Ghosts of Gotham by Craig Schaefer is another guilty pleasure read by one of my favorite authors. This is a pretty big change from Daniel an4.5 Stars
Ghosts of Gotham by Craig Schaefer is another guilty pleasure read by one of my favorite authors. This is a pretty big change from Daniel and Harmony. It is a mystery, an adventure, and a love letter to New York City. This is a story where you are better off going in without much knowledge of what this is about. To simply summarize, there is an ambitious and motivated reporter, a rich mysterious client, the big Apple, and of course an Edgar Allan Poe manuscript.
Fun, fun, fun, I will read everything by Craig Schaefer and so should you....more
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel is a really fast and fun science fiction ride. Sure as many have said, the writing style is similar to World5 Stars
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel is a really fast and fun science fiction ride. Sure as many have said, the writing style is similar to World War Z but in this case the story is much more concise. The story itself is a cross between Pacific Rim and maybe War of the Worlds.
This is a true page turner of an action novel. I loved it. This is a fun adventure and science fiction in one.
Great characters. Cool story. Cool discoveries. Interesting science. Fun.
I am a huge fan of Sylvain Neuvel and this is a great start to a new series....more
The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone is a creature feature horror story about everyone's biggest little fear...spiders. I really loved the concept, t4 Stars
The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone is a creature feature horror story about everyone's biggest little fear...spiders. I really loved the concept, the plot, and at times the delivery of the creepy crawlies. Unfortunately, I never cared for anyone. I also quickly came to dislike the repetition of the story and how similar I found it to World War Z, a book that I loathed.
The story is fast paced.
Some things about the spiders are awesome.
Spiders in general are quite scary, there were so many in The Hatching that you would have a heart attack long before you were made supper.
The characters are boring, flat, and forgettable.
Repetitive.
But spiders are cool and that may be enough to see you through to the end like it did for me. ...more
A Book of Tongues (Book one of the Hexslinger series) by Gemma Files is a triumph in orig5 Stars
Reread before moving on to book two.
Original Review...
A Book of Tongues (Book one of the Hexslinger series) by Gemma Files is a triumph in originality, kick ass violence, and a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy world. This book works on the world building and the magic. This is a western, an alt history fiction, a steampunk, and a new weird book rolled up into one. It is also a graphically sexual novel. I admit that the sex turned me off at first, not because it details the relations between two men, but simply due to the fact that I find very little interest in reading anything in the romantic or sexual genres. A Book of Tongues actually required the explicit sex and depravity as it is synergistic with the hex magic within. After I came to see the connections between the two, I hardly noticed it anymore.
Enough about the sex.
The Hex magic is awesome.
Chess is one crazy son of a bitch.
The Rev is scary and is clearly more than he lets others see.
Ed was a needed character and a surprise in how much he brought to the story and to the characters.
This is a fabulous fantasy adventure that is dark and twisted and should surely be recognized for it. I loved it. I devoured these pages wondering where it would go to next. I am glad that this is a first book in a series and will surely be moving on to book two....more
Lazarus Volume 1 which is chapters 1-4 is a fun continual read. I decided to read the Volume 1 edition as a reread as I have read the individu4 Stars
Lazarus Volume 1 which is chapters 1-4 is a fun continual read. I decided to read the Volume 1 edition as a reread as I have read the individual editions a while back. I definitely liked this experience more as it leveled things out.
Lazarus is a great near future story about Forever and the family. Gore, blood, and plenty of killings. It starts out with world building and a story that hints at lots to come. It then expands into the family and brings on many more characters. What a fun ride..
The story does slow down a lot after the midway point. The last part of this volume was all action. I cannot believe how bloody delicious the action was in this chapter, it had me hollering out loud. Whew, it was awesome action. It had a fantastic ending.
I decided to start this series over with a real reread from chapter one.
Trillium #1 by Jeff Lemire is a fantastic start to a really cool scie4 Stars
I decided to start this series over with a real reread from chapter one.
Trillium #1 by Jeff Lemire is a fantastic start to a really cool science fiction graphic novel. Lately, I have found myself delving deeper into the world of comics thanks to my love and adoration of the Saga series by Brian K Vaughan. I have wanted to not only explore more, I want to see if there is more out there for me.
Well, after this first edition, I am in. Lemire has sparked my interest with both story lines. One takes place in 1921, the other at nearly year 4000. There is supposed to be a love story intermixed in this archeological adventure crossed with a space exploration one. Cool, cool.
Let me say the artwork deserves it's own mention. It is something special and unique. It is extremely stylistic and strange and oh man does it work. I love it. The artwork in this is completely different than the amazing artwork of my favorite Fiona Staples, but it works. Trillium needs to be seen because the artwork is just that damn cool.
I can't wait for more.
I have been reading graphic novels on and off for the last few years but I know that with quality production and stories like this one, I need to do it more regularly.
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone was even better a second time through. I decided to read this one again before reading Four Roads Cro 5 Stars
Reread.
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone was even better a second time through. I decided to read this one again before reading Four Roads Cross (Book 5 in the Craft Sequence) as they return to the same characters.
For a second time through, I was really blown away at just how cool the world was, at how imaginative the magic, and how great the page turning writing is. This one really is special.
My original Review...
Three Parts Dead starts off my 2015 reading with a bang. Gladstone has created a wonderful world that works as a Dark Urban Fantasy(UF). I can't seem to get enough of this genre these days. Stupid teen angst novels flooded the market for so long that I steered away from anything UF, and now I have found so many amazing reads that it is my go to.
This is my first Gladstone novel and I will surely move on to more. Three Parts Dead works by featuring a fantastic female lead in Tara. She is incredible. Plus for a bonus she isn't white. I loved her growth and her point of view.
The world building is fantastic and the magic of it is a lot of fun. Inventiveness and attention to detail made me love this book and gave it a sort of Victorian feel to me. Craftsman and Craftswomen are the people able to wield magic. The world is made even more interesting by having deities that live among the people. This gave the book a feel that I love and would fit into one of my favorite fictional worlds, the world of Noreela by Tim Lebbon. Finally, Gladstone gave us Justice and the Blacksuits. What a kick ass police system with incredible social meanings. Too Cool!!!
The writing is fabulous. Gladstone writes with purpose without bogging things down as too slow. The themes covered are deep and sure to spark some feelings in you.
This book is smart, detailed, filled with creatures, monsters, gargoyles, and even vampires too. It is a fun adventure that is easy to give my highest recommendations...
Some awesome snippets from book one:
“She drew the bent, sharp moonbeam that was her work knife from its place of concealment within the glyph over her heart, held it up to soak in starlight, and went to work on the twist of spirit and matter most folk still called man even after it had been dead for some time. A revenant didn’t require”
“Great.” Tara reached beneath her jacket, to the neckline of her blouse, and opened her heart. The shadows about them deepened; her nerves tingled, half as though she were holding something and half as though her palm had gone to sleep. Cold blue light sparked between her fingers. Because she was doing this slowly for his benefit, she felt the aftershock of her knife’s detachment, a tremor in her soul like a caress from everyone who had ever wronged her. Her expression must have betrayed”
““There is a space beyond or beneath the world, where all that is not, which creates all that is, collects and congregates. Shadow dances and wars with light there. Life and mind play their eternal game of flight and pursuit. That place looks like nothing the human mind can grasp, so think of it as a bar: polished wood, brass fixtures, dim lights, beer. A woman sat alone, beautiful and lost and full of rage so old it had become a dull ache deadening every newborn sensation. She cradled a half-empty pint glass. A man entered the bar from a door that had not been there before. He stood waiting for a thousand years as they measured time, but she did not acknowledge him. He looked more lost than she, and more recently wounded. He opened his mouth to speak, but had no words in whatever tongue they used. He reached for her. Placed his hand on her shoulder. For another millennium she did not respond to his touch. She stared into the dregs of her glass. Her arm floated slowly upward, against the weight of history. She closed her hand around his.”
After a fast reread in preparation of reading book two immediately following, I have to repeat The Fifth Season By N.K.Jemisin is simply one of5 Stars
After a fast reread in preparation of reading book two immediately following, I have to repeat The Fifth Season By N.K.Jemisin is simply one of the very best fantasies that I have ever read.
.......Original Review with a few additional comments.....
Jemisin already a favorite author of mine surpassed all of my expectations with this one. I devoured this book. I was a Wordeater similar to the Stoneeaters portrayed in this story. They eat and move through stone. I ate the words and kept turning the pages in this one until there was no more to be had. I loved it…
Like all great fantasies The Fifth Season is equal parts amazing characters, unbelievably incredible world, and fabulous writing. Jemisin makes the world building the crux to the story and it is her writing that brings it to life.
The Stillness is a fascinating world and one that I know that my wife would like to see, her license plate is Stillness. I loved that the geology and the magic were intertwined. I loved the edition of the futuristic Monoliths and the suggestions of many things alien. There was a real science fiction blend in this epic fantasy.
The magic of Orogeny is simply awesome. Jemisin spells it out and makes it feel real. The additional magics of the Stoneaters and the Guardians made it all the better.
This is a book with three story lines all led by Women. Jemisin does an amazing job at making each work and giving us different sides of the story and the world through these tellings. The way that these stories connect is freaking awesome. I loved it.
“You’re so tired. Takes a lot out of a you, killing so many people. Worse because you didn’t do nearly as much as you could have done, once you got all worked up. Orogeny is a strange equation. Take movement and warmth and life from your surroundings, amplify it by some indefinable process of concentration or catalysis or semi-predictable chance, push movement and warmth and death from the earth. Power in, power out. To keep the power in, though, to not turn the valley’s aquifer into a geyser or shatter the ground into rubble, takes an effort that makes your teeth and the backs of your eyes ache.”
A snippet from an interlude that give some insight to the world…
“”There passes a time of happiness in your life, which I will not describe to you. It is unimportant. Perhaps you think it wrong that I dwell so much on the horrors, the pain, but pain is what shapes us, after all. We are creatures born of heat and pressure and grinding, ceaseless movement. To be still is to be… not alive. But what is important is that you know it was not all terrible. There was peace in long stretches, between each crisis. A chance to cool and solidify before the grind resumed. Here is what you need to understand. In any war, there are factions: those wanting peace, those wanting more war for a myriad of reasons, and those whose desires transcend either. And this is a war with many sides, not just two. Did you think it was just the stills and the orogenes? No, no. Remember the stone eaters and the Guardians, too—oh, and the Seasons. Never forget Father Earth. He has not forgotten you.”
At the end of the day let me tell you that I simply could not put this book down. I was taken away. I loved the writing, the characters, the story, the world of Stillness, and the magic. My only gripe is that I have to wait for book two. I will reread this one right before the second one comes out just because it deserves more of my attention.
My favorite read of 2016 so far.
The three women portrayed in this book are all unforgettable. The underlying theme that all stories ends and other stories beginnings resonates loudly, even after the conclusion of the book. Fabulous.
One of the very best fantasies that I have read.
A must read.
A couple of additional quotes that I picked out the second time through.
"You see her, though, mostly out of the periphery of your vision. Then everything happens too fast to think. And because you don’t think, because you’ve been trying not to think and this means you’re out of the habit, because thinking means you will remember that your family is dead and everything that meant happiness is now a lie and thinking of that will make you break and start screaming and screaming and screaming and because once upon a time and in another life you learned to respond to sudden threats in a very particular way, you reach for the air around you and pull and brace your feet against the earth beneath you and anchor and narrow and when the woman fires the crossbow, the bolt blurs toward you. Just before the bolt hits, it bursts into a million glittering, frozen flecks.
"You’re so tired. Takes a lot out of a you, killing so many people. Worse because you didn’t do nearly as much as you could have done, once you got all worked up. Orogeny is a strange equation. Take movement and warmth and life from your surroundings, amplify it by some indefinable process of concentration or catalysis or semi-predictable chance, push movement and warmth and death from the earth. Power in, power out. To keep the power in, though, to not turn the valley’s aquifer into a geyser or shatter the ground into rubble, takes an effort that makes your teeth and the backs of your eyes ache. You walked a long time to try to burn off some of what you took in, but it still brims under your skin even as your body grows weary and your feet hurt. You are a weapon meant to move mountains. A mere walk can’t take that out of you."
Amazing book by an amazing author...now on to book two....more
Saga #28 is just like the last one in the series. Nothing really happens in this edition other than dialogue and a action event or two. Plea4.5 Stars
Saga #28 is just like the last one in the series. Nothing really happens in this edition other than dialogue and a action event or two. Pleasantly, this one has both Marko and Alanna as well as the always welcomed narrations of Hazel. This one has a good ending that definitely sets up what is to come. Other than that not much happens.
I have to say that after 28 editions I have really come to love how this story comes alive due to the graphic novel format. I read each page over and over again before turning it as the artwork demands your attention. Many times the manner in which Staples portrays our heroes tells even more about the story than the actual words do. I simply love it. The story rocks out. Vaughan's no fear of pushing things too far really works. And the artwork...Oh boy the artwork is unvielablly awesome. I love this series and thanks to Vaughan and it, I am now a fan of the graphic novel.
I love Saga...
.....................
After a reread coming back to the series after a long time off, I enjoyed it even more. This is a chapter that is all about Marko. In a coma we are treated to the painful memories of Marko's past. The artwork is top notch and the story ends just as quickly as it started. The end of this one is significant and as a result I upped my original rating from 4 Stars to 4.5 Stars. ...more
I reread all seven chapters so that I could move on with this wonderful series. I am finding graphic novel rereads to be rewarding. This one w4 Stars
I reread all seven chapters so that I could move on with this wonderful series. I am finding graphic novel rereads to be rewarding. This one was no exception to that. I really like the artwork and the families. Forever is amazing even though she has a small part in this minimal action chapter. I really liked this one.
Original Review...
Lazarus Seven is a better chapter than the last two. Greg Rucka picks up right where the last episode left off. It continues the story of Forever Carlyle but does not move the story line much. This one starts out strong with a welcome flashback to a young Forever. More about our young and scary heroine.
This chapter had a small dose of Forever but a lot of action nonetheless. I enjoyed the side and it made this a good read.
Greg Rucka has created a no holds barred action filled graphic novel that is extremely bloody. The artwork is very good and has a cool dark look to it making this feel intense. I am a confessed graphic novel newbie as The Saga series by Vaughan is the only set of comics that I have ever read(I absolutely love the Saga series by the way). Lazarus is a great near future story about Forever Carlyle and the family.
The artwork is delightful and the action is quite...graphic. I am enjoying this series....more
Lazarus #6 by Greg Rucka again picks up right where the last episode left. This is part 2 of of the Lift. I decided to reread these first few 3 Stars
Lazarus #6 by Greg Rucka again picks up right where the last episode left. This is part 2 of of the Lift. I decided to reread these first few editions as I want to move forward with the series. I felt that this one was decent even the second time around and I am keeping the rating at three stars.
Greg Rucka has created a no holds barred action filled graphic novel that is extremely bloody. The artwork is very good and has a cool dark look to it making this feel intense. I am a confessed graphic novel newbie as The Saga series by Vaughan is the only set of comics that I have ever read(I absolutely love the Saga series by the way).
Lazarus is a great near future story about Forever Carlyle and the family.
Lazarus #5 by Greg Rucka picks up right where the last episode left off. It continues the story of Forever Carlyle but does **spoiler alert** 3 Stars
Lazarus #5 by Greg Rucka picks up right where the last episode left off. It continues the story of Forever Carlyle but does not move the story line much. In my attempt to reread the few chapters that I read last year, I knew what to expect with this one. We were due for a let down after the amazing bloody delicious action of the previous chapter. loud. This one starts out strong with a welcome flashback to a young Forever. We desperately need some time spent giving us backstory and history to make us care. Otherwise, the series could lose my interest. Unfortunately, this one comes off as slow, boring, and shallow compared to the Volume 1 edition.
I felt the same a second time around and I am keeping the rating at three stars.
Greg Rucka has created a no holds barred action filled graphic novel that is extremely bloody. The artwork is very good and has a cool dark look to it making this feel intense. I am a confessed graphic novel newbie as The Saga series by Vaughan is the only set of comics that I have ever read(I absolutely love the Saga series by the way).
Lazarus is a great near future story about Forever Carlyle and the family.
Sex. killings. more killings showing what Marko the soldier was like. Some down time with some dialo4 Stars
Reread to bring me up to where I left off.
Sex. killings. more killings showing what Marko the soldier was like. Some down time with some dialogue followed up by a satisfying ending.
...... Original Review .....
Saga #27 is, as one would expect after the action packed last chapter, a slow one. Nothing really happens in this edition as it focuses on Markus only. This one has a good ending that definitely sets up what is to come. Other than that not much happens.
I have to say that after 27 editions I have really come to love how this story comes alive due to the graphic novel format. I read each page over and over again before turning it as the artwork demands your attention. Many times the manner in which Staples portrays our heroes tells even more about the story than the actual words do. I simply love it. The story rocks out. Vaughan's no fear of pushing things too far really works. And the artwork...Oh boy the artwork is unvielablly awesome. I love this series and thanks to Vaughan and it, I am now a fan of the graphic novel.
A must read and see it to believe it series....more
I back tracked to chapter 25 as I was away from Saga for far too long. As I found with the last edition, going back and doing a reread is very5 Stars
I back tracked to chapter 25 as I was away from Saga for far too long. As I found with the last edition, going back and doing a reread is very rewarding. In episode 26 we are treated to every character, a rarity indeed. I loved the action. Hazel as always. The cool and scary creatures. Mom fighting the way. And of course the ever spiraling Marko.
Oh yeah Lying Cat too!
..... Original Review ......
Wow, I have not read about my Saga friends in way too long. This is an action packed chapter that leaves pretty much every one in a bad spot. Poor poor Marko, things are quite bad for our hero Dad and he is only making things worse for himself. As always, the narrations by Hazel make this a standout edition.
I was blown away by the artwork in this one, it popped even more than it always does. Even after reading each one twice, I really want to start everything over from #1.
I needed to step back a couple of issues as I was away for a while and couldn't remember how our hero Marko ended up in his predicament. I cho5 Stars
I needed to step back a couple of issues as I was away for a while and couldn't remember how our hero Marko ended up in his predicament. I chose this one as I found it to be a turning point the first time I read it. Well, considering how many slow chapters there were to start off the 20's this one was all action. I loved it.
........ Original Review.......
Wow oh wow oh wow. What a way to re-energize this amazing series. I read through this one three times. Back again is a ton of my favorite narration by Hazel. Marko shows he still has some horns. Alana plots her plans for escape.
This issue had probably the very best artwork to date and I have loved them all. There are tons of images that demand you to study and to take them in. I cannot pinpoint anything really specific but it is clear that Staples gets more and more amazing.
The narrations and the artwork make this a standout issue.
Freaking sweet!
Even better the second time through. The artwork stands out even more....more
Loading...
