Two Bad Reviews

I read "Dissolution" by C.J. Sansom and I was sadly disappointed in it. I waited for the bookstore to get this book in stock for about a month so I could buy it. I was so psyched for this one. It sounded so good and the reviews were awesome. Yes, well, this book had the makings of a really great mystery but fell into the comfortable habit of describing every arch, doorway, window enclosure, priest and weather pattern change. Believe me, these patterns became quite comfortable after the first ten pages. Every time the author had a chance to really move the story forward the insertion of the weather happened or we must stop to look at the completely awesome architecture of a Norman monastery. Those that know me know that I love historic building so it isn't that aspect I object to in particular. Rather, it is the habitual stopping of the story in order for the author to catch his breath just in case the next few pages don't go as he wishes ... apparently. In a few words, this was a total waste of talent, money, and paper.

I also read "The Man Called Outlaw" by K.M. Weiland. I'm glad I bought it as an ebook. It would have been a waste of money otherwise. It's set in the old west but I never ran across a more weeny bunch of men in my life. Once again, the talent behind the book is tremendous and I know there are quite a few out there that love the book. I was expecting so much more from it than it delivered. By the end, I really wanted the bad guy to just shoot the good guy and put him out of his misery. I mean, duh, the bad guy is hurting the good guy's girl. I was left with the feeling the good guy had no balls at all. Sorry, K.M., truly I am. I just like a man who isn't afraid to take action and stand up for himself and the woman he's hot for. Didn't happen till the very, very end of the book. This sucks. So, my advice is don't bother with it.

Feel free to disagree with me if you want. You won't hurt my feelings. I at least made it through K.M.'s book. I couldn't stomach the second half of C.J.'s. I had to quit before I started making notes in the margins and marking out whole sections of text.

And, there you have it. Two harsh reviews for two very talented writers. That's the problem. The talent shines through quite spectacularly. The books ... well, not so much.