Thursday, May 29, 2014

Fiji Random - Vol. 1

Fiji Random - Vol. 1

author: Justin Raimey

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2011

rating: 1

read at: 2014/05/29

date added: 2014/05/29

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Fiji Random' by Justin Raimey is a collection of webcomics. There is an overall story with some breaks for intermission stories and some four panel comics. It's all explained a few pages in by a couple of the main characters.



Fiji has problems like getting to school on time and being attacked by little pirates. There is also the news that there is a new exchange student that will be living in her house. To top it off, she has a mean teacher that likes to flunk students at the drop of a hat.



The art is cute enough, but seems a little rough still for a book. The strips and gags kind of feel like they should be in a high school newspaper, although some of the humor is a little off color and strange for such cute characters. Some of the spelling was wrong, and that really bothered me. To top it off, the main story didn't flow well, and with all the four panel breaks and intermission breaks, it took a while to get back into the story. It really wasn't for me. It might be best to find the comic and characters online and see if you like them. If you do, then your mileage may vary and you may like this more than I did.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Black Streak Entertainment and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Futureland

Futureland

author: Walter Mosley

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.73

book published: 2001

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/29

date added: 2014/05/29

shelves:

review:

'Futureland' by Walter Mosley is a collection of nine Science Fiction stories he wrote a number of years ago collected into an ebook format. There is a distinct cyberpunk feel to the stories, and they intertwine some of the characters.



We are introduced to a young boy named Ptolemy Bent whose father will go to great lengths to make sure his son gets the right education. We meet Fera Jones, a heavyweight fighter and her designer drug addicted father. Folio Jones is the "last private detective in New York" and has a computer for an eye.



This is the future, but it's a future where rights and privileges are nonexistent for the common people. Rich, megomaniacal people rule the poor, run the prisons and collect the few who are smart enough to benefit them. Racism is still very much rampant, even to the extent of biowars.



It's a bleak future, but the stories are interesting, the characters are memorable, and the message is loud and clear. This is great stuff from someone who isn't known for this type of writing.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dream Thief, Volume 1

Dream Thief, Volume 1

author: Jai Nitz

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.62

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/28

date added: 2014/05/28

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

In 'The Dream Thief, Volume 1' a strange aboriginal mask and a series of restless dead mix with a dead end loser for interesting results. At first, I wasn't sure what I was reading, but the story really won me over.



John Lincoln is between jobs (stage magician and filmmaker). He's content to be a layabout, until one night he takes an Aboriginal mask from a museum. Now everytime he wakes up, he doesn't know where he is and there are dead people around him that he kills. He has a strange connection with the dead, even having their memories and skills. The murders take him all over the South, but could they be related? And if so, what do they have to do with John's father in prison?



It's an interesting premise. Kind of like The Mask meets The Crow. Sort of. John Lincoln is in way over his head, but seems to be able to worm his way out of things. Story by Jai Nitz is over the top and pretty intense. Art by Greg Smallwood is really good. I'm curious to know where this is going.



I was given a review copy by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this intense graphic novel.





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Star Wars: Legacy, Volume 3

Star Wars: Legacy, Volume 3

author: John Ostrander

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.19

book published: 2007

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/28

date added: 2014/05/28

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Star Wars: Legacy Volume 3' is a big sprawling graphic novel. It's over 400 pages long and takes place about 100 years after 'Return Of The Jedi.' It's dialogue heavy and it took me awhile to finish it, as well as to absorb or understand all I was reading. I'm a Star Wars movie fan, and less familiar with the stories surrounding the movies.



Luke Skywalker's descendant Cade Skywalker is sort of pirate/rogue using his powers of the force for personal gain. He travels around in his own ship, The Mynock, with a couple faithful companions, Syn and Blue. Syn's speech manner kind of bugged me because it seemed reminiscent of Jar Jar Binks, but he grew on me. And that's the first 20 pages. I won't recap the whole thing here, I promise.



Cade has had a run in with a Sith named Darth Krayt. Krayt tries turning Cade to the dark side. Cade really wants part of neither the dark or light side. Eventually, he's pushed to the point where he decides all Sith must die. At this point the book turns into a big sprawling epic with lots of dialogue.



It's very exposition heavy, even in the battle scenes. I kind of wanted the characters to stop talking and fight, but there is a lot of story to tell here. Art is good, but suffers from comic book type art. All men are handsome, even if they have scars. All women are beautiful and wear clothing that exposes their midriffs. I don't know why it bothers me more in Star Wars comics. Maybe it's the other aliens that are offsetting it or something. The art is really good, the story is very epic and I thought it was okay.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Noah

Noah

author: Darren Aronofsky

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.59

book published: 2011

rating: 2

read at: 2014/05/27

date added: 2014/05/27

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Noah' by Darran Aronofsky is the graphic novel adaptation of his retelling of the biblical story. Retelling is definitely safe because short of a few character names and events, the rest has been completely retold including a 'final solution' from Noah as to what should happen to save the earth.



Noah is a good man, bent on saving the world and it's ecology from men. When he sees a herd of beasts being slaughtered for their horns and left to rot, he mourns. He attempts to confront the men and is driven into isolation when they retaliate with violence. He hears or imagines a plan in which the earth is wiped out by a flood (it's never clear if Noah is divinely inspired or a bit of a loon, or a bit of both). He decides to build and ark, and he is helped by rock giants, which turn out to be cast out angels. When the violent men show up to get on board the ark, there is a big fight. Once the water has lifted the ark, Noah reveals his plan. Once the ark has settled on dry ground and all the animals are free, then he will just let man die off. That this plan doesn't go over so well with his wife and children is a pretty big understatement.



There are a couple puzzling aspects to this. If you don't like God or the Bible, why would you choose to tell this story when you could have made up a perfectly good one out of thin air. Don't even involve a story that many know so well. Secondly, if you are so opposed to the supernatural aspects of the original story, why invent new ones? The rock angels are just weird in this context. The only good people are Noah and his family, and I kind of even question that. Perhaps only the few women characters are actually worth saving out of this bunch.



The art by Niko Henrichon is the only reason this gets any stars. It's pretty good (although the eyes are a bit wide and crazy, but maybe that's the idea), and very detailed. The art is better than the story deserves. I want to see Niko do a vast SF story. His art has an otherworld quality that I really liked.



I know this movie got lots of great reviews, but based on this graphic novel, I'd say it's a gamble by a good director that falls a bit short in execution.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Monday, May 26, 2014

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Big Birthday Bash (The Misadventures of Salem Hyde, #2)

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Big Birthday Bash (The Misadventures of Salem Hyde, #2)

author: Frank Cammuso

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.72

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/26

date added: 2014/05/26

shelves: children-s, graphic-novels

review:

'The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Big Birthday Bash' is the second book in a series. Salem Hyde is a young witch with questionable control over her magic, as well as other impulses. Her cat, Whammy, tries to keep her on the straight and narrow, but not very successfully.



In this book, Salem seems to have a problem controlling big and small. She also has a problem with a birthday party. Her friend Edgar is having a party, and she wants to make it special for him. Especially if it means getting him a better present than her rival Shelly. Things get riotously out of hand and Salem ends up learning about some of the true gifts of friendship and what the best gifts are.



It's cute and funny and I think kids will like it too. The cartoon style reminds me of things you might see on the Cartoon Network, which just means more eye appeal for the kids. Frank Cammuso's story and art are great and I'd like to read more about this troublemaking character.



I received a review copy of this book from ABRAMS, Amulet Books and Netgalley in excchnage for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun and funny book.







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The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights

The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights

author: Michael E. Uslan

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.65

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/26

date added: 2014/05/26

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Knights' is a team up book that spans a few decades. Starting in the days of the Woodrow Wilson administration and into the days preceding the US involvement in World War 2. The cast of characters includes the fictional characters as well as folks like Hitler and Tesla. It's a big, sweeping story, and I thought it was ok, but not great.



Shiwan Khan has retrieved an artifact known as the Girasol, which can power an energy weapon capable of incredible destruction. He convinces Adolf Hitler to help him, but Khan has his own plans and Hitler soon takes a back seat. The Shadow learns of the plot and talks the Green Hornet into helping. Khan thinks the Hornet is a shadowy underworld figure, so he is looking for his help. The story takes place in a number of cities and culminates in a big conclusion in New York City.



This felt more like a Shadow story with the Green Hornet pitching in. I never quite felt like he was an equal in this team up. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing, but I was hoping The Shadow's methods and Green Hornet's might clash a bit more. The historical details are interesting, but they sometimes feel a bit like name dropping. I did appreciate the afterword explaining all the events and people that were included. There are some strange, but true events included for those less familiar with history. The covers by Alex Ross were, as they always are, a highlight. Besides the afterward, there is a cover gallery featuring all the alternate covers.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Sunday, May 25, 2014

Red Sonja: Unchained, Volume One

Red Sonja: Unchained, Volume One

author: Peter V. Brett

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.21

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/25

date added: 2014/05/25

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Red Sonja: Unchained, Volume One' is the kind of ridiculous. over the top sword and sorcery fantasy that I was in the mood for. Being written by Peter V. Brett just made it better. While I read the excellent Gail Simone Red Sonja: Queen of Plagues not too long ago, these books are slightly different, but not too different. Red Sonja is still a very capable warrior. She still wants not much to do with men because of the curse on her. This book comes across a bit sexier and maybe exploitative, but I don't think the character suffers for it. She's still not someone you want to try to take advantage of, unless you'd really like your head separated from your shoulders.



When down-on-her-luck Red Sonja is hired to save a young man trapped by a sorceror, she finds them in the midst of a sacrifice to a demon. In the fight with the demon, Red Sonja's chaimail is damaged. She takes the demon's pelt to wear until she can get a repair done. An excellent excuse is given by Red Sonja for why her choice of armor is a bit revealing. Taking another job reveals that the pelt might be trying to possess her. Can she lift the curse and will she ever get her armor repaired?



This had lots of the things I like it fantasy stories. Violent fights, encounters with magical creatures, and treasure hunts that are dangerous and may not be as enriching as one would hope. Men will never learn not to mess with Red Sonja and she will happily provide the lesson. My favorite scene was her plan of attack on a group of brigands, with step by step tactics on what she would do. It shows her for a clever tactician, albeit one that can drink most folks under a table. I enjoyed it.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Saturday, May 24, 2014

The Case of the Good Boy (Bad Machinery #2)

The Case of the Good Boy (Bad Machinery #2)

author: John Allison

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.66

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/24

date added: 2014/05/24

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Bad Machinery #2: The Case of The Good Boy' is a strangely named volume since there are no bad machines (though this is the name of the webcomic), and I'm not sure what the case might be referring to. What you will find, is a charming collection of hilarious characters that live in a world where occasional strange things could happen.



There is a series of disappearances and a strange large beast lurking in the woods. There is a magic pencil at a fair that must be won. Apparently whatever is drawn with the pencil comes true. When Mildred draws a strange picture of a dog, it seemingly shows up at her house. Combine a strange new pet, a series of mysterious disappearances, young love, and some really funny dialogue and you have a quirky, fun story.



John Allison's writing is fun. It took me a few pages to get into the rhythm of the dialogue, I really enjoyed it.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun graphic novel.





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Zero, Vol. 1 An Emergency

Zero, Vol. 1 An Emergency

author: Ales Kot

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.10

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/24

date added: 2014/05/24

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Zero, Volume 1 An Emergency' collects issues 1-5 of the new series. Each issue is a somewhat standalone story contributing to the overall story. Different contributing artists on each issue give different color palettes as the story shifts through time.



Edward Zero is a trained assassin. He's been trained from a young age. He learns early on not to have sympathy for his targets, even if they seem sympathetic. He's learned to do his missions dispassionately and run his life without emotion, or at least learned to hide it from his handlers. But there is emotion in this character. In one scene, it jumps from the page in a powerful scene of loss.



It seems to pull no punches, and it's quite adult in nature, but it's pretty good. I look forward to seeing what happens in future volumes.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Friday, May 23, 2014

The Shadow Volume 3

The Shadow Volume 3

author: Chris Roberson

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.90

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/23

date added: 2014/05/23

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'The Shadow Volume 3' may be a volume 3, but it tells a complete and standalone story of the Shadow, collecting issues 13 through 18 of the newer rebooted series. It has gorgeous Alex Ross covers, too.



A mysterious woman known as 'The Light' is going around town and punishing people for their purported sins. After a string of these, The Shadow gets involved. In one instance, a victim is killed in a hospital even though there is a police guard protecting him. Driven by religious fervor, The Light is expunging what she views as evil from the world with her swords. The Shadow sees this as punishment before a crime is committed, so this makes a nice contrast between vigilantes. The usual crew is involved in assisting The Shadow.



The story by Chris Roberson is good, the art by Giovanni Timpano is really good, and the covers by Alex Ross need no further compliments (they're his usual excellent work). The graphic novel includes a gallery of alternate covers. Good for fans of classic pulp fiction and shadowy crime fighters.



I was given a review by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior (Time Trips)

Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior (Time Trips)

author: Cecelia Ahern

name: Wayne

average rating: 2.42

book published: 2014

rating: 2

read at: 2014/05/23

date added: 2014/05/23

shelves:

review:

'Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior' is part of the Time Trips series and finds the Tenth Doctor on the planet Cashel. It's a novella length story with princesses and Bog people. While I have loved a lot of other Doctor Who fiction, this one left me a little flat.



Princess Ash is invited to a masked ball where Prince Zircon is to choose a bride. The union is important in order to stop a war among two different groups of people. When Ash is forced to flee the ball, she leaves behind a shoe which the Tenth Doctor retrieves. It's at this point in the story when you realize that this story is a court intrigue story with the Cinderella story at the heart.



It's not that weaving fairy tales into Doctor Who can't work. I think the problem is there weren't many characters I cared about. Sure, the Bog People have a plight and it would seem tragic, but I just found myself reading it to finish it. I have a hard time recommending this to any but the die hard collect everything Doctor Who fan.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by Random House UK, Ebury Publishing, and Netgalley in exchage for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Thursday, May 22, 2014

47 Ronin

47 Ronin

author: Stan Sakai

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.09

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/05/22

date added: 2014/05/22

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'47 Ronin' by Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai is a brilliant graphic novel version of the classic true story from Japan. The level of detail in story and art makes this a superior graphic novel.



It's a revenge story with honor. Lord Asano is tragically murdered and his property sold. His loyal samurai turn ronin and seek revenge on the man who did this. It's an incredible story. Even more so because it's true. This is a famous story in Japan and has become more known in the West recently through a couple excellent graphic novel adaptations and a not so excellent movie adaptation that added strange supernatural elements to a story that is great without them.



It's a story that Mike Richardson has wanted to tell for 25 years. Having Stan Sakai do the art was a stroke of genius because his art and panels are evocative of the period and some of the original woodcuts. At the back of the graphic novel are articles and interviews with the 2 creators, as well as one about Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub) who gave creative and historical input. There is an article about Ogata Gekko who created beautiful woodblock prints in the latter half of the 1800s to illustrate the story. There is a lot packed in and it's truly a great story. "To know this story is to know Japan."



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this amazing graphic novel.





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Everything We Know About Leadership: Is Less Than We Still Have To Learn

Everything We Know About Leadership: Is Less Than We Still Have To Learn

author: Jeff Golden

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/22

date added: 2014/05/22

shelves: non-fiction-business

review:

'Everything We Know About Leadership: Is Less Than We Still Have To Learn' is a distillation of 30 years of the ALF program. American Leadership Forum was started to combat the back room deals of government and establish a dialogue between leaders with different viewpoints and agendas.



The book briefly discusses the origins of the program, then gives a framework for what occurs in a year of the ALF program. Breaking down barriers and establishing trust are key, and are not always easy in this particular environment, but there is groundbreaking community building as a result. The book is full of testimonials from ALF Senior Fellows to illustrate the successes and failures. There are more successes than failures, but I applaud a book which recognizes there can be challenges among leaders with disparate roles and backgrounds. In a time when dialogue seems possible among groups that disagree, it's encouraging to know there is a group that is trying to build bridges instead of walls.



The book is written by Jeff Golden with collaboration from among many in the ALF program. Now that I know more about the ALF program, this seems only natural and right. Interesting and encouraging.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by American Leadership Forum and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Influencer: The Power to Change Anything

Influencer: The Power to Change Anything

author: Kerry Patterson

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.96

book published: 2007

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/21

date added: 2014/05/21

shelves: non-fiction-business

review:

'Influencer: The Power To Change Anything' gives the reader a set of tools to influence and motivate others. Through a series of tools and stories of how these tools have worked for others, the concepts are reiterated and reinforced.



The illustrations include a prison release program that has a high success rate, and a soap opera that teaches villagers that it's wrong to abuse women. Other illustrations include corporate change and weight loss. With tools like harnessing peer pressure and finding vital behaviours, this becomes quickly valuable. The authors warn that the six tools in the book must all be utilized. There is no piecemeal approach to the art of influence, but if the stories are any indication, these are powerful tools.



The stories get repeated to illustrate different aspects, which is good, but there is a repetitive type of introduction that got a bit old, but I suppose if you were to come back to the book as a refresher on a certain chapter then maybe this comes in handy. The authors offer a training and resources based on this on their website. Interesting and practical.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by McGraw-Hill Professional and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Zombies Vs Robots: No Man's Land

Zombies Vs Robots: No Man's Land

author: Chris Ryall

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/21

date added: 2014/05/21

shelves:

review:

'Zombies Vs Robots: No Man's Land' is the latest short story anthology in the shared universe series started in comics. Featuring great writers, the collection features lots of great stories, and art between stories by Fabio Listrani. I can't think of a story in this collection that I didn't enjoy.



In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by zombies and the robots supposedly built to protect humans, being a human can be risky. These stories range from one about a community at the beginning of the zombie outbreak to one that is safely under water. There is a man that is a priest in a cut off community and a man who has saved a school bus full of children many years ago. There are questionable motives by robots who assume their own programming or are programmed by others. The humans find themselves stuck in the middle and definitely in no man's land.



This series continues to come up with new inventive stories. While not for the faint of heart, they definitely deliver. With authors like Chris Ryall, Mark Morris and Jonathan Maberry, and others, it's a solid collection.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Red Sonja Volume 1: Queen Of Plagues

Red Sonja Volume 1: Queen Of Plagues

author: Gail Simone

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.97

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/05/18

date added: 2014/05/18

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Red Sonja Volume 1: Queen of Plagues' brings a fresh and action packed story to the She-Devil with a Sword. There is a lot to like in this story. Sword and sorcery action, humor and pathos, and revenge.



Red Sonja reveals her backstory throughout the volume, but at the beginning of the story, she is rescued from a Zamorran slave pit by conquering King Dimath. She had been forced to fight in arena combat for years. Her gratitude to the king is remembered years later when the king is under siege by the woman Red Sonja was chained next to, Dark Annisia. There is also a plague hitting everyone, even Red Sonja. This is just a tip of the storyline.



It's told perfectly. This is character that sparks some nerves with her sexist portrayal, but as she's written here by Gail Simone, she is confident, irreverent and totally independent (especially on men). It's such a satisfying reconfigure of this character. Sure, the chainmail bikini is still here, but this is a character that wears it as a challenge and a taunt. There is humor, great action and I want to see where this goes next. Really, really great!



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this great graphic novel.





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Itty Bitty Hellboy

Itty Bitty Hellboy

author: Art Baltazar

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.46

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/18

date added: 2014/05/18

shelves: children-s, graphic-novels

review:

'Itty Bitty Hellboy' is an odd thing. It's a graphic novel aimed at kids based on characters and situations that are definitely not aimed at kids, in my opinion. I love the Hellboy series, but the series and movies are quite dark.



The characters are all quite young. There are good guys and bad guys that are familiar to those who know the Hellboy universe. Abe, Liz, Lobster Johnson and, of course, Hellboy, are all here along with others. All the stories are a few pages long and the humor is squarely aimed at 8 or 9 year olds. There are ongoing gags, like Roger not being able to keep his underwear on. The kids all have forts made out of boxes. They end up in hell, then kind of heaven/purgatory.



The characters are introduced over the course of the book, so no larger knowledge of the Hellboy characters is needed, and they act like young kids would, so parents needn't worry about the darker Hellboy themes. It's part of a series of these by Art Baltazar and Franco. The characters are gosh darned cute and I thought it was pretty good.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this cute graphic novel.





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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

author: Dav Pilkey

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.22

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/17

date added: 2014/05/17

shelves: children-s

review:

'Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot' is a reissue of an older series with new art and some pages of paneled comics. They story is by kid favorite Dav Pilkey and the new art is by Dan Santat.



Poor little Ricky Ricotta. He doesn't have a friend, and he has a bully problem. When evil Dr. Stinky's plans go awry, Ricky finds himself with a giant new friend. Will this solve his bully problems and make him more popular in school? I wish I'd had a giant robot to take to school!



The text is the same and the other 4 books in the series will reissue with the new art, with a planned additional two new books. The new art is colorful and jumps off the pages. Dav Pilkey has been a favorite in our house since my kids were quite a bit younger and he's a good go-to for those reluctant younger readers.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by Scholastic and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun ebook.





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The Other Dead

The Other Dead

author: Joshua Ortega

name: Wayne

average rating: 2.92

book published: 2014

rating: 1

read at: 2014/05/17

date added: 2014/05/17

shelves:

review:







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Friday, May 16, 2014

Magic: The Gathering Volume 4: Theros

Magic: The Gathering Volume 4: Theros

author: Jason Ciaramella

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/16

date added: 2014/05/16

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

In 'Magic: The Gathering Volume 4: Theros,' Dack Fayden is a thief with some unusual abilities, the chief one being the ability to find trouble. This series is based on the popular collectible card game, but no familiarity is needed to enjoy the story. That knowledge will bring greater enjoyment, though.



When Dack, finds himself in the middle of a botched robbery in Ravnica, he moves to a another plane and finds himself in Theros. He soon finds himself on a ship and learns that he and ships don't get along. When another theft goes badly, he unleashes something that no one was prepared for.



It's the 4th in a series, but the character of Dack is extremely likeable and I found myself jumping right in and following fine. The story is action packed. The art is really quite good, and I wouldn't mind reading more of this series, especially with this character.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Doctor Who: Tales of Trenzalore: The Eleventh Doctor's Last Stand

Doctor Who: Tales of Trenzalore: The Eleventh Doctor's Last Stand

author: Justin Richards

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.67

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/16

date added: 2014/05/16

shelves:

review:

'Doctor Who: Tales of Trenzalore: The Eleventh Doctor's Last Stand' is almost a longer title than the book! It fills in the gap in the 800th (!) episode of Doctor Who, The Time Of The Doctor. In the episode, the current Doctor spends hundreds of years in a town called Christmas on the planet Trenzalore fending off whatever alien bad guys show up. We don't see most of them, but we do see that a tremendous amount of time passes as the Doctor is quite aged by the end of the episode.



This book features four novellas which occur during that unknown time. The planet has defenses, including a truth field, so the bad guys have to be quite clever, and they are. From ice meteors to seed pods to monsters that look like the Doctor and monsters who co-op the townspeople. They are all after the Doctor and the Doctor stands up against all of them.



My favorite was George Mann's 'An Apple a Day' with the aforementioned seedpods. The others are good, with the story featuring the Autons being perhaps the weakest. In all of them, I think they really got the eleventh Doctor's mannerisms, even in old age. It was a good collection, and there could be more volumes since the Doctor was on this planet for hundreds of years and faced hundreds of enemies.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by BBC Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Pranks and Attacks! (Tao, the Little Samurai, #1)

Pranks and Attacks! (Tao, the Little Samurai, #1)

author: Laurent Richard

name: Wayne

average rating: 2.25

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/15

date added: 2014/05/15

shelves: children-s, graphic-novels

review:

'Pranks and Attacks!' featuring Tao, the Little Samurai, is silly, wisecracking fun for younger readers. Each page is a complete multi-panel gag that features Tao trying to game the system, and the system most of the time not letting him.



Tao is a student in a martial arts school, and he likes to play jokes on people around him that usually backfire. Tao is also usually late for school. The one time he makes it to class on time, he learns that the class has been moved across campus. Tao doesn't like doing chores, and usually tries to trick someone else into doing them for him.



It's a cute and funny comic and perfect for younger readers. Tao thinks he's a lot more clever that he is and usually pays the price for that. Art by Nicolas Ryser is good. Gags by Laurent Richard (and translated by Edward Garvin) are pretty funny. It's a bit short at 63 pages, but that might be the right length for a Tao-sized reader.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this funny graphic novel.





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Hippolyta and the Curse of the Amazons (Young Heroes, #2)

Hippolyta and the Curse of the Amazons (Young Heroes, #2)

author: Jane Yolen

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.79

book published: 2002

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/15

date added: 2014/05/15

shelves: children-s

review:

'Hippolyta and the Curse of the Amazons' is a fun adventure for young readers. Especially those looking for more adventures with Greek gods and warriors.



Young Hippolyta is a brave warrior living among the amazons. When her mother gives birth to a baby boy, there are ominous prophecies that threaten the amazons. Hippolyta is sent with the baby to Troy, where the child's father is king. When her life is threatened, she is thrown together with another boy that is her younger brother. Escaping back to her home, she finds it cursed. In order to break the curse, she will have to challenge the gods themselves.



This book is part of a series, but each is a standalone book. The common factor is that they all take place in Ancient Greece and feature young versions of Greek heroes. I loved young Hippolyta. She is poised and brave and willing to look danger head on. These are great characteristics in a young hero. It was a fun book and I wouldn't mind reading more in the series.



Included are short, interesting author biographies with pictures. The kind of author biography that should be in all books for younger readers.



I was given a review copy of this ebook by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Lobster Johnson, Vol. 3: Satan Smells a Rat (Lobster Johnson, #3)

Lobster Johnson, Vol. 3: Satan Smells a Rat (Lobster Johnson, #3)

author: Mike Mignola

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.96

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/05/13

date added: 2014/05/13

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

Lobster Johnson is a spinoff character from the Hellboy series. He is a character in the style of 1930s pulp heroes. 'Lobster Johnson, Volume 3: Satan Smells a Rat' collects five standalone stories of this character.



Glowing goggle wearing Lobster Johnson doesn't seem to have any supernatural powers like some others in the Hellboy universe, but he's pretty good with a gun, and he looks darn cool. In this volume, he foils a Nazi blimp scheme, a supernatural statue, and an army of gun-wielding monkeys. He tends to get scraped up along the way, which just makes him cooler in my book. Each of the stories has a different illustrator, and I can't pick a favorite. All the art was great.



It's easy enough to jump right in and follow along. There are some secondary characters that a new reader might not know, but it all is pretty easy to catch up on. There seems to be a resurgence in noir pulp heroes with The Shadow and Green Lantern and newer creations like Dark Horse's Black Beetle. Lobster Johnson is a solid and dominant addition to this group. I really enjoyed this graphic novel.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle, #2)

The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle, #2)

author: Jason M. Hough

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.91

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/13

date added: 2014/05/13

shelves:

review:

'The Exodus Towers' is a middle book in a series, but while it's setting things up for the final book, it's pretty non-stop throughout. One of the things I'm liking about this series, is how I keep thinking I know where it's going, and then it takes a massive twist.



The book mainly focuses on the new builder towers in Brazil (and if you haven't read the first book, this will mean nothing to you, so skip ahead). Skuyler finds a group of immunes like himself, but they have a dark side. There are problems in Australia and on board the space platforms too. And just when it all seems to be going along nicely, they find something in Ireland. I wouldn't dare spoil that, but let's just say the book caps it all off with a crazy cliffhanger ending.



Whew! It's a long book with pretty much non-stop action. Some of it was more interesting than other parts, but the characters are all well defined, so while there are more and more of them, it's easy to keep track of them all. It will be interesting to see how the series gets wrapped up. I've got book three in my to be read pile and I plan on reading it soon.



I was given a review copy of this book by Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.





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Sunday, May 11, 2014

Prophet Volume 3: Empire TP

Prophet Volume 3: Empire TP

author: Brandon S. Graham

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.21

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/11

date added: 2014/05/11

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Prophet Volume 3: Empire' is a throwback to the earlier science fictional works of Michael Moorcock, Philip Jose Farmer and others of the psychedelic SF era. Which is to explain that it's pretty weird. So weird, that it's probably not for everyone, but for those nostalgic for the strange SF of the late 60s and early 70s, this might be just what you are looking for.



I'll attempt to describe it, but at times, it seemed to want to defy that for me. It is a sort of post-human age, but humans are genetically modified and all named John. They all have different functions, so they all look a bit different. Are you following this? I didn't think so. It's best to just recommend it for those who like the work of Moebius and thought the Isaac Asimov animated film Gandahar was good.



The art is a very 1970s throwback, with crumbling planets, strange alien-like humans and a strange color palette. It's trippy and strange, but I don't think it's always a bad thing to read something that doesn't completely seem to make sense. I feel that way about books, film and music. If you do too, you might check out the Prophet series.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this strange graphic novel.





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Powerpuff Girls Volume 1

Powerpuff Girls Volume 1

author: Troy Little

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.62

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/11

date added: 2014/05/11

shelves: graphic-novels, children-s

review:

IDW has been doing a great job recreating cartoon favorites and 'Powerpuff Girls Vol. 1' might be their best so far. My review copy only had the first 3 issues, but the full graphic novel has all 5 first issues of the comic. Some familiarity with the show is probably in order because the story features villains acting different than they do on the show.



Mojo Jojo has decided to call it quits when he is defeated one too many times. He wants Professor Utonium to dose him with Chemical X, the same thing that created the Powerpuff Girls, but he ends up a sad little monkey named Jojo (lacking now his Mojo). Meanwhile, all the villains are acting...nice! This has Buttercup very suspicious, but when the villains team up to defeat a creature from the sea, the Powerpuff Girls start to think it's a permanent change. But is it really?



The tone is spot on, the art is perfect and if you know the series, you'll probably be hearing the voices in your head. Some familiarity with the show will be useful, especially with how the villains on the show normally act. That will make their nice personas make more sense. It's a lot of fun and a great comic for readers familiar with the show and a whole new audience of younger readers.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun graphic novel.





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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Diesel Sweeties Volume 2: Bacon Is a Vegetable, Coffee Is a Vitamin Tp

Diesel Sweeties Volume 2: Bacon Is a Vegetable, Coffee Is a Vitamin Tp

author: R Stevens

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.00

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/07

date added: 2014/05/07

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Bacon is a Vegetable, Coffee is a Vitamin' is a collection of Diesel Sweeties cartoons about coffee, bacon, vegetables and hot dogs. Diesel Sweeties is an online comic by R. Stevens. The style is a sort of retro pixel looking comic strip. The characters feature humans and robots.



The jokes include vegetarians struggling with the urge to eat bacon, the dependence on coffee to do just about anything, and the relationships we have involving our various food manias. Cats and appliances are somewhat anthropomorphized. They don't do much besides make their normal noises, but seem to be part of conversations. Favorites include a cartoon with all the names for coffee, and a series featuring a battle between the toaster and coffee maker.



The series has been running since 2000. The bacon craze seems to have died down a bit, so some of these feel a little dated, but coffee is still a social drug of choice. It's a fun collection if you aren't expecting much.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Fatale, Vol. 4: Pray for Rain

Fatale, Vol. 4: Pray for Rain

author: Ed Brubaker

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.22

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/07

date added: 2014/05/07

shelves: graphic-novels

review:







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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Down. Set. Fight!

Down. Set. Fight!

author: Chris Sims

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.92

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/04

date added: 2014/05/04

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Down. Set. Fight!' took what I thought would be a one note joke (mainly based on the cover) and actually turned it into an interesting story. It's about athletes and athlete parents. It's also about the bonds we have as family, and how unhealthy those can be.



When "Fearless" Chuck Fairlane is told to throw a game by his father for a bet, the consequences lead to Chuck beating up a mouthy mascot on the field, as well as all other comers to the fight, like the opposing team and his own. He walks away from the game and ten years later, we catch up with him as a high school football coach. Unbeknownst to him, there is a phenomenon called "fairlaning" that has team mascots starting fights. When one comes after Chuck, it starts him on a mission to find out what's behind it. Fortunately, the kind of cruel training regimen his father put him through has toughened Chuck to the point of superhuman strength.



It's funny and oddly touching. Chuck just wants to live his life and his father continually interferes. There is dark humor about parents of athletes here. The mascots are larger than life and comical. The art feels like a throwback to an earlier era in comic art and I liked it.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Postapoc

Postapoc

author: Liz Worth

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.66

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/04

date added: 2014/05/04

shelves:

review:

'PostApoc' finds our protagonist Ang struggling in a world that has seemingly died with a whimper, not a bang. There are no zombies, or cataclysms here (except for the dwindling supplies and population). In fact, we're left wondering what happened. With an unreliable narrator looking for her next high, we're left with missing chunks of time and an otherworldly narrative that is poetic and untethered.



After being the sole survivor of a suicide pact, Ang finds herself immersed in an underground music scene obsessed with the end of the world. When that finally happens, at first Ang and her friends don't notice because of the intoxicated lifestyle they choose. They live in a supposedly haunted flophouse where the neighborhood dogs are fighting to survive. As clothing, food, alcohol and even makeup become scarce commodities, Ang and her friends are forced (or willing) to make trades for the items they need and crave. At first, as electricity still sometimes works, there is time to go see a favorite band, but the slow erosion of everything takes it's toll on everyone.



It's possibly the most gritty exploration of life in a post apocalyptic world I've ever read. Dirt is everywhere, foodstuffs are questionable, yet still eaten, and bathing is a waste of drinking water. The book feels like it has a layer of grit on it an eighth of an inch thick and seems to laugh at our world of hygiene and antibacterial soap. The fictional drug greyline, which Ang and her friends are addicted to, has a seriously bad set of side effects. This is not a book for the squeamish. I can't call it a straight out horror novel (although it must be) because the prose is so trippingly wonderful. There are passages that are simply beautiful in their description of a dying world. I was held captive by this book and it haunted my dreams. This is definitely a writer I will seek out.



I was given a review copy of this book by Now Or Never Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this unforgettable and haunting book.





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Saturday, May 3, 2014

Cleopatra in Space #1: Target Practice

Cleopatra in Space #1: Target Practice

author: Mike Maihack

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.59

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/03

date added: 2014/05/03

shelves: children-s, graphic-novels

review:

'Cleopatra In Space' finds a young Cleopatra (you know, the Egyptian royal one) sent into the far future. It seems she is destined to save the galaxy and the future has need of her. Unfortunately, Cleopatra finds out that even in the future, she can't escape algebra class.



It turns out the future is ruled by intelligent cats. Cleopatra is enrolled in Yasiro Academy, where she excels in combat training rather than in normal subjects like biology and alien languages. She gets a roomate named Akila to help her acclimate to the school (and the future).



It's written for younger readers and it's fun. It's good to see strong female protagonists. Young Cleo talks back to authority and I found her loathing of math a bit annoying. These may not be traits for younger readers to model, but it's all a lot of fun to read. The art is bright and the story is funny and full of adventure. I enjoyed it.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Graphix (Scholastic) and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this fun graphic novel.





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X-Files Season 10 Volume 2

X-Files Season 10 Volume 2

author: Guillermina De Ferrari

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.11

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/03

date added: 2014/05/03

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

In 'X-Files Season 10 Volume 2' Scully and Mulder find themselves agents again, and just in time to revisit some cases from the past. This issues wasn't a solid graphic novel length story, but contained a few separate ones.



In the first, we have some familiar missing persons cases in Martha's Vineyard. Mulder discovers the return (sort of) of Flukeman. In the second story, we also revisit a story from the past. These were both solid episodes in the series and it's not a bad thing to give the fans more of the good stuff. The volume finishes off with a story involving lots of flashbacks with the Smoking Man. The art style varies a lot on this story, and I'm not sure it always worked since it was a bit tough to figure out which standard FBI suited person was who.



I really enjoyed the first volume in this series, and this one is good, but I didn't feel it was quite as good as the first. Still, the tone is right on for those of us who have missed the X-Files. I'll gladly take more of this series, and I don't always think that of extended seasons.



I received a copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this fine graphic novel.





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The X-Files: Season 10, Vol. 1

The X-Files: Season 10, Vol. 1

author: Joe Harris

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.05

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/04/01

date added: 2014/05/03

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

The X-Files: Season 10, Vol. 1 is a graphic novel 10th season of the television series (which had a less than interesting 9th season). Favorite characters are back (even ones thought completely gone). The graphic novel feels like a complete episode. For fans of the show, like me, it's a welcome return.



This story takes place about 10 years after the series ended. Scully and Mulder have retired from the FBI, but Agent Skinner shows up with a new threat. It seems that the child Dana Scully secretly put up for adoption is in danger. Although that storyline gets a little muddled, there are enough interesting and familiar plot developments to keep the ardent fans happy. There is even the mysterious appearance of a particular smoking man.



I liked the art and story and look forward to more stories in this series. Welcome back Scully and Mulder. I've missed you.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Friday, May 2, 2014

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

author: Eric Ries

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.05

book published: 2011

rating: 4

read at: 2014/05/02

date added: 2014/05/02

shelves: non-fiction-business

review:

'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries is written by someone who has experienced success and failures. The ideas in the book are built upon other methodologies. Clayton Christensen's 'Innovator's Dilemna,Taiichi Ohno's Just-In-Time method at Toyota and Lean Manufacturing.



The approaches and methods are clearly laid out, but it took a couple chapters to settle in. The process defined is a loop comprised of Build-Measure-Learn. The learning process also could involve staying the course or pivoting. There are lots of examples from Eric Ries company as well as others.



It's well written, seems to want be earnestly helpful, and has lots of interesting advice within it's scope. I don't know how useful the methods would be for every industry segment, but I work in the software industry and see things that will help my company to innovate.





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Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch

The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch

'The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch' collects the prolific writer's twelve Sherlock Holmes stories. Hoch saw publication in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (among others). He is credited with writing over 950 short stories (and a number of novels). 

The stories represented here interweave with Holmes' career and happen throughout his life. Some involve Dr. Watson and some are solo cases. Some involve real people and events. One story has Sherlock Holmes aboard the Titanic with author Jacques Futrelle. Another features Lewis Carroll.

The stories in this book are all fun to read, but feel more like the old films with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. The mysteries aren't taxing and sometimes not very reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, but I still enjoyed them.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

The Dreamer Volume 3

The Dreamer Volume 3

author: Lora Innes

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.21

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/05/01

date added: 2014/05/01

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

In 'The Dreamer Volume 3' Bea Whaley dreams about the American Revolutionary War. Except it's as if she is living it. The review copy I got was about half the length, so I think there may have been some story that transitions Bea into this volume.



This volume deals with the Battle of Harlem. Bea is full on smitten with Major Alan Warren, and is being accompanied by Captain Nathan Hale. When they run across a British feint, it's an all out battle in the woods. They run across General Washington who may be planning his own feint, or is it a retreat?



Bea is a modern girl who has little interest in history. I think it's an interesting way to present 'living history' with a heroine stuck right in the middle of cannonballs and musket fire. She knows it's a dream, but it feels all too real. There are things that remain unexplained, but they didn't matter to me. I'll be reading more of this series online, even though I'm not a historical romance fan.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this graphic novel.





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