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Summer Reading – 2010

22 Friday Oct 2010

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It’s been a busy summer of devouring books as fast as I can; so fast that I couldn’t get a review written of each of them. So, instead, here’s a rapid fire list of what rocked and what was as dull as a rock.
Books that Rocked:

Outliers: The Story Of Success – Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell is always an interesting read. His ability to find connections in places where they aren’t expected is uncanny.  In Outliers, you will learn that where and when we are born have a large influence on our future.

 

 

 

 

Time to Hunt – Stephen Hunter
I’ve read a few of the Bob Lee Swagger novels, and this one is the best so far.  Go back in time to Bob’s harrowing escapades in Vietnam, and learn why they call him “The Hammer”.

 

 

 

 

The Dresden Files

  • Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, Book 6) – Jim Butcher
  • Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, book 7) – Jim Butcher
  • Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8 ) – Jim Butcher
  • White Night (The Dresden Files, Book 9) – Jim Butcher
  • Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10) – Jim Butcher
  • Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, Book 11) – Jim Butcher

Yup, it’s been a summer of Jim Butcher. I’m not surprised. Harry Dresden is a perfect lead character. He’s filled with doubt and weaknesses, but always has enough steely resolve and powerful magic to pull himself out of the tightest places.  Each book is better than the last, and I can only hope that Butcher keeps kicking them out.

 

The Night Angel Trilogy

  • The Way of Shadows (The Night Angel Trilogy) – Brent Weeks
  • Shadow’s Edge (Night Angel Trilogy) – Brent Weeks
  • Beyond the Shadows – Brent Weeks

The Night Angel Trilogy was an interesting fantasy series. It focused on a young boy who wants to escape his danger our and hopeless life as an orphan.  He gets himself apprenticed to the greatest assassin of the land and ends up having a drastic influence on the world while defeating a great evil.  Yup, that sounds like just about every fantasy series out there.  Great characters and interesting plot twists make this a worthwhile read.

 
The First Law

  • The Blade Itself (The First Law: Book One) – Joe Abercrombie
  • Before They Are Hanged (The First Law: Book Two) – Joe Abercrombie
  • Last Argument of Kings (First Law: Book Three) – Joe Abercrombie

Other than the Butcher books, this was my favorite series of the summer.  The story was full of intrigue and plotting, but what was interesting is that for all the machinations of man, there was a handful of demi-gods running around pulling the strings that no one really believed in.  Couple that with a half dozen morally gray heroes and heroines and you’ve got a formula for a great read.  Each chapter switches to a different hero’s perspective, and Abercrombie was able to make it so you instantly know which character you are with.

 
The State of the Union – Brad Thor
An interesting thriller that explores what would happen if Russia was playing possum and only pretended to lose the Cold War.  Think Tom Clancy crossed with Dan Brown.

 

 

 

 

As interesting as rocks

Daemons are Forever (Secret Histories, Book 2) – Simon R. Green
Loved the first book for its sheer volume of fantastical creatues.  The follow up fell flat for me.

The Orc King: Transitions, Book I – R.A. Salvatore
Salvatore has dozens of great books starring the dark elf, Drizzt Do’urden.  As he has progressed, the books have taken on a morally preachy timbre. I love the action, but could do without the sermons.

Agincourt: A Novel – Bernard Cornwell
A book about my favorite historical battle?  Count me in.  I can’t remember now why this was bad or good, and I guess that’s enough to say about it. However, Cornwell typically hits the mark and I would not hesitate to recommend him.

The Red Wolf Conspiracy – Robert V. S. Redick
The whole book takes place on a boat.  There’s some interesting characters, but I didn’t really get into it.

Sharpe’s Trafalgar: Richard Sharpe & the Battle of Trafalgar, October 21, 1805 (Richard Sharpe’s Adventure Series #4) – Bernard Cornwell
I really enjoy the Sharpe series, and I’m going to keep reading them. This book wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t that great either.

Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt: A Novel of the Twentieth Legion During the Rebellion of Sacrovir and Florus – James Mace
I really wanted to like this series, but it is entirely too dry for me.  I guess I’ll find a different Roman era series to read.

That’s 21 books read since March, not too shabby. Luckily, most of them have been good, including 3 series: The Night Angel Trilogy, The First Law, and The Dresden Files. Get some!

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Review of The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

06 Tuesday Apr 2010

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A lot was expected of Dan Brown in this third book with his symbologist hero, Robert Langdon. The Da Vinci Code was a worldwide phenomenon and religious fire-starter. I’ve read it numerous times and think it’s great. Angels and Demons, which came before Da Vinci Code, was a great book as well. I’ve read his other books and enjoyed them all.

So, how well did Brown follow up on his success? Financially, I’m sure he did very well. In literary terms, not nearly as well. I’m not going to rag on Brown for it. It’s tough to keep mining the same formula and continue to come up with hits every year. Just ask EA Sports with their Madden football franchise. They’ve been kicking out the same game every year for decades. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but it’s typically entertaining and people eat it up. Brown’s book was entertaining, but it wasn’t good.

Let’s break down the formula Brown has used in his Langdon books. Then you’ll know what to expect from the Lost Symbol.

Smart professor knowledgeable in ancient symbols and history (sp)
+
Mysterious artifact (a)
+
Mysterious assassin with some sort of malady (ma)
+
Even more mysterious person pulling the assassins strings (ol)
+
Short chapters that make you want to turn the page (pt)
–
Character development (cd)
–
Intricate plots (ip)
*
Interesting locations and better –than-a-tour-guide knowledge of the location (t)
/
Dramatic reveal at the end of the book that you probably saw coming (r)
=
Bestseller (b)

Let’s clean that formula up, so other aspiring authors can use it.
(((sp + a + ma + ol) – (cd + ip)) * t) / r = b

Rating: 3 out of 5 (What’s This?)

Read on my Kindle. See my Kindle review.

Purchase this book at Amazon.com

Review of Sharpe’s Fortress by Bernard Cornwell

30 Tuesday Mar 2010

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Sharpe’s Fortress is the third (historically) of the Richard Sharpe series, and last of the Sharpe India trilogy, by English author Bernard Cornwell. It tells the story of ensign Sharpe, during the battle of Argaum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argaum) and the following siege of the Fortress of Gawilghur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gawilghur) in 1803.

At the end of the previous Sharpe novel, Sharpe saved General Wellesley’s life, and was promoted up from the ranks to become an Ensign, a low ranking officer, in the army. Sharpe soon finds that his dream of being an officer is more like a nightmare. The officers don’t like him because he isn’t a noble, and Sharpe is set to demeaning tasks like making sure the men don’t run during a battle and escorting the supply train.

It isn’t Richard’s idea of fun, and he soon finds that he is being asked to sell his commission or move on somewhere else. He leaves the company he is attached to, only to find himself faced with his old enemy, Obadiah Hakeswill. The evil sergeant has it out for Sharpe, and his treachery leads Sharpe on a vengeful mission, and straight into a horrifying siege.

The third book in the Sharpe series is to the point, historically accurate, and a lot of fun to read. Lucky for me, there’s another 18 books or so. I’ll be reading the next one soon.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (What’s This?)

Buy it at Amazon!

Death Mask by Jim Butcher

23 Tuesday Mar 2010

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If you’ve read any of the past reviews on this website, you’ll know that I’ve become a big fan of Jim Butcher’s work. He has great plots, interesting characters, magic, humor, and interesting fight scenes. Death Mask, the fifth book in the Dresden Files series, is no different.

I read this book in about 7 hours, all in one lazy Saturday. I imagine that’s a great testament to the book all on its own. Do you need to hear about the death duel with a Vampire Warlord, fights against Fallen Angels, or a return of Dresden’s former lover who now has the strength and abilities of a Vampire?

Probably, you don’t need all that. If you’ve read a Dresden file book before, you know what to expect. Harry Dresden is going to have a very bad dad. Unimaginable horrors will assail him and his small band of faithful friends from all sides. Humanity will be unaware of the danger, and ungrateful for the help. In the end, right when it seems darkest, Harry will find a way through.

It’s pretty much the same. But the characters, the bad guys, and the settings are so much fun, it almost doesn’t matter.

Rating 3 out of 5 (What’s This?)

Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield

23 Tuesday Feb 2010

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Gates of Fire by this same author is one of my all time favorites. If I read it again soon, it will receive the coveted five star status. Killing Rommel will not get five stars, but it’s better than I thought it would be, and that’s a huge plus for Pressfield.

In this instance, I did Judge a Book by its cover. Or rather, by its cover price. I don’t know what’s going on in the world of publishing, but to expect me to be happy with paying $15 for an oversized paperback version of a short book is insane. I was upset by this that I purposely didn’t buy the book for a long time as my own little personal boycott. The only reason I ended up with it is because I forgot to take it off my Amazon wishlist and I received it for Christmas.

So, I began the book on a very sour note. The story started out a little slow for me, but picked up gear as the main character, “Chap” joins the Long Range Desert Group on a mission to kill the German General in North Africa, Erwin Rommel. The story takes many twists and turn. The description of the loneliness of the desert really rings through, especially interspersed with chaotic gunfights and repetitive manual labor, and a chronic shortage of supplies.

I was too often confused by the names of secondary characters and locations in the desert, but wasn’t too interested in keeping track of them. They all seemed ancillary to the story. As for the story itself, I wasn’t sold on it until the last twenty pages. The conclusion was top notch and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you can find this story at the library or borrow it from a friend, definitely do so. Otherwise, consider getting a Kindle so you can put an end to the ridiculous new paperback sizes and their oversized prices.

Rating: 3 out of 5  (What’s This?)

Alexander: The Ends of the Earth by Valerio Massimo Manfredi

09 Tuesday Feb 2010

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The final book in the praised series by Manfredi was not as bad as the second book in the series. I am sure this book suffers from loss in translation. There are things that should be joshing between friends or emotional scenes that should elicit a strong response from the reader, but for me, it fell flat.

I was happy to see the trilogy through to the end. The story of Alexander is one that demands as many retellings as we are willing to give it. Manfredi does an excellent job of showing us the locales, people, and battles that were involved in the campaigns, as well as the tension between Alexander and his army the farther they moved from home.

For me, Manfredi’s books are interesting, but not great. I will continue my search for the penultimate Alexander book.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (What’s This?)

Heaven’s Net is Wide by Lian Hearn

02 Tuesday Feb 2010

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I was disappointed with the tales of the Otori, as I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of Hearn’s work. How can a book about an alternate Feudal Japan with ninjas, spies with supernatural powers, and samurai go wrong?

Heaven’s Net is Wide is the strongest entry in the series, which is sad on its own since the main character from her other books doesn’t show up until the last few pages. The book does do a good job of filling in gaps that the rest of the series alludes to. Shigeru is a strong main character who exhibits cunning, patience, and bravery in the face of hardship.

The pace is a little slow at times, and Hearn ends the book in her typical rushed fashion. I’m beginning to wonder if she has a word limit to her stories. All of the books seem take most of the story setting up the climax, only to rush through them or take shortcuts to bring about the conclusion.

As much as I’d like to, based upon the concept and what it could have been, I cannot recommend this series.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (What’s This?)

Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead

12 Tuesday Jan 2010

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I am very tardy with my book reviews. Between getting ready for a trip to China, the trip itself, and holiday preparations, I have neglected the blog. For this I apologize. I shall attempt to remedy the lack of literary synopsis with a few rapid fire reviews of the books I have read lately.

The first on the block is Byzantium by Stephan Lawhead. This book was once in the upper echelon of favored books. I first read it in college 10 years ago or more. It’s a rousing tale of adventure, loss, and finding one’s calling. I particularly enjoyed the simple way that the Danish Vikings viewed the world in contrast with the scheming and moral ambiguity of the Byzantium court and the righteousness and guilt of the Cele De monks.

The story follows Aidan, a monk from Ireland, as he attempts to make a pilgrimage to Byzantium. Along the way he is captured and made a slave a couple of times, loses his faith, and struggles to find it again.

If you have not read Byzantium before, and enjoy historical fiction with a hint of religious fervor, this book is for you.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. (What’s this?)

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

30 Wednesday Sep 2009

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After reading a biography about Stalin, I figured it was time to pick up something that I could breeze through in a few enjoyable evenings. Butcher’s Dresden Files series was an easy choice.

Summer Knight is book four of the Dresden Files. Harry Dresden is a wizard, who just happens to be listed in the Chicago phone book and helps with lost items and paranormal investigations. He also happens to get himself in situations that most normal people can’t imagine.

In this latest installment, Harry finds himself as the focus between the Red Court of the vampires, and the White Council of the wizards. Both sides want to kill Harry for starting a war between the two sides. In order to prove his trustworthiness to the wizards, Harry must somehow find a way to stop a separate war between the Summer and Winter Queen’s of Faerie.

The action is non-stop and very enjoyable as I have come to expect from the Dresden series. New magic and more dangerous situations hide around every corner. Harry Dresden manages yet again to be vulnerable and yet come through and kick some ghoul ass in the end. There are even some nice twists and turns for those who particularly enjoy the mystery portion of this series.

The only downfall is that I’m concerned the books are becoming repetitive. There are a lot more Dresden File books, and I am looking forward to reading them, but I am unsure how often Butcher can go back to the same well and bring out a fresh story. I think I’ll try and find out though.

Rating 3 out of 5.  (What’s this?)

Oh, good news. There were three new books left on my shelf, but I didn’t feel like reading any of them. So, I’ve decided it’s time to read a couple of the books that I consider classics. First up: Shogun. I’m already about 300 pages in, and I can’t put it down. And it’s my fourth time through it!

Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore

28 Monday Sep 2009

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I’ve studied a lot of European history, from Greek and Roman history, the Middle Ages, to the World Wars. I’ve thrown in Asian histories for China and Japan, and Mayan and Incan histories as well. For the most part, my education in Russian history is rather lacking.

When I saw the book, Young Stalin, on the shelf at the bookstore, I was intrigued by it. I didn’t know much about Stalin at all, let alone what he was like as a youth. So I picked it up, and I am glad that I did.

Montefiore took advantage of newly released memoirs that had been hidden or suppressed since the time they were written. The new information contradicts much of what has been known of Stalin until now. Stalin went to great lengths to ensure everything that had ever been written about him support only the story that he was carefully crafting for the public to consume. That millions of people died at Stalin’s whim to protect him and his public image illustrates the lengths he was capable of going to.

The book follows Stalin from his birth to his role in the Revolution that toppled the Romanov dynasty. It was fascinating to learn that in Georgia, where Stalin was born, he is still considered a great poet. Many of his poems were published, and they are sprinkled throughout the book.

He also happened to be the best singer in his age group, and was often requested at parties in his town. Later, his mother was able to get into the seminary, where Stalin studied to become a priest. It was interesting to read that many of the prominent, atheist, Soviets involved in the revolution also attended the same seminary. I’d say the priests there did a pretty poor job.

Mostly, it was a difficult childhood for Stalin. His family lived in squalor. His father was a cobbler, and also a drunk that beat Stalin and his mother. His mother was strong and independent, and wanted nothing but the best for Stalin. She was willing to use any means necessary to raise her child well, to the point that many were unsure who exactly was Stalin’s father.

Even Stalin wasn’t always Stalin. His given name was Josef Vissarionovich Djugashvili. Throughout his life, he took many different names and aliases, but mostly he was known as Koba or Soso. It wasn’t until the Revolution was realized that he took the name Stalin, which means Man of Steel.

The book illustrates a number of interesting and morbid tales of Stalin’s life growing up as a revolutionary. He was involved in bank robbing, extortion, illegal journalism, murder, and adultery to name a few. He was put in prison and exiled numerous times to Siberia, from which he escaped often. He worked hard to further himself in the Bolshevick party, and along the way made note of all of the people who ever did him wrong. Most of those people, and many more, paid with their lives.

If you are unaware of who Stalin was, I think this is a good place to start. You will probably get lost in all of the names, like I did, but it gives a good foundation from which to continue learning. The author has another book about Stalin’s life as the leader of Soviet Russia, entitled Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar. I may have to pick that up myself to learn more about this fascinating, yet ruthless, paranoid and demented historical figure.

Rating: 3 out of 5  (What’s this?)