Without Remorse
By: Tom Clancy
From: Harper Collins
This book is a kind of stand alone prequel, come introduction to the 'John Clark' of Rainbow Six. Set at the time of the Vietnam war, we follow John on a voyage of revenge after drug dealers kill and mutilate his girlfriend.
The only problem, if that is what it is, I have with this book is that most of the scenes seem altogether too plausible. If someone with just enough training is pushed to the point where, when no-one will help and the only way to satisfaction is to do it yourself, they set out to seek revenge on their taunting opposition.
The bad guys are slightly cariacatured as the the hard pressed police officers, but the stereotypes stand up well.
This book is not as fast paced as some of Tom Clancy's other offerings, but this book offers you a chance to go behind a character and discover their motivation and history.
A solid read for a Tom Clancy fan. I liked it.
Friday 11 December 2009
Friday 9 October 2009
Trial By Fire - Harold Coyle
Trial By Fire
By: Harold Coyle
From: Pocket Books
Now I'm not the most gung-ho of types, but this is definitely a macho book. The lead character may be female (or one of the lead characters is) but testosterone leaks off the pages.
While being a work of fiction, it does, in this slightly contrived case, show how attitudes and perceptions shape the decisions we make.
When the government of Mexico is overthrown, the United States begins diplomatic negotiations with the country's new government. Criminal elements would prefer to have the old regieme back to commence attacks on civilians to force the U.S. into war. The ante is upped time and again, with atrocities and calamities on all sides.
The ending, as with most, is a letdown, kind of like hitting the ground after floating down on a parachute.
I liked this book and would recommend you read it.
By: Harold Coyle
From: Pocket Books
Now I'm not the most gung-ho of types, but this is definitely a macho book. The lead character may be female (or one of the lead characters is) but testosterone leaks off the pages.
While being a work of fiction, it does, in this slightly contrived case, show how attitudes and perceptions shape the decisions we make.
When the government of Mexico is overthrown, the United States begins diplomatic negotiations with the country's new government. Criminal elements would prefer to have the old regieme back to commence attacks on civilians to force the U.S. into war. The ante is upped time and again, with atrocities and calamities on all sides.
The ending, as with most, is a letdown, kind of like hitting the ground after floating down on a parachute.
I liked this book and would recommend you read it.
Monday 20 July 2009
The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code
By: Dan Brown
From: Corgi
A cracking good read - not a total stretch or something that will go down as a future classic, just a good solid read. Mainly based on assertations made in several books, this story is the lumping together of all of these stories into one cohesive conspiracy.
This is a cliffhanger book, not fact or accuracy. There is literary licence taken, forgiveable in this case, to keep the story moving. Each chapter is designed to draw you deeper into the story making it un-put-downable.
The characters are somewhat poster-like in their two-dimensionality. The baddies are, well especially bad and you root solidly for the good guys.
The film of the same name based on this book does not do the story justice - it is accurate - it just lacks the character, if it is possible, that the book has.
By: Dan Brown
From: Corgi
A cracking good read - not a total stretch or something that will go down as a future classic, just a good solid read. Mainly based on assertations made in several books, this story is the lumping together of all of these stories into one cohesive conspiracy.
This is a cliffhanger book, not fact or accuracy. There is literary licence taken, forgiveable in this case, to keep the story moving. Each chapter is designed to draw you deeper into the story making it un-put-downable.
The characters are somewhat poster-like in their two-dimensionality. The baddies are, well especially bad and you root solidly for the good guys.
The film of the same name based on this book does not do the story justice - it is accurate - it just lacks the character, if it is possible, that the book has.
Thursday 9 July 2009
1633
1633
By: David Weber & Eric Flint
From: Baen
This is one for the die hard fans of alternate-history-time-travel type stories. The story (1633) focusses on events in and around the thirty years war in central Europe. THe first book 1632 was an introduction to the characters and their history and a lead in to this story. What Weber and Flint have done here is ground the story in some fairly brutal history. Obviously, as with all time travel stories, as soon as you change history all kinds of possibilities are opened up.
It is still grating that a union official can out-think some of the most devious, cruel and merciless minds in history, and still have time for romance. The casual acceptance of twentieth century morals, practises and norms by the 'native' population is an area that could have been handled better. Yes, I know the 'modern' age was kicking off then, but most peasants of the time would have been deeply suspicious and / or religious and I don't see them casually throwing all their upbringing away over the space of a few pages to be replaced with the new and improved model of democracy and casual acceptance of other religions used here.
But, to give credit, 1633 is a cracking read and will not disappoint fans of David Weber or Eric Flint.
By: David Weber & Eric Flint
From: Baen
This is one for the die hard fans of alternate-history-time-travel type stories. The story (1633) focusses on events in and around the thirty years war in central Europe. THe first book 1632 was an introduction to the characters and their history and a lead in to this story. What Weber and Flint have done here is ground the story in some fairly brutal history. Obviously, as with all time travel stories, as soon as you change history all kinds of possibilities are opened up.
It is still grating that a union official can out-think some of the most devious, cruel and merciless minds in history, and still have time for romance. The casual acceptance of twentieth century morals, practises and norms by the 'native' population is an area that could have been handled better. Yes, I know the 'modern' age was kicking off then, but most peasants of the time would have been deeply suspicious and / or religious and I don't see them casually throwing all their upbringing away over the space of a few pages to be replaced with the new and improved model of democracy and casual acceptance of other religions used here.
But, to give credit, 1633 is a cracking read and will not disappoint fans of David Weber or Eric Flint.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Angels and Demons - Dan Brown
Angels and Demons
By: Dan Brown
From: Corgi
Leave your brain behind for some pure escapism. A lot of what is portrayed in this book is just what the book is - fiction.
What Dan Brown does well is tell a story, provoke some critisism from the right places, enough to generate controversy and let publicity do the rest.
The story takes place before The Da Vinci Code and is a much darker story. A long hidden society has struck and there is a race against time to stop murder and destruction.
A cracking pace, suspense on each page, obstacles to overcome, lies and conspiracies. A tailor made combination for a blockbuster, and you are not disappointed.
I have to argue with some of the scientific claims made in this book, yes it is fiction, but it is presented in such a way as to make it seem like fact. This is a comon trick used by the author, surround a questionable fact with lots of real facts to prop it up and soon you can't see the fiction for the facts.
The parts concerning CERN concern me. If enough people now believe even half of the bad fiction printed in the book, then years of scientific endeavour are all for naught. Not only is it bad writing, it is dangerous to present fiction as fact without clarifying what is and isn't possible.
I consider myself intelligent and had to check some of the facts to see if they were possible or had even taken or would be taking place.
Still, all in all a good holiday read.
By: Dan Brown
From: Corgi
Leave your brain behind for some pure escapism. A lot of what is portrayed in this book is just what the book is - fiction.
What Dan Brown does well is tell a story, provoke some critisism from the right places, enough to generate controversy and let publicity do the rest.
The story takes place before The Da Vinci Code and is a much darker story. A long hidden society has struck and there is a race against time to stop murder and destruction.
A cracking pace, suspense on each page, obstacles to overcome, lies and conspiracies. A tailor made combination for a blockbuster, and you are not disappointed.
I have to argue with some of the scientific claims made in this book, yes it is fiction, but it is presented in such a way as to make it seem like fact. This is a comon trick used by the author, surround a questionable fact with lots of real facts to prop it up and soon you can't see the fiction for the facts.
The parts concerning CERN concern me. If enough people now believe even half of the bad fiction printed in the book, then years of scientific endeavour are all for naught. Not only is it bad writing, it is dangerous to present fiction as fact without clarifying what is and isn't possible.
I consider myself intelligent and had to check some of the facts to see if they were possible or had even taken or would be taking place.
Still, all in all a good holiday read.
Monday 22 June 2009
Your Suggestions Please
I have had several positive comments from you about the books in this blog.
What I do not have is any suggestions for any 'Extras' you would like.
This would not stop the review process in any wa, but would be an extra article or two a week.
Would you be offended by links to other articles - with an appropriate extract.
How about competitions.
Reviews of audiobooks.
How about reviews of book purchases. How would we choose the Gold standard against which we compare all others.
Thoughts for you all, and I look forward to your comments.
What I do not have is any suggestions for any 'Extras' you would like.
This would not stop the review process in any wa, but would be an extra article or two a week.
Would you be offended by links to other articles - with an appropriate extract.
How about competitions.
Reviews of audiobooks.
How about reviews of book purchases. How would we choose the Gold standard against which we compare all others.
Thoughts for you all, and I look forward to your comments.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Strangers - Dean Koontz
Strangers
By: Dean Koontz
From: Headline Features
Like all Dean Koontz books the characters are cut straight from a mould and pasted in to the story. That said, this story is actually quite entertaining, if implausible.
It is longer than most of his other books and draws you in. You find yourself still reading, long after you should be tucked up in bed.
The story is based on the idea that a group of people spread across America have strange nightmares, phobias and memories and gather in a motel where they all feel something happened. No-one can really decide if they should be scared or happy as it is different for each of them.
What happens next is definitely surprising, if a little contrived.
I give this a solid four out of five
By: Dean Koontz
From: Headline Features
Like all Dean Koontz books the characters are cut straight from a mould and pasted in to the story. That said, this story is actually quite entertaining, if implausible.
It is longer than most of his other books and draws you in. You find yourself still reading, long after you should be tucked up in bed.
The story is based on the idea that a group of people spread across America have strange nightmares, phobias and memories and gather in a motel where they all feel something happened. No-one can really decide if they should be scared or happy as it is different for each of them.
What happens next is definitely surprising, if a little contrived.
I give this a solid four out of five
Monday 15 June 2009
The Nano Flower - Peter F Hamilton
The Nano Flower
By: Peter F Hamilton
From: Pan
This book will suffer ultimately, not because it is bad - it is very good, because it is almost prophetic in some of the scenarios laid out.
Several themes, that in 1995 would have seemed dramatic, have started to bear fruit. The issue of global warming and freak climate runs through the book, with parts of Norfolk flooded, in real life they now talk of letting the sea reclaim parts of Norfolk. Petrol driven cars are a rarity, in real life hybrids and electric cars are starting to gain traction and movements are underway to ban large petrol guzzlers from city centres.
So I suppose you should best view this as an alternate universe, similar to ours, just out of step slightly.
Anyway, back to the book - Greg Mandel is called back to find out who sent Julia Evans a very unusual flower.
Building on the characters introduced on the other books in the series - 'Mindstar Rising' and 'A Quantum Murder', this story takes place a few years later and gives you quite a ride. You discover that even the best of friends can feel betrayed and protected, and the best of protectors cannot always protect. Sometimes, as always you have to face your own inner demons and live your life.
Instead of suffering from 'end-of-series'itis, this book delivers an unexpected finale and concludes, I feel the trilogy very well.
By: Peter F Hamilton
From: Pan
This book will suffer ultimately, not because it is bad - it is very good, because it is almost prophetic in some of the scenarios laid out.
Several themes, that in 1995 would have seemed dramatic, have started to bear fruit. The issue of global warming and freak climate runs through the book, with parts of Norfolk flooded, in real life they now talk of letting the sea reclaim parts of Norfolk. Petrol driven cars are a rarity, in real life hybrids and electric cars are starting to gain traction and movements are underway to ban large petrol guzzlers from city centres.
So I suppose you should best view this as an alternate universe, similar to ours, just out of step slightly.
Anyway, back to the book - Greg Mandel is called back to find out who sent Julia Evans a very unusual flower.
Building on the characters introduced on the other books in the series - 'Mindstar Rising' and 'A Quantum Murder', this story takes place a few years later and gives you quite a ride. You discover that even the best of friends can feel betrayed and protected, and the best of protectors cannot always protect. Sometimes, as always you have to face your own inner demons and live your life.
Instead of suffering from 'end-of-series'itis, this book delivers an unexpected finale and concludes, I feel the trilogy very well.
Saturday 13 June 2009
Firestarter - Stephen King
Firestarter
By: Stephen King
From: Futura
A father and daughter are on the run from a shadowy governmental organisation that wants to lock them up like lab-rats, at best or, take them apart to see how they work at worst.
The father can 'push' people he meets into doing things. A kind of mental persuasion that drains him each time he uses it, while his daughter can start fires with her mind. And this has the government, read three letter acronyms, excited.
The back story, reveals how this family came to be, and is believable for the thinking of the time. The story is well researched, laid out and hangs together coherently. Which is surprising seeing as the author, by his own admission, was not always 'sober' at this time.
This must be one of the most overlooked of Stephen King's books. The story stays on track, you empathise with the characters and the story draws you in.
One of the few five out of five ratings from me.
By: Stephen King
From: Futura
A father and daughter are on the run from a shadowy governmental organisation that wants to lock them up like lab-rats, at best or, take them apart to see how they work at worst.
The father can 'push' people he meets into doing things. A kind of mental persuasion that drains him each time he uses it, while his daughter can start fires with her mind. And this has the government, read three letter acronyms, excited.
The back story, reveals how this family came to be, and is believable for the thinking of the time. The story is well researched, laid out and hangs together coherently. Which is surprising seeing as the author, by his own admission, was not always 'sober' at this time.
This must be one of the most overlooked of Stephen King's books. The story stays on track, you empathise with the characters and the story draws you in.
One of the few five out of five ratings from me.
Thursday 11 June 2009
Red Storm Rising - Tom Clancy
Red Storm Rising
By: Tom Clancy
From: Harper Collins
As with most military fiction this book is filled with the crack of rifle fire and the dust of explosions. Where it differs from most other books of its genre, is the depth of political machination.
The characters are, mostly, human and by that I mean they are prone to faults, forgetfulness and moments of panic.
On the whole this book is well researched and laid out and, though dated, is applicable to modern warfare today, where as it is put - the battle consists of moments of sheer panic interspersed by hours of utter boredom. Things sometimes are happening so fast that it is machine-v-machine, and the warriors are relegated to the role of spectator.
At times the read becomes a trifle gung-ho and is most definitely pro-American, nevertheless, the story is entirely plausible in these days of media manipulation and inflamed passions.
By: Tom Clancy
From: Harper Collins
As with most military fiction this book is filled with the crack of rifle fire and the dust of explosions. Where it differs from most other books of its genre, is the depth of political machination.
The characters are, mostly, human and by that I mean they are prone to faults, forgetfulness and moments of panic.
On the whole this book is well researched and laid out and, though dated, is applicable to modern warfare today, where as it is put - the battle consists of moments of sheer panic interspersed by hours of utter boredom. Things sometimes are happening so fast that it is machine-v-machine, and the warriors are relegated to the role of spectator.
At times the read becomes a trifle gung-ho and is most definitely pro-American, nevertheless, the story is entirely plausible in these days of media manipulation and inflamed passions.
Tuesday 9 June 2009
The Postman - David Brin
The Postman
By: David Brin
From: Orbit
Set in a post apocalypse world, this story is a journey of discovery. One man's desperation leads him to assume the identity of a postman, so he can have shelter for the night.
When he is given letters to pass on he only carries on because, as he reasons, he may get some shelter and food out of it.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear to him that a postman represents external authority, hence a challenge to autocratic leaders of isolated communities, and, as long as he keeps on moving is in no personal danger. There is the realisation that by having become part of something larger than the communities he serves he can no longer belong to them.
Without giving too much away, there are stories within stories in this book. While some parts of the plot seem to have been shoehorned in to make the story move in the direction required by the author, the overall read is pure enjoyment.
This is a dark book of hope. The film by Kevin Cstner does not do the book justice at all, and changes several parts for purely Hollywood reasons.
A solid read and a very decent four and a half out of five.
By: David Brin
From: Orbit
Set in a post apocalypse world, this story is a journey of discovery. One man's desperation leads him to assume the identity of a postman, so he can have shelter for the night.
When he is given letters to pass on he only carries on because, as he reasons, he may get some shelter and food out of it.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear to him that a postman represents external authority, hence a challenge to autocratic leaders of isolated communities, and, as long as he keeps on moving is in no personal danger. There is the realisation that by having become part of something larger than the communities he serves he can no longer belong to them.
Without giving too much away, there are stories within stories in this book. While some parts of the plot seem to have been shoehorned in to make the story move in the direction required by the author, the overall read is pure enjoyment.
This is a dark book of hope. The film by Kevin Cstner does not do the book justice at all, and changes several parts for purely Hollywood reasons.
A solid read and a very decent four and a half out of five.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Cauldron - Larry Bond
Cauldron
By: Larry Bond
From: Headline Feature
The set pieces in this military adventure are first rate and the author neatly captures the feel of battle, the confusion, uncertainties and accidents.
The plot moves along at a cracking pace and apart from a few geographic innacuracies (mostly artistic licence, I assume, to enhance plot lines) seems well constructed. Predictably for a book of this genre there is lots of things being blown up and foolish baddies making one mistake to many that our heroes can exploit... but it wouldn't be a story otherwise.
Without distracting from the fact that this is a cracking good read and the story-line well thought out, there are one huge thing that grates. For a story set in Europe where are all the heroes American and why is this mainly a story about the American military.
Apart from that - a solid reccomendation from me.
Read it!
By: Larry Bond
From: Headline Feature
The set pieces in this military adventure are first rate and the author neatly captures the feel of battle, the confusion, uncertainties and accidents.
The plot moves along at a cracking pace and apart from a few geographic innacuracies (mostly artistic licence, I assume, to enhance plot lines) seems well constructed. Predictably for a book of this genre there is lots of things being blown up and foolish baddies making one mistake to many that our heroes can exploit... but it wouldn't be a story otherwise.
Without distracting from the fact that this is a cracking good read and the story-line well thought out, there are one huge thing that grates. For a story set in Europe where are all the heroes American and why is this mainly a story about the American military.
Apart from that - a solid reccomendation from me.
Read it!
Tuesday 5 May 2009
1632 - Eric Flint
1632
By: Eric Flint
From: Baen
An advanced alien artifact causes a rupture in time and space and a chunk of mid-America (West Virginia) finds itsself in 17th century Germany.
This is an interesting spin on the time traveller from the future meets the savages from the past theme. The story rips along at a merry pace, mainly, I think, to distract you from the fact that the characters are not deep and stereotypes abound.
There are crusty old codgers who have the missing ingredient, foolish teenagers who develop into upright citizens, the beauty who turns out to have a talent beyond her looks, .... you get the idea.
I found it amazing that local 17th century people could be so accepting of future tech and morals, and with a dollop of ice-cream and blue jeans, throw off their entire existence and embrace the American way of life
I am not knocking this novel in the slightest, merely saying that this is a fun and cloud free read. The baddies are bad and the goodies good, and the moral ambiguities are left aside.
By: Eric Flint
From: Baen
An advanced alien artifact causes a rupture in time and space and a chunk of mid-America (West Virginia) finds itsself in 17th century Germany.
This is an interesting spin on the time traveller from the future meets the savages from the past theme. The story rips along at a merry pace, mainly, I think, to distract you from the fact that the characters are not deep and stereotypes abound.
There are crusty old codgers who have the missing ingredient, foolish teenagers who develop into upright citizens, the beauty who turns out to have a talent beyond her looks, .... you get the idea.
I found it amazing that local 17th century people could be so accepting of future tech and morals, and with a dollop of ice-cream and blue jeans, throw off their entire existence and embrace the American way of life
I am not knocking this novel in the slightest, merely saying that this is a fun and cloud free read. The baddies are bad and the goodies good, and the moral ambiguities are left aside.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Un Lun Dun - China Mieville
UN LUN DUN
By China Mieville
From Pan Books
A childrens book for adults to enjoy. A Un Lun Dun below London, the place where all that no longer works or is abandoned ends up.
The story is full of wordplay and character, where the hero is the sidekick. When Smog threatens to destroy Un Lun Dun a cast of cast-off characters helps and propells you to the finale. This just proves that prophesy does not determine who you will be, merely the choices you make on the way.
The story telling style borrows from, and is influenced by, Beatrix Potter, Lewis Carroll and Phillip Pullman
Each short chapter introduces you to new inventiveness and idea from Binjas (Ninja dustbins) to bulletproof umbrellas. There are two levels to the story, a rip roaring kids adventure tale and the more adult themes of environment, responsibility and oppressive legislation.
Wierd, inventive and imaginative. A definate four out of 5 stars reccomendation.
By China Mieville
From Pan Books
A childrens book for adults to enjoy. A Un Lun Dun below London, the place where all that no longer works or is abandoned ends up.
The story is full of wordplay and character, where the hero is the sidekick. When Smog threatens to destroy Un Lun Dun a cast of cast-off characters helps and propells you to the finale. This just proves that prophesy does not determine who you will be, merely the choices you make on the way.
The story telling style borrows from, and is influenced by, Beatrix Potter, Lewis Carroll and Phillip Pullman
Each short chapter introduces you to new inventiveness and idea from Binjas (Ninja dustbins) to bulletproof umbrellas. There are two levels to the story, a rip roaring kids adventure tale and the more adult themes of environment, responsibility and oppressive legislation.
Wierd, inventive and imaginative. A definate four out of 5 stars reccomendation.
Wednesday 29 April 2009
Motivations and Suggestions for Reviewing Books
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading this posting and stick with me. I'll be reviewing some of the books I've read, providing comments and thoughts.
As always, I'd appreciate your comments on anything I write.
Most of my books are bought off Amazon, mainly through recommendations from folks like you and lists of favourite books.
Thanks for reading.
As always, I'd appreciate your comments on anything I write.
Most of my books are bought off Amazon, mainly through recommendations from folks like you and lists of favourite books.
Thanks for reading.
Monday 27 April 2009
Reviews
The start of my book reviews.
Remember that these are my opinions and I would as always welcome your opinion.
Look forward to your comments.
Remember that these are my opinions and I would as always welcome your opinion.
Look forward to your comments.
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