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
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