Finished: The Devil's Garden by John Schettler
So this was supposed to be the last book in the Kirov saga. Fast forward to the end of the book & you discover that in fact it is not(sorry for the spoiler). The author includes a note apologising, but apparently the story just needed more.
Now don't get me wrong, this was another brilliantly researched and well written book. However, reading it, you get the impression that the author really isn't sure how to end it. Or even if it should end - there are new characters introduced and at this stage in a series, should we really be getting new characters? Especially ones who make it feel like the story won't be concluded in the next book either That rather the author has opened up an entirely new rabbit warren which he can explore.
Seriously I hope he manages to wrap everything up in a neat package in the next book, because I think this is what this series deserves. It does NOT deserve to carry on like Lost - completely Lost and coming to an entirely unsatisfactory please God let it be over, tacked together ending.
This edition sees Federov retrieve Orlov from 1942 and the Kirov under Karpov upset the apple cart even further in 1945, before mysteriously(ok not so mysteriously) catapulting even further back in time! It is revealed that it is in fact Karpov who is the source of this whole mess.. or is he? Stay tuned for the (hopefully)final installment titled "Armageddon".
Started: Solaris Rising: The new Solaris Book of Science Fiction Edited by Ian Whates
Showing posts with label Alternate History Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternate History Fiction. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Book Bloggin' 21st August 2013
Finished: Kirov Saga (book 8): Fallen Angels by John Schettler
Wow! I am speechless. This series just gets better and better!!! I have been fortunate up until this book to always be "behind the eightball" in that the next book in the series has already been released, so I haven't had to wait to find out what happens. Unfortunately, my luck, along with the luck of the men aboard the Kirov seems to have finally run out. I have to wait for the final installment!
I have to say I love the way Mr Schettler draws the reader in. What seems like totally irrelevant information is thrown in and then revealed to be a little piece of the vast historical knowledge that Mr Schettler possesses of WW2. Everything is well considered and adds to the reality that this whole saga is REAL, not just a work of fiction. Little things are considered, like (sorry for the mini spoiler) President(still in the future at that point) Ford being killed in action when the Kirov sinks his ship in 1945. I would love to know how that affects the time line!
In this installment, the Kirov is once again flung into the chatic events of WW2 right on the cusp of the signing of surrender by the Japanese, this time by the Demon volcano exploding. In this timeline however, the atom bomb was never used by the USA. Meanwhile, Federov has launched a mission to capture Orlov in 1942 and the truth of their ability to shift in time is revealed, along with some surprises along the way. In 2021, the world continues its 9 day decent to hell and the question to be answered is, can it all be prevented?
This series is well worth the read and it definitely gets better and better with each book in the series. Read them from the begginning and you will NOT be dissapointed!!! I will admit that I struggled in some books, but as I have realised, it was the author finding his feet and his feet have well and truly been found!! Bring on the final installment "The Devil's Garden".
Started: The Year's Top Short SF Novels Edited by Allan Kaster
I think the title says it all!
Wow! I am speechless. This series just gets better and better!!! I have been fortunate up until this book to always be "behind the eightball" in that the next book in the series has already been released, so I haven't had to wait to find out what happens. Unfortunately, my luck, along with the luck of the men aboard the Kirov seems to have finally run out. I have to wait for the final installment!
I have to say I love the way Mr Schettler draws the reader in. What seems like totally irrelevant information is thrown in and then revealed to be a little piece of the vast historical knowledge that Mr Schettler possesses of WW2. Everything is well considered and adds to the reality that this whole saga is REAL, not just a work of fiction. Little things are considered, like (sorry for the mini spoiler) President(still in the future at that point) Ford being killed in action when the Kirov sinks his ship in 1945. I would love to know how that affects the time line!
In this installment, the Kirov is once again flung into the chatic events of WW2 right on the cusp of the signing of surrender by the Japanese, this time by the Demon volcano exploding. In this timeline however, the atom bomb was never used by the USA. Meanwhile, Federov has launched a mission to capture Orlov in 1942 and the truth of their ability to shift in time is revealed, along with some surprises along the way. In 2021, the world continues its 9 day decent to hell and the question to be answered is, can it all be prevented?
This series is well worth the read and it definitely gets better and better with each book in the series. Read them from the begginning and you will NOT be dissapointed!!! I will admit that I struggled in some books, but as I have realised, it was the author finding his feet and his feet have well and truly been found!! Bring on the final installment "The Devil's Garden".
Started: The Year's Top Short SF Novels Edited by Allan Kaster
I think the title says it all!
Monday, 10 June 2013
Book Bloggin' 10th June 2013
Finished: A Storm of Swords (pt 1 & 2) by George RR Martin
So, book 3 is done. Some questions were answered, some were not. As the Starks (who are now mostly dead) say "Winter is Coming". Sorry for the spoiler, but well given the storm that erupted following the screening of the "Rains of Castamere" which incidently screened the very day I read those chapters, it would be a surprise if anyone was unaware of who died.
I find myself liking Tyrion. I can't help it. Yes he is conniving & manipulative, but given the family he was born into, is it any surprise? I enjoy his chapters the most & I think that in the series ( I couldn't help myself, I watched a little of the Rains of Castamere) he is absolutely played spot on by Peter Dinklage in the series. Add to that the translation of all the tension between Clegane & Arya Stark. Just superb.
This book has some major battles, but mostly to me felt like filler, building towards the coming conflict. Still, an excellent read and a well written book as always.
Started: Kirov V: 9 Days Falling by John Schettler
Started: A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
I really don't want to read this series too fast as I know that book 6 (and 7) are still a loooong way off, but I can't help myself.
So, book 3 is done. Some questions were answered, some were not. As the Starks (who are now mostly dead) say "Winter is Coming". Sorry for the spoiler, but well given the storm that erupted following the screening of the "Rains of Castamere" which incidently screened the very day I read those chapters, it would be a surprise if anyone was unaware of who died.
I find myself liking Tyrion. I can't help it. Yes he is conniving & manipulative, but given the family he was born into, is it any surprise? I enjoy his chapters the most & I think that in the series ( I couldn't help myself, I watched a little of the Rains of Castamere) he is absolutely played spot on by Peter Dinklage in the series. Add to that the translation of all the tension between Clegane & Arya Stark. Just superb.
This book has some major battles, but mostly to me felt like filler, building towards the coming conflict. Still, an excellent read and a well written book as always.
Started: Kirov V: 9 Days Falling by John Schettler
Started: A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
I really don't want to read this series too fast as I know that book 6 (and 7) are still a loooong way off, but I can't help myself.
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Book Bloggin' 21st May 2013
Finished: Earthfall by Stephen Knight
This book started off fantastically. The writing is solid & the premise great. A preordained bunch of survivors(all military as far as I could tell) live in a massive underground bunker in what was Kansas and is now a radioactive wasteland. Their mission is to find survivors and help them rebuild. After a decade they come across a group of mutated humans led by an man who was enhanced by the CIA before the bombs went off. Cue murder and mayhem and it's crammed into a small section of book. I think this could have done with a bit more character development and depth. It's a fantastic story and if there is a follow up great as then someo of the questions left unanswered will hopefully be answered!
Started & Finished: The Landing: The United States of Vinland by Colin Taber
It's an interesting premise, what if the Nordic races had laid claim & settled the US before the English/French etc. And As I am over half way through this book, it is one that is excellently conceived and written. This is only the first in the series and I must admit, I look forward to the next installments to see where the author is going to take this alternate history story.
Finished this today. Fantastic book!! Can't wait for book 2 - Loki's Rage.
This book started off fantastically. The writing is solid & the premise great. A preordained bunch of survivors(all military as far as I could tell) live in a massive underground bunker in what was Kansas and is now a radioactive wasteland. Their mission is to find survivors and help them rebuild. After a decade they come across a group of mutated humans led by an man who was enhanced by the CIA before the bombs went off. Cue murder and mayhem and it's crammed into a small section of book. I think this could have done with a bit more character development and depth. It's a fantastic story and if there is a follow up great as then someo of the questions left unanswered will hopefully be answered!
Started & Finished: The Landing: The United States of Vinland by Colin Taber
It's an interesting premise, what if the Nordic races had laid claim & settled the US before the English/French etc. And As I am over half way through this book, it is one that is excellently conceived and written. This is only the first in the series and I must admit, I look forward to the next installments to see where the author is going to take this alternate history story.
Finished this today. Fantastic book!! Can't wait for book 2 - Loki's Rage.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Book Bloggin' 26th April 2013
Finished: Kirov III: Pacific Storm by John Schettler
The final in the original Kirov trilogy. Once again a great story that just keeps you wanting to read another page to find out if the men can keep themselves alive with rapidly dwindling resources. BUT for someone who has been writing since 1980 and also has a degree in English with a writing major, there were some shocking errors in this book. I would have to guess that the editor was MIA on this job. There were a couple of instances where characters names changed in spelling. But the biggest annoyance for me was the fact that this is an author who says at the beginning of this book "every other ship and character mentioned, from the highest officers etc etc is a historical figure". Well news flash Mr Schlettler, the wartime Prime Minister of Australia was not John CURTAIN but in fact John CURTIN. Given that you on one occasion spelt the name correctly leads me to believe that perhaps editing extended to spell check only - where even my spell check wants to correct Curtin to Curtain (which would go along way to explaining some of the hideous errors in this book). This book was a serious let down after the extremely high quality of the first two books in the series.
Started: Fire in the Ashes by William W Johnstone
The final in the original Kirov trilogy. Once again a great story that just keeps you wanting to read another page to find out if the men can keep themselves alive with rapidly dwindling resources. BUT for someone who has been writing since 1980 and also has a degree in English with a writing major, there were some shocking errors in this book. I would have to guess that the editor was MIA on this job. There were a couple of instances where characters names changed in spelling. But the biggest annoyance for me was the fact that this is an author who says at the beginning of this book "every other ship and character mentioned, from the highest officers etc etc is a historical figure". Well news flash Mr Schlettler, the wartime Prime Minister of Australia was not John CURTAIN but in fact John CURTIN. Given that you on one occasion spelt the name correctly leads me to believe that perhaps editing extended to spell check only - where even my spell check wants to correct Curtin to Curtain (which would go along way to explaining some of the hideous errors in this book). This book was a serious let down after the extremely high quality of the first two books in the series.
Started: Fire in the Ashes by William W Johnstone
Monday, 22 April 2013
Book Bloggin' 22nd April 2013
Finished: Manhattan in Reverse by Peter F Hamilton
This is a collection of short stories and novellas. I really enjoyed these stories, particularly the stories involving Paula Myo, of the Commonwealth series. Uncompromising, unbending and faithful to her art. Much like Peter F Hamilton. If you enjoy his work, you will definitely enjoy this collection. I would love to see more of the universe of the first story - I would love to know how that Earth came to where it was (sorry don't want to give away any spoilers!).
Started: Kirov III - Pacific Storm by John Schetteler
The Kirov has reappeared in WWII in the Pacific, just north of Darwin (OK, so not technically the Pacific, but thats where the action takes place!).
This is a collection of short stories and novellas. I really enjoyed these stories, particularly the stories involving Paula Myo, of the Commonwealth series. Uncompromising, unbending and faithful to her art. Much like Peter F Hamilton. If you enjoy his work, you will definitely enjoy this collection. I would love to see more of the universe of the first story - I would love to know how that Earth came to where it was (sorry don't want to give away any spoilers!).
Started: Kirov III - Pacific Storm by John Schetteler
The Kirov has reappeared in WWII in the Pacific, just north of Darwin (OK, so not technically the Pacific, but thats where the action takes place!).
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Book Bloggin' 26th March 2013
Finished: Kirov by John Schettler
This book was slloooooowwww. So slow it nearly went the way of other books.. to the "do not read" pile. But I thought, no I will give it a go. The only negative reviews seemed to be from irate readers that couldn't hack the fact that it was a Russian ship being transported through time & thus the reader is given some Russian history & insight into the mind of Russians. For me it was refreshing that it was not from the viewpoint of the US or England. I think that would have made it too bog standard predictable.
The Kirov is one powerful Russian warship. It is transported through time to 1941, where they are faced with a dilemma. Do nothing (the Admiral) vs the kill all the americans & british (the captain). It makes for an interesting read & I think the author handled it extremely well. When we got there ofcourse. The first 70% of this book is scene setting. To the point of tedium. The last 30% of the book was excellent. And thankfully the second book seems to be keeping that pace.
Don't get me wrong, it is an excellently structured & well thought out book, I just think it could have done with some cutting down in the first half to make the prose tighter & more gripping.
There were a couple of questions left unanswered at the end of the book which I hope will be answered in the next book... particularly concerning the.. well I won't say as it would be a spoiler!
Started: Kirov II: Cauldron of Fire by John Schettler.
This book was slloooooowwww. So slow it nearly went the way of other books.. to the "do not read" pile. But I thought, no I will give it a go. The only negative reviews seemed to be from irate readers that couldn't hack the fact that it was a Russian ship being transported through time & thus the reader is given some Russian history & insight into the mind of Russians. For me it was refreshing that it was not from the viewpoint of the US or England. I think that would have made it too bog standard predictable.
The Kirov is one powerful Russian warship. It is transported through time to 1941, where they are faced with a dilemma. Do nothing (the Admiral) vs the kill all the americans & british (the captain). It makes for an interesting read & I think the author handled it extremely well. When we got there ofcourse. The first 70% of this book is scene setting. To the point of tedium. The last 30% of the book was excellent. And thankfully the second book seems to be keeping that pace.
Don't get me wrong, it is an excellently structured & well thought out book, I just think it could have done with some cutting down in the first half to make the prose tighter & more gripping.
There were a couple of questions left unanswered at the end of the book which I hope will be answered in the next book... particularly concerning the.. well I won't say as it would be a spoiler!
Started: Kirov II: Cauldron of Fire by John Schettler.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Book Bloggin' 6th March 2013
Finished: Stalin's Hammer: Rome by John Birmingham
This was a relatively short novel by JB's standards. Especially for this series. This book takes up a few years after the end of the previous World War trilogy, following the exploits of Prince Harry who is no longer considered a member of the royal family or is in line for the throne because his gran [Queen Elizabeth II] never concieved his father in this timeline.. as Prince Harry so eloquently puts it "It's a complete mind-f*ck".
I was really just getting into this story when it was over. Which leaves me wanting the next installment. I found with this story I was a little disappointed. There was really none of the build up or the development of the plot I was familar with from the previous books in this series. Instead, I get the feeling that JB is instead dragging one great book out over a trilogy of shorter books. A concept I find rather disappointing. And just a little money grabbish.
Started: Kirov by John Schettler
This is a book much in the vein of the book I have just finished. But from what I understand from the blurbs of the books so far realeased.. the ship moves in time.. and continues to move in time. Apparently never staying very long in one place or period. So thus far it is a very dense read. The information comes at you fast & furious in the opening pages, with good character development at this early stage.
This was a relatively short novel by JB's standards. Especially for this series. This book takes up a few years after the end of the previous World War trilogy, following the exploits of Prince Harry who is no longer considered a member of the royal family or is in line for the throne because his gran [Queen Elizabeth II] never concieved his father in this timeline.. as Prince Harry so eloquently puts it "It's a complete mind-f*ck".
I was really just getting into this story when it was over. Which leaves me wanting the next installment. I found with this story I was a little disappointed. There was really none of the build up or the development of the plot I was familar with from the previous books in this series. Instead, I get the feeling that JB is instead dragging one great book out over a trilogy of shorter books. A concept I find rather disappointing. And just a little money grabbish.
Started: Kirov by John Schettler
This is a book much in the vein of the book I have just finished. But from what I understand from the blurbs of the books so far realeased.. the ship moves in time.. and continues to move in time. Apparently never staying very long in one place or period. So thus far it is a very dense read. The information comes at you fast & furious in the opening pages, with good character development at this early stage.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Book Bloggin' 4th March 2013
Finished: On the Map by Simon Garfield
I loved this book. It was a quirky look at how maps have shaped and continue to shape not only our views of the world, but how we see ourselves in it. It covers the development of maps from tyhe likely early beginnings to the current "e-map" age of satnav & google maps on phones.
As a kid I loved maps. I would stare at them for hours lost in the possibilities. And that's what this book is all about. The boundless possibilities that maps have provided through the ages. And the ways in which they continue to this day to provide possibilities, not only in the real world but also in the gaming world, where maps are often the key to victory. Did I mention I love this book? It has literally explained my obsessions with not only maps (no wonder I love being a cartographer!) but also games that involve maps like SimCity & Civilisation.
Not into maps? I bet you will still find this a fascinating read!
Started: Stalins Hammer: Rome by John Birmingam
I loved this book. It was a quirky look at how maps have shaped and continue to shape not only our views of the world, but how we see ourselves in it. It covers the development of maps from tyhe likely early beginnings to the current "e-map" age of satnav & google maps on phones.
As a kid I loved maps. I would stare at them for hours lost in the possibilities. And that's what this book is all about. The boundless possibilities that maps have provided through the ages. And the ways in which they continue to this day to provide possibilities, not only in the real world but also in the gaming world, where maps are often the key to victory. Did I mention I love this book? It has literally explained my obsessions with not only maps (no wonder I love being a cartographer!) but also games that involve maps like SimCity & Civilisation.
Not into maps? I bet you will still find this a fascinating read!
Started: Stalins Hammer: Rome by John Birmingam
Friday, 15 February 2013
Book Bloggin' 15th Febuary 2013
Finished: A Captain of the Gate by John Birmingham
So this was only an early concept for a possible novel in the future. Result it was rather disjointed & confusing. Would probably make a good book but yes.. just a tad disappointed. Only took me an hour to read..
Started: Castro's Bomb by Robert Conroy
This book was written specifically for the ebook format. I would therefore expect better editing, especially from someone of Robert Conroy's standing & experience. There are ALOT of issues that you get with books which have been scanned into electronic format using word recognition - its particularly frustrating as it usually happens in a crucial scene & just disprupts the flow of the story.
So this was only an early concept for a possible novel in the future. Result it was rather disjointed & confusing. Would probably make a good book but yes.. just a tad disappointed. Only took me an hour to read..
Started: Castro's Bomb by Robert Conroy
This book was written specifically for the ebook format. I would therefore expect better editing, especially from someone of Robert Conroy's standing & experience. There are ALOT of issues that you get with books which have been scanned into electronic format using word recognition - its particularly frustrating as it usually happens in a crucial scene & just disprupts the flow of the story.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
A look at books for 2013
So, it's taking me a while to get through A Song of Ice & Fire. It's a big book. Its complex & you have to concentrate so you don't lose all the little threads that I assume will come together to make the story. But while I have been reading this, I have also been buying more books. Because you know, that's what I do. I will be having a break after I have finished Song. Well at least from that series. I unfortunately don't have as much time as I would like to read & wading my way through the entire series in one hit is actaully putting me off reading altogether. I'd probably still be trying to get through when the last book in the series is released! I thought Peter F Hamilton was a massive undertaking! While these books are easier to follow, you still need to really concentrate that's for sure.
BUT.. here is the list of books I have to read for this year (I got through just over 50 last year, but I suspect I won't get through that many this year simply due to A Song of Ice & Fire and the books that follow it in the series)
* denotes a Kindle edition
A Song of Troy - Colleen McCullough
The Prodigal Son - Colleen McCullough
Tim - Colleen McCullough (if I can find a copy!)
On the Map: Why the World Looks the way it does by Simon Garfield ( a non-fiction book looking
at the history of Cartography. Being a cartographer I am looking forward to this book!)
* Kirov by John Schletter
* Kirov II - Cauldron of Fire by John Schletter
* Kirov III - Pacific Storm by John Schletter
* While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
* Stalin's Hammer: Rome by John Birmingham
* Captain at the Gate by John Birmingham
* Castro's Bomb by Robert Conroy
Manhattan in Reverse by Peter F Hamilton
* Mammoth Books presents Sleepover by Alastair Reynolds
* A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
* A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
* A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin
Bag of Bones by Stephen King
So.. there we go.. a little peak at what I will be reading this year. I am sure other books will be added (some may even be removed) or pushed to the bottom of the pile (like Bag of Bones.. I have to be in a MOOD for Mr King). But get through them I shall!
PS.. I promise not to cheat & just watch the Game of Thrones series until have at least read the book for that series!
BUT.. here is the list of books I have to read for this year (I got through just over 50 last year, but I suspect I won't get through that many this year simply due to A Song of Ice & Fire and the books that follow it in the series)
* denotes a Kindle edition
A Song of Troy - Colleen McCullough
The Prodigal Son - Colleen McCullough
Tim - Colleen McCullough (if I can find a copy!)
On the Map: Why the World Looks the way it does by Simon Garfield ( a non-fiction book looking
at the history of Cartography. Being a cartographer I am looking forward to this book!)
* Kirov by John Schletter
* Kirov II - Cauldron of Fire by John Schletter
* Kirov III - Pacific Storm by John Schletter
* While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
* Stalin's Hammer: Rome by John Birmingham
* Captain at the Gate by John Birmingham
* Castro's Bomb by Robert Conroy
Manhattan in Reverse by Peter F Hamilton
* Mammoth Books presents Sleepover by Alastair Reynolds
* A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
* A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
* A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin
Bag of Bones by Stephen King
So.. there we go.. a little peak at what I will be reading this year. I am sure other books will be added (some may even be removed) or pushed to the bottom of the pile (like Bag of Bones.. I have to be in a MOOD for Mr King). But get through them I shall!
PS.. I promise not to cheat & just watch the Game of Thrones series until have at least read the book for that series!
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Book Bloggin' 9th January 2013
Finished: The Independence of Miss Mary Bennett by Colleen McCullough
I love this book - it's all about the OTHER Bennett sisters in the aftermath of Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy. It focuses primarily on Mary - the middle sister. An advantage of this wonderful story is that you don't need to have been a fan or even have read Pride & Prejudice. Mary is truly a woman ahead of her time. Perhaps there is a little of the wonderful author in Mary!
Started: Arc Light by Eric L Harry
Eric L Harry only wrote a few books. If you haven't heard of him or read any of his books, you are missing out!
I love this book - it's all about the OTHER Bennett sisters in the aftermath of Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy. It focuses primarily on Mary - the middle sister. An advantage of this wonderful story is that you don't need to have been a fan or even have read Pride & Prejudice. Mary is truly a woman ahead of her time. Perhaps there is a little of the wonderful author in Mary!
Started: Arc Light by Eric L Harry
Eric L Harry only wrote a few books. If you haven't heard of him or read any of his books, you are missing out!
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