strong female lead

The final book in the Millennium trilogy continues the story from book two. It ties up many of the loose ends, documents Lisbeth's fight in the courts, and provides closure on a few topics. However, it does this by inventing the clichéd freemason-like secret department within the secret service. This department, apparently very powerful, is also populated by idiots and the plot fails completely because of this.

But, if you liked books one and two, you can consider this book the longest epilogue ever written and enjoy it for that reason. Disappointing.

Book two in the Millennium trilogy explores Lisbeth Salander's past. While not nearly as tight as the first book, it still makes for entertaining reading. However, the background with the villain, "Zala", feels a little too contrived and the plot has a few too many holes in it. But, if you liked the first book, you'll enjoy this one too.

This book by Stieg Larsson is an entertaining mystery-thriller and something of a coming-of-age story as well. The reader is always rooting for the female protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, who is a reclusive, reticent, abused woman with hidden "superpowers". A good read without any major holes in its plot as long as you suspend a little sense of disbelief in the build-up. The setting in Sweden gives it that extra something as well.

Tehanu is the fourth book in the Earthsea cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin. Written almost a couple of decades later when the author was nearing 60, it has a more mature, feminine feel to it. The central character is Tenar (from book 2) who has now grown old, and her relationship with everyone and everything around her. It's a slow-paced but measured read which is for a good portion of the first half, almost like a side-story. Things pick up once Ged makes his entry.

A good read if you like the Earthsea universe. However, it is not standard fantasy fare.

Hunger Games is a bit like Brave New World meets Lord of the Flies meets Rambo. The flow is decent once you suspend disbelief for a good li'l while. The acting is all right and the action above par in places. However, the foundation upon which the plot rests is either inherently flawed or not explained well.

The movie was reasonably entertaining on the whole and going by the ending, there's a sequel coming soon.