Title: The Cat Who Went Up the Creek
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
While Polly goes on vacation, Qwill & Co. go to stay at the Nutcracker Inn, run by his friends Lori and Nick Bamba, near Black Creek... the actual creek this time, not the town. But soon a dead body is found, and a new mystery arises.
Can Qwill figure out Koko's signals and actions, and the mystery?
Rockin' Review:
This was a pretty good book overall. It stuck more to the mystery element, thankfully. However, the enjoyment level never truly reached 5-Guitar level. It started out as a 4-Guitar, and it became a 3-Guitar near the end. However, it never totally stunk, however!
And it could have been written better. Some of the mystery-solving didn't make sense, and the explanation scene makes you feel like something didn't add up, though you can't quite put your finger on it. And the mystery of Walter didn't make much sense, and I didn't feel like it was resolved well. The whole mystery/sub-story of Polly's vacation didn't quite add up! I felt unsatisfied on both mysteries.
The rest of the book was pretty good, however. What Qwill did around the mysteries was good, and the actual sluething (sp?) was good, it was just the ending that didn't feel quite so right... and there were things that could have been done better. This book is good for a relaxing read, especially near the end, but it's more of a time-waster than anything else.
All in all, this was a-little-above average book, and was never truly bad, it just needs a good deal of tweaking, and better solutions to mysteries and the rest of the Polly's Vacation parts of the book and story.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The Cat Who Smelled a Rat
Title: The Cat Who Smelled a Rat
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
The Big One is coming late to Mouse County, and everyone is suffering from a drought. Also, the threat of fire is high in the air, also threatening to burn up the famous ten shaft-houses of Mouse County. But Eddington Smith, the old bookkeeper and friend of Qwill's, dies, and wheels start to turn. The bookstore is burnt down, a volunteer firefighter is shot, and arson is running high... and, like usual, Koko is doing his weird stuff.
Qwill's gotta figure out another mystery...
Rockin' Review:
Despite the summary above, the mystery did not take up a lot of the story. At the very least, it wasn't a very important part. And, at the end, I feel like the mystery wasn't wrapped up well. While some things were explained, not everything was. I wasn't sure how things added up to indicate this person or that. Some of it was Koko's behavior, of course, but not even that was completely explained. It was confusing at the end. It was more like the author was chopping off disagreeable characters. Not totally a bad move... some of those characters were unlikable, and definitely not faves of mine.
What's interesting is that one was introduced in the last book (which she has done before, but the last one to get this treatment got a few extra books first, though not too long). In that respect, it was a nice set-up that started in the last book. That was a good and interesting move, and well-done over more than one book. However, I'm not totally sure that was what was going on. It's interesting, though!
The book was good and well-done, however. It was more about Qwill's daily life and life in Mouse County, especially during the drought and waiting for the arrival of the snowstorm called "the Big One". It made for a more relaxing read. It didn't have too many parts that grabbed you and kept you in (though there were a few, primarily near the end), but it was still an enjoyable and good book.
So, all in all, it was a good and enjoyable book that's best for a relaxing read.
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
The Big One is coming late to Mouse County, and everyone is suffering from a drought. Also, the threat of fire is high in the air, also threatening to burn up the famous ten shaft-houses of Mouse County. But Eddington Smith, the old bookkeeper and friend of Qwill's, dies, and wheels start to turn. The bookstore is burnt down, a volunteer firefighter is shot, and arson is running high... and, like usual, Koko is doing his weird stuff.
Qwill's gotta figure out another mystery...
Rockin' Review:
Despite the summary above, the mystery did not take up a lot of the story. At the very least, it wasn't a very important part. And, at the end, I feel like the mystery wasn't wrapped up well. While some things were explained, not everything was. I wasn't sure how things added up to indicate this person or that. Some of it was Koko's behavior, of course, but not even that was completely explained. It was confusing at the end. It was more like the author was chopping off disagreeable characters. Not totally a bad move... some of those characters were unlikable, and definitely not faves of mine.
What's interesting is that one was introduced in the last book (which she has done before, but the last one to get this treatment got a few extra books first, though not too long). In that respect, it was a nice set-up that started in the last book. That was a good and interesting move, and well-done over more than one book. However, I'm not totally sure that was what was going on. It's interesting, though!
The book was good and well-done, however. It was more about Qwill's daily life and life in Mouse County, especially during the drought and waiting for the arrival of the snowstorm called "the Big One". It made for a more relaxing read. It didn't have too many parts that grabbed you and kept you in (though there were a few, primarily near the end), but it was still an enjoyable and good book.
So, all in all, it was a good and enjoyable book that's best for a relaxing read.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Dead Witch Walking
Title: Dead Witch Walking
Author: Kim Harrison
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
Rachel Morgan lives in what's called "The Hollows" in the Cincinnati. She's a witch, and in charge of bringing in runaway paranormal creatures that break the rules. But her job at the I.S. has gotten real bad and boring lately, so she decides to quit. Her friend and ex-partner, the living vampire Ivy, decides to quit with her and join her in making a new company, despite being one of the I.S.'s best "runners" and having a good job. But Rachel's ex-boss is steamed that she took Ivy with her, and puts a death threat on her until she can pay off her contract. This causes major trouble.
But that won't be the only trouble Rachel, Ivy, and the pixie Jenks (along with his family) will face along the way...
Rockin' Review:
An amazingly-done book! The world was extremely well-done and well thought-out. Meanwhile, the actual book was very good. It was highly well-done, and it set up for the rest of the series very well.
There was one scene that was scary and freaky. That lost the book some major points. And it doesn't stick to you as much near the end (the beginning had parts which had you stuck in the book). But it was mostly enjoyable and good overall.
All in all, this was a very good book.
Author: Kim Harrison
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
Rachel Morgan lives in what's called "The Hollows" in the Cincinnati. She's a witch, and in charge of bringing in runaway paranormal creatures that break the rules. But her job at the I.S. has gotten real bad and boring lately, so she decides to quit. Her friend and ex-partner, the living vampire Ivy, decides to quit with her and join her in making a new company, despite being one of the I.S.'s best "runners" and having a good job. But Rachel's ex-boss is steamed that she took Ivy with her, and puts a death threat on her until she can pay off her contract. This causes major trouble.
But that won't be the only trouble Rachel, Ivy, and the pixie Jenks (along with his family) will face along the way...
Rockin' Review:
An amazingly-done book! The world was extremely well-done and well thought-out. Meanwhile, the actual book was very good. It was highly well-done, and it set up for the rest of the series very well.
There was one scene that was scary and freaky. That lost the book some major points. And it doesn't stick to you as much near the end (the beginning had parts which had you stuck in the book). But it was mostly enjoyable and good overall.
All in all, this was a very good book.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Hobbit
Title: The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
Bilbo Baggins is a respectable hobbit living in the Shire. He never goes on adventures... at least, until the wizard Gandalf shows up!!! Soon, Bilbo is on an adventure with the wizard and thirteen dwarves to recover a hoard of dwarf-treasure from an evil dragon named Smaug. But many things will happen along the way...
Will the quest be successful?
Rockin' Review:
I can see why this book is being turned into a bunch of movies! It was very well-done, and very well-written. It was pretty enjoyable. There was only a few glitches, and they were pretty minor ones.
Now, the book is admittedly long, and takes dedication. There are parts which don't hold you in, but there are parts and chapters which keep stuck in the book! But it's a long book, so hold on!
Definitely get this classic... and make sure you stick with it! It's definitely worth it!
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
Bilbo Baggins is a respectable hobbit living in the Shire. He never goes on adventures... at least, until the wizard Gandalf shows up!!! Soon, Bilbo is on an adventure with the wizard and thirteen dwarves to recover a hoard of dwarf-treasure from an evil dragon named Smaug. But many things will happen along the way...
Will the quest be successful?
Rockin' Review:
I can see why this book is being turned into a bunch of movies! It was very well-done, and very well-written. It was pretty enjoyable. There was only a few glitches, and they were pretty minor ones.
Now, the book is admittedly long, and takes dedication. There are parts which don't hold you in, but there are parts and chapters which keep stuck in the book! But it's a long book, so hold on!
Definitely get this classic... and make sure you stick with it! It's definitely worth it!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Agatha H. And The Clockwork Princess
Title: Agatha H. And The Clockwork Princess
Authors: Phil and Kaia Foglio
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
With the secret of her family discovered and the escape from Klaus Wulfenback's airship complete, Agatha and Krosp are on the run. After some complications, they end up joining a circus going through the circus on the way to Mechancisburg. But there's going to be trouble along the way... and not all from Klaus! Some of it is going to be from the past too...
Rockin' Review:
Okay, did not see who the Other was! That was a surprising tibbit!
But to reviewing. This one was not as good as the other book. It was still good and well-done, just not as enjoyable. The first part (and the last bit) kept you in, but the middle... not as often.
And there was a bit of a problem. Agatha was possessed and wasn't there for a bit! Not a good bit! Basically, the whole bit with the "Storm King's" town and castle weren't as good. Though it was amusing how one of the authors put himself in the book (and admitted to it being an usually-bad move, which made it amusing!).
So, all in all, this was a good book... just not as good as the first one in the series.
Authors: Phil and Kaia Foglio
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
With the secret of her family discovered and the escape from Klaus Wulfenback's airship complete, Agatha and Krosp are on the run. After some complications, they end up joining a circus going through the circus on the way to Mechancisburg. But there's going to be trouble along the way... and not all from Klaus! Some of it is going to be from the past too...
Rockin' Review:
Okay, did not see who the Other was! That was a surprising tibbit!
But to reviewing. This one was not as good as the other book. It was still good and well-done, just not as enjoyable. The first part (and the last bit) kept you in, but the middle... not as often.
And there was a bit of a problem. Agatha was possessed and wasn't there for a bit! Not a good bit! Basically, the whole bit with the "Storm King's" town and castle weren't as good. Though it was amusing how one of the authors put himself in the book (and admitted to it being an usually-bad move, which made it amusing!).
So, all in all, this was a good book... just not as good as the first one in the series.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Cat Who Robbed a Bank
Title: The Cat Who Robbed a Bank
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Rating: Three and a Half Guitar
Sizzlin' Summary:
Two major things are coming to Pickaxe. One is the Highland Games with traditional Scottish stuff and games, and the other thing is a big-time jewel dealer with a mysterious cash-only policy and a hot niece/helper is coming to Pickaxe. But then things crash when the dealer is found murdered and the niece/helper is missing!
Koko is doing his usual, and Qwill's got to figure out the murder...
Rockin' Review:
This was not the greatest Cat Who book. Except for a spurt near the end, which earned it the last half-Guitar, it was only an average book. It was average writing, and average enjoyment. It wasn't bad or overly good. And we know who the murderer was for a long time. Too long!
All in all, it was only an average book... not bad, but not great either.
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Rating: Three and a Half Guitar
Sizzlin' Summary:
Two major things are coming to Pickaxe. One is the Highland Games with traditional Scottish stuff and games, and the other thing is a big-time jewel dealer with a mysterious cash-only policy and a hot niece/helper is coming to Pickaxe. But then things crash when the dealer is found murdered and the niece/helper is missing!
Koko is doing his usual, and Qwill's got to figure out the murder...
Rockin' Review:
This was not the greatest Cat Who book. Except for a spurt near the end, which earned it the last half-Guitar, it was only an average book. It was average writing, and average enjoyment. It wasn't bad or overly good. And we know who the murderer was for a long time. Too long!
All in all, it was only an average book... not bad, but not great either.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Daniel X: Game Over
Title: Daniel X: Game Over
Authors: James Patterson and Ned Rust
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
This time, Daniel is going after two aliens... Numbers 7 & 8 on the List. This married alien couple is disguised as big-time video-game makers. And they're about to release a new game... which will brainwash people and kids, making them into killers and hunters, and make them destroy humanity! And they love hunting down last of species, and having the hunted creatures for lunch. There's also another old enemy in town to boot...
Daniel's going to have a lot of trouble this time around...
Rockin' Review:
Daniel X has always been one of my fave series. This one was inspired by the graphic novel of the same series... that's what it says on the cover... and I had actually read that graphic novel, and could see the crossovers. It was cool.
The book was well-done. It was pretty well-written. It could have been done better. While there were parts that kept me stuck in the book (about 90% of the time), there were parts I could leave. There were some awkward and uncomfy moments. It's not my fave Daniel X. But it was mostly an enjoyable book.
All in all, this was a very good book, just not my top fave.
Authors: James Patterson and Ned Rust
Rating: Four Guitars
Sizzilin' Summary:
This time, Daniel is going after two aliens... Numbers 7 & 8 on the List. This married alien couple is disguised as big-time video-game makers. And they're about to release a new game... which will brainwash people and kids, making them into killers and hunters, and make them destroy humanity! And they love hunting down last of species, and having the hunted creatures for lunch. There's also another old enemy in town to boot...
Daniel's going to have a lot of trouble this time around...
Rockin' Review:
Daniel X has always been one of my fave series. This one was inspired by the graphic novel of the same series... that's what it says on the cover... and I had actually read that graphic novel, and could see the crossovers. It was cool.
The book was well-done. It was pretty well-written. It could have been done better. While there were parts that kept me stuck in the book (about 90% of the time), there were parts I could leave. There were some awkward and uncomfy moments. It's not my fave Daniel X. But it was mostly an enjoyable book.
All in all, this was a very good book, just not my top fave.
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