I’m doing things a bit differently with this blog post. This is a double book review of the first two books in the Blood on Snow book series by Jo Nesbo. Thank you to A.A. Knopf for my copy of Midnight Sun.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Goodreads description

This is the story of Olav: an extremely talented “fixer” for one of Oslo’s most powerful crime bosses. But Olav is also an unusually complicated fixer. He has a capacity for love that is as far-reaching as is his gift for murder. He is our straightforward, calm-in-the-face-of-crisis narrator with a storyteller’s hypnotic knack for fantasy. He has an “innate talent for subordination” but running through his veins is a “virus” born of the power over life and death. And while his latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, it may be mutating into his greatest mistake. . . .

My honest review:

This book was a quick, easy read and my first Jo Nesbo book. It could almost be considered a novella really. The storyline was decent although not as detailed as it would have been in a longer novel. I didn’t find myself getting attached to the characters like I usually do with these types of books. I found myself getting irritated with Olav and his simplicity at times. I can honestly say that I am terrified of The Fisherman, and I’m so happy that he is just a character in the book.

Even without the detail I’m used to in crime dramas, this book had great backbone and lifelike characters.  Jo Nesbo has a writing style that is easy to follow. This book was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely read more of his novels in the future.

 

 

Rating: 4/5 stars

Goodreads description

Jon is on the run. He has betrayed Oslo’s biggest crime lord: The Fisherman.

Fleeing to an isolated corner of Norway, to a mountain town so far north that the sun never sets, Jon hopes to find sanctuary amongst a local religious sect.

Hiding out in a shepherd’s cabin in the wilderness, all that stands between him and his fate are Lea, a bereaved mother and her young son, Knut.

But while Lea provides him with a rifle and Knut brings essential supplies, the midnight sun is slowly driving Jon to insanity.

And then he discovers that The Fisherman’s men are getting closer…

My honest review:

It’s really hard for me to talk about this book without revealing spoilers, but I will do my best. I enjoyed reading this book. I immediately found myself relating to Jon (or Ulf) throughout the book. His actions and reactions are so perfectly human. His mistakes are ones that many in the same position would make. I feel like this book does a much better job of drawing you into the life of each character and how that affects Jon’s existence.

This book also explores a bit more of the Norwegian culture and sub-cultures. With almost 100 pages more than Blood on Snow, Midnight Sun went into more detail about everything from surroundings to environment to personal relationships. I was actually upset when the book ended. I am very excited to see where the series is headed and to see who else will tangle with The Fisherman.

Find the Author at the links below ∇

Author website

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January flew by and ended in a snow storm where I live. Even so, I was able to read a total of 5 books this month. I’m fairly certain that two of this month’s books will be in my top 10 favorite books of the year! I’m hoping to read at least 75 books in 2016. I think this month was a solid start. As the year goes on I want to participate in a few different reading challenges. Leave a comment at the bottom with some of your favorite book challenges or your favorite book from January.

 

 

 

 

 

To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton – 4/5 stars

Goodreads description

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series set in Star City, Utah. While classified as a cozy, this book has enough suspense and intrigue to keep your attention throughout the story. A solid start for a new series.

My 4 star review!

Mr. Monster by Dan Wells – 4/5 stars

Goodreads description

This is the second book in the John Cleaver series. John finds himself in another sticky situation when a new demon comes to town looking to avenge it’s friend. I liked this book even more than the first one. I can’t wait to continue reading this series and see how John’s character and desire to kill grows over time.

Even the Dead by Benjamin Black – 2.5/5 stars

Goodreads description

When I received a copy of this book I didn’t realize that this was the 7th book in the Quirke series. It took me a while to get my bearings with the characters. Once I got to know them the story moved too slowly. This is heavy crime noir. I found myself getting distracted from the main story. This seems like another decent entry into the book series, but it just wasn’t right for me. Side note : I’m pretty sure that I got secondhand smoke just from reading this book *coughcough* I’m positive there was someone smoking a cigarette on every other page.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan – 5/5 stars

Goodreads description

The Sword of Summer is the first book in the new Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. I loved every page of this book. I immediately felt a kinship with Magnus from the first chapter. And speaking of chapters, you can be sure to find some hilarious chapter titles throughout this novel. Magnus definitely fills those chapters with a big personality and genuine emotions. The numerous characters he meets add to the complexity of the story. This is an all around fantastic book. I’m anxiously waiting for the next in the series to be released in October 2016. Easily a favorite read for 2016.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab – 5/5 stars

Goodreads description

I went way out of my comfort zone with this one. I do not read much Fantasy, but I was immediately sucked into the world and characters in A Darker Shade of Magic. I can honestly say that I have never gotten so attached to characters as fast as I did during this novel. I buddy read this book with two Instagram friends. We were all worried about feeling pressure to read the book too fast, but we all finished it in 48 hours! We have so many theories about what will happen in the next book. I won’t divulge any since they definitely contain spoilers. I am so happy that the next book in the series comes out at the end of February! This is another one that is destined to be a top favorite of 2016.