Wahey have managed to actually read some books this month!
Code Name Verity | Elizabeth Wein
I reviewed this ages ago for Blogger’s Bookshelf, so can read the full review there. In summary, it’s 1943 and the reader have been transported to an abandoned hotel in Nazi occupied France, where Queenie, a British spy, has been captured and tortured by the Gestapo. Her captors soon convince her to become a collaborator and she has been allowed to write down the events that led to her capture in the hope she will divulge some secrets about the British War Effort. She relents but only so much so that she can also tell the story of her best friend Maddie, the pilot who flew her to France.
I confess that I usually avoid historical based novels, as I find many get too bogged down in the details of the time period. Wein, however manages to weave this in seamlessly within the girls’ stories and for the most part the the information she writes about is necessary for the story. The account Queenie provides ends up becoming so much more than a forced confession but an incredible account of two best friends who make a sensational team and it was great to read about two strong female characters.
The Cuckoo’s Calling | Robert Galbraith
Another book I reviewed for Blogger’s Bookshelf! This is Galbraith’s (aka Ms Jo Rowling’s) first crime novel and the first novel following hardened ex-military turned detective Cormoran Strike. Strike is called upon to investigate the case of Lula Landry, a woman who’s life is a million miles away from Strike’s own, who plunged to her death from the balcony of her lavish London apartment. Her brother John, sought Strike’s help and is convinced her death was something more cold blooded than the police ruling of a crazed suicide. By Strike’s side is unlikely temp Robin, who balances out the detective’s harsh personality.
This was another great read and you can see my full review on Blogger’s Bookshelf. It’s a typical ‘whodunnit’ with an unlikely hero and a wonderfully crafted narrative.
Wake | Robert J. Sawyer
And finally the book I got from the HP Alliance’s Apparating Library. Caitlin Decter is teenage math nerd and like most teenagers, is addicted to the internet. She is also blind, but has gotten through her life so far without any other complaints. When the opportunity arises from a Japanese scientist to implant a new piece of technology that may cure her sight, she jumps at the chance. It certainly works! But not in the way she could ever expect.
Apologies for the vague review but revealing too much would spoil the plot line. This was another enjoyable read and Caitlin proved to be a really likeable character. She doesn’t wallow in her disability, she’s quick witted and actually uses her lack to sight to her advantage (both before and after the surgery). My only gripe is the amount of unresolved subplots in the story – again, no spoilers for you guys! Though Caitlin’s story did come to a natural stopping point for now (the book is the first in a series), other stories laced throughout the novel are left in the open. Am hoping book two will start linking all of them together. I also found some of the language quite difficult, as someone not so versed in science and technology much of it went over my head. Despite this I found the story pretty page turning – again mainly to find out what the significance of all the subplots!