I was given a print copy of Othello Greene: The Story Begins by Anthony H. Baltimore SR. for review.
This review is going to be somewhat different, I think, because for me Othello Greene: The Story Begins operates on several different levels, some of which I am not well versed in.
First and foremost the overarching theme of the story is action/adventure. Beyond that, the story also has a strong story line of Islamic belief. It also focuses on young love and Washington DC area black society and culture.
Being a white christian male living in the northwest mountains, it is clear that many of these thematic concepts are not within my particular area of expertise. I did however, in my career work with many black people and they never asked to be called African-American, so there it is. My use of the words 'black people" is not meant with any disrespect. Never the less my purpose for doing reviews is to share my reactions to the books I read. So here goes.
The over all story is great. Not mincing words, it is a strong, action oriented story. Technology, political intrigue, evil-want-to-take-over-the-world bad guys, several heroes (one main one: Othello), innocent victims, torture, sex, romance, all the things a good action story contains. The bad guys are just that; bad guys. Their political, religious or cultural identity is not the issue, they're evil and bent on world domination.
I was concerned when first offered a copy, that Othello Greene: The Story Begins was going to be a veiled propaganda piece for Islam (I don't care to read propaganda for any belief, including my own). Happily, this story is not that. Yes, the author is Muslim and presents Islam positively, but it is in the greater context of the story. Were it propaganda, I think I would have found insults or at least disrespect for Christianity and other religions mixed into the story. Not so.
A major portion of the characters are middle to upper class people located in the DC area. They are predominantly black, with a few white characters here and there. Obviously, as a 60+ year old white guy, I can't speak to authenticity of the culture presented. Again nothing offensive to any culture here. It seemed to me to be a mix of Boyz in the Hood, Leave it to Beaver and The Cosby Show. This is where the young love and much of the romance comes in.
This book is fairly long; 771 pages to be exact. Although no specific mention is made of follow up books, the title pretty much confirms it ...The Story Begins is a pretty good hint.
This book is also...BRUTAL. Very graphic scenes of brutality, well beyond the usual found in action stories. Also, very graphic scenes of sexuality, fortunately for me, consensual. I don't do well with rape or abuse of women.
The biggest negative for me? The usual, typos. Not misspellings but wrong words; form instead of from, where instead of were, for example. Perhaps a consequence of the length of the book, these mistakes became more prevalent as the story progressed. As I have said many times, not the end of the world, but disruptive to the flow of the story.
For a story that fell well outside my personal frame of reference I found Othello Greene: The Story Begins by Anthony H. Baltimore SR. a very engaging, action packed, read. Be prepared to spend some time with it, it is not a quick read. But if you like action, and all the things that go with it, you'll like this book. Enjoy!
Mike
Monday, January 23, 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Melody's Key
Author Dallas Coryell provided me with an e-version of Melody's Key for review.
Melody's Key is your basic romance tale. We have our heroine, Tegan, tragically damaged in a previous relationship able to find true love. Basic premise.
The story is of course in how she is able to find and accept love again.
It is a nice heartwarming tale to be sure. If it were a movie it would be on Hallmark. There are plenty of bumps along the way to a satisfying conclusion (we know they belong together, but when will they see it?).
I don't usually read straight-up romance, it's just not my preferred genre. But I have to admit, Melody's Key is a pretty good story. Youngish love, building sexual tension, emotional healing, humor, tragedy, and even some silliness.
Positives: smart characters, intricate story line, with twists that are not necessarily predictable, good guys and bad guys, love and loyalty.
Negatives: a few unresolved issues. Why was Madison at the concert? How did Dad deal with the big news bomb?
I won't go so far as to say that Melody's Key by Dallas Coryell has made me into an all out romance fan, but I will say it is a good read, and true fans of the genre will find it very entertaining. Enjoy!
Mike
Melody's Key is your basic romance tale. We have our heroine, Tegan, tragically damaged in a previous relationship able to find true love. Basic premise.
The story is of course in how she is able to find and accept love again.
It is a nice heartwarming tale to be sure. If it were a movie it would be on Hallmark. There are plenty of bumps along the way to a satisfying conclusion (we know they belong together, but when will they see it?).
I don't usually read straight-up romance, it's just not my preferred genre. But I have to admit, Melody's Key is a pretty good story. Youngish love, building sexual tension, emotional healing, humor, tragedy, and even some silliness.
Positives: smart characters, intricate story line, with twists that are not necessarily predictable, good guys and bad guys, love and loyalty.
Negatives: a few unresolved issues. Why was Madison at the concert? How did Dad deal with the big news bomb?
I won't go so far as to say that Melody's Key by Dallas Coryell has made me into an all out romance fan, but I will say it is a good read, and true fans of the genre will find it very entertaining. Enjoy!
Mike
Friday, January 6, 2017
Vincent, Survivor: An Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy Thriller (Vincent Series Book 1)
I was given an e-copy of Vincent, Survivor: An Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy Thriller (Vincent Series Book 1) by O. L. Eggert for review.
Vincent, Survivor... was right up my escapist, apocalyptic alley; a group of average people trying to survive an extinction level event. This extinction level event is very different from the norm. No plague, no evil corporations, not even any zombies (by the accepted definition anyways). Not really a spoiler; we are under attack by mythical beings.
There are many twists and turns in this story. The question is: Who can you trust when the excrement hits the oscillating appliance? Almost no one it would appear. Our hero, Vincent, is basically a jerk (insert a stronger adjective here if you wish, you won't be wrong) and unlike other such stories, he does not really overcome this negative aspect of his personality throughout the book. I personally did not think it was part of his rough, anti-establishment charm, he was just a jerk.
Vincent, Survivor... author O. L. Eggert keeps the action level high, the story doesn't lag at all. The twists add a touch of mystery for the reader to try and figure out.
The negative you may be asking yourself at this point? The language. The use of F-bombs (or derivatives thereof) do not particularly bother me, the overuse of them does. It just isn't necessary to the story. I'm not saying erase them all, they did set a tone and develop some of the characters, but excessive use doesn't help the flow.
As the full title tells us, Vincent, Survivor... is the first installment in the Vincent Series. It is a good start to a continuing story, and language aside, I am interested in reading more. Who knows? Maybe Vincent will mellow out over successive entries (but I kind of doubt it).
Graphic violence, minimal sex (talk mostly), mythic beings (good and bad), love and loss, and a mostly angry hero make up a very entertaining read. O. L. Eggert has started a good series with Vincent, Survivor: An Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy Thriller. Enjoy!
Mike
Vincent, Survivor... was right up my escapist, apocalyptic alley; a group of average people trying to survive an extinction level event. This extinction level event is very different from the norm. No plague, no evil corporations, not even any zombies (by the accepted definition anyways). Not really a spoiler; we are under attack by mythical beings.
There are many twists and turns in this story. The question is: Who can you trust when the excrement hits the oscillating appliance? Almost no one it would appear. Our hero, Vincent, is basically a jerk (insert a stronger adjective here if you wish, you won't be wrong) and unlike other such stories, he does not really overcome this negative aspect of his personality throughout the book. I personally did not think it was part of his rough, anti-establishment charm, he was just a jerk.
Vincent, Survivor... author O. L. Eggert keeps the action level high, the story doesn't lag at all. The twists add a touch of mystery for the reader to try and figure out.
The negative you may be asking yourself at this point? The language. The use of F-bombs (or derivatives thereof) do not particularly bother me, the overuse of them does. It just isn't necessary to the story. I'm not saying erase them all, they did set a tone and develop some of the characters, but excessive use doesn't help the flow.
As the full title tells us, Vincent, Survivor... is the first installment in the Vincent Series. It is a good start to a continuing story, and language aside, I am interested in reading more. Who knows? Maybe Vincent will mellow out over successive entries (but I kind of doubt it).
Graphic violence, minimal sex (talk mostly), mythic beings (good and bad), love and loss, and a mostly angry hero make up a very entertaining read. O. L. Eggert has started a good series with Vincent, Survivor: An Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy Thriller. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Zero One, Zero Two: We Are All Dead
I won a print copy of Zero One, Zero Two: We Are All Dead by Amanda Baker in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
Zero One, Zero Two is a scifi story, but probably not like you are used to. It certainly was not what I was expecting. It is told as a memoir mixed with current action. There is also a healthy amount of poetry mixed in as well. I am no authority on poetry style, all I can say is that it is not nursery rhyme, every line rhymes, poetry.
Also a commentary on human history, a very cynical and angry commentary. A "glass is half empty" kind of commentary, or more accurately; the "unfairness that some people didn't even get a glass" observation. It seemed to be trying to make me feel guilty for ever enjoying any amount of success when others weren't so fortunate. I can't (or won't) say that the commentary is wrong, or even that I necessarily disagree with it, but I do maintain that it is negatively skewed.
But as a story, Zero One, Zero Two is well presented and entertaining. Dystopic society and an exaggerated reliance on technology have had their way with humanity. Again, I'm not well versed in poetic style, but I did enjoy most of the poetry included. The story is well focused and the main character is sympathetic. It is a tale told during a particularly bleak period and there is little reprieve from that bleakness. But there are some brighter moments. A good thing for me or the book would have been just too depressing.
So, although my review may sound more negative (and that is the tone of the book), I did enjoy it and am glad to have read Zero One, Zero Two...by Amanda Baker. The book is 125 pages long, so it is a quick read. If darker commentary is your thing you'll like this book. Enjoy!
Mike
Zero One, Zero Two is a scifi story, but probably not like you are used to. It certainly was not what I was expecting. It is told as a memoir mixed with current action. There is also a healthy amount of poetry mixed in as well. I am no authority on poetry style, all I can say is that it is not nursery rhyme, every line rhymes, poetry.
Also a commentary on human history, a very cynical and angry commentary. A "glass is half empty" kind of commentary, or more accurately; the "unfairness that some people didn't even get a glass" observation. It seemed to be trying to make me feel guilty for ever enjoying any amount of success when others weren't so fortunate. I can't (or won't) say that the commentary is wrong, or even that I necessarily disagree with it, but I do maintain that it is negatively skewed.
But as a story, Zero One, Zero Two is well presented and entertaining. Dystopic society and an exaggerated reliance on technology have had their way with humanity. Again, I'm not well versed in poetic style, but I did enjoy most of the poetry included. The story is well focused and the main character is sympathetic. It is a tale told during a particularly bleak period and there is little reprieve from that bleakness. But there are some brighter moments. A good thing for me or the book would have been just too depressing.
So, although my review may sound more negative (and that is the tone of the book), I did enjoy it and am glad to have read Zero One, Zero Two...by Amanda Baker. The book is 125 pages long, so it is a quick read. If darker commentary is your thing you'll like this book. Enjoy!
Mike
Friday, December 30, 2016
Devil's Vortex
Don't have to write a lame disclaimer; I actually bought this book!
Devil's Vortex, penned under the house name James Axler is the 125th Deathlands book and the final installment of the series. Note: The final installment not the finale. Sadly, for fans of the series we get no closure, no happily ever after, no peace for the companions. Not at all thrilled with Gold Eagle for just leaving us hanging.
The book itself is a good representation of the series. Devil's Vortex was for me a great comeback after the disappointment of the last book. As usual I do not know who the actual author was, or indeed if they have written any others in the series. We are back to the companions being in control of their own situation. Plenty of brain splattering violence, just like we've become accustomed to in The Deathlands. A little reminder here and there of how hot Krysty is and what happens to men who see her naked against her will (it doesn't end well for them).
I was amused by the authors tip of the cap to Lerner and Loewe's Paint Your Wagon, naming one of the main ancillary characters "Mariah" (they call the wind...). Nice touch. The kind of thing I often enjoyed throughout the series.
I was a bit surprised that the story was set in the Black Hills near MT. Rushmore without mentioning the big base in that mountain which was the focus of an earlier book (no, I didn't bother to look up which one). The story has Indians (excuse me, Native Americans) fighting among themselves, whitecoats behaving badly (they are whitecoats after all), and of course, our old friends kicking butt and not needing to take names.
Devil's Vortex is disappointing in that it doesn't conclude the story line, but I have a feeling the author did not know it was such (bad Gold Eagle, BAD!).
For some time the Deathlands books have been my secret (sort of) indulgence. I have always liked to fantasize about being the "last man on earth", so I'm sad to see the series end. Fortunately for me, there are still about 20 of the books in the series that I have not yet found or read, so I guess I'm not really done with the series.
If your a fan of Deathlands, Devil's Vortex by the ever non-existent James Axler will satisfy your need for a fix of post-apocalyptic violence and mayhem. Enjoy!
Mike
Devil's Vortex, penned under the house name James Axler is the 125th Deathlands book and the final installment of the series. Note: The final installment not the finale. Sadly, for fans of the series we get no closure, no happily ever after, no peace for the companions. Not at all thrilled with Gold Eagle for just leaving us hanging.
The book itself is a good representation of the series. Devil's Vortex was for me a great comeback after the disappointment of the last book. As usual I do not know who the actual author was, or indeed if they have written any others in the series. We are back to the companions being in control of their own situation. Plenty of brain splattering violence, just like we've become accustomed to in The Deathlands. A little reminder here and there of how hot Krysty is and what happens to men who see her naked against her will (it doesn't end well for them).
I was amused by the authors tip of the cap to Lerner and Loewe's Paint Your Wagon, naming one of the main ancillary characters "Mariah" (they call the wind...). Nice touch. The kind of thing I often enjoyed throughout the series.
I was a bit surprised that the story was set in the Black Hills near MT. Rushmore without mentioning the big base in that mountain which was the focus of an earlier book (no, I didn't bother to look up which one). The story has Indians (excuse me, Native Americans) fighting among themselves, whitecoats behaving badly (they are whitecoats after all), and of course, our old friends kicking butt and not needing to take names.
Devil's Vortex is disappointing in that it doesn't conclude the story line, but I have a feeling the author did not know it was such (bad Gold Eagle, BAD!).
For some time the Deathlands books have been my secret (sort of) indulgence. I have always liked to fantasize about being the "last man on earth", so I'm sad to see the series end. Fortunately for me, there are still about 20 of the books in the series that I have not yet found or read, so I guess I'm not really done with the series.
If your a fan of Deathlands, Devil's Vortex by the ever non-existent James Axler will satisfy your need for a fix of post-apocalyptic violence and mayhem. Enjoy!
Mike
Monday, December 26, 2016
Chase: The Hunt for the Mute Poetess
I received an e-copy of Chase: The Hunt for the Mute Poetess by Thomas Dellenbusch, for review.
An interesting side to this review; The book itself is a "movie-length-story" meant to only take a couple of hours to read. Its origin is Germany and the story has been translated into English (very well by the way). Currently an English language web site is under construction. The German site is MeinKopfKino, in English literally; My Head Movie Theater. Comfortable translation; My Theater of the Mind. Seriously similar to the very blog you are reading right now eh?
On to the important part; How is the book? Fear not, it's very good. Chase... is a fast paced action story the reader can easily see in their minds eye. It's taut and well organized, flowing like a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Good-guys vs bad-guys, martial arts, a secret force capable of cracking any fortress (think IMF and Mr. Phelps), a hunt for hidden secrets, Mafia and other organized crime (politicians), and a little romantic tension round out a fun and entertaining read. As in a movie as opposed to a traditional novel, we don't get a lot of backstory on the characters, only what is necessary to the plot. All the detail is focused on the current story. Chase...is, if I understand correctly, a part of a series of movie-length-stories meant to be read in this fashion. I don't know if the characters in this story will be ongoing, although this story could easily be serialized. I would personally like to read more of Rique (The main character) and his teams' exploits.
Author Thomas Dellenbusch has the ability to write a full story with enough detail to move the tale along but not so much as to slow down the reader. Chase... is not meant to be a book to get lost in for days, but to entertain the reader who needs to treat themselves for a couple of hours, like a plane, train, or automobile trip. Or as I did, in bed before going to sleep. In that case be sure and leave yourself time because you probably won't want to stop, and you'll wind up staying awake to finish the story.
Thomas Dellenbusch has great concept here with the movie length story format, one that fills a real niche in the reading world. Chase: The Hunt forth Mute Poetess is a great introduction to the genre. Enjoy!
Mike
An interesting side to this review; The book itself is a "movie-length-story" meant to only take a couple of hours to read. Its origin is Germany and the story has been translated into English (very well by the way). Currently an English language web site is under construction. The German site is MeinKopfKino, in English literally; My Head Movie Theater. Comfortable translation; My Theater of the Mind. Seriously similar to the very blog you are reading right now eh?
On to the important part; How is the book? Fear not, it's very good. Chase... is a fast paced action story the reader can easily see in their minds eye. It's taut and well organized, flowing like a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Good-guys vs bad-guys, martial arts, a secret force capable of cracking any fortress (think IMF and Mr. Phelps), a hunt for hidden secrets, Mafia and other organized crime (politicians), and a little romantic tension round out a fun and entertaining read. As in a movie as opposed to a traditional novel, we don't get a lot of backstory on the characters, only what is necessary to the plot. All the detail is focused on the current story. Chase...is, if I understand correctly, a part of a series of movie-length-stories meant to be read in this fashion. I don't know if the characters in this story will be ongoing, although this story could easily be serialized. I would personally like to read more of Rique (The main character) and his teams' exploits.
Author Thomas Dellenbusch has the ability to write a full story with enough detail to move the tale along but not so much as to slow down the reader. Chase... is not meant to be a book to get lost in for days, but to entertain the reader who needs to treat themselves for a couple of hours, like a plane, train, or automobile trip. Or as I did, in bed before going to sleep. In that case be sure and leave yourself time because you probably won't want to stop, and you'll wind up staying awake to finish the story.
Thomas Dellenbusch has great concept here with the movie length story format, one that fills a real niche in the reading world. Chase: The Hunt forth Mute Poetess is a great introduction to the genre. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, December 24, 2016
A Zombie Christmas 2
I won A Zombie Christmas 2 by Anthony Renfro in a Goodreads Giveaway.
First I have to admit; I read A Zombie Christmas 2 out of order. I try to read books in the order I receive them, but with Christmas only a few days away I decided to read this Christmas themed book right away. Apologies to other authors awaiting reviews (in my defense, A Zombie Christmas 2 is only 61 pages long so it won't slow things up too much).
Actually A Zombie Christmas 2 only takes up the first half of the book, the second half is entitled The Dead of Winter. These two stories are part of (at the time of this printing) a six part series of zombie themed short stories.
Our hero, Mike (good name) is on a mission to rescue a six-year-old boy stranded in a zombie filled city. You'll have to read the book to find out how he goes about his mission. Graphic violence (of course it's graphic, c'mon, zombies? Hello) A little sex (short story authors always seem to end their stories right when the sex is going to happen!) not particularly graphic.
The Dead of Winter (nice play on words, Mr. Renfro) is the tale of two men tying to make it through a night in a zombie filled city. Actually a few good survivalist tips here. Zombie violence, no sex (two men; not that there's anything wrong with that, but thank you), and zombies on skis (never heard of that before). My kind of twist at the end.
A Zombie Christmas 2 By Anthony Renfro, a good fun (yeah I said fun) zombie read. Enjoy!
Mike
First I have to admit; I read A Zombie Christmas 2 out of order. I try to read books in the order I receive them, but with Christmas only a few days away I decided to read this Christmas themed book right away. Apologies to other authors awaiting reviews (in my defense, A Zombie Christmas 2 is only 61 pages long so it won't slow things up too much).
Actually A Zombie Christmas 2 only takes up the first half of the book, the second half is entitled The Dead of Winter. These two stories are part of (at the time of this printing) a six part series of zombie themed short stories.
Our hero, Mike (good name) is on a mission to rescue a six-year-old boy stranded in a zombie filled city. You'll have to read the book to find out how he goes about his mission. Graphic violence (of course it's graphic, c'mon, zombies? Hello) A little sex (short story authors always seem to end their stories right when the sex is going to happen!) not particularly graphic.
The Dead of Winter (nice play on words, Mr. Renfro) is the tale of two men tying to make it through a night in a zombie filled city. Actually a few good survivalist tips here. Zombie violence, no sex (two men; not that there's anything wrong with that, but thank you), and zombies on skis (never heard of that before). My kind of twist at the end.
A Zombie Christmas 2 By Anthony Renfro, a good fun (yeah I said fun) zombie read. Enjoy!
Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)