Long for This World

In recent years, the dream of eternal youth has started to look like more than just a dream.

In the twentieth century alone, life expectancy increased by more than thirty years—-almost as much time as humans have gained in the whole span of human existence. Today a motley array of scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs believe that another, bigger leap is at hand—that human immortality is not only possible, but attainable in our own time. Is there genius or folly in the dreams of these charismatic but eccentric thinkers?

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I don't think it a possibility to be any further from my comfort zone than I was with this book. But the idea of immortality, who could resist?

It begins with a clear definition and history of a mortal's life expectancy. How it is perceived and how that perception has grown. Transitioning from the philosophical to the scientific, the book does cover a fair range of thoughts and research on immortality. Many people played a part, none more so than Aubrey de Grey- a man who loves to hear himself talk.

The book offers a great subject to truly lose yourself in while providing information that leaves it's reader with 'food for thought'. There are constant references to Christianity and Greek mythology among numerous historical tidbits and one too many mentions of hydra, both the living creature and mythical beast. Offering a wide array of viewpoints, the author himself isn't attempting to win the reader over to one specific stance on whether or not one will ever find attainment in the quest for immortality but would one choose immortality for himself if given the chance. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Would you choose immortality even if your loved ones would not?

The idea of acquiring immortality is appealing and an aspect that gives the very best of fantasy and myth their charm. Would I want it for myself? Damn straight.

One such argument against immortality is boredom. That people would become bored with life.

What the hell is wrong with these people? Is the world not vast enough?

Okay, so I've proven one of their points. The young see the experiences to be had. The old see the time with loved ones to be spent.

I'm a statistic, yes, and I proudly support the Methuselah Foundation, if only in spirit.

Blade: Out of the Shadows

Bleeding and dizzy, Blade wakes up to find himself in the hospital. But how did he get there? With enemies coming at him from all sides, it’s hard to know who attacked him. But he knows that whoever it was will be back to finish him off. And quick. So he’s gotta go. He’s gotta break outta there. Not only to save his own life, but there’s kindly old Mary and little Jaz to think about. Who’s looking out for them? On the run, with grinks hot on his tail and gravely injured, Blade will have to gather all his strength just to survive. And with nowhere to hide, he needs to run. Because this time, if he plays dead, that’s exactly how he’ll end up.

Turns out, I *am* BigEyes!

Out of the Shadows is a combination of books three and four, Breaking Free and Running Scared, of Tim Bowler’s Blade series that was first released in the UK.

The story follows fourteen year old Blade, a young man that the world has thrown away to the streets. Left wounded and vulnerable by his enemies, Blade awakens in the hospital and is almost instantly forced once again to run and fight for his life. We accompany Blade (while he affectionately refers to the reader as BigEyes) a...more Out of the Shadows is a combination of books three and four, Breaking Free and Running Scared, of Tim Bowler’s Blade series that was first released in the UK.

The story follows fourteen year old Blade, a young man that the world has thrown away to the streets. Left wounded and vulnerable by his enemies, Blade awakens in the hospital and is almost instantly forced once again to run and fight for his life. We accompany Blade (while he affectionately refers to the reader as BigEyes) as our hero maneuvers the streets of the city in an effort to stay one step ahead of those hunting him while seeking out the very few places and people he cares for.

Being unfamiliar with this series prior to reading, I had the usual questions concerning Blade’s past and few were answered as the story progressed. That, though, in no way restricted the enjoyment of the read. Concise, meaningful sentences help keep the story alive, holding the reader right there, anxious and desperate to know what has happened, what is happening, and what’s coming next.

Never have I been so belittled by a character, much to my amusement. The humor Blade delivers, with the flashes of his vulnerability and honest fears, keep an emotional tie to the main character through his flight, his reunion with his former street gang, his weighing of the choices left open to him, and even up until its shocking, heart-stopping ending.

"It's no big deal," she says. "Water's calm."
It's not, BigEyes. It was calm before but now it's bucking like hell. Don't shake your head. It's bucking like hell, okay?

Beautiful Malice

Following a terrible tragedy that leaves her once-perfect family shattered, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity.

But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again.

But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel.

And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn’t like being cast off.

"An international sensation that the Wall Street Journal called a 'publishing phenomenon,' this complex, poignant, and chilling novel of psychological suspense will hold readers enthralled from its wrenching opening to its stunning climax."

That was what was printed about Beautiful Malice. Somewhere, somebody screwed up. Not this book. Complex? No. For the entire first half of this book, I felt dragged through a world of text book, one dimensional characters. With the second half offering slight surprises here and there, I was only mildly interested enough to keep reading. Climax? That word doesn't belong anywhere near this piece of... work. The deaths were dull and unimaginative. The constant time jumping, likely written to arouse suspense and curiosity, left me in a state of annoyance and frustration as it completely disrupted the flow of what apparently was meant to be a thriller. Quite honestly, the only thrill I got was in the end as Katherine got her chance at what I stretch to call a happily ever after.

The only character who held an inkling of appeal to me was Robbie, a young man who has lost his mother and who finds no support or comfort from his emotionally wrecked father. One who is willing to succumb to the poison that is Alice so as to feel even an iota of happiness that she able to give him despite the destruction she brings to his heart and mind.

I've never felt such a compulsive drive to be harsh with my 'reviews.' I couldn't help it in this case. I really couldn't. And despite it, I'm thankful for the chance to read it. But I'm left to ask, is my opinion too much for Goodreads?