While he keeps up his usual fine style for era and theme
595447
Marston takes a new tack by presenting a volume of short stories rather than a full novel. While he keeps up his usual fine style for era and theme, it is hard to come up with all the twists and turns of plot when restricted to 25 pages or fewer. Still well worth  while.
2067793
He continues to please with this latest episode. There is something formulaic about the way he writes - predictable outcomes and almost D&D-like encounters - but I don't mind as it is reassuring to know that the good guys will win yet again. But I would like the occasional George R. R, Martin type of shock. Recommended
2969224
Another solid entry in the Cotton Malone series, but I had the feeling throughout that it was somewhat formulaic and certainly not filled with surprises.  I'm not sure that Mr. Berry is stretching himself as an author with innovative stories.  I never thought I'd say this, but I'd like to see him set aside these characters for a year or two while developing a really tight, historical adventure.  These are great characters but I feel the stories are becoming predictable.  By setting them aside for a while he could "refresh" the franchise.  Plus during that time, maybe he could resist characters from some of his non-Cotton series which were some of his best books.  All told, a summer read to be enjoyed.
3761362
He never fails to disappoint.  The only thing that has changed over the years is the pitch of his voice.  I like some of his earlier music because of the soft sweet tones he emits.  This is one of those oldies that he keeps in his repertoire for his audiences.  The song is the same, but the current backup vocals and band have changed in style.
1379159
Corvinus is back in the political swing here, trying to determine how to deal with a letter suggesting a deep conspiracy.  First, is there a conspiracy?  And second, if there is, how should Corvinus deal with it, given that said conspiracy could target his charming emperor, Caligula?  This time round, the ending is a bit undefined: just keep reading the series.  As usual in this series, the style is more British noir than classical Latin, but for my money that's what makes these books fun, along with the detailed classical Roman background.  If this is the sort of thing you like, you will like it.  If not, other reviews suggest, you won't.
500665
A beautiful sounding album from Mr Earl - but frustratingly this album sounds like the one's before and if he is not careful will soon end up as supermarket background music.  The lack of variety is a little downer as one song seems to morph into the next.  But, given the lack of real alternatives I will just keep buying his stuff.
1968388
His style, his character development, his plot lines are still top notch and the standard by which other novelists strive to equal.  Always worth the money.
4826332
This one seemed a bit slow and droll at times, bit still an entertaining and enjoyable read. As always he delivers.
3776635
It is minus a few changes the same as his other one
3527684
I'm a big fan of Hiaasen, having read most of his books.  This one is the usual cast of characters, with the usual plot.  A tried-and-true formula, it is not as gripping nor amusing as some of his other works; nevertheless, a fun read.
117346
In this new incarnation, Slade (now father & daughter), have crafted a leaner style but just as convoluted,as usual. Great history, as usual. And also as usual, the reader is weary of the twists and turns by the time of the last surprise. Slade shows no reservation with disposing of characters you figure would be around for a while, that is different.
2631799
Unlike Sue Grafton, who has chosen to keep her detective character stranded in time, Barbara Rendell has kept her Inspector Wexford on life support for several decades, letting him keep up with current events but not aging appropriately.

However, he has finally retired, but like a good copper, he needs to stick his nose in when crime calls. He's living part-time in London, due to family situations, so he's on hand to help out when some bodies are found in a closed-up suburban cellar. The mystery is laid out well, with a satisfactory ending (unlike some of Rendell's other recent books). Personally, I found that the Wexford family sub-plot was a little tedious, but the author balanced it well with the grisly murder material. All in all, a fine addition to the long career of Inspector Wexford.
4047530
Personable style as in his novels, just more so. Those that appreciate his insights into human longings should appreciate this collection.
2913540
Batman is one of those characters who is so iconic that he continues to transcend his origins. Between the comic books, TV shows, and blockbuster films, there are plenty of sources to draw inspiration for a wide array of merchandise. But these figures aren't based on any particular version of Batman we've seen in those mediums. This line chooses to take the Batman property in a looser, more imaginative direction. One of the biggest gripes about a lot of the Batman action figure lines over the years has been the many high-concept bright and colorful costumes Batman wears, as the toy designers are eager to be creative and so these toys can be eye-catching for all the kids searching the toy store aisles for their next buy. But Batman, a superhero whose effectiveness relies on his ability to hide in the shadows, wouldn't wear a bright orange Batsuit unless he wanted to draw the gunfire of every thug in Gotham City. But these figures aren't concerned with realism, and that's okay too. Sometimes a lighter, more fun Batman is needed, and that's okay. There's room for that Batman too on the toy shelves alongside The Dark Knight Rises' figures. And as this new line of Batman figures isn't tied to any previous-existing interpretation of Batman, kids are free to come up with heir own imaginative Batman adventures.

As for this specific figure, Battle Gauntlet Batman, it is my personal favorite in the line, as the simple black-and-gray Batsuit style is the most in line with the "classic" Batman look seen in the modern comics, and I've always been one of those kids who preferred his Batman figures to look like "Classic Batman." This figure's only accessory is a very large Batarang, which is about as absurdly tall as the figure itself. It actually reminds me of the Bat'leth weapon used by the Klingons on Star Trek. But hey, it looks and sounds like a weapon Batman would use anyway, it even has "bat" in the title! And its large size only stresses the more loosy-goosy style of these figures. If I had to find one major gripe, it would be with the style of the Bat insignia on his chest. The classic yellow-oval version probably would have been fine, but since this figure line is trying to differentiate itself from the other Bat-toys, so we get a weird combo of both the classic yellow-oval emblem and the modern, even more simple black bat silhouette. Is it different from the others? Yes. Is it better than them? I wouldn't say so. I'd say that is the only drawback that keeps this figure from getting five stars from me. Otherwise, this figure is an interesting take on a character we've already seen countless takes on for decades. And kids won't care how different they are from the other Batman figures out there. But that's the appeal. They're different, and that's just fine.
2086671
Not his best work, but still made for an enjoyable listen on my daily commute.
4625280
If you enjoy Modesitt's work, this one is well within his usual range, a spomewhat reluctant hero (but who has better knowledge of his capabilities than some in prior novels), the usual intrigue and, in this novel, more of an outline of the Namer/Named religious dichotomy we saw in the first "Imager" series.  And, unlike some fantasy series, the novel is satisfactory as a "standalone".  "Princeps" next.  Anyway, how could I possibly give other than a good review to a novel for which I am the "dedicatee", if there is such a word!
4780631
Berry's plots and the derring-do of his hero are a bit much, but the historical underpinnings, to say nothing of his epilogues detailing what historical elements of the plot are true make this series entirely worthwhile.