Finshed: The Wrath of Angels by John Connelly
Oh I was holding out high hopes for this book. I thought, FINALLY I am going to get a bigger peek at who Charlie Parker IS. Or what he really is. But sadly, it was not to be. While I really enjoyed this book, I was holding big hopes for what had been built up in the previous book. It just didn't happen. In some ways, it was like this book was written by someone else who had only a glancing knowledge of exactly what John Connelly had been building up. Rather disappointing really. Especially as the wave had been peaking with The Burning Soul in a way that announced "in the next book, you will find out WHO Charlie Parker really is". And quite a few early reviews of this book also hinted at that. But it just didn't happen. I can only hope that in the next installment we get the promised insight into Charlie Parker, because in all honesty, I really don't know how much more this can be dragged out. The truth has to be revealed.. and soon! I don't think that revealing who Charlie Parker is will in any way detract from these stories, I think rather, it will enhance them. Bring it on!
Started: The Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson
I haven't read an Patrick Robinson for a long time. I have all his books, but they had become a bit too repetitive for my liking. However, I decided that I would give this one a crack as I could get it on Kindle a lot cheaper then I can as a paperback. We shall see how it turns out.
UPDATE: I was perusing Kindle books in search of a book to read & have discovered that Amazon now puts a disclaimer on most Kindle books (ie the hideously expensive ones!): "Price set by the publisher". What a copout. And further proof of corporate greed. Did you know that under the terms of Kindle (and Apple as another example) purchase agreements, you don't actually "own" the books/music/movies that you "buy"? No, you don't! You only borrow them on an extended loan basis. If you don't believe me, have a look at the legal battle that Bruce Willis is currently having with Apple in order to be able to leave his vast iTunes collection to his kids. If he wins, it will have vast ramifications for all digital retailers and for all the consumers out there.
Showing posts with label Charlie Parker Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlie Parker Series. Show all posts
Monday, 24 September 2012
Monday, 17 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 17th September 2012
Finished: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
I enjoyed this book. Was nice to read a non Bosch book, however, having said that, I missed the way Bosch thinks & speaks. He's so clinical in a police way, if that makes any sense. The way that Jack approached things & the way Bosch does are very different. And so Michael Connelly is able to make his characters different. Which is a fantastic skill. So often, when authors write within the same genre, the charcters seem to turn into cardboard cutouts(and this is the case with another author, who I can no longer read, as her books are so formulaic and cardboard cutout - despite varying seetings, that I can predict the ending and who will end up doing what within the first chapter. Add to that, most of the characters are completely one dimensional). With Michael Connelly, thankfully, that is not the case. The books are so well written, that it seems as though you are actually reading about their lives, rather then a fiction book. Add to this, I love the way he weaves the characters together. Characters that appear in Harry Bosch books get their own books, as is the case with this book. Love, love, love it.
Started: The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
I wasn't expecting this to be out for a while, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it at my local Dymocks! YAY!
I enjoyed this book. Was nice to read a non Bosch book, however, having said that, I missed the way Bosch thinks & speaks. He's so clinical in a police way, if that makes any sense. The way that Jack approached things & the way Bosch does are very different. And so Michael Connelly is able to make his characters different. Which is a fantastic skill. So often, when authors write within the same genre, the charcters seem to turn into cardboard cutouts(and this is the case with another author, who I can no longer read, as her books are so formulaic and cardboard cutout - despite varying seetings, that I can predict the ending and who will end up doing what within the first chapter. Add to that, most of the characters are completely one dimensional). With Michael Connelly, thankfully, that is not the case. The books are so well written, that it seems as though you are actually reading about their lives, rather then a fiction book. Add to this, I love the way he weaves the characters together. Characters that appear in Harry Bosch books get their own books, as is the case with this book. Love, love, love it.
Started: The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
I wasn't expecting this to be out for a while, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it at my local Dymocks! YAY!
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Is there a shortage of muses?
So, as you know I read both Michael Connelly & John Connolly. They obviously aren't related. However, having now read a good percentage of both their works, I am disturbed by some (perhaps) coincidences.. For example - both Bosch & Parker have or had a relationship with a woman named Rachel (spelling may vary) who is a criminal profiler. Both Basch & Parker are or were cops & they both are or were private investigators. Add to that they tend to follow their own path rather then tow the line & I am questioning whether in the writing world, there may be a shortage of muses? Or perhaps muses who are providing the same ideas to different authors.
Further case in point, I read a book by Patrick Robinson called Scimitar SL-2. The premise of this book is that terrorists are plotting to launch missiles into the side La Cumbra Veja (sorry if spelling is wrong) a massive volcano in the Canary islands in order to create a massive tidal wave which will devastate the east coast of the USA. It's a well known fact that the western face of this volcano is slipping & that when it finally collapses into the sea, the devastation on the eastern seaboard of the USA will be tremendous, do to the shear volume of ocean that will be displaced.
Fast forward to my amazon browsing today, where I was shocked to discover a book by Stephen Coonts et al(2011), called "Deep Black: Death Wave" which by the synopsis looks pretty darn similar to the book by Patrick Robinson published in 2005.
Now I am a pretty skeptical person and the size of the correlation between these two books actually scares me. Because it's not like they came out within months of each other, there is a good 6 years between them.. so is someone recycling ideas or is some muse having a great laugh at the expense of people?
Being a bit of a disaster buff, I know there will always be similarities between certain types of books, but I do have to wonder if someone is having a laugh at consumers. Because seriously, it seems that way to me. It's a sad day when writers start coughing up books which have so many inherent similarities that you start to wonder where exactly they do get their ideas.
Further case in point, I read a book by Patrick Robinson called Scimitar SL-2. The premise of this book is that terrorists are plotting to launch missiles into the side La Cumbra Veja (sorry if spelling is wrong) a massive volcano in the Canary islands in order to create a massive tidal wave which will devastate the east coast of the USA. It's a well known fact that the western face of this volcano is slipping & that when it finally collapses into the sea, the devastation on the eastern seaboard of the USA will be tremendous, do to the shear volume of ocean that will be displaced.
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| Source: Amazon.com
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Being a bit of a disaster buff, I know there will always be similarities between certain types of books, but I do have to wonder if someone is having a laugh at consumers. Because seriously, it seems that way to me. It's a sad day when writers start coughing up books which have so many inherent similarities that you start to wonder where exactly they do get their ideas.
Monday, 16 July 2012
Book Bloggin' 14th July 2012
Finished: The Burning Soul by John Connolly
Well I have finally read all of the currently published Charlie Parker series. I can't wait until the next one is realeased in November. It's become a deep seated desire to discover who Charlie Parker is. In a twist, revealed in this book, it looks like his daughter is also special. I think its about time we get some answers!! Who (or what!) is Charlie Parker?!
Started: Foreign Influence by Brad Thor
This guy is a hard author to get ahold of. I got given a book years ago as a gift & loved it. Have looked stoically since then. And then randomly find this book in the bargain bin at the newsagents. I am hoping that at some stage, these will all appear on Kindle, because as with other authors, this really follows a central character & I have missed some obviously significant events between the two books.
Update: Brad Thor is published on Kindle, however they are waaaay over-priced!! I don't tend to pay anything more then $9.99 for a book (and that's generally a new release.). So looks like I won't be reading any more Brad Thor until he tells his publisher/amazon to get realistic with pricing!!
Well I have finally read all of the currently published Charlie Parker series. I can't wait until the next one is realeased in November. It's become a deep seated desire to discover who Charlie Parker is. In a twist, revealed in this book, it looks like his daughter is also special. I think its about time we get some answers!! Who (or what!) is Charlie Parker?!
Started: Foreign Influence by Brad Thor
This guy is a hard author to get ahold of. I got given a book years ago as a gift & loved it. Have looked stoically since then. And then randomly find this book in the bargain bin at the newsagents. I am hoping that at some stage, these will all appear on Kindle, because as with other authors, this really follows a central character & I have missed some obviously significant events between the two books.
Update: Brad Thor is published on Kindle, however they are waaaay over-priced!! I don't tend to pay anything more then $9.99 for a book (and that's generally a new release.). So looks like I won't be reading any more Brad Thor until he tells his publisher/amazon to get realistic with pricing!!
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Book Bloggin' 3rd July 2012
Finished: The Whisperers by John Connolly
This took me a bit longer then normal to finish as I went through one of my phases, where I just prefer to read magazines. My bro-in-law gave me a stack of true crime magazines, which I have worked my way through.
But have now finished this book! Was a re-read, but once again, the aspects of Charlie Parker that I had not fully understood on the first read, are becoming more obvious & fitting in to place. A confrontation is coming.. where Charlie Parker will find out who he really is.
Started: The Burning Soul by John Connolly
This took me a bit longer then normal to finish as I went through one of my phases, where I just prefer to read magazines. My bro-in-law gave me a stack of true crime magazines, which I have worked my way through.
But have now finished this book! Was a re-read, but once again, the aspects of Charlie Parker that I had not fully understood on the first read, are becoming more obvious & fitting in to place. A confrontation is coming.. where Charlie Parker will find out who he really is.
Started: The Burning Soul by John Connolly
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Do you ever..
So I was sitting in bed last night reading as I normally do. And I realized (not for the first time mind you) that when I really connect with characters, I actually start hearing their words.. and the way I think they would sound. So obviously, I have in my head the way that Charlie Parker sounds.. and Angel & Louis. Then I start thinking, who would be a good person to play them? I think for Louis I would pick someone like Danny Glover. He has that soft spoken way of being menacing without even trying. He radiates the characters he is playing, so he would definitely be my pick. Angel, I am not too sure. I hear his voice, but who would be a good pick? More thinking required. And as for Charlie Parker.. hmm I hear him, but who would be best to play him? I think that he is such a deep character, you can't go for a pretty boy. Needs to be someone who has a less apparent sexuality. I was actually thinking someone like Donnie Wahlberg because he just seems to become the person he is playing. Dangerous yet comforting. Thoughts?
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Book Bloggin' 14th June 2012
Finished: The Lovers by John Connolly
This was a reread & parts to do with Charlie Parker, that had previously had me going huh? I must have missed something? now made infinitely much more sense. So obviously, while these books have been written to be able to be picked up and read in any order, experience has taught me, actually, reading in order has meant a greater insight & understanding of Charlie Parker. I think that this book is one of the best simply because the true history of Charlie Parker is now being revealed. There is really only one more question that remains to be answered. WHO is Charlie Parker.. really?
Started: The Whisperers by John Connolly.
This was a reread & parts to do with Charlie Parker, that had previously had me going huh? I must have missed something? now made infinitely much more sense. So obviously, while these books have been written to be able to be picked up and read in any order, experience has taught me, actually, reading in order has meant a greater insight & understanding of Charlie Parker. I think that this book is one of the best simply because the true history of Charlie Parker is now being revealed. There is really only one more question that remains to be answered. WHO is Charlie Parker.. really?
Started: The Whisperers by John Connolly.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Book Bloggin' 8th June 2012
Started: The Lovers by John Connolly
I have read this book before, in fact it was the first of John Connolly's books I ever read. I am looking forward to rereading this book as I think it will allow me to slot those pieces of the puzzle into the right spots.. and thus get a clearer picture still of the enigma Charlie Parker.
While I have been studying I have been reading some back issues of magazines.. Mainly "Murder Most Foul" & "True Detective". I find it fascinating to read these accounts of the things humans will do to one another. It really does make you question the level of complexity of the human psyche, that people would act with such callous disregard for the lives of others. At what point does a fantasy become unsatisfying? At what point does self preservation make you reach the point that killing is the only option you feel is left to you? I think we will never know the answers to these questions, because in reality the answers are as varied as the indivdual members of humanity themselves.
I have read this book before, in fact it was the first of John Connolly's books I ever read. I am looking forward to rereading this book as I think it will allow me to slot those pieces of the puzzle into the right spots.. and thus get a clearer picture still of the enigma Charlie Parker.
While I have been studying I have been reading some back issues of magazines.. Mainly "Murder Most Foul" & "True Detective". I find it fascinating to read these accounts of the things humans will do to one another. It really does make you question the level of complexity of the human psyche, that people would act with such callous disregard for the lives of others. At what point does a fantasy become unsatisfying? At what point does self preservation make you reach the point that killing is the only option you feel is left to you? I think we will never know the answers to these questions, because in reality the answers are as varied as the indivdual members of humanity themselves.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Book Bloggin' 1st June 2012
Finished: The Reapers by John Connolly
I enjoyed this book. It was great to get a bit more of insight into Louis (& a lesser extent Angel). However, I felt like that Mr Connolly has intentionally held quite a bit back about both of these characters(especially their relationship). Perhaps to retain their mystery or perhaps for a later book. It did leave me feeling a little disappointed. But still a great read.
Started: Nothing! Until next Thursday it's all about Thematic Cartography & Spatial Computations!
I enjoyed this book. It was great to get a bit more of insight into Louis (& a lesser extent Angel). However, I felt like that Mr Connolly has intentionally held quite a bit back about both of these characters(especially their relationship). Perhaps to retain their mystery or perhaps for a later book. It did leave me feeling a little disappointed. But still a great read.
Started: Nothing! Until next Thursday it's all about Thematic Cartography & Spatial Computations!
Friday, 25 May 2012
Book Bloggin' 25th May 2012
Finished: The Unquiet by John Connolly
Having previously come across the character called The Collector in later volumes of this series, it was good to see, in this book, how he was further introduced into Charlies world. Without giving too much away(sometimes knowledge can hinder, sometimes it can help.. in this case, I don't want to enter into spoiler territory.. so it's definitely a hindrance!), The Collector will become a more integral part of who Charlie is & how he achieves his goals.
Otherwise, this was another classic Charlie Parker novel. I enjoyed it, although, for various reasons, its not my favourite. You can feel the climax coming in this book, that point at which all that Charlie Parker is & who he is meant to be, will be revealed to you. In another case of knowledge being a hindrance, I know its coming, but part of me wishes I didn't already know exactly how, as I feel that's taking away from my enjoyment of the discovery! BUT! I am still looking forward to the next book...
Started: The Reapers by John Connolly
This book focuses more on Angel & Louis, Charlies enigmatic "friends". I am looking forward to discovering more about them!
Having previously come across the character called The Collector in later volumes of this series, it was good to see, in this book, how he was further introduced into Charlies world. Without giving too much away(sometimes knowledge can hinder, sometimes it can help.. in this case, I don't want to enter into spoiler territory.. so it's definitely a hindrance!), The Collector will become a more integral part of who Charlie is & how he achieves his goals.
Otherwise, this was another classic Charlie Parker novel. I enjoyed it, although, for various reasons, its not my favourite. You can feel the climax coming in this book, that point at which all that Charlie Parker is & who he is meant to be, will be revealed to you. In another case of knowledge being a hindrance, I know its coming, but part of me wishes I didn't already know exactly how, as I feel that's taking away from my enjoyment of the discovery! BUT! I am still looking forward to the next book...
Started: The Reapers by John Connolly
This book focuses more on Angel & Louis, Charlies enigmatic "friends". I am looking forward to discovering more about them!
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Book Bloggin' 16th May 2012
Finished: The Nuclear Catastrophe by
So.. for 99cents this was an ok read. HOWEVER, the author should have employed a better proof reader & editor. There are some glaringly obvious issues (like the man who survives a nuclear power plant blowing up in his face & then walks over 110kms (70miles) home in less then 5 hours. And the fact the same character lives over looking a canyon... or is that the ocean? Even the author can't remember.
You know that thing I say about indie authors? Well this book just re-inforces that view!
Started: The Unquiet by John Connolly
Ahh well written fiction that uses good editing!
So.. for 99cents this was an ok read. HOWEVER, the author should have employed a better proof reader & editor. There are some glaringly obvious issues (like the man who survives a nuclear power plant blowing up in his face & then walks over 110kms (70miles) home in less then 5 hours. And the fact the same character lives over looking a canyon... or is that the ocean? Even the author can't remember.
You know that thing I say about indie authors? Well this book just re-inforces that view!
Started: The Unquiet by John Connolly
Ahh well written fiction that uses good editing!
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Book Bloggin' 15th May 2012
Finished: The Black Angel by John Connolly
I started out not enjoying this book. It had an air pf predictability about it. I won't reveal the spoiler just in case you want to read the book. However, I will say, there was a good twist which revealed itself, piece by piece, in the fashion of a snake unfurling itself & revealing that it is in fact huge. How will it change things? Having already read "The Lovers" I have some inkling, but I still look forward to the unread volumes of this series & the twists & turns that they will also bring.
Started: The Nuclear Catastrophe by Barbara C Griffin Billig & Bett Pohnka
A 99cent buy off amazon Kindle.. grassroots authors who self publish.. You know I love them! I was going to review a book for another grass roots author (who has raised my hackles over the crappiness of editing multiple times in the past) but she has had the book edited for the 3rd or 4th time ( I have lost track of exactly how many times) and I am now waiting for the new new version to hit my inbox. And as I am not at home to pick up the next John Connolly.. well.. new book it is!
I started out not enjoying this book. It had an air pf predictability about it. I won't reveal the spoiler just in case you want to read the book. However, I will say, there was a good twist which revealed itself, piece by piece, in the fashion of a snake unfurling itself & revealing that it is in fact huge. How will it change things? Having already read "The Lovers" I have some inkling, but I still look forward to the unread volumes of this series & the twists & turns that they will also bring.
Started: The Nuclear Catastrophe by Barbara C Griffin Billig & Bett Pohnka
A 99cent buy off amazon Kindle.. grassroots authors who self publish.. You know I love them! I was going to review a book for another grass roots author (who has raised my hackles over the crappiness of editing multiple times in the past) but she has had the book edited for the 3rd or 4th time ( I have lost track of exactly how many times) and I am now waiting for the new new version to hit my inbox. And as I am not at home to pick up the next John Connolly.. well.. new book it is!
Monday, 14 May 2012
Random Monday
Still reading "The Black Angel".. Charlie Parker is drinking a California Zin.. My favourite!!!! And yet sooooo hard to get in Australia :( The in laws had a private tasting at a winery in California(Ledson) a few years ago. They bought back 4 bottles of the Zin & I was allowed to have it all as they don't drink reds.. oh how I wish some was still some left now!!!
And that's all for my random blog...
And that's all for my random blog...
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Book Bloggin' 7th May 2012
Finished: The White Road by John Connolly
Loved this book. One of his best by far. I know John Connolly states that you can read any of his novels as a stand alone, but I think they are best read back to back. The themes, as well as the journey of self discovery that Charlie Parker is on flows and builds from book to book. Having read a few of the books out of order, I would say that they are really a more satisfying read the way I am currently doing it .. back to back.
Started: The Black Angel by John Connolly
I am going to be honest. This book has not grabbed me like the previous titles. Perhaps I need a break. So after this book I will re-read a book that an author has asked me to give her feedback on. More to come....
Loved this book. One of his best by far. I know John Connolly states that you can read any of his novels as a stand alone, but I think they are best read back to back. The themes, as well as the journey of self discovery that Charlie Parker is on flows and builds from book to book. Having read a few of the books out of order, I would say that they are really a more satisfying read the way I am currently doing it .. back to back.
Started: The Black Angel by John Connolly
I am going to be honest. This book has not grabbed me like the previous titles. Perhaps I need a break. So after this book I will re-read a book that an author has asked me to give her feedback on. More to come....
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Book Bloggin' 2nd May 2012
Finished: The Killing Kind by John Connolly
I love the way John Connolly uses words. He is a master. The descriptions he uses actually make you think you are driving along that road, in a car with Charlie Parker, sunlight dappling the car through the trees.. and yet.. that sense of foreboding is there, as insubstantial as a shadow. Just amazing. The more I read, the more I enjoy these books! And to think, I only started reading this author because my other half got confused between John Connolly & Michael Connelly!
Started: The White Road by John Connolly
I love the way John Connolly uses words. He is a master. The descriptions he uses actually make you think you are driving along that road, in a car with Charlie Parker, sunlight dappling the car through the trees.. and yet.. that sense of foreboding is there, as insubstantial as a shadow. Just amazing. The more I read, the more I enjoy these books! And to think, I only started reading this author because my other half got confused between John Connolly & Michael Connelly!
Started: The White Road by John Connolly
Friday, 27 April 2012
Book Bloggin' 27th April 2012
Finished: Dark Hollow by John Connolly
Second book of the Charlie Parker Series. The more I read, the more I love!
Started: The Killing Kind by John Connolly
I like that this book has a map of Maine in the front so you can see where past books have taken place & get an idea of the layout. Obviously I could have just looked at an atlas at any time, but I like the author recognising it helps to have an "in book" reference! I also think that the fact that John Connolly is actually Irish & writing books based in Maine in such detail is great. Dedication to craft. Gotta love that.
Second book of the Charlie Parker Series. The more I read, the more I love!
Started: The Killing Kind by John Connolly
I like that this book has a map of Maine in the front so you can see where past books have taken place & get an idea of the layout. Obviously I could have just looked at an atlas at any time, but I like the author recognising it helps to have an "in book" reference! I also think that the fact that John Connolly is actually Irish & writing books based in Maine in such detail is great. Dedication to craft. Gotta love that.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Book Bloggin 16th April 2012
Finished: Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
Really enjoyed this book. The twist was great as you didn't see it coming. Added to that, I only started reading this authour because the other half accidentally confused him with Michael Connelly. And I got a book in which quite a few events had happened in early episodes of the Charlie Parker series. So to read this, the first, gave me a real insight into Charlie Parker.
Started: depends on if book 2 of this series has arrived or not when I get home!
UPDATE: (No Book 2 of Charlie Parker has arrived yet)
Started: Heritage by Judy Nunn
Really enjoy Judy Nunn books, mainly because quite a few have been based in or around my home town of Perth. For the historical perspective of these books in particular, I love them, because she talks about things that my dad experienced growing up in Perth, so I know that the accuracy is there.
UPDATE: Didn't post when I finished this. I think it was on the 18th of April. I hurt my neck & ended up in hospital after having a reaction to the medication I was given to help relax my muscles! The joys!!
Really enjoyed this book. The twist was great as you didn't see it coming. Added to that, I only started reading this authour because the other half accidentally confused him with Michael Connelly. And I got a book in which quite a few events had happened in early episodes of the Charlie Parker series. So to read this, the first, gave me a real insight into Charlie Parker.
Started: depends on if book 2 of this series has arrived or not when I get home!
UPDATE: (No Book 2 of Charlie Parker has arrived yet)
Started: Heritage by Judy Nunn
Really enjoy Judy Nunn books, mainly because quite a few have been based in or around my home town of Perth. For the historical perspective of these books in particular, I love them, because she talks about things that my dad experienced growing up in Perth, so I know that the accuracy is there.
UPDATE: Didn't post when I finished this. I think it was on the 18th of April. I hurt my neck & ended up in hospital after having a reaction to the medication I was given to help relax my muscles! The joys!!
Friday, 13 April 2012
Book Bloggin' 10th April 2012
Finished: Angels of Venegance by John Birmingham
Enjoyed this final of the trilogy. All those little strings were tied together in a neat little bow. Do I sound cynical much? Yes, but only in so much as I think the realism of this book/series was let down by everything being so neatly "worked out for the best". And thats as much of a spoiler as I will give.
Started: Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
Thus begins the reading of the "Charlie Parker" series..
Enjoyed this final of the trilogy. All those little strings were tied together in a neat little bow. Do I sound cynical much? Yes, but only in so much as I think the realism of this book/series was let down by everything being so neatly "worked out for the best". And thats as much of a spoiler as I will give.
Started: Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
Thus begins the reading of the "Charlie Parker" series..
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