A Good Continuation of the Ultramarines Series
587132
Graham McNeill does a great job in writing about the return of Urield Ventris and his friend Pasanius in "The Killing Ground". I was really stoked to pulled into the mystery surrounding the betrayal and dark twists in this installment - as it lives up to the air of mystery built into his previous works in the first omnibus. The plot may not appeal to some because they don't really enjoy this story as an independent component of the Ultramarines Series.

It's true that Ventris' exhilarating trip to the Eye of Terror was far superior to this story, but there's value in looking at this story for its own value.

Anyways it's a great read if you're really interested in the story of Ventris and Pasanius!
818122
The Empires Corps series from Christopher Nuttall continues and this, the 12th instalment, is another good book in the series. As usual it is well written with good characters and good military action. This particular instalment is quite action filled. More so than a lot of the books in this series.
Most of the action takes place on the ground of the planet Corinthian although there are some space action as well.

This is an all out frontal war. Words like slaughter easily comes to mind. Even with the grand scale of the battle the author manages to intermingle several personal stories in the grand storyline. As is the habit of the author he also involves atouch of politics, human reasoning, feelings and real life consequences of peoples actionsin the mix.

Although I prefer space action in favor of ground action the author has yet again managed to make me enjoy a book slightly out of my comfort zone as far as science fiction goes. Whether it is the enjoyable characters, the well done combat scenes or the equally well done glue that ties the different elements together I cannot say. Probably it is a bit of everything.
4961220
This is an omnibus volume containing both books 8 and 9 in the Dragaeran Empires series, featuring Vlad Taltos.

"Dragon" happens during the time Vlad is still part of the Jhereg guild, and covers his first visit to Castle Black's hidden portal tower. Vlad takes a job from Morrolan, regarding a hoard of Morganti weapons. In the process, he gets involved in the battle of Barritt Hill (referenced in other Vlad Taltos books), in the middle of a Dragonlord war. Loiosh comes with him.

"Issola" is one of the best stories in the Dragaeran chronicles, the Jenoine, an inscrutable race more powerful than gods, are attacking the Dragaeran Empire from across dimensions. Vlad is summoned from his 'on the run' location by Sethra Lavode via Lady Teldra. He is a key player in events. His first task is to rescue Morrolan and Aliera, who have been taken and imprisoned in another world. Loiosh provides humor in contrast with the serious events, making the story into something I enjoyed.
979423
This book is a great continuation of the series. Perhaps it is a little lighter on the action and gory details than the first eight but for me it still is good, a 5.
B. V. Larson writes completely fun, readable, enjoyable stories. They are not deep complex tortured stories where you may never quite figure out what is going on and have to wade through miles of knee deep muddy prose to get to some indeterminate point. If you want that, read Harlan Ellison. Larson writes fun enjoyable stories about disreputable rogues who you have to love despite their ridiculous flaws. I would make a movie comparison. Blade Runner, 1 and 2 versus Guardians of the Galaxy. Larson is Guardians of the Galaxy. Both good but holy crap, was Harrison Ford a replicant or not? That's not Larson. And I know Ellison did not write Blade Runner, Philip Dick, Do androids dream of electric sheep?
The point is that Larson is fun start to finish and you don't have to agonize over what is going on.
3787898
I was gifted this book for an honest review and have to say this book is just as good as the first book.  It also takes up where book one left off more or less.

Alien Warrior's Wife continues in the world of the Brion. I liked that we get more background about the Brion and in particular about Urenya. Her younger life and training as a healer are expanded upon. We also get a further look at Commander Diego Grothan, who is more human than we might have thought from the first book. Than there is our hero Narath. Huge, determined, yet thoughtful Narath, who will overcome all obstacles if it kills him.

This story traces Urenya and her emotional turmoil of loosing her gerion. She met him, Patren, only once for less than a day when he had to go to war and during that time he was killed. She is now a healer but confused about whether she's entitled to have another gerion has in the Brion world their people only get one fated mate. She experiences feelings for Narath,, Commander Diego's friend, but it's sure if her feelings are true and if Narath could possibly return them. Urenya has a temper and well hidden feelings that get her into trouble all the time, especially during her Healer training under Elder Seleya. She passes this training and is assigned to work aboard the "Triumphant" which is captained by her childhood friend Diego Grothan and there she runs into Narath. And thus starts the story of Urenya, the gesha, and Narath, her gerion.
3583696
Jason and company have defeated the 500 odd ships coming to wipe out the Earth...Cool.  But, there are 1500 more ships coming and the Nano-technology they have come to depend upon may just kill them.

Nice twist to add the issue about the Nano technology.  The character development is picking up (though Jason is still mooning over the purple girl...).  We do lose a character or two that are surprising to it's not a white washed heroes don't buy the farm kind of story.  All of those allowed me to give it four stars instead of the three I gave the first two.

We still have the Military actions/relationship inconsistencies as compared to 'real' life but hey, it is consistently inconsistent.  We also have some odd technological items.  I'm not talking about the phase shifting or the multi-verse concepts but just general violations of the generally accepted laws of physics but again, we do have to suspend some of that in this series.

The series moves, plenty of action, some subterfuge (great to see), and even sibling issues.

Moving on to book 4.
4419742
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

The story of Dritzzt DoUrden and the returned Companions of the Hall continues in this third installment of the Companions Codex miniseries. The war with the Orcs continues, with the Drow aiding and urging them on. The Dwarven and Elvish settlements are likely to fall under the continued pressure. And with two dragons on their side, how could the Orcs not win? But the Companions aren't ones to give up easily. With a little strategy and some assistance from an unexpected ally, it might just be possible to hold them off and be victorious. But even if they think its possible, that doesnt mean its probableand it certainly doesnt mean its going to be easy.

I enjoyed this much more than the previous installment, which I think was mostly setup for this one. With all the players in their proper places on the board, were treated to some epic battles, some cunning and decisive moves, and more of the truth behind each entitys involvement in this conflict. Theres are more going on here than it may have seemed in the beginning. And each of the characters really gets their moment to shine, making it all the more enjoyable to read. Im definitely very curious how things will continue to resolve in the next book.
1759072
Like others, I have followed and enjoyed this series from the beginning. I continue to enjoy and recommend it. A universe populated by groups of humans separated by 100's of light years in space and unaware of each other makes for an interesting setting to me. The different groups have very different cultures and psychologies. Currie makes their interactions interesting. He has created technologies that serve the story and seem credible. He relies a little too much on current human language and mannerisms for the characters, but he isn't alone in that. It helps us relate to them. The story, conflicts, emotions, battles, technologies and people are, for the most part, interesting and exciting.

With that said, an unfortunate trend has surfaced in Currie's writing. As others have noted, after the initial setup and sendoff of the Odysseus, the story settles on a single, protracted battle. (To be sure, Currie's ability to describe these sequences has always been one of his strengths and continues to be.) The characters that have been developed in previous books are here but in mostly cameo roles. This book is NOT about the characters. When the book ends, the next book is already in view. And that is part of my problem with this book (and the latest one in the Silver Wings storyline).

Here is a common story arc that I am familiar with and enjoy. The story starts with (1) the setup of character, place and situation. Then comes (2)  the conflict and creates the problems for the characters. (3) That conflict is escaped (with great cost) and is followed by a period of both rest (for the reader and character) and discovery. This is followed by (4) the next (last?) great conflict and resolution. Lately, Currie's book gives us 1, 2 and 3 but no 4. Four is the next book. It is the discovery and following actions that make the story feel like it is moving along. We don't have that here and is why, I think, so many are complaining that there is a battle but no progression in the storyline. The next book should have been the back half of this book.

There is one other thing that has bothered me about this book. Commodore Weston and his battle group are sent on what is supposed to be a patrol mission. As soon as they entire the first system, they are informed of the need to depart immediately for the troubled star system. For me, this is just a little too contrived and convenient. I know that if Currie sends them on patrol, people may complain that he doesn't get to the game fast enough. For me, he gets to it too quickly. There should have been a patrol with the story developing along the way. that way, it builds tension in the reader to anticipate what he knows is coming. In this case, it also would have provided time for the title plot point to develop.

The end of this book reveals something that has been hinted at throughout the second half of the book. It is the staging for what should have been the second half of this book. To read Currie's books, you have to love the battles. As I said, they are his strength. But what keeps us coming back are the wrinkles and new characters and what happens with them. (Really, that is EVERY BOOK EVER WRITTEN.) This book gives vague hints of the wrinkles, but doesn't actually introduce what they mean until the Epilogue.  Argggghhh!

In his writing, Currie has three different story arcs going all at the same time. He seems to publish at least one or two books per year for each arc. That is phenomenal for the reading fans. It may be necessary to make the money he needs to survive and prosper. However, I wonder if this pace causes the quality of the work to suffer. Doing what he does is not easy and my hat is off to him.

Start at the beginning of the series and read through it. Even with my objections to style and publishing rhythm, I recommend it to you.
4831131
This is a great continuation of the series.

It was upsetting to see one of the heroes fall, but it is good to see them back in this book.  The story gets a little richer, but I would have liked a bit more filling out of the story line.

I won't address the author's abilities, but as a reader of the other books in the series a reader already knows the author's abilities.
4756685
A great continuation of the Crimson Worlds space marine saga. I got hooked on the first book now I'm five books into the series and have enjoyed each one. I don't even mind the constant review of past events that some have reviewed they didn't like. I just skim over the reviews to get to the new situations so not a game changer for me. All in all being an old soldier myself I have enjoyed reading about the die hard combat of the future.
1379146
This is another good read in the Slaver Wars series.  Plenty of action and space battles along with pretty good character development.  I hope to see it continue.  There is plenty of room for further development in just about any direction.  Keep 'em coming.
1793627
This is a good deal of background info on the schism within the Dark Angel chapter.. once again, playing on man's own foibles and weaknesses, even in the revered Space Marines. There is a good job of showing the story from the point of view of interrogator (loyalist) and chapter master (traitor) and how they vie back and forth over who has committed the most treachery...The sequence of events is fairly clear; it seems that the Dark Angel's Primarch, Lion El Johnson (never understood this name..), places Luther (his second in command) and a large contingent of space marines on Caliban (their homeworld) to raise new recruits. Feelings of slight and disdain creep into Luther while the Primarch carries on the campaign during the Horus Heresy.. Without giving too much away, I will say again that Mr. Abnett has done an excellent job of character development and his way of weaving the Dark Angel's division and then search for the "Fallen" is both interesting and revealing, with the very end of story a brooding foreboding for this space marine chapter even in the present (well, their "present").
4489592
he series has mechs, space combat, space marines, aliens, and a sinister plot against humanity. The editing is really good, too. With the "universe" open to other authors (and the core 4 books written by two core authors) you can rest assured that there will be plenty of future material in the universe, too.
1375283
Summary:
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Princeps' Fury is the 5th book in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher.  The world is a combination of Rome, Magic, Elementals and Alien.  The combination seems odd but it works well.

The book is clearly setting up the conclusion of the Codex Alera Series but it does so in a page-turning pace with some nice character developments and a few interesting points about human nature.  Humans who are stuck in a rut will never get anywhere and do not have a prayer of evolving into someone better.

Details:
Background:
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The background of Alera is advanced a bit in this novel.  You get more history on the Canim and the Vord.  The Vord is well portrayed as one of the best at adapting to new situation; this does not bode well for the Aleras and the Canims.  Tavi (Octavius) has a hard time keeping up with the Vord; in fact, the Vord turns one of Tavi's ruses back on him.  The Vord are a near faceless evil but are starting to develop some of man's bad qualities.

Characters:
-----------
The book is focused on Tavi / Tavar / Octavius, his Mother, Amara and Bernard.  Tavi continues his developing into a man and a field general.  He is given the name 'Tavar' by the Canim; Tavar is the name for a small and highly feared near apex preditor of Cana.  The name is very fitting.

Alara continues to develop in to a High Lady through diplomacy and some impressive Furycrafting.  She takes a serious chance to make a point -- nearly costs her life.

Amara and Bernard are sent on yet another suicide mission.  The mission is to determine how the Vord have developed Furycrafting / using Furycrafting to attack Alerans.  The mission has some interesting revelations (note: A clear commentary on slavery is made by Jim Butcher).

Action:
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The book is typical of the Codex Alera series.  There is a large amount of action but it is more at a unit level than at an individual level which makes sense given the scope of the book.

Prose:
------
Jim Butcher's writing style nearly the same as in prior books in the Codex Alera series and the Dresden Files series.  You will not find much of a difference; so if you are a fan, you should be quite happy.  If you are just exploring Jim Butcher's style, I would suggest that you read the first book in the Codex Alera series before this book.  You will quickly find out if you like his style and pacing.  Butcher will probably not win a Pultizer prize for his style but is a very effective communicator and sets the environment well.

Overall: 3.5 to 4 stars
Background: 3 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Action: 3 stars
Prose: 3.5 stars
700860
I picked this up in hopes that we'd start to see more of the other legions during the Horus Heresy.  This did bring some light to the Iron Warriors and Perturabo, but it didn't bring enough in my opinion.  Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed this story and actually enjoyed reading about the Emperors Children(I had to force myself to read Fulgrim, I disliked that book that much).

The main plot is the drive for Fulgrim to get Perturabo to assist in breaking into an alien fortress world with the Angel Exterminatus weapon.  The weapon is supposedly so powerful that it will make the loyalist Legions give up and end the war declaring Horus as the victor.  The story flows well(as does most of Graham McNeils books) and shows his love for the Iron Warriors.  There are a few loyalists running around and FINALLY they actually make an account for themselves.  Before if it was Loyalist Vs Chaos marines, Chaos would always win it seems.  This seems to change in this book and it's nice to see that the once one sided battles are given equal footing finally.

The plot is ripe with betrayal and attempts to stab each other in the back and some of the major characters from the Chaos world make appearances.  The end of the book does leave a little to be desired but I'm just happy to see that after the stagnation the Horus Heresy books were seeming to experience we've seen a break now and hopefully it'll start moving the story forward.

Now if we could only get us some Night Lords, Death Guards, and Alpha Legion love.
2332333
Ian Douglas has done his usual good job of weaving a great adventure.  I was a little hesitant when I caught on it was about the Navy not the Marines as all his other books have been.  While I miss the long Marine heritage in his first 3 trilogies this book looks like it will continue the heritage with a new line devoted to the Navy.  I really enjoy how he continued the timeline of the previous series.  I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
4764442
I've read Space Marines novels and a couple of Inquisition novels. When I spotted this one is rather interesting because it seemed to merge both. The novel doesn't disappoint. The only quibble I have with it is the author's writing style is a little rough. You'll find places in the novel where he restates things that have already been stated or takes too many words to explain something simple. In my opinion I can be forgiven due to the quality of the stories.

Grey Knights

This is the first book in the series. As it seems that most of the Omnibus books that I've read, the first book of my favorite. The closest thing I can compare it to the one I've read is Eisenhorn; it's similar in that it's something of a detective story. Alric the hero of the story and leader of the main squat agree nights that we see in this book has to team up with an inquisitor to try to track down a demon that was vanquished 1000 years before but is striving even now to return. There's quite a bit of action and a couple twists that I didn't see coming.

Dark Mechanicus

When I looked at some of the reviews of this book I was very skeptical. It talked about the gray knights being trapped on a planet that had emerged from the warp after many years. The only thing, it's a forge world for Titans.  I'm not sure quite what I was picturing, maybe a squad being held in prisons and having to escape or something. I don't spoil any of the twists, but let's just say that isn't quite what this book is. I will say that not only do you get some nice battles on the surface of the planet, but there's some pretty decent space battles thrown in to boot. Instead of being a book where you spent half the time waiting to get into the action, the action starts very early on and just gets more and more intense. I really like the look into the cult of Mars.

The Hammer of Daemons

The final book is more what I thought the second book would be. Basically our hero suffers defeat and is captured and taken to a slave planet of chaos. Remove for most of his support, he has to find unusual allies and try to find a way to disrupt the enemy while being in a severely weakened state in defending his own life in gladiatorial games. I know I said that I was skeptical when I thought the second book to be like this, but ended up actually liking it was a real page turner. Again we do have some of the same problems with the author restating things to many times, but it's forgivable.

To sum up, if I do give individual scores would probably give the first two a five and the last one a four. I enjoyed the novel far more than I expected I would. I'm guessing the author is never going to do a fourth book, but if he did that at least look into buying it.