Search
Search results
David McK (3557 KP) rated Carpe Jugulum (Discworld #23; Witches #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The 23rd Discworld book, this is really what I would term as one of the 'Witches' (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlik and - now - Agnes Nitt) novels, and is also the first to concentrate on 'proper' Vampires (or, as they prefer to be known, Vampyres (with a 'y'))
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7) in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2020)
<2020 update>
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
David McK (3557 KP) rated Specter of the Past (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn Duology, #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Back in the early 90s (round about '91 or so, so pre Special Editions), Timothy Zahn released a new Star Wars novel - <i>Heir to the Empire</i> - that would both become the first in a trilogy, and the first in the Star Wars expanded universe (EU) series as a whole.
The main antagonist of those stories was Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant strategist who believed that a species art held the their weakness. Indeed, the novels were also the first to ever name the capitol of the Empire and the Old Republic ('Coruscant').
By the end of the trilogy, Thrawn was defeated and assassinated. Or was he?
This novel was first released in the mid 90's, round about the time of the Special Editions, and before the first of the Prequel trilogy. Set 10 years after the events of <i>The Last Command</i>, this also sees the return of certain characters from Zahn's previous entries in the Star Wars canon, but (I felt) was not quite as entertaining a read.
The main antagonist of those stories was Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant strategist who believed that a species art held the their weakness. Indeed, the novels were also the first to ever name the capitol of the Empire and the Old Republic ('Coruscant').
By the end of the trilogy, Thrawn was defeated and assassinated. Or was he?
This novel was first released in the mid 90's, round about the time of the Special Editions, and before the first of the Prequel trilogy. Set 10 years after the events of <i>The Last Command</i>, this also sees the return of certain characters from Zahn's previous entries in the Star Wars canon, but (I felt) was not quite as entertaining a read.
Charley (64 KP) rated The Mermaid in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Unusual and left you wanting more
This author is truly amazing. She is able to take well know tales/ folk lores and turn them into gripping novels. This book is no different. I found this enchanting tale after reading her Chronicles of Alice series of books.
She has taken the story of Bo Burnham and the little mermaid and amalgamated them into what is an amazing read.
In short the story is about a mermaid who wants to see the world. She is taken in by Burnham with a promise of money to show the world her mermaid tricks. Safe to say that like all of Christina Henry's other books it takes a dark and twisted turn however seems to work out well in the end.
There are definitely some moments in the book where i was worried to read on as i thought something really bad was going to happen.
It kept me on the edge of my seat through out and was a wonderful tale of the darkness of men and magic.
She has taken the story of Bo Burnham and the little mermaid and amalgamated them into what is an amazing read.
In short the story is about a mermaid who wants to see the world. She is taken in by Burnham with a promise of money to show the world her mermaid tricks. Safe to say that like all of Christina Henry's other books it takes a dark and twisted turn however seems to work out well in the end.
There are definitely some moments in the book where i was worried to read on as i thought something really bad was going to happen.
It kept me on the edge of my seat through out and was a wonderful tale of the darkness of men and magic.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Rapscallion (Matthew Hawkood, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third book in James McGee's <i>Hawkwood</i> series of novels, this see Matthew Hawkwood sent undercover to the prison Hulks to investigate both the escape of several prisoners, and the disappearance of those sent previously to track them down.
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
David McK (3557 KP) rated Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur in Books
Jan 30, 2019
If I'm honest, I'm not really that much of a graphic novel/comic book kinda guy: I usually prefer to let my imagination do the work rather than have it 'shown' to me (which is also why I don't always like TV/movie adaptations).
Having said that, I thought I would give this one a go anyway. A retelling of the Arthurian legend, this takes in pretty much all the main characters and events of that legend, but not necessarily all how I was familiar with them (it involves the seelie/unseelie (i.e. faeries) which I don't remember ever having been part of the legend before).
Starting with Arthur's conception and ending with his 'death' at Badon Hill, the novel also glosses over some of the less savory actions that Arthur is supposed to have carried out (ref Tristan and Isolde).
An OK read, and while yes, I may pick up some of the others in the series, this failed to really change my perception of graphic novels as a whole.
Having said that, I thought I would give this one a go anyway. A retelling of the Arthurian legend, this takes in pretty much all the main characters and events of that legend, but not necessarily all how I was familiar with them (it involves the seelie/unseelie (i.e. faeries) which I don't remember ever having been part of the legend before).
Starting with Arthur's conception and ending with his 'death' at Badon Hill, the novel also glosses over some of the less savory actions that Arthur is supposed to have carried out (ref Tristan and Isolde).
An OK read, and while yes, I may pick up some of the others in the series, this failed to really change my perception of graphic novels as a whole.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated From the Shadows in Books
Oct 25, 2019
From The Shadows
I'm not an avid reader of crime thrillers as I often find them unbelievable, predictable or rediculous. This is neither. I was gripped from the beginning and found it hard to put down. Just one more chapter was my continuous mantra. Like Jane Harper's brilliant novels, as well as the character, the setting itself shines like the main character. Here the cold Highlands of Scotland paint the bleak setting for the dark crimes unfolding.
Bravely, Halliday doesn't feel the need to add romance or standard go to characters to make it work. He relies on his storytelling and strong individuals and how refreshing to see a book featuring a social worker that isn't female or a do gooder.
I'm gobsmacked this is a debut, it reads like a hardened crime writer who is a master at their trade. I can imagine this becoming an ITV drama in the future and look forward to the next installment. An absolutely cracking read for any crime or thriller fan.
Bravely, Halliday doesn't feel the need to add romance or standard go to characters to make it work. He relies on his storytelling and strong individuals and how refreshing to see a book featuring a social worker that isn't female or a do gooder.
I'm gobsmacked this is a debut, it reads like a hardened crime writer who is a master at their trade. I can imagine this becoming an ITV drama in the future and look forward to the next installment. An absolutely cracking read for any crime or thriller fan.
David McK (3557 KP) rated The Serpent Sword in Books
Jul 7, 2019
The first entry in Matthew Harffy's Bernicia Chronicles series, which - I have to say - shares more than a few similarities to Bernard Cornwell's 'Last Kingdom' series in that it is set during Dark Ages Britain, with large parts in and around the fortress of Bebbanburg. Sound at all familiar?
When reading this, I had no idea which came first: this, or Cornwell's The Last Kingdom.
Thta's not to set that this novel isn't enjoyable, and that we can't have more than one story set in and about the same time period (indeed, if anything, this is set even earlier than Cornwell's novels, i.e. before the time of Alftred the Great): I did, in fact, quite enjoy this.
Throughout the course of this novel, we follow the exploits and the coming of age of Harffy's main protaganist, Beobrand of Bernicia, from his arrival at the court of King Edwin through his first taste of a battle in a shieldwall, to his time at a Christian Monastery and travels throughout a lawless land before finally settling down (at least, until the next novel!)
When reading this, I had no idea which came first: this, or Cornwell's The Last Kingdom.
Thta's not to set that this novel isn't enjoyable, and that we can't have more than one story set in and about the same time period (indeed, if anything, this is set even earlier than Cornwell's novels, i.e. before the time of Alftred the Great): I did, in fact, quite enjoy this.
Throughout the course of this novel, we follow the exploits and the coming of age of Harffy's main protaganist, Beobrand of Bernicia, from his arrival at the court of King Edwin through his first taste of a battle in a shieldwall, to his time at a Christian Monastery and travels throughout a lawless land before finally settling down (at least, until the next novel!)
Kate (493 KP) rated The House of Twelve in Books
Nov 26, 2019
I did enjoy this book. I like crime novels and was not aware this was paranormal as well but it did all make sense and tie in at the end.
Once I started reading I couldn't out the book down - I read it in a day.
The story flowed well and it was interesting to find out the back ground of each character. I did like the twist at the end when the newspaper cut outs and reports were found. It really tied everything together.
I couldn't connect with the characters but that could be because some of them weren't around long and others I just didn't feel anything for. I didn't care what happened to each character and/or when it happened.
The story reminded me of the Saw films. They were more about a game and torture which I don't like so the book was better.
The book was very well put together.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Once I started reading I couldn't out the book down - I read it in a day.
The story flowed well and it was interesting to find out the back ground of each character. I did like the twist at the end when the newspaper cut outs and reports were found. It really tied everything together.
I couldn't connect with the characters but that could be because some of them weren't around long and others I just didn't feel anything for. I didn't care what happened to each character and/or when it happened.
The story reminded me of the Saw films. They were more about a game and torture which I don't like so the book was better.
The book was very well put together.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold in Books
Mar 26, 2020
The 9th entry in Angus Donald's Robin Hood Outlaw series of books, although chronologically I think this is the third (set after Holy Warrior).
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.