Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War

author: Mike Johnson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/26
date added: 2016/06/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
In comics, the world of crossovers can be a mixed bag, but I'm happy to report that 'Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War' was a pretty decent story by Mike Johnson with art by Angel Hernandez.

When events in the Green Lantern version of Earth spill over into the Star Trek universe, things take a crazy course. An abandoned asteroid is found with a dead body by a Star Trek away team. In front of the body are some colorful rings. The crew takes the body and the rings back to the Enterprise. When the rings become activated, it's interesting to see who gets chosen. The rings have innate personalities of love, hope, war, etc. and this leads them to some likely bearers on both sides. When Hal Jordan shows up to figure things out, he meets a headstrong Captain Kirk who wants to know what has happened to his crew. Meanwhile, the Klingons, Romulans and Gorns now have powerful rings and want to use them to dominate the galaxy. Can the crew of the Enterprise and the Green Lantern Corps stop things before they go too far?

You'd think this would be a natural crossover, but when I first heard about it, I was a bit skeptical. I've read good and bad crossovers in the past, but I thought I'd give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Along with an interesting story of cosmic size, the art is really quite nice.

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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Dark Island, The (Three Thieves)

author: Scott Chantler
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'The Dark Island' by Scott Chantler is book six of the Three Thieves series. I came late to the party, but I really enjoy all the volumes of this series that I've read.

Dessa, along with her companions Topper and Fisk, has been looking for her brother. In the last book, they were given a ride by pirates to the flying island of Astaroth. Now they have to find a way onto the island. Once they get there, they find that it's being run by someone called the Toymaker and he has some unusual guests on his island.

Meanwhile, Dessa's brother Jared's story is told in parallel. He is captured by guards and as his story comes out, there are things he's seen that have the guards intrigued. It seems that there is mystery afoot and Jared is still in danger.

I love the art and the colors. I really like the characters and the weird adventures they have in this world. This is definitely a series I'd recommend to young readers looking for graphic novels to read. The adventure reminds me of the kinds of things I liked at that age (and still do!).

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


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Black Jack Ketchum

author: Brian Schirmer
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Black Jack Ketchum' by Brian Schirmer with art by Claudia Balboni takes a historical figure and events, and puts a weird West twist on things.

Tom Ketchum is mistaken for an outlaw named "Black Jack" Ketchum. It's easy enough to do since they look similar and have the same last name. He sets about to clear his name. Along the way he is aided by a talking gun, a mute girl toting a rifle and a strange gambler. He is running from the faceless Judge. He does this by using old West saloons as portals (since they are all mostly the same, apparently). There are flashbacks and flash forwards, and the whole thing kind of keeps you guessing until the end.

Each issue starts with real history. We learn about the real Ketchums and the sad fate that Tom had. The art is interesting. The story is good, but perhaps a bit confusing in places. Still, I give it a solid plus for the effort. It seemed to be lacking something for me to really love it, but I do like what they tried to do here, and weaving in actual historical figures is a plus.

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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Pixar Manga Collection: Finding Nemo

author: Ryuichi Hoshino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Pixar Manga's Collection: Finding Nemo' by Ryuichi Hoshino is a really nice adaptation of the Pixar movie.

Marlin is an overprotective father with a son named Nemo. Nemo goes off to school, and ends up getting captured and put in a fish tank in a dentist's office. Marlin will stop at nothing to find his son, and his journey will teach him a few things while he's at it. He's joined by short termed memory Dory and meets memorable characters along the way.

The manga starts with a description of the characters as well as the type of fish that they are. The fish descriptions were a really nice addition to this book. The artwork is very good. The art looks more like the Disney art than a traditional manga, but you read the book the same way. This would be a fun way to introduce manga to young readers, and it's a faithful retelling of the story.

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


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Ghostbusters: Who Ya Gonna Call?

author: Erik Burnham
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.86
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ghostbusters: Who Ya Gonna Call?' by Erik Burnham and Dan Schoening collects issues 13-16 of the Ghostbusters series.

The book opens with the Ghostbusters helping a fellow ghostbuster set up shop in Chicago. The problem he has is all the city's union rules. After hearing about that, the guys are happy to get back to New York, where they find things are surprisingly quiet. It seems that a new group of ghost hunters, The Ghost Smashers, has set up shop and has a new way of dealing with paranormal problems. The real problem turns out to be the way they are "disposing" of ghosts, which turns into a bigger story. The issue finishes with another plot that finishes the book with Winston and a ghost that seems to know Winston's name.

The problem is that the book feels like the middle issues of a series, which is exactly what it is. Sure, there is central storyline in the book, but there are these odd bookends in the front and back. Compounding that are story lines that are being set up that don't make much sense unless you are more familiar with the series as a whole. It's enjoyable enough on it's own, but it's not much of a standalone. Additionally, the cover art isn't reflected by what happens in the book and feels like a marketing grab based on the new all female Ghostbusters movie about to hit theaters.

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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Not Today, Celeste!: A Dog's Tale about Her Human's Depression

author: Liza Stevens
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: children-s
review:
'Not Today, Celeste!: A Dog's Tale about Her Human's Depression' by Liza Stevens is a very accessible way to talk with children about people in their lives who might be going through depression.

Dog Celeste had a good life with her owner Rupert, until one day, something changed. Rupert still did everything he always did, but Celeste begins to notice that he's not eating and he doesn't want to play and he even gets angry with Celeste. When human Lily shows up, Celeste tries to get her to help with Rupert. The book ends on an up note as Rupert gets the help he needs and seems to get better. There is always the possibility that depression will come back, but Rupert and Celeste seem better able to handle it.

There is an excellent guide for parents, carers and professionals at the end of the book by Dr. Pooky Knightsmith which gives great discussion ideas and the kinds of things that go through children's heads when they have depressed people in their lives. The book stresses that it's nothing Celeste did, and I applaud that. The illustrations are colorful and Celeste is a fun character to see the story through. I think this would be a brilliant and very helpful picture book for a child in this situation. Very well done.

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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Murder by Remote Control

author: Janwillem van de Wetering
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Murder By Remote Control' is a collaboration between international writer Janwillem van de Wetering and his neighbor, artist Paul Kirchner. The book did very poorly during it's initial publication, but this reprint should bring new life to a story that feels just as fresh and interesting today.

The story starts with the murder of Mr. Jones who is out on a lake and is killed by a remote control airplane. There are plenty of suspects in the area and lots of motives. Mr. Jones was not a very nice guy, so his greed or disregard for the environment could have been his undoing. An unusual detective is sent to solve the murder. One who sees things differently. He definitely feels like a precursor to Agent Dale Cooper of the Twin Peaks TV series. The residents/suspects are all oddballs and recluses, and each have their own reason for despising Jones. The detective finds his way into their lives and heads to uncover the truth.

The art is alternately very normal and also strangely surreal. There are full page panels that have a strange symmetry. In a brilliant afterword by Stephen R. Bisette, written just for this edition, we get a look at the influences of artist Paul Kirchner. There is a definite Wally Wood style, but "this murder mystery erupted into a panoramic visionary tableaus, delirious visual and conceptual detours, stream-of-consciousness pageantry and lunacy at the turn of a phrase." It's quite unsettling, but I rather liked it. I'm glad this book got a reprint. I really feel that it was quite ahead of it's time, but might find new appreciation now, when the story has not aged a bit.

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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Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings: Four Stories That Inspired the TV Series!

author: Edward McLachlan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/25
date added: 2016/06/25
shelves: children-s
review:
'Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings' by Edward McLachlan is a collection of four picture books that went on the be the basis for an animated series on PBS and Nickelodeon.

Simon is a young artist, but he doesn't seem to finish his drawings. One day on his way to school, one of his drawings offers him a deal: finish the drawing Simon has made of him, and in return, he will take Simon to somewhere special. Simon finds himself in a land full of not quite finished drawings and spends his time finishing railroad tracks for the train or adding ears to an elephant. In later adventures, Simon returns to face an army and a dinosaur. He also builds a rocket and has adventures in space.

The stories are black and white until Simon enters the special land, then everything is full of color. The stories are fun and show what a child with some chalk and imagination can do. I like the inventiveness.

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


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Batman Unauthorized: Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City

author: Dennis O'Neil
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/23
date added: 2016/06/23
shelves: non-fiction
review:



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The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade (2016-) #1

author: Frank Miller
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/06/21
date added: 2016/06/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade' is a one issue special edition by Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello with art by John Romita Jr. I've not read 'The Dark Knight Strikes Again' but this book feels much more like the original 'The Dark Knight.'

In the orginal 'The Dark Knight' an older Batman is retired, and it's not explained why (except for the fact that he's, well, old). This story shows why he may have been forced to give up the cowl. With Joker now apprehended in Arkham Asylum, Batman can focus more on his young protege Jason Todd. This is supposed to be his successor, but Bruce Wayne sees some disturbing traits that make him question his choice of young Jason. Jason is quick-tempered and violent and shows poor impulse control. Meanwhile, the Joker is having his version of fun, and trying to make his way back to society. The last frames leave things a bit open, but it's easy enough to connect the dots.

I really liked it, and I loved the art by John Romita Jr. I really should read that middle book some day...


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The Blue Blazes (Mookie Pearl, #1)

author: Chuck Wendig
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/21
date added: 2016/06/21
shelves:
review:
'The Blue Blazes' by Chuck Wendig stars a most unusual character named Mookie Pearl. As an urban fantasy, I quite liked it.

Mookie Pearl is not exactly a good guy, but you'd rather have him on your side than against you. He's built like a tank and not afraid of the monsters that lurk under his city. He works for the mob, and the main boss is stepping down. The secession plan has his grandson taking over, but that plan goes haywire when the grandson is found dead, and Mookie's estranged daughter is standing over the body. Now Mookie has to try to clear her name, or kill her, and stop whatever weird thing is starting to happen in the supernatural underworld. This will lead him to team up with the living human Sandhogs building the subway tunnels, and the dead members of a town called Daisycutter. Mookie plows through the story like a formidable bulldozer.

In spite of that, I actually cared about the big guy. I also found the world of this book to be interesting. The book moves along at a good pace and is well written. I can recommend it if your taste runs toward urban fantasy and lots of action.

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


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Art Nouveau: The Essential Reference

author: Carol Belanger Grafton
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/21
date added: 2016/06/21
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Art Nouveau: The Essential Reference' by Carol Belanger Grafton is a pictorial selection of examples of gorgeous Art Nouveau replicas.

The book begins with an interesting prologue that talks a bit about Dover's large catalog of this kind of work and where it came from. The book is sectioned by country and works in the pages give notes as to what other Dover collections they came from. The last chapter is a collection of Art Nouveau posters. There is not much text. The book is mostly reproductions of borders and signage and even the occasional dish pattern. There are the occasional stained glass window design and these are my favorites.

It's a good collection for reference, but maybe only really "essential" for an art or design student. It is good in the way it divides out the work by country so that the viewer can see the subtle differences. I like the Dover art collections and I like Art Nouveau design, so I enjoyed looking through this collection.

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


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The More Things Change (Star Trek: The Original Series)

author: Scott Pearson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/09/04
date added: 2016/06/21
shelves:
review:
'Star Trek: The Original Series: The More Things Change' by Scott Pearson is a novella in the original Star Trek universe. The story takes place shortly after events of the first movie.

A simple shuttle trip to transfer a passenger turns strange when an unknown vessel attacks the shuttle and the passenger, a Trill, has some unknown medical problems. The shuttle is crewed by Spock and Doctor Christine Chapel. Spock tries to keep the shuttle from being shot out of the sky while Chapel is faced with a patient with very mysterious anatomy, Audrid Dax. Chapel also has to help Spock with keeping the shuttle going and even saving Spock.

The story is told from Christine Chapel's perspective and I really liked it. The action and suspense build nicely. The discovery of the Trill anatomy is alien enough, even if we know of it from other places. Having Dax show up here was a nice touch. I think it's a decent story and I enjoyed spending time with these characters.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, Pocket Star, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Donald Duck: The Diabolical Duck Avenger

author: Rodolfo Cimino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/19
date added: 2016/06/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Donald Duck: The Diabolical Duck Avenger' might be my favorite of these Disney reprints from IDW that I've read recently. The stories and art are consistent, and they were fun to read.

In the title story, Donald finds himself in a good news/bad news story that pits him against his cousin Gladstone. Donald gets a letter telling him he's inherited a house. He finds the diary of Fantomallard, and masked avenger who robbed from the rich and gives to the poor. Donald decides that he can pull one over on Scrooge and Gladstone, which, if you're Donald, usually doesn't work.

Other stories include one with Ludwig Von Drake and Gus Goose. There is one where Donald's nephews get a dog, and hide the dog from Donald, and a few more.

It's got consistent art throughout. Sometimes these have had wildly varying styles. The penultimate story is a bit strange, but I was ok with it. The classic story from 1937 is a nice finish.

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


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Donald Duck: The Diabolical Duck Avenger

author: Rodolfo Cimino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/19
date added: 2016/06/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Donald Duck: The Diabolical Duck Avenger' might be my favorite of these Disney reprints from IDW that I've read recently. The stories and art are consistent, and they were fun to read.

In the title story, Donald finds himself in a good news/bad news story that pits him against his cousin Gladstone. Donald gets a letter telling him he's inherited a house. He finds the diary of Fantomallard, and masked avenger who robbed from the rich and gives to the poor. Donald decides that he can pull one over on Scrooge and Gladstone, which, if you're Donald, usually doesn't work.

Other stories include one with Ludwig Von Drake and Gus Goose. There is one where Donald's nephews get a dog, and hide the dog from Donald, and a few more.

It's got consistent art throughout. Sometimes these have had wildly varying styles. The penultimate story is a bit strange, but I was ok with it. The classic story from 1937 is a nice finish.

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


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Red Sonja/Conan: The Blood of a God

author: Dynamic Forces Inc.
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2016/06/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Red Sonja/Conan: The Blood of a God' by Victor Gischler with art by Ed Benes and Roberto Castro is a perfectly fine story, but I've been spoiled by what Gail Simone has done with the Red Sonja character.

A kingdom wants to wage war with a sorceror and a mercenary army has a battle amongst themselves to find out who should lead. When the victors are Red Sonja and Conan, we know the army is in good hands. The mage they face is named Kai'Ang and he is a gifted herbalist who has concocted a liquid that creates horrific monsters. When Sonja is knocked out during the battle, she wakes to find carnage all around her. When she and Conan investigate, they discover one of their oldest and most dangerous foes is actually behind it all.

I felt a bit cheated when the battle gets completely overlooked because Red Sonja gets knocked out. There are some flashbacks, but it felt like a bit of a cheat to me. Included is a gallery of alternate covers for the series. It's not a terrible story, but I've read better ones lately. Still I am kind of a sucker for the sword and sorcery genre.

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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Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs!

author: Mike Lowery
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/18
date added: 2016/06/18
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs!' by Mike Lowery is an interactive adventure starring the reader. It's pretty clever and I would have loved something like this when I was younger.

You are the new recruit of the Doodle Agency and you've been approached by Carl the Duck who is your guide. You are tasked with defeating the giant space slugs. You will do this through doodling in the book. Carl will guide you with what to draw, from the luggage you need to the spaceship you will travel in. You will need to retrieve a missing artifact that the space slugs have taken. You will also need to assist Carl with things like drawing a key for him to open a door.

It's a clever combination of book and activity book. The writing is humourous and the idea is pretty creative. Like I said, I would have loved this sort of thing when I was younger.

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


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Ghostbusters: The New Ghostbusters

author: Erik Burnham
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.56
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/17
date added: 2016/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ghostbusters: The New Ghostbusters' by Erik Burnham collects issues 1-4 of the IDW Ghostbusters series from 2013. It's a timely story considering the subject and the upcoming movie release.

The Ghostbusters have been captured and have vanished. Months go by and there is still a need for a team to deal with the spirits of New York, so receptionist Janine Melnitz, goth Kylie Griffin, and special agent Melanie Ortiz take over the role along with Ron Alexander, who has been in jail for impersonating the Ghostbusters. The mayor has stupid ideas for promoting the new team (like putting them in shorts and making them endorse products). Meanwhile, the original team may not be all that gone after all.

I like the characters and the few times I've read these supporting characters, I've wanted them to have a bigger part to play. It's a fun outing, and the art is pretty good. The humor is right where it needs to be. Recommended for fans of the original movie.

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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Atomic Robo: Atomic Robo and the Ring of Fire

author: Brian Clevinger
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/17
date added: 2016/06/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Atomic Robo: Atomic Robo and the Ring of Fire' by Brian Clevinger with art by Scott Wegener features giant, planet threatening monsters, the people trying to stop it, and a brave robot.

I'm new to the series, so I'm not the best to tell you what went on before. The scientists of Tesladyne have gone underground and Atomic Robo is missing, presumed gone forever. Through some clever thinking, they realize he has gone into the past and they recover part of the robot. With just his head, and not much of a lab to work from, they start to rebuild a body for him. Meanwhile, the Earth is threatened by larger biological monsters. They have giant human controlled robots to fight them, but they are losing the battle. Can Atomic Robo and his friends save the day?

I was a bit lost at first, but it quickly won me over. I liked the subtle humor and the art was good throughout. I'd actually like to read the story before this one to see how the characters are developed and came to be together. Atomic Robo is pretty endearing, and I can see why his friends are so faithful to him.

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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Tobias S. Buckell's Arctic Rising #1

author: Keith Miller
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/15
date added: 2016/06/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tobias S. Buckell's Arctic Rising #1' by Keith Miller and Thomas Nguyen-Smith is an action comic book that has some uneven art and lettering.

Anika Duncan is part of the United Nations Polar Guard. They patrol in large blimps. The problem with blimps is when they get punctured and land in icy water. Now Anika is after whoever did this, and she is determined to get her revenge.

This review is just the first issue, so there isn't more than 34 pages to review. The story starts out strong, but I found the art a bit lacking. I also found the speech bubbles confusing to read. They don't flow and at times seem out of order. I liked it, but found it a bit challenging to read.

I received a review copy of this comic book from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Everywhere and All Around

author: Pimm van Hest
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/06/15
date added: 2016/06/15
shelves: children-s
review:
'Everywhere and All Around' by Pimm van Hest with illustrations by Sassafras De Bruyn is a touching, beautiful book for a child that has lost a parent.

Yolanda's mother has died. Yolanda was with her and held her hand as it grew colder. Now she wants to know where her mom could be. She asks family and friends of her mother, and they each provide their answer to where Yolanda's mother is. Things like "mom is in stories, and in stories is mom" and Mom is Yolanda and Yolanda is Mom."

The book is filled with simply gorgeous illustrations. Every page is two pages wide and the art fills the page. The message would be of comfort to a child who had lost a parent, but might be confusing to one with a still living character. Still, there must be books for times of grieving, and this one is filled with beauty and hope.

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


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Civil Blood (Best Left in the Shadows #2)

author: Mark Gelineau
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/15
date added: 2016/06/15
shelves:
review:
'Civil Blood' by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is book 2 of Best Left In Shadows and another in their series of novellas in the world of Aedaron.

Last time around, Dax was investigating a missing girl in Lowside with the help of Alys. They had an interesting chemistry together, he of royal blood, she of street smarts. This time around Alys has been accused of murdering Cinderman's people and Dax has to wrestle with the things he feels for her. Alys and Dax find themselves at odds with each other and in the kind of danger that finds them face to face with Cinderman. Can they survive the night and each other?

I think I liked the first book a bit more. It was a bit more procedural in nature. This time around the story is a bit less precise, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. I've enjoyed all the books in this Echoes of the Ascended series. They are short, well-plotted reads and feature interesting main and supporting characters.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Gelineau and King, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Aurora

author: Kim Stanley Robinson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/06/14
date added: 2016/06/14
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
I read 'Aurora' by Kim Stanley Robinson for my book club. I loved most of the book (enough to recommend it!), but found the ending sort of flat.

A lifeship has left Earth a few generations ago. The ship is reaching it's goal of colonizing a distant planet. It's been a long journey and things in this closed system have a way of going out of balance: too many of certain chemicals, and not enough of others, for instance. Even the populations of animals and humans have shown some changes. The trip in one direction is dangerous enough, but a return trip could prove even more perilous if things don't work out on the planet.

For most of the book we are given a most unusual narrator, which I loved. The kinds of problems faced by the characters seems well thought out as well. There are gravitational problems, and too much radiation problems, and long term ship deterioration problems and biological problems. We see the slow decay of a lot of things in a closed system, and I found that harrowing and fascinating.

Less fascinating, for me, was the long epilogue that just sort of trailed off. Also, the book's narrator is gone, but we don't know who is now telling the story. It's not confusing, and you can piece it together. I just would have liked different closure than I got. Still, I enjoyed this one quite a lot, and I do recommend it.


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The Lost Kingdom

author: Matthew J. Kirby
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/14
date added: 2016/06/14
shelves: young-adult
review:
'The Lost Kingdom' by Matthew J. Kirby combines a young adult novel with an interesting setting. I thought it was a lot of fun to read.

The book takes place in a Pre-Revolutionary War America, and includes the kind of fantastical inventions usually seen in steampunk. Billy Bartram sets out on an adventure with his father, who is part of a secret society of philosophers and scientists. They are looking for the lost city of a Welsh prince named Madoc, and they hope he can help them in their war against the French. They encounter strange creatures and find a stowaway. Along the way, they pick up a guide and Billy learns that his father has prejudice against the native people, but he doesn't know why. They also discover that a traitor in their midst may make the journey fail.

It was a fun read. I really enjoyed the setting of a colonial America with gadgets. The characters were mostly interesting. There were some suprises along the way and I wouldn't mind reading more books in the series.

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


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Alice in Wonderland: Special Collector's Manga

author: Jun Abe
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2016/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alice in Wonderland: Special Collector's Manga' by Jun Abe is a manga adaptation of the Tim Burton film from a few years back. My review copy stopped about halfway through the story, but it looks like the full copy is what is available.

Alice Kingsleigh had nightmares as a young child. Her father was able to help her get over them. Years later, he is gone and she is about to be put into an arranged marriage. A white hare in a suit causes her to chase after it, and she finds herself on a different adventure than the one the day started with. She sees how she is chosen to fight a terrible beast, but first she has to relearn who she is. Assisting her is the March Hare and the Mad Hatter and various other citizens of the kingdom. Opposing her is the Red Queen and her Knave of Swords. The creatures of this land are oppressed and looking for a way to change things. Can Alice be the one they've been waiting for?

I liked the movie, but I didn't love it. I think I might actually prefer this manga version. I like the art and it reminded me of things that I liked in the movie.

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


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Drones

author: Chris Lewis
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2015
rating: 1
read at: 2016/06/13
date added: 2016/06/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Drones' is just a mess of a graphic novel. The characters in the story run around and are confused, and I, as the reader, fully understand their confusion.

For some reason, in the near future, Las Vegas has decided to create a terrorism-themed hotel. A couple of drone pilots find themselves at this resort and can't tell who are the real terrorists and who are the actors. The confusion really starts at the beginning of the book where the soldiers conduct a real drone strike half a world away, then the people they thought they hit show up in Las Vegas. It's as if Afghanistan and Las Vegas are next to each other. That's just one of the problems with this book.

It's supposed to be satirical, but it just isn't very funny. It's crude in lots of ways. There are tourists re-enacting orgy scenes that look like Abu Ghraib. There are weapons that look like grotesquely sized sex toys. It all seems like it's supposed to be a joke, but no character is sympathetic enough to be the straight man, and the punchline gets lost in the overly confusing plot. I'm not actually sure why it's called 'Drones' except that there are some brief appearances by drones. The concept sounded interesting, but the execution just didn't work for me.

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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100 New York Calligraphers

author: Cynthia Dantzic
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/08
date added: 2016/06/08
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'100 New York Calligraphers' by Cynthia Dantzic is exactly what it states, along with examples of their work.

It's an alphabetic listing of 100 calligraphers who were born or studied in New York. The work styles range across quite a few languages and styles. The client credits are impressive. Many of them work for publishers or have had their work shown internationally. There are works of art and invitations and even quilts. The works range from tightly controlled pen work to extravagant scrolls made with brushes. The calligraphers have an impressive list of professional clients from book publishers to art galleries to the White House.

It's more of a reference work than a read. As a book, it's encyclopedic in nature. Each calligrapher gets a short bio, then a few pieces of work are published, and titled or interpreted. It would work well as an inspiration for an aspiring calligrapher.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Back to the Future (Back to the Future Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines #1)

author: Bob Gale
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/06
date added: 2016/06/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Back to the Future: Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines' features stories by Back to the Future Screenwriter Bob Gale. It fill in some things we didn't know about Doc and Marty.

The framing story involves Doc Brown in the old West. He's got a couple young sons now and loves to tell them stories. He talks about how he first met Marty, and then what happened with Marty's dad shortly after Marty saved their marriage. We learn about some of the science Doc Brown was involved in, and how future Biff got more than he bargained for when he stole the Delorean.

This is the kind of book that probably should have come out 20+ years ago. Now it's only of interest to fans of the movie, and the stories come across as a bit juvenile. None of them have the pizzazz of the movies, and unless you've seen the movies, you'll miss quite a few in-jokes along the way. The art doesn't look much like the characters and is just kind of mediocre. Kind of like this whole graphic novel.

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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Uncle Scrooge: The Grand Canyon Conquest

author: Dick Kinney
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/05
date added: 2016/06/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Uncle Scrooge: The Grand Canyon Conquest' features a variety of stories of miserly Scrooge McDuck trying to save his fortune while also not spending any of it.

In the title story, Scrooge finds out he might have to split his fortune with a former partner's heir. This leads Donald and the boys to Beverly Hills to track down leads in the case, all, of course, at Donald's expense. This leads them to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and even to Disneyland in the course of their adventure. In another story, Scrooge finds a rare coin to complete his collection, which is then inadvertently given to the paperboy as a tip by an old flame who has come visiting on her dilapidated river boat. There are some shorter stories, and some featuring inventor Gyro Gearloose, whom I've always liked.

The art style varies quite a bit, like it has in this series, but it's all pretty good. The main stories feature a classic looking style. Some of the shorter gag stories have a looser style. I enjoyed this selection of stories.

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


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The Chief Mistahimaskwa

author: David Alexander Robertson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/05
date added: 2016/06/05
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Chief Mistahimaskwa' by David Alexander Roberson with art by Scott B. Henderson tells the story of a Cree chief of the Saskatchewan Plains in a graphic novel format. It succeeds and fails on a few different levels.

There is a framing story about a girl named Sarah who has lost a book after an encounter with a bear. She later finds it and is taken into a living history version of the story in the book. We learn about Mistahimaskwa from the time he is little, all the way to his death. It's a good story, if an all too typical one. Food sources and land taken by settlers. That's not to say this isn't a story that needs to be told. Just that it is a sad one. Sarah is whisked out of her book adventure to pass it along to someone else in the class that might benefit.

I do like that this was presented as a graphic novel, but it feels like an educational book, meaning the facts presented feel dry sometimes. The art is a good average. The whole thing feels a bit like the old Classics Illustrated books, and that's not a condemnation. I just wish this sort of material were able to somehow be elevated a bit. I appreciated learning about this historical figure, and hopefully retelling this story will cause reflection.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Portage & Main Press, Highwater Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Asteroid Made of Dragons

author: G. Derek Adams
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/06/03
date added: 2016/06/03
shelves:
review:
'Asteroid Made of Dragons' by G. Derek Adams should clue you in to what kind of book you'll be reading just by the title alone (and the great cover art). It's a kitchen sink full of fantasy tropes that get spun on their heads and it's a fun read.

A goblin researcher finds a strange artifact that may spell out danger if she can figure out what it says. She sets out to find out with her sister and her rocket powered flying motorbike. Meanwhile a seemingly limitless magic user makes friends with a young would-be knight who is accused of killing his mentor. They head to his city to try to sort things out. Team them up with a creakingly old knight with a powerful sword and an odd demon named Sideways, and all you have to add next is the title's asteroid made of dragons. And there is a framing story featuring a troupe of travelling actors telling an outlandish tale.

It's reminiscent of other funny fantasy books I won't name because it is uniquely it's own. It's not perfect and seems to add details that don't seem to advance the story, and the ending felt just a bit anticlimactic to me. But the characters are interesting and feel like the kind of characters I'd like to hang out with.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Inkshares, Sword & Laser, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook


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The Last Fall

author: Tom Waltz
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.82
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2016/06/03
date added: 2016/06/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Last Fall' by Tom Waltz with art by Casey Maloney is a story of revenge, and an allegory for certain recent historical events as well.

Marcus Fall is the kind of hardened soldier you want on your side. He has death in his eyes and revenge in his heart. In flashbacks, we learn why. Which is why he is out to destroy the enemy. When a mission he goes on goes badly, he begins to learn the truth, or at least another side of the story. He has to choose what he will do, and how he will reconcile the rage he has inside.

The art is a bit strange and kind of anime looking. The characters expressions are a bit over-exaggerated. Marcus has weird eyes that sort of pop out. The armor design is a bit strange with odd helmets and shoulder pads that look like big bubbles. It's not explained why they wear what seems to be such unwieldy equipment.

I used the word allegory at the beginning of this review, but the story is a thinly veiled protest against current world conflict. The motive given is religion, then it's another thing, and both of those are revealed to be "bad." This felt a bit preachy. I can appreciate the viewpoint, but I would hope the story would have been more imaginative in telling it. It's a SF setting, but that just means cool looking weapons and armor and planets. It was okay, but I was hoping for something a bit deeper.

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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