Mini reviews part 2

As you know, due to depression I had no choice but to resign myself to the fact that I've fallen too far behind concerning my reviews. So much so that it became impossible for me to get back up to date and write those reviews of the books I've read in November and December.

So here are a few thoughts about each novel.

But now that 2021 is here, hopefully I'll be in a better state of mind and can resume my reviewing duties on a regular basis.

- Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic 6.5/10:

Well-written book featuring a frivolous, headstrong, and fashion-oriented protagonist with a good heart and a tendency to make dumb decisions. The author has a wonderful eye for historical details, but she focuses too much on descriptions and every last stitch of embroidery, and not enough on the tale itself. Starts particularly well, but peters out as the story progresses. The lack of a true ending felt like a cop-out.

- Joe Abercrombie's The Trouble With Peace 7.5/10:

An interesting sequel, but not as good as its predecessor. Like many readers, I felt that the revolution fell into place rather too easily. But there's no denying that the finale was thrilling and that this second installment sets the stage for what should be a great final volume.

- Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft 8/10:

A terrific read for any aspiring writer, but also for any Stephen King fan. I found the author's memories from his childhood and teenage years to be as enjoyable as the insights regarding his career. Sometimes even more so than his advice on the craft!

- Camilla Läckberg's The Girl in the Woods 7/10:

One of Scandinavian Noir's most popular authors, I had been meaning to read something from Läckberg for years. This one was a good enough thriller, but the intrigue got bogged down by those medieval curse and Syrian refugees storylines. Thrillers are supposed to be page-turners that keep you missing your bedtime or cursing the fact that you must go back to work. This one was too long and too convoluted for its own good.

- J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 7.5/10:

Another book that would have benefited from a smaller pagecount. When it's good, it's very good. Unfortunately, there are too many scenes/chapters filled with extraneous material that bring little or nothing in the greater scheme of things. And I know he's just 15 or 16, but it would be nice if Harry grew up a little and wasn't always so dense. . .

- Peter F. Hamilton's The Saints of Salvation 8/10:

Conclusion to what has been a quality space opera trilogy. Like other readers, I also had reservations regarding the neutron star people plot thread and how convenient it turned out to be. But everything about Finalstrike and all that had to do with the showdown against the Olyix was great. Hamilton left the door open for possible sequels. Whether or not he'll ever return to explore those loose ends remains to be seen. . .