Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Book Review Page 3 of 13

Book Review – Thrawn: Treason

By

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!

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

 

Book Review: Dead Beat (Dresden Files Book 7)

By

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.

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

 

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

By

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.

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

 

Book Review: Before the Storm

By

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

 

Book Review: From A Certain Point of View

By

On March 19, 2019

In Book Review, Geek Canon, Geek Culture, Science Fiction, Star Wars

From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars)From a Certain Point of View by Ben Acker
My rating: [rating=4]

When I picked up this book to read, I had similar concerns about it as I did about the Princess Leia book. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. In fact before I even added it to my “Currently Reading” list on Goodreads, I read the first chapter. It didn’t take much after that for me to keep reading it. This book was published back in 2017 for the 40th anniversary of the Star Wars franchise. It is a massive collaboration of 40 different authors (because 40 years, get it?) each writing a chapter. Some of the more well-known contributors are Christie Golden, Chuck Wendig and Wil Wheaton (yes, Wesley Crusher). Here is my book review of “From A Certain Point of View”.

No Synopsis Required

I should have read the synopsis before I picked up this book. This book doesn’t require a synopsis because it’s the plot of Star Wars A New Hope. If you don’t know the plot of Episode IV then why are you here? The unique feature of this book is the events of A New Hope are told from the perspective of background characters. As boring as that sounds, it’s actually quite interesting.

Every chapter isn’t as interesting as some of the others. In fact there are a few chapters that are really superfluous. There are too many chapters that focus on the events in the cantina. The Greedo chapter and, perhaps, the Wuher chapter are really the only ones worth keeping. There are a couple of chapters on the Death Star, during the destruction of Alderaan that are pretty uninteresting too. For example, the chapter with the MSE droid and TK-421 is probably my least favorite chapter. His personal life and aspirations of MSE racing were gratuitous; so much so I actually skipped some of it. Another chapter I felt similarly about was Omi, the trash compactor beast. Pretty dull.

A Handful Does Not Ruin the Bunch

Despite the handful of tedious chapters, there are many that more than make up for it. There is a chapter where Qui-Gon is communing with Obi-Wan that I really enjoyed. The chapter from Tarkin’s point of view as well as a couple of members of the Imperial High Council are really fun. I think my favorite chapter is the one where a stormtrooper is filing an incident report from the events at Mos Eisley. I know that probably sounds as dreary as MSE racing but the author, Daniel Jose Older, makes it very entertaining. In fact his Star Wars book, Last Shot, is on my short list to read next.

Superfluous chapters aside, this is a great book to read. I would definitely recommend it for any Star Wars fan. If you’re reading a chapter that you find especially boring, you can freely skip it without missing something important. None of the chapters really build on each other, they only accompany the main plot of the movie. I’m really glad I decided to read it.

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

 

Book Review – Leia: Princess of Alderaan

By

On March 4, 2019

In Book Review, Science Fiction, Star Wars

Leia: Princess of Alderaan (Star Wars)Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray
My rating: [rating=5]

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book to read it. After the passing of Carrie Fisher, I felt like reading this book became an obligation. In fact I had a bit of a lump in my throat when I began reading it.

The 16-year-old Princess of Alderaan is ready to make her claim for the throne. It’s her Day of Demand and she must declare her three challenges if she wants to become queen. As she embarks on the quest to fulfill these challenges and joins the Apprentice Legislature in the Senate, her world suddenly changes. She stumbles on to a plot against the Empire and Emperor Palpatine and her parents are at the center of it. Can she continue a facade of innocence to protect herself, her parents, and her people?

Biggs’ Review

I really enjoyed this book, much more than I was expecting. The events in this book occur 2-3 years prior to the beginning of A New Hope. I enjoy Claudia Gray’s writing style and story telling. It kept me engaged with every page and the story is very compelling.

I really love how she ties in Rogue One and The Last Jedi movies. There are references to Saw Gerrera’s actions and how it impacts the Rebellion’s attempt to remain clandestine. There is even a small cameo from The Phantom Menace. One of my favorite character mentions is Amilyn Holdo. In The Last Jedi we meet Holdo for the first time as she assumes command of the Raddus while Leia is unconscious. She commands authority and definitely has some history with Leia.

Finally, the presence of the Force is subtle and sublime. I don’t know if that was the author’s intention but I love how it enigmatically influences Leia’s actions. Some times even Leia seems unaware that her strong connection with the Force is driving her actions.

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

 

Page 3 of 13

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén