Making Connections discussion
ARCHIVES - ARRs Completed
>
53. SHORTCAKE BY Christopher Gorham Calvin
date
newest »
newest »
5 Stars!!!“Captivating!” That is my one-word description of this book. Immediately I felt as if I had opened a hidden door concealed in an oak tree and walked right in, crossing to another land, one so similar to our reality, yet winningly different. My second thought was a reminder of Philip Reeve’s “The Hungry City Chronicles,” which also possess that subtle sense of otherworldliness and the same ability author Calvin demonstrates, to gently stroke his characters into creation. There is no need for conscious suspension of disbelief; that occurs automatically. This is why I term this book “captivating.” I knew from the first moment that “Shortcake” would be a welcome re-read, one of those books I just can’t bear to be away from.
Mr. Calvin is an extraordinarily lyrical writer, making his prose soar like poetry, with vivid, catchy, unexpected descriptions and soul-soothing narration. The characters are lovingly drawn and for the most part, could be anyone: our friends, our neighbours, ourselves. Although Shortcake’s aura reminded me of Philip Reeve (the soul-soothing narrative, lyricism, lovable enduring characterisations) this novel is far from Steampunk. Instead, it is firmly grounded in modern technology, facing forward into the unfortunately-all-too-near future, of genetic engineering at perhaps its most extreme.
When perfection is desired, why build on an imperfect foundation? Why not start from scratch and build perfection in? Such a drive will of course be funded and thus heavily influenced by military and government resources. If we recall the moral of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the desire for perfection brings with it hubris; and hubris usually leads to a fall, a crisis, an outcome far, far more dreary or deadly than planned.
I’ve used terms such as “captivating,” “riveting,” “engrossing,” but really, I can’t express sufficiently how great this book is! I truly could not break away from reading this novel, and as I’ve said, it’s a book I’ll return to over and over again. I hope author Christopher Gorham Calvin has a long and prolific writing career, because I eagerly anticipate reading further novels from him!
I'll read it, my schedule is opening up a bit!
Nikki, you certainly will not regret it!
If there are still copies available, I would love to review the book (mobi format) [email protected]Thanks!
Sounds like an interesting read![email protected]
Format: Kindle-friendly mobi
I'll post here, Amazon, and on my blog:
http://onlookerslowdown.blogspot.com
I'd be interested in reading and reviewing as well, if this is still available.[email protected]
Format: pdf
Sorry, I am late in providing my review. Things have been crazy. I am planning to read and review it in the month of June. Again, I'm sorry!
Sorry - I wrote my review a while ago and am just now posting to goodreads.http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Genre: Techno-Thriller
Shortcake
Book Description:
Welcome to Eden. A city of high hopes and daring dreams, of wishful thinking and stark realities, a city of secrets for those dark enough to see…
Within these borders, a murderer's game is about to unfold. And at its center: two young children of science, one raised with caring love, the other with negligent compassion, and both equally endowed with the ability to kill. In just a few days time, each will be forced to stand for what they believe, the choices they embrace affecting the fate of the very foundation upon which Eden rests.
Destruction is looming in this modern day thriller of love and loss, of acceptance and understanding, and of the ultimate battle between what’s right and wrong, and the evolution of the intelligent mind which often straddles the fine line between them. Welcome to Eden. Welcome to Shortcake.
Be one of the first to sign up below in order to receive a free copy of these ebooks to Read and Review! All Reviews should be posted on Goodreads and Amazon.
Formats available: epub, mobi, pdf,
All reviews should be completed and posted within 6 to 8 weeks after you recieve your copy of the ebook.
Leave us your Name, email address and format.