February, 2016

“Girl on a Plane” by Miriam Moss         

While on a flight to London, Miriam Moss’s plane is hijacked by the PLF. The pilot is forced to fly the plan into the desert, where terrorists place bombs around the plane. The hijackers demand that one of their comrades is released from prison or else the plane and everyone inside will be blown up. This was a fascinating book. I just couldn’t put it down. I would love to read more from this author!

“Admiral” by Sean Danker         

Four people wake up in a dead spaceship on an unknown planet. They quickly realize that the planet is unstable, and every step is a fight for survival. I’m not sure what to say about this book. It was an interesting story; however, I didn’t think the author told us enough about the world for the big reveal at the end to mean anything. Overall, not bad, but not something I would re-read.

“Sleeping Giants” by Sylvain Neuvel         

When bizarre artifacts begin showing up around the world, a team is assembled to study the pieces. The scientists discover that the pieces are “body parts” made of an extremely rare metal. When brought together, the pieces merge, creating a vehicle requiring someone to control its legs and upper torso. However, only two people are able to connect with the technology.         

This was a pretty interesting story. I do think the book description needs to be revamped, as it is more about the “pilots” than Rose, the scientist. I didn’t particularly like the format, but the story caught my attention. Overall, worth reading. I look forward to reading more from this author.

“A Lady in the Smoke” by Karen Odden         

Lady Elizabeth and her mother are involved in a railway accident. Hiding her social status, Elizabeth helps surgeon Paul Wilcox as he treats the injured. When Elizabeth learns that there may be more to the accident, she works to unravel the mystery and conspiracy surrounding the rails.         

Although this is not one of my favorite genres, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very likeable. I would be interested in reading more from this author. Overall, well worth picking up.

“Fading Starlight” by Kathryn Cushman         

After a dress Lauren helped produced causes a “wardrobe malfunction” on the red carpet, she is fired from her internship and blacklisted in the fashion world. Desperate to get away, and make some money, she takes a position at a school designing costumes for their upcoming play. She moves into a cottage within a private neighborhood. The neighborhood was established by those trying to hide from something.         

I thought the neighborhood was a fascinating setting. It added a layer of mystery and intrigue that this book would not have had otherwise. I do think the characters were a bit stereotypical, and the story played out in a predictable fashion. I also believe this book should be labeled as Christian fiction. Overall, not a bad book, but not one I would reread.

“Home to Cedar Branch” by Brenda Bevan Remmes         

When Katy’s husband Hank kills her lover, she flees with her two children to her hometown of Cedar Branch. Hank is quickly arrested. During the trial, Hank’s brother masterminds an escape. When they come after Katy and the children, it quickly turns into a hostage situation. The local Quaker’s become involved, offering Hank sanctuary in their meeting house.         

My biggest problems with this book was the way the author handled the trial and law enforcement. If any judge behaved like the one in this book, all of his cases would be overturned on appeals. The author knew very little, if anything, about criminal trials, which really showed. I almost put the book down several times because of these problems, but kept reading because of the strength of the characters. I also believe that the reaction of the sheriff was completely unrealistic. Law enforcement would not have allowed a group of Quakers, or any other group, to transport an aggressive hostage-holding, gun-wielding escapee from one building to another. They also would not have accepted the claims of sanctuary. Any law enforcement officer worth his salt, would have called in the state police force. Because of the major problems in this book, I cannot recommend it, or rate it highly.

“Arena” by Holly Jennings         

Kali is a gamer. One who fights, and dies, on national television for the entertainment of the masses. Ruled by sponsors, Kali and her team struggle with fame, notoriety, and drugs. Her team is one of the favorites to win the RAGE tournament, but during the pre-rounds, they are defeated by an unknown team and put into the losers bracket. Kali’s lover, and teammate, overdoses, throwing the entire team into limbo. Their team manager names Kali as the captain, making her the first female captain in RAGE tournament history. Success or failure depends on her decisions, and her ability to pull her team back together.

     I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but the author grabbed me immediately. I couldn’t put this book down, and found myself reading all night long to find out what happens. My only criticism is that the book desperately needs an epilogue, or at least the promise of a second book. I look forward to reading more from this author, highly recommended.

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See         

In 19th century China, Lily is paired with Snow Flower, as loatong – “old sames.” This is a bond closer than marriage, where the women are sworn friends for life. Lily’s family is poor, however her delicate feet and bond with Snow Flower insure that she marries into one of the most influential families in the region. Snow Flower, who has been impoverished by her father’s opium addiction, is married to a butcher, a man seen as unclean throughout their culture.         

This was a fascinating book. I’ve never heard of some of the practices discussed throughout the book and found myself wanting to know more. The historical details were just icing on the cake. The author’s writing style was very smooth and free-flowing. It was easy to like and understand the girls, even if they came from a completely different society than my own. I look forward to reading more books by Lisa See.

“The Missing” by Melanie Florence

Feather, an American Indian, is frightened when her friend Carly disappears and is later found murdered. However, the police label Carly as a runaway and dismiss her death as a suicide. When Feather’s friend Mia disappears, she instantly worries that the same thing has happened to her.         

I’m not entirely sure what to say about this book. I think that teenagers will enjoy the plot and characters. I found it to be a bit simplistic and superficial. It just wasn’t for me.