Top Shelf Reviews

Facing Down Fourth and Forever

2012-03-05T04:38:00.000-08:00

Fourth and Forever by Bert Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m convinced Bert Carson wrote Fourth and Forever for every veteran who’s served in combat; a place where each and every day you have to be in the moment. Living that way day in and day out comes with a terrible price that most often manifests as PTSD; a term we still don’t completely understand and, in many circles, do not accept.

This is a story that reaches into the dark and lonely places of our souls and offers a path to understanding and healing through camaraderie – which is nothing more than a guy’s way of saying love – Bert Carson.

His main character, Josh Edwards, experienced love and loss while flying dangerous missions in the war-torn country of Vietnam. Josh is fortunate to return after three tours to a very close and loving family who help him find a level of peace.

The three share some amazing years as an Army family, but just as Josh begins the onerous process of retiring from active duty, and his son Bobby begins searching for a college to attend, tragedy strikes the family. They choose to chart a new path and along the way Josh and Bobby discover that the greatest healing gift is in giving of oneself.

This is more than a Vietnam story, a sports story, or even a love story. This is a testimonial that love borne of camaraderie can get you through the toughest spots, even if your objective feels like it’s forever away. Carson’s characters and smooth dialogue let you experience the conversations and heart-rending moments. The cast is a fully developed mix of everyday people and integrate seamlessly with the supporting elements and plot. Carson uses efficiency and emotional impact set a brisk pace.

This is a strong five-star novel for the quality of the writing and its ever important message. You will smile and likely shed tears, but in the end you will come away with a wisdom to help you through many of life’s darkest and most difficult challenges, whether for yourself or others you’ve tried to reach.

Simply sharing this story is the greatest gesture of friendship our Vietnam fathers could offer their sons and daughters of Iraq and Afghanistan. There aren’t words to describe my personal gratitude for this novel and the camaraderie great men like Bert Carson have offered us, as we try to find our way back from war.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

Aliens versus bureaucrats - humanity in the balance

2012-03-04T02:43:00.000-08:00

Sue's Vision by Andrew D. Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sue’s Vision is Andrew Carlson’s second novel in a debut series that continues the story of a group of alien clones sent to Earth with an important message for its inhabitants. With Homeland Security handler Ted, and a small team of scientists in New York, we learn that this special group has brought more than just a message for mankind.

Carlson allows the story to steadily progress through its plot, and while there isn't much new depth for individual characters, the stakes are raised for them and fans in a couple of ways. First, as each of the clones settle into normal life, Carlson introduces them to experiences that include everything from settling in at work to dealing with relationships.

Second, as the group enjoys a brief reunion, they receive a new message from deep within their DNA. Simultaneously, Ted’s scientists in New York make a series of related findings, setting the stage for a conflict of clones versus big government bureaucracy. This is where the lines converge and our clones begin to face the dilemma between their desire for a normal life and a mission of global importance.

Sue’s Vision offers the reader Carlson’s steady, kid-friendly style of dialogue with elements of suspense in the plot. It’s a wonderful family story and something a young adult might also enjoy. Carlson carefully balances our real world with enough believable science fiction to make this a unique and enjoyable read. This is a four-star alternative to the edgy, sometimes graphic, elements in modern science fiction. If you like Cocoon, then you must try Sue’s Fingerprint and now, Sue’s Vision.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

A Cloak and Dagger Grand Prix

2012-02-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Ninth Orphan by James Morcan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James and Lance Morcan’s, The Ninth Orphan, is a suspense-laden spy novel that keeps you engaged through every twist and turn in this fantastic maze of desperation and intrigue. Readers will love its brisk pace from start to finish, with cloak and dagger action and new dangers at every turn. Conspiracy fans will appreciate the Morcan’s efforts in developing the back-story and crafting the detail, making this a believable and gripping story of a rouge agent who simply wants a taste of freedom.

Nine wants out; a chance to enjoy a life, free from the Omega Group and the espionage and killing that are all he’s ever known. As a toddler in the Pedemont Orphanage, Nine grew from the Omega Group’s prodigal student to their most effective operative. But on his last assignment, Nine decides it’s time to make an exit. Poised to reach his goal, Nine’s plan unravels when he inadvertently crosses paths with the exotic Isabelle Alleget. As Omega agents and nearly every security and police element in France close in, Nine will have to tap into every bit of his substantial training and experience to reach his island paradise alive.

The beauty behind the Omega Group and its top agent, Nine, are built on the foundation of multiple conspiracy theories we’ve heard in the past. Many authors have tried to tie these together before but few have succeeded in writing a story that delivers the concepts in an entertaining package like James and Lance Morcan have done with The Ninth Orphan.

This is a four-star read for those wanting a story with a great mix of non-stop action and interesting characters whose conflicted personalities drive the plot along a razor’s edge.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

Classic Brooks for the fans

2012-02-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

Bearers of the Black Staff by Terry Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been following the Shanarra branch of the franchise since nearly the beginning and loved how his last trilogy (Armageddon's Children) tied in Shanarra with the Knight of the Word. This is a great follow up.

We take another jump beyond the end of the world as we know it and toward Shea and Flick's time with a whole new set of characters forging their way through a changing world.

Set in the Cascade Mountains some 500 years after Hawk led his survivors to the protected valley, complacency has set in firmly and individual machinations on power may doom all Hawk's descendants. The fleeting chance for salvation from evil will manifest in the most unlikely of characters.

Brooks is a proven master of the genre but you'll want to start with the previous trilogy: Armageddon's Children It will lay the foundations for this book to make prefect sense. A great read on its own - and it's clear that Brooks has become more efficient in his descriptive style than in his early works.

Still a big fan!

America’s enemies unite, plot path to Armageddon

2012-01-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

2012 Armageddon: Unholy Alliance by Preisler Harrington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All the terrorist plots in history pale in comparison to what unfolds in Preisler Harrington’s Armageddon 2012: Unholy Alliance. While there were friction points for me, his novella was highly entertaining from an action – suspense perspective with very strong messages on family bonds and sacrifice.

Summary-

Jordan is a highly educated wife and mom who can’t land a career during some very tough economic times, a strain felt by most in her very close extended family. Then the Department of Homeland Security brings her on board to help with a backlog of intelligence assessments, and what she finds is the most complex and sinister terrorist plot ever conceived. With so much corruption and bureaucratic red tape, time is quickly ticking toward doomsday. Jordan and her boss, Barrett, work to smoke out dozens of terrorist cells and stop what could be the end of democracy. Will her plans and efforts be enough for her family and the country to survive the destruction this Unholy Alliance of terrorists has planned?

Some thoughts -

The realism of such an evil scenario is a major strength in this story, from the players involved to the methods employed. The social chaos that ensues was also very enlightening and frighteningly realistic. But witnessing the strength and love shared by this very diverse family, willing to sacrifice for each other and their nation was a key plus.

On the other end, some of the dialogue seemed a bit contrived, particularly a couple of scenes where Jordan begins discussing terrorist plans with Leonard. Having a military background, I took exception with such highly classified information being shared with family so early. The only other issue I had trouble with was the ending, which seemed far-fetched or perhaps a little too convenient but I’ll go no further because I don’t want to spoil it for others. This work, including the ending is perfect for a YA audience.

There is a lot to like in this story with plenty of thinking, action and suspense. Doomsday readers will see this as a five star effort while general suspense readers will likely see it lower. Being in the latter category I’ve given it 3.7 stars but again, if the end of the world is your niche, you’ll love this story.

Tom Clementson (Kindle book Review)

A raw adventure from the darkest depths of comedy

2012-01-12T23:51:00.000-08:00

Malice in Blunderland by Jonny Gibbings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Real and raw, this story isn't for the thin-skinned or prudish sort. Malice in Blunderland is laden with adult situations and language that may offend some, but if you like your humor gritty then you will appreciate Jonny Gibbings fictional first-hand account of a life gone horribly wrong and getting worse over the span of a few days.

The Gist

The story begins with an introduction to the main character, who is teetering on the fringe after being beaten down by past hardships and a particularly difficult one-sided breakup. He finds drugs provide the numbing effect to make his troubles disappear while his life continues to bottom out. The man unwittingly becomes the pawn of mafia power-players bent on controlling a new “recipe”— a key to dominating the drug trade. Beaten, bloodied and bruised – our unseemly hero discovers the value of friendship, and his own life, but will he learn to care too late?

The main character is coarse, angry, self-loathing, witty, loyal, and intelligent. Jonny Gibbings does a great job developing someone as dynamic and complicated as any you’ll ever meet. Writing most of this in first person, he gives you a chance to really get inside his character’s mind to better relate and what you discover is that beyond outward appearances and behavior is a person you’d probably do well to befriend.

At the end of the day...

This is clearly not a book for everyone, particularly those who are uncomfortable with profanity and a fair share of deviance, but if you appreciate a raw, dark brand of humor then you’ll enjoy this book immensely. There are moments throughout the book that will make you laugh and more than a few that will make you cringe in fear. You’ll fly through each chapter and appreciate Gibbings’ efficiency in the editing process, limiting his pages to essentials to maintain its brisk pace.

You’ll find some typos but the writing flows well and weaves in some of the language Gibbings’ character makes up along the way. More than anything, I loved that this story comes across more real and funny than most anything out there in a fiction genre. His descriptions are colorful and thorough, allowing you to feel like you’re right there watching the entire calamity. This is a solid four stars on any scale and one you won’t want to put down.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

A galactic dustup in Gabriel’s Revenge

2012-01-10T01:50:00.000-08:00

Gabriel's Revenge by Steve Umstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Evan Gabriel Trilogy is complete with Steve Umstead’s action-packed final installment, Gabriel’s Revenge. The transition is seamless as the third book picks up only moments after Evan Gabriel realizes he must return to Mars and finish his business with the South American Republic (SAR) once and for all.

The stakes are higher than ever as Gabriel and his team will have to fight their way to the red planet and locate Renay Gesselli, who has been captured, along with the governments of two of the planet’s largest dome cities, by SAR henchmen. But it wouldn't be a proper mission without nearly impossible odds so the SAR has employed a fleet of Chinese space-fighters and a group of elite mercenaries to take out Gabriel and his team.

The pace never slows as Umstead’s plot drives his characters through successes and setbacks – building to a crescendo for a final climactic showdown between hero and villain. Umstead reveals new technology and uncovers new bits of history that adds even more excitement and intrigue to his sci-fi action finale. Characters will be tested and loyalties will be questioned, adding elements of suspense to keep the reader turning the pages.

There is no question that Umstead can write an action-packed adventure story better than most. He is an artist in designing a high-tech battlefield and weaving in the human element with his character’s depth and color. While some may feel the dialogue is a little too efficient, it’s important to remember that a military unit like this tends to be manned with “quiet professionals”, speaking with actions rather than words. Umstead is true to that principle and develops his characters accordingly.

There is no drop-off in quality or consistency between any of these books and Gabriel’s Revenge will bring it all to a close without slowing a step. The only hitch for me came in the climax where I felt one portion was a bit of a stretch compared to every other scene in this series. I chalk that up to personal preference and how I would have liked that scene to play out.

Nevertheless the entire body of work is a five-star effort with the finale being a 4.75 star read on its own. If you like action in a science fiction setting then you really need to pick this up from book one and give it a shot.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

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Great start to a new battle against evil

2011-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Chosen by Shay Fabbro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shay Fabbro's Portals of Destiny trilogy is off to a great start with her first release, The Chosen. There is a lot to be excited about in this science fiction adventure as multiple genres are intertwined to create colorful settings with a solid plot pitting the mindlessly evil `Mekans' against the entire galaxy. Of course, the only thing standing between galactic annihilation and salvation are the Chosen, a collection of characters from four distinct worlds, each bearing unique abilities and individual depth along with personal complexities.

Summary:

From birth four Gentrans were isolated from their benevolent society and rigorously trained to become Guardians and Masters. After years of seclusion and secrecy the Guardians are split up and sent to four worlds where they must find and protect their assigned Chosen until a sign out of prophesy signals the time for return. They will use the time in between to prepare the Chosen by honing their natural skills and traits for the fight that is to come.

On Astra a human-like species expand their magical powers as mystics in a world much like earth during the Middle Ages. The humans of earth live in a post apocalyptic Wild West where they are battle tested and committed to the ideal of sacrifice to protect the helpless. Similarly the Volgon's are also embroiled in a struggle for survival that has manifested in their evolution to become the perfect warriors with a mastery of sophisticated weapons technology and design. The Chosen on planet Kromin come from mysterious roots. They are clones devoid of emotion and passion but possess unique psychic abilities and incredibly advanced technology.

If they are able to make it back to Gentra, all of the Chosen will undergo final preparations to meet the Mekan threat but first the Guardians must do everything in their power to protect their Chosen from danger and the truth. Revealing their purpose or losing any of their Chosen before the sign comes could have disastrous consequences.

Some Thoughts

Fabbro has set the stage for a unique combination of fantasy and epic science fiction. Each world is given significant detail and danger to match the great depth and conflict she creates in her cast of characters. Fabbro establishes a fast pace from the outset with by quality dialogue and action that drives the plot and character development. At about the 60 percent mark things slow down with some dialogue seeming unnecessary to the central story and subplots. It's worth pushing through because once you emerge from those couple of chapters you're back to a brisk pace as events on each planet culminate to either thrust the Chosen through the portal toward prophetic destiny or galactic ruin before they ever learn the truth.

This is an easy four-star read because Fabbro is a very good writer who crafts complicated settings and characters into an easy and enjoyable story and she clearly spent the time editing to make sure it is smooth. This first installment, The Chosen is very good with a ton of potential as the rest of this series rolls out.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

Reviews you can believe

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

I've loved reading for as long as I can remember and that love has translated into writing reviews on the books I read. Criticizing someone's work shouldn't be taken lightly nor should maintaining credibility as a reviewer, which is what's been on my mind today.

Interesting question proposed on twitter today related tobook reviews and offering a review to the author before posting. Just happens that one of the more recenttopics of discussions related to reviewing indie authors centered on how todeal with work that has issues, significant enough that it cannot reach athree-star threshold. This might be theresult of poor editing, poor grammar, poor sentence structure, a meanderingplot or a combination of any of these kinds of issues.

Both subjects instigated an internal look at how I approachthe process of reviewing a book. Eventhough I’m a new reviewer, I set off on this journey with some pretty basicobjectives:

1. I want to do my part to find and share good indie authors and stories withbig market consumers while educating them on the variety and quality thatexists on this side of publishing.

2. I want to learn what I can about publishing and promote examples of bestpractices wherever and whenever I am able.

3. I want to improve in my own writing.

4. I want to enjoy the process and be affiliated with good people.

Having worked as a PR flack for over 19 years with somestints in journalism along the way, I think credibility and objectivity areparamount. To achieve those I’ve adopteda few non-negotiable practices to keep the process honest:

1. I don’t accept any money or gratuities for reviews beyond the copy ofthe book I am reviewing.

2. I’ll continue to read and review big-market books as I would indieauthors with the same expectations and standards.

3. I only post reviews if the work meets a three-star threshold. If it doesn’t meet that threshold then I don’trelease a review.

4. I don’t submit a review to the author for concurrence or editorialapproval because it is represented as my opinion.

I’d just point out that a lot of my guiding principles come from Jeff Bennington’s system at Kindle Book Review. Other reviewers have similar practices but some do things differently. Either way this is my system and it's a system that works for me.

The real key is that I don’t get paid and I amnot employed by an author or publisher so when a reader finds one of my reviewsthey should have every confidence that it is based on my own objective opinion. I think it also works in the author’s bestinterest because a third-party objective opinion lends credibility to their ownmarketing effort and I make my reviews available to them for that purpose.

I’m fortunate that in the early going I’ve had great peoplefrom Mission to Read and the Kindle Book Review guide me through the earlygoing. I’ve been introduced to somegreat authors, reviewers, and readers along the way and more than a few haveoffered helpful tips and shared their experiences. Hopefully I’m able to leverage all thoselessons for personal growth that I can pass on to others with an interest inreading and learning about the larger indie publishing world.

When it’s all said and done we have a common interest, topromote independent authors and publishing and help readers find greatstories.

A human struggle against the paradigm of evil

2011-12-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

Twisted Vengeance by Jeff Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not for the faint of heart, Jeff Bennington’s ‘Twisted Vengeance’ is a brilliantly crafted tale of deep passions and haunting pasts. It’s these elements that introduce a riveting plot of paranormal twists with well developed characters. This is ultimately a battle of good versus an unknown and seemingly unstoppable evil. Clear some time in your schedule because once Rick starts the hunt, you won’t want to put this book down.

Summary

Rick is a prisoner of the ghosts of his past but he is forced to face them in order to stop a serial killer. Still clinging to the grief from his brother’s murder two years earlier, Rick will try to live up to Roger’s legacy as a great detective as he follows a twisted path of mangled bodies and no evidence. Rick works the only angle he can find, a mysterious little boy who apparently only he can see. It’s this little boy who brings Rick closer and closer to the source of these brutal murders, putting the detective in grave danger. As he peels back the layers of deception, Rick must look deep to find himself and separate reality from illusion if he’s to survive and put an end to a serial killer bent on exercising its twisted vengeance.

Impressions

What I love most about Bennington’s novel, like all of the great ones, is that it gives you a lot to think about while also being highly entertaining. The crux of the issue is how we let our perceptions of the past imprison us – hold us back, and how unraveling illusions sometimes reveal a truth we might prefer left hidden. But ultimately it is the truth that can set us free or crush us if we are unable to bear the weight of the revelation. This story also points out the power of passion, the superhuman abilities that it can imbue for good or evil. It’s the manifestation of this passion, borne from horrific violence, which opens the door for evil to touch our reality.

Final Thoughts

I tend to avoid the supernatural – paranormal novels in favor of fantasy or science fiction so this was my first crack at a paranormal thriller and I am grateful I swallowed down my fear and took the leap. It’s a good mix of detective, paranormal, and human spirit. There are more twists and turns than you can count. Bennington did a great job keeping the plot moving without meandering while also keeping you on the edge of your seat without giving anything away. Yes, right up to the very end he’s got you guessing and I loved that about this novel.

Toughest part about the experience was writing a review that is helpful to the reader without giving up any spoilers. Even though it’s not my genre, I love the story – the writing – the characters – and the quality of the messages. This is an easy five stars for me and I hope you take the time to read it for yourself.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

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The preeminent emotional reading experience

2011-12-14T04:36:00.000-08:00

Small as a Mustard Seed by Shelli Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story that will run you through an emotional marathon at a sprinters pace. Rarely do you find a novel or a writer than can reach inside the reader to evoke such strong feelings but Shelli Johnson’s ‘Small as a Mustard Seed’ is that one in a million story.

The story’s central quandary is the question we must all answer at points in our lives; can we find the capacity to genuinely forgive and let go of resentment. The challenge in this story is that after Jolie and Ann Marie suffer so much irrevocable harm from their parents, how can either cope, let alone forgive. And if they cannot forgive, what price will they pay in harboring these unsettled feelings? For both girls it will be profound.

The family

We’re introduced to Ann Marie, our ten year-old main character, who guides us through a turbulent decade living with her schizophrenic father Frank, by-standing mother Adele and rebellious sister Jolie. It’s November 1965 and already Jolie seems to bare the brunt of Frank’s delusional wrath, slowly pulling the sisters apart and leaving Ann Marie to watch helplessly.

Frank’s mind is muddled in delusions exacerbated by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), after his firsthand experience of the horrors of war on the frontlines in Korea. Frank brings the war home and his children suffer his physical, emotional and mental abuse, and their mother’s unwillingness to protect them challenges even their smallest hope of delivery from madness. Follow Ann Marie’s journey as the years pile on the grief and tear away at her scant bits of faith. You’ll be pulled inside the turmoil of Ann Marie’s search for answers, only to discover new unearthed tragedies under each layer of truth.

Personal impact

Shelli Johnson’s descriptive writing and ability to communicate feelings are the remarkable tools that pull you inside the story. I found a few bright moments that made me chuckle but the anguish she expressed through her characters manifested in my own stomach. I felt aching sadness for this family and desperately searched the pages to find some tiny shred of peace for them. I was angry with the demons that stole Frank’s soul and equally furious with Adele’s misguided loyalty. There were moments where even this steely veteran could no longer contain the lump in my throat or the hurt in my heart.

This was the most powerful novel I’ve read in many years because Johnson’s uncanny ability as a writer allows us to share an experience that echoes the questions and challenges we face in our own lives. Through the pain of Ann Marie’s family, Johnson gives us an opportunity to reevaluate our personal choices and face that central struggle; can faith as small as a mustard seed be enough to help us let go and forgive, or will we pay the price to hold on to resentment?

Final Thoughts

You will rarely find a story that can captivate your feelings and touch your soul like this one. I’ve not read its match in evoking so much emotional power and circumspection since Mitch Albom gave us ‘Tuesday’s With Morrie’. This is a must read for any adult looking for a real story. It is far and away one of the most significant reading experiences I’ve ever had.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

Anticipation spills over in Rothfuss' debut novel

2011-12-11T10:14:00.001-08:00

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Here’s a story with grand potential if you’re a patient lover of fantasy. The Name of the Wind is the first installment of the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy by Patrick Rothfuss and sets the stage for what could become an epic trilogy. If I sound a little non-committal then follow me so you get the gist.

Rothfuss is an excellent descriptive writer and his focus on building this story and series around his central character is the engine driving the story. Kvothe, his main character, is a very complex whole made of many interesting and painful layers. You’ll be captivated by his resiliency as a youth through the many challenges and tragedies. Kvothe’s strengths and incredible fortitude demonstrated in the early years are a significant contrast to the man he’s become while recounting his life-story to the Chronicler.

Kvothe, the boy, had a genuine curiosity about the world around him and a sharp mind to absorb whatever knowledge he could feed it. A son of troupers, the talented future hero was destined to travel the world’s roads a gifted entertainer but along the way he would find divergent paths.

First he encounters Abernathy, his first teacher who began to unlock the vast potential in Kvothe’s mind and planted the seed that would eventually lead Kvothe to the Arcanum University many years later. Second, Kvothe tragically encounters the evil and mythical Chandrian moments after they slaughter his family and troupe.

Now, filled with mind numbing grief, Kvothe sets out on a completely different path. From total physical and mental isolation, Kvothe emerges from the forest to become a street urchin and beggar who learns that adaptation is key to survival. Finally driven by dreams of the University and his need to understand his nemesis, the Chandrian, Kvothe discovers that his challenges have only begun at the Arcanum.

While many of the more negative reviews take exception with this nearly flawless youth who seems to meet every challenge no matter the overwhelming odds, seeing some of the subtle and obvious defects in his later life sparked my interest. How did he fall so far and what could possibly break such a powerful man?

Like his main character, the plot is also many layered. You’ll follow the life of the young Kvothe as told to the Chronicler over one day. The interludes between tales give you that peek into the highs and lows of a feared and revered hero and villain who finally became a broken man in hiding. There are multiple seeds planted to give the reader a glimpse of the great light and the great darkness within him but the questions mount, particularly how and why to each of these aspects of Kvothe.

You won’t get all of the answers in this novel, in fact you’ll finish with far more questions than you might expect. If you’re looking for a stand-alone fantasy novel to pass the time then you’ll want to pass on this one. But if you’re a patient reader and are willing to see this through the entire series then don’t hesitate. The groundwork Rothfuss lays is designed to give you enough understanding of the larger picture while enticing you with questions in order to pull you into the next book for some of the answers.

I will definitely read his next novel and I have high hopes for the entire series as it seems to have incredible potential based on this first part. On its own I would give this book four of five stars with the caveat that it would be best to gauge the series as a whole based on how this one was written. If subsequent stories follow the foundation in the Name of the Wind, it could well be an important part to a five-star series.

Paper or Plastic- Rinni’s take

2011-12-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

Oh, for the love of books! If you look up the word bibliophile, you very well could find a picture of yours truly. Bibliophile, hmmm, sounds contagious right? Well it should be!! Everyone should have a great love of books! A book, a book, a book, my books!! LOVE THEM!!!!

Mine hubby knows that I NEED my books and of course like any purist I prefer to get my fix in the paper variety. Kindle or Nook might as well be a four letter word!
I fell in love with reading at a very young age, yes, as soon as I could sound out words and string sentences together there were books flying off the shelf. 3rd and 4th grade had me reading childhood classics like James and the Giant Peach and Charlott’s Web.

A glimpse of Rinni's collection

My first experience with heartbreak happened when I was in the 5th grade and we moved from Okinawa, Japan back to the states , and guess what? Books are HEAVY! Soldier’s are only allotted a certain amount of weight in household goods and in order to make weight sacrifices had to be made. I think my ferocious tenacity to holding on to my books stems from this early childhood trauma.

As an Army brat, sibling, former Soldier and now Army spouse I’m all too familiar with moving boxes. I’ve lost and let go of so many precious books over the years that I’ve finally drawn the line in the sand and said enough is enough and I CAN’T let any more go! No no no!!

When I was deployed I read over 40 books. My sister, Pabkins would help to feed my need via Amazon. Packing up to come home I had over 60 books amongst my tuff boxes. Ready for more heartbreak? The shipping container carrying all my lovelies was lost!! Oh, the injustice of it all! A girl can only stand to lose a certain amount of books in one lifetime and I've far surpassed that quota.

Oh, don’t worry I won’t be turning into a hoarder or anything. I can still see the couch and the twins aren't sleeping on beds of books, yet. Weight restrictions my big toe! If (when) the day comes and big Army says we have surpassed our allowed weight, well, I see a climate controlled library/storage in our future until such time that our roots are content enough to grow.

So, perhaps now you’ve glimpsed a little of my book mania and I’ll leave it at that for now, I could go on but it’s time I let the man get in something edgewise. I know how lucky I am, he indulges my insanity. ;)

Paper or Plastic - Prologue

2011-11-30T22:10:00.001-08:00

Photo by Ryan

My wife and I love to read and certainly love books but what I’ve learned from her is that the word book means something different to each of us. To the lovely Rinni a book is something generally made of paper, a tangible object you can hold in your hand. A book to me is less an object than what it represents, a story. That is really only the first divergence in our mutual love of reading and books, but points to Rinni for using the English language to properly classify the word book.

We do agree that getting rid of books is one of the most emotionally painful tasks we’ve ever had to do. Yes, the argument that they will go to a good home and all is great for the casual reader but hardbound or paperback, these darlings are precious to us. In fact the separation anxiety after passing a few novels on to the used book store or school book drive completely dwarfs reality for weeks afterward.

Where we do not agree is my deviation from the actual book to the e-book. Rinni is a traditionalist in the purest sense when it comes to her collection and I think she’s not entirely happy with my migration to digits.

My unfaithfulness started on a previous deployment to Afghanistan. I was sharing a very small space with one other person and had one very small shelf to hold all my books. I was going through a good three novels per month, epics by Terry Goodkind, Katherine Kurtz, Robert Jordan…and on and on. I was forking out postage to get them to my base and then having to pay again to ship them home. Sure I could have given them over to someone else to read but remember my previous comments about separation anxiety?

It was about three or four months into the deployment when a coworker introduced me to Kindle. Now there was something fresh and sleek. It was slim in my hands and I could easily take her with me every time I traveled around the country. But what caused me to stray was that inside this very petit plastic body were volumes of the greatest stories on earth. I could literally access thousands of books from this one little device and it took no more space than a pad of paper. I was in love.

This is by no means the whole story because Rinni’s made some solid arguments to attempt to pull me away from that little temptress and back to the straight and narrow – but it might be better if she explained her view of things in the next edition of Paper or Plastic - look for it here on Saturday.

Journey to the edge of the disc - a tale of magic, friendship and buffoonery

2011-11-23T03:55:00.001-08:00

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terry Pratchett stakes his claim to being the funnyman of science fiction in the Color of Magic, book one in the Disc-world series. He grabs you from the first page with his uncanny wit and his character’s humorous banter and keeps you chuckling to the very end of the story. You’ve likely seen similar characters from other books, television and movies but Pratchett takes the classic comedy duo and firmly plants them in a fantasy world that is over the top hilarious.

Rincewind and Twoflower are Discworld’s Costanza and Kramer with supporting characters who run the gambit of personalities. You’ll meet the brainless, brawny Hrun and the tenacious, terrifying luggage; that’s right, a seemingly living piece of luggage with legs and an uncanny willingness toward violence.

When you consider this entire world is literally a ginormous disc, supported by humungous elephants who reside on top of an astronomical space-travelling turtle then you’ll be very comfortable knowing that the rules of magic and nature constantly fluctuate in Discworld.

You’ll join Rincewind, our comedy’s straight-man, on his escape from the burning city of Ankh-Morpork (which coincidentally is burning partially because of his shenanigans) with his tourist-sidekick, Twoflower. The story begins with the duo telling their story to a couple of heroes on the road out of town, launching you on a journey through some of Disc-worlds most perilous places populated by some cunningly funny people.

Character growth, mixed with the multitude of laughable moments provides smiles from beginning to end. Rincewind is layered like an onion; cowardly and almost indifferent in the beginning but certainly altered for the better as he learns the value of friendship.

In protecting his clueless friend, Rincewind sets off a chain of events that leaves nothing but mischief and mayhem in their wake while the Gods twist and turn the tables our unlikely pair. Rincewood and Twoflower narrowly escape horrendous perils at every turn rankling Fate and completely befuddling Death himself.

Pay close attention to Pratchett’s humorous pokes at our view of traditional fantasy, religion and social norms that lace neatly within the plot. Color of Magic is easily a family read with enough mature comedy that adults will absolutely love this story’s wit. Pratchett thoroughly establishes a new world while maintaining a quick pace that will leave you wanting to jump right into the next novel.

While I certainly found the story hilarious, some of the humor is quite British and therefore not to everyone’s taste. But if you are a fan of the classic comedy duo and if you appreciate a good Monty Python skit then you will absolutely love Terry Pratchett’s Color of Magic; a solid four-star comedic fantasy tale.

A Sci-Fi Rumble in the Jungle

2011-11-17T06:20:00.001-08:00

Gabriel's Return by Steve Umstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Power up your Oso-11 heavy assault rifle and join Evan Gabriel’s team as they face a new threat on an old battlefield in Steve Umstead’s second novel in the Evan Gabriel Trilogy, ‘Gabriel’s Return’.

Picking up the story six months after the conclusion of the first book, Umstead instills a false sense of security and normalcy so that he can leverage his plot and jerk the rug out from under you and his characters. This book is loaded with more than enough hi-tech action but Umstead finds balance and depth by presenting a more complex plot and delves much deeper into his characters and the forces working against them.

Against all odds – the summary

Evan Gabriel and his team of special operations forces have been cleaning up the streets of Mars. Gone are the criminals and the chaos, replaced by the pleasant smiles of pedestrians and laughter of children playing. Things are winding down for Gabriel and his crack unit but political forces are manipulating events around the galaxies that will put it all in jeopardy.

Learning that one of his men from the ill-fated Eden mission is alive but imprisoned, Gabriel takes his team back to where his nightmare began. As they prepare for this latest Eden mission, one team member falls to a traitor’s plot and they quickly realize the only people they can trust are each other. Ill-equipped and undermanned, Gabriel and his crew must fight their way through enemy territory and defeat an army of terrorists in order to eliminate the mysterious ‘Prophet’ and rescue their hostages.

Meanwhile, political machinations begin to play out as an anonymous mastermind, backed by the La Republica de Sudamerica, begins his coup on Mars while Gabriel and his team are light years away battling the terrorists and their own personal demons.

Final Thoughts

While there were no major surprises in the story, there was more than enough action and intrigue to keep me turning page after suspenseful page. In fact I enjoyed this book as much, if not more than the first novel for a couple of reasons.

First, we get a much better picture about the kind of man Evan Gabriel really is because he’s no longer a one-man show on the run.

Second, the mix between action and intrigue was much more balanced and definitely sews enough threads to make me excited about reading Gabriel’s Revenge (Book 3). Add it all together and you have a five-star read in Gabriel’s Return.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

A gift for the hard days

2011-11-13T01:24:00.001-08:00

We all run into hard times, sometimes for a day and sometimes much longer. Every so often I have them and seem to always find inspiration, generally from those around me. Sometimes however, it's just not enough but there were some words I discovered during a deployment to Iraq that seem to pull me out of the most severe cases of the doldrums. This gift of words is a succinct reminder that tells us that we can and must take charge of our lives at the worst of times. Tuck this away when that rainy day feels like a storm pouring down on you and find the inspiration to get up and fight.

Invictus

By WilliamErnest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Reviewing Gabriel's Redemption

2011-11-11T05:24:00.001-08:00

Gabriel's Redemption by Steve Umstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s suspense from the outset of Steve Umstead’s debut novel, and book 1 of the ‘Evan Gabriel Trilogy’, named for his main character. This is one of the better science fiction, action novels you’ll find out there whether indie or big market. Umstead is meticulous in establishing the back story for not only his characters but this futuristic universe while being mindful to maintain the pace and flow of his plot.

Umstead intertwines much of his character development and interaction with some jazzy futuristic technology incorporated in a way that is very believable. Those deftly written inter-character relationships in the early chapters enable the reader to understand the social, political and economic realities of this future time frame because it is based on an evolution of our modern standards. All the while you will get to know Gabriel and his past, which drives much of the suspense throughout the story.

It’s that combination of the anticipation of a action-packed collision between our hero and his antagonists, along with genuine curiosity surrounding this futuristic world that make this novel very difficult to put down. While some may argue that there are elements that are too predictable, I think they are very few but well timed and strategically placed to keep the story moving at a fast pace and in a linear fashion.

All too often a stories are lost by an author chasing and explaining far too many details in the setting or trying to incorporate too many turning points throughout the plot that a reader becomes confused or bored. In both scenarios, Gabriel’s Redemption follows a logical path of genuine suspense and story development to a fitting climax with enough surprises to make you take more than one deep breath.

Umstead carefully balances the need to educate the reader while keeping you glued to the pages, an absolute must to elevate to a great sci-fi. More importantly you have to relate or empathize with the main character to some degree. You’ll easily do that as you learn more about Evan Gabriel and his bid for redemption.

Gabriel is that fallen hero who lost everything he worked for as a special operations officer. This former elite military man must take on one more mission for the man who brought him down in order to redeem his career and restore faith in himself. Gabriel knows there is more behind the mission than he’s been told but he’s surrounded by a team he knows nothing about. With no allies, Grabriel will have to follow his instincts in order to bring himself and his team back alive.

Gabriel is flawed by the universal politics and ambitions of the powerbrokers in this world. He is a tool, an instrument whose race to uncover a truth will completely reshape the universe one way or another. With only a finite amount of time, he must flush out the villains nearest him and expose their masters amongst the elite. More than his own skill and intuition, Gabriel must learn who to trust others because these are monumental tasks he cannot do along.

Gabriel’s Redemption is a 'guys read'; a hard-core science fiction with plenty of gadgets and adrenaline to keep the synapses firing while you turn the pages all night long. In fact, I managed to devote twelve straight hours to reading this novel and highly recommend it to any guy who loves science fiction or military-style action because this has plenty of both. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t give it less than five stars.

More importantly, I can't wait to read the next book - Gabriel's Return

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)

Reviewing Sue's Fingerprint

2011-11-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sue's Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When mysterious goo begins turning up all across America the Department of Homeland Security sends veteran Ted Stevens to look into the matter. Ted and a small team of scientists uncover the government's worst fear, an alien life form with the ability to clone itself into any living mammal it comes in contact with. Now, it's a race against the clock as Ted and his team must contain the situation and keep the truth from the public to prevent global panic.

With so many questions still unanswered, the team is suddenly faced with a human clone - Sue. As other clones are rounded up it’s up to Ted to keep them safe until he can figure out where they came from and why they are here. With no memory or knowledge of anything before their transformation, the clones are isolated on an abandoned air base and forbidden any contact with the outside world. They look to Sue to bring them together.

Over the course of time Ted witnesses the love and concern their charges share for one another and his team, demonstrating the humanity within this clone community. Meanwhile government officials fear a sinister alien plot and contemplate how far to take their 'damage control' protocols, leaving Ted and his small band desperate to find the truth.

Faced with a decision to trust in the human spirit or tow the government line, what Ted must do will irrevocably change all their lives. But, ultimately, it will be Sue's fingerprint that decides the fate of the clones, and quite possibly mankind.

This science fiction work is a fantastic story of relationships, trust, and our most universal desire for freedom. It's a story to share with your whole family.

20-year veteran scientist, Andrew Carlson makes his author debut with Sue's Fingerprint, a young adult science fiction containing more warmth and charm than you'll find in most novels in the genre. It’s difficult to believe that this is his first offering because the story flows with a grace that puts many mass-market veterans to shame. Clearly science plays a role in explaining the fiction but the creativity makes it a certain page-turner.

Carlson's ability to build his characters in a way that connects them with the reader is something many accomplished authors find difficult. He clearly establishes Ted and Sue as main characters but deftly introduces a supporting cast of people you probably know from your day to day personal experiences. Carlson avoids common rookie mistakes with plot and character development, keeping the story lines smooth, logical, and easy to follow. The fast pace and concise approach naturally introduces enough suspense to make it nearly impossible to put down.

While it may be billed as a book for young adults, this older adult thoroughly enjoyed Andrew Carlson's maiden voyage with a hope that he'll continue this path, and that someone takes a chance to see what this story would look like on the big or small screen.

Sad to say that I can only give Carlson’s story five stars because it’s one you definitely have to try. It's just in time for the holidays and will make a wonderful family experience.

Tom Clementson (Kindle book Review)

Review of Infinity Blade - Awakening

2011-11-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Infinity Blade: Awakening by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Siris has spent his entire lifetime honing his body and spirit to be the ultimate warrior, foregoing all of the pleasures of a normal childhood, for the sole purpose of one epic duel. Also known as the 'sacrafice', Siris is the most recent heir to a line of challengers who have confronted and been slain by the immortal 'God King' over the centuries. The only problem is that Siris failed by facing and miraculously killing his nemesis and taking the fabled 'Infinity Sword'.

Now Siris must confront a world he was never prepared to live in while dodging other immortals, known as 'Deathless', who covet the blade he carries, which is likely the only tool on earth capable of giving the immortals a true death. With no true allies and no clear path to the freedom he truely desires, Siris must learn all he can about the Deathless, the Infinity Blade, and his own internal mysteries before it's too late.

This was a solid prologue to what could be an interesting series should Brandon Sanderson sign on for more however, as a fan I would prefer he continue on with his personal projects. The ending was clearly devised to set the stage for more installments, with the last chapters really prodding my interest to a level I've come to expect from this author's work.

The biggest challenge with this story were certainly the limitations in writing around the preestablished storyline from the game. That said, I think Sanderson added a significant level of creativity in helping the reader understand this world through dialogue and character progressions, particualrly with supporting characters, which is a hallmark of Sanderson's style.

Clearly the folks at ChAIR Entertainment chose well in their search for an author to take on this project. While the game has little appeal to me, I can certainly see how even this one novella will spark interest and move the gaming arm of the brand forward.

Still, this is about the book and while I enjoyed it I wouldn't put it on a list of must-reads but if you are looking for something in the fantasy genre that will sate a small craving, or a quick read in between epic series, then this is a good bet.

Review of Low Town

2011-10-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Low Town by Daniel Polansky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meet the Warden of Low Town, a pure survivor in this post-apocalyptic world where plague decimated the population, likely setting the stage for a war that took even more lives on both sides. From a struggling street orphan to battlefield leader, he ascends to the top in a special operations investigative unit charged with maintaining order by any means necessary. Eventually the laws of gravity and women initiate the Warden’s fall from grace, leaving him back on the streets of Low Town, where he reinvents his identity using the tools he has learned as a survivor.

The Warden is a self-made man in the local drug trade after dethroning a syndicate to carve out his territory. He’s not a thug but there is clearly a very dark side to this man, as he maintains a delicate balance between criminal entrepreneur and neighborhood guardian angel. It’s that last aspect of the Warden that pulls him back into his former investigator roll where multiple factions look to either manipulate or destroy him before he can unmask a sinister killer who leverages dark magic to murder children and cover the trail.

This is Daniel Polansky’s debut novel that takes you to the dregs of a society trying to redefine itself after plague and war. There are no ‘good guys versus bad guys’ in this read; only varying degrees of bad guys who exist in this world after anarchy where the unwritten laws of the street are still based on individual survival due to a disinterested ruling class.

From the outset you can feel the grime littering the streets come off the pages and see the grey-cast gloom in the sky. There is a building tension throughout the book that parallels the detailed actions as the Warden hunts the anonymous child killer. It’s uncovering this society through the Warden’s interpersonal relationships with the variety racial and social backgrounds that I found most intriguing and most enlightening from a personal standpoint.

There is plenty of action and entertainment as well and you’ll fly through the pages as this fallen hero closes in on his nemesis. The Warden faces death at multiple turns in a novel where the good guy may not necessarily win but he’ll go down hacking with blade in hand if it comes to that.

It’s also a story of choices and consequences, which leads back to varying degrees of bad in everyone. You’re exposed to interpersonal moral dilemmas where doing evil to serve the greater good is overlooked, but also accrues a debt that must eventually be paid by the laws of karma or nature if not men.

Because of his obvious character flaws, I find it’s easy to root for the Warden. He’s a hard man who also loves those in his inner circle in his own hard way. Honor does not hinder him to do what he must and it is duty to his people in Low Town that drives him. His back story is revealed a spoonful at a time and by the end there are still more questions about what drove this man to the life he leads.

There are plenty of other questions, and a few characters left at the end to set up what should be a great sequel to Polansky’s incredible debut sci-fi, mystery, action-adventure novel. Having just come off a five-book high-fantasy series, this was the perfect change of venue; top notch.

View all my reviews

Review of Good Omens

2011-10-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my book of the year for 2010 and a fantastic gift from my wife. I read it while on deployment in Afghanistan so the humour worked wonders for my morale. One of the wittiest fiction reads I've had in a while; fast-paced and impossible to put down.

Never in a million years did I imagine being able to laugh at the the apocalypse but Terry Pratchett had me in stitches with this story of the end of the world. The banter between your average demon and your run of the mill angel carries much of the story as they work together to stop Armageddon, not so much for our sake as their own selfish reasons.

It's an English-version modern-day Don Knotts and Tim Conway battling to save the world from Doomsday against the hordes from heaven and hell. Why? Well for no other reason than to keep themselves employed with a purpose they've enjoyed for centuries.

There are a multitude of supporting characters including a nice little boy who has to come to grips with the fact that he is the Antichrist, as well as witches and witch hunters, demons and faeries. It's a great story that will build to a fantastic crescendo as our world hangs in the balance.

Who will win this story of good siding with evil to stop good and evil? You have to read it yourself and find out.

This is my book of 2010! Thank you Terry for writing this and thank you my lovely Rinni for sending it to me in the care package.

Review of Men Without Women

2011-10-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

Men Without Women by Ernest Hemingway

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great collection by a true master observer of life in his era. While many view the the "Roaring 20s" as a good time for all, Hemingway introduces us to the real folk who struggle with real life. For most of the characters in these stories, it's about circumstances driving choices with a form of accountability at the end. In many cases however, we are simply given to react our environment and the people in our lives. Still, there are those blasted choices, even from long ago, that shape our present world.

This was a great read for an angry young man who needed to understand that life happens with or without our input and that accountability always comes whether now or much later. I'd recommend this for anyone who wants to explore real people from just after America's previous turn-of-the-century, or for anyone who feels they are at a crossroads. You won't find great answers to life's mysteries but you may find some tools to use when you take a moment to reflect on the choices made and the road you're walking.