Book: The Demon Lord
Author: Peter Morwood
Rating: 8/10
This is the sequel to his first book; The Horse Lord,
It Took Aldric Tavalain four years of rigorous training under the wizard Gemmel to achieve his vengeance and retake his birthright, clan lord of Tavalain, lord of Dunrath hold.
But with memories of the people who died there and his family slaughtered by the evil wizard Klarr cu Ruruc he leaves the land of Alban and travels to the Imperial Empire, carrying a coded message in his head that not even he can read, only the person with the code words.
On reaching the Deep forest he meets a hunter Evthan and his niece Gueynor who tells him of a terrible beast that is killing the women and children of the area. Aldric decides to help catch this beast while learning about the overlord in that area and how he is in league with a demon conjurer.
Then when he hunts this beast he finds the truth, it is a werewolf, a changeling who has no control over his actions, but worse still it's his new friend and ally Evthan. The honourable thing to do is to kill the beast and let him depart this world in peace but as Aldric does he makes a shocking revelation, this is the overlords doing as a punishment for a crime, and that his supposed niece is actually the disowned heir to the city of Seghar.
Travelling there seems the only option but can they survive the plots that hang around the city and when an uprising is in the offing what will Gueynor do?
More importantly can Aldric and Marek the demon destroyer stop the stupid Overlord before the demon spirit he raises takes control and this and is turned to darkness under the evil power of Issaqua,
all his missions for Alban count for nothing now, it's survival and success that matters and only that. but with the blame of the old Overlords death resting on Aldric what shall happen??
This book is a rather hard book to convey in a review in My opinion, It is better than the first but also rather different, I really enjoyed both this book and the first and would recommend them both even if they don#t sound so appealing in the way I've worded the reviews.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Saturday, 12 November 2011
Saturday, 22 October 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Hero in the shadows (David Gemmel)
Book: Hero in the Shadows -Waylander 3
Author: David Gemmel
Rating: 9/10
In the third and final fantastic book of Gemmel's waylander storyline you re-meet waylander after he was supposedly killed at the end of book 2 "in the realm of the wolf"
He clearly wasn't a fact that has been hinted at.
In this book he lives as a wealthy foreign landowner in the land of Kydor.
There he is known simply as the grey man. He is rich and very bored. So when raiders enter his land he does what he does best. Hunts them down and kills them.
But this only leas him to the biggest source of evil in the whole of Kydor
The ruined city of Kuan-hador is home to a long forgotten gateway to a world of evil. The spell keeping it closed is fading, monsters of the mist, terrible demons are coming through
And most knowledge of it has long since faded to history.
Millenniums ago demons came through the gateway and were defeated by the order of rajnor- a group of warriors more powerful than the world has seen.
Now though that order is depleted and has lost many of it's values. Out of all the ranjee only one sense the call.
That ranjee chooses to travel to the grey mans palace with matze chai, one of waylanders few friends.
But the danger that lies ahead will be the most mysterious and deadly waylander has ever faced.
As the evil strengthens they must help the lantern bearer find the men of clay- powerful warriors of the last battle and with them seal the gateway.
But who can they trust? And as the evil encompasses Kydor it's looking grim.
Waylander isn't a young assassin anymore. Can this old man face all the demons of Anshratt and survive?
Read this book to find out.
Wow! This book really surprised me. It is completely different to Gemmels previous titles and shows how versatile gemmell Is with his writing. Unlike the first two books of waylander this one seems more like a mystery and magic story than the action packed prequels.
That being said waylander being old won't stop the book being filled with all the fights and assassinations we know and love.
Although I can see how many may disagree but I believe this is the best of the set being so completely different to other Gemmel books I've read
I would recommended reading the first 2 of wayander books(but it's not essential) reviews can be found found here:
http://devonianbookreviewer.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-review-waylander-david-gemell.html
http://devonianbookreviewer.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-review-waylander-ii-2-in-realm-of.html
If you like medieval fantasy,mystery or just good old fashioned action and violence David Gemmel Is the writer for you.
check out other of his books by searching david gemmel in the seach bar at top of the page.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Wednesday, 28 September 2011
BOOK REVIEW:Zero Hour (Mark Walden) HIVE
Book: Zero Hour
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7.5/10
Once again Otto and the pupils at HIVE( the Higher Institute of Villainous Education) are once again being brought into peril.
The psychotic A.I "Overlord" previously thought to have been destroyed by Otto ans his friends has returned and hijacked the control of a advanced U.S military Research and developement base, Just as they are demonstrating to many allied brass there new weapons system. Overlord gain control of this system and the people in charge with a new mysterious strain of Animus.
His Demands are simple. The Americans must find and hand over 6 people. The people appear to not exist but a G.L.O.V.E imformantin the American military knows better.
Overlord has asked for the members of the Ruling council.
Meanwhile Otto and His friends have enjoyed the peace and quite, or at least the slightly less dangerous enviroment at their school for villans. Compared to the last few years it's been uneventful.
Then when all this is revealed they don't know who to trust, and that knowlege brings the capture of HIVE, only Otto, Nero and a few others escape.
The Traitor is Raven!
Overlord has injected her with animus making her completeny under his control.
There is only one way to stop this,They must activate Zero Hour. A operation thought of by Nero and Diabolus Darkdoom for just this sort of event. The one shot ,last ditch way to stop Overlord from destroying the world.
A secret army, so secret that not even the members know about it until the signal is recieved.
They must attack a heavily fortified military base in a narrow valley, filled with hostages, advanced weaponry and very well trained mercenaires. For anyone else it would be suicide but for these people it is merely challenging.
For they are Dr Nero's Best of the Best, The very Best Alphas in the world.
As this battle is going on. Otto must sneak inside and attempt to stop Overlord.
But his plan is work than they could of imagined
He has used American tech to create a living self-replicating swarm of nanites that will cleanse the earth of life in a matter of days.
Their is only One chance.
The President of America must hand over control of Thor's Hammer to a boy who has saved Him in the past
but background is unknown.
Can Otto and His Friends prevail?
Or will Overlord finally of destroyed Humanity?
Read this book to find out.
This book is yet another great book in a great series. you really need to of read the other before hand however. best for ages 11-16 It would still be enjoyable for anyone. Give it a go and remember to look at reviews for the others int the series all on this website. Mark Walden has written a truly interesting series.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7.5/10
Once again Otto and the pupils at HIVE( the Higher Institute of Villainous Education) are once again being brought into peril.
The psychotic A.I "Overlord" previously thought to have been destroyed by Otto ans his friends has returned and hijacked the control of a advanced U.S military Research and developement base, Just as they are demonstrating to many allied brass there new weapons system. Overlord gain control of this system and the people in charge with a new mysterious strain of Animus.
His Demands are simple. The Americans must find and hand over 6 people. The people appear to not exist but a G.L.O.V.E imformantin the American military knows better.
Overlord has asked for the members of the Ruling council.
Meanwhile Otto and His friends have enjoyed the peace and quite, or at least the slightly less dangerous enviroment at their school for villans. Compared to the last few years it's been uneventful.
Then when all this is revealed they don't know who to trust, and that knowlege brings the capture of HIVE, only Otto, Nero and a few others escape.
The Traitor is Raven!
Overlord has injected her with animus making her completeny under his control.
There is only one way to stop this,They must activate Zero Hour. A operation thought of by Nero and Diabolus Darkdoom for just this sort of event. The one shot ,last ditch way to stop Overlord from destroying the world.
A secret army, so secret that not even the members know about it until the signal is recieved.
They must attack a heavily fortified military base in a narrow valley, filled with hostages, advanced weaponry and very well trained mercenaires. For anyone else it would be suicide but for these people it is merely challenging.
For they are Dr Nero's Best of the Best, The very Best Alphas in the world.
As this battle is going on. Otto must sneak inside and attempt to stop Overlord.
But his plan is work than they could of imagined
He has used American tech to create a living self-replicating swarm of nanites that will cleanse the earth of life in a matter of days.
Their is only One chance.
The President of America must hand over control of Thor's Hammer to a boy who has saved Him in the past
but background is unknown.
Can Otto and His Friends prevail?
Or will Overlord finally of destroyed Humanity?
Read this book to find out.
This book is yet another great book in a great series. you really need to of read the other before hand however. best for ages 11-16 It would still be enjoyable for anyone. Give it a go and remember to look at reviews for the others int the series all on this website. Mark Walden has written a truly interesting series.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Sunday, 18 September 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Raven-Sons Of Thunder (Giles Kristian) book 2
Book: Raven-Sons Of Thunder
Author: Giles Kristian
Rating: 8/10
"If you betray a Fellowship you are a dead man"
In this second book the Viking Brotherhood of Sigurd the lucky are sailing in pursuit of the traitor Ealdred, who promised them gold and riches in return for the holy book but instead took the book and is fleeing across the sea towards one of the most powerful and rich Christians in the world, The emperor of Frankia.
But using a stolen ship means the Brotherhood of Norsemen has a good chance of catching him. And when the do the chances of him and his warriors surviving are very slim indeed.
Then with a challenge of combat between Sigurd and The best of Ealdred's warriors Raven is selected to be the enemy's shield bearer and by doing his job almost dooms Sigurd. Leaping forward and blocking His killing stroke allows Mauger to continue. Sigurd eventually wins but he is badly injured and Raven is torn with guilt by what he has done.
When Sigurd recovers he decides to spare Ealdred's life long enough for him to trick the emperor into believing they are Christians and to hand over the silver for the book.
But this adventure holds many dangers, and not all will survive. The Gods are watching eagerly as Sigurd and his wolf pack adventure into mainland Europe and the treasure,perils,and glory that awaits there.
This is another great book by Giles Kristian. The raven series is a great series about vikings and one that is hard to stop reading. He mixes the contents of the story well and although I think I prefer the 1st in the series, It's only by the smallest margin. Anyone who enjoys a good fighting book,or historical fiction should definitely give this series and book a go.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: Giles Kristian
Rating: 8/10
"If you betray a Fellowship you are a dead man"
In this second book the Viking Brotherhood of Sigurd the lucky are sailing in pursuit of the traitor Ealdred, who promised them gold and riches in return for the holy book but instead took the book and is fleeing across the sea towards one of the most powerful and rich Christians in the world, The emperor of Frankia.
But using a stolen ship means the Brotherhood of Norsemen has a good chance of catching him. And when the do the chances of him and his warriors surviving are very slim indeed.
Then with a challenge of combat between Sigurd and The best of Ealdred's warriors Raven is selected to be the enemy's shield bearer and by doing his job almost dooms Sigurd. Leaping forward and blocking His killing stroke allows Mauger to continue. Sigurd eventually wins but he is badly injured and Raven is torn with guilt by what he has done.
When Sigurd recovers he decides to spare Ealdred's life long enough for him to trick the emperor into believing they are Christians and to hand over the silver for the book.
But this adventure holds many dangers, and not all will survive. The Gods are watching eagerly as Sigurd and his wolf pack adventure into mainland Europe and the treasure,perils,and glory that awaits there.
This is another great book by Giles Kristian. The raven series is a great series about vikings and one that is hard to stop reading. He mixes the contents of the story well and although I think I prefer the 1st in the series, It's only by the smallest margin. Anyone who enjoys a good fighting book,or historical fiction should definitely give this series and book a go.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Thursday, 15 September 2011
Message from Devonian Book Reviewer :comments
Hi readers,
For some reason( I don't quite know why) comments have been disabled on my blog for a period of time. I believe I have now re activated the comments section at the bottom of each review but if you find any that haven't please feel free to comment them here.
So you will now be able to comment on most if not all reviews,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
For some reason( I don't quite know why) comments have been disabled on my blog for a period of time. I believe I have now re activated the comments section at the bottom of each review but if you find any that haven't please feel free to comment them here.
So you will now be able to comment on most if not all reviews,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Thursday, 8 September 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Mister Monday(Garth Nix) The keys to the kingdom
Book: Mister Monday
Author: Garth Nix
Rating: 5.5/10
Arthur Penhaligon is dying, The embarrassment, first day at a new school and he's dying of an asthma attack. as he's on the ground with his inhaler trying to breath a man appears in front of him. This is Mister Monday,Master of the lower house, The building in the center of the universe, where the architect built her first creations in the world.
He is One of 7 treacherous trustees of the house who when the architect disappeared assumed control for themselves instead of following the Will.
They broke the Will up and trapped it in prisons scattered through the secondary worlds.
But one part escaped, and now it's chosen Arthur as the rightful heir.
It tricks Mister Monday into giving Arthur the minute hand the weaker half of the item of power he uses to control the lower house. this saves Arthur's life,
But now he must travel into the house and Monday's realm to wrest the other part of him and assume control, not just because of the Will but also because it's the only way to cure the plague that's stricken his town.
Lost and confused he makes friends with Suzie Blue, a mortal who has lived in the house as long as she can remember, and he meets the Will itself, who is rather confusingly a frog.
Now his must embark on the first part of the Will quest. To gain the keys to the Kingdom he must defeat all seven, one by one. But can he even defeat this first challenge? and will he be able to stay himself on this quest he is on?
I found this book ok. I thought it was probably aimed at young people around 10-13 years of age. and wasn't challenging. That being said I still found the story enjoyable and it's a good mix of complex and simple ideas that tries to get you to guess ahead. Worth reading but not brilliant.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: Garth Nix
Rating: 5.5/10
Arthur Penhaligon is dying, The embarrassment, first day at a new school and he's dying of an asthma attack. as he's on the ground with his inhaler trying to breath a man appears in front of him. This is Mister Monday,Master of the lower house, The building in the center of the universe, where the architect built her first creations in the world.
He is One of 7 treacherous trustees of the house who when the architect disappeared assumed control for themselves instead of following the Will.
They broke the Will up and trapped it in prisons scattered through the secondary worlds.
But one part escaped, and now it's chosen Arthur as the rightful heir.
It tricks Mister Monday into giving Arthur the minute hand the weaker half of the item of power he uses to control the lower house. this saves Arthur's life,
But now he must travel into the house and Monday's realm to wrest the other part of him and assume control, not just because of the Will but also because it's the only way to cure the plague that's stricken his town.
Lost and confused he makes friends with Suzie Blue, a mortal who has lived in the house as long as she can remember, and he meets the Will itself, who is rather confusingly a frog.
Now his must embark on the first part of the Will quest. To gain the keys to the Kingdom he must defeat all seven, one by one. But can he even defeat this first challenge? and will he be able to stay himself on this quest he is on?
I found this book ok. I thought it was probably aimed at young people around 10-13 years of age. and wasn't challenging. That being said I still found the story enjoyable and it's a good mix of complex and simple ideas that tries to get you to guess ahead. Worth reading but not brilliant.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Wednesday, 7 September 2011
We Have Reached 1000!!!!!! (message)
Thanks to all my readers. we have crossed the 1000 views total. keep it up. lets see if we can get upto 2000 by the end of the year.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks a lot.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Class A (Robert Muchamore) Cherub 2
Book: Class A
Author: Robert Muchamore
Rating: 8/10
The second book of Robert Muchamore's CHERUB series.
In this book it's all about James second mission.
Infiltrating KMG( Keith Moore's Gang) which control most of the drug trade in the london/ luton area.
Together with kyle,Kerry and Nicole they must become friends with Keith Moore's kids and gather evidence to put as many people behind bars as possible.
Keith's kids: Junior,April,Ringo and Erin.
James and Junior become great friends, going boxing together, bunkning off school. James also becomes a drug delievery boy for KMG.
This puts him in a pervfect position for infomation gathering as does nicole and Kyle's realtionships with their target. The only one who isn't doing as well is Kerry. But she's gone for a different tactic
abandoning her attempts at her target she investigaties a sub comapny which she expects is a front for KMG.
But with time restraints and an increasing likelyhood of Keith Moore escaping never to be seen again arrest start being made on senior members of KMg by police.
And Keith invites James to accompany him and Junior to Miami. this is no random holiday. Miami is a center for drugs and all evidence suggests that Keith is there meeting with a drug cartel to purchase more and get KMG running again.
So it's surprising when James and Junior enter the house after a swim to find gunmen torturing Keith.
James must bust out of the house, call the cops and pray him and Jumior survive. All whilst avoiding the numerous gang members.
But can James really shoot someone?
Enjoy all this and more in this book.
This a anoher great book in the brilliant cherub series by Robert Muchamore. It has plenty of action and intrigue. Aimed for anyone 12+. I think most would enjoy this book and the sereis and would definately reccomend it.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: Robert Muchamore
Rating: 8/10
The second book of Robert Muchamore's CHERUB series.
In this book it's all about James second mission.
Infiltrating KMG( Keith Moore's Gang) which control most of the drug trade in the london/ luton area.
Together with kyle,Kerry and Nicole they must become friends with Keith Moore's kids and gather evidence to put as many people behind bars as possible.
Keith's kids: Junior,April,Ringo and Erin.
James and Junior become great friends, going boxing together, bunkning off school. James also becomes a drug delievery boy for KMG.
This puts him in a pervfect position for infomation gathering as does nicole and Kyle's realtionships with their target. The only one who isn't doing as well is Kerry. But she's gone for a different tactic
abandoning her attempts at her target she investigaties a sub comapny which she expects is a front for KMG.
But with time restraints and an increasing likelyhood of Keith Moore escaping never to be seen again arrest start being made on senior members of KMg by police.
And Keith invites James to accompany him and Junior to Miami. this is no random holiday. Miami is a center for drugs and all evidence suggests that Keith is there meeting with a drug cartel to purchase more and get KMG running again.
So it's surprising when James and Junior enter the house after a swim to find gunmen torturing Keith.
James must bust out of the house, call the cops and pray him and Jumior survive. All whilst avoiding the numerous gang members.
But can James really shoot someone?
Enjoy all this and more in this book.
This a anoher great book in the brilliant cherub series by Robert Muchamore. It has plenty of action and intrigue. Aimed for anyone 12+. I think most would enjoy this book and the sereis and would definately reccomend it.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Tuesday, 30 August 2011
messasge from Devonian Book Reviewer: 200
To Readers
Thanks everyone very much, for the first time since starting this blog I've had over 200 views in one month.
I really appreciate all you people reading my reviews, Keep it up and remember if you live in the UK,USA or Germany you can buy the books you like the sound of at the bottom of each review.
Thanks for reaching this amount and continue to use my site to find reviews on the books you read,
Lets see if we can keep this number increasing and see if we get 250 next month...
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Thanks everyone very much, for the first time since starting this blog I've had over 200 views in one month.
I really appreciate all you people reading my reviews, Keep it up and remember if you live in the UK,USA or Germany you can buy the books you like the sound of at the bottom of each review.
Thanks for reaching this amount and continue to use my site to find reviews on the books you read,
Lets see if we can keep this number increasing and see if we get 250 next month...
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Friday, 26 August 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Rangers Apprentice: The Sorcerer In The North (John Flanagan)
Book: The Sorcerer In The North
Author: John Flanagan
Rating: 6.5/10
In book 5 of the Rangers Apprentice series, Will is an Apprentice no longer. Now a fully fledged Ranger he is assigned to the quiet area of Seacliff fief.
A ranger's role is numerous, he must assess the strengths and weakness of the baron and the fief he looks over,act a a law enforcer and remain independent.
And Will isn't too pleased with what he finds. The Baron and his battle master have got lazy. Their knights and men-at-arms are poorly trained and they are too comfortable.
So consequently when a shipload of Skandian raiders turn up they are completely unprepared and out matched.
The long standing treaty between Araluen and Skandia doesn't ban individual raiding but it's thoroughly discouraged by the Oberjarl Erak, a good friend of Will's after abducting him into slavery then having Halt and Will help save his land.
So Will is the only one who can reason with the Skandians and try to stop the attack.
Fortunately the Skandians realise who it is but they must have supplies to make it through the winter and have little choice but to raid. Will comes to a solution. Throwing the Skandians and banquet and giving them animals from the barons prime stock both saves the villages and teaches the Baron an important lesson.
Then Will receives a message from Halt ,his old master, and Crowley the Ranger corps commander asking him to meet them.
And when he arrives he finds he's being sent undercover as a travelling minstrel.
Strange things are happening in the north, incurable illnesses, strange lights and sounds and rumours of sorcery. And when the area involved is the only thing stopping a Scotti invasion, Will must gather the truth fast.
But the real danger lies not in the dark magic around Grimsdale wood but in the castle itself. Lord Orman is hated and is a suspect to his fathers illness. A nephew called Keren is mainly in power. A friendly fellow who makes Will feel at home. An added bonus is that his contact is Aylss, One of his closest friends and a member of the diplomatic service.
But when the truth is revealed Will and Orman must flee the castle and seek the dark magician Malakallam's help to heal Orman as he comes down with the same illness. But in doing so Aylss is left behind and is caught.
With Sorcery, betrayal and twists and surprises at almost every page turn this book is yet another brilliant book in a great series.
A thoroughly worthwhile read as is the whole series so far. aimed more at kids/teens it's still a very enjoyable book and If you've never read any of these series you don't know what you've been missing.
I found the story and adventurous as the previous 4 and you can tell it's only going to get better.my slight criticism is that it ends on a cliff hanger which is good. But leaves a little too much not filled in, that being said it's just more to look forward to in the next book.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: John Flanagan
Rating: 6.5/10
In book 5 of the Rangers Apprentice series, Will is an Apprentice no longer. Now a fully fledged Ranger he is assigned to the quiet area of Seacliff fief.
A ranger's role is numerous, he must assess the strengths and weakness of the baron and the fief he looks over,act a a law enforcer and remain independent.
And Will isn't too pleased with what he finds. The Baron and his battle master have got lazy. Their knights and men-at-arms are poorly trained and they are too comfortable.
So consequently when a shipload of Skandian raiders turn up they are completely unprepared and out matched.
The long standing treaty between Araluen and Skandia doesn't ban individual raiding but it's thoroughly discouraged by the Oberjarl Erak, a good friend of Will's after abducting him into slavery then having Halt and Will help save his land.
So Will is the only one who can reason with the Skandians and try to stop the attack.
Fortunately the Skandians realise who it is but they must have supplies to make it through the winter and have little choice but to raid. Will comes to a solution. Throwing the Skandians and banquet and giving them animals from the barons prime stock both saves the villages and teaches the Baron an important lesson.
Then Will receives a message from Halt ,his old master, and Crowley the Ranger corps commander asking him to meet them.
And when he arrives he finds he's being sent undercover as a travelling minstrel.
Strange things are happening in the north, incurable illnesses, strange lights and sounds and rumours of sorcery. And when the area involved is the only thing stopping a Scotti invasion, Will must gather the truth fast.
But the real danger lies not in the dark magic around Grimsdale wood but in the castle itself. Lord Orman is hated and is a suspect to his fathers illness. A nephew called Keren is mainly in power. A friendly fellow who makes Will feel at home. An added bonus is that his contact is Aylss, One of his closest friends and a member of the diplomatic service.
But when the truth is revealed Will and Orman must flee the castle and seek the dark magician Malakallam's help to heal Orman as he comes down with the same illness. But in doing so Aylss is left behind and is caught.
With Sorcery, betrayal and twists and surprises at almost every page turn this book is yet another brilliant book in a great series.
A thoroughly worthwhile read as is the whole series so far. aimed more at kids/teens it's still a very enjoyable book and If you've never read any of these series you don't know what you've been missing.
I found the story and adventurous as the previous 4 and you can tell it's only going to get better.my slight criticism is that it ends on a cliff hanger which is good. But leaves a little too much not filled in, that being said it's just more to look forward to in the next book.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Sunday, 21 August 2011
BOOK REVIEW: I Am Number Four (Pittacus Lore)
Book: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Rating: 7.5/10
There were nine of them in the beginning. The last known survivors of the planet Lorien. They were younger when the Mogadorians invaded. Every Loric has a partner of the other side. Garde and Cepan. Garde are the warriors, the ones who have powers. Cepan are tasked with training Garde and protecting the knowledge of Lorien.
Nine Garde and their Cepan's escaped the planet .As they escaped a charm was placed on them., they can only be killed in number orderand when One gets killed a scar appears on the remaining. All were young without powers. They traveled to the nearest habitable planet, Earth.
Number 4, currently called John Smith, is living in the U.S.A. Number 1 and 2 have been killed.The warning charm scars are on his leg.
Then there's a third. Number 3 has been Killed. John is next.
Him and his Cepan Henri have been on the run for years but when they reach paradise,Ohio they stop. Despite now being the target John wants a normal life for awhile.
He settles down but when his powers start emerging thing start going bad.
Magazines printing stories on Mogadorians, Henri getting kidnapped and John's rescue attempt are the first major things to occur.
Then they find Number 6. With both 4 and 6 together it cancels out the charm protecting them all. And the Mogadorians find them. It becomes a desperate battle of powers and guns against beasts and soldiers who largely outnumber them.
Can they survive? and How will other Garde survive now the charm is lifted?
This is a very good book and I don't think my review really stresses how well it's written. It's maddeningly light on the circumstances but slowly more get revealed and I'm sure even more will be in other books. I really enjoyed it as it was quite a complex storyline and background yet the way it is written doesn't confuse you at all. A very good read and a very interesting book. Definitely would recommended reading.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book reviewer
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Author: Pittacus Lore
Rating: 7.5/10
There were nine of them in the beginning. The last known survivors of the planet Lorien. They were younger when the Mogadorians invaded. Every Loric has a partner of the other side. Garde and Cepan. Garde are the warriors, the ones who have powers. Cepan are tasked with training Garde and protecting the knowledge of Lorien.
Nine Garde and their Cepan's escaped the planet .As they escaped a charm was placed on them., they can only be killed in number orderand when One gets killed a scar appears on the remaining. All were young without powers. They traveled to the nearest habitable planet, Earth.
Number 4, currently called John Smith, is living in the U.S.A. Number 1 and 2 have been killed.The warning charm scars are on his leg.
Then there's a third. Number 3 has been Killed. John is next.
Him and his Cepan Henri have been on the run for years but when they reach paradise,Ohio they stop. Despite now being the target John wants a normal life for awhile.
He settles down but when his powers start emerging thing start going bad.
Magazines printing stories on Mogadorians, Henri getting kidnapped and John's rescue attempt are the first major things to occur.
Then they find Number 6. With both 4 and 6 together it cancels out the charm protecting them all. And the Mogadorians find them. It becomes a desperate battle of powers and guns against beasts and soldiers who largely outnumber them.
Can they survive? and How will other Garde survive now the charm is lifted?
This is a very good book and I don't think my review really stresses how well it's written. It's maddeningly light on the circumstances but slowly more get revealed and I'm sure even more will be in other books. I really enjoyed it as it was quite a complex storyline and background yet the way it is written doesn't confuse you at all. A very good read and a very interesting book. Definitely would recommended reading.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book reviewer
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Sunday, 14 August 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Recruit (Robert Muchamore) Cherub 1
Book: The Recruit
Author: Robert Muchamore
Rating: 8/10
James Choke is 11 and seemingly always in trouble. He's clever but lazy. Quite often in fights ect ect.
Then he does something stupid and is in big trouble. Accidentaly he cuts someones face open on a nail.
He's expelled from school but also the biggest gang in the neighborhood is after him. The girl who he cut is their leaders sister.
His life is down the pan, and then his mum dies.
Taken into care, cautioned by the police and then arrested stealing beer he's just sinking lower and lower.
Then he wakes up at CHERUB.
CHERUB is a secret organisation teaching kids to be spies.
The training is mental, especially seeing as James can't swim. He is given a new last name: Adams. And has 3 weeks to learn to swim before the 100 day basic training starts.
It's not looking good but James's partner in training has tried to pass it a number of time and knows every trick in the book. But that doesn't stop James from almost failing on numerous occasions.
Then he passes and gets his first mission.
Situated in the hippie camp of Fort Harmony James and Older agent Amy must investigate the possibility of a terrorist attack at an upcoming oil conference.
But after a few weeks of mud, being beaten up and investigating what they come across is very bad.
A terrorist organisation called Help Earth is planning an anthrax attack on the oil delegates.
Worse still James gets infected.
Rushed to hospital it doesn't look good.
Will James survive?
What will happen at Fort Harmony?
And what will the head of CHERUB say about James first mission experience?
Read this book to find out.
This is the first book in one of my favourite series I've ever read. Anyone would be crazy not to give it a go.
Although a lot of this book is setting the scene It's a brilliant read and the rest of the series should be even better. It's aimed mainly at teens but I believe anyone from 12+ will find this to be great.
Robert Muchamore is a great writer of these books.
Buy these books
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK:
USA:
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Spain:
Author: Robert Muchamore
Rating: 8/10
James Choke is 11 and seemingly always in trouble. He's clever but lazy. Quite often in fights ect ect.
Then he does something stupid and is in big trouble. Accidentaly he cuts someones face open on a nail.
He's expelled from school but also the biggest gang in the neighborhood is after him. The girl who he cut is their leaders sister.
His life is down the pan, and then his mum dies.
Taken into care, cautioned by the police and then arrested stealing beer he's just sinking lower and lower.
Then he wakes up at CHERUB.
CHERUB is a secret organisation teaching kids to be spies.
The training is mental, especially seeing as James can't swim. He is given a new last name: Adams. And has 3 weeks to learn to swim before the 100 day basic training starts.
It's not looking good but James's partner in training has tried to pass it a number of time and knows every trick in the book. But that doesn't stop James from almost failing on numerous occasions.
Then he passes and gets his first mission.
Situated in the hippie camp of Fort Harmony James and Older agent Amy must investigate the possibility of a terrorist attack at an upcoming oil conference.
But after a few weeks of mud, being beaten up and investigating what they come across is very bad.
A terrorist organisation called Help Earth is planning an anthrax attack on the oil delegates.
Worse still James gets infected.
Rushed to hospital it doesn't look good.
Will James survive?
What will happen at Fort Harmony?
And what will the head of CHERUB say about James first mission experience?
Read this book to find out.
This is the first book in one of my favourite series I've ever read. Anyone would be crazy not to give it a go.
Although a lot of this book is setting the scene It's a brilliant read and the rest of the series should be even better. It's aimed mainly at teens but I believe anyone from 12+ will find this to be great.
Robert Muchamore is a great writer of these books.
Buy these books
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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USA:
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Spain:
Monday, 8 August 2011
Message from Devonian Reviewer: Thanks and continue to read
Hello Readers
Thanks to all who read this blog. Month before last I had my most views in a month since this blog has been running. Last month was only 12 views off beating it. Please continue to use ,read and enjoy my reviews and lets see how many viewers we get this month.
Thanks for reading my reviews and I hope you are finding them helpful,informative and will continue to look at this site.
I will of course be aiming to bring you more reviews on the books I've read and remember you can sign up for email updates whenever a new review is released . below the share it icon on the right hand sign of the homepage.
Hope you find my opinions and story outlines useful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Reminder:
To readers from the UK,USA and Germany
At the bottom of each page there is links to buy the books mentioned in each review at great value from the amazon site in each country.
And any suggestions on how to improve would be more than welcome in the comment section below this post
Thanks to all who read this blog. Month before last I had my most views in a month since this blog has been running. Last month was only 12 views off beating it. Please continue to use ,read and enjoy my reviews and lets see how many viewers we get this month.
Thanks for reading my reviews and I hope you are finding them helpful,informative and will continue to look at this site.
I will of course be aiming to bring you more reviews on the books I've read and remember you can sign up for email updates whenever a new review is released . below the share it icon on the right hand sign of the homepage.
Hope you find my opinions and story outlines useful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Reminder:
To readers from the UK,USA and Germany
At the bottom of each page there is links to buy the books mentioned in each review at great value from the amazon site in each country.
And any suggestions on how to improve would be more than welcome in the comment section below this post
Sunday, 7 August 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Rangers Apprentice-Oakleaf Bearers (John Flanagan)
Book: Rangers Apprentice: Oakleaf Bearers( Also called The battle for Skandia)
Author: John Flanagan
Rating: 7/10
This is the fourth book in the Rangers Apprentice series.
Will and Evanlyn are sheltering in the forests and mountains of Skandia after escaping lives of slavery, Kidnapped during the war by Skandian mercenaries.
Will was a rangers Apprentice but his life of slavery left him addicted to warmweed, unfocused and unremembering. As he recuperates and regains his strength and knowledge, he knows little of the fact that Halt and Horace are just approaching the borders of skandiaSto rescue him.
But they arrive to find the border garrison dead,shot by arrows. This doesn't bode well, as Halt realises the Temujai, fierce mounted warriors from the east are close to invading the western world.
Evalyn in the meantime is hunting when she is seized and dragged off by a scouting party these Temujai. Will must find and try to rescue her, but with only a hunting bow and little skill he stands very little hope. Tracking them through the snow he hopes for some chance allowing him to rescue her. After all what chance does he have? A boy against 6 heavily armed Temujai?
His hand is forced however when they decide to kill her. With little hope of success he mounts a rescue attempt. And that's when out of nowhere Halt and Horace arrive. Easily dispatching the Temujai the companions are reunited once more.
But the happiness won't last as the Temujai force blocks their escape route it becomes clear that once they've crushed the Skandians, Araluen is next. The four of them have little choice when Erak, the Skandian who both captured them and helped them to escape finds them and the truth.
Halt must convince the Skandian Oberjarl to accept his help in defending Skandia, but can sworn enemies fight sight by side to save their kingdoms?
Can tactics really make a difference when outnumbered 3:1?
Read this book for all this adventure and more.
This book is a great book in a great series. You really need to of read books 2 and 3 to fully understand the story but It is a very enjoyable read and any person should give it ago. Aimed more at younger readers it is still a good series for all.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Remember you can buy the books by following these links at the bottom of each review:
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Author: John Flanagan
Rating: 7/10
This is the fourth book in the Rangers Apprentice series.
Will and Evanlyn are sheltering in the forests and mountains of Skandia after escaping lives of slavery, Kidnapped during the war by Skandian mercenaries.
Will was a rangers Apprentice but his life of slavery left him addicted to warmweed, unfocused and unremembering. As he recuperates and regains his strength and knowledge, he knows little of the fact that Halt and Horace are just approaching the borders of skandiaSto rescue him.
But they arrive to find the border garrison dead,shot by arrows. This doesn't bode well, as Halt realises the Temujai, fierce mounted warriors from the east are close to invading the western world.
Evalyn in the meantime is hunting when she is seized and dragged off by a scouting party these Temujai. Will must find and try to rescue her, but with only a hunting bow and little skill he stands very little hope. Tracking them through the snow he hopes for some chance allowing him to rescue her. After all what chance does he have? A boy against 6 heavily armed Temujai?
His hand is forced however when they decide to kill her. With little hope of success he mounts a rescue attempt. And that's when out of nowhere Halt and Horace arrive. Easily dispatching the Temujai the companions are reunited once more.
But the happiness won't last as the Temujai force blocks their escape route it becomes clear that once they've crushed the Skandians, Araluen is next. The four of them have little choice when Erak, the Skandian who both captured them and helped them to escape finds them and the truth.
Halt must convince the Skandian Oberjarl to accept his help in defending Skandia, but can sworn enemies fight sight by side to save their kingdoms?
Can tactics really make a difference when outnumbered 3:1?
Read this book for all this adventure and more.
This book is a great book in a great series. You really need to of read books 2 and 3 to fully understand the story but It is a very enjoyable read and any person should give it ago. Aimed more at younger readers it is still a good series for all.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Remember you can buy the books by following these links at the bottom of each review:
UK:
USA:
Germany:
Spain:
Monday, 1 August 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Shapeshifter-Going to Ground (Ali Sparkes)
Book: The Shapeshifter- Going To Ground
Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating: 8.5/10
The third in the shapeshifter series by Ali Sparkes
Dax and His fellow colas are at home under supervision as their new school is being built after the last was destroyed by the Gideon's sister Catherine in her attempt to kill the Colas and steal their powers.
Dax is less than happy being under survellience but is fine playing by the rules apart from a few shifts into foxes and falcons when bored.
But when his phsyic friend Lisa get in touch and tells him she's sensing bad things about his other 2 best friends Mia and Gideon Dax must break the rules find them all and evade the might of the british goverment.
Something is taking out electricity pylons and framing Gideon.. Afraid they'll look him away they escape to exmoor to the Bolthole Caroline Fisher gave Dax. It's only a matter of time before they are discovered and will the spirits warnings come true. This is a even better book in a great series.
I thoughly enjoyed this book and the series as a good light read that's not to complicated yet still interesting.
I would recommended mainly for younger people but I think most people could enjoy it.
This book is my favourite of the series despite it being a series of 5.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Uk and Europe:
USA:
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Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating: 8.5/10
The third in the shapeshifter series by Ali Sparkes
Dax and His fellow colas are at home under supervision as their new school is being built after the last was destroyed by the Gideon's sister Catherine in her attempt to kill the Colas and steal their powers.
Dax is less than happy being under survellience but is fine playing by the rules apart from a few shifts into foxes and falcons when bored.
But when his phsyic friend Lisa get in touch and tells him she's sensing bad things about his other 2 best friends Mia and Gideon Dax must break the rules find them all and evade the might of the british goverment.
Something is taking out electricity pylons and framing Gideon.. Afraid they'll look him away they escape to exmoor to the Bolthole Caroline Fisher gave Dax. It's only a matter of time before they are discovered and will the spirits warnings come true. This is a even better book in a great series.
I thoughly enjoyed this book and the series as a good light read that's not to complicated yet still interesting.
I would recommended mainly for younger people but I think most people could enjoy it.
This book is my favourite of the series despite it being a series of 5.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Uk and Europe:
USA:
Germany:
Spain:
Sunday, 24 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Night of the Dragons (Weis and Hickman)
Book: Night of the Dragons
Author: Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Rating: 6/10
The companions continue their adventure to find out the truth among the madness and chaos of the world under siege by dragons.
In the lost city of Xak Tsaroth they must find the disks of Mishkal, one of the true gods. But it is guarded by a Dragon. and the Dragon knows they are coming.
Goldmoon sacrifices herself to save them and then the city starts to crumble. fleeing the city with the disks the group does not have a clue as to what to use them for.
They flee back to the temple of Mishkal and there they are safe. and a surprise waits there. Asleep on the floor is Goldmoon .
Meanwhile the dragon armies are ravaging the land. Solace has been burnt to the ground and people are being carted off to work as slaves in the mines.
The group get captured and carted off towards the mines, and their fellow prisoner is Tanis's half brother Gilathanas. The elves plan a rescue attempt and ambush the carts and free the people.
Taken to the elven city of Qualinost, and meet with the Speaker of the suns who informs them the elves and humans are doomed unless they can get Dragon Highlord Vermindad to with draw his armies back to the mines. It is the companions job to cause a revolt forcing the Draconians back to the mining fortress.
But will they succeed or will the evil dragons tear them to shreds?
And who is the traitor in their midst?
Tensions are high and the perils are great but can the companions accomplish the task they set out to do?
Read this to find out.
A good book. abit slow in places but overall quite fun and gripping to read. Aimed at kids and teens without a doubt but still enjoyable.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
(don't forget you can find links to buy the books at the bottom of each post.)
UK:
USA:
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Author: Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Rating: 6/10
The companions continue their adventure to find out the truth among the madness and chaos of the world under siege by dragons.
In the lost city of Xak Tsaroth they must find the disks of Mishkal, one of the true gods. But it is guarded by a Dragon. and the Dragon knows they are coming.
Goldmoon sacrifices herself to save them and then the city starts to crumble. fleeing the city with the disks the group does not have a clue as to what to use them for.
They flee back to the temple of Mishkal and there they are safe. and a surprise waits there. Asleep on the floor is Goldmoon .
Meanwhile the dragon armies are ravaging the land. Solace has been burnt to the ground and people are being carted off to work as slaves in the mines.
The group get captured and carted off towards the mines, and their fellow prisoner is Tanis's half brother Gilathanas. The elves plan a rescue attempt and ambush the carts and free the people.
Taken to the elven city of Qualinost, and meet with the Speaker of the suns who informs them the elves and humans are doomed unless they can get Dragon Highlord Vermindad to with draw his armies back to the mines. It is the companions job to cause a revolt forcing the Draconians back to the mining fortress.
But will they succeed or will the evil dragons tear them to shreds?
And who is the traitor in their midst?
Tensions are high and the perils are great but can the companions accomplish the task they set out to do?
Read this to find out.
A good book. abit slow in places but overall quite fun and gripping to read. Aimed at kids and teens without a doubt but still enjoyable.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
(don't forget you can find links to buy the books at the bottom of each post.)
UK:
USA:
Germany:
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: A Rumor of Dragons( Weis and Hickman)
Book: A Rumor of Dragons
Author: Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Rating: 5.5/10
5 years ago in the Inn of the last home in the crossroad town of Solace a group of friends made an oath to return after scouring the world for signs of the old gods and gathering evil.
5 years later Tanis half-elven is approaching Solace at last along with another of the companions, Flint the Dwarf. After being abroad in the world for 5 years he has found no sign of the gods and has heard increasing rumours of trouble in the North.
But their hometown has changed, Preachers of new religion are in power and goblins patrol the city.
But no goblins are going to stop them meeting their friends and when the are stopped from entering Solace due to the goblins searching for a mystic staff,goblins die!
Arriving at the Inn of the Last Home they sit down and one by one their other companions arrive, the Brothers Cameron and Raistlin, Sturm a solmanic Knight and Tasselhof a light fingered Kender, a small race of people known for their trickery.
But One is missing, Katrina, a woman mercenary sends here condolences but is serving a new lord and won't make it. The oath is broken and the mood is dark.
Then through cause and effect they find themselves fleeing for their lives accompanied by 2 plains people and the mysterious staff, a staff of true healing.
Embarking on a new adventure the companions must learn once again to trust each other and search for the truth in the staff and gathering evil. Weird clerics roam the land, who are not part of any known race.
constellations in the night sky are disappearing and they are in the middle of it all with no idea what or why it's happening.
Travelling through the land they find dead warriors, gully dwarfs and draconians and long lost ruins. there is death and battles and armies of great evil gathering.
They meet the forestmaster and one of the true gods but their is more happening than they can possibly know. And the fate of their land may well be rest on their heads. for there are rumours of Dragons.
And the rumours are true!
This is a very good book for kids and teens I would say. It is a good fictional action adventure story that make you want to read the next. Although a great deal of the book is setting the scene for the series their is always action and mystery that makes you keep reading and I quite enjoyed it. A good easy read that is fairly good. Give it a try.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
UK :
USA:
Germany:
Author: Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Rating: 5.5/10
5 years ago in the Inn of the last home in the crossroad town of Solace a group of friends made an oath to return after scouring the world for signs of the old gods and gathering evil.
5 years later Tanis half-elven is approaching Solace at last along with another of the companions, Flint the Dwarf. After being abroad in the world for 5 years he has found no sign of the gods and has heard increasing rumours of trouble in the North.
But their hometown has changed, Preachers of new religion are in power and goblins patrol the city.
But no goblins are going to stop them meeting their friends and when the are stopped from entering Solace due to the goblins searching for a mystic staff,goblins die!
Arriving at the Inn of the Last Home they sit down and one by one their other companions arrive, the Brothers Cameron and Raistlin, Sturm a solmanic Knight and Tasselhof a light fingered Kender, a small race of people known for their trickery.
But One is missing, Katrina, a woman mercenary sends here condolences but is serving a new lord and won't make it. The oath is broken and the mood is dark.
Then through cause and effect they find themselves fleeing for their lives accompanied by 2 plains people and the mysterious staff, a staff of true healing.
Embarking on a new adventure the companions must learn once again to trust each other and search for the truth in the staff and gathering evil. Weird clerics roam the land, who are not part of any known race.
constellations in the night sky are disappearing and they are in the middle of it all with no idea what or why it's happening.
Travelling through the land they find dead warriors, gully dwarfs and draconians and long lost ruins. there is death and battles and armies of great evil gathering.
They meet the forestmaster and one of the true gods but their is more happening than they can possibly know. And the fate of their land may well be rest on their heads. for there are rumours of Dragons.
And the rumours are true!
This is a very good book for kids and teens I would say. It is a good fictional action adventure story that make you want to read the next. Although a great deal of the book is setting the scene for the series their is always action and mystery that makes you keep reading and I quite enjoyed it. A good easy read that is fairly good. Give it a try.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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USA:
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Friday, 15 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Shapeshifter-Running the Risk (Ali Sparkes)
Book: Running the Risk- The Shapeshifter
Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating: 7/10
The second in the shapeshifter series by Ali Sparkes.
Dax is fully settled into life with the Cola Club at Terregen collage. In many respects it's just like being in a normal schoool, Apart from the fact that the kids in the Cola club have supernatural powers.
But Dax is fully comfortable with his double life, he's a shapeshifter and is constantly switching between boy and Fox with ease.
Then it all falls apart.
Holidaying with friends Dax finds himself helpless as he is chased through the woods by a fox hunt and is trapped in a hole wiating to die. Owen digs him out just in time and he is safe. But his mind is playing tricks on his and he keeps having panic attacks.
Then they arrive back to the collage after a holiday to find Gideon's,a telekinetic whose Dax's best friend, long lost brother Luke there. He has no powers but Gideon is spending all his time with him and Dax can't help but feel a little jeolous. But when Gideons long lost sister Cathrine shows up aswell it's all getting a bit to much.
Suddenly everyone else is drowsy all the time and Dax is getting worried. No one will believe him and he thinks the goverment is testing them.
But the truth is all the more sinister is happening and to uncover the truth Dax will have to use all his natural instinct ot keep them alive.
Filled with suspision and panic Dax must take to the wing and find the truth or everyone will die.
Something is incoming, and the fate of the cola's rest in Dax Jones's paws.
A huge improvement on the first. Not too complicated but enough to keep you interested. Easy to read and so far this series is looking good. I would definately recommend for young teeneagers especially but a defineately good read for anyone.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
UK:
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Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating: 7/10
The second in the shapeshifter series by Ali Sparkes.
Dax is fully settled into life with the Cola Club at Terregen collage. In many respects it's just like being in a normal schoool, Apart from the fact that the kids in the Cola club have supernatural powers.
But Dax is fully comfortable with his double life, he's a shapeshifter and is constantly switching between boy and Fox with ease.
Then it all falls apart.
Holidaying with friends Dax finds himself helpless as he is chased through the woods by a fox hunt and is trapped in a hole wiating to die. Owen digs him out just in time and he is safe. But his mind is playing tricks on his and he keeps having panic attacks.
Then they arrive back to the collage after a holiday to find Gideon's,a telekinetic whose Dax's best friend, long lost brother Luke there. He has no powers but Gideon is spending all his time with him and Dax can't help but feel a little jeolous. But when Gideons long lost sister Cathrine shows up aswell it's all getting a bit to much.
Suddenly everyone else is drowsy all the time and Dax is getting worried. No one will believe him and he thinks the goverment is testing them.
But the truth is all the more sinister is happening and to uncover the truth Dax will have to use all his natural instinct ot keep them alive.
Filled with suspision and panic Dax must take to the wing and find the truth or everyone will die.
Something is incoming, and the fate of the cola's rest in Dax Jones's paws.
A huge improvement on the first. Not too complicated but enough to keep you interested. Easy to read and so far this series is looking good. I would definately recommend for young teeneagers especially but a defineately good read for anyone.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
UK:
Germany:
Spain:
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Rogue (Mark Walden) HIVE
Book: Rogue
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7.5/10
Senior members of G.L.O.V.E are being assassinated one by one, As H.O.P.E teams seem to be able to track them and breach any defense. As One member is attacked in Paris a CCTV camera records all and the mystery to HOPE's ability to undermine them is revealed.
Otto, who was lost during events on the dreadnought, is the one leading the hunt. He has been turned against his friends and allies.
Diabolus has no choice but to reveal his involvement to the council, Dr Nero is furious, and Raven is embarking on a plan to find Otto and find out what's happens.Unfortunately Darkdoom has no choice but to give a capture or kill order to all GLOVE teams regarding Otto, Raven and Nero must find Otto and stop HOPE before Otto is found by the other GLOVE members.
As HOPE teams attack GLOVE installations and almost kill Darkdoom, Politics,plans, action and surprises all come into one as a fight to stop GLOVE getting destroyed is used.
With people and machines returning from the dead, and Otto's change of heart being due to Overlord this book is riddled with mystery and suspense and is a great read for anyone.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Germany:
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7.5/10
Senior members of G.L.O.V.E are being assassinated one by one, As H.O.P.E teams seem to be able to track them and breach any defense. As One member is attacked in Paris a CCTV camera records all and the mystery to HOPE's ability to undermine them is revealed.
Otto, who was lost during events on the dreadnought, is the one leading the hunt. He has been turned against his friends and allies.
Diabolus has no choice but to reveal his involvement to the council, Dr Nero is furious, and Raven is embarking on a plan to find Otto and find out what's happens.Unfortunately Darkdoom has no choice but to give a capture or kill order to all GLOVE teams regarding Otto, Raven and Nero must find Otto and stop HOPE before Otto is found by the other GLOVE members.
As HOPE teams attack GLOVE installations and almost kill Darkdoom, Politics,plans, action and surprises all come into one as a fight to stop GLOVE getting destroyed is used.
With people and machines returning from the dead, and Otto's change of heart being due to Overlord this book is riddled with mystery and suspense and is a great read for anyone.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK:
Germany:
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Raven-Blood Eye (Giles Kristian )
Book: Raven-Blood Eye
Author: Giles Kristian
Rating: 8.5/10
Osric lives a strange simple life in his village, feared by other due to a blood red eye, he has no memory of life as a child and simply goes fishing ans helps a mute carpenter Ealhstan with his work. It's not a great life but nor is it a horrible one.
Then they came.
Some call them wolves of the sea, Others simply call them....Vikings!
They ransacked his home and killed the people living there. But they spared him.They believe that his blood red eye is a sign of Odin, one of their major pagan gods. And in the coming days Osric changes, from Osric red eye to Raven, a Norseman, a Viking!
Learning how to fight, which gods to pray to and how to be a Viking, Raven is a natural . Part of Sigard the Lucky's pack they go to pillage and plunder. But when they are trapped they must undertake a dangerous task to steal a sacred book from a king or their beloved ships will be burned.
Left with a choice of death, the burning of their ships and possessions, or going on this task there isn't much of a option.
So they embark on this adventure, but the way ahead through hostile christian land will test both the Vikings strength of body and strength of faith.
With traitors, plundering and fighting galore the Vikings travel through the land full of warriors and weaklings and items to steal, people to kill or take. This is one adventure that will test the best warriors imaginable.
But these are battle hardened Vikings and will not be scared off treasure by measly Englishmen.
This book was amazingly hard to write a review for and I don't think what I've wrote really conveys how good the book is, masterfully written yet not over complex it will grip you the whole way through as if you are their. Very different type of story to those I often read but you'd not be disappointed no matter what you normally read. One word of caution-I don't think this would be suitable for kids.
Amazingly good historical fiction. A book I could read again and again.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: Giles Kristian
Rating: 8.5/10
Osric lives a strange simple life in his village, feared by other due to a blood red eye, he has no memory of life as a child and simply goes fishing ans helps a mute carpenter Ealhstan with his work. It's not a great life but nor is it a horrible one.
Then they came.
Some call them wolves of the sea, Others simply call them....Vikings!
They ransacked his home and killed the people living there. But they spared him.They believe that his blood red eye is a sign of Odin, one of their major pagan gods. And in the coming days Osric changes, from Osric red eye to Raven, a Norseman, a Viking!
Learning how to fight, which gods to pray to and how to be a Viking, Raven is a natural . Part of Sigard the Lucky's pack they go to pillage and plunder. But when they are trapped they must undertake a dangerous task to steal a sacred book from a king or their beloved ships will be burned.
Left with a choice of death, the burning of their ships and possessions, or going on this task there isn't much of a option.
So they embark on this adventure, but the way ahead through hostile christian land will test both the Vikings strength of body and strength of faith.
With traitors, plundering and fighting galore the Vikings travel through the land full of warriors and weaklings and items to steal, people to kill or take. This is one adventure that will test the best warriors imaginable.
But these are battle hardened Vikings and will not be scared off treasure by measly Englishmen.
This book was amazingly hard to write a review for and I don't think what I've wrote really conveys how good the book is, masterfully written yet not over complex it will grip you the whole way through as if you are their. Very different type of story to those I often read but you'd not be disappointed no matter what you normally read. One word of caution-I don't think this would be suitable for kids.
Amazingly good historical fiction. A book I could read again and again.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Saturday, 2 July 2011
Message from Devonian Reviewer: BLOG UPDATE
Dear Readers,
Quick and short post detailing a update/improvement to my blog.
I have updated my blog to include links to buy the books in the reviews at the bottom of each review. So far I only have links for the UK, USA and Germany but I hope to be getting more.
Hope you are finding my blog useful and will continue to use it to find out about and buy books.
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Quick and short post detailing a update/improvement to my blog.
I have updated my blog to include links to buy the books in the reviews at the bottom of each review. So far I only have links for the UK, USA and Germany but I hope to be getting more.
Hope you are finding my blog useful and will continue to use it to find out about and buy books.
The Devonian Book Reviewer
Friday, 1 July 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Dreadnought (Mark Walden) HIVE
Book Dreadnought
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7/10
In the fourth full sized book of the series. Otto and his fellow student at HIVE once agian get caught up in danger as one of G.L.O.V.E's senior members and a major person in the technology business Jason Drake leaves and tries to destroy the people he once worked for.
He was unhappy with events which transipred to leave Number One(aka Overlord) dead and diabolus Darkdoom in charge of G.L.O.V.E (the global league of villainous enterprises). He believed the Overlord story was made up by Dr Nero and Darkdoom to cover a coup they did to seize control.
This by itself wouldn't be a problem but Drake has access to top military equipment and resources and has created a plan to bring GLOVE down .
He launches an assault on GLOVE's new mobile Air command platform ,the Dreadnought ,that he designed as a flagship for Number One. Unfortuneatly Otto and his friends our touring it with Nero and Raven on the way to a training excercise. they find themselves in the middle of a fairly one sided battle that they soon retreat from in the shroud dropship they arrvived in. unfortuneately Diabolus is captured.
And it seems this isn't the end of his plan. not in the slightest. he's planning to destroy the balance of pwer and turn america into the site of the word's biggest natural disaster. To do this he kidnapps the president, access the most top secret missle program in the world, a series of missles in orbit capable of triggering an explosion at Yellowstones super volcano.
Otto is the only one who can stop the missles firing using his strange ability to cancel the launch. As his friends attack the dreadnought and escape he is left to stop the missiles.he needs to find the device to stop the missiles. thankfully their still on board Air force One. Only two problems.
He's on sutck board Air force one with the president handcuffed to the chair.
and Air force One is falling out of the sky.
This is a really good book in a really good series. It's exciting and keeps you interested the whole way through. although this series is clearly aimed at younger people and I really enjoy them. check out this series for a good read.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer,
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Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7/10
In the fourth full sized book of the series. Otto and his fellow student at HIVE once agian get caught up in danger as one of G.L.O.V.E's senior members and a major person in the technology business Jason Drake leaves and tries to destroy the people he once worked for.
He was unhappy with events which transipred to leave Number One(aka Overlord) dead and diabolus Darkdoom in charge of G.L.O.V.E (the global league of villainous enterprises). He believed the Overlord story was made up by Dr Nero and Darkdoom to cover a coup they did to seize control.
This by itself wouldn't be a problem but Drake has access to top military equipment and resources and has created a plan to bring GLOVE down .
He launches an assault on GLOVE's new mobile Air command platform ,the Dreadnought ,that he designed as a flagship for Number One. Unfortuneatly Otto and his friends our touring it with Nero and Raven on the way to a training excercise. they find themselves in the middle of a fairly one sided battle that they soon retreat from in the shroud dropship they arrvived in. unfortuneately Diabolus is captured.
And it seems this isn't the end of his plan. not in the slightest. he's planning to destroy the balance of pwer and turn america into the site of the word's biggest natural disaster. To do this he kidnapps the president, access the most top secret missle program in the world, a series of missles in orbit capable of triggering an explosion at Yellowstones super volcano.
Otto is the only one who can stop the missles firing using his strange ability to cancel the launch. As his friends attack the dreadnought and escape he is left to stop the missiles.he needs to find the device to stop the missiles. thankfully their still on board Air force One. Only two problems.
He's on sutck board Air force one with the president handcuffed to the chair.
and Air force One is falling out of the sky.
This is a really good book in a really good series. It's exciting and keeps you interested the whole way through. although this series is clearly aimed at younger people and I really enjoy them. check out this series for a good read.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer,
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Tuesday, 28 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Shapeshifter- Finding The fox (Ali Sparkes)
Book: Finding The Fox
Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating : 6.5/10
Dax Jones lives a fairly boring and miserable life with his sister and step -mum Gina, His dad works away on the Oil Rigs in the north sea and Gina is constantly being mean and spiteful. Locking him outside for hours on end because of his "attitude".
But then things change, One hot afternoon he gets locked in the garden shed and panics. He can't get out and he's half choking as he passes out.
Then he wakes up. He's orange,furry and has a tail, Dax has turned into a Fox!
The next day he finds a pair of bullies beating up his nerdy friend Clive. In rage he attacks the bullies and suddenly he's a fox again and bites and scratches them til they run away.
Dax's life has become really weird. He arrives home and finds a man talking to Gina about how he is a genius and is being offered a place in a school of the gifted. Owen couldn't possibly know about the fox thing could he?
Yet something in his gaze tells Dax he does.
Now Dax is part of the Cola Club, a school for kids with strange powers and is having the time of his life. But when a reporter threatens to expose him, Dax and his friends are in a lot of danger. But is the reporter a big a problem as some believe? and who can Dax trust in a school of supernatural abilities.
Read the books to have a very easy and enjoyable read.
This book is a great introduction to the series. Not entirely gripping the whole way through but it sets the scene very well and will make you want to read even more. I'd say aimed more at kids but I think anyone could enjoy it .
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The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: Ali Sparkes
Rating : 6.5/10
Dax Jones lives a fairly boring and miserable life with his sister and step -mum Gina, His dad works away on the Oil Rigs in the north sea and Gina is constantly being mean and spiteful. Locking him outside for hours on end because of his "attitude".
But then things change, One hot afternoon he gets locked in the garden shed and panics. He can't get out and he's half choking as he passes out.
Then he wakes up. He's orange,furry and has a tail, Dax has turned into a Fox!
The next day he finds a pair of bullies beating up his nerdy friend Clive. In rage he attacks the bullies and suddenly he's a fox again and bites and scratches them til they run away.
Dax's life has become really weird. He arrives home and finds a man talking to Gina about how he is a genius and is being offered a place in a school of the gifted. Owen couldn't possibly know about the fox thing could he?
Yet something in his gaze tells Dax he does.
Now Dax is part of the Cola Club, a school for kids with strange powers and is having the time of his life. But when a reporter threatens to expose him, Dax and his friends are in a lot of danger. But is the reporter a big a problem as some believe? and who can Dax trust in a school of supernatural abilities.
Read the books to have a very easy and enjoyable read.
This book is a great introduction to the series. Not entirely gripping the whole way through but it sets the scene very well and will make you want to read even more. I'd say aimed more at kids but I think anyone could enjoy it .
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Wednesday, 22 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Waylander II (2)-In the realm of the wolf ( David Gemmel)
Book: Waylander 2- In The realm of the wolf
Author: David Gemell
Rating: 8/10
High in the mountains lives the woodsman Dakeyras and his daughter Miriel,living in solitude, mourning the wife/mother they have lost and honing their weapon skills. They are perfectly content in life. Forgotten by the world around them.
But now trained assassins are hunting them. and he doesn't know why. He has to change back from the woodsman Dakeyras and retake he previous identity: Waylander the Slayer!
Travelling to find out who commissioned the hunt on him, he is joined by his friend Angel the gladiator, and together with Miriel he tries to find the cause of interest in killing him.
And when he does find out he reverts completely and sets out to kill the person who caused Karnak the drenai leader to order the hunt. the person who killed Mirel's sister. But he's getting drawn into something much bigger.
His target now is Zhu Chao, the person his daughters killer is working for, the person behind the unrest in the world, a evil chiatze Wizard.
He is in charge of the dark brotherhood and has people in positions of power everywhere. He is the cause of the unrest in the world.
Now Waylander hunts him, whilst Miriel,Angel and Senta travel to try and prevent a massacre as Zhu Chao tries to destroy the Nadir wolf tribe, in revenge for their shaman's role in his past and to prevent the coming of the uniter .
So a number of complex events all separate places,different people. All connected by one man. one deadly killer.
In every major historical event their are people like Waylander, not remembered as heroes, working in the shadows, people who change the world.
This book is brilliant, and David Gemell is a great writer of these books. The storyline is quite complex in places but is a great book and a great sequel to the first. I definitely recommend it.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: David Gemell
Rating: 8/10
High in the mountains lives the woodsman Dakeyras and his daughter Miriel,living in solitude, mourning the wife/mother they have lost and honing their weapon skills. They are perfectly content in life. Forgotten by the world around them.
But now trained assassins are hunting them. and he doesn't know why. He has to change back from the woodsman Dakeyras and retake he previous identity: Waylander the Slayer!
Travelling to find out who commissioned the hunt on him, he is joined by his friend Angel the gladiator, and together with Miriel he tries to find the cause of interest in killing him.
And when he does find out he reverts completely and sets out to kill the person who caused Karnak the drenai leader to order the hunt. the person who killed Mirel's sister. But he's getting drawn into something much bigger.
His target now is Zhu Chao, the person his daughters killer is working for, the person behind the unrest in the world, a evil chiatze Wizard.
He is in charge of the dark brotherhood and has people in positions of power everywhere. He is the cause of the unrest in the world.
Now Waylander hunts him, whilst Miriel,Angel and Senta travel to try and prevent a massacre as Zhu Chao tries to destroy the Nadir wolf tribe, in revenge for their shaman's role in his past and to prevent the coming of the uniter .
So a number of complex events all separate places,different people. All connected by one man. one deadly killer.
In every major historical event their are people like Waylander, not remembered as heroes, working in the shadows, people who change the world.
This book is brilliant, and David Gemell is a great writer of these books. The storyline is quite complex in places but is a great book and a great sequel to the first. I definitely recommend it.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Wednesday, 15 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Rat Catcher (Chris Ryan) Alpha Force
Book: Rat Catcher
Author: Chris Ryan
Rating: 6.5/10
This is the second in the Alpha force series and is about a mission they undertake after they were brought together stranded on an island in the first book. Now they are a team working to go undercover and fight injustice just like Amber's parents used to.
This book follows them finding a mission suited to them that will make a difference.
And it's when Alex is visiting his dad in Ecuador for Christmas that an opportunity appears. His dad and his SAS team is looking into a drug baron who is operating in the area . As well as that their is a number of rumours pointing towards the fact that the Baron is using street kids to carry the drugs for him then killing them. This seems like a perfect investigation for the teenagers.
And when Alex's dad has to stop his holiday to go undercover Alpha force springs into action. they send Paulo out as a street kid to gather information and start up a violent rivalry with some other street kids. But when the adoption men come calling for kids Alpha force make a mistake and Paulo is taken by them with a little girl and they have no way of communicating of tracking them now they are flying out of the airport the adoption men took them to.
To find them Alpha force must scale a Glacier, use satellite imagery and defeat a Drug Baron who has been evading discovery for years. and when his identity is revealed they are all in danger, and so is Alex's dad.
This book being the first proper mission was a fairly good read. Although it lacked some detail in what was going on and i think they could of had more information in there, Chris Ryan does a great job. It's a read that is ok and although not quite as action packed or exciting as i would of liked it was well written,just like the first, and I think the rest of the series will be better.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: Chris Ryan
Rating: 6.5/10
This is the second in the Alpha force series and is about a mission they undertake after they were brought together stranded on an island in the first book. Now they are a team working to go undercover and fight injustice just like Amber's parents used to.
This book follows them finding a mission suited to them that will make a difference.
And it's when Alex is visiting his dad in Ecuador for Christmas that an opportunity appears. His dad and his SAS team is looking into a drug baron who is operating in the area . As well as that their is a number of rumours pointing towards the fact that the Baron is using street kids to carry the drugs for him then killing them. This seems like a perfect investigation for the teenagers.
And when Alex's dad has to stop his holiday to go undercover Alpha force springs into action. they send Paulo out as a street kid to gather information and start up a violent rivalry with some other street kids. But when the adoption men come calling for kids Alpha force make a mistake and Paulo is taken by them with a little girl and they have no way of communicating of tracking them now they are flying out of the airport the adoption men took them to.
To find them Alpha force must scale a Glacier, use satellite imagery and defeat a Drug Baron who has been evading discovery for years. and when his identity is revealed they are all in danger, and so is Alex's dad.
This book being the first proper mission was a fairly good read. Although it lacked some detail in what was going on and i think they could of had more information in there, Chris Ryan does a great job. It's a read that is ok and although not quite as action packed or exciting as i would of liked it was well written,just like the first, and I think the rest of the series will be better.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Tuesday, 14 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Spooks Tale (Joseph Delaney)
Book: The Spooks Tale
Author: Joseph Delaney
Rating: 4/10
The spooks tale in a short book detailing a event of the early life of the Spook in his main series. It was written for world book day so it rather short but was still enjoyable.
John Gregory is the seventh son of a seventh son and that means he can see and sense dark creatures and spirits. as a younger boy he was sent to be a priest it was on the way there he met the Spook, and it changed his life.
He gets lost, stumbles upon a malevolent witch and her bone-snatcher boggart and if he doesn't lead the spook into a trap they will hunt him down and kill him.
John Gregory is about to discover what it's like to be a spook.
This is a good short prequel to his books and although not extremely scary there were a few scary bits with-in the story. It's a world book day book so you get 2 books in one as well.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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Author: Joseph Delaney
Rating: 4/10
The spooks tale in a short book detailing a event of the early life of the Spook in his main series. It was written for world book day so it rather short but was still enjoyable.
John Gregory is the seventh son of a seventh son and that means he can see and sense dark creatures and spirits. as a younger boy he was sent to be a priest it was on the way there he met the Spook, and it changed his life.
He gets lost, stumbles upon a malevolent witch and her bone-snatcher boggart and if he doesn't lead the spook into a trap they will hunt him down and kill him.
John Gregory is about to discover what it's like to be a spook.
This is a good short prequel to his books and although not extremely scary there were a few scary bits with-in the story. It's a world book day book so you get 2 books in one as well.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
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BOOK REVIEW: Interception Point (Mark Walden) HIVE
Book Interception Point
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 5/10
A mini book written for world book day based in the gap between books 3 and 4.
HOPE have captured one of GLOVE's stealth suits and are transporting it by a automated armoured train.
It's high defenses mean only one person has a chance. Otto Malpenese who has the weird ability, that helps him fit perfectly into the villains world, of being able to mentally connect to machines systems.
Him,Wing,Laura and Shelby make up the team. their job is to retake or destroy the stealth suit and return alive with limited tech and no idea what awaits them.
And what they will discover is very worrying indeed. what is integrated to the train? what's the mysterious voice Otto keeps hearing? and what will they do when everything goes wrong?
All this in a excellent short story for a quick read.
Fairly enjoyable, obviously a bit too short, but that's the nature of these books. a good read but not essential as part of the series. also if you buy it you get a bonus book on the other side as it's a world book day book.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 5/10
A mini book written for world book day based in the gap between books 3 and 4.
HOPE have captured one of GLOVE's stealth suits and are transporting it by a automated armoured train.
It's high defenses mean only one person has a chance. Otto Malpenese who has the weird ability, that helps him fit perfectly into the villains world, of being able to mentally connect to machines systems.
Him,Wing,Laura and Shelby make up the team. their job is to retake or destroy the stealth suit and return alive with limited tech and no idea what awaits them.
And what they will discover is very worrying indeed. what is integrated to the train? what's the mysterious voice Otto keeps hearing? and what will they do when everything goes wrong?
All this in a excellent short story for a quick read.
Fairly enjoyable, obviously a bit too short, but that's the nature of these books. a good read but not essential as part of the series. also if you buy it you get a bonus book on the other side as it's a world book day book.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Saturday, 11 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Legend (David Gemmell)
Book : Legend
Author: David Gemell
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended Age: 13/14+
Another great book by David Gemell. Set again ,as in Waylander and others of his books, in the medieval land of Drenai and centuries after the events in Waylander.
It follows the fight against the Nadir as Ulric the Uniter sweeps through the lands with a hoard of millions. Faced with near certain doom due to lack of troops and training due to bad desicions the biggest fortress in the world Dro Delnoch is all that stands between Nadir conquest and Drenai survival. Defending it is hopeless , with less than a quarter of the troops needed and faced with half a million savages it appears the fortress must fall to the one thing it was built to keep out.
In Desperation the commander sends out a message to the one person who may be able to help. Druss the Legend, Captain of the Axe.
A Hero, undefeated his exploits world renowned. But he is not a young warrior any more he is a grizzled old man in the mountains to stubborn to die, fighting his own battle against death itself.
Now he travels to Dros Delnoch. He is a symbol of resistance, a hero and with his help Delnoch must stand as long as possible. With 6 massive walls and a keep if they had the troops there wouldn't be a problem. But now it's just a matter of time until the Nadir breach the walls. It's a hopeless mission but the longer they last the longer the rest of the Drenai can have gathering and training a proper army.
Druss the legend is not going down without a fight. and the Nadir may find it harder than they thought to enter the fortress with the old Deathwalker there waiting.
But can the Drenai prevail? will they hold back the hundreds of thousands of savages long enough? or will they fail in the first assault?
Druss is fighting the biggest battle of his life with soldiers and farmers alike all fighting to survive and keep the Nadir off the walls.
Another Great book by David Gemell. He is a brilliant writer and all his books that I've read have been gripping and adventurous the whole way through. you don't want to put them down. Legend is a great book. It is similar in some ways to his other books but what I like about Gemell is that all his stories are connected and similar whilst still being different enough to make each book individual.
This books a great read and look on this site to find more reviews of his books.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonain Book Reviewer
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Author: David Gemell
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended Age: 13/14+
Another great book by David Gemell. Set again ,as in Waylander and others of his books, in the medieval land of Drenai and centuries after the events in Waylander.
It follows the fight against the Nadir as Ulric the Uniter sweeps through the lands with a hoard of millions. Faced with near certain doom due to lack of troops and training due to bad desicions the biggest fortress in the world Dro Delnoch is all that stands between Nadir conquest and Drenai survival. Defending it is hopeless , with less than a quarter of the troops needed and faced with half a million savages it appears the fortress must fall to the one thing it was built to keep out.
In Desperation the commander sends out a message to the one person who may be able to help. Druss the Legend, Captain of the Axe.
A Hero, undefeated his exploits world renowned. But he is not a young warrior any more he is a grizzled old man in the mountains to stubborn to die, fighting his own battle against death itself.
Now he travels to Dros Delnoch. He is a symbol of resistance, a hero and with his help Delnoch must stand as long as possible. With 6 massive walls and a keep if they had the troops there wouldn't be a problem. But now it's just a matter of time until the Nadir breach the walls. It's a hopeless mission but the longer they last the longer the rest of the Drenai can have gathering and training a proper army.
Druss the legend is not going down without a fight. and the Nadir may find it harder than they thought to enter the fortress with the old Deathwalker there waiting.
But can the Drenai prevail? will they hold back the hundreds of thousands of savages long enough? or will they fail in the first assault?
Druss is fighting the biggest battle of his life with soldiers and farmers alike all fighting to survive and keep the Nadir off the walls.
Another Great book by David Gemell. He is a brilliant writer and all his books that I've read have been gripping and adventurous the whole way through. you don't want to put them down. Legend is a great book. It is similar in some ways to his other books but what I like about Gemell is that all his stories are connected and similar whilst still being different enough to make each book individual.
This books a great read and look on this site to find more reviews of his books.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonain Book Reviewer
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Thursday, 9 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Escape Velocity (Mark Walden) HIVE
Book: Escape Velocity
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7/10
The third book in the series about HIVE, a school of villany where students are encouraged to embrace evil and become the top criminals of the future.
But nowit's in grave danger as the headmaster Dr Nero is kiddnapped by an all new ruthless security force. The most worrying thing is that they new exactly where to find him.
The reason he got captured in the first place was because he was meeting a fellow G.L.O.V.E senior member to discuss a rather worrying discovery: The Renaissance Initiative.
This seems to be a operation aimed at restoring Overlord. an AI who wants to destroy humanity.
With Nero captured and Raven missing presumed dead Number One sneds a replacement headteach. But sending a traitor back to those she betrayed is a risky move and Number One needs one of the students for his plan to succeed.
As Contessa performs a extraction of Otto and his friends Raven returns from the dead and rescues them as they join the long dead father of a fellow student in a mission to save Nero and stop a plan that could destroy the earth.
Breaking into MI6, travelling in a top secret, state-of-the-art submarine.
and trying to stop a physchotic computer with a hatred of humanity taking control of the world's computers, saving Nero from a life of imprisonment.
All part of the chaotic day-to-day life of HIVE.
A great book in a series that is always improving and changing. It answers questions,resolves plots yet introduces new ideas and challenges. Another book in a great series. I recommend buying at least these first 3.
Hope you found this review Helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 7/10
The third book in the series about HIVE, a school of villany where students are encouraged to embrace evil and become the top criminals of the future.
But nowit's in grave danger as the headmaster Dr Nero is kiddnapped by an all new ruthless security force. The most worrying thing is that they new exactly where to find him.
The reason he got captured in the first place was because he was meeting a fellow G.L.O.V.E senior member to discuss a rather worrying discovery: The Renaissance Initiative.
This seems to be a operation aimed at restoring Overlord. an AI who wants to destroy humanity.
With Nero captured and Raven missing presumed dead Number One sneds a replacement headteach. But sending a traitor back to those she betrayed is a risky move and Number One needs one of the students for his plan to succeed.
As Contessa performs a extraction of Otto and his friends Raven returns from the dead and rescues them as they join the long dead father of a fellow student in a mission to save Nero and stop a plan that could destroy the earth.
Breaking into MI6, travelling in a top secret, state-of-the-art submarine.
and trying to stop a physchotic computer with a hatred of humanity taking control of the world's computers, saving Nero from a life of imprisonment.
All part of the chaotic day-to-day life of HIVE.
A great book in a series that is always improving and changing. It answers questions,resolves plots yet introduces new ideas and challenges. Another book in a great series. I recommend buying at least these first 3.
Hope you found this review Helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer.
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Monday, 6 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Survival (Chris Ryan) Alpha Force
Book: Survival
Author: Chris Ryan
Rating: 6.5/10
Recommended Age: 12/13-16
Alex,Li,Paulo Hex and Amber are all teenagers on the voyage of a lifetime sailing through the java sea on the Phoenix ,a ship crewed almost entirely by teenagers investigating the islands and what creatures are on them.
But they are A-watch and have a reputation as the worst watch crew on the ship. Hex and Amber continuously fighting , Li being as lazy as possible and Paulo mucking around all the time. Alex is the only one who does the work but always seeks to distance himself from those around him.
And when their watch leader has a go at them they decide to steal food and hide in one of the small boats for.
Hours later they are in for a shock. They awake to find themselves adrift in the ocean miles from land, miles from the Phoenix, the 5 of them are by themselves floating in the sea.
They arrive on a small uninhabited island and must survive. using all of their individual skills they must survive. With Komodo dragons hunting by the water supply,limited food and no idea when or if rescue will arrive they face the toughest time of their lives.
Then when a komodo bites Hex and modern day pirates turn up there hard lives get even harder.
Can they survive?
read the book to find out.
This is a good book if not exactly in depth. Chris Ryan shows some great survival knowledge but the plot and settings aren't exactly detailed or described in-depth as much as I feel they could be. I would recommended it as it's a great read and Chris Ryan with SAS knowledge makes a survival story that little bit more useful and factual as well as enjoyable.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
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Author: Chris Ryan
Rating: 6.5/10
Recommended Age: 12/13-16
Alex,Li,Paulo Hex and Amber are all teenagers on the voyage of a lifetime sailing through the java sea on the Phoenix ,a ship crewed almost entirely by teenagers investigating the islands and what creatures are on them.
But they are A-watch and have a reputation as the worst watch crew on the ship. Hex and Amber continuously fighting , Li being as lazy as possible and Paulo mucking around all the time. Alex is the only one who does the work but always seeks to distance himself from those around him.
And when their watch leader has a go at them they decide to steal food and hide in one of the small boats for.
Hours later they are in for a shock. They awake to find themselves adrift in the ocean miles from land, miles from the Phoenix, the 5 of them are by themselves floating in the sea.
They arrive on a small uninhabited island and must survive. using all of their individual skills they must survive. With Komodo dragons hunting by the water supply,limited food and no idea when or if rescue will arrive they face the toughest time of their lives.
Then when a komodo bites Hex and modern day pirates turn up there hard lives get even harder.
Can they survive?
read the book to find out.
This is a good book if not exactly in depth. Chris Ryan shows some great survival knowledge but the plot and settings aren't exactly detailed or described in-depth as much as I feel they could be. I would recommended it as it's a great read and Chris Ryan with SAS knowledge makes a survival story that little bit more useful and factual as well as enjoyable.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
USA:
Germany:
Sunday, 5 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Overlord Protocol (Mark Walden) Hive book 2
Book: The Overlord Protocol
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 6.5/10
It's not easy being a part of G.L.O.V.E,the global league of villainous enterprises, but It's getting harder for Nero the headmaster of Hive and one of the most senior members as new recruits threaten the delicate balance and start openly opposing him. One of these people is Cypher, the man is a mystery no one bar Number One has any idea of his true identity and he is constantly seeking to undermine Nero at every opportunity.
Meanwhile Wing has a problem. He has just been informed of his fathers death. Now he travels to Japan for the funeral accompanied by Otto and guarded by Raven and 2 highly trained GLOVE agents.
Suddenly the safe house they are staying in is under attack and slowly they are forced up to the roof. One agent is killed and Raven is missing as dozens of assassins swarm through the building.
On the Roof the other Agent is killed then the identity of the person co-ordinating the attack of them is revealed. It's Cypher!
He climbs out of a helicopter and shoots Wing then leaves with the body. Otto is facing the remaining assassins alone.
Raven appears and in a difficult battle defeats the assassins and her and Otto escape.
Now they must perform a HALO( High Altitude Low Orbit) jump into a hole in the jungle, stop Cypher and halt his assassins unstoppable assault on HIVE.
Filled with challenges,traitors, and people who just can't seem to be killed, this book is very good for a adventurous read.
This book is a improvement on the first one and the plot leaves you confused in some places while filling you in in others the whole way through. It's a good read and has plenty of action and surprises to keep the reader interested. I would say that this book would be better for teenagers and kids than adults as It's not a majorly challenging read and isn't overly complicated. that being said even adults would enjoy these books as a change
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
USA:
Germany:
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: 6.5/10
It's not easy being a part of G.L.O.V.E,the global league of villainous enterprises, but It's getting harder for Nero the headmaster of Hive and one of the most senior members as new recruits threaten the delicate balance and start openly opposing him. One of these people is Cypher, the man is a mystery no one bar Number One has any idea of his true identity and he is constantly seeking to undermine Nero at every opportunity.
Meanwhile Wing has a problem. He has just been informed of his fathers death. Now he travels to Japan for the funeral accompanied by Otto and guarded by Raven and 2 highly trained GLOVE agents.
Suddenly the safe house they are staying in is under attack and slowly they are forced up to the roof. One agent is killed and Raven is missing as dozens of assassins swarm through the building.
On the Roof the other Agent is killed then the identity of the person co-ordinating the attack of them is revealed. It's Cypher!
He climbs out of a helicopter and shoots Wing then leaves with the body. Otto is facing the remaining assassins alone.
Raven appears and in a difficult battle defeats the assassins and her and Otto escape.
Now they must perform a HALO( High Altitude Low Orbit) jump into a hole in the jungle, stop Cypher and halt his assassins unstoppable assault on HIVE.
Filled with challenges,traitors, and people who just can't seem to be killed, this book is very good for a adventurous read.
This book is a improvement on the first one and the plot leaves you confused in some places while filling you in in others the whole way through. It's a good read and has plenty of action and surprises to keep the reader interested. I would say that this book would be better for teenagers and kids than adults as It's not a majorly challenging read and isn't overly complicated. that being said even adults would enjoy these books as a change
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
USA:
Germany:
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Waylander (David Gemmell)
Book: Waylander
Author: David Gemell
Rating: 9/10
Recommended Age: 13/14 - 70 - all David Gemells books are enjoyable for all ages.
The first in David Gemell's books about Waylander.It is set in the same lands as his other books .
The Drenai empire is in collapse, enemy warriors swarm throughout the land killing all they come across, resistance is low and few areas are left under the Drenai banner.
As the land is being destroyed a wanderer comes across a priest being tortured by 5 men, these men stole his horse and he wants it back. The 5 men refuse seeking a new person to torture and with that the killing starts. For this is no ordinary man.
This is Waylander The Slayer.
A prince of the assassins,one of the most feared men alive.
Reluctantly he sets out accompanied by the priest who is unable to hate or harm even those who torture him and through a course of events saves his life again but also taints him with his dark past of death. Now the kind caring loving priest has had a perspectives change and arms himself ready to try and push back the Vagrians.
But Waylander has a task of his own. He too has been tainted but by the priests purity and now he feels like he needs to do something to repent for all the killings he's done. In particular the murdering of the Drenai king.
and the old man Orion the father of the late king gives him that chance.
He must travel to the mountains of the moon. Deep in Nadir territory and recover the fabled armor of bronze. a beacon of hope for the Drenai people .
Meanwhile the priest Dardalion is finding other priest who want to be warriors and train them to help a force trying to save one of the few places left under friendly control the fortress of Purdol.
Everything is a race and a mystery. Can Waylander Find and return the armour of Gold?
Will Purdol Hold against the thousands of Vagrians trying to breach it?
Will the leader Egel Rally enough troops to break free of the Skultik forest and save the People of Drenan?
Everything is resting on the shoulders of a few brave men. But will that be enough. and what will happen when love, traitors and werebeasts get involved?
Read this gripping book and you won't be disappointed.
A absolutely brilliant book, well written with a complicated but understandable storyline following the fate of a entire race in the hands of a assassin. You won't want to put it down. David Gemell is a brilliant writer of Medieval fiction and if you haven't already you should definitely try out his books.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
USA:
Germany:
Author: David Gemell
Rating: 9/10
Recommended Age: 13/14 - 70 - all David Gemells books are enjoyable for all ages.
The first in David Gemell's books about Waylander.It is set in the same lands as his other books .
The Drenai empire is in collapse, enemy warriors swarm throughout the land killing all they come across, resistance is low and few areas are left under the Drenai banner.
As the land is being destroyed a wanderer comes across a priest being tortured by 5 men, these men stole his horse and he wants it back. The 5 men refuse seeking a new person to torture and with that the killing starts. For this is no ordinary man.
This is Waylander The Slayer.
A prince of the assassins,one of the most feared men alive.
Reluctantly he sets out accompanied by the priest who is unable to hate or harm even those who torture him and through a course of events saves his life again but also taints him with his dark past of death. Now the kind caring loving priest has had a perspectives change and arms himself ready to try and push back the Vagrians.
But Waylander has a task of his own. He too has been tainted but by the priests purity and now he feels like he needs to do something to repent for all the killings he's done. In particular the murdering of the Drenai king.
and the old man Orion the father of the late king gives him that chance.
He must travel to the mountains of the moon. Deep in Nadir territory and recover the fabled armor of bronze. a beacon of hope for the Drenai people .
Meanwhile the priest Dardalion is finding other priest who want to be warriors and train them to help a force trying to save one of the few places left under friendly control the fortress of Purdol.
Everything is a race and a mystery. Can Waylander Find and return the armour of Gold?
Will Purdol Hold against the thousands of Vagrians trying to breach it?
Will the leader Egel Rally enough troops to break free of the Skultik forest and save the People of Drenan?
Everything is resting on the shoulders of a few brave men. But will that be enough. and what will happen when love, traitors and werebeasts get involved?
Read this gripping book and you won't be disappointed.
A absolutely brilliant book, well written with a complicated but understandable storyline following the fate of a entire race in the hands of a assassin. You won't want to put it down. David Gemell is a brilliant writer of Medieval fiction and if you haven't already you should definitely try out his books.
Hope you found this review helpful,
The Devonian Book Reviewer
UK :
USA:
Germany:
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