I've been impressed, or distressed, enough by these books to write about them

On certain usenet groups, netiquette asks that posters not spoil the outcomes of events. My Spoiler links will contain observations that reveal the dramatic content of the story being told.

I will try to formulate my own impressions of the work, rather than regurgitate other reviews. If I subsequently read reviews that convince me to reconsider, I'll add a Follow Up section.