Stephen W

• Rated 5 stars

“This is a first rate debut mystery series. Chet is the Mike Hammer of the dog world. Spencer Quinn has written a nice mystery but what really drives this book is the character of Chet and Bernie. Though it is clearly easy to see who is in charge.

For my full review check out my at:
http://betweenthefirstandlastpage.blogspot.com”

Stephen W wrote this review Monday, March 9, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Go Down together by Jeff Guinn strips away the myths that have built up around Bonnie and Clyde for over 70 years. With well down research we get to know the real people behind the myths and legends.

Who we see are two people want only want fame and to make a name for themselves. Forget what you saw in the 1967 movie starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. This is the real story behind these tow who in the end knew they would go down together.”

Stephen W wrote this review Monday, March 9, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Once again Dan Simmons proves just how great a writer he really is. For my full review check out my Blog at http://betweenthefirstandlastpage.blogspot.com”

Stephen W wrote this review Friday, February 20, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Working at Barnes & Noble I was lucky to get an advance copy. And I have to say it was fun read. I spent a whole day off reading this.

It was fun to read about evil vampires again. It seems now when people write about vampires they are good and always falling in love with a mortal or some kind of vampire slayer.

Of course the writer here did make some changes in the vampire myth. But over all they they stuck to the facts of vampires using mortals only to feed and breed.

So heres the story in a nut shell. A planes in New York. When it land it goes dead. No communication, no lights , nothing. Once on board it is discovered that all the passengers and crew are dead. With the exception of four people. And believe me they are not the lucky one.

So soon the island of New York becomes a battle ground with an very old vampire and a few who know the truth.

This a fast paced story. It keeps moving never slowing down. Is it the most original vampire story? No. But it makes up for it a nice plot, great characters.

If your tired of nice a friendly, going to the prom, falling in lover vampires then this book will be for you.

I look forward for the second two books in this trilogy.”

Stephen W wrote this review Monday, January 5, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Sometime you have to wonder just how much can be written about a certain subject/person/period in time. Tale Custer battle at Little Big Horn. There has been enough written about it that it would takes decades to read all of it. So what makes A Terrible Glory different.

Well Everything. I have to say this is the most researched and balanced account of that day of June 25 1876.

James Donovan does a splendid job of setting the time and the feelings on both sides, Indians as well as the Whites. First and for most he gives us a look at the history between the US and the Indians as far back as the days before the Revolutionary War and even as far back as the Spanish dealing with them.

Then Mr. Donovan goes on to tell the tale leading up , the day of and well after the battle not just from Custer's and the US view but from the Indians. From Sitting Bull to Crazy Horse right down to the woman and children. From President Grant to General Sheridan & Sherman to Custer and his men right down to the enlisted men.

Donovan gives an even account on both sides but he makes the times and event much real and doesn't forget even though these people have been dead for well over a hundred years that he doesn't portrait these them as them the mythical people that are sometimes portrait as but has the people that they were. Living,caring,fallible people, who right or wrong fought for what they believed in.

So if your a fan of this time period or this particular battle then this is the best book that you will find. Well researched as well as written.

I was up to 2 AM some nights reading this book.

In addition I will also say this, I think is the most balanced view of Custer. Most books either show him as Hero or some show him as a complete bastard. I think after reading this I would have to say he was little of both. But then you have to be a bastard of sorts when you may be leading men to their deaths. Being nice sometimes just doesn't get the job done.”

Stephen W wrote this review Thursday, October 23, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“With Hyperion Dan Simmons has written one of the Science Fiction novels to come out in 20 years.

Far into the future the human race a spread itself far and wide across the galaxy. And on a planet called Hyperion in the outer reaches of the galaxy what are know has time tombs are opening and a being called the Shrike is causing terror.

While being known as the Ousters are attacking the outer fringes of the galaxy.

It is up to seven pilgrims to journey to the tombs to find answers to why they are opening and maybe how to defeat this alien attacks.

This is classic science fiction story telling at it's heart. Though set in the future the technology isn't what drives this story but the characters. While on the trio to the times tombs each of the seven pilgrim tell the story of what brought there and how it connects to the tombs itself.

And what Mr Simmons has done with character(both major and minor) is make them truly believable and well rounded. As often with science fiction the writer can get lost in the future technology and surroundings and forget the people with in the story. But not here.

This Hugo winning book is a worthy successor to the likes of Assimov, Herbert, Clarke and the many other legends of science fiction.

If you love science fiction with a truly engaging setting with characters that are written with depth and believability then Hyperion and it's sequel Fall of Hyperion is for you. ”

Stephen W wrote this review Saturday, August 16, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“It is said that the best way to why something works is to compare it to it's opposite. Contrast, pure and simple.

If thats the case then there is n better contrast than having baby Kal El land in Ukraine,Russia instead of Kansas.

In this, what I think is the best Elseworlds title in years, Superman grows up in Communist Russia. It is this stark contrast that makes this a compelling story.

Mark Millar is no stranger to writing Superman having written some of the best stories of the Man of Steel for the comic which was an adaptation of the Animated series from a few years.

This graphic novel(originally was a 3 issue limited series) has everything Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Lois and of course Lex Luthor.

And the added pleasure of Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett pencils with inks by Andrew Robinson and Walden Wong just make this book even more compelling to read.

Also for more contrast you have colorist Paul Mounts. In the regular Superman series it full of bright colors. Here Paul takes these colors and mutes them. almost as if to convey the lifelessness of the Communist life.

All in all this is beautifully written and drawn graphic novel for any fan of The Man of Steel or those who like a different look at this American Icon.”

Stephen W wrote this review Tuesday, August 12, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“In Guiness: The 250 year pursuit for the perfect pint, historian Bill Yenne covers the history of the Guiness Brewery fron it's start in 1759 to now.

This just isn't a history of a brewery it's a history of how a brewer has shaped and changed the world.

Guiness is one the best selling beers in the world. To find out why and how Alec Guiness with only a 100lb inheritance and a lease on 4 acres of land(the lease was signed at only 45lb a year(approx. $90) and 5000 years, yes 5000 years) turned his local beer into a world wide phenomenon. And see how this brewery has out lasted so many breweries through out the centuries.”

Stephen W wrote this review Tuesday, August 12, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“If your a fan of comics and in particular Marvel Comics this book is for you.

Covering the Marvels 70 year history from it's start as Timely Comics to now this book is a treasure of that history.

Not only does this book have the history of the company it also with in the covers numerous replicas of sketches, badges, letters and so much more from various eras in it's history.

This book is a must who love the history of the comic industry and of Marvel's in particular.”

Stephen W wrote this review Tuesday, August 12, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“OK, this has to be the best Superman story from DC in years. And the strange thing he isn't even in it(It is also the first Superman story to printed under the Vertigo imprint).

Say What??? A Superman story with out Superman? How is that you ask. I will explain.

In this part fiction, part auto biography writer Steve Seagle(who in real life has written Action Comics and Superman) tells a story of comic writer who is given the chance of a life time to write DC's flagship character. And as any write would tell you it's one they wouldn't pass. But this writer does. In fact he tries to come up with all the reasons he shouldn't while at try to explain just why Superman shouldn't and can't work.

During this he is on a personal quest, to find his missing father. And if thats not enough, a fatal genetic disease may come back to haunt him.

With beautifully personal story Steven takes apart the myth of the Man of Steel and while seemingly pointing out what may the contradiction of this American Icon he shows just why this character has lasted these past 70 years.

But Mr. Seagle isn't alone here. As with any graphic novel with writing this strong you have to have an artist to match. He aided by frequent collaborator, Teddy Kristiansen. And Teddy out does himself here with It's a Bird. Using 22 different styles with in this 124 page graphic novel. He really shows just what the graphic novel form can do. In a lesser artist hand s this many styles would distract from the story but in Teddy's hands.

I can't say enough about this book. If you ever wondered just what is the appeal of this character just read this book. Forget the countless essays, websites and what have you. You want to know why Superman has been around this long and if he is still has meaning in todays world just ask some one who has written him.”

Stephen W wrote this review Tuesday, August 12, 2008. ( reply | permalink )