A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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Book Review: Magic of Dimmingwood Trilogy

Magic of Dimmingwood TrilogyThief’s Curse by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Read this review on Goodreads instead)

All three books were gifted to me by the author and, while I wanted to write a review upon completion of each book, I decided to defer until the end. I did this for a couple of reasons. 1) I was enjoying the books so much I didn’t want to hesitate between each book. 2) All three books are very cohesive so writing individual reviews would begin to feel redundant. It feels more beneficial to write a review that encompasses the entire Magic of Dimmingwood trilogy.

If you are familiar with the Legends of Dimmingwood series, written by the same author, then this trilogy is a prequel to those books. It will tell the story of Ilan’s parents (perhaps even where she got her name). The mystery of that amazing runed bow. It starts with the story of two boys of affluent birth whose family was betrayed by nefarious politicians. After their father’s execution, Luka and Ferran escape the tower and flee to Selibus. They take on new identities while befriending a magicker girl who will help them reach the Dimmingwood forest. However a guild of thieves, and their ruthless leader, also stand in their way and will change their lives forever.

A Cohesive Story and Very Well Written

One thing I have noticed about the author, C. Greenwood, is that she pumps out books quickly. Sometimes that can be detrimental, especially if the books are part of a series. However, that is not the case here. The books are so cohesive you would think she released them all at the same time. The tone between each book never changes; it feels more like starting a new chapter than starting the next book. All the relevant characters are well written and endearing. You will care what happens to all of them.

If you haven’t read the Legends of Dimmingwood books yet then I would recommend starting here first. I have only read the first book (Magic of Thieves) and Ilan was the only name I remembered. I have read quite a few fantasy novels since reading Magic of Thieves so it’s difficult for me to keep all the characters sorted out in my head. This worked to my benefit; not remembering who her parents were preserved the mystery of the story’s conclusion. Thus why I recommend reading the Magic of Dimmingwood trilogy first.

As I already mentioned, I have only read the first book in the Legends of Dimmingwood series but reading the rest of the books has definitely moved farther in on my radar.

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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: Extracted (Extracted Trilogy Book 1)

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

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

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

 

Biggs Zone – 2016 Year in Review

2016 Year in ReviewAnother year is over and we now look forward to a fresh start in 2017. As we prepare our resolutions or intentions or what have you, let’s reflect back with a 2016 year in review. By the way, there will be NO politics or political hot topics/agendas in this post.

I hate to start on a somber note but I would rather get the depressing stuff out of the way first. We lost some amazing celebrity icons this year. One of our favorite TV dads, Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), and our favorite TV mom, Florence Henderson (“The Brady Bunch”) both passed away this year. We lost our faithful Shepard on the Serenity, Ron Glass (“Firefly”). Some of the biggest icons in sports history, American history, and geek canon also passed away. These people include John Glenn, Nancy Reagan, Muhammad Ali, Arnold Palmer, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman (“Snape”), and David Bowie. Star Wars and Star Trek both suffered tragic losses when our beloved Kenny Baker, known eternally as “R2-D2”, and Anton Yelchin, our modern day “Chekov” passed away.

2016 Year in Review

RIP Princess Leia

The hardest loss the Star Wars community suffered happened while writing this post. Our most beloved Princess and General, Carrie Fisher, passed away at 60 after suffering a major heart attack. I am beside myself after losing yet another one of my favorite actors. I send my thoughts and prayers to her family. MTFBWY, Princess Leia!

Thank you for enriching our lives with your gifts and Rest In Peace.

Ok, enough sad talk. Let’s move on to the brighter things of 2016.

Book Review: Star Wars Aftermath

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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