Review: Hide Me Among The Graves

Posted on March 13, 2012 by The Biblio Brat

I admire the author’s skill at infusing historical fact with fictional elements instead of the other way around. It’s refreshing to read a book whose uniqueness is not only in its narrative, but the care taken to craft a story that never fails to entertain. The world he creates becomes frighteningly believable. His characters have a depth and complexity that you’d usually see in literary fiction, and works well in this story of phantoms and vampires. Continue reading →

Review: Vaclav & Lena

Posted on March 3, 2012 by The Biblio Brat

One of the hardest choices to make is how honest we have to be, and how honest we should be with the ones we love. Do we spare them and tell them what they want to hear, or tell them what they need to hear. In this unique story, Vaclav ends up accomplishing both. Continue reading →

Review: The Affinity Bridge

Posted on February 20, 2012 by The Biblio Brat

The more I read steampunk, the more I like it. Especially when the story and characters are as engaging as they are here. This is a definite recommendation not only to those who like steampunk, but especially for introducing it to others. It is an excellent ambassador for the genre. Continue reading →

Review: No One Is Here But All Of Us

Posted on February 7, 2012 by The Biblio Brat

After reading this book, no one can deny that Ramona Ausubel is an amazing storyteller. This is a book that will leave a lasting impression and must be read deliberately in order to get the most out of it. And I recommend that this effort be made. It’s worth it. Continue reading →

Sunday Salon: A New-Old Christmas Favorite

Posted on December 18, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

Disney’s A Christmas Carol is a pleasant and new found favorite. However, regardless of the movie versions, the book itself remains a must read for the holidays. If you don’t already have a copy sitting next to the Grinch, A Christmas Story (there is a book), and the Polar Express, please do yourself a favor and get one. Continue reading →

Review: Zone One

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

When it comes to a book, why should it’s trappings, whether it be romance or horror, hold it back from being great literature? Is it merely perceptual or an actual reality? After reading this book, I am heavily leaning toward the former. Continue reading →

Review: Room

Posted on December 3, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

I was putting away a few new additions to my home library when I decided to read a couple of paragraphs in one of them because I’d heard so much about it. I didn’t put it back down until I finished it. It’s well written, the story engaging, the characters ones you immediately care for. Basically, its core components were everything a good book should have, and then some. Continue reading →

Sunday Salon: Getting My Spook On

Posted on October 16, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

A lot of readers and bloggers are delving into their libraries and ARC’s for some appropriate reading this October. But, and I have no idea why, my inner goblin just wasn’t feeling it. So I pulled out some classics and a variation on a theme, and found my Halloween mojo. Continue reading →

Review: The Graveyard Book

Posted on September 25, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

For the few – very few – who may have never read Gaiman, I recommend this as your first read. He also has a couple of short story collections that I love, and recommend highly. Continue reading →

Review: Steampunk Goodness

Posted on August 16, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

Whether you’re familiar with steampunk or not, this is an author who represents it so well, I have no problem recommending her novels as an introduction to this sub-genre of science fiction. These books are worth a spot on your shelves or eReader. Definitely. Continue reading →

Review: The Minotaur Takes A Cigarette Break

Posted on July 19, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

The story leaves strong impressions that last with you long after you put down the book: that the Minotaur symbolizes much more than a creature who is half man, half beast. That perhaps, this is a redemptive tale. Or demonstrates the struggle in dealing with the duality inside ourselves. Continue reading →

Review: The Atomic Weight of Secrets

Posted on June 8, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

It’s books like these that allow me to offer a solid example when defending, and recommending young adult fiction to adults. It may not satisfy the older portion of the age range who tend to like the popular dark fantasy or steampunk, but for those wanting a good mystery – this is just the book. Continue reading →