Last Shot: A Han and Lando Novel

Last Shot: A Han and Lando Novel by Daniel José Older
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I did really want to like this book, and especially as Han Solo’s demise in the movies. I was hoping this would be a last shot at glory for Han showing how valuable he is to to Star Wars universe. I was ok with him sharing the spotlight with Lando, however for me Lando stole the and relegated Han to a supporting cast member and a not very good one at that. I was actually more interested a couple of the other characters in the book.

I have to admit I am not a big fan of the three time period format of the book, so this might have also drowned my enjoyment of the book, but I have to say there was more I did not like about the book then I did. I found the story very slow and the action scenes I found more confusing then exciting.

It is a shame as I think this story is the greatest threat to the Star Wars universe in a long time. I think this threat level should have been given a lot more credence.

I would not recommend this book to anyone but Lando fans who want to see how he fits into the new Disney era. For me Han comes across as a second rate, washed up smuggler who ended up in the right side of victory. Definitely not Han’s finest adventure.

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Lost Stars, Vol. 1

Lost Stars, Vol. 1 by Claudia Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the original and I love the Manga with the great artwork. The book starts in a different order then then novel. This starts about 3/4 into the novel then the story recaps and fills in all the missing years.

Thane and Ciena grew up on the planet Jelucan. Even there they were born to separate classes. They were never supposed to be friends, but fate and a shared dream bring them together. However when their dream of the Empire does not match up to reality. They will be torn apart again.

Good artwork and an awesome story, the manga version seems to have captured all the important story points. Even though I know the story I can’t wait for volume 2.

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A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great catch with the main heroes of the series. The last book was an all out epic, this one though a lot shorter is still filed with SJM’s great story telling and character development.

So far I have seen all these characters in the worst possible situations and facing incredible odds. Making great sacrifices and the legendary lengths they would go through to achieve their goals and protect those they love. Now when they have “won”, the work of rebuilding, forgiveness and moving on from the losses suffered.

Yes there is no where near as much action in this book, and the characters are not moved along as much as I would have wanted but the are definitely important issues uncovered her that need to be explored later. This is more of “wet the appetite” for the next huge chapter, but almost as importantly a much need to assess where the characters are right now in themselves, and to each other.

Though Feyre and Rhysand embrace their fate together. Others rebel against a fate they have not choosing with their very souls. This is the first steps in building a new world. A great point to catchup with everyone as they set their path for the future, to forget their past, or simply (stubbornly) deny fates chosen path.

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Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression

Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression by Teri Tom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and I think there are many things to learn from it. However the mark of a really good book like this is it really did get me excited to try out some of the techniques highlighted or used in this book. Either to use as they are or to put my spin on them.

Coming from a different martial art (kickboxing), I notice as many differences, right from the stance, as I do similarities, in the actual striking. There is only so much of a martial art that can be learned from a book, much must be done practically/physically. Like I said I a excited to see what works for me. As Bruce Lee said:

“Take what is useful and disregarded what is not.”

I really do like the technical aspects of the science behind the art. This definitely lives up the Bruce’s principal of knowing why you do something one way rather than another.

Going back to the stance it is a “Strong side forward” style. Meaning right hands will have their right leg and hand forward. This is a big difference to what I am used to. I am amazed by how much turn and power Teri Tom is able to generate from her front leg. This is something I will definitely need to look into learning. Though one criticism I do have is a good as the picture are a lot of the are demonstrating the same techniques. Though this could be explained in the minimalist principle of JKD. Having fewer techniques but mastering each of these. To pulling off the right technique quickly, effortlessly, efficiently and at the right moment.

One thing I do think because Ted Wong, being a true disciple of Bruce Lee, he still see JKD as Bruce’s art (which it is), but it does not seem like he want people to put there own spin on the techniques. He says himself he is always thinking:

“How would Bruce do this, or what would Bruce think of this?”

Thus has been passed on to on to Teri Tom as well. Now I definitely to understand the anger and frustration of sub par trainers teaching watered down versions of any martial arts. Yes here I have no problem enacting the tradition approaches of trial by combat on these charlatans. However if someone has adapted the art or techniques to suit them and their body, and mind I (the same way Bruce Lee did). From what I have read of Bruce’s other book I think he would have approved of this.

There is a great deal of research of not only Bruce’s writing and ideas, but from sports science today. One thing the book tries to get across is we might not all be blessed with Bruce Lee’s physical and mental faculties but we can train to emulate, I would add “adapt” to improve.

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The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam

The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very good book, that is well written, informative, thought provoking and practical. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi has me interest from the title and his introduction where he stated that this book was not just going to be a list of what is Halal (allowed) and Haram (prohibited) in Islam. He said right from the start that his is a very tricky topic the not even many Islamic scholars agree on many of the topics.

The only one who can truly make something Halal or Haram is Allah. Though as Muslims we are also told to hold the Prophet Muhammed’s (Peace be upon him) life and Hadith (saying), as the upmost example. However not even he could choose what was to be Halal or Haram. His personal preferences are strongly recommended or strongly advised against.

My favorite think about this book is the practical examples and how the Quranic verses fit into to modern world though the were written in the old world. Also how scientific evidence backs up these verses.

This is a great book for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of Islam, understanding the inner workings or people like me who want to know WHY certain things are Halal or Haram as well as the recommendations of what should and should not be done.

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Dark Days the road to Metal

Dark Days: The Road to Metal by Scott Snyder
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a collection of preludes of things to come. This is a real mixed bag. I did enjoy the Road to Metal stories the Forge and the Casting, but mist of the other back issues in this collection were my least favorite Batman stories ever.

If I was going to rate the Forge and the Casting I would have given this 4 stars because the artwork was great, lots of guest stars but a little lacking in the action department for me.

I really did not like Final Crisis, it felt too rushed to me and I am not a fan of the DC terminology that I had the buy ever DC book at the time to fully understand every aspect of it. Though I was happy Batman got a decisive role in it. The Return of Bruce Wayne was a better storyline for me, but this only contained issue 1 of the six part mini series. I saw the thin thread to Metal in it but still not impressed.

Towards the end, I get Batman Endgame part 4 and 5, then Nightwing 17? Why was the last story there? I would have preferred if they swapped that one for the Endgame part 6. Why not give the ending to the Endgame which does relates Metal instead of a story of the first and last Robin arguing about their legacy?

The final story though short I really. It reminded me who Tom/Red Robin is my fave as far as the Robins go. Also shows his is the closest one to actually be able to think like Batman/Bruce Wayne.

A good beginning and ending, but no matter how they relate not my favorite Batman stories in the middle. I did like the variant covers at the end of every issue. It. Oils have been better but an overall OK.

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A Fighter's Heart: One Man's Journey Through the World of Fighting by Sam Sheridan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The only way a fighter could truly suffer is not fighting" Ryu Street Fighter Alpha 3. I know this quote is from a video game but it has always stuck with me and I think it sums up the message in the book brilliantly; also I love that game almost as much as I like this book. This book is excellent. It ticks all the boxes the subject is excellent, why people fight, excellent research from fighters, teacher, and even philosophers, covering the topic from all angles.

Sam Sheridan graduated from Harvard. This could have probably have gotten him any white colour job he wanted. In fairness he tried many jobs but they did not take. He boxed a bit in Harvard and "fell in love at first punch". The book follows his journey of discovering the different fighting arts from around the world. From Hard combat fighting arts like Mau Thai, to soft arts like Tai Chi.

The thing that made this book special is Sam really immersed himself in each art. Studying it months at a time, and managing to meet and train with some of the best trainers and practitioners in each art. As Sam says in the after words this book is for people like him who love training and fighting. Even though it will never be a career for most of us, but we are still willing to dedicate most of our time and energy to it.

He talks about the mental and as well as the physical needs of a fighters in a positive light. Now with the impressions of MMA and educating people about martial arts this book is great to anyone wanting a greater understanding into the fighting world or the technical aspects of martial arts. The difference in perceptions of fighter and martial artists can be summed up in one line of this book. "People though this book would be a hard sell, as fighter don't read books". If thems not fighting words what is? Great book get it enjoy it, learn from it and prove the uneducated wrong. On a side note there is a nice story about Paul Walker (R.I.P) in the second last chapter of the book.

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