Month: October 2017

Thunder and Lightning – Book 1: Red Thunder – By John Varley

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hey Jared,

I took a bit of a break last week, not from reading but the blog in general. I was finding it increasingly difficult to just sit down and write a review so I figured I wouldn’t…..for a week. It also let me get a bit ahead again.

redthunder

Title: Red Thunder
Series: Thunder and Lightning; Book 1
Author: John Varley
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Young Adult/Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future
Synopsis: Seven suburban misfits are constructing a spaceship out of old tanker cars. The plan is to beat the Chinese to Mars–in under four days at three million miles an hour. It would be history in the making if it didn’t sound so insane.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended. I would suggest it for teens or older.

Continue reading “Thunder and Lightning – Book 1: Red Thunder – By John Varley” →

Thunder and Lightning – Book 1: Red Thunder – By John Varley

DNF – Bloodmage By Stephen Aryan

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 1 Comment

bloodmage

Ok, there’s nothing wrong with the book, it’s just not what I was expecting……at all.

The first book was pretty good with a sword and sorcery feel. This book was more like 3 detective stories, probably connected, that could not hold my attention. On top of that after getting 14 chapters in I’ve given up hope on any of the main characters from the first book making a real appearance. It’s basically a standalone novel. I say that because we don’t get a true continuation of characters or major plot arcs. It’s a sequel in the sense that it chronologically set after the first, but that’s it.

Lastly, the book has some strong “modern opinions” that just felt artificial and out of place given the setting and history of the world. These weren’t the main reason but they certainly did nothing to help.

In summary, the book was not as promised and while there aren’t any glaring issues it’s not what I want or like, especially right now. If anyone has read the whole trilogy and can tell me if things change, please let me know.

Robert

DNF – Bloodmage By Stephen Aryan

Adventurers Wanted – Book 1: Slathbog’s Gold – By M. L. Forman

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Hey Jared,

Finally going back to this awesome series which I’d found and read right before we started the blog. In fact it was one of the reasons I wanted to start it because I kept telling you about it and you just sort of went “meh.”

slathbogsgold.jpgTitle: Slathbog’s Gold
Series: Adventurers Wanted; Book 1
Author: M. L. Forman
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU/AU, Medieval, Higher Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: Upon entering Mr. Clutter’s shop, Alex is swept away on an incredible adventure to a faraway land filled with heroic warriors, mysterious elves, and hard-working dwarves. Alex becomes the eigth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red – and evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the Oracle in her White Tower. Alex’s adventure takes him to distant and exotic lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series. Great for younger and older readers alike.

Continue reading “Adventurers Wanted – Book 1: Slathbog’s Gold – By M. L. Forman” →

Adventurers Wanted – Book 1: Slathbog’s Gold – By M. L. Forman