Incredible story, brilliant writing, fantastic tie-ins and wrap-ups
582831
This was truly an exceptional piece of screenwriting. Every bit of dialogue for Tennant's return and Piper's return were phenomenal. The War Doctor's reaction to who the doctor was before and after helps reconcile the two incarnations of the program and still makes for a brilliant, fun, engaging, witty story. Moffat still majorly lacks in the sci-fi department, trying to go further than he can handle into explaining paradoxes, forgetting "rules" he attempts to set up, and becoming too contrived much of the time. But his ability to write engaging narrative and witty dialogue far outshines any detriments. Well worth the hype and the money.
2513134
Im still amazed from the writing and the amazing story of this sci-fi trilogy. The fantasy and the writing talent of this author are surely great. I have never read anything so imaginary, with great vision. This book took me to another world, world filled with amazing characters, love, imagination and adventures. I adore how the author combined the human and alien contact. I don't want to reveal much about the story, but I must tell that this trilogy kept me up till late at night and it was the first thing I touched and read in the morning. It got me hooked, I enjoyed every moment and that is why I will recommend it to anyone.
1855177
Several friends had been recommending this series, and I finally tried it out.  Brilliant.  Simply brilliant.  Excellent writing, narrative, flow, and plotting.  Huge kudos to Gabaldon for the completeness of her scenes, for fabulous detail that never gets in the way of narrative flow, and for avoiding anachronistic thoughts in her characters.  18th c characters don't have 20/21st c thoughts and expectations, which is harder to pull off than you think, and the clash of those often conflicting cross-century thoughts and expectations is a major theme.  Grand fun, late-night page-turning escapist reading crafted by an Eng-lit level author.  Brilliant and totally addictive!
219188
I received this today after reading the preview and preordering it. Starting with Chapter 7, I started reading it at about 7 this evening and just finished it at 11:30.

It is a gripping story that moves at a relentless pace through a complex plot filled with rich characters.

I understand this has been optioned for a movie, and I can see why--the story and characters are so vivid, the worldbuilding so complex, that I can see this following the path of Star Wars or Hunger Games. Only the plot and characters in this are if anything more rich, more believable. The worldbuilding makes more sense.

It's a hell of a saga. Really, a must read.
642641
This book - and series - pretty much blew me away. I am entranced by Andrijeski's world building ability, admire her writing ability, and am in love with her characters. The attention to detail and intricacy regarding the Seer culture, the mesh between human and seer culture, and everything in between, is incredible. She built an incredible world here, one that I can actually feel myself in the middle of.

Her writing is complex and elegant, and this does lend itself to long sections of description and explanation on the character's end. Somehow this doesn't end up being intrusive, though it can get lengthy. And her characters... well, be prepared to be frustrated with the characters choices, as they are complex and flawed and very real - and again with the amazing way Andrijesky creates an authentic world; they are not necessarily choices humans would make, yet they feel all the more real (and alien) because of it. Also, kudos for Andrijeski for creating a male hero who is very flawed but you can't help but love.

The only warning I would give is that the plot is long and complicated, so this is not a book to quickly zip through. Take your time and enjoy it. There are many books after this too - and it somehow only gets better.
3380351
MISTBORN: SECRET HISTORY was incredibly mind-blowing. I cant really say TOO much about it because its incredibly spoilery for those who haven't read MISTBORN yet or even those who haven't finished THE BANDS OF MOURNING yet. This short story takes place just after the rush of events as MISTBORN is ending and continues to span throughout the rest of the original trilogy, setting things up for the Wax & Wayne era.

Sandersons world building is astounding. I love that hes been compiling this story little by little as hes been writing the series and finally shared it in this novella. I agree that it may have been too much to mix in with the series chronologically and I was happy to read this all from one POV!

Honestly? I got a tad lost in the middle. Well, not lost but I just have a hard time adapting to new ideas/places/people without enough anchors to hold me to an original character/story. Maybe Im just not well-versed enough in the Cosmere? But I was having a bit of a hard time wrapping my brain around some of the sections in the middle just because were dealing with such higher forces (without giving any spoilers away) and a nearly new concept which I would have loved to spend more time with! Could be that these things/concepts/whatever also appear in other Sanderson books that I just haven't read yet and thats why Im not picking up on it as much! Truly, the things you find out in this short story are so amazingly fantastical that I actually want to re-read the whole series and have MISTBORN: SECRET HISTORY in hand so I can read them on the same timelines. I also want to go back and read sections of this again so I can really grasp whats going on. Some things did  seem to be tied to other books set in the Cosmere so I really need to read those soon!!

There were some amazing moments between original Mistborn characters that just totally warmed my heart and really put a happy ending on everything. I loved tiny glances at different POVs (especially Kelsiers) as scenes from the endings of MISTBORN, THE WELL OF ASCENSION, and THE HERO OF AGES appear in the novella. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters and getting even more answers as to what happened to them and exactly how things played out since we get a different perspective here.

Always a joy to read, some MIND-BLOWING knowledge that has me dying to pick up more books (not like that was an issue anyway. I already have reads planned out!), but now I cant believe how long Ill have to wait for new Mistborn books! AHHH!
3209763
The Night Eternal is one of the best follow-ups/conclusions to a series I have read in a long time.  Each book feels more like it is part of one story, not a seperate story unto it self.  while this story does move a little slowly in a couple parts, the fact is that if you enjoyed the first two books you will undoubtedly enjoy this one.  Chuck Hogan and Guillermo Del Toro are fantastic writers who have produced a story that I will read multiple times.

The Strain Trilogy is one of the most unique stories I have ever read.  each character is uniquily flawed and real.  There are none of the cliche's that one would normally find in appocalyptical literature, instead you are there for the event that has destroyed our world, you know who caused it and why, and the reasons and associated fallout are all unique but completely believeable. at no part do you think that this could not happen.  The history invented for this was so complete that you find your self associating it with real life and how it fits absolutely perfectly.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Night-Eternal-The-Strain-Trilogy/dp/0061558273/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Night Eternal (The Strain Trilogy)</a>
2661354
Having read Shadow Ops book 1 and been blown-away by such a remarkable, extraordinarily original new series I was incredibly excited to read this!

Myke Cole does not disappoint as Breach Zone was <u>even more</u> electrifying, even more suspenseful and especially unique. The merging together of eclectic, edgy Urban Fantasy with a futuristic, science-fiction feel to it is inspired and like no other series I have encountered. Masterfully crafted and written with such imaginative vision and intensity this book keeps you turning the pages and wanting to read on. Satisfying, thrilling and undeniably magnificent I was once again greatly impressed by this scintillating saga and mind-blowing volatile world.

*New* to shadow ops book 3 is the incorporation of magic as many of those with newfound powers are conscripted by the US Army. The divide between reality and illusory I found reminiscent of `The Matrix' as at times I was so transfixed and taken-in by the cleverly crafted plot and ingenuity of the narrative that it seemed almost too authentic. The writing was so compelling and so clever that I was instantly drawn back into this remarkable world with the dramatic, climatic ending as a perfect conclusion to a spectacular story.

*I won a copy of Shadow Ops {book 3} : Breach Zone by Myke Cole through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway *
401337
there is alot of what i might say about this wonderful book discussed already in reviews here. i will just briefly add that i loved this book. i found the end of the trilogy somewhat disappointing (okay, very disappointing), but the first two books are so spectacular in their tone, characters, world-building and plot that i still have to seriously recommend the whole thing.

the essential aspect i want to commend here is this recorded version of the book. it is truly stunning. the author beautifully reads his work, but then all voices (anything in quotes) are voiced by actors and they are fantastic. Lyra is so perfect I was filled with a kind of amazed delight. but all the voice acting is wonderful, and it is all both served by and serves the extensive and excellent dialogue in this book. at first it was slightly weird to have totally different voices reading the text of the book, but that quickly faded until the book came more alive than any audio book i've ever listened to. even if you've already read the book i recommend this recording. it is really amazing
2184608
I read a lot, and am always on the lookout for new things.  Although I wouldn't have picked this one up normally - fantasty / future / sci fi is not really my genre - I read it based on a recommendation I would trust.

Wow, it was incredible.  Well-written, fast-paced, creative, and engaging.  You find yourself incredibly connected to the characters, rooting or booing them as needed.  The story continually twists, and although I wanted to reach the conclusion, I didn't want it to end.  I have already picked up the second book in the series, though it's hard to imagine that anything else is going to be this good.
1511751
After stumbling across the first book, I was pleasantly surprised at how vast and enthralling a world the writer had created. Thrown into Alex's alternate world, I loved the detail and mythology that had so clearly been painstakingly conceived down to the last detail. Needless to say it was 'unputdownable,' but I was sceptical about how the second in the series could top it.

I've just finished "The Veil: Corruption," and can safely say that this is such an incredible evolution from the author's first novel. Not only is the writing style smoother and more digestible, but the imagery he creates through it is absolutely beautiful, bringing the world of the HASEA Chronicles to life (both the earthly and alternate pandemonian sides. I thought I was lost in the surreality of Alex's world in the first book, but the sequel is so much more, introducing new realms and creatures and bringing the same ingenious and original ideas from The Awakening to the reader.

The characters introduced in the second book are even more pragmatic and 3-dimensional than the first. I felt utterly drawn in back the back story and experiences of every individual, not just Alex. I loved the idea of putting the reader in the mindset of multiple protagonists, and it really helps to identify vicariously with all of their stories. Their emotions and reactions to the unbelievable series of events that unfold is so easy to process and makes this book possibly one of the most engaging I've read in years.

The plot? I don't think I could say enough about the plot. Not only does it move away from the linear narrative of the first book, but it develops Alex's (and the other characters') story into an expansive new world, or in fact a multitude of worlds. I was blown away by the 'epicness' of the story, in a narrative that makes the prequel seem like it was set in a children's playground. I was impressed at some of the ingenious plot twists and and the way so many events seemed to come together so neatly, but yet with a kind of shaky uncertainty that makes you feel you've been both punched in the gut, and soothed gently with a lullaby and a night cap. In essence the author finds the perfect balance between keeping the reader on their toes and gratifying their demands.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, is the badass factor. Something I think carries over from the previous novel. "The Veil Corruption," definitely continues the same ethos of indulging the reader's inner movie lover. Whether you're a fan of fast paced action, supernatural mythology, futuristic technology or simply the age old story of dark vs light, this book really comes into it's own in culminating those not-so-guilty pleasures that all fiction fans crave. However, it somehow manages so both reel back much of the cheese and cliche from the original while making everything bigger and badder. I think this is mostly down to a maturation of the author's writing style, and a dissipation of the over-excitement that comes with writing a first novel, into what is now a more refined but still incredibly passionate realisation of a deep and long-conceived universe.

I guess my main point therefore, is that this book is fantastic. If you loved or even liked the previous, it's pretty safe to say you'll be far from disappointed, and if you didn't, you may be pleasantly surprised at how far the "HASEA Chronicles" has come in only its second instalment. Looking at the leap between the two, I can't wait to see what the third brings, and the series itself could likely become one of the most acclaimed of the decade.

Five stars, a definite must read.
4118367
Endings are tough, any writer can tell you that. If you're worried if Tex can stick the landing here, don't be. This book was such an incredible finish to the trilogy. It was completely satisfying, and the story the series set out to tell is over, but wow do I want more from this world.

There's a thing great writers do, where they've got something coming and they want to prepare you for it a bit. And Tex does that - she gives you all the pieces to this puzzle, and gives you a chance to put it all together for yourself. Well I got those pieces in all the right spots just as she revealed the whole picture, and it still left me jaw-dropped, mouth-opened stunned.

There are so many cool moments in this book, so many surprises and great bits of language and dialogue and characters that will stay with you. Read these books.
3686466
For the first time Chosen,Myth & Telepath are available in this convenient combo pack. The first 3 books in a truly epic SciFi/Fantasy series in a 'world' that is exciting and scary as well as dangerous and even inspiring.

The first 3 books set the stage for what is an incredibly amazing and jaw-dropping literary journey. the characters are rich and vibrant, the story is well written - To a standard that would make even the biggest name writers envious. You never know where the story is going, motives are NEVER as clear as they seem and the tiniest of details can have the largest of impacts on the characters and their stories.

I've been a fan of this series for a long time and if you haven't read it yet this box set would be the perfect way to get started. You WILL love it and you WILL want more.
2682065
My favorite author.  I could write for a while about why I love this series.  But, I'll try and keep it short.

Martin explores tropes, humanity and the idea of good versus evil while having a wide breadth of story lines, characters, personalities and points of views.  The back-stories are as rich as the characters they belong to.  His empathy to step into the shoes of so many widely varied characters and intelligently (or impulsively or idiotically, in some cases) is incredible.  And it is not so because he can do it, it is amazing because in each situation the characters make believable choices based on their own personalities and neuroses.

To preface this paragraph, J.R.R. Tolkien will always be a literary legend, and rightfully so. But the rest is where Martin's work trumps Tolkien (I know I know, blasphemy).  (Spoiler from Lord of the Rings throughout this paragraph)  I felt a sense of wonder when I read Tolkien's LOTR, up until the end when the last battle was fought and I noticed that most characters that were pure of heart lived and those that were not typically died.  I'd have to read again to go into too much more detail.  But take into account The Fellowship.  Boromir did something bad, orcs came out of the woodwork and killed him within what, something like 10 minutes?  Even Gandalf makes the ultimate sacrifice and just magically shows back up a half a book later with a shinier cloak.  If I remember correctly, at the end of the war, no morally gray characters survived (making the series a long-winded, albeit incredible and fantastical, morality tale).

Spoilers aside, there is actually a sense of danger to the A Song of Fire and Ice series.  And, more importantly, that sense is not created by any amazing means, but by the characters' choices they are driven to by their unique personalities.  This more than anything gives the world its fantastical personality.

Praise aside, there is a ton of information, back-story, people, lands, and intrigue in these pages, so much so that my first read was not half so enjoyable as my second.  Also, things slow down in the fourth and fifth volumes (fifth is not in this collection) as new characters are introduced and some other ones explored.  My first reads through those last two books took forever as I could barely follow some of the foreign names or care half so much about some of the things that were happening.

With that said, I think any truly open-minded reader is missing out if they don't give this series a shot, or two.
2247242
WITHOUT PUTTING DOWN the first two books in this series, the third book in the remarkable GREG MANDEL trilogy is easily the best, and easily the most epic in a science fiction sense.  The plot as outlined by the blurb on the books back cover is enough to give any sci fi fan permanent goose bumps, and along with the associated plethora of OMG moments the book provides, will guarantee the reader a hugely entertaining and wonder filled experience of the (third) literary kind.  Seasoned readers of Mr Hamilton will recognise his writing style and his sense of flair when it comes to gifting his fans with examples of his extraordinarily brilliant imagination.  The universe has never seemed so full of life, and so full of technology and potential as it does after you have experienced a Peter F Hamilton novel and this being one of the glory books, is destined to leave the reader with a stronger impression of the authors genius .

The old gang are back, Greg Mandel, Julia Evans, her clones, her long deceased (but not really) Grand Father, and of course Royan-but-not-really-Royan.  Spoilers prevent me from explaining this last comment, as well as the context that he takes in the story.  New baddies make an appearance from stage right, and they are led by a vicious over the top sicko baddie.  New characters also appear, but it turns out they are not what they might appear to be, and of course the quintessential love interest plays a strong role in the story and this is just as beautifully portrayed and drawn as any love story can be by *any* writer, not just a hard core science fiction one.  The ultimate question of humanity is posed here, as well, and is brilliantly answered by yet another new character that is in control of Event Horizons own version of SETI and of course (SPOILERS) *they* play a crucial role in the books outcome, as well.

Page 161 gifted me with the storys first OMG moment, and yet, remarkably, it was the second time I have come across this particular thought in a sci fi novel and this only acts to double its effect on this particular unsuspecting lover of fiction.  The action never lets up once it gets going; and to be brutally honest, the books second half is better and stronger than the first.  Some people dread long chapters in books; I know for a fact (from experience) that long chapters equate to brilliant ones that contain gob-smacking revelations when it comes to PFH.  Naturally there are several such OMG moments that occur within these hallowed pages.

So in summary:  this book is awesome.  It is worthy of a mandatory five stars.  The bad news is that you have to read the first two books in order to fully appreciate this one.  The good news is that you have to read the first two books in order to fully appreciate this one.
4506980
This sequel to Death's Hand did not disappoint.  Reine's writing style continues to grip me and not let go until the last page is read.  Like the first book, it's hard to give any sort of substantive summary without giving things away. The gradual unfolding of the story is fantastic - really, the intrigue is a huge part of what kept me reading.

The whole atmosphere of the book is just so intense.  The flashbacks are effective in building up to the climax, and for me, it worked well with the pacing of the story.

Things I loved:  Elise's eerie relationship with the angels.  The introduction of Thom (who/what IS he??) The relationship between James and Elise (strained now, but still intense).  And finally -finally!- we get a real glimpse of Him (the descriptions in that chapter were absolutely amazing).

Definitely do not read this without reading book 1.  It won't make any sense, and you'll lose a lot of character background.

In order:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Death-s-Hand-The-Descent-Series/dp/B005WZKJN6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Death's Hand (The Descent Series)</a>&nbsp;(book 1)
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Death-s-Avatar-The-Descent-Series/dp/B006R9J2OS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Death's Avatar (The Descent Series)</a>&nbsp;(short story - reveals events that were alluded to in book 1. Actually, I'm not sure if you're supposed to read this before or after book 1.  Maybe before.  But I read it after and I kinda liked learning about this full story after the fact.)
Darkest Gate (book 2)
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dark-Union-The-Descent-Series/dp/B008NXLRQW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dark Union (The Descent Series)</a>&nbsp;(another short story)
4147789
5* Absolutely loved it

Well what can I say?  Firstly, please can we have more?  This trilogy is firmly one of my favourite all time reads.  Each part could be read as a stand alone but who would do that? Who would deny themselves the thrill of the roller coaster journey?

I absolutely loved these books, the characters and the ride.

Though the story and characters are set in a world of international espionage and corruption, they are likeable and believable, even the bad guys.  I feel privileged to have shared the developing story as Angie Smith has revealed it to us.

These books are complex and intelligently written and have interesting plots, cleverly intertwined with brilliant characters, locations and descriptions.  At the same time they have very enjoyable and gripping storylines which mirror some current international events and thinking.
I'm not going to tell you the story in these books because I honestly think you should read and discover their brilliance for yourself.  You'll thank me for that.

Well done Angie, I'm sure there's at least one more book in this particular series (I'm begging here) and hopefully new stories in your head to tell us.  I for one will be keeping my eyes open for your future books