Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Sep 18, 2011, 10:21 pm
Taggert, a man blessed with mysterious powers that he can use at will to heal and injure, has been trying to master them his whole life. It is only when he meets Nordeen, a drug lord infintely more mysterious and powerful than himself, that Taggert can even grasp the full extent of his own abilities...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Sep 18, 2011, 2:51 am
1812, Napoleon is marching relentlessly on towards Moscow and the Russians are getting worried. Nothing seems to be able to stop the little French Emperor from conquering all of Europe. A small group of Russian officers specializing in infiltration and stealth are at their wits ends but one of them ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Sep 11, 2011, 9:34 pm
Asher Radescu, in an attempt to curb Mars' diminishing birth rate, roams its canyon in search of dying souls for digital reincarnation, also known as cloning. Claudia Cruz, the most popular entertainer on the planet, entertains children in the morning and risks her life for the general populace at n...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Aug 6, 2011, 4:18 pm
Set in medieval Wales, following the Norman conquest of the William the Conqueror, Lawhead revisits the tale of Robin Hood, and makes it (according to him, anyway) more historically correct. Bran ap Brychan is the rightful heir of Elfael, a small kindom in Wales. When his father is killed...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jul 25, 2011, 9:52 pm
 For Durzo Blint, the most feared wetboy in Cenaria, assassination is an art. For Azoth, it's a way out of his miserable young life, and ultimately, about survival. When Blint very reluctantly takes Azoth as his apprentice, the young boy must change his identity and renounce his old life, including...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jul 16, 2011, 5:50 pm
Agatha Christie is quite possibly the most well known name in mistery litterature. One would be hard presssed to find a litterate person who has not read one of her books or at least seen on their television a movie or episode derived from her works. Her characters have become household names themse...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jul 11, 2011, 10:49 pm
There is grumbling between the decks of the Renown. Tension is palpable, and nobody quite knows what to expect. In the time of a few months, their legendary and adulated captain’s behaviour has become increasingly strange and erratic. He is as likely to bouts of paranoia during which he can ac...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jul 10, 2011, 10:49 pm
About the Horatio Hornblower series: The series was written by Cecil Scott Forester over the 1934-1967 period, and is comprised of 10 full books, a collection of short stories and an unfinished final adventure which was published with the author's outline and notes allowing the reader to...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jul 5, 2011, 10:48 pm
Jasmine, an investigative reporter, has just finished her last assignment, and her life will be the price to pay if she gets caught. Norik, a colonel in the Space Corps, has been forced on shore leave by his crew, and is only now returning. When trouble boards the transport ship, they can only trust...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jun 29, 2011, 10:31 pm
In Tyrpak's debut novel (I seem to be reading a lot of debuts lately), the author explores a quite fascinating yet rather undocumented facet of Ancient Rome. Elissa Rubria Honoria is one such priestess, wielding power and influence in exchange for a 30-year vow of chastity. When her brother is bruta...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jun 22, 2011, 10:00 pm
In William Gladstone's debut novel, he tackles the Mayan calendar and how the world is supposed to end on December 21, 2012. However, the novel begins long before then, when Max Doff is conceived in 1946, during some sort of cosmic alignment, described as "the most joyful mutual orgasm" his parents...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jun 14, 2011, 10:29 pm
The Memoirs of Cleopatra explores the life of this most famous Queen of Egypt, from the time she is three years old, witness to her mother's death, to her own at the age of 39. Through her eyes, we discover how she evolves from a naive child to a cunning, ambitious and manipulative politician. Her ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jun 5, 2011, 9:57 pm
When Dr. Amada James, a budding archeologist at the Getty Museum receives a call from an old friend in Italy, she can't refuse his offer: to be the one to unlock the key to a newly discovered ancient observatory under the Vesuvius. Even before she arrives in Italy, however, powers are at ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - May 13, 2011, 10:43 pm
We know what happens when the Internet is broken. But what happens when the Internet shuts down nationwide on the Fourth of July? For Bioze, who helps manage patient data at the most state-of-art hospital on the West Coast, it would mean the deaths of thousands of people, and the hospital's collapse...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - May 8, 2011, 11:08 am
There are many writers who have tried their hand at the historical novel. Some have achieved a certain amount of success, but few have succeeded on the scale of the likes of Patrick O’Brian, whose star has not faded one bit since his passing 11 years ago. Perhaps that is attributable to the fact t...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - May 7, 2011, 5:43 pm
Just a little intro to myself before the review... While most people here will review novels, I decided to review graphic novels in order to add some variation. Graphic novels are as powerful as regular novels because of the art presented as a way of storytelling. So, here I go :P Have yo...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Apr 30, 2011, 10:39 pm
For a debut novel (heck, for a novel, period), A Book of Tongues is a fantastic western fantasy. Two years following the American Civil War, Ed Morrow, an agent for the Pinkertons, must infiltrate an outlaw gang led by "Reverend" Asher Rook, an former Confederate chaplain turned hexslinger, and his...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Apr 9, 2011, 11:50 pm
In the faraway land of Oz, Elphaba Thropp, daughter of Melena Thropp and Frexspar, an itinerant Unionist minister, is born. We follow the green-skinned girl throughout her life, from her childhood to her famous death at the hands of Dorothy Gale. Early on, it becomes clear that Elphaba wi...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 30, 2011, 10:29 pm
Set at the very beginning of the last millenium, where Vikings ruled the Northern Seas, we find Thorgils, son of Leif Erikson and a mysterious Irishwoman named Thorgunna. Orphaned at a young age, he is raised by various mentors in Iceland, who teach him the ways of old, and warn him of the invasion ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 29, 2011, 12:31 pm
This will probably be a longer list, since more publishing houses have been consulted than in months past. Enjoy! As before, please do contact me if I'm missing something! April 5 Postdam Station - David Downing (Soho Press) Stettin Station - David Downing (Soho Press) ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 23, 2011, 6:21 pm
I came across this article this afternoon while perusing Twitter: http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/03/23/confessions-of-a-book-hoarder/ . It reflects the sentiment I have about books. I have to admit that I, too, am book hoarder. Although I have a paltry collection (about 200), I have ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 21, 2011, 5:59 pm
Stephen King has been able to fantasticate New England. Anne Rice (a poor example, yet an obvious one) has done the same for New Orleans. Countless others have set their one mythos in New York City, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Neil Gaiman, with American Gods, has succeeded in creating a legend in ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 20, 2011, 6:37 pm
I just found out today, but the Cabaret du Roy in Old-Montreal hosts their weekly "Dimanches du conte" on Sundays at 8pm, for the fair rate of $10. Since it's also a restaurant, there's the possibility of food and drink. Tonight's storyteller is Fabien Cloutier. Also tonight, but this tim...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 18, 2011, 6:36 pm
I came across this article in the Montreal Gazette today, and it got me thinking. While I don't own an ebook reader (Kindle, Kobo, Sony Reader, etc.), I know a few people who have made the switch and are quite happy with their new toy. I even got one for my grandmother for Christmas, seeing how use...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 14, 2011, 12:34 pm
Written in 1922, Captain Blood is truly a classic adventure story. We meet Dr. Peter Blood as he is tending to his garden on the very morning of the Battle of Sedgemoor. Wanting no part in the rebellion taking place, he nonetheless tends to the wounded, and is promptly arrested. During his trial, h ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 8, 2011, 9:50 pm
Mike Holmes, of Holmes on Homes fame, will be at Chapters Robson on March 14 at 7PM local time to promote and sign copies if his new DIY guides, Make it Right: Kitchens and Bathrooms and Make it Right: Attics and Basements. So if you're a Holmes fan and live in Vancouver area, be sure to check it ou...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Mar 2, 2011, 7:28 pm
Written in the mid-1980s, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is described as a dystopian novel, much like George Orwell's 1984. Set in the near future in the former United States of America, the Republic of Gilead has been created in an age where pornography, rape, and sexual violence...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 27, 2011, 10:18 pm
Here are the March releases. If there's anything missing, as there's bound to because no list is ever complete, let me know and I'll add it! And at least a couple in there I will actually buy...once my own Reading List has been significantly reduced. March 1 The Crippled God: B...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 20, 2011, 5:39 pm
Galactic North is a collection of eight very well written short stories that offer a unique glimpse into the Revelation Space universe that Alastair Reynolds has crafted. They are presented in chronological order and, in the case of its namesake novella, spans several millenia. For the sake of brevi...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 20, 2011, 5:12 pm
Master and Commander (1969) By Patrick O’Brian Let ye not be fooled. This is not the novelisation of the movie which featured Russel Crowe a few years ago, but one of the two novels upon which the movie is *very* loosely based. So the question is this: Why should you be interested i...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 15, 2011, 10:03 pm
I received this book courtesy of the LibraryThing member giveaway, where members can have their books read for free and/or in exchange for a review. You don't always get what you ask for, but sometimes you'll get lucky. In this case, not so much. Spin the Plate, a short story, is the basi...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 8, 2011, 8:13 pm
In 1993 Toronto, three unlikely friends - Tony, an eccentric history professor specializing in battles, Roz, a highly successful business executive, and Charis, a quirky salesperson working at an esoteric shop,  have nothing in common, except Zenia. While having their monthly lunch at the Toxique, ...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 3, 2011, 1:27 am
Blood brothers. Two men born of the same parents, united in blood. Two men born through trials and tribulations of warfare and death that emerge victoriously, soaked in the same blood. Both definitions apply to Rafen and Arkio. And the latter definition applies to every Marine that fights in the cri...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Feb 2, 2011, 8:28 pm
Chapters/Indigo, my main book source, is hosting many events across the country this month, including the following: Coles T.D. Square is hosting former Ontario Premier and current Toronto-Center MP Bob Rae on February 4 at noon local time, where he will be signing his new book, Exporti...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 31, 2011, 9:14 pm
It's 2203, and the world ruler is chosen at random, according to the rules of a game under the control of the Quizmaster. Currently, the Quizmaster is Reese Verrick, and has been such for the past ten years. However, this story isn't about the Quizmaster. It's about Ted Benteley, who, on a fateful m...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 28, 2011, 10:27 pm
I've decided this year, to expand the blog beyond reviews, to include new monthly releases. Even though it's late in January, here's a list of February releases. If I've missed anything, let me know by leaving a comment. This list will be under continuous revision. February 1 &...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 23, 2011, 1:54 pm
In the war-ravaged blackness of the far future, the Emperor of Mankind created twenty perfect sons. The Primarchs. To each was given a legion of genetically altered super-soldiers that were to unify humanity and bring peace to the galaxy in the face of ravening alien creatures, daemons of the chaoti...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 23, 2011, 11:32 am
On Monday, February 7, Concordia University's Department of Religion will be hosting its second bi-annual Book Launch, introducing eight books written by faculty members.  The titles of the books and authors are:Vivre Ensemble : Croyances et sciences en terre laïque by Michel Desp...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 22, 2011, 12:05 pm
I don't think I could have said it better than Paul Stotts at EZine Articles. 4.5/5
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 12, 2011, 10:28 pm
On the planet Arbre, scientists, philosophers and mathematicians live as monks, having as little contact with the outside world as possible, and have done so for millennia. In fact, communication between avout and Saeculars (people from the outside world) is usuallly limited to the time of Apert, w...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - Jan 5, 2011, 8:24 pm
Imagine this: We're in the second decade of the 21st century. Al Gore won the 2000 presidential election, the 9/11 attacks targeted Boston and Philadelphia, and the War on Terror was won. By the terrorists. We encounter James Travis, a software designer and French spy, and his daughter Ro...
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Ashlene A. posted an article on Inside the Reader's Studio - May 17, 2010, 7:08 pm
Spooks. They're defined as spies, but also as ghosts, specters of the past. And they seem to be ever-present in this post 9-11 America. Open to the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles. Hollis Henry, former singer of The Curfew (perhaps a play on the Cure?), now turned journalist, receives a 3am...
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