I was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the facI was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the fact that this book was available on Overdrive when I was looking for something to listen to, I am not sure I would have given it a shot.
I must admit I am glad I did. It was much better than the second book and a fitting end to the story.
A mix of mystery, sci-fi, and horror; it has all the elements you love from Stephen King. His collaboration with Chizmar was very good on this and I wonder how much of it is King and how much of it is Chizmar. Something I read previously (don’t ask me to site my source because I honestly don’t remember) led me to believe this series is mostly Chizmar with King mainly serving as inspiration. I cannot say if that is truly the case, but it would make sense.
One maybe “complaint” is that this book gets very political. I didn’t used to have an issue with politics in books, but after the past few years I am exhausted by it and want my books to be an escape. You are definitely not escaping modern political opinions in this one. I am not going to focus on which side of things the politics fall in this book (I am bet all of you probably can guess which way they fall) because all of it exhausts me!
So, politics aside, it is a better book than the second one, has a good ending, and I am 100% glad I finished this adventure. Should you try the trilogy? I am not sure that I can recommend it, but I am also not sure I can discourage you. At least each of the books are short so if you get to a place you just don’t feel like it is working for you, at least you will have not committed too much time to it! ...more
This is where Poirot began! Christie’s most famous detective started his investigations (at least on paper) with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I haThis is where Poirot began! Christie’s most famous detective started his investigations (at least on paper) with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I have already read a couple of his other adventures, so I am a bit out of order. I figured it was time to go back and tackle them the way Christie intended!
This was a strong start and I can see how it appealed enough to become a series. It is fun to follow the quirky behavior and deductive reasoning of our protagonist. While it is not always easy to tell where he is going with his explanations, it all came together in the end.
Another thing this book has going for it is that the mystery was interesting, which is not always the case. A few times I read mystery stories and, while the investigation is interesting, the general plot is lackluster. But, from the moment I met the characters I was hooked. Then it only got more interesting as I learned their backgrounds, witnessed the crime, and then joined Poirot in putting the puzzle pieces together.
I am so glad I tried another classic from Christie. I think if you have any interest in mystery novels you should try Christie, and this would not be a bad place to start. ...more
I continue to be very entertained by the Chew graphic novel series!
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Always funny! Slightly irreverent! Maybe not something to read around mealtiI continue to be very entertained by the Chew graphic novel series!
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Always funny! Slightly irreverent! Maybe not something to read around mealtime – it might either make you lose your appetite or get sick to your stomach. But at least you will be laughing while you do!
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While the story is great, the artwork is even better. It is a carnival for your eyes! The goofiness and cartoonishness (is that a word . . . cartoony-ness maybe? ...more
As an issue by itself: 4 stars As an issue continuing the storyline of a series: 2.5 to 3 stars
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I am not really sure what happened to this seriesAs an issue by itself: 4 stars As an issue continuing the storyline of a series: 2.5 to 3 stars
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I am not really sure what happened to this series, but it seems to have gone off the rails from the original plot. What started as an intriguing mystery (which may still be in there somewhere) turned into an action packed revenge story for this issue.
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As mentioned in my star rating at the top, I really did enjoy the action and the revenge. And, if this stood alone I could easily walk away giving it 4 stars. But, trying to reconcile it with the plot I was given 4 issues ago, I am totally lost. I think there is only one issue left so we will see if it comes full circle.
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The art is just okay for me in this series. There are a few really great frames but a lot of the times the faces and expression seem slightly off/incorrectly proportioned. The covers are much better and I wish that had been the art used in the story.
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So, I cannot say I continue to recommend this title. It had some cool stuff early on, but feels like it is fading away....more
I had to read through several parts of this one twice. Not sure why but sections just were not working for me the first time through. But after re-reaI had to read through several parts of this one twice. Not sure why but sections just were not working for me the first time through. But after re-reading a majority of it a few weeks after finishing the first time, I ended up feeling like it was another good entry in the series.
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Perhaps the need to reread comes from this volume having a different feel than the previous volumes. Each volume focused on the onslaught of one particular type of beast. In this one, the mystery is more of an existential crisis brought on by madness. Instead of the monster being a 20 foot tall sasquatch-cyclops (sas-clops?), the monster may be you!
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The art continues in the same vein as earlier volumes. Since I have enjoyed it all along, I continue to enjoy it here. There is some really cool fantasy-horror imagery; some of which is worth looking at even if you don’t read the story.
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Again, it’s another strong entry in the series. You may encounter some issues getting into parts of it like I did because of the slightly different feel. However, a second look goes a long way with this one!
Very nice start to a series! The first volume of graphic novels does not always draw me in, but Descender did a pretty good job of hooking me for the Very nice start to a series! The first volume of graphic novels does not always draw me in, but Descender did a pretty good job of hooking me for the long haul!
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My first impression was that this was going to be an odd one so I worried that it would take me a while to get into. When I read another sci-fi title, Saga, I ended up enjoying it, but it was so unusual that it did not click for me right away. It was not until vol 2 or 3 that I was hooked. With Descender vol 1, the writer and artist did a fantastic job of giving backstory, introducing characters, and world build in short order without causing too much confusion.
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I really enjoy what they have done with the art here. It is impressionistic – fuzzy lines, incomplete images, etc. - room for your imagination to run wild even with some of the imagery defined for you. Sometimes I don’t care for impressionistic art in graphic novels, but it really works and is very well done here.
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If you enjoy sci-fi and graphic novels and you have not tried this one, I think you should. I am really glad that I did and I am looking forward to checking out more volumes.
A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t real4 Stars
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A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t really tell if I am enjoying it or not. But, usually by the end of each volume I think to myself, “Yeah, that was pretty cool!”
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The story of East of West is so weird, each time I start a new volume I am not really sure what is happening. But, then again, it is likely that I had no idea what was happening at the end of the last volume either. This is a title where you just have to sit back and go with the flow.
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This volume seemed extra heavy on the big, epic art panels. Instead of a bunch of cells per page, I felt like I was more often looking at one large focused image. This was pretty cool as it allowed me to really take in the art without words in the way. And, the art is really, really awesome so I was glad to see this.
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If you are into bizarre, mind-bending, sci-fi/horror mixed with a bit of alternate history, this is for you! (Did I add too many criteria points there? If someone specifically defines their interests as “weird, mindbending, sci-fi/horror, alternate history” I would be surprised. But you never know!
I recently got back into this series with volume 3 and thought it was great. MyThe Beauty vol. 3 was strong
The Beauty vol. 4 kind of lackluster
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I recently got back into this series with volume 3 and thought it was great. Mysterious, creepy, unique, and thought-provoking - The Beauty seemed to have it all! But, that came crashing to a halt with volume 4.
Not necessarily bad, but so strikingly different than the previous entry that it did not go down smoothly. The biggest issue for me was that it felt like it poorly transitioned into a new storyline that I did not get into until the volume was over halfway done. It is just a bad sign when I can't say to myself,"Self . . . I am really into this story."
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The art remains pretty much the same - abstract and dark - perfect for the story. There were a few times the art felt a bit different than previously, a guest artist perhaps? But, overall the same feel I have enjoyed with the rest of the series.
Summary: Okay - not mind blowing. I am sure worth reading for the continuity of the story and connecting vol 3 and vol 5. Looking forward to volume 5 and hoping it goes back to the same feel as the earlier volumes....more
After volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I uAfter volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I understood what happened at all. I only hesitantly picked up volume two figuring I would give it one more chance. But, I did and it was better! I was really getting into it. With volume three, I have come full circle – this series was great!
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While great, it is not for everyone. At times gruesome, at other times irreverent – the imagery is often 100% nightmare fuel. If this is not your jam – stay away! If this is your jam, you must hop on this twisted and wild ride.
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Speaking of imagery, the artwork remained top quality for this volume. While I did not look for the specifics, I am pretty sure that the artist was not the same for each issue of this volume (or, at least parts of issues). Luckily, it meshed well and was not so distracting that it ruined the story (I’m looking at you The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 3: Commercial Suicide) This series as a whole was a joy to look at!
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If you are into darker and less mainstream comics, this is a title worth checking out. Also, as far as I can tell, this is only a three-volume series (it definitely feels over), so there is not too much of a commitment. Just remember, if you enter Astrid Mueller's Clean Room, you are under her control . . . don’t kid yourself otherwise!
Much the same as the first two. Readable, sometimes interesting, sometimes confusing, occasionally boring, often using too many words to3.5 to 4 stars
Much the same as the first two. Readable, sometimes interesting, sometimes confusing, occasionally boring, often using too many words to get to the point, and a lot of plot points seemingly pulled out of thin air (or other, much darker orifices!)
So far, the plot for these books move along like the poster child for Deus Ex Machina.
I feel like since there are about 800 books in this series, my reviews are at risk of getting repetitive. So, with book three now done, I am trying to figure out something creative to do with each of my Wheel of Times reviews to keep things fresh and interesting . . .
So, for this one – I would like for you to share in the comments the most ridiculous Deus Ex Machinas you have ever encountered in literature. Maybe it was a place where you could not see how the plot could continue. Or, perhaps the characters were in a jam you were sure they could not getout of and then *BOOM* everything is fine.
Please mark spoilers, but, if they are really cringe-worthy then spoiling it may save us all some pain in the future! ...more
This graphic novel series is still very weird, but it started to make a little more sense in this volume . . .
Just a little . . .
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If I had a gunThis graphic novel series is still very weird, but it started to make a little more sense in this volume . . .
Just a little . . .
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If I had a gun to my head and was being forced to explain the plot of Clean Room, I would be in big trouble. It is sci-fi/horror with a bit of supernatural demon stuff going on. Each chapter combines normal goings on with the extremely bizarre. Just when you settle in to the plot, it throws you for a curve with disturbing imagery and jarring plot twists. I have to say, I am actually enjoying this bumpy and crazy ride (even if I am not quite sure why!)
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The art of this is very eye-catching. The depiction of human characters is well done, and when things get into the bizarre, it is quite striking and often horrific. Some of it is very Lovecraftian. For some reason, I found the depiction of mouths on the creatures particularly disturbing. This is definitely one to give you nightmares if you have a weak constitution for the visually unsettling.
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This graphic novel series is not for everyone. In fact, it may not be for many. But if you have a thing for confusingly bizarre horror, then you really must try it out.
It has been a while since I read a volume of this series. While I could not remember some of the specifics, this is a story that was very easy to get It has been a while since I read a volume of this series. While I could not remember some of the specifics, this is a story that was very easy to get back into quickly.
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I continue to be impressed with the unique/creative storyline used for this graphic novel; an STD that makes you beautiful and the speculation of what the ramifications of such an illness might be. You would think it would be as easy as,”Hey, I can have sex and get beautiful”, but nothing is ever that straightforward. I really enjoy what they have done with the story – it makes for a quick, interesting, and thought provoking read.
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I always like to include a few images from the volume I just read. Other than covers, they have been kind of difficult to find. I think it is probably because “The Beauty” is way too common for Google to deal with in a specific fashion. Even adding some additional keywords didn’t help much. But, I hope you can see from the couple of covers I have included as we as the one panel I was able to find that the art work is interesting and eye catching. It may not be the smoothest and most intricate graphic novel art, but it serves its purpose well here.
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If you like unique, kind of out there, kind of horror, kind of mystery graphic novels, you should give this series a try....more
The Y journey has come to an end! It was a good run . . . I am giving this volume 4 stars more as a summary of the series as a whole. As a stand aloneThe Y journey has come to an end! It was a good run . . . I am giving this volume 4 stars more as a summary of the series as a whole. As a stand alone without the rest of the series, I would go closer to 3 stars for this volume.
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Why lower on this volume, you ask? The end felt rushed to me. A whole bunch of loose ends tied up much too quickly for such an epic story. Earlier in the series they have entire volumes dedicated to events that they likely would have summed up in just a few pages in this one. The ending was okay, just too quick for my tastes!
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But, as mentioned, the series as a whole was very good and worth checking out. If you like post-apocalyptic “what if?” stories this is a very unique scenario to consider. Also, while it includes suspense and action, there is also a lot of humor and even some romance. Seems like pretty much every genre is included and it all works together well.
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Throughout the whole series the art has continued to be consistent (I love when they don’t change artists) and perfect for the story. While the regular panel to panel artwork is great, the alternative art used for the covers has been fantastic. There are many found throughout that could be framed and hung on the wall. Since the point of the graphic novel is to combine words with images, I consider this series a great success in that department!
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Sad this journey has come to an end, but I have many other great series that I am working on – of to read some more! ...more
This continues to be a wild and weird ride . . . and, it's getting even weirder (if that is even possible)
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This issue deals not only with Lewis This continues to be a wild and weird ride . . . and, it's getting even weirder (if that is even possible)
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This issue deals not only with Lewis and Clark's continuing bizarre adventures, but also has flashbacks to the story immediately preceding adventures. The flashback segment is super trippy and kind of hard to follow, but a decent addition to the story all the same.
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And, probably sounding like a broken record from my previous reviews in this series, but the art work is very good and fun to look at. The switch from straightforward human interactions to gargantuan beasts and demons is well done. Overall, a visually pleasing series so far.
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A good issue and I still feel a series worth checking out - especially if you like your historical fiction combined with a bit of supernatural.
I am not sure is I will continue to volume two as there are so many other titles out there to choose from. I just don’t think I care enough for2 Stars
I am not sure is I will continue to volume two as there are so many other titles out there to choose from. I just don’t think I care enough for this title to keep going.
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The story is weird and artsy, and it is in that forced weird and artsy way that I don’t really care for. It’s like the author sat down to make something “out there” instead of letting the oddities flow organically
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The artwork, in my opinion, is not for me. It does not really interest my eye and I cannot think of one time I enjoyed looking at it throughout volume 1. Maybe it will be something you will like (see examples), but I felt nothing for it.
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As I didn’t care for this, I am not sure who I think I would recommend it to. If you do enjoy the more unusual superhero titles (which are not uncommon with Image Comics), you may enjoy this one. However, I do usually enjoy the more unusual titles, so . . . proceed with caution!
This graphic novel series continues to be very unusual.
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It is a cyberpunk western with cultural and religious conflict at its core. You could sThis graphic novel series continues to be very unusual.
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It is a cyberpunk western with cultural and religious conflict at its core. You could say that it takes the conflicts we see in our society today to an extreme and then puts them in a futuristic, yet late 1800s America. Like I said, unusual!
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Is unusual good? I think that is for the eye of the beholder. There is some very cool and interesting stuff here. But, for me, the few cool and interesting things do not make this entire volume mind shattering. In fact, when I finished, I was thinking to myself that not much really happened between point A and point B in this one. Because of that, I would refer to this volume in a way you may have seen in some other reviews: A Transitional Volume. Which to me means that it doesn’t stand all that well on its own, but hopefully redeems itself by connecting the volume before it and the volume after it.
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I do continue to enjoy the art. With a few of the panels, you don’t even need the dialogue – just sit back and enjoy the scenery! Overall the whole series has been very dark and sometimes disturbing. This volume maybe even more so than others. Especially considering the transitional nature of this volume, all of the dark, disjointed, and disturbing (ah, alliteration, my old friend!) images which are low on context left me a bit unsettled. Another thing that I cannot specifically say is good or bad . . . maybe you want to be unsettled, so that is good!
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The series so far has been worth my time. Maybe not blowing me away, but satisfying. I am hoping one of the volumes coming up really brings it all together....more
Dynamite Comics has continued to do a pretty awesome job with its James Bond graphic novel seriIn the beginning there was Bond . . . James Bond
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Dynamite Comics has continued to do a pretty awesome job with its James Bond graphic novel series. I will admit (and the evidence is there if you go back through my graphic novel shelf) that I did not care much for the first volume in the series. (VARGR) But, after that it has only been getting better and better and I have been enjoying the ride!
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I think I have started to get a bit out of publication order now. But, that doesn’t seem to be a big deal since a) this is a origin collection and b) the James Bond series, but its very nature, tends to deal with only very loosely connected episodic adventures. So far this origin series is shaping up to be something you could check out even if you have no interest in the other titles Dynamite offers.
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I could be wrong, but I don’t think James Bond’s early years have ever been delved into quite as much as they are here. I have read all the Ian Fleming novels and seen all the movies, but I only remember occasional hints of Bond before MI6. If there were any novels written by other authors addressing this time in his life, I have never seen them. But, I am glad to see it here because it has translated into a very, very good (and very cool) story.
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The art varies from volume to volume in the Dynamite collections, but I am very pleased with the artists handling the origin story. The art is crisp but very well reflects WWII era locales and dress. Some of the panoramic and action sequence fames feel very cinematic Also, they did some very neat variant covers that look like the war effort posters from that era.
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If you love Bond, I really don’t think there is any way you will not enjoy this! ...more
Same decent art. Same intriguing story. This series continues to bring it!
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I have been slowly working my way through this series but loving everSame decent art. Same intriguing story. This series continues to bring it!
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I have been slowly working my way through this series but loving every minute of it. It is unique and odd and maybe not everyone’s’ cup of tea. But, the creative approach to a potentially apocalyptic event has been fleshed out in many interesting ways. There have been so many “what ifs” for the author to play with that it was probably as fun to write as it is to read!
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It appears that the next volume is the last volume of the series. I cannot say that I have felt it building up to a climax yet, so I hope it is wrapped up well. I would hate to have all this build up for a rushed and convenient ending.
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The art has remained the same but very decent throughout. I believe I mentioned in previous reviews of this series that it has more of the older comic book style in most places (think Dick Tracy or early superhero). Where the art has branched out into cool variants on the theme is with the covers, and I have included a few examples with my review.
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Excited for the next issue, but sad to see it end! ...more
Another great volume of American Vampire! This one is quite epic as it collects two full stories spanning 12 issues.
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This is the WWII part of thAnother great volume of American Vampire! This one is quite epic as it collects two full stories spanning 12 issues.
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This is the WWII part of the overall storyline. One story in this collection takes place in the Pacific Theater and the other in Nazi Germany. The setting and mythology of World War II meshes perfectly with the addition of vampires.
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While these two stories have some stand alone elements, they do also carry on the timeline of the American Vampire series overall. There are a few recurring characters from previous issues, flashbacks, etc. It had been a while since I read the last volume, but it was not hard to get back into it.
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The art of this series continues to be fantastic. Sometimes it is impressionistic. Sometimes it it's detailed and precise. Sometimes it is outlandish - especially when monsters and gore are featured. But, whatever it is, it is always eye-catching and cinematic. It's such a fun book to look at!
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Overall, I have been very pleased with this series and the volume has continued the awesomeness. I can't wait for more!
I am really enjoying this series! Steampunk has not always been my favorite genre. I think it looks cool in the fan art and cosplay I see online, but I am really enjoying this series! Steampunk has not always been my favorite genre. I think it looks cool in the fan art and cosplay I see online, but I often struggle to connect with the stories and style of writing. That has been very far from the case with the Hungry City Chronicles. Also, I think this series keeps getting better as the story moves along.
I really like what the author has done with the multiple characters and storylines. They all exist independently of each other, but they also intertwine very organically. And, to go with this, the descriptions and the action are awesome. I can easily create a movie of it in my head while I am reading.
And, speaking of the characters – I am loving all the different characters and their complexity. There is some amazing character development in such a short story. While some of the people are caricatures – thinking of Pennyroyal here – they fit in perfectly to the development. And, I cannot say too much without spoiling, but, for one of the characters there is a swing to the Dark Side the likes of which has not been seen since Anakin Skywalker!
As you can probably tell, I highly recommend this series. Don’t start with this book, though. Go back to the beginning and start there – it is an uphill adventure from the very beginning in the most fantastic of ways! ...more
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