Page 1 of 412 3 4

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: 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 →

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 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 →

Review: Don’t Breathe A Word

Posted on May 17, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

I guess the best endings are the ones that make you emotional in some way: mad, happy, sad. They should evoke an emotion so strong it lingers long after you’ve finished reading it. This book will not disappoint in that regard. Continue reading →

Review: Bridge To Terabithia

Posted on April 11, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

This book is about primarily about friendship, but its more important aspect is how children learn to cope with fear and loss: both emotional and physical. One of those ways is through creativity and imagination. Terabithia then comes to be more than an imaginary kingdom. It’s symbolic of a greater purpose.
Continue reading →

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Posted on January 23, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

She dreams of the ocean. Something she’s never seen and many tell her doesn’t exist. As long as she’s lived, she has only known a world surrounded by a forest containing a fate worse than death – literally.
Continue reading →

Review: The Girl In The Green Raincoat

Posted on January 10, 2011 by The Biblio Brat

The Girl in the Green Raincoat is a perfect book for someone looking for an enjoyable weekend read. I like those. I like picking a book off my shelf that I know will allow me to sit, relax, snuggle up to the cats and a cup of cocoa and let the story take over. Continue reading →

Review: The Fifth Child

Posted on November 20, 2010 by The Biblio Brat

This is a modern and chilling horror story crammed in to a deceptively small package. Just as Shelley did with Frankenstein, it leaves you questioning what point was the author trying to get across. This is not a bad thing. Is this purely for entertainment? Is it a lightly veiled commentary on society? Is it a horror story or social science fiction? Perhaps both. Continue reading →