Timeless

Timeless by R.A. Salvatore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great returns. R A Salvatore returned to the character he made great 30 years ago, who in turn also made Salvatore great. This story has many mysteries some are solved here, but this is really a set up book with huge ramifications to come.

After centuries the legendary Drow Zaknafein has returned to life. How? Why? Who did it? All questions asked. Is this a gift or a part of a longer game? In the last couple of centuries much has changed but to Zaknafein it was just yesterday since he took a deadly acid bath to save his son. How will he reach to the changes in the world, and will he even be accepted into the new world and lives of the people he knew?

The story is a setting the stage type of a fair, but the action is amazing. The are a couple of fight between Drizzt and Zaknafein that are worth the price of the book on their own, then the final act is just incredible.

The book also shines light on the past between Zaknafein and Jarlaxle. I am glad Jarlaxle also has a good share of the spotlight he has more then earned it. I also like the evolution of Drizzt's warrior prowess and his attitude. This is a great new start for Drizzt and much more to come.

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No Is a Four-Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling But Succeeded in Life

No Is a Four-Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling But Succeeded in Life by Chris Jericho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good part motivational part memoirs style of the book. The two strongest things I found of this book were:

Chris using his own life achievements to give his real world examples of many motivational quotes or sayings, we older people, have heard many times over, and youngsters will hear, and showing how he used that to achieve one of his goals. To me it did not seem like he was bragging but felt more like he was saying "I acchived my dreams you can too". This is great especially in a motivational book and him memoir to illustrate the point works perfectly.

The second is Chris has a really talent of mixing pop culture references, and telling stories/memoirs with them. This definitely makes old quotes and sayings seem more cullent and relivent. Sort of how he keeps updating his on screen character to be the same way.

There are many positives I took away from this book. I actually found it eerie while reading this book how many similar situations pop up in my own life. No I do not run into or hang around with Chris' celebrity friends, but things like how to deal with your boss, taking a risk, or even doing something that might pay dividends in the future. Things like this do come up daily.

Something else that is fine very well is Chris knows his audience. He knows the majority of his fan base is from wrestling, so he gives plenty of his insider stories from the wrestling business, mainly WWE but do mention wrestling around the world and info as well. Also for the heavy metal fans there are plenty of stories from or of some of the biggest rock icons of all time.

The only reason this book was very good but not absolutely great for me was because, it lacked a sort of inspirational spark all movatiinal books need. An example is Chris would give advice, show how this helped do something in the WWE then the rest of the chapter would continue the story. So sometimes for me the inspirational side would get list in me reading the story. I could be said the it is a testament to his story telling that I as a "constant reader",(read the book to see what they means), got so list in his storytelling.

A very good book, and a great mix of story and movatiinal styles. A lot of great stories and I really like the I achieved my dreams so you can too message. Just missing a little something to make it amazing.

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The Myth of Hastinapur

The Myth of Hastinapur by Rahul Rai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have never been a fan of Mahabharat, and that is probably the only real reason I took a star off. I am sure to fans of it this would be a 5 star book. I will say reading this book has made me want to take a look at the show.

From what I know about the series if is 1000 episodes or something. That is a little too long for me. Rahul managed to get to the important parts and even highlight things and characters that might have been missed out. As there a huge cast of legendary characters in the series.

The book is great for people who want a summarised version of the series or fans of the show that want to see more or new sides to their favourite characters. Another thing done well is the way each chapter is written like a short story, but tgey are all interconnected.

A very good book slightly more for the fans but there is nothing wrong with that. I look forward to see more of Rahul's work.

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Star Wars: Lando's Luck

Star Wars: Lando's Luck by Justina Ireland
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Very disappointed in this book. I am not even a big Lando fan, but even he deserves better than to be portrayed as a two bit con man at best, a grinning idiot with luck on his side at worst.

I have no problem introducing new characters into the Star Wars universe, but I hate having established legends completely up staged but these characters.

Lando comes across as a cape wearing pansy all style and no substance at all. He needs to be saved from every situation he gets himself into. In fact apart from his name on the cover to sell the book I really do not see the point of Lando even being in the book.

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Batman: White Knight

Batman: White Knight by Sean Gordon Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an awesome story. This is the best comic mini series I have read in a long time. The blurb at the back said that this was

"Unlike anything we've seen before".

For once this is not just hype. This is truly unlike any Batman story I have ever read. Every Batman fan has heard of the Joker and everyone has an option on him. Now I met Jack Napier, and he could be even more dangerous then the Joker.

Removing the Joker' s insanity was one thing the made this comic great, the second ingredient was removing Batman's conscience and support system. This makes for a much darker, dangerous and reckless Batman. The artwork is great an suits the story perfectly. It is a great mix of old gothic art work and new technology at the same time. The surprises are actually surprising. They were definitely not things I saw coming. Everything was great from beginning to end. Even though this was a elseworld like miniseries but I would love to see where this story goes from here.

Every chapter starts with the issue cover, then the cover gallery at the end has the varient covers of issues 1 to 8.

I loved this series, if I had one complaint about this book it would be that I would have liked more of Batman in the story, but the way the story is set out I know why it was done this way. Super awesome story and I can think of someone who should be the next White Knight. Read this book then join me in begging for a sequel please!!

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Wonder Woman: Earth One, Vol. 2

Wonder Woman: Earth One, Vol. 2 by Grant Morrison
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What a disappointment. I did not like the first volume of Wonder Woman Earth One so I can't really blame anyone for me not enjoying this one. I figured it could not be as bad as the first one and in fairness it is not but it is close. The story or lack of story is boring, the whole thing is disjointed, and jumps from place to place. I actually 're-read pages not because I enjoyed them but because I did not think that I could have missed so much between pages.

To be honest I really do not understand what the point of this story was. I have to say it is probably the most boring Wonder Woman books I have read. The main bad guy seems to set out to prove that for all of her strength and power Wonder Woman is still "just a woman", and the worst part is he manages to break her.

Then just as the story starts to show some promise it ends. I hate leaving stories unfinished but I definitely have to consider if I want send any money on the next book. In both volumes this incarnation of Wonder Woman acts mire like a free love hippy guru then a champion of justice. I definitely would not recommend this book.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 14: Includes vols. 40, 41 42

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 14: Includes vols. 40, 41 42 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good collect, I enjoyed and liked how much the characters have developed since the beginning, but I did feel adding extra reversals was just prolonging the story rather then adding to it.

Goku makes his Super Sayian inaugural appearance. One thing that was explained better in the book then the cartoon was the reason why Goku did not use thus in his earlier fight. Also I noticed Goku's motives are not always as pure as I was lead to believe. A good collection and a decent ending, but because of what the book was written it was set to lead into GT rather than Super.

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Dragon Ball 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 13: Includes Vols. 37, 38 39

Dragon Ball 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 13: Includes Vols. 37, 38 39 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Z fighters return to the Strongest under Heaven tournament. If is the new generations turn. The only thing that made this good rather then great is in a tournament there is no real competition. None of the others is even close to the Saiyans power level. I did find the thus version of Boo really annoying. I know it is still part of the passing the torch but I never did like grown up Gohan I thought he was much better as his kid version.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 12: Includes Vols. 34, 35, 36

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 12: Includes Vols. 34, 35, 36 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great all out action. Finally it is time for Goku Vs Cell. Finally a hidden power that has been hinted at if finally unleashed. Great action I heard from some one this was supposed to be a passing the touch story, I can see that in this story but like most people I an glad the went back to the original formula.

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Dragon Ball 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 11: Includes Vols. 31, 32, 33

Dragon Ball 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 11: Includes Vols. 31, 32, 33 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good collection of Dragonball. This more of a set up collection. I know what they were doing, but I did want more action. I did like the weakness in the just pain strength department. This issue is more about the prices in place. For the games to come. This makes this slowed down collect necessary. Even to be fair there were a couple of big fights in this collection I would give it 4.5 stars but I hate to say it it was just a bit too slowed down.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 10: Includes Vols. 28, 29, 30

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 10: Includes Vols. 28, 29, 30 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good collection of comics. This comic did feel very rushed. The Freeza Saga was ending, then Trunks and the Android saga starts, and we meet Cell. It was a rush to get all it was a rush to get all these things covered, also this cut down on the action. I understood the saga a little better, I think the comic gave the androids more time to establish their personalities. The only down side for me was a slow setup the a rush to cover everything leaving some bits out.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 9: Includes Vols. 25, 26, 27

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 9: Includes Vols. 25, 26, 27 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally Goku has fulfilled his destiny. Though his warriors pride still overrides his intelligence. A great action packed collection. I have to admit the continues "turning tables" did get a bit Nnoying but it did make for exciting reading. Anyone who sees the cover would know what was to happen in this book. So I regret saying Goku achieves a incredible new power level of legendary proportions. A great battle by everyone against overwhelming odds. Freeza unleashes his full power finally but someone is there to meet him every step of the way. I remember getting goosebumps the first time I saw this on the screen, and I got them reading this even though I knew what was going to happen. One of my favourites of the series so far.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 8: Includes Volumes 22, 23 24

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 8: Includes Volumes 22, 23 24 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good continuation of the series not as much action in this book, a lot of hide and seek and preparations for things to come. However not as much going on in this book as the others. They also cut bits of Goku's training maybe to add to the mystique of the legendary Super Sayian to come later. This book is the Nemicican trip to the switcheroo. Then we also get 36 page cover gallery.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 7: Includes Vols. 19, 20 21

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 7: Includes Vols. 19, 20 21 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great collection of Dragon Ball comics. The first fight between Goku and Vegeta. Then another glimmer of hope from the Dragon Balls. There were 2 types of types of art work in this collection, I personally prefer the darker art work, however the other artwork was great as well. Great action and art. I am also impressed with the way they managed to condense the story covering all the important parts, and leaving out all the rubbish. The the 36 page art gallery at the end.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 6: Includes vols. 16, 17 18

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 6: Includes vols. 16, 17 18 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book opens up with the end of the 23 Strongest under Heaven tournament. A great final fight, that definitely lived up to its main event status. I do love that there are super moves are based in Martial Arts techniques. This books marks the end of the Dragon Ball series and the start of Dragon Ball Z. A new threat is coming and it is big enough for two mortal enemies work together. A really good collection again awesome action and great artwork. Good story as well, and the left out all the stupid parts great condensed beginning of the Sayian arc. All 36 covers are in the cover gallery.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 4: Includes vols. 10, 11 12

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 4: Includes vols. 10, 11 12 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great collection. The Strongest under Heaven tournament, and this time the fight are even better then the first time round. This 3 in 1 volume really highlighted how far the characters have come especially in the martial arts. However this time Goku must face something truly demonic. New friends, new enemies and a couple that change sides. Great art work and lots of action what more can I want. How about a cover 36 page cover gallery. All round awesome.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 5: Includes vols. 13, 14 15

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 5: Includes vols. 13, 14 15 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Awesome issue, to start with the battle with King Piccolo, and just get better for there. The fights a grown in keep a an bounds. Not just physically but in powers and technique as well. More fire balls and superhuman techniques, but also tempered with tactics. Great stuff. I love the there is always someone stronger, streak through the book. How far is Goku willing to got to save his friends, and is there no limit to Goku's potential. Another great collection of book in one great action and warrior spirit.

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Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 3: Includes vols. 7, 8 9

Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 3: Includes vols. 7, 8 9 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great art work and plenty of action, that is what I wanted and that is what I got. I loved it. I loved almost every page of this 3 in 1 volume.

The only think I would say is I am not sure that these are suitable for younger readers. I know they have a teen rating and if it was just the violence I would be fine with that, but add a topless picture for almost no reason this I don't understand. The comic was going great why bother?

A great action packed volume, with a couple of grisly deaths, but you have to expect this in an action packed comic. I like how Goku is evolving. He is improving in strength and technique as well. A great set of volumes, also I get a 36 page cover gallery. Without the little blip for no reason I can think of, this would have been the perfect volume. Definitely the best 3 in 1 so far.

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Bitching Bits of Bone

Bitching Bits of Bone by Norman Mounter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not connection to Dr Norman Mounter.

I did enjoy this book. I think Mounter managed to capture the danger and brutality of medieval England perfectly. There is a lot of darkness in this book, but it is broken up with bits of dark humour.

I do not remember much of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as I last read it at school, but I did really enjoy this book. There are parts of this book, gave me nightmares and I can't get out of my head. I am sure anyone with kids will understand where I am coming from. However this book had me laughing out loud in places. I think the dark humour came at the right time, to get rid of the proper darkness and dogma of the era.

The one thing I would say was this book would have been perfect as a play. The style of "asides", monologue and dialogue for each character would have been absolutely perfect in a playwright format, and the fact that is set in Medevil England just makes that format suit this book perfectly.

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