Jeff
I received a review copy of this book from Three Rooms Press and Goodreads for an honest review.
Who knew the world could end is so many terrific and horrifying ways? A great short story anthology with stories by authors such as Jules Verne, Robert Silverberg, Connie Willis and Ursula K. LeGuin. A great collection for those who enjoy Post Apocalyptic tales.
While I found this novel to be a page turner and an escapist romp, I felt the author went over the top on plot devices and tropes to fill several books. The scene changes were abrupt, almost like watching a movie. Perhaps this is the best description of the book I can give... a movie script written as a novelization.
I received this copy from First Reads and Mike Vasich for an honest review.
I have to admit, I liked this book. I was expecting a Dan Brown knockoff, but the supernatural elements were a departure from that genre. The overall story and pacing were engaging although the use of some plot devices Cerise's healing powers were used too often. The mystery elements of the story, for the most part, I figured out just what/who Amanda was quite early, but had it confirmed at the end had me guessing until the end.
The book set up a possible sequel and I will be looking forward to reading it.
I received this copy from First Reads and Third Flatiron Anthologies for an honest review.
I'll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for a good science fiction short story. This anthology treated me to a baker's dozen of well written stories, each with its own creative take on the red planet. While I enjoyed each story in this collection, here are a few of my favorites.
The Canary and the Roach by Ian Rose tells the tale of a Martian mining accident.
Colorblind on the Red Planet by Vince Liberato details the exploits a Mars expedition with disastrous results.
Cadaver by Robina Williams shows how one “cadaver” can affect a whole world.
Make Carrots, Not War by Neil James Hudson lets us know that the god of war isn't as warlike as we thought.
I also chuckled silently to myself as I read For Sale: One Red Planet by Jeff Hewitt and MarsMail by Michael McGlade.
This anthology is a must read for anyone who likes science fiction short stories and I'll definitely be checking into the other titles by Third Flatiron Anthologies.
I received this copy from First Reads and DC Comics for an honest review.
This graphic novel reprints The Death of the Family storyline featured in Nightwing #13-18, Batman #17 and a Nightwing story first printed in Young Romance #1.
The story follows Dick Grayson, the first Robin now Nightwing, through the events of the Joker's reappearance in Gotham. The Joker is capturing the Bat Family and is now after Nightwing. I found the story smart and fast paced. The artists that contributed to this volume know how to tell a story with minimal text and gives the visuals of the Joker just the right “creep” factor.
The climax to the story reprinted from Batman #17 had me on the edge of my seat and wondering to myself if the Joker really did what it looks like he did. Add a very good Batman/Joker confrontation that only these two characters could have makes for an excellent tale.
There are also two aftermath stories that were a nice touch and really makes me want to read the other Death of the Family volumes.
The only downside to this volume is the story reprinted from Young Romance #1. It has nothing to do with the main story and seems to be a “filler” story for page count. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice story, but for me, detracted from the rest of the book.
I was provided an advanced readers copy from Goodreads for an honest review
While I enjoy Hopkins writing style, this books wasn't as good for me as some of her others. I didn't care for the character of Ariel. I just found her annoying and unlikable. I was more excited to read Maya's parts and I definitely got more invested during her parts of the book. I just didn't get get as emotionally involved in this story as I have some of her other works.