Post by Marv on Dec 31, 2020 19:36:22 GMT
In order of completion...
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King...was very enjoyable. Very cool to read King when he tries his hand at more of a crime thriller novel. Im sure the supernatural will show up in that series eventually. Was a good first entry to what i understand is a trilogy based around retired Detective Bill Hodges. 3 Stars
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne...an excellent history of the Comanche, particularly revolving around the Quannah Parker bloodline and history. Very interesting throughout. 4 Stars
Just After Sunset by Stephen King...like most short story collections this one has ups and downs. It isn't Kings best collection, but several stories do stand out like the one revolving around haunted artifacts from 9/11 and the one where the guy gets stuck in an overturned porta john. 3 Stars
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter...easily one of my favorite first reads from an author i knew nothing about going in. I believe he's only written 2 novels so far, this one and it's sequel which was released a month or so ago. The Rage of Dragons is a powerful fantasy novel that focuses on one mans quest for vengeance against those who wrong him and his dedication to making himself the deadliest man in the world. It shines through so brilliantly and doesn't feel shortcutted at all. 5 Stars!
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King...Somehow King managed to build a completely new and interesting story from the shadow the Shining leaves behind, paying homage to it without feeling like a copy, and fleshing out that particular world to an even more enjoyable level. I loved it. 4 Stars
Under the Dome by Stephen King...my biggest takeaway here is the pacing was nonstop and the characters didn't feel or act in a way that i didn't believe. Kind of standard King small town affair with a laundry list of different characters, most of which are fun to get to know, and a town that winds up destroyed by the end of the novel. The ending splits a lot of people but to me the characters were the main attraction...so i left satisfied. 4 Stars
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie...another new author for me in the fantasy genre, and another home run! I'm so glad im finding these authors who specialize in character work because in this one they practically jump off the page their so full of life and depth and nuance. Set in a brutal world on the verge of a massive war, we follow several key characters...a ruthless barbarian, a dapper young warrior, and a crippled torturer...along with a few other colorful characters. The book is light on plot but its the first of a trilogy so it seems its intention is to introduce you to everything. 4 Stars
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie....the follow up to Blade Itself...and now that you know everyone...WAR!!! I mean seriously there was so much blood and battle in this one that i almost worked up a sweat reading it! Lots of fighting...some loving...some treachery and backdoor dealings...so many and i mean SO MANY cool characters! Logen Ninefingers, Sand Dan Glokta, Ferro Maljinn, Rudd Threetrees, the Dogman, Black Dow....just a litany of characters that are so well fleshed out you can practically smell them. Can't wait to read the final book in this trilogy. Bittersweet i reckon. 5 Stars
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King...was very enjoyable. Very cool to read King when he tries his hand at more of a crime thriller novel. Im sure the supernatural will show up in that series eventually. Was a good first entry to what i understand is a trilogy based around retired Detective Bill Hodges. 3 Stars
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne...an excellent history of the Comanche, particularly revolving around the Quannah Parker bloodline and history. Very interesting throughout. 4 Stars
Just After Sunset by Stephen King...like most short story collections this one has ups and downs. It isn't Kings best collection, but several stories do stand out like the one revolving around haunted artifacts from 9/11 and the one where the guy gets stuck in an overturned porta john. 3 Stars
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter...easily one of my favorite first reads from an author i knew nothing about going in. I believe he's only written 2 novels so far, this one and it's sequel which was released a month or so ago. The Rage of Dragons is a powerful fantasy novel that focuses on one mans quest for vengeance against those who wrong him and his dedication to making himself the deadliest man in the world. It shines through so brilliantly and doesn't feel shortcutted at all. 5 Stars!
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King...Somehow King managed to build a completely new and interesting story from the shadow the Shining leaves behind, paying homage to it without feeling like a copy, and fleshing out that particular world to an even more enjoyable level. I loved it. 4 Stars
Under the Dome by Stephen King...my biggest takeaway here is the pacing was nonstop and the characters didn't feel or act in a way that i didn't believe. Kind of standard King small town affair with a laundry list of different characters, most of which are fun to get to know, and a town that winds up destroyed by the end of the novel. The ending splits a lot of people but to me the characters were the main attraction...so i left satisfied. 4 Stars
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie...another new author for me in the fantasy genre, and another home run! I'm so glad im finding these authors who specialize in character work because in this one they practically jump off the page their so full of life and depth and nuance. Set in a brutal world on the verge of a massive war, we follow several key characters...a ruthless barbarian, a dapper young warrior, and a crippled torturer...along with a few other colorful characters. The book is light on plot but its the first of a trilogy so it seems its intention is to introduce you to everything. 4 Stars
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie....the follow up to Blade Itself...and now that you know everyone...WAR!!! I mean seriously there was so much blood and battle in this one that i almost worked up a sweat reading it! Lots of fighting...some loving...some treachery and backdoor dealings...so many and i mean SO MANY cool characters! Logen Ninefingers, Sand Dan Glokta, Ferro Maljinn, Rudd Threetrees, the Dogman, Black Dow....just a litany of characters that are so well fleshed out you can practically smell them. Can't wait to read the final book in this trilogy. Bittersweet i reckon. 5 Stars