Great entry from Denning
342707
I'm usually sour on Denning's books, but his efforts in the series so far have been quite good.  He moves the plot along well and he keeps the reader engaged.

One complaint -- chapter 29.  WAY too long for the content.  Almost Tom Clancy-like in his over-description of every little thing.  Meanwhile, subsequent chapters that were more interesting were limited to a scant few pages each.  Save yourself some time and fast-forward the chapter to the last page.  Otherwise it would have been 5 stars....
2827015
I think that as a writer, Ryk Brown is maturing. Unlike some reviewers, I found this book superior to the first books in the Frontiers Saga series. The first books had non-stop (and unlikely) action, while A Show of Force made the action more likely. That doesn't mean that A Show of Force is without flaws, but the ebb and flow of the plot kept me going and made this book a good addition to the series.

I was not surprised at the loss of a major character at the end: the foreshadowing made that loss predictable. I am sure that the remaining family members will come back to beat up some Jung posteriors very soon.

A Show of Force is a cliff-hanger, no doubt about it. The remaining character's fates are not as neatly tied up as in previous episodes. However, that didn't bother me.

I do recommend this book and will purchase the next installment.
4847159
I enjoyed this volume quite a bitonce the killer gets unmasked, the police still have to catch that killer. The cops also have to figure out whether their killer is just after a few specific people, or is essentially a serial killer. The pacing is great, and the characters are fun. Its everything fans of the series have come to expect, even though it isn't at the top of the series. Eve and Roarkes relationship is at their supercharged best, with delightful semi-abstracted sex. The killer(s) are interesting too, especially as the good guys try to figure out the motive. This obviously seems based (generally) on the DC sniper tale, but the characters and motives keep the story from being a knock-off.

Im not entirely sure what more to add to that. Its what the series fans want (although the snarky dialogue still isn't as reliable as it used to be). Theres plenty of danger, lots of bright personalities when it comes to Eves friends, and so on. I think its a great buy for fans, but definitely not a book for new folks who want to find out what the series is like.

NOTE: Free copy of book provided by publisher for review.
3519164
I picked this up (or rather, downloaded it on my Kindle) after devouring my second Stieg Larrson  novel (The Girl Who Played with Fire) and wasn't disappointed. Count me in as a fan of Swedish police procedurals.  I will now follow Inspector Van Veeteren while I wait for the third Larrson to come out here in the States.  I particularly enjoyed the initial protagonist - the husband - whose off-kilter perspective gives the novel a wonderfully "trippy" quality that contrasts nicely with Van Veeteren's personality and approach.  While I imagine many readers will guess the main plot twist before it is revealed, the fact that I figured out where things were headed did not spoil my enjoyment, since the inspector was right there with me. What really annoys me are plots where the detective can't seem to connect dots that the reader has connected long ago - not so here.

Overall - a very well written, tightly plotted procedural that is sure to satisfy readers looking for a change of pace from the usual American or English fare.  Well worth it.
106139
I have been a fan of Troy Denning since the Prism Pentad series and he does not disappoint! What a wonderful addition to the Halo series. Bravo, sir! Encore!
3970234
Excellent addition to the genre.  I was impressed with the writing quality for a first book.  There were a couple of minor things that could have been edited better, but nothing that detracted from the story.  This is a welcome addition to the new generation of writers.  I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

The author says, in his afterword, that two of his favorite authors who have heavily influenced him are Dewey Lambden and Julian Stockwin.  Frankly, I think this first effort is much better than Stockwin's first.
1750924
I pulled out this old Rex Stout mystery after viewing the episodes adapted from this book on the recent A&E series.  The television show didn't exactly capture the tone and depth of this novel, in my opinion, one Stout's best.  It has a plot that is a bit darker than most of Stout's and the featured characters are about what you'd expect.  I always enjoy the interaction between the fat man and his assistant.  I recommend Prisoner's Base highly.
3973548
I've loved Troy Denning ever since he wrote my favorite Star Wars book:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Star-by-Star-Star-Wars-The-New-Jedi-Order-Book-9/dp/0345428676/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Star by Star (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 9)</a>. So when I found out about this series, The Prism Pentad, I quickly went about tracking down the first in the series, "The Verdant Passage".

I don't know anything about the "Dark Sun" universe, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. The characters are singular, memorable, and easily distinguished. I like Denning's writing style. His action scenes and set pieces are easy to picture and just enough is revealed about the world to be interesting. Can't wait to read the next four!
19881
The world Nicola McDonagh has created in the Song of Forgetfulness series is an intriguing oneI think Id have picked up a book that claimed to be about Notsogreatbritain without even reading the blurbso I was delighted when the author asked if I would like a sneak peek at the prequel.
Prequels are difficult to get right. A prequel can easily be simply a ploy to explain some of the confusion an author has sown in the first books of a series. This is not the case with Whisper Gatherers which is a chapter of Adaras story in its own right. The aspect of McDonaghs writing that I enjoy the most, the quirky speech patterns of her characters, is as sharp as ever and lends itself to a particular form of humour that had me smiling on several occasions.
Whisper Gatherers is set in Cityplace, Adaras home before she sets out to find her brother who she suspects has been abducted by Agros. Cityplace is a subtle mix of contradictions. There are constraintsa perimeter fence, electrified and guarded, the constant bombardment of publicity slogans and news bulletins. Yet the people of Cityplace live lives many would consider almost utopian, germfree, antiseptic, and with endless supplies of hassle-free food, hot water, and air-conditioning.
Adaras strange gift has to be kept under wraps, of course. There is the distinct impression that the good people of Cityplace get upset very easily. When the Praisebees arrive, and Carnies prowl the perimeter fence, it is clear that something unpleasant is brewing. The unpleasantness turns out to be pretty nasty.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of Adaras story. Some of the action towards the end seemed to go round in circles rather, but I decided that this had more the effect of adding to the nightmarish tone the story had taken, than of detracting from it. If you have already started the series, this book doesnt clear up mysteries (Im pleased to say) but it does give a deeper insight into Adaras background and the strange and alarming people who inhabit her world.
2074952
Having enjoyed getting to know Inspector Anita Sundstrm in Meet me in Malm, I was eagerly anticipating this second novel to feature the Swedish detective and had high expectations.

Sundstrm starts this book as the underdog and has several belligerent male colleagues that oppose her every attempt to get involved in the murder cases. Although she looks upon her new trainee as another obstacle to overcome initially, his initiative eventually impresses. As the story grows, so does Sundstrm as a character. We learn more about her emotional side and vulnerability.

With compelling characters and a tantalizing plot, I found Murder in Malm to be head and shoulders above its predecessor. From the very outset, suspense and intrigue abound. As every new chapter raised the level of tension, so the twists and turns in the story became increasingly complex and the book more difficult to put down. I'm looking forward to catching up with Inspector Sundstrm when Missing in Malm is published next month.
1938287
As Usual, Dane and Bones do not disappoint. Lots of well paced adventure and fun for any fan.
While it wasn't necessary to read any of the previous novels in the series, it really brings out the best of the main cast.

I recommend this book to anyone, especially if you've enjoyed and of Woods previous works.
1783242
Tommy Denander's name has been connected to projects like Prisoner and Talk Of The Town this year. There was quite some difference between both projects, musically as well as in line up.  Now Z Records releases Tommy's new project, Rainmaker. Just like on part of the Prisoner album the vocals are handled by Geir Rnning which made me fear that we were heading for Prisoner part 2 here (not that I would have mind, that album is one of my favorites this year). But nothing could be less true. Of course there are moments where you can hear similarities, but we're really talking moments here.  The music on the Rainmaker album's much heavier than that of Prisoner, on which we could find a lot of Toto influences. Rainmaker sounds more in the vein of Blue Murder, Giant, Whitesnake, Rainbow and Thin Lizzy.  Again Geir Rnning shows us what a fabulous singer he is. The diversity of his voice really is incredible! But Tommy Denander's talents can't be overlooked either. Especially the solo in Blood Brother Run (my favorite track on the album) is something special! But the riffs are top notch again as well.  Tony Franklin doesn't need an introduction, I think. This celebrated bass player has provided a lot of great albums with his excellent playing and it's been a clever move to let him play on this one as well.  Z Records have been telling us about what a great album this was going to be. At this moment I can't say nothing less than that they've kept their word...
434050
I doubt that I am the only reader out there who's been missing Tarquin Hall's excellent Vish Puri mystery series set in New Delhi, India. When I came across this book, I simply had to read it. What did I learn from it? That Vaseem Khan's new series has every hallmark of being a good alternative to the missing New Delhi private investigator (but without the mouthwatering food).

Ashwin Chopra is a dedicated police officer and a thoroughly honest man. He and the men in his department knew what to expect from each other, and they enjoyed working with each other. Chopra and his men certainly have a period of adjustment to undergo. His wife Poppy and his totally obnoxious mother-in-law also have this same period of adjustment, especially Poppy because Chopra just isn't capable of turning into a man of leisure, which is what Poppy wanted.

Khan shows us many faces of modern Mumbai: how it's changing, its politics, and its corruption. I look forward to getting to know this city even better in future books.

This is a first book, and it shows from time to time. The writing doesn't always flow smoothly, and Khan does something that always annoys me by sharing a couple of the clues after the investigative dust has settled. But all in all, this is a good read. You'll be surprised by how well a baby elephant can fit into a murder investigation-- and not just by adding humor. The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra has set up this new series nicely, and I look forward to seeing him and his elephant in action again soon.
4006431
If you love Lincoln Rhyme, you will enjoy this book. Deaver can't really surprise me as he could when I first began reading him. But, I certainly can't always figure out what the surprise is going to entail. I just know it's coming more readily now than I used to.  This book has a good plot, and lots of interesting character development. One of his best. I really like the new character, Archer, whom they've introduced.
621687
This isn't Maron's strongest book, but it's a solid entry in the series.  The villain was more obvious than usual.  It's not telegraphed, but it was my early pick.  However, I don't read these books for puzzle solving.  I read them for characters and the setting.  Still, the procedures, politics and such make the books more about the characters learning who the murderer is than the reader finding it out with plenty of slices of life along the way.

First of all, I like Deborah and Dwight married.  Deborah's quit going from man to man, bad choice to bad choice, to a good man.  There's chemistry there which I enjoy.  I like that they work in conjunction in solving the mystery and that multiple viewpoints are offered, beyond their two, too.

I also appreciate the Southern setting where there's an array of Southern characters, all true and faithful to their setting, but they never become caricatures.  So many series, especially cozies, rely on caricature and stereotypes.  Sometimes Maron's villains might lean towards that problem, but they still fail to fall into the mark.  (I don't consider Maron a cozy writer, either, although she's clean and circumspect enough to fit in that market.)

The plot summary can be read on the cover or Amazon, but Maron always offers up food for thought, too.  This time she explores an old-fashioned church congregation where women are subjugated as well as the building and population booms in once rural areas.  Even when we don't like characters, we can find some sympathy with them, at least most of them.  The possible villains in this one were played a little less sympathetic than usual for Maron.  Still, there is respect and understanding of the culture and its occupants.  Everyone feels real, many would make wonderful friends.  And once a year, when I get to read a new Maron novel, they are.  My only disappointment is that the book wasn't longer!
2413095
Another great one from Mari Jungstedt. I love Visby and the engaging Knutas and his assistant Karin.
I was glad to see Johan and Emma get married (or did they?).
Engaging plot and ,lots of local color.
I look forward to more.
3528232
After a rather dull and disappointing showing in the previous book "Vampireslayer", in this, the 7th book in the Felix & Gotrek series (--after "Trollslayer", "Skavenslayer", "Daemonslayer", "Dragonslayer", "Beastslayer" and "Vampireslayer"--) William King bounces back and gives us one of the strongest entries in the series so far.

The book introduces an interesting new character, ages-old High Elf mage Teclis. In the midst of the ongoing Chaos onslaught on the Old World, Teclis becomes aware of a plot to harness powers which could hold dire consequences for the entire Warhammer world. Can he stop it in time?

Naturally along the way he runs into our intrepid twosome, and they proceed to have an unforgettable adventure which takes them from the very edges of reality (eat your heart out, Dr. Strange!) to the midst of an epic battle between massed rival forces of evil.

As much of the book's action takes place on the isle of Albion, the counterpart in the Warhammer world to William King's native Scotland, King must have especially enjoyed writing this part. He also makes very effective use of playing off the tensions between Elves and Dwarves in the often strained relationship between Gotrek and Teclis.

I was happy to see my favourite Felix & Gotrek villains of all, evil twin albino mages Kelmain & Lhoigor back again. But I was a bit disappointed that we did not spend much time with them this time out compared to their previous appearance in "Beastslayer". I think they are truly worthy and most importantly INTERESTING adversaries and I hope William King will bring them back again sometime in the future (--hey, any writer truly worth his salt can always figure out a cool way to bring back a beloved villain everyone thought defeated for good ;) ). I LOVED their backstory in "Beastslayer" and want to hear MORE! (--Or how about giving them their own book?!)

Overall, I think I would rate this installment as my #2 favourite in the series after "Daemonslayer". While I did love the siege of Praag seen in "Beastslayer", I think this book was even more enjoyable because our heroes were on the move again, taking them through some very interesting and mysterious places. And the build-up of tension in the book kept me eagerly turning the pages as they continued on their quest. It's a wild ride that takes us to some fantastic places we've never seen before, and my only minor criticism is that the ending could have been a bit stronger.

For those new to the series, I'd probably recommend "Daemonslayer" first. But for those who have already read that great work and are hungry for more of the same calibre, this book is just what the manling ordered!

But now that I've read this, the most recent installment, I find myself with no more fresh Felix & Gotrek left. :(  It's been a year and a half already. Where is the next book??? Come on William King, don't keep the fans waiting! We need MORE. I can't get enough of these guys!

Oh well, guess I'll go sharpen my battle-axe or something... You never know when the forces of Chaos will strike again next!