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Timstar

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    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    51czhYe%2BqpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-stThe Phoenix Rising - Richard Sanders (Kindle)

     

    Synopsis

     

    As the most serious threat ever facing the galaxy now looms over them—weapons able to destroy stars—Calvin and his enterprising crew continue their mission to expose and eliminate the dark conspiracy that has taken root inside the Empire.

     

    Review

     

    The sequel to The Phoenix Conspiracy which is a Kindle freebie which I read last year when I first got my Kindle. I compared the previous one to a Dan Brown thriller in space, this one is a simple continuation but with less conspiracy and a bit more action.

     

    An exciting no-nonsense thrill ride that moves at a brilliant pace and I enjoyed it all the way. This is the second-part of an ultimate five-part story, but I felt it didn't do much to move the conspiracy story along, it asked a few more questions but didn't answer any, it began and wrapped up a side story.

     

    I am looking forward to reading more of the series.

     

    Overall 8/10

    Gollancz

    in Horror / Fantasy / SF

    Posted

    I thought I remembered posting this :lol:  Anyway, not via SF Gateway, but . . .

     

    Finally, finally, finally, Julian May's novels are back in print and also on Kindle, including all of the 'Saga of the Exiles' and the 'Galactic Milieu Trilogy' :exc:

     

    Must. Buy. :D

     

    That is pretty cool!

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    9780575095823.jpgRed Country - Joe Abercrombie (Audio book - Read by Stephen Pacey)

     

    Synopsis

     

    Their farm destroyed, their friend murdered, their children taken. Shy and Lamb set out on a mission to get their children back and to get their revenge. But they can't do it alone, along the way they get embroiled with lawyers, traders, mayors, missionaries, rebels and Dragons.

     

    Review

     

    This was my first Abercrombie book, it is also his latest, I did not realise that all his books are set in the same world and although this is a stand-alone, I don't know if I would have benefited from reading his previous novels. There are certainly characters from his previous books as well as references to events. Either way it certainly didn't dampen my enjoyment of this fantastic book. The characterisation was second to none, a cast of brilliant, lovable and vivid characters that drove the story forward at the perfect pace. 'Temple' is quite possibly my favourite character of all time now, 'Lamb' and 'Cosca' were also brilliant. Even some minor characters like 'Crying Rock' and 'Sergeant Friendly' are also worth a mention. The characters all feel so human, they are, at times, flawed, evil and scared and the emotions pour out of them.

     

    The light-heartedness of the writing mixed with the dry wit of some of the characters gave the story a brilliant flow and the narration brought it to life. The only criticism I would have is that maybe it was a little predictable in places and some of the action scenes seemed a little familiar as if Abercrombie has watched too many films, but this didn't stop me smiling and laughing as the characters I love were thrust into these ridiculously dangerous situations that they themselves can't believe they are in.

     

    An absolutely brilliant book that left me wanting more Abercrombie straight away.

     

    Overall 9/10

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    Although extended I am sticking to the plan:

     

     

    Sharpe's Battle - Bernard Cornwell (Sharpe 12) - Read
    Under the Dome - Stephen King
    Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold - George R.R.Martin (Song of Ice and Fire 3)
    Dr. No - Ian Fleming (James Bond 5)
    No Country for Old Men - Cormac McCarthy
    Diary of Anne Frank - Started
    Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss (Kingkiller Chronicles 2)
    The Desert Spear - Peter V. Brett (Demon Cycle 2)
    The Pheonix Rising - Richard Sanders (Pheonix Conspiracy 2) - Started
    WarBreaker - Brandon Sanderson
    Retribution Falls - Chris Wooding (Tales of Ketty Jay 1)
    Furies of Calderon - Jim Butcher (Codex Alera 1)
    Cabal - Clive Barker

    The Great Hunt - Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time 2)

    Wind Through the Keyhole - Stephen King (Dark Tower 8).

    The Heroes - Joe Abercrombie

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    I can't remember if you have read The Dark Tower series. I read this one last year, and I think of it as a book separate to the series, possibly because we don't actually learn anything new about the characters and they don't move further on in their quest. It was still an ok read, but can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

    I have read it and mostly enjoyed it, but I have heard good things about the new one, and really looking forward to delving back into the Dark Tower world.

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    It seemed to be a bit more sporadic in the second half, a good tense section followed by a long period of nothing.

     

    I am going to have to be naughty and add two more books to my plan...but I can justify them:

     

    Wind Through the Keyhole - Stephen King (Dark Tower 8). I heard originally the paperback wasn't out till May but just saw it is out at the end of Feb so I have pre-ordered it.

    The Heroes - Joe Abercrombie. Almost finished the Red Country audio book and I love it so much I have to read more Abercrombie and soon!

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    isbn9781857230765-detail.jpgThe Eye of the World - Robert Jordan

     

    Synopsis

     

    Life in Emond's Field has been pretty boring for Rand Al'Thor and his friends until a strange young woman arrives in their village. Moraine is an Aes Sedai, a magician with the ability to wield the One Power, and she brings warnings of a terrible evil awakening in the world. But it is only the beginning of their troubles. For Moraine believes Rand Al'Thor is the Dragon Reborn, and that he is fated to unite the world against the rising darkness and lead the fight against a being so powerful and evil it is known simply as the Dark One

     

    Review

     

    Ever since I got into fantasy all those years ago this has been on my list of 'I'll get round to it eventually', then after seeing 7 of the now 14 books in the series for 50p each I thought it was time to give it a go. My expectations were understandably high due to all the hype around this series, the problem is that the hype is created by those thoroughly invested into it and the first book doesn't quite live up to it. 

     

    However, this is also what those same people say, 'don't be put off by the first book', 'it's good but gets a LOT better' etc. They also say that the whole series should be viewed as one book, with this in mind it is hard to be critical of a book after reading 1/14th of it, so I will try not to be. I did enjoy it, I was looking forward to coming back home so I could start reading it again. It started off quite predictable and formulaic but quickly found it's own path and thrust the readers into the journey with Rand.

     

    Exploring this immense world was something that I loved and will no doubt continue to love, but I would say that most of the characters felt a little two-dimensional. I am hoping they will be flushed out nicely as there is tonnes of potential. The other criticism I have is that it dragged a bit in the second half.

     

    Other that I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book.

     

    Overall 8/10 

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