In no particular order:
The band Children 18:3 released their Rain's 'A Comin' album in the summer. Kind of a grungy, punk-rocky sound, full of energy. My favorites are "Cover Your Eyes" and "Oh Bravo."
The Classic Crime is an amazing band signed to Tooth and Nail records. When I found them over the summer, I couldn't stop listening to their second album, The Silver Cord, and then I quickly became obsessed with their latest release, Vagabonds. They are an alternative rock band. Check out songs like "Salt in the Snow" or "Solar Powered Life."
Anberlin's newest, Dark is the Way, Light is a Place, is my second favorite of all of their albums (after Cities, of course). Not much else to say; if you like Anberlin, you'll probably like this one.
Group 1 Crew released Outta Space Love not too long ago. A good alternative to artists like Black Eyed Peas, etc. Kind of hip-hoppy, overuse of autotune, semi-rappish music that's simply fun to listen to.
House of Heroes. I loved their album The End is not the End. Suburba, however, I am a bit unsure about. It's still good music, but it just doesn't measure up. It's a good listen though, and I like "God Save the Foolish Kings" and "Galveston."
I've just discovered a song called "Love Lust" by King Charles. I don't even know what genre it is--folk rock?--but I love it. He doesn't have a cd yet in the states, though.
Fair's song "Disappearing World" is wonderful.
Ian McIntosh has a worship album entitles Alive. Great stuff.
The Letter Black is a female-fronted rock band along the lines of Flyleaf or Fireflight--but possibly better, in my opinion. Their debut album is Hanging on by a Thread.
Olafur Arnalds writes the best neo-classical music I have heard in my life. Please check out his song "3055" --Absolutely beautiful.
That's all I've got for now.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Valley of Bones, by Eric Wilson
Eric Wilson holds nothing back in the heart-wrenching finale of his Jerusalem's Undead trilogy, as Gina Lazarescu and the rest of Those Who Resist continue in their struggle against the vampiric Collectors of the Akeldama Cluster.
Ever since news of this trilogy reached my ears in 2007, I have eagerly awaited Wilson's take on the vampire legend. Wilson was catapulted to the top of my favorite authors list as soon as I set down his first book, Dark to Mortal Eyes—my first foray into the works of Eric Wilson. And although I have never been a big vampire fan (especially not in this Twilight-saturated culture), I knew that Wilson would turn this new series into something special. Needless to say, when I received an advanced copy of the first book, Field of Blood, in 2008, I was captivated. And now, at last, the journey ends in this stunning conclusion, Valley of Bones.
I won't really say much about the plot, here, as Wilson does that far better in the novels themselves, and if you're reading this review, you need to go out and read this trilogy, anyway. Don't let the whole vampire thing scare you away, because that isn't the point of this series. Instead, Wilson uses it as a catalyst to explore deep issues of faith in a refreshing new way. In fact, I would say this is the most eye-opening, faith-reviving series I've read since Dekker's Martyr's Song or Blessed Child novels.
The author put a phenomenal amount of research and imagination into this series, and the connections he makes between these stories and his other novels are absolutely mind-blowing; and yet, he makes them in such a way that it isn't necessary to read the older books to understand this series. Instead, it acts as the icing on the cake, the “easter eggs” to his fans, the little—and sometimes big—details that make his books so much fun to read. But for those who have read his previous works, Valley of Bones acts as the finale for them all, bringing back old characters and drawing their storylines to a fitting conclusion, and I think that is one of my favorite parts about this book.
I will admit that it takes a little while to really “get into” these books. The storyline doesn't always go in chronological order, jumps around between the good and bad characters, and at first glance just seems so bizarre...but when you grasp what is really going on, you won't be able to put these down. The characters seem fully alive (even the undead ones...ha), the story is epic in scale, and the concept is just so darn cool—and cleverly written, to boot.
I really encourage you to give these books a try. If they're not your cup of tea, then try his other novels (2 supernatural suspense books, 2 general mystery books—all 4 excellent and very well written). Eric Wilson is an enormously talented storyteller, and it pains me to see that he doesn't have more readers. He certainly deserves them.
Ever since news of this trilogy reached my ears in 2007, I have eagerly awaited Wilson's take on the vampire legend. Wilson was catapulted to the top of my favorite authors list as soon as I set down his first book, Dark to Mortal Eyes—my first foray into the works of Eric Wilson. And although I have never been a big vampire fan (especially not in this Twilight-saturated culture), I knew that Wilson would turn this new series into something special. Needless to say, when I received an advanced copy of the first book, Field of Blood, in 2008, I was captivated. And now, at last, the journey ends in this stunning conclusion, Valley of Bones.
I won't really say much about the plot, here, as Wilson does that far better in the novels themselves, and if you're reading this review, you need to go out and read this trilogy, anyway. Don't let the whole vampire thing scare you away, because that isn't the point of this series. Instead, Wilson uses it as a catalyst to explore deep issues of faith in a refreshing new way. In fact, I would say this is the most eye-opening, faith-reviving series I've read since Dekker's Martyr's Song or Blessed Child novels.
The author put a phenomenal amount of research and imagination into this series, and the connections he makes between these stories and his other novels are absolutely mind-blowing; and yet, he makes them in such a way that it isn't necessary to read the older books to understand this series. Instead, it acts as the icing on the cake, the “easter eggs” to his fans, the little—and sometimes big—details that make his books so much fun to read. But for those who have read his previous works, Valley of Bones acts as the finale for them all, bringing back old characters and drawing their storylines to a fitting conclusion, and I think that is one of my favorite parts about this book.
I will admit that it takes a little while to really “get into” these books. The storyline doesn't always go in chronological order, jumps around between the good and bad characters, and at first glance just seems so bizarre...but when you grasp what is really going on, you won't be able to put these down. The characters seem fully alive (even the undead ones...ha), the story is epic in scale, and the concept is just so darn cool—and cleverly written, to boot.
I really encourage you to give these books a try. If they're not your cup of tea, then try his other novels (2 supernatural suspense books, 2 general mystery books—all 4 excellent and very well written). Eric Wilson is an enormously talented storyteller, and it pains me to see that he doesn't have more readers. He certainly deserves them.
Dreamhouse Kings series, by Robert Liparulo
The first thing I can think of to say is that these books must be read. Having spent much of my childhood reading YA fiction, I can honestly say that this is some of the best on the market. If YA is not your style, it's not a problem; if you're familiar with Liparulo's work at all (and if you're not, you need to fix that), he doesn't dumb it down or edit it. Basically, what makes it young adult is the age of the characters, and some of the more gruesome violence takes place “off-screen.” However, there are enough bumps, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, blood, scary situations, and dead bodies to rival his adult fiction, and the writing style is largely equivalent. So don't shy away from the “Young Adult” label.
The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...
Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the “brother” quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.
Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the “problems” of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.
In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.
The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...
Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the “brother” quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.
Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the “problems” of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.
In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.
The Bride Collector, by Ted Dekker
Ted Dekker has long been a powerful storyteller, and with his second release in the secular market, he is sure to become the next big name in fiction. Following in the footsteps of BoneMan's Daughters, The Bride Collector is another serial killer novel, yet somehow Dekker manages to make it break out of the mold and rise above the standard fare. The secret, in this case, is Paradise.
Paradise and the other residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence are gifted individuals who are also mentally ill. Roudy can see patterns and connections no one else can; he also has delusions of grandeur and believes he is a crucial member of the FBI. Andrea is incredible with numbers; she also has an invisible friend named Betty and spends most of her time taking showers. But it is Paradise, an innocent young woman who may or may not be able to see dead people's memories when she touches them, who makes this story and these characters truly unforgettable. Through Paradise, Dekker forces the reader to rethink everything we know about mental illnesses, and to wonder if perhaps the real insanity lies outside the walls of a mental facility.
Brad Raines is the young, troubled FBI agent on the trail of a killer known as the Bride Collector, who glues his victims to the wall and drains their blood through their heels. When his clues lead him to the mental home, he reluctantly embraces help from the residents in an attempt to find the murderer. They will help him find more than anyone could realize.
The remarkable thing about this novel is that, all things considered, it is a love story. A story of love between God and mankind, between Brad Raines and Paradise. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, it still remains a gripping and fascinating thriller of highest quality. Definitely recommended.
Paradise and the other residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence are gifted individuals who are also mentally ill. Roudy can see patterns and connections no one else can; he also has delusions of grandeur and believes he is a crucial member of the FBI. Andrea is incredible with numbers; she also has an invisible friend named Betty and spends most of her time taking showers. But it is Paradise, an innocent young woman who may or may not be able to see dead people's memories when she touches them, who makes this story and these characters truly unforgettable. Through Paradise, Dekker forces the reader to rethink everything we know about mental illnesses, and to wonder if perhaps the real insanity lies outside the walls of a mental facility.
Brad Raines is the young, troubled FBI agent on the trail of a killer known as the Bride Collector, who glues his victims to the wall and drains their blood through their heels. When his clues lead him to the mental home, he reluctantly embraces help from the residents in an attempt to find the murderer. They will help him find more than anyone could realize.
The remarkable thing about this novel is that, all things considered, it is a love story. A story of love between God and mankind, between Brad Raines and Paradise. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, it still remains a gripping and fascinating thriller of highest quality. Definitely recommended.
Apologies
I know it's been a while since I last posted anything here, and I'm sorry. But I'll try to be posting more frequently in the coming weeks. I still have about 20 books waiting for me on my to-be-read shelf, so...be prepared.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Drift, by Sharon Carter Rogers
Sharon Carter Rogers' latest heart-pounder is reminiscent of John B. Olson's Shade or TL Hines' The Unseen, or even the old Jimmy Stewart movie Harvey, yet it remains a unique story all its own. What if there was a being that no one could see, feel, or even experience? What if these beings existed, anyway? ...What if one of them chose to come to your aid?
Baby Doll is the adopted daughter of Lehigh's most notorious crime lord, Charlie Murphy. However, Charlie has just died, throwing the crime underworld into chaos. And Baby Doll may know more about it than she lets on.
Boy is a Drifter, a “forgotten” creation of God, left to wander the sands of time. When he spots Baby Doll at the cemetery—or, rather, when she spots him, because Drifters are invisible to most humans—an instant bond begins to form between the pair. This Tether forces Boy to remain within a certain proximity to Baby Doll at all times.
What follows is a rich and emotional tale as the two struggle to cope with each other's plight in the face of their own lonely existences. Through various obstacles, Baby Doll and Boy come to discover their true purpose in this world; but will they be able to fulfill them in time?
This book is a haunting and absorbing supernatural thriller that does more than just entertain; it forces the reader to look at the world in a new way. I loved the way the author chose to tell the story, using both characters' points of view and incorporating flashback, as well. A deep understanding of these characters develops throughout the story, bringing both of them fully to life in the mind of the reader, and remaining there long after the book has been put down. The story is well-crafted and well-written, and would be an excellent addition to anyone's bookshelf.
I give it between 4 and 5 stars. There were some parts that I thought worked really well, and some that didn't quite do it for me, but in the end, it's definitely a novel worth reading. Sharon Rogers deserves a bigger following than she has. I'm definitely waiting for her next novel.
Baby Doll is the adopted daughter of Lehigh's most notorious crime lord, Charlie Murphy. However, Charlie has just died, throwing the crime underworld into chaos. And Baby Doll may know more about it than she lets on.
Boy is a Drifter, a “forgotten” creation of God, left to wander the sands of time. When he spots Baby Doll at the cemetery—or, rather, when she spots him, because Drifters are invisible to most humans—an instant bond begins to form between the pair. This Tether forces Boy to remain within a certain proximity to Baby Doll at all times.
What follows is a rich and emotional tale as the two struggle to cope with each other's plight in the face of their own lonely existences. Through various obstacles, Baby Doll and Boy come to discover their true purpose in this world; but will they be able to fulfill them in time?
This book is a haunting and absorbing supernatural thriller that does more than just entertain; it forces the reader to look at the world in a new way. I loved the way the author chose to tell the story, using both characters' points of view and incorporating flashback, as well. A deep understanding of these characters develops throughout the story, bringing both of them fully to life in the mind of the reader, and remaining there long after the book has been put down. The story is well-crafted and well-written, and would be an excellent addition to anyone's bookshelf.
I give it between 4 and 5 stars. There were some parts that I thought worked really well, and some that didn't quite do it for me, but in the end, it's definitely a novel worth reading. Sharon Rogers deserves a bigger following than she has. I'm definitely waiting for her next novel.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
First Off, The Basics
I like Christian-friendly books, mainly in the mystery/action/suspense/thriller departments. (Note: I say Christian-friendly because for most people the term "Christian fiction" invokes a sense of some sort of Amish romance, which is decidedly NOT what I'm doing here.) I also still very much enjoy YA books in the same genre.
Let me just share with you a list of some of my favorites.
CHRISTIAN-FRIENDLY FICTION:
Ted Dekker (Thr3e, Blink, When Heaven Weeps, Circle Trilogy)
Robert Liparulo (Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Dreamhouse Kings)
Eric Wilson (Dark to Mortal Eyes, The Best of Evil, Jerusalem's Undead)
Steven James (The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight)
Robin Parrish (Relentless, Offworld)
TL Hines (The Dead Whisper On, The Unseen)
Tim Downs (The Bugman series, Head Games, Plague Maker)
Randall Ingermanson (Double Vision)
...and many others in this same vein.
YA FICTION:
Brian Jacques (Redwall series)
William Nicholson (The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Mastery)
Marianne Curley (The Named, The Dark, The Key)
Scott Westerfeld (The Midnighters Trilogy)
Kenneth Oppel (Airborn)
Roland Smith (Cryptid Hunters)
Robert Liparulo (Dreamhouse Kings)
Jeanne DuPrau (The City of Ember)
...and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
My taste in music is strongly filtered through the Christian worldview. If I had to pick genres here, I would say I listen to mostly rock; hard rock, punk rock, alternative, etc. Again, I would have to say that I listen to Christian-friendly stuff. I don't think that all music has to glorify God directly, nor do I think we should listen to worship music all the time, because truth be told I DON'T feel like worshiping all the time, and to listen to these songs in those moments would kill their value.
MUSIC:
Red
Relient K
Anberlin
Skillet
Thousand Foot Krutch
Family Force 5
Tobymac
Hawk Nelson
Audio Adrenaline
Jars of Clay
Kids in the Way
MuteMath
Sleeping Giant
Pax217
Switchfoot
...etc.
Movies are a different story. I can find something good in almost any movie, as well as something bad. But I usually don't despise anything I see (Transformers 2 would be the most notable exception). I like most genres of films, whether action, comedy, drama, mystery, whatever. I don't do horror movies, and would prefer to stay away from chick flicks, although I have seen a few. I really don't have a favorite movie--or if I do, there are too many to name. But here are a few I enjoy, in no particular order:
MOVIES:
Star Wars
Lord of the Rings
Narnia
Pirates of the Caribbean
Memento
The Prestige
Italian Job
Sahara
Disturbia
Minority Report
Casino Royale
I Am Legend
Emperor's New Groove (and pretty much any Disney movie)
Let me just share with you a list of some of my favorites.
CHRISTIAN-FRIENDLY FICTION:
Ted Dekker (Thr3e, Blink, When Heaven Weeps, Circle Trilogy)
Robert Liparulo (Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Dreamhouse Kings)
Eric Wilson (Dark to Mortal Eyes, The Best of Evil, Jerusalem's Undead)
Steven James (The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight)
Robin Parrish (Relentless, Offworld)
TL Hines (The Dead Whisper On, The Unseen)
Tim Downs (The Bugman series, Head Games, Plague Maker)
Randall Ingermanson (Double Vision)
...and many others in this same vein.
YA FICTION:
Brian Jacques (Redwall series)
William Nicholson (The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Mastery)
Marianne Curley (The Named, The Dark, The Key)
Scott Westerfeld (The Midnighters Trilogy)
Kenneth Oppel (Airborn)
Roland Smith (Cryptid Hunters)
Robert Liparulo (Dreamhouse Kings)
Jeanne DuPrau (The City of Ember)
...and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
My taste in music is strongly filtered through the Christian worldview. If I had to pick genres here, I would say I listen to mostly rock; hard rock, punk rock, alternative, etc. Again, I would have to say that I listen to Christian-friendly stuff. I don't think that all music has to glorify God directly, nor do I think we should listen to worship music all the time, because truth be told I DON'T feel like worshiping all the time, and to listen to these songs in those moments would kill their value.
MUSIC:
Red
Relient K
Anberlin
Skillet
Thousand Foot Krutch
Family Force 5
Tobymac
Hawk Nelson
Audio Adrenaline
Jars of Clay
Kids in the Way
MuteMath
Sleeping Giant
Pax217
Switchfoot
...etc.
Movies are a different story. I can find something good in almost any movie, as well as something bad. But I usually don't despise anything I see (Transformers 2 would be the most notable exception). I like most genres of films, whether action, comedy, drama, mystery, whatever. I don't do horror movies, and would prefer to stay away from chick flicks, although I have seen a few. I really don't have a favorite movie--or if I do, there are too many to name. But here are a few I enjoy, in no particular order:
MOVIES:
Star Wars
Lord of the Rings
Narnia
Pirates of the Caribbean
Memento
The Prestige
Italian Job
Sahara
Disturbia
Minority Report
Casino Royale
I Am Legend
Emperor's New Groove (and pretty much any Disney movie)
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