Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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Book Review: Proven Guilty (Dresden Files Book 8)

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On June 1, 2020

In Book Review, Fantasy

Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, #8)Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to go to Goodreads.)

The previous Dresden book (Dead Beat) was so good that it’s difficult to follow up a book like that. Personally I thought Proven Guilty struggled with that a little bit, but it doesn’t lack in it’s usual Harry Dresden charm. There is a lot of character development in this book and perhaps that is it’s ultimate purpose.

The story of this book felt a little underwhelming. In fact when someone asked me what this book was about I struggled to remember. Granted that’s not saying much because 1) I don’t have a great memory to begin with and 2) I’m also reading The Swarm at the same time. While the books are polar opposites I still had to remember that “Victor” and “Imala” are not characters in this book. Be that as it may, this is definitely not a book you want to skip (if skipping books is your thing).

Short Synopsis/Biggs’ Review

The daughter of Harry’s best friend, Michael, gets herself into trouble and Harry comes to her rescue. Michael is away so Harry has to work with Michael’s wife, so that’s an interesting dynamic since she doesn’t really care for Harry. I’d say that the best part of the book is the end when Harry has a new responsibility that, if this were Star Wars, all Jedi Master’s ultimately take on. There are a couple of surprises that do help redeem the dark and languid tone of this book.

Despite the slow plot it never, once, occurred to me to stop reading. I still enjoyed it and I will read it again (when I do my Dresden Files re-read). There is character development that is pivotal to the remaining books in the franchise and that alone makes this book worth reading.

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diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

Book Review: Odd Girl Out (Quadrail Book #3)

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On March 20, 2020

In Book Review, Science Fiction

Odd Girl Out (Quadrail, #3)Odd Girl Out by Timothy Zahn
My rating: [rating=4]
(Goodreads link)

Odd Girl Out is the third book in the Quadrail series. I feel like these books are getting better as I go along. Frank seems to channel a bit more of his inner “Harry Dresden” and I’m enjoying it. This book is the half way point in the Quadrail series. Unfortunately I do not have books 4 and 5. If the right deal comes along I will pick them up but my list of books is so long right now that I should be reading what I already own.

Short Synopsis/Biggs’ Review

A mysterious woman is murdered just after an uninvited visit with Frank. Her sister is in trouble and asks for Frank’s help to protect her. Now he must return to the Quadrail, with Bayta, and travel to New Tigris to find her. The Modhri is also seeking the girl and seems hell bent on keeping Frank out of the way. Frank soon discovers there is much more to this girl than he was initially lead to believe.

As I’ve already alluded to, I really liked this book. The mysteries begin piling up as Frank discovers more about the Modhri and the Chahwyn. I think that’s what I enjoy about this book, you never know what new detail you’ll learn when you turn the page. Unlike the previous book, this one does end with a mild cliffhanger. A Chahwyn secret that leaves me extremely curious. In fact, while I didn’t rush off and buy book 4 immediately, I will be monitoring the price.

As I said in my review of Book 2 (The Third Lynx), I’m feeling more compelled to read these books again; after I finish the series of course.

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diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

Book Review – Thrawn: Treason

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On March 3, 2020

In Book Review, Science Fiction, Star Wars

Thrawn: Treason (Star Wars: Thrawn, #3)Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn
My rating: [rating=5]
(Click here to go to Goodreads instead)

The man that brought us the original Thrawn Trilogy brings us a new trilogy, set before Star Wars: A New Hope. In fact these books predate Rogue One. Each book in the series describe a moment in Thrawn’s rise to power. The first book, Thrawn, talks about how the Empire first discovers this mysterious, and alien being. The second book, Thrawn: Alliances, takes place several years later in which he must work closely with Darth Vader to locate a disturbance in the Force on behalf of the Emperor.

This book follows events that involve the Emperor’s Stardust plans. Thrawn clashes with Director Krennic himself as his unique tactical talents are put to the test. During his mission he discovers a treasonous plot against the Empire.

Biggs’ Review

It’s so exciting that Zahn wrote a Thrawn prequel. Reading a Star Wars book doesn’t always have to involve the Jedi and/or the Rebels. A view from the side of the Imperials is equally as interesting. This series fulfills that perspective. Zahn makes me love Mitth’raw’nurudo over again. I’ve been a fan of the Chiss species since I read the original Thrawn Trilogy so many years ago. I think what I enjoy most about this particular book is its place in the Star Wars timeline. It’s not only directly linked to the events that unfold in Rogue One but leads directly in to one of the animated series.

Now a third Thrawn trilogy is in the works for Timothy Zahn. He announced the Ascendancy Trilogy late last year; Book 1 is due out this May!

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diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

Book Review: Dead Beat (Dresden Files Book 7)

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On February 10, 2020

In Book Review

Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7)Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
My rating: [rating=5]
(Click here to go to Goodreads.)

I haven’t been posting reviews for the Dresden books I’ve been reading. Its not from lack of enjoyment, I’m definitely hooked on Harry Dresden. It helps that these books take place in Chicago, my favorite city. The books have been around since April 2000 (in fact the 16th book comes out this July). I just assumed everyone has already read or heard about these books so writing a review seemed superfluous. However I’m committed to writing more book reviews this year so here goes.

Biggs’ Review

I can see why this book is the favorite of many Dresden fans. I’ve been in love with Harry Dresden’s wit since Storm Front but there’s more to love than his personality in this book. I’m not going to plunge into too many details because I don’t want to ruin anything. Basically Harry agrees, reluctantly again, to another dangerous case (from an even more dangerous person) and you wonder, the entire book, how he’s going to survive this one. All I can say is Bob plays an awesome role in the outcome. There are some new characters and a few other twists and surprises in this book that I’m not going to mention so you’ll just have to read to find out.

I loved this book; easily one of the best ones so far (though, I do have a long way to go before Peace Talks). I can definitely see myself reading this book again after I’ve finally caught up.

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diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

Book Review: The Third Lynx (Quadrail Book #2)

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On January 9, 2020

In Book Review, Science Fiction

The Third Lynx (Quadrail, #2)The Third Lynx by Timothy Zahn
My rating: [rating=4]

I did not review the first Quadrail book, mainly because I was lazy. These are the first Timothy Zahn books I’ve read outside of the Star Wars universe. I’ll admit that it took me a little bit to get into these books. However, The Third Lynx has sufficiently pulled me in. In fact I feel like I should go back and re-read Night Train to Rigel. I feel like Zahn definitely takes a different approach with the Modhri in this book. The Modhri seems more calculated and cunning, like a Bond villain, leaving you suspicious of everyone.

I’ve also been reading Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden books and I kind of feel like Frank Compton is Zahn’s Harry Dresden. As much as I admire Timothy Zahn, he has not yet matched the wit and snark of Harry Dresden. In that sense, Harry Dresden is a much more entertaining character than Frank Compton. Granted the two characters are nothing alike.

Be that as it may, I still really enjoyed this book, more than the first book. There are 3 more books left in the series and I’m looking forward to reading them. Thankfully there are not huge cliffhangers between each book (again, much like the Dresden books). Therefore I can change things up a bit and read something else in between each of the remaining Quadrail book.

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diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

Book Review: Before the Storm

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On April 11, 2019

In Book Review, Fantasy, World of Warcraft

Before the Storm (World of Warcraft, #15)Before the Storm by Christie Golden
My rating: [rating=5]

Christie Golden is here with another World of Warcraft novel. I have been a fan of her work since before she was hired by Blizzard, and I’ve read more than just her Warcraft themed novels. Before the Storm takes place before the events leading up to Battle for Azeroth.

Brief Synopsis

The Legion has just been defeated. While the Horde and Alliance honor their fallen, King Anduin Wrynn struggles not only with the loss of his father but also the weight of the crown. Similarly Sylvanas Windrunner must juggle her new role as Horde Warchief but does not want to neglect her beloved Forsaken. Then, from the wound inflicted by a defeated Sargeras, comes a new substance neither faction has seen before. A substance that can have good and evil implications.

Biggs’ Review

My one regret about this book is that I should have read it before Battle for Azeroth launched. Chronology being the primary reason. There really isn’t a lot in the expansion that spoils the book, however the book does have its surprises. So it’s still worth reading even this late in the expansion, especially if you have played through the priest storyline in Legion. There are characters from the Netherlight Temple that provide important plot points to the story.

RIP Elise BentonOne of the things I enjoyed the most is Anduin’s character development. His desires as a young king give the character more depth. The war-driven Anduin we see at the start of BfA is only one facet of his character. This book brings compassion and hope to his personality. Sylvanas, on the other hand, is as cunning and deceitful as we are already led to believe. In fact there is one act in this book that may very well be the catalyst for the Alliance entering this faction war.

Finally, there are the little things added the game that make references to events and characters in the book. Blizzard’s knack for little “tie-ins” are some of my favorite in-game easter eggs.

View all my reviews

diablo3-reading“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

 

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