This isn't a bad book at all, even if it does get a bit self-consciously 'literary' in places. I love Victorian-era fiction and I love the author's wa...moreThis isn't a bad book at all, even if it does get a bit self-consciously 'literary' in places. I love Victorian-era fiction and I love the author's way of setting the time and place with lots of little extra touches - pictures, ship's logs, letters, stories, etc. It certainly breaks up the narrative which would be otherwise overwhelming.
My problem is that the blurb misadvertises this as a ship-board murder-mystery when it isn't anything of the sort. Instead, it's a slow and long-winded exploration of the Irish potato famine, exploring it from the point of view of both those affected and the landowners stuck in the middle of it. O'Connor is careful to provide a non-biased account of the times and I enjoyed learning about his subject. The depiction of life for Irish immigrants onboard a ship bound for America is also exemplary.
Almost the entire novel consists of the intermingled back-stories of lots of different characters. It can be tiresome to read in places, but I did find that I was always able to pick up the book again and read on, so it does have strong readability. By far the best part is an account of the life of Pius Mulvey, a truly sinister character undergoing some bizarre adventures around England and Ireland.(less)
Hard to fault this one: it's slick, lean and ruthlessly efficient, quite unlike any other Wilbur Smith novel I've read to date. The setting is St Mary...moreHard to fault this one: it's slick, lean and ruthlessly efficient, quite unlike any other Wilbur Smith novel I've read to date. The setting is St Mary's Island, in the Indian Ocean, and there's none of the game hunting or African history that provides the background of the author's other books.
The story is action-focused and one of those ones in which everyone other than the hero and his companions seems to be a bad guy. Harry Fletcher, the protagonist, is a chap who makes his living by taking tourists out to hunt various sea creatures, but of course soon events take a darker turn as he gets caught up with some very murky clients.
The novel reminded me of Bernward Cornwell's seafaring thrillers and this one's even better. The action scenes, when they come, are superbly described and the tension builds throughout, leading to a nailbiting climax. There are the requisite twists, turns, romantic interludes and a little globetrotting, all brought to life by the author's inventive turn of phrase. I loved it.(less)
A tremendous book, one of my reads of the year (a difficult thing, considering how many good books I've encountered recently) and one of the finest hi...moreA tremendous book, one of my reads of the year (a difficult thing, considering how many good books I've encountered recently) and one of the finest historicals I've ever read. Harris turns out to be an eminently readable author who has a way of making dry facts and figures interesting, as the text is interspersed with engaging descriptions that do nothing to slow the breakneck narrative down.
The reason that POMPEII is such a good read is that it works without the volcanic eruption - take out Vesuvius entirely and I'd still be thoroughly hooked by the mystery plot. The setting is very well realised - you can smell the heat and taste the decadence of Rome - and the characters, while occupying well-established types, are well drawn.
By the time the book gets around to the eruption, I was so gripped that I read the rest in a single sitting - a rare occurrence, as I prefer to savour the stories I particularly enjoy. They're currently producing a miniseries of this, and if it comes close to the quality of the book then it's sure to be a winner. (less)
There's little more to say about one of the absolute classics of the mystery genre that hasn't been said already. This is the third of the Sherlock Ho...moreThere's little more to say about one of the absolute classics of the mystery genre that hasn't been said already. This is the third of the Sherlock Holmes novels I've read (after A STUDY IN SCARLET and THE SIGN OF FOUR) and it's the best yet, with a lean, pared-down narrative and an inventive, action-packed mystery.
Yet the strength doesn't live in the pacing or focused narrative but in the atmosphere. I'm a huge lover of gothic literature, and Conan Doyle nails the gothic atmosphere perfectly here. There's the echoey old mansion with sinister servants; the strange light out on the moor; traces of GREAT EXPECTATIONS in the escaped convict; the unforgettably eerie Grimpen Mire; and, of course, the titular hell-hound. All of these diverse elements tie together perfectly, making this one of the detective's spookiest adventures.
As a story, HOUND belongs to Watson. Holmes appears in the story relatively little, but Watson commands the day. His character has progressed to the stage whereby he can figure mysteries out for himself, and I feel that Conan Doyle wrote this novel to dispel the myth of Watson as a blundering dunderhead, although he does have his moments. Otherwise, this is a faultless read. Ideal Holmes, if you will.(less)
My first exposure to Hemingway, and a book that's hard to get into. The author's simple-but-deep style takes some getting used to, and with characters...moreMy first exposure to Hemingway, and a book that's hard to get into. The author's simple-but-deep style takes some getting used to, and with characters not his strongest point the whole first third of the book, focusing on romance and supporting characters, is pretty tiresome.
Thankfully, I stuck with it and soon discovered that it was getting better, leading to a quite gripping final act. While before it had been a chore to read, I really enjoyed the suspense of the sequences dealing with the request and the eventual journey to Switzerland. The ending is as crushing as you could imagine.
There are problems; this isn't a book I'd want to read again. The narrator comes across as cold, ruthless and self-serving and Christine something of a wet fish. The 'romance' is anything but, but the sequences detailing the war are enlightening.
I'd describe this as a booze-soaked look at a theatre of war not often explored, with plenty of hopelessness and despair thrown in as a sweetener.(less)
An excellent follow-up to WOLF OF THE PLAINS, the debut novel in this series which charts the life and times of Genghis Khan and his ancestors as they...moreAn excellent follow-up to WOLF OF THE PLAINS, the debut novel in this series which charts the life and times of Genghis Khan and his ancestors as they conquered half of the world. While the first book was ultimately a small-scale origin story, LORDS OF THE BOW adopts a different tone entirely: this is a war book through and through.
It isn't all massed battles, though, which some readers might be expecting. Iggulden is more nuanced than that, and his goal is to get across the strategy of warfare. Therefore, while there are a couple of rip-roaring huge scenes of warfare involving thousands of troops, for a lot of the time Genghis uses tactics to outwit his opponents and win them over.
If this book has a weakness then it's the characterisation; it may be to do with the cultural traditions of the 'cold face' in the Mongolian society, which sees the display of emotion as a weakness, but we learn little about Genghis the man, only about him as a leader. But that's small surprise given the breadth of Iggulden's cast, incorporating enemies, tribal leaders, army commanders and Genghis's close family.
LORDS OF THE BOW is an expertly written story with excellent pacing and wonderfully described battle scenes. The plot zips along, surprising the reader all the while, and even a sub-plot involving supporting characters with Genghis nowhere in sight is as enthralling as the other sections. There are not many books I think of as epic, but this series is quickly shaping up to deserve the term.(less)
A neat travelogue exploring some of the world's less visited destinations: the author goes out of his way to explore places like Cambodia, North Korea...moreA neat travelogue exploring some of the world's less visited destinations: the author goes out of his way to explore places like Cambodia, North Korea and Iran, all tinged with death and/or oppression. I admire his principles, but this isn't the laugh riot one might expect from the guy behind TRIGGER HAPPY TV.
I'm a massive fan of Joly the actor, especially his TV shows (WORLD SHUT YOUR MOUTH is another favourite). As a writer, though, his imagination has less chance to shine. The humorous situations in which he finds himself and the descriptions of the lesser known locales are fine, but it's the forced attempts at humour which don't really work. One joke, in which Joly's dreams are supposedly influenced by the weird stuff he's experienced during that day, quickly becomes wearying.
Still, I'm making this sound like a bad travel book and it isn't; it's merely that my expectations were too high. Readers will be engaged and perhaps encouraged to avoid stereotyping some of the more dangerous people and places on our planet.(less)
A great entry in the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. This is the fifth book and a return to the quality of the initial three after the slightly sub...moreA great entry in the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. This is the fifth book and a return to the quality of the initial three after the slightly sub-standard SWORD SONG. This one's so great because it sees Uhtred finally breaking away from Alfred (hurrah!) and setting up power on his own.
Once again, the story is dominated with powerful descriptions of England's lands and peoples. Cornwell has great fun with a fictional villain - Harald Bloodhair, a man who lives up to his name before each battle - and culminates with one of the best battles of the series, an assault on a seemingly impervious fortress.
As much as I love this series, I realise that the incessant bickering between Uhtred and Alfred/his cronies in the previous books was starting to grate. Cornwell had finished developing the relationships by the time of the second book, which is why they were so repetitive in SWORD SONG. THE BURNING LAND has Uhtred allying himself with characters both new (the beguiling Athelflaed) and old (the appealing Ragnar) which breaks up the mould and freshens everything up. Add in a truly horrible villainess - Skade - and you have the trappings of a rousing, breakneck historical adventure.(less)
A truly excellent historical romance that casts hero and heroine as top spies on opposite sides in an era of war. I wasn't sure that the Napoleonic sp...moreA truly excellent historical romance that casts hero and heroine as top spies on opposite sides in an era of war. I wasn't sure that the Napoleonic spy stuff would really mix with the romance, but in Joanna Bourne's hands it works very well indeed.
Annique and Grey are both individually strong characters, each at the top of their game and more than capable of fending for themselves should the need arise. Inevitably, when the two are thrown together in a 'quest' style storyline, the sparks fly, along with a grudging mutual respect. The romance is unhurried and believable, gradually developing along with the characters.
The background to a romance can sometimes be little more than an excuse to get two people together on the page. Not so here. Bourne paints a complex world of shifting allegiances, ruthless murderers, rival factions and killers at every corner. It's exciting, whether in the outstanding set-pieces (such as the attack on the house) or in the many twists and turns that I never seemed to see coming.
I'm quite familiar with books set during this era, and I found the standard of research and realism was high, both in the evocation of character types and the setting. In fact, I only spotted one mistake - an Englishman using the American phrase "son of a bitch". Other than that, Bourne is spot on, and THE SPYMASTER'S LADY is a fine read.(less)
Judging by some of the reviews here on Goodreads, this seems to be a love it or hate it type of book. I'm in the former camp - I found LAST OF THE AMA...moreJudging by some of the reviews here on Goodreads, this seems to be a love it or hate it type of book. I'm in the former camp - I found LAST OF THE AMAZONS to be a fabulous read. When I read Pressfield for the first time (GATES OF FIRE, of course), I doubted that I'd ever encounter a better retelling of a great piece of military history. I still stand by that - LAST OF THE AMAZONS isn't better than GATES, but it IS the novel's equal.
Previously to reading this, I knew nothing about Amazons or their history, other than a notion of larger-than-life warrior women. Pressfield brings to life their culture, their whole ethos, like no other. Afterwards, I looked at the historical facts surrounding the Amazons, and discovered that historians know very little. To discover that all of this came from Pressfield's imagination means that he has the same unrivalled, grandiose, world-building skill as someone like Tolkien.
Life and death play a big part in the story, and slaughter is seemingly a way of life. Once again, much of the text is taken up with a huge battle, this time the siege of Athens. The described warfare doesn't disappoint, and was among the finest accounts I've ever read. This is definitely a heavy read, with lots of unfamiliar terminology and peoples, but once I got into it I was hooked and shedding tears come the ending. You really get the measure of the Amazonian society and their singular heroism and courage. An absolutely outstanding book.(less)
I've been reading Wilbur Smith's novels in chronological order, and I've now reached the mid 1970s. THE SUNBIRD marks the author's first attempt to do...moreI've been reading Wilbur Smith's novels in chronological order, and I've now reached the mid 1970s. THE SUNBIRD marks the author's first attempt to do something different: this is actually two novels in one, linked via parallel themes and characters.
The first part of the book sees the author in familiar territory: his hero is a hunchbacked archaeologist and the story is his search for a lost Phoenician kingdom in the deserts of southern Africa. This part of the book is superb: it makes archaeology sexy in the years before the debut of Indiana Jones, and it features all the love, death, murder, astonishing twists and evocative landscapes that Smith's books are noted for.
The second part of the book is something new for the author: an account of an ancient kingdom, headed by two heroes, and what eventually happened to their people. It starts off VERY slow indeed, with lots of time devoted to unnecessary animal slaughter. Then it introduces a slave character, Timon, and it suddenly gets AMAZING. Smith depicts the downfall of an entire civilisation and it doesn't get more epic, or exciting, than this. Come the end, I was completely hooked by the unfolding events.
Aside from a few minor flaws here and there, THE SUNBIRD marks another high for the author. My only real complaint is that there's actually enough material for two separate novels rather than attempting two-in-one as Smith's done here. As a result, some aspects of the plot - such as the terrorists - feel hastily written and unfinished. As is always the case with this author, I'm left wanting more.(less)
An atypical Sharpe outing, in which characterisation takes precedence over plotting. The resultant book is one with an extremely brief and thin plot, ...moreAn atypical Sharpe outing, in which characterisation takes precedence over plotting. The resultant book is one with an extremely brief and thin plot, which barely gets a look in when there's so much going on elsewhere: the introduction of a pivotal French family in the supporting cast, an epic and seemingly climatic battle at Toulouse, the frenetic climax and the emphasis on romance.
In short, SHARPE'S REVENGE marks an attempt by Cornwell to get to know his characters at a greater depth as he looks at what makes them tick and what drives them to do what they do. Sharpe, Harper and in particular Frederickson are all explored at length, which makes for engaging reading, while Sharpe's wife Jane gets a subplot all to herself and a new character, Lucille, brings freshness to the pages.
Add in returning characters Nairn, Ducos, Bampfylde and Calvet, and you barely have time for any storytelling. Not that that's a problem; it just means that this novel flies by and seems to be over almost before it's begun. There's enough going on here, though, for the novel to have been twice the length it is.(less)
C. J. Sansom’s Tudor mystery series continues with DARK FIRE, a follow-on from DISSOLUTION and once again featuring Matthew Shardlake as Thomas Cromwe...moreC. J. Sansom’s Tudor mystery series continues with DARK FIRE, a follow-on from DISSOLUTION and once again featuring Matthew Shardlake as Thomas Cromwell’s hunchbacked lawyer.
DARK FIRE is a step up from the quality of the first novel, a book I found pretty decent to begin with. The story breaks free of DISSOLUTION’s single, isolated setting – a remote monastery – and instead brings to life the sights and sounds of 16th century London, and is much the better for it. One of Sansom’s real strengths as author lies in his vivid and evocative descriptions of the times in which he writes, so if you love reading about historical backdrops then you’ll adore the one here. There are no niceties, mind: this is full of brutal realism all the way, with corpses floating down the Thames and the stink of urine and excrement in pretty much every street.
DARK FIRE isn’t a perfect book and indeed some of the flaws from Sansom’s first novel are still present here. It feels extremely formulaic, with Shardlake and his new assistant Barak trotting from one location to the next and back again, and the plotting is long winded. At least half the novel is, in my mind, somewhat extraneous, involved with unravelling a mystery that turns out to be unassociated with the book’s main thrust. If only some supporting characters had come clean to begin with, Sansom could have excised some of these repetitive back-and-forth shenanigans.
Nevertheless, the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses here. I’m no fan of politics, but the manoeuvering and backstabbing between Cromwell and his enemies makes for a fascinating background to the story’s mysteries. The supporting cast is much more engaging than the interchangeable monks of the first book, although there is the welcome return of one character. Barak makes for a more interesting accomplice for Shardlake than DISSOLUTION’s Mark, and watching the rapport between the two leads is highly entertaining. At its best, the story is sinister and atmospheric, and features some highly memorable set-pieces: Shardlake indulging in a spot of grave-robbing or attempting to uncover what lies within the depths of a long disused well, as well as murder attempts at some famous landmarks and some vivid descriptions of the titular conceit at work.
It’s a good, if not excellent book, and certainly paves the way for the third – and best – in the series, the York-set SOVEREIGN. I read SOVEREIGN out of order, my first Sansom read, and enjoyed it so much I went back to the beginning. Now I see that the author’s strengths grow with each book, leaving SOVEREIGN the clear best of the three. I look forward to catching up with REVELATION, the fourth Shardlake adventure, at some point in the near future. (less)
A gutsy and compelling retelling of the life and times of Odysseus, beginning with his wooing of the Princess Penelope and his attempts to suppress a ...moreA gutsy and compelling retelling of the life and times of Odysseus, beginning with his wooing of the Princess Penelope and his attempts to suppress a revolt on his beloved island kingdom of Ithaca. This is the first in what promises to be a long-running series encompassing the Trojan War and all manner of mythical adventures on top of that.
The story of Odysseus has long been a popular one, with the hero showing up in film, television and novels over and over again. Despite the familiarity of the subject matter, the author's contribution to this mythos is a sterling one. Iliffe writes with authority and enthusiasm, sweeping us along as his book alternately involves political machinations, pure fantasy and of course bloodthirsty battles.
Iliffe takes the step of making up the leading character, Eperitus, a close friend and confidante of the legendary hero Odysseus. This allows him to have some fun and a little leeway with the plotting. I found the story to be full of "meat", with excellent action sequences, the requisite amount of traitorious doings and a large cast that's well-handled despite the oft confusing character names.
It does slow down a little halfway through, where we get stuck in the Spartan palace for what seems like an age, but things kick in again ready for some breakneck action come the climax. This is a very well written book and one that makes me hungry for the sequels. Bring 'em on!(less)
A gruesome but engaging story detailing life in ancient Rome under the rule of the mad Emperor.
The main character in the story is Rufus, a...moreA gruesome but engaging story detailing life in ancient Rome under the rule of the mad Emperor.
The main character in the story is Rufus, a slave singled out for his special ability to train various animals - a useful talent in a time when gladiatorial bouts between man and beast were a common sight in the arenas. Gradually, Rufus becomes drawn into Caligula's inner circle, while a combination of supporting characters - gladiators, traders, dwarves, slaves, spies, seductresses - are brought vividly to life.
Caligula himself is only a supporting character, but Jackson does well to capture his changeable moods and gives us a decent measure of the man. Rufus' humility makes him an engaging lead, and plot-wise, the story picks up momentum, moving from an interesting opening to finishing with a bloodthirsty, history-changing climax.
Be warned: there's some horrendous animal cruelty here, some of it occurring very early on. I can read pages of limb-lopping combat between men, but give me a poor defenceless creature being tortured and I find it hard to go on. Still, it's worth perservering, because this makes for a meaty, substantial political thriller. A sequel, CLAUDIUS, follows.(less)
Possibly Cornwell's darkest and most pessimistic book yet. This is the fourth in the series chronicling the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon battling the...morePossibly Cornwell's darkest and most pessimistic book yet. This is the fourth in the series chronicling the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon battling the invading Northmen in 9th century England.
Once again, it's an eventful and compelling read, not least because it's action packed from beginning to end. Uhtred is forced into confronting the Vikings in the London area again and again, with things culminating in one of the most ferocious battles yet written by the author. Each battle is incredibly visceral and written in a visual style that lets you play it out in your mind's eye.
Elsewhere, the author's hatred of Christianity comes to the fore with a supporting cast of sinister and brutal Christian characters. Events that occur are bleak, especially surrounding Alfred's daughter Athelflaed, and unfortunately there's little satisfactory comeuppance for any of the villains involved. This makes for sometimes gruelling and frustrating reading - but at least Cornwell's soon back on track with the warfare, so it's not all bad. (less)
King's latest anthology of horror stories is his weakest yet. It's telling that one of the better tales collected here - the grisly revenge of THE CAT...moreKing's latest anthology of horror stories is his weakest yet. It's telling that one of the better tales collected here - the grisly revenge of THE CAT FROM HELL - is one of his older, previously uncollected, offerings. His newer stuff is poorer for the most part; the author seems to have lost the narrative power he once brought to both his short stories and novels.
Many of the stories collected here are anecdotal and ever-so short, with so little plotting they could have been written on the backs of beer mats. As King gets older, so he deals with more mundane horrors of everyday life - the terror of illness, the problems of getting old and the body failing. There are flashes of greatness, but they seem fewer and further between.
First, I'll list the stories I didn't care for. We begin with WILLA, an abstract story of the afterlife that's a bit of a chore to read. The idea of a humdrum eternity is good, but the characters are dull and the story lacks drive. HARVEY'S DREAM is about a nightmare-cum-premonition and has well drawn characters, but it's too short. REST STOP was inspired by a real-life event and it shows: plenty of literary mise-en-scene but more of a vignette than a story.
THE NEW YORK TIMES AT SPECIAL BARGAIN RATES, about a phone call from beyond the grave, is irrelevant as its title, although there are some affecting moments. MUTE reworks the hoary chestnut of the killer hitchhiker to rather dull effect, and AYANA's exploration of miracles in the modern world is imaginative but too abstract.
Next, we move into more interesting fare. King tackles 9/11 with THE THINGS THEY LEFT BEHIND and GRADUATION AFTERNOON. The latter has some strong imagery, but is brief and free of story. The former takes the format of a subtle ghost story and is much better: there's poignancy in spades. Of the four stories left, two are non-supernatural. THE GINGERBREAD GIRL, about a serial killer, is highly suspenseful and rather gruesome, and I liked it. A VERY TIGHT PLACE is the archetypal story of a guy getting stuck in a toilet, suffused with bad taste, but there's too much back story to be going on with for it to make much of an impact.
That leaves two final efforts. The first, an awkward piece of science fiction and alternate reality called THE STATIONARY BIKE, tells an extremely outlandish story and is so offbeat as to be worth a look, even if it isn't entirely successful. The last is a traditional horror story in the style of Arthur Machen and H. P. Lovecraft: N. is a rejigging of the epistolary format for modern readers, a tale of a nameless cosmic horror, and a beautiful and evocative piece of writing.
As always, King's imagination isn't at fault, but he needs to make more of an effort with linear narratives to appeal to this reader.(less)
A concise and easily readable account of various characters from the Second World War whom the author has singled out for praise due to heroism or cou...moreA concise and easily readable account of various characters from the Second World War whom the author has singled out for praise due to heroism or courage on their part.
Of course, reading this book comes with the baggage of Brown's disastrous tenure as UK Prime Minister, but I was pleased to find the man's political and writing careers are two entirely separate things. Although I don't think much of him as a politician, I like him as a writer: he has that lightness of touch that it sometimes seems that few authors possess.
I'm hardly an expert when it comes to WW2 chronicles but there's a lot of familiar material in this book, particularly the stories of SOE operatives in France which have been covered time and time again. Still, there are plenty of other intriguing snippets, particularly Slim's adventures against the Japanese in Burma and the decency shown by a squad of British soldiers in their dealings with a Jewish girl hiding out in a barn.
It might not be a book to set the world on fire but I found it a cosy read and an uplifting look at the heights to which mankind is occasionally raised.(less)
The outstanding sixth entry in the much-loved series is a definite step up from the previous novel - not that there was much wrong with that to begin ...moreThe outstanding sixth entry in the much-loved series is a definite step up from the previous novel - not that there was much wrong with that to begin with. But this one seems to have more depth and importance when it comes to the plotting, introducing pivotal characters to the series and deepening the ones we know and love even more.
Smith's writing seems more effortless than ever, and it's hard to put down a book with this much page-turning quality. Each and every page is permeated with happiness, humour and hope and it's a story that'll leave you feeling uplifted once you've finished. What more is there to say?(less)
Not one of the author's best books, but fans should still enjoy it. This one follows on from GHOST KING and is much of the same, with the myths and le...moreNot one of the author's best books, but fans should still enjoy it. This one follows on from GHOST KING and is much of the same, with the myths and legends of Arthurian Britain mixed up with sorcery and demonic creatures. A familiar template for Gemmell, then.
This one loses points by having too many characters in a rather jumbled storyline. Most of the characters from the first book come back, a whole new cast are introduced, and to complicate matters even further, when characters die they don't really die, their souls are transported instead to a netherworld where they find further adventure. Merely keeping track of where/what and who everybody is (I should mention that other characters have dual personalities and are able to adopt different forms at will) becomes an ordeal in itself.
Still, as with every book I've read from this author, THE LAST SWORD OF POWER has guts - and heart. The characters and in particular their motivations are never less than believable. The action scenes are exquisite and the human flaws that propel the protagonists are what makes this book so readable.(less)
This is the outstanding final chapter of Wilbur Smith's initial Courtney trilogy that began with WHEN THE LION FEEDS. With the story of Sean and Garry...moreThis is the outstanding final chapter of Wilbur Smith's initial Courtney trilogy that began with WHEN THE LION FEEDS. With the story of Sean and Garry virtually tied up at the end of A SOUND OF THUNDER, the previous instalment, the plot in this one introduces a new central protagonist who brings freshness to the saga.
Despite being a great deal longer than the first two books, A SPARROW FALLS is never less than unputdownable. Starting off in the trenches of WW1 and gradually moving to the African wilds, Smith creates a compelling portrait of a changing society and changing landscape. Once again, various plot strands of war, terror and romance are woven together expertly, with the miner's strikes of 1922 playing an important background part.
Dirk Courtney, a mere boy in the last saga, has become a ruthless and powerful villain by this time, one of the most memorable bad guys I've read from this author. Mark Anders, shell shocked and innocent, makes for an engaging hero and a fitting contrast to Sean Courtney's alpha male masculinity. The action scenes are superby described as always, and the ending manages to be both powerful, tragic and fitting. Great stuff!(less)
An outstanding historical saga and my first exposure to James Clavell. On the strength of this, I'll be sure to read the rest of his work.
...moreAn outstanding historical saga and my first exposure to James Clavell. On the strength of this, I'll be sure to read the rest of his work.
TAI-PAN is epic in scope, a novel whose background is the inception of Hong Kong by the British, circa 1841. Into these turbulent times comes a tail of rival opium smugglers, piracy, betrayal, love, hatred, incest, murder, friendship and natural disasters. Pretty much everything is here, giving this the flavour of a historical saga of old with a distinctly masculine edge (Clavell doesn't shy away from depicting violence or perversity).
I'll admit that the first 100 pages or so are difficult to get into, as the author flits from one new character to the next, explaining their backgrounds before getting on with the storytelling. But he does tell a tale very well, hooking you so much that this becomes unputdownable. You just HAVE to find out what's going to happen to Struan, Mai-Mai, Brock etc. next. At around 700 pages in length this isn't for the weak of heart, but it is extremely rewarding and one of those historical novels that delivers on two fronts: it not only succeeds as entertainment but education as well.(less)
One of the author's shortest efforts and perhaps his most simple tale. This one's a then-modern day thriller about the heirs of a diamond company batt...moreOne of the author's shortest efforts and perhaps his most simple tale. This one's a then-modern day thriller about the heirs of a diamond company battling over finances, but of course it's far more exciting than it sounds from that premise. Smuggling, murder, love, hate, jealousy and misunderstanding are all involved in a fine exploration of the human condition.
After the initial set up, things play out pretty quickly as Smith distils the situation into a 'protagonist vs. smugglers' showdown. It's as harshly realistic as the rest of his work, featuring moments of brutal violence and character failings that reveal the worst to which people can sink. There's plenty of background research about the diamond extraction business which is dry, although as usual Smith makes it somehow compelling.
Expect a square-jawed hero fighting against the odds, some breakneck disaster sequences and some utterly loathsome villains. The plot's mainly about technology so there's little of Africa's flora and fauna here, except for a horrifying scene in which we learn about hyenas. Not Smith's best book, but still a cut above the competition.(less)
Interesting, short read that explores the life of Henry Allingham, a man who was born at the end of the 19th century and lived right through until a c...moreInteresting, short read that explores the life of Henry Allingham, a man who was born at the end of the 19th century and lived right through until a couple of years ago.
The title is something of a misnomer: Allingham's experiences of actual combat are limited and play only a small part of the overall story. However, the war obviously had a huge effect on his life and was to become ever more important in his final years when he became celebrated for his participation. The book chronicles the 20th century through the eyes of an ordinary man and the exploration of Edwardian life is particularly interesting.
Over half of the book is made up of background information supplied by Allingham's friend and chronicler, Dennis Goodwin, which aims to put Allingham's accounts into context. It works fairly well, and the photo sections are excellent.(less)
I've just finished this book and as another reviewer noted, there's a certain sadness that comes with nearing the end - just three more novels after t...moreI've just finished this book and as another reviewer noted, there's a certain sadness that comes with nearing the end - just three more novels after this one. Still, SIEGE is Cornwell's favourite Sharpe book and having just finished it, I can see why.
It's thoroughly exciting, superbly written and, while I can't pick a #1 in this exceptional series of books, it's definitely among the top five. Once Sharpe disembarks and begins his mission, it never lets up. The kind of book that hooks you and keeps you reading long after you should be asleep.
Siege stories have always been my very favourite type of book - there's just something about the situation, whether the protagonists are besieged or besiegers, that grips me. SHARPE'S HAVOC, SHARPE'S FORTRESS, David Gemmell's LEGEND and Harry Sidebottom's WARRIOR OF ROME: FIRE IN THE EAST are all favourites of mine. The climatic siege in this book is exceptionally written and full of the kind of ingenuity that Cornwell allows his hero and which makes him a cut above the rest. Breakneck, edge-of-the-seat stuff containing the most exciting passages of action I've ever encountered.(less)
My fourth Herbert read, after THE RATS, THE FOG and OTHERS. This is the weakest yet and despite an intriguing Australian film adaptation with Robert P...moreMy fourth Herbert read, after THE RATS, THE FOG and OTHERS. This is the weakest yet and despite an intriguing Australian film adaptation with Robert Powell it's a pretty uninspiring and familiar story.
This slim novel begins with an impressive plane crash and loses momentum from there. A slow storyline involving the gradually returning memories of the sole survivor marks for familiar reading material, and each section is interspersed with ghost/horror sequences - seemingly random at first - of the kind we're familiar with from the likes of THE FOG. Eventually the storylines converge with various staples thrown in (demonic possession etc.) but the climax is completely routine.
Admittedly, Herbert is a master of form when it comes to describing supernatural events and there are a fair few shuddersome moments en route. However, as a whole the novel just doesn't hold together making this one of his worst efforts.(less)
My first Burroughs read. It made sense to pick his most iconic and influential character, one that's inspired countless sequels/rip offs/adaptations i...moreMy first Burroughs read. It made sense to pick his most iconic and influential character, one that's inspired countless sequels/rip offs/adaptations in all forms of media and still occupies a prominent position in popular culture today.
From the outset, it's clear that the author's strength is readability. TARZAN OF THE APES flows along merrily like the very best of the pulp adventure stories, never weighing down with exposition or outstaying its welcome come the climax. It simply gets on telling the story, and while that story does have a few weaknesses (repetition being one of them), it remains a cracking read.
Tarzan, of course, is the draw, and every supporting character pales into comparison beside him. Burroughs does a fine job in his creation of an iconic character: a jungle animal, with all the strengths of his native habitat, blessed with a man's brain for intelligence and reasoning.
The narrative is action packed, throwing in cannibals, lions, jungle predators, gorillas, pirates, treasure and pretty much every pulp conceit along the way. The style is eminently readable and the book has that page-turning quality in spades. I eagerly look forward to the second in the series, THE RETURN OF TARZAN.(less)
A decent first novel and the beginning of a trilogy following certain characters involved with the Roman Empire. The first half of the book is essenti...moreA decent first novel and the beginning of a trilogy following certain characters involved with the Roman Empire. The first half of the book is essentially a gladiator story while the second half looks at life in the army. As this is a guy's book, there are plenty of brutal battle sequences, murders and fights which leave little to the imagination.
Although there are a few central characters in the story, by far the most interesting are the brother/sister pairing of Romulus and Fabiola, the slave twins. One must gain power through bloodshed in a violent gladiator school while the other gains power via sex in a brothel. It's an interesting parallel and one the author exploits to the full.
Along the way, he throws in the usual political machinations (it's useful to have seen the film SPARTACUS which takes place immediately before the story here and in which Laurence Olivier plays Crassus, who has an important role in this book). There's a muscle-clad warrior and a soothsayer to add to the mix, and few pages are dull when there's so much action to enliven the story.
My only complaint is the ending, which jarringly cuts the story off just as it gets going. I guess that's as good a reason as any to pick up the next in the series...(less)
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