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.
Showing posts with label John Birmingham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Birmingham. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
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
Book Bloggin' 6th Feb 2013
Finished: A Song of Ice & Fire by George RR Martin
I finished!! So I'm 2/5ths of the way through the thus far published saga. The plot continues to build towards the ultimate confrontation between the old ways - the Targaryens and the new - the Lannisters, the Starks and those of Westeros who fight for supremacy. I can't help feel that all of this though, is just the prelude to the real story which is the fight between those of the south of the wall & those of the north - the army led by Mance Rayder. At this point beyond the teasers involving Jon Snow, I can't guess at how that will tie in with the warring between the Seven Kindoms of Westeros.
GRRH writes massive tomes. They span but a short period of time in the history of Westeros, but the detail is just stunning. I do find it hard thought to follow all the little sub plots which may or may not affect the overall ending of this series so I am tending to try to just keep (or at least attempt to) the major plot straight while trying to figure out who fits where.
I should add I have started watching the series on DVD and am finding it useful to help build the associations and the character development as well as the plot development. The producers writers and actors have stayed true to the books I think in such a way as they compliment each other well. I can sense that the input of GRRH is quite strong which is helping to keep the TV series true to the books.
Started: A Captain of the Gate by John Birmingham
Can't remember what this is about but its only very short (324 locs vs over 81000 for the Song series!).
Should also mention while I had no Kindle & I was using my phone:
Started & Finished: Booker T: From Prison to Promise by Booker T Huffman
I found this a really interesting read. It's all about Book T Huffman wrestling superstar and his journey to the point at which he joined WWE (then WWF). His life could so easily have gone the other way, but instead, the voice of his mother helped him to change the direction of his life & turn his life into something so much more positive & inspiring. Well worth the read even if you aren't a wrestling fan.
I finished!! So I'm 2/5ths of the way through the thus far published saga. The plot continues to build towards the ultimate confrontation between the old ways - the Targaryens and the new - the Lannisters, the Starks and those of Westeros who fight for supremacy. I can't help feel that all of this though, is just the prelude to the real story which is the fight between those of the south of the wall & those of the north - the army led by Mance Rayder. At this point beyond the teasers involving Jon Snow, I can't guess at how that will tie in with the warring between the Seven Kindoms of Westeros.
GRRH writes massive tomes. They span but a short period of time in the history of Westeros, but the detail is just stunning. I do find it hard thought to follow all the little sub plots which may or may not affect the overall ending of this series so I am tending to try to just keep (or at least attempt to) the major plot straight while trying to figure out who fits where.
I should add I have started watching the series on DVD and am finding it useful to help build the associations and the character development as well as the plot development. The producers writers and actors have stayed true to the books I think in such a way as they compliment each other well. I can sense that the input of GRRH is quite strong which is helping to keep the TV series true to the books.
Started: A Captain of the Gate by John Birmingham
Can't remember what this is about but its only very short (324 locs vs over 81000 for the Song series!).
Should also mention while I had no Kindle & I was using my phone:
Started & Finished: Booker T: From Prison to Promise by Booker T Huffman
I found this a really interesting read. It's all about Book T Huffman wrestling superstar and his journey to the point at which he joined WWE (then WWF). His life could so easily have gone the other way, but instead, the voice of his mother helped him to change the direction of his life & turn his life into something so much more positive & inspiring. Well worth the read even if you aren't a wrestling fan.
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, 28 November 2012
Movie Bloggin' 28th November 2012
Movie: The Final Countdown (1980) Starring Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas
This movie showed alot of promise. If you could get past the really corny special effects as the Nimitz travelled back in time that is.
The premise for this movie is very similar to the books written by John Birmingham, where a US ship is transported back in time to a point in WW2. In this case, the day before Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. And it was at this point that things went pear shaped.
It could have been an amazing study of what happens when you mess with time. But sadly, just as things looked to get interesting, the "storm" reappeared, chased down the Nimitz & sucked them back to the present.
I think they should make a movie version of the John Birmingham books, because now, I just want to see what it would look like with all those awesome CGI special effects. Not to mention it may offest some of the disappointment I felt at the end of this movie!!
This movie showed alot of promise. If you could get past the really corny special effects as the Nimitz travelled back in time that is.
The premise for this movie is very similar to the books written by John Birmingham, where a US ship is transported back in time to a point in WW2. In this case, the day before Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. And it was at this point that things went pear shaped.
It could have been an amazing study of what happens when you mess with time. But sadly, just as things looked to get interesting, the "storm" reappeared, chased down the Nimitz & sucked them back to the present.
I think they should make a movie version of the John Birmingham books, because now, I just want to see what it would look like with all those awesome CGI special effects. Not to mention it may offest some of the disappointment I felt at the end of this movie!!
Friday, 13 April 2012
Book Bloggin' 10th April 2012
Finished: Angels of Venegance by John Birmingham
Enjoyed this final of the trilogy. All those little strings were tied together in a neat little bow. Do I sound cynical much? Yes, but only in so much as I think the realism of this book/series was let down by everything being so neatly "worked out for the best". And thats as much of a spoiler as I will give.
Started: Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
Thus begins the reading of the "Charlie Parker" series..
Enjoyed this final of the trilogy. All those little strings were tied together in a neat little bow. Do I sound cynical much? Yes, but only in so much as I think the realism of this book/series was let down by everything being so neatly "worked out for the best". And thats as much of a spoiler as I will give.
Started: Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
Thus begins the reading of the "Charlie Parker" series..
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Book Bloggin' 28th March 2012
Finished: After America by John Birmingham
I sort of rushed my way through this book as I was really keen to start reading the last installment in this trilogy. However, once again, the realism with which John Birmingham has portrayed the collapse of the world economy into the void which a "disappeared" America had fallen. He not only looks at the the bigger picture, but also the smaller issues associated with trying to salvage a world which has radically changed.
Started: Angels of Vengeance by John Birmingham
How will it end?? Will President Kipper be successful? Will Caitlin Monroe get her target? I am off to find out!
I sort of rushed my way through this book as I was really keen to start reading the last installment in this trilogy. However, once again, the realism with which John Birmingham has portrayed the collapse of the world economy into the void which a "disappeared" America had fallen. He not only looks at the the bigger picture, but also the smaller issues associated with trying to salvage a world which has radically changed.
Started: Angels of Vengeance by John Birmingham
How will it end?? Will President Kipper be successful? Will Caitlin Monroe get her target? I am off to find out!
Monday, 19 March 2012
Book Bloggin' 18th March 2012
Finished: Without Warning by John Birmingham
This book was as good the second time around, as it was the first! I find the premise very interesting & I think the way that things deteriorate, after "The Wave" engulfs the entire North American Continent, with the exception of a small section of Washington state, is probably spot on. Things will fall apart. Israel probably will turn the Middle East into a radioactive slag heap, if only to prevent themselves from being turned into one. And as for the mminority of radical muslims & other religions? Well I think how things are portrayed is how they will go down.. or at least in a very similar way. Sad, but true.. extremely scary too. A good what if of the likely results of what happens if the "World's Policeman" aren't around to enforce the Pax americana era..
Started: After America by John Birmingham
The second book, which follows on where the first left off.. another re-read.
This book was as good the second time around, as it was the first! I find the premise very interesting & I think the way that things deteriorate, after "The Wave" engulfs the entire North American Continent, with the exception of a small section of Washington state, is probably spot on. Things will fall apart. Israel probably will turn the Middle East into a radioactive slag heap, if only to prevent themselves from being turned into one. And as for the mminority of radical muslims & other religions? Well I think how things are portrayed is how they will go down.. or at least in a very similar way. Sad, but true.. extremely scary too. A good what if of the likely results of what happens if the "World's Policeman" aren't around to enforce the Pax americana era..
Started: After America by John Birmingham
The second book, which follows on where the first left off.. another re-read.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Book Bloggin' 8th March 2012
Finished: Life, Without the Boring Bits by Colleen McCullough
I loved this book. It was so nice to be able to get an insight into how one of my favorite author's formulates thoughts. The way that the essays were all written showed the flow of her thinking, random or otherwise. Rather then being a strict autobiography, it rather addresses different aspects of her own life, as well as wider considerations from religion, to the concept of time. Awesome!
Started: Without Warning by John Birmingham
Re-read, so I can read the new installment of this series. I classify this as post- apocalyptic simply because, to me, it is.
I loved this book. It was so nice to be able to get an insight into how one of my favorite author's formulates thoughts. The way that the essays were all written showed the flow of her thinking, random or otherwise. Rather then being a strict autobiography, it rather addresses different aspects of her own life, as well as wider considerations from religion, to the concept of time. Awesome!
Started: Without Warning by John Birmingham
Re-read, so I can read the new installment of this series. I classify this as post- apocalyptic simply because, to me, it is.
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