52 books in 2011

[lumineaux]

 

36. The Silver Skull by Mark Chadbourn

This seems to be the first book in a series: the Swords of Albion.   Will Swyfte is Queen Elizabeth I's greatest spy. However, the enemy (always portentiously capitalized) that Will is fighting isn't just Spain -- it's the Unseelie Court of Faery. For generations, the Unseelie Court has used humanity in England as its playthings, tormenting and hunting them. Elizabeth I and her faithful servants have been fighting back. The existence of the Unseelie Court remains a secret to most of humanity and Will's reputation is part of the great fiction. Although, admittedly, Will is very good at what he does.

I wasn't sure I would like this book. The concept seemed a little twee to me. The execution, however, is serious and fairly grim. Will constantly must make choices between his personal desires and the greater good. Will's "team" includes bitter and dysfunctional men. The research is also fairly solid, with no jarring departures from history save one: if any ruler in 16th century Europe were going to fall for the sexual lures of Faery, I just don't see it being Philip of Spain.   But I was willing to forgive that departure because Chadbourn provided an exciting ride.   I see from Amazon that the next one is out, so I may pick it up.

  

37. The Mad Bomber of New York: The Extraordinary True Story of the Manhunt That Paralyzed a City by Michael M. Greenburg

I have a great fondness for true crime novels and this is a solid entry in the genre. The “Mad Bomber” terrorized New York City in the 1950s (although he started his career earlier). Greenburg explores the Bomber’s methods, his madness and his process, along with the manhunt mounted by the police and the press. It’s a well-researched snapshot of history.

Comments

[harpduchess.livejournal.com]

The Silver Skull sounds interesting, I may look into that. As far as true crime and manhunt books go, have you read Manhunt, by James L Swanson? It's the story of the assasination of Lincoln and the search for Booth, from Booth's perspective. I found it very interesting.

[lumineaux.livejournal.com]

The Silver Skull is available at bargain prices from Amazon. I read the non-fiction Manhunt - is that by Swanson?

[delabarre.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the anonymous comment. I'm having trouble with my login session cookies here at LJ apparently.

Anyhow, I've got the Scar-Crow Men on my TO READ pile now.

[lumineaux.livejournal.com]

I've gotten one chapter into Scar-Crow men so far.