Review ~ The Gargoyle

Title: The Gargoyle
Author: Andrew Davidson
Publisher: Anchor

Reading Level: Adult
Rating: Undetermined - read on
Summary: The narrator of The Gargoyle is a very contemporary cynic, physically beautiful and sexually adept, who dwells in the moral vacuum that is modern life. After a horrible accident, a sculptress of gargoyles by the name of Marianne Engel appears at the foot of his bed and insists that they were once lovers in medieval Germany.

Review: Ok, I understand that the point of reviewing books is to actually read the books and then review them. However, I just could not finish this one. After seeing it bookmarked on Target's book club, checking the reviews and then reading the summary, I was completely intrigued by this novel. And as it opens, the action begins immediately with the retelling by a narrator who seems real with a sarcastic and yet saddened edge. I felt it would be promising, until he dove into his past. It seemed understandable for this narrator to have had a bad childhood and even kept me for a bit after finding out that he had landed himself into the pornography field. However, as he dove deeper into his past, I found the specific detailing of his business to be, well, quite cheap and unnecessary. Foul language began creeping into his descriptions and the writing itself fell a bit flat. There is a time, a place and a method for handling issues and language such as this in writing and personally, I didn't care for the way in which Davidson addressed them, which really upset me since the storyline itself seems so interesting. After trying more than a handful of times, I put the novel down, which would put me in a great minority if you check the reviews on Amazon. So, I cannot give a full review of this novel, however, by reading what I've said here, I've either saved you a trip or piqued your interest.

Again, I'm sorry that I did not continue as so many say the love story in the piece is just beautiful. Anyone else read this book? Have I given up too early?

Jim Butcher ... Furies of Calderon

As a premiere post, I figured I'd start with a fantasy series my good friend Mr. J passed along to me:

Title: Furies of Calderon

Author: Jim Butcher

Publisher: Ace Paperbacks (2004)

Reading Level: Young Adult/Adult

Rating: Loved it!

Summary: In the realm of Alera, where people bond with the furies--elements of earth, air, fire, water, wood, and metal--fifteen-year-old Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. But when his homeland erupts in chaos--when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies-- Tavi's simple courage will turn the tides of war.

Review: Furies of Calderon is the first of a series of 6 books, the next which will be released this November. It's a great start to an epic fantasy world and I shamefully admit I read all 5 books in less than two weeks. :0) Butcher's choice of elemental magics works well with the characterizations; He put the strength of the characters first, their powers second; which translates into extremely likable characters. The fury system itself (command of the elements) is a unique magical construct and made for a refreshing fantasy series. Lots of suspense, war, and there's just enough romance to keep a lady happy. Blends a bit into the Sci-Fi, but not by much.

I heartily recommend Furies of Calderon along with the rest of the Codex Alera Books. It is an entertaining series that rewards fans with meaningful characters. The book is fast-paced, with multiple, simultaneous storylines keeping interest alive. I'm anxiously waiting for the 6th installment!