Finished: Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
This book was great... but.. actually, no there isn't a but. The mystery is solved of how Bosch's daughter came to live with him (& her mum died). And actually, on reading that particular point of the book, I came away thinking, wait, what? I actually had to re-read it as it all happened so fast. Still, a great read. I have now offically read all the published books by Michael Connelly (& own them all!!), so have to wait for the next one which is duw out in November!
Started & Finished: Mullholland Dive by Michael Connelly
An e-book of 3 short stories. I love these little stories, they always have an awesome twist that you don't see coming!
Started: Softly Grow the Poppies by Audrey Howard
I bought this as a Kindle book. It cost me $12.82 off Amazon(price set by the publisher). It's a total f*ing rip off. The lines ARE DOUBLE SPACED to make the book seem longer. Now here's something for publishers to take note of. An e-book does not cost you $12.82/copy to keep & distribute as a LOAN. Yes, thats right, this is only a loaner. You never own the rights to digital books(or music)[see my earlier blog re: Bruce WIllis's battle to own his ITunes collection]. So to charge that much is just a bit rich if you'll pardon the pun. It's capitialism gone crazy.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Book Bloggin' 1st October 2012
Finished: The Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson
Is it bad to say that I am glad I only bought the Kindle edition rather then the hard copy of this book? Cause it's true. I loved Patrick Robinson for YEARS. I used to be hanging out for the next edition to come out. But then the last few came out.. and I was feeling a bit blase about it all. Then I read this one. It's like he is just as over writing these books as I am with reading them. It was trite drivel which unfortunately could have been written sooo much better. I don't know too many "desert dwelling Somalians" who earn enough money to send their kids to Harvard. Most of the Somalians I have known (& I know a few) were so dirt poor & down trodden thanks to the endless civil war that they could barely send their kids to a public school here (and that's free!). But you know, reading fiction requires a suspension of reality. And normally I am awesome at that. However, the constantly changing & rapidly improving education levels of the pirates as well as a shameless plug for his non-fiction book (which by the way was a well wriiten book), just left me wanting it to be over. And it was. All the action essentially took place in the last few pages of the books. And it was disappointing - SEALS (Delta team) come in & smash the shit out of hapless pirates. Yay. Not. I have lots of respect for SEALS, SAS & SASR.. but my goodness, this was just pathetic. He took chunks out of all the other books about their training, which was just boring because I have read it all before.. A LOT. More action was what was required. I'm done. I could go on for days, but not this time.
Started: Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
Only book of MC's I haven't yet read!
Is it bad to say that I am glad I only bought the Kindle edition rather then the hard copy of this book? Cause it's true. I loved Patrick Robinson for YEARS. I used to be hanging out for the next edition to come out. But then the last few came out.. and I was feeling a bit blase about it all. Then I read this one. It's like he is just as over writing these books as I am with reading them. It was trite drivel which unfortunately could have been written sooo much better. I don't know too many "desert dwelling Somalians" who earn enough money to send their kids to Harvard. Most of the Somalians I have known (& I know a few) were so dirt poor & down trodden thanks to the endless civil war that they could barely send their kids to a public school here (and that's free!). But you know, reading fiction requires a suspension of reality. And normally I am awesome at that. However, the constantly changing & rapidly improving education levels of the pirates as well as a shameless plug for his non-fiction book (which by the way was a well wriiten book), just left me wanting it to be over. And it was. All the action essentially took place in the last few pages of the books. And it was disappointing - SEALS (Delta team) come in & smash the shit out of hapless pirates. Yay. Not. I have lots of respect for SEALS, SAS & SASR.. but my goodness, this was just pathetic. He took chunks out of all the other books about their training, which was just boring because I have read it all before.. A LOT. More action was what was required. I'm done. I could go on for days, but not this time.
Started: Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
Only book of MC's I haven't yet read!
Monday, 24 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 24th September 2012
Finshed: The Wrath of Angels by John Connelly
Oh I was holding out high hopes for this book. I thought, FINALLY I am going to get a bigger peek at who Charlie Parker IS. Or what he really is. But sadly, it was not to be. While I really enjoyed this book, I was holding big hopes for what had been built up in the previous book. It just didn't happen. In some ways, it was like this book was written by someone else who had only a glancing knowledge of exactly what John Connelly had been building up. Rather disappointing really. Especially as the wave had been peaking with The Burning Soul in a way that announced "in the next book, you will find out WHO Charlie Parker really is". And quite a few early reviews of this book also hinted at that. But it just didn't happen. I can only hope that in the next installment we get the promised insight into Charlie Parker, because in all honesty, I really don't know how much more this can be dragged out. The truth has to be revealed.. and soon! I don't think that revealing who Charlie Parker is will in any way detract from these stories, I think rather, it will enhance them. Bring it on!
Started: The Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson
I haven't read an Patrick Robinson for a long time. I have all his books, but they had become a bit too repetitive for my liking. However, I decided that I would give this one a crack as I could get it on Kindle a lot cheaper then I can as a paperback. We shall see how it turns out.
UPDATE: I was perusing Kindle books in search of a book to read & have discovered that Amazon now puts a disclaimer on most Kindle books (ie the hideously expensive ones!): "Price set by the publisher". What a copout. And further proof of corporate greed. Did you know that under the terms of Kindle (and Apple as another example) purchase agreements, you don't actually "own" the books/music/movies that you "buy"? No, you don't! You only borrow them on an extended loan basis. If you don't believe me, have a look at the legal battle that Bruce Willis is currently having with Apple in order to be able to leave his vast iTunes collection to his kids. If he wins, it will have vast ramifications for all digital retailers and for all the consumers out there.
Oh I was holding out high hopes for this book. I thought, FINALLY I am going to get a bigger peek at who Charlie Parker IS. Or what he really is. But sadly, it was not to be. While I really enjoyed this book, I was holding big hopes for what had been built up in the previous book. It just didn't happen. In some ways, it was like this book was written by someone else who had only a glancing knowledge of exactly what John Connelly had been building up. Rather disappointing really. Especially as the wave had been peaking with The Burning Soul in a way that announced "in the next book, you will find out WHO Charlie Parker really is". And quite a few early reviews of this book also hinted at that. But it just didn't happen. I can only hope that in the next installment we get the promised insight into Charlie Parker, because in all honesty, I really don't know how much more this can be dragged out. The truth has to be revealed.. and soon! I don't think that revealing who Charlie Parker is will in any way detract from these stories, I think rather, it will enhance them. Bring it on!
Started: The Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson
I haven't read an Patrick Robinson for a long time. I have all his books, but they had become a bit too repetitive for my liking. However, I decided that I would give this one a crack as I could get it on Kindle a lot cheaper then I can as a paperback. We shall see how it turns out.
UPDATE: I was perusing Kindle books in search of a book to read & have discovered that Amazon now puts a disclaimer on most Kindle books (ie the hideously expensive ones!): "Price set by the publisher". What a copout. And further proof of corporate greed. Did you know that under the terms of Kindle (and Apple as another example) purchase agreements, you don't actually "own" the books/music/movies that you "buy"? No, you don't! You only borrow them on an extended loan basis. If you don't believe me, have a look at the legal battle that Bruce Willis is currently having with Apple in order to be able to leave his vast iTunes collection to his kids. If he wins, it will have vast ramifications for all digital retailers and for all the consumers out there.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 17th September 2012
Finished: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
I enjoyed this book. Was nice to read a non Bosch book, however, having said that, I missed the way Bosch thinks & speaks. He's so clinical in a police way, if that makes any sense. The way that Jack approached things & the way Bosch does are very different. And so Michael Connelly is able to make his characters different. Which is a fantastic skill. So often, when authors write within the same genre, the charcters seem to turn into cardboard cutouts(and this is the case with another author, who I can no longer read, as her books are so formulaic and cardboard cutout - despite varying seetings, that I can predict the ending and who will end up doing what within the first chapter. Add to that, most of the characters are completely one dimensional). With Michael Connelly, thankfully, that is not the case. The books are so well written, that it seems as though you are actually reading about their lives, rather then a fiction book. Add to this, I love the way he weaves the characters together. Characters that appear in Harry Bosch books get their own books, as is the case with this book. Love, love, love it.
Started: The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
I wasn't expecting this to be out for a while, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it at my local Dymocks! YAY!
I enjoyed this book. Was nice to read a non Bosch book, however, having said that, I missed the way Bosch thinks & speaks. He's so clinical in a police way, if that makes any sense. The way that Jack approached things & the way Bosch does are very different. And so Michael Connelly is able to make his characters different. Which is a fantastic skill. So often, when authors write within the same genre, the charcters seem to turn into cardboard cutouts(and this is the case with another author, who I can no longer read, as her books are so formulaic and cardboard cutout - despite varying seetings, that I can predict the ending and who will end up doing what within the first chapter. Add to that, most of the characters are completely one dimensional). With Michael Connelly, thankfully, that is not the case. The books are so well written, that it seems as though you are actually reading about their lives, rather then a fiction book. Add to this, I love the way he weaves the characters together. Characters that appear in Harry Bosch books get their own books, as is the case with this book. Love, love, love it.
Started: The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
I wasn't expecting this to be out for a while, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it at my local Dymocks! YAY!
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 11th September 2012
Finished: The Bunker Book 2: Indiana by EJ Camacho
Hmmm... thanksfully the gayness was somewhat toned down in this book, but not by much. The level of believability was also... low. It's like there is no indecision when they come across other people/groups. Basically they are all "for" the bunker group, in which case they are immediately and without question accepted and trusted fully. As if. There's no hidden agenda's, no subterfuge. Makes it kinda boring as you can see your enemies coming a continent away.
Throw in "Mother" and it just turns bizarre. Clearly all that radiation has caused everyone NOT in the bunker to go completely gaga.
Oh & a little not to the author.. learn the difference between there, their & they're PLEASE!! They're is a contraction of they are & is not to be used where their should be used instead! It just makes for confusing reading!!!
So will I be reading the third book? Undecided. Part of me wants to know what happens, but then its all so batshit boringly predictable that I don't really want to waste my time (or my money!!!) finding out what I can already guess!
Started: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
A non-Bosch novel..
Hmmm... thanksfully the gayness was somewhat toned down in this book, but not by much. The level of believability was also... low. It's like there is no indecision when they come across other people/groups. Basically they are all "for" the bunker group, in which case they are immediately and without question accepted and trusted fully. As if. There's no hidden agenda's, no subterfuge. Makes it kinda boring as you can see your enemies coming a continent away.
Throw in "Mother" and it just turns bizarre. Clearly all that radiation has caused everyone NOT in the bunker to go completely gaga.
Oh & a little not to the author.. learn the difference between there, their & they're PLEASE!! They're is a contraction of they are & is not to be used where their should be used instead! It just makes for confusing reading!!!
So will I be reading the third book? Undecided. Part of me wants to know what happens, but then its all so batshit boringly predictable that I don't really want to waste my time (or my money!!!) finding out what I can already guess!
Started: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
A non-Bosch novel..
Monday, 10 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 10th September 2012
Finished: War Brides by Helen Bryan
I loved this book! It was so well written & the characters just dragged you into their lives. The plot was well constructed & the lovely twist at the end tied up all the questions you had very nicely. I highly recommend this book!!!
Started: The Bunker, Book 2 - Indiana by EJ Camacho
So despite not really liking the first of this trilogy, I am persevering with the second. I've already started in fact & already the stilted writing, the forced nature of the script is doing my head in!
I loved this book! It was so well written & the characters just dragged you into their lives. The plot was well constructed & the lovely twist at the end tied up all the questions you had very nicely. I highly recommend this book!!!
Started: The Bunker, Book 2 - Indiana by EJ Camacho
So despite not really liking the first of this trilogy, I am persevering with the second. I've already started in fact & already the stilted writing, the forced nature of the script is doing my head in!
Monday, 3 September 2012
Book Bloggin' 3rd September 2012
Finished: The Bunker Book 1 by EJ Camacho
It's the end of the world as we know it thanks to a giant corporation called Genro deciding they can run the world better then the current incumbant governments. Cue nuclear destruction and Genro trying to recover & carry out thier plans. Their militant wing "Hydra" are clearly all GAY. They fight, train & KILL naked. Yep. Naked. The next breed of "super warriors" are all butt buddies. Apparently because it was good for the Greeks, who felt women were only around for "breeding on" it's good for Hydra.
This book was a seriously disturbing read on so many levels. Firstly the entire book/conversations/description was stilted and forced. The author has clearly never heard or embraced the term "less is more". It felt like he was trying to cover deficiencies in his ability by using word overkill. I say word overkill because he could have made this book half the length and far more enjoyable. A good place to start? The gay naked Hydra. I mean seriously, you gonna take the time to strip naked & fold your clothes before a fight? And the other guy is just going to wait while you do? YOU'RE DEAD FREAK. See thats just another level of disturbing, cause no warrior I know would take the time to get naked & ask his opponent to play nice & not KICK HIS ARSE while he does it.
The gore I think could have been modified. He either went too far or not far enough. He needed to find the happy (pun intended) middle ground. Sadly he failed. Every time.
Now this is the first of a trilogy. I bought the first 2 only on readers reviews which sounded generally favourable. But seriously. I will be struggling to get through. I will go on faith that the second book is better written. And if it's not.. I won't be going back for the third (which is currently unreleased!).
Started: War Brides by Helen Bryan
Another Kindle book.. let's see how this one goes.....
It's the end of the world as we know it thanks to a giant corporation called Genro deciding they can run the world better then the current incumbant governments. Cue nuclear destruction and Genro trying to recover & carry out thier plans. Their militant wing "Hydra" are clearly all GAY. They fight, train & KILL naked. Yep. Naked. The next breed of "super warriors" are all butt buddies. Apparently because it was good for the Greeks, who felt women were only around for "breeding on" it's good for Hydra.
This book was a seriously disturbing read on so many levels. Firstly the entire book/conversations/description was stilted and forced. The author has clearly never heard or embraced the term "less is more". It felt like he was trying to cover deficiencies in his ability by using word overkill. I say word overkill because he could have made this book half the length and far more enjoyable. A good place to start? The gay naked Hydra. I mean seriously, you gonna take the time to strip naked & fold your clothes before a fight? And the other guy is just going to wait while you do? YOU'RE DEAD FREAK. See thats just another level of disturbing, cause no warrior I know would take the time to get naked & ask his opponent to play nice & not KICK HIS ARSE while he does it.
The gore I think could have been modified. He either went too far or not far enough. He needed to find the happy (pun intended) middle ground. Sadly he failed. Every time.
Now this is the first of a trilogy. I bought the first 2 only on readers reviews which sounded generally favourable. But seriously. I will be struggling to get through. I will go on faith that the second book is better written. And if it's not.. I won't be going back for the third (which is currently unreleased!).
Started: War Brides by Helen Bryan
Another Kindle book.. let's see how this one goes.....
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