wynnz's reviews
213 reviews

Ganymede Whispers by Joshua T. Calvert

4.0

A continuation from the last book, Theodore and Rachel progress with their thrilling adventures. The mystery deepens on Ganymede for Rachel and her slowly decreasing crew members, and Theo’s plans are put into motion with his crew of mercenaries. Both threads of the narrative are exciting, thrilling and entertaining. I’m enjoying these books immensely, looking forward to reading the final instalment, hopefully there will be a good pay off.

Ganymede Rises by Joshua T. Calvert

4.0

Not a bad ending to the trilogy. Theo and Rachel come to the end of their journey. A fitting conclusion I think, not too many book endings have the O M G, I didn’t see that coming factor. So an enjoyable series, entertaining enough.

Starship Mine by Peter Cawdron

4.0

Not what I was expecting at all, profound and challenging many social issues and perceptions, on many different levels, and an insight into what it means to be human, and a look into the human spirit and consciences. Love, devotion, family and basic human kindness, sadly missing in today’s society. Unrelenting stubbornness in not giving up something you cherish beyond everything else. Made me feel small and insignificant, and in awe of people who find themselves in these tragic situations.

Troubleshooter by Gregg Hurwitz

4.0

A good solid story, revolving around U S Marshal Tim Rackley and his team, plenty to keep you engaged in turning those pages, an interesting insight into biker gang culture and police procedural methods. A good book 4 stars. On to the next one.

Maelstrom by Peter Cawdron

4.0

Not as good as the other books in this series, but having said that still an interesting concept, and well worth a read. Love these books, they always seem to deliver. 4 stars. Looking forward to the next one with gusto.

Blindsight by Peter Watts

1.0

DNF, NFM, CBB, WTF, FSEMETR. Reading this book or trying to read this book, was like walking through a quagmire with wellington boots, carrying Neil deGrasse Tyson on my back, violently beating me around my head with a telephone book, and did I mention that it was pouring down with sleet, and it was dark, and I was also lost, and it was very cold and I was very miserable. I couldn’t empathise with any of the characters. The narrative didn’t hold my interest, and therefore I didn’t care, and if I didn’t care, why was I slogging through this book, so I stopped.

NFM (Not For Me.)
CBB (Couldn’t Be Bothered.)
WTF (What The Fu**k.)
FSEMETR (Find Something Else More Enjoyable To Read.)

Losing Mars by Peter Cawdron

3.0

Not as good as his other books in this series, but still worth the time. Nothing really happened until about 60% into the book. This one didn’t grab me by the scruff of the neck and dragged me along, more of a gentle prod. 3.5 rating.

Flight of the Javelin: The Complete Series: A Space Opera Box Set by Rachel Aukes

2.0

At first I thought I was reading an 18th century history book. Piracy, slavery and revenge, if these social and ethical issues are still with us in the future, then we are certainly doomed as a civilisation. As much as I enjoy a good romping pirate yarn, it’s not what I’m really looking for in a sci fi book.
If I wanted pirates and slavery I’d watch Pirates of the Caribbean.

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer

1.0

Reading this book, for me was like reading a dictionary, lots and lots of words and lots and lots of explanations, but sadly lacking in one crucial element, a story. It felt like wading through treacle, a drudge, in fact I was reluctant to pick it up once I had put it down. I persevered, but only until 51% DNF I threw in the towel, gave up the ghost, like pulling teeth, like trying to get blood from a stone. All I got for my time and effort was “someone stole a list, some people were protecting a child with extraordinary powers, and some geopolitical manoeuvring”. I could have very well missed the whole point, but unfortunately I haven’t got a PhD in literature or philosophy, if you have these types of qualifications, then fill your boots, but it was all well over my little head, but like art I know what I like, and I didn’t like this. It felt like going to the head scientist at NASA and asking him/her to explain the technical engineering aspects of the James Webb telescope, or the head of theoretical physics at CERN France and asking him/her the working gubbins of the Large Hadron Collider. It was frankly very boring, very boring indeed.

The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey

3.0

It was ok, engaging enough to keep me interested, slow to start, but picks up later on in the book. A slightly different take on the old post-apocalyptical trope. It’ll be interesting to see where Koli’s story takes us in the next book.