Biggs' Zone

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Book Review: Extracted (Extracted Trilogy Book 1)

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On April 7, 2017

In Book Review, Science Fiction

book review of ExtractedExtracted by R.R. Haywood
My rating: [rating=5]

As a member of Amazon Prime you have access to download a free book from a couple new release’s a month in advance through the Kindle First program. Every month I select a new book that sounds interesting; Extracted is a book I picked up for free in February. For some mystical reason it was the book I choose to read next and I am pleasantly surprised. Before I get into my book review of Extracted, let me quickly lay out the premise for you.

In the year 2061 a scientist invents a time machine to try to change a tragedy in their past. During a test run of the machine, a startling discovery is made: the end of the world. Now the time machine is being used to form a team of three individuals, all from a different point in time but each with extraordinary survival abilities. These three are the best chance to prevent the end of the world, but there are forces acting against them. Some mysterious group or entity that wishes to have control of the time travel device.

Another Book Selected at Random

I really enjoyed this book. The last book I enjoyed this much on a random selection was Pulitzer prize-winning A Confederacy of Dunces. Haywood does an excellent job building the characters and you’re suddenly invested in their fate. He doesn’t get hung up on the complexities of time travel nor does he lay that burden on the reader. By the end not only are you finding it difficult to put the book down, but you want to jump immediately into the next book. Unfortunately Book 2 will not be available until June 6th.

Time travel is such a difficult concept to master. It’s so nebulous because there are many theories as to how it might work. The closest, realistic theory we have in modern-day science is string theory (which is actually referenced in the book). If you enjoy good science fiction, that reads well, and will not lose you in the scientific details of time travel, you should read this book.

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Book Review: Clash of Catalysts

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On February 4, 2017

In Book Review, Fantasy

Clash of CatalystsClash of Catalysts by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(See this review on Goodreads.)

The last two books of this series were hard to put down. There was action and uncertainty from beginning to end and, to be honest, it took me a little while to warm up to the characters. In fact, I didn’t really feel that emotional investment until book 3. I will warn you, there are spoilers ahead!

I think Geveral remains my favorite character from the series, though Orrick did redeem himself, perhaps the author’s intention. The author surprised me as to Eydis’ fate; I was expecting something much different. When the villain, Rathnakar, is slain I began to ponder; how does an author decide how they will kill the main antagonist? Rathnakar’s demise was stated rather matter-of-factly, which I didn’t seem to mind.

I did quite enjoy the series and I would recommend them to anyone that enjoys decent fantasy. They are a fairly quick read. One big criticism I have is I felt like the role the “Catalysts” had may have been overstated in comparison to role they actually played. I was expecting a more extraordinary contribution. Eydis’ abilities were helpful, but I was expecting more from her “life touch” ability to play a role in the final battle. I just kind of felt like all the emphasis on the catalyst became a bit of a let down.

A Potential Spinoff?

There is a great opportunity to have a spinoff book or series featuring Geveral. In fact I would love to see that happen. I feel like his abilities weren’t properly highlighted, but it was pretty cool that he provided the killing blow. I also expected there to be more to the story that would clear Orrick’s name.

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Book Review: Summoner of Storms

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On January 11, 2017

In Book Review, Fantasy

Summoner of Storms (Catalysts of Chaos Book 3)Summoner of Storms by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]

Summoner of Storms is book III of the Catalysts of Chaos series by C. Greenwood. I received a review copy of this book in advance of its release after subscribing to the authors newsletter. I really like reading ARC books, especially in genre’s that I enjoy. There are three main catalysts in this series and Geveral is my favorite. Perhaps that is why I was excited to read this book (since the first two seemed to be tailored toward the other two catalysts, Eydis and Orrick).

Please note, there are mild spoilers ahead but they will only be of consequence to you if you have read the first two books.

Summoner of Storms is definitely the climax of the series. A grieving Geveral befriends someone who gives him the keys to unlocking his power meanwhile Orrick’s past catches up to him. When the catalysts reach Silverwood Grove you will not want to put the book down. Eydis will have a startling revelation and we may have a glimpse into her possible destiny. We discover a secret to the oracle’s power whose life, as well as the fate of Earth Realm, hangs in the balance.

There Isn’t A Love Story

The conspiracies and mysteries, assassinations and betrayals will keep you reading. There isn’t a subtle love story, which works with the momentum and plot of the book. Honestly I think the lack of a love interest is refreshing. I am enjoying the confident, determined female hero whose goals will not be convoluted by infatuation.

I am really enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the final book, Clash of Catalysts. The title in-and-of-itself begs the question, is there tension growing among the catalysts? It’s clear that this will be the final battle for Earth Realm but Orrick’s sordid dealings make it difficult for Eydis to trust him. Will he find exoneration for his alleged betrayal? Is Eydis more powerful than she realizes? Is Geveral? Will they realize their power soon enough to defend Earth Realm?

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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: Star Wars Aftermath

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On December 7, 2016

In Book Review, Science Fiction, Star Wars

Star Wars AftermathAftermath by Chuck Wendig
My rating: [rating=5]

I have been trying to get back into Star Wars books for a while now; I just kept finding other great books to read (*cough* Kubrick’s Game *cough*). Star Wars Aftermath is the first post-Return of the Jedi book that takes place within the new canon, therefore it’s pretty high on my list. I know some Star Wars fans are probably surprised that I would prioritize this book so high. Disney stepped on quite a few toes when they declared all other canon defunct (post-ROTJ). This is something I discuss in a separate post. Be that as it may, I’m one of those open-minded fans and I was willing to give this book a chance.

I try to avoid mentioning any spoilers; I prefer that people use my book reviews as an aid on deciding if it’s a book they would like to read. The point I am about to make isn’t really a spoiler but it is noteworthy. If you are expecting a book about where the Jedi go after the Emperor is destroyed, that isn’t what this book is about. In fact the Force has very little to do with any of the characters. The author takes us on a journey through the eyes of several different characters during the aftermath of the Battle of Endor.

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Read Kubrick’s Game, You Will Love It

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On August 29, 2016

In Book Review

Read Kubrick's GameKubrick’s Game by Derek Taylor Kent
My rating: [rating=5]

Have you ever finished reading a great book that you enjoyed so much you have to tell everyone about it? The problem is you don’t know where to start. It was a problem I faced after reading Ready Player One, and it’s the problem I am facing after finishing Kubrick’s Game. Coincidentally Kubrick’s Game has been compared to Ready Player One, and rightfully so. It’s another puzzle-adventure novel whose clues and characters will keep you turning the pages.

Kubrick’s Game is about a brilliant UCLA film student named Shawn who receives a very unusual package. The contents will take him on a quest to solve a puzzle left behind by the late Stanley Kubrick. The answers he seeks are buried in the legendary filmmakers movies and his life. A prize awaits the first person that completes the game; a prize that will “change the course of history”. Shawn’s task isn’t going to be easy, there are other nefarious groups also on the quest and trying to stop him.

A Book For The Movie Nerd

I am a huge movie nerd and I love a great movie so I appreciate Stanley Kubrick’s films. Granted I haven’t seen all of them, but just a couple of chapters into this book and I was ready for a marathon! Many times I thought about popping in 2001 or The Shining just to see the clues for myself. Throughout the whole book I was trying to anticipate how it will end and what the prize will be. Just when you are convinced that you know what is going on the author throws in a twist as clever as Stanley Kubrick himself, and your mind is blown. A part of me was waiting for the cliché reward at the end but instead, it’s perfect. It’s a prize worthy of the puzzle and the man who created it.

Kubrick's Game Audio Book

Narrated by Jonathan Frakes (aka Commander Riker)

I had the privilege to read Kubrick’s Game before the publish date (on September 26th) and it’s definitely comparable to Ready Player One and other great puzzle books like The Da Vinci Code. The author uses a perfect balance of fiction and non-fiction similar to writers like Ernest Cline and Dan Brown. He collaborated with the founders of The Fantastic Race to create the film-based scavenger hunt. By the end, Kubrick’s Game easily claims a spot in my top 5. If you love movies, and especially if you love Stanley Kubrick’s films, then this book is a must read!

If audio books are more your speed then the treat gets even sweeter. Jonathan Frakes, Star Trek’s Commander Riker, provides the narration with Yvette Nicole Brown providing the voice of Desiree Jackson. The audio book will also be available September 26th on Audible and iTunes.

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diablo3-readingThe 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: Mistress of Masks

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On August 18, 2016

In Book Review, Fantasy

Mistress of Masks (Catalysts of Chaos #1)Mistress of Masks by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to go to Goodreads)

Honestly, I was struggling for a while to write a review since I finished Mistress of Masks. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book, I just didn’t know what to say because I’ve been reading several fantasy novels lately. In fact the fantasy novel I finished just before this book was written by the same author. So there isn’t more I can say that I haven’t already said.

Obviously I enjoy her work so far since I jumped right into another book and I will be reading Betrayer of Blood next. The read feels connected quicker with Eydis, Geveral and even Orrick than I did with the protagonists in Magic of Thieves. Keep in mind the Dimmingwood books are a much longer series than Catalysts of Chaos, and I intend to read both series in their entirety. Eydis’ powers are more intriguing than Ilan’s, although the elusiveness of Ilan’s powers also makes for a compelling reason to continue reading. In fact I can even see some parallels between Geveral and Ilan. My suggestion would be to read both books to better understand what I mean.

Mistress of Masks is a good, old fashioned fantasy novel, much like the others I have read. Greenwood is in good company when you consider the fact that the other fantasy authors I have read are Christine Golden, R. A. Salvatore, etc. If you are not receiving her newsletters, I would strongly encourage you to sign up; I’m glad I signed up for her newsletter so I will continue to receive opportunities to read ARC copies of her books and learn more about the plans she has for future novels.

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diablo3-readingThe 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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