*This may be a long review seeing as the movie is my favorite film of all time and I will likely be going into detail about the comparisons of the two*This may be a long review seeing as the movie is my favorite film of all time and I will likely be going into detail about the comparisons of the two. Also, there might be a few spoilers but honestly, I'm just sharing and comparing.
Believe it or not, I had never read a Stephen King book until I read The Shining, and seeing as my mom was a huge fan and had most of his books I have no excuse but better late than never. It's no secret that the film is my favorite and I'm a bit obsessed but what do I think of the novel? Here we go!
As a fan of The Shining, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Going in, I knew there were several differences between the book and the movie like most movie adaptations of books usually have. However, I was very surprised to know there were some things I knew nothing about. Overall, as a whole I did enjoy the book and the reason I did not give it 5 stars despite my love for the film will be noted in this review. For the most part, I found the characters as enjoyable in the book as I do the movie, and the Overlook is portrayed just as sinister so I definitely enjoyed that. The ghosts that haunt in hotel are as creepy with some having way more backstory which I loved and makes me enjoy them in the film all the more. I usually don't read 600+ page books but again as a fan I had to read this once and for all and I'm beyond glad I did.
-I found Jack Torrance to be way more of a family-oriented man in the beginning than he ever was in the film. He has a slow descent into madness and what sets it off is when he finds a scrapbook in the attic. I won't go into too much about that but I felt like the scrapbook should have been in the film as it would have given the viewer a better understanding of Jack going crazy. There are some things about him in the book I didn't like but I will save all I didn't care for at the end.
-Wendy is way more strong-willed and aware in the book and even calls Jack out a few times and stands up to him. If anyone knows the film they know this is not the case at all. I never pictured Shelley Duvall when reading about Wendy as she's so different from the book than the film and I enjoyed her in the book. I usually hate her portrayal in the film but it's almost become a cult classic role as it's bad but at the same time has its moments.
-I found Danny to be more involved in the book which again I liked. In the book, the hotel wants him whereas in the film it wants Jack. Danny talks way more in the book than he ever does in the film and I feel like despite being five he's way more aware but at the same time acts like a child which creates a nice balance where it needs to. He's both strong and wimpish which to me shows his growth as a character.
-Dick Halloran is pretty much the same except for having a bit more of a 70s/80s. hip jive feel to him. He is also way more attentive to Danny which I found interesting as it almost seemed like he became Danny's second father since Jack went crazy.
Things I really liked about the book that the film doesn't have: -A character named Al Shockley who like Jack is an alcoholic. The reason he's not in the film is likely because in the film we need to see Jack go completely nuts and not have any means of support, in the book that's Al Shockley..to a point. -Stuart Ullman is a prick and nobody likes him. I loved this and thought it was even funny that nobody liked him. In the film, we see him as a nice guy probably because Kubrick didn't see the need to add a side plot of a guy who wouldn't be in the film much anyway. -The woman in 237/217 has a name and backstory, creepy too. -The infamous Dogman giving another man oral in the film is described in more detail and there's reasoning behind it. -The entire scrapbook and Horace Derwent(Great party, isn't it?), mentions of who owned the hotel and how shady it really was. -Wendy and Danny being aware of parties going on(doesn't happen in the film) -Jack's scenes with Grady and Lloyd
What didn't I like about the book? Well, there's a few things. First off, Stephen King makes weird references and is very repetitive with certain things, there are a few shocking scenes that are quite taboo, awkward, and kind of inappropriate which totally had me reading a few times just to be sure I was reading what I read correctly. For instance, early on there's an Alice in Wonderland reference that has no reason to be in the book yet three people think of it in their thoughts, and one being Danny and he doesn't even know what it is. Jack breaking Danny's arm and a wasp's nest are mentioned way too much. Finally, there are a few taboo/awkward sentences in the book and I won't say them here but I imagine when you come across them you'll react the same way I did. Finally, not a fan of the hedge animals. At times they came off as comical to me and it was almost unbelievable and I prefer the maze anyway.
If you love the film like I do and you have been dying to know certain things about it that are told better in the book, or you want to see things that aren't in the movie to appreciate The Shining from a different perspective then this book is for you. I can finally say I've read a Stephen King book, that the movie is better than the book(usually it is the other way around), but again I only say the movie is better because I absolutely love the film and even after reading the book I just don't think it quite measures up but I still enjoyed it quite a lot and recommend it to any King fan or horror fan. 4 roque mallets!...more
As someone who watched Buzzfeed Unsolved I already knew I was in for a real treat. This book was so enthralling, entertaining, and informative. Some oAs someone who watched Buzzfeed Unsolved I already knew I was in for a real treat. This book was so enthralling, entertaining, and informative. Some of the cases I remember them going to and it gave me a fresh reminder of the episodes and some they just told us about in the book that are downright crazy and creepy stories. I enjoyed each case within the book and loved the back-and-forth comments Ryan and Shane would make just like they did in the actual series and they don't hold back, especially Shane! I loved how they broke the cases down into categories and primarily within one or two pages making a quick read but also very chilling and informative as well.
Some of my favorite tales were The Mystical Villa Montezuma Mansion, The Betrayal at Oliver Estate, The Spirits of the Whaley House, The Mystery of the Winchester House, The Burning Boss of Sloss Furnace, the entire Tombstone chapter, just to name a few. Every case they talk about has something chilling or scary that's said to happen at the actual location which leaves you or at least left me wanting to go to many of these places...not all of them though.
Overall, this book was so much fun to read and I will likely reread it and refer to it for my own Mystery Unsolved series that I run. As a fan of Buzzfeed Unsolved, this book is a must-read, if you're into the supernatural or paranormal, are into unsolved mysteries, legends, or just love everything I have just said then this is a must-read book for you. Thank you to Shane and Ryan for not only toughening it out and adventuring to these places and giving us great entertainment but also for writing this book as a recap and added incentive on your creepy paranormal journeys. 5 SPOOKY STARS ...more
This book was a really fun read. Right from the get-go I knew I was in for a real weird western treat. The protagonist Cheveyo Santiago is a mysteriouThis book was a really fun read. Right from the get-go I knew I was in for a real weird western treat. The protagonist Cheveyo Santiago is a mysterious man who comes to a town to rid it of an evil curse. He gets some help from an unlikely source and from there the adventure begins. If you like your westerns totally weird, full of action and tons of guns firing with some strange twists and turns then get ready to draw to that buy button fast because you're in for a real bloody and supernatural western....more
Didn't realize what a short read this was. I had been wanting to read this for years having heard a lot about Ambrose Bierce and having seen a tv adapDidn't realize what a short read this was. I had been wanting to read this for years having heard a lot about Ambrose Bierce and having seen a tv adaptation of this. Overall, I really enjoyed the story, it was vividly descriptive, great use of words, and really creates a solid visual of what happens. Again, having seen a tv adaptation of this I already knew the ending but the detail in the story is just as good if not more detailed. All the turmoil the man goes through just to escape makes you really feel for him until you find out what happens at the end.
I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading more works by Ambrose Bierce...more
Imagine the movies The Hustler and The Color of Money on steroids and if they were about wine. This book was one of the most unique pieces of literatuImagine the movies The Hustler and The Color of Money on steroids and if they were about wine. This book was one of the most unique pieces of literature I've ever read. Trilby is a former wine tasting competitor. He meets a dumb looking guy named Bobby who knows his way around a wine cellar. They strike up a partnership and take the underground world of wine tasting by storm.
The author is a certified sommelier and he describes wines in such detail that it's ridiculously impressive. He also describes fashion, lifestyles and uses humorous references in such detail that you find yourself drawn in and as an author taking notes so you too can truly describe things as well.
I pictured Trilby as Paul Newman and Bobby as every bumbling dumb character you can think of but they are totally fun and likeable. The antagonist Johnny Tan is an overzealous eccentric Asian boss type character who you either admire or find repulsive. I found myself going back and forth on him.
Overall, this book was amazing and a great read. Sure, there's an aircraft carrier amount of swears but aside from this and a few graphically explicit pages the book is a great crime read. If you like crime thrillers and books on gambling then you'll enjoy this wildly entertaining thrill of a book....more
What a fun, enjoyable, educating and fascinating book this was. I didn't think I'd ever want to go to New Mexico but after reading this book it's now What a fun, enjoyable, educating and fascinating book this was. I didn't think I'd ever want to go to New Mexico but after reading this book it's now one state I'd definitely like to visit. Between reading and learning about Route 66, New Mexico, the native people of the land and the Spanish settlers, I found myself truly impressed by all I took in. The book mostly reads as a guide as though your driving along route 66 and the book is your map and manifest of where to go and what to do. Every page is full of history or something educational but also fun and interesting to learn about.
I've always wondered about Route 66 and this book doesn't disappoint in telling you about it. It makes me want to go there and experience it for myself. Perhaps one day. There's 26 museums listed on the back in New Mexico along with so many other amazing places and events. I'm so happy I read this book and I admit I'm sad I've read it all. Perhaps I'll read it again sometime but I'm definitely checking out the Arizona Route 66 book. I highly highly recommend this book and I promise you won't be disappointed. Get your kicks on Route 66!...more
An excellent and tremendously well written book. This was the fourth Steampunk book I've read and definitely one of the best and like others did not dAn excellent and tremendously well written book. This was the fourth Steampunk book I've read and definitely one of the best and like others did not disappoint. It wasn't what I was expecting but that's not a bad thing as it was engaging and well thought out. The plot was detailed and had so many branches but everything was explained leaving me as a reader in awe but also satisfied.
The characters all had their own identities which I've come to notice is a necessity in Steampunk books and this book was no exception. Briar and Zeke Wilkes are characters you find yourself pulling for hoping they get everything they want. Other characters are just as deserving and I found them likeable as well. This book was certainly a Steampunk dystopia or utopia depending on your view of the world within its pages.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author Cherie Priest is a great writer and has quite the imagination. I look forward to reading other Steampunk books as well as the others in this steam-filled series. If you enjoy the genre, like dramatic and deeply adventurous books then I highly recommend you read Boneshaker....more
What an amazingly crazy and absolutely delightful read and epic book! This was by far one of the best books I've ever read. As someone born a year aftWhat an amazingly crazy and absolutely delightful read and epic book! This was by far one of the best books I've ever read. As someone born a year after the USFL died, I was intrigued by this shadow league and after reading this book I'm not just knowledgeable of the league but also have the knowledge of some off the wall stories that you couldn't make up if you tried.
Where to begin? I loved how Pearlman wrote a essay in school on the USFL and years later wrote this book fulfilling the rest of the story he never got to tell as a child. I enjoyed the craziness yet true and real events that took place like a soap opera on steroids. As a football fan, not a fan of Trump and curious about a league that came before me, this book delivered on all cylinders.
From Greg Fields and Donald Trump to Bill Oldenberg and Clint Manges, this book didn't have characters but real people who at times were so crazy that you'd swear they were made up characters. So much information and ridiculousness are on these pages that just made this book a true joy to read. If your a football fan who's ever wondered what became of a small league called the USFL then I highly recommend this book....more
As a big fan of The Twilight Zone I was glad to pick up this book. It's a delightfully great read if you're a fan too as it not only provides nostalgiAs a big fan of The Twilight Zone I was glad to pick up this book. It's a delightfully great read if you're a fan too as it not only provides nostalgia but makes you think and view episodes just a bit differently. I enjoyed the lessons in the book and how they connected to real life things we all go through even today. That's mainly the reason The Twilight Zone is still so popular due to so many episodes resonating today. I also enjoyed learning about Rod Serling, many things I didn't know which made me not only appreciate his work with The Twilight Zone buy his work in general and his views as a person.
There were a few things about this book that I didn't like. In the beginning the author comes off as a cheesy dad and the way he says and references things. He has an insane man crush on Mark Twain and quotes him way too much. He also mentions Charles Dickens too much as well. I also found that the referencing of several episodes over and over to be redundant and unnecessary.
Overall, despite my dislikes I truly enjoyed this book and loved reading about some of my favorite episodes of the Twilight Zone. I strongly recommend this book to any TZ or Rod Serling fan. If you've ever wanted to know some behind the scenes info or to really understand the lesson behind many of the episodes then definitely make sure you cuss check out this book....more
Another great gritty steampunk western and gem of a read. Continuing from where the Buntline Special left off, this book was just as good as the book Another great gritty steampunk western and gem of a read. Continuing from where the Buntline Special left off, this book was just as good as the book before it. Doc Holliday is again his witty, wise and ruthless self, ready to do what he has to in preparation for his death. It's his character that really sells me and really made the book enjoyable.
The steampunk elements do take a bit of reading to understand but once Doc Holliday gets it I got it and hoped the inventions Edison and Buntline made would work. I found Billy the Kid to be very immature just as I imagined he really was. I found all the characters and the plot quite enjoyable. The settings went back and forth but Tombstone was never far behind.
I really enjoyed this book for everything it portrayed and all the wild action packed moments it had. Another one of my favorite books and I ride into the third book in the series having been pleased with the second. 5 bullets!...more
By far one of the best books I have ever read. It was fantastically fun and enthrallingly entertaining. I love the wild west and have taken up an inteBy far one of the best books I have ever read. It was fantastically fun and enthrallingly entertaining. I love the wild west and have taken up an interest in steampunk in recent years so reading this book was an absolute delight. I've had this book and the series for a few years and I wish I had started reading sooner! Number one reason I loved this book was because of Doc Holliday. What a character! Fearless, witty, ruthless and quite funny as well. If the real Doc Holliday was like this then I'm adding him to the list of people I wish I could have met. All the characters were portrayed very nicely and were great but Doc Holliday really takes the bullet. The storyline, characters, plots, and historical fiction spin of actual events were all amazing and kept me glued to every page wanting to find out what happens next. I really loved the weird western and steampunk spin(which is what this book is) that this book had. It was done reasonably and it fit as if you could see it really happening rather then ideas being thrown in from a standpoint that wouldn't. Thomas Edison and Ned Buntline really make Tombstone as weird and steampunk as possible.
Again, I absolutely loved this book and I could go on about everything that was great about it which is everything. I have no complaints and I can't wait to read the next one. If you're into the wild west with a weird steampunk spin and your gunfighters witty as a whip and ready for a fight then this book is definitely for you! 5 bullets!...more
Aside from picking up The Maze I also picked up this other short story by Bettina Melher. I read this right after The Maze and oh my god I loved it! TAside from picking up The Maze I also picked up this other short story by Bettina Melher. I read this right after The Maze and oh my god I loved it! This story was excellent! Right away as I was reading I felt as though I was reading a space episode of "The Twilight Zone" because it felt like several of the episodes and gave off that feeling of odd science fiction. The story tells of a man who is the sole survivor of his crew after the ship crashes. He lands on another planet and begins adventuring out in search of finding out where he is. I enjoyed this for several reasons besides it being similar to The Twilight Zone. Again the author does a wonderful job in details and descriptions of things. You get a good idea of the characters surroundings, while they are alone at first the author makes sure you know every detail of what's going on and what they're feeling. This book definitely makes you curious, peeks your interest and keeps you guessing while delivering mystery and suspense in a sci-fi setting.
I'm not one for deep sci-fi but I really enjoyed reading this and I'm glad I did. For those who want to adventure into space put don't to train and try to convince NASA your qualified, pick up this book and give it a read, I promise you won't regret it, heck do like I did and read it along with The Maze. I look forward to reading more from author Bettina Melher. 5 Stars! ...more
A short but great read. I picked this up and read it in one shot shortly after getting it. It's a great story and is very well told. Two women are on A short but great read. I picked this up and read it in one shot shortly after getting it. It's a great story and is very well told. Two women are on a trip in Paris where they meet two guys who want to show them the catacombs. One thing I enjoyed is the detail the author Bettina Melher put into all aspects of the book. Despite being a short read it certainly doesn't feel that way because you really see the emotion and feeling of the characters. Also the descriptions of places and things are spot on and told so vividly that you can picture them which is great when any book pulls this off. Overall I found the story to be well told, suspenseful, eerie and downright mysterious in all the right places. It reminded me of a few movies and I believe this place in the book is real so another reason it's solid and worth checking out.
I definitely recommend this, yes it's short but I promise you it's definitely worth it. ...more
Where do I even begin? It's by far one of the most insanely bizarre and ridiculous books I have ever read and I loved every bit of it! I didn't think Where do I even begin? It's by far one of the most insanely bizarre and ridiculous books I have ever read and I loved every bit of it! I didn't think a book could so be all over the place and yet still have a solid concept and plot but guess what this book is just that. My thoughts on this book? I don't know, I can't definitively find words to describe what I think of this book. It's good of course but how do you find a word to explain a book so off the wall, so ridiculous and so silly yet so beautifully constructed at the same time? Badass, for the sake of needing a word let's go with badass. The title and cover alone tell you something awesome is within the pages but it truly isn't until you read it for yourself that you find yourself completely stunned and at a loss but your so into the story that you keep reading and turning page after page. Rico Slade Will Fucking Kill You is a book that takes you on a journey that you would never in your wildest dreams consider yourself going on but you just strap yourself in and ride it..ride it for all its worth.
Right off the bat we get a dose of the main character, Rico Slade. We are reminded and told exactly who Rico Slade is and what he does and doesn't like because Rico Slade is mentioned 14 times on the first page alone. We find out that Rico Slade is actually a character played by Chip Johnson but since I don't do spoilers and you need to read this to understand the rest I'll leave it at that. Have you ever wrote a book and wondered how many pages chapters should be? Well author Bradley Sands never considered this thought for this book. Almost every chapter is either one or two pages long, something I've really never come across with any other book ever, brilliant. There are some chapters that only have a few words with Chapter 34 being my favorite as there is only one word on the page aside from the title that word being "shit." That's it, the only word on Chapter 34 is the word "shit". Then there's another chapter where the only words are "What the crap?". The author told you something about the story simply by using a off the wall title of the chapter folllowed by a few words or in some cases one word. With a character like Rico Slade prancing around the pages like a douchey badass it's no wonder the pages are so short, because that's how Rico Slade rolls, that how it needs to be.
I found myself glued to some of the scenes in this book and completely grossed out or and at a loss for words so I just carried on and read the next. As you read, well at least I felt this way but as you read the book at times I found myself rooting for Rico Slade and other times my head screamed, "For the love of god SOMEONE STOP THIS MANIAC!!" Also this is a book where if you think you know what's gonna happen next, lmao! Your wrong, not only do you not know what's going to happen next but your probably way off. (Example: Why did the chicken cross the road?) Think it's to get to the other side? No, in this book a chicken would cross the road because Pluto is no longer a planet and Captain Kirk needs to make pancakes to appease the God of Awesomeness. As bizarre as the book was I can't compliment the author enough for actually containing an actual plot with different characters with their own very unique personalities. If you can still follow the book while all the nonsense and foolery is going on then I tip my imaginary sailor's cap off to you.
This book reminded me of Fight Club at times because of Rico Slade and some of the scenes of total anarchy that made me think of Project Mayhem...oddly enough Rico Slade's villain's name is Baron Mayhem. Oh I'm sorry you think that's a random connection? Well after you read this book you can make all the random connections you want too. Sorry..the book makes you a bit bold and makes you speak out of turn. But overall this book was an absolute blast to read. From it's off the wall comedy to it's action and adventure dipped in tabasco sauce. If you want to laugh your ass off, scratch your head and keep being entertained this then book is a must read for you. I have a feeling many of author Bradley Sands books are just like this and if that's the case then I'm definitely checking out more of his work.
Yes it took me seven months to read but not because I found the book boring but because I just suck at getting into the rhythm of reading on a regularYes it took me seven months to read but not because I found the book boring but because I just suck at getting into the rhythm of reading on a regular basis. With that being said here are my thoughts on the book. I absolutely loved this book from the beginning to the end and with only a minor dislike but despite that small blemish I can easily say that this was another one of David Hayne's books I thoroughly enjoyed. Since his first book I read I have always enjoyed the style to which the author writes and this book is no different if not even more profound than the rest simply because there's experience behind this work with the others. What I mean is, his style only gets stronger and this book makes sure of that. The author tells the story in two sequences one in the past and one in the present. Most cases of this require precision and to be done right and the author does a wonderful job of transitioning back and forth between the two. I enjoyed the dark edgy Victorian Era macabre to which this books beams brightly. The characters are done nicely and after a while from their descriptions and what they say you can really get a feel of what they are like and almost feel as if you know them personally or feel as though you could. This to me is a big plus as any author who can write characters and make the reader feel like they could be real is gifted in my eyes.
So here's a brief synopsis of what we know, Two guys are working for a funeral home which has been passed down two generations and one enjoys working the family business while the other could care less. Past flashbacks show of the grandfather and an assistant who helped him with the job but things aren't quite what they appear. Finally, a cabinet is involved. That's my brief telling without spoiling anything. I felt two past characters grandfather Jerome Moreton and Benjamin to be a pleasant fellows who enjoyed their trade ad did what they had to. I felt they were written well and without them the story doesn't happen and loses substance. Two things I really enjoyed about the book were the way the author described things such as smells, objects and even sounds which will lead my two my second favorite thing. Of course smells needed to be described when working with the dead and boy does this have some descriptions in it! My second favorite part of the book is how the author uses real songs within the book. The characters are classic rock fans and they not only repeat the lyrics of the song but they relate to the characters as well making them even more important. AC/DC songs have a few cameo's in the book creating for a nice little taste of rock to go with your horror.
Despite my own personal setback of not reading this in shorter time I felt when I did read it I read until I go to the next chapter. Anytime you can read a few chapters of a book and still want more but know you should stop for a bit, you know the book is pretty good..heck it's more than that. For me that was this kind of book. At one point I felt certain aspects weren't going to be tied together or explained but the author comes to the rescue and touches up any mishaps and confusions I may have had. One thing anyone who reads this book will appreciate is the level of macabre. I loved the way the horror wasn't just gore or fear but the simple presence and representation some of the characters took on to personify evil and horror. With a title such as The Undertaker's Cabinet you're already expecting it to be quite creepy and it is but it's so much more than that, it takes you on a ride of what make's creepy "creepy".
So what is my small dislike of the book in case you were curious? Well I didn't understand the reasoning as to why one certain character did the things they did. It doesn't change or effect my feeling on the book overall and I feel I'd be foolish to let such a small dislike effect my thoughts on such a wonderfully written book. Yes I am the same guy who gave a book one star for a shitty ending but then again that was that book and that book alone. This book IMO has everything right going for it. Excellently written, intriguing style, gripping macabre, relatable and vivid descriptions of characters. Overall I truly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the ride I went on and can easily say it's one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book for horror fans and I look forward to reading the next book by this talented author. ...more
One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It was gritty, bloody, riveting, disturbing and downright iA Slaughterhouse of Brilliance
One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It was gritty, bloody, riveting, disturbing and downright insane but I loved it. Tim Curran paints a delightfully morbid picture of the Wild West where the O.K Corral becomes one with the deepest regions of Hell. The characters had great backgrounds, personalities and all had their own purpose. If you ever want to read a western horror this is the book to read. It's not for those with weak stomaches but man does it make for an excellent western drenched in absolute carnage. ...more
It took me a while but I finally finished this book. It was my first read of the steampunk genre and while I wasn't sure at first on whether or not I'It took me a while but I finally finished this book. It was my first read of the steampunk genre and while I wasn't sure at first on whether or not I'd stick with it I'm beyond glad I did as this was one of the best books I have read in a while. First off, if your going to read your very first steampunk book, I would say look no further then this one. This book is a combination of stories in the Galvanic Century Series which includes books 1 through 7. I will rate and give brief thoughts on each story but let me first state how I felt about the book overall. As I said I had never read a Steampunk book before but having read this I couldn't have been more pleased to have given it a shot as it was a delightful breath of fresh air, almost like a new source of air I'd never breathed in before. Each story tells of the adventures of one James Wainwright and Alton Bartleby. Right away I felt the duo reminded me of Sherlock Holmes and Watson in fact they even work along Scotland Yard. Both are hard driven and elegant workaholics but be rest assured they are damn good at what they do. Like Holmes and Watson they are both quick to examine things, they don't rule out evidence, suspects or even those close to the case. They are fun and engaging characters which I immediately picked up on and this was the first reason I enjoyed the book so much. I feel if you can't really get a read on a character or enjoy what they do or how they do it then perhaps a book isn't for you. This was the opposite as I enjoyed both characters mostly Bartleby as he was funny, serious and attentive all at the same time. There was also Alton's fiance Aldora Fiske who had her own stories toward the end and while she is enjoyable too I found her to be annoying and unbearable at certain times.
I loved the way certain things were told as the detail to explain things are spot on and given I didn't know much about steampunk, details needed to be spot on and indeed they were. The author Michael Coorlim does a wonderful job in explaining mechanisms and trickets of the Steampunk world that I would have otherwise have been lost had he not described them so well. Another thing I found interesting about this book was that like television crime shows you get a certain amount of suspects and you turn each page thinking who did what and who was involved and you wonder who did it. The only difference is television shows don't have these two characters leading the investigation. I was stumped and surprised quite a few times at the reveal of the masterminds behind some of the crimes within the stories. Now I will rate and review each story.
AND THEY CALLED HER SPIDER- 5 Stars An assassin simply known as the spider is taking the London streets by storm as James and Bartleby must find her and stop her. As the first story is the series this was great. It was the perfect example and description of how steampunk works and what it is. As someone who was pretty clueless going in, this story helped me understand. The spider is a woman and shes very quick, sly and precise..almost unhumanlike..I don't do spoilers but I'll leave that as is. I loved how the duo didn't back down even knowing this spider could very well kill them. A great starter story.
Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande- 4 Stars Think NCIS but only with Steampunk themes. This one was a bit slower then the first when it came down to me getting into it but it does pick up and when it did I was glued in and reading on in wonder as to who on the ship murdered a crew member. At first James is accused but he quickly rebuffs the claims and sets out to find out who the real murderer is. A great story and solid for a story to which you learn about how ships work and ship jargon as well.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCISSORMAN- 5 Stars The duo must try to stop a nightmarish serial killer. Right away I was thinking a Jack the Ripper meets Sweeney Todd type of character boy was I wrong. The scissorman is a mechanism made of flesh and well it's hard to explain but I assure you he's not human. He was described wonderfully in detail for me to get a great visual of what I saw him as in my mind but then an actual picture is shown (yay!) and sure enough it was as I thought it was..a vicious mean looking thing that would probably maul me if it existed. Interesting story.
A MATTER OF SPIRIT- 4 Stars One of James' old friends asks for his help to clear his name accused for kidnapping his partner. Again a bit slow out of the shoot but an overall solid story. I liked this one because given both men are so about work and themselves seeing them defend someone else is a sight you rarely see if you pick up on how they are. So seeing Wainwright try to defend his friend really spoke to me, though don't be fooled as he thought he may have done it. Overall a very well told story.
SKY PIRATES OVER LONDON- 5 Stars If the title alone wasn't cool enough. It's true to it's name, so imagine Victorian Era/Galvanic style pirates taking over pirate ships only those pirate ships are flying high above the sky instead of sailing the seas. This one does a great job in telling the detail of the luxurious side of steampunk if that makes sense. I found the pirates to be a but dumb and not very witty at times given the era they were in but I guess criminals are alike all over. A very sky high 5!
THE TOWER OF BABBAGE- 4 Stars This story featured Aldora, Alton's wife as the main character. She goes in search on an expedition to look for a missing motion picture film crew. We are also introduced to a new character a young girl named Penny. All I gotta say about Aldora is she is a very strong woman and she can definitely hold her own. She steps up and really shows that just because your a woman of a wealthy family doesn't mean you can be your own person. A very strong 4 stars.
FINE YOUNG TURKS- 4 Stars Aldora accepts a handsome nobleman's invitation to show off the Ottoman Empire and it's reforms. Let me first start by saying this was my least favorite going in. Aldora immediately seemed to pull a 180 but then gos back to her normal self upon finding certain things out. I didn't quite understand all the politics that were being mentioned but you know what? Another reason I enjoyed it. Sure I didn't understand it but that means it's told in intricate detail and if it's that well told, I'm impressed. A twist indeed and a 4 from me.
Overall I loved this book for everything it was about and everything it stands for. It was me expanding my horizons into the world of literature and getting familiar with the interestingly odd yet amazingly wonderful genre that is Steampunk. Again if you want to read your first book within the genre I strongly suggest starting with this book. You get seven great stories, a solid series, well made characters and it keeps you wanting more which any good series should do. I am not a fan of series books but I got to say this book has kept me with an open mind. I will definitely be looking to read the 8th in the series as well as another short I came across at the end of the book. I give a standing ovation to the author Michael Coorlim on writing such a great book and you sir have a new fan and I will definitely be checking out more of your work....more
Having read the first Endlands book and deeming it one of the best books I've ever read I knew I had to read this one and wow! Its just as good as theHaving read the first Endlands book and deeming it one of the best books I've ever read I knew I had to read this one and wow! Its just as good as the first! All the stories were very well written and you really get a great look into how each author writes. All the stories are horror, science fiction, mystery or paranormal based. Like the first, many stories reminded me of The Twilight Zone only many in this volume were more elaborate, edgier and darker. I enjoyed all the stories and while some I liked more than others there wasn't a story I disliked but rather just didn't care for it as much as others.
My only disappointment is that Vincent Hobbes doesn't have any stories in this as this anthology was his idea. The authors who do have stories in this more than make up for Hobbes' absence. Also like the first book, when I read one story I just wanted to keep reading them because they were so good and they had me hooked to the pages wanting to experience more bizarre and strange stories. I truly enjoyed and loved reading this book and I place it at the top with the first as one of the best books I've ever read.
Its made me want to look up other works by some of the authors in here and even make me go find my Endlands vol.1 so I can read that over again. If you want to experience dark and strange yet captivating and entrancing stories by authors with their own unique styles then look no further then The Endlands vol.2. I highly recommend this exceptional book....more
I'll start by saying this was a bit hard to read and understand but it's one of those books that pieces together as you read more. It tells of the talI'll start by saying this was a bit hard to read and understand but it's one of those books that pieces together as you read more. It tells of the tale of the man behind the myth and what a great job it does. I found myself glued wondering what happens next and while I was confused at times it was made up for by everything else this book brought. The story was quite the tale and I found myself routing for Vlad even forgetting at times that this is the same man who became a monster. But that's what made it so good you feel for him and you really take in everything. I loved the in-depth way certain aspects are described and how in detail places, people and feelings were also described. It's not gory at all but there are some very gruesome moments that are just epic. Some of Vlad's lines are inspirational and some of them are so fulfilling and dark that you again almost forget who your reading about, at least that's how I felt. Sometimes I had to read a page a few times to understand what was going on and if I finally got it I appreciated it all the more. This book does an excellent job of blending fact and fiction and delivers a wonder telling of history. You learn not only about Vlad but of the country he loved and the countries his conquered, heck there's even a map for you to see! Some of the chapters were dry but again they are made up for in other chapters that are completely mind blowing. Vlad's smart and shifty personality and being one step ahead of everyone is really what kept me reading.Overall, a great read and excellent story telling. I recommend this for those who are interested in Vlad Dracula and have patience and enjoy reading very constructive books....more
I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy of this book. I had a feeling it was going to be good and after reading, It’s one of the best books I haI was fortunate enough to receive a free copy of this book. I had a feeling it was going to be good and after reading, It’s one of the best books I have ever read. Right from the beginning of the first story I was hooked. I was always anticipating what would happen next and it always delivered every time. After I read one I kept thinking each story just keeps on pulling me in. A lot of the stories have a “Twilight Zone� influence, essence and take on them especially Mr. Hobbes� and being a fan of Twilight Zone I caught on and appreciated all of them to their fullest. One part I thought was interesting was either I knew exactly what was going to happen or I knew nothing of what was going to happen which of course had me satisfyingly shocked most times. Each author brought their own creative genius to their stories and all were well written, had good flow throughout and made you feel for the characters. Shocking, strange and bizarre would be three words to best describe most of the stories in the book. I loved how everything seemed normal and then slowly and gradually a twist or turn for the worst starting happening and it got me at the edge of my seat. The best part of reading the book was the mystery aspect. Reading and wondering oh dear god what’s going to happen and then when you find out the feeling is just as crazy as not knowing. I enjoyed all of the stories in the book and would definitely read it again. It’s very well written, thought out, have spine chilling or creepy gripping plots and are all excellent short stories and tales. I strongly recommend this book to anybody who likes the strange and bizarre or appreciates a good shock. Overall, an amazing and fantastic book. ...more
Loading...
