So, yes… been a while. Been quite busy, and only now trying to catchup on my reviews. Have managed to read a bit, though, thanks to my (getting insufferable) commute. Actually, only now as I write and go through the list of outstanding reviews for Netgalley, I realise how bad I’ve been at keeping up. Oh well, it’s not like I get paid for it!!

So here goes:

The High Mountains of Portugal – Yann Martel 

This one comes courtesy of Netgalley. Massive fan of Life of Pi, so was very excited about a new book from Mr. Martel. But if you’re looking for a similar book, you’re not going to find it here. This time around, is three stories set at different times during the 20th century, mainly linked by grief and the remote mountains of Portugal. The stories are well written and developed, but perhaps the linkage between the three is not strong enough to make you feel that you read a full novel instead of a short story collection. Though I enjoyed some passages, and in particular the last story of the Canadian senator and his monkey, on a whole the book didn’t do it for me. Again, maybe way too high expectations. As I said, I went looking for Life of Pi, and got something else. An okay book, but not something great. 3.5 out of 5

The Immortals – Jordanna Max Brodsky

I’m a big Greek mythology fan, and I love stories with the Greek gods in modern times… if they’re told right. Thankfully, “The Immortals” gets it right! I enjoyed the book thoroughly, given its strong character building and excellent use of the old myths to run the story along. Perhaps the plot, which revolves around Artemis following a string of murders, could’ve been slightly more compelling and with better tempo. Nonetheless, the clever use of the Greek gods keeps driving you along and wanting more. Noting that this is the first of a planned series, one can forgive the book’s shortcomings and look eagerly at the next installments. Well recommended. 4.5 out of 5

The Widow – Fiona Barton

Every now and then I veer away from my typical sci fi / fantasy books to read a good crime thriller. And this book was highly touted as the next big thing. I wouldn’t go that far…it was an interesting read, and it had some good moments. The structure of the book was quite clever, told through the different viewpoints rounding it out nicely. But the ultimate ending (some reviewers highlighted the twist… I didn’t find any twist…) was a bit disappointing. So, a nice read, but not something to be too excited about. Let’s give it 3.5 out of 5

Arena – Holly Jennings

 

An interesting take on the future of e-sports.. where technology evolves in such a way that we get to watch gladiators fight to their virtual deaths.It was on okay read, with some high points (the virtual battles were very well developed), but the main story felt a tad derivative and not particularly memorable. An okay read, but nothing to get too excited for. 3 out of 5

Click Here To Start (A Novel) – Denis Markell

Hailed as a “Ready Player One” for a younger audience, “Click Here to Start” involves three kids facing a real life escape game to solve a very interesting mystery case. The book was generally entertaining and fun to read, but I found the tone and premise of the book a tad dumbed down… yes I know it’s meant for kids, but so was Harry Potter… you don;t need to write as a child to speak to one… It had all the typical stereotypes, a poorly developed villain, and some gaping plot holes that never get resolved. So, while I really enjoyed the concept, found the execution a bit wanting. 3 out of 5