A decent thriller with a psychic horror bent. There were times I shook my head in the poor direction of it and leaps but overall it was entertaining. A decent thriller with a psychic horror bent. There were times I shook my head in the poor direction of it and leaps but overall it was entertaining. Joshua Jackson did a pretty decent job narrating but he sure can't do different character voices. Everyone sounded the same. So I was glad to hear at the end a preview of book 2 with a full cast and sound effects....more
This book is a little dated since it somewhat talks about computer/crypto stuff in 2000, but surprisingly it's not bad. It mostly avoids the typical pThis book is a little dated since it somewhat talks about computer/crypto stuff in 2000, but surprisingly it's not bad. It mostly avoids the typical pitfalls of mentioning very specific stats of current tech, so it didn't turn out too bad. This is still a pretty standard fare corp espionage technothriller with nothing that really stands out, but it had good pacing and was enjoyable enough to read. I did find it interesting that nowhere in my paperback copy does it say Jerome Preisler is the author, so I feel a little cheated thinking I was reading a Tom Clancy book. It's so weird how an author's name becomes more of a brand name than anything to do with the actual writer. ...more
This is short, so I don't know why it had to be cut right at the climax of the story. The bombs fell, the end. I feel a little ripped off. It's clearlThis is short, so I don't know why it had to be cut right at the climax of the story. The bombs fell, the end. I feel a little ripped off. It's clearly a business decision to cut it there. It's not just a cliffhanger, it's just the beginning of a story. And there were unnecessary things going on that leads up to everything. Like, why does there have to be this substory of a serial killer? It could have been fine to just have the one brother as a cop and do cop things. The murder aspects just act like filler and don't make any of it any deeper. The narrator was good. I think I recognize him from another audible book. I'm tempted to get the next one, but I don't know if I really want to waste an entire credit on it. ...more
Well no wonder this was in the bargain bin. I bought it on the author's reputation, though maybe there is a reason the Hannibal movies/shows are more Well no wonder this was in the bargain bin. I bought it on the author's reputation, though maybe there is a reason the Hannibal movies/shows are more popular than the books. This read like it was poorly translated. The sentence structure, the descriptors, all of it was just very poor. This was very nearly a DNF multiple times, but I stuck through with the hope it would improve and it never really did. The characters were lame, the plot was lame. There were a few times that redeemed it at least as high as a 2 star, but that's honestly a stretch. I threw away the book when I finished....more
This one wasn't quite as good as the first, but it still fits strongly in that noir genre. This story is concurrent with the first book. I liked the tThis one wasn't quite as good as the first, but it still fits strongly in that noir genre. This story is concurrent with the first book. I liked the times that we see Marv again and some of the backdrop of the Old Town missing girls. I didn't care for the characters as much in this one, though. This was filled with so much double crossing, it's crazy.
The artwork was still the same style, but it seemed more rushed than the first book. That one seemed like it had so much care and was so tight. This one just seems almost sloppy at times. Maybe it was an issue of deadlines with this and not as much with the last, but it just didn't come across as good. Though, there were some really fantastic panels here and there too.
This probably only hurts as comparison to the first book. It's definitely still recommended....more
This was decent. There were some pretty good parts with the crime/killer/police side of it, but then it had to include a really dumb romance subplot. This was decent. There were some pretty good parts with the crime/killer/police side of it, but then it had to include a really dumb romance subplot. There was some overly dramatic family stuff too. The main character, and the two main side characters did grow through the book, so there's that. Some of the killer stuff was pretty over the top, especially how amazing his disguises apparently were. Actually, pretty much everything about the bad guy was over the top. The ending had a surprise and overall was pretty good. I wouldn't call it a twist, just an unexpected development. Overall, a decent page turner....more
Probably around 3.5 rounded up. I could maybe add a star for the narrator though, he did a very good job. It kind of reminds me of The Stand -lite. TheProbably around 3.5 rounded up. I could maybe add a star for the narrator though, he did a very good job. It kind of reminds me of The Stand -lite. The Stand is an amazing book and this was ok, it just has it's problems. The whole premise behind the reasoning for the dome and that which lead to the ending seemed pretty weak, like King didn't know how he wanted to wrap it up. This book is LONG and it's just a whole lot of not much happening to a ton of different characters, none of which really stood out as great.
I have to wonder if King likes to write rape scenes at this point? There is a LOT of it going on, or implied, or maybe it just stood out for some reason. Icky. I mean, I'm not surprised by bad people doing that when there are no repercussions, which is essentially what this book is about. Humans = Bad, but also can be good.
I don't regret reading [listening to] it by any means but there are just so many other really fantastic King books I'd recommend first. I do generally like his writing style....more
More of the same pulpy goodness. These are my guilty pleasure. The audio presentation is what makes it a fun quick listen. Some of the gory parts wereMore of the same pulpy goodness. These are my guilty pleasure. The audio presentation is what makes it a fun quick listen. Some of the gory parts were pretty cringe worthy. Very fast paced. ...more
This volume went kind of in a surreal WTF is this all about, further down the psychosis rabbit hole (which is relevant to Julie and/or Maxx's psychosiThis volume went kind of in a surreal WTF is this all about, further down the psychosis rabbit hole (which is relevant to Julie and/or Maxx's psychosis). It's very interesting, but very weird. There is a couple cameos, Savage Dragon and the shark baddie, and Pitt - which made little sense and then disappears. For whatever reason they shrink down in the real world, and everyone is left wondering what is real and what is not. Julie is starting to realize she's deranged as well. Starting to wonder if Maxx is even real. On a bonus note, v3 starts right off with a character asking "is this going to make any sense?" so the creator clearly knows what's going on. And it doesn't always have to make sense.
The art still looks great. There are some cool experimental pages that look like weird water colors, or other things. Some that look like they are akin to Boris Vallejo and other whacked out 70-80s era Wizard illustrations that I have seen, kind of psychedelic in ways. very cool....more
This was quite a book. It went in all sorts of directions and it was always interesting. It took a long time to read, but I can't think of one sectionThis was quite a book. It went in all sorts of directions and it was always interesting. It took a long time to read, but I can't think of one section of the 955 pages that I would have left out. Interesting characters, of which the environment is a major one. I live in nearly the farthest north you can in the contiguous states so I am familiar with very extreme winters (just past winter hit -77*F), but I can't even fathom what these people went through trying to find the Northwest Passage. And only a wood boat, no less. Really incredible feats of human perseverance. And then throw a monster in to boot.
The ending going down a mystical Esquimaux/Inuit mythological path was an interesting turn. It gave a lot of missing backstory, though.
Highly recommend this book. Though some might find some of the descriptions of things like scurvy to be rather foul. ...more
Probably a 4.5 rounded down because the first half was a little slow and kind of more of the same of the first book. But (like other reviewers have saProbably a 4.5 rounded down because the first half was a little slow and kind of more of the same of the first book. But (like other reviewers have said) it really takes off about halfway through.
The beginning had some resolution to the love triangle between the three main characters. The prince discovers he has some sort of magical abilities and is terrified by that fact, since his father is the one that outlawed it, punishable by death. Celaena is set on some assassin job, but turns out she's faking them all. She gets mixed up in some rebel business and they make a very big mistake which sets her off. She investigates more about the word marks, finds out some things about the king and her friend [spoiler]who is brutally murdered.[/spoiler] But she really throws off the gloves and shit hits the fan. Betrayals happen. And something pretty major is revealed in the ending.
I think book 3 is probably going to be really good....more
4.5 rounded down. Could go either way, I think. It started off lower and got better as it went. Story follows an 18 year old assassin prodigy who gets4.5 rounded down. Could go either way, I think. It started off lower and got better as it went. Story follows an 18 year old assassin prodigy who gets conscripted into a champion tournament against other ne'er-do-wells to become the champion of the king. People are eliminated gradually through increasingly difficult and dangerous tests, all the while training together day to day. Then some gruesome murders happen eliminating people faster.
I could see this world becoming more interesting as books go on, but in this it is pretty limited. It's typically a small section of castle and training grounds and not much in between. The characters are decent. The main hero started off pretty annoying in her cockiness (even if she is famous for her skill). This mellowed out to some degree, but it took a while for me to care much about her. The villain champion is ok, but there isn't a whole lot to him. There are hints of political intrigue, but just hints. It definitely feels like a first book, but with promise.
There is some romance, and a bit of a triangle, but it's not too bad. There was a section of chapters where it became the focus for a while, but it got past that. Hopefully it doesn't increase in subsequent books. This is probably the first fantasy novel where a menstrual cycle was mentioned, however brief, though it's fitting given the protagonist.
The magic system seems promising, but it's definitely just the beginning. Magic has generally been removed from the world, but there are still wordmarks that hold power. These were touched on, but not much detail....more
At times I didn't entirely understand what was going on. This book is kind of a mix of disparate parts. Everyone gets split up in different ways and sAt times I didn't entirely understand what was going on. This book is kind of a mix of disparate parts. Everyone gets split up in different ways and some crazy stuff happens. Some of it pretty cool. There seemed to be an art shift in the middle for a chapter/issue or two, but then returned to the previous style. I do really like the art and the worldbuilding is fantastic. Seems ridiculous that they let this guy that can essentially control you with his voice to not be gagged at all times. They even argue about gagging him but don't actually do so.
I find it interesting that the cover features a character that lasted about 3 pages, if that. She had a really cool power, and was the daughter of the main baddie, but she sure didn't last long....more
A good thriller with a psycho killer (actually, I don't think anyone dies in the entire book). For the first half it was like reading a non Batman infA good thriller with a psycho killer (actually, I don't think anyone dies in the entire book). For the first half it was like reading a non Batman influenced book about the Riddler (Riddle Killer in the book) and it was interesting to read how he goes about his crimes and his psychosis. I always found the Riddler an interesting villain in Batman. But eventually it veers away from the riddle aspect and is more a mystery about who the bad guy is, why he's targeting our main protagonist, and catching up to him in a whirlwind few days.
As with any thriller it has it's twists and these were pretty good, if maybe a bit predictable. But I liked how it kept you wondering if yes it is that way or no it's really something else. Made for very quick reading....more
This collection of illustrated short stories by Jack London are so very bleak. Every one, or nearly, includes death and betrayal and the good guy ofteThis collection of illustrated short stories by Jack London are so very bleak. Every one, or nearly, includes death and betrayal and the good guy often does not win. The illustrations varied greatly, from a single image with an essay, a couple large images with a story, to comic strip style and a vast variety of styles. Actually, I don't know if the cover really matches any of the stories, though I'd guess it's supposed to go with A Thousand Deaths.
A Thousand Deaths - 4* - Good story, reminds me of something by EA Poe. Guy dies for his father's experiments of regeneration. Hero gets revenge in the end. Loose pseudo-science reminiscent of these old stories, but entertaining. Illustration style is odd
That Spot - 2* - weird little story about a trouble making dog. Also somehow about a guy, but I didn't understand how that related, maybe he's the one that bought the dog for the protagonist. Silly with silly illustrations. meh
War 4* - Shows the fear of ambush while in war times well. And a man's unknown mercy is not requited. Death is the result. Only a couple illustrations
Just Meat 3* - Never trust a partner in crime. Thieves steal diamonds from a thief and then turn on each other with poison. They think they can keep one upping each other but death is the result. Humorous comic style
To Kill a Man 4* - Woman confronts a burglar in her home. He wants to just get out but she doesn't let him. She gives him promises to make him a better man with a job and whatever he needs that causes his theft. Then she turns the gun around and proves she's the liar. But again she can't shoot him either. Odd but compelling story. Only a couple old noir detective style drawings.
The Francis Spaight 4* - Another story reminds me of EA Poe. Sailors lost at sea with no food end up turning on each other and result in cannibalism of the kid that saved them from disaster. Just as he's murdered, they are rescued resulting in insanity of the murderer. Interesting semi-realistic style illustration.
Modern Dueling 4* - A duel in the jungle over a woman. One man fights honorably, the other dirty. Honorable man wins and says "you'd be worse off if I fought like you did" Interesting story. Mostly words
Jan the unrepentasnt 3* - Comedic story about how one guy should be hanged for killing another, and the argument betwixt. Turns out original guy isn't dead after all and they continue to fight. Abrupt ending. Silly illustrations akin to R. Crumb
Minions of Midas 3* - Mysterious letter to a wealthy man promises death if he doesn't give this group a ton of money. Seemed to be kind of a socialist threat of the workers against the baron. Inevitable and powerful, class vs. class. No illustration.
The Leopard Man's Story 3* - Kind of comedic story of a rivalry in the circus. Like most of the rest of the stories, ends in death.
The Handsome Cabin Boy 3* - Made like those soap opera comic strips. Story of a rivalry whether a man can tell a boy or girl in disguise of the other gender. He gets fooled twice over. Interesting
Told in the Drooling Ward 3* - Few illustrations of a story from the perspective of a mental institution inmate that helps out with those even worse off. Talks of his exploits, but doesn't really go anywhere and abruptly ends.
The Shadow and the Flash 4* - Good story of a rivalry between friends that goes too far. They end up trying to one up each other on who can do the best at becoming invisible. Both end up dead as a result. Alright illustration
Moon-face 3* - A man hates his neighbor for having high spirits no matter what he does to him. Cruel and petty and mean. Ends in murder, but hey the guy can sleep well now that his happy neighbor is dead. Ick. Illustration is dense and hard to parse. Didn't care for it. Story was semi-humorous
How I Became a Socialist 3* - Essay on how London saw the need to take care of those less fortunate and able. One drawing to envision the Social Pit.
The Call of Jack London 4* - semi biographical, partially taken from an essay about his alcoholism. He led a crazy adventurous but ultimately kind of sad life. First drunk at age 5, yeesh. I liked the illustration style on this one.
What an epic conclusion to an absolutely epic series. The majority of this book is taken up with the Last Battle. A lot of stuff happens, especially aWhat an epic conclusion to an absolutely epic series. The majority of this book is taken up with the Last Battle. A lot of stuff happens, especially as it gets closer and closer to the ending and the climax. The battle between the Dark One and Rand was mostly a match of wills and through visions of the future with some very interesting results. Everyone else has their own major battles to contend with. Mat is the ultimate general with centuries of knowledge through what he's gone through in past books. Perrin gets downright badass as he masters the wolf dream. Everyone gets their chance at being majorly heroic. The Forsaken all come together and do their worst. It's all quite exciting and eventful. ...more
Fairly standard crime/serial killer thriller. Characters were ok, the plot sometimes meandered a little with less than optimal pacing, b3.5 rounded up
Fairly standard crime/serial killer thriller. Characters were ok, the plot sometimes meandered a little with less than optimal pacing, but was fine. The reveal of who the killer was in relation to others was ok. ...more
This is the first Deathlands book I've encountered so I'm unfamiliar with the landscape and characters (if they repeat, I'm not sure). It was unnecessThis is the first Deathlands book I've encountered so I'm unfamiliar with the landscape and characters (if they repeat, I'm not sure). It was unnecessary to consume this book though. Some survivors of the wastes come upon what seems to be a bit of wonderful oasis but quickly turns nasty. The villagers there sacrifice their injured and elderly and anyone else they feel they need to, to demons living below a dam. They also treat many of the citizens as second-class, and women as breeding stock.
The first half was ok, with the interactions with the villagers. Their cult like religion and their various characters were interesting enough, if not typical. The second half of the book, when the survivors get thrown into the dam, is when it got much more interesting. Obviously inspired by the xenomorphs of Alien, the creatures were quite terrifying. They are explained away by some pseudo-science, but it doesn't really matter, this is pulp fiction at it's best. Flimsy characters, fast action plot, and excitement.
What made this even better was that this was "GRAPHIC AUDIO, a movie in your ears" that I listened to. The audio was filled with multiple voice actors (that were mediocre at acting), sound effects, and exciting accompanying music. The clicking sfx for the aliens demons aka trannys (transmutated creatures) really made them creepy.
I wouldn't call it a great book, but it was fun. I generally really like post-apocalypse stories, and this was a lot like Fallout the game turned book, which I've always liked. I would look for more in the series in this audio format. ...more
A fast paced plot driven political thriller, more on the thriller side than the political side. It was pretty good for what it was. It kept me engagedA fast paced plot driven political thriller, more on the thriller side than the political side. It was pretty good for what it was. It kept me engaged, but it's a blockbuster type with flimsy characters (the main villain was a bit of a joke in how typical he was) and not much thought inducing. The mine and neutrino research comes from real life, it turns out, so that's neat. ...more
Bad characters that make stupid decisions. A lot of it made zero sense until the ending reveal which was a total let down. I could Well that was dumb.
Bad characters that make stupid decisions. A lot of it made zero sense until the ending reveal which was a total let down. I could see it as a good idea, maybe if it was helmed by the writers of Black Mirror, but Ted Dekker did not do it justice. The dialogue was bad, the horror was ok (points for creative murders), the villain was ridiculous (his obsession for mustard was just Weird), and none of the characters were appealing. Mixed in the stupid romance that was out of place given the situation.
And the whole thing with "kill the ugliest person" crap just got annoying after a while. The villain's dialogue was terrible. Turning it into a killing game reminiscent of the Saw movies was interesting but poorly developed and executed. blah. Then a terribly tacked on morality about beauty is more than SKIN deep. groan...more
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