Book review: Ha'penny

I've gotten behind on book reviews again.  First in the queue is Ha'penny by Jo Walton.

This is a loose sequel to Farthing.  It takes place in the same world, but most of the characters are different.  Events from Farthing directly inform this story, but it's a complete story in itself and would make sense on its own.  Now that I think about it, in fact, I think Ha'penny would probably stand better on its own, even if it was a tiny bit less clear, because while it's continuing the same general message, it is more subtle about it, and a slap in the face is less effective right after a hard kick in the gut.  It tells an interesting story, and I at least was really wondering how it would turn out until the big event actually happened, but it doesn't grab me by the throat and say "You must make sure everyone reads this!" the way Farthing did.  It's a decent read and it reinforces the message, but it's not a world I want to live in.  7 out of 10.

( plot summary )

Book review: Eldest

My second book review for tonight is Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

This is the second in the trilogy that began with Eragon.  Most of the buzz about Eragon was negative, for it being so cliché, but I did enjoy it enough that I bought Eldest.  Don't try to read Eldest without having read Eragon.

The world is the same; it's cliché, it's predictable, but it has dragons and it's a good romp.  If that's what you're looking for, it's fine; if you're looking for something original or deep, it won't do.  8 out of 10.

I just refreshed my flist in another window and got bad news. I don't feel like writing a plot summary right now.