Monday, May 23, 2016

Where Is Your Bookmark? (05/24/2016)

At the moment, I am reading my second runner up in my May TBR List poll, Shadow Revolution, the first in the Crown & Key series, by Clay and Susan Griffith. Set in Victorian London, this urban fantasy novel is about a group of magically inclined people who discover a pack of werewolves living among them. They join together to route the werewolves out and save London.



Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a book they are reading or thinking about reading soon. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.

A bold moon hung over the dark London cityscape. A shroud of fog obscured the ever present grime as yellow smudges of gas lamps created black silhouettes of the skyline. London showed its hidden nature only at night. People moved like wraiths, appearing out of nowhere, shades made suddenly solid. 
The misty moonlight gave the city an otherworldly aspect in which Simon Archer reveled. He nodded amiably to passersby, but his senses were tuned to the indistinguishable world around him, listening, feeling for a shred of anything out of place.

Every Tuesday, Jenn from Books And A Beat hosts Teaser Tuesdays at which time participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.


(Extra Long) Teaser from 13% of Shadow Revolution:
"Sir, I appreciate the exhibition of your manly virtues; however, I am perfectly capable of deflecting his repartee. But by all means, continue with your pummeling if you feel the need."
Surprised, Simon's jaw snapped shut. There was only a moment's pause before he said, "I profusely apologize for coming to your rescue." 
"I accept your apology sir. And I thank you for making me the center of attention." 
"Most women find that appealing." 
"I'm not most women." 
"Clearly."
and at 17%:
"Mad dog?" he intoned with a bemused cock of his head. 
Kate threw her sword to the side. "Well, shouting werewolf seemed pointless."

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

It doesn't take long for the action to start in Shadow Revolution. It's clear not much gets by Simon Archer. I couldn't help but share the long teaser of conversation between Simon and Kate. It's obvious Kate is no slouch. I quite like her so far. Simon's not so bad himself. Shadow Revolution seems like it will be an action packed novel with a bit of wit on the side. 

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it anything you would recommend?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's  Top Ten Tuesday theme is  Ten (or so) Books I Feel Differently About After Time Has Passed. Sometimes my initial reaction after finishing a book changes the more I reflect and think about the book. It can happen from the moment I finish a book to when I write my review or being over the course of a long period of time. Here are a list of ten books in which I came to feel differently about over time. Admittedly, my shift in thinking is usually not by much. I cannot think of a book I liked and then came to hate or vice versa.


1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ~ I loved this book when I read it. And while I still think it is a great read, time has made me wonder if perhaps I wasn't caught up in all the hype and enthusiasm over the book when I read it. When I think of it now, I can't help but wonder if it was too saccharine, even given the subject matter. A little too perfect?

2. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov ~ I really liked this book upon finishing it, and now consider it among my favorites. I think what kept me from thinking of it that way when I read it was because of the subject matter--it really is disturbing--but ultimately, this was a brilliant book on many levels.

3. The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall ~ This was such a unique and weird book. I liked it at the time I read it, but I like it even more now in retrospect.

4. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls ~ Well written, this book is a favorite for many. It never has been for me. What I liked most about this one was the author's positive attitude through it all and how reselient she is, but nothing about her story really stood out for me. Maybe because I hear and see the same and worse just about every day while on the job.

5. The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris ~ At one time, I counted this series among my favorites. Now, not so much. Maybe because I eventually read similar books I liked better or the later books just weren't as good. I am not sure. I have no regrets reading the books--they were fun and enjoyable, but part of me wonders what it was I saw in the series in the first place. At least in terms of considering it a favorite.

6. Emma by Jane Austen ~ Another one I liked upon finishing, but love in retrospect. I found Emma annoying and didn't think much of her for too long. Now I think she's one of my favorite Austen characters--at least in terms of character growth of Austen's I've encountered so far.

7. The Twilight Trilogy by Stephanie Meyer ~ I actually found all three books to be fun reads, even with the less than stellar writing. It wasn't until later when such a big fuss was made between the lovers and haters of the series, that I took a closer look at the books. I still don't dislike the books (well, maybe the last one), but I definitely like them less and find myself more critical of them now than I once was.

8. The Girl on Legare Street and The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. I enjoyed both these books, but admit the main character grates on my nerves a bit. Still, I think highly of these books--the writing style and the world White's created, especially the ghosts and the way she brings Charleston to life. At one time I wasn't sure I would want to read on in the series, but now I'm pretty sure I will.

9. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne ~ While overall I liked this book, I still had mixed feelings about it, and over the years, the criticisms have stood out more so for me.

10. Room by Emma Donaghue ~ I liked this book more upon finishing it than I do now. The overall impact of it was much more powerful right after finishing it, but as time has passed it hasn't stayed with me as much as I had expected. I haven't even been compelled to see the movie the way I normally am with books I really liked.


What about you? Are there any books that you liked or disliked and had a change of heart down the road?



© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

48 comments:

  1. I don't normally read Urban Fantasy, but I liked those opening paragraphs. Mmm.

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    1. Margot - It's interesting so far. :-) I like the banter between the characters.

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  2. The Shadow Revolution sounds quite good! Foggy Victorian London plus werewolves? Sounds like a winner!

    As for the TT topic I can't think of too many where my thoughts have changed that much, it mostly seems to be older books that I go back to read as an adult and find that they haven't aged well for me. :)

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    1. Greg - I had a hard time selecting 10 books for this week's topic because of that very reason. Nothing really stood out as a book I've loved and then hated or vice versa. Maybe Pride and Prejudice. I had forgotten about that one. I didn't like it the first time I read it, but it's one of my favorite books now, after re-reading it.

      The Shadow Revolution is interesting so far. I'm still not too far into it, but I imagine it will be a quick read it if keeps up at this pace. I love the setting too!

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  3. Ha! I like those teasers, especially the second one. That series is on my list!

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    1. Christy - I really like that second too. :-) I'm already picturing how this book would look on the big screen. Haha

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  4. Lolita seems to be lots of people's favourite, but it just sounds so dodgy I can't bring myself to read it! Loved your teasers :)

    My TT: http://whenitdoes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/teaser-tuesday-richard-didnt-do-it.html

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    1. Catherine - I ended up listening to Lolita because I knew I'd have trouble reading it. Jeremy Irons did such an amazing job narrating. I am so glad I finally broke down and read/listened to it. It's not an easy subject matter, and I imagine a lot of people would never try it as a result.

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  5. I don't think this week's pick is for me Wendy, but, I hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Diane - So far I am enjoying it. It's a fun read. :-)

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  6. I adored The Boy in the STriped Pajamas when I first read it! But that was several years ago and I do wonder if I'd be affected in the same way...(omg it had me thinking about it for MONTHS after and I never did get up the courage to watch the movie *hides*) Here's my TTT!

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    1. Cait - I'm not sure why my opinion changed over time. It's interesting how perception can change that way.

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  7. I don't think I've ever read urban fantasy, so would probably pass on this book. But I love your list! I felt exactly the same way about The Glass Castle and Room.

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  8. Yep, those teasers hooked me! Too funny!

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    1. Jenclair - I'm not quite as taken with it yet as I was with Charming, but we'll see. I do like the banter between the characters. :-)

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  9. The Shadow Revolution sounds like fun - and I always like London as a setting:). I also very much enjoyed reading your list of books where you opinion has changed over time. I find that often happens, too. Mostly because as I get further from a book, it either completely fades or stays in my memory - and I often can't predict which at the time.

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    1. Sarah - I love a London setting too. :-) I find that too. Some books stay with me for a long time and others don't. It's not always the ones I think it will be either.

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  10. I like urban fantasy and the opener and teaser caught my attention.

    Funny I had same Sookie Stackhouse experience. Loved the books when they came out but in retrospect I'm not sure I'd recommend them anymore.

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    1. Beth F - I had such fun reading the Sookie books, so I feel a little sad for feeling the way I do now--but time sometimes has that effect, doesn't it? I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one.

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  11. Yes, I'd keep reading I like the witty dialogue:)

    My TT from Sister Dear

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    1. Laura - I like it too! It's definitely entertaining. :-)

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  12. I felt the same way about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - I could see the ending from a mile away so I didn't love it the way most people did. I thought Room had stayed with me until I saw the movie and then I realized I'd forgotten many of the details.

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    1. Kathy - Yes, the ending for that one was a bit obvious. I may see the movie for Room someday, but at this point, I don't have any interest in it.

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  13. This one sounded so good that I immediately went and bought a Kindle copy. My teaser comes from Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - I hope you enjoy it, Kathy! So far, I like it. :-)

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  14. Great TOP TEN! :D I've been wanting to read The Room, for a long time now, but I made the mistake of watching the movie first, and I loved it, but I don't really have the urge to read the book now...Hopefully that will change!
    My Top Ten Tuesday!

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    1. Giovanna - Thank you! That happens to me sometimes when I see a movie first--I end up losing interest in reading the book. If you do change your mind, I hope you enjoy the book!

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  15. While this is not my usual genre, I was drawn into the settings with the author's prose. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog. Enjoy!

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    1. Laurel-Rain - It's good so far. I love books involving magic and this one is right up my alley.

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  16. Urban fantasy isn't a genre I read--hope this book meets your expectations.

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    1. Catherine - I am enjoying it so far. Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres. :-)

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  17. I do not read urban fantasy very often. When I do, I usually enjoy it. I will add this one to my "maybe someday" list. Thanks for sharing this title and for your Top Ten. I would have to really think about my Top Ten!

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    1. Judy - Hopefully I will continue to enjoy it. Not that I need another series to get involved in. I'm a sucker for a series.

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  18. I like the dialogue in your excerpt. I don't usually read fantasy, but this sounds like a good story.
    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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    1. Sandra - I think the interactions between the characters is my favorite part so far.

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  19. Love the setting in the intro. Sounds like it will be full of Victorian details. Here's Mine

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    1. Paulita - I am eager to keep reading. My lunch break can't come soon enough!

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  20. Not really my kind of book but I do like the descriptive language in the opening paragraphs. Girl Who Reads

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  21. Not really my genre, but it's a good intro.

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    1. Yvonne - I've been on an urban fantasy binge as of late.

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  22. I liked the intro and teaser. Good to know it is the first in a series.

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    1. Nise' - It's definitely a series I would like to pursue.

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  23. I was going to do this TTT but didn't get the time to. I loved The Fault in Our Stars by John Green as well when it first came out, I wonder if I re-read it how I'd feel about it. I agree on The Twilight Trilogy by Stephanie Meyer because when I re-read the first one, I wondered what the fuss was ever about.

    Shadow Revolution sounds good, enjoy it!

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    1. Naida - I nearly ran out of time. It's so hit and miss, finding the time to do the Top Then posts. :-S

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  24. I think mine will be The Twilight Saga. I remember first reading it when there wasn't much hype and I enjoyed the complexity of the characters' relationship. But over the years my feelings for it waned and more so when the movies were out.

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    1. Melody - If it weren't for much of the controversy surrounding the books, I think it would have been easy to forget, to be honest.

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