emeraldreviews's reviews
130 reviews

Humans: A Brief History of How We F*cked It All Up by Tom Phillips

Go to review page

4.0

I really really enjoyed this book. The writing is fantastically funny and informed. The stories are humorous, fun and interesting.
Lancelot by Giles Kristian

Go to review page

5.0

Now I will say that I haven’t read a lot of novels as I struggle to find authors that draw me in and cause me to fully invest in their vision. The last series of books that I managed to read cover to cover is the Lord of the Rings. That is until I discovered Lancelot. I was going on holiday and I needed a good novel to dive into. My wife handed me a book, this book, Lancelot. I read the back and before I knew it I was reading the first chapter, I had become fully invested into Giles storytelling.

The story of Arthur, Camelot and his knights has always been of incredible intrigue for myself. Lancelot especially has been interesting as his story is integral to that of Arthurs. Giles’ master storytelling envelopes you into the mind of Lancelot causing you to feel what he feels and see what he sees. This story was a journey of emotions. A true testament to Giles wordsmithery, I couldn’t put this book down. From start to finish you are met with action, romance, history, murder, magic and vengence. The descriptive powers of Giles Kristian are, for me, second to none in the literary world right now and I am looking forward to reading the sequel Camelot soon. I will also be going back to the Viking series, starting with Raven.

Thank you Giles for the incredible journey, I already want to read it again!


“What is the worst they can do to us?" Perhaps I was a fool but I felt neither fear nor regret. And as for Guinevere, I loved her and she loved me; I believed that was enough.” - Lancelot
Justice League: No Justice by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV

Go to review page

4.0

I honestly thought this story was fantastic. I thought the idea of creating teams based around the commanding forces of the universe was a fun idea. The interactions and dialogue between the characters were true to their roots and had plenty of snappy one liners. Each character had a fair amount of focus with no single character taking the front seat and stealing the show. I found that enjoyable as sometimes if a story includes Batman or Superman i find that they are front and centre and other characters are a bit lost in the background. I would, however, have liked to see a bit more time spent with Doctor Fate and Deathstroke.

I of course adored the scenes that included my main man Green Arrow. It was a surprise to me that he took a meaty chunk of the story which is based back on earth but hey, any focus on Ollie is fine by me! Bias aside GA showed why he is such an inspiring hero and proved his value to the justice league. He stood up to Amanda Waller also. MAJOR bonus points. I really don’t like that lady.

The final part of the story for me was a bit rushed. The Justice League pretty much always save the day and the way they did it in this story was kinda...dark which was refreshing. I mean I don't think I have ever heard of a titanic, word devouring family chowing down a sibling before...I just can’t help but feel like the suspense and sense of peril could have been greater during the final panels, but hey, that's just me. You might have different thoughts. Which i would love to hear by the way.

Overall Justice League: No Justice is a solid story stuffed full of all the characters we’ve come to adore over the years. The fights and dialogue were great. The earth scenes were the highlight for me as I thought the interaction between Waller and Ollie perfectly written. The pace was good until the end when i felt it was rushed. The art was superb, I loved the colour palettes that went with each force. During the close up panels however there was a fair lack of detail which was a little disappointing.

“Ha! Right through this brainpan! I like you, tiny man” - Starro.
Dceased by Tom Taylor

Go to review page

4.0

DCeased is superheroes meets The walking dead … What could go wrong? In all honesty, not a lot. Tom Taylor once again proves why he is currently my favourite comic book writer. Tom delivers a masterpiece in this run. One of my favourite things about Tom’s writing is how he portrays Green Arrow, this is shown in the opening pages with the first thing leaving Green Arrow’s mouth being an expertly delivered sarcastic remark.

Reading about my favourite characters being decimated by the very people they have sworn to protect is a twisted kind of story...A story that i can really get behind. Even Green Arrow survived the initial assault and I was so surprised, like jaws hit the floor surprised! I’m not going to give any more spoilers but i needed to make sure that i told readers that Tom Taylor hasn’t decimated Green Arrow. Tom writes GA incredibly so it’s amazing to continue to read the story with him in it.

This is the first time I have read anything with art by Stefano Gaudiano and Trevor Hairsine and I will say that it is divine. To me, it seems quite old school in its nature boosted by modern elements and of course beautifully crafted, horrifying undead creatures with clearly distinguishable symbols of the fallen heroes that even the walking dead would be proud of!

This story is full of shocks, twists and devastating moments. Tom delivers one the most memorable stories of recent times. DCeased is a brilliant addition to any collection so take it from me when I say, get the hardcover collection and treasure it. Also, make sure you grab it when the zombie apocalypse happens, it might have some hints!

“Yeah...It would probably be easier for him to speak if Superman hadn’t just broken his mouth” - Green Arrow