Book Reviews

Blackguards: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues
by J.M. Martin (editor)

A 4 rocket rating gets marked down to 3 due to the excessive typos. Otherwise, Blackguards is a rich collection of dastardly tales full of rogues, thieves, and assassins.

Book Reviews

Legacy
by Lois McMaster Bujold

This second novel in Bujold's Sharing Knife series brings to a close events set in motion in Beguilement. A slow and steady pace (much like a Robin Hobb novel) ensures a long, enjoyable read as Bujold always impresses.

Book Reviews

The Collapsing Empire
by John Scalzi

The Collapsing Empire begins a galaxy spanning story full of political backstabbing and shaky alliances. Scalzi's always colorful cast of characters and punchy writing kept me engaged throughout the reading experience. Needless to say, this one doesn't disappoint.

Book Reviews

Ship of Magic
by Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb is one of my favorite authors. So of course I went into Ship of Magic expecting the usual greatness. Unfortunately, Hobb let me down on this one.

Book Reviews

Faithless
by Graham Austin-King

Some people might like this book, but I didn't. Flat writing and flatter characters means a DNF in my book. I do love the cover, though.

Book Reviews

The Deep and Snowy Wood
by Elwyn Tate

The Deep and Snowy Wood by Elwyn Tate is a beautifully illustrated picture book made especially it seems for a setting where the fire is blazing and the kids are gathered round.

Book Reviews

Artemis
by Andy Weir

Readers of The Martian will want to love this book. I did. Unfortunately, I came away disappointed. Unsophisticated writing and juvenile humor made Artemis a slog which I finally had to give up on.

Book Reviews

The Alchemist's Pursuit
by Dave Duncan

The third installment in Dave Duncan's Venetian fantasy/mystery series finds Nostradamus and his apprentice, Alfeo, attempting to solve a string of murders that may result in the death of the woman Alfeo loves if they fail. Duncan delivers another gripping tale!

Book Reviews

Nemo Rising
by C. Courtney Joyner

As the continuation of Jules Verne's classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, it's depressing to consider how great of a novel Nemo Rising could have been. Unfortunately, my only recommendation here is to give it a pass on your reading list.