Book Review – The Rest of Us Just Live Here

3 stars. The concept of The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness is that Mikey and his friends are “normal” high school seniors working through the choices and uncertainty of what comes next while an epic battle against supernatural forces is waged by classmates with superpowers. The chapters start with a well-used conceit, describing the events of the supernatural world, then narrates the tale of Mikey and his crew. Knowing the brief description of the supernatural events gives reference to the unexplained things that the “normal” kids observe.

To me, this book came across as an entertaining teen drama, with complex, real-world teen issues of friendship, sexuality, and what comes after graduation. The story was interesting enough to stand on its own as the characters develop and mature.

There were also nicely-handled themes of mental illness, sexuality, homosexuality, politics, and complex parent/child relationships that are very applicable to today’s teens. Ness presents them without “messaging” and their inclusion felt natural in the storyline.

The real joy in The Rest of Us Just Live Here, in addition to seeing the characters forge their relationships amidst uncertainty, is Ness’ straight-faced skewering of pop culture. This book is worth the read just for the scene with a concert by boy band “Bolts of Fire”; his descriptions of the band members and the stages of ecstasy experienced by the squealing pre-teen girl audience is hysterically funny.

The downside of this book is that I always had a feeling that there was a much bigger story going on that we weren’t being told. Perhaps that’s part of its wit; we know important deeds transpire but the day-to-day quest for happiness is higher priority.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here is an enjoyable read for its characters, charm, and sly pop culture references.

Book Review – Good Intentions (Good Intentions #1)

4 stars. Elliott Kay’s Good Intentions is a true guilty pleasure read; equal parts witty dialog, rollicking plot, and serious smut. College student Alex Carlisle finds himself the object of affection of both Lorelei the succubus and guardian angel Rachel after he saves them by interrupting a dark ceremony intended to bind them to an evil sorcerer. The three become intertwined, at first fulfilling Alex’s titillating desires but then becoming something more. This upset of the natural order of things doesn’t go unnoticed, and a host of supernatural beings seek to turn Alex, Rachel, and Lorelei to their own nefarious purposes.

Central to the appeal of the story is that the main characters are all interesting and likeable. Their relationships develop throughout, and the growth of the feelings they have for each other contributes to the fun of reading the story.

The plot itself is boisterous but serious. Danger and action abound as the cast grows to include witches, vampires, demons, and werewolves. The climactic battle scene has a fun over-the-top blockbuster feel to it that delivers entertainment in spades.

Good Intentions is chock-full of explicit sex, yet never feels gratuitous. Kay has a purpose for every sex scene, and the erotica contributes to the story instead of simply being a Penthouse Forum interlude. The numerous hookups take on a “geek’s wet dream” feel that definitely add to the fun of reading.

What I enjoyed most is the sense of humor throughout. Rachel consistently steals the show with her foul-mouthed, irreverent wit; Kay makes the most of the juxtaposition of the guardian angel and her wide vocabulary. (Her recounting of the demise of a demon was worth the read on its own!) Little asides abound, such as a subtle swipe at the emo-vampire trend. I found myself chuckling every few pages.

Good Intentions is certainly not for everyone. Read the author’s warning; you’ll know if you’re the right sort for reading this book if you’re smiling after the first line.

Book Review – Stiletto

5 stars. I was a huge fan of Daniel O’Malley’s The Rook, thanks to its engaging world, madcap action, sly humor, and brilliant lead character Myfanwy Thomas. Stiletto brings back all the fun of the first volume, with a deeper and richer story that is more subtle and more meaningful as two former enemy organizations–the British supernatural defense agency called the Checquy and the Belgian surgeons/scientists of the Grafters–seek to merge their talents. Pawn Felicity Jane Clements is assigned to protect Grafter Odette Leliefeld, and their mistrustful and antagonistic relationship shows that the merger will not be easy. Not to mention that someone is actively trying to disrupt the merger…

My initial complaint about Stiletto is that Myfanwy is a minor character in the book, but I came to enjoy the very strong leads of Felicity and Odette very much, and telling their story was the right way to handle the narrative. The pace is more thoughtful, allowing the tension to build, as well as letting characters and the relationships between them develop naturally. The world-building is extensive (with perhaps some that was non-essential to this story that could have been better delivered as a short story on the author’s website…) and allows for an immersive experience.

The action delivers the same punch as The Rook, with a turn towards the outlandish and icky that adds a bizarre humor to the scenes. A twisty plot also provides ongoing fun. O’Malley’s engaging prose gives the proper sardonic edge, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments as well as snide chuckles. Themes of institutional distrust and overcoming hatred (which seem very timely these days!) are handled subtly and gently.

Stiletto is an exciting and immersive read, a worthy successor to The Rook. I can’t wait to read more of O’Malley’s world.

Book Review – Doll Bones

4 stars. Doll Bones is the deliciously creepy tale of the imaginative game of three longtime friends that takes a very eerie twist. Zach, Poppy, and Alice have dealt with the pressures of growing up through their play, but now that they’re 12, the pressure from Zach’s parents to fit in forces him to stop hanging around with his pals. Then the uncanny china doll in Poppy’s house becomes restless, sending them on a quest to bring her peace.

This book has plenty of adventure, well-conceived characters, a good understanding of what is left behind in growing up, and some wonderfully spooky moments. Imaginatively written, and with some sweet moments as well, Doll Bones is a very enjoyable read of friendship and the supernatural.