MICHAEL'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2015

[Michael]

25. by Chris Dietzel
Finish date: 24th April
Genre: Post Apocalypse
Rating: B
Review:This short but highly satisfying read is my second book by this author and like the first it delivers a fresh take on the apocalypse scene. Be warned if you are after a book full of action and stuff blowing up and going splat then give this book a miss.

What this book delivers is a very realistic view of what the world would be like if all hope is lost and the human race is on the way out. As the title might suggest this book centres on a teacher whose students can be counted on one's hands and whose numbers are dropping every day. As one can imagine this is a very depressive state of affairs as life and Society as we know slowly fades away.

Chris Dietzel manages to deliver a deeply engaging narrative that does not rely on action to keep one engaged. As a reader you are made to feel uncomfortable as you think of what you would do in similar circumstances, and this is what makes this book stand out. It's than ability of the author to touch something in the reader that gives the book a very frightening feeling of reality to it. I for one will be returning to the world that is De-Evolution series.

[Michael]

26. by Rob Manning (no photo)
Finish date: 28th April
Genre: Science
Rating: B
Review: This is not normally the type of book I read but the title caught my attention. Only having a layman's understanding of what goes into launching a mission to Mars, a lot of money and some damn smart people, I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised on how engaging the book was.

The author did an excellent job in making everything he was talking about easy for someone like me to understand. I have a new respect for what goes into getting anything to land on Mars

[Michael]

May


27. by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Finish date: 3rd May
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: A
Review: Book three in the Orbs series by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith like its predecessors did not disappoint. From the first page I was catapulted back into a world slowly dying as Earths water is drained by some particularly nasty aliens. Mankind's tentative hold on existence continues to slowly erode.

As I have come to expect from this author all the three boxes for a great Sci-Fi read are ticked:

- Gripping Narrative
- Engaging and believable characters
- A plot that twist and turn right to the end

Talking about the end this one had me speechless as it blindsided me, especially seeing that I thought I had picked it. If you have not checked this author out yet then do so soon. He is in my opinion one of the most exciting young writers I have seen in a long while.

[Michael]

28. by Pierce Brown
Finish date: 5th May
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: A+++ (best book I have read for a long time)
Review: I have had the pleasure of reading some very good books lately. But it has been a long time since a story utterly enveloped like Red Rising did. I found myself completely drawn into the story as the world around me evaporated just like in the scene from the Never-ending Story (that shows my age).

So what is it about this book that elevated it above all the other excellent books I have read recently. For me it was the completeness of the book. From the character development to the world it was set in. The author winds the narrative through it all and as he does the world becomes more and more real.

Red Rising tells a tale that's very essence is as old as time. It is how this tale is delivered that makes this book stand out in the crowd. Halfway through the read I was already planning how I could get my hand on the next book in the series. I have not done this for a long time and that indicated to me just how fantastic a read it was.

So my hat goes off to Pierce Brown for this truly masterful piece of writing. I recommend this book to all that are interested in being thoroughly entertained.

[Michael]

29. by Morten Storm (no photo)
Finish date: 12th May
Genre: Espionage, Terrorism, Memoir
Rating: B+
Review: Agent Storm on the surface is a fascinating look into the world of radical Islam and how it operates. This is told through the eyes of Morten Storm, who's story takes us through his journey from a troubled Danish youth to that of a radical Islamic and then to that of a double agent.

As many other reviewers have pointed out this book requires you to place you trust in the author. There is no way to verify his story and association with various intelligence organisations. A quick Google search does nothing to clarify the matter.

Be it fiction or fact this book does highlight how certain Islamic groups target disfranchised youth with the view of radicalising them. It also went a long way in giving me a better understanding of the different views of Islam and the issues this causes.

In the end I found this book a fascinating read that has left me with a thirst to find more out about the Islamic faith. I have put aside the question of validity and marked this book according to the high level of engagement I received from it.

[Michael]

30. by Graham Bowley (no photo)
Finish date: 15th May
Genre: Mountaineering
Rating: A-
Review: It is a mystery to me why I keep returning to books on Mountaineering. I absolutely have no desire to climb one, if I cant get a lift to the top I am not interested. So why am I drawn to these books?

No Way Down tells the story of the 2008 K2 disaster that saw 11 climbers lose their lives. In telling this story it also examines the human spirit and drive to conquer the unconquerable. It is a book about life at it's most simplest you keep moving our you die.

This book delivers on numerous levels it is about tragedy, adventure, fate, human spirit and about the unforgiving mountain that is K2. This is what I think draws me to these books. It is not a morbid fascination with disaster but a fascination with people who have come to terms with their mortality and put their lives at the mercy of the mountain.

[Michael]

31. by Ronen Bergman (no photo)
Finish date: 15th May
Genre: Espionage
Rating: C+
Review: Operation Red Falcon is a interesting short read that takes the reader into the world of intelligence gathering and Mossad. The book looks into the validity of certain intelligence that nearly sent Syria and Israeli into a bloody war. The author gives the reader the information and it is up to them to who they believe.

[Michael]

32. by Truman Smith (no photo)
Finish date: 19th May
Genre: World War II, Memoir
Rating: C
Review: I do love a good World War II memoir and in particular those of the fly boys. So it was with great excitement I cracked opened the pages on The Wrong Stuff. What I got was great is some parts and ho-hum in others.

Truman Smith tells his tale of being a co-pilot then pilot of the iconic B-17 bomber flying over Europe. Its a story that is told in the twilight of his life and as such has a very nice reflective quality.

The parts of the book dealing with the actual bombing missions where pure gold. But these where peppered with his misadventure of a young man in a foreign land. While I can see the values of these reminiscences I was expecting more focus on flying the bombing missions.

Overall I have to say it was a good read just no entirely my cup of tea "ole chap".

[Michael]

33. by A.G. Riddle
Finish date: 26th May
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A
Review: The Atlantis World sees the conclusion of A.G Riddles Origins trilogy and it delivers a fitting end to a great series. But be warned this book requires a lot of concentration as it weaves a even more intricate narrative than the other books combined.

The author manages to deliver a book that while keeping the feel of the other two books still deliver a completely different experience. As mentioned before this book requires a lot of concentration and can leave you feeling exhausted at times. This for me was an excellent experience as it made me feel like I was working for my entertainment.

[Alisa]

Michael wrote: "30. by Graham Bowley (no photo)
Finish date: 15th May
Genre: Mountaineering
Rating: A-
Review: It is a mystery to me why I kee..."

I read things like this for much the same reason as you stated - no inherent interest in the subject matter but more for the story of overcoming obstacles and the resilience people demonstrate in tough circumstances. Good review, am adding it to the TBR list.

[Michael]

JUNE

35. by David Grann
Finish date: 6th June
Genre: Adventure
Rating: C+
Review: City of Z. The author does a great job of mixing the past and the here and now to deliver a spellbinding read.

I came into this book with not much knowledge on the exploration of the Amazon and was fascinated by the stories told. I had no idea about the Fawcett and the legend that had developed around him and his disappearance.

I must say that after reading about the hardships faced by those entering the Amazon it is the last placed I want to go to. So I shook my head in disbelief as the author set out to chase down the fate of Fawcett and finally find a conclusion in the deadly jungle.

The end of the book for me came a little abruptly but the revelation was staggering. Overall this book is an excellent read and the author has done a great bit of investigative writing.

[Michael]

JUNE

34. by David Grann
Finish date: 6th June
Genre: Adventure
Rating: C+
Review: City of Z. The author does a great job of mixing the past and the here and now to deliver a spellbinding read.

I came into this book with not much knowledge on the exploration of the Amazon and was fascinated by the stories told. I had no idea about the Fawcett and the legend that had developed around him and his disappearance.

I must say that after reading about the hardships faced by those entering the Amazon it is the last placed I want to go to. So I shook my head in disbelief as the author set out to chase down the fate of Fawcett and finally find a conclusion in the deadly jungle.

The end of the book for me came a little abruptly but the revelation was staggering. Overall this book is an excellent read and the author has done a great bit of investigative writing.

[Michael]

35. by Pierce Brown
Finish date: 10th June
Genre: Sci-fi
Rating: A+++++++++++++++
Review:After the tour de force that was Red Rising I eagerly tore into Golden Son and I was not disappointed. Right from the opening paragraphs Pierce Brown continues with his spell binding narrative and immersive writing style.

Like book one of the trilogy Golden Son had me reading well into the night and was responsible for some very tired and grumpy mornings. Golden son continues on the tale of Darrow and his quest to honour and avenge his wife.

As the book rips through the pages I was pulled once again into the world of the Gold's with all of its deceit and arrogance. I was transported into the tormented soul of Darrow as he is pulled between the here and now and his past. This book delivers more twists and turns than a drunk trying to find his way home.

If you have not yet experienced the Red Rising Trilogy I implore you to do so NOW. But be warned this series is addictive and the end of this book pulls a sucker punch that will leave you dazed and craving more.

[Michael]

36. by Michael Weiss(no photo):
Finish date: 16th June
Genre: Terrorism, Current Affairs
Rating: B-
Review: This book gave me some great insight into ISIS on a historical and organisational level. The author uses a great array of sources to give the reader a well-researched overview.

I found the historical part of this book very engaging and Michael Weiss does a solid job in putting together all the complicated pieces in a manner that is easy to read. Another aspect of this book that I found riveting was the high level of organisation and planning that ISIS use in its campaigns. They appear to be functioning at an extremely high level and this is what is contributing to its ability to punch way above its weight. It is also a very terrifying realisation to come to.

Overall this book gives the reader a good overview of ISIS and the related issues. It is a timely book and as given me a new perspective on the subject

[Radiah]

Michael wrote: "36. by Michael Weiss(no photo):
Finish date: 16th June
Genre: Terrorism, Current Affairs
Rating: B-
Review: This book gave me some..."

Awesome, I will be marking this book as a to-read. I've had several discussions about them in my classes with my teacher (who incidentally is working for a think-tank to combat terrorism), and from your review, this seems like a good addition for our knowledge.

[Michael]

I hope you the book does not disappoint.

[Michael]

I hope you the book does not disappoint.

[Bryan]

Message 61 and 62 should have a little "d" on date. Thanks.

[Michael]

37. by Robert McCammon
Finish date: 17 June
Genre: Post Apocalypse
Rating: B
Review:The Border sees yet another fantastic piece of writing from Robert McCammon. Once again he drops us into a post-apocalyptic world in which humankind is just surviving. Two battling alien races have all but destroyed the planet and have scant regard for those occupying it.

It is into this world we are thrown head first and it does not take long for the story to take hold of you. The character development is well balanced and does not get in the way of the tale being told. A tale that is well thought out that easily picks up and takes the reader along for the ride.

What really stood out for me with this book was the finish. I at first did not know what to make of it, it left me feeling very perplexed. But after a couple of readings and much thought I can only say it is one the most perfect and sublimes finishes I have read.

[Michael]

38. by Warren Kozak(no photo)
Finish date: 24 June
Genre: Biography, Military
Rating: A+
Review: This book is hands down one of the best biographies I have read. Warren Kozak has done a masterful job in creating this highly readable book on the life of Curtis Lemay.

I must say I have had this book for a while putting it on the back burners as I thought it might be a bit of heavy reading. After blowing away the cobwebs I was very quickly drawn into the life of one of the most misunderstood and maligned American Generals of the 20th Century.

I like many thought this man to be a megalomaniac hell bent on bombing the World back into the “stone ages”. What I found was a very intelligent man with great analytical minds who lead from the front and changed the face of aerial bombing for ever.

I have taken many a lesson away from this book and now have a completely different via of the man. This book is for anyone with an interest in the modern air force and is a very accessible book. In my humble opinion this book is history writing at its finest.

[Michael]

JULY
39. by Dominic Lieven(no photo)
Finish date: 2 July
Genre: History
Rating: C
Review: Towards the Flames examines Europe's headlong plunge towards World War I from the view of Russia. This presents some new and fresh views on this much examined and analysed period of History.

It is a book though that makes you work for this information. It is written in a dry factual matter that you as the reader have to really concentrate on to take in. It is more akin to a piece of scholarly writing which may limit its audience base.

As a history buff I got a lot out of this book. As I read the last page I was overcome with a great sense of achievement and felt that my knowledge on this period of time is a lot more rounded and full. This book will best suit those who have a real thirst for history.

[Michael]

40. by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Finish date: 11 July
Genre: Sci-Fi, Post Apocalypse
Rating: A+
Review: Nicholas Sansbury Smith once again takes us on a trip to a world where mankind is on the brink of extinction, and like the books preceding it this one does not disappoint. Extinction Cycle ranks up near the top as one of my favorite series of all times.

Well that's enough of my gushing about this author it’s time to take a look at what makes this series so good. Fresh is one of the first things that pop in my mind. Post-Apocalyptic novels have seen a resurgence in popular culture. I mean everyman and his dog seems to be writing about the end of the world at the moment. Into this crowded genre strode Mr. Sansbury Smith to deliver a series that grabbed me by my shirt collar from the very beginning and demanded my attention.

Extinction Age delivers another fantastic installment in which the reader is rewarded with excellent plot and character development. Add to this mix action, suspense and sheer terror and you have a cracker of a read that like Oliver has me asking, "please sir may I have some more."

[Michael]

41. by Bret Easton Ellis
Finish date: 12 July
Rating: D
Review: American Psycho is another book that has been on my reading list for many a year gathering dust. I have heard nothing but praise for this book; mind you a lot of this praise does come with a warning of disturbing conduct. So it was with great gusto I delved into its pages ready to be entertained and shocked.

To say I was disappointed would be putting it mildly. This book is nothing but a running commentary of all that was cool, hip and swanky during the 80’s in the upper echelon of New York Society. This was boring inane diatribe was interspersed with acts of sadistic violence that to me added nothing to the story.

I know that this was meant to be a reflection of the rampant consumerism and selfishness of this era and somehow this is reflected in Mr Batemans Sociopathic and homicidal behaviour. But I for one “DO NOT GET IT”.

This book is already considered by many a modern day classic. But I for one am not a fan and feel that I have wasted some of my valuable reading time.

[Michael]

42. by Bram Stoker
Finish date: 27 July
Genre: Classic
Rating: B
Review: Not much to say about this book other than it is a classic for a reason. This is my fist time reading the original and I have to say the book is so much better than the plethora of spin offs.

[Michael]

August

43. by Ernest Cline
Finish date: 1 August
Genre: Sci Fi
Rating: A-
Review: Armada is Ernest Clines much anticipated second novel. Like his book Ready Player One, this one is a computer gamers dream. Lucky for me I am a avid gamer and therefore thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Early reviews of this book is split with some calling it rip off of "Enders Game". For me this is like comparing apples and oranges, yes they are both fruit but that is where the resemblance ends.

Armada delivers a fast paced story based around a fictional PC gaming series that is not what all it seems. As before Cline shows us why he is the Gaming Geeks pinup Idol. He seamlessly meshes together a fantastic story mixed with gaming mythology and lore. Here is a man that has raised story telling and gaming to a whole new level.

[Michael]

44. by Michael Logan
Finish date: 8 August
Genre: End of the World
Rating: A+
Review: With a title like Apocalypse Cow how can you not want to read this book. It doesn't hurt also that this has won the Terry Pratchett Prize. So what do you get in a book with such a title? You get some great all round entertainment it will make you laugh, excite you, disturb you and have you think twice about that burger you eating.

My main concern coming into this book was how this was going to work. I mean Zombie Cows does smack of absolute absurdness how could this be a great read. Well let me tell you Michael Logan nails this narratives and produces a story that rips through the countryside of the good old motherland.

I love all the characters in this book their collective personality issues gel very well together to create a great sense of purpose. What is that purpose, well it's simple not to be eaten by their pets, livestock or anything else on four legs. I will never be able to look at hemp clothing again without wanting to itch myself silly.

[Michael]

45. by Stephen King
Finish date: 12 August
Genre: Thriller
Rating: A
Review:
In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes.

In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy.

Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again.

Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady’s next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands.

Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable

[Michael]

September

46. by Nikolaus Wachsmann(no photo)
Finish date: 2 September
Genre: WWII History, Holocaust
Rating: A++
Review:KL delivers an exhaustive study of Nazi Germanys concentration camp system that is easily accessible by the reader. This highly examined part of the Third Reich gets a refreshing coat of paint with some great research and insights by those who survived, worked and died in these pieces of hell on earth.

The author takes great care in giving the reader a very rounded view of these camps from all angles. His extensive research for this book shows in every nook and cranny as he weaves together a narrative that chills you to the bone.

As holocaust books go this is up there as one of the best as the author paints a comprehensive picture of this low point in human history. But the most important part of this book for me is that he has given the dead a voice and in that he has let them live on in the readers memory

[Michael]

47. by Susannah Cahalan
Finish date: 7 September
Genre: Memoir, Medical
Rating: A
Review: Brain on Fire is a compelling, frightening and brave memoir that takes you into the author's journey into madness. It is a look at the havoc that can be wrought by the rare disorder called Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis.

I had to keep reminding myself during this read that these events actually happened to someone. This is frightening as we follow Susannah's extremely quick transition from a normal life to complete loss of her mental health.

The author has gone to great length to ensure the validity of this book as she can't trust her own memories. I can only imagine how hard it would have been to revisit her illness through videos and other peoples recollections of these times.

Most people after living through such an experience what gladly put in behind them and who would blame them. With this is mind I would like to thank and commend the author for allowing us this very personal and fascinating look at a rare disorder.

[Michael]

48. by Rick Yancey
Finish date: 16 September
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalypse
Rating: B-
Review: The Fifth Wave delivers a well written and intelligent tale of the end of the World. I continue to be amazed at the fresh and entertaining books coming out in this well trodden Genre of late.

I have to admit I had mixed feeling when I started reading this book as I though I had stumbled across a booked aimed at the Teen and Tween market. Thoughts of this was quickly pushed aside as the author delivered a well thought out and intelligent narrative. Sure the main characters of the book are teenagers but their is nothing PG about this book.

What I really like about this book was the "wave" concept that is used to spell the end of humanity. This concept was fresh and frightengly did not take to much stretching of the imagination to believe. Looks like the is another series I am going to have to read to the end.

[Michael]

49. by Christopher Nuttall(no photo)
Finish date: 22 September
Genre: Sci Fi
Rating: A
Review: This book has attracted a mix bagged in reviews of late but for me it was an easy 5 Stars. There was nothing I did not like about this great Sci-Fi read.

From the opening pages I was pulled hopelessly into the story like a spec of dust into a black hole. The basic story line is familiar, we bunch of misfits that end up saving humanity. But it is the details of the narrative and the great character development that engages your interest at a high level. It is a well paced book that keeps you turning the pages with much enthusiasm.

At the end of the day Ark Royal delivers a cracker of a story that keeps you reading way past that point you promised yourself you would turn of the light and get some sleep. I am looking forward to the next read in the series and hope the entertainment continues.

[Michael]

50. by Whitley Strieber
Finish date: 26 September
Genre: Fiction, Post Nuclear War
Rating: D+
Review: I do love a good story based around a Nuclear War, especially one written during the Cold War. Maybe I should go and see shrink about this, but there is nothing like a book written during the paranoia and fear of the Cold War. So it was with great anticipation I opened this NY best seller written in the mid 80's.

I tried very hard to get into this tale of a limited Nuclear exchange between the USA and USSR but to no avail. The narrative is very promising with two Journalist traveling across the Poss War US to report on the new reality left in it's wake. The book never seems to hit it's stride as it ambles it's way though the pages. I can see how in the midst of the Cold War this book could have had a real impact to the reader. It goes into great details on the effect of the EMP's and the expanding death and destruction the Soviet strike brings. The numbers of deaths alone mentioned in this book would have many falling to the floor in the fetal position.

The picture painted in this book would have scared the crap out of me back in the day. But alas in the light of our Modern Society this fear and paranoia does not translate at all. Unlike some of its contemporaries Warday fails to capture the spirit of the times

[Michael]

51. by Mark Tufo
Finish date: 28 September
Genre: Zombies
Rating: C+
Review: I would like to point out form the outset that I am reviewing this book compared to the others in the series. Why this book is a highly enjoyable romp through the Talbert Universe it seemed to lack that extra oomph found in the Zombie Fallout series.

All the elements are there from the great sarcastic humour to the nail bitting action. But to me it seemed a little to well practiced and expected and this removed from the overall enjoyment of the read.

Mark Tufo is still the god of the Zombie Genre in my opinion this is a great read, just not as great as his previous offerings. I may also be a little harsh in my rating for this book but as a Tasmanian he looses a star. It is a Tasmanian Tiger Mr Tufo not a Tasmanian Wolf.

[Michael]

52. by Christopher Nuttall (no photo)
Finish date: 30 September
Genre: Sci Fi
Rating: B-
Review: The Trafalgar Gambit seamlessly follows on from Ark Royal, it is like you never left this universe. This for me is important as quite often a sequel takes a bit to get back into the grove.

The old girl is sent off on another suicide mission to blood the nose of the alien aggressors. This time she is bringing along a lot more friends and thanks to her early exploits some of the aliens weapons.

All the original characters are still present with all their misgivings and secrets. Throw into the mix some new ones including one with a big secret and the great story telling continues.

[Jill]

Wow, Michael! Looks like you have caught up on all your books read. Great job and I agree totally with your review of American Psycho....now I know that I am not in the minority about that book!!

by Bret Easton Ellis