Thursday, September 29, 2016

Sun Dragon's Song #1

Sun Dragon's Song #1
author: Joyce Chng
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2016/09/29
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Sun Dragon's Song #1' by Joyce Chng and Kim Miranda introduces a fun series for younger readers.

Ho Yi is at school to learn to tend to dragons. He wants to ride them like his parents and protect borders. The problem is that he is on crutches. This also makes a bully at the school use him as a target. When his parents make a visit to him at school, he gets to tell them again what his hopes are for the future.

I felt a bit dumped into the middle of the story, but I was able to figure things out pretty easily. It's a fairly interesting world that gets spun up in a short number of pages. I liked the art and writing and would like to see where the series goes.

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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Monday, September 26, 2016

Raven (2016-) #1

Raven (2016-) #1
author: Marv Wolfman
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/26
date added: 2016/09/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Raven #1' by Marv Wolfman takes place somewhere before Teen Titans Rebirth issue 1. I'm not as familiar with this character, but I liked the issue.

Raven has a dad who is a demon, but that's not the worst thing she'll face in this issue. She has decided to take a break from the team and move in with family in San Francisco. She's definitely different from her aunt and her aunt's family. She also finds herself in a high school with a bunch of kids. She stands out like a dark shadow, but she might also be the only thing standing between them and danger.

She's kind of a fun character in a goth-girl way. I like the situations she gets into in this issue, and I'd like to know more about this character.

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


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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Aquaman (2016-) #7

Aquaman (2016-) #7
author: Dan Abnett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/25
date added: 2016/09/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Aquaman #7' by Dan Abnett with art by Wayne Faucher is title 'Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears The Crown' and it's a fitting title.

Aquaman has returned to his kingdom and everyone has a matter for him to attend to. He's not even sure at this point if the Justice League would welcome him back. With all the problems facing him, there is really only one: who is trying to discredit Atlantis and provoke war with the surface world?

A ship has been sunk, and evidence points to Aquaman and his kingdom. Meanwhile, the Black Manta has his own plans going on.

I liked this issue. It's full of intrigue. It's been a pretty good story so far, and I think Dan Abnett's script works well. The art is also good.

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


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Cyborg: Rebirth #1 (Cyborg 2016, #1)

Cyborg: Rebirth #1 (Cyborg 2016, #1)
author: John Semper Jr.
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/25
date added: 2016/09/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cyborg: Rebirth #1' by John Semper Jr. finds Victor Stone with a quandry on his hands. It's a bit sparse on action, and big on soul searching.

The story starts promising. An ominous figure wakes something more ominous, and a crime in progress. The crime is stopped by Cyborg, the other matter remains ominous. Cyborg needs a repair done after he foils the crime, but he seems to have doubts. He has been replaced by so many parts, is he man or machine? This sets him soul searching with Sarah.

Not a lot happens, but there seems to be some set up for future issues. This might have been better served in a future issue leaving issue one for something more interesting.

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


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Sunday, September 18, 2016

Great

Great
author: Lauri Holomis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'Great' by Lauri Holomis and Glenn Gretzky features a young Wayne Gretzky and his dad Coach Wally (aka Walter Gretzky). It also features a pretty good life lesson that you can learn while playing hockey.

Taylor is excited to make the hockey team. He's especially excited because his team mate is someone they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too. The problem is that Taylor doesn't always want to be a team player. When his attempts to be a superstar cost his team a game, then it's time for Taylor to learn how to be a team player.

With a short forward by Wayne Gretzky and fun illustrations by Kevin Sylvester, I found a lot to like in this book, and any young hockey fan should like this picture book as well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Puffin, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Gotham Academy: Second Semester (2016-) #1

Gotham Academy: Second Semester (2016-) #1
author: Becky Cloonan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Gotham Academy: Second Semester #1' by Becky Cloonan with art by Adam Archer feels more like a winter break filler, but has potential to bring new storylines.

Olive Silverlock is left alone at school during the winter holidays. A teacher befriends her, but then stands her up. She also gets a new roommate named Amy who seems like she's going to be trouble. Add in a trip to creepy Wedgwood Museum and a couple interesting secrets and you have the start of a sort of gothic mystery.

I've read a few issues here and there and I really want to like this concept, but it just hasn't done it for me so far. This issue feels like a prelude, and there is nothing wrong with that, but for a school that seems to be so empty, there sure seem to be a few people around. I don't know Olive or Eric's backstories, but they seem interesting enough. I don't know what I want in this title, but it just hasn't happened for me yet.

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


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Baba Yaga

Baba Yaga
author: An Leysen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'Baba Yaga' by An Leysen is a classic story told with beautiful pictures. The lesson is timeless as well.

Young Olga lost her mother when she was even younger. Now she lives with her widowed father and things are not perfect, but they aren't bad. That changes when her father remarries a cruel stepmother who has a witch, or Baba Yaga, for a sister. The stepmother would like nothing better than to have Olga out of the way, so she sends Olga on an errand to get some needle and thread from her aunt, the Baba Yaga. Her new aunt likes to eat children, so Olga will have to be smart if she is to stay off the menu.

The story shows that kindness can win the day. This is a lesson we could all learn. The illustrations by An Leysen are beautiful and sometimes frightening. There are snarling dogs and cats and scary Baba Yaga, but at the center is Olga who stays brave and kind.

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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Doom Patrol (2016-) #1

Doom Patrol (2016-) #1
author: Gerard Way
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
If you're confused as to why there is a foil-wrapped gyro on the cover of 'Doom Patrol #1' by Gerard Way with art by Nick Derington, you need only read inside to find out what it all means. Or maybe it won't make any sense to you either.

The book opens with a series of four panels. What they have to do with anything isn't explained here. Are they the future or the past or some fever dream? We don't find out...yet. Next we meet Casey Brinke who is whiteknuckling an ambulance through town on her shift. She's our main focus for this issue it would seem. She has a cat named Lotion and a box full of the smashed up parts of Robotman (which she plans to put back together). Add in plans for an alien run burger joint, and the meaning of life in a gyro, and you've got an odd ride.

But it's a good one. This title is on DC's new Young Animal imprint. It feels a bit like Vertigo, and a bit not. The writing is out there and I can't wait for issue 2. The art is great and I'd like to throw a shout out to colorist Tamra Bonvillain who really makes things pop off the page, especially those first four frames. What a ride!

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


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All Star Batman (2016-) #2

All Star Batman (2016-) #2
author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'All Star Batman #2' by Scott Snyder with art by John Romita Jr. keeps the rocketing pace going fast. It was hard for me to keep up with a story that keeps moving around so much.

So Batman and Two-Face are on a train. There are also a lot of bad guys on the train trying to kill him. Not only that, but there are bad guys putting a contract hit out on him that will supposedly be "messy." Along with that, we get a little more about Duke, and we learn of a possible antidote to Two-Face. Whether he wants that or not remains to be seen.

I still don't know what all is going on, even though this is book 2, but I like what I'm reading. The art style is what is keeping me interested. The writing is really good, even though it's leaving me confused a bit. The story jumps back and forth in a short time span and it's hard at times to know what is now and what was then.

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


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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-) #2

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-) #2
author: Julie Benson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2' by Julie Benson with art by Claire Roe kicks off "Who is Oracle" with a bang.

Santo is the link to Oracle and he's in a car with Batgirl and Jim Gordon heading to a safe house, but it's not going to be an easy drive. Black Canary and Huntress are riding point to protect the cargo, but Jim Gordon is not convinced these ladies can handle things and wants to call in someone else. Huntress is still a bit of a loose cannon at this point, and who is Oracle anyway?

I like this title. The action has been pretty good, and I think the team dynamic works pretty well. There are some really great one-liners thrown in and I liked the cameo appearance in the issue because it wasn't used to upstage things.

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


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Red Hood and the Outlaws (2016-) #2

Red Hood and the Outlaws (2016-) #2
author: Scott Lobdell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/18
date added: 2016/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Red Hood and the Outlaws #2' by Scott Lobdell with art by Dexter Soy brings the second member to the team: Artemis. That's assuming she doesn't kill Red Hood first.

We meet Artemis in a flashback on her quest for a weapon, but the fabled bow of RA is not to be hers. Not yet, anyway. Then we skip to the present, where Red Hood is robbing a train for his boss Black Mask, and Artemis stands in his way. The banter seems a bit light for two people who are just meeting, especially under these circumstances. Artemis sees him as a simple crook, but realizes there may be more to him than meets the eye. The book ends with a look at the third member of the team.

I like this book. It's a reboot, but one I can jump in to as a new reader since it feels a bit fresh. I know these were teammates before, but I don't know the history, and I don't need to. I look forward to the next issue.

I was given a review copy of this issue by DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Saturday, September 17, 2016

New Super-Man (2016-) #3

New Super-Man (2016-) #3
author: Gene Luen Yang
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2016/09/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'New Super-Man' #3 by Gene Luen Yang with art by Viktor Bogdanovic continues the Made in China storyline, and this version of Superman is still learning who he is.

Super-Man, aka Kenan Kong, has decided to divulge his secret identity to a female reporter that he has a crush on. The problem is that there are repercussions for this. His family, his new teammates, and his new uncertain powers. It leads to bonding with the new team, but it also paints a target and brings in even greater threats.

I do like this series. I like the young and bumbling Super-Man. I like the large Bat-Man. I haven't seen enough of the Wonder-Woman to know, but this has been a fun series so far.

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


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Want to Know: Going To the Theater

Want to Know: Going To the Theater
author: Florence Ducatteau
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2016/09/17
shelves: children-s, non-fiction
review:
'Want to Know: Going To the Theater' by Florence Ducatteau with illustrations by Chantal Peten takes readers behind the curtains to see what goes on at the theater.

With a framing story of a school putting on a play (although what elementary school puts on Commedia dell'Arte with Harlequin and Columbina?), we learn all about aspects of the theater. We learn the history of the theater from the old days to the present. We learn about different kinds of theater. A cool cutaway of a theater are all included.

Based on the title, I thought it would be more about what to expect when you attend theater, and I guess it is. I liked it, and it's a good introduction to anyone wanting to learn more about theater.

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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The Battle for Azeroth: Adventure, Alliance, And Addiction Insights into the World of Warcraft

The Battle for Azeroth: Adventure, Alliance, And Addiction Insights into the World of Warcraft
author: Bill Fawcett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2016/09/17
shelves:
review:
'The Battle for Azeroth: Adventure, Alliance and Addiction Insights into the World of Warcraft' edited by Bill Fawcett is a book that was published about 10 years ago. I was given a review copy earlier this Summer when the Warcraft movie hit the theaters.

I do not play Warcraft, but I have friends who do. I have a passing acquaintance with this addictive game and I do understand it's appeal. This book is kind of divided in half. The first half is a series of essays about the game, and the second is a detailed look at each character class.

I enjoyed the first half more. There are essays about being female and playing WOW, the rise of currency mining in the game for real world income in China, and playing multiple characters on multiple servers. The essays are sometimes funny and often times show a true passion for the game.

The second part of the book delves into the character classes. If I had any interest, this would be good because it analyzes each classes strengths and weaknesses, shows which work best for solo adventures, and gives a history of where these sort of characters reside in the real world and in literature.

I enjoyed the chance to read it, and if I played, I might have been a bit more enthusiastic about this book. I've read a few of these different titles in the Smart Pop series and this is a solid "OK."

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


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Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate!

Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate!
author: Mike Lowery
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2016/09/17
shelves: children-s
review:
'Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate!" by Mike Lowery is the new Doodle Adventures volume. I loved the first adventure a bit more, but with a pirate theme, I couldn't help but get some laughs out of this one.

Someone is stealing all the pizza! This makes duck narrator Carl upset, so he is enlisting you on an adventure to find out who stole the pizza. Along the way, you will get to fill in missing snow globes and draw a robot. You'll get to draw disguises and pictures of the spy gear you will need. You will meet some funny characters along the way. Will you find all the missing pizza?

It's an interactive adventure that you help with by drawing in the book. Like the first one, it is filled wtih humor and fun things to draw. Carl is a good guide through these books and the activities should keep younger readers busy and laughing for a few hours. I felt like the first adventure was a bit stronger, but this one is still lots of fun.

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


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Southern Cross, Volume One

Southern Cross, Volume One
author: Becky Cloonan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2016/09/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Southern Cross, Volume one' by Becky Cloonan with art by Andy Belanger is a pretty decent SF/Mystery. It offers the perfect blend of intrigue and creepiness.

Alex Braith steps aboard Southern Cross, a tanker heading to Titan. As the story unfolds, we learn that while most of the passengers on board are heading out to become miners, she is there to discover what happened to her sister. When her roommate disappears, and she learns the room she is in is not what it appears to be, she sets out to find out what is going on. The effects of space on the ship add to the weirdness on board, and she isn't sure who she can trust.

I really liked the story this told. The mystery, even though it's on a large ship, felt confined. Alex is obviously trapped on board, and there are people with strange motives. The mystery feels pretty solid (even if we don't discover everything in this volume) and the SF elements work really well. Rather than feeling like one element or the other is pasted on, this creates a seamless whole.

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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Friday, September 9, 2016

A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong, Vol 1: In the Bag

A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong, Vol 1: In the Bag
author: Rafer Roberts
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/09
date added: 2016/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong, Vol. 1: In the Bag' was my introduction to the world of Archer & Armstrong, but even though this is a Volume 1, it's probably not the best place to start.

Armstrong is a larger than life character with a very long lifespan. His latest partner is named Archer. We get a glimpse at some of Armstrong's partners. We also learn that Archer's sister is with a group of warrior nuns.

Anyway, in this adventure, Armstrong has remembered he put a bottle of whiskey in his bag, so he goes in after it. The bag is definitely bigger on the inside and holds a lot of really nasty things that want out.

It's a new start for these characters apparently, but I still felt like there was a lot of stuff that I just kind of felt lost with. Still, it's a crazy, fun adventure.

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


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Thursday, September 8, 2016

Starve, Volume 1

Starve, Volume 1
author: Brian Wood
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2016/09/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Starve, Volume 1' by Brian Wood with art by Danijel Zezelj tells a nasty tale of the dog-eat-dog world of celebrity chefs. While it takes place in a near future, the story strikes close to home.

Gavin Cruikshank was a famous chef, then he dropped out. He left his wife and daughter and turned his back on everything. Now they want him back to star in Starve, the show he created. His ex owns everything and his daughter is almost 18. His rivals want him to learn a lesson. Can he rise above it all?

The setting is a future where tides are rising, and there are even starker lines between the rich and the poor. The show flaunts the excesses of food that the rich have available in the most exploitve ways. Gavin uses it to shove it all back in thier faces.

It's a brutal comic and I loved every minute. I see in Cruikshank similarities with some current celebrity chefs. The satire is thick, but layered on just perfectly. It's a dark trip and it was worth it.

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


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Weather Witch (Weather Witch, #1)

Weather Witch (Weather Witch, #1)
author: Shannon Delany
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.10
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2016/09/08
date added: 2016/09/08
shelves:
review:
'Weather Witch' by Shannon Delany takes place in an alternate Philadelphia where electrical power is generated by people with a strange gift.

Jordan Astraea has lived a life of privilege among the wealthy. During her birthday party, it is discovered that she might be a weather witch. This devastates her family as their home is forced to remove all electricity for harboring a weather witch and Jordan is taken into custody to be shaped with her newfound power. Her imprisonment is cruel as it is thought that torture brings forth the power. Meanwhile, a young suitor rides to her rescue, only stopping to participate in a duel first.

I read it and I finished it, but it didn't hold my attention. I found myself thinking about my next book, and that's never a good sign. It's certainly got a good premise, and the world seems interesting, but the characters that populate the setting are either dull or melodramatic tropes.

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


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Tuesday, September 6, 2016

The Thea Sisters and the Mystery at Sea (Thea Stilton Graphic Novels #6)

The Thea Sisters and the Mystery at Sea (Thea Stilton Graphic Novels #6)
author: Thea Stilton
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/06
date added: 2016/09/06
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'The Thea Sisters and the Mystery at Sea' by Thea Stilton is a graphic novel for younger readers with an environmental message.

The Thea Sisters are on a balloon voyage when they see something disturbing from the air. There is an island used by sea turtles for migration and someone has polluted it. They contact the media and Vissa De Vissen shows up to prove the pollution was caused by her cosmetic company rival, Richard Malefactor. Vissa digs up dirt by getting some of the Thea sisters to break in to Richard Malefactor's office. Meanwhile, the search is on for what is happening with the turtles on the island.

I wasn't familiar with the series, and it is book 6, but I could follow along fine. I learned at the very end of the book that the Thea sisters aren't really sisters. I'm not sure how I feel about corporate espionage being a plot device in a children's book. I did like the environmental theme fine. I can seep the appeal of this young reader graphic novel.

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


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Paleo: The Complete Collection

Paleo: The Complete Collection
author: Jim Lawson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/09/06
date added: 2016/09/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Paleo: The Complete Collection' collects all of the dinosaur comics by Jim Lawson. At least the ones there are so far.

A brilliant introduction by Stephen R. Bissette tells of the history of dinosaur comics. We learn that sometimes comics use dinosaurs as plot devices for heroes like Tarzan to find, or time travellers to run across. There have been good dinosaur comics among them, although sometimes the science has been off, or the dinosaurs mingle with different era dinosaurs. Then along came Paleo.

This is a series of vignettes about dinosaurs living and dying. There are no speech bubbles, but there is a narrative. There are a wide variety of dinosaur represented here. Some are about creatures who are at the top of the chain, and how they meet their downfall. Some fight for food in a herd. Some are devoured by water or nature.

Jim Larson worked on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and his art here is really good. The stories kept me interested and I really liked the whole collection. If you like dinosaur comics like I do, check it out.

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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Monday, September 5, 2016

The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine

The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine
author: Henry Cole
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/05
date added: 2016/09/05
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine' by Henry Cole tells of the adventures of a housebound mouse who finds himself in the wide, wide world.

When Jimmy builds a remote control plane, it needs a passenger. Who better than little brother Hank's pet mouse Sammy Shine? Sammy gets more than he bargained for, but learns to control the plane, just in time to crash land in the woods near Hank's house. His crash is known in the woods and before long, he finds himself the guest of a group of mice and hunted by a weasel who wants him and his plane. Can he escape and get back to his home with Hank?

It's a fun adventure story and the pencil illustrations help elevate it. The short chapters make it a good read for younger readers. The fun characters keep the story light. Jimmy should learn that it's not ok to terrorize animals, but perhaps that's coming in the sequel.

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


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The Last Wish (The Witcher, #1)

The Last Wish (The Witcher, #1)
author: Andrzej Sapkowski
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/05
date added: 2016/09/05
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Last Wish' by Andrzej Sapkowski is the first book in the series that inspired the hit video game The Witcher. I'm familiar with the character but never played the game. Based on how much I liked this book, I might have to give it a shot.

Geralt of Riva is a witcher. He is good at killing monsters and makes his living getting hired to do that. When we meet him in this book, he has been doing this for a while. This book is laid out like a series of shorter stories with a framing story. Geralt has to unbreak the curse of a king's daughter. He meets a man who has been cursed to live as a beast. There is a village with a demon living in the fields. A djinn threatens to tear a town apart.

What i know of the character is that he's a white-haired, scarred, very grim looking character. What I learned from the book is that he is very good at what he does, but he is not a one-note character at all. He has his lighter side. He makes mistakes. He has friends and people he loves.

I loved the book because the stories were twists on mostly familiar fairy tales. Geralt has to figure out how to win the day and not kill the wrong creature, or be killed. I'm glad I got a chance to read this.


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Max at Night

Max at Night
author: Ed Vere
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/05
date added: 2016/09/05
shelves: children-s
review:



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Mr. Matisse and His Cutouts

Mr. Matisse and His Cutouts
author: Annemarie van Haeringen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/05
date added: 2016/09/05
shelves:
review:



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Saturday, September 3, 2016

Red Sonja, Vol. 3: The Forging of Monsters

Red Sonja, Vol. 3: The Forging of Monsters
author: Gail Simone
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/09/03
date added: 2016/09/03
shelves:
review:
'Red Sonja Volume 3: The Forgiveness of Monsters' end the run by Gail Simone. I've been able to read most of it, and it's been some of the better comics I've read, and certainly the best I've read of this character.

When a village hires Sonja to do a job, she ends up with a strange curse. She is cursed never to forgive. She doesn't believe in curses, but when she sees the results of such a life, it frightens her. This is also complicated by someone from her past that she runs into. She sees a man who helped kill her family. Sonja has hunted all of the people responsible for her family's death down except this man. She can't forgive him, curse or no. He evades her again as the village is threatened. Will Sonja pursue her revenge or save the village.

There is a back up story in which Sonja has to help a religious order save their library. She thinks this is a stupid job because they are just books, but when one of the stories speaks to her, it gives her the courage to fight back.

I will miss this writer with thsi character. I feel like the character got taken to a new level under Gail Simone and I hope whoever takes over next builds on that. The writing is smart and the art is also good.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite, 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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Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong (Sherlock Sam #1)

Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong (Sherlock Sam #1)
author: A.J. Low
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/03
date added: 2016/09/03
shelves: children-s
review:
'Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong' by A.J. Low and Felicia Low with art by Drewscape is a fun new young reader series that introduces a smart young man who likes to solve mysteries.

Sherlock Sam lives in Singapore. His name is similar to Sherlock Holmes, so that is one of his favorite characters. He also likes to eat, and when his Aunt Lian's family cookbook goes missing, it might mean Sherlock Sam doesn't get his aunt's ayam buah keluak anymore, which is his favorite. Along with his robot sidekick Watson and his family members, he sets out to find the missing cookbook.

I found this a delightful new character and I feel lucky enough to read the second book soon. It's a chapter book with some wonderful illustrations. I loved that the resolution of the mystery wasn't completely obvious. A funny, brave new hero and his loving family made this a win for me.

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


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Friday, September 2, 2016

Terminal Hero: The death and life of Rory Fletcher

Terminal Hero: The death and life of Rory Fletcher
author: Peter Milligan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/02
date added: 2016/09/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Terminal Hero: The death and life of Rory Fletcher' by Peter Milligan with art by Jae Lee and Piotr Kowalski is a strange story and one which could probably be best told in a graphic novel form.

When Rory Fletcher finds out he has a terminal brain tumor, he will try anything to survive. When a friend discovers something called Treatment Q, Rory is in. The good news is that it ends up attacking the cancer. Along the way, it seems to unlock part of his brain potential giving him a sort of super power. The bad news is that the side effects are really bad and the government wants him to use his new powers to perform government assassinations. When two more people show up that have also taken Treatment Q, Rory's life is about to get more crazy and complicated.

It's an interesting premise, and Rory is supposed to come across as a good guy, but he just doesn't come across that way through the graphic novel. I wanted to like him more, but I had a hard time being sympathetic for him.

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


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The STEM Club Goes Exploring

The STEM Club Goes Exploring
author: Lois Melbourne
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/09/02
date added: 2016/09/02
shelves: children-s
review:
'The STEM Club Goes Exploring' by Lois Melbourne seemed like a promising idea: a book showing possible careers to kids on a field trip.

The STEM club goes on a field trip and sees a number of careers involving STEM skills: a video game company, a veterinary clinic, a hospital and a mine. They talk to grownups and learn about these careers. At the end of the book is a pretty decent glossary of terms.

Since the U.S. government declared our deficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(aka STEM) a few years ago, the push has been on to add more education for kids. I'm not opposed to that. Not all jobs are for all people, but exposing kids to career options is a good thing. Unfortunately, this book comes across as kind of bland. The kids are a diverse group, but they come across as generic and indistinct. The careers featured are interesting to kids, I suppose, but the book didn't seem to be very inspiring. Instead, it seems to be the kind of thing an ambitious parent would force their kid to read.

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


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Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Dark Side

The Dark Side
author: Anthony O'Neill
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/01
date added: 2016/09/01
shelves:
review:
'The Dark Side' by Anthony O'Neill combined a couple genres I like: SF and Mystery. It does it well with a weird atmospheric story of black hearts and murder.

The moon has become the place where criminals end up. The colony they want to be in is called Purgatory. It's run by Fletcher Brass and he does pretty much whatever he wants. The only thing that might be worse than Fletcher Brass is his daughter, or Leonardo Black, the robot with amnesia, who is on a killing path to find and take over Purgatory.

Entering this strange world is an exiled detective from Earth named Damian Justus who has a pretty strong sense of justice. A recent murder sets him on the path to finding out what is happening and who is behind it. The chapters mostly alternate between the detective and the rampaging murder robot.

There is a lot of evil and bloodshed here. Since the populous is mostly criminals, it's hard to feel too sympathetic. Actually, it's a bit hard to feel sympathy for many characters except the detective. There are all kinds of elements here, including, for the first few chapters, a kind of travelogue if you find yourself travelling to this odd world on the moon. It was dark and moody and I really liked it.

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


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Long Distance

Long Distance
author: Thom Zahler
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/09/01
date added: 2016/09/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Long Distance' by Thom Zahler was a different sort of graphic novel than I would normally read. I liked this bittersweet story.

Carter and Lee meet in an airport during a snowstorm that has them both stranded. He is an artist with his own advertising agency. She is a scientist working at research at a university. They hit it off and fall for each other. The problem is that he lives in Columbus, Ohio and she lives in Chicago, Illinois. A budding romance can take a little long distance, but as the months go on, the challenges mount up. She can't leave Chicago because of her grandma. He can't leave Columbus because of his business and the best friend he runs it with. Will it last, or will it end?

I liked this sweet story. The art leans more towards caricature, and I was less crazy about it, but it fits okay with the story. The story has a few twists and turns, and those kept me interested in finding out what happened.

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


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