The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

The Swan Thieves
Elizabeth Kostova

Front cover

Date read: 28 November - 12 December 2016
Length: 607 pages

Dr. Marlow is a psychiatrist assigned the case of Robert Oliver, an artist who got arrested for destroying a painting. Apart from their first encounter, Robert won't speak. This forces Dr. Marlow to try to get inside his head by speaking to his ex-wife and lover. Robert does nothing but paint. Who is this mysterious woman he paints over and over? 


The Swan Thieves is quite a captivating story, although it can drag a little in parts. I don't think the book had to be as long as it was, and some bits felt a little stretched out. But overall I enjoyed the story. 

I thought the flashes to the past were interesting, and the unravelling of the mystery of the woman in the painting too. You spend so much of the book wondering if she's real or not, and if Robert actually knew her. 

You also spend a lot of the book wondering if Robert will ever speak again! I won't reveal for the sake of spoilers, but it was actually beginning to irritate me. Although sometimes I wish I could just not speak to anyone! 

After reading The Historian I have to say this just doesn't compare. I read The Historian a good many years ago now, but I loved it. I couldn't get enough of it! So if you're looking for something in the same ilk as Kostova's previous work, you will be a little disappointed. 

That's not to say you can't read this one as well though! 




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The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld #41) by Terry Pratchett

The Shepherd's Crown
Discworld #41
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 19 - 27 November 2016
Length: 333 pages

After the death of a certain well known witch, everything sort of falls into the hands of Tiffany Aching. And quite rightly so. Due to her previous experience, she is the only one capable of leading the defence against the fairy invasion. It's more menacing than it sounds. Can Tiffany keep the land protected?


The death was right at the beginning of the story, and it was so abrupt and straight to the point that I was caught off guard a little! I think it's very fitting though, and worked out very well.

It's nice to see Tiffany all grown up. I still think of her as a little pre-teen just learning about the world of magic. And don't forget the Nac Mac Feegle; the most honourable little blue men you will ever meet. No matter what Tiffany goes through, they will be right by her side.

The Shepherd's Crown clearly isn't as finished as the Discworld novels usually are. But despite this I'm very glad it was still published. I think the world needed this story (even though it made the series finish on an odd number) and I took a lot of symbolism from it. Terry Pratchett is Granny Weatherwax and the readers are Tiffany Aching. Of course it's an extremely sad thing that they passed, but magic/the Discworld will continue through Tiffany/the readers.


Well here we are. The last ever Discworld novel. The end of an era. I first picked up a Discworld novel as a teenager; and I remember it was Soul Music. I thought it was amazing, and is still one of my favourites in the series. But after that I didn't read any for a while. Then about 3 and a half years ago, I decided I was going to read all of the Discworld novels, starting with The Colour of Magic and working my way through right until the very end. And that's what I did. I don't regret a single second of it.

Terry Pratchett

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The Dead Sea Deception (Leo Tillman and Heather Kennedy #1) by Adam Blake

The Dead Sea Deception
Leo Tillman and Heather Kennedy #1
Adam Blake

Date read: 5 - 18 November 2016
Length: 552 pages

Heather is investigating the mysterious death of a college professor which leads her to even more mysterious deaths. Together with ex-mercenary Leo, they follow a trail that leads them to the Dead Sea Scrolls. But they end up running for their lives, as a group of assassins are desperate to keep their secret hidden.


I quite liked the characters, but it takes a while to warm to them. I think there's still a lot more to learn about them though. It was like this book was a sneak peek, and not really the full picture.

It felt unfinished. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention for a bit, but I feel like I'm missing something. It wasn't a cliffhanger ending, more like there wasn't an ending. There's still a lot to be answered. I'm hoping more will be revealed in the next book. Fingers crossed!




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The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch
Donna Tartt

Front cover

Date read: 14 October - 4 November 2016
Length: 864 pages

Theo Decker was in the Metropolitan Museum of Art when a bomb detonated, killing his mother. Miraculously he survived, leaving with a ring given to him by an old dying man. Having been abandoned by his father, he goes to live with a wealthy friend whom he hasn't been close to in years. But the ring isn't the only thing Theo left the museum with. How can one object affect his life so much..?


The Goldfinch was very detailed, but not at all boring. I found myself sucked in to all the ages and events in Theo's life. I'm glad he found Hobie after searching for where the ring came from. I think Hobie and Theo helped each other in ways they don't realise.

Boris is a strange character. He's hard to get to know, and you want to like him, but there's something holding you back. He pulled through in the end I guess, but there's still a lot of skepticism there.

In a prefect world, Theo and Pippa would have ended up together and lived happily ever after. A few times I thought it might actually happen. But alas, life isn't perfect.


I very much enjoyed The Goldfinch and I would recommend it.

Donna Tartt

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Raising Steam (Discworld #40) by Terry Pratchett

Raising Steam
Discworld #40
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 5 - 13 October 2016

Length: 375 pages

Dick Simnel is the brains behind the Discworld's first successful steam locomotive; Iron Girder. The railway business takes off very quickly with the help of Harry King and Moist von Lipwig. The Low King needs help getting to Uberwald to take back the Stone of Scone, and he's on a pretty tight schedule. Can the railway be built fast enough? 

It seems that everything Moist puts his mind to turns into a success. What a man! First the postal service, then the banks and mint, and now the railway service! What could be next? 

I'm slightly less suspicious of Adora Belle now. She was more down to earth and supportive I thought. Previously I thought she was hiding something, but nothing has come to light. Yet! 

Lord Vetinari. A fighter? Who knew!? But he has some serious hand to hand combat skills and was quite happy to assist in the mission to get the Low King to Uberwald. Not just a brilliant mind then! 

Raising Steam was great, but I'm sad it's the penultimate novel in the Discworld series. It won't be long until I start that one, and then that'll be the end! Definitely worth a read. 

Terry Pratchett

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Inferno (Robert Langdon #4) by Dan Brown

Inferno
Robert Langdon #4
Dan Brown

Front cover

Date read: 19 September - 4 October 2016
Length: 620 pages

Robert awakes in a hospital in Florence, with a gunshot would to the head. Soon after waking, it appears someone is after him. He escapes with Sienna and together they try to figure this out. They discover a plague of some kind is about to be released into the world, designed to kill nearly 3 billion people. Can they stop it in time?


Inferno is slightly different in formula than the previous 3 Robert Langdon novels, which is a welcome relief. Although it is less structured around symbols, there is still a good mystery to be solved, and some good twists and turns along the way!

The "plague" brings to light some very poignant questions about population issues. The planet is rapidly becoming overcrowded and soon there won't be enough resources to cope with the demand. As a whole we are living longer than ever before. Could you take the matter into your hands and "kill" nearly 3 billion people?

Inferno had some good twists which I thought the previous 3 novels just didn't. I felt it makes a novel much more interesting, and keeps you guessing what could happen next!

I think it's fitting that the epilogue ended with the word 'stars'. Of course it was on purpose, but it would have made a lot of people happy, I imagine.


A good read.

Dan Brown

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Life, Interrupted by James McConnel

Life, Interrupted
James McConnel

Front cover

Date read: 10 - 18 September 2016
Length: 343 pages

James McConnel starts developing strange compulsions and movements when he is a young child. Struggling through childhood and then adolescence, these issues progress and mutate. Everyone just dismisses his behaviour as bad habits. Until one day, at the age of 32, it is mentioned he could have a brain disorder known as Tourette's Syndrome. Now, he gets to rediscover himself.


I find it crazy how a person can go for so long without being properly diagnosed. It just goes to show how much more awareness there is of Tourette's Syndrome compared with the late 1950s and 60s.

Most of the symptoms described by James McConnel I would have associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It must be extremely difficult living with Tourette's Syndrome. I think most people assume it's just the ticks and verbal outbursts, but there's so much more going on that an outsider simply isn't aware of.

I'm glad he learned to live peacefully with Tourette's Syndrome. If it was me I probably would have at least tried the medication. It's a difficult situation though, sort of a catch 22. Would taking the medication alter your personality, effectively changing who you are?

Personally I really enjoyed this book and all it taught me. Definitely worth a read.




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Snuff (Discworld #39) by Terry Pratchett

Snuff
Discworld #39
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 29 August - 9 September 2016
Length: 476 pages

Vimes and his family go on holiday to the country. But of course, Vimes being Vimes, can't switch off being a policeman and finds a new case to solve. A goblin girl has been murdered and more are being shipped as slaves. Can Vimes solve the murder, and bring "just ice" to the goblins?


Sam Vimes has a great family unit. Lady Sybil knows how to take care of him, whether he likes it or not! Young Sam is funny with his obsessions; currently, poo. Of all kinds. He even has a collection.

Sam Vimes, going on holiday!? Never! I couldn't belive my eyes. I knew it wouldn't last. If there's one thing Sam Vimes doesn't do, it's step down from his duties. Sam Vimes is an honourable man.

Vimes uses his holiday to help the goblin people put and end to murder and slavery. They demand "just ice", but can Vimes deliver? He certainly tries with all his might. You'll have to read to find out.


One day Vimes might take a real holiday, but today is not that day.

Terry Pratchett

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Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Peter Pan
J. M. Barrie

Front cover

Date read: 25 - 28 August 2016

Length: 151 pages

After Wendy's mum traps Peter Pan's shadow in a drawer, he comes to the nursery to retrieve it. When he's there he convinces Wendy, John and Michael to fly away to Neverland. Wendy becomes the mother of the Lost Boys and they have many adventures. But eventually the children want to go home. One last battle with Captain Hook; can they make it home? 

I really rather enjoyed this story. I felt it was much better than The Little White Bird. The characters were more relatable and likeable. I felt sorry for Peter. He really is a Lost Boy, needing the guidance and support of Wendy. 

Tinkerbell is absolutely not what I imagined. What a little madam she is! I don't know how Peter puts up with her going off in a huff all the time. I'm glad Wendy and her sort of made friends by the end though. 

After having a very sporadic knowledge of Peter Pan, I'm very glad I took the time to read these stories. It's got everything you could want in a tale; imagination, adventure, and a healthy dose of reality and common sense to keep you grounded. 

Very much recommended for a little spark of youth. 

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Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes

Sushi for Beginners
Marian Keyes

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 24 August 2016
Length: 564 pages

Lisa is a magazine editor, hoping to land a job in New York. But when she gets called to Dublin instead, she is devastated. At her new job she meets Ashling, her assistant editor, who is, frankly, her polar opposite. Clodagh is Ashling's best friend. She's married with 2 children, but on the verge of a mental breakdown. Will these ladies retain their sanity?


Ashling is known as Little Miss Fix-It.  In her bag she everything anyone might need; a pen, plasters, an assortment of painkillers. Until her boss convinces her to stop looking out for everyone else, and look out for herself. I quite like Ashling.

Lisa is not someone I would get on with. I think she would be horrible to work for and she doesn't seem to know how to make friends. You do get some glimpses of her compassionate side, but those are rare.

Clodagh seems nice. A good friend and stable family woman. Or not. She turns out to be quite selfish and hurts her best friend by cheating on her husband with Ashling's boyfriend. I'm glad Ashling didn't forgive her and ended their friendship.

Some despicable characters mixed with some lovely ones. Falling out of love, and falling in love. New careers, challenges and hopes. What more could you want from your chick lit?

Marian Keyes

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I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld #38) by Terry Pratchett

I Shall Wear Midnight
Discworld #38
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 2 - 10 August 2016
Length: 340 pages

The Cunning Man is after Tiffany, but that means all magic could stop if he is successful.
The Baron's son is due to get married, but little does he (or his fiancee) know, she is a witch. And witches aren't so popular right now...


I can't belive Tiffany is nearly all grown up! When I read a Tiffany Aching novel, I still expect her to be about 11 years old. I suppose she can't stay young forever. She's growing up well though.

I'm glad the relationship between Tiffany and the new Baron is almost mended. They were such good friends as children, and it's nice to see them rekindle some of that friendship.

And of course it's not a Tiffany Aching story without the Nac Mac Feegle! Those little guys are drunk and disorderly buffoons, but my goodness they're loyal! After ask these years they're still looking out for their ex-Kelda Tiffany.


I'm so sad this series is going to end soon (for me), but I'm very glad to have had the pleasure. Well worth it.

Terry Pratchett

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The Little White Bird by J. M. Barrie

The Little White Bird
J. M. Barrie

Front cover

Date read: 25 July - 1 August 2016
Length: 312 pages

The Little White Bird tells the story of an old man who is infatuated by a young boy named David. The two grow close and spend a lot of time together. So much so David even calls him father. The old man has many stories to tell, including how he was involved with how his parents met,and the beginnings of the tale of Peter Pan.


I liked some of the imagery here. Like the idea of children being small birds waiting to be born to humans. A lot of it is very innocent and quite lovely really.

I thought the old man was a bit creepy. He made up a child of his own in order to get close to David, all despite his hatred of David's mother. Nothing circumspect haopened, and I think he genuinely liked the young boy as a companion. It makes you realise things were much different back in the early 1900s, because something like that nowadays would be seen as extremely suspicious; a red flag.


I'm looking forward to reading Peter Pan. If I've seen an adaptation, I certainly can't remember much about it. I know some of the story, but it will be good to look at it with fresh eyes and mind, as it were.




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Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult

Songs of the Humpback Whale
Jodi Picoult

Front cover

Date read: 14 - 24 July 2016

Length: 427 pages 

When Jane hits her husband Oliver, she freaks out and heads on a cross-state journey towards her brother Joley. Already waiting in the car with everything they need is her daughter Rebecca. 

When they arrive at the Orchard, their lives are turned upside down. They both fall in love (Jane with Sam, Rebecca with Hadley) but for different reasons it cannot last. 

But Oliver is a scientist who is good at tracking. How long will it be before he finds them? 

This story is told from the characters' different view points, which is a style I quite like. I feel you get to know the individual characters better and it's less presuming. 

The story switches between different times, which can be confusing at first but actually works quite well. It's interesting to see what the different characters think at different stages in their lives, and how those opinions change over time. 

I quite liked all the characters, there are none truly despicable. My least favourite is probably Oliver though. He seems a bit self centred and expected everyone to do what he wanted. I didn't really have a favorite character. None of the others particularly stood out.

Quite good for her first novel I'd say. 

Jodi Picoult

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Unseen Academicals (Discworld #37) by Terry Pratchett

Unseen Academicals
Discworld #37
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 30 June - 13 July 2016

Length: 541 pages

Football has returned to Ankh-Morpork! After 20 years, the University need to get a team together to compete. Luckily Mr Nutt is on hand to help, who seems to be good at everything. Even if he is an Orc. (Orcs used to rip people's heads off!) Can the Unseen Academicals win?


I like Mr Nutt! He's a bit confusing at first, but once you get to know him he really is quite lovable. We should all have a Mr Nutt in our lives.

Pratchett really has a way with accurate portrayals in his characters. He is consistent and provides a great deal of depth and room for growth! His humour is very subtle; blink and you'll miss it!

I'm never not going to recommend a Discworld novel. Just read them!

Terry Pratchett

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Bred in the Bone (Sharp Investigations #3) by Christopher Brookmyre

Bred in the Bone
Sharp Investigations #3
Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

Date read: 20 - 29 June 2016
Length: 407 pages

When Stevie Fullerton is murdered in his car, everything points to Glen Fallon being the murderer.  But Jasmine knows he is innocent. 
Meanwhile Catherine is assigned to the case, and although all seems straightforward, she discovers a symbol on the body and realises there's more to it. 
Can they get to the bottom of this? 


I'm writing this as Bred in the Bone rather than Flesh Wounds (as it is published in the UK) because at the time of buying the book, I wasn't aware of the title difference. I trusted Goodreads. It let me down. 


So it turns out the cliffhanger at the end of Where the Bodies are Buried is right! It's a bit annoying having to wait until the end of book 3 to find out, but it's good to know the truth! 

I thought there was a nice ending to this trilogy. You finally learn the truth about the relationship between Jasmine and Glen, which to be honest is the main issue I had. 


A great trilogy, which I would read again. 

Christopher Brookmyre

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From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz

From the Corner of His Eye
Dean Koontz

Front cover

Date read: 30 May - 19 June 2016
Length: 819 pages

At the age of 3, Bartholomew loses his sight due to a tumour. But he doesn't let this stop him from living his life to the fullest. He is very clever and excels at pretty much everything he tries. 
Junior kills his wife by pushing her off a tower. He is determined someone called Bartholomew is going to destroy his plans, and sets out to find him.
Vanadium is a detective, who is convinced Junior is a killer, and wants to see him behind bars.
Celestina brings up her sister's baby Angel. Seraphim was raped and then died during childbirth.
But how are these people linked? What will happen if Junior finds Bartholomew?


There's so much going on in this novel I don't even know where to start! I really like stories that begin unrelated, then as you delve further in they overlap and merge. I like seeing how all the pieces fit together. I think each of the character's stories would have made pretty decent novels alone, but together they're so much more.

And the characters. Barty is unique. The things he can do, never mind the fact he is blind, are astonishing. He has such a joyous outlook on life despite everything he's been through.
Junior is a psychopath. Hell bent on finding anyone called Bartholomew because of an obsession is not healthy.  And don't forget all the murders.
Vanadium is your unlikely hero. He is determined to find justice when everyone else has given up.
And Celestina just does the right thing, even though it could jeopardise her career.

I really enjoyed this book. With the excepting of Junior, the characters are amazing, and restore your faith in humanity a little.




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Making Money (Discworld #36) by Terry Pratchett

Making Money
Discworld #36
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 29 May 2016

Length: 349 pages

After his success with the post office Vetinari sets Moist von Lipwig the task of taking over the bank. In his own discreet way, of course. But when it is discovered the gold in the vault is missing, Moist is arrested and may be hanged. Again. 

How will he get out of this one? 

I quite like Moist. He's an unlikely hero, especially given that he's not a hero. He just gets dumped in the middle of a mess, and is expected to fix it. His methods may be a bit unconventional to some, but fix it he does.

It's interesting to see what the thought processes behind things that are common here on Earth are; like the bank note, bank accounts and loans. The idea of how these things came to be is something that is unusual to read about.

Adora Belle.  I'm not very sure about her. Something puts me off her, and I'm a bit suspicious. I think she has something up her sleeve! We'll see if it comes to anything! 

Of course I'm going to recommend any book in the Discworld series. Just read them! :)

Terry Pratchett 

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When the Devil Drives (Sharp Investigations #2) by Christopher Brookmyre

When the Devil Drives
Sharp Investigations #2
Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

Date read: 12 - 20 May 2016
Length: 361 pages

Jasmine has been asked to investigate the disappearance of an actress named Tessa Garion, who went missing 30 years ago. She uncovers a whole lot more than her whereabouts though!
Meanwhile Catherine is investigating the shooting of Hamish Queen; shot dead after putting on his annual play.
It's all connected, so what's really the story behind Tessa Garion?


This was so much easier to get into after reading Where the Bodies Are Buried. It helps that you already know most of the characters and can just get straight into the story. I like Jasmine. She's an amateur, but just sort of wings it and gets good results!

I'm so glad there was no cliffhanger this time! I could go to sleep knowing the case was at rest. I'm still looking forward to Bred in the Bone though!

Definitely a series to sink your teeth into!

Christopher Brookmyre

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Boyracers by Alan Bissett

Boyracers
Alan Bissett

Front cover

Date read: 6 - 11 May 2016
Length: 249 pages

This is the story told by Alvin about himself and his three best friends. Nothing seems to be going right; his mum left and his dad is on the verge of a mental breakdown. His brother moved to London, but came back and doesn't seem to be doing much. But all his problems seem an afterthought when he's with his friends, riding about Falkirk in a car. But will Alvin get to go to university, or will he have to look after his dad?


Boyracers is a coming of age story, right at the cusp of adulthood. On one hand Alvin is still a kid, hanging out with his friends and experiencing many things for the first time. But he's also being told to think about his future, or the possibility of becoming a carer for his father.

It was interesting to see the world through the eyes of a teenage boy. This one doesn't seem as sex-craved as you might be led to believe all teenage boys are.


The writing style is unusual. Not one I've really come across before and I'm not sure I liked it. New paragraphs are started in the middle of a word and it's a bit disorientating. I guess it could be used to convey rapid and changing thought processes, but I quite like a paragraph to start with a capital letter and end with a full stop, with complete words!


Despite this hiccup, it was an interesting read.




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