CARINA by Alison Morton
Driven by impeccable research and anchored in a skilfully constructed alternative world, the Roma Nova saga has grown to six full-length books, and now this lovely surprise: a fast-paced novella with all the immediacy and page-turning appeal I have come to expect.
As before, the action is narrated by Carina Mitela, the heiress apparent of a leading family in the tiny country of Roma Nova, which is all that is left of the glory of Rome. For those who have read some or all of the other books, this story takes place in the gap period between INCEPTIO and PERFIDITAS, and begins with an incident previously alluded to. Carina is caught in a flagrant infraction, showing off her climbing prowess in a dare against her close comrade-in-arms Daniel Stern. After a week of cooling her heels in jail, Carina is sent to Quebec, together with her colleague Flavius, tasked with bringing back a rogue scientist, a routine extraction which turns deadly when the target crosses into the Eastern United States where Carina is still a wanted criminal. The plot is surprisingly complex for this shorter format, and I loved the consistency in tone and quality with previous works. |
The world of Roma Nova offers a fascinating evolution of traditional Roman values of service to the state, with a matriarchal slant, and updated to include cutting-edge technology, especially in IT and communications. I was happy to find that some of the action featured Conradus, Carina's husband and one of my favourite characters. The dramatic clashes of this flawed, but dangerously fascinating man with a strong-willed and ambitious woman who is his subordinate in working life, but his social superior in family life, add interest and conflict to an already intriguing story.
Characterization is extremely well done, and the writing is strong and confident, driven by compelling dialogue and enough back-story to keep the reader both informed and interested.
Although this is a historical thriller, you don't have to be particularly interested in ancient civilizations, or even historical dramas, to get thoroughly caught up in the narrative. An absorbing and enjoyable fast read.
Characterization is extremely well done, and the writing is strong and confident, driven by compelling dialogue and enough back-story to keep the reader both informed and interested.
Although this is a historical thriller, you don't have to be particularly interested in ancient civilizations, or even historical dramas, to get thoroughly caught up in the narrative. An absorbing and enjoyable fast read.
Book Three of the “Mahoney and Me” series starts at a cracking pace with a shocking crime, to which our narrator happens to be an “audio witness”. In other words, she hears the shot but does not actually see the deed being done. Thanks to her innate good sense and the police insights she has gleaned from Mahoney, she manages to remain safe and undetected by the shooter, but an unguarded revelation by a rookie cop places her in danger.
This new story continues with the same tone and feel as the previous two (which I like), but where Book 2 was more about the developing romance between the narrator and her Prince Charming detective, here we are plunged into an active police investigation which takes our protagonists into the beautiful Hudson Valley to follow a lead. The descriptions of this locale certainly make me want to visit! Dorsey, the black-and-white border collie who was so influential in the previous books, and Charlie the cat are as busy as ever in their respective roles. I must admit, these two are a big part of why I love these stories. |
No Lassie sentimentality, but a fresh and captivating way to integrate two intelligent animals into the plot. An aspect that I particularly enjoy is the dialogue. Mary Lee Tiernan has a real genius for advancing the story through direct, realistic dialogue, which makes me feel as though I am watching a movie. Her characters act like real people, and after three books, they have become friends I care about.
The narrator (still unnamed) is thoughtful and clever, strong but good-natured, while Mahoney is a bit of a dreamboat: handsome, smart, funny, steadfast, very much the ideal man. The secondary characters, introduced in Book 2, are well sketched and used with skill. They support and frame the action and add another layer of human interest.
As before, this story can be read as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning with the two preceding books. The mystery and crime elements are cleverly handled without any graphic, disturbing or explicit language, making the book suitable for the widest audience. A page-turner with fascinating insights into the frustrations of the ordinary police detective who must always find admissible proof of what is often just an informed hunch. Recommended for anyone who likes a well-written story and enjoys solving a crime along with the professionals.
The narrator (still unnamed) is thoughtful and clever, strong but good-natured, while Mahoney is a bit of a dreamboat: handsome, smart, funny, steadfast, very much the ideal man. The secondary characters, introduced in Book 2, are well sketched and used with skill. They support and frame the action and add another layer of human interest.
As before, this story can be read as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning with the two preceding books. The mystery and crime elements are cleverly handled without any graphic, disturbing or explicit language, making the book suitable for the widest audience. A page-turner with fascinating insights into the frustrations of the ordinary police detective who must always find admissible proof of what is often just an informed hunch. Recommended for anyone who likes a well-written story and enjoys solving a crime along with the professionals.
Charlie's Improv by B.D. McConnell
A fresh and inventive look at a group of clever and resourceful high school students and the lengths they will go to, for the privilege to participate in the annual debate at prestigious MacKayde University. Only five can go, so studying hard and earning top marks is imperative, however, the usual rankings are thrown into doubt when a boy, previously known mainly for his athletic prowess, is suddenly scooping high scores in the academic contest. He is obviously cheating but proof is needed, and thus an unlikely partnership is forged among the other top contenders for the improv honour, one of whom is going to be left out unless the cheater is stopped.
This is the unusual premise for a series of zany adventures which will test the problem-solving abilities and specific skills of the five conspirators and will ultimately pit them against fiendishly clever rival students. This is such a departure from the books I normally read that I have difficulty rating it. For the right target audience, I am sure it will be highly amusing and entertaining, although I found the pace a bit slow for the first quarter. Things got really interesting once the action moved to the MacKayde campus and then snowballed right to the surprising end. The twist in the tail was not entirely unexpected but it was well presented and finely executed. |
The story moves along at a fairly brisk pace, with lots of “situations” which challenge and test our quintet, triggering clever solutions but also a fair bit of silliness. The narrative style is original, with a highly individualistic use of language, detailed in the extreme when describing action, yet I felt the protagonists were left a bit vague and their distinct personalities could have been established sooner. This, and my impression that the main characters acted a bit younger than I would have expected, are my main points of criticism, and the reason for docking two stars.
There are many lessons and moral choices to contemplate and inspire but it's all done without any overt preaching. Refreshingly, there is no foul language or objectionable content and the book is suitable for all age groups, and should amuse and interest children even younger than teenagers. For me, the itch powder episode was a bit too crude and cruel, but it's interesting that the story is supposedly based on real events.
There are many lessons and moral choices to contemplate and inspire but it's all done without any overt preaching. Refreshingly, there is no foul language or objectionable content and the book is suitable for all age groups, and should amuse and interest children even younger than teenagers. For me, the itch powder episode was a bit too crude and cruel, but it's interesting that the story is supposedly based on real events.
Crucible Station by Julianne Q Johnson
An original take on dystopian, urban fantasy with a very likeable young protagonist who impresses us with her grit, maturity and sheer intellectual prowess.
The originality of the plot lies in its precarious time placement. It is not completely post-apocalyptic because Namca has recovered and is still functioning to a degree, but total ruin is just around the corner. The city of New Liberty is run by Governors, a mysterious group of law-making oligarchs who live privileged lives while presiding with absolute power over millions of impoverished and browbeaten Citizens. Schools teach unquestioning obedience to state laws and blind adherence to recycling rules because resources of any kind (including food, water and power), are at a premium, and any sort of waste is unlawful. Robotic anonymity is the safest course for most citizens, but there is an active testing program designed to recruit the brightest intellects to work on The Project, a secret initiative which holds the hope of salvation for all. |
Marjorie is a highly intelligent fourteen-year-old whose family has fallen into extreme poverty after her mother lost her job. Faced with starvation, her desperate father forces an event which destroys the family unit and launches Marj into a perilous journey of survival and self-discovery. Can she run The Trials without succumbing to the many pitfalls and survive the ruthless weeding process to work on The Project?
The pace is slower than I expected, but it is essential for the world building of a desolate country, virtually destroyed by the reckless overuse of natural resources. The social commentary is subtly done but merciless. Anyone with eyes can see that we are headed down a similar one-way path of self-destruction. Namca and New Liberty may not be so fantastical after all.
The driving themes are friendship, co-operation and responsibility, coupled with a need to use our intellectual powers with integrity for the common good. Marj forges bonds with some of the people she meets, but she is essentially a lone actor whose singular inner strength is key to her success or failure. The usual cheeky humour which underpins other books by this author is absent here (and it would be out of place, realistically).
The story, presented by an omniscient narrator, is stark and unadorned, in keeping with the subject matter. Characterization is focussed on Marjorie and her older friend Badger, with a large supporting cast who have their moments but do not detract from the heroine's driving role. Many charming touches, like the convention of naming female children after flora and males after fauna. A sobering read which I found engrossing and very satisfying in its ruthless depiction of a depressing but very possible future order.
The pace is slower than I expected, but it is essential for the world building of a desolate country, virtually destroyed by the reckless overuse of natural resources. The social commentary is subtly done but merciless. Anyone with eyes can see that we are headed down a similar one-way path of self-destruction. Namca and New Liberty may not be so fantastical after all.
The driving themes are friendship, co-operation and responsibility, coupled with a need to use our intellectual powers with integrity for the common good. Marj forges bonds with some of the people she meets, but she is essentially a lone actor whose singular inner strength is key to her success or failure. The usual cheeky humour which underpins other books by this author is absent here (and it would be out of place, realistically).
The story, presented by an omniscient narrator, is stark and unadorned, in keeping with the subject matter. Characterization is focussed on Marjorie and her older friend Badger, with a large supporting cast who have their moments but do not detract from the heroine's driving role. Many charming touches, like the convention of naming female children after flora and males after fauna. A sobering read which I found engrossing and very satisfying in its ruthless depiction of a depressing but very possible future order.
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
The first volume of Lady Stewart's Arthurian saga, which eventually grew to five books (although to me “The Prince and the Pilgrim” is so different as to be really a stand-alone).
Much has been written about this book and I believe all the praise to be richly deserved. Merlin has always been a favourite figure from my childhood study of myths and legends, but for the first time under Stewart's inspired treatment, he really comes to life as a very plausible historical figure. I like the way some of his most celebrated “magic” is presented as the likely product of a highly intelligent and accomplished man with a deep understanding of human nature and the daring to manipulate circumstances to suit the simple reasoning of the masses. One of the great accomplishments of this narrative is that it creates an historically accurate and highly probable story out of all the sketchy and often contradictory accounts that have reached us. Stewart used her in-depth knowledge of the period and scrupulous research into the available historical sources (particularly Geoffrey of Monmouth's “History of the Kings of Britain”) to weave a complex but coherent tapestry that reads like a thriller. |
I have just revisited this book for the purposes of reviewing it and it never fails to amaze me how rich and detailed the story is and how completely it draws me in. I can taste the food and feel the texture of fabrics and wet grass. I can follow the historical events and their significance without feeling lectured to. As usual, the sense of place and human perspective are just right.
I own and have enjoyed all of this author's works, but to me the Merlin saga is something higher. You don't need to be a history buff to get carried away by the beautifully-paced narrative, with enough realism to make it vivid but a deft hand with the guts and gore element inherent in a story of war and power struggles in some of Britain's darkest times. Stewart is justly famous for her strong character development and here we find an unusually rich cast, all brought to life by her masterful and compassionate hand. Ambrosius, Uther, Cerdic and Cadal (among many others) become real people with emotions and desires we can understand. Even the villains are painted with the full palette of nuances, light and shadow. Definitely one to read over and over again with undiminished enchantment.
The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan
To enter the world of Batch Magna is to lose oneself in a parallel universe where most people are fundamentally decent and kind, despite being as kooky and crazy as coots. Peter Maughan has created some endearing and charismatic characters who take on so much life and substance that you find yourself wondering what they are doing while they are off-stage, and missing them when the last page is read (fortunately, there is a sequel).
The story revolves around the eccentric lives of the people who live on four moored paddle steamers in the Welsh Marches, along the border between England and Wales, their daily reality suspended in a timeless Peter Pan-like haze as unsubstantial as the mists rising from the river. When the old General, the squire of Batch Hall, dies without male issue, the line of succession leapfrogs to a distant American relative whose development plans for the place throw everything into disarray and effectively shatter the idyllic spell the paddler “water gypsies” have been enjoying without a thought for any other future. |
The sense of place is so strong and it looms so large in the consciousness of the characters that it becomes a major player in the narrative. The river people of Batch Magna are not saints, they all have their human quirks and idiosyncrasies, they feel pain and outrage and dream of revenge, but there is an underlying decency that is as reassuring as their eccentricities are amusing.