The Bourne Deception by Eric Van Lustbader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes up the Jason Bourne saga where the last left off, replete with new characters and old, complex plots and much action. Bourne does not disappoint in living up to his credentials, but i would wish that at least somewhere in these last few books mention was made of the extraordinary background that led these accomplishments. And this segues into the larger point which is the outline of the book, true to earlier ones, is heavy on action almost superhuman in nature but less in character development on a human level that would tie us into the characters beyond the physical and technical ability. Some of this can be explained by Bourne’s memory loss of the past but not entirely. It would also help us keep track of some of the many moving pieces and personalities all over the globe. The ending was an insightful complex psychological analysis of the villain Perlis that concealed as much as it revealed that leaves the reader hanging unsure where this is leading, if anywhere.
View all my reviews
Book Review: The Bourne Deception
Book Review: The Bourne Sanction
The Bourne Sanction by Eric Van Lustbader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lustbader does not disappoint those who have a passion for reading intricate spy fiction that contains multiple layers to friend and foe. The complexity of Jason Bourne’s mentor is dovetailed by the complicated lives of his friends and colleagues. This lends interest to the characters but also complicates things for a reader who wants to focus on main plot rather than turning a page into another character input where it may be hard to recall what was said about him or her earlier in the book, if anything.
The ending does not disappoint.
View all my reviews
Book Review: The Bourne Imperative
After a somewhat sluggish start the middle and latter parts of the book picked up nicely, with many moving pieces at play concurrently all fitting together at the wrap up.
There are some challenges in the reader keeping everything in memory and perspective as more action leads to more facts to integrate in the larger whole.
It was a little surprising at how the fate of certain characters like Rebeka led to an anticlimactic end to the book as it was the reflective epilogue between Bourne and the Director.
Book Review: Dark Prince
Dark Prince (Lion of Macedon) by Gemmell, David (1991) Paperback by David Gemmell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gemmell’s Dark Prince in many ways is a masterpiece blending war, politics, mysticism and romantic destiny. Consistent with the author’s style he doesn’t sugarcoat life but out of the rough edges comes a work of beauty.
Parmenion becomes the main character of this book with King Phillip relegated to the background and King Alexander rising towards the end. The historical fiction mixed with the mystical plays a weighty role in the challenges Alexander faces after ascending to the Kingship.
I wondered why Gemmell felt a need to create an alternate reality where Parmenion and Attalus are challenged throughout much of the book, but given the remarkable way the saga ends with Derae perhaps Gemmell wanted to show the reader a glimpse of a reality where the two soulmates interacted without all of Derae’s physical handicaps, even if just briefly.
The end of the book is remarkable and emotional, leaving the reader with wistful dreams imagining their lives ahead.
View all my reviews
Book Review: Lion of Macedon
Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a great lover of Sci-Fi- Fantasy I always found historical fantasy somewhat wanting but Gemmell makes a good show of it overall. The internecine conflicts among the Greek city-states lays out all too clearly why such a dominant culture with so much influence on the world never unified into one large empire until relatively late in its history.
The way the book introduces Parmenion leads the reader to think he will be the main actor, leader, King, and Emperor of it all and yet the book does not exactly unfold like that, as great as Parmenion turns out to be. Not only does Parmenion turn into a type of moonlighting General-lead warrior for hire, he is also deprived of the one great love of his life in tragedy early on. She in turn watches over him from above, so to speak.
The book held my interest in having us wonder which imperfections of man would still win out over the opposition and which would prove fatal. The dark powers within the light leaves us to further wonder which will gain the upper hand even before the outside enemies are confronted.
View all my reviews
Book Review: Troy-Fall of Kings
Book Review: Troy-Fall of Kings
Troy: Fall of Kings
This concluding book of the Trilogy written by David Gemmell with Stella Gemmell does not disappoint. There is a certain style used by the authors that allowed all the elements to come together in the final book in a massive confrontation not seen in the first two.
The terrible costs of war are portrayed boldly while preserving here and there the human spirit to see its way through to a more creative uplifted life, even if far away.
There are few angels in this free-for-all war spanning seas and various lands. Otherwise responsible even caring human beings feel compelled to choose sides in a battle with few winners and many losers on multiple levels. Even the putative victors never managed to secure the rumored Trojan treasures once victory was assured. And to put salt on the wound, Agamemnon and his allies learned after all the effort, blood and treasure expended, even in victory, there is always a bigger fish.
Book Review of Jimmy and the Crawler
Jimmy and the Crawler by Raymond E. Feist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a nostalgic return to Feist, one of my favorite Fantasy authors, specifically focusing on some of the brand names of his earlier works. Of note, in my paperback version, there is only 141 pages, and therefore limited amount of background and development that even the greatest of authors can do in that space limitation.
The pages were cherished like a fine bourbon, if only to reacquaint with characters of the long concluded series, or at least so I thought. The basics were supplied to move the plot forward with a somewhat cliche ending that still held some mature surprises to educate the reader that not all fantasy is candy and sugar.
View all my reviews
Book Review: Troy- Shield of Thunder
This second book of historical fiction by Gemmell does not fail to disappoint in action, character development and political intrigue. Somewhat surprisingly Helikaon does not figure prominently until he begins to heal in the latter part of the book, a noted gap from the way book one ended. There were the twists and turns of battle that would not surprise anyone familiar with Gemmell’s style fo writing. What was surprising was the change in the way the reader views Odysseus mid way through the book, reflecting the complexities of life and war.
I am not a big fan of historical fiction, much preferring straight fantasy in made up worlds like Gemmell’s Drenai Saga writings. That said, the thirst for reading more fantasy by Gemmell, even in this fashion is palpable and a driving force to explore more of this series.Troy Shield of Thunder by Gemmell, David Ballantine,2007
Book Review of Lord of the Silver Bow
Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book begins a new series now set in historical fiction around ancient Troy. Gemmell does not disappoint with his ever present plot action, rich character charisma, and dialogue to tickle the imagination.
I personally prefer full fantasy over historical fantasy as the tendency to confuse what we know historically of the general region of the ancient Greek city-states ( and surround) can convolute the fiction that Gemmel is trying to build. That said, as the characters are introduced and developed, the reader is turning the pages for more, curious to see how the plot develops no less so than Gemmell’s other sagas.
The expectations, compromises and disappointments of life are in full form as volume one ends and I await to see how the lead characters deal with all the complexity and responsibility of their positions as further volumes unfold.
View all my reviews
Book Review of Stormrider
Stormrider by David Gemmell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gemmell did something interesting with this book that at least partially worked- the focus on the Rigante in this series switched from being an independent people to a conquered one. The intricate interactions with the Varlish both humiliated the Rigante and elicited their underlying greatness. The scene was set hundreds of years following the dynasties of Connavar and Bane so much was not told in how things evolved to this point. I did appreciate the subtleties of human nature brought out when some of the Varlish were challenged to compromise on their individual ethical nature and stood up to the task making a canvas of shades of grey rather than the rigid lines between conqueror and conquered. But I do also miss the elements of earlier books where the independent Rigante as the heroes are left to develop on their own. Like other Gemmell writings this book was action packed and held my interest although some focus on character development did slow things down just enough to savor the depth of the plot in places. I also would have liked to have seen at least one more book in this series to learn how things fared down the road instead of the series ending here.
View all my reviews
