This first Discovery novel is set a few months before the episode of the series. It provides some good explanation of events and character relationshiThis first Discovery novel is set a few months before the episode of the series. It provides some good explanation of events and character relationships.
A non-Federation world awakens a juggernaut which sends out probes that target its capital. Realizing their world could be raised, and they haven't the means to stop it, they signal the Federation for help. The USS Shenzhou arrives just after Burnham has been promoted to the number one position on the ship, much to the chagrin of Saru. The sparring of these characters is evident. The USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Pike is nearby but doesn't offer assistance since the Shenzhou is closer, but they receive an urgent command to go to the world and destroy the juggernaut before it can leave the world; destroying the planet if necessary.
This sets both crew at odds, but they work together before having to pull the trigger. Spock and Burnham go inside the Juggernaut, Saru and the Number One for the Enterprise go elsewhere on the planet to learn its past, while those still on their respective ships deal with probes from the juggernaut that attack them. The citizens on the planet, fearing a Starfleet abandonment, rebel against those they asked to save them.
This is a good split of action and characters, but some stories were more interesting than others. Saru and Number One are the most interesting because Saru is in a situation where he's not so jealous or fearful of others. This was his character during the first season of Discovery, but Mack really does an outstanding job giving him opportunities to shine rather than whine or be snarky. Burnham and Spock or okay, but reminded me heavily of "Move Along Home" from Deep Space Nine. The interaction between the captains was great, with Georgiou getting some neglected time (we barely got her in the show!) and Pike being fantastic.
A fun read and good introduction to the characters if one hasn't seen show. For those that have, this book gives some entertaining backstory to the characters we've followed. Recommended. ...more
Another good entry in the Stargazer series which follows the exploits of young Jean-Luc Picard on the first ship he captained.
The ship accidentally bAnother good entry in the Stargazer series which follows the exploits of young Jean-Luc Picard on the first ship he captained.
The ship accidentally beams aboard a Gerda Idun Asmund aboard after encountering an anomaly in space. This occurs often in Trek tales, but what makes this different is that there are already two Asmunds serving aboard the Stargazer. They are twins. Both women are humans raised by a Klingon family, while this newcomer was raised by humans. She looks exactly like the others. It is quickly theorized that she comes from the Mirror Universe, though she knows nothing of Kirk and what was occurring there with humans dominating the known universe. The crew has to to get her back to the anomaly, which is naturally closing, and lies in the space of a race that does not like to have their borders crossed.
This was a solid story to see how all react to a new Asmund who doesn't live Klingon ideals. Most interesting was the reaction of the twins to their new "sister". My only beef was that the conclusion/reveal went as one would expect, if anyone has been following any earlier Trek exploits. Having been a fan since the 1970's and followed all the films, shows, novels, and comics, this ending was predictable.
The B story follows security officer Vigo as he attends a conference that will be showcasing a new class of phaser. Things naturally go wrong and there are many solid action pieces here. It's a good showcase for Vigo and his character gets some great growth. Though, this tale, too, goes as one would expect. It's not bad, just typical Trek going.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys any Trek exploits. It is entertaining, more so than other novels, but it won't wow you. ...more
I was stunned to see this book and another from Arkham sitting on the bookshelf at my local Barnes & Noble so I grabbed them quickly and purchased theI was stunned to see this book and another from Arkham sitting on the bookshelf at my local Barnes & Noble so I grabbed them quickly and purchased them. I really enjoy the mythology of Lovecraft's worlds, so I was looking forward to reading this book.
Things started out well, but the plot began to stagnate, with it ending in utter disappointment.
Something's wrong in the sewers of Arkham. They underwater lines are being rebuilt, but there's been a discovery. A giant pink crystal is embedded in the ceiling of one chamber and it's having effects on those that stand before it. Men begin to disappear, some go mad, and one begins to talk to it. There's a serial killer in the city who calls himself the Lamprey because he drains the blood of his victims. What he uses that blood for is known only to the crystal. Two reporters investigate, with a few of their friends. Discoveries are made, some are revealed dramatically, but the ending is just a quick write off. It seems as if the writer hit his word limit and stopped. There's also an inclusion of group in the last one hundred pages that felt out of place. I've enjoyed this characters in other works, but this came off as throw them at the wall and see if they stick.
I was depressed when finishing at its lackluster ending. ...more
I read this book when it was new. I was fourteen at the time. I reread this because my 8th grade language arts students have an excerpt of it in theirI read this book when it was new. I was fourteen at the time. I reread this because my 8th grade language arts students have an excerpt of it in their textbook and I will be teaching it to them. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it just as much as I did in 1980.
The premise should be familiar to any horror fan. Cujo, a Saint Bernard, goes rabid, kills his owner and a neighbor, and then terrorizes a mother and her young son who are trapped in their car with no escape. And it sure is hot outside.
I really enjoyed the Cujo moments of the book. It is still incredibly scary, but surprisingly, I found myself rooting for the dog.
I found all the humans of this book unsympathetic. King has a common go-to character which is the good ole boy shit-kicker, who's a drinker, a farter, and a cusser. Yes, he's in this book. That character trope by King wore out on me in the late 80's, so I wasn't thrilled with any of this individual's antics. I didn't care for the husband's trip or the heartache he was enduring. The wife/mother was someone who wasn't likeable unless she thought of her son.
I just felt bad for Cujo. He was a "good boy" who just had something horrible happen to him. When the book shifted to his point of view he held the most sympathy for me. The drama at the end is still brilliant and believable, but the survivors held nothing for me.
I would still recommend this book for people who want to try one of King's books. It's not outrageously long, though there could be some editing to make it quicker and give it more of an impact, but it's still fun. ...more
This is the first Strange New Worlds I have read. I have been reading Star Trek novels since the first film came out in 1979 and have purchased most oThis is the first Strange New Worlds I have read. I have been reading Star Trek novels since the first film came out in 1979 and have purchased most of them. I was eager to see what one of this crew's adventures would be like. I've enjoyed many of Miller's other novels, so I was hopeful for this book. I wasn't disappointed.
The premise starts quickly with Pike, Spock, Chin-Riley, and Uhura in a shuttle scouting out a primitive planet only to have all power drop in the atmosphere and they crash. The are close enough for the Enterprise to beam them out--individually--to the planet before they have to pull away because the flagship of the Federation is also starting to lose power. The world is technologically stagnant, stuck in the late 1800's of Earth. Motors and engines are outlawed. The world is populated by several races, new and familiar, and is overseen by a race that is "protecting" the populace from all the horrors of technology. Think Luddites is space.
Pike gets to play cowboy from his past and the majority of the novel follows him, learning about the people, the planet's past, and those who oversee them. It follows the predictable pattern of budget saving episodes. Nothing bad, but if you've followed any Star Trek for a long period of time, this will be fun, but familiar territory. Spock shows up late in the book, and his arrival brings some technology and answers to their situation. Chin-Riley associates with a very interesting character, but he gets pushed aside when a relation is revealed. Uhura has the best moments in the book and it is here that Miller really shines. I can't saw too much without spoiling it, but the ending with her and another group is brilliant plotting and writing.
A solid read for Star Trek fans, but I don't know if this would win over those who aren't already fans. ...more
This book is brilliant. It was absolutely all that I hoped it would be and I'm ecstatic to learn that there are more adventures of Michael Gallatin.
TThis book is brilliant. It was absolutely all that I hoped it would be and I'm ecstatic to learn that there are more adventures of Michael Gallatin.
The premise is simple: During WWII, a British agent is dropped into Europe to investigate information an agent has about an operation called Iron Fist. The agent makes his way through Egypt, Paris, Germany, and Norway, learning that he has to stop a counteroperation to D-Day. Oh, and the agent is a werewolf.
The protagonist can change at any time to a wolf and even partially change to gain a wolf's abilities, such as a clawed hand.
The story does everything one would want from a werewolf versus Nazis story and the villains are evil, doing all the horrific things one expects.
The only parts of the novel I didn't care for was that the author would stop the story after six to nine chapters and delve into the werewolf's past, how he became a supernatural creature and how he grew to accept it. Were the chapters engaging? Yes, but I much preferred the story set in 1944.
I recommend this anyone who enjoys werewolves or WWII intrigue. ...more
This book was brilliant, and I have not truly gushed over (many of) The High Republic novels.
Though this tale builds on previous books, whose order IThis book was brilliant, and I have not truly gushed over (many of) The High Republic novels.
Though this tale builds on previous books, whose order I've followed erratically, it easy to jump in at this point, have a solid understanding of the characters and their motivations, and know what the stakes are for all involved.
First and foremost are two Jedi who are strongly attracted to each other and seem as though they are willing to have a physical relationship. Fans of Star Wars will be wondering if this is going to lead to an Anakin and Padme situation where emotion overtakes either one of them and jeopardizes them or their mission. Additional suspense is created by the leader of the Nihil encountering a threat that not only dooms his people, but will surely destroy the Republic. Will he be able to control this wonderfully creative threat? Not to the mention the retaking of a screen famous world, two Jedi in the Outer Rim, and the chase between a Jedi pushed to the edge and his prey.
That's all I'm going to spoil about this book because it was an absolutely wonderful reading experience. I've grown tired of the THR novels, reading them only because they are the only new Star Wars books that come out, and this book got me interested in them again. This felt like a Star Wars book, and I haven't felt that way about THR in some time. Tessa Gratton should write MANY more SW books.
I read the first 90-so books published by Hard Case Crime, starting when they were a mail service with Book #1. I stopped reading them because they beI read the first 90-so books published by Hard Case Crime, starting when they were a mail service with Book #1. I stopped reading them because they became infrequently published, as compared to once a month through the mail, so I was pleased to find a hardcover edition of this book. I was looking forward to reading this book and the pulpy goodness it would supply.
I was not prepared for what this was.
Without spoilers, this novel focuses on a twenty-three year-old knockout who has a list of men she wants to kill because they took advantage of her. The twist is that she wants to have sex with them, again, and then kill them. She needs money to get from place to place, so she takes jobs where there's a man in power who wants her. She has sex with the man, kills him, steals the cash from the register, and then moves on. Causing a change in her pattern is a young woman she rents a room from whom she shares her sexual exploits with, making the protagonist wonder if she's a lesbian. The
That's it. That's the entire novel. There's a lot of explicit sex, followed by a kill. No, really. A LOT of sex. It's a twisted novel, but because it's so repetitious I began to wonder if I was reading a comedy. I thought I was because by the last third of the novel (from Victim Number Two on her list) things go cliché. And it was painfully predictable. Worse, I found myself not caring what happened to the lead because I was just following her crime spree. Nowhere are the police mentioned: not in the media or physically. The authorities only appear on two pages, but unrelated to her. It's so over the top to be silly and boring.
I give this a lone star for being incredibly disappointing and one more for at least being something I've never read before. ...more
This is a perfect Star Trek novel. Set a few months after Ensign Chekov has joined the crew, the Russian is eager to please Captain Kirk, but he's makThis is a perfect Star Trek novel. Set a few months after Ensign Chekov has joined the crew, the Russian is eager to please Captain Kirk, but he's making rookie mistakes that's not earning him any praise. The story follows Uhura who's been moved to another ship to help with negotiations with an alien race, while the crew of the Enterprise deals with some mysterious raiders that are destroying colonies on several worlds.
The dialogue is perfect, sounding exactly what the characters would say, the characters' actions are on point, the action is great, and the twists in the story are excellent.
There are several references to Star Trek episodes, but they wouldn't lose anyone if this is the their first Trek.
When I saw who the authors were of this book I knew I was going to be in for a fun read. They did not disappoint. Absolutely recommended for any fan of Star Trek. ...more
This ninth novel in the series was originally published in 1911 and is sadly the least enjoyable book I've read. There is an utter lack of science in This ninth novel in the series was originally published in 1911 and is sadly the least enjoyable book I've read. There is an utter lack of science in these books, which goes against all previous installments which informs (teaches) young readers how Tom is accomplishing such wild things.
Tom is invited to take place in a flying competition with the fastest plane winning ten thousand dollars. Tom is eager to enlist, but his father becomes ill--it's revealed he has a heart ailment. What kind is never identified, but it's one that could kill him. During construction of his new plane, which is vaguely described as mimicking a hummingbird, though the wings don't vibrate like the tiny bird, someone steals the plans. Naturally assumption falls upon nasty neighbor Andy Folger and there follows a drawn out back and forth with both boys spying on one another.
Cutting to the chase, father's condition worsens just as the race approaches, and Tom has to decide upon staying with his father or participating in the race.
The only science of mention is clever bomb dropped on the shed where his plane is stored. That's only one chapter of interest. The rest of the book is melodramatic.
I expect better, Mr. Appleton! I'll continue to read this series occasionally. ...more
A solid read that focuses on the the supporting cast while split on two different missions. You don't need to have read the first book to read this asA solid read that focuses on the the supporting cast while split on two different missions. You don't need to have read the first book to read this as Friedman does an excellent job in quickly and easily recapping the initial novel in this series.
The first half of the book reintroduces the crew to reader and deals with the shifting of two members off and two members joining. There is a LOT of character development, some fun to read and others just okay. I found myself (again) not really that involved with Wu, though she is a major character in this book. She's okay, but not someone I find particularly interesting. Much better are Jiterica (who reminds me of Wildfire from The Legion of Super-Heroes comics) and Paris. They were great to focus on.
The second half of the book deals with the title, as Chief Engineer Simenon has to return to his homeworld to participate in something he'd like to have kept quiet. A group from the Stargazer accompany him, including Captain Picard, and they have an interesting adventure. As this is occuring, Wu, in charge of the Stargazer is ordered to investigate the disappearance of a ship. This places them on their own adventure.
I enjoyed the back and forth between both stories and Friedman knows exactly when to cut at a high point of tension to the other story. This made for a very engaging read which I couldn't put down.
The only thing that kept this book from earning five stars with me was too much Wu. ...more
This 1952 novel (I read the one printed by Bantam in 1954) has reporter Sam Evans and his wife taking a bread from one another for a week. She leaves This 1952 novel (I read the one printed by Bantam in 1954) has reporter Sam Evans and his wife taking a bread from one another for a week. She leaves town, as does he, until he learns of the death of a teen at an amusement park. The boy was killed by a rollercoaster slamming into him. He's told to write a sob piece on the kid, but the story is soon cancelled when its learned the boy is someone else, a juvenile delinquent who isn't worthy of focus in the papers. This death sticks with Sam and instead of going on vacation, he investigates this dead teen and those around him. The story soon balloons to there being other deaths in the past that have a common thread.
Giving relief to the tension is Sam's affair with a girl from high school he was once intimate with. Both are adults and know their relationship is not going to last, but it too has a strand that relates to the case.
This a slow burner of a book that doesn't have Sam meeting the "killer" face-to-face until the final pages. I enjoyed this except for several spots that focuses on Sam hashing out who did what and why. It was tedious to read those passages, and the story would not suffer if they were omitted.
Even with those unnecessary passages I would recommend this book. ...more
This is a 1964 spy novel that went in directions I hadn't anticipated and did not like.
Durell is a sub-chief of the K section of the CIA. He's killedThis is a 1964 spy novel that went in directions I hadn't anticipated and did not like.
Durell is a sub-chief of the K section of the CIA. He's killed men before and will do so again. He's vacationing in Italy when he gets the call that a powerful foreign leader has been murdered. His murder matches the style of a Soviet agent that Durell would love to see killed. Before he has a chance to kill this Soviet assassin he learns that D.C. has made a deal with the Russians to have them work together to find the true killer of this leader and stop the plans that the Chinese have set in motion.
Durell thinks this isn't right and goes out on his own to bring his own type of justice.
I was swell with this premise, until the introduction of the women in the novel who come across as wholly unbelievable. They are so mouse-like and absolutely useless to the story, their absence would have been an improvement. Making matters worse, Durell is on a side mission, while the world shaking one goes down.
With a third of the novel left, I found myself reading just to end this book. How it ends is very disappointingly. ...more
A 1981 modern day mystery that is oozing with pulp goodness! This is not for everyone as it deals with the dirty underbelly of people who get their kiA 1981 modern day mystery that is oozing with pulp goodness! This is not for everyone as it deals with the dirty underbelly of people who get their kicks in secret ways.
P.I. Martin Windrow is trying to serve divorce papers on a man who's suddenly become wanted for murder after the woman next door to him is discovered murdered in the most brutal ways. Windrow is unhealthy, overweight, works out of a trashy building, and lives in a horrible neighborhood. He is the quintessential scummy detective who works for $25 dollars a week taking cases that won't do him any harm. Until now, that is.
Great reveals, outstanding characters, killer lines, and an outstanding conclusion.
This is an outstanding read in every possible way.
The one line premise: the Jedi realize that they've grown distance from people, having begun to deaThis is an outstanding read in every possible way.
The one line premise: the Jedi realize that they've grown distance from people, having begun to deal with political situations, so they go to one world for a celebration.
Naturally, all is not well on that world and things go wrong. There's nothing really unique about this premise, but what makes this book a must-read for Star Wars fans are the Jedi that are involved. Each has their own story that contributes to the main plot and reading them is fantastic. I've wanted to see stories focusing on the Jedi from the prequels, and this takes place while Obi-Wan was still a Padawan.
Every character is outstanding, every action superb, and every moment engaging. And what a fantastic villain!
The door is left open for a sequel and I hope that Miller doesn't wait ten years to return to Star Wars. ...more
I own every book by Trollope, thanks to a decade old subscription to the Folio Society and a friend who was a fan. I have continued to make my way thrI own every book by Trollope, thanks to a decade old subscription to the Folio Society and a friend who was a fan. I have continued to make my way through his books averaging one a year. This was my quick choice for the year because it was shorter than most Trollope novels. In addition to owning a physical copy, I had the book on my Kindle, so that's how I read this tale.
This was not an enjoyable read because the cast of characters is small, they do not deviate from their personalities when first introduced, and it is a sad tale.
Sir Hotspur's only son has died young, but he has a daughter. There is no one to inherit the name of Humblethwaite unless his daughter marries an appropriate suitor. There is a male cousin who would be ideal, were he not deep in debt, a gambler, and a narccisist. This man has no love for the daughter, except to see her as a means to pay his debts and have money for life. Naturally the daughter falls to his words, but Sir Harry has doubts.
The novel follows a slow reveal of the cousin's ills and how the father and the daughter deal with them. It was a plodding read. I didn't have the same joy as I've had in other Trollope novels because this tale seemed with hope of a positive outcome.
I look forward to reading other Trollope novels, but his one rates low compared to others I've read. ...more
I was hoping for a pulp novel, based on the cover, but I fell for it. This is a traditional murder mystery set in New York 1950. It wasn't bad, but I I was hoping for a pulp novel, based on the cover, but I fell for it. This is a traditional murder mystery set in New York 1950. It wasn't bad, but I wanted something a little more scandalous.
An art director at a magazine is murdered, this throat cut, and there are, naturally, several people who wanted him dead. Wait, change that. Everyone wanted him dead. Chief among them is artist Hampton Hume who had a very public falling out with the victim months previous, but still did work for the man. Hume didn't do it, but is the chief suspect of the police since he doesn't have an alibi. Even his wife Carmel can't vouch for his whereabouts. Not helping is Hume's stealing into the office that night to take photographs to see if there's something that will help him find the real killer. He finds out that he's not alone in the building.
There some good sleuthing, with Hume and his wife excellent characters. The suspects are also solid characters, with every one of them being the possible killer. When the killer is revealed in the end, there's a very neat twist with a very dramatic ending.
This only just misses a perfect review because the last third seemed to dawdle, but the last three pages made up for that raised my score from three to four stars. ...more
This 1947 page turner is about an 18 year-old whose father is murdered. He sets out with his uncle to find out who killed him.
This is a simple premisThis 1947 page turner is about an 18 year-old whose father is murdered. He sets out with his uncle to find out who killed him.
This is a simple premise that grows tremendously and then has two solid twists, though the reveal of the killer is fairly obvious if one is paying attention.
I loved the characters, their voices, their actions, and their fates.
There is not a lot of action in this tale, but there is certainly a lot of philosophy on life, what constituI really enjoyed this quick to read book.
There is not a lot of action in this tale, but there is certainly a lot of philosophy on life, what constitutes it, and how it is created. This is the most philosophical Trek novel I've read. In fact, it does a better job in dealing with the higher issues than the Motion Picture.
The Enterprise is chosen to test a new engine, one that will allow them to go further than any know ship has gone. Naturally, things go wrong.
Without spoiling anything, the engineer that boards the ship is fantastic, and her conversation in Kirk's quarters is stellar. This character's conversations with Scotty are brilliant. The mode of travel is one I've not encountered before, and that's always a treat in a Trek novel. The ending is a little predictable, but it's in line with other episodes and novels.
I would recommend this book to all Trek fans. ...more
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