Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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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: 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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Empire (In Her Name: Redemption)

Book Review: Armada by Ernest Cline

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On February 9, 2016

In Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Armada by Ernest ClineArmada by Ernest Cline
My rating: [rating=5]
(Click here to see this review on Goodreads.)

Another great, nerd-filled classic by the Ohio native. As most fans of Ready Player One, I was very excited when I heard about Armada. He does succeed, again, in stirring those nostalgic nerdy memories from my childhood with various references to games and movies I played/watched growing up. I will admit, however, perhaps the references were a little too prolific, especially at the beginning of the book, but I could tell Ernest Cline was writing a book that was fulfilling a childhood fantasy. The same childhood fantasy all of us had playing video games in the 90s and watching Star Wars and The Last Starfighter.

Despite the abundant movie references, and the teasing at the end which lead me to believe there would be a sequel, I still gave this book 5 Stars. Ender’s Game is one of my all time favorite books and Armada felt like a combination of Ender’s Game and The Last Starfighter and turned out to be an excellent juxtaposition.

When Zack learns what he is destined to do, the book becomes impossible to put down. I found myself sneaking in a page or two when the toddler and the wife were distracted; or I went an extra minute on the stationary bike just to keep reading. In fact there were a couple of nights where I was reading until 1 in the morning, allotting me only 4 hours of sleep for the night. There are, literally, only a handful of books where that has happened to me in the past.

Thank you, Ernest Cline, for another epic nerd-themed book. Thank you for taking me back, once again, to my childhood days and the games and movies of the 80’s and 90’s, and I’m looking forward to the next great novel!

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The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

Empire (In Her Name: Redemption)

Book Review: Blood and Masks

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On October 8, 2015

In Book Review, Fantasy

Blood and Masks (Neva Cora, #1)Blood and Masks by Alex Ziebart
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to see this review on Goodreads.)

If you’re a gamer, specifically MMOs like World of Warcraft, then you will enjoy this book. If you happen to read Blizzard Watch frequently then you should know this author. Alex Ziebart is the Editor-in-Chief and owner of the Blizzard Watch blog site. This book was his debut novel as a fantasy author.

I’d say, for a newbie author, his first book was well done. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy novels but the world he created in Blood and Masks seemed pretty unique to me. That’s not to say he didn’t borrow from the vast world of fantasy races, but he doesn’t violate any canon rules (i.e. elves). He does create his own class of fantasy race called “minari”, which does have some “demon hunter” influence but still remains unique. The minari world Ziebart creates is intriguing and I hope to learn more about their kind in future novels.

I hope this novel brings Alex success and motivation to continue writing fantasy. I think, with Blood and Masks, he is off to a great start.

Recommended for any fantasy reader.

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Empire (In Her Name: Redemption)

Book Review: Odd Thomas

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On August 21, 2015

In Book Review

Odd ThomasOdd Thomas by Dean Koontz

My rating: [rating=5]
(Click here to see this review on Goodreads)

Dean Koontz proves once again why he is one of my favorite authors. I probably enjoyed this book about as much as I enjoyed The Door to December (which is my favorite Koontz novel). I think I read this book fairly quickly because I was hooked fairly quickly. In fact he pretty much hooks you right at the beginning when you learn about Odd Thomas’ gift.

I have to admit, this was the first time I was feeling a little choked up at the end of a Dean Koontz novel. It was an ending I wasn’t expecting. I think [possible spoiler alert, here] my heart bottomed out just as Odd’s did when reality set in. I think Koontz handled the character relationships extremely well, hence my feeling of deep sorrow at the end.

I understand now why so many people fell in love with Odd Thomas and I’m looking forward to reading the other books. If you are a Koontz fan, then you need to read this book (if you haven’t already).

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