The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (review by Mr. Silk, Harker teacher)

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered if what's happening in a book is real, or just going on in your mind? Jasper Fforde answers that question with the first in a continuing series of books that effortlessly blend together science fiction, mystery, and comedy. Set in an alternate reality (our world with subtle changes) the story follows Thursday Next as she moves into and out of fiction - specifically the novel Jane Eyre. If you are a Jane Eyre fan you need to read this book immediately! But if you are a fan of clever dialogue and intriguing plot twists, you will find The Eyre Affair, and the rest of the series, extremely enjoyable. Mr. Silk, Harker teacher

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Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective by Agatha Christie (review by Andrew R. '17)

Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this collection of short stories featuring Parker Pyne, one of Christie’s lesser-known detectives, various customers answer a mysterious ad in the newspaper: “Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne, 17 Richmond Street.” After solving a number of cases with ease (and suffering one embarrassing defeat), he goes on a long trip around the Mediterranean, encountering a mad noblewoman, an impoverished archaeologist, and—of course—a few murders. Mr. Pyne proves to be a complex character, but his motives remain unclear throughout the collection. Why, exactly, does he consent to help such a wide range of customers? Why does one story portray him as generous and kind, when in the next he shows a total lack of empathy? And how has he come to understand the human mind so fully that he can predict a crime before it even occurs? A full-length novel, perhaps, could answer these questions, but the short story format just left me wanting more details. Nevertheless, any fan of Christie’s novels should read this collection and meet the mysterious, calculating man known as Mr. Parker Pyne. – Andrew R. ‘17

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (review by Maya V. '17)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daughter of Smoke and Bone tells the story of a teen on a journey to discover her true identity. Karou, a young art student, knocks on a door that can only be opened from the inside. It leads to a house in the middle of an unknown realm; she is not allowed outside this house. Her only family is four chimaera that collect all sorts of teeth. Suddenly, strange handprints start appearing on doors, and before she knows it, she is left alone. Where did her family go? How was she born into that alternate world? Is she even human? Even though the novel is quite lengthy, I can assure you that you will finish the book wishing that it was even longer. Taylor does such an excellent job of foreshadowing events that you will not be able to sleep before finishing the book. If you are a fan of plot twists, fantasy, romance, and violence, this book is definitely for you. – Maya V. ‘17

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Earth Girl by Janet Edwards (review by Monica K. '14)

Earth Girl by Janet Edwards
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Despite the two star rating, don't be fooled - Earth Girl features some strong writing, promising world building, and a powerful, independent female lead. The setting has a genuine science fiction feel and is set centuries in the future, long after the first portal and colonization of another planet. In this futuristic society, our protagonist, Jarra, is the one in a thousand born with an immune system unable to handle other planetary atmospheres. As part of an ostracized minority, Jarra decides to get back at society by spending her first year of her history degree in an archaeology course filled with "exos" from offworld planets.

The first half goes from pretty good to stellar (see what I did there?), as Jarra leaves her class in the dust with her history expertise. Unfortunately, the second half stagnates. Descriptions become tediously long, a cringe-worthy decision on the author's part leaves the last third irritating to read, and in the end the plot fails to move much. However, while I did not like this novel, I still believe that Janet Adams is a promising writer and would recommend Earth Girl to fans of Ender's Game and the like. – Monica K. ‘14


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UnWholly by Neal Shusterman (review by Catherine H. '17)

UnWholly by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Connor is now known as E. Robert Mullard and has to run the Graveyard, a haven for AWOL Unwinds. He has less and less time for Risa, and the mysterious company, Proactive Citizenry, eventually takes her away. There, she meets Camus Comprix, a perfect person made entirely from Unwinds, who is struggling to come to terms with what he is. On the other hand, Lev has recovered from his trauma and is now helping to rescue tithes. Neal Shusterman has developed each character in a unique fashion, crafting the story to fit the world he has created. The second installment of the Unwind Dystology, I highly recommend UnWholly to anyone who enjoyed Unwind or likes dystopian novels. – Catherine H. ‘17

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