09 July 2018

Review: The Stench of Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure

The Stench of Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure The Stench of Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure by Jack Handey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Your enjoyment of this is dependent on how funny you used to find Mr. Handey's "Deep Thoughts" bits from SNL back in the day. This is probably the most joke-dense, but plot-thin books I've ever read.

Then again, I think that is supposed to be the point.

My advice would be to sample a few chapters on your ebook retailer of choice, and if you're not feeling it, don't waste any more of your time. If you're loving it, the rest of the book essentially follows the same pattern.

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04 December 2017

Review: Jade Sky

Jade Sky Jade Sky by Patrick Freivald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the ideas Freivald was playing with here. Dealing with super-science and its origins in this world can be tricky, but Freivald pulls off a nice balance between exploring the plot and the human elements.

For the most part, the action was solid and well-executed, although when things got more "weird" (I'm leaving it as such so as to not reveal the main twist), some of the bits were a bit hard to follow.

Overall, it's a fun read and recommended for fans of sci-fi action movies and/or anime.


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02 August 2017

Review: Island of the Super People

Island of the Super People Island of the Super People by Kevin Shamel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I've come to the conclusion that I only like the bizarro genre in theory. Generally speaking, the author has a neat "what if" idea that s/he wants to explore and attempts to have fun in that world.

In practice, however, the genre seems to have a template/formula that just doesn't work for me. The first third to half of the book involves a lot of description and exposition as it sets up the world. Once the plot is established, it runs in a relatively straightforward direction and ends either predictably or abruptly. I'm usually left shrugging and saying, "Well, that happened."

Island of the Super People is no exception, opting for the more predictable route. At the book's halfway point, I thought I knew exactly how the plot was going to unravel, and I was right.

Despite the negative points so far, I do have to give author Kevin Shamel credit on some well-written fight scenes. The action was clear and well-directed, with a good sense of timing and spatial awareness.

In summary, if you're expecting a deconstruction of the super-hero genre, such as the vastly superior Watchmen or Brat Pack, you're going to be disappointed. If you're familiar with and typically enjoy the bizarro genre and its tropes, then you might like this.

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27 July 2017

Review: Hot in December

Hot in December Hot in December by Joe R. Lansdale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun (albeit light) tale about a man who witnesses a crime that puts him at odds with a local crime boss. While the story plays out mostly like you'd expect (You have seen at least one '80s action movie, right?), Lansdale has a breezy writing style, and it's an overall enjoyable affair. Just don't go into this expecting anything ground-breaking or mind-blowing.

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20 July 2017

Review: The Blood Axe: Story of Viking Kings Knut & Olav

The Blood Axe: Story of Viking Kings Knut & Olav The Blood Axe: Story of Viking Kings Knut & Olav by Eileene Harrison Beer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is essentially "embellished history" with the author adding imagined dialog, etc. to actual historical events. It's a light, breezy read. Although I don't know why it's called "The Blood Axe" when the titular item has little to no bearing on the actual story.

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