Book Reviews

Book Review: Legend by David Gemmell

2011-10-13T08:54:00.001-07:00

Druss is a legend; his prowess in combat is the stuff that the bards write about. But the more they wrote the older he got and eventually even a legend has to retire. Druss, tired of the battle retreated to a mountain cave to calmly await his final battle – the battle with death.

However, death wouldn’t have him so easily – with barbarian’s invading, and nothing or no one to stop them, Druss reluctantly comes back from the wilderness and tries to regain the prowess that made him a legend.

Druss joines the Drenai people as their last bastion of hope, a huge six-walled fortress comes under siege – can the legend save the people and win this seemingly unwinnable battle?

Firstly it should be noted that this is not a literary masterpiece; David Gemmel was not a master writer, but he was a master storyteller. Legend, the first in a long line of fantasy novels by Gemmel, is a classic combination of mythology, battle, heroism and intrigue.

Throughout the book you get a sense of nobility of his characters, despite them often being humble and flawed. It’s this flawed nobility that makes the book more believable and enjoyable. Gemmel had the ability to create mundane characters who do heroic deeds – his commentary on human nature and the fact that he believed us all capable of heroism is a major part of his writing and gives the books a strange humility.

It should be said that this book is an action book; it’s filled with battles, heroism, evil and good – it’s a decent heroic fantasy book that has all the elements you would expect; heroism, death, destruction, sacrifice etc. If you are really critical, the character development is not great, but with the storyline and the ‘fight against unbeatable odds’ this becomes secondary. As I mentioned the underlying feel is one of flawed heroism, and this underlines the action and often gives a slightly different view of events than you might expect.

I’ve read hundreds of fantasy books over time, and Legend is one of the best I’ve read. It doesn’t have a complicated plot, it doesn’t stun us with fantastic worlds or settings, and it doesn’t provide anything that is really new to the genre; it simply provides a thoughtful glimpse into a siege situation, giving us a little insight into the feelings of a race on the edge of destruction and of characters who feel useless and feel their battle may be futile.

Somehow though it becomes a very compelling read and while not a classic, it definitely will be loved by fantasy readers, and may just surprise some non-fantasy readers too.

On a personal note, I was really saddened to hear of Gemmel's death at the age of 57 - he provided me with many hours of entertainment and I will miss his writing and his books.

A review of Orcs by Stan Nicholls - a twist on the traditional fantasy

2011-04-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

I've read a lot of fantasy novels over time and the idea of a novel featuring an Orc as the hero was an intriguing and unique one. I've become so used to having an orphan boy as the unsuspecting hero, that it was indeed a pleasure to begin reading about a 'bad guy' who is actual the main character of the book.

Stryke, the Orc captain of the prestiguous Wolverines is sent to fetch a magic relic for his queen Jennesta. He finds himself the captain of a renegade Wolverine group and is pursued by his Queen, plus a tumult of other enemies as he seeks to find out the secret of the relic he has gained.

I must admit that the book is enjoyable however if you're looking for a complex plot and a lot of character development then look elsewhere. Stan Nicholls has built a couple of decent characters along the way, including a specially wicked queen whose perversity matches her nastiness! He does seem to wallow in the fighting and loves to describe in detail the battles.

You could say that this is a hack-n-slash book, with not too much sibstance. It reads like a D&D campaign as the Orcs move from one scenario to the next without any complex plot entwining itself around the characters.

As I said I enjoyed the book as it was a nice rest from the usual complex books I like - it was fun and gory, and simply was the kind of book that you didn't have to think too much about.

What is the best book you have ever read?

2010-07-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

As I continue to read as many books as I can, I am beginning to realise that I really haven't opened my mind and have concentrated on certain genres or types of book.

I mostly have read science fiction and fantasy, have read most of the classics and recently have been reading the best sellers and a few thriller mystery type books!

Therefore I'm looking for a little help on what to choose next and what to read in the future!

I asked the same question on a different site and here are some of the answers - I'll be reviewing some of these as I read them, so check the answers out!

Codex of Alera series of Jim Butcher

2010-07-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Codex of Alera Series by Jim Butcher

In my last blog entry I review The Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher. Since then I have read the whole Codex Alera series (six books). I must say that overall it was one of the best Science Fantasy series I have ever read, and while it perhaps falls into the trap that Terry Goodkind did (Sword of Truth Series) where everything just seems to work out in the end, with a few logic flaws along the way, overall the plots and characters were well presented and interesting.

It's always difficult to write a fantasy series without being compared to all that has gone before - and while Butcher does have shades of Tolkien and George R R Martin in his books, there is quite a lot that is not your standard fantasy. The approach to magic he has is inspired, perhaps drawing on myths about Djinn - the 'furies' are elementals and form the core part of the magic available to the Calderon people.

I like the way in which Butcher has created several races of 'enemies' all with their own thoughts and feelings, religions, habits etc. - to really fill out the enemies makes the book more real for me.

I am definately glad I picked up this series, but am sad to see it end - I found myself attached to some of the major and even many of the minor characters - I really hope Buthcer returns to the land of Calderon some time in the future!

Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

2010-05-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

In Jim Butcher's Furies of Calderon we find barbarians at the gates of Alera, a land protected by furies (essentially elementals); Amara a newly trained spy must travel to dangerous and remote parts of Alera to discover whether a High Lord (Atticus) is a traitor intent on taking the throne of the First Lord for himself.

Encountering Tavi, a young sheep herder who has not found his own personal furies yet and move into a world of high drama, intrigue, adventure that will threaten their very lives. With magic, monsters and more, this first novel in the Codex Series sets up the intrigue well.

I've only just starter reading Jim Butcher and I wish I had started years ago. His style is excellent, moving away from the traditional cliches to produce a book that feels real; his style is such that the tale unfolds naturally, and the characters slowly come to life as you read.

It's one of the best new fantasy novels I've read in a long time and I look forward to reading the rest of the series - to read my full review click here.

Quick reviews

2010-05-18T13:07:00.001-07:00

The Hobbit: a fun jaunt in a dangerous world – full of dwarves, dragons and a wizard with an ulterior motive. Join Bilbo Baggins on his wonderful adventure in this excellent book. Suitable for ages 10+

The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition: one of the most majestic pieces of writing to hit the fantasy genre. It took the whole genre to a new level as it introduced the world to Middle Earth. With intrigue, love, danger and magic we follow the trials and tribulations of many heroes as they strive to save the world against the dark lord – excellent and compelling read. Suitable for ages 13+.

The Grapes of Wrath: a harsh look at the realities of the depression in the US as we follow the desperate journey of a family seeking work during the hard times – we see all aspects of human nature during this harrowing journey – a superb and thought provoking read.

Want more quick reviews? Let me know the book you want the ‘quick review’ on and if I’ve read it I’ll add one – if you want a full review let me know too!

A little about my motivation for my reviews.

2010-05-18T13:01:00.001-07:00

As I continue to build this blog and hopefully begin to build a following I thought I’d give you a little insight into the kinds of books I like to read.

I grew up reading books like Lord of the Rings and have spent perhaps half my life reading Fantasy novels – some have been very poor but generally they are pretty well written. I have also tried to read as many of the classics as I can; not only are they written well (hence being a classic) but they also really have amazing insights into society and most are very relevant in today’s modern world. I am particularly taken by ‘nineteen eighty four’ and ‘Animal Farm’ although the Grapes of Wrath is a very stark and intriguing look into life.

Recently I’ve started branching out into thriller type books as well as some non-fiction – I find that some of the pre-conceptions I have had about these books have been wrong and I am really enjoying re-inventing my reading style.

I like to vary what I read, and I’m lucky enough to be able to read several books at a time and not get the plots mixed up. I love books that make me think, or give me a glimpse into history – one of my recent ‘best seller’ favorites was The Shack.

Suffice to say I love to read and hope you will find something of interest in my blog!

Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest

2010-05-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

As an aside from my usual reviews I thought I'd write about a fun competition I came across - there are no prizes, it's simply the 'process' that interested me.

From the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest website:

"Since 1982 the English Department at San Jose State University has sponsored the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, a whimsical literary competition that challenges entrants to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels."

I am entering a challenge on Hubpages (see the official contest here), but have produced a page with all my entries here.

My personal 'best' so far:

"It was a stark and wormy nightstand weathered as if the ages had come and gone and left their imprint in its old withered drawers with an insidious brutality culminating in decrepitude so deep that even the ancient God of furniture attested this dereliction to be a mere pile of wood"

Have fun reading all the entries or try entering yourself! It really is fun!

State of Fear by Michael Crichton

2010-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

State of Fear is a thriller novel by Michael Crichton that deals with eco-terrorists attempting to stimulate events that could kill millions to further their political and ecological views.

I'm one of those people who are skeptical about everything we hear on the TV especially when it comes to the environment. While there is certainly some truth, I always beleive there is a hidden agenda somewhere.

This book parrallells my thoughts; by delivering a believable thriller while probing some of the political motives behind the environmental issuse currently on out TVs, Crichton has produced a very intriguing commentary novel that is thought provoking and a little disturbing - it is so thought provoking that many environmental experts have dismissed everything written in the book!

Like most of Michale Chrichton's books it is very well written and full of adventure and mayhem. To see a synopsis and read my more detailed review click here.

The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross

2010-05-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

In The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross, Charles Friedman, a hedge fund trader with a wealthy lifestyle, beautiful wife and two loving children is killed in a bombing on the way to grand Central Station. On the same day, a hit-and-run victim turns out to have a piece of paper with Charles Friedman’s name on it. As Ty Hauck begins to investigate the tenuous link between the two events, and meets Friedman’s widow life beings to turn on its head as links to fraud start to appear, and the lives of Friedman’s widow and children are threatened.

As the relationship between Ty and Karen Friedman changes from a professional one to a personal one, Ty is determined to find out the truth surrounding the mysteries that he is uncovering…..

This book is a fast moving, intriguing and interesting thriller novel - while some parts are telegraphed there are some suprises and overall it is a very good read. For my full review click here.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

2010-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Penguin Classics) is based in a mental ward. Nurse Ratched is a bully who administers her own form of medicine to her patients in a mental ward. When Patrick McMurphy is admitted to the ward she finally may have met her match. Patrick goes head to head with the nurse; Patrick is tough and he realizes someone should stand up for the other patients and battle this bully.

Seen through the eyes of Chief Bromden we witness the tumultuous battle that occurs when these two lock horns in a fight that may just change the way things are

I must admit that I read the book after seeing the superb movie. While I did have some pre-conceived ideas about the main character (thanks to Jack Nicholson) I was really suprised at the depth of characters and the sheer feeling of malace and terror the book inspired - it's one of the best classic novels I have read.

To read my full review click here.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

2010-04-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

In Ender's Game, the Earth has been attack twice by aliens (Buggies); the military embarks on a quest to create the ultimate strategic genius by instigating a breeding program. Earth already has restrictions on how many children a family can have, but certain families are allowed to have a ‘third’ if there is a potential that the ‘third’ could be a genius.

Andrew ‘Ender’ Wiggins is a child prodigy; his parents are slightly aloof and yet want the best for their son. From the very beginning it is obvious that he is special; he seems torn, tormented and yet strangely compassionate.

Wiggins is taken from his family to an off-world Battle School; the School is built with the sole intention of finding and training a ‘champion’....

This is one of the best science fiction series I have read. Throughout the series it deals with a lot of moral issues. It is written very well and Orson Scott Card's ability as a story teller really shine through....

To read more about the book and read my full review, click here.

Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer

2010-04-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Artemis Fowl is not your typical 12 year old; he just happens to be probably the most devious criminal masterminds of all time, and not only is he interested in mundane crime, but when he finds out about the existence of fairy kind he decides that he must also plunder this hidden world...

I must say that Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl series is one of the most enjoyable series I have read; it combines science fiction and fantasy and mixes in a fair amount of Sherlock Holmes to give us a unique blend of high adventure and intrigue. While written for teenagers, it has enough depth of character to keep most science fiction / fantasy fans interested....

For more about the Aretmis Fowl series and my full review, click here.

Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind

2010-04-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

In the Sword of Truth series, Richard Cypher is a typical youth in a small town; little does he know that his comfortable life in the Westland is about to change when the barrier that separates his home from the east is about to fall leashing unimaginable evil on the world. With the help of a enigmatic young lady, and a rambunctious wizard, Richard must try and prevent the opening of three boxes of Orden which would potentially destroy all life and existence. Setting out on a quest that takes him into danger at every step, Richard must take hold of his destiny if he is to succeed….

The Sword of Truth series is one of the most well written series of fantasy books I have read. It has believable characters, decent action and intrigue and the usual assortment of monsters, magic and romance. It's different than many fantasy series due to several factors; it is more adult in nature with sado-masochistic elements. It also has a main theme throughout the books even though each novel can be read separately.

For more details and my full review click here.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

2010-04-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

Animal Farm by George Orwell is about the animals of Manor Farm that are abused and neglected; eventually it became too much causing the animals to rebel and dispose of their human masters. Taking over the farm, they are proud of what they have achieved and endeavor to collectively work together to create a better farm for all.

Initially it works; after one season there is enough food for all. With this early success the animals agree to the Seven Commandments that explains how every animal is equal and how each animal should treat its fellow animal......

To read more about the book and see my review, click here.

The Worm Ouroboros by E R Eddison

2010-04-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

In The Worm Ouroburus Juss, Spitfire, Goldry and Brandoch are the four lords under King Gaslark; when King Gorice XI of Witchland is defeated trying to gain power of Demonland by defeating Goldry, his successor imprisons Goldry using magic on the peak of Mount Zora Rach. A war start and horrible war begins between Witchland and Demonland as the trio of remaining lords attempt to reach and free Goldry.

For my review click here.

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R Donaldson

2010-04-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R Donaldson is a dark and often sinister fantasy that delves deep into the human psyche.When Thomas Covenant contracts leprosy and is lead to believe that he cannot be cured, but with suitable medication his disease can be kept in check. He struggles to come to terms with his disease, and with the loss of a finger he almost regresses into lunacy.

When he tries to save someone’s life, he is transported into a mystical world full of magic and danger; in this world his leprosy is cured. However, he assumes that as he has been told that there is no cure, that this land Illearth is an imaginary land in which his mind has retreated.

In this land he reluctantly tries to battle the evil Lord Foul, assisted by a band of followers who see him as a powerful wizard; his Golden wedding band signifying that he has magical powers. As he believes he is dreaming this land, he is forced into mistakes and often makes incorrect and devastating choices.

Read my review here.

Acacia: The War with the Mein by David Anthony Durham

2010-04-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

In The War with the Mein, Leodan Akaran is the ruler of the known world; his ancestors won peace generations ago. Presiding over Acacia, an idyllic island that is the center of his power, he uses his intelligence and guile to hide some of the dark realities of the darkness that is used to keep the land in prosperity; with human and drug trafficking prevalent, he slowly seeks to change the ways of the land.

When a deadly assassin is sent from the exiled Mein, and they unleash a series of attacks across the land, Leodan puts into play a plan the will allow his children to escape as he lays dying. The four children have their own destinies all entwined around the restoration of the Acacian empir and revenge for their father’s death……

To read my review click here.

Fourth Realm trilogy by John Twelve Hawks

2010-04-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Realm trilogy is an intriguing glimpse into our society..

The US has succumbed to the Vast Machine. The society is overseen by a secret organization known as the Tabula, that attempt to control the populace by use of monitoring technology. The Travellers, an almost extinct enemy of the Tabula, can project their spirits into other worlds to search for wisdom that may help break the power of the Tabular. The Harlequins are an ancient sword-carrying group who protect the Travellers, seek to assist the Travellers in their quest to free the Earth.

For more about the book and my review click here.

My latest work

2010-04-07T11:52:00.001-07:00

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2009-08-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Here are my personal Top Ten Books of all time (in no particular order).

Lord of the Rings

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone

Brave New World

Animal Farm

Ender's Game

Catch 22

The Grapes of Wrath.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Nineteen Eighty Four

I Claudius

For reviews and information about these books (and more) visit: My Top Ten Books

Amazon Top Ten Best Selling Books - August 16th

2009-08-18T04:56:00.000-07:00

Top Ten August 16th, 2009:

1) Mastering The Art of French Cooking, Volume One (1) (Fortieth - 40th - Anniversary Edition) (Vol 1) by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle (Author), Simone Beck (Author), Sidonie Coryn (Illustrator)
2) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
3) South of Broad by Pat Conroy
4) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
5) In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect by Ronald Kessler
6) The Help by Kathryn Stocket
7) Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine
8) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
9) Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies by Michelle Malkin
10) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage) by Stieg Larsson

For reviews and information about these books (and more) visit: Amazon Top Ten Books

The Shack by: William P. Young

2009-08-12T04:48:00.000-07:00

As of August 12th, 2009 this book sits at number 11 of the Amazon.com bestsellers list.

In a lonely shack in Oregon, evidence is found relating to the disappearance and possible murder of Missy Philips. Her father, Mackenzie Phillips, receives a note from God (allegedly) inviting him to the shack. Within this shack, Mackenzie encounters God; and in doing so his life is changed forever.

Unlike many other similar books, this one is well written and isn't full of cliché’s as you'd expect. It's an intriguing and persuasive book and definitely worth reading, even if you are not religious. Unlike other ‘God speaks to man’ books, such as Conversations with God, which portrays a true life ‘encounter’ with God, and really tackles philosophical questions, this book is a fictional piece of work – however, the prevalent feeling you get is of a God who is forgiven, who speaks of redemption and fulfillment. It’s not a sermon, nor an accurate discussion of the Bible, but more a thought provoking book that comments on man’s inner struggles, particularly under stress – it tackles tough issues that often arise from tragedy, and while not providing any answers, gives us enough to form our own opinions.

Many will say that this isn’t particularly well written, and the subject is a little tentative, but somehow it has entered the hearts of millions of people, and touched them in a deep and profound way. It may not change anyone’s views of God and religion, but it will definitely make a lot of people think about life in a subtly different way.

If you read one book this year, make it this one.
.

For more information click the link below:
The Shack

For reviews and information about these books (and more) visit: Amazon Top Ten Books

Lord of the Rings

2009-08-10T04:21:00.000-07:00

It is hard to give a full synopsis of the story without giving too much away. There are so many plots and sub plots that most readers will read the book several times.

When Bilbo Baggins decides to retire he holds a huge birthday party. Reluctantly he gives his nephew, Frodo, his ring, which just happens to be the One Ring. This Ring was created by the Dark Lord Sauron and is the controlling ring over all other magical rings in the set.

Frodo, being a stout hobbit, sets out on a quest to destroy the ring. Gandalf, a mighty wizard, has advised Frodo that the ring is very dangerous and must not fall into the Dark Lords hands. It seems that the only recourse is to destroy the ring. Pippin and Merry (Frodo's cousins) join him on the journey as does Sam (his faithful servant). Other members soon join the party ranging from a grouchy old Dwarf (Gimli), a mysterious elf (Legolas), a huge bear of a man (Boromir) and a mysterious human ranger (Aragorn).

Leaving the shire they travel through Middle Earth. Travelling through forests, over land, under mountains and on water they encounter many creatures; some of these are allies some turn out to be enemies. Perhaps the most dangerous of these are the Nazgul, the Dark Lords servants; these hideous creatures were once great kings, now they only exist in a strange nether world. Their touch is enough to kill most men.

As they continue their quest, great armies mobilize as several people vie for power. The once good wizard 'Saruman' has decided to recover the ring for himself and use the power for his own gain. Sauron, with his armies of orcs and goblins and his Nazgul servants is determined to win back his ring.

Without giving too much of the plot away, the book tells the story of the party and the dangers they face. It is an exciting book, that does drag at times, but is well worth the effort of finishing. To get the best out of this book you will need to read it several times.

For more information click the link below:
The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition

For more about Lord of the Rings click here.

For reviews and information about these books (and more) visit: Amazon Top Ten Books

Amazon Top Ten Books - August 9th

2009-08-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Top Ten August 9th, 2009:

1) Mastering The Art of French Cooking, Volume One (1) (Fortieth - 40th - Anniversary Edition) (Vol 1) by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle (Author), Simone Beck (Author), Sidonie Coryn (Illustrator)
2) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
3) Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine
4) Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies by Michelle Malkin
5) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
6) The Help by Kathryn Stocket
7) In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect by Ronald Kessler
8) South of Broad by Pat Conroy
9) The Shack by William P. Young
10) The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet

For reviews and information about these books (and more) visit: Amazon Top Ten Books