A world crafted from monsters and mythology in glorious art deco detail. With complex characters, interesting conflicts, and gorgeous art, this is a cA world crafted from monsters and mythology in glorious art deco detail. With complex characters, interesting conflicts, and gorgeous art, this is a comic for any reader able to deal with a certain amount of violence.
Merged review:
A world crafted from monsters and mythology in glorious art deco detail. With complex characters, interesting conflicts, and gorgeous art, this is a comic for any reader able to deal with a certain amount of violence....more
I love that Serena turns her silence into a weapon as she seeks some kind of justice for a sexual assault that would never be addressed by society. ThI love that Serena turns her silence into a weapon as she seeks some kind of justice for a sexual assault that would never be addressed by society. That said, since this was a shorter work it had less of the historical flavor and fewer points of interest than other works in this series. ...more
Ah, a Countess and her one true love: science. I love the acknowledgement of the women who have been assistants, supporters, wives, and oh-by-the-way Ah, a Countess and her one true love: science. I love the acknowledgement of the women who have been assistants, supporters, wives, and oh-by-the-way did the lion's share of certain scientific work. Of course Milan had to rewrite a bit of actual history regarding biological discoveries to make this story work, but I enjoyed it. Because the deeper history of women being silenced, forced to find men willing to speak for the, and jailed for their ideas is far to real.
The romance was also reasonably interesting. I liked Sebastian, even beyond his genuine appreciation for Violet as a scientist. Violet's history with her husband made for understandable angst, which made me more invested in her romantic endeavors. That said, the best relationship in this book is between Violet and her mother, hands down.
I'd recommend this book to fans of the genre. ...more
This is the first book in the Brothers Sinister series, and I understand now why it was recommended that I begin with the second. Though I am admittedThis is the first book in the Brothers Sinister series, and I understand now why it was recommended that I begin with the second. Though I am admittedly not an avid reader of the genre, this book is more of what I would expect from a romance novel. The gentleman is a little too good to be true, and his major flaw is a deep desire to be loved. This *is* a flaw, especially the way it is presented in the novel. But a particularly convenient one for a romantic hero to have. The lady is more interesting, with her genuine phobia of crowds, but her backstory is so dramatic that it intensifies the general social critique that I like so much about these novels to a more theatrical level. What happens to her is not something that could happen to any lady of the period, and so her story seems less threatening and immediate.
I would still recommend this book to fans of the genre. Milan is a great writer and that comes across very clearly. The details and development devoted to minor characters weaves a world, not just a single story, and the scenes are all very vividly described. However, it has slightly less of the cross-genre appeal that make the other books so delightful. I mean, cholera is barely even mentioned in this one, and the union organizing is only a ruse to catch a corrupt official who was illegally using sedition laws to strike break.
Okay, there's some of the genuine historical flavor that makes these books interesting. Also, some pretty neat real world applications of chess strategy. ...more
**spoiler alert** I've figured out what I like about Milan. She remembers what so many historical novelists who love Jane Austen forget: the books are**spoiler alert** I've figured out what I like about Milan. She remembers what so many historical novelists who love Jane Austen forget: the books aren't about a single woman triumphing in the face of difficult circumstances by finding true love, they are about how absolutely shitty it was to be a woman at that particular moment in history. I also really enjoy her love of medical science. The main fellow in this novel is a doctor who looks up to John Snow, the scientist who realized that cholera was transmitted via water and that bad smells do not cause disease. He's as plain talking as it is possible for a doctor to be, almost beyond the realm of belief for nineteenth century England. I like him.
Our hero, however, is a woman who was impregnated by a man at fifteen, which was made possible by society keeping her forcibly ignorant about the subject, and then poisoned by her doctor. She miscarried, survived, and, now older and wiser, has all of the issues one would expect from having to do so in a culture of silence. Her, I love.
It was really pretty shitty to be anyone other than a fabulously wealthy, white man in eighteenth century England, and this book lovingly acknowledges that. However, it was especially shitty to be a woman. I would recommend this novel to readers that are looking for a little Christmas schmaltz, light on the moralizing, heavy on the rolling up your sleeves and helping your neighbor. ...more
For the hundred thousand reasons I should have put this novel down minutes after picking it up, this book was actually delightful. Yes, fashion is desFor the hundred thousand reasons I should have put this novel down minutes after picking it up, this book was actually delightful. Yes, fashion is described. There are acres of lace and colorful gowns like you would not believe. Of course, the Heiress in question wears them because she wants to be laughed at, and they break all the rules of fashion and good taste. Rules are always more fun when they're being broken, and this book does an excellent job of smashing through bad tropes. The escape on horseback with two people riding double is not particularly romantic. It is, in fact, hugely uncomfortable. Anyone who has ever tried to do anything while wearing a proper ball gown could have told you it would be.
Set against the backdrop of voting reform in England, this book is about speaking up for yourself and others. Always a good message, but the problems the characters face are real. One of the young ladies has a seizure disorder. There is still no cure for epilepsy, but in the nineteenth century, medicine was still experimenting with the idea that if galvanization caused seizures, it might cure them. I would like to thank modern science for developing EEGs and my own parents for not shocking, burning, or trying to drown my own childhood seizure disorder away.
What I appreciated most about this novel was the sisterhood. When focusing on a woman flouting the expectations of society, there is a great danger of treating all other women as silly for following them. Fortunately, Milan doesn't fall into that trap; in fact, she evades it in a rather refreshing way.
What I liked most about this novel was a surprising twist in the backstory of a minor character. I ought to have seen it coming, and I didn't. Which is just about the highest compliment one can give a surprising twist. I thought the lady in question was simply an illustration of the poor understanding of mental disorders in the nineteenth century. Like her family, I misjudged her character. Milan pays attention to details, and even the minor characters of this novel have hidden depths.
I would recommend this novel, though I am not sure what audience I recommend it to. It is a romance novel about an Heiress and the bastard son of a duke. It is a great deal more than that as well. ...more
Hastings is the perfect point of view character for a mystery novel. While the brilliant detective dashes around finding clues, interviewing suspects,Hastings is the perfect point of view character for a mystery novel. While the brilliant detective dashes around finding clues, interviewing suspects, and connecting links in the chain of evidence, he affably proposes marriage to the number two suspect in the murder. It is an absolute delight for the reader, who is amused by the young man's ridiculous suspicions, even as Poirot's conclusions remain beyond our grasp until they are explained.
Classics are classics for a reason, and I would highly recommend this book to mystery readers who have not yet had the pleasure....more
The terrorists who have been working to wrest power in Wakanda away from the Black Panther. The Midnight Angels join Tetu along with less honorable peThe terrorists who have been working to wrest power in Wakanda away from the Black Panther. The Midnight Angels join Tetu along with less honorable people like Zeke Stane, an old Iron Man villain. Naturally T'Challa consults with Tony about this new villain. He also gets advice from some far less reputable characters, which is a PR nightmare when it eventually leaks. Pushed to the edge, a team-up is in order. Luke Cage, Misty Knight, and Storm visit Wakanda to help T'Challa fight the good fight.
I really appreciated Coates taking a moment to talk about the implications of Storm's visit and the history there. Far more than that, though, I appreciated the beautiful storytelling interspersed with T'Challa's struggles when we checked in with Shuli as she spoke with the spirit of her mother.
This is an excellent comic, and a must read for anyone who enjoys the genre. ...more
Tragedies, medical miracles, and witty commentary abound in this look at various plagues throughout human history. While of historical and scientific Tragedies, medical miracles, and witty commentary abound in this look at various plagues throughout human history. While of historical and scientific interest, the most appealing thing about this book was the ultimate takeaway. When society bands together to fight disease, we can mitigate suffering and save lives. When the diseased are exiled or treated as though they deserve their sickness, as though it is some kind of punishment, ultimately nothing improves.
I appreciate Wright's honest look at her heroes. The priest who went to Molokai and dramatically improved the situation of the lepers there started life as kind of a layabout and an annoying younger brother. Jonas Salk worked tirelessly and heroically to develop a polio vaccine from which he refused all profit. Early in his career he also committed an astonishing breech of medical ethics in attempting to develop a vaccine for influenza.
I highly recommend this book to any readers of nonfiction who feel they can cringe through occasionally graphic descriptions of horrific diseases....more
Relationships are hard. A religious man and a Scientist meet under inauspicious circumstances. She is researching mysterious disappearances of homes, Relationships are hard. A religious man and a Scientist meet under inauspicious circumstances. She is researching mysterious disappearances of homes, pizzerias, and, of course, Night Vale citizens. Likely, these things were devoured by his god, a giant centipede from the Desert Other-world. You know, the one that is connected to the house that doesn't exist. The one between two other identical houses, so it would make more sense for it to be there than not. But Scientists proved that it definitively does not exist.
This is a wonderful novel for lovers of the weird, and any human who has ever enjoyed the company of other humans but found relationships difficult. Admittedly, it is also chock full of references to a certain friendly desert community, so I think it will be best loved by those who have heard at least a few episodes of the podcast. ...more
From tomb like catacombs buried beneath the churchyards of Ravka, Alina rises. Steeped in the history carefully built up over the first two installmenFrom tomb like catacombs buried beneath the churchyards of Ravka, Alina rises. Steeped in the history carefully built up over the first two installments of this trilogy, the conclusion of this story is as astounding as it is inevitable.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough for fantasy readers, young adult or otherwise. It is a well told tale, absolutely worth reading. ...more
Fleeing her destiny, at least temporarily, Alina races across the sea. And so this novel is all about depths. From sea monsters to disguised royalty tFleeing her destiny, at least temporarily, Alina races across the sea. And so this novel is all about depths. From sea monsters to disguised royalty to old enemies, looking beneath the surface reveals unexpected truths. Suspenseful, adventure packed, and just plain interesting, this book successfully ups the stakes of this trilogy, ending in a desolate place as all good second books must.
This trilogy is phenomenal and I highly recommend it. ...more
Alina is an ordinary soldier, an orphan who has entered the army with her best friend. When her friend is in danger, she lashes out with an incredibleAlina is an ordinary soldier, an orphan who has entered the army with her best friend. When her friend is in danger, she lashes out with an incredible power to save him and the rest of their battalion from horrifying foes. As she does so, it is revealed that she is one of the Grisha, talented wielders of the Small Science who are capable of working wonders beyond anything ordinary folk are capable of.
Suddenly elevated to social heights that a peasant was only vaguely aware existed, she undertakes a fascinating heroes journey. While saving people from the unnatural darkness, she also wakes to the realities of social stratification and the problematic nature of hierarchies.
I would highly recommend this book, especially for its intended young adult audience. ...more
This book was well written, and incredibly difficult to read. Further review to come once I've had a chance to digest it a little. This book was well written, and incredibly difficult to read. Further review to come once I've had a chance to digest it a little. ...more
This series continues to do a fantastic job of mixing fantasy and science fiction to tell cool stories. Brigid, the technologist who can see the interThis series continues to do a fantastic job of mixing fantasy and science fiction to tell cool stories. Brigid, the technologist who can see the internet, has to deal with an ancient stone circle that seems to be connecting our world to the Other World. This trade is a fun, short adventure in a world that is on its way toward ending. I would definitely recommend this series to comic book fans, though some imagery may be a bit graphic for some readers....more
The magic was inside the kittens all along. I love it.
As the Lumberjanes from Roanoke cabin rush to rescue important visitors who were attacked by a gThe magic was inside the kittens all along. I love it.
As the Lumberjanes from Roanoke cabin rush to rescue important visitors who were attacked by a giant Roc, they are accompanied by Hes, a councilor that hates them, and a Scouting Lad who wants nothing more than to be a Lumberjane. They are also accompanied by the kittens that Ripley created for the Scouting Lads several issues back. The kittens undergo some interesting changes.
This is a fine installment in an excellent ongoing series, but I would not recommend this trade as an entry point for new readers. Much of the plot and character development revolves around threads from previous stories. ...more
Retelling classic fairy tales with the honest understanding of human nature that makes her Grisha Verse so remarkable, Bardugo has produced an excelleRetelling classic fairy tales with the honest understanding of human nature that makes her Grisha Verse so remarkable, Bardugo has produced an excellent collection of short stories set within that world. Beauty can be a blessing or a curse and does not equate to either virtue or vice. Parents who send children out into the woods alone should not be trusted. Being an outcast makes one an outcast, and again there is no morality attached to that prospect.
Although bad ends do not always meet those who deserve them, and the tropes may be flipped, these *are* fairy tales. As such, the lessons do exist. Goodness and mercy can be learned, just as avarice and greed. Monsters do not always look like monsters, and appearances deceive. All that is required for adventure is bravery. Adventures are not always a blessing. Most of all, words have power. Our expectations, questions, and interactions shape not only our world, but those around us.
Creepy, compelling, and entertaining, this is a wonderful book for fans of the Grisha Verse, lovers of fairy tales, or readers who enjoy short stories. ...more
Using Hamlet as an allegory for the senseless violence perpetrated against black people by police officers in this country is an inspired move. This pUsing Hamlet as an allegory for the senseless violence perpetrated against black people by police officers in this country is an inspired move. This poetic, heartbreaking graphic novel looks at the ghosts who seek justice for their wrongful deaths. No justice, no peace, after all. Immortalizing just a few of the many black faces that were murdered before their time by officers of the law as ancestors, the novel follows one young man's journey after death.
In a particularly poignant plot twist, Alfonso Jones is shot by an off duty police officer while buying his first suit. He needs a suit, because he is going to meet his father as the man is released from jail after over a decade of wrongful imprisonment. The officer is not charged with any crime. If that feels formulaic, it is only because we have heard near identical stories on the nightly news far, far too many times to count.
Timely, intelligent, and well written, I would recommend this graphic novel highly to anyone. Most of all to the intended young adult audience trying to connect with a complex topic. ...more
I almost didn't read this book, and that would have been a mistake. This is everything that the first trade of Jessica Jones, Vol. 2 should have been.I almost didn't read this book, and that would have been a mistake. This is everything that the first trade of Jessica Jones, Vol. 2 should have been. It's a hard reset without destroying her character development. She is a gutter dwelling mess of a private investigator who is *also* capable of having real human relationships and letting people in. We'll see how it goes, but this, at least, was a reasonably good detective story.
I would certainly recommend this book for fans of Alias who want more....more
Part parenting advice, part feminist manifesto, this is a wonderful letter to a friend. Full of reasonable advice on raising a feminist child, it is aPart parenting advice, part feminist manifesto, this is a wonderful letter to a friend. Full of reasonable advice on raising a feminist child, it is also well flavored with Adichie's excellent writing, charming personal anecdotes, and powerful opinions. I would highly recommend it to all readers. It is very short, so you can certainly find the time. ...more
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