Batman: Nightwalker

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did like this story, I would have given it 3.5 stars but thought is deserved a round up. Though I cannot say if this was because of my bias of Batman being my one of favorite characters of all time. Though this is also the reason I would take off at least one star. As good as the story is this is Bruce Wayne's story, this is not quite an origin but a before he was Batman story.

One of the things that made Batman different from almost every other character is Superman take off his cape and put on the glasses and lives his life as Clark Kent, Spider-man hangs up the mask and faces his unsuccessful attempt to be Peter Parker (I am talking new Marvel Universe Parker here), but Batman is the true identity Bruce Wayne is a resource for him. It is sometimes said Bruce "died" the day his parents did and the creature of vengeance that is Batman took over and everything in his life since them about his mission to stop crime. On the other hand it has also been argued could Bruce Wayne do a better job then Batman, better funding/equipping the GCPD (Gothem City Police Depaetment), or the city in general to remove the root of the problem. This story seems to take the latter apporach, as Bruce has grown up (he is 18 at the start of the book), as a pretty much well adjusted young man. Haunted by the death of his parents but not driven/obsessed by it.

The parts of the book that were done very well is book showed Bruce's intelligence. He is not just some rich kid getting by on his parents money, going to the best schools because of his family name he is an intelligent young man (still a little naive) doing well at school and shouldering the responsibilities of his company, with good people to help him. He is not as well trained as a fighter, but he has great instincts when threatened he does not flinch away from danger but moves towards it. There some familiar characters and couple of new ones, but I was surprised how little Alfred was used in the book.

This is a good modernization of a story taking a different direction to the traditional Batman. It fits in perfectly in the modern world. If I am being honest I thing this story would have suited Terry McGinnis more then Bruce Wayne, especially with Technology making up for training (though as Bruce has gotten older he has had to put more tech in his suit to compensate). However it is a likable and a good story, but it needed Batman!!! I did find it funny in the acknowledgments page the author said part of the reason she wrote this is because she could say "I am Batman", but she does not write it in the book, actually Batman is not mentioned in the whole book apart from the title. This story is more White Knight then Dark Knight but good.

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Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An ok to good book. I would have liked to give it 3.5 stars. There are parts of the book that are really good but there are some very slow. I think part of what I had to overcome in this story, was forgetting everything I already knew about Wonder Woman. I think Leigh Bardugo did a great job of Diane, but not quite as great on Wonder Woman. However this is not a bad thing as in this story, Diane is quite a bit younger then previous incarnations of her have been, and has all the inexperience and insecurities of growing up. Therefore she should not by the warrior she is to become yet.

This is a complete remake of the origin story. It is set in the modern world not in World War 2 time. One subtle point I really liked was when Diane and the Amazon’s talk about “man’s world” they don’t just mean men but mortals in general. I liked all the side characters in the book, I think they were written really well except when the Greek “Gods” appeared. I know Wonder Woman’s history is based on Greek mythology, and if they were just mentioned that was fine, but a couple of times they appeared I still do not understand why, and the other I think the story would have been better for Diane to triumph or fail on her own. I would have also liked more fight in the story considering her warrior heritage. Though I did like the final fight, the the one before that sucked.

All in all a good take new take on Diane. I would not mind a continuation of this incarnation of Diane to returns as the true warrior/Wonder Woman, I think there is enough left to warrant that.

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Legends over Generations

Legends over Generations by Ashraf Haggag
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this book I have no connection to the author Ashraf Haggag.

This is a great book mainly concentrating great leaders of the 18th to 21st century, however there are honorable mentions of a couple of great leader/cultures or people from earlier.

The book starts are with the author stating his reason for writing this book, the takes a short/summary biography style format to person. It talk about what they were best known for, there lives/legacy’s and finishes with some of there most famous quotes. These quotes were especially informative for me as I had heard many of the all through my life but never knew who they are actually from.

This is the first book of Ashraf’s I have read, I must complement his writing style, because he managed to the right amount of information of each person. This made the book informative without overloading me with facts, and engaging. As soon as I finished one section I went to the next one. The proof of this is how fast I finished it. It is very rare to finish a non-fiction book in just two sittings.

I only have one complaint I have with this book is in the last section, the arts and literature legend’s section. This is my personal opinion/prejudice I don’t think film actors should be regarded in the same level as the others. Yes I understand acting is an art form, an these mentioned were at the top of their field, as probably more popular then the others, but I don’t think their contributions changed or shaped the world. That is my only gripe.

This is a great informative and engaging book, I would recommend it to anyone who who has more than a passing interest in modern history.

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The Alliance (The Evox Chronicles #1) You heard it here first! This series is going to be big!!!!

The Alliance by Chris G. Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great book set in a not so distant but dystopian world. The start of a great series for me. I can not wait to see what happens next. This book is more of an introduction to the main characters of this series, world building and choosing a side.

The aliens have arrived, the came and they destroyed. Now humanity is an endangered species. However humanity is not dead yet! One of the things I really liked about this book is that as much as the humanity has come together in the aftermath, our dark nature and emotions are still active in the select few bad apples. Also the aliens might not be as together as the human think. There is good and bad on both side. Heroes will rise no matter the costs, villains with go deeper into their greed nature.

The action passages are great but I would have liked more of then, but I understand that this book is more about introducing the readers to the world and characters. The only complaint I do have in this book is the same complaint I have about Chris G Wright’s inspiration/mentor R A Salvatore’s recent books. This is a personal peeve of mine. I hate battle scenes that are broken up to check up on what the other characters are doing. Eg in the middle of a batter see what is going on elsewhere, then go back to the battle. For me as good as a battle scene is I find this a bit distracting. However that is my only complaint.

If this is the quality of the series I will be here for the long haul. I can’t wait to see what happens next. With the characters, and battle lines drawn I am expecting the war to be in full swing on all fronts.

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The mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear

Star Wars The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I quite liked this book. It wanted to give it 3.5 stars so it definitely deserved a round up as it is good good for 3 stars. Yes it is aimed at younger readers, but it does add something to my Star Wars experiences. The book is also quite well researched, it is written in the third person, and mentions facts from other book and time periods from the Star Wars universe.

Han has got himself captured, and Chewie has been sent on a dangerous/suicide mission to get his release. joining him are a familiar re-purposed Imperial security droid from Rouge One on his own mission and young adventurer with her own reason for doing in this mission.

I have to say I love K2's dry wit I think Tom Angleberger got his dry delivery spot on. I like that Chewie got his time in the spotlight in this book. It emphasizes that he is not just the brawn of the pair but all his other skills and characteristics from being a great pilot to his loyalty and courage. The loyalty and camaraderie between people sent on missions like this really come through. Even if they do not like each other they have a healthy respect and bond with they other members of their team.

A good story a bit kiddie in places but good non the less. One thing that I did find disappointing is they are very few illustration in this book, and they few that are there are very similar, though the story does make up for it. Lots of short chapters a good easy read that adds to the Star Wars universe.

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Too big to fail

Too Big To Fail by Lesley Finch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted to to really like this book but I just could not really get into the book. I think it was partly as I really could not take to any of the characters.

The banking offices of Kruger Partners old money and old habits are in full fling. The company does not take any A - C there is a double D minimum, right the way down to the L’s. Sexual favors are norm and innuendo is the first language. Will 4 new interns survive the summer and is there life after Kruger’s?

I think in some cases less is more, there seems to be little story going from one scene to the next.It just seemed the same thing over and over again. I would have like a bit more story in between.

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Star Wars: Most Wanted

Most Wanted by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you Rae Carson for getting Han Solo spot on. After reading Last Shot I was a little worried about reading another Han Solo book. I think it makes a big difference when a book is written by a fan.

I enjoyed this book right from the beginning, Rae I think managed to capture all the aspects of Han’s personality. He is cocky, but loyal and compassionate. A “scoundrel” but with great leadership qualities. Han is famous for his piloting skills, we see his natural aptitude for it in this book, but others skill Han has but are a bit overlooked on the movies and books is his ability to think quickly (improving), his understanding of languages and he is a pretty handy mechanic as well.

The side characters are done really well too. I think Qi’ra was also introduced very well. I liked the fast paced setting of the book. I also like how Han and Qi’ra’s relationship changes and their characters develop through the book.

An excellent introduction to a very (possible 18 year old) young Han Solo definitely showing the traits of the legendary character he is to grow into.

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