Another day, another review, and I’m nearly through my initial Netgalley binge. I had mixed feelings about this book, that went something along the lines of: It’s Harry Potter…in space! It’s Lord of the Flies…in space! It’s Battle Royale…in space! It’s Ender’s Game…in space! Oh, hang on a minute… Ender’s Game is probably the best comparison, but it follows a […]
Review – Straight Outta Fangton by CT Phipps
Take this as you will, but I’ve come to see CT Phipp’s work as the book equivalent of a pair of comfy slippers. Sure, there’s always the excitement of picking up a new book and wondering whether it will be the next [insert favourite book here], but there’s also the possibility that it could be the next DNF. Not […]
Review – The New Magic by Joseph Malik
Another gift from Netgalley (as most of my next four or five reviews will be), and like The Burning Stone, this one has a caveat – this time it’s a sequel. However, unlike Jack Whyte’s latest, I never felt I missed anything by not having read the previous novel. This, as you may or may not know, is one of […]
The Burning Stone by Jack Whyte
Despite being a fan of both historical fiction and fantasy, somehow I’ve made it through my prolific reading “career” without ever having read any Jack Whyte. When this popped up on Netgalley, I didn’t need much persuading to take it on for review. So what is the appeal that has made him such a popular author, and is this a […]
Review – The Gates of Hel by Matt Larkin
We’ve reached book eight in this massive romp through Norse mythology (and beyond), and Odin’s efforts to defy Ragnarok look to be in vain. He endeavours to cast off the yoke of urd and defy the strands woven by the Norns. But is that as simple as it sounds? Not that it sounds simple. With the future looking bleak, Odin […]
Review – The Falcon of Sparta by Conn Iggulden
It’s been a long time since I read any Conn Iggulden, and that was his Caesar books, although I didn’t quite finish the series (yet). Not because it was bad (it was terrific), just too many books, too little time. When I saw The Falcon of Sparta at my library, I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with one […]
Review – City of Lies by Sam Hawke
Funny story (well, not really) – I was visiting a spec-fiction themed bookstore in downtown Vancouver called White Dwarf (naturally)and saw this on the shelf. I had heard good things about it, so I picked it up. Looking at the back cover, the esteemed Robin Hobb is quoted as saying “If the first line doesn’t make you buy this book, […]
Review – Wolf’s Head by Steven McKay
I’m on a mythology/historical fiction run at the moment, and seriously, who doesn’t love Robin Hood? Remember all those movies over the years giving different portrayals of the lovable rogue? This one is different. Quite different. This one goes mostly for historical accuracy, hence it’s dark. But don’t let that put you off. We start with a young Robin (17 […]
Pilgrimage by Tom Abrahams
I received a free audiobook from the author with the option of leaving a review. So here goes. This is based on the Perseid Collapse series by Steve Konkoly. Not sure if that makes it fan-fiction, but the characters are unique (to this story), just the “universe” is the same. Pilgrimage has certain elements that set it apart from other […]