At first glance this book sounded pretty good, Kirk meets Seven of Nine, so I was expecting lots of clever banter between the main characters. Sadly tAt first glance this book sounded pretty good, Kirk meets Seven of Nine, so I was expecting lots of clever banter between the main characters. Sadly that didn't happen. Personally I would rate this book as just fan fiction, and not especially well written either. The story is paper thin and involves Seven being thrown back in time where she must recover three sections of a mysterious time device, join them together and use the completed gizmo to get back to her own time. Yes it's a straight forward story of 'quests' to recover items. There was too much reliance on 'Trek' buzzwords here and not enough on the characters. Where there were original ideas they often veered off into the unbelievable or absurd. For example - who knew the Enterprise has an Olympic sized swimming pool and on the bottom is some inflatable furniture filled with heavier than water gas! Even did hard fans, like me, may struggle with this one.
Merged review:
At first glance this book sounded pretty good, Kirk meets Seven of Nine, so I was expecting lots of clever banter between the main characters. Sadly that didn't happen. Personally I would rate this book as just fan fiction, and not especially well written either. The story is paper thin and involves Seven being thrown back in time where she must recover three sections of a mysterious time device, join them together and use the completed gizmo to get back to her own time. Yes it's a straight forward story of 'quests' to recover items. There was too much reliance on 'Trek' buzzwords here and not enough on the characters. Where there were original ideas they often veered off into the unbelievable or absurd. For example - who knew the Enterprise has an Olympic sized swimming pool and on the bottom is some inflatable furniture filled with heavier than water gas! Even did hard fans, like me, may struggle with this one....more
The untimely death of Eric Morecambe in 1984 ended the career of probably the best double act that Britain ever produced. They were, and still are, onThe untimely death of Eric Morecambe in 1984 ended the career of probably the best double act that Britain ever produced. They were, and still are, one of the most beloved comedy acts and it's well documented that their 1977 Christmas special was watched by well over 20 million brits. This a book by the writer of many of their their comedy routines. (But not the plays what Ern wrote). After their career ended he still had many jokes that could only have been performed by Eric and Ernie. Some of these are in this book along with some old sketches that have become fan favorites. It was fun to read the actual script of the infamous 'Grieg' Piano Concerto' featuring Andre Previn. If you've never seen this, then check one of the highlights of British comedy on YouTube:
If you are a fan of 'Superheroines in Peril' stories then you will be familiar with background of this story. In this one it's not directly Ms PatriotIf you are a fan of 'Superheroines in Peril' stories then you will be familiar with background of this story. In this one it's not directly Ms Patriot who's in trouble, but her secret identity Jenifer Jade. Unable to beat some charges from the corrupt police department she ends up being sentenced to jail....more
This volume of the Sandman is a fantasy story who's underlying theme is all about identity and how you view yourself and how others view you. The inclThis volume of the Sandman is a fantasy story who's underlying theme is all about identity and how you view yourself and how others view you. The inclusion of a transgender character must have been very controvertial when this was written and makes you think this was written in the last few year. Just goes to show that many of the new cutting edge trendy queer authors are not that original. They are rehashing ideas that Gaiman did 30 years ago. ...more
Vol 4 is one long, complete story rather than several episodes. Lucifer has had enough and closes down hell, expells everyone and gives the key to MorVol 4 is one long, complete story rather than several episodes. Lucifer has had enough and closes down hell, expells everyone and gives the key to Morpheus. Of course, this causes all kinds of problems. Not the least of which is that everyone wants the key to Hell to take over for their own purposes....more
A 100 page short story that was actually released on Christmas Day 2023. The usual suspects travel back to try and gather examples of the original 'MiA 100 page short story that was actually released on Christmas Day 2023. The usual suspects travel back to try and gather examples of the original 'Mince Pie', called in those days a Christmas Pie. Of course, things go pear shaped almost immediately. Nice little tale but I didn't find it as good as I hoped. That may be just me as I haven't read far into the main series and may be missing some background/context. ...more
Erotica is not something I'm very familiar with but I came across references to this book (and the other 2 in the trilogy) a few years ago. Somewhat hErotica is not something I'm very familiar with but I came across references to this book (and the other 2 in the trilogy) a few years ago. Somewhat hard to find and it took me a couple of years to aquire all three. This starts out where the traditional story of Sleeping Beauty ends, the prince wakes her from her 100 year slumber, breaks the curse and rides off with her to his castle. That's where the similarity of the story ends. The rest is a BDSM story of how Beauty, and other slaves, at the castle are trained to be obedient subs. Many books of this type are self published by unknown authors and of varying quality. Anne Rice wrote these books under the alias of A. N. Roquelaure and it really shows in the prose. A vast step up from 50 Shades of Grey in terms of the writing, but also the amount of BDSM content. This is not a book for the faint of heart so if you found 50 Shades objectionable don't even touch this one! ...more
First book in this British Mystery series and it shows great promise. Some of the characters may be a bit sterotypical but they are interesting enoughFirst book in this British Mystery series and it shows great promise. Some of the characters may be a bit sterotypical but they are interesting enough to keep the reader intrigued. The murder mystery/police procudural story was imaginative and I failed to put the facts together until the very end. There were some personal issues for some of the characters that I am sure form a story arc into, at least, the next book, possible longer. Definitely will be reading more of this series.
Shane Rimmer was a Candian born actor, screen writer and entertainer who made a name for himself in the UK from the 60's onwards. A great character acShane Rimmer was a Candian born actor, screen writer and entertainer who made a name for himself in the UK from the 60's onwards. A great character actor, with a very distinctive voice, he appeared in countless movies and TV shows. He was probably best known for being the voice of Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds. Less of an autobiography and more a collection of reminiscences from his more memorable roles. I listened to the audio book which he narrated himself. ...more
I usually try and read series books like this in order, made an exception here as this was a Christmas themed story and I was looking for something seI usually try and read series books like this in order, made an exception here as this was a Christmas themed story and I was looking for something seasonal. DC Ryan and his associates are stranded by a snowstorm and their refuge becomes the scene of a murder. With no outside communications he has to use just his skill to solve the crime. This one had a very Agatha Christy feel to it with everyone being gathered together at the end for the big reveal. ...more
A short story about Hercule Poirot spending Christmas at a large country house where he hopes to solve a crime. Proceeds much as you would expect. NicA short story about Hercule Poirot spending Christmas at a large country house where he hopes to solve a crime. Proceeds much as you would expect. Nice little story to read around Christmas....more
Lovejoy gets taken out of his comfort zone of Norfolk and into the countryside of Ireland. There's an elaborate scheme to 'discover' some buried treasLovejoy gets taken out of his comfort zone of Norfolk and into the countryside of Ireland. There's an elaborate scheme to 'discover' some buried treasure and then make vast amounts of money from it. Of course, nothing goes the way it was planned for anyone involved. ...more
This volume collects 4 unique stories that sit somewhat outside the main Sandman arc. All of them are very different but have the same Gaiman brillianThis volume collects 4 unique stories that sit somewhat outside the main Sandman arc. All of them are very different but have the same Gaiman brilliance. As an added bonus the original script of one of the stories is also included. This has hand written comments by Gaiman and Jones and is very interesting to anyone who has ever wondered how a comic is actually written and illustrated. Recommended....more
Even though this book is well into the series, it's the first one that I have actually read with my eyes. All the others I have listened to the audio Even though this book is well into the series, it's the first one that I have actually read with my eyes. All the others I have listened to the audio narration by the great Penelope Keith. The funny things is that while reading this I often found myself hearing Penelope's voice in my head. Another fun entry in the series with the usual components - Agatha getting involved in a murders and subsequently poking here nose into everyone's business. The police remain tolerant of her behavior and I sometimes wonder it that's because they wouldn't get anywhere without her help. Agatha's private life is constantly in flux and that continues here. A solid entry in the series....more
Another excellent short set in the world of Riyria featuring Royce and Hadrian. I though I had this one figured out early on but then the author threwAnother excellent short set in the world of Riyria featuring Royce and Hadrian. I though I had this one figured out early on but then the author threw in a twist. I thought it was too easy:) Well worth reading if your a fan and it's available for free as part of Audible Plus membership....more
A short story from the prequel period where Royce and Hadrian had only been together for a short time. Nice tale with a twist that is very typical of A short story from the prequel period where Royce and Hadrian had only been together for a short time. Nice tale with a twist that is very typical of the characters. FYI - Free on Audible plus....more
A nice little cozy set in a quiet Irish Village. Nothing I can put my finger on but somehow I found this one hard get into and kept finding excuses toA nice little cozy set in a quiet Irish Village. Nothing I can put my finger on but somehow I found this one hard get into and kept finding excuses to read other things. The story itself was not bad but the whole things felt like it was trying very hard to be 'too Irish'. A few word and phrase choices made it clear to me that the author was an American so that may have something to do with it. Your millage my vary so give this new author a try and see if it works better for you....more
I can see what the author was trying to do here with the Sherlock Holmes feel of the story, unfortunately it didn't work for me and came off all bit dI can see what the author was trying to do here with the Sherlock Holmes feel of the story, unfortunately it didn't work for me and came off all bit disjointed. There was a lot more fiction than science here and author was obviously clueless in that department. Looking her up I was surprised to find she had no bio in her Goodreads profile. Wikipedia reveals that she has bunch of academic qualifications, but no science. I prefer my SF written by scientists turned authors and not authors trying to fake it for a quick buck. ...more
A short novella featuring the main character from the 'The Girl in the Moon'. Not bad but you need to have read the main book first to be familiar witA short novella featuring the main character from the 'The Girl in the Moon'. Not bad but you need to have read the main book first to be familiar with the character and her background and special abilities....more