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In Maps & Legends #1
Gunning For The Buddha
"Don't be looking for bold starship captains or warrior maidens wielding magic swords in GUNNING FOR THE BUDDHA. Michael Jasper serves up something refreshingly different: a heady brew of ordinary folks making tough decisions at the far edges of reality. Spend some time with these stories and you're bound to bump into people you know who find themselves in places you've only dreamed about." -- James Patrick Kelly, Hugo-winning author of THINK LIKE A DINOSAUR and STRANGE BUT NOT A STRANGER
219 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2003
About the author
Michael Jasper
82 books19 followersMichael Jasper is fascinated with exploring the places where the normal meets the strange. In pursuit of this fascination, he has published over a dozen novels, a story collection, and over sixty short stories, along with a digital comic with artist Niki Smith.
In the past he's tried bartending, teaching junior high, painting houses, being a secret shopper, working construction, and many more jobs; he prefers fiction writing. For his day job, he works as a technical writer.
He lives with his family in North Carolina, and his website is michaeljasper.net.
In the past he's tried bartending, teaching junior high, painting houses, being a secret shopper, working construction, and many more jobs; he prefers fiction writing. For his day job, he works as a technical writer.
He lives with his family in North Carolina, and his website is michaeljasper.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 31, 2008
The premise of The Wannoshay Cycle might be familiar to some readers: alien refugees from a dying world crash land on Earth. But whereas some authors would use that premise to explore the flash and glitter of aliens and spaceships, Jasper uses it to explore humanity.
His heroes are a single mother with a sick child, a priest fighting to hold on to his faith, a young drug addict and filmmaker ... real people, each one affected in different ways by the arrival of the Wannoshay. The mother fears for her job as the U.S. government attempts to integrate the Wannoshay into the factory where she works. The priest must find his role when he's brought in to speak to the Wannoshay about faith.
One example of Jasper's skill is the way his characters react the first time they meet the Wannoshay. For most, there's a moment of instinctive fear and panic. The Wannoshay are something outside of our experience. Millions of years of evolution have done nothing to prepare us for the truly alien, and that moment of first contact is overwhelming. While it might be less glamorous than the heroic explorer who meets a new race without a glimmer of fear, Jasper's version is far more believable.
The plot is a bit light compared to some SF fare. There are no space battles, no desperate race to save mankind from destruction. Much of the book feels almost leisurely as we learn about the characters and the Wannoshay's struggle against cultists and racism, not to mention the mysterious ailment plaguing their race. It is this ailment that drives the plot, as our characters learn more about the choices the Wannoshay made when they left their world.
Jasper has clearly spent a great deal of time developing the Wannoshay and their culture. The result is an interesting book, and a perceptive examination of how America might react to the arrival of such refugees.
His heroes are a single mother with a sick child, a priest fighting to hold on to his faith, a young drug addict and filmmaker ... real people, each one affected in different ways by the arrival of the Wannoshay. The mother fears for her job as the U.S. government attempts to integrate the Wannoshay into the factory where she works. The priest must find his role when he's brought in to speak to the Wannoshay about faith.
One example of Jasper's skill is the way his characters react the first time they meet the Wannoshay. For most, there's a moment of instinctive fear and panic. The Wannoshay are something outside of our experience. Millions of years of evolution have done nothing to prepare us for the truly alien, and that moment of first contact is overwhelming. While it might be less glamorous than the heroic explorer who meets a new race without a glimmer of fear, Jasper's version is far more believable.
The plot is a bit light compared to some SF fare. There are no space battles, no desperate race to save mankind from destruction. Much of the book feels almost leisurely as we learn about the characters and the Wannoshay's struggle against cultists and racism, not to mention the mysterious ailment plaguing their race. It is this ailment that drives the plot, as our characters learn more about the choices the Wannoshay made when they left their world.
Jasper has clearly spent a great deal of time developing the Wannoshay and their culture. The result is an interesting book, and a perceptive examination of how America might react to the arrival of such refugees.
August 8, 2016
A different twist on the traditional paranormal "werewolf "story. Entertaining, interesting and enjoyable book.
Having a dysfunctional family is hard enough, add the fact that your family has a secret and dysfunctional doesn't even begin to cover the issues you have to deal with. Non communication in a family can be deadly especially when that family has a secret they need to keep hidden.
It was a really nice change to have a male father figure stepping up and taking on the responsibility of being a single dad. A very young single parent. He almost makes the biggest mistake of his life, but it has a life changing effect for his daughter Corinne and himself. Needing to keep himself and his daughter safe he finds the help he needs with his aunt.
This is the first time I have listened to Maxwell Zener narrate a book. He did a good job with narrating the story. Nice voice and smooth even narration. His character voices were good although there is not much difference between his male and female voices. His growling wolf voices were really good. I would definitely listen to him narrate other books.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Having a dysfunctional family is hard enough, add the fact that your family has a secret and dysfunctional doesn't even begin to cover the issues you have to deal with. Non communication in a family can be deadly especially when that family has a secret they need to keep hidden.
It was a really nice change to have a male father figure stepping up and taking on the responsibility of being a single dad. A very young single parent. He almost makes the biggest mistake of his life, but it has a life changing effect for his daughter Corinne and himself. Needing to keep himself and his daughter safe he finds the help he needs with his aunt.
This is the first time I have listened to Maxwell Zener narrate a book. He did a good job with narrating the story. Nice voice and smooth even narration. His character voices were good although there is not much difference between his male and female voices. His growling wolf voices were really good. I would definitely listen to him narrate other books.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
March 30, 2012
Very entertaining, original, and with just enough "cliff-hanger" to prime me for the next episode, "A Wild Epidemic of Magic" due out in June, 2012. Michael Jasper's whole take on magic was refreshingly new for me, and I suspect it will be for a lot of readers. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can strongly recommend it for anybody who is considering getting a copy. It's a good book!
July 12, 2016
Being a werewolf is something Tommy Roling grew up with. Being controlled by the full moon every month is just a way of life. He had everything going for him
All it took to end his superstar college football career was one night game, one full moon, and one big hit. All it took to end his college career was getting his girlfriend pregnant. All it took to lose his job was getting sick. When he finds himself broke and raising his daughter on his own, the downward spiral of his life just keeps worse. His life isn't going in any kind of direction that he planned and now a dead man has been found on Tommy's werewolf running ground and he's a suspect. The only path clear to him is the one out of town, to the door of his estranged aunt and her family to find out who he really is, what he can do, and that he's not nearly as alone as he thought he was.
///
Family, Pack review
Finally a werewolf book without vampires!
The character being a single-dad (Tommy) is a pretty interesting start to the story and the immediate and extended family relationships were in-depth enough to feel like I actually had a pretty complete understanding of their dynamics. The development of Corrine's character was surprisingly delightful after what seemed to be the downfall of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him. Most of the story moves along at a good pace and I really am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope that Mr. Jasper delves a little bit more into Corrine's story (her learning, training and adaptation), as well as Tommy and Nina's relationship - all of which was being set up in this book, Family, Pack.
I also liked that this book was within itself complete, while still setting up for book 2. So many books leave you on too much of a cliff hanger that it's frustrating to either wait for the other book to be published or invest in another book just to get some closure on a story. Family, Pack leaves enough open to keep me wanting to read more but satisfied with it as a stand alone as well, in the case of not being able to get to book 2 as quickly as I want to.
The narration was pretty decent. I would listen to more books narrated by Maxwell Zener. He's got the growling voices down pat. His voice is easy to listen to, and he expresses characters succinctly with their mood.
TLDR: • Is Family, Pack a good story: Yes. • Was is interesting throughout? Yes. • Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, especially if they like the supernatural/fantasy genre. • Am I going to read the rest of the series? Yes. • Should you read it? I think you should.
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom. This did not change my level of satisfaction with the book at all - I happened to actually like it.
All it took to end his superstar college football career was one night game, one full moon, and one big hit. All it took to end his college career was getting his girlfriend pregnant. All it took to lose his job was getting sick. When he finds himself broke and raising his daughter on his own, the downward spiral of his life just keeps worse. His life isn't going in any kind of direction that he planned and now a dead man has been found on Tommy's werewolf running ground and he's a suspect. The only path clear to him is the one out of town, to the door of his estranged aunt and her family to find out who he really is, what he can do, and that he's not nearly as alone as he thought he was.
///
Family, Pack review
Finally a werewolf book without vampires!
The character being a single-dad (Tommy) is a pretty interesting start to the story and the immediate and extended family relationships were in-depth enough to feel like I actually had a pretty complete understanding of their dynamics. The development of Corrine's character was surprisingly delightful after what seemed to be the downfall of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him. Most of the story moves along at a good pace and I really am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope that Mr. Jasper delves a little bit more into Corrine's story (her learning, training and adaptation), as well as Tommy and Nina's relationship - all of which was being set up in this book, Family, Pack.
I also liked that this book was within itself complete, while still setting up for book 2. So many books leave you on too much of a cliff hanger that it's frustrating to either wait for the other book to be published or invest in another book just to get some closure on a story. Family, Pack leaves enough open to keep me wanting to read more but satisfied with it as a stand alone as well, in the case of not being able to get to book 2 as quickly as I want to.
The narration was pretty decent. I would listen to more books narrated by Maxwell Zener. He's got the growling voices down pat. His voice is easy to listen to, and he expresses characters succinctly with their mood.
TLDR: • Is Family, Pack a good story: Yes. • Was is interesting throughout? Yes. • Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, especially if they like the supernatural/fantasy genre. • Am I going to read the rest of the series? Yes. • Should you read it? I think you should.
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom. This did not change my level of satisfaction with the book at all - I happened to actually like it.
January 7, 2015
Michael Jasper's Family Pack tells the tale of Tommy Rolins who has abandoned his studies in order to take responsibility of an unplanned child in a relationship that doesn't really work. As the parents are struggling with their money problems and their failing relationship, a bloody murder takes place in a nearby forest - a forest that Tommy considers his own territory and where he spends his nights prowling as a werewolf every full moon...
The story's premise is rather interesting with a young man who knows that he is a werewolf, but who has been kept mostly in the dark about what exactly it means by his mother. The mother is a control-freak, believing that their were side should be kept under control and only let out every full moon if absolutely necessary. Tommy also has a brother and a father who are not werewolves and the novel touches - lightly - on the feelings of exclusion that this can cause. Additionally, I quite liked the young father angle and the doomed relationship of Tommy and his wife. It was well written for the most part, although some events took place somewhat too easily.
However, there were some problems with how the plotting of the story was handled. Although the murder takes place very early in the novel, the first half of the story basically concentrates on the failing marriage and Tommy moving to live in a city. The reader is left wondering whether the murder actually has anything to do with the story and whether this is actually a story about a young man finding himself - until Tommy is finally called back home to take part in the final showdown between the rural werewolves and a pack of new arrivals. The story does not have any feeling of escalating events, since the main character - to whose point of view we are entirely bound to - isn't around when they take place.
Overall, the novel is somewhat difficult to rate. The young father angle was a good idea, but the way Tommy leaves the scene of the conflict for a large portion of the story leaves the reader confused. With some more work on the plotting and honing the story, it might have been a lot better.
Full review at:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2015/01/...
The story's premise is rather interesting with a young man who knows that he is a werewolf, but who has been kept mostly in the dark about what exactly it means by his mother. The mother is a control-freak, believing that their were side should be kept under control and only let out every full moon if absolutely necessary. Tommy also has a brother and a father who are not werewolves and the novel touches - lightly - on the feelings of exclusion that this can cause. Additionally, I quite liked the young father angle and the doomed relationship of Tommy and his wife. It was well written for the most part, although some events took place somewhat too easily.
However, there were some problems with how the plotting of the story was handled. Although the murder takes place very early in the novel, the first half of the story basically concentrates on the failing marriage and Tommy moving to live in a city. The reader is left wondering whether the murder actually has anything to do with the story and whether this is actually a story about a young man finding himself - until Tommy is finally called back home to take part in the final showdown between the rural werewolves and a pack of new arrivals. The story does not have any feeling of escalating events, since the main character - to whose point of view we are entirely bound to - isn't around when they take place.
Overall, the novel is somewhat difficult to rate. The young father angle was a good idea, but the way Tommy leaves the scene of the conflict for a large portion of the story leaves the reader confused. With some more work on the plotting and honing the story, it might have been a lot better.
Full review at:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2015/01/...
August 15, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.
Narrator first. I got the impression this is one of the narrator's first books. I thought her narration was reasonable, but her editing was a little subpar. For example, in ch 17 around 10 minutes in, the narrator makes the most obvious mistake with her words. Throughout the book I hear some microphone issues and inflection problems from the editing. This is fairly mild and doesn't distract much from the book, but it is noticeable for long-time listeners. I imagined the character of polly as more of a michelle rodriguez kind of character, tough and overcompensating, but the narrator gave her a whiny voice. It's not bad, just not what I was expecting. I'll give her normal narration 4/5, but with the editing drop it to 3/5.
Story. Be aware this is the kind of story that doesn't take itself seriously. For example, when the kids use magic, they treat it the same as finding a 20$ bill under the couch cushion: excited but not very serious. Another example that really shows it is when kelly blows up her own house and doesn't think much of it. Once you get passed this, the story is ok. I was annoyed by how often everyone's race was brought up. We're constantly reminded that Kelly is black and everyone else is white, usually to make unfunny jokes (eg: black girl stealing books). The villains also seem very underpowered. I also thought it was a little confusing that characters went by different names. The old man is called Johnathan by all the sorcerers, but the kids call him Archie. and the sorcerers call the villain Michael, but the kids call him Azure. It can be a little hard to follow when they're in the scene because it gives the impression they're two separate people.
Narrator first. I got the impression this is one of the narrator's first books. I thought her narration was reasonable, but her editing was a little subpar. For example, in ch 17 around 10 minutes in, the narrator makes the most obvious mistake with her words. Throughout the book I hear some microphone issues and inflection problems from the editing. This is fairly mild and doesn't distract much from the book, but it is noticeable for long-time listeners. I imagined the character of polly as more of a michelle rodriguez kind of character, tough and overcompensating, but the narrator gave her a whiny voice. It's not bad, just not what I was expecting. I'll give her normal narration 4/5, but with the editing drop it to 3/5.
Story. Be aware this is the kind of story that doesn't take itself seriously. For example, when the kids use magic, they treat it the same as finding a 20$ bill under the couch cushion: excited but not very serious. Another example that really shows it is when kelly blows up her own house and doesn't think much of it. Once you get passed this, the story is ok. I was annoyed by how often everyone's race was brought up. We're constantly reminded that Kelly is black and everyone else is white, usually to make unfunny jokes (eg: black girl stealing books). The villains also seem very underpowered. I also thought it was a little confusing that characters went by different names. The old man is called Johnathan by all the sorcerers, but the kids call him Archie. and the sorcerers call the villain Michael, but the kids call him Azure. It can be a little hard to follow when they're in the scene because it gives the impression they're two separate people.
December 19, 2016
Really good addition to the series. So much more enjoyable than the first book. The story is moving along getting more involved, interesting and becoming more developed with plenty of magical twists & turns and adventure. It was also more fun than the first book. This installment held my complete attention unlike the first one.
What a difference narrator can make. Mike Alger did a great job narrating the story. Nice voice. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good delivery. Really good character voices. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable. He changed the whole tone and feel of the story. He really should go back and redo the first book in the series. It would make a huge difference for the author.
I do have to say that if this narrator had been narrating the first book the constant references to race would have come across a lot different and as the author probably intended them to. Not as they did. In this installment the tone and delivery made all the difference.
Jeroan has decided to part ways with his sister and study magic with Dr. Azure. He soon discovers things are not what he thought they would be.
Kelley and Jeroan must find a way work together if they are going to solve what is happening to everyone. As well as bringing back the characters from the first story this installment adds some new, fun and interesting characters. Alexander is still a great character, who wouldn't want to have a dragon that has a few of his own tricks.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
What a difference narrator can make. Mike Alger did a great job narrating the story. Nice voice. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good delivery. Really good character voices. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable. He changed the whole tone and feel of the story. He really should go back and redo the first book in the series. It would make a huge difference for the author.
I do have to say that if this narrator had been narrating the first book the constant references to race would have come across a lot different and as the author probably intended them to. Not as they did. In this installment the tone and delivery made all the difference.
Jeroan has decided to part ways with his sister and study magic with Dr. Azure. He soon discovers things are not what he thought they would be.
Kelley and Jeroan must find a way work together if they are going to solve what is happening to everyone. As well as bringing back the characters from the first story this installment adds some new, fun and interesting characters. Alexander is still a great character, who wouldn't want to have a dragon that has a few of his own tricks.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
September 16, 2017
Really good addition to the series. So much more enjoyable and entertaining than the first book. The story is moving along getting more involved, interesting and becoming more developed with plenty of magical twists & turns and adventure. It was also more fun than the first book. This installment held my complete attention unlike the first one.
What a difference narrator can make. Mike Alger did a great job narrating the story. Nice voice. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good delivery. Really good character voices. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable. He changed the whole tone and feel of the story. He really should go back and redo the first book in the series. It would make a huge difference for the series and the author.
I do have to say that if this narrator had been narrating the first book the constant references to race would have come across a lot different and as the author probably intended them to. Not as they did. In this installment the tone and delivery made all the difference.
Jeroan has decided to part ways with his sister and study magic with Dr. Azure. He soon discovers things are not what he thought they would be.
Kelley and Jeroan must find a way work together if they are going to solve what is happening to everyone. As well as bringing back the characters from the first story this installment adds some new, fun and interesting characters. Alexander is still a great character, who wouldn't want to have a dragon that has a few of his own tricks.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
What a difference narrator can make. Mike Alger did a great job narrating the story. Nice voice. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good delivery. Really good character voices. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable. He changed the whole tone and feel of the story. He really should go back and redo the first book in the series. It would make a huge difference for the series and the author.
I do have to say that if this narrator had been narrating the first book the constant references to race would have come across a lot different and as the author probably intended them to. Not as they did. In this installment the tone and delivery made all the difference.
Jeroan has decided to part ways with his sister and study magic with Dr. Azure. He soon discovers things are not what he thought they would be.
Kelley and Jeroan must find a way work together if they are going to solve what is happening to everyone. As well as bringing back the characters from the first story this installment adds some new, fun and interesting characters. Alexander is still a great character, who wouldn't want to have a dragon that has a few of his own tricks.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
December 19, 2016
Good start to a series. Overall an entertaining and enjoyable story. While I did enjoy this story for the most part, the whole repeated reference to race got annoying. Whether it is the way some kids talk or not in certain areas of the country, it took away from the overall enjoyment of the story. After a while it just sounds derogatory.
I have listened to several other books by Michael Jasper and have really enjoyed them. This story just wasn't holding my complete attention like his other books.
When there is a sudden outbreak of magic things spiral out of control pretty fast. What would you do if you suddenly had magic? How would you use it to your advantage?
Good cast of characters. Kelley and her twin Jeroan find their lives suddenly take a turn when they get involved with the world of magic. As if feeling like an outsider in a new town wasn't enough. Loved the dragon. Interesting way to use magic through electronics, but in modern magic what else would you use.
Alyson Grauer is a new narrator to me. This book looks to be one of the first books she narrated. She has a nice voice as well as some really good character voices. But the narration does not flow smoothly, there are also awkward pauses. The recording quality is also not the best. Background noise throughout the book, inconsistent volume as well as several repeated words or lines. A narrator should compliment the story not pull you out of it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
I have listened to several other books by Michael Jasper and have really enjoyed them. This story just wasn't holding my complete attention like his other books.
When there is a sudden outbreak of magic things spiral out of control pretty fast. What would you do if you suddenly had magic? How would you use it to your advantage?
Good cast of characters. Kelley and her twin Jeroan find their lives suddenly take a turn when they get involved with the world of magic. As if feeling like an outsider in a new town wasn't enough. Loved the dragon. Interesting way to use magic through electronics, but in modern magic what else would you use.
Alyson Grauer is a new narrator to me. This book looks to be one of the first books she narrated. She has a nice voice as well as some really good character voices. But the narration does not flow smoothly, there are also awkward pauses. The recording quality is also not the best. Background noise throughout the book, inconsistent volume as well as several repeated words or lines. A narrator should compliment the story not pull you out of it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
December 20, 2016
Very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable, the best book in the series so far. I actually really ended up liking this series. Is it really over? Maybe not.
I really didn't think I would after the first book, but the way the story was written and played out combined with the current narrator made all the difference.
The final magical showdown is coming. You ever know what to expect when magic is involved, be prepared for anything. Once again Kelley and Jeroan will have to work together to make it through everything that magic throws at them. Together they are a powerful pair. Get ready for a second outbreak of magic.
Great cast of characters. Everyone of them has a distinct personality and a purpose in the story. Have always loved Alexander the dragon, but Moammar the fly is fantastic. Who says a character has to be a person.
Once again what a difference a narrator makes. Mike Alger did another fantastic job of narrating this book. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Great character voices. The Druid's voice was perfect. He brought the characters and the story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
I really didn't think I would after the first book, but the way the story was written and played out combined with the current narrator made all the difference.
The final magical showdown is coming. You ever know what to expect when magic is involved, be prepared for anything. Once again Kelley and Jeroan will have to work together to make it through everything that magic throws at them. Together they are a powerful pair. Get ready for a second outbreak of magic.
Great cast of characters. Everyone of them has a distinct personality and a purpose in the story. Have always loved Alexander the dragon, but Moammar the fly is fantastic. Who says a character has to be a person.
Once again what a difference a narrator makes. Mike Alger did another fantastic job of narrating this book. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Great character voices. The Druid's voice was perfect. He brought the characters and the story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
January 14, 2017
Good first book, already started book 2!
Narrator was good but a bit of editing here or there wouldn't hurt.
So many questions...... hoping they'll be answered in books 2 & 3. I hate to list them because it could give away plot points.
I did think it's odd that the primary characters are 14 or 15 (think that's right) & basically have absolutely no parental guidance. What parent who is influential in the community just lets their children make their own rules. So many teen books are written this way. I don't have kids but I know if I did I would keep tabs on them!
Some things are a bit glossed over. I found myself most interested in Maria & her back story. I do like the history of magic parts.
Just when I'd decided I wanted to wring Paulie's neck she turned in to a good person.
Interested in seeing what comes next.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
Narrator was good but a bit of editing here or there wouldn't hurt.
So many questions...... hoping they'll be answered in books 2 & 3. I hate to list them because it could give away plot points.
I did think it's odd that the primary characters are 14 or 15 (think that's right) & basically have absolutely no parental guidance. What parent who is influential in the community just lets their children make their own rules. So many teen books are written this way. I don't have kids but I know if I did I would keep tabs on them!
Some things are a bit glossed over. I found myself most interested in Maria & her back story. I do like the history of magic parts.
Just when I'd decided I wanted to wring Paulie's neck she turned in to a good person.
Interested in seeing what comes next.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
August 3, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
Now I now how a family works, not really. This story depicts a real family's trials and errors through some developing circumstances that occur. Mom's try to protect, Son's need knowledge, Aunt's explain stuff, Mom gets pissed and people are a pain in the ass sometimes.
I liked the way Michael Jasper put this all together with the twists and turns through out the whole book. You always seem to be saying "No way, man." That's what keeps a book readable. I like the way it all melds together at the end and then BAM here we go again. Can't wait for the next one.
Now I now how a family works, not really. This story depicts a real family's trials and errors through some developing circumstances that occur. Mom's try to protect, Son's need knowledge, Aunt's explain stuff, Mom gets pissed and people are a pain in the ass sometimes.
I liked the way Michael Jasper put this all together with the twists and turns through out the whole book. You always seem to be saying "No way, man." That's what keeps a book readable. I like the way it all melds together at the end and then BAM here we go again. Can't wait for the next one.
March 8, 2012
Family, Pack is a wonderful tale about a young father, Tommy, learning to balance single fatherhood with being a werewolf. I quickly connected with Tommy and found myself cheering for him throughout the story. Right away I wanted the best for him and his baby daughter Corrine.
In a way, this is a coming of age story as Tommy is forced to be a responsible adult in order to care for his child. He makes mistakes along the way giving him a hint of vulnerability. Tommy faces personal trials in addition to mystery that befalls his small hometown.
Michael Jasper did a wonderful job creating the characters that inhabit the world he brings to life in Family, Pack.
In a way, this is a coming of age story as Tommy is forced to be a responsible adult in order to care for his child. He makes mistakes along the way giving him a hint of vulnerability. Tommy faces personal trials in addition to mystery that befalls his small hometown.
Michael Jasper did a wonderful job creating the characters that inhabit the world he brings to life in Family, Pack.
January 24, 2017
This series is good but it's not great. It requires you to suspend any sense of reality or possibilities.
The characters ok most interested in are the outliers, not the main characters. Kelly was our main character & in book 2 we get her brother. I find him to be annoying & his self absorbed personality is a bit much at times. While the parents didn't exist (for the most part) in book 1 now they show back up. I don't want to spoil it. It would be a great fantasy series for young adults. Maybe even teens. I have book 3 as well but I may give it a few weeks before I listen to it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
The characters ok most interested in are the outliers, not the main characters. Kelly was our main character & in book 2 we get her brother. I find him to be annoying & his self absorbed personality is a bit much at times. While the parents didn't exist (for the most part) in book 1 now they show back up. I don't want to spoil it. It would be a great fantasy series for young adults. Maybe even teens. I have book 3 as well but I may give it a few weeks before I listen to it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
December 11, 2016
Magic Users..
Kelley and her twin, Jeroan, moved from Chicago to Dubuque.
She passes by a peculiar old man on the street and discovers a
book shop with animated toys and magic books.
Kelly, her brother, and friend find themselves in the middle of a magical contest where they
discover their own magical powers.
Overall, an interesting read.
Alyson Grauer did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
February 5, 2011
Gunning for the Buddha is a somewhat haphazard collection of Michael Jasper's short stories. Each story succeeds or fails on its own. A small handful of the tales on the subject of an accidental alien invasion were obviously meant to be part of a novel, and might have done better as such. All in all, Gunning for the Buddha is a hit or miss read. I recommend it for the half of the short stories that succeed.
July 7, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
A different kind of young single parent story with a dysfunctional family. The twist they are werewolves. The story follows the family pack as they grow and must become stronger or perish. I've read paranormal fiction before, but this was more intriguing than most.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.
A different kind of young single parent story with a dysfunctional family. The twist they are werewolves. The story follows the family pack as they grow and must become stronger or perish. I've read paranormal fiction before, but this was more intriguing than most.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.
October 3, 2016
A fairly nice homespun twist on the werewolf genre. Tommy is an up & coming werewolf with a family, job, and everyday worries to deal with besides his monthly run in the forest. A good story, I feel bad for Tommy at times, he has much to deal with and not much help from his family. Interesting, I liked it. Three.point.five
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
December 11, 2016
Magic and Mayhem..
This story picks up two months after the first book ends with Jeroan, who chose to study
magic at Michael Azure’s center.
His twin sister Kelley, is still in Dubuque.
Jeroan, Kelley, Polly along with a few other characters were engaging.
Overall, another action and suspense novel.
Mike Alger did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
December 11, 2016
More Action and Magic..
This book starts out literally a few minutes after the second book ends.
It has more action and suspense if that's possible.
I think that this is a good series for young adults.
Overall, an engrossing book.
Mike Alger did really well with books two as well as the third book.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
August 5, 2016
This was an OK listen. The story was good but the constant mention of "white girl, black girl, white guy, black guy" was a bit distracting and didn't add to the story. The narrator did a good job for the most part but did stumble over the words a few times.
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom"
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom"
August 28, 2016
Twists and Turns..
This story is about Tommy Roling and his infant daughter Corrine, family issues and he is trying to come to terms with being a wolf.
There is also an anti wolf group in this story.
Maxwell Zener did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
September 1, 2010
A 5 year old kid, a flaky husband and a harridan wife prone to migraines. Those are the POV characters. The story begins in media res and the author relies heavily on expository flashbacks. This book is just plain boring.
May 7, 2012
A clever short story, but a little comic-bookish for my tastes. Liked the first half, but it lost some of its direction partway through and never came back together. Still a decent read, if you like Peter David's Knight series.
September 19, 2008
My review for the library: http://watertownreads.wordpress.com/2...
January 23, 2009
Aliens have crash-landed on earth in the near future. This story is from several perspectives of people who are able and willing to communicate with the immigrants.
July 19, 2012
A truly interesting and enjoyable read. My original review can be seen at http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2009/04/w...
August 8, 2012
Enjoyed the story.
October 20, 2012
Novella about the search for magic in modern-day Chicago. Not bad.
March 30, 2015
indecipherable!
I have virtually no idea what this so called book is about! Truly wasted time reading it. Have Master degree but did not help.
I have virtually no idea what this so called book is about! Truly wasted time reading it. Have Master degree but did not help.
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