Finished: The Bunker Book 3: Virginia by EJ Camacho
Ok, I will be honest, I skipped most of this book. I went straight to the end only so I could find out what happened. I was looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy. I really enjoyed the first 2 volumes. But there has been a BIG break inbetween. And I think that break allowed me to actually focus on what was wrong with this book, rather than, oh gee I can't wait to see how this ends!
To put it simple, the writing is clunky, the characters are completely unbelievable and really, I found myself not giving a rats if they died or lived. At the end, predictably the evil Marzin died and the good guys (of the bunker) lived. Sorry for the spoiler, but geez that's just how apathetic I am to this story. That someone like Marzin could actually continue to do what he was doing under the corporate structure confounds me. I know it was the end of the world but I found myself thinking, really? Even with all that oversight in place they still allow him to do that? I'm the first person to tell others that you have to suspend reality, but some of these stories are just so far fetched even I can't do that.
I won't be reading the stand alones that follow this trilogy as honestly I just don't care.
Started: Call The Midwife by Jennifer Worth
The first of the books upon which the highly successful series is based.
Showing posts with label End of the World fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label End of the World fiction. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Friday, 27 September 2013
Book Bloggin' 27th September 2013
Finished/stopped reading: The Last Election by Kevin Carrigan
I started reading this & realised I had already read it. It was crap the first time and even worse the second time. So I stopped reading it. I have heaps of other books to read so am moving on!
The characters are neither likeable nor believable and quite frankly that the President of the USA could go that crazy without some kind of intervention was just not believable!
Started: The Bunker Book 3: Virginia by E.J. Camacho
After I have finished this book I will be going back to real paper books for a while. The new Alastair Reynolds book is out and I also have a stack of about 10 other books waiting to be read. Yay!
I started reading this & realised I had already read it. It was crap the first time and even worse the second time. So I stopped reading it. I have heaps of other books to read so am moving on!
The characters are neither likeable nor believable and quite frankly that the President of the USA could go that crazy without some kind of intervention was just not believable!
Started: The Bunker Book 3: Virginia by E.J. Camacho
After I have finished this book I will be going back to real paper books for a while. The new Alastair Reynolds book is out and I also have a stack of about 10 other books waiting to be read. Yay!
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Book Bloggin' 25th September 2013
Finished: The Big One by Kevin E Ready : So close.. so close. 95% of the way through this and I was going to say this was a stellar effort.. until the author used my pet hate word "drug" - minutes do NOT drug on, they drag or in this case "the mintes dragged by". ARGH I hate the misuse of this word!!!!
Apart from that one monumental error, this book was very well written and researched. The information at the beginning of each chapter was extremely informative and also tied in nicely with the chapter. The realism of the events made you feel like you were there and it made me think of all those classic Big One movies that I loved as a kid.
Overall I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to any disaster buff. It's a very accurate portrayal of what could happen when the big one hits Los Angeles.
Started: The Last Election by Kevin Carrigan
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!
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Book Bloggin' 15th May 2013
Finished: Kirov: Men of War by John Schettler
Oh this series just gets better and better. There are so many tantalising clues in this book, that the wait for book five will be a long one! The men of the Kirov are finally back in 2021 and are closer to revealing the truth of their adventures. But a growing realisation that they first need to retrieve their missing member from 1942 to hopefully prevent the coming devastation they have witnessed is the main plot line for this book. It is no where near resolved by the end so I can only hope that Mr Schlettler delivers the next installment SOON!
Started: Earthfall by Stephen Knight
Oh this series just gets better and better. There are so many tantalising clues in this book, that the wait for book five will be a long one! The men of the Kirov are finally back in 2021 and are closer to revealing the truth of their adventures. But a growing realisation that they first need to retrieve their missing member from 1942 to hopefully prevent the coming devastation they have witnessed is the main plot line for this book. It is no where near resolved by the end so I can only hope that Mr Schlettler delivers the next installment SOON!
Started: Earthfall by Stephen Knight
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Book Bloggin 19th February 2013
Finished: Sleepover by Alastair Reynolds
This was a short story from an anthology I already own. However it was a great read and is another slant on the ever popular end of the world fiction genre. I actually find the premise of the story quite compelling & would love to read more about the artilect wars & the Realm!
Started: On the Map by Simon Garfield
A look at the history of cartography & how it has shaped our world!
This was a short story from an anthology I already own. However it was a great read and is another slant on the ever popular end of the world fiction genre. I actually find the premise of the story quite compelling & would love to read more about the artilect wars & the Realm!
Started: On the Map by Simon Garfield
A look at the history of cartography & how it has shaped our world!
Friday, 18 January 2013
Book Bloggin' 18th January 2013
Finished: Arc Light by Eric L Harry
I love the books of Eric L Harry. They are well written, well researched & it is so easy to become immersed in the story. You become invested in what is going to happen to the characters as they battle their way through life. Or in the case of this book, as they fight for their life.
Arc Light tells the story of the Third World War - a limited nuclear exchange followed by the invasion & conquering of Russia by the TEAMS alliance ( basically the NATO countries minus a few). It is brilliantly written and the descriptions of the various fights and explosions helps you to feel that you are right there, experiencing what the characters are doing.
Continuing: A Song of Fire & Ice by George RR Hamilton
I have a new Kindle so can go back to reading this! Yay!
I love the books of Eric L Harry. They are well written, well researched & it is so easy to become immersed in the story. You become invested in what is going to happen to the characters as they battle their way through life. Or in the case of this book, as they fight for their life.
Arc Light tells the story of the Third World War - a limited nuclear exchange followed by the invasion & conquering of Russia by the TEAMS alliance ( basically the NATO countries minus a few). It is brilliantly written and the descriptions of the various fights and explosions helps you to feel that you are right there, experiencing what the characters are doing.
Continuing: A Song of Fire & Ice by George RR Hamilton
I have a new Kindle so can go back to reading this! Yay!
Monday, 17 December 2012
Book Bloggin' 17th December 2012
Finished: Forecast by Chris Keith
This was an ok book. The storyline was solid & the characters well developed. It was rather predictable that just as all hope is lost, in ride some navy men to save the two remaining balloonists. It was an interesting concept though to have these people initially survive the nuclear war by riding in a space balloon.
Started: Beyond Armageddon Edited by Walter J Miller Jr & Martin H Greenburg.
A collection of a post apocalyptic short stories written mainly in the 40's, 50's & 60's. This is a revised edition.
This was an ok book. The storyline was solid & the characters well developed. It was rather predictable that just as all hope is lost, in ride some navy men to save the two remaining balloonists. It was an interesting concept though to have these people initially survive the nuclear war by riding in a space balloon.
Started: Beyond Armageddon Edited by Walter J Miller Jr & Martin H Greenburg.
A collection of a post apocalyptic short stories written mainly in the 40's, 50's & 60's. This is a revised edition.
Monday, 10 December 2012
Book Bloggin' 10th December 2012
Finished: Things Fall Apart.. by Fred Heiser
Overall the plot of this book is pretty solid. However, it could do with some editing & possibly a bit of a re-work. The lead characters are not in anyway survivalists nor are they hard core preppers. BUT they seem to know how to operate guns, build good defense and be self sufficient. While it is entirely plausible, the way in which the characters are developed just makes you question how they know all that stuff. Nor do I think that someone with so little experience could "single handedly take down a bikie gang".
Lucky for the author I like nuclear apocalyse stories...
Started: Forecast by Chris Keith
Some extreme altitude ballooners witness the end of the world via a nuclear apocalypse. An interesting way to watch the end of the planet to be sure.
Overall the plot of this book is pretty solid. However, it could do with some editing & possibly a bit of a re-work. The lead characters are not in anyway survivalists nor are they hard core preppers. BUT they seem to know how to operate guns, build good defense and be self sufficient. While it is entirely plausible, the way in which the characters are developed just makes you question how they know all that stuff. Nor do I think that someone with so little experience could "single handedly take down a bikie gang".
Lucky for the author I like nuclear apocalyse stories...
Started: Forecast by Chris Keith
Some extreme altitude ballooners witness the end of the world via a nuclear apocalypse. An interesting way to watch the end of the planet to be sure.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Book Bloggin' 6th December 2012
UPDATE: My kindle has died, so am unable to keep reading the epic Game of Thrones series for the time being. I could read it on my phone, but it would drain the phone too fast!
Started: Things Fall Apart by Fred Heiser
An apocalyptic thriller which I have previously read.. some bits are believable.. others.. well...
Started: Things Fall Apart by Fred Heiser
An apocalyptic thriller which I have previously read.. some bits are believable.. others.. well...
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Book Bloggin' 7th November 2012
Finished: Down to a Sunless Sea by David Graham
Written in the years of the oil crisis of the 1970's/early 80's this book paints a stark picture on just how fast things can fall apart. America is out of oil & with a completely worthless dollar. Yet the giant conglomerates refuse to see that it is their greed & short sightedness which is driving the collapse ever faster. America is left with no power, no food & starving populations just trying to get out. Cue that old Cold War foe USSR deciding now is the time to get revenge & 4 hours later, the earth is a radioactive wasteland. With the excepetion of one british plane carryng expat Americans & one Antinov carrying Russian woman & children.
I love that the author shows that rather then death mayhem & hatred between the 2 planes, there is a spirit of love & humanity. After all, after the end of the world, we are all just humans, not "British" or "Armenian" or wherever you had the good (or bad) luck to be born. The sooner people realise this fundamental truth, that we are all the same when you strip away nationality & religion & stop using these as an excuse to hate people well, the happier this world will be. Although, one point in this book which I think would be a great way to deal with criminals is to brand their foreheads. If they are multiple reoffenders, why not brand them set them free under rules of permanent exclusion from all amenities - jobs & food & dole and everything else, with stiff penalties for those who aid them. See how long they last then. Sometimes a deterent has to be harsh to help.
Started: King of Bombs by Sheldon Filger
Written in the years of the oil crisis of the 1970's/early 80's this book paints a stark picture on just how fast things can fall apart. America is out of oil & with a completely worthless dollar. Yet the giant conglomerates refuse to see that it is their greed & short sightedness which is driving the collapse ever faster. America is left with no power, no food & starving populations just trying to get out. Cue that old Cold War foe USSR deciding now is the time to get revenge & 4 hours later, the earth is a radioactive wasteland. With the excepetion of one british plane carryng expat Americans & one Antinov carrying Russian woman & children.
I love that the author shows that rather then death mayhem & hatred between the 2 planes, there is a spirit of love & humanity. After all, after the end of the world, we are all just humans, not "British" or "Armenian" or wherever you had the good (or bad) luck to be born. The sooner people realise this fundamental truth, that we are all the same when you strip away nationality & religion & stop using these as an excuse to hate people well, the happier this world will be. Although, one point in this book which I think would be a great way to deal with criminals is to brand their foreheads. If they are multiple reoffenders, why not brand them set them free under rules of permanent exclusion from all amenities - jobs & food & dole and everything else, with stiff penalties for those who aid them. See how long they last then. Sometimes a deterent has to be harsh to help.
Started: King of Bombs by Sheldon Filger
Monday, 5 November 2012
Book Bloggin' 5th November 2012
Finished: Underground by Andrew McGahan
Where to start? This is a brilliantly written book. And the reality is, it could so easily become fact. A world where Muslim ghettos abound, where America conspires to create a city so that the powermongers can meet & plot the fate of humanity in peace. All helped by a megalomaniac Prime Minister.
The reality is, instability creates jobs. What would all those soldiers be doing if there were no wars to fight? What would all the arms manufacturers, the secondary suppliers of the war machine do? It's a sad fact that wars are a profitable business. And if people die, well, thats just an unfortunate side effect.
Andrew McGahan has created a world that is truely scary to behold, but all too easy to imagine being real. But it is one where the main character is well rendered & the satirical way in which he deals with events makes this a really great read.
Started: Down to a Sunless Sea by David Graham
OK, so by now you can tell I am on a post apocalyptic run at the moment. This is a classic. And could still happen so easily today!
Where to start? This is a brilliantly written book. And the reality is, it could so easily become fact. A world where Muslim ghettos abound, where America conspires to create a city so that the powermongers can meet & plot the fate of humanity in peace. All helped by a megalomaniac Prime Minister.
The reality is, instability creates jobs. What would all those soldiers be doing if there were no wars to fight? What would all the arms manufacturers, the secondary suppliers of the war machine do? It's a sad fact that wars are a profitable business. And if people die, well, thats just an unfortunate side effect.
Andrew McGahan has created a world that is truely scary to behold, but all too easy to imagine being real. But it is one where the main character is well rendered & the satirical way in which he deals with events makes this a really great read.
Started: Down to a Sunless Sea by David Graham
OK, so by now you can tell I am on a post apocalyptic run at the moment. This is a classic. And could still happen so easily today!
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Book Bloggin' 3rd November 2012
Finished: Bangs & Whimpers
There are some really great stories in this book. If you can find a copy, I highly recommend it!
Started: Underground by Andrew McGahan
An Australian take on the "war on terrorism"... once again a re-read, but this is just such a satirical look at things.
There are some really great stories in this book. If you can find a copy, I highly recommend it!
Started: Underground by Andrew McGahan
An Australian take on the "war on terrorism"... once again a re-read, but this is just such a satirical look at things.
Monday, 15 October 2012
Book Bloggin' 15th October 2012
Finished: Earth, The new Frontier by Adam Celaya
I love EOW books. I have a massive collection, both books & Kindle verions. Nothing smacks of entertainment better then a bunch of people being stuck in a situation they are thoroughly unprepared for. Well except for the token survivalist/ex-military man whose goon save their sorry asses that is. This book has one of each. And as an added bonus a bunch of weekend warriors/prison guards who think the best prisoner is a dead prisoner. My kind of people. I am pretty sure a bullet is cheaper then keeping someone housed, fed & entertained for however long they are gonna be banged up. Harsh? Yeah, but then I don't pay taxes to support criminals! And I am pretty sure that those self same criminals din't give a rats ass when they wereraping/murdering/stealing from their victim now did they? If they choose to not have a moral compass &/or respect for their fellow man, why should I give that to them?? Gotta give respect to earn it in my book.
Anyhoo.. enough of my personal ramblings.. this book is awesome, if you are a fan of EOW (courtesy of a massive metoer hitting and obliterating the moon) READ THIS. Great editing & great story line. Self published, but done in the correct way, not the cheap ass way!
Started: The Rift by Walter J Williams
Massive earthquake hits the New Madrid Fault!! Can you tell I am on a disaster bent at the moment?
I love EOW books. I have a massive collection, both books & Kindle verions. Nothing smacks of entertainment better then a bunch of people being stuck in a situation they are thoroughly unprepared for. Well except for the token survivalist/ex-military man whose goon save their sorry asses that is. This book has one of each. And as an added bonus a bunch of weekend warriors/prison guards who think the best prisoner is a dead prisoner. My kind of people. I am pretty sure a bullet is cheaper then keeping someone housed, fed & entertained for however long they are gonna be banged up. Harsh? Yeah, but then I don't pay taxes to support criminals! And I am pretty sure that those self same criminals din't give a rats ass when they wereraping/murdering/stealing from their victim now did they? If they choose to not have a moral compass &/or respect for their fellow man, why should I give that to them?? Gotta give respect to earn it in my book.
Anyhoo.. enough of my personal ramblings.. this book is awesome, if you are a fan of EOW (courtesy of a massive metoer hitting and obliterating the moon) READ THIS. Great editing & great story line. Self published, but done in the correct way, not the cheap ass way!
Started: The Rift by Walter J Williams
Massive earthquake hits the New Madrid Fault!! Can you tell I am on a disaster bent at the moment?
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