The Everything Box by Richard Kadrey
The Everything Box is a fun and entertaining read, a bit of a madcap caper really with lots of different elements that, like most roads, all lead back.
It seems that a few thousand years ago God decided that the end of the world was not nigh – it was here. He sent one of his trusty Angels, Qaphsiel, to carry out the deed and carrying a small and unassuming box, a box that makes Pandora’s box pale into insignificance, he descended upon earth ready to wipe out the human race and return home. The box was a doomsday machine. Unfortunately Qaphsiel fumbled his mission, he had one job, and he dropped the ball. Somebody stole the box right from under his nose and so the human race had a brief reprieve whilst Qaphsiel roamed the planet trying to retrieve the box, complete his mission and go home.
Meanwhile, Coop a thief of magical artifacts, has been commissioned for a new job. With his team he sets off to steal a small box. Nobody knows what this box can really do? Perhaps it will spark the apocalypse, raise demons, grant eternal life, give three wishes to the owner! Who knows. Perhaps it could wipe out the entire planet just by cracking the lid.
And so it begins. A strange sequence of events where a couple of religious cults, a secret Government Department, a bunch of thieves and a powerful business man who wants the artifact to sell to the highest bidder will all embark upon the same path.
The characters. Well, the main character is Coop. We have Qaphsiel and another unknown celestial being who seems to be wandering the planet. Both of these characters can literally rain down fire and brimstone not to mention change the face of the planet with a sweep of their hand! There are two religious cults pitted against each other in a bid to raise their own particular demon and end the world and a secret government agency which has a Men in Black feel about it with some of the strangest agents ever – some not even alive any more.
The world. Well, it’s basically the world we know and love but with a few additions and some very unusual towns that can be reached in the most unexpected ways. Most people seem to be blissfully unaware of these more unusual elements of the world I hasten to add.
Basically I thought this was a fun read. It’s light entertainment, fast paced and with plenty of action and imagination.
I remember watching a film, I can’t remember the name or when, something about a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World which was basically all about a bunch of people racing to gain the same object and their crazy capers along the way as they tried to outdo each other. This story kind of puts me in mind of that. It has comedy moments and it also has this whole feeling of one small disaster leading to the next and so on. Now, this isn’t for everyone and sometimes comedy can be difficult to achieve in a book because what might be meat for one is poison for another.
In terms of criticisms. Nothing really severe. Like I said above, this was a very easy to read book, you could almost call it the beach read for the speculative fiction reader! It’s entertaining and certainly not taxing on the brain! I think personally I was expecting something a little darker and so in that respect maybe I was a tiny bit disappointed- it felt almost like this could have been a heist story/end of the world/comedy that had a couple of supernatural elements tacked on to make it feel different. That being said I did find this very easy to read and given the chance I would continue however I have no idea if this is a standalone novel or not. I think the ending could be complete but also leaves openings for more.
On the whole, a light hearted and fun read with a Men in Black meets Dogma sort of feel.
I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Something Silly (7)
27 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Guess the Fairy Tale, Once Upon a Time, Stainless Steel Droppings
Once Upon a Time has started again and for those taking part we have the opportunity to share all our favourite stories that fall into the categories of Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology. Stop on over to Stainless Steel Droppings and check out the detail. In the meantime, something silly – Once Upon a Who – I love fairy tales and so I’ve drawn a few clues for my favourites – today’s is: ???
Yesterday’s was Little Red Riding Hood
Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.2
Today is week 2 of our readalong of Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey. The schedule and participants are below. All welcome to join in or to simply jump in with the comments. This week we cover chapters 8-14, and our host is Emily at Emma Wolf. Without further ado, to the questions with the customary warning of spoilers!!
1. There’s some politics, and Imriel learns a little more about the Ephesian ambassador/Unseen Guildsman Diokles Agallon. Does this shed any light on Melisande’s whereabouts or the Guild? Do you have any new guesses?
I confess I really don’t know, I’m sure that Melisande is lurking somewhere and I admit that I was really surprised that Imriel’s wedding went according to plan. I really didn’t see how this would fit in with any plans that Melisande has. It’s going to be intriguing to see what her next move is. She’s certainly never very far away or so it seems.
2. Joscelin tells Imriel to give it a year with Dorelei to see if his feelings for Sidonie (or hers for him) fade. What do you think of this advice? Do you have any thoughts on Imriel’s wedding?
I have mixed feelings I suppose but at the end of the day Imriel had given an undertaking to marry Dorelei and his situation (and hers) it seems to be something that is frequently expected so it’s not totally out of the ordinary. On the other hand it’s a shame that he couldn’t marry for love – but there again if his situation and feelings with Sidonie come to light I really don’t see that going well. On the whole I think it’s not bad advice. It’s a year and in the grand scheme of things it’s not a massive amount of time to spend apart, if their feelings are really true then it won’t harm them but if it’s just a passing fancy then it will slip by unnoticed. I can’t help feeling sorry for Dorelei – perhaps she had somebody at home that she was fond of and has had to give them up. We just don’t know yet. I’m inclined to like her so far. Alise likes her so I’m going with that.
3. We learn a bit more about Alban law and culture. What do you think of the law that imposes more harsher sentences on the wealthy/ruling class? What is more dangerous: armies or books? What do you think about the Maghuin Dhonn?
I don’t really feel immersed enough in their culture yet to really speak with any confidence but that law about harsher sentences on the wealthy was very interesting wasn’t it – particularly as it’s usually the ruling classes making the laws you tend to feel that they’ll go a little easier on themselves. I suppose it’s all about setting an example and not being seen to be lenient on the privileged classes. I’m actually really looking time to spending time in Alba. Armies or books?? Well, I suppose books aren’t really dangerous in themselves but more the feelings they provoke in their readers. A book unread isn’t going to cause much trouble after all then again – neither is an army unless it’s sent to war!! I suppose it’s all about the ‘wielder’ of both. The Maghuin Dhonn – I’m going to sit on the fence for a while with this one although that whole history of feeding their own children to a bear!! Gives me the chills.
4. Dorelei lays some truths on Imriel. How do you like her now? What do you make of the dream she had of Imriel?
I do like her and I’m glad that she stood up for herself and was honest with Imriel. Neither of them went into this marriage in love so it’s good that they’ve agreed to give friendship a chance ‘stop treating me like I’m an actor miscast in your own personal tragedy through no fault of my own’ – ‘That’s well said’ – that little exchange was a real turning point. The dream she recounted – I have a horrible feeling it’s going to relate to Eamonn!!
Here is the schedule:
Week 1: Chpts. 1-7, Mar 20 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 2: Chpts. 8-14, Mar 27 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 3: Chpts. 15-22, Apr 3 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 4: Chpts. 23-29, Apr 10 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 5: Chpts. 30-37, Apr 17 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 6: Chpts. 38-46, Apr 24 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 7: Chpts. 47-56, May 1 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 8: Chpts. 57-65, May 8 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 9: Chpts. 66-END, May 15 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
And here is the current list of participators:
Allie at Tethyan Books
Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog
Emily at Emma Wolf
Susan at Dab of Darkness
Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
Something silly (6)
26 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Guess the Fairy Tale, Once Upon a Time, Stainless Steel Droppings
Once Upon a Time has started again and for those taking part we have the opportunity to share all our favourite stories that fall into the categories of Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology. Stop on over to Stainless Steel Droppings and check out the detail. In the meantime, something silly – Once Upon a Who – I love fairy tales and so I’ve drawn a few clues for my favourites – today’s is: ???
Yesterday’s was Snow White.
A Local Habitation (October Daye #3) by Seanan McGuire, readalong
26 March 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Local Habitation, Readalong, Rosemary and Rue, Seanan McGuire
Today is the final week of our readalong of A Local Habitation (No.2 October Daye by Seanan McGuire) arranged by Lisa from Over the Effing Rainbow.
Without further ado here are the questions and answers with a customary word of warning that spoilers will be lurking below:
1. Alex and Terrie’s secrets are finally revealed. Was that the outcome you were expecting? If not, what theories did you have concerning the two?
Actually given all my usual maniac theories I think I pretty much knew what was going on with the Alex and Terrie situation. They reminded me of a strange combination of Princess Fiona from Shrek who changes shape at midnight every day and one of the main vampires from Generation V who feeds off the emotion of others who then become totally enamoured and think they’re in love but eventually die. I was wrong in that I thought Alex could have been trying to protect Toby from Terrie because (1) they weren’t involved in the murders and (2) neither of them had any real cognisance of each others behaviour so Alex wouldn’t have known if Terrie was a threat to Toby.
2. We get Toby doing more powerful things with blood during the course of this story aside from gleaning information. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think we’ll start to see her doing more wondrous things over the course of the series?
I think what was really demonstrated here (and perhaps that’s what’s given Tybalt cause for thought) is that Toby is maybe more powerful than she (or anyone else for that matter) really knows. She did just bring somebody back from the dead after all which is no small feat! The one concern I do have for Toby is that now we have started to learn more about her mother I wonder whether this whole blood magic can eventually lead to madness?? But, that being said perhaps her changeling status will help to protect her somewhat.
3. Did you expect Tybalt to actually show up at Tamed Lightning? What’s your take on this “not-friendship” that is developing between Toby and Tybalt? Does learning more about the cats and sensing Tybalt’s own feelings about what has occurred make you feel differently about him or see new aspects to his personality?
I actually did expect Tybalt to show up to be honest – in fact I would have been sorely disappointed if he hadn’t done so. Tybalt clearly likes Toby although he seemed to be acting very strangely after witnessing her most recent trick. I don’t really know what to make of this whole cat kingdom business yet. From other books and films I tend to think of cats as guardians of the underworld so, if that is the case here, I can imagine that Toby’s most recent actions will have been a bit disturbing to Tybalt. I look forward to seeing how this develops.
4. Despite being misguided, what did you think of the attempt to create something lasting for Faerie after hearing Elliot’s explanation? Is there a way to save and preserve Faerie or is Toby right that maybe its end is near?
It’s kind of what I guessed at early on – it’s a bit sad because personally it doesn’t feel like the way forward. I think it was something that April bought into because of her own circumstances and she was being used dreadfully by Gordan who was clearly as mad as a pit of snakes! I think that the fae world is very antiquated and governed by strange rules They don’t move forward with the times – which is frankly what makes them so appealing to read about – but I think this experiment was maybe a bit misguided and the evidence here suggests it doesn’t work. Even if they uploaded everyone and had some sort of virtual fae existence you would need somebody at ground level to be looking after things wouldn’t you?? I don’t really buy into the idea of what they were trying to do – I’m pretty certain if somebody offered me the chance of being downloaded onto a computer I would pass on the offer!
5. What do you think will happen at Tamed Lightning now that Jan is gone? Do you think April will be able to maintain or do you think things are just getting started between Tamed Lightning and Dreamer’s Glass? Do you think others will be willing to go to Tamed Lightning after this?
I think Tamed Lightning is now in a very vulnerable position. In some respects I think April could do a good job and as we’ve already seen her new found responsibilities have made her grow up somewhat – but, as we also saw, she’s not totally aware of boundaries between what’s possible between the living and electronic worlds. Although, obviously she was being led astray by Gordon. It will be interesting to see whether this now becomes a plotline for future stories.
6. Overall, what did you think of A Local Habitation? Did you like it more or less than the first book? Are you still excited to see where Toby’s journey leads? Any favorite parts? Least favorites? Gush as much or as little as you want.
I loved ALH more than the first book – I liked the first but I think that like any first in a series it is a set up book and most authors don’t want to go on a massive info dump spree. Like most UF they develop as they go along. The characters become more fleshed out and the world building deepens and so I’m definitely keen to see what happens next for Toby.
