A fantastical road trip with a memorable group of characters  this book will not disappoint
355400
Yesterday Road is a highly readable and engaging novel. From the cover art, to the title and everything in between, Brennan takes the reader on a fantastical road trip as he masterfully drops crumbs of information along the way. By the final pages, the reader will want to know more but at the same time feel satisfied with the things the author chose to leave out.

Jack, the main character, is an elderly man who cant remember much of anything from one day to the next. He is on a mission to find his way to a person named Linda and then later to Vermont. Come hell or high water  and these come in the form of missing identification, shady criminal dealings and a car jacker  nothing will stop him. Along the way Jack hooks up with Joe, a man in his 30s who has Downs Syndrome. Together they are befriended by Ida, a waitress with her own sins to expunge.

At times the reader will wonder who is actually doing the helping and who is getting helped. As Ida throws her own life into disarray to assist Jack and Joe, Im sure I won't be the only reader to get more than a bit frustrated with her methods. But in the end, the reader, like Ida has a lesson to learn in letting things unfold as they are meant to unfold.

Yesterday Road is a finely crafted novel with just the right mixture of humour, gritty realism, and fantastical coincidence. Brennan has done a great job of making this odd combination of elements work.
969089
My favorite version of this book is the Audiobook.  The well-written story combined with the voice talents of Joel Clarkson make for a wonderful adventure that my kids request anytime we get in our van (and I happily oblige).  Thank you for making errands fun again!!!

I love the characters, and the well-written journey of Heather and Picket to discover their history and fight for their future often inspires me with my own thoughts of "it will not be so in the Mended Wood."  We really can not wait to find out what happens next!!
2477812
This book was a very enjoyable trip; lightweight but enjoyable.  Real life is so filled with drama that it is a pleasure to be able to relinquish one's grasp on reality and just float into a lovely fantasy world where right always wins, the women are beautiful, the men are handsome, the gardens never have weeds and the pets don't mess up your house.  Nora Roberts is a master at creating these environments and Cordinia's Crown Jewel is a sterling example of her art.  Some will probably feel it is too lightweight; that's why there's chocolate and vanilla: so thete will be something for everyone.  For an ejoyable read that will lift you out of the real world for a while, will give you a chuckle or two and that will eventually leave you smiling and sighing, "yeah, right!", this is a book not to be missed.
1193269
Bryan loves Char and they are on a visit to Las Vegas with friends of theirs. But then Bryan opens his mouth without thinking (which he has a tendency to do) and events start spiraling out of his control.

The landscape of the world has changed drastically in this future apocalyptic time and Bryan finds himself trying to make his way back to Char - from his apartment in Tijuana to northern California to San Francisco to Texas; from basalt bombs to milk trucks to breeding farms - this story takes the reader on a wild fantastical hilarious journey, giving us a glimpse at what we MIGHT be looking forward to in the not-so-distant future. Politics, religion, birth control - no subject is safe from the wild imaginings of this author.

In some ways this book reminded me of [...], another glimpse of future zaniness.
3433985
Martha Wells gives us a strong follow-up to her earlier novel, The Cloud Roads, one that is just as engrossing and richly-detailed as Id come to expect after reading the previous book of the series.

Whereas before we see the protagonist, Moon, really coming to know himself and being the perfect blank-slate character to introduce us to a world unlike the vast majority of fantasy on the shelves today, here we see Moon as someone who has accepted his place and his role, embraces it, and moves forward. No longer are we as readers simply learning about the world and theRaksura through him, but were alongside him as he goes through this books adventure, which is world-spanning without being world-changing. Wells has expected that her readers understand the backstory and doesnt hold your hand as she continues telling the tale.

Moons court has left their previous home to forge a new one, or rather returning to an old one that hadnt been used in generations. After a difficult journey, they finally arrive, only to discover that the seed that keeps the gigantic tree that is their new home alive has been stolen, and the tree will soon die unless it is recovered. A small group of them set off on a new journey to relocate the seed and save their new home.

Put that way, The Serpent Sea sounds rather boring, like a fetch-quest from a video game, and one that is better suited to a short story than a full-length novel. Thankfully, the story itself reads as the exact opposite. What seems like a simple premise gets wonderfully complex, and we get to see more glimpses into the vast and varied world and sets of cultures that Wells has done no small amount of work to properly develop here.

Its been said by many that these books are notable for the fact that humanity as we know it simply doesnt exist. There are humanoid races, certainly, but they are not the dominant race. They are just one part of many, much like the Raksura themselves. Its very refreshing to take a break from humanity now and again and throw yourself into a world that has touches of the strange and the familiar all rolled into one, and this is precisely what Wells delivers.

The writing style continues to be smooth and fluid, with a bright feel to it that one mostly finds in YA fantasy. it made the book easy to fall into and get lost in, though the style occasionally felt a bit at odds with characters discussing sex and being horny. This doesnt happen often, but when it does, it makes me do a bit of a double-take. But aside from those brief scenes, the writing is even, well-paced, and a delight to read. Wells conveys a good story with plenty of action and intrigue without getting bogged down in darkness and grit.

Ultimately, this is a wonderful follow-up to an already strong previous novel, and its one that I recommend to any fans of classic fantasy. Its a fun read with a great story in a fantastic world. Wells has really got something good going here, and I eagerly await any continuation that she writes in this series.
1890414
Only if your idea of The Hero's Journey is a backseat ride down a dark, lonely road of questionable intent thru an otherworldly maze of unexpected twists and turns (where you just may ultimately to find yourself in a mysterious white sedan) should you jump in the seat next to fellow traveler John Roshambo, a twenty-something drifter who's prior drifting hasn't taken him any further than the city limits of Golden Hills. There's plenty of heart behind the outcast's appearingly aimless wanderings, making you cheer him on just to see what trouble is up ahead and leaving you wondering who is really at the wheel. For John, Golden Hills, the suburban enclave of cookie-cutter housing developments and shopping malls - none of which have had anything to offer him since he was left to his own devices - is full of signs pointing to the fact that it's time to get the hell out. It's just a matter of how and how soon. Novelist Matt Lutz builds upon his own coming-of-age memories weaving fantastic imaginations of deeper, darker layers of a of an increasingly overwhelming underworld of confusion through which the disenfranchised drifter deftly navigates. While never fully aware of his bearings but determined to head in any direction that leads away, never looking back John survives each sinister encounter with a better sense of where he has been - if not where he is headed.  All of this keeps the pages, as you listen to the libido-driven, self-destructive protagonist tell his story, turning as fast as the events that unfold ahead. Be prepared for an unusually entertaining trip inside the head of an unlikely hero on a refreshingly creative and fun ride.
2857778
I sincerely hope this is Book One of an ongoing series, because although it came to a satisfying and well-plotted conclusion, I want to read more about the remarkable characters Alisa Carter created for this novel.  Who knew a YA title would have such a skillfully crafted cast?  These kids are totally believable; any Mom or Dad would buy into it, not just the target audience.  And the shape-shifting?  Yep, she makes that seem believable, too.

At times it's a little scary.  Other times it's humorous, or even a little bittersweet.  Yet a thread of adventure weaves the whole thing together, all while adding layer upon layer to the characters.

I can't wait to read this writer's next book, whether it's set in this universe or some other fictional place.
1087727
It can be a bit discouraging to open The Other Side of the Moon and find a page devoted to the Cast of Characters that reads like a family tree. But don't let it divert your attention from this book.
Every character plays an important role in the way the story comes together. It is an adventure through many mysterious and exotic lands. Croydon Bates sets off to discover the secrets of his past and, along the way, discovers the secrets his family has hidden.
Croydon is haunted by visions of his dead mother. His great grandfather helps him understand these mysteries and helps him locate Croydon's estranged father.
As more characters are introduced, the narration changes points of view but the storylines continue to play off each other well like pieces of a puzzle coming together. The Cast of Characters list in the beginning of the book can come in handy when jumps in narration are made because the story flashes back from past to present so much and the characters take on new names from their reincarnations and past lives as these dimensional travels take place.
This novel themes around Christianity, reincarnation and the links between the teachings of Christianity and other religious beliefs. It also demonstrates how when one evil is expelled another evil will spawn in the world's cycle. Croydon tries to break the cycle and save them all from destruction and restore the world order.
The Other Side of the Moon is likely to break your aversion to the sci-fi genre so dip a toe into a distinctive piece of fiction with this novel.
4412295
I enjoyed listening to Brigid, your narrator, as she moves from a simple observer in story one to one with an intense emotional connection in the finale.  The stories will have you chuckling at characters like the McGinty girls from Osgood, while making your skin crawl with the likes of the Horsey People.  Tricia Currans-Sheehan knows how to connect with her audience.  Take an hour or two and let her tell you these fabulous stories from the river road; it's a memorable trip.
1710327
This is a beautiful book about magic, psychics, a sleeping king, and the five teens on a quest.

Maggie Stiefvater paints an vivid picture and has an almost lyrical quality with her words. Each scene and character shines brightly from the page. While it did seem to start off slowly for me, the mood of the book is evocative.

The story follows Blue, the only one not psychic in a house full of psychics. She lives in the vibrant town of Henrietta, which also houses a private boarding school for the sons of mostly wealthy families. And it is here that she encounters four boys. There's Noah, who tends to stay quiet; Adam, the student attending on a scholarship struggling to survive his parents' abuse; Ronan, full of anger after the violent death of his father; and Gansey, the ringleader, the one who searches for the sleeping king. It's said whoever wakes the king will get a wish, and Gansey burns with a desire to be the one to complete the mysterious quest. Blue becomes friends with this group and begins to join in their adventure, and the magic and mystery around them grows.

It's a unique story that I couldn't put down. The beginning of the book seemed a bit slow, but the pace does pick up as more happens. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
3560777
Adi Alsaid has cleverly woven five unique, but interlinked, stories into one - an epic road-trip to the end of the world and back. His characters come alive on the page and will imprint on your mind so that they will be impossible to forget.
@crushingcinders
2687102
Very creative and thoughtful,  an enjoyable ride
2454656
One of my favorite kinds of writing is travel writing, whether it be nonfiction or fiction, and "To Slay the Lonesome Night" is a road trip through the West Coast of the United States and far west Canada in the late-1960s that is imaginative and thought-provoking. Unlike many road trips that venture east and west, this adventure in a Camaro named the Princess goes north and south. The cast of characters that the 18-year-old first-person narrator, Cosmo, and his best friend, Rick, meet range from sinister and violent to friendly and helpful.
 When I was 23 years old, I took a solo road trip around the U.S 1972-73, visiting 37 states in a rusty 1964 Dodge stationwagon. So I can relate to the motivations for getting on the road. As Cosmo says, No, sometimes a body just needs to get out of the house and go somewhere, with little concern for the time and effort  even danger  it may involve in getting somewhere and back.
 Aubrey Russells book is a great read for those with a little wanderlust in their hearts, and I would include almost everyone in that category. While perhaps aimed at young adults, this fun first novel of travel and growing up, I think, would bring reading enjoyment to all ages.
3850023
A great concept for a story and I love the hollow earth story line. The characters are interesting even if their escapes from danger are a bit far fetched! It's a fun read and I am loving the trip.
4487335
I love novels that provide a vacation to lands I haven't previously explored, and this book grants readers one superb vacation. I especially enjoyed getting to travel by foot, consuming the wonderful sights, dodging speedy bicyclists, tasting octopus, and surviving the pains of sore feet. The journey these friends take together is one I would have loved to make at their age or even now (if I could carve out the time). Many YA novels feature romantic relationships as a focal point for the book. While Along The Way includes romantic connections, I admire that at its heart, its a book about friendship, both the bonds forged between these protagonists and the characters they meet along their hike. This novel is a wonderful reminder of the significance of chance encounters and the kindness that can be found in strangers.
1541011
A delightful trip to a world juxtaposed between fantasy and reality, this book takes you through ancient Egypt while augmenting the already fantastical landscapes and cultures with characters that seem to extend its magic.  Jannett is a bold, adventures gal that trips off to Egypt by herself on vacation, and stumbles upon a whole new world filled with animal people and the beloved "live" mummy, Abyomi.  They way the author brought these characters to life and actually made me feel sadness, joy, and a whole other range of emotions is skillful.  An entertaining trip out of reality and into the lives of otherworldy friends and some scary enemies. Can't wait for more from Vanessa....??
1536112
I am not normally a fan of fantasy books, but this read was recommended to me on one of my favorite blogs.  So, I took a chance and I am glad that I did.

The story is well-written and well-structured which makes it easy to follow along with.  The characters are highly developed to the point in which you get lost in the book and feel like you are living inside of each scene.  Vanx is a great character who is surrounded by a great cast of others.  The writer does a great job at reaching "character synergy" which means that each and every one brings a certain ingredient to the story.

At times in this crazy world it is nice to get a break from reality, That Frigid Fargin Witch is that vacation we are looking for.

A must read!