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shadowkatIn lieu of the usual reading meme...
From yourlibrarian:
Select the summaries of 10 items that you've recently read (or downloaded) can be published or fanfiction. Paste them in a comment here or on a post of your own, or in the community discussion linked HERE.
I haven't read fanfic in a while -- so I'm picking summaries of books I've recently read, am reading, or comics:
1. Summary for Artemis
Jazz Bashara is a criminal.
Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent.
Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first.
Reaction? The summary was better than the book. Sorry. True. If only the book were like this.
Anyhow -- I liked the heist element and was attracted to a strong ethnic female character in a sci-fi heist novel.
2. Children of Blood and Bone
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
The book and summary were pretty much in line with each other. I wished for less emphasis on the romance with the enemy and more emphasis on the folklore/mythos, and powers. Felt the romance took away from it. Yet, ironically it did attract me to the book since one of my biggest story kinks is enemies to lovers trope, particularly if the two people go from trying to kill each other, to boinking. But this was clumsy and the writer didn't have a good handle on it. It's a very violent book -- but I think the summary gets that across. The prose isn't as poetic as the summary, unfortunately.
3. The Unkindness of Magicians
There is a dark secret that is hiding at the heart of New York City and diminishing the city’s magicians’ power in this fantasy thriller by acclaimed author Kat Howard.
In New York City, magic controls everything. But the power of magic is fading. No one knows what is happening, except for Sydney—a new, rare magician with incredible power that has been unmatched in decades, and she may be the only person who is able to stop the darkness that is weakening the magic. But Sydney doesn’t want to help the system, she wants to destroy it.
Sydney comes from the House of Shadows, which controls the magic with the help of sacrifices from magicians.
The mystery element combined with the fantastical intrigued me -- but in a modern day, urban setting, not a medieval one. It's pretty close to the actual book. Although the book drug in places and was a bit disappointing.
4. Hello Stranger - Lisa Keyplas
A woman who defies her time
Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.
A man who breaks every rule
As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett's skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he's ever known.
Had a strong female character -- which is actually a common denominator for all the summaries listed. All have badass or tough female characters, who are not overtly feminine -- they are fighters. Not your typical heroines. The male characters are secondary -- and seem to support them or not listed at all. Most of the stories have a mystery or puzzle in the summary -- that incites curiousity. Also an element of danger. This book wasn't as good as its summary and drug a bit.
5. Essex Serpent by Sara Perry
An exquisitely talented young British author makes her American debut with this rapturously acclaimed historical novel, set in late nineteenth-century England, about an intellectually minded young widow, a pious vicar, and a rumored mythical serpent that explores questions about science and religion, skepticism, and faith, independence and love.
When Cora Seaborne’s brilliant, domineering husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness: her marriage was not a happy one. Wed at nineteen, this woman of exceptional intelligence and curiosity was ill-suited for the role of society wife. Seeking refuge in fresh air and open space in the wake of the funeral, Cora leaves London for a visit to coastal Essex, accompanied by her inquisitive and obsessive eleven-year old son, Francis, and the boy’s nanny, Martha, her fiercely protective friend.
While admiring the sites, Cora learns of an intriguing rumor that has arisen further up the estuary, of a fearsome creature said to roam the marshes claiming human lives. After nearly 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to have returned, taking the life of a young man on New Year’s Eve. A keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, Cora is immediately enthralled, and certain that what the local people think is a magical sea beast may be a previously undiscovered species. Eager to investigate, she is introduced to local vicar William Ransome. Will, too, is suspicious of the rumors. But unlike Cora, this man of faith is convinced the rumors are caused by moral panic, a flight from true belief.
These seeming opposites who agree on nothing soon find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart—an intense relationship that will change both of their lives in ways entirely unexpected.
The summary is misleading. This is not a romance, but from the summary it appears to be one. Also
it's not a fantasy or a gothic horror novel or mystery novel -- which is what the summary suggests.
I was intrigued by the idea of a female naturalist being drawn to a Vicar over a mysterious serpent.
But the novel isn't really about that -- at least not as the summary suggests. It has a lot of characters -- and points of view, and lots of subplots. If anything it is a character driven literary novel...about various social and political concerns in the 1880s.
6. The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale
Lord Arden Winter, cool, shy, restless, only heir, frustrates his rich parents, seeks legendary racing mare String of Pearls. After the funeral of Lady Stanhope, her unacknowledged illegitimate daughter Zenia 25 agrees to guide him across the Arab desert if he will take her to her unknown father Michael Bruce in London. For months, she is a loyal servant, a ragged Bedouin boy. They save each others lives, until the night a prince sees her as a female, and condemns them to death. Historical Note that explorer Stanhope and younger lover Bruce were real.
Also misleading. I was attracted to it -- by the idea of adventure, a strong adventurous heroine and hero. Eh. Only for the first 1/3rd of the book. About the 100 page mark if that. And the heroine is a bit of a milksap...highly disappointing, I kept wanting to smack her. The summary was a lot better than the actual book.
7. Saga Vol. 1 - by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples (artist)
When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.
From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.
Hee. Less is more. That's the gist, although it is so much better and more complex than that. But what grabbed me? Subversive -- I love subversive stories. Actually another thing all these summaries have in common-- they are a bit subversive. "Fantasy and Sci-Fi are wed like never before in this sexy subversive drama for adults" -- cool!
8. Ms. Marvel - No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, Jersey!
It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona
A teenage Muslim girl from Jersey City is gifted with superpowers. Cool. It's okay, the Inhuman angle was a bit of a let-down. But the rest good, and art fantastic.
9. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.
In this graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father.
Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the Fun Home. It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.
"leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve", also a coming of age tale for a lesbian is new. It's pretty much online with the synopsis.
10. The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner
The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities.
What Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses.
It should be noted that I haven't made it through #10 as of yet, still on page 100 a year later, read all the other books on the list instead.
Slow. But...interesting enough that I haven't given up on it, yet. What grabbed me was the idea of a skillful thief taken out of prison to steal something for the King. Also, I'd read that he ends up in a romance with the Queen who he's supposed to steal something from. I like the shift in power dynamics.
By the way, all of the above were written by professional marketing folks.
[ETA: I went to look at some reviews on Good Reads. One of the most reassurring things about art and taste...is well for every person who loves your book, someone will hate it. It's the law of averages. And if you get enough varied people to read it -- there will be the entire range of reactions to it. I noticed this with cooking competitions as well -- in the Big Family Cooking Showdown on Netflix, one person loves brussel sprouts on pizza, one hates it. Made me remember how my brother loved Titantic, and my mother and I thought it was meh. Or how I know people that adore the X-files, and I just never understood why. (Probably didn't help that David Duchovny does nothing for me as an actor. I did like Gillian Anderson -- actually the season I watched the most episodes in was the one in which Patrick Wilson replaced Duchovny.) I loved Buffy and I have friends who never understood that. At work, my cubicle mate loves Las Vegas, honestly...Vegas is my nightmare destination. I think of Vegas and cringe. Or I know people who can use Stevia, I do not understand how -- it's so bitter. Taste is a funny thing...sometimes we share it, sometimes we don't. And it's unique to everyone. Our taste often tells us more about who we are as individuals and a society, that the things we've critiqued.
ETA2: When I first saw the negative reviews, there are just two, of the book I published, my initial feeling was anger, and pain. Because it hurts when someone doesn't like something I've created, sweated over, poured my soul into...be a bit like someone telling you that your child or dog or cat was ugly. But then again, not, because not everyone is going to like our children. And we can learn from those who don't. (How to avoid them...comes to mind). But also, it...lends credence to a work of art. Smart Bitches once said that they paid more attention to books with a 3.62 average on Good Reads than 5 stars or 4.8 because you knew a broader range of people read them, also it was almost as if the ratings were giving you the finger -- so there was controversy. Why did 50% love it, and 50% not so much. I have to agree -- the better books I've read are the ones that had negative and positive reviews. Some of the worst books I've read had 5 star ratings -- and very high ones. Same is true with fanfic.
And movies. And television series. Some of my favorite television shows of all time, were the most controversial among critics.
So, I'm tempted to thank those who took the time to write a bad review. I mean, that takes time, you obviously felt something, the book pissed you off big time. If you were ambivalent, you wouldn't have said anything at all. And artists want a reaction to their work...preferably a positive one, but, hey a negative one will do...as long as we're read, and as long as someone thought about what we said for a little bit.]
From yourlibrarian:
Select the summaries of 10 items that you've recently read (or downloaded) can be published or fanfiction. Paste them in a comment here or on a post of your own, or in the community discussion linked HERE.
I haven't read fanfic in a while -- so I'm picking summaries of books I've recently read, am reading, or comics:
1. Summary for Artemis
Jazz Bashara is a criminal.
Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent.
Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first.
Reaction? The summary was better than the book. Sorry. True. If only the book were like this.
Anyhow -- I liked the heist element and was attracted to a strong ethnic female character in a sci-fi heist novel.
2. Children of Blood and Bone
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
The book and summary were pretty much in line with each other. I wished for less emphasis on the romance with the enemy and more emphasis on the folklore/mythos, and powers. Felt the romance took away from it. Yet, ironically it did attract me to the book since one of my biggest story kinks is enemies to lovers trope, particularly if the two people go from trying to kill each other, to boinking. But this was clumsy and the writer didn't have a good handle on it. It's a very violent book -- but I think the summary gets that across. The prose isn't as poetic as the summary, unfortunately.
3. The Unkindness of Magicians
There is a dark secret that is hiding at the heart of New York City and diminishing the city’s magicians’ power in this fantasy thriller by acclaimed author Kat Howard.
In New York City, magic controls everything. But the power of magic is fading. No one knows what is happening, except for Sydney—a new, rare magician with incredible power that has been unmatched in decades, and she may be the only person who is able to stop the darkness that is weakening the magic. But Sydney doesn’t want to help the system, she wants to destroy it.
Sydney comes from the House of Shadows, which controls the magic with the help of sacrifices from magicians.
The mystery element combined with the fantastical intrigued me -- but in a modern day, urban setting, not a medieval one. It's pretty close to the actual book. Although the book drug in places and was a bit disappointing.
4. Hello Stranger - Lisa Keyplas
A woman who defies her time
Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.
A man who breaks every rule
As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett's skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he's ever known.
Had a strong female character -- which is actually a common denominator for all the summaries listed. All have badass or tough female characters, who are not overtly feminine -- they are fighters. Not your typical heroines. The male characters are secondary -- and seem to support them or not listed at all. Most of the stories have a mystery or puzzle in the summary -- that incites curiousity. Also an element of danger. This book wasn't as good as its summary and drug a bit.
5. Essex Serpent by Sara Perry
An exquisitely talented young British author makes her American debut with this rapturously acclaimed historical novel, set in late nineteenth-century England, about an intellectually minded young widow, a pious vicar, and a rumored mythical serpent that explores questions about science and religion, skepticism, and faith, independence and love.
When Cora Seaborne’s brilliant, domineering husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness: her marriage was not a happy one. Wed at nineteen, this woman of exceptional intelligence and curiosity was ill-suited for the role of society wife. Seeking refuge in fresh air and open space in the wake of the funeral, Cora leaves London for a visit to coastal Essex, accompanied by her inquisitive and obsessive eleven-year old son, Francis, and the boy’s nanny, Martha, her fiercely protective friend.
While admiring the sites, Cora learns of an intriguing rumor that has arisen further up the estuary, of a fearsome creature said to roam the marshes claiming human lives. After nearly 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to have returned, taking the life of a young man on New Year’s Eve. A keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, Cora is immediately enthralled, and certain that what the local people think is a magical sea beast may be a previously undiscovered species. Eager to investigate, she is introduced to local vicar William Ransome. Will, too, is suspicious of the rumors. But unlike Cora, this man of faith is convinced the rumors are caused by moral panic, a flight from true belief.
These seeming opposites who agree on nothing soon find themselves inexorably drawn together and torn apart—an intense relationship that will change both of their lives in ways entirely unexpected.
The summary is misleading. This is not a romance, but from the summary it appears to be one. Also
it's not a fantasy or a gothic horror novel or mystery novel -- which is what the summary suggests.
I was intrigued by the idea of a female naturalist being drawn to a Vicar over a mysterious serpent.
But the novel isn't really about that -- at least not as the summary suggests. It has a lot of characters -- and points of view, and lots of subplots. If anything it is a character driven literary novel...about various social and political concerns in the 1880s.
6. The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale
Lord Arden Winter, cool, shy, restless, only heir, frustrates his rich parents, seeks legendary racing mare String of Pearls. After the funeral of Lady Stanhope, her unacknowledged illegitimate daughter Zenia 25 agrees to guide him across the Arab desert if he will take her to her unknown father Michael Bruce in London. For months, she is a loyal servant, a ragged Bedouin boy. They save each others lives, until the night a prince sees her as a female, and condemns them to death. Historical Note that explorer Stanhope and younger lover Bruce were real.
Also misleading. I was attracted to it -- by the idea of adventure, a strong adventurous heroine and hero. Eh. Only for the first 1/3rd of the book. About the 100 page mark if that. And the heroine is a bit of a milksap...highly disappointing, I kept wanting to smack her. The summary was a lot better than the actual book.
7. Saga Vol. 1 - by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples (artist)
When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.
From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.
Hee. Less is more. That's the gist, although it is so much better and more complex than that. But what grabbed me? Subversive -- I love subversive stories. Actually another thing all these summaries have in common-- they are a bit subversive. "Fantasy and Sci-Fi are wed like never before in this sexy subversive drama for adults" -- cool!
8. Ms. Marvel - No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, Jersey!
It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona
A teenage Muslim girl from Jersey City is gifted with superpowers. Cool. It's okay, the Inhuman angle was a bit of a let-down. But the rest good, and art fantastic.
9. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.
In this graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father.
Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the Fun Home. It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.
"leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve", also a coming of age tale for a lesbian is new. It's pretty much online with the synopsis.
10. The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner
The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities.
What Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses.
It should be noted that I haven't made it through #10 as of yet, still on page 100 a year later, read all the other books on the list instead.
Slow. But...interesting enough that I haven't given up on it, yet. What grabbed me was the idea of a skillful thief taken out of prison to steal something for the King. Also, I'd read that he ends up in a romance with the Queen who he's supposed to steal something from. I like the shift in power dynamics.
By the way, all of the above were written by professional marketing folks.
[ETA: I went to look at some reviews on Good Reads. One of the most reassurring things about art and taste...is well for every person who loves your book, someone will hate it. It's the law of averages. And if you get enough varied people to read it -- there will be the entire range of reactions to it. I noticed this with cooking competitions as well -- in the Big Family Cooking Showdown on Netflix, one person loves brussel sprouts on pizza, one hates it. Made me remember how my brother loved Titantic, and my mother and I thought it was meh. Or how I know people that adore the X-files, and I just never understood why. (Probably didn't help that David Duchovny does nothing for me as an actor. I did like Gillian Anderson -- actually the season I watched the most episodes in was the one in which Patrick Wilson replaced Duchovny.) I loved Buffy and I have friends who never understood that. At work, my cubicle mate loves Las Vegas, honestly...Vegas is my nightmare destination. I think of Vegas and cringe. Or I know people who can use Stevia, I do not understand how -- it's so bitter. Taste is a funny thing...sometimes we share it, sometimes we don't. And it's unique to everyone. Our taste often tells us more about who we are as individuals and a society, that the things we've critiqued.
ETA2: When I first saw the negative reviews, there are just two, of the book I published, my initial feeling was anger, and pain. Because it hurts when someone doesn't like something I've created, sweated over, poured my soul into...be a bit like someone telling you that your child or dog or cat was ugly. But then again, not, because not everyone is going to like our children. And we can learn from those who don't. (How to avoid them...comes to mind). But also, it...lends credence to a work of art. Smart Bitches once said that they paid more attention to books with a 3.62 average on Good Reads than 5 stars or 4.8 because you knew a broader range of people read them, also it was almost as if the ratings were giving you the finger -- so there was controversy. Why did 50% love it, and 50% not so much. I have to agree -- the better books I've read are the ones that had negative and positive reviews. Some of the worst books I've read had 5 star ratings -- and very high ones. Same is true with fanfic.
And movies. And television series. Some of my favorite television shows of all time, were the most controversial among critics.
So, I'm tempted to thank those who took the time to write a bad review. I mean, that takes time, you obviously felt something, the book pissed you off big time. If you were ambivalent, you wouldn't have said anything at all. And artists want a reaction to their work...preferably a positive one, but, hey a negative one will do...as long as we're read, and as long as someone thought about what we said for a little bit.]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-17 07:47 pm (UTC)Children made me think of a Merlin AU ;)
One thing that the first 4 summaries do is place the trope/theme of the book in the first lines. It makes sense since no one's reading it yet for the character.
The fifth stands out for putting its attention first on the author, which is a curious choice since it's a debut novel. And given what you said about how misleading the summary is, I'm guessing this is why the trope/theme was not the lede.
That's too bad about Dream Hunter, it sounds like a great premise. In fact I read something not unlike it, also in Merlin fandom, where Merlin was a woman and Arthur a knight on a pilgrimage. What stood out to me about this summary was the unnecessary historical note. This seems to be a bid for people who find a "based on a true story" some kind of draw.
#7 is trying way too hard (even while being brief). The vibe I got was that it was a desperate effort to convince men to read it.
I am amused by Ms Marvel's tone of enthusiasm and directness which is a contrast to the others.
#9 leads with the author which makes sense since it's autobiographical.
Other than Saga, the last one clearly labels itself part of a series. And somehow the brevity of it seems to rely on the series selling itself. What I immediately wondered is why the magus is mentioned at all. It's apparently the story of a heist in a fantasy novel, but the central character is mentioned almost as an afterthought as if their selection by others is the more important element of the story. Definitely the weakest of the bunch.
Re: Stevia yes, it's tricky to use because too much and it's bitter and it also depends on the refiner. I use it most often in liquid drops added to tea and it's blended which probably reduces that bitterness.
That's interesting about the book ratings. My assumption would be that what matters more is total number of reviewers. I'd be curious to know what happens with series though. For example, I just looked at Sue Grafton's books on Amazon and they are all rated from 4 to 4.5 even though they have been rated by anywhere from 233 to 4,405 reviewers. that strikes me as amazingly consistent.
I like her books myself and have read all but the last 3 books -- I'd probably rate them around 4 also just because I find 1-5 a little limiting for a book, especially a series because I definitely preferred some over others. So with a 10 scale I'd probably do between 6 and 9 depending on the book. But to me a 3 is ok, a 2 is didn't care for it but still finished it, a 1 is I hated it. But between 3 and 5 is trickier -- there's not that many books I enjoy so much that I'd give them a 5.
Book ratings/reviews -- dependability
Date: 2019-01-18 01:28 am (UTC)Rating books is tricky. For a while I was rating everything that I'd read, and for the life of me could not remember 1-2 stars. (I've read about one or two of Sue Grafton books but can't remember the plots at all. I know I read them back in the 1990s, but I can't remember them.) Then I decided I probably shouldn't rate books I could not remember.
Then...I decided to rate everything I enjoyed but didn't think was brilliant, three stars. If I enjoyed it but it was deeply flawed maybe 2? If I disliked it maybe two, and if I hated it - 1. I was hardly consistent and kept changing my mind.
Four and five stars for a bit I thought should only be reserved for great books. But then I went on a kick of rating romance novels I adored or urban fantasy books I adored 4 and 5 stars, and well that went out the window.
So really it's arbitrary. And I'm sort of guessing that's true of everyone. People like or don't like a book based on their mood at the time they read or in my case, rating it.
If it struck a chord in them -- they love it. Etc.
And you can't really go by the number of reviewers to determine if a book is good or not -- because that's more a factor of well the book has been marketed and promoted to readers. For example? 50 Shades of Grey and Twilight have the most reviews on Good Reads, as do most of the top-selling YA paranormal romances, New Adult Romances, and
James Patterson. These books...sigh, are hardly well written. But boy are they marketed well. The people who write and publish them are REALLY good at marketing. Crappy at editing, but GREAT at marketing.
True of fanfic as well -- fanfic that has been marketed well, or pimped, gets loads of readers. Also if it has a catchy premise or summary. If it's too out-there, or doesn't hit the main or popular "ships" -- it's not going to get read or not widely.
I noticed the needy fandom stockings...all had the same problem, they didn't have that many fandoms listed, and the fandoms that were listed were somewhat obscure, or not really that big. Or the ships were mainly male/male or male characters -- again in far more obscure fandoms. (I thought about adding icons or something to some of the needy stockings, but I had nothing. I hadn't even heard of most of them, or they were shows I'd watched ages ago and could not remember.)
So it's deceptive. Popularity doesn't make something good. Often the worst things in life are popular. Which makes it really difficult to choose what books, movies or shows to watch.
I tend to go by personal recs from people I trust. (Although that can be dicey as well, people have rec'd things to me that I've despised -- which is always painful. I mean what do you tell them? I hate that book/tv show/movie you loved, it bored me silly? Ugh. Been there done that, have the bullet wounds.)
And by summaries -- which, as discussed, also not necessarily helpful.
And reviews -- depends on the reviewer. Sometimes the negative review will tell you more than a positive one. (Although not always, depends on how detailed and good the reviewer is -- reviewing is an art in of itself.)
Sample chapters...to a degree, not all writers are equal in this regard. Some write horrible first chapters, but great after that, and then there is the reverse -- see The Horse Whisperer -- great first five chapters, rest stunk.
So..
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Date: 2019-01-18 02:01 am (UTC)I think the reason is -- a lot of readers want to connect to a character or characters. And often choose books or television shows based on character and plot than theme. A theme can often turn people off.
The fifth stands out for putting its attention first on the author, which is a curious choice since it's a debut novel. And given what you said about how misleading the summary is, I'm guessing this is why the trope/theme was not the lede.
Apparently she won a lot of awards. They always push the awards first. But she grew deathly ill after it got published and probably won't write anything else.
I'm not sure why the marketing folks went the direction they did with the summary description -- I get why they veered away from the theme, but they'd have been better off giving less description.
One Amazon reviewer asked pretty much the same question -- she said, as a warning to readers, the summary is misleading as is the book jacket or cover -- and through no fault of the author, she'd expected to get a fantastical Victorian Gothic with repressed sexuality, which uhm, no, this really isn't. She had a point.
The summary and cover attracted the wrong readers.
True. There were quite a few Good Reads reviewers who hated the book -- because they thought they were getting a Victorian Gothic Page-Turner a la The Woman in White or The White Serpent, and instead got a literary character driven story that delves deeply into a lot of socio-political and philosophical issues and happens to take place during the Victorian age. (Honestly, I was relieved - not a fan of Victorian Gothics, but they were pissed off.)
I'd have gone with the theme -- although the theme is rather convoluted, so that may be why they didn't. Literary novels tend to have deeper and more multifaceted themes that don't lend themselves well to brief summaries, while genre fiction can pretty much be summed up in a sentence. You don't need to attend an book discussion group to figure out the themes of a genre novel -- it's usually obvious from the cover.
That's too bad about Dream Hunter, it sounds like a great premise. In fact I read something not unlike it, also in Merlin fandom, where Merlin was a woman and Arthur a knight on a pilgrimage. What stood out to me about this summary was the unnecessary historical note. This seems to be a bid for people who find a "based on a true story" some kind of draw.
Yep. It's a great premise. I don't know why the writer didn't stick with it or why her editors/publishers didn't push her too. A lot of reviewers complained about being mislead.
Also, there's a lot of people who love real person fanfic, apparently. Which this sort of is. Where you put historical figures in the story, with slight embellishments. (I personally find it annoying, but since I had no idea who these people were prior to reading this book -- was able to hand-wave it.)
#7 is trying way too hard (even while being brief). The vibe I got was that it was a desperate effort to convince men to read it.
Well, it succeeded -- it's quite popular. I'd had it rec'd to me by men and women on my flist for three years running, before I finally got in the right mood to read it. It goes with the author as well-- but mainly because the author has quite the following. Also, I'll say this it is a subversive sexy comic for adults. Blew me away.
But, I've seen others try to pull off the same bit and fail.
And yeah, the last has a weak summary. Someone on my flist and a good reads review got me to buy that one. But I'm struggling with it. It's HEAVY in the world-building.
Re: Stevia yes, it's tricky to use because too much and it's bitter and it also depends on the refiner. I use it most often in liquid drops added to tea and it's blended which probably reduces that bitterness.
I've admittedly never tried to add it to anything myself. It's usually pre-added to things...lots of non-sugar treats have stevia secretly added to them. And god, it's either sickeningly sweet or bitter -- making me wonder about people and their sugar addiction.
I don't add sugar to anything -- outside of say baking cookies, baking cakes, that sort of thing. Can't stand it added to cereal -- and it's wickedly hard to find gluten-free cereal without sugar added in any form. (I have - Red Mill Oatmeal, but it's hard to find.) Also with tea -- I can only handle honey added as a sweetener.
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Date: 2019-01-18 05:42 pm (UTC)Oh yes, finding anything that doesn't have added sugar (even stuff labeled "sugar free") is quite difficult. And while I haven't run into much that's presweetened with Stevia, I did try the Stevia soda (I think maybe it's called Zevia? I can't recall now) and it was awful. But then I don't like plain seltzer water which is apparently becoming very popular.
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Date: 2019-01-18 06:24 pm (UTC)Yes, you never know which information to include or convey. I'm always afraid of leaving the cool stuff out, etc. So, instead I overwhelm the reader with too much information.
I did try the Stevia soda (I think maybe it's called Zevia?
Yes, Zevia and it is awful. So too is Kevita - a probiotic with stevia added, why I don't know. I've accidentally run into it a lot -- I'll be getting a gluten-free item that says, no sugar added, only discover it has stevia. I've learned to read the backs of everything -- which is increasingly hard to do without reading glasses. Good reading glasses.
La Croix seltzer isn't bad. But I don't like seltzer either - gives me horrid gas pains.