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Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1)
8.3
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First in a brand new series from the author of the Rogue Mage novels Jane Yellowrock is a...
The Viking's Captive (Clan Hakon #2)
9.0
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Prophecy spoken. Alliances broken. Will duty come before love? The Viking's Captive is the...
The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #2)
8.3
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The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #2) The novels of New York Times bestselling...
David McK (3562 KP) rated Quest for Lost Heroes (Drenai #4) in Books
Mar 11, 2023
An early Gemmell, this is the fourth (by release date) in his Drenai saga, and - I have to say - it shows somewhat.
Whilst it is an enjoyable read, I found this one to lack the complexity of some of his later works: indeed, the very plot itself even comes across as a rough outline for his later Winter Warriors.
Having said that, I still enjoyed this one, albeit not as much as his novels that included the Drenai hero Druss (name dropped in passing - this is set centuries on), or even the assassin Waylander.
Whilst it is an enjoyable read, I found this one to lack the complexity of some of his later works: indeed, the very plot itself even comes across as a rough outline for his later Winter Warriors.
Having said that, I still enjoyed this one, albeit not as much as his novels that included the Drenai hero Druss (name dropped in passing - this is set centuries on), or even the assassin Waylander.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Sharpe's Regiment (1196) in Movies
Oct 23, 2022
While there is now something like 23, maybe 24, Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell when this was released there was only roughly half that.
This is the only novel (so far) to be set mainly in England, with Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper travelling back to London to find the missing recruits from their second battalion - a storyline to which this adaptation sticks remarkably closely.
It's not perfect, of course, with subplots left out or condensed somewhat (and the lack of budget shows), but it is still a good enough watch!
This is the only novel (so far) to be set mainly in England, with Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper travelling back to London to find the missing recruits from their second battalion - a storyline to which this adaptation sticks remarkably closely.
It's not perfect, of course, with subplots left out or condensed somewhat (and the lack of budget shows), but it is still a good enough watch!
The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1)
5.8
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Discover the world of the Queen's Thief New York Times-bestselling author Megan Whalen Turner's...
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Share and Share Alike (Aspen Valley, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
The third in the series has more of suspense feel to it than the others, I have to say it didnt work for me. I dont really do suspense even when its paired with romance, so I found myself enjoying this novel less than the first two. I did enjoy how much love these characters had for animals. As someone who loves all animals (I am that person who wont step on a spider!), it warmed my heart to see their devotion.
The bottomline is that, despite not enjoying the mystery/suspense aspect, it was an enjoyable read. The characters are easy to like and their actions make more sense than those of characters in the previous installment. This was one of those novels where I enjoyed reading about the journey rather than reading towards the goal.
Its also much easier to pick up on the language after read a few of these novels. If you are not used to European, particularly British, terms, then it could throw you off. The author makes sure these dont actually interfere with the story, however.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
The third in the series has more of suspense feel to it than the others, I have to say it didnt work for me. I dont really do suspense even when its paired with romance, so I found myself enjoying this novel less than the first two. I did enjoy how much love these characters had for animals. As someone who loves all animals (I am that person who wont step on a spider!), it warmed my heart to see their devotion.
The bottomline is that, despite not enjoying the mystery/suspense aspect, it was an enjoyable read. The characters are easy to like and their actions make more sense than those of characters in the previous installment. This was one of those novels where I enjoyed reading about the journey rather than reading towards the goal.
Its also much easier to pick up on the language after read a few of these novels. If you are not used to European, particularly British, terms, then it could throw you off. The author makes sure these dont actually interfere with the story, however.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Ink and Steel (Promethean Age, #3) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
If I had it to do over again, I'd read this and <i>Hell and Earth</i> first, then the "first" two Promethean Age novels. That would put them in chronological order, which is how I prefer to read.
Normally, I'd be terribly unhappy with the fact that this book leaves so many loose ends. Since it is clearly marked "The Straford Man, Volume I," and the author's note states that it is one of two closely-linked novels, I don't feel cheated. It helps that this and <i>Hell and Earth</i> were released very close together.
Bear's mastery of the language is always a pleasure. The book is well-plotted, and while I struggled a bit to keep up with all the similarly-named people in Elizabethan England, I can hardly blame the author for the fact that there really were three "Will's" in the same company of players, or several plotting Richards in association. I'm not well-educated enough with regards to that period in history to know how much of the intrigue is pure fiction, and how much may have historical basis. I look forward to the promised explicatory note at the end of H&E for that.
Normally, I'd be terribly unhappy with the fact that this book leaves so many loose ends. Since it is clearly marked "The Straford Man, Volume I," and the author's note states that it is one of two closely-linked novels, I don't feel cheated. It helps that this and <i>Hell and Earth</i> were released very close together.
Bear's mastery of the language is always a pleasure. The book is well-plotted, and while I struggled a bit to keep up with all the similarly-named people in Elizabethan England, I can hardly blame the author for the fact that there really were three "Will's" in the same company of players, or several plotting Richards in association. I'm not well-educated enough with regards to that period in history to know how much of the intrigue is pure fiction, and how much may have historical basis. I look forward to the promised explicatory note at the end of H&E for that.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Hereward (Hereward, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Obviously the first in a planned series of novels on Hereward 'the Wake' (in this context, 'the Wake' means wary or watchful), who was a real Saxon who lead the resistance against the Norman invaders of England in William the Conquerors time.
While largely forgotten by history, many of Herewards exploits have later been subsumed into the many legends of Robin Hood - it is easy to see the parallels between the two characters and, as such, I thought that this could prove to be an interesting read.
Unfortunately, for me, much of the novel fell flat - I was never really drawn into it all that much; never really connected with any of the main characters. Starting in 1062, the novels takes place over a span of years (up to, and slightly beyond) The Battle of Hastings in 1066 with that battle (and Stamford bridge beforehand) largely glossed over - maybe only a chapter or two devoted to the both of them. Indeed, it was only in the last 70 pages or so - with the beginnings of the English resistance - that I began to be more drawn into the novel, by which stage it was too late.
While I may read the sequels, I'm not going to be looking for them.
While largely forgotten by history, many of Herewards exploits have later been subsumed into the many legends of Robin Hood - it is easy to see the parallels between the two characters and, as such, I thought that this could prove to be an interesting read.
Unfortunately, for me, much of the novel fell flat - I was never really drawn into it all that much; never really connected with any of the main characters. Starting in 1062, the novels takes place over a span of years (up to, and slightly beyond) The Battle of Hastings in 1066 with that battle (and Stamford bridge beforehand) largely glossed over - maybe only a chapter or two devoted to the both of them. Indeed, it was only in the last 70 pages or so - with the beginnings of the English resistance - that I began to be more drawn into the novel, by which stage it was too late.
While I may read the sequels, I'm not going to be looking for them.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Institute in Books
Nov 26, 2019
Would make a great film
Supernatural abilities and horrific events are nothing new for Stephen King, but this is the first time we've seen his take on The Maze Runner/X-Men and most other recent YA novels or films. And it's really rather good.
I wouldn't say it's up there with his knockout classics or epic stories, but this is a hugely entertaining read with some endearing and well developed characters. Even the kids in this are a lot more likeable than most other whinging teens that feature as protagonists in other novels, and it's just proof that King really does know how to do characters. The story itself is interesting and a neat new take on the supernatural/superhero powers that we're so used to seeing nowadays. My biggest issue is the ending. It's not terrible or even bad at all, it just comes across as very anticlimactic after the huge build up and is rather a bit of a letdown. It just seems a little too clean and wrapped up all too quickly.
Still I struggled to put this down, especially the further I got into it, and if you like stories about supernatural abilities then this is definitely one to read.
I wouldn't say it's up there with his knockout classics or epic stories, but this is a hugely entertaining read with some endearing and well developed characters. Even the kids in this are a lot more likeable than most other whinging teens that feature as protagonists in other novels, and it's just proof that King really does know how to do characters. The story itself is interesting and a neat new take on the supernatural/superhero powers that we're so used to seeing nowadays. My biggest issue is the ending. It's not terrible or even bad at all, it just comes across as very anticlimactic after the huge build up and is rather a bit of a letdown. It just seems a little too clean and wrapped up all too quickly.
Still I struggled to put this down, especially the further I got into it, and if you like stories about supernatural abilities then this is definitely one to read.