Luke Harkness
A consistently enjoyable read
It's very similar to the other stories. Very grounded, very down to earth and an easy and enjoyable read.
It was a nice change to meet a villain who could finally match up to Milton and made for a nice change in tone
If you've read the others in the series then there absolutely no reason you should give this a miss.
Sanderson but simplified and Sci Fi
Initial impressions of Sanderson's first foray into Sci Fi were that it felt quite simplistic and most certainly written for a younger audience. However, this played into a very positive aspect as it allowed the book to be read quickly and flow smoothly.
This book has arguably my favourite character in any book, ever. I've never read dialogue and had to stifle an audible laugh. The character brought constant joy and really shows Sanderson's personality.
Finally, the story constantly gives you little snippets to keep you reading and the finale is fantastic, if not a little rushed. I really felt like this could be a phenomenal 2.5hr movie. It would make a phenomenal Sci Fi version of Hunger Games - powerful female lead, “chosen one” vibes, a great political intrigue and the same audience. Definitely read!
Another phenomenal addition
I continue to enjoy this series. Now onto the fourth book (second in the official series) and I continue to enjoy the lore and the stories that are being told.
The characters are truly likeable and even the politics is interesting (and I'm not one for politics in books).
If you've read the first, this is a must as the story continues.
Love the characters, plot and even the politics
That last point is the biggest winner for this book in my opinion. I'm not one for politics in books, it's why I never finished the Game of Thrones series. Usually I find it relies on too many geographical places, people's names, their titles and who deserves what. However, this book has be intrigued and the author has cleverly explained the politics and the oncoming war (I presume) in layman's terms.
On top of this, I've grown to love the characters ever more and want to know more than ever about them. However, I am hoping for more monsters in the ext book, but I understand this was setting up for a much larger tale to be told.
Truly enchanting
As with the first book of short stories, you can't help but feel that every story has its worth. They're all slightly different, all introducing you more and more into Geralt as a person and his companions along the way. The lore and world that is built is dizzyingly exciting and has left me wanting to consume everything about this world.
If you liked the first book, you'll love this. If you like the games, you'll love this. If you like fantasy books, you'll love this!
Simply outstanding
One of my favourite books of all time. I can't understate how incredible every chapter in this book is. Something is always happening, the story is always progressing and you'll be forever falling more and more in love with this world and its characters.
Neal Shusterman has written a truly breathtaking book that has one of the most fulfilling and epic endings I've ever read. Never more have I wanted to read the next book. Pre-ordered for me and my partner straight away!!
Some good moments but mostly sentimental
So I saw both the first movies before reading this and the original Jurassic Park book. Both are quite different from the films and so that makes me feel conflicted as I loved both of the movies.
I do like the philosophical bits by Malcolm and some of the more science-based explanations behind the dinosaur behaviour and such though.
It's written relatively well, not mind-blowing, but easy to read which I guess is good writing.
If you've read the first or seen both films, I'd give this a read as its fun to see the differences and how Michael Crichton intended the story to be told.
A truly enchanting book full of wit and charisma
As with the games (where I learnt of the Witches) these stories have an incredible amount of detail and intrigue. You can see why the games are so highly regarded when coming from material such as this.
You'll love all the characters, good and bad. You'll love the witty humour and how quickly it can get dark. You'll love the clever monsters and myths. Its truly a book that any fan of fantasy should read. And being so short but filled with so many stories, it truly feels like I've lived Geralt's stories with him. A truly rare phenomenon is this series and I am thoroughly looking forward to reading a the sequels.
A simply phenomenal book
I knew I was going to five this boom five stars from about 2/3 of the way through and you will too.
Not only is this book written very specifically and intelligently but it also builds a completely believable and fulfilling world.
There have been very few books I've wanted to immediately read the sequel to, but I do with this. Unfortunately I promised I'd read another with someone else.
If you have no idea what book to read, just read this one. You won't be disappointed. Its got great twists, its written in a very clever way and it really is a “page turner”.
Just an incredibly joyous read
I just loved the way this book was written. Terry Pratchett's way of writing was truly unique and you can see his personality shine through.
H built two characters who were very likeable and sent them on such an insane adventure in less than 300 words which is an incredible feat for sure. Books just aren't written like this anymore I feel.
I just couldn't get in to it
I really liked the premise of this book and had high hopes going in. However, it turned into a bit of a Hollywood monster movie for the final third which resulted in me losing a little interest.
The writing was good and the science and research sections were interesting a great alternative theory to well-known historical events. But other than this, I just couldn't find myself relating to the characters that well and I sometimes found it a little laborious to continue reading.
If the blurb intrigues you, do go ahead as it will likely be your sort of thing (hence the great reviews.)
Lots of twists and clever ideas
Despite being late to the party, I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the Robert Langdon series. It has set Dan Brown up as ana author who really knows how to pull my intrigue. There was definitely a lot of action, a lot of mysteries and it was all written in a way that made it very accessible!
Looking forward to reading the sequel, one of the bestselling books of all time, The Da Vinci Code.
Incredibly written, powerful story
There's no doubt that this is one of the great novels in history. It's written wonderfully and sometimes required me to reread certain sections to understand the situation better.
The story itself was a little bland. Not the usual highs and lows of what we're used to today. But still one that made you want to keep on reading.
Simply phenomenal
This is, without a doubt, up there with one of the best books I've read. It's not the usual genre I go with but the blurb highly intrigued me and I simply could not stop reading (and listening) to this book.
It is is written in such a way that it is almost poetic. It has also taught me a lot about the city of bafcona both geographically and historically and makes me want to return to the feature-rich city.
The story itself keeps you hooked with every word. With the way you love certain characters and dislike others, you're vying for the future of all the characters that are being written about at the time.
If you're looking for a book with a bit of mystery, intrigue, character, romance and that is wonderfully written, do not miss this book!
A unique and intriguing action story
So unlike Milton's other adventures where the general premise is that he's caught up in something very political and large, this book takes the turn of a small town that turns out to not quite be as innocent as it may initially appear.
Once again, fabulous writing by Dawson, I swear I learn new words every time I read one of his novels.
By now you've likely read another Milton, but if you haven't, you don't need to!
A unique and intriguing action story
So unlike Milton's other adventures where the general premise is that he's caught up in something very political and large, this book takes the turn of a small town that turns out to not quite be as innocent as it may initially appear.
Once again, fabulous writing by Dawson, I swear I learn new words every time I read one of his novels.
By now you've likely read another Milton, but if you haven't, you don't need to!
A LOT happens!
This is a book filled with action. A lot of characters develop and as always, it's written incredibly well!
We continue the adventure of Calaena, Chaol, Dorian and a new selection of characters. It progresses well and feels like the book in the series that has progressed the most whilst setting up the next book really well.
I'd highly recommend if you've read the previous two, it's a must in the series!
Too short to feel full. But a great short story
Mark Dawson's novels are often a little shorter as he likes to get down to the action quite quickly. I felt this novel was just a little too short at under 200 pages (excluding all the acknowledgements and such) and therefore it only really allowed for one rise in the story.
The character of Beatrix Rose is very interesting and Dawson has made her someone that I wish to read more about as she continues to struggle in multiple ways.
I'd recommend this for those looking for a quick and easy action read!
Stunning debut novel
This book was an absolute joy to read. Rarely do I consider a book flawless, but this was as close to it as you'll get.
The storyline had me fully engrossed and vying for the main character to succeed. Also, despite my usual inability to keep track of multiethnic characters, I found myself truly understanding each character's intentions and back stories.
The characters involved were likeable, even the bad guys because they were so well written and unique in their own ways. It's not the deepest character-driven book but the main character is written very well and had me wanting him to win.
This book is also phenomenally written. The research into weapons, cars, locations, industries, government, the navy SEALS is so well researched. Well, I presume it is as I know little about these things and he's sold me on them all!
I would highly recommend this for ANYBODY who wants a genuinely good read and loves action!
An average look into a realistic apocalyptic future
This book had some high hopes. There was potential to build real story and drama between the characters but they just weren't hit. There are some great moments but it ends with a rather loose twist.
It's written well and was good to listen to on audiobook (despite the reader's poor British accent) but it did feel a bit forced to pick up every now and then.
I'd recommend for anyone who's looking for a post-apocalyptic book with very little drama and action but more of a human story.
Another brilliant outing for John Milton by Mark Dawson. One of the shortest books in the series gives you a decent amount of plot for so fewer words. This book covers more and more detail about John's personal life and gives readers a deeper look into a really cool new character who leaves you with intrigue.
On top of this, the book doesn't ever seem to slow for very long which means it's very hard to put down and leaves you always wanting to come back. Also one of the better endings to an action book that really makes this a series I want to keep reading!
Another brilliant outing for John Milton by Mark Dawson. One of the shortest books in the series gives you a decent amount of plot for so fewer words. This book covers more and more detail about John's personal life and gives readers a deeper look into a really cool new character who leaves you with intrigue.
On top of this, the book doesn't ever seem to slow for very long which means it's very hard to put down and leaves you always wanting to come back. Also one of the better endings to an action book that really makes this a series I want to keep reading!
A truly brilliant book that keeps you on the edge of your seat like all proper thriller mysteries should!
This book is, without a doubt, one of the most gripping books I've ever read. Never before, after every chapter, have I gone “cor this is good!” And want to tell everybody around me why I'm so ready for the next chapter.
The characters are believable, lovable and in-depth. The story, as aforementioned, is unbelievably gripping and sometimes quite spooky. The book is simply written so means you can read it at a break–kneck pace. I would HIGHLY recommend for any mystery/who dunnit lovers!