Review: Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels #9.5) by Ilona Andrews

Did Not Finish Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels book 9.5) by Ilona Andrews.

Iron and Magic slots right between Magic Binds and Magic Triumphs timeline-wise. It’s short but gives readers that breather with Kate and Curran before the final book throws everything at them.

When I started out on this book, I thought the story would make for a nice palate cleanser before the finale wrecks the reader in me emotionally. My tall paperback of a Magic Triumph - recently purchased via Amazon and received in good order - can wait its turn on the shelf. But in the end, my calculation misfires as I am unable to complete this novel. I struggle to make myself read at least until I reach the halfway mark. It is difficult to enjoy the story because it portrays Huge in a different light from what I perceived and wanted him to be.

Iron and Magic era Hugh is... something else. He’s one of those characters you either love to hate or hate to love. No in-between. What I like about Hugh so much is a mixed bag really. His chaos energy. His loyalty. The way he talks to Curran. The way he is attracted to Kate. Most of all, how he is turned on by Kate in their no-style fighting style. The Hugh in this book is post Roland. He is still powerful in his own way, but very much different from the earlier books. And I didn't exactly like it. But well, at least I make it a point to stop my reading at halfway mark, so if I ever want to continue with this book in future, I know where I left off.

Review: A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson

Did Not Finish A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson.

I did not expect this, but the fact is, at 40%, this book has joined my limited repertoire of Did Not Finish. Still, I will like to say something, hence posting this short review.

This Young Adult fantasy novel is remarkable in its originality. I am lulled into reading the book on the promise that it involves art-based magic, romance, and murder.

True to its word, there is the combination of all three in the aforementioned, and then some. The protagonist, 18-year-old Myra Whitlock, possesses the unique ability to alter reality with her painting. She does portrait painting with a wondrous touch of magic healing. Because of this rare ability, she is offered a highly challenging job, one of its kind. To accomplish what she is tasked to do, Myra needs to unravel a mystery. And in seeking the truth, romance happens in its most unexpected form.

In truth, I have nothing against this book, the characters and the story. I know for sure, if I am to read this book at a different stage in life, I will have latched on to the story and not let go. It is a beautiful enchanting story where there is a hero and there is a heroine.

I like to think it is a matter of time and space that I am unable to finish reading the book. Still, this is a good story and one that I will recommend to read.

Review: Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

Did Not Finish Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter book 1) by Nalini Singh.

While deep in the throes of urban fantasy novels involving vampires and lycanthropes, I decide to try the Guild Hunter series. This series has fifteen books written to date and if I am not wrong, is still an ongoing series. So, if the story is my cup of tea, I will have no worries on books to read, at least for a long while.

The protagonist is this book is a 28-year-old vampire hunter Elena Deveraux. The unusual thing about the vampires here is that, they are not the exotic powerful sexy vampires protrayed in most books, but rather, they are slaves to angels, the price paid for exchanging their mortality for servitude. Elena is tasked with an odd job this time, instead of a vampire, she is to track an Archangel..

I can't say much more about the story and the writing as I give up reading at the 15% mark. I can only say that the story is not my cup of tea. It is sad because there goes my fifteen potential reads. I hope this is not a sign that I have grown too jaded to enjoy a murder mystery amidst steamy sexual tension in urban fantasy novels.

Review: Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan

Did Not Finish Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan.

I am in a bit of a fix when writing this review. Because I am not quite sure if I should give this book a star rating or simply a Did Not Finish rating. I like the book title and the book cover of a humanoid robot intrigues me so. Together, they entice me to read the story. But often, liking a book visually may not be enough to sustain the interest to devouring the whole book. This book is exactly that. While I want to like this book, it is difficult to finish reading the entire book. The story starts off well and fair enough, but after reading sufficient pages, I know it is not a book I want to spend more time on and I start to skip chunks and chunks of it.

The story is about artificial human, about having a machine as a companion, both a friend and helper who can help with washing dishes, making beds and... thinking.

How will it be like to own a machine that has an operating system as well as a human nature and personality? It certainly makes an interesting topic and has much potential for a great storyline. I will say that in devising an improved modern version of ourselves, the author has brilliantly invented a technical miracle. Unfortunately, only the first few chapters captivate my attention. After that, the story loses its focus on artificial intelligence and instead, side track onto other sub plots and developments which can be disjointed and confusing at times.

I like that the story mentions the First Law of Robotics by Isaac Asimov. To quote "A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm." Perhaps this is what I feel most comfortable when reading about stories dealing with AI, because only by laying down such a rule that humans can follow our desires and create machines that can think like humans. Otherwise, it is scary to think about the consequences of human's infatuation with technology. Humans may even end up doing the bidding of machines.

Having done some serious thinking, I finally decide to go with Did Not Finish. As disappointing as it is, I have read the opening chapters, the ending and then some, but I think it is only fair to say I did not finish reading as I have skipped way too many pages of the book to properly considered it read.

Review: The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore

Did Not Finish The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore.

This post is long overdue. It should have been posted more than two weeks ago. In truth, I am not only reluctant to put this up, I have been all too unwilling to start on this book in the first place. The reason is simple enough; reading this book equates to taking a break from the Song of Ice and Fire series. I am so into this fantasy series that I do not want to read any other books until I have read them all. But then, this is a book club read. I will feel bad if I do not read it in time and before the loan is due. So, here I am with the review.

This book is about electrical energy - how electricity is generated, how a generator works and how it generates current. It is an uneventful story that tells of the history of electricity, the invention of light bulb and the taming of electrical current. One quarter into the story and I already feel like giving it up. The only thing that keeps me going is the law suit case about the infringement of the light bulb patent. I keep hoping something exciting will come along the way.

In the end, nothing of interest appears and I find myself counting the grievances I have against the story instead. For a historical novel, one set in 1888, I expect quotes from people of the same time period, give or take some years, but definitely not something that comes from someone born more than sixty years down the road. While I think it is reasonable to quote James Watson (co-discoverer of DNA, born 1928) and Karl Popper (philosophers of science, born 1902), it just seems so wrong to be quoting Steve Jobs or Tim Berners-Lee or Bill Gates (born 1955).

It is hard to continue reading a story that does not interest me. Still, I struggle on for the sake of my book club discussion. But at halfway mark, I can stand it no longer. The topic in question is too boring for me. I decide that I shall not suffer myself to read on. That said, I find myself wanting to know about the ending since I have invested at least some five days reading half the book. So, I skip everything in between and jump right to the last two chapters. Having read those two chapters, I am glad of my decision to throw in the towel.

It doesn't feel right to say I have read this book. So I am listing it as a Did Not Finish. I will say this is no fault of the writer's but for the simple reason that this book is not my cup of tea.

Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Did Not Finish The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

I have not expected this - posting a DNF review so early in the year. Since the start of the year, I have only put up three reviews, this is the fourth, and to think that it is a DNF makes me kind of sad. As with past year, my aim is to limit myself to no more than three Did Not Finish reviews, and that means, after this one, I will be left with only two more to go.

This is the first time I am reading Erin Morgenstern’s books. I choose to read it because it has garnered many great reviews. Indeed, it is beautifully written and incredibly imaginative, but only while it last. The opening paragraph "The circus arrives without warning" captivates my attention. In fact, the whole of the first chapter has me there. A mysterious circus with towering tents has sprout up overnight in a town and not only that, it opens at nightfall and closes at dawn. It has such a great start that it piques my interest and intrigues me to no end.

Unfortunately, grabbing a reader's attention is of no use if it is not sustainable. After the first few chapters which I read with gusto, I struggle with the rest. I thought I will be able to keep going but after a while, I find that I simply do not care for the book anymore as the story stretches over the years, decades even. It is so slow moving that I am bored to tears.

I will say that reading this book is nearly tragic because the beginning is so promising, and then, nothing happens. Still, I am glad to have given it a try even though it is not to my liking. If not, I will always be wondering if I have missed out on a good read.

Review: The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

Did Not Finish The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka.

This novel is inspired by the life stories of Japanese immigrants who go to America in the early 1900s.

I do not doubt the sincerity of the author in writing this book, but I find it tedious to be reading one that uses "we" all the time. It is not exactly a first person narrative, but rather a collective term to encompass all. Sorry to say, it gets on my nerves after a while reading a story that gathers the characters as one whole big community. When it is not "we, we, we", it is "us, us, us". At 20% of the book, I can take it no longer, I close the book and is done with it.

Review: Sorted: The Active Woman's Guide to Health by Juliet McGrattan

Did Not Finish Sorted: The Active Woman's Guide to Health by Juliet McGrattan.

I was rather excited to get started on this book when I checked it out from the library some weeks ago. After all, this is a book that focuses on women's health and I definitely am one member of this community.

The book starts off by explaining the risks of not moving and that being sedentary is bad for us as it causes damage to our body. It goes on to share the positives of being active and how regular exercise will make us healthier and reduce our risk of getting different types of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In short, the author tries her very best to motivate all women to get moving; to sit less and to move more.

Sadly, this guide book does not work out too well for me. Perhaps it is the font type, or the font size, or the layout, or the wordings, or even my mood, somehow, the content while I know applies to every woman, does not resonate with the inner me. What I mean to say is that this book did not manage to sustain my interest.

While I believe this book is written with the best intention of the author for all female readers, it is not the right one for me. Yes, I am interested in topics like health and exercising and lifestyle generally, but this book somehow does not cut it. I tried. I really did, but at the halfway mark, I decide that it is in my interest to part amicably with this book. So there.

Review: What You Become in Flight: A Memoir by Ellen O'Connell Whittet

Did Not Finish What You Become in Flight: A Memoir by Ellen O'Connell Whittet.

This is the story of a dancer turned writer. The transit from dancing to writing is, unfortunately, not one by choice, but of necessity, to rediscover life beyond that of dancing.

The prologue is arrestingly written about the beginning of an end to ballet. Having read the prologue, I am enticed to find out more. But sadly, that is about it. The rest of the book is exhausting to read, simply because it does not match up to - my expectation of - the title.

In relation to the title, I expect a memoir that is about the author and her time as a ballerina, and details leading to the loss of her dream and how she overcome her fear and pain. Instead, the writing is centered on the author's family members and their background. It is a book on life in general at best, with ballet playing but a part in the writer's formation as a person. The element of dance is not as strongly presented as what I hope to find in the book. Whenever the ballet portion does appear, I grasp at it appreciatingly. But it is sparse and just not enough to sustain my interest.

I prefer memoirs where the story is about the narrator. This is not. I decide to throw in the towel at a quarter of the book. Yea, there is always a first, and this is my first did-not-finish memoir.

Review: Restart by Gordon Korman

Did not Finish Restart by Gordon Korman.

This is the story of 13-year old Chase Ambrose who suffers from acute retrograde amnesia after a bad fall from the roof of his house. Due to his memory loss, Chase is given the chance to rebuild himself with a clean slate, to make a complete fresh start. To restart life.

This book feels more like reading a young adult novel than a children's fiction. And the more I read, the more I didn't like where the story is going. The plot is predictable to a fault; bad boy has a bad fall, wakes up with no memory of who he is and starts life anew. Even though I did not finish reading the book, I can already see in my mind's eye how the story will pan out, a cliché ending that is.

I like first person narratives, but not this one. This book has just way too many characters narrating the story. Each time a new character comes on board, I have to orientate myself to know the new character. And just when I know enough of that character, I have to reorientate myself at the start of the next chapter and try to recall who that character speaking is again.

Sorry to say, I am not a fan of this story. I stop reading when I reach one fifth of the novel, my default point in deciding whether to stop or to go on.

Review: The One and Only Bob (One and Only Ivan #2) by Katherine Applegate

Did Not Finish The One and Only Bob (One and Only Ivan book 2) by Katherine Applegate.

We come to know of Bob the dog through Ivan the gorilla in book 1, The One and Only Ivan. It has been over a year since Ivan the silverback and Ruby the baby elephant have moved from Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, Home of the One and Only Ivan, to the zoo where they are with others of their kind and well taken care of by zookeepers. Bob has also found a new home.

It makes for a welcome and refreshing change to hear Bob's side of the story (at first). Bob is, after all, a tiny stray dog with an attitude and his view is, well, quite different from that of Ivan's. Unfortunately, the novelty of seeing the world through the eyes of another non-human again wears off after a while. Even though Bob is wily, tough, blunt and very street smart, I find it hard to enjoy my time with him as his story gets stale pretty fast. I know I have tried my best by making it to the halfway mark before realising that is as far as I am willing to go.

I am sorry but not sorry for not reading this book to the end. I guess a dog with an attitude is just not my thing.

Review: Recursion by Blake Crouch

Did Not Finish Recursion by Blake Crouch.

One word - confusing. Two words - very confusing. Three words - very, very confusing. I think you get the drift. Yes, this is one confusing story that has me completely baffled.

While I enjoy stories on alternate world, time travel and the like, there is a limit to how far I am willing to journey with science fiction on the topic in question. Mostly, it depends on the writing, the story and the context. I am not sure which one falls short in this case but I know for sure it makes the going tough. I am sad to be saying all these as I quite like author Blake Crouch. He has been added to my list of authors to watch out for ever since I read his other science fiction, Dark Matter, three years ago.

I may try reading this book again in future. Or not. I don't know. I only know until then, Recursion will remain a Did Not Finish.

Review: Christmas under a Cranberry Sky (Juniper Island #1) by Holly Martin

Did Not Finish Christmas under a Cranberry Sky (Juniper Island book 1) by Holly Martin.

If I am to rate this book, the few chapters that I have covered will have earned themselves a 4-star rating.

Christmas under a Cranberry Sky starts out remarkably well with an intense cozy feeling of Christmas in the air. The author brings out the festive mood really well by her association of all things Christmassy. There is mention of stone cottages, stone fireplaces, log cabins, log fires, real Christmas trees, mulled wine, pine cones, Christmas market and even tiny snowflakes dancing in the air.

The story is set in Stardust Lake Hotel, a winter resort on Juniper Island, the most northern island of the Scottish Isles. This hotel seems to be the perfect place to spend Christmas in with gorgeous Christmas trees bedecked in large gold ribbons, tiny fairy lights and red glass baubles. In short, the story setting is filled with Christmas spirit and the festive holiday feel.

However, as the story progresses, it slowly turns from a Christmas-themed story to one of long-lost romance. As it is, my patience for romance novel runs pretty short these days, especially for lengthy ones. So, with the change in tune, I decide to move on to my next Christmas story.

Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Did Not Finish Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah.

The stars must have misaligned when I start out with this book. If not, why else will I keep thinking that this is a fantasy story with paranormal elements when it is obviously not.

This story has a great start. It has all the makings of a powerful story to come, one involving the so-called Ursa Major alien and her Ursa Minor dog. Unfortunately, the potential to excel is not utilised to its benefit. I did try my best to read but soon find myself skipping chunks of the story after the halfway mark. It is a sign to stop.

I will have like to know how the story ends but I also do not want to slog through all the slow and boring dialogues. In the end, I do what I need to do by adding this book to my collection of did-not-finish.

Review: The Rules of Magic (Practical Magic #0.5) by Alice Hoffman

Did Not Finish The Rules of Magic (Practical Magic book 0.5) by Alice Hoffman.

Once again, I did not finish reading the Practical Magic series, but it is not for lack of trying.

The story starts out well, in fact, more than just well. There is an air of mystics that coats the characters and I like to read on to unravel the mystery surrounding the three siblings, two sisters and a brother, who keep trying and failing to break away from their magical lineage. Alas, what is meant to be is bound to happen, whether they approve or not. What’s done cannot be undone. What’s set into motion takes on a life of its own... Does it not sound interesting? It certainly does.

Unfortunately, at more than halfway mark of the book, there is a twist to the story, a twist which I find unnecessary and thus, hard to accept. And with that, the whole story tumbles downhill. Fast. I struggle on some and then decide that enough is enough. 60%.

Review: Grave Destiny (Alex Craft #6) by Kalayna Price

Did Not Finish Grave Destiny (Alex Craft book 6) by Kalayna Price.

I find it hard to believe that I have actually spent the better half of the year reading non-fiction on the account that I am not a great fan of this genre.

After six months of non-stop non-fiction, this is supposed to be a fun return to the urban fantasy world of Alex Craft which I so love. Sadly and unfortunately, the overuse of flowery language suppresses the story and action so much that it makes for an extremely slow and tiring read. I get the unpleasant feeling that it is a test of my patience; a test which I am doomed to fail at less than halfway mark of the book.

I have never thought I will see the day when the Alex Craft series no longer manage to sustain my interest. But alas, the day has come. I feel sad, for myself and for Alex Craft.

Review: Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Did Not Finish Moloka'i by Alan Brennert.

I want to like this story and I try to read it best as I can. Sad to say the least, I am not able to make myself finish it.

Moloka'i is one of those stories where the lines between fact and fiction are blurred; historical events, real-life patients and caregivers are interlaced with fictional cast of characters. In nutshell, it is a work of fiction which is set in a real place where real people live and die.

The story revolves mostly around a seven-year old girl, Rachel and a terrible, horrible disease called Hansen’s disease which is also known as leprosy.

It is important to note that leprosy is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) and is thus not hereditary, from a curse, or from a sin.

Review: Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris

Did Not Finish Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris.

I have finally read the book that everyone seems to be raving about since its 2016 debut. A story about the wife of a brilliant lawyer, a perfect example of a woman who has it all — the perfect house, the perfect husband, the perfect life. Or so she says...

I read and read and read. At 30% into the story, there is still nothing about the plot or the characters that fascinates me. I am bored to tears and I wonder if I should struggle on or give up reading. So, I start a thread asking for opinions from readers alike, and I am shocked at the overwhelming response of so many who not only share the exact same sentiments as myself, but go a step further to dislike this story to the core.

Yes, the plot turns from moderately interesting to a bit far-fetched to the point of absurd. How is it even possible that the protagonist, a woman who is independent, resourceful and capable of earning her keep for the past thirteen years, suddenly turns into a doormat at the drop of a hat? Sorry to say, it is just so ridiculously unbelievable.

To the peeps from FB book group "What Should I Read Next", thank you for the vote of confidence in helping me with the decision to stop reading before my dislike for this story turns into something worse for the time invested.

Hmm.. so what's next? What should I read next?

Review: Only Child by Rhiannon Navin

Did Not Finish Only Child by Rhiannon Navin.

I always feel that it is delicate business spinning stories from young children's point of view. It is not easy to write, nor is it easy to be well liked, especially by fastidious readers like me.

Only Child is a story told through the eyes of Zach, a six-year old boy. It starts off really well with Zach's internal thought process running in circles amidst a gunman and the popping sounds he makes in the elementary school. The first person narrative is so childlike against the disturbing backdrop that I cannot help but read the entire first chapter with a heavy heart.

Sadly, the above moment and the feelings it stir up do not last. When Zach talks about his father making partner at his firm the year before, I am reminded yet again that this is actually an adult posing as a young storyteller. And so, my interest to read starts to dwindle.

Not for lack of trying, I find myself unable to go any further beyond the 20% mark.

Review: The Blind by A. F. Brady

Did Not Finish The Blind by A. F. Brady.

This is the third book within a month that I have given up reading on. Oh dear.. what is happening?

By right, I should enjoy reading this debut novel as the storyline is a refreshing change from what my usual reads; the protagonist is a psychologist and works in a mental institution. But then, it turns out to be so not my cup of tea.

I try to like the story. I really do but the more I read on, the more depressing it gets as the protagonist instead of helping the patients, plunges into a downward spiral on her own.

At 35% of the book, the narratives get so ridiculously sad and painful and miserable that I have to stop reading or seek help on my state of mind.

Let's hope the next book will be better.