Search
Search results
David McK (3369 KP) rated Mostly Harmless in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The fifth (and final) book in Douglas Adam's <i>Hitch-hikers Guide</i> 'trilogy', this is a book that I have read many feel should never have been written.
This is a lot more serious than the previous novels, with the overall tone a lot darker than before: for example (and very early on) Arthur Dent is back to wandering the universe, after having the love of his life whisked away from him while traveling through Hyperspace while, in an alternate reality, Tricia ('Trillian') McMillan regrets not going off with Zaphod Beeblebrox. I have to say, as well, the novel also ends on rather a down-beat note!
This is a lot more serious than the previous novels, with the overall tone a lot darker than before: for example (and very early on) Arthur Dent is back to wandering the universe, after having the love of his life whisked away from him while traveling through Hyperspace while, in an alternate reality, Tricia ('Trillian') McMillan regrets not going off with Zaphod Beeblebrox. I have to say, as well, the novel also ends on rather a down-beat note!
David McK (3369 KP) rated Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Book number 6 in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series, and the quality shows no signs of letting up.
This time, Harry Dresden is hired by his vampire acquantaince Thomas Raith to investigate a series of highly unusual murders surrounding an adult movie maker, which leads to further revelations (previously hinted at in earlier books) about Harry's own mysterious past, and just why Thomas has been an occassional ally ...
While I reckon it is probably possible to read this as a 'stand-alone' novel, it's probably best to have read the previous five books first in order to understand a few of the references made during the course of this one.
This time, Harry Dresden is hired by his vampire acquantaince Thomas Raith to investigate a series of highly unusual murders surrounding an adult movie maker, which leads to further revelations (previously hinted at in earlier books) about Harry's own mysterious past, and just why Thomas has been an occassional ally ...
While I reckon it is probably possible to read this as a 'stand-alone' novel, it's probably best to have read the previous five books first in order to understand a few of the references made during the course of this one.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Hornblower and the Atropos in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"Battle, Storm, Shipwreck, Disease - what were the chances he would never come back again?"
Chronologically the 5th entry in CS Foresters (probably) most famous creation, this is also the 8th entry by publication date, and the 1st entry in the compilation 'Captain Hornblowe R.N."
Set early during his career - he's only just taken up command - this novel covers a lot of ground (both literally and figuratively), starting with Hornblower and Maria making their way down to Portsmouth, his command of Nelson's water-borne funeral procession and then the cruise of his 22-gun sloop 'The Atropos' into the Mediterranean, and the various myriad circumstances that befall said cruise!
Chronologically the 5th entry in CS Foresters (probably) most famous creation, this is also the 8th entry by publication date, and the 1st entry in the compilation 'Captain Hornblowe R.N."
Set early during his career - he's only just taken up command - this novel covers a lot of ground (both literally and figuratively), starting with Hornblower and Maria making their way down to Portsmouth, his command of Nelson's water-borne funeral procession and then the cruise of his 22-gun sloop 'The Atropos' into the Mediterranean, and the various myriad circumstances that befall said cruise!
David McK (3369 KP) rated Odin's Wolves in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The final(?) novel in Giles Kristian's Raven series of books, this continues - and, maybe, ends - the story first began in <i>Raven: Blood Eye</i>.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Wolfsangel (Craw Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Described (by 2 different authors, in the blurb on the back of the book in this edition) as "A unique take on the werewolf mythos, on the Norse pantheon an on magic itself. An enthralling, mesmeric book" and "A fresh take on the werewolf myth ... Brutal and relentlessly original", I have to say: this novel was nothing at all like I expected. Where I was expecting an excting tale of Vikings, shapeshifters and magic, instead I got a slow, torpid and (sometimes) impenetrable read instead. The first in a planned series of such books, I doubt I'll be looking for any of the sequels.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Isard's Revenge (Star Wars: X-Wing, #8) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
If, by and large, books can be compared to food - the classics being haute cuisine; the terrible books being dog-food - then the X-Wing series of Star Wars books (all written pre-Episode One, and based on the popular LucasArts games) could probably be best described as fast food: enjoyable enough in small doses but you wouldn't want to live on them and not always that memorable.
With regard to this book, which picks up from the end of Timothy Zahn's "The Last Command" (with the ending of that novel shown from a different perspective), it's also more than half way through before the jacket blurb begins to make sense.
With regard to this book, which picks up from the end of Timothy Zahn's "The Last Command" (with the ending of that novel shown from a different perspective), it's also more than half way through before the jacket blurb begins to make sense.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Hunter's Rage (Civil War Chronicles, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third in Michael Arnold's <i>Civil War Chronicles</i>, again following the exploits of Captain Stryker and his men, who are fighting for the (doomed) Royalist cause.
At the start of this particular entry, Stryker and his men are unknowingly behind enemy lines, after the cessation of a brief truce. This novel could also be split into three main sections: the first dealing with their journey back to their own side of the lines, the second with what is effectively a siege that they are forced to undergo while on that journey, and the final part with the battle of Stratton.
As before, this was a thoroughly entertaining read!
At the start of this particular entry, Stryker and his men are unknowingly behind enemy lines, after the cessation of a brief truce. This novel could also be split into three main sections: the first dealing with their journey back to their own side of the lines, the second with what is effectively a siege that they are forced to undergo while on that journey, and the final part with the battle of Stratton.
As before, this was a thoroughly entertaining read!
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Elizabeth is Missing in Books
Jun 21, 2019
Lovely wee story
The novel is told from the perspective of Maude, a lady in her 80's with dementia. The reader experiences the frustration that the protagonist feels because of her poor short term memory, yet there is this brilliant back story. Yes, Elizabeth is missing, but so is Sukie, Maude's big sister who disappeared when they were both young. Switching between the present and the past enhances the story, showing how certain triggers can support long term memory in dementia patients. Lovely wee story. Brilliant gripping beginning, a bit slow in the middle and great ending. Worth a read.
Kaz (232 KP) rated The Girl on the Train in Books
Jun 23, 2019
A really enjoyable read
Having watched the film of this book, I decided to see how the book differs. Apart from the ending being slightly different, the film version stays true to this book.
All of the characters in the book were flawed, therefore believable. I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book and also the back stories to some of the characters.
I would definitely read this book again, but I will leave some time before doing so, so this story can have the impact that was intended.
I recommend this novel.
All of the characters in the book were flawed, therefore believable. I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book and also the back stories to some of the characters.
I would definitely read this book again, but I will leave some time before doing so, so this story can have the impact that was intended.
I recommend this novel.
