Change of Chaos (Change, #1)

Change of Chaos by Jacinta Jade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A great book. This is a great start to a series. I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot bigger then I was expecting. The story is great, the characters are realistic and relatable.

The book takes a slowish pace, but this is perfect for the story. One thing I was very impressed about in this book was the author stuck to terminology she had created like cycles for years, spans for hour all the way through the book. That is a great achievement in a first book. The only thing I was not sure about is the main character Siray seems to be 10 years old by my reckoning. That is a little young for a main heroin or hero. However there is nothing to say a cycle is exactly the same length of our standard years.

The pace of the book is perfect. It really allowed me to get to know, like that characters. Especially Siray, and watching her journey built my respect for her. Excellent character development and empire building.

The book end on a vow, that I can't wait to see what happens next. I an really looking forward to the next book of the series.

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The Musketeers

The Musketeers by Terry Kavanagh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An ok series. I would have said good if it was not so rushed. Also, the origin and back story are contained in GFT issue 2. This is not included in this TPB or I would have given this a solid 4 stars.

The book is action packed, and fast paced. However this is a double edged sword. This book is fast paced to the point of rushed, and the when a twist come up, I simply did not know enough about the characters to be fully invested. Personally I think an extra issue for character development was really necessary.

Apart from the fact that that there are 3 of the characters this has nothing else in common with the 3 Musketeers. There background us given in the story is easy to price together, but the rushed character development is what really hurt this mini series. Though I do look forward to seeing what these Musketeers get up to next.

This gallery at the back contains all a,b,c,d covers of all the separate issues in A4 format.

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From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars)

From a Certain Point of View by Ben Acker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very mixed bag of stories. Some great, some awesome, a few slow, and a couple I just did not see the point of. There are some very big name Star Wars authors in this book, new Disney era authors.

I really thought the concept of this book was a great innovation. Right from the last moment of Rogue One to the end of Star Wars A New Hope. Each short story moves the story along scene by scene. However the twist is it is not just the author that changes, but the story is told from a side character, an extra or a main characters side story.

There were many great stories in this book, but there were a couple of stories that were way too slow, and a couple I just did not think added anything to Star Wars universe in general. The was a story staring a Disney era Star Wars comic star.

The final breakdown, I loved the first 100 pages, was not sure about the next 100, confused for the next 50, and the it returned in force till the end. The last story was a bit of an in joke which did make me laugh so it ended well and brought the whole thing up to a ok book, but now quite good or great. However I would like to emphasise my respect for all the authors who contributed their time and effort for free. All the money from this book go to the First Book charity organisation.

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Fearless (Elite Doms of Washington, #5)

Fearless by Elizabeth SaFleur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have no connection to Elizabeth SaFleur.

A good book. We all know oppersites attract. However here it seems likes do as well. If they have something or someone in common.

Sarah is the last woman standing. All of her extended family and fellow tribunal members have paired up. Walls of disciple and procedure, have made her giving to her friends, but closed off in her own life. The last time she gave into weakness was 2 years ago. Now is the perfect time for a reappearance bearing a gift.

I like the was the stars of previous book of the series return a great supporting characters in this book. More the the other books a much greater emphasis is put on the structure relationships of this world. The doms and subs and how the fit together.

A good continuation of the series leading up to a big finale it seems.

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Mentors

Mentors by Russell Brand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good book. Don't judge this book by its size, this book. This book contains some condensed in some cases summarised versions of his book Recovery, but it is not the same book.

This is part Russell's thank you to people who have mentored him, and mainly the importance of mentoring and finding the correct mentor. He goes through the characteristics needed, as well as what he learned and then passed on to people he has mentored.

Their is a great chapter on his experience of parenthood, as well as dealing with every parents worst nightmare.

If you are looking for a quick easy read this is not the correct book. It is deep in some places, light hearted in others. Unlike in Revolution where Brand spoke of a revolution to come, but himself was not sure where he was not sure which side he would be classed on when it did come, he know exactly where he stands on the topic of mentoring. How important it is, what people should look for, and it works. He uses himself as an example to illustrate what mentoring has done for him and allowed him to do for others. Like a good teacher, a good mentor not only guides, but never stops learning from those he is helping.

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Nightblood (Frostblood Saga, #3)

Nightblood by Elly Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is very good book. I really loved the first 2 books of this series so it is possible that my expectations for this book were too high. If the first 310 pages were at a little faster pace I would have easily given this book 5 stars, but these pages were just a little too slow for me. The last quarter of this of this book was amazing I could not put it down.

I do understand why the book was done like this, there are subtle changes in Ruby's character. It was a clever idea that even though Ruby is narrating the book there are times when as the reader I was not sure if how much influence the Minax was exerting.

This is great ending to the series. I would have given this series 5 stars. This book is a good conclusion, slightly slower then the other books, but building up to the main event that defiantly did not disappoint.

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Cosmic Ghost Rider: Baby Thanos Must Die

Cosmic Ghost Rider: Baby Thanos Must Die by Donny Cates
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was quite disappointed in this comic really. The back story I found more interesting than the actual story. The best thing I liked about this story is the comic is the art work. Also small things like Cable getting older every time he comes back from the future. As good as he look in Ghost Rider form. The part that annoyes me his language. Can any really picture a cosmic spirit of vengeance calling someone "dude"?

Ok if anyone was to be changed into a Spirit of Vengeance it would be the Punisher. The one of the many confusing things in this comic is in human form he seems very much like you would expect displaying his violent tendencies, but in Ghost Rider form he is pretty much all about restraint, and talkinging like at teenager (yes I mentioned it again, it really annoyes me).

The question asked in this book is if you had a chance to kill a the baby version of the vicious mass murderer in the universe while they were a baby would you?

I would have actually preferred if the showed the adventures or the origin of this Frank became the Ghost Rider to the Cosmic Ghost Rider rather the this mixed bag of a story. Sometimes great artwork is not enough.

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Homegrown Hero: A funny and addictive thriller for fans of Informer

Homegrown Hero: A funny and addictive thriller for fans of Informer by Khurrum Rahman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fighting your Destiny

A great sequel, I enjoyed this book every bit as the first book. In the last book Jay was forced into a into a world hatred. Learning family secrets playing the cards life dealt him. In this book Jay has a much smaller role, but this is an opportunity to meet new characters. All damaged from their past and either trying to escape or find their future.

This books starts a couple of days before the epilogue of the last book. Some great twistsin this story, the darkness is offset with humour (mainly from Jay).

Great book, with great characters, I know a write has done a great job when I can feel sorry for or hope for a way out for the characters no matter what the have done. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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Belle: Beast Hunter, Volume 1

Belle: Beast Hunter, Volume 1 by Dave Franchini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was better then I thought it was going to be. I would have given it 3.5 stars but to was on the right side of good instead of ok to deserve a round up.


Like all the Zenescope titles the characters is as far away from original as possible. Belle is not exception. This is not the bookish, poor girl who everyone likes, this is a smart mouthed heiress, trained to take over the family business. The business just happens to be hunting beasts. However what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

The story is very action packed, and fast paced. The only problem is it is too fast paced to the point of the story being too rushed. I had keep flipping the page back to see if I missed a couple panels or the pages were stuck together. Sadly this was not the case they just moved on fire one chaotic event, to another chaotic event, to a flash back then back to the chaotic event. The action and artwork did make this an enjoyable read for me. Personally if this was an 8 issue series to have more space for the story this would have been perfect. However compressing everything into 6 issues hurt the story. Though I enjoyed it and want to see what happens next.

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Positively Unstoppable: The Art of Owning It

Positively Unstoppable: The Art of Owning It by Diamond Dallas Page
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

62 years young, and still got the BANG!!! I have been a huge DDP fan since I saw his first match, i though he was a great performer. As much Sting was known as the franchise of WCW, DDP has always been the workhorse of. As much as I though he was awesome performer even I never thought he would go on to achieve everything he has gone on to achieve.

I really thought that me being such a big fan, who has already heard Dallas' amazing life and career story before, I would not enjoy it this time round. WRONG!!! I got goosebumps reading DDP run from manager to champion. Proving all his naysayers wrong again and again.

DDP lives his gimmick. I can't even say it better then DDP does. He was taught to become DDP by every event that occurred in his life. This mean is accepts/owns his life experiences. He calibrated the posititives, and learns from the negatives.

His message is amazing you can truly achieve anything if you first believe, but secondly (possible more importantly) put in the work, then thirdly not give up.

The book is in almost 3 parts, first is the shifting of the people's mindsets, second DDP's life, and lastly food (I did not say diet). There are success stories throughout the book.

I am a strong believer in work ethic over ability, possible why I relate DDP so much. I really like the message and formular of the book and DDPY, a success story goes on the inspire others to succeed to inspire.

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Christmas with the Kings (The Kings of Guardian)

Christmas with the Kings by Kris Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The secret gathering

I great catch up story. Definitely a filler, about some important character information for the series. Unlike other filler book the amazing thing about this book (book 11.5), is even though my antisipition of book 12 was sky high already, now it is blown through the stratosphere.

Unlike the other Kings of Guardians books that when it is not completely necessary to read other book to enjoy them, in this book it is a requirement. As many of the characters in this book will not have the same meaning to readers as fans who have read the whole series.

This is not an action oriented book. This is a rare time 95% of Kings, their extended family and significant others have a chance to be together. So leave it to the "wildchild" of the family of wild alphas to forward their own agenda, and pull the majority of the family into it.

I have always loved the character development in this series. One of my pet peeves of other series (Spider-man) is when writers seem to forget or disregard what happen before. It is like the characters is in an ageless bubble and learned nothing from their past experiences. So I love the fact how these characters have matured and yes even ages to me it makes the seem even more real and relatable. Now PLEASE bring on book 12!!!

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WWE: Women's Evolution

WWE: Women's Evolution by Dennis Hopeless
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great story of tenacity and achieving your dreams. I know I really liked this story because I did not even know who Bayley is. I simply became a fan of hers and her struggle through this book.

There is a great mix of action and story in the book. I like that in the comic universe that the wrestling matches are real.

This a a great underdog story. It is great being part of the woman's revolution in wrestling, but what happens when you are told you are not good enough or good but not to be great? Then your "friends" are picked over you. Do you do things the easy way an accept that, or the hard way, taking your lumps night after night.

A great story of of never giving up on your dreams, even when other have already made up their mind of you. A touching inspirational story.

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Drake (Kings of Guardian #11)

Drake by Kris Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Going solo

Another great Kings of Guardian Book. Draken and Dixon have been a staple in every book in the series so far and too my endless shame I have always seemed as one character to me. I am glad that they got their own books to tell the differences between the two of them, but also their amazing connection as twins.

Drake has always been the big brother but for the first time in a long time he and his brother are sent on separate missions to. Is breaking up the team supreme a bad idea? Not really especially as it gives them both a chance to grow as well confronting their tourcheted past.

Like the other books in the series the main characters of the previous books return to support their brothers in arms in this book. However the book as always the book can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. Though it is best it is best to read the other books to get the great back stories.

Unlike the other book this books this does feel a bit more of a two parter, not surprising with the twins involved. I really like that the book gave me more insight into Draken and him a chance to discover his own happiness and I hope his brother gets the same chance.

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Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 4

Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 4 by Akira Toriyama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great Dargon Ball Super book. This is different to the cartoon series, I really like that they try harder to to explain why and how certain things happened even from earlier book.

I especially like the was more technique and tactic are used in the fight it is not just that the character suddenly becomes more powerful, the training to strengthen their bodies to become stronger, but the fight IQ to see weakness in their opponents, and the best use of their powers to overcome these weakness, as well as secrets about certain characters is revealed.

A great addition to the series I can't wait to see what happens next and where the comic go from here.

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Star Wars: Pirate's Price

Star Wars: Pirate's Price by Lou Anders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good book that I enjoyed much more then I thought I would. Narrated by Honda Ohnaka (Disney era Star Wars' answer to Jack Soarrow).

I know this book is aimed a younger readers but it is still great for older Star Wars fans that have been their from day one.

The book contains 3 stories. The first an aging Honda is drawn into a heist (or is is the other way around) by a young Han Solo, Chewbacca and a mystery woman.

The second story is rescue attempt of and post Return of the Jedi Han and Chewie.

The third story takes place post the Last Jedi, I don't think their are any real insights to happens after the Last Jedi but good story.

An all round good book enjoyable, and I am really glad Han did shin in the first story. This is really Honda's book establishing him a lot more.

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Vigrash the Clawed Eagle

Vigrash the Clawed Eagle by Adam Blade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good Beast Quest book. It was action packed and lots of elements to this book, but I am not sure that they fit together, but I might be being a bit hasty as there are still a couple of books left in this series/quest, but I just can't see how yet I just hope it is not rushed.

I actually like in this book that Tom is a bit older and tougher as well a bit more intimidating. I think with all his accomplishment this is a bit overdue.

As much as I liked the action and adventure in the story, there seems to be too many threads that I don't see fitting together.

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East of Hounslow

East of Hounslow by Khurrum Rahman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The minority are not with the majority

A great book. It feels a bit like Snatch with muslin narration. Three things I really like about this book are:

The characters. Everything about this book feels authentic. I really like the characters struggling with their identity, values and living their everyday lives. I think everybody who grew up in London could find the character traits from the characters here in someone they knew. Just normal everyday Londoners.

The locations. If you have been to London you will know what every place in this story look like. The touches of the London tragic and getting a Death in the train brilliant.

Separating the terrorists from the Muslim community. Yes unfortunately these people exist but they are in the minority. Also really highlighting their hypocrisy. One of the most powerful chapters of this book is when a character give a very positive lecture (for appearance sake), then turned it round to justify evils act in his minds.

A great book, a good message, and educational about Islamic practices as well. If there are more books to come in this series I can't wait to read them.

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Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage

Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage by Tom DeFalco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my faverite Spider-Man story arcs. It action packed from beginning to end and securely places Spider-Man as one of the big heroes in the Marvel universe. WHERE HE SHOULD BE!!!

As good as the action is there is also a good storyline between Mary Jane Parker and Peter. How he balances his life as Spider-Man and his personal life has to take a back seat in this time of crisis. I think there is a very powerful part in the of the book where Peter is out being the hero, but MJ is home worried and scared.

The other thing that is done really well, is team Carnage is pretty united, the heroes are changing between oppersite points of views on how to deal with Carnage from their two leaders Spider-Man and Venom. You see both sides of the debate.

Then there is how Spider-Man is held in high regard by other heroes and people. There is a great message of not giving up and doing better, which is what Peter Parker/Spider-Man has always been about before Disney devolved his character for me.

Great comic collection, action packed, great story and inspirational the way comics should be.

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Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good book, with a very important message about finding facts from data, and more importantly finding the truth in all the information fed to us.

This is the a last effort from Hans Rowling, and him long time contributors (family). It contains real stories and new ways of looking at world data as well as new ways of thinking.

The message I really took away from this book is the world is not perfect. We have a lot of work to do, but to not forget all we have achieved, to take encouragement from this, to continue to improve.

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Yes, My Accent Is Real

Yes, My Accent Is Real by Kunal Nayyar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. I have to say I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I don't know If it was Kunal writing in Raj's voice, or Raj was the character Kunal's life experiences had completely prepared him to play.

Kunal's self humour of himself and his culture is tongue in cheek funny. With everyone becoming more and more politically correct. This make a great change of place. Even though Kunal is a very funny fellow there is a genuinity about him that makes him really likeable.

The book starts from Kunal's early life, growing up in India, coming to America, his work and sacrifice till he got his big break, to meeting the live of his life. The book Is full of great advice given to Kunal which he wishes to pass on. This a great book for anyone who is a fan of Big Bang Theory, Raj or Kunal.

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Wings of Dragca (Protected by Dragons, #5)

Wings of Dragca by G. Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Destiny

I really liked this book, I wish there was a bit more on the fighting side of the action. This was the only reason I did not give it 5 stars, as the actual war part and the clash of Queens was just too rushed for me.

A great ending to the series, and good way to link into another series, there by extending them both. The path of destiny is in front of Isola, now she must find the courage and support to take it. The final fate of Dragca will be decided.

A great series, though it did feel a bit rushed in places. There are plenty of things that could be expanded on in the future. With the series linked who knows where these characters might appear again.

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Marvel's Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover

Marvel's Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover by David Liss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An ok Spider-Man story. A good introduction to the world of the gaming Spider-Man. I really do wish there was a lot more action in the book. The unravelling of a mystery style of the the book was good but a bit too slow.

A couple of complaints I did have in this book. Why there was a need to rip off a Daredevil storyline and character for this book. One thing I was upset about is do author forget how strong Spider-Man is? Yes he is as lean as Fisk is massive but the strength difference between them is completely unreal. Spider-Man can lift 10 tonnes, 15 after the other storyline. It annoyes keep forgetting this and turn7ng home into a punching bag. Daredevil Vs Fisk would be a competitive fight, a fight between Fisk and Spider-Man would be the equlivent of a strong toddler fighting a strong adult in their prime. See Back in Black for how a fight between the Kingpin and Spider-Man should go.

I the the game version of Spider-Man is getting his own comic now. This book is a great introduction to this world and finishes more or less where the game starts from. A lot of side characters are introduced in new roles and lives to be explored later in the game and comics.

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Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer

Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer by Ryan Suvaal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review I have no connection to Ryan Suvaal.

I good quick read into the deranged and predatory mind of a serial killer. The scariest thing about this book is how close to reality it is. Even though it is set a couple of year in the future the technology and dealing of the dark web are already a problem today.

The on the dark web you can get anything from red rooms to interviews with deranged psychopaths where they feel they cannot be traced, but what does the killer gain from meeting their "fan's"? Is there an even more sinister game at play.

All I can say I hope the Grammar Nazi does not come after reviewers.

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Humanity

Humanity by Zaman Ali
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Duality of human nature

Quite a disappointing book. Being dyslexic I like to give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to spellings, and grammar. However this book had the most grammatical mistakes I have ever read in a published book. It almost looks like the book was written in another language and put through a translator program, but not proof read. Even this I could forgive if the message and contents are good.

This might prove I am not an academic philosopher. The ideas in the book are quite sound but continually repeating the same point and following circular logic to come back to the point made at the beginning I am not a fan of. Also one thing I really did not like is there are a lot of problems highlighted in this book, but very few practical solutions. The subject of the book is the duality of human nature, being of individual mindsets but also wanting to live in society. Dome think of the good society can do for them, and others the good they can do for society.

I respect Zaman Ali for achieving and living his dream of being known as and writing philosophy in the style of his own heroes, but the book really has too many minus then plus points. I could be this books appeals to the more classic philosophical mind then mine. The book Is to repetitive, because of which some of the good points made are lost, and there are some good points made in this book. Also there are too few answers in the book for me.

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Issrilla the Creeping Menace

Issrilla the Creeping Menace by Adam Blade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good Beast Quest book. Not the best book in the series, but quite action packed. I think coming up to the half way point of the 12 series, too many things were tried in this book, making it very rushed.

There was plenty of action in this book but the results felt very underwhelming. So far Tom and Elenna have been very much on the defensive, I am hoping in the next book they can get back on the offensive.

I always judge these book is I can set it as a punishment if my boys don't get a story which was once again the case with this book.

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