Yes, he's back, and this time with what is possibly his best and fastest-paced book to date.
Readers and friends will undoubtedly be aware that I am a huge fan of Simon Kernick meaning this review was, inevitably, going to be bubbling with positivity and optimism, but nevertheless, I'll write it anyway.
Siege is the story of a group of Arabic terrorists who, angry with Britain and its government for taking part in the war on terror, decide to hijack a prestigious hotel, take a large number of hostages and hold a Seige until their demands are met. However, as this is a crime and SK novel, things don't go as planned and people are hurt. Additionally, to add to the pace and (as Simon himself admitted) stop the book from being boring, there is a subplot which involves the return of one of my all-time favourite characters, Tina Boyd.
Inspired by the Mumbai hostage situation of 2008, Siege is also disturbing, exciting and sometimes confusing due to the large amount of characters who come in and out of the book. However, as one reads on, he (or she) can't help but mentally cheer the characters on or try and tell them not to do do that or go there.
Like all of his other novels, this one shows that Kernick researches everything thoroughly and likes to get every detail right before putting pen to paper, making this yet another realistic novel. Despite this, there is the odd cheesy moment in there and I noticed a small number of repititions, the latter being something I'm guilty of doing myself. Still, c'est la vie.
Managed in just 3 reading sessions, this is the fastest I've read in a long time and a book I had trouble putting down with each chapter finishing on a juicy cliffhanger. And to quote a recent Facebook status of mine: "Time flies when you've got no money and a good book".
Overall rating: 5/5
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells
So, after two months of lazing around, not bothering to pick up a book (minus 80 pages of George Gissing's Nether World), I finally finished a book, albeit a short one at 130 pages.
The Island of Dr. M was set as an optional read out of many for an essay due in 6 weeks, but as I'm a fan of the great War of the Worlds (novel and musical), I soon set to reading this. And a good job I did, otherwise this blog would end up just rotting away.
The Island tells the story of Edward Prendick who, after surviving a shipwreck, is saved by some sailors and brought back to good health on their mysterious home island. However, this isn't just any island. Inhabited by strange-looking mix-breeds, the island is a nightmare unimaginable to any man.
Over time, Prendick has to defend himself, kill to survive and find a way of escape. But will he? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Well-paced and rarely a dull moment The Island of Dr. Moreau is a read made for any fan of weird creatures and lone survival.
Although this was an enjoyable read it did have some slow bits resulting in small daydreams but mostly gripping, it was definitely one of the better books I've read as part of my degree. If War of the Worlds looks a bit long for your liking, this would be a good introductory read to the world of H.G. Wells. It is also a book that could easily be finished in one or two sittings (I managed it in five due to various conflicts).
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
The Island of Dr. M was set as an optional read out of many for an essay due in 6 weeks, but as I'm a fan of the great War of the Worlds (novel and musical), I soon set to reading this. And a good job I did, otherwise this blog would end up just rotting away.
The Island tells the story of Edward Prendick who, after surviving a shipwreck, is saved by some sailors and brought back to good health on their mysterious home island. However, this isn't just any island. Inhabited by strange-looking mix-breeds, the island is a nightmare unimaginable to any man.
Over time, Prendick has to defend himself, kill to survive and find a way of escape. But will he? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Well-paced and rarely a dull moment The Island of Dr. Moreau is a read made for any fan of weird creatures and lone survival.
Although this was an enjoyable read it did have some slow bits resulting in small daydreams but mostly gripping, it was definitely one of the better books I've read as part of my degree. If War of the Worlds looks a bit long for your liking, this would be a good introductory read to the world of H.G. Wells. It is also a book that could easily be finished in one or two sittings (I managed it in five due to various conflicts).
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
Friday, 6 January 2012
The Payback by Simon Kernick
The first book of 2012 is yet another Simon Kernick crime thriller. This time it's his most recent (excluding Siege, due to be released on the 18th) but, unfortunately, not his best.
So, what's the basic plot? Well, this is best written from the blurb: "Dennis Milne is a former cop and part-time assassin. He kills the bad guys - people who, in his opinion, deserve to die. Now he's in Manila, waiting for his next target: a young woman who's made some deadly enemies.
DI Tina Boyd is in Manila hunting down the man responsible for the death of her lover. She knows he's dangerous. She knows he's ruthless. But she's termined to bring him to justice - even if it kills her.
Two cops with pasts that haunt them - and a present that could see them both dead."
Featuring two of my favourite characters, Tina Boyd and Dennis Milne, The Payback is well written but doesn't quite pack the punch that novels like Severed and Relentless do. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. Especially the fact that it brought two characters together along with some others who have been featured in previous novels. The plot in this book is one which would be best understood if the reader has read all or most of Simon Kernick's previous books but could only really be described as predictable (unlike previous releases) and, at times, a bit slow.
There are, like all of his books, plenty of action points and violence, but, additionally, there are also points where you just want the character to stop talking and start doing. A little bit too much waiting around.
Enough complaining, what was good about the book? Firstly, it had Tina Boyd, a character I always enjoy reading about. Secondly, it was set abroad instead of London and the surrounding areas. This added a new "feeling" to the story with different characters and locations. It also killed off a character featured in previous stories who, when they've been read about, you've wanted to die. Vicious creatures who know only violence.
So, what are my final views on The Payback? Well, despite being well written and researched, it could have been a bit more lively as the most lively part, in my opinion, began around 50 pages from the end. I'm hoping that this is just a one-off and Mr. Kernick was just having a moment. Blame the cuts, or something like that.
Sadly, this gets a rating of just 3.5/5.
So, what's the basic plot? Well, this is best written from the blurb: "Dennis Milne is a former cop and part-time assassin. He kills the bad guys - people who, in his opinion, deserve to die. Now he's in Manila, waiting for his next target: a young woman who's made some deadly enemies.
DI Tina Boyd is in Manila hunting down the man responsible for the death of her lover. She knows he's dangerous. She knows he's ruthless. But she's termined to bring him to justice - even if it kills her.
Two cops with pasts that haunt them - and a present that could see them both dead."
Featuring two of my favourite characters, Tina Boyd and Dennis Milne, The Payback is well written but doesn't quite pack the punch that novels like Severed and Relentless do. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. Especially the fact that it brought two characters together along with some others who have been featured in previous novels. The plot in this book is one which would be best understood if the reader has read all or most of Simon Kernick's previous books but could only really be described as predictable (unlike previous releases) and, at times, a bit slow.
There are, like all of his books, plenty of action points and violence, but, additionally, there are also points where you just want the character to stop talking and start doing. A little bit too much waiting around.
Enough complaining, what was good about the book? Firstly, it had Tina Boyd, a character I always enjoy reading about. Secondly, it was set abroad instead of London and the surrounding areas. This added a new "feeling" to the story with different characters and locations. It also killed off a character featured in previous stories who, when they've been read about, you've wanted to die. Vicious creatures who know only violence.
So, what are my final views on The Payback? Well, despite being well written and researched, it could have been a bit more lively as the most lively part, in my opinion, began around 50 pages from the end. I'm hoping that this is just a one-off and Mr. Kernick was just having a moment. Blame the cuts, or something like that.
Sadly, this gets a rating of just 3.5/5.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Awkward Situations for Men by Danny Wallace
So after a pile of uni work had been completed and submitted I decided it was time to read something from my 'casual reads' line of books and so a book by TV and radio personality Danny Wallace was to be read.
Having read 'Yes Man' in the past, I made the correct assumption that this would be light but enjoyable.
Danny Wallace is a shy man who says things at the wrong time and accentually lets it slip that his friend (A) who shares a birthday with another friend (B) has bought a pricey present for B and that B should now buy something equally as expensive all resulting in a horrible outcome. Not something you'd expect to happen to someone who spent a year saying yes to everything, but it does and it's rarely pretty, hence Awkward.... In Awkward Situations for Men we are given a documentation of a year Mr. Wallace's life involving the previously mentioned situations along with minor celebs attending private parties, accidentally spitting on people's foreheads and arriving on time.
Being written by Danny Wallace, the book is funny, light-hearted and easy to read, perfect for that quick break in your studies. He's cheeky and cocky but not to the point of annoyance. To add to this the reader is often sat there thinking "Oh no, do NOT even THINK of going there!" yet he still does it, making the reader feel slightly better about themselves.
As the book continues, Mrs. Wallace becomes pregnant and Danny realises he has to grow up and switch beer for tonic water and normal carrots for organic carrots yet, inevitably, things go wrong and an awkward situation appears and when it does we can't help but laugh and feel slightly sorry for the poor man. Sometimes we can even connect with the situations and think to ourselves "Yep, I've done that."
I managed this book in just two sittings, something I haven't managed in a long time, and was worth the hours I lost, engrossed between the words. As a non-fiction writer, Danny Wallace is definitely one of my favourites. A well-recommended writer. If you can't get your hands on this book, have a look out for 'Yes Man'.
Overall rating: 4/5
Having read 'Yes Man' in the past, I made the correct assumption that this would be light but enjoyable.
Danny Wallace is a shy man who says things at the wrong time and accentually lets it slip that his friend (A) who shares a birthday with another friend (B) has bought a pricey present for B and that B should now buy something equally as expensive all resulting in a horrible outcome. Not something you'd expect to happen to someone who spent a year saying yes to everything, but it does and it's rarely pretty, hence Awkward.... In Awkward Situations for Men we are given a documentation of a year Mr. Wallace's life involving the previously mentioned situations along with minor celebs attending private parties, accidentally spitting on people's foreheads and arriving on time.
Being written by Danny Wallace, the book is funny, light-hearted and easy to read, perfect for that quick break in your studies. He's cheeky and cocky but not to the point of annoyance. To add to this the reader is often sat there thinking "Oh no, do NOT even THINK of going there!" yet he still does it, making the reader feel slightly better about themselves.
As the book continues, Mrs. Wallace becomes pregnant and Danny realises he has to grow up and switch beer for tonic water and normal carrots for organic carrots yet, inevitably, things go wrong and an awkward situation appears and when it does we can't help but laugh and feel slightly sorry for the poor man. Sometimes we can even connect with the situations and think to ourselves "Yep, I've done that."
I managed this book in just two sittings, something I haven't managed in a long time, and was worth the hours I lost, engrossed between the words. As a non-fiction writer, Danny Wallace is definitely one of my favourites. A well-recommended writer. If you can't get your hands on this book, have a look out for 'Yes Man'.
Overall rating: 4/5
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A quick update
Hello readers,
As you may be able to see/tell, it's been a while since I reviewed a book or uploaded any writing onto my creative writing blog. I am still very much alive but just recently I've had very little motivation to read anything significant (short stories, to me, don't really need to be reviewed) and in Creative Writing/Story and Myth this year we've been planning a story rather than writing weekly pieces. I have written a feww small pieces which I would consider worthy of uploading, however, I've been lazy and not done so. Oops! I'll get those online soon (possibly).
I'm also working on writing up a strict timetable which, if kept to, will provide a significant amount of reading and writing. Additionally, a friend and I have been toying with the idea of a reviews site which will feature multiple reviews. Along with this I'm considering writing some pieces which focus on life in general and my personal views on things within it. This won't be to everyone's tastes but, to remain in context, that's life.
I'm still writing for appleuncovered.com so you can view my news articles and occasional reviews over there if you so wish. In the meantime, feel free to go back over previous reviews and assignments to experience my writer's voice.
For now, goodbye,
Pete
As you may be able to see/tell, it's been a while since I reviewed a book or uploaded any writing onto my creative writing blog. I am still very much alive but just recently I've had very little motivation to read anything significant (short stories, to me, don't really need to be reviewed) and in Creative Writing/Story and Myth this year we've been planning a story rather than writing weekly pieces. I have written a feww small pieces which I would consider worthy of uploading, however, I've been lazy and not done so. Oops! I'll get those online soon (possibly).
I'm also working on writing up a strict timetable which, if kept to, will provide a significant amount of reading and writing. Additionally, a friend and I have been toying with the idea of a reviews site which will feature multiple reviews. Along with this I'm considering writing some pieces which focus on life in general and my personal views on things within it. This won't be to everyone's tastes but, to remain in context, that's life.
I'm still writing for appleuncovered.com so you can view my news articles and occasional reviews over there if you so wish. In the meantime, feel free to go back over previous reviews and assignments to experience my writer's voice.
For now, goodbye,
Pete
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Bloody Valentine by James Patterson [Quick read]
James Patterson's 'Bloody Valentine' is one of those books which can be read in a couple of hours but still has an impact on the reader and costs just 25p from a charity shop. It's a dark tale of murder, mystery and rich people.
Jack and Zee Barnes are a couple who have everything they want and need and more: a family, a large house, a thriving business and a baby on the way. So, when a violent and shocking murder occurs, the shit inevitably hits the fan.
Although slightly longer than a kids' book and readable in one session, this mini novel slash short story truly hits the spot, especially when it comes to horror crime.
I read this book today as I was slightly bored with uni work and wanted to fade into another world for a short while and this was and is the short book in my line of books sat on the floor currently. It's well written with shocking and graphic descriptions, mystery which keeps you guessing and an unexpected ending. However, I didn't find that it scared me in any way. Saying that, you and I shouldn't be surprised seeing as I've read a large amount of horror and appear to immune to such.
As a final comment I will say that when I have the time I shall be picking up another of James Patterson's novels which I believe I own.
Book number three of the R.I.P. reading challenge complete with an overall rating of 4/5
Jack and Zee Barnes are a couple who have everything they want and need and more: a family, a large house, a thriving business and a baby on the way. So, when a violent and shocking murder occurs, the shit inevitably hits the fan.
Although slightly longer than a kids' book and readable in one session, this mini novel slash short story truly hits the spot, especially when it comes to horror crime.
I read this book today as I was slightly bored with uni work and wanted to fade into another world for a short while and this was and is the short book in my line of books sat on the floor currently. It's well written with shocking and graphic descriptions, mystery which keeps you guessing and an unexpected ending. However, I didn't find that it scared me in any way. Saying that, you and I shouldn't be surprised seeing as I've read a large amount of horror and appear to immune to such.
As a final comment I will say that when I have the time I shall be picking up another of James Patterson's novels which I believe I own.
Book number three of the R.I.P. reading challenge complete with an overall rating of 4/5
Location:London,United Kingdom
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Slugs by Shaun Hutson
Book two of the R.I.P. reading challenge is Shaun Hutson's debut novel "Slugs" - a gripping tale of what happens when eight-inch-long slugs begin attacking the London town of Merton.
It starts with the mysterious death of an unemployed man about to be kicked out of his home and continues with London citizens being killed in some very gruesome and unimaginable ways.
That's until 2 council workers and naturist figure out what's causing the deaths and how to get rid of it.
But there's an epilogue...
As a debut novel this book is extremely disturbing and a good cause of toe-curling and the realisation that there's always someone off worse than you. By using slugs, the fear or disgust is increased as they're nothing compared to snails or frogs. Long, fat, black lumps which slither along the ground, leaving a thick slime trail behind them in search for human flesh and blood.
I would have read this book a lot quicker than the 10 or 11 days it took but I've been so busy with moving and uni that I haven't had the chance to sit down properly. Like most of Shaun Hutson's novels this would usually be a very fast read at only 200 pages but, for the aforementioned reasons, it wasn't to be.
Now that I'm back at uni I won't have much time to do some casual reading so I may have to risk saying that this is the last book of the R.I.P. challenge unless I count I Am Legend, Children of Men, Frankenstein and Paradise Lost book 4 as horror and treat them as casual reading also. Reviews of all four will follow in the next few weeks.
Overall rating: 4/5
It starts with the mysterious death of an unemployed man about to be kicked out of his home and continues with London citizens being killed in some very gruesome and unimaginable ways.
That's until 2 council workers and naturist figure out what's causing the deaths and how to get rid of it.
But there's an epilogue...
As a debut novel this book is extremely disturbing and a good cause of toe-curling and the realisation that there's always someone off worse than you. By using slugs, the fear or disgust is increased as they're nothing compared to snails or frogs. Long, fat, black lumps which slither along the ground, leaving a thick slime trail behind them in search for human flesh and blood.
I would have read this book a lot quicker than the 10 or 11 days it took but I've been so busy with moving and uni that I haven't had the chance to sit down properly. Like most of Shaun Hutson's novels this would usually be a very fast read at only 200 pages but, for the aforementioned reasons, it wasn't to be.
Now that I'm back at uni I won't have much time to do some casual reading so I may have to risk saying that this is the last book of the R.I.P. challenge unless I count I Am Legend, Children of Men, Frankenstein and Paradise Lost book 4 as horror and treat them as casual reading also. Reviews of all four will follow in the next few weeks.
Overall rating: 4/5
Location:Kempton Rd,Stratford,United Kingdom
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