Nick

Star Wars books are always a hit or miss with me, even despite my bias love for all things Star Wars. Reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if this one was going to be all that good, despite having one of the best characters in the world. But oh was I wrong. It was fantastic to see a younger, less confident Obi Wan try to deal with his insecurities. Jedi are often portrayed like these warrior monks to are well collected (at least when not being tempted by the dark side) who go into every situation with confidence. But they don't start out that way. So, to get a perspective of one of our favourites trying to find himself and his place in the Force, was refreshing. Great characters, lots of action, tons of fun.

After how amazing the first book was, how could I not dive right into the next. Taking place about 20 years later after the first, it's amazing to see how the world has changed. I love how the focus shifted to a member of the Clayr, and we get to dive into more of their history and lore, which is all too awesome. There's even more mysteries to discover and left me wanting even more, in the best way possible. It keeps the pace perfectly and hidden histories coming, which I'm always a big fan of.

The Traitor was a fantastic end to this trilogy. This is my first series from Anthony Ryan, and I can honestly say, he has solidified me as a fan. The stakes couldn't be any higher for our Scribe, and the things that are needed to take next are stacked against him. It offered more lore for the world, which I'm always a big fan of, and there's some battles that are just so well written. I don't want to give anything away, but in my opinion, this was the perfect ending to this story.

This is my first Michio Kaku book, and it's great. Only a little outdated, but that happens a lot with science as we're ever moving forward. So it's funny to read predictions that were made around 6 years ago and how they've changed already. He really dives into the science of our future in space and on Earth. Things we would have to do to maintain the life we have, but he more touches on the struggles we have of venturing out into the final frontier. And boy there is a lot in our way if we want to be a space ferrying race that colonizes other planets. Regardless, it's exciting to hear about the things scientists are studying and trying to achieve in order to make it possible. Great read for any science/space nerd

Anything marine biology is not a hard sell for me. I, like most, am blown away by the power and intensity that is associated with white sharks. There is a reason they hold the nickname ‘great'. And like most, it's the tip of the iceberg into all things sharks. This book was a fantastic dive into their world for those who want to learn the good and the bad, as well as the truth and the false (eg: that they're all crazed hungry man-eaters). So for anyone who wants to learn more about that world, from ecology, biology or even the politics and destructing involved with finning, this is the. Book for you. He can be a bit repetitive at times, but overall a great read.

I don't know why this book never crossed my radar. It should be talked about more amongst fantasy enthusiasts. It's so great, with such an amazing magic system! It's simple, but not in a way that feels boring. More like a back to basics feeling, which is perfect when there's a lot of fantasy trying to have huge, sprawling stories (which I also love). It's almost a palette cleanser in that way. With a strong focus on necromancy, adventure and the main character finding her place in a world she wasn't completely aware existed, it both classic and fresh. I can't give a bigger recommendation for this book.

This series was one I only recently heard about. But was immediately curious. Most who have read and love it say the same thing; it can be extremely confusing to get in to, but it's worth it. And wow are they right.

You're thrown right in the deep end of a story that's already alive, with little to no explanation on what's going on. On top of that, it feels like every chapter, you're introduced to 2-3 new characters. Combine that with a magic system it doesn't really explain, multiple races and so many gods, and you can easily find yourself going cross-eyed trying to piece it together. I almost put it down and walked away, as I hate feeling lost in a story.

But then, something just clicks. You start picking up things here and there. You get some idea to the magic, the races, the gods, the mini-plots (of which there are many). But builds, brick by brick. See, they don't hand hold you through the story (which don't get me wrong, I'm totally ok with), but instead let you catch the subtleties on your own to understand this lived in story. And that's pretty refreshing. There's so much going on, that if they did hand it to you on a spoon, I think the book would have to be twice as big, and it's already a meaty-boy.

So to summarize my experience with this book; it can be extremely confusing to get in to, but it's worth it. I'm hooked till the end.

Highly recommended from a friend. Man, am I glad he did. It's so nice to see fantasy in a fresh world, with a fresh take. I loved the way that magic works in this world, and I am a sucker for lore, which the series has in spades. I'm looking forward to the next installment so I can get even more of my fix. I don't wanna say too much, as I don't wanna give anything away, but I need more Jinn in my life!

Cozy fantasy; not a subgenre I'd ever thought I'd be seeking. But after the fantastic Legends & Lattes (which I pretty much read cover to cover), I find myself captivated.

Not necessarily hitting the bullseye, but lacking no less charm, Bookshops & Bonedust is a gem.

This story really finds itself in showing you why Viv isn't just some battle hungry warrior, but adds context to her depth. How she comes to find love and understanding in more than adventure. Throw in a cast of unique, lovable characters, and you got a recipe for a good time.

As well, this is one of those books that finished (much like the first) in a way that just had me smiling. A big, genuine smile. Good feels. If you liked the first, I think you'll like this too.

Not exactly the book I thought it was going to be. Though for those who are looking for some type of filler that leads them up to the Aliens movie, this is perfect for you. Fill in that big gap of what happened to LV-426 before Ridley returns to it. Did a great job at giving you more contacts for new, so you can like her even more as a character. Also some new additions. And, of course, more marine madness. Another worthy addition to the world of Alien.

I find lately, I've been reading a lot of books that surprise me in that they aren't what I expect them to be. This is no exception. That's not a bad think either. It does a great job of giving you the Star Trek feels, but having its own concept that lets it stand apart from it too. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm just going to say that it's fun, there's lots of action an wit (which is my jam) and is unique in a refreshing way.

This was a fun read. Not exactly what I expected, but that's not a bad thing. If you're looking for a bunch of scifi lore on the trials and tribulations of humanity colonizing different worlds, told around the main story of this main characters shenanigans on his colonizing mission, and you love loads of sarcasm, this will be great for you. It certainly worked for me.

This entry in The Covenant Steel trilogy certainly picks up its pace. It really had me finding it hard to put down. Where the first novel was sometimes plagued by slow pacing and the need for world building, this one finds its voice a lot faster. Lots of gruesome battles, perfect amount of lore dumps (and I do love lore), and lots of growth for our favourite outlaw, Alwyn. Can't wait to pick up the next book!

I wasn't sure what to expect coming in to this. It didn't seem like the type of fantasy to draw my attention. But I took the advice of fellow friends who love high fantasy as much as me and I am glad I did. This book fits perfectly into a gap of fantasy I never knew that I wanted, and I can only describe it as “cozy”. It's laid back, perfectly paced, and has extremely endearing characters. So find a comfortable seat, with a big cup of hot coffee, and enjoy. If you're like me, you'll find it hard to put down.

As my first book by Anthony Ryan, I never know what to expect and if I'm going to jive with their writing style. But I am pleased to say we jive very well. He finds a balance between grim, brutal battles, and sly humour. Much like his main character, I found myself grinning a lot through this book. It's a bit of a slow burn, but has fantastic pay offs. As someone who's halfway through the second book in this trilogy, I can look back and see just how much The Pariah sets the stage. So if you like stories with underdog's, gruesome battles, political intrigue and a smart ass hero (anti-hero?), then this is your jam.

I'd first like to thank @criticaltalesofficial for an advance reading copy for an honest review.


So I've followed the trio of gnomes yet again on another adventure. It's safe to say that shenanigans ensue, things get funny, things get weird, but overall, things get bigger (even when the heroes are small). Overall, I definitely enjoyed this instalment a lot more, and I definitely didn't expect it to end the way it did. I'd definitely suggest to who likes their fantasy comedy.

I'd like to thank Critical Tales for the copy of this book for an honest review.
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When I was asked to read a fantasy book about gnomes, I needed no other prerequisite to say “Oh hell, yes!”. Especially when it revolves around a group of criminal gnomes looking to compete in a crime convention. I mean, many may not know this, but I play a gnome rogue in my D&D group. The book leans heavily on the comedic side, which sadly fell flat for me at times, but overall was still a joy to read. It was hard not to smirk as it was definitely a story that was ok laughing at itself. Unfortunately, sometimes it felt a bit forced, and those moments took me out of the experience. That being said, it was still a big adventure for our small heroes (anti-heroes at times), filled with lots of unique characters and a fair share of laughs. If you're a D&D nerd like me, or just like comedic fantasy, I definitely recommend giving it a shot.

It's so nice to jump back in to this series of books. I love mysteries, and there's so many sub genres for mystery books. Of course, western is right up my alley. Dark Horse continues the story of Walt Longmire and I get everything I love about it. His attention to detail, obsession with what is right, and the sarcastic humour I love so much in detective novels. This bounces around with timelines to help keep the reader from knowing all the details and keep the end still a mystery. Do the thing! Read the book!

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: Ok, what can I say about this book? Except I friggin loved it!!! I find that some series spend so much time building up to the ending and then the battle or end lasts maybe a chapter at the most. But after 10 years of reading this series of 14, 1000+ page books, I couldn't have been any happier! I mean, 3/4 if this book was the last battle! So satisfying! Also, I'm happy with how they put real stakes into it and add some grimdark elements “nobody is safe”. I truly believe that Sanderson did the finale of this series justice and I found it near impossible to put down. I plan to review the series as a whole soon, so look out for that. As to this book? A perfect ending to a truly amazing series.

Qui Gon Jinn was my second favourite Jedi, and Obi Wan Kenobi my third, so of course I was excited to read this one. REALLY excited. And I'm glad that I wasn't disappointed. It added a lot more depth to they're dynamic and relationship. On top of that it added more depth to Qui Gon's relationship with Count Dooku. All while giving me the sass and action I come to expect from a Star Wars story. I'm not always crazy about the Star Wars books, because despite my bias they can sometimes seem like watered down stories, but this one left me happy. Woo!!

I have been severely lacking when it comes to reading Star Wars books. This year, that changes! Especially since we'll be getting stories from a previously unexplored time in the Star Wars universe with the High Republic arc of books to come out. As to this book, I'm a big fan of the show (Star Wars: Rebels) that this book precedes. So I was ecstatic to jump in and learn more about how Kanan and Hera met. It did not disappoint! To be able to see more of their characters in an adult, unfiltered manner was extremely satisfying. To get to know the heartbreak that led them to where they are and just finding what they need in each other. Then throwing in all the great combat and adventure we know and love from a Star Wars story brought it all together. If you're a fan of the show, or Star Wars at all, I definitely recommend this one.

What can I say about this? I went in a little bias on this book. I started watching Anthony Bourdain's show, Parts Unknown, shortly before he died. I fell in love with his character, the way of telling stories, how he jumps in to things that would make others cringe, and his unapologetic ways of recounting his checker past. I loved how he has not tolerance for bullshit, and knowingly embraces his asshole side. It's extremely refreshing in a world of celebrity chefs who live their fake lives and make everything seem like daisies. But I digress. This book though, is an embodiment of those qualities. He tells the story of his career as a stupid, rich punk who thinks he has it in the bag, and how he got to the success he was. Scars and all. He holds nothing back, and I loved it. For anyone who loves food memoirs, this book needs to be at the top of your list.

This was my first venture into a Christopher Golden novel, and I have to say it was pretty enjoyable! The idea of things that take people in snowstorms sounded perfect to me. I don't know what it is, but reading a novel like this in winter (during a couple snowstorms on top of that) had me really loving it. Considering how short it was, he was able to make me care for the characters and there were moments that I was really worried for them. I don't want ruin anything, but the things in the storm are appropriately scary. I even appreciated the ending for how it wrapped things up. It felt honest and I loved that. If you like cold horror, pick this one up!

I think this is one where my bias really shows through. There's a lot of comments about it having too many POV's, which most felt had the story being a little poorly put together. But I actually loved seeing so many perspectives. Don't get me wrong, I hope the last of the books go back to 3-5 POV's, but for this part of the story, it made sense to me. .
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I do wish we had a little more of the aliens in this book, or a little more about why everything that is happening is happening. But I was happy with how things ended and it's left me even more excited for the next one in the series. I also love that the Rocinante family has grown. Lots of feels in this book. As many sad as good. Again, I'm a big fan

What can I say about this book? If you've ever read this series, I'd legitimately be surprised if you had a different opinion. It rocked! McClellan only gets better and better with every story. This world gets deeper and deeper.
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You get so much out of these characters and their relationships. But just enough to wet your appetite. Because there's still two more books, and these characters rock! I'll give you an insider tip; you want to read the Mad Lancers novella first. You will get that much more out of the story. It's not needed, but it's a good idea.
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There's bigger things at stake, there's stronger enemies and more diverse heroes. Lots of hints to come! Amazing!