This book swings between two extremes: really fascinating and really boring.
I'll start with the biggest problem with this book: the "bloat". There is This book swings between two extremes: really fascinating and really boring.
I'll start with the biggest problem with this book: the "bloat". There is entirely too much extra information, description, and character inner thoughts in this book. There are practically entire scenes in the book that are basically characters thinking about other characters or the political situation. It slows the book down too much, particularly in the first 200 pages, which should be hooking the reader. Weber falls into the criticism that authors like Robert Jordan had with his middle books of having too much bloat and not enough pacing.
That being said, once the story gets going around the 200 page mark, it gets very interesting.
The whole prisoner storyline seems like it was a combination of Horatio Hornblower (which every Honor Harrington book has felt like) and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I thought it was very fascinating, especially because of what an odd situation Honor Harrington is in as a political and military leader.
The ending of the book is just fantastic, and serves as an excellent cliffhanger for the next one.
Honor Harrington's dynamic with White Haven Alexander Hamish takes an odd turn in this book. Its emphasized so much I can't help but expect we will see more from their relationship and see a more specific (or rather: explicit) turn in the future.
Overall, this book is both excellent and boring at the same time. Some intriguing elements, some really boring elements. 7 out of 10. ...more
I was warned that this is the weirdest of the Dune books, and this is the book that really stops people from reading. I can totally understand that. HI was warned that this is the weirdest of the Dune books, and this is the book that really stops people from reading. I can totally understand that. However, I thought the book was really thought provoking and brought up several themes that Herbert handles well.
First of all, the ideas and concepts in the book are just really incredible. A God-Emperor who melds with a sandworm to extend his life, being neither sandworm nor human anymore (its more complicated than that, but that's the simplified version). This idea was just so crazy and different that it really intrigued me. The idea that this was actually a sacrifice, as Leto sacrifices his humanity for this position was fascinating. When you compare that with his wish to love Hwi I thought it was really fascinating.
The concepts of having Duncan Idaho continually brought back to life, and almost every time rising up against Leto was also really interesting. It showed this odd obsession that Leto has with Idaho.
Herbert kind of skips over turning Dune into a more habitable planet, and I thought the ideas of that worldbuilding were really fascinating.
Where this book stumbles is the plot. It has potential for some fantastic plotlines and stories, and these are hinted at here. However, they never come to fruition, and instead the book feels slow and in some ways meaningless. That being said, I still think it is more entertaining than Children of Dune or Dune Messiah. But I believe this plotting problem has been a problem in all of Herberts books except the original Dune (one reason I enjoy the KJA/BH books is for their handling of plot and story).
Decisions from characters were really weird as well, and Herbert could have gone a more traditional way, and instead just left me confused as to character motivations. Writing the traditional way may be a trope/cliche, but theres a reason using tried-and-true writing methods works.
Overall, I thought the book was really thought provoking and entertaining, but it left me unsatisfied with the story itself. 7 out of 10. ...more
In my attempt to broaden my horizons, I decided to pick up more Young Adult fiction, a genre in which I'm not particularly well read. One of my YoutubIn my attempt to broaden my horizons, I decided to pick up more Young Adult fiction, a genre in which I'm not particularly well read. One of my Youtube Channel fans has been encouraging me to read Divergent for a long time, so I finally decided to pick it up.
It is definitely interesting.
The influences are pretty apparent with this book. The idea of splitting society into the 5 factions really is reminicent of Harry Potter, while the idea of the Dauntless going through these ridiculous feats and games reminds me a lot of The Hunger Games. I'm normally ok with books borrowing from other books, so I was totally fine with these similarities.
The book is quite violent, and there was a section of the story that I felt just got too unecessarily violent, that Roth could have easily dropped the curtain and let us just find out about the results afterwards. But it wasn't too much for most readers to handle.
Probably the most difficult element of this book to digest is the discussion regarding suicide. It isn't a huge part of the book, but it is a difficult thing to deal with, particularly with teenagers, which is the target audience of this book.
I thought the romance between Tris and Four was nice, and I liked the way it developed throughout the book, and it seemed plausible.
The book didn't grab me and get me too excited until the last 100 pages, which is when the plot kicks into high gear. This sets up a great hook for book 2, which I'm very interested to read (and soon). This was a very dystopian story idea, and I thought it was executed well.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Its not a favorite, and it doesn't resonate with me as much as some other YA books I've read, but I definitely had fun with it, and that ending really has me hooked for book 2, which is exactly what it should do. 7.5 out of 10. ...more
Star Trek: A Good Day to Die is the first book in the IKS Gorkon series by Keith R A DeCandido. It was published by Pocket Books from Simon and SchustStar Trek: A Good Day to Die is the first book in the IKS Gorkon series by Keith R A DeCandido. It was published by Pocket Books from Simon and Schuster and was released in November 2003.
This is a very entertaining and unique book! Normally, Star Trek books follow the Federation and Starfleet. We are on a ship that is on a mission to seek out new life forms and new civilizations. We usually only get short chapters from the other civilizations, and never a whole book from their perspective.
However, this book follows the Klingons exclusively, and it follows their ship the IKS Gorkon as it is tasked with adding new planets to the Klingon Empire.
This book provides excellent similarities and differences between Starfleet and the Klingons. Both are seeki by new life and new civilizations. Both have motley crews that have to work together to build their future. However, the Federation comes in peace. The Klingons come to conquer.
The Klingons intend to conquer the San-Tarah, a warrior species that challenges the Klingons to 5 challenges. It provides nice stakes, even though most of it is fairly predictable.
The main character that we follow is Captain Klag. However, there is an excellent supporting cast, including Wol, Toq, B’Oraq, and Kursk. They each were able to have unique personalities and character development.
DeCandido does an excellent job of naturally infusing Klingon words into the book, and I was able to figure out what they meant based on context clues without them being explained. Something very difficult to do in Fantasy/Sci-Fi books.
There are themes about honor and duty, as you’d expect in a Klingon focused book, but there are also themes about revenge, pettiness, and sacrifice. I thought DeCandido handled these themes well.
Overall, this is an incredibly well written and exciting book. It’s definitely part 1 of an overarching story, and I’m excited to see where it goes. 4.5 out of 5...more
What a terrific and entertaining book! I’ve been told for a while that I needed to read this book, and I had thought about it, but had been burned by What a terrific and entertaining book! I’ve been told for a while that I needed to read this book, and I had thought about it, but had been burned by the Brian Daley trilogy, which I thought was incredibly mediocre.
This book is anything but mediocre!
The book has longer chapters, and is in itself a fairly quick read. Each chapter propelled me to the next, and I just had to find out what happened. I finished it in one sitting (literally).
Han Solo is absolutely on point in this trilogy. It takes a very specific writer to get him correct. I think AC Crispin joins the ranks of Lawrence and Jon Kasdan (Solo) and DJ Older (Last Shot). Han felt so relatable and understandable. His dream for a better future really works well for an American reader, who can relate to the American dream. And his ability to come up with things on the fly, while also having everything mess up is perfectly in character.
The supporting cast in this book is great! Muuurgh was hilarious and fun and a perfect foil for Han. Bria was a terrific love interest.
The discussion of religion really works for Han’s character, and Han’s perceptiveness and eagerness to save Bria from Ylesia was great!
There are a ton of EU/Legends references in the book. Won’t say what they are specifically, but fans of the Corellian Trilogy and the Young Jedi Knights books will recognize some familiar faces.
Overall, I loved this book! Engaging and entertaining and a terrific read, especially if you want something short and sweet. 9.3 out of 10!...more
Easily one of the most "entertaining" books I've read this year. I finished all 550 pages in roughly 1 day. I thought the book was perfectly paced andEasily one of the most "entertaining" books I've read this year. I finished all 550 pages in roughly 1 day. I thought the book was perfectly paced and the premise was absurd and ridiculous in the best way, and the execution of the premise was flawless.
Usually in John Grisham's books, we get books from the lawyers' point of view. Sometimes we get the Judge, but most Grisham books only include the Jury at the very end, if at all. This book is almost entirely from the Jury's perspective, except for the Villain (Fitch), who is the perfect Grisham villain. A slimy lawyer who knows he's slimy and doesn't care, because he's in it for the money.
Basically, the book is about a trial about Tobacco and these lawyers who are trying to game the system by selecting the perfect jury. However, 1 juror seems to have an agenda of his own, and manipulates everything by himself (and maybe with a little help on the outside). It becomes a game of who can sway the jury the most, illegally or ethically, without getting caught.
Is the premise over the top? Absolutely! However, that doesn't stop it from being entertaining. In fact, I think that its a good thing that Grisham leans so far into the absurdity of the premise. It doesn't feel like it has the gravity of some of the Jake Brigance books, so it might not be taken as seriously as them. However, Grisham's ability to make you care for so many different characters and also really want to find out how it ends is impressive. And the most interesting part of the book is trying to figure out what is Nicholas Easter's gameplan, and why is he involved at all?
When Nicholas Easter is messing things up, the book actually becomes funny. I laughed out loud at a few moments in the book, such as the "pledge of allegiance" moment and when the jury looks at Fitch. Oh, it was hilarious.
With so much complexity in the case itself, we also get a thriller aspect, as Fitch starts to close in on Easter and his...associate. I wondered if we'd get a shootout or a fight or something else near the end. It had me on the edge of my seat.
The book also has some themes about Tort law, Punative damages, and free will vs addiction. Grisham does actually present both sides (although you know which side he's on). It may not feel as weighty as his other books, and it isn't quite a "heavy" as them, but I'd say this isn't just a fluffy thriller, it actually has something to say too!
Overall, I LOVED This book. Hilarious and entertaining! 9.7 out of 10!...more
This book is pitched as being the next Space Opera like Star Wars. The editors pitched it this way, as did two people blurbing the book, Kevin AndersoThis book is pitched as being the next Space Opera like Star Wars. The editors pitched it this way, as did two people blurbing the book, Kevin Anderson and Michael Stackpole (who both actually wrote for Star Wars back in the day).
The book obviously has some elements that were inspired by Star Wars, so I can understand that comparrison. The ending of the book in particular reminded me of A New Hope in a few ways, and the first act of the book had some similarities to Star Wars Rebels, and some elements of the worldbuilding are similar to Star Wars.
However, I actually think that it feels like reading The Stormlight Archive from Brandon Sanderson. This is mainly because of the heavy emphasis on the worldbuilding and the hard magic system present. The whole concept of the Veil and the Pinnacle and the Ancients and the Paragons vs the Tyrant really seem to draw from Sanderson's style more.
I thought that the opening had a few interesting sequences, as did the conclusion of the book. I also thought that there were a few chapters beyond the Veil, particularly with "Leeta" which I thought were great.
However, the sequence beyond the Veil takes up a majority of the book, about 70 percent of the book. I understand why its present, and it certainly has its value to the story, but I felt the book flowed better before and after the Veil sequences. Those sequences felt more space opera, whereas the middle portion beyond the Veil felt much more like going through the hard magic system.
The main character Jayce Artan is very relatable and easy to root for. His dynamic with other characters, including Maru, Dastin, Sarai, and Leeta was very interesting. Maru really feels like the older mentor character, and Dastin is the buddy cop-companion, while Sarai is the character who has worked hard to get where she is and is annoyed by Jayce's presence (like Astrid in How to Train Your Dragon).
Overall, this is an ok book. It has some great moments, and some boring moments. Overall, I'll give it a 6.5 out of 10. ...more
This is an unusual book for me, as I don't often read Non-fiction. Certainly not as much now as I did in college before I started the Youtube Channel.This is an unusual book for me, as I don't often read Non-fiction. Certainly not as much now as I did in college before I started the Youtube Channel. I picked this book up because I had heard a little about it. It certainly has a well produced pitch.
The book is divided into four parts, each building to its thesis. It primarily follows Rudolf Diesel and his family as he goes from being a curious boy to a talented engineer to an incredible designer and businessman. It also follows his bizzare disappearance and tries to provide an explanation for what happened.
The book also has a few minor characters that it follows, particularly Wilhelm and John D. Rockefeller, who are believed to be suspects in the murder, as well as Winston Churchill, who was integral to building England's navy and may have been involved in another capacity.
The first part is very interesting, as it documents Diesel's early life, moving from country to country. This is very standard Biography style writing, but I found the political history and circumstances fascinating. We also see a little about the backstory of Rockefeller and Wilhelm II here. The information about Bismarck and his political abilities was great here.
The second and third parts document Rudolf Diesel's bulding and designing of the Diesel engine. I cannot lie...this section was mostly boring for me, and it lasts for 170 of the 330 pages (or half the book). If you are an engineer, you will probably find this information fascinating. If you are a technically minded person, you also might find these sections interesting. The only thing that really kept me interested here was knowning we would get to the mystery at the end and the tidbits about political updates happening, which I found fascinating (here is when the Churchill stuff comes into play).
The fourth part of the book is by far the most interesting and exciting portion of the book. This is when the book became a page turner for me. This is the section about the mystery and potential answers to what happened to Diesel. Brunt presents an argument that actually seems to follow the logic C. S. Lewis uses for "Lord, Liar, Lunatic", although the argument here is "Accident, Suicide, and Murder". I thought for sure that Suicide would be the ultimate answer presented, but Brunt has a terrific twist that literally had me say "what? WHAT?!" out loud. He then spends the next chapter or so outlining the logic behind this answer. (Although be forewarned, there isn't a DEFINITIVE answer in the book...but the evidence does lay out a compelling case as to what happneed).
Overall, the book has incredibly interesting sections that I loved, and it also has sections that I found mindnumbingly boring. I would actually recommend that most people just skim or even skip parts 2 and 3 to get to the good stuff in part 4 after they've read part 1. I might be controversial for that. I'll give the book a 7 out of 10....more
Star Trek Insurrection is a novelization of the movie by J. M. Dillard. It is based on the story by Rick Berman and Michael Piller, and the ScreenplayStar Trek Insurrection is a novelization of the movie by J. M. Dillard. It is based on the story by Rick Berman and Michael Piller, and the Screenplay by Michael Piller. It was released in Hardcover by Pocket Books at Simon and Schuster in December of 1998.
As I've read through the Star Trek novelizations, some of them have been incredibly successful, some have been big failures, and some have been just ok. And J. M. Dillard has had all of the above with her various novelizations.
This one falls into the category of "just ok".
The biggest problem this book has is that the story itself is very weak. This feels like an episode of television that was stretched into a feature length script. As a result, the action, which would be fantastic for an episode, feels kind of mediocre and bland. Unfortunately, the novelization has to keep to the story, so it can’t do too much to fix the story problems.
However, the biggest strength the book has is that the story actually works better in book format. The pacing is much better than the movie, and the story very much feels like a Star Trek story. At its core, this book (and to an extent, the movie as well) gets what it means to be Star Trek, perhaps even more than the other Next Generation novelizations.
The rekindling of the romance between Riker and Troi was very much necessary, but it feels out of nowhere in the movie and also very rushed here in the book. It should have had another full length novel about the rekindling of their romance (just not like Imzadi).
Riker and Troi aren’t the only characters to have a romance. Picard gets a little romance with Anij from the Ba’ku village. Its not much, but its very sweet to read on screen, especially considering they are both aging characters in universe. It feels wrong to see Picard with anyone other than Beverly Crusher, so it still feels like a poisoned relationship (especially given that we know what happens later on).
The villains in the book were very mixed. Gallatin gets a lot more backstory and context in the book, which helps him be more relatable and understandable. Dougherty and Ru’afo feel very much like their movie counterparts, very one note and honestly not too interesting.
Overall, the book is an ok adaptation. It does add some context to some characters and relationships, and it does solve some pacing problems the movie had. However, its just not that interesting a story when compared to other original novels or even the movie novelizations. I’ll give the book a 6 out of 10....more
It is very difficult to stick the landing on an epic fantasy series, especially one as complex and with as large a cast as this one. And darn it, JohnIt is very difficult to stick the landing on an epic fantasy series, especially one as complex and with as large a cast as this one. And darn it, John Gwynne absolutely lands the plane here!
The various plotlines completely come to a head in this book, and I loved it.
Several characters I hadn't really cared for became really interesting to me. Maquin and Fiedele became some of my favorite characters here, as did Lykos and Nathair. I also really enjoyed seeing Edana make some tactical decisions in this book.
THE central character of the book series, Corban, definitely had his best book here. I loved all of his sequences, as well as his growth and the utilization of foreshadowing for his character.
I have such similar feelings now that I did with feeling other series like The Wheel of Time and Shannara, which are much longer. I think that goes to show Gwynne's strength as a writer and his ability to tie things up.
If this book has any failings, it is that it perhaps had just a few too many side characters not get enough development in the series, and as such they didn't have the emotional impact when they either died or had an accomplishment.
Overall, I loved this book, and it completely changed the way I feel about this series. I think this has just made it into my top 10 fantasy series of all time now, and I think this is the best book in the series. 9.3 out of 10!...more
While all of the entries have been good or great so far, Christie Golden's penultimate entry to the Fate 0f the Jedi series "Ascension" was truly nextWhile all of the entries have been good or great so far, Christie Golden's penultimate entry to the Fate 0f the Jedi series "Ascension" was truly next level storytelling, and catapulted it up to being one of my favorite Star Wars books now. Troy Denning's epic conclusion in Apocalypse had quite a lot to deliver, and deliver it does.
One thing that really works for this book is how dark and terrifying it is. Troy Denning's books have always been darker than the average Star Wars author's. However, because of what had been set up by Denning, Golden, and Allston in the previous installments of the series, the darkness and fear was palpable, and well realized.
Every plotline is given a good warp up here in this book. I think that Han and Leia probably are the two characters who get the shortest shrift in the FotJ series, but its understandable as other characters are becoming more important and more front and center.
Ben and Vestara continue to be one of the shining points in this series' cap, and while I really enjoyed what I got in this book, I wanted more! There was so much to their dynamic set up in Ascension, and I can't help but wonder if it was more last minute to change direction with their story here. I'll always be curious to see what could have happened with them in future EU/Legends projects.
I thought that the way that the main plot with Abeloth resolves was well written, and I continue to believe that Abeloth is one of, if not the most terrifying villain in Star Wars. I mean, Vader can be scary, but he's not a horror creature. Abeloth is through and through a horror villain, and there were times I was really worried about our main characters in this book.
This is the longest book in the series, and clocks in as one of the longest Star Wars books ever (along with Star by Star, Vision of the Future, and Lesser Evil. Interestingly, two entries by Troy Denning, two by Timothy Zahn). As such, this book has a little bloat to it, and could have been trimmed to condense a little. However, I feel it gives a more complete and satisfying ending than say the ending of the Legacy of the Force with Tory Denning's "Invicible".
There is a lot of connection to the Killik's and the Dark Nest Trilogy that Denning also wrote, but it actually demonstrated for me how weak and forgettable that trilogy is. If you haven't read that trilogy, you'll be filled in on the details without reading it, don't worry.
I also liked the Clone Wars tie-ins to the Mortis Arc. That was bold of Denning, and I'm surprised Lucasfilm and the story teams let him get away with it.
Overall, an excellent ending. Not the best of the series like "Ascension", but a solid conclusion and a great thematic finale to the EU line of books (there are still a few that technically take place afterwards, but you know what I mean). 9.3 out of 10!...more
This is certainly an epic, if tragic, ending to the trilogy. This story really is a cautionary tale about extremism. The Butlerian Jihad is about whatThis is certainly an epic, if tragic, ending to the trilogy. This story really is a cautionary tale about extremism. The Butlerian Jihad is about what happens when you allow unchecked technological growth. Sisterhood of Dune and Mentats of Dune is about what happens when you swing too far in the other direction and allow no progress of any kind and let fantasticism take control of the people. This book is about how to steer a middle ground and take society back to a stable format.
I loved the stories of Anna Corrino and Erasmus in this book, as well as the story of Vorian Atreides. I thought both stories were handled well, even if I would have preferred to see them end differently.
The political storyline about the Butlerians vs Venhold vs Emperor Corrino is certainly an exciting and high point of this series. It definitely cranks up to an eleven and we see a ton of action in this book, probably more action than the other books combined! And the story resolves in a logical manner.
There is really one subplot that I thought really should have been changed. This delves into spoilers for the ending. (view spoiler)[ I think that once it was revealed that Vula carries an Atreidies child, Anderson and Herbert should have come up with a way to have Vula end up with Willem, and demonstrate the two houses uniting someway. Yes, the overarching Harkonnen vs Atriedes storyline needs to be preserved for future the main Dune books, but it would have really added an excellent happy ending that this book needed to catapult it into the upper echelon's of science fiction. And while the whole Harkonnen storyline here is about revenge, it would have been a great way to introduce mercy and redemption into the universe. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, I think this is a good ending to the trilogy, as it wraps up all of the important storylines and themes. However, I had minor issues here and there that I would have changed, mainly that its too sad and tragic an ending for the protagonists, particularly the ones we love the most. 8 out of 10!...more
From my understanding, this is the most bestselling Star Trek novel out there, and certainly one of, if not the most famous Star Trek novel. I've had From my understanding, this is the most bestselling Star Trek novel out there, and certainly one of, if not the most famous Star Trek novel. I've had the paperback and the Hardcover for a few years now, but never felt the urge to pick it up until now.
And while I have one big complaint, this is a well developed book!
Without giving too much away, this is a time travel book, featuring Will Riker, Deanna Troi, and a future version of Riker (all of whom grace the cover of the book). The first portion of the story takes place in the future, the second portion takes place in the past, and the third portion takes place in the present. The third act was break-neck paced and was a fantastic read, with many deep themes and great exploration of the dynamic between Troi and Riker. The opening was a bit difficult to get into, but it was a solid opening.
The middle portion of this book is what I take issue with. Primarily, it is so...inappropriate. Most Star Trek books are PG-13, and if they have anything delving into a sexual nature, they tend to be fairly careful about the writng. But the middle portion of this book is crude nad explicit and absolutely over the top. Certain elements made sense, but the single word to describe this book is "gratuitous". I told one of my friends that I am surprised that Peter David was able to convince Pocket Books to let him write a bodice ripper (literally).
I can already feel the response to this being that it was integral for the story. But what bothers me is that so much of the inappropriate elements of this book could be cut out and still it would tell the love story of Troi and Riker. So much of it was unnecessary.
That being said, the story is compelling and had me on the edge of my seat. I guessed at how it ended, but I didn't know for sure how it would resolve itself. The episodic nature of TNG helped keep this book's potential open-ended.
And I think that is part of why this book is so revered. For so long in media tie-in fiction, authors couldn't mess up the characters, their backstories, or even their families and potentials. All books had to set everything neatly back in the book. This book puts some things back in the box, but it also introduces a lot of elements (specifically backstory and character motivations) that cannot be put back in the box later. It is a definitive novel for the characters of Deanna Troi and William Riker. No single novel previously (and probably not until the Post-Nemesis novels) has had such an effect on the characters and series. (Granted, there are still 600+ Star Trek books left for me to read, but I'm pretty confident saying that).
Overall, this is an excellent book, and it would be a top-notch one if not for the crude nature of the book. 8.8 out fo 10!...more
And with this entry, Christie Golden levels up in her position among Star Wars authors. This book blows all of the other Fate of the Jedi books out ofAnd with this entry, Christie Golden levels up in her position among Star Wars authors. This book blows all of the other Fate of the Jedi books out of the water. It is by far the BEST book in the series, and cashes in on the potential of the series.
Every plotline in this book was terrific, and they're all balanced really well with each other. There are also more twists and turns in this book than all of the others. Really terrific stuff!
I really liked the Ben and Vestara subplot of this book. Their dynamic has been Lukewarm thusfar, and I think that the authors were afraid to give them the full Romeo and Juliet treatment. But their relationship in this book was fantastic, and Vestara had the best character arc in this book.
The political action in this book was stellar, and kept twisting and turning throughout. I had no idea it would be so shocking. And Abeloth's machinations were horrifying. There is one scene that just had me shaking afterwards.
Speaking of Abeloth, the book opens with a 60 page story about the Lost Tribe bringing Abeloth to Kesh. This was a bold move to have so much of the opening not feature main characters (or at least movie characters), but it pays off, because it is a brilliant sequence.
This book also has one of my favorite space battle sequences that reminded me of the Clone Wars space battles, which I really enjoyed!
Honestly, its so hard to not spoil everything, but this is in my top favorite Star Wars books now. Just fantastic stuff. 9.7 out of 10!...more
[Note: I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy by Baen books in exchange for an honest review]
I am shocked that when I was going through my notes for this [Note: I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy by Baen books in exchange for an honest review]
I am shocked that when I was going through my notes for this book, they were almost IDENTICAL to my notes for the previous installment in the series "The Icarus Plot". So this review might seem familiar if you saw my other review in the Icarus Saga, but that's because my same strengths and weaknesses apply.
This book, like the other Icarus Saga novels, follows the Puzzle Box format of storytelling. Not only is there a mystery, but it changes throughout the novel in a more complex way than even the most complex Agatha Christie novels. But like Agatha Christie novels, Zahn lays everything out at the end of the book neatly for the reader and characters to understand.
I really enjoyed reading about these same characters, particularly Gregory Roarke, who is the main character and standout for me. His sayings from his father are really entertaining. Zahn (and maybe Baen?) should consider making a flipbook/kids book that features Roarkes' sayings and maybe artwork from the series. Just an idea I had.
The mystery in here is a bit hard because this book has a significant cast of characters and character motivations to remember and follow. They're all rather complex as well. I really don't think this book (or series) will appeal to general sci-fi fans. I think it will do well with people who enjoy both Sci-Fi and hardcore mysteries, and even then I think it'll still be a little niche. But still well done.
Most of the surprises shocked me, and just when I thought I finally had a handle on everything, Zahn grabbed the steering wheel and sent the story in a totally different direction. However, there was one specific thing I caught and predicted and when it happened I said "I knew it". (If you're reading, it has to do with Gregory's third question for Selene near the climax).
I think that you do need to have at least read "The Icarus Plot", the "first" book in the series, as there are characters and worldbuilding and plotlines connected to that book. That being said, I think if you really wanted to challenge yourself, you could try reading this without the other books in the series. I definitely think that by this book, you don't need to have read "The Icarus Hunt" (book #0/prequel in this series), as everything you need to know is pertenint in "The Icarus Plot". That might have been confusing to follow just now, but I guarantee you it was less confusing to follow than the actual book.
The artwork on the book is eyecatching, and after reading it I understand what it is. However, while the art style itself matches the previous and following books' art style, I don't think it fits the style of having the characters be the main focus (as it is in "The Icarus Plot" and the forthcoming "The Icarus Job"). Still, I think it is interesting, although I'm frustrated that the best parts of the painting, the temple and part of the ship are cut out/not easily visible. (Also, side note, the object in the middle of the cover looks a little bit like BB8 from the sequel trilogy turned upside down).
I really hope we see a romance develop between Gregory and Selene. I think its not been explicitly stated, but I think it's implied, and I certainly hope we see it in one of the future installments.
Overall, this is an entertianing book, but you really have to focus to catch everything and really need to be on your toes for the mystery box style of storytelling present. Casually reading might make you frustrated. Still, I had fun, and I think it deserves the same rating I gave "The Icarus Plot", a 7 out of 10....more
Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects have been really special this year. Tress of the Emerald Sea was a delightful fantasy adventure that felt very mucBrandon Sanderson's Secret Projects have been really special this year. Tress of the Emerald Sea was a delightful fantasy adventure that felt very much like The Princess Bride. While not quite as entertaining, "The Frugal Wizard's Handbook to Surviving Medeival England" was also an entertaining Sci-Fi historical book. This book, however, feels very different than both of those.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is heavily influenced by Asian culture. And when I say heavily, I mean HEAVILY! I think I missed some worldbuilding elements in the book because of that. I don't normally seek out Asian inspired stories, as its style doesn't usually fit my reading tastes.
That being said, this book was great!
This book is primarily a role swap book featuring Yumi and Painter, who are from seemingly different worlds (and personalities), yet are somehow connected and must work together to save each of their worlds. I was reminded in many ways of "Freaky Friday", but with a guy and a girl instead.
As you might guess, this book is a slow burn romance. You see Yumi and Painter form a close friendship and a close bond in this book that obviously is meant to lead to love. This isn't my favorite of Sanderson's romances, as I much prefer the romances in Elantris and Warbreaker. But this is still well done, and this book is solid proof that you can write romance without explicit or immoral elements.
Hoid is the narrator of this story, and his humor breaks through occasionally. However, I didn't think it was particularly needed. In fact, I think it would have been better if it was narrated by Design instead. Hoid's voice works much better in Tress of the Emerald Sea. However, the story is still engaging with his little additions and tangents.
My biggest problem with Sanderson, particularly of late, is that his worldbuilding and magic system is getting so unruly that it can be hard to follow if you aren't really into it, and if you just want a simple fantasy story you can get easily lost, and that's how I felt with the explanations in Part 4 of the book. For me, when it comes to worldbuilding and magic systems: less is always more.
I did enjoy the minor characters, particularly in Painter's part of the story. The way that they all played off of Yumi was entertaining and refreshing that they weren't mean or rude like some authors might write them. Design also really worked in this story, and her personality was probably the strongest and most entertaining in the book.
Overall, this is a very well done book and is very entertaining. Its a very different style than I normally read, and I still prefer the style of many of Sanderson's other books, but its entertaining nonetheless. I'll give this an 8 out of 10! Well done Sanderson!
Short Story and Novellette Collections aren't usually my jam. Its just not a medium that doesn't usually work for me. Novellas work a little better beShort Story and Novellette Collections aren't usually my jam. Its just not a medium that doesn't usually work for me. Novellas work a little better because of the length, but its still shorter than I'm comfortable with. I'd prefer to be reading a full length novel.
That being said, I picked this up because it is a John Grisham book, and because my dad is a big fan of it, so I read it in 2 days and it was a WILD ride. I went through quite a lot of emotions reading this book!
Let me break it down by story.
1. Blood Drive: "a young man is injured and taken to a hospital in Mephis. 3 young men from his hometown make a trip up there from Ford County to try and donate blood. They all get drunk and get involved in...immoral activities. Hijinks insue". This story shocked me, and while it was riveting, I was a little disturbed by how far Grisham was willing to take these characters. 7 out of 10.
2. Fetching Raymond: "Wheelchairbound Inez Graney and her two older sons embark on a bizarre road trip to visit her youngest son on Death row". This story really did a great job of making the audience feel complex emotions. You really empathize with the mother and her love for her son, as well as the brothers who are tired of Raymond's promises. We also feel bad for Raymond, who seems to have turned his life around in jail, and we also have the hope and despair of the ticking clock as the execution gets nearer. 8 out of 10!
3. Fish Files: "A divorce lawyer fed up with his wife, life, and law plans to leave it all after a sweet deal and phone call." This was by far the most Grisham esque story, quite a lot like his book "The Rooster Bar". 7 out of 10.
4. Casino: "A data collector sets out to bring down a flashy casino owner with his skill at blackjack...as payment for the theft of his wife." By far the funniest and most entertaining story in the book. I was hooked the whole time, and the hilarity of the situation and the premise was delightful. 10 out of 10!
5. Michael's Room: "A lawyer confronts a vengeful advesary from the past" Boy did this story hit me right in the feels. You absolutely empathize with the family in this book, and the way it unfolds you just dread everything and, much like the main character, just wish it was all over (but in the reader's case, this was a good thing!). 9 out of 10!
6. Quiet Haven: "A stalker hunts victims in a retirement home". This was by far the weakest and the only "eh, not good" story in the bunch. I think Grisham phoned this one in. It felt like it would be a subplot in almost any of his other books. It did have its moments though. 4 out of 10.
7. Funny Boy: "A young man from a prominent family is driven off by scandal and fear". This is definitely the saddest story, and its quite a sad ending to leave the book on. Why couldn't the book have ended with Casino! Again, Grisham's ability to make me empathize with people I disagree with is impressive! 8 out of 10!
Overall, a terrific collection. It is hard to grade this one based on the nature of the novella collection and the way it is formatted. I think it deserves a solid 8 or 8.5 out of 10! Great book!...more
Jane Lindskold wraps up this story in this duology quite nicely, finishing the story she set out to tell, but leaving open the door for more stories iJane Lindskold wraps up this story in this duology quite nicely, finishing the story she set out to tell, but leaving open the door for more stories in this universe (she's already written and released book 3 in the Overwhere series). While this does nicely wrap everything up, it is kind of mixed for me.
I really enjoyed the whole plotline at the beginning of the book to find Vereez's daughter. I enjoyed the search for her, as well as the reveals that came with the story, as well as that subplot's conclusion. There is a "negotiating" sequence that was by far the best and most interesting part of the book to me. Lindskold did a great job of differentiating the characters of Meg, Peg and Teg (which I was unsure about those names, but they work for me now), and I thought that Teg, who got the most to do in this book, had a great character arc.
I did not, particularly enjoy the plotline about Xerax finding his master. First of all, I thought the magic talk was a little overboard here. I also didn't love everything the book did with Xerax and his master, which I'll leave at that for spoilers sake.
There is a creative choice in this book which links the world of Overwhere with ours. This isn't terribly surprising, as this duology heavily borrows from fairytale/fantasy stories like The Chronicles of Narnia. I thought the way that Lindskold combined the worlds was interesting, but not ideal. I would have preferred them to have more separate histories, and thought that the explanation here rewrote Christian history (kind of like "The Golden Compass" does) rubbed me the wrong way. I think it certainly made the story engaging, but I think there was a way to do this without changing the Bible.
The book does evoke old school adventurism which is really fun. There are elements of the style that I really enjoy and don't as much, so its had to pick out how I feel about the style overall. The covers for these books really capture that old school adventurism feel mixed with fantasy/fairy tale, and they really stood out when I showed them to my co-workers.
Overall, this book has some elements that I really loved, and some elements that I just didn't jive with. If you enjoyed book 1, I think I can say you'll be at least satisfied with this book, but I don't know if you'll love it. It might depend on the reader. For me, the book gets a 6 out of 10. ...more
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Missing is a novel by Una McCormack following the events of “The Fall’ series. It was published by Pocket Books at SimStar Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Missing is a novel by Una McCormack following the events of “The Fall’ series. It was published by Pocket Books at Simon and Schuster and was released in January of 2015.
Una McCormack has been a really solid author for me. I’ve read three of her books previously. The Crimson Shadow from “The Fall” Series and The Last Best Hope from the Picard series are top tier Star Trek novels. Seriously, in my top 10 for sure! Unfortunately, Second Self was a bit of a let down, but her track record overall has been excellent. And I”m happy to report…this book is also excellent!
This is a Deep Space Nine book first and foremost, with some connections to The Next Generation. The connections come in the form of Doctor Pulaski and her ship the Athene Donald, as well as Beverly Crusher, who has temporarily taken the role as Chief Medical Officer on board Deep Space Nine. Otherwise, its pretty much a Deep Space Nine book.
This book features a couple of plotlines that weave together. A group of traveling people stops at Deep Space Nine to refuel and resupply, and questionable things start happening. The ship Athene Donald departs from DS9, but something goes awry in their departure. A Cardassian mother enlists the help of Odo on DS9 to help track down her long lost son, who has been a Romulan POW for the last 10 years. And 2 Tzenkethi are present between DS9 and the Athene Donald. And all of these plotlines have a “whodunit” element to them.
Despite having so many subplots, this book is actually pretty short at 308 pages in Mass Market Paperback. Una McCormack has an economy of words and style that helps the story move along briskly. There isn’t a page of this book that I believe is filler, and each and every page was entertaining and had me on the edge of my seat. I had a particular plotline that was my favorite, but I was interested in every single subplot and character in this book. I devoured it in a matter of hours!
Several characters go through great journeys in this book, a few in particular. Pulaski has to learn to be less abrupt and more trusting of others. Crusher learns to be more discerning and recognizes the value of family, particularly hers. Odo has an interesting journey that is multifaceted, that to discuss more might give away spoilers. Finally, Jeffrey Blackmer learns to live with the guilt he has over President Bacco’s death.
There were several character interactions that were delightfully fascinating. Ro Laren and Quark continue to be a hilarious pair, and while their semi-romance is incredibly weird, it is also delightfully entertaining. I also enjoyed seeing Laren paired with Odo, who has been absent for far too long in the literary universe. In usual form, Una McCormack makes sure to include Garak as a *small* inclusion in the book, and his interactions with the others was delightful. The new characters’ interactions with Pulaski and the DS9 crew were interesting. Probably the best written pairing is also the cornerstone of the book, and that is the pairing of Pulaski and Crusher, two characters who seemingly hate each other, but form an unlikely friendship here.
My favorite plotline in here was the POW storyline featuring the Cardassians, Romulans, Odo and Ro Laren. To explain fully would be to give spoilers. I absolutely figured out the general reasoning behind the mystery, but I kind of guessed at the specific reasoning and was partially correct. I think McCormack laid down everything she could for the mystery and unfolded it brilliantly.
The other plotline mysteries were excellent as well. And McCormack did a good job of unveiling a little information at a time that both answered questions and asked more. This book is very layered because of it, which is one of the reasons it worked so well for me.
Overall, I can’t sugar-coat this…I LOVED this book. It is simple, yet complex. Fun entertainment, yet thought provoking. A standalone and also continuing on the continuity and storyline of the Post-Nemesis universe. True to the spirit of Star Trek. Definitely the best Star Trek read of the year! 5 out of 5! ...more
Much like books 1 and 2, this book has elements that really worked for me that I really enjoyed and elements that I didn't enjoy.
First, I really enjoMuch like books 1 and 2, this book has elements that really worked for me that I really enjoyed and elements that I didn't enjoy.
First, I really enjoyed the negotiation scenes where the Rangora and the Humans tried to come up with peace plans. There were also great negotiation scenes between the Humans where they tried to determine who would have control of the new space station.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic and arcs between Tyler Vernon and Dana Parker in this book. They have this chemistry and connection that makes them really endearing to the readers. One problem is that they aren't properly paid off at the end, which is a big problem from a writing perspective.
I also enjoyed the sequences of trying to solve the problem of Granadica. The whole discussion about AI and sentience and how to fix the problem was incredibly fascinating to me.
The scenes where Parker's crew give her a hard time and make her life difficult were frustrating to read, but entertaining nonetheless. That part was well worth it as it is properly paid off.
Now, there were elements that I didn't enjoy. The battle scenes, much like the previous books, are difficult to follow, as the author throws terms out incredibly fast and doesn't explain them, and there isn't a glossary or anything to help the reader, so you basically have to guess at what's happening, unless you are an expert on the subject.
The engineering discussions weren't as long or tedious as previous books, but they were present and still difficult to follow.
I mentioned it earlier, but the dynamic between Parker and Vernon is not properly paid off. If there were more books in the series that might be ok, but since this is the end of a trilogy, it really frustrates me as a reader and fan.
Overall, the book was enjoyable, and the series was enjoyable. I still believe that the first book was the strongest because of it's terrific opening, but this book and book 2 were also enjoyable. This one I believe has a slight edge on book 2 though, so I'll give it a 6.5 out of 10. ...more
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