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doctorwoofwoof's reviews
305 reviews
The Judgment of Valene by Darby Harn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
2.5
I am a loss here. One novel, two novella, and then this. I dunno. I really liked the perspective of the book: while the first book was told from Kit's P.O.V., this one, as the title says, is told from Valene's P.O.V. offering a decidely different perspective on the Big Picture. And oh man, what a picture it is!
[Spoiler-Free... Promise!]
Great Power is in something of a financial and managerial mess after the ending of EVER THE HERO. Valene's return to Earth couldn't have been timed at a better time (sarcasm)! Good need an enormous sized bottle of Tylenol for the headache that awaits her inside GP's boardroom!
Then there's the Kit-Abi relationship, which Valene was unaware of it, as the whole "being in a space station" thing. Awkward doesn't even come close to the feelings evoked when the two meet and Valene learns of the relationship blooming!
And, finally, we have the "Big Bad". It would seem someone (maybe.. maybe not) wants to remove Valene from the picture, prompting GP to have her given guards to ensure that such an event doesn't happen!
Okay, so that's a super-brief (!) encapsulation of what the first half, maybe first quarter, is, only a lot goes on in-between what I wrote. It's really quite good! Being able to get inside Val's head, hearing her thoughts as such, really gives us a better understanding of her character. It's also interesting to witness the petty bickering and power grabs at GP, something that did a great job of mirroring the current state of our corporate world!
Unfortunately, somewhere between the end of the second half and in the midst of the third quarter, there is a shift. What was a great beginning, with all the key pieces in play, begins to feel slightly top-heavy, as more is introduced on top of all that was already transpiring. I can not speak for everyone (and I won't try), but it made my interest begin to waver.
The characters were great. The main characters, as well as the returning supporting characters, were all given enough space to stretch the legs and offer us more glimpses of who they were. Valene's was probably the best characterized! Her emotions and internal struggles could really be felt (I struggle with depression, so I definitely felt some kinship there).
The only character I found to be off and really seemed kinda out-of-character was Frankie. I won't say what it is that makes her feel "off", but I feel it was significant enough to have me scratch my head and go "Blarg!".
I don't want to cloud anyone's view, so I tried to keep my views short and not as detailed as sometimes get. By all means, read it, as if you invested in the first book and the later two novellas, you kinda should. Maybe by the end, you will draw different conclusions, perhaps enjoying it that much more!
And I have naught more to say other than, peace!
[Spoiler-Free... Promise!]
Great Power is in something of a financial and managerial mess after the ending of EVER THE HERO. Valene's return to Earth couldn't have been timed at a better time (sarcasm)! Good need an enormous sized bottle of Tylenol for the headache that awaits her inside GP's boardroom!
Then there's the Kit-Abi relationship, which Valene was unaware of it, as the whole "being in a space station" thing. Awkward doesn't even come close to the feelings evoked when the two meet and Valene learns of the relationship blooming!
And, finally, we have the "Big Bad". It would seem someone (maybe.. maybe not) wants to remove Valene from the picture, prompting GP to have her given guards to ensure that such an event doesn't happen!
Okay, so that's a super-brief (!) encapsulation of what the first half, maybe first quarter, is, only a lot goes on in-between what I wrote. It's really quite good! Being able to get inside Val's head, hearing her thoughts as such, really gives us a better understanding of her character. It's also interesting to witness the petty bickering and power grabs at GP, something that did a great job of mirroring the current state of our corporate world!
Unfortunately, somewhere between the end of the second half and in the midst of the third quarter, there is a shift. What was a great beginning, with all the key pieces in play, begins to feel slightly top-heavy, as more is introduced on top of all that was already transpiring. I can not speak for everyone (and I won't try), but it made my interest begin to waver.
The characters were great. The main characters, as well as the returning supporting characters, were all given enough space to stretch the legs and offer us more glimpses of who they were. Valene's was probably the best characterized! Her emotions and internal struggles could really be felt (I struggle with depression, so I definitely felt some kinship there).
The only character I found to be off and really seemed kinda out-of-character was Frankie. I won't say what it is that makes her feel "off", but I feel it was significant enough to have me scratch my head and go "Blarg!".
I don't want to cloud anyone's view, so I tried to keep my views short and not as detailed as sometimes get. By all means, read it, as if you invested in the first book and the later two novellas, you kinda should. Maybe by the end, you will draw different conclusions, perhaps enjoying it that much more!
And I have naught more to say other than, peace!
Black Widow Vol. 1: The Ties That Bind by Kelly Thompson
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Bloodback by Darby Harn
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
If you are reading this, then it is in all likelihood that you read EVER THE HERO, the first of the Eververse books. If that isn't the case, you need to turn your ass around and read that, then come back and read this review, then read the novella, eh?
So, where was I? Ah, yes, my review of BLOODBACK..
After finishing ETH, you were, hopefully, like me, wondering where would Kit Baldwin go with her new role as protector of The Derelicts. And what of her relationship with Abi, where would that go? Well, it's safe to say that those questions, and perhaps others you may/not have also had at the conclusion to the first book, will be answered, as well as laying more threads for development in the grander scheme of things.
One development that I was most looking forward, and was happy with the way it unfolded, was Kit's relationship with Abi. It never felt stereotypical or lacking in emotion. Honestly. I felt there was genuine sincerity, despite both them being fictional characters! Well done, Mr. Harm, well done indeed!
And while not the main focus of this story, Great Power, and, briefly, the Blackwood Building, are here, but more as background material, filling in cracks, setting things in motion for future stories, or at least that was how I took it. All I can say is this: don't ever think GP is done and out of the picture, because you're likely to regret it, hmm?
And, all I gotta say in closing is coywolves! I love, love, love me some Mini Schnauzers, but I would not say no to having one as a friend (?). Seriously, if you don't think they are a cool character in the Eververse, then, well, we can't be friends any longer! Just sayin'...
So, where was I? Ah, yes, my review of BLOODBACK..
After finishing ETH, you were, hopefully, like me, wondering where would Kit Baldwin go with her new role as protector of The Derelicts. And what of her relationship with Abi, where would that go? Well, it's safe to say that those questions, and perhaps others you may/not have also had at the conclusion to the first book, will be answered, as well as laying more threads for development in the grander scheme of things.
One development that I was most looking forward, and was happy with the way it unfolded, was Kit's relationship with Abi. It never felt stereotypical or lacking in emotion. Honestly. I felt there was genuine sincerity, despite both them being fictional characters! Well done, Mr. Harm, well done indeed!
And while not the main focus of this story, Great Power, and, briefly, the Blackwood Building, are here, but more as background material, filling in cracks, setting things in motion for future stories, or at least that was how I took it. All I can say is this: don't ever think GP is done and out of the picture, because you're likely to regret it, hmm?
And, all I gotta say in closing is coywolves! I love, love, love me some Mini Schnauzers, but I would not say no to having one as a friend (?). Seriously, if you don't think they are a cool character in the Eververse, then, well, we can't be friends any longer! Just sayin'...
Ever The Hero by Darby Harn
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I read a lot of books, and I have read a lot of books in my 53 years. So many that these days seem to blend into one another, with so many stories feeling as though they have already been told and are nothing more than rehashes! In EVER THE HERO, the first in Darby Harn's Eververse series, the story is anything but a rehash, offering a tale that is fresh as well as offering welcome takes on a number of genres.
The book, as I said, touches on a number of genres: LGBTQ+ science-fiction, superheroes, romance, as well as some solid social commentary that mirrors so much of what is going on in our country at the moment! Best of all, he never adheres to one genre, or idea, for too long, instead opting to go between them, as that moment in the story calls for it. Even the mentioning of "superheroes" isn't truly fair, for the way he writes it, the concept is more of an afterthought rather than the main focus of the story, like in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe entries over the last decade or so.
As engaging as the story, it is also worth noting the characters, main or otherwise, were equally engaging! Each had something to bring to the table, adding to the overall plot, and tying together at the novel's very satisfying end!
I can't tell you what to read, or what not to read. All I can is what I felt: I LOVED it! I loved it so much that after finishing it on my Kindle Fire this afternoon, I had to go get the rest of the books and novellas in the series; it's just that good! But don't let me speak for you, go, get to reading, why don't'cha'? Cheers..
The book, as I said, touches on a number of genres: LGBTQ+ science-fiction, superheroes, romance, as well as some solid social commentary that mirrors so much of what is going on in our country at the moment! Best of all, he never adheres to one genre, or idea, for too long, instead opting to go between them, as that moment in the story calls for it. Even the mentioning of "superheroes" isn't truly fair, for the way he writes it, the concept is more of an afterthought rather than the main focus of the story, like in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe entries over the last decade or so.
As engaging as the story, it is also worth noting the characters, main or otherwise, were equally engaging! Each had something to bring to the table, adding to the overall plot, and tying together at the novel's very satisfying end!
I can't tell you what to read, or what not to read. All I can is what I felt: I LOVED it! I loved it so much that after finishing it on my Kindle Fire this afternoon, I had to go get the rest of the books and novellas in the series; it's just that good! But don't let me speak for you, go, get to reading, why don't'cha'? Cheers..
Star Wars Old Republic Series Collection 3 Books Set (Revan, Deceived, The Lost Suns) by Alexander Freed, Drew Karpyshyn, Paul S. Kemp
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
'Revan' wasn't very good. Kinda killed it for me.
Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Could not get into it at this time. Will try again at later date.
CANNONBALL EXPRESS: Railroads of Mars by Kit Kane
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Dialogue felt off, almost trope-ish, like a paint-by-number of words from the mouth? Will maybe try again another time!
Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 1 by James Tynion IV
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Dreaming Vol. 1: Pathways and Emanations by Bilquis Evely, Neil Gaiman, Simon Spurrier
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
I don't think I was the demographic for this new entry into the Sandman mythos. Quite fond of Simon Spurrier's writing normally, but here, not so much.
And, seriously, they made Dream look like a Converse-wearin' twenty-something! WTF!??
Gonna pass! And if you're a Sandman fan of the original series, *avoid this*!!
And, seriously, they made Dream look like a Converse-wearin' twenty-something! WTF!??
Gonna pass! And if you're a Sandman fan of the original series, *avoid this*!!
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 3: Remastered by Kieron Gillen, Simon Spurrier
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0