The Literate Kitty

They--whoever “they” are, of course--say that change is good. I remain highly skeptical about such sweeping statements, but when it comes to books, at least, change can definitely be a pretty good thing. Reading the same hackneyed dialogue, spoken by yet more of the same tired characters in the middle of a been-there-done-that-already plot yet again, gets old really fast--and we’ve all experienced it, and been disappointed by it. So, when new author Margaret Ronald’s Spiral Hunt came along, providing me with a genuine change of pace, I have to say it was a welcome surprise. That’s not to say it was a perfect fit, though; I was really frustrated with the story before it became enticing, interesting, unique, and worth all the effort. (It’s absolutely vital to mention the “effort” involved; it took me more than a few chapters to really get into the story, the world, and the characters... not because I didn’t understand things, just that it took me some time to actually care .) SH is set ...

I don't think I'm that strange. (Okay, yes, I'm a bit odd, but not about this . :P Geez, stay with me, here...) Sometimes I just want or need to take a break from headier fare--from mammoth epics, or complex, multi-layered dramas, or highly-emotional pieces--any of which can potentially wring me out and leave me exhausted. After those types of intense books, a light bit of frippery, a fun little lark, can be just the ticket. A. Lee Martinez's Gil's All Fright Diner is that kind of book. GAFD definitely falls under the category of "guilty" reading pleasures (although at the end, I don't feel a bit guilty ;)). The easiest way to describe Martinez is basically a supernatural Carl Hiaasen; as such, there's plenty of wacky, paranormal fun involved in this book. The basic formula of GAFD is that of a "road movie" (so, "road book? "), as we follow the exploits of a pair of buddies, who just happen to be a vampire and a werewolf. (Yes....