Review - Fairest

I recently finished listening to Fairest by Gail Carson Levine. The book, aimed at ages 10 and up, is combination adventure, romance, fairy tale, and song.

Aza is the the main character and narrator of the book. Abandoned at birth, she had been adopted by kind and loving parents who run a bed-and-breakfast. She is blackmailed into singing at the queens public singing by the queen herself. Eventually the queen becomes jealous of her abilities and sends her to prison. She escapes with the help of magical creatures, and discovers her true inner-beauty.

The book was ok--if you're 10 years old and into romances and all that junk! Seriously, it was fine. I especially enjoyed the fact the audio book was a full-cast recording, using several people to voice and sing the various characters in the book. It could be recommended for ages 10 and up.

Now I'm listening to Corsair by Clive Cussler.

Review - A Darker Place

This morning I finished reading Jack Higgins A Darker Place. Once again he uses characters Sean Dillon and gang, but introduces us to Alexander Kurbsky, a noted and award winning Russian author. But he is no longer interested in living in Russia and wants a way out. Dillon and gang discover this and come up with a plan to accomplish his "escape." The only problem is that this is all a ruse. Kurbusky is actually working for the Russians and intent on destroying Dillon and gang.

The book moves along at a pretty good rate. There are a few unexpected plot twists. But the ending left me unfulfilled and leaves it apparent that a character will join Dillon and gang. There is the typical killing and such that Higgins is known for in his books, but it seemed like this book is not half as bad as those in the past.

Now it's on to Boy Minus Girl by Richard Allen Uhlig.

A Sad Day

DeeAnn recently told me, which I verified, that the TV series Monk will end with next year's episodes. I guess that means I'll have an extra hour a week to read.