscapes spilling off the canvasses, and waves trailing from the beach she’s painting into her bedroom.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a child, Helen Frankenthaler, an Abstract Expressionist who created the Color Field painting movement, shirked rules in favor of free expression. Frankenthaler attends art school, where she adheres to rigid expectations, but the work of Jackson Pollock reawakens her, liberating her to paint emotively.
All in all, Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler is an enthusiastic starter biography of an American artist....more
Green Lantern: Earth One, Volume 1 is a graphic novel co-penned by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko and penciled by Gabriel Hardman. It is a moderniGreen Lantern: Earth One, Volume 1 is a graphic novel co-penned by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko and penciled by Gabriel Hardman. It is a modernized re-imagining of Hal Jordan's origin story and how he became a Green Lantern.
Ex-astronaut turned mining worker Hal Jordan discovers an alien spaceship buried within an asteroid – inside, he discover a deactivated robot, a dead alien body, a power battery the shape of a Lantern, and a ring. The support gives way, causing them to escape with the battery and ring. Back in their ship, Hal reports their findings to the rest of the crew and is accidently jettison into space with the ring, which wakes up the robot – the Manhunter, which attacks him, which blasted him further into space.
Hal wakes up on an alien planet named Bolovax Vik, and meets with resistant Kilowog. Kilowog explains the use of both the ring and the power battery, and reveals they belong to the Green Lantern Corps. He tells the history of the Corps, that they were a peace keeping space force until they were all hunted and mostly destroyed by the same robots Hal fought, known as the Manhunters. It is later revealed that the Guardians of the Galaxy created the Manhunters to kill off the Corps.
Green Lantern: Earth One, Volume 1 is written and constructed rather well. Hardman/Bechko takes an interesting twist to Hal Jordan as an astronaut rather than a test pilot and not even a glamorous astronaut, but a blue collar space miner. Even though Hardman do include most of the familiar elements fans associate with Hal's origin story, they're often subverted in unexpected ways. The result is a Green Lantern comic that's more steeped in science fiction than the superhero genre.
Hardman's penciling is done rather well. Hardman depicts an older Hal Jordan, who isn't the sleek, muscular hero wearing a skin-tight costume. Many of the franchises more colorful trappings have been toned down. Hardman's art brings a harsher edge and a more moody sensibility to the page. The alien characters actually look alien in many cases, not simply humans with funny-looking heads, the only exception is the Manhunters, which is rather cartoonish.
All in all, Green Lantern: Earth One, Volume 1 is a good graphic novel of a modernization of the Green Lantern mythos....more
The Bravest Woman in America is a children's picture book written by Marissa Moss and illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. It centers on a girl who loves the The Bravest Woman in America is a children's picture book written by Marissa Moss and illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. It centers on a girl who loves the sea becomes keeper and protector of those on the water.
Idawalley Zoradia "Ida" Lewis was an American lighthouse keeper noted for her heroism in rescuing people from the seas.
Moss' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Moss' short, stirring biography of 19th-century lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis centers on her first rescue, off the coast of Rhode Island. Backmatter includes an author's note reveals how Lewis went on to rescue others, receiving the Congressional Life Saving Medal and additional awards. U'Ren's bold, mixed-media illustrations capture the power and many moods of the sea, from calm ultramarine to the foam-topped dark slate and deep green of stormy waters.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Lewis took over keeping duties at Lime Rock from her ailing father when she was a teenager, who has spent her life near the ocean. After Lewis sees a boat with four boys capsize, a descriptive, dramatic narrative relates how she speeds into action, rowing to the scene and hauling each one into her craft.
All in all, The Bravest Woman in America is a good starter biography of what America at that time, called her the Bravest Woman in America....more
Once There Were Wolves is a contemporary mystery thriller written by Charlotte McConaghy. It centers on a woman's mission to re-wild the forests of ScOnce There Were Wolves is a contemporary mystery thriller written by Charlotte McConaghy. It centers on a woman's mission to re-wild the forests of Scotland with wolves, which yields far-reaching personal consequences.
The narrative circles the lives of twin sisters Inti and Aggie Flynn as Aggie trails Inti, who's a biologist, from Australia to Canada and, eventually, Scotland. Inti and her colleagues hope that reintroducing wolves to the ecosystem will promote reforestation after the lumber industry has robbed the Scottish Highlands of timber, having seen success with similar projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Once There Were Wolves is written rather well. It deals with a woman determined to preserve a valence of wildlife while struggling with the violence and isolation of such a task, and some of the same tensions prevail here, as it becomes increasingly clear that the menacing wildness of wolves often pales in comparison to the cruelties of which humans are capable. McConaghy cleverly withholds the details of a trauma that has left Aggie without speech while Inti's anger at the plight of the wolves and the local people's resistance to their re-wilding carries the narrative at a breakneck pace.
All in all, Once There Were Wolves is a lovely, gripping tale about a world that could be reality....more