• @luxorator
  • Essays
  • Reviews
  • About

“Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.” ~ Sir Francis Bacon

  • June 18, 2019

    The Merchant of Death (Pendragon #1) by D.J. MacHale

    I find it only fitting that my return to book reviewing begins with the series that started it all. About ten years ago, in the midst of my early teendom, I stumbled upon this little gem of a novel by D.J. MacHale. The Merchant of Death became the catalyst for my interest in YA fiction and kindled a passion for sharing my thoughts on the many novels I voraciously read. You could…

    Book Reviews, Extended Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Science Fiction Reviews
    The Merchant of Death (Pendragon #1) by D.J. MacHale
  • March 7, 2013

    A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

    There are times when the tumultuous emotion of a novel hinders an honest opinion. There are even times when the unexpected twists of an author’s imagining leave the reader with a quiet sense of baffled awe. Combined, these factors may result in a truly interesting review. Being only the second novel by Hemingway I have had the chance to read, A Farewell to Arms has left a powerful, albeit mournful…

    Book Reviews, Classic Reviews, Extended Reviews
    A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
  • November 28, 2012

    The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier

    The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier is a heart wrenching story of love and hope. The author manages to weave an intimate tale of lovers while making a vast foray into controversial social issues and life values. Published in 2012, The Breeders has the potential to become a modern classic. Within its pages lies discovery and realization on an unprecedented level, one that could strongly impact culture and make one…

    Book Reviews, Dystopia Reviews, Extended Reviews, Romance Reviews
    The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier

    One response

    Reply >: The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier
  • October 7, 2012

    Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2) by Patrick Carman

    Rivers of Fire is the second installment of the Atherton Trilogy, and a truly gripping continuation of the events witnessed in the first book. Patrick Carman is an excellent storyteller, and his prowess has never fallen short—least of all now. If you are new to the series, or new to any of Carman’s work for that matter, prepare yourself for an epic ride of discovery and adventure.

    Book Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Normal Reviews, Science Fiction Reviews
    Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2) by Patrick Carman
  • September 29, 2012

    Lowering the Wall by Gregg Ivers

    Lowering the Wall: Religion and the Supreme Court in the 1980s is an intriguing analysis of the erosion of church-state separation in a particular decade of American History. The author, Gregg Ivers, warns of the degradation of several important original intentions of the founding fathers. Written in 1991, this book provides a timeless insight into the dynamic and often conflicting political mindset of the 1980’s.

    Book Reviews, Extended Reviews, Nonfiction Reviews, Political Opinion Reviews, Religious Reviews
    Lowering the Wall by Gregg Ivers
  • September 16, 2012

    The House of Power (Atherton #1) by Patrick Carman

    The House of Power is the first installment of the Atherton trilogy; written and imagineered by Patrick Carman. This first installment details the many dangerous and revolutionary events on the mysterious land of Atherton. The plot itself is fairly simple and decent, being a fantasy written with an adolescent audience in mind. A likable protagonist named of Edgar is presented whose various endeavors and exploits the story revolves around.

    Book Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Normal Reviews, Science Fiction Reviews
    The House of Power (Atherton #1) by Patrick Carman
  • June 9, 2012

    The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

    The Eye of the World has proven to be an in-depth, well thought, and breathtaking read. Robert Jordan has imagined a truly vivid world, where events seems to fly by at breakneck speed. Something about this book, maybe its tangibility, or the soul encased in its writing, will keep readers enthralled.  As mentioned, this fantasy’s plot is very fast paced, which greatly bumps up the excitement level.

    Book Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Normal Reviews
    The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

    One response

    Reply >: The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan
  • March 18, 2012

    Ptolemy’s Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud

    The last book in a series always manages to woo me a bit. I may just be a sucker for profound endings, but I don’t know. Ptolemy’s Gate sure had this same effect on me. I found myself reading wantonly, like I used to do when I was little. The words flew by my eyes so quick, and I barely gave myself time to take notes for the review. Funnily…

    Book Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Normal Reviews
    Ptolemy’s Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud

    2 responses

    Reply >: Ptolemy’s Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud
  • February 19, 2012

    The Cloudy Corners of Creation by Mark Tate

    When I heard of this book, I knew I had to request a review copy. The Cloudy Corners of Creation is right up my alley; a book that comprises an open-minded take on spirituality and a speculative look at the paranormal and occult. Mark Tate is a brilliant author and human. He is strong and resolute in his faith, yet still sympathetic towards those of differing beliefs. He realizes that…

    Book Reviews, Extended Reviews, Nonfiction Reviews, Religious Reviews, Spiritual Reviews
    The Cloudy Corners of Creation by Mark Tate
  • February 5, 2012

    The Golem’s Eye (Bartimaeus Trilogy #2) by Jonathan Stroud

    The Golem’s Eye is a fantastic sequel to its predecessor; The Amulet of Samarkand. It could very well comprise the heart of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. The fast-paced turn of events invokes the childhood glee I used to experience during all my reading endeavors.  I enjoyed the return the protagonist—the sharp-tongued djinni that everyone should now be familiar with. Nathaniel was portrayed as slightly more aggressive than the previous novels, and…

    Book Reviews, Fantasy Reviews, Normal Reviews
    The Golem’s Eye (Bartimaeus Trilogy #2) by Jonathan Stroud
1 2 3 … 6
Next Page

Recent Reviews

  • The Merchant of Death (Pendragon #1) by D.J. MacHale
  • A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
  • The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier
  • Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2) by Patrick Carman
  • Lowering the Wall by Gregg Ivers
  • The House of Power (Atherton #1) by Patrick Carman
  • The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan
  • Ptolemy’s Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud
  • The Cloudy Corners of Creation by Mark Tate
  • The Golem’s Eye (Bartimaeus Trilogy #2) by Jonathan Stroud
  • The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Trilogy #1) by Jonathan Stroud
  • Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini
  • Stargazer (The Land of Elyon #4) by Patrick Carman
  • Into the Mist (Land of Elyon) by Patrick Carman
  • The Tenth City (Land of Elyon #3) by Patrick Carman
  • Beyond the Valley of Thorns (Land of Elyon #2) by Patrick Carman
  • The Dark Hills Divide (Land of Elyon #1) by Patrick Carman
  • Legends of the Light Bearer: The story left untold by L. M. Aldrich
  • Fire World (Last Dragon Chronicles #6) by Chris D’Lacey
  • Dark Fire (Last Dragon Chronicles #5) by Chris D’Lacey

Categories

  • Allegory Reviews
  • Author Interviews
  • Author Requested Reviews
  • Book Reviews
  • Classic Reviews
  • Dystopia Reviews
  • Essays
  • Extended Reviews
  • Fantasy Reviews
  • Horror Reviews
  • Inspirational Interviews
  • Journal
  • Lost Writings
  • Miscellaneous Speculative Fiction Reviews
  • Movie Reviews
  • Nonfiction Reviews
  • Normal Reviews
  • Notes
  • Paranormal Romance Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Political Musings
  • Political Opinion Reviews
  • Posts From My Former Blog
  • Random Musings
  • Religious Reviews
  • Romance Reviews
  • Science Fiction Reviews
  • Site Updates
  • Spiritual Musings
  • Spiritual Reviews
  • Story Beginnings
  • Top Rated Books (100/100 points)
  • University

Archives

  • April 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • May 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • September 2018
  • June 2018
  • June 2017
  • November 2016
  • February 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • May 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • June 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011

LUX ET VERITAS