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December 17, 2015
The Wicked Dead (The Tome of Bill #7) by Rick Gualtieri
The Wicked Dead (The Tome of Bill #7) by Rick Gualtieri
Synopsis:
The impending end of the world is weighing heavily upon Bill Ryder and things are looking worse than ever. His partner Sally has been mind-wiped. His friend Christy is on the verge of going postal. And his roommate Ed is seemingly on everyone’s hit list.
And that’s just the start of Bill’s troubles. He’s been tasked with the impossible – taking down Vehron The Destroyer, an ancient vampire so far out of his league that Bill is going to have to completely rewrite the playbook to have any hope of winning. And that’s not even counting the scores of other enemies – both new and old – that he’ll have to get through if he’s to stand even one chance in Hell of surviving to see tomorrow.
Action, adventure, and a whole lot of snark awaits. Who says Armageddon can’t be fun?
Review:
The Wicked Dead by Author Rick Gualtieri is the seventh book in his acclaimed The Tome of Bill series, once again bringing us to the world of Bill Ryder – Freewill Vampire extraordinaire. (Although calling him the King of Snark might be a better title.)
It’s been a few days since the events of Half A Prayer, and things aren’t looking too good for Bill and his gang. Sally’s lost her memories, the world is turning to gunk, and they’re tasked with a near-impossible task: kill Vehron the Destroyer or be annihilated by the First.
Bill has seen better days.
But, with a new “can-do” attitude and some big boy pants, Bill attempts to take on this herculean task the best he can. Throughout it all he has to face Feet, Jahabich, other smarmy Vamps, his feelings for Sheila and Sally, and most horrendous of all: himself. Things won’t be easy for the nerdy vampire, but he’s got his friends, and he at least plans to go down fighting (and talking)!
It’s hard to describe my joy whenever I get my hands on a new The Tome of Bill book. It’s like Christmas and Hanukkah rolled into one for me. As soon as I got my hands on this book, I couldn’t stop – sleep be damned! The adventures of Bill Ryder and his group is marvelously thrilling, and undeniably funny. Author Rick Gualtieri is a master of blending horror and comedy, on par with a Mister John Landis if I do say so myself.
Once again I find myself unable to formulate the right words to describe my desire for you to pick up and start reading this series. There are so many unoriginal vampire novels that exist on the market that it’s so unbelievably refreshing to find one that not only is unique, but thrilling, funny, romantic (kinda), and outright captivating. Removing myself from my hype, all I can say is this: READ THIS BOOK!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Author Rick Gualtieri’s website here!
Check out my review for book 1 here!
Check out my review for book 2 here!
Check out my review for book 3 here!
Check out my review for book 4 here!
Check out my review for book 4.5 here!
Check out my review for book 5 here!
July 28, 2015
Armada by Ernest Cline
Armada by Ernest Cline
Synopsis:
Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure.
But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little escapism, right? After all, Zack tells himself, he knows the difference between fantasy and reality. He knows that here in the real world, aimless teenage gamers with anger issues don’t get chosen to save the universe.
And then he sees the flying saucer.
Even stranger, the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada—in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders.
No, Zack hasn’t lost his mind. As impossible as it seems, what he’s seeing is all too real. And his skills—as well as those of millions of gamers across the world—are going to be needed to save the earth from what’s about to befall it.
It’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. But even through the terror and exhilaration, he can’t help thinking back to all those science-fiction stories he grew up with, and wondering: Doesn’t something about this scenario seem a little…familiar?
Review:
Armada is a standalone science fiction novel by fanboy incarnate Author Ernest Cline, bringing to fruition every nerd’s dream: to be swept away from their mundane life for one of glory.
While sitting in class, Zack Lightman spots an alien spacecraft outside the window; but not just any spacecraft: one from his favorite virtual reality MMO video game Armada. Faced with the possibility he may be going insane, he doesn’t have long before his entire world is turned upside down and he’s faced with a choice every nerd, geek, and enthusiast has dreamed of: remain in his boring, uneventful life, or save the world.
There’s not much to say that can do this book justice. Just as his debut novel, Ready Player One, Author Ernest Cline brings on the culture references that only the inclined can understand. “Sci-Fi galore” is the best tagline to give this novel, as it gives references to a multitude of famous science fiction programs. Ernest Cline definitely knows his Sci-Fi by heart!
My only stipulation with this novel is the ending. Without giving away spoilers, I felt it was a bit too rushed. Things happened very quickly, and there wasn’t much of a chance to understand it all before it was over. I wish there’d been more to it than that. But, aside from that, I enjoyed the beginning and middle so much I nearly burst with excitement!
Filled with imploding action, witty dialogue, and marvelous descriptions of fantastical experiences, Armada is an absolute joyride unlike any other. Mr. Cline has once again showed off his writing chops with this one, and I am in dire need of another story from this amazing nerd hero!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Ernest Cline’s website here!
July 16, 2015
Marrow by Preston Norton
Marrow by Preston Norton
Synopsis:
Marrow is a fourteen-year-old prodigy at FIST (Fantom Institute for Superheroes-in-Training). With a perfect score on his finals, the ability to smash through walls, and leaps that can launch him over a city block, the Sidekick Internship Program is bound to place him with a top-notch superhero mentor for the summer. But when a series of disastrous events lands Marrow on academic probation, he is forced to team up with Flex – a drunk, hippie, bum with the power of elasticity.
The two Supers’ powers and personalities clash as they are forced to overcome their differences to prevent the return of Cosmo City’s most notorious foe, a supervillain so powerful, no one will survive the cataclysm he is sure to unleash.
Review:
Marrow by Author Preston Norton is a superhero fantasy about a fourteen-year-old named Marrow who has the ability to control his bone density and his journey to becoming one of the greatest superheroes of all time.
At the start of the novel we’re given a glance at FIST (Fantom Institute for Superheroes-in-Training) – an X-Men-esque school for superpowered young teenagers who aspire to become mainstream superheroes. Marrow, the protagonist, is top of his class and prepared for the final test – the Sidekick Placement Assessment. Should he prove himself in the test, he shall be teamed up with the greatest hero of all: Fantom. But after an accident that may or may not have been staged against Marrow, he is forced to pair with Flex – a lazy disgraced hero with the power of elasticity whose only concern is his next drink.
Together, they unwittingly unfold a plot by Cosmo City’s greatest supervillain, all the while working through their own personal issues.
This was a fascinating novel, in my opinion. The idea of a world where superheroes are so common you don’t even blink when you see someone flying in the air is truly remarkable. It’s very X-Men-like, but sets itself apart from that with its own set of rules. Heroes are accepted by society, even given sponsorship deals. They are celebrities; giants with red capes and millions of dollars at their disposal. To be the best hero is to be the one who has the most billboard ads with your face on it.
Marrow wants it all, but is hindered by the stigma of his father. He is the son of the greatest supervillain yet, Spine, and Marrow aims to set himself apart from his dastardly father in the hopes of winning everyone’s approval. But the lines of good and evil are twisted when Marrow learns more about his father and his possible return to Cosmo City, not to mention Flex – Marrow’s hero mentor – sheds some more light on the actual person behind the mask of Spine.
Through it all, Marrow’s struggle is the best part of this whole novel. His struggle with his lot in life, mastering his powers, maintaining his cool when first meeting his bum of a mentor, and handling the weight of the world when everything starts falling apart.
Unfortunately, the reason I give this a four star review is because of two reasons:
1) At times the writing got a little simplistic, and I had to skim just a bit. Certain scenes felt rushed, and when I felt elaboration was needed none was given. A good editing job could fix this book up a bit.
2) The big twist at the end was a little predictable.
But, aside from those two issues, I did enjoy this novel and would suggest it to all those looking for a new superhero fantasy to excite!
Four out of Five stars!
July 4, 2015
Earth God (World Aflame #4) by Jon Messenger
Earth God (World Aflame #4) by Jon Messenger
Synopsis:
THE EARTH GIVES WAY TO THE SEA,
THE SEA BOWS BEFORE THE WIND,
THE WIND FEEDS THE FLAME,
THE FLAME BURNS THE WORLD OF MAN DOWN TO THE EARTH.
The Fire Elemental has risen and its followers, the Fire Caste, have destroyed the planet. Humanity hangs on the cusp of extinction; their only hope now lies with the troubled Wind Warrior, Xander Sirocco.
Xander has absorbed the power of the Wind and Water Elementals but at great personal cost. Finding Sammy has been his anchor through the chaos around him, but now he finds himself wondering if saving her is enough.
Sammy remains a prisoner of the Fire Elemental, her mind trapped, as the dragon possesses her body. Her love for Xander keeps her going, but will her passion be enough to stop the Elemental from killing Xander once and for all?
Humanity’s last hope rests in Xander finding the Earth Elemental. Claiming the power of the Earth is the last step before he can confront the dragon holding Sammy hostage. Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who knows the location of the Earth Elemental.
It’s a race against time between Xander and the dragon to claim the last of the Elemental power and bring an end to a war that’s spanned millennia.
Review:
Earth God is the fourth and final book in award winning bestselling author Jon Messenger’s World Aflame series, bringing about the conclusion the millennia-spanning battle between the forces of nature.
Xander and his friends have been through the ringer more than once by the start of this book, and Xander is doubting whether or not he can truly save the world like it was prophesized. The world burns all around him, death and destruction the only sight to see all over. The love of his life, Sammy, is under the control of the Fire Elemental, and there doesn’t seem to be a way to save her. Everything doesn’t look good for Xander and his crew, but still he must strive on lest the world burn completely to ash.
The final piece to the puzzle is the Earth Elemental. Xander must find him in order to gain the power to defeat the Fire Elemental, but finding him won’t be as easy as it was for the other Elementals. The dragon has its sights on the Earth God as well, and it becomes a race between good and evil for the sake of the entire world.
In his final addition to the World Aflame series, Jon Messenger once again brings about an epic tale of supernatural fantasy and apocalyptic chaos. Xander, imbued with the powers of the elements, is a strong but doubtful main character, one that you can’t help but relate to. Once a slacker, now turned savior, how can you not feel the pressure pressing down on you? The whole world is relying on this young man, and it’s believable that he’d be feeling stressed out.
My favorite part of the whole book (aside from the awesome action scenes!) was the focal points of Sean and Jessica and their budding relationship. They are an interesting pair, and I’d love to see more of them in the future if the chance ever arises!
The ending of this book is fascinating as well, as it gives us a glimmer of hope for a spin-off. Maybe this isn’t the last book in the series. We can only wait and see…
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Jon Messenger’s website here!
Check out my review for Wind Warrior (World Aflame #1) here!
Check out my review for Flame Caller (World Aflame #2) here!
Check out my review for Water Shaper (World Aflame #3) here!
June 10, 2015
Log Horizon: The Beginning of Another World (Log Horizon #1) by Mamare Touno and Kazuhiro Hara
Log Horizon: The Beginning of Another World (Log Horizon #1) by Mamare Touno and Kazuhiro Hara
Synopsis:
Thirty thousand Japanese gamers awake one day to discover that the fantasy world of Elder Tales, an MMORPG that was formerly their collective hobby, has become their cold hard reality. Severed from their everyday lives, they confront a new horizon filled with ravenous monsters, flavorless food, and the inability to die! Amid the chaos, veteran gamer Shiroe gathers his friends, the guardian Naotsugu and the assassin Akatsuki, and together they embark on an adventure to change the world as they know it!
Review:
Log Horizon: The Beginning of Another World is the first in the wildly popular light novel series that spawned a manga and anime adaptation by Author Mamare Touno and Illustrator Kazuhiro Hara, translated for the first time in English from its native Japanese.
Shiroe is a normal college student who has been playing an insanely popular online RPG titled Elder Tales for the last eight years. On the day of a new expansion’s release, over thirty thousand players are sucked into the world of their beloved video game, assuming the roles and identities of their characters. Shiroe, once a normal college student, finds himself a level 90 Enchanter in a world where everything is a mix of the two. Attempting to learn the new rules set for them, Shiroe and his teammates, Noatsugo and Akatsuki, venture out into the world to discover the great adventure they’ve been placed in.
For a short while, I’d been thinking this novel would turn out to be a simple four out of five star read, but by the time the final battle came along and the characters had been established I knew this deserved nothing less than five full stars. It takes some time for you to get a handle on everything that’s going on, and I’m certain there’s still more to be revealed, but once you get the hang of it its smooth sailing.
This is a read for gamers and fantasy lovers only. Without at least some prior knowledge you won’t be able to fathom the depth of this story. It does a great job of explaining everything in terms non-gamers could understand, but there’s still quite a bit you’d miss if you haven’t been immersed in that world. This is a complex story meant for the hardcore lovers of games and fantasy. Non-believers need not apply.
On top of the story, we’re given one page manga extracts of certain scenes from exceptional artist Kazuhiro Hara. The perfect added spice to the story, giving the reader a clear mental image of what’s happening in the book.
By the end of this book, I knew I was hooked on the whole thing. I plan on reading the manga and watching the anime as soon as possible, and you can bet I’ll be right there for the release of book two!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Author Mamare Touno’s website here!
May 5, 2015
The Man in the Golden Mask by N.A. Wetzel
The Man in the Golden Mask by N.A. Wetzel
Synopsis:
There is a darkness falling over the crescent city during the most cheerful times of the year. And there is a mystery that begs to be solved.
Charlotte Summers is forced to come home after the death of her biological parents. Having been raised by her grandmother, a voodoo priestess, she returns to say her good-byes to her parents that she knew little about, and support her grieving grandmother. Soon after returning, she loses her high school sweetheart to a weaseling cheerleader. Tina, Charlotte’s best friend, is there for her through it all.
But things change New Orleans in a dark way after the arrival of a mysterious man, Cassius, whom bought the Nottoway Plantation shows up. Murders start to occur, dead bodies drained of blood and shriveled up like mummies are floating in the Mississippi River, and dumped in dark alleys.
As Charlotte is drawn to the Mysterious new owner of the Nottoway Plantation, she is pulled into a world that is dark, dangerous, alluring… and turning the Mississippi river blood red.
Are Charlotte and Tina safe from the horrors that surround them, or are they just the next victims to a creature of legend?
Review:
The Man in the Golden Mask is a standalone novel by genius author N.A. Wetzel, bringing to life an old tale with a modern day twist.
Charlotte returns from college feeling like an absolute failure – she just wasn’t cut out for the school life. Now that her parents are gone, she’s feeling lost. Thankfully she has her grandmother and her best friend Tina to help her through her rough patch.
Then along comes the mysterious, handsome Cassius, and with him comes a world of trouble. Charlotte and her crew are yanked into an age-old battle that holds the potential to end all of New Orleans, and tear apart her very heart.
Brilliantly written, N.A. Wetzel has yet again graced us with her amazing writing talent with The Man in the Golden Mask. A refreshingly new take on an old subject, this novel is a dark masquerade of love, horror, and danger. You’re faced with the peril of Charlotte and her company through her eyes, and you can’t help but be drawn into their world of magic and evil. By the end of the book you are left mystified, wanting more from this amazingly talented author.
Five out of Five stars!
April 15, 2015
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence (Zodiac #1) by Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, and Andie Tong
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence (Zodiac #1) by Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, and Andie Tong
Synopsis:
Stan Lee presents a brand new, magical, super-powered adventure!
When twelve magical superpowers are unleashed on the world, a Chinese-America teenager named Steven will be thrown into the middle of an epic global chase. He’ll have to master strange powers, outrun super-powered mercenaries, and unlock the mysterious powers of the Zodiac.
Review:
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence is the first illustrated novel in comic legend Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, and Andie Tong’s Zodiac series.
While on an international field trip, Steven Lee stumbles upon an ancient ritual that changes his life forever. Imbued with the power of the Zodiac Tiger, Steven is dragged into an otherworldly battle of wills, strength, and determination as he and a band of other superpowered strangers fight for their very existence.
“Epic” is the best term to use when describing this novel. You can definitely tell Nerd God Stan Lee has had his hands on this from the way the action flies off the page alongside the incredibly unique and relatable characters within the story. You get a chance to meet and familiarize yourself with each character, and by the end of the novel you feel as if you truly know these people. Personally, my favorite was Liam – the Ram Zodiac.
A truly magnificent story, I was enthralled from page one until the end. By the time I closed the book, I was already looking into the sequel. It leaves you wanting more, and there’s nothing better than a book that leaves a craving, which this book does and more!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Stan Lee’s website here!
Check out Stuart Moore’s website here!
April 13, 2015
Why Deadpool is my Favorite Comic Book Character
Why Deadpool is my Favorite Comic Book Character
I’ve loved Deadpool for years, long before the 2008 X-Men Wolverine: Origins movie had a chance to butcher his character. I’d read a few of his comics in my earlier years (this was before you could get your hands on every comic off the internet and had to pray they had a copy at the store) but, thanks to the announcement of the movie FINALLY being made, I decided to catch myself up on as much Deadpool as possible in preparation for the film. (A special shout out to my bud, Author Jon Messenger, for showing me Comixology!)
Years I’ve spent admiring the awesomeness of Wade “The Merc With A Mouth” Wilson, but I never really understood why I loved this character so much… until I took the time to read all the original ’97 comics and most of the ’12 comics (a work in progress, I assure you).
If you pay attention to Deadpool you’ll see there’s more to the mercenary other than crude jokes and gunpowder. There’s a real man underneath that mask; a man who feels pain just like the rest of us. Deadpool has faced a lot of torment in his life, from the Weapon X program to the way everyone treats him around the Marvel Superhero world. Constantly being told he’s not worth it, being targeted by mercenaries every other day, and being abandoned by nearly every single person he’s ever loved. There’s a whole arc where he discovers he’s got a daughter, and then even she’s ripped away from him in the most brutal way possible. (No spoilers, I promise.)
The reason Deadpool is my favorite “hero” (I use the word loosely, of course) is because despite everything, he’s always fighting. Knock him down twice, and he’ll get right back up both times to make a comment on your shoes. He’s not indestructible, but he’s definitely built like a brick shithouse.
He’s an inspiration to me, and many others I’m certain, for his tenacity and his determination. Sure, he’s a wacko at times (well, most of the time) but he’s got redeeming qualities. He knows when not to kill someone, when not to follow through on the job if it affects the greater scheme of things. Deadpool is so much more than a wacky mercenary with an extraordinary healing factor; he’s a hero in his own right.
As an author – as a human being - you must have thick skin. You must be able to handle criticism, be able to bounce back from pitfalls. If you trip, you must get up. You can’t let anything bring you down, especially yourself, and Deadpool is the perfect example of that. Despite everything, he keeps fighting. If he can do it, why can’t we?
-Michael
Pictures are Copyright of Marvel Comics/Studios
March 25, 2015
Wolves of the Northern Rift (Magic & Machinery #1) by Jon Messenger
Wolves of the Northern Rift (Magic & Machinery #1) by Jon Messenger
Synopsis:
In a world of science, magic is an abomination.
Magic is an abomination. It spread from the Rift, a great chasm hundreds of miles long that nearly split the southern continent in two. The Rift was a portal, a gateway between their world of science and the mythological world of magic.
On the northern continent of Ocker, King Godwin declared that no magical monstrosity would be allowed within their borders. The Royal Inquisitors were formed to investigate reports of mystical occurrences and, should they be found, to destroy them.
Inquisitor Simon Whitlock knows his responsibilities all too well. Along with the apothecary, Luthor Strong, they’ve spent two years inquiring into such reports of magical abominations, though they’ve discovered far more charlatans than true magical creatures. When assigned to investigate Haversham and its reports of werewolves, Simon remains unconvinced that the rumors are true. What he discovers in the frozen little hamlet is that the werewolves are far more real than he believed; yet they’re hardly the most dangerous monster in the city.
Review:
Wolves of the Northern Rift is the first in bestselling Author Jon Messenger’s supernatural/steampunk Magic & Machinery series.
Spanning across genres, Wolves of the Northern Rift delves into a world where science rules and magic runs rampant. The Rift – a portal between the normal world, and the magical world – has split the southern continent in two, spewing out bursts of magic and monsters. In response to this new threat, the King ordered the creation of the Inquisitors – a collection of men who are given the sole mission of hunting down and destroying any and all sightings of magic.
One of these Inquisitors, Simon Whitlock, and his associate Luthor Strong, have been assigned to investigate werewolf sightings in the snowy city of Haversham. Believing the mission to be nothing more than a hoax like many others, Simon and Luthor head into the city wanting nothing more than to solve the case and get out of the icy tundra. But, as their investigation progresses, they discover more than they could have ever thought possible. Are the werewolves really the worst that Haversham has to offer?
In the vein of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Author Jon Messenger has introduced to his readers a story of suspense, mystery, and harrowing danger. All too well does the story suck you in, keeping you up at night as you try to figure out the mystery revolving around the werewolves and their reasons for attack alongside Simon and Luthor. It’s a truly exceptional experience, one I recommend for all readers of steampunk, supernatural, mystery, drama, action, and adventure!
Five out of Five stars!
