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emeraldreviews's reviews
130 reviews
Camelot by Giles Kristian
5.0
Following the stunning Lancelot was always going to be an incredibly hard task but it was one I knew Giles would succeed in. I was right. Giles not only delivers a novel not only level in quality with its predecessor but he manages to blow it out of the water. That’s my opinion anyway.
I was left emotionally distressed at the end of Lancelot (Careful, spoilers coming). I truly felt like I was Galahad himself watching Lancelot from that hill. Watching him rise and fall time and time again but eventually not rising again. Damn, now I'm getting emotional now just writing this review. Now, in Camelot continue my emotional anguish, so missing the man that as a reader I had become so connected to. As a result of this, I became equally attached to his son, Galahad. I felt Galahad’s pain, happiness, bloodlust...every emotion. This connection meant that I became so invested in Giles’ writing that I continued to read long into the night, risking bloodshot eyes and tired bones. I couldn’t give in to the story. I had to continue, I had to know that Britain would be united, I had to know that Galahad was ok, that he finally confessed his love to Iselle, that he finally accepted who he was, a warlord of Britain's son.
Speaking directly from the heart, Giles is my favourite author of all time, no one engrossed me into their stories like he does. Lancelot was my favourite story of any book I had read. That place has now been taken by Camelot, as Galahad became Britain’s champion, Camelot now sits at the top of my bookshelf. I have a signed copy that my wonderful wife got me for my birthday and it will forever hold pride of place.
If you love historical fiction, if you love incredible stories… Please, I implore you, read Giles Kristian’s works. You will not be disappointed. Thank you giles, these stories are sublimely crafted. Never, since Tolkien have I been so attached to stories.
From start to finish Camelot is a thrilling journey, one that I am so happy to have taken, the final act of the book (the battle) is breathtakingly well written and absorbs you in, I smelt the sweat, felt the pain, cheered with victory and mourned the losses.
Quite simply. Read. This. Book.
“I looked into the south-east and saw smoke, black as pitch, rising from Camelot, but there was no time to think more of that, and I parried a spear thrust. Then another. Holding Iselle against my body, consumed with wrath for any man or blade which sought to hurt her.” - Galahad
I was left emotionally distressed at the end of Lancelot (Careful, spoilers coming). I truly felt like I was Galahad himself watching Lancelot from that hill. Watching him rise and fall time and time again but eventually not rising again. Damn, now I'm getting emotional now just writing this review. Now, in Camelot continue my emotional anguish, so missing the man that as a reader I had become so connected to. As a result of this, I became equally attached to his son, Galahad. I felt Galahad’s pain, happiness, bloodlust...every emotion. This connection meant that I became so invested in Giles’ writing that I continued to read long into the night, risking bloodshot eyes and tired bones. I couldn’t give in to the story. I had to continue, I had to know that Britain would be united, I had to know that Galahad was ok, that he finally confessed his love to Iselle, that he finally accepted who he was, a warlord of Britain's son.
Speaking directly from the heart, Giles is my favourite author of all time, no one engrossed me into their stories like he does. Lancelot was my favourite story of any book I had read. That place has now been taken by Camelot, as Galahad became Britain’s champion, Camelot now sits at the top of my bookshelf. I have a signed copy that my wonderful wife got me for my birthday and it will forever hold pride of place.
If you love historical fiction, if you love incredible stories… Please, I implore you, read Giles Kristian’s works. You will not be disappointed. Thank you giles, these stories are sublimely crafted. Never, since Tolkien have I been so attached to stories.
From start to finish Camelot is a thrilling journey, one that I am so happy to have taken, the final act of the book (the battle) is breathtakingly well written and absorbs you in, I smelt the sweat, felt the pain, cheered with victory and mourned the losses.
Quite simply. Read. This. Book.
“I looked into the south-east and saw smoke, black as pitch, rising from Camelot, but there was no time to think more of that, and I parried a spear thrust. Then another. Holding Iselle against my body, consumed with wrath for any man or blade which sought to hurt her.” - Galahad
Raven, Vol. 1: Nemesis by Mathieu Lauffray
4.0
A swashbuckling adventure full of piracy, treasure hunting, fighting and boozing! What more is there to say! The first entry ‘Nemesis’ pits the bad luck creating pirate Raven against a pirate captain named Darksee in a race to a fabled treasure.
This is my first venture into anything published by Europe Comics and I was not disappointed. This is also my first read of anything by Mathieu Lauffray, I can safely say that I wish I had done so sooner. Mathieu has a great ability to keep me reading which I know may seem like the base minimum but with some writers, I struggle in terms of desperately wanting to carry on reading. Mathieu has written a great first entry into the Raven series, setting up a few superb characters, great rivalries and most importantly an engrossing story.
The art in the story oozes pirate style, I’m aware that sounds very strange but if you read it, you’ll understand what I mean, there’s a sort of roughness to the artwork that makes me feel like i’m reading a story written on an old treasure map or something, it’s very fitting!
I’m really looking forward to the next installment and reading more from the great Mathieu Lauffray and Europe Comics.
Drink up me hearties yo ho!
“That stuck-up harpy and her lapdogs will be stuck here for weeks. That gives me plenty of time.” - Raven
This is my first venture into anything published by Europe Comics and I was not disappointed. This is also my first read of anything by Mathieu Lauffray, I can safely say that I wish I had done so sooner. Mathieu has a great ability to keep me reading which I know may seem like the base minimum but with some writers, I struggle in terms of desperately wanting to carry on reading. Mathieu has written a great first entry into the Raven series, setting up a few superb characters, great rivalries and most importantly an engrossing story.
The art in the story oozes pirate style, I’m aware that sounds very strange but if you read it, you’ll understand what I mean, there’s a sort of roughness to the artwork that makes me feel like i’m reading a story written on an old treasure map or something, it’s very fitting!
I’m really looking forward to the next installment and reading more from the great Mathieu Lauffray and Europe Comics.
Drink up me hearties yo ho!
“That stuck-up harpy and her lapdogs will be stuck here for weeks. That gives me plenty of time.” - Raven
Flash Facts by Mayim Bialik
4.0
Flash Facts is a superbly curated collection of STEM information perfectly prepared for a child and adult mind. I learned a fair bit from this and I’m really looking forward to letting my daughter have a read too as she is so incredibly fascinated by the STEM industries.
Each section of the book is dedicated to various topics, joined by all the heroes we know and love, the information is so very easy to absorb. I had a great time journeying through each topic with all the characters.
The way the artwork varies throughout the book keeps the pages fresh, lively and interesting. Lots of incredible artists have been able to show off their expertise thanks to this book, and as a result, I will most definitely be looking into their work further.
Beautifully illustrated and written, I urge everyone to take a read of this book. I challenge everyone to try and read this without learning something, I guarantee that you will!
Each section of the book is dedicated to various topics, joined by all the heroes we know and love, the information is so very easy to absorb. I had a great time journeying through each topic with all the characters.
The way the artwork varies throughout the book keeps the pages fresh, lively and interesting. Lots of incredible artists have been able to show off their expertise thanks to this book, and as a result, I will most definitely be looking into their work further.
Beautifully illustrated and written, I urge everyone to take a read of this book. I challenge everyone to try and read this without learning something, I guarantee that you will!
Villainous by Stonie Williams
4.0
A breath of fresh air into superhero comics! A fantastic mix between Justice League and X-Men with a main character that I for one, felt an attachment towards. She was a junior hero that aspired to be everything her personal hero was, or so she thought…
My first steps into a Mad Cave Studios story was a joyous one. I loved the setting, the theming and the style of writing. Stonie Williams has served up a delectable buffet or twists, turns, mystery, emotion and conflict. Testament to his writing was my hatred for the villain, love for the ‘goodies’ and my ‘just one more page’ attitude when reading.
Superb art from Jeferson Sadzinski compliments Stonies’ writing brilliantly, I especially enjoyed the way a characters facial expressions pop with a degree of over exaggeration, it really was a shock at first as I haven’t really encountered this style before but i soon got used to and loved forward to seeing it again.
If you're looking for an alternative to the ‘big 2’ superhero comics then you don’t have to look any further than this gem. Villainous will provide sustenance to any appetite for good ol’ fashioned good vs evil stories. I am extremely happy to have come across this comic, I look forward to potential future continuations of Tilly’s villain story.
"You wanted to play rough, so let's play rough!" - Sedition
My first steps into a Mad Cave Studios story was a joyous one. I loved the setting, the theming and the style of writing. Stonie Williams has served up a delectable buffet or twists, turns, mystery, emotion and conflict. Testament to his writing was my hatred for the villain, love for the ‘goodies’ and my ‘just one more page’ attitude when reading.
Superb art from Jeferson Sadzinski compliments Stonies’ writing brilliantly, I especially enjoyed the way a characters facial expressions pop with a degree of over exaggeration, it really was a shock at first as I haven’t really encountered this style before but i soon got used to and loved forward to seeing it again.
If you're looking for an alternative to the ‘big 2’ superhero comics then you don’t have to look any further than this gem. Villainous will provide sustenance to any appetite for good ol’ fashioned good vs evil stories. I am extremely happy to have come across this comic, I look forward to potential future continuations of Tilly’s villain story.
"You wanted to play rough, so let's play rough!" - Sedition
Honor and Curse by Mark London
5.0
Wow, where do I start? I have always been incredibly interested in the history of the far east, like the three kingdoms dynasty of China and of course the Japanese feudal period. As soon as I saw this cover, I was totally invested. I didn’t even need to read the plot. Imagine my delight when I discovered the entire premise of the story to be entirely captivating. Mark London has a superb ability to engross me from the first panels of the story. Backed up by beautifully crafted artwork from Nicolas Salamanca & Tekino, I was prepared to have the most fantastical journey through a stunning period of Japanese history.
Genshi as a character was so well written. The effective character development and detailed artwork helped build the character as a struggling shinobi with what seemed to be a deep primordial power inside. The struggle between light and dark is abundant throughout and at no point was I totally confident in what was going to happen, in most cases, the total opposite of what I thought would happen... happened. This is testament to the absorbing story and world created by Mark and the team. A world that encapsulates all that I want from a fantasy story based on historical elements.
Nicolas Salamanca & Tekino’s art is honestly some of the best I have seen. The highlights of the entire comic for me is the feud between Genshi and his demon. The combative artwork is mesmerising, the variations in the look of Genshi and the environment around him is testament to the skill of the artists.
The continuation of Honor & Curse promises, for me, to go down as a classic. I so thoroughly enjoyed this. Quite simply it is one of my favourite stories around at the moment and promises to continue my growing love affair with the works of the Mad Cave Studios team.
“Good. You’re awake. I thought the Tengu had taken over.” - Master Nishiro
Genshi as a character was so well written. The effective character development and detailed artwork helped build the character as a struggling shinobi with what seemed to be a deep primordial power inside. The struggle between light and dark is abundant throughout and at no point was I totally confident in what was going to happen, in most cases, the total opposite of what I thought would happen... happened. This is testament to the absorbing story and world created by Mark and the team. A world that encapsulates all that I want from a fantasy story based on historical elements.
Nicolas Salamanca & Tekino’s art is honestly some of the best I have seen. The highlights of the entire comic for me is the feud between Genshi and his demon. The combative artwork is mesmerising, the variations in the look of Genshi and the environment around him is testament to the skill of the artists.
The continuation of Honor & Curse promises, for me, to go down as a classic. I so thoroughly enjoyed this. Quite simply it is one of my favourite stories around at the moment and promises to continue my growing love affair with the works of the Mad Cave Studios team.
“Good. You’re awake. I thought the Tengu had taken over.” - Master Nishiro
Dark Lullaby by Polly Ho-Yen
4.0
Polly Ho-Yen has an exceptional ability to build a world in your mind. She does this through eloquent descriptions and vivid character creation. I was instantly transported into the mind of Kit, I had become a part of her doubts, her worries, her happiness and her determination. It was such an inclusive feeling, very rare in the reading world.
The author's writing style in this book is very different to any novel I have read before. Polly Ho-Yen bounces us from past to present in each ‘chapter’. This results in cliffhanger after cliffhanger which plays havoc with my anxiety but in a very intriguing, thrilling way. Polly has a beautiful way of terrifying you in one moment then overloading you with adoration of characters in the next instance.
Kit’s story emanates with me on deep levels. I myself have 2 little girls and the thought of being in Kit’s situation terrifies me. Not only because of Polly’s exceptional writing, but through the likelihood of that version of society actually becoming more than fiction. Honestly, I feel like it could happen within some societies in real life. A horrific notion.
I spent 85% of my time reading this, sat in pure terror. Even so, I was gripped entirely and struggled to tear myself away. This carpet bomb of cliffhangers approach generated great feelings of ‘just one more chapter,’ so much so that I stayed up for hours at a time reading this. I highly recommend giving this story a read, but beware, this is a heavy, psychologically impactful read that will both terrify and delight. Congratulations Polly Ho-Yen for a superb book that is sure to make some bestsellers lists.
The author's writing style in this book is very different to any novel I have read before. Polly Ho-Yen bounces us from past to present in each ‘chapter’. This results in cliffhanger after cliffhanger which plays havoc with my anxiety but in a very intriguing, thrilling way. Polly has a beautiful way of terrifying you in one moment then overloading you with adoration of characters in the next instance.
Kit’s story emanates with me on deep levels. I myself have 2 little girls and the thought of being in Kit’s situation terrifies me. Not only because of Polly’s exceptional writing, but through the likelihood of that version of society actually becoming more than fiction. Honestly, I feel like it could happen within some societies in real life. A horrific notion.
I spent 85% of my time reading this, sat in pure terror. Even so, I was gripped entirely and struggled to tear myself away. This carpet bomb of cliffhangers approach generated great feelings of ‘just one more chapter,’ so much so that I stayed up for hours at a time reading this. I highly recommend giving this story a read, but beware, this is a heavy, psychologically impactful read that will both terrify and delight. Congratulations Polly Ho-Yen for a superb book that is sure to make some bestsellers lists.
Icarus by Gregory A. Wilson
4.0
Paraphrasing from Jellinek, Entrances, I tell you. That writer knew how to make an entrance. Gregory A. Wilson takes us on a fiery ride through an alternate telling of the Icarus myth from the times of ancient Greece. Packing it full of magic and monsters, we are carried into the world of Vol, journeying with a winged mystery man, a man who is essentially a scavenger and a demon dog with horns…
Being a lover of greek mythology I was drawn to the name of the comic, then I read the plot. I was initially quite worried, the myths themselves are so beautifully presented, I was worried that any variation on it would be harmful to the majesty of the original. I was wrong. Gregory has developed an intriguing, modernised, dystopian like version of the story of Icarus and I am ecstatic about being on this journey with him.
The beautifully crafted art is a joy to behold. Áthila Fabbio has done an extraordinary job of conveying the story through imagery, bringing the characters to life and perfectly displaying the words of Gregory through character features and emotional displays.
It was a great pleasure reading this story that was reminiscent of a lord of the rings type rag tag group of unlikely heroes on a journey to stop the bad guy. A fantastic nod to the original mythology, Gregory, Áthila and co deliver a fast paced, twisty and action packed opening to what is now, for me, an eagerly awaited series ‘The Longest Fall’.
“Entrances, I tell you. That kid sure knew how to make an entrance!” - Jellinek
Being a lover of greek mythology I was drawn to the name of the comic, then I read the plot. I was initially quite worried, the myths themselves are so beautifully presented, I was worried that any variation on it would be harmful to the majesty of the original. I was wrong. Gregory has developed an intriguing, modernised, dystopian like version of the story of Icarus and I am ecstatic about being on this journey with him.
The beautifully crafted art is a joy to behold. Áthila Fabbio has done an extraordinary job of conveying the story through imagery, bringing the characters to life and perfectly displaying the words of Gregory through character features and emotional displays.
It was a great pleasure reading this story that was reminiscent of a lord of the rings type rag tag group of unlikely heroes on a journey to stop the bad guy. A fantastic nod to the original mythology, Gregory, Áthila and co deliver a fast paced, twisty and action packed opening to what is now, for me, an eagerly awaited series ‘The Longest Fall’.
“Entrances, I tell you. That kid sure knew how to make an entrance!” - Jellinek
Cravings : An Extreme Horror Novelette by D.E. McCluskey
4.0
NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!
This is a nauseating, grotesque, audibly gag kind of a story… And that’s what makes it great! I'm not normally into this kind of a story. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a good horror story but this level of gag worthiness just destroys my brain.
I’m not going to give anything away, I want you to use your imaginations to think of what’s the worst thing this story could be about...double it...multiply by 100 and then you might just reach the level of disgusting that D E McCluskey has squeezed into this novelette.
I have been a fan of McCluskey since I first started this geek journey. Before I had my website, his graphic novel ‘Doppelganger’ was one of my first reviews that I wrote. From that reading I discovered that the author has a particular skill set with his writing, he has the power to make you recoil in disgust, tremble with fear and then in the very next line, hysterically laugh. This is just how good he is. Cravings once again is masterfully executed and McCluskey has successfully managed to make me audibly gag, turn away from the book and take a break through the sheer excellence in his descriptive writing of the oh so very gory details.
I’m really not exaggerating with my comments, I was in contact with the author throughout and I think I may have brought a smile to his face as he kept laughing and laughing when I was messaging! The cover does the perfect amount to draw you in and give you a basic idea of what the story could be about. All I can say is prepare yourself. I wasn’t ready for this, and I'm not sure you will be either. If you love horror, give it a go! If you love extreme horror, this is a must read.
“The burger had been delicious, but it didn’t satisfy the empty feeling inside her. She needed something else, she just didn’t know what.”
This is a nauseating, grotesque, audibly gag kind of a story… And that’s what makes it great! I'm not normally into this kind of a story. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a good horror story but this level of gag worthiness just destroys my brain.
I’m not going to give anything away, I want you to use your imaginations to think of what’s the worst thing this story could be about...double it...multiply by 100 and then you might just reach the level of disgusting that D E McCluskey has squeezed into this novelette.
I have been a fan of McCluskey since I first started this geek journey. Before I had my website, his graphic novel ‘Doppelganger’ was one of my first reviews that I wrote. From that reading I discovered that the author has a particular skill set with his writing, he has the power to make you recoil in disgust, tremble with fear and then in the very next line, hysterically laugh. This is just how good he is. Cravings once again is masterfully executed and McCluskey has successfully managed to make me audibly gag, turn away from the book and take a break through the sheer excellence in his descriptive writing of the oh so very gory details.
I’m really not exaggerating with my comments, I was in contact with the author throughout and I think I may have brought a smile to his face as he kept laughing and laughing when I was messaging! The cover does the perfect amount to draw you in and give you a basic idea of what the story could be about. All I can say is prepare yourself. I wasn’t ready for this, and I'm not sure you will be either. If you love horror, give it a go! If you love extreme horror, this is a must read.
“The burger had been delicious, but it didn’t satisfy the empty feeling inside her. She needed something else, she just didn’t know what.”
Black Cotton #1 by Patrick D. Foreman
5.0
A thought-provoking twist on current societal issues that left me speechless. I went into this read totally blind to increase the surprise element for myself. Oh wow, I was surprised. Totally and utterly. I wasn’t ready for this kind of ‘a kin to real life’ feel with 1 specific, dramatic alteration.
The easiest way to describe it is, imagine society in which all of the disgusting treatment of black people was actually against white people. It’s that level of reversal, down to a shooting that insights a movement similar to that of the movements in the real world.
Writer Brian Hawkins delivers a truly captivating story that will have anyone who reads it thinking about the real world problems facing minorities in the world today. This is by no means a story that will whisk you off to an alternate reality away from the problems of the world, rather a story that is in touch with real life and will have you looking at your own decisions and opinions of true to life subjects.
Issue 1 leaves us on a cliffhanger of a final panel. The story, regardless of applications to society, is a fantastically written and artistically superb story that as a standalone comic is up there with some of the best. I am incredibly interested and excited in future issues, Brian and the team should be provide of this comic, it really is a fantastic read.
“You shot a girl. In cold blood. A white girl. That shit ain’t going away. But that’s why i’m here.” - Zion’s Sister (Not named in issue 1)
The easiest way to describe it is, imagine society in which all of the disgusting treatment of black people was actually against white people. It’s that level of reversal, down to a shooting that insights a movement similar to that of the movements in the real world.
Writer Brian Hawkins delivers a truly captivating story that will have anyone who reads it thinking about the real world problems facing minorities in the world today. This is by no means a story that will whisk you off to an alternate reality away from the problems of the world, rather a story that is in touch with real life and will have you looking at your own decisions and opinions of true to life subjects.
Issue 1 leaves us on a cliffhanger of a final panel. The story, regardless of applications to society, is a fantastically written and artistically superb story that as a standalone comic is up there with some of the best. I am incredibly interested and excited in future issues, Brian and the team should be provide of this comic, it really is a fantastic read.
“You shot a girl. In cold blood. A white girl. That shit ain’t going away. But that’s why i’m here.” - Zion’s Sister (Not named in issue 1)
Black Cotton #2 by Patrick D. Foreman
5.0
I really don’t know where to start with this emotional roller coaster ride of a comic…
Brian Hawkins and the team have delivered an issue that pulls no punches and seriously has you thinking deeply about every panel, studying every piece of art and feeling every emotion of each character throughout. The last panels had my jaw on the floor. I was stunned.
I can’t say too much about the story itself as I like my reviews to be spoiler free. If you read either my review of issue 1 or issue 1 itself then you will have an idea about what is going on. The story continues in this issue with public outcry around the shooting increasing tenfold. We get to meet the victim of the shooting properly and continue to witness the happenings with Zion after the shooting. We also get to meet with more of the Cotton family and continue to watch how the Cotton’s attempt to ‘deal’ with the situation.
This issues art continues the expressive style from the first issue and once again Marco Perugini compliments the superb writing by Brian Hawkins with delightful skill.
The absolute highlight of this story for me is the superb emotional writing throughout. This comic hits feelings like a sledgehammer. Jam packed with anger and sadness, regret and fury, Brian creates a mental health roller coaster of a story that underpins the main story line with masterful craftsmanship.
Emotional outbursts, fracturing allegiances and intense twists ensure this comic is surely not one to be missed. Black Cotton should be a prominent comic in society, it touches on many situations that are ongoing in the world and approaches them in a way that is relatable but also entertaining for comic readers. This top marks comic is not to be missed. Make sure it is on your pull list for each release. It’ll be worth it.
“Going for a walk. Not far, I promise.” - Zion
Brian Hawkins and the team have delivered an issue that pulls no punches and seriously has you thinking deeply about every panel, studying every piece of art and feeling every emotion of each character throughout. The last panels had my jaw on the floor. I was stunned.
I can’t say too much about the story itself as I like my reviews to be spoiler free. If you read either my review of issue 1 or issue 1 itself then you will have an idea about what is going on. The story continues in this issue with public outcry around the shooting increasing tenfold. We get to meet the victim of the shooting properly and continue to witness the happenings with Zion after the shooting. We also get to meet with more of the Cotton family and continue to watch how the Cotton’s attempt to ‘deal’ with the situation.
This issues art continues the expressive style from the first issue and once again Marco Perugini compliments the superb writing by Brian Hawkins with delightful skill.
The absolute highlight of this story for me is the superb emotional writing throughout. This comic hits feelings like a sledgehammer. Jam packed with anger and sadness, regret and fury, Brian creates a mental health roller coaster of a story that underpins the main story line with masterful craftsmanship.
Emotional outbursts, fracturing allegiances and intense twists ensure this comic is surely not one to be missed. Black Cotton should be a prominent comic in society, it touches on many situations that are ongoing in the world and approaches them in a way that is relatable but also entertaining for comic readers. This top marks comic is not to be missed. Make sure it is on your pull list for each release. It’ll be worth it.
“Going for a walk. Not far, I promise.” - Zion