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m_j_webb's reviews
325 reviews
Cardsharp: A Vincent Ward Adventure by Paul Westmoreland
4.0
This marked a real departure for me away from the military and fantasy books I usually read. To be totally honest, I never really expected to enjoy it. But I did !
The action and adventure begin immediately. The fast flowing storyline has you engrossed and constantly guessing at what is coming next. I admit to knowing very little about art/artists but the author explains the important details in such an interesting and succinct way that it is woven effortlessly into the compelling plot.
Written in the first person, the narrative draws you in so much that you feel as though you are living the adventure as Vincent Ward. The dialogue is realistic without being laboured and the character relationships all the more believable because of it. The arch enemy (The Wasp) has an air of mystery and menace about him and the technical and geographical aspects have been well researched/are well explained. The small illustrations at the start of each chapter are a fresh approach for me which make the story read more like a comic book caper, which I presume was the author's intention. They break up the writing and pique your interest so that you want to read on.
At some points you are screaming at the hero to, 'pick up a phone and call the Police!' instead of fighting all the battles himself, but at the same time a piece of you is wishing that you were more like him and had his balls.
Negatives? None really. I really enjoyed the book and as it is the first of a series, I will be looking out for the next adventure.
The action and adventure begin immediately. The fast flowing storyline has you engrossed and constantly guessing at what is coming next. I admit to knowing very little about art/artists but the author explains the important details in such an interesting and succinct way that it is woven effortlessly into the compelling plot.
Written in the first person, the narrative draws you in so much that you feel as though you are living the adventure as Vincent Ward. The dialogue is realistic without being laboured and the character relationships all the more believable because of it. The arch enemy (The Wasp) has an air of mystery and menace about him and the technical and geographical aspects have been well researched/are well explained. The small illustrations at the start of each chapter are a fresh approach for me which make the story read more like a comic book caper, which I presume was the author's intention. They break up the writing and pique your interest so that you want to read on.
At some points you are screaming at the hero to, 'pick up a phone and call the Police!' instead of fighting all the battles himself, but at the same time a piece of you is wishing that you were more like him and had his balls.
Negatives? None really. I really enjoyed the book and as it is the first of a series, I will be looking out for the next adventure.
Secrets & Lies by Tracy James Jones
4.0
Now, being a red blooded male and liking my fantasy/military books, this was a real venture into the unknown for me.
I started reading it because I wanted to broaden my horizons and see 'how the other half write.'
I have to say that Tracy has done a wonderful job. The characters are vivid and believable and the dialogue is so down to earth and realistic that you can picture yourself sipping beer with them.
The revelations were pitched at just the right level and time and kept the story moving along nicely.
All in all, to my surprise, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I suppose it's a little unfair to award a 4 star rating and not a 5, but it was not my genre and I suppose it was never going to 'rock my world.' Four stars means, 'I really liked it' and I did.
Well done Tracy.
I started reading it because I wanted to broaden my horizons and see 'how the other half write.'
I have to say that Tracy has done a wonderful job. The characters are vivid and believable and the dialogue is so down to earth and realistic that you can picture yourself sipping beer with them.
The revelations were pitched at just the right level and time and kept the story moving along nicely.
All in all, to my surprise, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I suppose it's a little unfair to award a 4 star rating and not a 5, but it was not my genre and I suppose it was never going to 'rock my world.' Four stars means, 'I really liked it' and I did.
Well done Tracy.