Crystal

There's not much that can shock me about Shakespeare theories. I have a BA in English Literature. I've read all the plays, sonnets, even the ones suspected to be by Shakespeare.

It seemed an odd topic for beloved Bryson to tackle and I was curious about his angle on it. I was pleasantly surprised, "What do we really know about the bard?" he asks in the first chapter.

This was a refreshing and lively investigation into what's real and what's dreamed about one man's life. Solid topics, using all types of research from court records to paintings, Bryson gives a new eye on an ages old mystery. In the process, we learn about how many things have simply been made up by well meaning researchers for the past four hundred years!

I found myself wishing there was more. I loved it.

If you're looking for deep conspiracy/alien cover up books stop here.
This novel is very much what I call Brain Candy and it's action packed, low on accuracy and high on TV movie fun.

It's fun, easy to listen and just as easy to walk away from too.

The reader makes it better for certain.

Hey, I had a busy day and I was looking for something to listen while working and this fit the bill.

As other readers noted: the ending is a little to snappy and neat. I felt like the author rushed to resolve things and lost perspective. If there's a sequel, I'll think about picking it up.

This is a teen novel- that being said, I was fine with the gentle kisses and non-specific references and went with the flow.

I found the entire premise of society being divided into almost personality types intriguing. Indeed, I found myself asking the same questions the lead character does about how/why this happened in the first place.

The story does read a bit like a Boot Camp novel, with friendships kindled, enemies made and a hero finding her way.

I still found good twists in the storyline and I listened to the entire book in one day.

The reader is excellent; I have followed her through other series. She pulls the reader in, making the teen voice believable and a good listen.

Dresden fans- you were wondering how on earth Harry would manage being his new job and still retain his humanity? Zap. Wow. Pow. In classic bumbling Harry style, it's not what you expect and takes 10 turns along the way. Comic moments break up the harder times and I did find myself laughing at some truly silly imagery.

Highest praise always goes to James Marsters for his incredible characterizations- the ones I will always hear in my head now.

Truly this novel doesn't stop for a minute. Action packed, twisting and the classic, "Why ME??" moments. Several background characters move to the front in this novel answering questions (well somewhat) that have been hanging around for 13 novels.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this novel. I lived and breathed it all my waking hours until I finished it.

In book three, which I assume completes this series, Opal is pulled in twenty directions at once. No powers? Immune to magic? Still making glass...our heroine is a lost puppy at the beginning, suffering PTSD and trying to handle family politics of a wedding. She brings it around in the novel, finding a better path no matter what anyone thinks of it.

The beauty of her story this time, is that she does actually fail at things- there are no miracles for some of her failures. With no magic, she has to become clever!

Her character is more realistic than some heroes. She is conflicted, makes monsterous mistakes and pushes and pulls her hearts and others too. Her honesty makes her real to the reader and I found myself both cheering her on and smacking her upside the head in the same chapter.

Some characters in the novel I was grateful to have less of: Cade annoyed me with his "stay home with and be my wife." You KNOW Opal will never do that and he does too.
The Magicians appear less in the book than previous ones and their politics have a hint of current events about them here in America.

Yay and thank you Maria for bringing back Valek, my most beloved character in the series. He is true to himself and surprises us with his talents beyond spying.

The narrator is always a good one and she keeps the story moving.

It's a good listen and worth the time. Cheer Opal on, smack the Ipod off the shelf when she screws up, Opal needed to tell this tale.

Sir Terry brings back a beloved character, Samuel Vimes (insert various titles here) for a vacation in the country that is anything but relaxing. His family is growing and changing and he's trying to keep up with the times (or rather Sybil is). While lounging miserably at the country estate, Vimes finds himself inside a murder investigation, goblin trafficking and learning even more about poo than anyone thought possible.

Meanwhile, the city watch is up to their classic tricks, introducing new characters and deputizing some old ones. There are hints within their chapters about future storylines, so pay attention!

This book held itself up very well, being funny, entertaining and always with a twist. There's a political lesson in there too, one very much in line with current events (Planned? You bet).

I kept saying that the Narrator Stephen Briggs was doing a remarkable voice for Veterinari and then I looked him to discover he plays the character in the movies. His voice work kept the pace moving and laughs coming.

Downside? The title dumbfounded me until halfway through.

Overall, a positively good read.

It's a good solid story in the modern world mixes with folklore stuff. I like the concept of Weather Wardens. I would like to hear more about other kinds of Wardens. The plot keeps pace and there's plenty of frolicking in between.

Narrator did well- voices solid, moved with pace of the action

I felt the ending was a bit of a let down. Huge build up and then...bam I almost missed it.

Surprising in it's originality, Year Zero (which I think is a rather boring title) is funny, sleek, modern and fine heir in the lineage of Douglas Adams.

I imagine the author sitting in front of his computer saying, "What's the worst stereotypes in the world and how can I turn them all on their head?" Sleazy lawyers, evil music companies, super b*tchy bosses...it's all there and not at all in the ways you expect.

The universe owes a big debt as humans appear to be the only planet to write noteworthy music. The aliens have come to pay their dues and more to the point, try to find a way out of paying royalties to the record companies. So naturally, they look up an attorney who has an unfortunate name identical to a has-been pop star. Intergalactic law is far more complex than either side bargained for. Where does the Parrot show up? You'll have to listen to find out.

In the Hitchhikers Guide tradition, the aliens are anything but predictable, their actions are well...alien. The humans are flawed and enjoyable. The narrator did wonderful voices and that made it a fun listen.

Yes, there are surprises. The first for me was how one would tackle an expose on the music industry...in fiction. Reid does it and does it well.

I picked this up a) because I love world falls apart novels and b) I liked the narrator.

It started out like an intellectual exercise into "what happens to society if we can live forever?" I liked how each idea was developed through the documentary style writing. News stories, interviews, etc. I enjoyed the main character who evolves throughout the novel.

The ending, even for dystopian literature was rushed, predictable and painful to listen to. The final part of the novel felt like a morality lesson in why we should never be allowed to genetically alter ourselves. It felt preachy, like those cold-war day after the bomb movies (for those of us old enough to remember them) and it was as though the author ran out of creativity.

Word on the Narrator: good work, solid characterization, consistent throughout.

Not for happy ending lovers, great for those who love depressing stuff.

Yes, if you love the Renaissance and English history like I do, this is the book for you. Filled with details, notes and rare documents, I loved the insight into the royal families.

Unlike so many novels available, this non-fiction doesn't "guess" at who these major players were. Instead, there are detailed accounts of each of the the women based on their letters, court records and family histories. I have never heard so much detail on Lady Jane, though I found the info on Queen Mary a bit lacking.

Elizabeth I is shown with a level hand, neither harsh nor weak by any means.

You love history, listen to this book. And no, it won't replace your history class text. But it will entertain you.