The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act

author: Kieron Gillen

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.21

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/29

date added: 2014/11/29

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act' shows that being a god may not be all it's cracked up to be, especially when someone is out to kill you. It's a good looking book and I liked the story well enough.



Every 90 years, twelve gods incarnate into humans. Two years later, the humans are dead. If you are chosen, you get all the godlike powers, but you also get the limited lifespan. This time around they are appearing as pop stars. A young girl named Laura wants in on it, and she is our guide as she tries to make a deal. Before that can happen, one of the gods is set up for murder. Laura decides to try to find out what happened which leads her further into the dysfunctional worlds of the all powerful.



When you consider that this is the same team that has worked on Young Avengers, you realize how different this book is. The story is strange and dark. Ultimate power seems sad with an imposed 2 year expiration date. The art is really good with crisp clean lines and lots of effective space. It was strange, but I liked it and I want to know what happens next.



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





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Nightmare in Burgundy

author: Jean-Pierre Alaux

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.48

book published: 2004

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/29

date added: 2014/11/29

shelves:

review:

'Nightmare in Burgundy' is another cozy mystery set in France in the world of wine. It's the third book in the series and the second one I've read.



Benjamin Cooker finds himself in the Burgundy region to accept an honor. While he's there, he stumbles on some strange graffiti which seems to be from another era. Fragments of Latin from the Bible are found in different places in the region. He calls in his assistant Virgile to assist with the mystery and to tour the region. There are wine tastings and fancy meals. There is some flirtation on Virgile's behalf. There is also an aging monk who helps with the translations. When it's all said and done, it's not a bad mystery, and so far, not a bad series.



The authors Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen have experience in the wine world, so those facts bear out well. For those of us not familiar with France, it serves as an interesting look at a country and it's different regions.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Le French Book and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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Saving the Sun Dragon (Dragon Masters #2)

author: Tracey West

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.50

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/26

date added: 2014/11/26

shelves: children-s

review:

'Saving the Sun Dragon' is the second book in the Scholastic Dragon Masters series. It's part of their chapter book line called Branches and every page has an illustration. It's a fun book with a young group of dragon trainers (excuse me, masters) as the stars.



A group of young children are all assigned a particular dragon. Some can fly, some can not. When Ana's sun dragon Kepri becomes ill, they are at a loss to figure out how to save her. Even the castle wizard Griffith can't seem to figure it out, but they better think of something. King Roland is none too happy that the dragon is sick and he wants to blame Griffith if Kepri doesn't get better. The young dragon masters go on an exotic adventure to try to save Kepri. They make new friends along the way, learn new things about themselves and their dragons, and make some tough choices.



The story by Tracey West is fun. So are the illustrations by Graham Howells. I think young readers will like the dragons and like imagining what it would be like to be a dragon master. King Roland comes across as mean, and their are some other threatening grownups, but the wizard Griffiths is a helpful adult. The book is aimed at about the 3rd grade level.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Scholastic and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun independent reader chapter book.





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Shutter, Vol. 1: Wanderlost

author: Joe Keatinge

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.60

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/26

date added: 2014/11/26

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Shutter, Vol. 1: Wanderlost' is kind of a glorious mess. It's like a bunch of stuff got thrown against the wall (including the title) to see what would stick.



Kate Kristopher is a famous explorer for trips she used to take with her father. They would go to exotic places like the moon, and we're not sure where else. Now many years later, Kate is a grown up who would rather forget her father and her childhood. She lives in a strange world filled with anthropomorphic animals, some of which have decided to kill her. Along the way, she discovers a family secret that could threaten her, but can it threaten her more than weird talking animals that are shooting rockets at her?



Still with me? I mentioned that it was a bit of a mess. Including the title. Why is it called Shutter? or subtitled Wanderlost? Neither of those things fits what happens in this volume, but perhaps they do in future volumes. I liked Leila del Duca's art and Joe Keatinge's story, but the whole thing is kind of all over the place and by the time the cliffhanger ending hit, I just wasn't sure what I'd read. It's hit and miss for me.



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





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The Book of Strange New Things

author: Michel Faber

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.89

book published: 2014

rating: 0

read at: 2014/11/24

date added: 2014/11/24

shelves:

review:

'The Book of Strange New Things' by Michel Faber will be viewed as some as an SF book, but it's only got those trappings to tell an older type of story, the missionary journey far from home. It's a good story and written very well.



Peter is married to Bea and they have a church in England. Peter has been accepted by USIC as a pastor on one of their missions. The mission is far away from home in another galaxy with a group on aliens. He can communicate with his wife over the distance, but it can take time. This plays into the story. Peter meets the aliens who are very receptive to him and his ideas. They call his Bible "The Book of Strange New Things" and before long, he's decided to live among them, which will make communications with home even tougher since there is none among the aliens.



Meanwhile, at home, Peter's wife Bea is reporting things in a steady decline. Her messages to Peter are more desperate. As Peter's faith seems better than ever, Bea's seems to be in decline.



Then there are the strangely passive people Peter meets on the base. They seem picked for their ingenuity and blandness.



There are other mysteries, but I'll leave them for the reader to discover. It's a well written book, with a good main character stuck in a strange new situation. If you're expecting a hardcore SF, look elsewhere, but if the premise intrigues, you're in for an interesting ride.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown-Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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Hopeless, Maine Volume 2: Inheritance

author: Nimue Brown

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.10

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/12/27

date added: 2014/11/24

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

As a disclaimer, I did not read the first volume of Hopeless, Maine, so I found myself foundering at first. All that I needed to understand the series is actually found at the end of the volume where background of the city and it's inhabitants is detailed. I recommend that new readers who are unable to obtain the first volume begin at the end, then dive into this story.



Hopeless, Maine is a town inhabited by the living and dead. The living tend toward the magical side of things. The story concerns a girl named Salamandra who is seeking relatives and answers to mysteries in the town. She is joined by a boy named Owen who just wants to escape town. Can Salamandra find the answers she's looking for and can anyone actually leave Hopeless, Maine?



The story is very Victorian gothic (perhaps earlier, but that's the feel I got from it), the art is dark and moody. I wish I'd read the back of the book first to have a better feel for what I was reading, or perhaps having a short synopsis up front, but that's what I get for diving into Volume 2. There are some nice full page illustrations and creepy characters and monsters.



I was given a 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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Kinski

author: Gabriel Hardman

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/23

date added: 2014/11/23

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Kinski' is about a man obsessed with a lost dog, and the lengths he'll go to in order to possess the dog. It's a dark, quirky tale that works as long as you don't think about it too hard.



A travelling salesman named Joe finds a lost dog with no markings and is instantly taken with it. He names it Kinski, after one of his favorite actors. When the dog is picked up by the pound, he decides to impersonate the actual owners in order to take ownership of the dog. It all escalates from there when he runs into the real owners. There are accidents and mayhem. Joe risks everything for a dog that's not his. How far will he really go for something that isn't his?



Right. So Joe is from out of town and falls for this dog. He has to figure out how to get it home. The story goes in strange directions and most normal folks would quit pursuing this dog long before Joe does. To say he acts unreasonable about this whole thing is an understatement. Perhaps that's the point, like how we yell at dumb decisions in horror films.



The art is black and white and really quite good. I probably enjoyed Gabriel Hardman's art more than his story, but it was a quirky, dark story and I'm glad I read it.



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





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Dracula (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

author: John Green

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.23

book published:

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/22

date added: 2014/11/22

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Dracula (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)' is a faithful adaptation of the novel told in graphic novel format. As a bonus, all the art is presented black and white so that it can be colored.



It's all here. The creepy castle and creepier Count Dracula. The Harkners, Van Helsing and Renfield. The dark and tragic death. The race to the castle to stop the Count and save one of his victims. There are things left out, of course, because it's only 48 pages long, but for about $4, you get a good adaptation and some great art you can color.



Of the three of these I've recently read, this one, due to the nature of the story, is a bit on the darker side. Most people will know of these stories, but just know these are not children's adaptations of the stories, so shop accordingly. But of the three I've read, this one had some great pictures to color. Dracula's three concubines. A graveyard in a church. A train. The adaptation and art by John Green has been great in all these, but I especially liked this one.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Jasper and the Magpie: Enjoying Special Interests Together

author: Dan Mayfield

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.40

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/22

date added: 2014/11/22

shelves: children-s

review:

'Jasper and the Magpie: Enjoying Special Interests Together' is a storybook written for those along the autism spectrum and their caregivers. When I read the synopsis, I had to check the book out, and I'm glad I did.



Jasper is a young man with an interest in shiny metals. He collects them a bit obsessively, even taking them out of the garbage. When his family tries to take them away and substitute them for other things, Jasper can't understand and can't explain well why he is upset. His parents love Jasper and figure out a way to make his love of shiny objects work for everyone in the family.



This was a good book to read. I think it would be helpful for siblings and relatives of a young person like Jasper. It doesn't demean anyone and shows how thinking a little differently is a good approach and shows love and grace to all involved. The pictures by Alex Merry work well with the story. I loved the pages with the 60 elephants that Jasper counted as he waited for a minute.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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Frankenstein (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

author: John Green

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.60

book published:

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/21

date added: 2014/11/21

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Frankenstein (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)' takes a classic novel and combines it with a graphic novel and a coloring book. The results are really not bad for a book that's only 48 pages long.



It's a good introduction to the story of Frankenstein, and this is an adaptation of the book, not the classic Hollywood version, which changes much of the book. The book is told as a flashback, so there aren't a lot of word bubbles in the version. Lots of dialogue boxes and pretty good art. The themes are conveyed surprising well considering the concise nature of the book. It's short, but it's also about four bucks.



It might make a perfect gift for that nephew that likes monsters. Frankenstein is ghoulish looking with his stitched together monstrous appearance, and it's a pretty good introduction to a classic novel. It's a novel with themes that are still resonant today. A great story with good art with a good abridgement.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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Amelia Cole and the Enemy Unleashed

author: Adam P. Knave

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.33

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/21

date added: 2014/11/21

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Amelia Cole and the Enemy Unleashed' is the second Amelia Cole volume I've read, but it's not the second volume in the series. I liked it, but I think I liked the first volume more.



We start with Omega Company fighting in a realm full of huge monsters. They are weakening as they fight, so you know this isn't going to end well. Meanwhile, in Amelia's world, things aren't going so well either. Amelia has hidden a bunch of her friends in her house and is trying to keep them from getting arrested. Amelia has her own trouble with The Council. The two stories come together with the return of Hector, just in time for a bit of a cliffhanger ending.



Amelia is still a fun character, but she seems to have lost some of her sense of wonder. Perhaps because the story is more serious or she is more familiar. I'm not sure which. And she's also a little too invulnerable. Everyone around her is getting beat, even her golem Lenny, but it doesn't seem to hit her at all. There are some short backup stories and art jams included in the back of the book and an interview with the creators. I hope this is just a middle book story arc, and the book gets back to things I liked so much in the first volume.



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





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Stray Bullets, Vol. 1: Innocence of Nihilism

author: David Lapham

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.23

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/20

date added: 2014/11/20

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Stray Bullets, Vol. 1: Innocence of Nihilism' collects the first seven issues of the series from the mid 1990s by David Lapham. The art is great and the well written stories veer crazily out of control between morbid humor and outright violence. Ready?



The stories take place over a variety of years and a few of them are linked. From low lifes sent out to bury bodies, to an innocent young girl who's life is changed when she witnesses a murder. Things take place at a crazy party where a bright young man gets in with the wrong crowd. There is even a story about Amy Racecar, notorious bank robber and tall tale spinner.



The characters are memorable, even when they are less than savory. The art is black and white, but really good. I liked 'Murder Me Dead' for it's noir quality, and I like this one for it's similarities to the movie Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino. I think it's a fair comparison and a compliment to the author. Gritty and enjoyable.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this great graphic novel.





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Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

author: John Green

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.25

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/20

date added: 2014/11/20

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)' takes me back to the classic comics of my youth. It's a pretty good adaptation.



Certainly, the nuances of a story are lost in such a distilled form, but John Green's adaptation does a good job of hitting on the main point. The book is drawn in black and white, so as to also double as a coloring book. The art has thick lines and there were quite a few times when I wanted to break out the colored pencils and start adding color to the pages.



It's only 48 pages long, but it's also less than five bucks. I think it's worth it to introduce younger readers to classic stories. This one might not hold the interest of some kids, but I was a big Sherlock Holmes fan when I was about 10 and Mr. Holmes is still quite popular in TV and films.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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The Last Temptation

author: Neil Gaiman

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.52

book published: 1997

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/17

date added: 2014/11/17

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Neil Gaiman's The Last Temptation 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition' is a work from earlier in Neil Gaiman's career and was done as a collaboration with Alice Cooper to go along with a concept album. The story is a bit thin, but that could be in service to the album rather than a failing on Gaiman's part.



In a nondescript town, it's Halloween. A young man named Steve is lured into an old theater that only seems to show up at sundown. The Showman runs the theater and wants Steven to stay forever. Steven gets shown a picture of what his life looks like if he doesn't make the choice, and it's a very big temptation to give in to the showman.



The story is told in three acts and is very much an homage to classic Ray Bradbury stories like Something Wicked This Way Comes. Michael Zulli's art is pretty great in this book, and he confesses that at the time, he wasn't as familiar with Alice Cooper. Considering that, he seems to have the persona down solid. Included in this deluxe edition is remastered color, all three scripts and Zulli's black and white thumbnail sketches, Dave McKean's strange covers, and a series of correspondence between Gaiman and Cooper while they were collaborating. As I stated, it's not Gaiman's strongest, but I'm a sucker for these type of stories set at Halloween, so I rather liked it.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this creepy graphic novel.





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Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

author: Astrid Sheckels

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.33

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/17

date added: 2014/11/17

shelves: children-s

review:

'Hector Fox and the Giant Quest' by Astrid Sheckels is an adorable picture book. The story is cute and the art is lush and detailed.



When well-tailored Hector Fox gathers the nearby forest creatures to his house to read them a fairy tale, they all decide to go on a quest. It seems that there might be a giant living in the forest nearby. They find themselves getting a bit more adventure than they bargained for, but will they find the giant?



Beautiful pictures and an adorable story await within. The pictures draw you in and the animals, all decked out in fine clothes, are splendid. Perfect for toddlers who want a fun story about being adventurous.



I received a review copy of this picture book from Dover Publications, Premiere and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this wonderful picture book.





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Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: War Cry

author: Jim Butcher

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.16

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/11/16

date added: 2014/11/16

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: War Cry' is a graphic novel story featuring Harry Dresden. The story takes place after the 7th novel in the series, Dead Beat, but don't worry. A brief prologue will catch you up on events if you aren't familiar.



As the story opens, the Red Court (vampires) are at war with the White Council (wizards). Things are going so badly for the wizards that they've even brought loose cannon wizard into the fold and made him a Warden. They've also put three more barely experienced wizards under his charge. They are tasked with protecting a group of scholars in a house in the middle of nowhere. It's a mission doomed to failure, and there are things Harry learns along the way that make the task even more difficult. All they have to do is make it through the night, and hold off a huge army of vampires and their allies. Harry is Harry, though, and when his back is pressed against the wall, he's not afraid to execute the nuclear option.



This was great fun. As a fan of the series, it's great to have a graphic novel written by Jim Butcher because the characters are going to act like the reader knows they should. The art is alos fabulous and serves the story really well. It works as a standalone for those not familiar with the series, but it's a must have for fans of Dresden.



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 great graphic novel.





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C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power

author: Kyle Higgins

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.88

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/16

date added: 2014/11/16

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power' takes a different spin on the superhero genre, adds it to great art, and turns out a pretty great story.



C.O.W.L. or Chicago Organized Workers League is labor union made up of superheroes that work for the Chicago police department. The story takes place some years after the first superheroes have begun patrolling the city. With the last of their major villains finally in it's sight, the heroes find themselves facing a disillusioned and apathetic public. They also find themselves with some among their midst with opposing agendas.



It takes the fantastical world of superheroes and grounds it in the real world of police departments and backroom politics. The superheroes and their powers lack a bit of focus, and a lot of them are kind of jerks. Comparisons can be made to the Watchmen, and it's got a little of that feel, but the worldbuilding feels weaker here. The cover looks like something from the 1930s, but the story takes place in a generic version of the 1960s. It was hard to find anyone I cared about enough to like. There is a bit of crimefighting, but most of it is murky backstabbing and semi-criminal behavior by the supposed good guys. I liked it, but it is dark. The art is really good and I enjoyed the style that was used.



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 graphic novel.





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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Echoes

author: Nathan Edmondson

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/15

date added: 2014/11/15

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Echoes' takes a video game character and gives him a graphic novel. It's a bit tricky because the story takes place between a couple games, so those new to the series may find themselve, as I was, a bit lost at first. The action and pace keeps the story moving along.



Sam Fisher is a newly retired elite operative "one man army." He is trying to reconcile with his daughter, but finds himself being pulled back in to his old life to help tend a mission that ends up going wrong. At one point, he even finds himself captured and tortured by an old enemy he's made along the way. The new ways of terrorism and warfare come into play with the introduction of Charlie Cole, an elite hacker, who joins the team. Sam finds that operating outside of the government is challenging, but manages to make his way and prove that one man or a thousand can do the job.



Sam is a good character, but he falls into that James Bond kind of invulnerabilty. He's got all the cool gadgets and the bad guys can't seem to hit him with a bullet even though he is hopelessly outnumbered. However, it's a fun read and works well as a comic book. Included are interviews with the creators of the comic and the video game.



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





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Five Keys to Powerful Business Relationships: How to Become More Productive, Effective, and Influential

author: Sherman

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.00

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/15

date added: 2014/11/15

shelves: non-fiction-business

review:

'Five Keys to Powerful Business Relationships: How to Become More Productive, Effective, and Influential' by Sallie Sherman, Joseph Sperr and Steve Vucelich tells us that building good relationships in business is important. It's something that would seem to be obvious, but based on my business dealings, it would appear not to be the case.



Business books seem to like to give us numbered lists and prescriptions and this one is no different. We get five keys introduced, then each one gets it's own chapter filled with anecdotes, evidence and a nice summary for review. Among the keys, we learn the importance of empathy, connecting to others before we start a task, and trust, among other things. Again, it should be obvious, because we know these things in our personal lives, but perhaps the workaday world of business provides to much focus on things like the bottom line. It's good information and presented readably enough.



There are additional chapters on building relationships online with social media and three challenges are given to leaders for building relationships in business. There is a nice annotated bibliography for specific further reading as well as a general, larger bibliography and chapter notes. I read a lot of business books. I look for readability and applicability. This book had both.



I received a review copy of this ebook from McGraw-Hill Professional and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.







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Luminae Volume 1

author: Bengal

name: Wayne

average rating: 2.57

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/13

date added: 2014/11/13

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Luminae Volume 1' features Bengal doing art as well as writing duties this time around. I've liked Bengal's art on 'Naja' and 'Meka.' The art here is good, but the story left me confused.



It's a volume 1, but I felt dropped in the middle of a story and trying to catch up. There are some humanoid characters that look like they have dog noses. There is a group of soldiers hunting something. There is also a curious group of women who are out to protect Luminae, whomever she turns out to be. And there are the strange demonic looking creatures out to destroy, well, everything. It all coalesces in battles, redemption, and, for me, confusion.



I liked the art. I think Bengal's work is interesting. It's not always the most coherent, but the style is original. Here the story finally makes some sense in the last few final pages, but by then, it's too late. More backstory would have been good. Less confusing plot elements might have made things clearer. It includes one of the more beautiful art galleries I've seen in a book with character renderings by other artists that are gorgeous. The art alone is worth 4 stars, but the story, unfortunately, drags this one down for me.



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





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Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life

author: Peter Ackroyd

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.71

book published: 2014

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/13

date added: 2014/11/13

shelves: non-fiction

review:

'Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life' by Peter Ackroyd has a title that confused me because I know Chaplin lived into his 80s. The title refers to the briefer depth that the book gives to the subject. With numerous other books on such a famous subject, the big question is do we need another one?



Most of the facts are here. Charlie's childhood in poverty. His early days on the stage, and eventual journey to Hollywood and fame. He was a comic genius and a troubled artist. He had a singular vision for what he wanted on the screen, and the kind of womanizing that led to scandals and headlines. He achieved a kind of fame that no one before him had, and towards the end of his life a kind of disdainful infamy where he was shunned by his adopted country for a time. In the end, he is remembered for an amazing body of work that endures.



Ackroyd's approach seems more of a lurid tell all at times. Charlie may have been an unpleasant person at times, but that seems to take the forefront over his film contributions. The films are mentioned, but the impression you are left with is that this was a tyrannical genius who should have stopped making movies shortly after sound came along. So, with many other Chaplin biographies available, I'm not sure this one sheds any more light on the subject than other works.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Doubleday Books, Nan A Talese and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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The Art of 5th Cell

author: 5th Cell

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2012

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/10

date added: 2014/11/10

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'The Art of 5th Cell' is a graphic celebration of an innovative game company. Their games on multiple platforms are creative and fun to play.



Five of the company's games or game franchises are featured in this book: Scribblenauts, Lock's Quest, Drawn To Life, Hybrid and Run Roo Run. From game conceptual art to magazine covers and promotional art and comics. Their ability to create recognizable art on smaller platforms is a highlight, but their work on Hybrid has detailed armor and guns that players can customize their avatars with.



The book concludes with an extended Edison Yan sketchbook with more concepts, and there is a list of all the 5th Cell original games, as well as ideas that didn't make it to game format. It's an interesting look into a game company. I always enjoy seeing what might have been and trying to see how the artists make decisions based on playability. Fun stuff.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Diamond Book Distributor, Udon Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.





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Good-Bye Geist

author: Ryo Hanada

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.00

book published: 2012

rating: 2

read at: 2014/11/10

date added: 2014/11/10

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Good-Bye Geist' is part of GEN Manga's indie manga line. It's part of a series of manga that are usually only traded among manga artists. This one left me a little flatter than some of them.



A young high school girl named Yuki is being filmed on a train by a mysterious boy. She is also groped on the train one day. She has her friends ride along to watch over her, but they can't always do that. Along with these events are a series of animal murders. These also occurred seven years previously. Could all these ominous events be linked?



I found this story to be a little harder to follow. Part of it was an art style that made it tough to decipher what was happening, and part of it was a story that was a little incoherent in places. The art is good enough, and the story premise seemed good, but when it was all done, I couldn't piece it all together. Your mileage may vary.



I was given a review copy of this manga by Diamond Book Distributors and Gen Manga Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.





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Vs Aliens

author: Yu Suzuki

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.08

book published: 2011

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/08

date added: 2014/11/08

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Vs Aliens' by Yu Suzuki is a manga story that might be perfect for younger teen readers. It had an interesting mystery and the kind of charm that older readers might be too jaded to enjoy.



Kitaro is approached by a girl named Aya in his school that is convinced another girl is an alien. Kitaro is a bit nervous approaching the supposed alien, Sana, because she is pretty. He also finds himself attracted to Aya, which gets him some teasing from the other boys. But the mystery deepens, and Kitaro, Aya and Sana find themselves on the run. Is it real or a hoax? Will Kitaro be able to help Sana or even tell her he likes her?



It's a cute story that moves along well enough. The story elements involve young crushes. The SF elements are fairly light and it's a light story by the time it's all done.



I received a review copy of this manga from Diamond Book Distributors, Gen Manga Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this fun manga.





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The Field

author: Ed Brisson

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.25

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/08

date added: 2014/11/08

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'The Field' written by Ed Brisson and with art by Simon Roy is fast and over the top. It has some strange twists and turns, but I ended up liking it.



An amnesiac wakes up in a field in just his underwear. Nearby, a phone starts ringing and sending him text messages from someone unknown. The first message warns him about getting in the car that's coming for him, but he finds himself getting in the car anyway. He finds himself in the company of a crazy person who thinks the underwear clad guy is important. The story gets violent and strange before it's done with a crazy Bible salesman, bikers and violent Trekkie cosplayers.



It's a fun ride and I liked it, but it doesn't complete in these first four issues. Where the story is left is a little disatisfying, but I'd read the next volume. The art is a bit garish, but that totally fits the over the top story elements. Violence and profanity abound, so reader beware.



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





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Denslow's Night Before Christmas

author: Clement C. Moore

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.33

book published: 1823

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/06

date added: 2014/11/06

shelves: children-s

review:

Over my many years on the planet, I've seen and enjoyed many illusrated versions of Clement C. Moore's 'Night Before Christmas.' but 'Denslow's Night Before Christmas' might be my very favorite version.



W.W. Denslow is the original illustrator of the L. Frank Baum Wizard of Oz books, and his illustrations there are iconic and classic. In 1902, he illustrated this famous Christmas poem, and his illustrations are full of charm and whimsy. Drawings spill across the pages with all kinds of details. The drawings of a happy, mischievous looking St. Nicholas are a bit different from our modern Coca-Cola inspired Santa, but they are nonetheless familiar. There are scenes of sleeping mice, and a boy in a dog-pulled sled, but my favorite might be the candy dancing over the children's heads.



Denslow's style is so classic and expressive, and this version from Dover is a great reproduction of the original version from 1902. There is a foreward by Grace Duffie Boylan. I think this is the version I need on my coffee table this holiday season.



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







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V-Wars Volume 1: Crimson Queen

author: Jonathan Maberry

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.60

book published: 2012

rating: 3

read at: 2014/11/06

date added: 2014/11/06

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'V-Wars' gets the graphic novel treatment. For those not familiar with the series, they are are linked stories about a virus named ICE that turns people into vampires and a series of linked characters that show up in some of the stories. Based on genetics, people can be turned into a variety of vampires based on their bloodline.



Professor Swann is a main character of the series, and this book gives some background on him that I didn't know. He is at the forefront of trying to understand and find a way for the vampires (bloods) to live peaceably with the humans (beats). He is embedded in a military unit that is at the front of what seems to be a vampire war. There are groups of people trying to push war to the forefront, and as hard as Swann tries, his words seem to be more and more futile. It all culminates in a confrontation that will leave Swann with some choices to make.



It was an okay story, but I think I prefer the prose versions over this graphic novel version. I felt like the art was a bit weak, and the story seemed a bit overly long. Most of the V-Wars stories I've read have been more concise and punchy. Still it's interesting to see this in a graphic novel and for Swann to take center stage.



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





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The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books

author: Azar Nafisi

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.98

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/03

date added: 2014/11/03

shelves: non-fiction

review:

'The Republic of Imagination' by Azir Nafisi ('Reading Lolita in Tehran') is an impassioned plea for literature in her adopted home of America. In an era where bookstores are closing, schools are moving away from literature, and we are more distracted, she makes the case for why literature is vital to a society.



The book takes three novels and makes her case: 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis, and 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers. Each has parallels to our day whether it is showing how materialism and the pursuit of the newest gadget is as American as a pervading sense of isolation even while we are in a crowd. She talks about how literature can get us beyond lists of facts into a new place where we can meet characters similar and dissimilar to us. She rails against the common core and how it turns it's back on literature in favor of a more factual, science based education, and what we lose with that.



Intertwined with her explorations are stories and people from her real life. From a childhood friend with terminal cancer to friends made during protest marches in the States. The true stories show how literature can provide us with perspective and understanding. It's a much more personal book than I anticipated when I read about it, but that's not a bad thing at all. Literature should connect to us at a personal level as it does with this author.



I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Group Viking, Viking Adult and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fine ebook.





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