Reviews

Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways by David McDonald

ogreart's review against another edition

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4.0

I received an electronic ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

I guess, since they are primarily a comic book title, I should mention that this is a prose book, not a comic book. I liked that. This was a fun book. Not really deep, but a nice, light adventure with a great deal of fun. Mainly centered on the character of Quill, it gave a some insight into his character. It also had the humor one expects from a Guardians book.

After crash-landing on an uncharted planet, and having all their electronics destroyed by an EMP, the team goes their separate ways. They had been needing a break from each other and took it. The sense of loss that Quill felt at seeing his new family leave was handled well.

The planet does not have advanced technology (making the EMP very confusing). When the duchy that Quill has become part of is attacked, he goes in search of his team to help his new friends. Then, one by one he finds the team and some join him, some don't. Each team member has had an interesting adventure of their own which they relate.

There were some plot twists of the book that I felt were a little too obvious, too formulaic, but overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.

geeky_spider's review against another edition

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adventurous

4.0

gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition

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3.0

I received this as an E-copy, via Netgalley but my opinion does not change.

Initially, I was a little disappointed with this because once again, as with [b:Thor: Dueling with Giants|27881488|Thor Dueling with Giants|Keith R.A. DeCandido|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1451404170s/27881488.jpg|47875683], I was lead to believe that this was a comic! It was an annoying circumstance, but I had missed this universe enough to hope I could see through that.
Although it kept it's humour it seemed a little more... I don't know, stiff with the jokes, lack lustre and a little more... Hmm, not darker, but I can't think of a word.. However, I've only ever seen the film so I found this novelised version of the characters in a new story to have a big noticeable difference for me. I'm sure other books, like the comics, will be more to my taste in that department. I do find it a little annoying that there's so much resources all written by different creators! It makes me confused, but so is the world of superheros and such! I just have to get over that and do my research.

I enjoyed the little italic random parts of the story, but it so obviously ''hinted'' at the other members of the group reappearing into the main story line. At the same time, it was refreshing to see a glimpse of what they had been up to.
Gamora's story arc was predictable early on as with a fair bit of the beginning portion of this novel, but it was still an okay read, even though I found it to be too predictable and not enough to really draw me in!

I did enjoy the planet's level of technology... It took me away from all the hardcore sci-fi, yet still kept it's origins.

I had a feeling I would have to DNF this book because I was running out of time on my Netgalley loan, so I did rush through the last half of the book in 2, mainly 1, days. Maybe this alters my whole opinion on the book, but I will say it was an okay read, just not something I'd particularly read again, or perhaps something I could read more leisurely.

Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! ^.^
Gén


lberestecki's review against another edition

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2.0

This book seemed like it was written somewhere in between middle grade and YA, which was weird. I know that doesn't really matter for an adult reading it, but it threw me a little. I also didn't love the way the story was structured. In a lot of ways it felt as though it was paced like a comic, even though it is a novel. I'm sure plenty of people will enjoy this book, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

jmanchester0's review against another edition

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4.0

‰ЫЬA thoroughly enjoyable Guardians of the Galaxy novel!

I thought the characterizations were well done. I'm not always as big of a fan of stories when teams split up, especially when I like how they work together, but that doesn't take away too much from the story in this book.

Just keep in mind, this is a light, easy read - and there's the biggest focus on Peter Quill. Though the other characters have their scenes and contribute to the fun.

Recommended for Guardians fans. If you're not...what's wrong with you?

Thanks to Netgalley, Diamond Distributors, and Joe Books for a copy in return for an honest review.

penguininabluebox's review

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3.0

3.5*

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a novel, not like I expected a comic book, that follows the Guardians of the Galaxy, one of my favourite superhero squads. I adore this cast of characters and I really enjoyed this different take on them and seeing them in the context of a novel instead of a comic book. It wasn't the most extraordinary or unique story or writing, but definitely a lot of fun and I would recommend it. This book comes out July 12.

calissa's review

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4.0

Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Cold Comfort and Other Tales is a collection of science fiction short stories, two of which are reprints and one of which is original.

The titular tale follows Vanja, a travelling trader who seeks a reclusive settlement and hidden knowledge. Worldbuilding is a strength of this collection and is showcased nicely in this story. Heated domes protect settlements that are not necessarily safer than the snowy wilderness. Adventuresome nature aside, Vanja shows herself to be a relatively sensible character when it comes to managing the risks. The story had a nice pace to it, though the ending left me somewhat unsatisfied. Its revelation of the bigger picture gave the impression this was simply the beginning of a longer tale.

In Through Wind and Weather, Nick and his semi-sentient spaceship battle the worst solar storm on record to make a vital delivery to a planet of settlers. A very short but well-executed story. I read it without being aware of the context of this story's original publication and so the twist at the end came as a surprise.

Our Land Abounds, the original tale in the collection, is another where the worldbuilding really comes to the fore. It is a near future tale where most of the world is wracked by food shortages and the Republic of Australasia has closed off its borders in an effort to protect its plentiful food supply. Citizens who claim this supply should be shared with the rest of the world mysteriously disappear and illegal immigrants are hanged on discovery. I'd be curious to find out how the cultural references translate for international readers, but Australians will find it chillingly plausible in the current political climate. I found the plot a little pedestrian, being overshadowed by the worldbuilding. However, that was rather the point and it asked some hard questions about empathy and the current state of society.

Cold Comfort and Other Tales is a short collection that will suck you in and spit you out again before you know it. Perfect for commutes or dipping into when you don't have a lot of time.


This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
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