Intense, varied and always interesting
593384
Each time I try to define or categorize this recording, I find that I can't.  It's a true original!  Spheeris is a guitarist, keyboardist and composer who seems to cross stylistic boundaries and cultural borders as easily as most people surf through channels on a TV.  Part New Age, part world fusion, with a touch of Latin guitaristry, these compositions incorporate a full range of sounds both electronic and acoustic.  Percussive and dreamily mysterious textures are enhanced by vocals and chants from India, Greece, Spain and the Middle East.  On this recording, Spheeris is joined by sample programmer Robert Cory, a host of percussionists, and wind and string players. Come along with them on a fascinating yet relaxing journey!  Spheeris's earlier work, from the mid-eighties through mid-nineties, can be heard on the compilation album "Desires", as well as on numerous original releases.
3700426
I had the pleasure of beta reading this collection of zombie tales, and I wasn't disappointed. Rhiannon Frater has managed to examine zombies from six wholly different angles. As a reader, it keeps you interested in what's next, because none of these stories are the same. Some are so...intense...I had to step away because it leaves you so shaken. Fans of Frater's previous books know she's not afraid to "go there" when it comes to her characters, and this book is no exception.
The zombies themselves are different across these six visions of the apocalypse. It's interesting to see their differences and see how scary they are.
While it's hard to choose a favorite because the stories are so different, my favorite out of this collection was The Necromancer. Frater had previously combined zombies and science fiction in the awesome The Last Bastion of the Living - she combines zombies and fantasy for an entirely imaginative take on zombies. And it's awesome.
Any one of these stories will whet your appetite for a good ole brain-eatin' time, although be prepared.
A huge five stars from me.
1402636
I love this series! The stories are always so intense and satisfying. The setting is very hostile between the humans and cyborgs in this one. The main characters, Melissa and Thunder,  are thrown together into chaos. They can't understand their reactions and feelings for each other but there's no denying them from their very first few minutes alone together. They're forced into a lot of scary situations and it's a thrill ride all the way through for the reader.
4593542
Highly enjoyable collection of eclectic music.  Although there is one heartbreaking song about an unwanted child, most of Mike's compositions are as the title says, sunny, and the instrumentals are especially rollicking.  They reflect  bluegrass, Cuban and Balkan influences, and will make you want to dance.
2548425
I picked this up because I admire the editors at the Paris Review (past and present) and I wanted to acquaint myself, and my family with the variety of authors and their writing in the near immediate way that an anthology affords. The book is divided into topics: heartbreak, madness, sex, love, betrayal, etc., and the contributers span living and dead, male and female, young and old writers. In point of fact some pieces are interviews of the author on the topic, some are essays, short stories and other formats by them. Even if you've read their novels, it's interesting to see how they handle a topic in short form. If you have a mental check-list of important writers and want to taste their particular style and craft -- this book is for you. It is especially interesting to examine how pieces can become dated or continue to feel timeless, regardless of the mastery. Take a forkfull of radicchio then a piece of endive, or consume the entire bowel in one sitting. You are sure to enjoy this literary meal.
4006935
The one consistent thing about Rush is that they never seem to be consistent, and Vapor Trails is a perfect example.
Old-time Rush fans (like myself) will be jarred, surprised, and a bit put-off when you first listen to this album. Gone are many of the staples that you've found in previous Rush albums, such as intricate instrumental pieces and jarring lead-guitar solos. What you find in their place though is a great complexity and variety in the music.
The guitar work is complex, rich, and has an incredible amount of variety. While Alex doesn't have the lead guitar work that he's famed for, he's wonderfully strong, gutsy and bold on this album. His sound changes so dramatically from song to song, covering so many different styles, that's it's almost mind-boggling. Geddy has some of his best bass playing to date. His work floats in the background during some pieces, acting as the rhythym component for the song, and in other pieces just comes forward with strong, complex, powerful, and sometimes haunting compositions. Neil's drumming is strong, assured, and more tightly-woven in the songs than we're normally accustomed to hearing. His drumming doesn't move to the front with incredibly complex rolls and melodies like we've heard him do in the past, but in a way is just as effective (if not more so) because he tends to blend it in better with the songs. Geddy's vocals are much more predominant in these songs, with many layers of oral orchestrations. Throughout the album, all three musicians work together equally and constantly throughout the songs, and none of them attempt to jump forward into the limelight as individuals.
The songs themselves have a lot of energy and cover a lot of different musical styles. Some songs have a definite techno, modern feel to them, others are wonderfully haunting and sublime. Favorite songs are: Ghost Rider - haunting; Vapor Trails - a wonderful piece; Nocturne - this song just rocks! I actually find myself jumping around like some teenager at a rave during this song because of all of the energy in it!; Freeze - definitely a strange song, with a grungy, electronic sound to the guitarwork. It's definitely one of the more interesting pieces.
I was surprised when I first heard it, and wasn't sure I liked it. But that's only because I'm an old-time fan and the album is nothing like you would expect. But in many ways, it's just as rewarding (if not more so) than any of their other albums.
3381484
I have been a follower of Eli Constant for a long time now.  I love her work, and here you are seeing a collection of her work from some of her earlier days up to some of her recent works.  I love how I can see the development of her writing in the stories, some of which I have read several times over and never fail to make me get a goose-bump (or three).  You will see so many different kinds of tales in this, from the kind that will make you think internally in terror, to the kind that make you not want to go in to the water again terror.  I can not pick a favorite as it would be like asking which part of her you want me to like better.  I just want to know where she is going to go from here.
102522
Brilliant and hauntinghe gets into the voices in our heads, the good, the bad, the hilarious, preposterous, and holy. He also stages moments in time, scenarios, and possibilities so that you see situations in their crazy complexity. Saunders pushes the limits of the genre in very interesting ways. A great collection.
3185016
I admit it, I'm a Lisa Wingate fan. Each time a new book comes out, I wonder if it could possibly be as good as the last, and somehow she does it every time. This book caught me on many different levels - the main character is struggling to keep a restaurant afloat, and having worked in that industry for so many years I can completely understand. She's tasked with going through "stuff", some possible heirlooms, some possible junk, and trying to decide what to do with it all. Again, been there, done that, and getting sidetracked by the cool family history stuff you stumble upon along the way is always happening. As a genealogist I am so intrigued by old letters, books, photos and trinkets - so many stories that you wish you knew more about. Lisa Wingate has managed to bring all these crazy elements together in a fascinating way that keeps you glued to the pages wanting to find out more. And in the end, it gently teaches you that everyone has a story if you take the time to listen, and sometimes that story may truly surprise you. Don't hesitate to purchase this book, you will not be disappointed.
429125
Its great to have my favourites all in one place. I love the stories investigative and mysterious qualities and thoroughly enjoyed all of these stories.
1207468
What I love about Ninie Hammond's books in this collection is that every book is so totally different they appear to have been written by different but equally good authors.  It's hard to pick out a favorite, because it is always the one I just finished.  Each book seamlessly pulls you in and keeps you involved with the perfectly developed characters and situations.
3459107
Daniel Gabriels Wrestling with Angels is certainly an interesting collection of stories that portray many walks of life found in equally varying locations. Its divided into three parts: A-Side: Border Stories, B-Side: Shifting Gears, and the Bonus Track. His play on musical records may only blatantly tie into a few of his odd stories, but when you think about how each character whistles to their own tune, the music they decide to play, it makes much more sense.

I had the pleasure of hearing Gabriel read aloud the second story in the A-Side: Border Stories section called In the House of Mr. Poo, which is one reason why I slightly favor that story in his collection. Its remote location on an island and the bizarre situation put upon the unassuming Mr. and Mrs. Poo is sure to hold your attention throughout the story.

The Road Goes Ever On took an intriguing point of view from a hitchhiking, wandering young man. After waiting for a ride for what seems like ages to the young man, he meets an older wanderer and decides to tag along. The older man definitely portrays what the young mans future could become if he continues on his trail of having no life-lines, as the old man referred to family and connections.

I see it completely fitting that Gabriels epilogue says, For Alex and Even, to add to the stories told round the fire because thats what this collection is  stories that emit a certain mystery, darkness and intrigue, perfect for a night with friends by a nighttime bonfire in natures equally mysterious and uncontrollable air.
1118111
there's so much variety in this book. intensely personal, emotional, analytical essays on every topic of faggotry and from every perspective you can imagine-- and more! as with all mattilda bernstein sycamore books, i particularly like all the complicated takes-- internet cruising, race stereotyping, gender self-expression, public sex, growing up, homophobia, body image, aging and sexuality. i was particularly impressed by several provocative pieces about barebacking, several eloquent and touching stories about trans identity in the gay world, as well as a wide range of perspectives on AIDS, gay identity and sexual safety. somehow mattilda bernstein sycamore always manages to bring it all together and tear it all apart, all at the same time.
3077981
This story carries so many and varied situations that require the reader to think ahead as it is read. Great
3679057
unusual, and this is always pleasing.  main character not "crazy" insane, but not normal - which is the best type in my opinion.  additional characters were also interesting and welcome additions to rounding out the story.  did not want it to end :)
1721897
I really liked the short stories. The collection was very diverse and ranged from light hearted to sometimes dark. This author clearly has a wide range of talent.  My favorite was 'Forever'.  It sucked you into parallel stories that all tied together in the end.  It was a very enjoyable read.  I am becoming a big fan of Christopher Geoffrey McPherson's work!
1909741
Publisher: Bantam
Purchased: Bought on Audible

What I Loved: This one is more intense than the last two (and they were pretty darn intense).  I really enjoyed the case with all of its twists and turns.  I never really knew what was going to happen.  I really love that in a thriller.  The case really blew me away with its intensity and cleverness. I really thought it would be one person responsible and I was completely wrong.

What I Liked: Really enjoyed getting to know Rizzoli and Isles a little bit more.  They are both strong but flawed characters that have enough personality quirks to make them interesting.

Complaints: Each book I read/listen to makes me wish the TV Show was closer to these books and amazing characters. Really that has nothing to do with the books but I though I would throw that out there.

Why I gave it a 4:  This is turning into a series that I can't wait to read the next book.  Tess is very talented in both writing and storytelling.  She does a great job of balancing personal lives of the characters with the solving of the case.

Who I would recommend it too:  People who read thrillers.  This is not a series to miss!

Author Website:  [...]