This novel picks up pretty much where the first novel ends. Soren has followed Allesandra hoping to get past old differences and rekindle their flame This novel picks up pretty much where the first novel ends. Soren has followed Allesandra hoping to get past old differences and rekindle their flame (while also getting out of their home country to avoid Amero, the new Duke who had orchestrated the death of the last one.
But Allesandra isn't there. Hesearches for months and ultimately decides she didn't or couldn't follow through with his suggestion. He instead turns to hunting down more information about his gift.
What follows is a different book altogether from the first. Where the first was downtrodden lad is picked up and sponsored at an academy where he excelled.... this one is a nautical yarn replete with Pirates, Ship Combat, Duels, Bad Storms, Sea Sickness and Reefs. I found this novel focused more on understanding Soren's gift than the last, but unlike other reviewers, I didn't feel there was too much decided by his sword. Sure, we still get swordplay, but I felt the challenges of this book were often overcome by means other than Soren's gift with his sword.
The story slows somewhat when Soren finds a Librarian in a town that shouldn't still be standing. He learns a lot through discussions but this part of the book lags (in my opinion). It doesn't keep on for too long, however, and didn't change my overall score.
Overall, I felt the novel was a good solid Nautical adventure with our Hero Soren well within the middle of it. As someone who likes Naval fiction, I enjoyed it very much....more
Overall, I really enjoyed the story contained within The Society of the Sword Trilogy. I listened to the Audio version which was well produced and narOverall, I really enjoyed the story contained within The Society of the Sword Trilogy. I listened to the Audio version which was well produced and narrated.
If you look at the tags above, you'll see it's got a lot of different things going for it. Part of this is because each novel has a different flavor.
The first novel we are introduced to Soren, a street rat with some natural ability with a sword. He catches the eye of a famous duelist from the arena and sponsored into the Academy to learn swordcraft. The novel seems to be going in the 'School career & events' direction for about half of the novel until things go sideways and Soren finds himself in the Army. There he fights barbarians and starts to become a pawn in some very high stakes political machinations. Things go really bad then...
The second novel has a completely different flavor. In this one, Soren finds himself dealing with Pirates. The story follows directly from the first novel, but his direction takes him to life on the water, first as a passenger, then a prisoner, and finally a pirate himself. Interlaced into this is his desire to find out more about his special power that manifests itself during combat and his search for Allesendra.
The third novel is the culmination of everything. Soren is tired of running from Assassins. He has tried to live as far away as possible from his enemies as he can, but he fears for Allesandra's life as the assassins continue to confront them. He finally decides to return home and confront his enemy. He quickly finds that the entire town is roiling under the dukes iron grip and political machinations & plans are being made by many groups...
Overall, I really enjoyed the novels and the stories within. I was put off a bit that books 1 and 2 had one POV character and book 3 had 3 POVs. And frankly, I saw no reason for three. Perhaps that storyline, ultimately cut short, will lead to more novels in the world, but I found it annoying and distracting. In the end, it didn't reduce my overall enjoyment of the trilogy, however.
I thought this was an exceptional story about my favorite Superhero, Spiderman. I'm a bit put off by the recent trend in comics about Spidey because tI thought this was an exceptional story about my favorite Superhero, Spiderman. I'm a bit put off by the recent trend in comics about Spidey because they are changing too much about him and his situation. Even the MCU changed too much. But this story is just right. It takes place after he and MJ have been married for awhile. She is a struggling actress, he is a high school science teacher...the Peter Parker we know and love.
What I liked first and foremost is that this novel is tonally correct. It hits the right notes with Peter (Spidey), MJ, Felicia and even the cameo with Aunt May. It also doesn't ignore the larger Superhero universe Spiderman belongs too (Marvel) with references or appearances by Rhino, Black Cat, Dr. Strange, Hulk, Avengers and quite a few offhanded comments about past Spidey villains. (Green Goblin, Doc Ock, the Lizard to name a few)
The story is fairly concise in that it takes place over a few days. It has a foe I don't recognize, but may be one of the more obscure foes I just don't know about. The fight sequences are great and well described - and make sense. The puzzle, as it is, is strong and understandable.
Overall, I felt the entire novel hit it out of the park. There really wasn't anything about it I disliked and quite a lot that I liked very much. I recommend it. ...more
I have two expectations from a movie tie in novel. That the novel covers the events of the movie and that I get insights into characters as an author I have two expectations from a movie tie in novel. That the novel covers the events of the movie and that I get insights into characters as an author can describe what a character is thinking and feeling sometimes better than they can be emoted on the screen. Mr Keyes does a great job doing exactly this throughout this novelization of Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
I also have hopes that we see scenes that aren't covered in the movies, or done so quickly that they are easily missed. The primary portion of this novel that is seen far too quickly in the movie is the awakening of the lesser monsters. In the movie, we see a snippet of video of several different 'titans' waking up and moving. In the novel, we little vignettes of background of most of these video moments. While we don't need the background, its nice to have. And its short enough that it doesn't distract from the overall story.
In all, I enjoyed this audible version of the novel and look forward to new movies/books in the series.
A short (2 hour) what if, alternate history of Alien 3. With a full cast and reprisals of roles by Michael Biehn and Lance Hendrickson, I really enjoyA short (2 hour) what if, alternate history of Alien 3. With a full cast and reprisals of roles by Michael Biehn and Lance Hendrickson, I really enjoyed it....more
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Can I give it 6 stars? 7?
Of course, it touched on a lot of themes that mean alot to me... II can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Can I give it 6 stars? 7?
Of course, it touched on a lot of themes that mean alot to me... I always wanted to be an astronaut, and that required me to be a pilot. While I didn't attain that dream, I've always had a fascination with fighter planes and space flight.
This book has these in spades...
Then add in a character who is so very believable, and bullied and that is another them that hits home. She is faced with adversity, wanting to atone for wrongs done before she was mature enough to understand.
Add in a great audible performance...
And you had me hanging on every word. Staying in the car longer to hear the end of the next chapter. Listening at odd times to fit more in... eyes tearing up at parts, or sitting on the edge of my seat at others...
Loved it.
The book is about Spenca, a young woman with aspirations of becoming a pilot like her father...well not exactly alike because he apparently turned coward and died in the Battle of Alta. She wasn't like him...was she? She has to overcome all sorts of hurdles just to qualify as pilot, then learn it better, faster, smarter to overcome prejudices from her past.
All the while, the Krell keep attacking. Even before flight training is done, she and her flight mates of Skyward squadron are forced into action...
Unholy War continues the Moontide Quartet with the same quality that we've come to expect from David Hair. His characters are complex, and getting morUnholy War continues the Moontide Quartet with the same quality that we've come to expect from David Hair. His characters are complex, and getting more so as they grow and mature throughout the time of these novels. In the first book, we met so many of them in roles and relationships that seemed right at the time, but over two additional books now, they have learned so much and are very different from the start. Normally, I don't like many storylines as I tend to get either bored with one of them and then become disinterested or so fascinated with one that I get frustrated I'm not reading that plot line. Mr. Hair has done a fantastic job of making each storyline worthy and interesting.
I think part of that is because he mixed and matched the characters from the original book in different ways in books 2 and 3. Now we are seeing different dynamics of the original characters in situation we couldn't have conceived multiple books ago. It is fascinating to watch them, and this story evolve into what is sure to be a great ending in Book 4. I can't wait!
All Systems Red was a short, pleasant read focused on a character who is part robot and part human. He doesn't consider himself human at all, but has All Systems Red was a short, pleasant read focused on a character who is part robot and part human. He doesn't consider himself human at all, but has biological parts...
Calling himself the murderbot for something that happened in his past, he is assigned to protect (as security) a team on a planet. We immediately come to realize he isn't 'normal' and this is the basis for the story as they are faced with crisis.
I quite liked the story, despite its short length. ...more
Found during a sale on Audible, I listened to this entertaining story during my work commute.
This is a story where information begins limited - we haFound during a sale on Audible, I listened to this entertaining story during my work commute.
This is a story where information begins limited - we have a man held captive and a sword that are causing concerns with the wizards/sorcerers of the city. Fairly quickly, one of them helps the young man and the story moves on.
Because this is a info limited story (why is the man there, what is going on with the sorcerers, why is she helping, who is that?) the reader distrusts everyone at first. (at least I did). And when characters 'prove' they are trustworthy, you still take a few scenes before you really do trust them.
We do find out what the main character (Talien) is doing in the city, but that goal isn't really realized. Instead, he gets wrapped up into political intrigue and events beyond his mission and intention.
On the one hand, it feels like events have been going on for some years, and we are seeing only a slice of that. This can make the story's setting feel more grounded and not created just for the main character. On the other hand, it supports the disjointed feeling of the reader that says "I just don't know what's going on" Are they trying to save those people? Should I support the rule of that person? Is this person really as 'bad' as implied?? Lots of questions.
I suspect that much of this is intentional. It is book one, and we shouldn't have all the answers at once. Still, I felt that being parachuted into the middle of what is going on was confusing.
On the bright side - I really like the three protagonists. Talien, Lydia and Jolan seemed to form a friendship that we'll appreciate later. They certainly went out on proverbial limbs for each other.
The story involves a LOT of character thought, intertwined with characters speaking. The reader of the audible edition did a good job of changing is sound to make it clear this was a hidden thought instead of a spoken word - but there were a couple potential confusion spots. (Not enough to worry about). I wonder if those sentences were italicized or something in print?
I've been intentionally vague, of course, because a lot happens. Just understand that you are joining Talien as he 'discovers' this new setting (city) and learn with him about the politics of the world around him. I enjoyed the story and look forward to book 2....more
In the end, I gave this a 5 stars, although 4.5 would have been nearer the mark. Why? Because I didn't ultimately like the change of direction in the In the end, I gave this a 5 stars, although 4.5 would have been nearer the mark. Why? Because I didn't ultimately like the change of direction in the middle of the story... and I was sad at an event that happened at the end of the novel...
But why 4.5 stars anyway?
Aurora is about a Generations ship on it's way to a place in the Tau Ceti system. Several generations of men and woman have been on this ship, living in its bioms for more than a hundred years. It is all they know (but don't cut that short, as they need to know all the advanced sciences to keep up with the operation of the star ship and its biospheres.
I really enjoy novels about men & women reaching beyond themselves to establish a new colony, weather its on our world (in the new world) or via space.
The Novel starts with some odd perspective - partly 3rd person omniscient, party following Devi or Freya as POVs, the book ultimately transfers the point of view to the Ship. Devi has instructed the ship to keep a history of the important events and the Ship complies.
What we get is a progressively fascinating look at life through the 'eyes' of the AI. Its quantum computing enables it to learn and draw upon much of life as we know it and it's fun to see it grasping with English and idiosyncrasies we wouldn't think twice about.
This is not an AI goes bad story. The AI/Ship is, however, a full character in the story and frankly, my favorite. It (he/she??) struggles to keep to its mission, ultimately 'shouldering' the entirety of success or failure alone. (as only it can)
The ending was... perhaps a bit of a let down. As I said, I didn't like the turn of events in the middle of the novel, but came to understand that the novel was about Ship, really, and it really 'grew' as a character after this point. For that, I enjoyed it very much.
I listened to this via Audible and very much enjoyed that presentation......more
An older book, and one I attempted to read back in the 90's, I found myself really enjoying the first person action of a tank platoon fighting WWIII. An older book, and one I attempted to read back in the 90's, I found myself really enjoying the first person action of a tank platoon fighting WWIII. The book really didn't delve into the politics of the situation, which I appreciated - It was pretty much a cold war extension of the US/NATO v Russia/Warsaw pack aggression.
I really enjoyed the combat sequences and found them to be reasonable in a late 80's technology perspective.
The book isn't without its flaws... I felt it deviated into alternative POVs for reasons unclear. It wasn't consistent in doing so and I didn't feel it necessary. It also emphasized some of the Tankers wives early on, but dropped that line about half way though... (No longer needed?) Finally, I felt some of the events were a little too easy for Team Yankee - but we might not have a book without that luck, so that was a minor thing.
Ultimately, I found it facinating in 2017 because of the issues between US and Russia right now...and wonder where it will lead us. In the book, the Russians do take that ultimate step...a step we all fear again for the first time in decades.
Its a solid book - if you like Tanks and warfare, give it a try....more
Having found these hidden gems this year on Audible, I have really come to appreciate the Justicar, Escalla, (sp) - and the menagerie of folks as partHaving found these hidden gems this year on Audible, I have really come to appreciate the Justicar, Escalla, (sp) - and the menagerie of folks as part of this group. all of the chemistry is there, with the underlining love that has blossomed between some of the characters. I definitely didn't mind that at all.
I felt that the description of the Demonweb Pits was 'off' - certainly from my memory of the module. I could be wrong however. What I really didn't like was the audible (and story) representation of Lolth and the Fairies sister... Frankly, I think those characters brought the rating down to 4 for me.
Overall, a great series, much recommended for D&D enthusiasts and folks who like whacky adventurers....more
I can't even begin to describe how much I adored this book. I first bought it in trade paperback and enjoyed the beginning, and then it got put down fI can't even begin to describe how much I adored this book. I first bought it in trade paperback and enjoyed the beginning, and then it got put down for something newer in that maddening way I have. So, I picked it up via Audible.com. At first, I was concerned the dry low voice of the reader was going to be a problem. I was wrong. It was the perfect voice for Clay, the main protagonist, and his dry sarcastic humor.
You see, Clay once belonged to a Band of Heroes called Saga. years ago they kicked butt and took names, before one of their number killed the wrong person and got turned to stone as punishment. The Band broke up and each of them went on to live their lives. For Clay, that meant a Wife, Daughter, Dog and homestead.
All was well in the world for Clay until Gabriel knocked on his door, telling him that his Daughter had become a Mercenary, had a Band and was now...stuck in a far off walled city with a horde surrounding it. She needed Gabe's help, and Gabe needed the old Band.
Such is the premise of the story, but it does little to tell you what this book is about. This book FEELS like its a group of friends (My friends) who used to adventure (game) together and am getting back together for one last event. They KNOW how things work. (and still get taken by events) They are extremely proficient at what they do, even if they are out of shape, and willing to charge into danger - even if its 6 against 60,000.
Over the course of the novel, I came to really empathize with Clay and his band mates. I didn't know how they were going to save Gabe's Daughter, but had to find out. The novel, the story, the wit, the reading, all combined to really make this an extremely enjoyable experience. I can't endorse this novel enough! 6 out of 5 stars!
This was a quick 'read' via Audible. I very much enjoyed the novel, although it did a left turn about 1/2 way in where I would have preferred it stay This was a quick 'read' via Audible. I very much enjoyed the novel, although it did a left turn about 1/2 way in where I would have preferred it stay on its trajectory... I liked the characterizations, the set up, the bit players. It might have been a tad far fetched - but what's the fun of contemporary science fiction without a bit of a stretch?
Still, I was a tad disappointed with the end. Right up to the last chapter, I was tracking with what was going on and then... another left turn. It makes sense in a way...but I would have liked to have seen the characters take a different direction.
Ultimately a good, quick 'read' that I enjoyed....more
I don't know how I stumbled across this book - probably it was an Audible suggestion. Upon reading the reviews, I pulld the trigger and eventually pusI don't know how I stumbled across this book - probably it was an Audible suggestion. Upon reading the reviews, I pulld the trigger and eventually pushed play... and then barely touched any other audible choice while I listened.
The novel is about Aiden - a young man who, when the story starts, is about 12. Te frst part of the novel takes us throughout an early period of Aiden's life when he lived in the Misty Vales. Life is good and he has friends and no small skills in the woods. And then, the world goes topsy turvy when everyone is called to turtle up in the manor house as slaver are nearby...
This episode becomes one of the defining moments in young Aiden's life. We see him at his best and worst, all within the first several chapters. I really fell for this novel at that point and was almost upset when the story propelled Aiden and his family away from the Misty Vales.
Like life, Aiden's story meandered a bit. Little did I realize the groundwork the auther was laying for Aiden's future. We saw glimpses of issues, that would continue to grow until these culminated in a dramatic scene in one of the larger towns. (I'm being delibrately vague here) This leads to a bit of soul searching and, with a little help from some unexpected corners, Aiden decides to become a Warden. This involves passing several tests to qualify (both physical and mental) and then many years of intense study.
This may seem to close to other books here a young person goes through a school career, but I think there is a positive uniqueness to this novel that seems right. Aiden makes friends, enemies and allies as he grows as a character and person.
The author mixes in events that seem 'real' to the world and I particularly liked the mix of classes and skills he is taught. They seem more true to what he should be taught than not.
Ultimately, the alternative events wind back around to themes establishd early in the novel and then culminate in a very exicting sequence of scenes in a forgotten city/citadel.
I really enjoyed the single POV of the novel (with just a few diversions to 3rd Person Omincient) and the singled thread of the chapters. So many novels now bounc between so many POV's that I become lost/bored and upset when I have to read a new POV when what I really want is the POV of my favorite storyline. While there is merit in that, I very much enjoyed never having to leave the main character.
If there is a slight con to the novel, I felt that the later chapters were really an extended epilogue (much like the beginning chapters were an extended prologue). The epilogue was important to the overall story - and really rounded out the 'why' to Aiden's internal drive, but it felt a bit off, a bit too long. Ultimately, however, this was a very small thing indeed. I very much can't wait to listen to the next novel in this series...
PS - What was that in the last few pages?? Very little by way of warning that this might be a thing Aiden could do...and also part of the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. Not sure I like this change..but willing to move forward with the story......more
Michael J Sullivan has a winning formula for these novels. One part the Dual of Royce and Hadrian, the other part comprised of 'other players' that prMichael J Sullivan has a winning formula for these novels. One part the Dual of Royce and Hadrian, the other part comprised of 'other players' that propel the story. In some cases, the two parts are intertwined early, and in others, it takes a portion of the book for the two sides to merge into one story. Frankly, most times, I'm more interested in the Royce and Hadrian section. It sometimes takes me some time to warm up to new characters. Other times, its a bit easier.
For the Rose and the Thorn, I was really captured by the 'other side'. The primary focus was with the young son of a Royal Guard. I had no idea how our Heroes and the story they were pursuing were going to merge with his, but soon enough I didn't care. I was just as interested as this side of the story as I was with the other.
Ultimately, the story did pull together very well. The penultimate night of the story has several critical events that are crafted well together and underline the plot and characters. I enjoyed it all very much except for 1 small detail. The outcome of character from the closet was jarring and disappointing. I had just begun to really enjoy this POV when something changed that I didn't approve of. Was this important to the plot? Important to the characters in the long term? I don't know. I *think* the same thing could have come around without that particular thread ending the way it did. Who knows.
But it did not detract from the novel at all. Mr. Sullivan has really captured these characters and the events swirling around them. I look forward to the further adventures of our Heroes.
I was initially not a fan of the main character, but as the book moves onward, The Justicar and the Faerie that joins him are actually really fun. TheI was initially not a fan of the main character, but as the book moves onward, The Justicar and the Faerie that joins him are actually really fun. The module does a good job of building up the political landscape of the what is going on at White Plum Mountain - the location of a dungeon that had been 'cleaned out' years ago by adventurers. Someone has reset the dungeon along with the original prizes, and our Heroes are set to deal with it. There are other reviews that get more into the novel - just know that I enjoyed this novel very much. The audio presentation was very good and Mr Kidd's handling of the game system in novel form was probably some of the best I've encountered. Nicely done!...more
This might be my favorite short to date. it's fairly straight forward, but well written, with a twist ending that I thought I saw coming, but didn't. This might be my favorite short to date. it's fairly straight forward, but well written, with a twist ending that I thought I saw coming, but didn't. :) ...more
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