Cassidy

Bookshops and Bonedust is a such a delightful prequel that takes us on an adventure of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.

The book starts with Viv, a battle-hungry orc, finding herself recuperating in the sleepy beach town of Murk after being wounded during a hunt for a powerful necromancer. Easily bored with no battles to wage, she spends her time at an old bookshop, forging an unlikely friendship with its foul-mouthed proprietor, a ratkin named Fern. The story then unfolds with eager gnomes, delicious baked goods, suspicious travelers and another unexpected friendship.

Baldree continues to build a cozy fantasy world as was done with the predecessor book, Legends and Lattes. The story told and the character building continues to be heartwarming and oh so satisfying.

As a Christopher Moore fan, its hard for me to not be biased. I do regret only just now getting around to reading some of his earlier works. Being from the Bay Area it's nice to read a story that places its characters in places I have been and can view without having to know much detail. This story, while not super complex, was glorious in all its various parts. From the troubled Jody being turned with no answers, to the timid and newly rejuvenated Tommy moving from Midwest nowhere to hustle and bustle SF. I have to say I wish we as readers knew more about The Emperor and his place as well as wishing we could have gotten a deeper glimpse into the mind of The Vampire. However, thats why sequels are written. A fun quick read that brought laughter, grossness, and even a bit of fright.

I wanted so badly to enjoy this book, but again, here I am not finishing a book because it just lost me. While I've enjoyed Lindy West in other venues, particularly on podcasts or in her editorial writing, I felt as if all of the stories in this book were the same thing. Unfortunately I made it about 1/4 of the way through and jut stopped.

I am an Adam Christopher fan. I love his noirish style and his ability to take sci fi in a cool direction. I will say that this book scared the crap out of me. I found myself not being able to read it alone, but I made it.

A cool story and interesting idea. My imagination was taken to a far away place and that's where I started scaring myself, so that's some good fiction. I wanted the ending to be so much more, but alas I was not satisfied with it, hence the 4 stars.

I am such a fan of Mister Maupin and his series of Tales of The City novels, however I felt that this one in the series just fell short and seemed rushed. While it was nice to get to leave SF again in this tale, I felt as if some of the plot line was just stretching it too far. A little too much coincidence for my taste. I still very much love reading about the lives of the Barbury Lane residents, yet my opinion on some of them has changed considering certain events that take place. I feel that Maupin did his job at sucking me into their lives, as now a once favored character of mine I just can't get behind anymore, and of course the always heart string pulling stories of Michael Tolliver will keep me hooked until the series is complete. Not my favorite, but wanting to continue the series without missing a step.

What. A. Book. Having only seen the film years ago, I had added A Tree Grows In Brooklyn to my TBR list knowing the story and still wanting to experience it differently. I am so glad I read it and will probably read it again!

First, the scene setting for me was immaculate. Simple descriptors, and from a child’s point of view for the majority of the book left my mind open to paint the picture of 1900’s Brooklyn. From the way the buildings feel and look, to the way I could smell the hot coffee when it’s being poured in the story. *chefs kiss!*

The characters grown so beautifully in that there is an experience over the years for all of them, you root for the Nolan’s and Rommeleys (sp?) and you feel with them through it all. While the story focuses on Francie Nolan’s story, I found that her supporting characters really lift her experience and draw you in.

It’s sad and devastating, hilarious and silly, serious and reflective, a warm hug and a cold shoulder.

A classic that is truly a treasure.

I am now a full Adam Christopher fan. Having read Empire State and enjoying it, I was definitely looking forward to a sophomore novel. Seven Wonders did not disappoint. A true mix of noir style comic book tales, the greatest turn of events to become quite the sci-fi vision.
The universe Adam Christopher has come to create will grab the attention of non sci-fi and true sci-fi fans with this book. Great action, superb detail and a twisting story to leave you wanting more!
Bravo!