NedSu
The Seattle Public Library
NedSu's Completed Shelf
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NedSu's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
NedSu's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023
Comment:
Another fine novella about the MurderBot, complete with the usual pithy disdain for human behavior. Marth Wells throws in a little action a la Jack Reacher to keep us action oriented readers sated.
NedSu's rating:
Added Dec 01, 2023
Comment:
Despite its apparent length, this was a fast read. Written in the first person voice of a police officer, it is a bit of a murder mystery, a bit of police procedural, and a reporting of the the heroin/fentanyl crisis. The narrator is severely flawed but gamely tries to figure out what is going on in her life as she continues on patrol, searching for a sister who has been missing for a month, and trying to make sense of her family connection to drugs.Despite its apparent length, this was a fast read. Written in the first person voice of a police officer, it is a bit of a murder mystery, a bit of police procedural, and a reporting of the the heroin/fentanyl crisis. The narrator is severely flawed…
NedSu's rating:
Added Dec 01, 2023
Comment:
This novel is a little confusing, and I'm not sure exactly what the author is trying to communicate. On the surface it is the tale of how a family reacts to a terrible tragedy over the years, but what is going on in the furrows? I enjoyed the author's clever writing in making this, despite the nature of the story, a delightful read. But the story seems to either go on too long, or end abruptly, depending on what mood I'm in while I think about it.This novel is a little confusing, and I'm not sure exactly what the author is trying to communicate. On the surface it is the tale of how a family reacts to a terrible tragedy over the years, but what is going on in the furrows? I enjoyed the…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 27, 2023
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Nick Harkaway is perhaps my favorite 'younger' author. His work is eclectic and this time he has chosen the melding of science fiction and hard boiled detective as the setting. The world building is first rate, and the 1st person voice of the detective is pretty much spot on. Multiple red herrings confuse the reader, and while the ending itself may be somewhat predictable, it was a fine ride getting there.Nick Harkaway is perhaps my favorite 'younger' author. His work is eclectic and this time he has chosen the melding of science fiction and hard boiled detective as the setting. The world building is first rate, and the 1st person voice of the…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 20, 2023
Comment:
Harlan Coben has few equals in writing fast paced, page turning novels. But sometimes the plot suffers during the exposition. In this case, it suffers a lot, but it does add some witty exchanges with a new cop duo, and inveterate readers of the Myron Bolivar series will notice few characters with cameo appearances. That was enough for me, anyway. I look forward to the next Coben novel.Harlan Coben has few equals in writing fast paced, page turning novels. But sometimes the plot suffers during the exposition. In this case, it suffers a lot, but it does add some witty exchanges with a new cop duo, and inveterate readers of the…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 18, 2023
Comment:
C.J. Box's novel has a good beginning, with weather and a mystery as the lead, but it devolves. Some things I did like was the explanation of Bitcoins and learning about the 'shed' antlers harvesting and sales. But, much like his previous work it devolves into a Deep Fake fever dream with the Power Cabal that really controls the government. Propogating such beliefs is not storytelling- it's a polemic. While this might be how some people in Wyoming feel, giving credence to it is merely feeding the beast. Still, I'm willing to give Box another chance with his Joe Pickett series.C.J. Box's novel has a good beginning, with weather and a mystery as the lead, but it devolves. Some things I did like was the explanation of Bitcoins and learning about the 'shed' antlers harvesting and sales. But, much like his previous work it…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 15, 2023
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This is quintessential James Lee Burke writing. Instead of taking place in the present, it fully takes place in the past. But the themes are all there, the battle between good and evil and the grey areas in between. So vivid is his writing, you can almost smell the war, with no respite from all the evil of war, slaves and slave 'owners', man's inhumanity to man. I think this is one of his best writings ever, and I've read most of his works.This is quintessential James Lee Burke writing. Instead of taking place in the present, it fully takes place in the past. But the themes are all there, the battle between good and evil and the grey areas in between. So vivid is his writing, you can…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 09, 2023
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This novel, the second in the Allie Burns series, has a bit of a simplistic plot to it, but gradually gets more convoluted. And I am not a big fan of romance novels, but there is a little of that in there too. What it does have going for it is some historical setting- Lockerbie, the soccer disaster, even the Berlin Wall, shortly before it is toppled. And it has Val McDermid as the author. Her unapologistic writing style is always appreciated.This novel, the second in the Allie Burns series, has a bit of a simplistic plot to it, but gradually gets more convoluted. And I am not a big fan of romance novels, but there is a little of that in there too. What it does have going for it is some…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 02, 2023
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Recheer abides. Still a one man army. Yes, still fighting the good fight with a side of ennui and sometimes anger. But Reacher from book one to book now is always about the action, and Better Off Dead is quintessential Reacher. Stylistically changed, maybe. Diabolical plots with evil intent- for sure. Unmistakenly Reacher.Recheer abides. Still a one man army. Yes, still fighting the good fight with a side of ennui and sometimes anger. But Reacher from book one to book now is always about the action, and Better Off Dead is quintessential Reacher. Stylistically…
NedSu's rating:
Added Nov 02, 2023
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Secret Hours is just a great spy vs spy novel adjacent to the universe of the Slow Horses series. Herron's work always includes snark, always has unbearably rude dialogue, and always slows the reader into marvelling at the wording of the similes and metaphors. And the tale itself is well done, leaving our suspicions of the characters intact until the end.Secret Hours is just a great spy vs spy novel adjacent to the universe of the Slow Horses series. Herron's work always includes snark, always has unbearably rude dialogue, and always slows the reader into marvelling at the wording of the similes and…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 26, 2023
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What a remarkable read. I may not be any smarter than before, but I feel like I can understand the construct of time a little better. The author takes this concept and makes a rollercoaster of a ride back and forth through time, with characters that we care about.What a remarkable read. I may not be any smarter than before, but I feel like I can understand the construct of time a little better. The author takes this concept and makes a rollercoaster of a ride back and forth through time, with characters that…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 26, 2023
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I was a recent survivor of a coma lasting 2 weeks, and I have no memories of walking while dead. Walt Longmire and his creator, Craig Johnson, certainly have better imagination than I. This novel is the flip of his usual work, which is usually about 90% real, so this purgatory without time constraints takes some getting used to. Inveterate readers of Longmire will probably remember some of the 'ghosts' from previous novels. And it is nice to have Standing Bear, Vic and Dog searching to find Walt before he, too, falls victim to the Big Bad.I was a recent survivor of a coma lasting 2 weeks, and I have no memories of walking while dead. Walt Longmire and his creator, Craig Johnson, certainly have better imagination than I. This novel is the flip of his usual work, which is usually about…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 22, 2023
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The telling of Reacher stories is getting old. In this tale, the author(s) try to mix it up multiple story lines which coalesce into one convoluted finale. Some of Reacher is still good enough to read, but it would have been better without the extraneous stories. Soon enough, Reacher wanders off to his next adventure, and I'll be there to read it.The telling of Reacher stories is getting old. In this tale, the author(s) try to mix it up multiple story lines which coalesce into one convoluted finale. Some of Reacher is still good enough to read, but it would have been better without the…
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Book
by Zevin, GabrielleBook - 2022Book, 2022
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 20, 2023
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This novel is set in the world of computer gaming, and may be more enjoyable to those who have at least played a game or two. It is also a love story of gaming proportions, with boy meets girl, boy loses girl, rediscovers girl and a love triangle that hits a lot of notes in the real world.The girl and boy are saboteurs of their own relationship, but, as in gaming, get multiple chances to get it right. If the love story seems a little sophomoric, well, that is essentially the life of gamers.This novel is set in the world of computer gaming, and may be more enjoyable to those who have at least played a game or two. It is also a love story of gaming proportions, with boy meets girl, boy loses girl, rediscovers girl and a love triangle…
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Zevin, GabrielleDownloadable Audiobook - 2022Downloadable Audiobook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 38 on 2 copies
Holds: 38 on 2 copies
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 20, 2023
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 14, 2023
Comment:
Someone suggested that Magic is just science that we don't understand. I was able to keep this trilogy in the realm of science fiction, even though there was an inordinate amount of silver magic at its core. The third book in the trilogy brings an epic ending to the the story. It ranges from character relationships to the life of the world, and doesn't disappoint. Thanks for the ride and they epic myth of the Broken Earth trilogy.Someone suggested that Magic is just science that we don't understand. I was able to keep this trilogy in the realm of science fiction, even though there was an inordinate amount of silver magic at its core. The third book in the trilogy brings an…
DrowningDrowning, BookThe Rescue of Flight 1421 : A Novel
by Newman, T. J. (Novelist)Book - 2023Book, 2023
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 09, 2023
Comment:
Another page turner by a stewardess turned writer, where the action is mostly spent on a plane. It's a quick read, with short chapters and action on every page. The charactors are mostly tropes but you do care what happens to them. It felt like reading a screenplay, and I'm sure the movie in my mind won't be as good as the final product on the silver screen.Another page turner by a stewardess turned writer, where the action is mostly spent on a plane. It's a quick read, with short chapters and action on every page. The charactors are mostly tropes but you do care what happens to them. It felt like…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023
Comment:
By the end of the second novel in this trilogy, I have finally figured out the writer's style, and I have a greater grasp of the world she has created. That makes the read of this novel easier to grasp, without checking back and forth through the story to check the several names of the protaganist and her family. I can see why this Trilogy has garnered the praise and accolades of the Science Fiction and Fantasy world.By the end of the second novel in this trilogy, I have finally figured out the writer's style, and I have a greater grasp of the world she has created. That makes the read of this novel easier to grasp, without checking back and forth through the…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 01, 2023
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Ordinarily I would not enjoy a story told from two different points of view, but it proved to be irrelevant somewhere in the middle of the novel. I found myself looking forward to the competing charactor's spin on what was happening. It was Baldacci at his best, with a relatively low body count, and enough twists, turns, and red herrings to make it a real page turner for me.Ordinarily I would not enjoy a story told from two different points of view, but it proved to be irrelevant somewhere in the middle of the novel. I found myself looking forward to the competing charactor's spin on what was happening. It was…
NedSu's rating:
Added Oct 01, 2023
Comment:
Finally, a real novel in the Murderbot series. In addition to the regular mayhem caused by the Murderbot, and the Murderbot's observations about others, we also get a glimpse of possible emotions from the protagonist itself. And the only thing better than one Murderbot is two, or even three murderbots. Could this be a movement (if one person does it, they think you're crazy...)Finally, a real novel in the Murderbot series. In addition to the regular mayhem caused by the Murderbot, and the Murderbot's observations about others, we also get a glimpse of possible emotions from the protagonist itself. And the only thing…
NedSu's rating:
Added Sep 26, 2023
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Although over 400 pages long, this is the slightest of Grisham's work. It is basically a story of 3 generations of heroes and villians, but lacks any warmth or emotion. Ace Atkins tells the same story in his Quinn Colson series, but he takes his time and imbues his characters with emotion.
And yes, there is some question that this novel was seriously flawed and poorly edited, as if the author and the editor just wanted to get it out to the public.Although over 400 pages long, this is the slightest of Grisham's work. It is basically a story of 3 generations of heroes and villians, but lacks any warmth or emotion. Ace Atkins tells the same story in his Quinn Colson series, but he takes his…
NedSu's rating:
Added Sep 21, 2023
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I found this novel to be an excellent example of Baldacci's work. It has an interesting protagnonist in the Memory Man, and has updated the status of old partners, while introducing a new charactor. Above all, it is a page turner, with multiple possibilities as to the outcome. Baldacci even manages a few digs at the contemporary USA. Don't like this one? Never fear -Baldacci keeps churning out book after book.I found this novel to be an excellent example of Baldacci's work. It has an interesting protagnonist in the Memory Man, and has updated the status of old partners, while introducing a new charactor. Above all, it is a page turner, with multiple…
NedSu's rating:
Added Sep 19, 2023
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As a reader of a certain age, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the voice of the narrator, as well as the third person stories of previous operations. The premise of female assassins is not original, but to see them operating 40 years later was fun to read. I'm not sure there could be a second novel with these characters but I'd be interested in reading it.As a reader of a certain age, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the voice of the narrator, as well as the third person stories of previous operations. The premise of female assassins is not original, but to see them operating 40 years later…
NedSu's rating:
Added Sep 17, 2023
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Baldacci has written another page turner, a whodunit wrapped in a conspiracy in a spy vs spy thriller. Along the way, there are a few red herrings just to spice up the plot. The end result is a good story that keeps the reader involve to the last page. Although billed as a standalone, it could easily lead to another series from this prolific and popular author.Baldacci has written another page turner, a whodunit wrapped in a conspiracy in a spy vs spy thriller. Along the way, there are a few red herrings just to spice up the plot. The end result is a good story that keeps the reader involve to the last…
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