Book Reviews - 2012

Ready Player One 

by Ernest Cline (Goodreads Author) 

Easy entertaining read. Not the best in creative writing (but what do I know), but fun filled geek futuristic plot with great references to 80's entertainment and gaming culture. I didn't get all the references, but there were many personal favourites included in the game, including the last video game - it was my favourite too.

The Android's Dream 
by John Scalzi (Goodreads Author) 

Really liked the premise, the protagonists and the plot. But I got bogged down at times with the large number of other characters, many of which had very similar alien names. Enjoyable, but not as smooth reading as I'd hoped.

American Gods 
by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) 

Great lead character and all kinds of precious moments and plot bits. However, I struggled a little thru the rich world of gods and Shadow's dreams.

No Time Left 
by David Baldacci 

I don't read many short stories - this was very short and rather simplistic (although I glanced a bit of a spoiler here in Goodreads). Nice character work that set the stage. But I guess, I just need more. Decent short lived distraction.

The Sixth Man (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, #5) 
by David Baldacci 

The first Baldacci novel I've read. I enjoyed the page-turning pace, interesting characters and plot twists. Nothing earth shattering, but an enjoyable read.

Frameshift 
by Robert J. Sawyer 

A little disjointed, but as usual, a simple, brilliant idea is enough to carry the story. Just enough medical tech to reveal some of the mysteries of DNA. Some interesting political and societal commentary. Enjoyable and enlightening.

Triggers 
by Robert J. Sawyer 

I gobbled up this latest wonderful Sawyer novel really quickly. I had previewed the early chapters, attended the book launch here in Toronto, got Robert to sign the book and then had a few trips that gave me lots of time to enjoy it. As introduced, the style of this book follows on the success of the action drama of the Flashforward TV show, but don't worry, the anchor plot of 3rd party memory reading gets lots of attention. Sawyer explores many different avenues the phenomenon can take, with a truly mind blowing (and unexpected) grand finale. Great characters, speedy plot movement and larger-the-life sci-fi ideas, loved it.

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) 
by Suzanne Collins 

I must say I was quite disappointed with this second installation in the Hunger Games trilogy. There didn't seem to be that much plot development and the ending was rushed together with too many important factors not properly developed. That being said, the set up for the final book is pretty tasty.

The Map of Time 
by Félix J. Palma, Nick Caistor (Translator) 

Grand storytelling around some famous and infamous historical characters. Very clever interweaving of plot as a good time travel based story should be, with a twist. Wonderful finale wrapping things up in a very tidy bow. Favourite quote, page 585 - "...sometimes the best way to find out what we want is to chose what we do not want".