Connor

I like this book. As foreshadowed by the Title and book Graphics, this is a medieval fantasy about a young man finding his way in the world. The writing style is exceptional and the characters are well defined.

One of the book’s themes is to “try” to succeed when all hope seems lost. Not trying means accepting a bad ending. While trying against all odds might not prevent pain, dismemberment or a cruel nickname, there is always the chance of good luck or even a decent outcome that was not expected.

Set in the near future, follows the story of a detective assigned to a murder investigation and a woman who was wrongfully imprisoned. Both are very focused on solving a mystery while others around them are self absorbed with their own personal agenda. This leads to chaos and very little gets done quickly.

The beginning is slow, but the pace quickens and soon it is hard to stop listening. I found myself sneaking a listen during inappropriate times.

To me, the best part of the book is the personal technology used on a daily basis. For example, everyone has a personal recorder that captures every moment. Very cool, but comes with a price. There is very little personal privacy. Meaning others can watch you sing and dance in the shower.

About a young police detective in London who is coming of age in a paranormal world. The narrator may be the best part of Midnight Riot. Took me about 30 minutes to adjust to his accent, but afterwards, he totally held my attention.

I plan to purchase at least one more book in the series.

This is the 2nd book in the “Scot Harvath” series and was added to Audible during Feb 2013. A fast paced and action intensive book. Kaboom!

I think part of the appeal of Brad Thor’s books about Scot Harvath is the similarity with James Bond, “007”. Scot Harvath, central character, is a handsome government agent who definitely has a license to kill. His stories take place in exotic locations and generally include a beautiful woman as well as a malevolent and amoral baddie. While James Bond duels cold war agents, Scot Harvath foes are terrorists.

By coincidence, I listened to this book during the week of the 2013 Boston Marathon. While that act of terrorism will most likely turn out to be the work of two delusional brothers, the event matches Brad Thor’s thesis that a small minority of mid-eastern extremists hate the US and will not hesitate to kill innocent citizens to prove this point.

By the way, Scot Harvath does not believe in coincidences.

This is a Sci-Fi novel about a mercenary. He is employed by an advanced civilization that dislikes violence, but understands the necessity of force to maintain peace. The book contains two story lines. One follows the mercenary’s current life and the other his memories from the past. Begging the question, are humans are one part now and one part past?

I read this book when it was first published and was blown away by the civilization’s technology and the physical enhancements that people added to their bodies to improve quality of life. No surprise, many enhancements are designed for pleasure. Mine would be eating all my favorite foods without getting fat.

I particularly enjoy that machines (think cell phones, androids, toasters, etc) are sentient and enjoy interacting with humans much as I enjoy hanging out with a dog. What is that idiot going to do next? Let’s throw a ball and watch the dog chase it

Despite being the writer of “Wake”, which I hated because it was boring, I enjoyed Robert Sawyer’s “Factoring Humanity”. The book begins with the emotional struggles between a husband and wife in dealing with the suicide of their 20 year old daughter. Then their younger daughter drops a bomb on their lives. Very real, things are bad and then go to worse.

While the book takes place in the near future, the science fiction sneaks up on the listener. Before I realized it, I was listening to an in-depth discussion on the possible uses for a quantum computer. My Physics professor would be proud of me.

I enjoyed the 1st 80% of the book. The ending is sugary and utopian. Birds are singing and children dancing. Boring dribble with no surprises.

This is the story of two princesses who visit the big city. One immediately gets married and the other starts a revolution. The book is complete with gods, people with wizard-like skills and the walking dead. Very well written and includes action as well as unexpected plot twists.

The princesses quickly discover that they are not prepared for life far from home. To survive, they must revise their views of right and wrong, and to succeed, each must find their true purpose in life.

A wealthy, young, military officer uses his position and opportunities to harm others because he enjoys the attention and knows punishment is unlikely. Like most bullies, he goes one step too far, receives justice and is cursed by overwhelming fear.

This book contains hours of graphic cowardice. OK, the man is a groveling, crying, diaper wearing grown man who cannot be pitied. But, it felt unjust to punish me with chapter after chapter on the details of the man’s fears. At one point, I almost deleted the book and moved on.

Now that it’s finally over, I’m glad I had the stamina to listen to the entire book.

To me, courage is about taking a stand, despite the odds. Knowing in advance that I might not be coming back from this one. (I’ve always wanted to say that.)

A mystery in the paranormal genera. The author was able to get me to care about the main characters and to love hating the villains. Saddly, not everyone makes it to the end.

I most enjoyed the witty repartee among the characters which added spice to the story.