Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sunday Shorts

Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz
published 5/28/13
352 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

How do you make sure a crime that hasn’t happened yet, never does? That’s the critical question facing Odd Thomas, the young man with a unique ability to commune with restless spirits and help them find justice and peace. But this time, it’s the living who desperately need Odd on their side. Three helpless innocents will be brutally executed unless Odd can intervene in time. Who the potential victims are and where they can be found remain a mystery. The only thing Odd knows for sure is who the killer will be: the homicidal stranger who tried to shoot him dead in a small-town parking lot.

With the ghost of Alfred Hitchcock riding shotgun and a network of unlikely allies providing help along the way, Odd embarks on an interstate game of cat and mouse with his sinister quarry. He will soon learn that his adversary possesses abilities that may surpass his own and operates in service to infinitely more formidable foes, with murder a mere prelude to much deeper designs. Traveling across a landscape haunted by portents of impending catastrophe, Odd will do what he must and go where his path leads him, drawing ever closer to the dark heart of his long journey — and, perhaps, to the bright light beyond.

My thoughts -

It's so much fun to see the greater story developing - to start piecing together the place I think the author is ultimately going with this series. Once again, the actual mystery of the book - while certainly nail-biting - was not what I enjoyed most. Koontz creates such a delightful cast of characters, and I love watching them interact and trying to figure out what each player means in the grand scheme. This series is so much better than I expected it to be!

Finished - 9/11/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - R for scary violence
My rating - 8/10



The Selection by Kiera Cass
published 2012
352 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself; and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My thoughts -

Basically just imagine Prince Harry being the next Bachelor. That's pretty much the gist of this book, and while it sounds silly, I enjoyed it a lot. America is a fun and feisty heroine, and I'm enjoying her journey of discovery into worlds she hasn't known. I am definitely continuing with this series.

Finished - 9/18/13
Source - South Side library
MPAA rating - PG-13 for violence and some more sensitive situations
My rating - 8/10




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