Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Shadowrealm (Twilight War #3) (Erevis Cale) (Forgotten Realms)


Shadowrealm - Paul S. Kemp This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Shadowrealm
Series: Twilight War, Forgotten Realms
Author: Paul Kemp
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 327


Synopsis:
Cale and Riven hook up with Rivalen, Prince of the Netharese, to stop the Shadow Storm from destroying all of Sembia. Revelations abound about Shar, Mask and Magadon's demon Father, Lord of the 8th Hell.

My Thoughts:
The end of Erevis Cale. He works with anyone he has to to recover Mask's missing piece of divinity and save Magadon's half soul.

Lots of fighting goes on, the End of the World Is Nigh goes on, Cale sacrifices himself for Magadon and general Forgotten Realm'ness goes on. Not a bad book to write a final review for 2014.

Of course, we never know for sure if Cale is really dead or just mostly dead [ha], but considering that his son has had an adventure in the last year or so with Riven and it's been 6 years since this book came out, I do think it is pretty safe to say that Erevis Cale is safely packed away :-)

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Steadfast (Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier #4)


Steadfast - Jack Campbell This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

 Title: Steadfast
Series: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier
Author: Jack Campbell
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 417


Synopsis:
Geary is being given the run-around by the Political Leaders, sent to put out one brushfire after another, in hopes to wear down his fleet and destroy him as a threat.
And Black Jack gets the job done but in the process discovers that Responsibility has been completely abrogated and a worse threat than the Enigma's maybe right in the midst of the both the Alliance and the former Syndic worlds.

My Thoughts:
I gave the previous book, Guardian, 3 stars because it felt kind of wishy washy to me.
Well, this book cleansed that feeling away in a wave of hell lance fire and pure awesome intrigue!

Geary continues to do his job while being actively worked against by his own government, even those friendly to him. The fact that he has not become Supreme Leader is a testament to Campbell's writing skills, as that would be the easy path and solve a LOT of problems.

Lack of overly detailed space  battles [like in the first 6 original Lost Fleet books] made this much more readable. It flowed easier, felt more polished and along with Imperfect Sword, really feels like Campbell [aka John Hemry] has come into his own as an author, almost like he's found his footing for his audience.

The ending. It was awesome! I'm sure more astute readers will pick up the foreshadowing, but it completely went over my head and so I was punching the air, almost yelling, when we find out about the new threat. I was just plain excited. Because Aliens are cool and all, but autonomous rogue A.I.'s have always had a soft place in my heart as being the best bad guys :-)

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Crystal Soldier (Liaden)


Crystal Soldier - Sharon Lee,Steve Miller This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Crystal Soldier
Series: Liaden Universe
Author: Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Genre: SF
Pages: 400


Synopsis:
If you ever wondered HOW the Liaden Universe came about, what with the vague and cryptic hints we've received so far, this book begins to answer those questions.

My Thoughts:
Lee & Miller obviously have a thing for coupling tall women with shorter men. Makes me wonder if they've based their characters on themselves?

Anyway, I enjoyed this Liad book, just like all the others. Hint of romance, large dash of action, mix with some space & ground adventures, throw in some vagueness and slightly ominous hints and BAM, you have this book.

I was kind of hoping for a sequel to Balance of Trade, but this works. And I know that the next book will finish this duology and show the beginnings of the Liaden Universe.
Something to look forward to.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

By Other Means (Hayden War Cycle #5)


By Other Means - Evan Currie This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: By Other Means
Series: Hayden War Cycle/On Silver Wings
Author: Evan Currie
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SF
Pages: 223


Synopsis:
The 'War' is over, Long Live the Cold War.
SOLCOMM is sending a ship and Diplomat to the Alliance, to hammer out the details of a cease-fire and to hopefully work towards a Peace.
Aida is sent along as Protection and to figure out how to exploit weaknesses in the Alliance so it doesn't turn its attention towards Sol and her children.
So how is Aida supposed to protect the Peace while at the same time trying to figure out how to get around said Peace?

My Thoughts:
First off, Currie has gone and officially changed the series name to On Silver Wings, and made the change retroactively to all the books.
Phrack Me! and gold-darn those Indies...

Second, the writing was MUCH improved and the run on sentences strung together by commas, while still present, were not in force like earlier books. However, sometimes Currie got a little too carried away and completely lost me in what he was trying to convey. He probably knew exactly what he was saying, but it sure didn't come across to me.

Thirdly, I liked the story. Not a lot of action, just like in previous books but enough to keep you reading. A bit of existential angst from Aida as she wonders how she will go on with all the death on her conscience, but it isn't to much and feels tacked on to give her 'character' or 'depth'.

Finally, I did enjoy this and do plan on reading more in the series as they come out. Wish Currie would release in other venues than just Amazon but I supposed that is where he's getting most of his money.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Sweet Myth-tery of Life [Myth Adventures #10)


Sweet Myth-Tery of Life - Robert Lynn Asprin This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Sweet Myth-tery of Life
Series: Myth Adventures
Author: Robert Asprin
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 136


Synopsis:
Skeeve must decide whether to marry the Queen of Possilton or take over the Kingdom. Goes on several dates to find out about women, brings the kingdom's finances up to snuff [with Bunny's help] and is generally very Skeeve-like.

My Thoughts:
Not as amusing as I'd hoped. Skeeve is really an idiot and sometimes that translates into "Hilarious" but other times it translates into "Skeeve is an idiot".
This was one of those Idiot times.

Skeeve is a great apprentice archetype, but he doesn't do well as the Leader. It is obvious that Bunny has a thing for him and somewhere in that tiny brain of his it seems that Skeeve has a thing for Bunny.  But to drag the series out, nothing gets resolved, of course.

Skeeve keeps getting limited by the choices presented to him.  He forgets, doesn't realize, etc just how powerful he is and that he can make his own mold instead of conforming to the mold others have cast for him. He needs a stiffer backbone and some self-confidence.

Asprin does write a funny story and parts of this were pretty good [the date with a vampire for one] and the whole thing with Gleep is good as long as you don't mind getting smacked across the chops with a foreshadowing glove [and for the most part, I don't. Smack away, sir, smack away].

I will be reading the next book very soon, as this one ends with Gleep apparently dead or dying with an arrow in him. Spoilered! [kind of like 'Arrowed!!!', for you Homestar Runner fans]

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Scattered Suns (Saga of the Seven Suns #4) DNF @1%


Scattered Suns - Kevin J. Anderson This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Scattered Suns
Series: Saga of the Seven Suns
Author: Kevin Anderson
Rating: 1 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: ---


My Thoughts:
I am done with Anderson. Nothing in the first chapters of this book drew me on and given the track records of the previous 3 books, I thought it best to simply Abandon this book, this series and Anderson as an author.

Wanted to clear out my Currently Reading list and get all the reviews out of the way before the New Years.  Not a review really, but everything by Anderson just bores me.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Passenger to Frankfurt


Passenger to Frankfurt - Agatha Christie This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

 Title: Passenger to Frankfurt
Series: -----
Author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 250



Synopsis:
A vast worldwide conspiracy of Youth and Neo-Nazism arise. A middle aged man meets a woman in Frankfurt and becomes part of the campaign against said Youth Movement.
And then things wrap up.

My Thoughts:
This felt very disjointed and badly put together. Part of that was because I was expecting a Mystery and this was a kind of Political Thriller.

The middle/end suddenly seemed to solve everything where as in the beginning the group was bewailing the fact that this Movement was completely unstoppable. The Benevolent Drug, not sure why ANYONE thought it would be a good idea.

And finally, BAM, they get married. And the circumstances were as rough as the previous paragraph and this one. It left me feeling like I had somehow missed a huge chunk of the book.

Not cool.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Hellhole (Hellhole #1) DNF @41%


Hellhole - Brian Herbert,Kevin J. Anderson This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Hellhole
Series: Hellhole
Author: Kevin Anderson, Brian Herbert
Rating: 2 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: DNF


My Thoughts:
Started out ok, a typical SF Epic'y type story.
But as I read on, it became obvious as the sun that this was nothing more than a copy and klug'ing of Anderson's Saga of the Seven Suns series and Herbert's Dune prequels.

I am in the middle of the Seven Suns series right now and not enjoying it, as it is drawn out and boring. This had some life [thanks to Herbert] but the blatant rewriting of their same old ideas didn't do it for me.
If I had read this trilogy before starting the Seven Suns, I might have let the Dune'esque copycatness stuff go and enjoyed this. But once again, Anderson screws me over. Ballz to that.

So I just stopped. Not worth the aggravation AND repetitiveness...

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Command Strike (Executioner #29)


Command Strike - Don Pendleton This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

 Title: Command Strike
Series: The Executioner
Author: Don Pendleton
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 127



Synopsis:
Bolan continues his strike against the new King that Would Be, trying to protect Leo Turin AND keep Brognola safe.
All while in New York City in the middle of a Mafia meet.

My Thoughts:
Bolan kills mafia members, sets up and brings down others and generally causes mayhem and chaos.
A slightly longer term plan is beginning to appear but also, Bolan seems to be wearing down, accepting the fact that he can never destroy the Mafia, because he can't change human nature.

These will continue to amuse and be enjoyable as long as they don't become too introspective. Keep it to the guns and action...

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Uncharted Stars (Murdoc Jern #2)


Uncharted Stars - Andre Norton This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

 Title: Uncharted Stars
Series: Murdoc Jern
Author: Andre Norton
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 232


Synopsis:
Murdoc and Eet are blacklisted by the Patrol and the Guild, so how are they going to survive? Kidnap a drunk former space pilot, hook up with an alien and solve the puzzle of where the Zero Stones come from of course!

My Thoughts:
This had to be some of the most stoic writing ever.

And Murdoc continues to distrust Eet, afraid that he'll take over his mind or use him or "something". He makes several stupid decisions on this alone and gets the whole crew in trouble.
But in spite of that, things were kind of rolling along, right up until the end,

where Eet, with the power of a whole planet of Zero Stones, turns into HER original form and is of course, a beautiful woman.
(hide spoiler)

I could not believe that. Both books were focused on friendship, companionship, duty, etc, etc without even a hint of romance. And then that. It was like taking a big bottle of Heinz Ketchup and squirting the whole bottle on a fillet mignon steak, to "make it palatable for everyone".
Kind of glad there are no more Murdoc Jern books so I won't even be tempted to read them.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Imperfect Sword (Lost Stars #3) (Lost Fleet)


Imperfect Sword - Jack Campbell This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Imperfect Stars
Series: The Lost Stars, Lost Fleet
Author: Jack Campbell
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 379


Synopsis:
President Iceni and General Drakon must defend themselves yet again from the remnants of the Syndic Gov't. The best way they can think of to do this is to help their neighbors and form some sort of loose Coalition or Alliance but without becoming the Syndics 2.0 or an Empire.
The Ulindi Star System is in rebellion and looks promising to both Iceni and Drakon. But can they help that system without endangering themselves or the people they have sworn to protect.

My Thoughts:
First, it has taken me 3 books to put the facts together that Iceni's name is Gwen and Drakon's is Artur. Arthur and Guinevere. Doh. Hope that doesn't bode ill for the ending of the series.

Loved, loved, loved this book! It was the perfect mix of space fighting, ground fighting, intrigue, mystery with just a hint of romance. I have to admit, I think I am enjoying this Lost Stars series more than the original Lost Fleet books. And I definitely enjoy having 2 main characters instead of just Jack Black Geary.

This series continues to explore non-Alliance space, politics and the after-affects of Jack Black ending the war. With the introduction of the Dancers' cryptic message about "different stars" you know this series is going to go for several more books. Honestly, I'm hoping for another 3, to make it match the original series.

While my enthusiasm for the spinoff series Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier waxes and wanes, these books have consistently kept my interest and kept me wanting the next book, now. Highly recommended to any SFF fan, with the caveat that you read the first 6 Lost Fleet books to understand the universe you are in.

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

The Zero Stone (Murdoc Jern #1)


The Zero Stone - Andre Norton This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: The Zero Stone
Series: Murdoc Jern
Author: Andre Norton
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 250

Synopsis:
Murdoc Jern, son of a famous jemologist, is pushed out on his own, with only an unknown stone as his inheritance.
Plying his trade as an apprentice, his master is murdered and Murdoc is on the run. From the Guild, the Patrol and other sources. He hooks up with an alien, born from a cat, named Eet to find out what the Zero Stone is.

My Thoughts:
This was typical Norton, with brains being the most important thing. Action happened, but it was described so stultifyingly that it was a relief to get to other stuff.

I did enjoy the overall story but there are times that Norton's style grates. It is a testament to her writing skill and storytelling ideas that even with that, I still keep reading her stuff. I love the story and the idea of exploring space for Lost Civilizations is cool.

I liked this enough that I am now in the middle of the second book.

Monday, December 08, 2014

Forever Odd (Odd Thomas #2)


Forever Odd - Dean Koontz This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Forever Odd
Series: Odd Thomas
Author: Dean Koontz
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 309

Synopsis:
Odd must rescue a young man with brittle bone disease. Said young man's mother and adopted father were brutally murdered in the kidnapping.
Only, things aren't quite as they seem and the young man isn't the final target. Betcha can't guess who is?

My Thoughts:
While the first book involved Odd, it wasn't ABOUT him. That changes in this book. In a big way.
We also aren't dealing with run of the mill psycho's but with a psycho bitch who seems to have some kind of connection to the supernatural.

Odd's narrative voice is soothing, calm and laid back, even while telling horrific happenings. Who would think that a battle in the sewers could be exciting and yet perfectly calm? Koontz pulls it off seamlessly.

On general principle, I am not an urban fantasy fan or a paranormal fan, but this series is pulling me in. It is hitting all the right "thriller" buttons and I am finding Odd to be a completely likable and sympathetic character.

Sunday, December 07, 2014

Wraith Squadron (X-Wing #5) (Star Wars)


Wraith Squadron - Aaron Allston This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Wraith Squadron
Series: X-Wing, Star Wars
Author: Aaron Allston
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 416


Synopsis:
Wedge puts together a new X-Wing group, one that is multi-talented in more than just flying and fighting with X-wings.
However, they are all the dregs, the washouts, the problem children, of other units. Can Wedge forge them into a new squadron, one that is equal to Rogue Squadron?
Or course he can; this is the Star Wars Expanded Universe after all!

My Thoughts:
Stackpole's writing was much more intense, almost darker. Allston on the other hand, injects a much needed dose of humor throughout the whole book and makes it work. I like Allston's writing and am sad that we'll never be reading any more new stuff from, as he died earlier this year.

With a different author, we veer away from Rogue Squadron and into the Adventures of Wraith Squadron. A more disparate crew you won't be able to find, except maybe on the Millennium Falcon. A whole group of sentients with some serious issues, in one form or another. It is a lot of fun to see them coming together as a group and fixing their issues.

Wraith Squadron's mission, overall, is to find and destroy Warlord Zsinj. And these books focus on the little missions leading up to that denouement.

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1)


Old Man's War - John Scalzi This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Old Man's War
Series: Old Man's War
Author: John Scalzi
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 287


Synopsis:
A "Space Army" exists, but you can only join once you turn 75. They have amazing tech, which they dribble to Earth. They also protect Earth and her Colonies from everything else Out There.
Follows one man whose wife has died and he joins up on his birthday.
A military story ensues with just the right amount of Future Tech and a slight mystery to keep things interesting.

My Thoughts:
Sadly, Scalzi crossed one of my Lines in the Sand, so I won't be reading any more by him.

That being said, if it wasn't for that, this would be a 5 star book. This is what Science Fiction should be like.

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Cyador's Heirs (Saga of Recluce #17)


Cyador's Heirs - L.E. Modesitt Jr. This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Cyador's Heirs
Series: The Saga of Recluce
Author: L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 629


Synopsis:
Cyador is gone and its survivors are in Hamor, trying to carve out a kingdom amongst hostile dukes of surrounding kingdoms.
The younger son is sent off to be trained and ends up fighting a war in defense of a new ally.

My Thoughts:
The fact that I am still reading this series should say something. However, I am not sure what, as I do nothing but complain about each book as I read them.

Modesitt has a certain voice when writing the Recluce books and it is one that can stupify, grate and generally annoy. Even while telling a rather fantastic story. And that is what keeps me coming back. The stories.

The stories are formulaic to the extreme,  nothing is original and you'll be sick and tired of people eating by the time the novel is done. But you'll read it to the end and read 17 books worth and read the next book when it comes out.

What can I say? I still enjoy these but it is with the knowledge of the flaws, deliberate I believe sometimes, of these books.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The Alabaster Staff (The Rogues #1) (Forgotten Realms)


The Alabaster Staff - Edward Bolme This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: The Alabaster Staff
Series: The Rogues, Forgotten Realms
Author: Edward Bolme
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 320


Synopsis:
A young girl is entangled in a plot between factions of the gods Tiamat and the fallen god of Unther [where this story takes place]. Also in play are the political powers of Unther and another nation that is trying to take them over.
Kersin [or whatever "exotic" spelling the author makes it to be], the young woman, is forced to steal the Staff of Necromancy, give it away, watch her erstwhile allies get slaughtered, taken into protection by a powerful lord, shadowed by said lord's bodyguard and in the end, try to prevent the raising of a dead mad god.

My Thoughts:
The first chapter is very misleading, as it follows a young boy who steals into the city and steals some fruit to survive. He then gives some fruit to Kersin and we never see him again. I felt very bait-n-switch'ed.

But after that, I enjoyed this. The purple prose was really kept to a minimum and that in and of itself made this worthy of enjoyment. Kersin was a likeable main character and there was no love story, or even worse, a love triangle. Thank goodness for that!
The inclusion of the Harpers was a nice touch too, especially since I like the idea of an underground group of Good Guys doing good things to make the world a gooder place :-)

The ending fight was nice and climactic, with a zombie god and all. Looking forward to the next book in the Rogue series.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Seal of the Worm (Shadows of the Apt #10) (Final)


The Seal of the Worm - Adrian Tchaikovsky This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Seal of the Worm
Series: Shadows of the Apt
Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 624


Synopsis:
The Wasp Empire is collapsing beneath Seda's actions. The Worm's Empire is breaking free.
And the world as the Kinden all know it is changing.


My Thoughts:
This was more enjoyable and a good bit deeper than I was expecting.  I suspect it had as much to do with my frame of mind [ie, Thanksgiving] than with the actual book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wraps things up while giving us a rousing good adventure story.

The series overall made me feel like I was on a roller coaster. Not because Tchaikovsky's style significantly changed, but because it seemed the focus, the sub-genre almost, changed at the midpoint.

From starting out as a Heroic Quest to save Collegium from the Wasp Empire it changed to a much more relational, "think out the consequences" type of story.
I have to admit, I did NOT like the change after book 5. But the stories were still good, just different than what I had started out with.

With this ending book and seeing how everything works together, I do heartily recommend this series to any Fantasy fan who wants something that is just a tiny "bit" different. I did find the whole Kinden aspect to be wicked cool.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Masters of Doom


Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture - David Kushner This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Masters of Doom
Series: -----
Author: David Kushner
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Biography
Pages: 301


Synopsis:
A Quick and Dirty Biography of John Romero and John Carmack, the Co-Creators of ID Software, which gave us Doom and Quake.

My Thoughts:
Overall, I'd say this was a pretty lackluster book. Serious issues were quickly gone over, motivations and thoughts barely sketched out, no footnotes, quotes or anything of substance.

However, it brought such a dose of Nostalgia that I practically felt like a kid again! I remember my first computer, a dx2-66, on which I ran DOS 6.22 [not that nasty ol' 6.20 mind you!] and was the envy of my friends because I'd saved up and bought a cd-rom 4x. Oh man, I was blazing.

I didn't really play Doom, but was introduced to Doom II: Hell on Earth. It was fantastic. It was everything my young self craved. Guns. Violence against a legitimate target. Being a bad ass hero. Double barreled shotgun. Puzzle solving along aside adrenalin inducing action.

Then Heretic and Hexxen came out, based on Doom's graphic engine. Medieval Doom with bows and arrows, magic arcane items, more intricate puzzles. And Hexxen with its multi-hub puzzles. It was all awesome.

Then Quake. I remember Quake so well because it required a Pentium 75 and my neighbor had just gotten one and there was no way I was going to be able to afford one for quite some time.

And this book brought back all those memories and feelings. And that is why this was rated so high.

The book itself was about two raging egomaniacs with different strengths who wouldn't and couldn't work together or with others. Because of that, they made and lost great people, companies and games.
Kushner tries to end on a happy note, but you know it won't last because nothing has changed in the John's lives except their current circumstances.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Longstocking #1)


Pippi Longstocking - Florence Lamborn,Nancy Seligsohn,Astrid Lindgren This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Pippi Longstocking
Series: Pippi Longstocking
Author: Astrid Lindgren
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Children
Pages: 80


Synopsis:
Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the world, moves into Villa Villecula, all by herself.
Her neighbors have adventures with her and romps ensue.

My Thoughts:
I remember reading this back in gradeschool and thinking it was the most humorous book ever. It was the Gold Standard of Funny.

Reading this now, I can understand why my young self was so enamored. It is immature, all about the kids and them having Adventures that every kid can only dream about.
The adults are adults from a kids perspective, existing but usually getting in the way.

I'm rating this 3 because I'm an adult. But for kids, and my Inner Kid, I'm giving it a 5.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

The Ivanhoe Gambit (Time Wars #1)


The Ivanhoe Gambit - Simon Hawke This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: The Ivanhoe Gambit
Series: Time Wars
Author: Simon Hawke
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 228


Synopsis:
In the "Future", war is waged by keeping points of soldiers who fight in past battles. Those keep track of the points are the Elite, who also double as Time Agents who prevent paradoxes from occurring.
Well, one of these Refs goes rogue and tries to derail the timeline by taking Richard the Lionhearted's place in History and changing everything.
A group of soldiers are sent in to stop a Paradox from happening and they happen to land in the story of Ivanhoe. And thus the story proceeds.

My Thoughts:
I would have eaten this stuff up like pudding back in the early 90's, but since I've read a good bit of Time Travel, Time Paradox AND the original Ivanhoe, well, this was only so-so.

First off, Hawke takes the Ivanhoe story as his outline and then interweaves his own, so to be honest, I felt like he was cheating. Yeah, you heard me, cheating. If someone reads this and it gets them to read the actual Ivanhoe, then I'm ok with that, but to be honest, I don't see that happening.

If I compared this to food [ I'm hungry right now :-D ] I'd have to go with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, made with skippy peanut "spread", on super de duper processed sliced white bread. It does its job, but you don't want more than 1 in a great while.

There are 12 in the series. I wonder if I can read them all? At least unlike that terrible Endworld series, this is internally consistent with how the characters act.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Bone Key (Supernatural #3) DNF @30%


Bone Key  - Keith R.A. DeCandido This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Bone Key
Series: Supernatural
Author: Keith DeCandido
Rating: 1 of 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: DNF


My Thoughts:
Due to personal and religious reasons, I will not be finishing this book.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Savage Fire (Executioner #28)


Savage Fire - Don Pendleton This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Savage Fire
Series: The Executioner
Author: Don Pendleton
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 138


Synopsis:
Leo Turin is apparently under a kill order from the Mafia and someone knows he's a fed. And someone in the feds is a dirty fink linked to the mafia.
If he stays, he dies, if he leaves, he dies.
Mack doesn't turn his back on his friends. And if it means killing even more outrageous amounts of mafioso, then so much the better.

My Thoughts:
Really enjoyed this one. The head of the Mafia, whom Mack spared [even while blowing his legs off] a couple of books back, is fighting for what's left of his life and his position. Leo is caught in the crossfire and nobody knows who is fighting for who because of the veil of secrecy the mafia uses.

But Bolan won't be stopped. He kills, he destroys and in the process he sets up Leo to a new mafia lord who can feed the Feds even more info. Everyone but the Mafia wins!

Man, I love it when the badguys get moyduhed!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Gankutsuou Vol. 1-3 (Manga Monday)


Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, Vol. 1 - Yura Ariwara,Mahiro Maeda
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, Vol. 2 - Yura Ariwara,Mahiro Maeda
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, Vol. 3 - Yura Ariwara,Mahiro Maeda
This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Gankutsuou
Series: Gankutsuou
Author & Artist: Mahiro Maeda, Yuri Ariwara
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Manga
Pages: 600+

Synopsis:
A manga adaptation of the anime, which in turn was based on the novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.
Sadly, while the book was Brilliant and the Anime was gorgeous, this was disjointed, disturbing and overall a real disappointment.

My Thoughts:
I was very disappointed in this.  The focus was on only one of the antagonists, the young people were almost cutout and there were some seriously messed up Freudian expressions.
My main problems with this were the following:
1) Villeforte kills his second wife and Gankutsuou brings her back to life.
2) Villeforte uses his daughter Valentine to replace his dead first wife, and I do mean uses.
3) Madame Villeforte, kidnaps her child and Valentine and does some seriously perverted things with Valentine.
4) The whole family end up torturing and keeping Villeforte as they torture slave.

Most of this was implied, [except #3, & 4] and not graphic but it was even more disturbing for not being in your face.

Also, Gankutsuou is shown to be the mega-mind of Chateau D'if that merges with Edmond Dantes, thus allowing Edmund to live and Gankutsuou to roam the universe. This made things to be almost Gothic, like Science Not Understood.

I can't recommend this manga. Go watch the anime and be amazed however.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Paragon Lost (A Chronicle of the King's Blades #1) (King's Blades #4)


Paragon Lost - Dave Duncan This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Paragon Lost
Series: A Chronicle of the King's Blades, King's Blades
Author: Dave Duncan
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 348


Synopsis:
Sir Beaumont heads up a special journey to get a new Queen for their King. And because of Politics and other bad things, completes the mission but loses all status and is kicked out of Iron Hall.
And the story finishes with him really completing the Mission and getting it all back.

My Thoughts:
There are times where I hate Duncan's use of the split timeline. We start the book at the 2/3rds mark chronologically, get introduced to the situation, then immediately jump back to the beginning, hear about that, then jump to the resolution.
It isn't nice neat segments though. But huge parts so you forget where you were or where you were heading. That is the main reason I took a star off.

Other than that, this was a great King's Blades story. While it is a stand-alone story, you are definitely served by knowing the history of the previous 3 books in the series.

Think European magic swordsmen in Russia. Messy, cold, brutal and lots of paranoia and fear.  More about politics and international incidents than magic sword fighting though. Well, you can't win them all.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

The Rowan (The Tower and the Hive #1)


The Rowan - Anne McCaffrey This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: The Rowan
Series: The Tower and the Hive
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 334


Synopsis:
Humanity has moved out into space, with help of the Talented. Those special people who have Extra Abilities, whether of the mind or body.
The most sought after, the rarest, are the Primes, Talents with multiple abilities and who can transport cargo from planet to planet, system to system.

One day, a Prime is discovered, a young child with no memories and no antecedents. She will grow up to become The Rowan, one of the Most Powerful Primes Earth has ever seen.
But what she discovers is even greater than her.

My Thoughts:
I remember reading this when it first came out. It was probably my first SFF book that was as heavy on the romance as it was on the SFF. So that was my memory, but it has been some time so I wanted to re-read this series and get my thoughts in writing.

I'd like to start out by saying that I did enjoy this book and will be continuing the series. However, this was a puff piece of girl power and the Perfect Man. Much like the Mack Bolan/Executioner series is a puff piece of Macho'ness.

It was fun seeing Rowan grow up. Meeting the heretofore new Prime and finding out about the Alien Menace. And dealing the first decisive blow. I am glad McCaffrey didn't make her characters sit around and debate the ethics of dealing with a real menace.

A good solid dray horse of a tale, even if not a racing stallion.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Deadspeak (Necroscope #4)


Necroscope IV: Deadspeak - Brian Lumley This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Deadspeak
Series: Necroscope
Author: Brian Lumley
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Pages: 517


Synopsis:
Harry is BACK. But his son, to defend his bad ass vampire self, took away Harry's Necroscope powers and returned him to Earth.
Now another Vampire is Ascending, one with the capability and know how to survive in our modern age. A Vampire who can Foretell the future. A Vampire who is the blood son of Faethor Ferenczi.
Can Harry regain his Mad Skillz, Defeat Janos and Prevent Faethor from taking over his mind?
Find out in this 4th Necroscope Novel!

My Thoughts:
I know my synopsis sounds ridiculous, but really, as much as I am truly enjoying the deliciousness of these books, they are just so THAT.

I really like the fact that these are also Cold War era thrillers as well as Vampires as Ultra-Monsters horror stories. The politics and how the world was at that time make this a lot of fun to read about. However, young people today will be missing out on a lot. They won't know who Nicolae Ceaușescu was or anything.

I think that Janos, the Vampire of this book, is the worst yet. He raped his mother repeatedly because he hated his father [and that is why this got the sexually explicit tag], allowed himself to be killed to survive until the present day, takes over a blood relative's body and then just plays mind games with Harry. Each Vampire gets worse in each book and it is wonderful. Vampires are BAD and these books show just what horrible monsters they are.

One thing that I wondered and kind of look forward to, is Harry killing Harry Jr. That little brat is now a Necroscoped Vampire who is a Super Genius. I don't care how good, strong or noble his intentions are, he is a Vampire and it will show at some point. And Lumley seems to like making Harry suffer and to I like seeing him suffer [he's really not the most likable of people] so having him kill his own son that he sacrificed so much for would just hit the spot I think.

Good stuff, eh!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Gunslinger Girl #15 Finale (Manga Monday)


Gunslinger Girl, Vol. 15: Finale - Yu Aida This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Finale
Series: Gunslinger Girl
Author & Artist: Yu Aida
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Manga
Pages: 192


Synopsis:
The End of the series and the Social Welfare Agency. The terrorists are defeated but their sympathizers in the government mobilize to destroy the Agency. Which in turn allows the legitimate gov't to take out the rogue elements which have been hiding in plain sight.
We get to see how the various girls and handlers handle the future and in the end, how something good comes from all the death and destruction.

My Thoughts:
I am so glad that the previous volume was not the ending, as it showed the end of the battle but not the aftermath.
This was Sad and melancholic.
Seeing Henrietta and her handler dead [for sure with no questions] just cut me. I liked her the best of all the girls.
Watching the survivors wear out was hard too. You know they are going to die, we knew that right from the beginning, but seeing them drop off one by one, it was heart wrenching.

I did like the fact that the story ended with Triella's daughter making a success of herself in a normal life. The ending quote was very uplifting:
Yes, there is still
HOPE
in our world!

As a series overall, I found this went from the Action'y to Deeply Life Affirming to simply Touching. I highly recommend it.

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Nexus (Nexus #1) DNF


Nexus - Ramez Naam This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Nexus
Series: Nexus
Author: Ramez Naam
Rating: 1 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF/Cyberpunk Prequel
Pages: DNF @ 46%


Synopsis:
Mankind is messing with their genes and dna and creating all sorts of miracles and monsters and possibly the next step in human evolution, the Post-Human.
One young genius and his friends have created a breakthrough using a nanobot type drug called Nexus5. The breakthough? Mind to Mind Contact...and Control.

My Thoughts:
Two main reason I didn't get past the 46% mark.

First, the profanity. It was "fuck" that and "shit" this every other sentence after the first chapter or so. I don't want to read that kind of language, as I do believe that what we expose ourselves to on a continual basis will change us in that direction.

Second, in the last couple of years the big bad bogeyman of the future is nano/bio/techno whatzuhazzits. Just like if you read Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, their stories are filled with either how wonderful Nuclear energy is and how every garbage disposal is a small nuclear reactor that powers your portable rocket pack OR how horrible it is and how mankind ends up destroying itself every time it is used. That is how I feel this story was. Horrible, terrible humanity destroying. So forget it.

One thing I did enjoy was how this is definitely Prequel Cyberpunk. Every wonder how societies like Snowcrash or Neuromancer came about? They didn't pop into existence over night. This story explores a world on the brink, but instead of humanity using the tech, it is all about the tech using humanity. And I just don't buy that. We don't understand 1/100th of the awesome miracle known as the brain, so don't tell me that some computer program is suddenly smarter. It might be able to do certain things more focusedly, [not sure that is even a real word, to be honest] but it will not have the depth, breadth and creativity of the Mind.

So there you have it.  Good plot overall, good grammar and story editing, just hit me wrong and I didn't like it. Maybe you will.

Friday, November 07, 2014

A Tale of Two Cities (Classic) (Buddy Read)


A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: A Tale of Two Cities
Series: -----
Author: Charles Dickens
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Classic Literature
Pages: 443


Synopsis:
A Tale set during the times of the French Revolution which follows a French family living in England.
A story of Hope and Redemption even during the worst of times.

My Thoughts:
Fan-phracking-tastic! Having read this in the late 90's, then again back in '07, my decision to re-read Dickens every decade or so seems to be paying off.
This was just as good, if not better than previous reads and it was in no way diminished by being a re-read.

I thought Dickens did a masterful job of portraying the characters. Not one single person was a Superman with no flaws, but all had their strengths and weaknessess and Dickens used that to make them interact in such a way that it was more than believable.

Darnay was a polished but emotionally naive Frenchman. Carton was a diamond in the rough that only shined in the last minutes of his life. Lucie was a pillar of strength to her husband while putting her only daughter into harms way. Dr. Mannette survived the Bastille, rescued his son-in-law, only to see him re-taken by the Republic and Mannette himself reverting psychologically to his prison days. Defarge wants Justice but not untold bloodshed. Madame Defarge is hard and implacable and yet it is love that destroys her in  the end.

I loved this.

And I really enjoyed doing a buddy read with Book Cupidity as well. It was fun to see the other's updates and comments. Good times.

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Warrior Spirit (Rogue Angel #9)


Warrior Spirit  - Alex Archer This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Warrior Spirit
Series: Rogue Angel
Author: Alex Archer
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 292


Synopsis:
Annja is recruited to find an old family relic with possible mystical powers, by the last in a clan of.....Ninjas!

And they are opposed by the Yakuza, another Ninja'y kind of guy and some monks.

My Thoughts:
My eyes were rolling so much while reading this that I had to change my glasses.
Ok, it wasn't quite that bad, but almost.

The Sword goes on the fritz whenever Anna isn't in real danger, which I find ridiculous. It completely took away the idea of Free Will and negated the idea that she could go all Darkside by killing innocents, which has been previously explored.

I don't expect much from my action books, but if you are going to try to be Philosophical, I expect something real, not some new age crap that has as much depth as a bikini.

And Mr Ninja? I have nothing to say *grin*

Monday, November 03, 2014

Azumanga Daioh Omnibus (Manga Monday)


Azumanga Daioh Omnibus - Kiyohiko Azuma,Stephen Paul This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer

Title: Azumanga Daioh Omnibus
Series: Azumanga Daioh
Author & Artist: Kiyohiko Azuma
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Manga
Pages: 688


Synopsis:
Follows the highschool years of a group of young girls. Slice of Life type manga, with everything from humor to sadness to absolute saccharine sweetness.

The majority of the manga is the 4Koma style, ie, 4 single panel drawings one atop the other, which lends itself to very brief, intense one shots.
However, there are times where Azuma breaks away from this format to tell a slightly more connected story and then you get the typical manga layout.

My Thoughts:
Loved this, hence the favorite designation. It is light, comedic, fun, easy to digest and just generally a delight to read.

The omnibus collection collects all 4 volumes of the original manga and it is one monster book. I read a copy from the library and they used that special reinforcing clear tape on the spine and on the insides of the front and back cover, to keep it from cracking. It seemed to work and if I ever buy this volume, I'd definitely want something like that, as this is just too big for simple glue binding to handle.

I have to admit, if you had suggested that I would love a manga [and anime, which I do one, by the way] about highschool girls, I would have been very suspicious of you. But the comedy and lack of angsty pathos made this a series that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to try out this new fangled fad thingy called manga.
The format also lends itself to easing a newb into the whole right to left reading of panels. Good practice for when you're trying to figure out some of those other more complicated series.

If you've read Yotsuba&! and liked it, you'll definitely enjoy this ancestor of it. And if you like this, you'll definitely want to read Yotsuba&! next.

Sunday, November 02, 2014

Balance of Trade (Liaden)


Balance of Trade - Sharon Lee,Steve Miller This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Balance of Trade
Series: Liaden Universe
Author: Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SF
Pages: 670


Synopsis:
Jethri, young spaceborn Terran, is hated by his mother and she wants him gone. In one of those upsets of circumstances, Jethri is taken as a new apprentice, on a Liaden ship.

Adopted as the new heir of the Captain, Jethri is plunged into the Liaden world, filled with Honor, Melanti, and pitfalls he has no idea even exist. Thankfully, he acquires allies who help him as he in turn helps them.

My Thoughts:
As with previous Liaden novels, I simply loved this. I cannot pin down exactly what Lee & Miller do to make me love their books, but it hasn't failed yet.
One thought that did strike me was how much this reminded of "Jane Austen.....In Space!"  The light romance touches, the family/clan drama, it just struck as Austen-lite and I really liked it.

This story follows a different Liaden clan from the former books and I am glad of that. It actually follows a Terran who is becoming Liaden. So everything is from Jethri's viewpoint. I am glad to have read the previous Liaden books, as it gave me a background that helped me know pieces that weren't obvious.

Everything that characterized the former books was here as well. It does end incomplete, but not a cliffhanger.  Looking forward to the next book immeasurably. I wonder how long I can drag it out before I HAVE to read it?
*grin*

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Man-Kzin Wars (Man-Kzin #1)


The Man-Kzin Wars - Larry Niven,Stephen Hickman,Poul Anderson,Dean Ing This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: The Man-Kzin Wars
Series: The Man-Kzin Wars
Author: Larry Niven, Poul Anderson, Dean Ing
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 389


Synopsis:
Mankind meets the warlike Kzin [cat empire that is conquering everything they can] and we kick their freaking butts.
These 3 stories show First Contact and then some activities AFTER the war.

My Thoughts:
In all honesty, I was expecting more of the War and less whatever these stories were. Social commentaries or longwinded SFF monologues about science'y things. Boring, pointless and non-war oriented science'y things no less.

I was expecting something more like Alan Fosters trilogy, The Damned, where the fighting was what it was all about. This was just some rather generic space adventures. Not really sure how these 3 stories spawned over 10 books worth of stories.

It wasn't bad, it simply wasn't engaging or interesting enough. I won't be reading any more in this series.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Shadowstorm (Twilight War #2) (Erevis Cale) (Forgotten Realms)


Shadowstorm  - Paul S. Kemp This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Shadowstorm
Series: Twilight War, Forgotten Realms
Author: Paul Kemp
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 352


Synopsis:
Erevis, Riven and Magadon make a deal with the Devil to escape hell and to prevent Magadon from being obliterated. This deal is what propels their actions for this book.

In Sembia, and specifically the city of Selgaunt, War happens. Shadow forces are at play and nothing is straight forward or as it seems. Shar, a goddess of dark, is ascendant and she uses, abuses and discards her servants as she sees fit.

Shadovar, long lost shadow sorcerers arise to combat the darkness, but they are servants as Shar as well.

My Thoughts:
Much like the first Twilight War book, Cale only plays a part, not the main part of the story and I find that rather unfortunate. The other characters, while driving the overall plot forward are not really people I am invested in. Cale, I am invested in. I've read the Sembia series [where he is a major character in the first 2 books and appears throughout the remaining 5] and the Cale trilogy. So 11 books I've invested in him.

Whenever I am reading a Forgotten Realms books, I have to remember to not get to excited about some big change that is coming because that is ALL the books are actually about, gods ascending/descending, the world changing, new conquerors/heroes/villains, etc.  Some of the smaller series/authors might be nice little side adventures [here's to hoping Castles or Rogues are more standalone] but most of the trilogies are always earth shattering events.

This one did get the Ultra-violent tag because what Magadon's father, the Devil, does to him. Graphic disemboweling while keeping him a live. And then eating half his soul.

The ending, where some sort of portal is opened between this world and a shadowrealm was pretty cool. Looking forward to how Cale & Co save the world and their friend Magadon, as with only half a soul he is sliding faster and faster toward his devil heritage.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Dixie Convoy (Executioner #27)


Dixie Convoy - Don Pendleton This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: Dixie Convoy
Series: The Executioner
Author: Don Pendleton
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 129


Synopsis:
Mack heads to Georgia following a cocaine trail and comes across a huge mafia front which deals in laundering everything from money to automobiles.
With the help of the trucker community Mack crushes them and allows the Feds to roll the Mafia up like a rug.

My Thoughts:
Can't say I liked this one as much as the others. There was so much trucker/CB talk that half the time I had no idea what was going on, even when one of the characters took the time to explain it.
Other than that, this was a good fun book with lots of guns blazing and rockets blowing things up.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Tarkin (Star Wars) (ARC)


Tarkin: Star Wars - James Luceno I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley.com and that in no way has influenced my opinion in regards to this review.


This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.





Title: Tarkin
Series: Star Wars
Author: James Luceno
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: SFF
Pages: 289


Synopsis:
This book is the dual story about past and present of Tarkin. The past is about his beginning of life and rise to power and the forces that shaped him while the present story is a little adventure about the beginnings of the Rebellion and the Deathstar.
Which I believe completely throws the book Deathstar under the bus continuity-wise, but eh, what else is new in the Star Wars universe these days?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed Kenobi but not this. It was bland, not that interesting and I found myself constantly checking my Kindle to see how much more I had before I would be at the end.
Which, to be honest, is how a lot of Star Wars book are but it used to be that I could ignore that and pick out whatever good I could because I really enjoyed the Extended Universe. But with Disney's eradication of the EU my fandom turned to distaste and hence my thoughts are no longer so charitable.

I've been reading a lot of Forgotten Realms recently and the Star Wars books reminds me of those but not as fun. I guess I was looking for this book to redeem the actions that Disney took and it failed beyond belief in that regards and as a story was just a typical Star Wars book.

With that being said, I think I'm pretty much done with the Star Wars book universe. Doesn't mean I won't read the occasional one, especially once the sequel movies come out, but I certainly won't be waiting for each book to come out so that I can devour it.

A big fat 'meh'.

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Classic) (Short Story)


The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Washington Irving This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer


Title: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Series: -----
Author: Washington Irving
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Classic
Pages: 36

Synopsis:
Ichabod Crane, local school teacher and collector of local supernatural lore, is in love with a rich farmer's daughter.So is a brawny tough.
One night Ichabod meets the local Haunt of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman and is never seen in the area again.

My Thoughts:
This was a lot shorter than I was expecting. I thought it would be novella size instead of a short story.
It also wasn't scary, but funny. It simply had a lot of paranormal going on in it. And in the end, you find out that it wasn't even that.

However, I still really enjoyed this. Ichabod was SO your geeky booksmart guy who simply couldn't compete. And the lass involved was your typical backwoods small towner who Ichabod would have been smarter to ignore. But as we all know, sometimes the head doesn't lead down the same path as the heart.

I just chuckled away several times. Definitely going to be a story I read each year for from now one. It was just delightful!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Fevre Dream


Fevre Dream - George R.R. Martin This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Fevre Dream
Series: -----
Author: George Martin
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 440


Synopsis:
A riverboat Captain who is down on his luck, takes on a partner who builds him the finest riverboat on the Mississippi.
All this partner asks is to not be disturbed during the day and to be able to come and go, no matter the boat's schedule.

Of course, this turns out to be a battle between vampires and things never go well with that. This ends as you'd expect of a modern vampire novel ie, melancholic, sad and yet satisfying.

My Thoughts:
This was great writing. Some authors have it, that flair, some don't and Martin is one of those that do. You can't get around that.

This was moving slow up til about the 50% mark and I was enjoying it. It was just like riding on one of those riverboats. And then the badguy vampire leader shows up, cuts off a baby's hand and things went to hell.

I couldn't stand the idealist vampire, with his stupid naivety and I couldn't stand the vampire badguy, as he was beyond being a psychopathic monster. Thankfully the riverboat captain was a great narrator. But by the end of the book, he is a tired old man who is obsessed.

This started bright and vigorous and ended in the dark and tired. As good as this was, it just wasn't for me. I suspect that Martin as a whole just isn't for me. I did enjoy a different take on vampires however.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Witch's Canyon (Supernatural #2)


Witch's Canyon  - Jeff Mariotte This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer.

Title: Witch's Canyon
Series: Supernatural
Author: Jeff Mariotte
Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 274


Synopsis:
A 40 year Killing Cycle has begun and this time, the body count will be catastrophic. Only Dean and Sam have the knowledge and the ability to stop this cycle, for good.

My Thoughts:
Even though I gave this the same rating as the previous book, I enjoyed this a bit more and it definitely felt "more" like a Supernatural story.

First off, the body count/violence was WAY higher than the previous books. People are being offed left and right. No rhyme or reason at first and I loved being confused. The title obviously gives away who the main antagonist is, but even that is layered in mystery.

This really did remind me of an episode, it felt like it was scripted by Kripte. It gives me hope for the next couple of books. Whooha!