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David McK (3632 KP) rated Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch #8) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
OK, this is a Pratchett, so the fact that it is good is pretty much a given.
I have to say, however, that I've found his latest Discworld books to be 'less good' - perhaps a sympton of his sad mental decline? - than what I would term a late-middle period Pratchett (round about 'Lords and Ladies', 'Jingo' and so on). In this one, he returns to Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch - last featured in 'Thud!', who is on holiday in the country-side. Of course, as the blurb makes clear, it is inevitable that this turns into a Busmans holiday ...
The novel did have a few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as many as from one of his best. I also found it to be rather verbose at times, with only really one extended action scene. While some characters - Willikens, in particular - are more fleshed out than before, I also got the distinct feeling that other members of the City Watch were only (temporarily) present as it wouldn't be a City Watch book without them; not to add anything to the story.
While that might make it sound like I didn't enjoy the book, that's simply not true - I did, but just felt that it could have been so much more ...
I have to say, however, that I've found his latest Discworld books to be 'less good' - perhaps a sympton of his sad mental decline? - than what I would term a late-middle period Pratchett (round about 'Lords and Ladies', 'Jingo' and so on). In this one, he returns to Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch - last featured in 'Thud!', who is on holiday in the country-side. Of course, as the blurb makes clear, it is inevitable that this turns into a Busmans holiday ...
The novel did have a few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as many as from one of his best. I also found it to be rather verbose at times, with only really one extended action scene. While some characters - Willikens, in particular - are more fleshed out than before, I also got the distinct feeling that other members of the City Watch were only (temporarily) present as it wouldn't be a City Watch book without them; not to add anything to the story.
While that might make it sound like I didn't enjoy the book, that's simply not true - I did, but just felt that it could have been so much more ...
David McK (3632 KP) rated Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Belonging to the 'old' no-longer-considered-Canon selection of Star Wars stories (now contained under the banner of Star Wars Legends), this novel is mainly set roughly a month or so after the events of 'Revenge of the Sith' when Vader is new to the suit, and to his new life as Vader (as opposed to whiny emo Anakin Skywalker).
The start of the novel, in fact, actually takes place during the events of Revenge of the Sith, through the period in which Order 66 is exacted, with the Jedi who are the main characters of this novel surviving that purge. Like any good master/learner relationship, the newly-minted Emperor gives Vader a task -to hunt down those Jedi - to further pull him into the Dark Side of the Force, and to cement his place in the New Order.
The result is a pretty fast-paced novel that also takes in key characters from the original trilogy (and some from the inferior prequels), laying the foundations for the Rebellion that is to come and explainuing just how the Wookie came to be an enslaved species (although that part of the novel reminded me a fair bit of the The Force Unleashed video games!).
The start of the novel, in fact, actually takes place during the events of Revenge of the Sith, through the period in which Order 66 is exacted, with the Jedi who are the main characters of this novel surviving that purge. Like any good master/learner relationship, the newly-minted Emperor gives Vader a task -to hunt down those Jedi - to further pull him into the Dark Side of the Force, and to cement his place in the New Order.
The result is a pretty fast-paced novel that also takes in key characters from the original trilogy (and some from the inferior prequels), laying the foundations for the Rebellion that is to come and explainuing just how the Wookie came to be an enslaved species (although that part of the novel reminded me a fair bit of the The Force Unleashed video games!).
David McK (3632 KP) rated Ratcatcher (Matthew Hawkwood, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I picked this book up for something like 99p in a Clearance sale in my local WH Smiths, and I have to say: it actually proved to be a better read than many other books that I've paid full price for.
Set during the late Regency period, this is the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Affairs of Honour (i.e. forbidden duels), Highwaymen and the Bow Street Runners. Starting with the robbery of a coach, this builds up into a plot surrounding a (historically correct) invention that agents of France hope to use against Great Britain to swing the balance of power in their favour. Matthew Hawkwood - the hero of the tale - is a former army officer from the Rifle Corps, who now works as one of the Bow Street Runners (few in number, and who have since been called London's first professional police force), who is initially charged with investigating this robbery. While I did find elements of the plot to be obvious - one reveal, in particular, I saw coming from about a mile away - there is still plenty to enjoy in the novel.
Based on this one, I may be convinced pick up a few more of the sequels ...
Set during the late Regency period, this is the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Affairs of Honour (i.e. forbidden duels), Highwaymen and the Bow Street Runners. Starting with the robbery of a coach, this builds up into a plot surrounding a (historically correct) invention that agents of France hope to use against Great Britain to swing the balance of power in their favour. Matthew Hawkwood - the hero of the tale - is a former army officer from the Rifle Corps, who now works as one of the Bow Street Runners (few in number, and who have since been called London's first professional police force), who is initially charged with investigating this robbery. While I did find elements of the plot to be obvious - one reveal, in particular, I saw coming from about a mile away - there is still plenty to enjoy in the novel.
Based on this one, I may be convinced pick up a few more of the sequels ...
I was pleased to learn recently that John Ashdown-Hill is due to be honoured by the Queen - I can't think of anyone who has contributed so much to our understanding of late medieval history or is capable or writing in such a clear and rational style.
This book deals with what is known of The Dublin King - probably what most of us might think of from our school history as 'Lambert Simnel'. There are no easy or clear answers here, but anyone with even a rudimentary understanding must wonder why a genuine Yorkist claimant (The Earl of Lincoln) would support such an obvious pretender as the 'Lambert Simnel' is always shown to be. Ashdown-Hill sifts through contemporary sources to give some thought provoking theories on what was really going on. so much is difficult to prove, which is a little frustrating, but it has been a worthwhile exercise to draw together all the known facts here. There are quite a number of references to his own other works, but then no one else has gone quite as far as he in studies of this period, so in many ways it is inevitable. He has such an accessible style that his books are definetly worth reading.
This book deals with what is known of The Dublin King - probably what most of us might think of from our school history as 'Lambert Simnel'. There are no easy or clear answers here, but anyone with even a rudimentary understanding must wonder why a genuine Yorkist claimant (The Earl of Lincoln) would support such an obvious pretender as the 'Lambert Simnel' is always shown to be. Ashdown-Hill sifts through contemporary sources to give some thought provoking theories on what was really going on. so much is difficult to prove, which is a little frustrating, but it has been a worthwhile exercise to draw together all the known facts here. There are quite a number of references to his own other works, but then no one else has gone quite as far as he in studies of this period, so in many ways it is inevitable. He has such an accessible style that his books are definetly worth reading.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated King in Waiting (Lord Edward’s Archer series Book 2) in Books
Nov 6, 2019
King in Waiting was an enjoyable, action packed, history filled novel, about Gerald War Bow and his part in the battles to free Henry III from Simon de Montfort in 1264.
Gerald is from a poor family, and King Henry is quite clear about his opinions of Archers - they’re disposable and unimportant. Luckily, his son and heir, Lord Edward, is not of the same opinion. He values Gerald War Bow, and sees his worth. Even though he’s young, he has loads of experience and his men are loyal to him.
This book gives the reader a real feel for the time. There’s a lot of historical detail, from how battles are run, to travelling and living in medieval England. I’ve finished the book feeling as though I now know more about this period in history, and how difficult it is to draw back and let fly an arrow from a longbow (serious strength is needed!). How the nobility could have seen so little value in these men is a mystery to me. Their skill is described so well.
So, if you enjoy historical fiction and a lot of action in battle, then this is the book for you - I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for reading along with us!
Gerald is from a poor family, and King Henry is quite clear about his opinions of Archers - they’re disposable and unimportant. Luckily, his son and heir, Lord Edward, is not of the same opinion. He values Gerald War Bow, and sees his worth. Even though he’s young, he has loads of experience and his men are loyal to him.
This book gives the reader a real feel for the time. There’s a lot of historical detail, from how battles are run, to travelling and living in medieval England. I’ve finished the book feeling as though I now know more about this period in history, and how difficult it is to draw back and let fly an arrow from a longbow (serious strength is needed!). How the nobility could have seen so little value in these men is a mystery to me. Their skill is described so well.
So, if you enjoy historical fiction and a lot of action in battle, then this is the book for you - I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for reading along with us!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Why Mummy Drinks in Books
Jan 21, 2020
Swear heavy rantings
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Gabrielle Glaister. My expectation picking up this book was that it was going to be a humorous commentary on the daily trials of motherhood but for me, it didn’t hit the funny spot I was hoping for.
Written from the point of view of a 39-year-old mother of two young children we have a view of her life as she hopes it is going to go and then how things actually happen.
The beginning of this book came across as some sort of constant swearing rant by a rather stuck up woman who I was struggling to feel any sympathy for. I nearly gave up on it but it did improve.
I just couldn't muster any love for this mum. I don't think the narration helped for me but overall the tone just wasn't enjoyable. There were moments, in particular, the Christmas period that brought a smile to my face but I had wanted more of a laugh.
I generally don’t mind a lot of swearing but it was done in such a repetitive way it didn’t help the story, oh and having FML read out as letters frequently grated.
Written from the point of view of a 39-year-old mother of two young children we have a view of her life as she hopes it is going to go and then how things actually happen.
The beginning of this book came across as some sort of constant swearing rant by a rather stuck up woman who I was struggling to feel any sympathy for. I nearly gave up on it but it did improve.
I just couldn't muster any love for this mum. I don't think the narration helped for me but overall the tone just wasn't enjoyable. There were moments, in particular, the Christmas period that brought a smile to my face but I had wanted more of a laugh.
I generally don’t mind a lot of swearing but it was done in such a repetitive way it didn’t help the story, oh and having FML read out as letters frequently grated.
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