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The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness

February 27th, 2014 Kimberly Review 74 Comments

27^th Feb

The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness is based on the Japanese folk tale, “Tsuru no Ongaeshi” and influenced by a contemporary Decemberists’ song, also inspired by the lore. Ness delivered a beautifully written tale as he weaved in magical realism. The story Ness shares is not a romance but instead it is a tale about love, loss and forgiveness itself. While I struggled with certain aspects it had equal parts that were powerful and brilliant. Mini review: beautifully written, sorrowful and yet hopeful.

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Moth and Spark by Anne Leonard

February 20th, 2014 Kimberly Review 78 Comments

20^th Feb

Moth and Spark by Anne Leonard was a delightful romantic fantasy with Dragons, Kings, and Wizards. Leonard gave us the details one expects in high fantasy, without the three hundred characters. This was a mid to light fantasy that I didn’t want to end. The author’s writing has been influenced by Austen, and I felt it humming through her prose and attention to detail. Mini review: Dragons, lore, romance, magic and wizards this tale held me captive from page one.

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Red Rising by Pierce Brown

January 21st, 2014 Kimberly Review 92 Comments

21^st Jan

Red Rising is a brilliant dystopian and the first in the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown. From the depths below Mar’s surface to the hills of Olympus; Brown melded science-fiction, complex characters and outstanding world-building in this tale that left me spent and begging for more. Mini review: Epic world-building, brutal, and enthralling with whiffs of a darker Hunger Games.

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Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield

November 5th, 2013 Kimberly Review 64 Comments

5^th Nov

Bellman & Black was my first foray into the mind and writing of Diane Setterfield. I have heard countless recommendations and praise regarding her earlier work, The Thirteenth Tale and decided to take a chance. The writing is beautiful, dark and unsettling at times. Mini review: atmospheric, dark, clever, and unsettling.

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TaleSpins by Michael Mullin

October 17th, 2013 Kimberly Review 82 Comments

17^th Oct

Michael Mullin’s TaleSpins is a trilogy that offers alternate telling of some of our favorite fairy tales. The tales in this short novel share versions of Snow White, The Frog Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk. Filled with humor and moral lessons, Mullin delivers each tale in a sing-song verse that I thoroughly enjoyed. Three word review: original, humorous and engaging.

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