jgcully's reviews
369 reviews

U.S. Civil War Battle by Battle by Iain MacGregor

informative medium-paced

5.0

Ah excellent, pocket sized resource. Brilliant in particular for wargamers and miniature painters as it provides summary information on dozens of battles as well as full colour paintings of battles, uniforms and equipment. Highly recommended. 

Lustrum: A Novel by Robert Harris

challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The End and the Death: Volume III by Dan Abnett

adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

An exceptional end to an exceptional series. Dan handles the hard task of tying up the many loose ends with great skill. Expectations were high but the writing, pace and conclusion rose to the occasion. Very impressed, loved every page. Thank you Dan. 

The End and the Death: Volume II by Dan Abnett

adventurous challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The second volume takes up the story with gusto.  The story as before is told in multiple small chapters, from different perspectives and view points. The shortness of the chapters tempts you to just keep going. It's a considerable length but the pace feels fast especially as that inevitable first duel comes roaring up from the pages. Well written as usual and so much wonderful detail. Excellent. 

The End and the Death: Volume I by Dan Abnett

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The first of the 3, Dan Abnett's epic tale has a very game of thrones vibe to it. Each chapter is short, sometimes only a few pages, but is taken from a variety of view points and perspectives. This was quite clever as I found I just had to keep reading at certain times. "This chapter is only a few pages!" . The tale is smoothly told, the characters well written as one expects of this series and the ending suitable for a multiple book tale. I'm already reading the 2nd volume without a negative thought. Well done Dan. On to the next! 

White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan by Mick Ryan

informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918–40 by Richard Dannatt, Robert Lyman

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

A very timely book.  This book lays out in detail what happened to the British army between 1918 and 1940, and it's parallel's with many of the most recent international events are stark indeed. A must read for policy makers as well as historians. History really does repeat itself. It's important that the right lessons are learned. Excellent. 

Echoes of Eternity by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

adventurous challenging emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Aaron delivers, as he has always done. Before the book was released Aaron said that it would go more personal and individual than the previous books, and it certainly does. I wasn't sure this would work with such an immense conflict but glad to report, it does. It works beautifully. Reality shattering battles are viewed from individuals, making them considerably more horrifying, more terrifying, more personal. The story builds and builds, the pacing excellent. I just couldn't stop reading. It roared ahead and pulled me with it! An excellent prologue to now, the final 3 books in this series. 

Adeptus Titanicus by Games Workshop

informative slow-paced

5.0

An excellent rules set, with a huge amount of variety and opportunities. A very good system. 

Garro: Knight of Grey by James Swallow

adventurous dark inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A good story, on a character that sadly I hardly know. Of all the characters of the Horus Heresy, Garro is the one I'm least familiar with. However, this didn't stop me from enjoying this well written story and once again, feeling the emotion on every page. James does a fantastic job with this action packed tale. My only minor criticism is its length. I really wanted more but I understood why.