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David McK (3557 KP) rated Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev: Ultimate Collection, Book 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
So: Daredevil.
AKA MAtt Murdock: Blind Lawyer by day, Vigilante by night.
And a character that, unlike (say) your Superman or Spiderman or Batman's, only really came to my attention with the (so-so) 2003 movie of the same name, and the more recent (and better) Marvel Netflix series'.
I'd also never read any of the comics/graphic novels before, although I knew that the TV series, in particular, drew heavily from that source, but had heard good things about them. With all that said, I thought I would take a risk on this particular collection (purchased, and read, via Comixology on my iPad) to see what all the fuss was about.
And, at first, I wasn't overwhelmed - I found the first story arc just so-so, and couldn't really get to grips with the art-style.
However, things picked up (for me) once the collection went back to a more conventional art style, with the whole story arc around the attempted coup against the Kingpin, followed by his estranged wife's revenge, then by the outing of Murdock's secret identity (wow!) and the trial of the Costumed Superhero (not him) that follows a succession of whammies (for want of a better word) one after the other ...
More, please!
AKA MAtt Murdock: Blind Lawyer by day, Vigilante by night.
And a character that, unlike (say) your Superman or Spiderman or Batman's, only really came to my attention with the (so-so) 2003 movie of the same name, and the more recent (and better) Marvel Netflix series'.
I'd also never read any of the comics/graphic novels before, although I knew that the TV series, in particular, drew heavily from that source, but had heard good things about them. With all that said, I thought I would take a risk on this particular collection (purchased, and read, via Comixology on my iPad) to see what all the fuss was about.
And, at first, I wasn't overwhelmed - I found the first story arc just so-so, and couldn't really get to grips with the art-style.
However, things picked up (for me) once the collection went back to a more conventional art style, with the whole story arc around the attempted coup against the Kingpin, followed by his estranged wife's revenge, then by the outing of Murdock's secret identity (wow!) and the trial of the Costumed Superhero (not him) that follows a succession of whammies (for want of a better word) one after the other ...
More, please!
Entry number 7 (of 9) in Donald Jacks Bartholomew Bandy series (Canadian First World War air ace), set - this time - in India, in the mid 1920s (1925, to be precise).
Having - inadvertently - previously saved the life of Prince Khoosie of the state of Jhamjarh, this novel starts with Bandy travelling to that continent to help them set up their own air force: an air force that is viewed with some misgivings by the (British) powers-that-be, who are convinced that it will be used against them and who refuse to heed any warnings about an uprising that is planned by another Indian state, even going so far as to take their side against Jhamjarh.
As things turn out, of course, the British government have it all backwards …
As I've said before, I found the quality of these novels to have declined in direct proportion to their settings: for my money, the earlier books (set during and just after WW1) are far superior to these later instalments. Having said that, I did find this one to be more enjoyable than its immediate predecessor, with a few laugh-out-loud moments and a further insight into just how Bandy's First World War experiences have affected him
Having - inadvertently - previously saved the life of Prince Khoosie of the state of Jhamjarh, this novel starts with Bandy travelling to that continent to help them set up their own air force: an air force that is viewed with some misgivings by the (British) powers-that-be, who are convinced that it will be used against them and who refuse to heed any warnings about an uprising that is planned by another Indian state, even going so far as to take their side against Jhamjarh.
As things turn out, of course, the British government have it all backwards …
As I've said before, I found the quality of these novels to have declined in direct proportion to their settings: for my money, the earlier books (set during and just after WW1) are far superior to these later instalments. Having said that, I did find this one to be more enjoyable than its immediate predecessor, with a few laugh-out-loud moments and a further insight into just how Bandy's First World War experiences have affected him
David McK (3557 KP) rated Casino Royale Vintage 007 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The very first James Bond (now a cultural phenomenon) book, and I'm sorry, but - much like the most recent Bond film of the same name - it's very hard to make high stakes gambling interesting or exciting (without being personally involved).
And that's the crux of this book: British (not-so) secret Agent James Bond is chosen to go undercover to bankrupt Le Chiffre in gambling at the Casino Royale of the title.
THis Bond is also quite 'hard', more akin to the Bond of the Dalton or Craig era of the films than to that of (say) the Moore era or - my favourite - the Brosnan era. As the first novel in the series, this also highlights to Bond just how cold the spy game an be, with the inclusion of Vesper Lynd: one of only two female's in his (literary) life who have such an impact on him.
While the prose does flow well enough, and the novel is short enough not to out-stay it's welcome, it none-the-less failed to ignite any desire in me to hunt down any other of Ian Fleming's Bond novels: I'm not going to avoid them (or say no if I come across them), but neither I am going to actively hunt them out.
And that's the crux of this book: British (not-so) secret Agent James Bond is chosen to go undercover to bankrupt Le Chiffre in gambling at the Casino Royale of the title.
THis Bond is also quite 'hard', more akin to the Bond of the Dalton or Craig era of the films than to that of (say) the Moore era or - my favourite - the Brosnan era. As the first novel in the series, this also highlights to Bond just how cold the spy game an be, with the inclusion of Vesper Lynd: one of only two female's in his (literary) life who have such an impact on him.
While the prose does flow well enough, and the novel is short enough not to out-stay it's welcome, it none-the-less failed to ignite any desire in me to hunt down any other of Ian Fleming's Bond novels: I'm not going to avoid them (or say no if I come across them), but neither I am going to actively hunt them out.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Imperfect Sword (The Lost Stars #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third book in [a:Jack Campbell|55547|Jack Campbell|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1302415236p2/55547.jpg]'s (aka John Hemry) 'The Lost Stars', this continues the story of Gwen Iceni and Arrur Drakon from the star system Midway in the wake of their revolution against their former Syndicate rulers.
This also takes place mostly alongside the events of [b:Steadfast|576565|The Steadfast Tin Soldier|Hans Christian Andersen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348002883s/576565.jpg|2146970], with 'Balck Jack' Geary making a brief cameo about two-thirds of the way through, for reason explained in that other book.
The bulk of this novel concerns a preemptive attack on a neighbouring star system in which a former Syndic CEO has set up his own little Empire: an Empire that will, in time, threaten the security of Midway itself. As is usual, however, things are not as they seem ...
If you've read any of the other novels in this series, you will know pretty much what to expect: internal politicking, massive space battles (following Newtonian laws rather than the Space Opera of, say, Star Wars), and - especially in this book - ground battles,with Iceni and Drakon still just as unable as ever to admit their feelings to each other!
This also takes place mostly alongside the events of [b:Steadfast|576565|The Steadfast Tin Soldier|Hans Christian Andersen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348002883s/576565.jpg|2146970], with 'Balck Jack' Geary making a brief cameo about two-thirds of the way through, for reason explained in that other book.
The bulk of this novel concerns a preemptive attack on a neighbouring star system in which a former Syndic CEO has set up his own little Empire: an Empire that will, in time, threaten the security of Midway itself. As is usual, however, things are not as they seem ...
If you've read any of the other novels in this series, you will know pretty much what to expect: internal politicking, massive space battles (following Newtonian laws rather than the Space Opera of, say, Star Wars), and - especially in this book - ground battles,with Iceni and Drakon still just as unable as ever to admit their feelings to each other!
David McK (3557 KP) rated The Blood Crows (Eagle, #12) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Book number 12 in Simon Scarrow's (what was originally called) Eagle series (before the 'Eagle' moniker was dropped with the publication of [b:Centurion|2993197|Centurion|L.D. Alford|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347251292s/2993197.jpg|3023669]), with this one seeing the return of Roman soldiers Macro and Cato back to the scene of the first novels: back to the still-untamed Britain.
The newly promoted Prefect Cato (who has thus overtaken his old mentor and friend Macro - now a Centurion - in rank), as well as Centurion Macro, are given the task of taking command of a military outpost on the borders of the empire: a military outpost in which the previous Prefect has been killed in mysterious circumstances, and in which (it proves) the current Commander and his Blood Wolves are carrying out a policy of total war against the inhabitants of the valley in which the fort is situated.
It's not long before Cato has to assert his own authority, as well as finding ways to deal with hordes of vengeful natives on his doorstep ...
As before in the series, I found this to be an enjoyable read: it will also be interesting to see where the series goes next! :)
The newly promoted Prefect Cato (who has thus overtaken his old mentor and friend Macro - now a Centurion - in rank), as well as Centurion Macro, are given the task of taking command of a military outpost on the borders of the empire: a military outpost in which the previous Prefect has been killed in mysterious circumstances, and in which (it proves) the current Commander and his Blood Wolves are carrying out a policy of total war against the inhabitants of the valley in which the fort is situated.
It's not long before Cato has to assert his own authority, as well as finding ways to deal with hordes of vengeful natives on his doorstep ...
As before in the series, I found this to be an enjoyable read: it will also be interesting to see where the series goes next! :)
Sam (228 KP) rated Green Valley in Books
Oct 19, 2019
Characters (3 more)
Descriptive Scenery
Thrilling Plot
Captivating Storyline
Sometimes has confusing dialogue (1 more)
Weird Chapter Setup
A Chilling Spectacle
This novel is truly something to behold, tackling the hard subject of technology, this novel takes place in a future where only a select group of people have agreed to live within a 24/7 virtual reality while the rest of the world has expunged all invasive technology, right down to the motion sensors that open doors at the supermarket.
It is within this universe that the novels chooses to display both the pros and cons of technological advancement as well as warns against advancing too far to the point where humanity becomes lost.
Although the chapters are set up weird, split from chapters into sections that seem unnecessarily placed, this seems to be a technical problem rather than a problem with the actual story. The story itself is both well organized and well written, building beautiful images of this world as well as developing characters as the story advances. Personally, I feel the ending seemed a bit rushed however qhether this was due to the actual writing or the fact that I couldn't put the book down is yet to be decided.
It is within this universe that the novels chooses to display both the pros and cons of technological advancement as well as warns against advancing too far to the point where humanity becomes lost.
Although the chapters are set up weird, split from chapters into sections that seem unnecessarily placed, this seems to be a technical problem rather than a problem with the actual story. The story itself is both well organized and well written, building beautiful images of this world as well as developing characters as the story advances. Personally, I feel the ending seemed a bit rushed however qhether this was due to the actual writing or the fact that I couldn't put the book down is yet to be decided.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jan 23, 2019
John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" introduces us to sixteen-year-old Aza, a teenage girl with mental health issues who is desperate to blend in and just be a normal teenage girl. After giving in to Daisy's, her best friend, nagging, the two girls attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Russell Pickett and collect the reward. Aza was not planning on connecting back with Davis, Russell's son, whom she knew when they were kids, but she does.
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Perfect Murder (Inspector Ghote, #1) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This is the first in a series of mysteries featuring Inpector Ghote of the Bombay CID recently rereleased as a Penguin Modern Classic. I don't know how many titles there are in the series, but as in the introduction we are told the author didn't set foot in India until the first nine were written I'd hazard a guess there are at least ten!
Now, I do love a good mystery, or what my mother calls 'a nice murder' and although I was entertained enough by this I don't think it will finding a permanent home on my bookshevles. It's not that there is anything particularly wrong with it, perhaps it just wasn't my cup of tea? I found most of the characters in the book to be completely frustrating and unhelpful so I felt frustrated too! Lala Varde I could have quite cheerfully strangled myself with his obstructiveness and childish rhyming language!
One thing I do usually enjoy in mystery novels is trying to work out the solution and then feeling particularly pleased with myself if I get anywhere near the truth. I think that was difficult to do here, so maybe another reason why I wasn't taken with it?
Now, I do love a good mystery, or what my mother calls 'a nice murder' and although I was entertained enough by this I don't think it will finding a permanent home on my bookshevles. It's not that there is anything particularly wrong with it, perhaps it just wasn't my cup of tea? I found most of the characters in the book to be completely frustrating and unhelpful so I felt frustrated too! Lala Varde I could have quite cheerfully strangled myself with his obstructiveness and childish rhyming language!
One thing I do usually enjoy in mystery novels is trying to work out the solution and then feeling particularly pleased with myself if I get anywhere near the truth. I think that was difficult to do here, so maybe another reason why I wasn't taken with it?
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Close to Home in Books
Jan 7, 2020
I didn’t want to put this down!
Eighteen months ago, I wouldn’t have picked up this book. I thought I didn’t like police procedural, crime or thriller novels. However, The Pigeonhole has opened up a whole new genre to me, and I’m so glad - I wouldn’t have read this book for a start!
I think Adam Fawley is going to be a detective that I will enjoy reading about. This isn’t a pleasant subject: an eight year old child, Daisy Mason, goes missing, and rather than doing everything they can to help find her, her parents are positively obstructive. Her younger brother is withdrawn - in fact it really doesn’t look good for the parents.
The police team are all great characters to read about, and DI Fawley is very human. We learn about his tragic background, and the reason why he works so hard to find Daisy.
I just really liked everything about this - the storyline isn’t needlessly gruesome, the characters are really well described and the ending was so good (oh, it had me rubbing my hands together!). To be honest, I’ve already bought the next two books in the series!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Cara Hunter for reading along.
I think Adam Fawley is going to be a detective that I will enjoy reading about. This isn’t a pleasant subject: an eight year old child, Daisy Mason, goes missing, and rather than doing everything they can to help find her, her parents are positively obstructive. Her younger brother is withdrawn - in fact it really doesn’t look good for the parents.
The police team are all great characters to read about, and DI Fawley is very human. We learn about his tragic background, and the reason why he works so hard to find Daisy.
I just really liked everything about this - the storyline isn’t needlessly gruesome, the characters are really well described and the ending was so good (oh, it had me rubbing my hands together!). To be honest, I’ve already bought the next two books in the series!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Cara Hunter for reading along.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Assassin's Creed: Gold in Books
Mar 15, 2020
Assassin's Creed.
Primarily a series of Ubisoft-owned video games (of which I've played the majority - not all!), the franchise has also had a rather perplexing, Michael Fassbender starring, movie spin-off and a series of novels (which I just couldn't get into).
To that, we can now also add an Audible original (I think) audio drama.
And, I have to say, it's actually pretty good!
With some big star names adding their talents - I'm looking mainly at you, Antony Head (aka Giles from TVs 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer') - and pretty decent background incidentals, this drama also hews closer to the original Assassin's Creed games than the latter, in that it takes place pretty much equally in both the 'real' world (of the drama, anyway!) and inside the Animus!
The setting for the Animus, by the way, is in 1696 when Isaac Newton - Antony Head - has been tasked with running the Royal Mint, and with stamping out counterfeiting. As this is an audio book, it's also able to do something that I don't think would translate at all well into any other medium: the main Assassin character of Omar Khaled is blind! No idea how that would translate into a game ...
Primarily a series of Ubisoft-owned video games (of which I've played the majority - not all!), the franchise has also had a rather perplexing, Michael Fassbender starring, movie spin-off and a series of novels (which I just couldn't get into).
To that, we can now also add an Audible original (I think) audio drama.
And, I have to say, it's actually pretty good!
With some big star names adding their talents - I'm looking mainly at you, Antony Head (aka Giles from TVs 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer') - and pretty decent background incidentals, this drama also hews closer to the original Assassin's Creed games than the latter, in that it takes place pretty much equally in both the 'real' world (of the drama, anyway!) and inside the Animus!
The setting for the Animus, by the way, is in 1696 when Isaac Newton - Antony Head - has been tasked with running the Royal Mint, and with stamping out counterfeiting. As this is an audio book, it's also able to do something that I don't think would translate at all well into any other medium: the main Assassin character of Omar Khaled is blind! No idea how that would translate into a game ...