**spoiler alert** This began well, but when times got tough, the characters got stupid. Like, really dumb. It had some Scooby-Doo vibes, mixed with a **spoiler alert** This began well, but when times got tough, the characters got stupid. Like, really dumb. It had some Scooby-Doo vibes, mixed with a little of this and that, with main characters who somehow loved their house and hung out in it all the time even though they were sure it was haunted, even though it gave them terrible nightmares, even though they were on the run and trying to hide from people...where should you go when you are hoping to sneak around? Your home, of course! No one will ever find you there. When life is falling apart and you can't trust anyone, what should you do with your 6 year old? Leave them with someone who may or may not be your ally! Pretty much all the life decisions followed this vein, and the end was definitely a Scooby-Doo denouement complete with applause....more
So disappointing. I generally enjoy Tyler, but this protagonist was unpleasant in the most pedestrian way, unrelenting in her dull negativity. I honesSo disappointing. I generally enjoy Tyler, but this protagonist was unpleasant in the most pedestrian way, unrelenting in her dull negativity. I honestly couldn't believe that anyone would be eager to join their life to hers. I was convinced that it had to get better, but it really didn't. Also, cat lovers rejoice! If you love cats, that's got to be at least a quarter of the book. If you are a dog person, this is of no benefit to you. I am not a cat person, so it didn't help me in the least....more
Seriously action-packed, Tonkin doesn't mess around. The characters are pretty thin, the lone female character has unbelievable daddy issues, the men Seriously action-packed, Tonkin doesn't mess around. The characters are pretty thin, the lone female character has unbelievable daddy issues, the men are kind of ridiculous. But that's not why we are reading this. You want a vengeful blue whale with a taste for humans to try to kill this annoying group of people. He'll have to get in line though, since basically everything in the arctic is bent on human destruction. If you are queasy about violence between animals, or about humans and animals killing each other, stay away. Honestly, the horror and suspense of the killer pod stalking and killing a blue whale was one of the most awful action sequences I have ever read. But, if you just want a straight up action ride, this is it. Pro-tip: don't read Grady Hendrix's hilarious and informative article on this book at Reactor until after you've finished, as it is full of spoilers....more
Strong start, but then became so muddled, too many little plots, dragged out back story that didn't ring true, and no character development to speak oStrong start, but then became so muddled, too many little plots, dragged out back story that didn't ring true, and no character development to speak of, really. For a reader who loves action, this might be a lot of fun. In some ways, it reminded me of the early Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child (which are exciting) but then it kept weaving in more and more detail that didn't add a lot for me, personally....more
I hardly know what to think of Flannery O'Connor, except I need to read more and more of her, and when I've finished reading, I can't stop thinking ofI hardly know what to think of Flannery O'Connor, except I need to read more and more of her, and when I've finished reading, I can't stop thinking of what I read. Nihilism, animalism, racism, and such coldness run through this novel, with a glimmer of what the eye sees when there is no bottom. Agh! I need a class just on her work. ...more
Beautifully written, this book isn't so much plot-driven as just an immersion into a lifestyle. The setting will wrap around you, and sit with you a wBeautifully written, this book isn't so much plot-driven as just an immersion into a lifestyle. The setting will wrap around you, and sit with you a while. ...more
I really enjoyed the intergenerational story so much, I didn't enjoy Lila. That gal made a lot of poor decisions.I really enjoyed the intergenerational story so much, I didn't enjoy Lila. That gal made a lot of poor decisions....more
I really liked the real time stuff; the women, the prison, the boldness of the heroes and that wacky plastic surgeon. I did not like the details with I really liked the real time stuff; the women, the prison, the boldness of the heroes and that wacky plastic surgeon. I did not like the details with the peacock & co. It was repetitive and went on for soooo many pages so many times, with little to show for it. ...more
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