scifiliteraryreviews

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Drama, action, romance, tender moments, discovery, fear and deep love and connection curl around each other to create a masterful book.

Kathryn is an older woman who's family has grown, and she lives alone in a life that has become more boring lonely routine than enjoyment. Ector, an elder kraken, is also unsettled about his life, and just as lonely. They are both looking for something, but it takes a journey on the sea, together to realize what they both needed, each other.

The world creation in this book was creative and extraordinary. From the descriptions of Halora, both land and sea, to the various creatures, to the leaked themselves, the words brought this novel to life in glorious, vibrant fashion. The descriptions of Ector alone, and how he could change color and move were fantastic.

Both Kat and Ector were searching for something, in one way, themselves, in another someone to complete them, to share their lives and hearts. The journey they go on is such a masterful adventure, with so many quiet, lovely moments. From Ector dancing for Kat, to Kat cooking for Ector, to learning about the much older human and kraken couple Hera and Luke, to Ector and Kat coming together.

There were also heart pounding moments, moments that made your heart stop, none more so than in the last couple of chapters. You know everything is going to work out, but getting there was adrenaline fueled.

A wonderfully enjoyable novel and I so look forward to the rest in this series!

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Before this novella, my only experience with Hazelwood was the fantasy novel Bride. I loved that book a lot, and wanted to try this, mainly due to it's subject matter.

None of the science topics of her earlier books really interested me, but space exploration has always been a passion of mine, so this seemed like a perfect book to read. I was not disappointed, not with the science plot, or the romance.

Hannah was a very relatable character. She worked into her love of science gradually and organically. She felt she didn't always have drive where certain things were concerned, and she had reservations about herself, personally. I think almost everyone has felt that at some point. On the flip side, Hannah knew what she was good at, when she found something she loved she pursued it with single minded precision and she played to her strengths and her passions.

Ian was, at various points, someone Hannah looked up to, someone she loathed and someone she grew to love and support with a fierceness. Hannah and Ian's relationship, like most relationships, had ups and downs. Points where things were rocky. When it mattered most though, they were there for each other, whether it was rescues in Norway, or sitting next to each other in Mission Control. They supported each other, cared for each other, and embraced each other, faults and all. That is that mark of a true, loving partnership.

Mara and Sadie were great supporting characters. Wicked sense of humor, strong love for their friend Hannah and support system when she needed it. They brought levity to this book, and made it really fun to read.

I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Hazelwood.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Another wonderful SIGMA novel!

This novel opens with a bang and doesn't let up until the last page. After SIGMA is attacked by an old enemy, and a threat from Russia and the Arctic surfaces Gray and his team must race against time to solve an ancient mystery, find a lost continent and stop a horrifying threat from being unleashed.

The thing I loved most about this book, above anything else, was Tucker and Kane were back, with a new partner, Marco, a younger Malinois. I have loved Tucker and Kane since Bloodline and they need to be in more books. The relationship between those two, and now Marco is so remarkable. The way Rollins writes them, with so much emotion, and intensity, it's wonderful. Tucker also finally found a human companion, and I hope it lasts.

The search for the lost continent in the Arctic was a treacherous, dangerous journey. The way Rollins constructed the plot about finding it, and the secrets it held was ingenious. The clues and elements, the history and the science that he wove together was, as always, so imaginative and mind blowing.

The Author's Notes in the back teased a dramatic turn for SIGMA in the next book, and now I can't wait to read it.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Of the nine Star Wars movies, Return of the Jedi was always my favorite, and since they started releasing these short story collections, this was the one I was most looking forward too, and it did not disappoint.

As with the others, these stories take you chronologically through the film, from the points of view of not only little known characters from the films, but also characters created for these stories. The collection was an equal balance of stories that reflected the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, as well as some that focused on beings, and even creatures, that had no affiliation to either group. We also get to see beings, like Dexter Jettser, who were not even in this film, but still played a role in the Star Wars saga.

Some of my favorites were:

The Light That Falls - This was a story about the last moments of Yoda's life, but we see it all from the point of view of a Dragonsnake in Dagobah's swamps. We see the snake talk about life on Dagobah, it's observations of Yoda, and at the end, we watch through the Dragonsnake watches the light go out of Yoda's hut forever.

From a Certain Point of View - This chronicled the scene on Dagobah where Obi Wan comes to talk to Luke. Much of the dialogue is straight out of the film, but the wonderful thing about this story is that it incorporates material from some of the newer TV shows, most prominently, Obi-Wan

Brotherhood - In this story we see what Anakin goes through moments after he dies on the Death Star. We see the afterlife from his vantage point. We also journey with him through his numerous regrets. When Obi-Wan arrives we get to see the two talk again as friends, something they have not done in almost 20 years. The story ends at the scene where Anakin, Obi-Wan and Yoda are watching the celebrations at the Ewok village and we see Anakin realize he is wearing Jedi robes again. It is a heartfelt, redemptive moment. This story also incorporated material from newer TV shows.

These collections are so much fun because they allow authors to fill in the gaps, and tell the missing stories from these films.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

As I was reading this book, it became so much more than I first thought or expected, in the best way possible. The intricate mystery, and sci-fi elements made this a really unique interesting book.

When Shea reaches out to Nathan in his captivity it begins an incredible journey for the both of them. Full of twists and turns, action, danger, hurt, family and above all intense intense love. These two have huge hurdles thrown in their way, but they are not alone in scaling them. Even after some harrowing things happen, to both of them. their strength and love prevail.

I loved, loved Shea and Nathan! They were such an incredible pair. Both had such horrible things happen to them, and both had fears, but they never, ever gave up on each other. Shea in particular with her skills, and then her capture and captivity in that lab, went through horrible things. Nathan never gave up on her though, willing to fight anyone and do anything to get her back and keep her safe.

Nathan's brothers were a rowdy fun bunch too. They really gave the book personality and heart. Joe was one of my favorites, especially after he bonded with Shea too. Each brother was such a unique personality, and they brought humor and strength to this book.

I look forward to more in this series!

[scifiliteraryreviews]

This book was, of the ones I have read so far, one of the more intense books in the series. There was a lot of darkness in this book, both for Corinne and Hunter. They had both suffered so horribly for most of their lives, but, when they found a way out and a way to embrace a new life they both took it.

Corinne and Hunter had both been through hell in their early lives, and in Corinne's case it was her own families fault, their betrayal sealed her fate. When Hunter and Corinne found each other they were both wary at first, but once they got to know each other, they began to understand how they were able to support and heal each other. Trusting was hard, but once that trust was established there was nothing they would not do for each other.

When Corinne begins a search for a missing piece of herself, Hunter vows, no matter what, that he will help her find what she seeks. It is a harrowing journey that puts both of them in tremendous danger, but together they find a way through.

This series never disappoints, the novels are each so unique, and so creative in terms of plot.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

What if China were concealing the existence of real, live dragons? That is the premise of this high octane thrill ride. In a zoo, under heave security, a la Jurassic Park, China has brought dragons to life. The idea being set up a zoo where people can come see them in a controlled environment. Unfortunately the dragons have other ideas, and that causes mayhem and destruction on an apocalyptic scale.

Reilly is so creative, and his plots are so detailed and so well structured. In really broad strokes this is a lot like Jurassic Park, and in many important ways it is so, so different. The dragons are smart, they are problem solvers. How they were re-animated is different. The dragons have skills the dinosaurs didn't have. Also, there is an underlying threat at this zoo, that has nothing to do with dragons, and that adds a whole other level of drama and action to the plot.

CJ and her brother Hamish were two of my favorite characters. Hamish was the humor in this book, he was sassy and clever and really smart. CJ was a brilliant mind in her field. Tenacious, she never gave up, even when it seemed that all was lost and there was no other trick she could pull out of her sleeve.

A lot about the dragons, what they could do, how they coordinated and communicated was absolutely brilliant, and in a lot of ways unexpected. It made the book so much more interesting and thrilling. The danger and destruction and all out mayhem in this book was off the charts, it was a fantastic thrill ride from start to finish.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Sci-Fi Bookishness turned 8 today!

[scifiliteraryreviews]

This book was such a disappointment. I really like books about Antarctica, the mystery and intriguing things that could be there. Admittedly I read very little of this, but what I did read was just awful. The main character was such a whiny individually. How horrible his life was, How everyone treated him badly. It just, for me, got old really quickly and I had no wish to continue reading. It might have gotten better, but I did not want to find out.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

I have read, and really enjoyed, almost all of Reilly's books. This one though, I had a couple of issues with. A lot of it was destruction and death, but there were a lot of interludes with interesting plot elements. Learning about each sibling was a show in creativity from Reilly. Crafting each Cobalt with such a distinct personality was really well done. They were such different people, but Cassie was the best. She was the most human. She didn't come off as a superhero like many of her siblings, especially Cobalt Black. She had a husband, a job, a real life, she was not arrogant but smart and careful. She thought through problems, but used the inspiration of her family to do it. Cassie realized that, even though her siblings might not be with her, she was stronger with them.

There was a lot of death destruction and damage, but the ending was spectacular. True Reilly fast paced action driven ending. It also left open the possibility of another installment in this series, and I hope there is one.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

This book is enjoyable for Star Wars fans of any age.

Each chapter is a location on Tatooine, and within that location key events from the books, comics, movies and TV, up through the Mandalorian, that happened there are discussed. Locations include the Lars Homestead, Mos Eisley, Jabba's Sail Barge and many more.

Most of what was talked about I knew, but I did learn a few interesting facts. Like how Beru always wanted to open a restaurant, or how Darth Vader came to Jabba looking to buy parts for ships.

The illustrations were wonderful. Each chapter was a two page spread with a broad picture of the location. Then there was the detail, then lots of small boxes with text underneath describing the key events. It was a great setup, you moved through the text easily. The pictures were vibrant, colorful and detailed.

A great book for any Star Wars fan.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

A wonderful collection of short stores focusing on Jedi and Sith characters such as Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Anakin, Darth Vader the Emperor and more. Each story focused on a well known Jedi or Sith then incorporated other secondary characters. The majority of the stories were about Jedi characters. These tales had it all, action, adventure, drama, danger, high stakes and humor.

My personal favorite was Resolve, about Qui Gon traveling to a planet to rescue a Youngling who had run away. In the course of that he pits his skills against a corrupt planetary leader and imparts some essential wisdom at a time when he himself is struggling. My least favorite was about Luke. It was in the first person, right around the time the Rebels were setting up the base on Hoth and the way he was written was so annoying. He was afraid of the dark, he was not sure he was up to the task of what was needed of him, on and on it went. The least original, in my opinion, was the story with Emperor Palpatine as it's focus. The majority of that story was scenes taken verbatim from the films. All the other stories were much more original, not really focusing on the movies.

A varied collection, enjoyable to read cover to cover or just the stories of the characters you like.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

I was somewhat disappointed by this book. I got it out of the library, and was expecting a book of small biographies that talked about each villain, and their lives and the role they played in Galactic activities. What this actually is, is a compendium of articles from Star Wars Insider, that talk about the villains, and talk to the actors that portrayed them or the people that brought them to life, if they were animated.

The articles were interesting, but in most cases, it was just the points of view of the cast and crew, it was very little about the villains lives, or actions or role in Galactic affairs. Not what I expected, but not a boring collection.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

I first read this book in college, I used it as a source in a paper for a class. It was fascinating to read the essays examining philosophical questions in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars is not just a story about lightsaber battles, it deals with so many other things. Corruption, love, loyalty, politics, good vs evil and morality in general. A lot of the characters grapple with questions surrounding all these ideas.  The authors of these essays do a really good job of exploring these issues, and presenting views. One of my favorites was why did there have to be a light and dark side of the Force. Why was balance important.

If you enjoy studying philosophy, especially through the lens of popular culture, try this book.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

This was much more than just a book of illustrations. It dove in depth to the Jedi Order, and it's life and structure during the High Republic.

There were mini biographies of many Jedi. We also got to learn about the early lives of many Jedi that we know from later media. In addition we got to see illustrations of those same Jedi. It really explained a lot about the early Order.

The illustrations were mostly in color, though there were a few in black and white. They were vibrant, interesting and in many cases conveyed a lot in terms of emotion.

If you are a fan of the Jedi, or the history of the High Republic this is a great book.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

Wolverine is my favorite X-Man and finally getting a full origin story was such a treat!

Learning about his early years, what drove him, what made him the man he became was such an interesting look into a favorite character. This book was dark and brooding and intense, just like the man himself. It really showed a lot of what made Logan who he was.

The illustrations were so fantastic and really captured the story the book was trying to tell. The historical feel to them really enhanced how shocking it would have been for someone like Logan to exhibit the powers he did during the Victorian era.

An interesting, engaging book about a deep character.

[scifiliteraryreviews]

This was a compilation of stories based off of the three original Star Wars movies. Each was brought to vivid, colorful life as a graphic novel story. The dialogue was word for word from the films, and the scenes portrayed were also almost verbatim for what you see, and how you see it, in the films.

I, personally wasn't a huge fan of the art, I didn't like how some of the characters were drawn, but that was just a personal preference. The action scenes were dramatic, and even the added text sound effect really added to the story.

Overall, a well done interpretation of the films.