Category Archives: Books

I know this book has been out for 16 years, and I am sure there are hundreds of glowing reviews by fans.  But, I have to gush a little myself. Turner’s novel holds up well against classic adult literature.  Most young adult / children’s books are driven by fast moving plots and cliffhanger endings at chapters and books.  But, The Thief slowly reveals itself, layer by layer.  A tapestry unfolds artfully displaying rich landscapes, multi-dimensional characters, mythology, and an amazing adventure.  Several plot lines are being unwound at the same time, and those not paying attention may not know it.  Nothing is as expected.  Themes abound.  I am inspired to re-write my top 50 favorite books list.  This will definitely make my Young Adult list, and it might knock a title off my adult book list.

Every once in a while, I stumble on to a book that is so good, that I don’t want to race through it.  I want to slowly read it and enjoy it.  And when it is over, I almost grieve that it is over.  Kate Milford’s Boneshaker ranks as one of those books because of the Medicine show, mysterious abandoned town, automata, duels with the devil, and an adventurous wholly enjoyable main character.  Dr. Limberleg’s Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine Show mesmerized me.

Other books that I have read that I don’t want to end because the world and characters are too intriguing to give up:

Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones

Incarceron and Sapphique – Catherine Fisher

Witches – Roald Dahl

Harry Potter – J.K. Rowling

The Oppum Oppidulum world of F.E. Higgins wonderfully depicted in the Eyeball Collector

Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising Series

C.S. Lewis’ Narnia

Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart.

Interesting enough Kate Milford is the only American writer on the list.