The Reincarnationist, by M.J. Rose (6 July − 24 July)

You know, I really liked this book, but it took me forever to read it, due to a combination of business, tiredness, and the 450 pages I had to get through.

The premise of this one is that there's a guy, Josh, who has "lurches" that take him back to his previous lives as a pagan priest and a rich kid. Other people have these lurches, too, so he's not completely crazy. The story starts off in Rome, where an archaeological dig is going on to find these things called memory stones that, with a mantra, allow the holder to go back to his past lives. They are found but quickly stolen by one of the guards at the site, and Josh and one of the archaeologists, Gabriella, are off to get them back − Gabriella because she spent so much time finding them and Josh because he really wants to use them to prove this whole reincarnation thing. The story is told partly in the present, partly through flashback, and both sides are equally engaging to read. Some of the writing is a little shady − misplaced punctuation and odd grammar − but bad editing aside it's a good book.

Rating: 7/10

Storm Front, by Jim Butcher (4 July − 6 July)

This is the first book in a series called The Dresden Files, about a wizard who investigates paranormal crimes. It was recommended to me by a librarian, and I quite enjoyed it.

The wizard is called Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, and he's got a lot of baggage − he has killed a few people in his time, had some uncomfortable interactions with black magic, and has a pretty crappy love life. In this book, he's out on two weird cases: in one, people are dying by having their hearts explode, and in the other, a guy who is sort of into magic disappears and his wife wants him found. The Chicago mob gets involved, and also demons, and a skull that contains a spirit who knows all about potions. It's a little bit all over the place, but it's totally fun. I've got the next book in the series lined up on my shelf.

Rating: 8/10