Lost Gates

Guilty pleasure time again. No secret I am a big time fan of the whole Deathlands series.

Lost Gates is a different take on the usual format of the stories. I've always enjoyed the jump scenes as there is often a lot of action around them. This story has six of them, so lots of action and lots of suspense. The companions were partnered in new ways and had to function without the support of the rest of the group. 

My problem with the story was the repetitive scene setting. Sometimes as many as 4 restating of the same situation. I get it, he's injured and it's hard to move. I didn't need to be reminded every other sentence. Quibbling maybe but it got on my nerves. 

My actual star rating for those who require it: 3.5. But the important thing is that it is still good post-apocalyptic action adventure even though this is the 101st entry in the series. Enjoy!

Mike

Blackstone

I was given an e-version of Blackstone by Richard Falkirk for review.

Set in Victorian England (I think that's the proper time), we have a who done it with an almost noir feel to it. Our main character (bit of a stretch to call him "hero") Blackstone is a Bow Street Runner (yes, that's was a thing) with a highly questionable past. Assigned to protect a royal princess, he of course makes enemies as he goes. 

A good amount of history here. The early beginnings of police departments, political machinations and royal intrigue round out the intertwined plot lines. While I had a hard time finding the character Blackstone sympathetic or even likable, the story was topnotch. A great detective mystery. Sex (not too graphic), violence (ditto) and plenty of twists and turns. Interesting insight into the lives of the upper and working classes.

Negatives? The only one for me was at times I found the story a bit choppy. Abrupt changes threw me off my rhythm.

Overall a good historic noir detective story. I have since discovered that this book is the first in a series based around the character Blackstone. A good start for the series. I look forward to reading more. Enjoy!

Mike

Playing Chess with God

 

I was given a print copy of Playing Chess with God by author Verne R. Albright for review.

Set in California's gold rush era, Albright has crafted an immensely entertaining saga of one man's quest for riches. Encouraged to seek his fortune in the California gold fields, by none other than a Chilean prostitute. he does just that. 

Our hero Henning Dietzel is a man of great personal integrity which he maintains throughout his experiences prospecting for gold. He endures highs and lows, tragedy and success, love and loss. He carries his feelings for his Chilean lover with him, longing for their reunion. He meets and becomes involved with several colorful characters along the way. 

A case could be made that there is an undercurrent of social commentary throughout the story, but I choose to read it as just confirmation of our hero's character make up. He refuses to mistreat anyone. There is some sex, more violence and adventure spanning the far western reaches of both North and South America. Characters are well realized and the descriptions of the country and the people inhabiting it are easy to picture in the mind's eye.

I particularly like the quote from which the title is taken (nope, not gonna tell ya. You have to read the book). I don't know if it is the creation of the author or a quote which can be attributed to some historic person but it is great. Fair warning to Mr. Albright: I am going to use it (but I will attribute it to your book).

An engrossing, sweeping historical novel rich with detail of the wild and tumultuous times early in our history. Should such stories appeal to you, you really need to read Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright. Enjoy!

Mike

Champion's Rising

I was provided a print copy of Champion's Rising by S. F. Claymore for review.

Champion's Rising is the first installment in the Champion of Psykoria series. Our hero, Prince Snarmis, is the less than intimidating son of the powerful King Breetor. Although he has no problem succeeding his father when the time comes, he is less than skilled as a warrior. Much to the disappointment of his father, and therefore, himself.

Naturally, events conspire to force the Prince to basically man up (It would be a short series if they didn't wouldn't it). We see just about every fantasy character we've ever read about make appearances in this book. We get everything (everyone?) from vampires and werewolves to faeries of all description, mages, daemons, dragons, you name them. But all these characters belong, they are not included just to have more, they are integral to the story. Once the action begins it doesn't let up. The suspense, and excitement build and is maintained throughout. The reader is involved. The action involving the Prince is told in the first person. It did take me a while to catch on to this. Other action is told in the third person. 

The best part? Although this is the first in the series, NO CLIFFHANGER ENDING! I so much appreciate that in a series.

The worst part? We have to wait for the next book in the series to get more. But what you gonna do? Fantasy readers should like the heck out of this book. I'm looking forward to continuing the story. 

When author S.F. Claymore offered me this book I did chide him for using my picture on the covr without my permission. I see that on Amazon they show a different cover. I was only kidding! Sheesh! Enjoy!

Mike  

Science and Wonders III: As X Goes To Infinity

No cover art yet for this book.

Author Amy Joy allowed me to read an e-copy of Science and Wonders III: As X Goes To Infinity prior to its being published. For the record: Amy Joy is a friend of mine.

Science and Wonders III is the continuation of Amy Joy's attempt to build a bridge between Science and Christianity via her own experience as a student of chemistry, biology, and geology and her interactions with professors with varied beliefs (and non-beliefs) in Christianity.

This third installment is much meatier than it predecessors, on both ends of the spectrum. The easiest way to describe it? More. More depth, more feeling, more detail. Deeper than the first two books, I would have to say it is not quite as easy a read. This book shows more of Amy Joy as an academician while maintaining her ability to speak coherently to non-scientists about intricate scientific topics.

We get deeper insights into our author; Amy Joy, and the characters in this book. The professors she associates with throughout her studies (and after).

The spiritual incidents she shares are nothing short of chilling at times, perhaps more so to me because, as I said earlier I know this author and know her to be an honest person not given to hyperbole.

Science and Wonders III presents information as I wish any professor, university, or Christian proponent would: the info is presented and the consumer is given the opportunity to make their own decision. Watch for this one when it becomes available, it's worth your time. Enjoy!


Mike