Hard Times: Charles Dickens

Sorry I don't have a synopsis for this book. My copy didn't have one and I don't feel right stealing one from online.

This wasn't really the first book I wanted to review for 2011, but school started and I've had to put down my initial choice... I suppose you lose all right to choose when you sign up for a heavy course load!!!

Anyway, I read this book for my 19th Century European History class. I was a little put off by the introduction in my edition, which stated that this was Dickens' longest and most difficult to read work... Yeah. That's really going to set me up to enjoy it.

Needless to say, I read it anyway. I struggled with the dryness in the first book (the novel is comprised of three), but it got better the more I read. English history has always intrigued me, so that probably had something to do with my slowly blossoming enjoyment. I was impressed at how much I felt for the characters--whether it was disgust or sympathy. It seemed that there was not a single character that I could feel apathetic toward. The descriptions were so rich and eloquent, it was difficult not to include entire paragraphs in my analysis on the book when I finally wrote my paper.

I believe part of my interest in this novel stemmed from the fact that I love reading modern works of fiction set in this time period. It was fascinating to see a view of the period outside of the rosy glass normally used by fiction authors--at least the ones I've read.

I wish I could give a more thorough review, but it would seem I am all "Dickensed" out. This is one that should be read by English and History majors alike for it's eloquence, language, characterizations, and blunt portrayal of Industrial England.

The Dark-Hunters, Volume 2: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Claudia Campos

"IN THE WAR AGAINST VAMPIRES, MANKIND HAS ONLY ONE HOPE: THE DARK-HUNTERS. Ancient warriors who died of brutal betrayal, the Dark-Hunters have sworn themselves into the service of the goddess Artemis to protect us.

"It's a pact with pretty good perks--immortality, power, psychic abilities, wealth, and a cool wardrobe. But it comes with a dew drawbacks: fatal sun poisoning and a new, irreparable dental problem. But aside from the fangs and nocturnal lifestyle, it's not so bad.

"Kyrian is an immortal Dark-Hunter who just lost his Dark-Hunter powers and along with it, his immortality. Now, he is faced with the chance to regain not only his humanity, but his very soul. The problem is that it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Desiderius is closing in, and if Kyrian and Amanda are going to save humanity, Kyrian must take the war to his enemy--or it may be too late."

I've had this book for nearly a year and can't believe I never opened it!!! To be honest, what prompted my reading of this book in an hour was my latest Barnes & Noble shopping spree (thank you coupons!). I bought the third one and thought, "Wow...I don't think I've read the second one yet!"

I have to say that I liked this volume in the manga series a lot. Initially, I was upset that each of the novels was going to be cut in half to accommodate things like fitting the typical length of manga, but now I'm happy. The cut-off point was a cliff-hanger between volumes 1 and 2...which made me frustrated and excited at the same time because I desperately wanted to read more--and I've READ the actual novel! That's fairly impressive. It also did a really good job of splitting up the plot, with the character development in the first half and a lot of the action in the second.

Another thing I noticed was a definite change in the artwork. This may have been due to the slightly more serious nature of the second volume, but there were a lot less of the manga-ish faces in this one, which I, personally found pleasing. (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some manga, but not if it's too goofy... I think because I've read these novels and picture the Dark-Hunter characters certain ways, having them melt into cartoony expressions doesn't do it for me.) However, there seemed to be a little loss of detail in some sections. It could just be me, but there looks (as I go back and double-check) to be fewer lines and anatomical details (which sounds like a pervy comment, but isn't). This didn't detract from my enjoyment, but I almost hope the artist melds the styles in these two books a little bit more in the third volume (which I've obviously just purchased, but may have to pace myself and read at a later date...).

Overall, I enjoyed this manga installment and recommend it to anyone willing to get a different take on the Dark-Hunter series. It might be a little difficult to stomach if you're in love with your own mental versions of the characters, but at lest give it a try. The writing is all edited by Kenyon, so some of the best lines have made it in!