Genre: Science Fiction, Steampunk
Setting: Earth of the future
First Sentence: Lord Wheylan Simmons was not in attendance when his valet was murdered.
Brand Gamblin has created a unique universe for this interesting novel. There is advanced technology such as automatons and vehicles called jumpers. There are lunar colonies. However, the rich and powerful ride in carriages.
In Gamblin's world, the upper class consists of nobles: dukes, earls, princes and a king. The nobles' disdain of the lower class is so complete that even their servants and laborers must be of noble blood. There is no legal way for someone of the lower class to advance into the ranks of the nobles. For a lower class person to impersonate a noble is treason.
The Hidden Institute trains youths of the lower class in the ways of the nobles. They call it regentrification. Students learn how to eat, walk, and talk like a noble. When they graduate, students infiltrate the ranks of nobility as servants and skilled laborers although it is illegal to do so. Even the lowest noble servant makes significantly higher salary than a lower class worker.
In this novel, we follow the adventures of a lower class youth named Cliffy. Being a streetwise kid, Cliffy knows how to make the best of an interesting situation. By being in the right place at the right time, Cliffy gains entry to the Hidden Institute. There he learns to polish his language and behavior. He also learns about a secret society of assassins that use the institute to train its killers.
Can Cliffy successfully use his training to enter the noble class, and avoid the revenge of the assassins?
I enjoyed this novel. Cliffy's streetwise lingo reminded me of the youth gang slang in "Clockwork Orange." The Institute put me in mind of Hogwarts Academy. And, the steampunk counterpoint of technology and Victorian society is fun to read. Gamblin's universe is so unique that it could form the basis of a longer more complex novel.
It's a fun read, but it could have been better.
The Hidden Institute
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Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Confederation (In Her Name: Redemption, Book 2) by Michael R. Hicks
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In the distant future, on different planets and space vehicles.
First Sentence: "It's going to be light soon."
This novel is the second novel in Michael Hicks's In Her Name series.
In the first book of this series, we met the main character Reza. Reza's parents were killed in a battle with the warlike Kreelans. Reza was eventually captured by the Kreelans. The Kreelans used Reza as a guinea pig to discover if they could instruct a human youth in their warrior philosophy. Reza succeeds in becoming a Kreelan warrior, however his refusal to make war on humans results in his exile from the Kreelan empire.
In this novel, Reza has returned to humanity. He must overcome the distrust of his fellow humans and he must learn again how to be human. Humanity has been at war with the Kreelans for hundreds of years. In all that time, humans have learned almost nothing of the Kreelan language and customs. Human officials see Reza as way to learn more about the Kreelans. Reza just wants to be a Marine.
The plot of the novel follows Reza's experiences as a human Marine warrior. Along the way he forms deep friendships and makes mortal enemies. He tries to stay true to his deep held Kreelan beliefs of honor. And he suffers when his human feelings conflict with his Kreelan values.
Can Reza find a way to be the best warrior he can be while honoring both his Kreelan and human beliefs and values?
This novel is a very good second chapter in the In Her Name series. I enjoyed Hick's writing style. He moved the story along and made it fun to read. There are a few sex scenes, but they are few and not overly graphic. I am looking forward to reading book three of the series.
Confederation
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Setting: In the distant future, on different planets and space vehicles.
First Sentence: "It's going to be light soon."
This novel is the second novel in Michael Hicks's In Her Name series.
In the first book of this series, we met the main character Reza. Reza's parents were killed in a battle with the warlike Kreelans. Reza was eventually captured by the Kreelans. The Kreelans used Reza as a guinea pig to discover if they could instruct a human youth in their warrior philosophy. Reza succeeds in becoming a Kreelan warrior, however his refusal to make war on humans results in his exile from the Kreelan empire.
In this novel, Reza has returned to humanity. He must overcome the distrust of his fellow humans and he must learn again how to be human. Humanity has been at war with the Kreelans for hundreds of years. In all that time, humans have learned almost nothing of the Kreelan language and customs. Human officials see Reza as way to learn more about the Kreelans. Reza just wants to be a Marine.
The plot of the novel follows Reza's experiences as a human Marine warrior. Along the way he forms deep friendships and makes mortal enemies. He tries to stay true to his deep held Kreelan beliefs of honor. And he suffers when his human feelings conflict with his Kreelan values.
Can Reza find a way to be the best warrior he can be while honoring both his Kreelan and human beliefs and values?
This novel is a very good second chapter in the In Her Name series. I enjoyed Hick's writing style. He moved the story along and made it fun to read. There are a few sex scenes, but they are few and not overly graphic. I am looking forward to reading book three of the series.
Confederation
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Killing Plato by Jake Needham
Genre: Thriller
Setting: Thailand, present day.
First Sentence: It started the way a spy story should start.
This novel is the second in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd series. Jack is a lawyer who specializes in global finance and business. He teaches business at a Thai university. Due to his past experiences, he has an interesting group of acquaintances: local police, intelligence operatives, Federal agents, shady businessmen, spies, and criminals. Because of his background, lots of people assume that he knows more than he really knows. Since Jack tends to play his cards close to the vest, few believe him when he proclaims his innocence.
In this novel, Jack and his wife Anita are celebrating their honeymoon in an up scale Thai resort. While Anita is powdering her nose, Jack is approached by Plato Karsarkis. Plato is the most wanted man in the world. It seems he has made millions selling embargoed Iraqi oil. Plato invites Jack and his wife to dinner at his place. Jack doesn't want to go, but Anita insists. And so they go. At the dinner, Plato asks Jack to do some legal work for him. Jack refuses.
But now he has a problem. Lots of people know that Jack has been seen with Plato. Soon Federal marshals and Thai security are asking him questions. As the plot thickens, Jack discovers that highly placed individuals in several different governments may also be involved.
And all this running around with spooks, spies, criminals, and agents can't be good for a couple of newly weds.
Will Jack keep his marriage together, and find a way out of this tangle without violating his high moral standards?
I really enjoy Jake Needham's writing style. He has a smooth voice that makes his novels a real pleasure to read. Needham has a deft way with words. His descriptions of people and places are a real joy to read. I read this novel in two days, which is fast for me.
The next Jack Shepherd novel is already loaded on my Kindle.
Killing Plato
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Thailand, present day.
First Sentence: It started the way a spy story should start.
This novel is the second in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd series. Jack is a lawyer who specializes in global finance and business. He teaches business at a Thai university. Due to his past experiences, he has an interesting group of acquaintances: local police, intelligence operatives, Federal agents, shady businessmen, spies, and criminals. Because of his background, lots of people assume that he knows more than he really knows. Since Jack tends to play his cards close to the vest, few believe him when he proclaims his innocence.
In this novel, Jack and his wife Anita are celebrating their honeymoon in an up scale Thai resort. While Anita is powdering her nose, Jack is approached by Plato Karsarkis. Plato is the most wanted man in the world. It seems he has made millions selling embargoed Iraqi oil. Plato invites Jack and his wife to dinner at his place. Jack doesn't want to go, but Anita insists. And so they go. At the dinner, Plato asks Jack to do some legal work for him. Jack refuses.
But now he has a problem. Lots of people know that Jack has been seen with Plato. Soon Federal marshals and Thai security are asking him questions. As the plot thickens, Jack discovers that highly placed individuals in several different governments may also be involved.
And all this running around with spooks, spies, criminals, and agents can't be good for a couple of newly weds.
Will Jack keep his marriage together, and find a way out of this tangle without violating his high moral standards?
I really enjoy Jake Needham's writing style. He has a smooth voice that makes his novels a real pleasure to read. Needham has a deft way with words. His descriptions of people and places are a real joy to read. I read this novel in two days, which is fast for me.
The next Jack Shepherd novel is already loaded on my Kindle.
Killing Plato
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Friday, June 15, 2012
Three Hands in the Fountain by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Rome, A.D. 73
First Sentence: The fountain was not working.
This novel is the ninth in Lindsey Davis's Falco mystery series. Marcus Didius Falco is ancient Rome's version of a private investigator. Sometimes he works for suspicious husbands and wives. Sometimes he works for the emperor. And sometimes he works for himself to see that justice is done. He has a messy family life, which he must balance with his often dangerous work.
In this installment of the series, Falco and his wife Helena Justina have just returned to Rome from Spain. With them is their newly born infant Julia. Being away from Rome on assignment for the emperor has not been good for Falco's career. His friend, Petro, has lost his job as a vigile, a Roman policeman. He has been having an affair with the daughter of a known criminal. Petro and Falco decide to go into business together.
They soon discover that severed human body parts occasionally turn up in Rome's water system. Sensing a chance to turn this information into a paying gig they investigate further. The body parts are usually female. And they usually appear around the same times as the many Roman Games.
Can Falco and Petro discover who has been killing these women, and polluting the water system, before someone else dies?
I enjoyed this novel. It was a good chapter in a great historical mystery series. What I really like about the Falco series is Davis's great voice. She makes Falco and his family seem real. I also like the little touches of life that don't have anything to do with the plot, but make the story fun to read.
Three Hands in the Fountain
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Setting: Rome, A.D. 73
First Sentence: The fountain was not working.
This novel is the ninth in Lindsey Davis's Falco mystery series. Marcus Didius Falco is ancient Rome's version of a private investigator. Sometimes he works for suspicious husbands and wives. Sometimes he works for the emperor. And sometimes he works for himself to see that justice is done. He has a messy family life, which he must balance with his often dangerous work.
In this installment of the series, Falco and his wife Helena Justina have just returned to Rome from Spain. With them is their newly born infant Julia. Being away from Rome on assignment for the emperor has not been good for Falco's career. His friend, Petro, has lost his job as a vigile, a Roman policeman. He has been having an affair with the daughter of a known criminal. Petro and Falco decide to go into business together.
They soon discover that severed human body parts occasionally turn up in Rome's water system. Sensing a chance to turn this information into a paying gig they investigate further. The body parts are usually female. And they usually appear around the same times as the many Roman Games.
Can Falco and Petro discover who has been killing these women, and polluting the water system, before someone else dies?
I enjoyed this novel. It was a good chapter in a great historical mystery series. What I really like about the Falco series is Davis's great voice. She makes Falco and his family seem real. I also like the little touches of life that don't have anything to do with the plot, but make the story fun to read.
Three Hands in the Fountain
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: England and France, 1413-1415
First Sentence: On a winter's day in 1413, just before Christmas, Nicholas Hook decided to commit murder.
Nicholas Hook is an English archer. He is a very good archer. In the 15th century, the English longbow was the leading edge military technology. Previously, knights in armor were the greatest form of military might. However, it was extremely expensive to outfit and train a knight. So only a few wealthy warriors became knights. In contrast, it was much less expensive to train archers.
Due to a family feud, Nick is declared outlaw. He joins a mercenary archer troop and goes to war in France. There he survives the massacre of the English by the French at the battle of Soissons.
When he returns to England he joins Sir John Cornewaille's company. Sir John gives Nicholas a more complete warrior's training. Sir John's company then joins King Henry V to invade France. There they lay siege to the castle at Harfleur. King Henry believes that he is the rightful king of France. He wants to have a great battle with the French so that he can take possession of the the French throne. After the fall of Harfleur, Henry marches through France toward Calais. The two armies meet at Agincourt.
The battle of Agincourt is considered one of the pivotal battles between England and France. The English army of about 6,000 challenged a French army of about 30,000. The French army consisted of mostly knights and men-at-arms, while the English had more than 4,000 archers. The English army defeats the French.
Cornwall's novel follows Nicholas Hood's adventures as an archer in the 15th century. Cornwell realistically describes the horrors and depredations of life in a medieval military campaign. He describes the violence of the battles, and filth of life in those old days.
I liked this book. Cornwall stays close to the actual historic events of those times. The plot lines of Nicholas's family feud, and his relationship with Melisande are believable. Sometimes, novels based on historical events can be dry. In my opinion, authors can try to impress the reader with the depth of their research. Cornwell avoids this and has created an enjoyable historical novel.
A nice touch was the nod to Shakespeare that Cornwell includes in this novel. He has King Henry visit the archer's camp in disguise to discuss the imminent battle. This scene also is in Shakespeare's play "Henry V".
Agincourt
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England and France, 1413-1415
First Sentence: On a winter's day in 1413, just before Christmas, Nicholas Hook decided to commit murder.
Nicholas Hook is an English archer. He is a very good archer. In the 15th century, the English longbow was the leading edge military technology. Previously, knights in armor were the greatest form of military might. However, it was extremely expensive to outfit and train a knight. So only a few wealthy warriors became knights. In contrast, it was much less expensive to train archers.
Due to a family feud, Nick is declared outlaw. He joins a mercenary archer troop and goes to war in France. There he survives the massacre of the English by the French at the battle of Soissons.
When he returns to England he joins Sir John Cornewaille's company. Sir John gives Nicholas a more complete warrior's training. Sir John's company then joins King Henry V to invade France. There they lay siege to the castle at Harfleur. King Henry believes that he is the rightful king of France. He wants to have a great battle with the French so that he can take possession of the the French throne. After the fall of Harfleur, Henry marches through France toward Calais. The two armies meet at Agincourt.
The battle of Agincourt is considered one of the pivotal battles between England and France. The English army of about 6,000 challenged a French army of about 30,000. The French army consisted of mostly knights and men-at-arms, while the English had more than 4,000 archers. The English army defeats the French.
Cornwall's novel follows Nicholas Hood's adventures as an archer in the 15th century. Cornwell realistically describes the horrors and depredations of life in a medieval military campaign. He describes the violence of the battles, and filth of life in those old days.
I liked this book. Cornwall stays close to the actual historic events of those times. The plot lines of Nicholas's family feud, and his relationship with Melisande are believable. Sometimes, novels based on historical events can be dry. In my opinion, authors can try to impress the reader with the depth of their research. Cornwell avoids this and has created an enjoyable historical novel.
A nice touch was the nod to Shakespeare that Cornwell includes in this novel. He has King Henry visit the archer's camp in disguise to discuss the imminent battle. This scene also is in Shakespeare's play "Henry V".
Agincourt
Check out my eBook!
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