Release Date: 02/10/14
Publisher: Head of Zeus
SYNOPSIS:
February 13, 2082, First Contact. Sixty-two thousand objects of unknown origin plunge into Earth's atmosphere - a perfect grid of falling stars screaming across the radio spectrum as they burn. Not even ashes reach the ground. Three hundred and sixty degrees of global surveillance: something just took a snapshot. And then...nothing. But from deep space, whispers. Something out there talks - but not to us. Two ships, Theseus and the Crown of Thorns, are launched to discover the origin of Earth's visitation, one bound for the outer dark of the Kuiper Belt, the other for the heart of the Solar System. Their crews can barely be called human, what they will face certainly can't. 'A tour de force, redefining the First Contact story for good.' Charles Stross. 'If you only read one science fiction novel this year, make it this one!...it puts the whole of the rest of the genre in the shade...It deserves to walk away with the Clarke, the Hugo, the Nebula, the BSFA, and pretty much any other genre award for which it's eligible. It's off the scale...F**king awesome!' Richard Morgan. 'State-of-the-art science fiction: smart, dark and it grabs you by the throat from page one' Neal Ascher.
REVIEW:
OK, lets be straight from the start this is not a new book from Peter but a compendium, of two of his others (Blindsight and Echopraxia) and whilst there’s a lot of people who enjoy the authors work, I have to say that I found it pretty hard going. It was a real struggle for me to make my way through it as all in I didn’t quite get what was really happening in this Alien Communication title.
Add to this characters that I didn’t want to spend time with and a plot that felt like it dragged out for me and all round this was a book that didn’t work too well for me. Whilst I’m pleased I finished it, its not a series I’ll be returning to any time soon.
Release Date: 01/10/14
Publisher: Head of Zeus
SYNOPSIS:
Ex-boxer, ex-paratrooper, Joe once had meaning in his life. People who cared for him, people who needed him. Then he lost everything, and now he is a hitman for London's most vicious criminals. Brenda was the only woman who ever loved him. The only woman who believed he could escape the underworld. She died protecting others: now Joe wants revenge on her killers. With nothing left to lose, Joe prepares for the fight of his life...This is a poignant thriller about love, revenge and redemption from a superb new voice in British crime.
REVIEW:
I love a crime thriller, fast paced action blended with hard core characters who seek to do the right thing in a wrong world and that’s exactly what you get from Phillip Hunter’s debut. Whilst it’s a tale that is hard hitting, the principle character is one that is nearly impossible to warm to. He’s detestable and when you don’t care about the lead, the danger isn’t so bothersome and it will result in a number of readers putting the title down without finishing.
All round it’s a solid enough debut but with a lead character fail, its not a book that will make me pick up more by the author any time soon.
Release Date: 29/09/14
Publisher: Piatkus
SYNOPSIS:
London, 1881 Once the flames are ignited ...Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman. They will burn for eternity ...Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.
REVIEW:
I love to try a debut and when its blended with Urban Fantasy I like the way that so many possibilities are offered. What occurs within this title is a tale that feels partly like a cross between Beauty and the Beast alongside a murder mystery. Its definitely quirky and the prose is fairly solid, however for me, the book did have quite a few problems.
Firstly it felt a little too predictable, the characters one stereotype after another and when added overall to pace that felt flat at times makes this an OK book for me. As a debut its pretty solid and I’m definitely going to keep an eye on Kristen from now on.
Release Date: 25/09/14
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
On Whidbey Island, secrets never stay buried. A mysterious girl who won't speak; a coal-black seal named Nera that returns to the same place every year; a bitter feud of unknown origin - strange things are happening on Whidbey Island and Becca King is drawn into the maelstrom of events. But Becca, first met in The Edge of Nowhere, has her own secrets to hide. Still on the run from her criminal stepfather, Becca is living in a secret location. Even Derric, the Ugandan orphan with whom Becca shares a close, romantic relationship, can't be allowed to know her whereabouts. As secrets of past and present are revealed, Becca becomes aware of her growing paranormal powers and events build to a shocking climax anticipated by no one. Acclaimed author Elizabeth George brings her extraordinary talents to this intriguing story that blends mystery and myth.
REVIEW:
Dark Urban Fantasy for the Young Reader takes them on a twisted ride of an adventure that follows on from the authors previous release The Edge of Nowhere. It wonderfully written and is a book that with the concepts to be explored within take the reader on one hell of a journey keeping you wonderfully immersed throughout, until that is the last few pages where something that has been carefully crafted and delightfully explored leave you feeling like its been wrapped up and ruined due to time constraints.
Its definitely a book that I was more than pleased I spent the time with, however with a disappointing conclusion and one that left me feeling cheated, I won’t be reading another book in the series for quite some time.
Release Date: 25/09/14
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
It's early May when a young family out on a forest walk stumble upon a heavily mutliated body. The female corpse is in eerily good condition, and signs of torture are all too visible. Inspector Malin Fors immediately draws parallels between this case and that of Maria Murvall, the young woman who was found raped and brutally beaten in the forest several years ago. Maria has been living as a mute in the local psychiatric hospital ever since the attack, and Malin is haunted by her inability to help her. In the course of her investigation, Malin meets with a psychologist who tells her about another similar case, and suddenly Maria appears to be a small piece of a much bigger puzzle. But what is it that is so terrible it can't be put into words? Malin is determined to find out the truth, no matter where it might take her.
REVIEW:
Right, OK before we get started please remember that this is the fifth book in the Malin Fors’ series) so in my opinion if you haven’t read what has gone before, don’t start here, go back to the first and have a real treat.
As with other Scandinavian Crime Writers, this title is a book that works wonderfully well for the reader, the description of the landscape works wonderfully well which when blended with the bleakness of the scenario alongside characters that leap from the page, make this a book that is hard to put down. The prose is sharp, the dialogue wonderfully rich and when added to a rich background all round makes this a top notch read for those who like to get into something that will stay with them long after the final page is turned. Cracking.
Release Date: 25/09/14
Publisher: Arrow Books
SYNOPSIS:
This is the compelling new thriller in the high-octane series featuring British CIA agent Ryan Drake. It is perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Vince Flynn. Washington, DC. Former soldier and elite CIA operative Ryan Drake is heading out for dinner when he witnesses a sniper attack on a crowded freeway. A motorcade full of Russian Federal Security Force members - in Washington for a top level conference with their US counterparts - has been ambushed. Many have been killed and worst of all, Drake discovers that the leader of the strike team was Anya - the dangerous and enigmatic woman he once risked everything to protect. Drake cannot believe her capable of such an atrocity but with the Russians baying for blood and tensions rising, Drake and his depleted team head for Siberia to discover the truth. And here he must confront the terrifying possibility that Anya's betrayal will unmask secrets greater and more devastating than he could ever have imagined.
REVIEW:
The third outing for Ryan Drake and one that will more than please readers as Anya, a foe from previous outings reappears to foil our hero. Its definitely a quirky book, one that has an anti-villain that works delightfully well to counteract the hero, which for me is an essential. Back this up with a solid enough pace and dialogue that works well all round made this a book that I was more than happy to read through. All round a pleasing read although on a cautionary note, don’t pick this up until you’ve read the previous two as otherwise you’ll have missed a fair number of point as well as a hell of an adventure.
Release Date: 25/09/14
Publisher: Century
SYNOPSIS:
The stage is set for the coming Rebellion against the Empire: Kanan is a Jedi. survivor of Order 66. Refusing to wield his lightsaber ever again, he makes a living as a freelance pilot, keeping his head down to avoid any Imperial attention. But when the beautiful Hera Syndulla sweeps into his life at the same time his friends and his livelihood are being threatened by an Imperial plot, he faces the biggest choice of his life: keep hiding ...or or make a stand and risk the wrath of the Empire.
REVIEW:
OK, as a huge fan of the Star War’s franchise, I can be found quite often tavelling the galaxy with a fair few ships and with a new TV series about to start, fans needed a special introduction to the two principle heroes and what John delivers here is a title that will satisfy the reader.
The prose is sharp, the characters delightful and when added to the fact that we have the birth of the rebellion alongside a cracking overall arc, we know that its going to just go from good to great. All round a book that I was more than happy to spend the time with and one that I’ll be reading to my nephews to get them preparedl. Dum, Dum, DumDum, dum de dum, dum de dum.
Release Date: 25/09/14
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
SYNOPSIS:
Shortly after a crowded New York-bound flight takes off from Stockholm, a bomb threat is found on board. Anonymous hijackers demand that the Swedish government revoke its decision to deport a Moroccan man. If their demands are not met, the plane will explode if it attempts to land. The US and Swedish governments must choose between negotiating with terrorists in order to save the four hundred passengers held hostage at thirty thousand feet, or to stand their ground and pursue the deportation of a possibly innocent man. Fredrika Bergman, familiar with the deportation case through her work in the Justice Department, now returns to the police force to act as a liaison between Police Superintendent Alex Recht, and the abrasive Eden Lundell, agent with the Security Service's counter-terrorism unit. But they soon realize that the plot behind the hijacking is far more complex than anyone initially thought. As the hours pass, the team are running out of options, and the plane is running out of fuel...
REVIEW:
If you want a great crime title, readers these days have to spend time with the bevvy of delightful titles coming out from Scandinavia. They’re deliciously dark, delightfully wicked and when you get down to the bare bones, they’re books that keep you glued from start to finish with wonderfully believable characters.
This title from Kristina is a book that can be read as a standalone and whilst its technically part of the series its one that helps you slip into her world in a cracking way. Back this up with top notch prose and of course a plot that doesn’t give up its clues easily all round left me feeling satisfied as the dawn crept over the horizon. Magic.
Release Date: 18/09/14
Publisher: Barbican
SYNOPSIS:
A startling new sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein. Told from the perspective of the girl Victor Frankenstein transformed into a Bride for his monster.
To a tiny island in the Scottish Orkneys, peopled by a devout community of twenty, comes Victor Frankenstein, driven there by a Devil's bargain: to make a wife for the Creature who is stalking him across Europe. In this darkly-wrought answer to Frankenstein, we hear the untold tale of the monster's wife through the perspective of the doctor's housemaid. Oona works below stairs with her best friend May, washing the doctor's linens and keeping the fires lit at the Big House. An orphan whose only legacy is the illness that killed her mother, Oona knows she is doomed. But she is also thirsty for knowledge, determined to know life fully before it slips away. As tensions heighten between Victor and the islanders, Oona becomes the doctor's trusted accomplice, aiding in secret experiments and seeing horrors she sometimes wishes to forget. When May disappears, Oona must face up to growing suspicions about the enigmatic employer to whom she has grown close - but the truth is darker than anything she could imagine.
A literary gothic, in the tradition of Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea and Valerie Martin’s Mary Reilly.
REVIEW:
There are so many things that you can say about this book and to be honest its been very hard to writing a review, not because the book is bad, far from it but because the book has a lot happening in it and to be honest it has to be one of my highlights of the year.
The writing is not only crisp but keeps you glued, the prose is wonderfully inviting and when added to a solid pace all round makes this a title that is hard to put down. Add to this characters that you can’t wait to spend time around alongside an overall arc that really does keep you gripped to the last page. Its definitely a cracking title and if you don’t pick up any other gothic book this year, make sure its this one. Absolutely corking.
Release Date: 18/09/14
Publisher: Corsair
SYNOPSIS:
THE REVOLUTIONS is a fantasy of the occult scene in fin de siecle London, the celestial spheres, and mystical Martian exploration. It follows two young lovers separated by the schemes and blundering of rival occultists, from the drawing rooms of spiritualist societies, through shady enterprises in Deptford warehouses, and magical war on the Isle of Dogs, and out to a hallucinatory, doomed Mars drawn from the fantasies of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the imaginings of Aleister Crowley, and the speculations of Victorian astronomers. Praise for Felix Gilman: "[Gilman] takes the brutality of the wild west and twists it into an epic fantasy that left me staggered. It brings the sense of wonder back to fantasy by creating a complex and visceral world unlike anything I've read...stunning." Mary Robinette Kowal, author of Shades of Milk and Honey "Refreshingly unlike any other novel I've read. Felix Gilman writes like a modern-day Dickens drunk on rich invention and insane war." Stephen Donaldson, author of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant "A fantasy that Mark Twain would have been proud to write...Never has fantasy been darker, cleverer, more sly, or more touching in its refraction of our own world. I scratch my head in awe." Francis Spufford, author of Red Plenty "Gilman is one of the essential modern fantasists, and his latest book lives up to the expectations generated by his previous successes." Benjamin Wald, SF Revu "Like The Half-Made World that came before it, The Rise of Ransom City brings us a re-imagined tale of America's Old West, mixing steampunk and magic realism to great effect." Kirkus Reviews "Felix Gilman has a sly wit and an assured hand. He is a fresh and original voice in fantasy." Lavie Tidhar, author of Osama "Vivid and accurate prose, a gripping, imaginative story, a terrifically inventive setting, a hard-bitten, indestructible hero, and an intelligent, fully adult heroine---we haven't had a science-fiction novel like this for a long time." Ursula K. Le Guin
REVIEW:
I’m a huge reader and for me the blurb really sold the title, I loved the sound of Victoriana Martian invasions and when you throw a love aspect into the tale, it’s a book that really should have been a magical experience from start to finish. However that said, the book was sadly disappointing. Why?
Well it started out well enough, the prose was decent, the characters were reasonable and the pace worked wonderfully well, however a good way through, the book fell apart as the tale took a turn from the incredulous to the completely unbelievable which all round ruined the experience. Whether the evolution was due to helping expand the page count, I’m not sure but personally speaking the way that it changed really felt like it would have been way better had it ended sooner becoming more of a novella rather than the farce it felt like by the tales conclusion. All round, sadly a great disappointment for me.
Release Date: 12/09/14
Publisher: Titan
SYNOPSIS:
The United States finds itself locked in a diplomatic standoff with a British Empire who has only just buried Queen Victoria, her life artificially preserved to the age of 107. The hub of both the excesses and power of the states, New York stands as a gaudy beacon for a country trying to drown its troubles in illegal gin. It's a society on the brink of destruction, where any low level crook could be the tipping balance into lawlessness and disorder.
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, I was more than interested in the book because of the concepts involved. I like the sound of how Steampunk, superhero and of course gritty noir would be blended together in a kind of Sin City amalgam that should have been nigh impossible to put down.
However for me this title was fairly flat. I didn’t like the principle character, I thought that the action was too unbelievable and when added to an overall arc that really didn’t travel anywhere for me as a reader, left me feeling more than a little cheated. Sadly not a world I’ll be revisiting at any time soon.
Release Date: 11/09/14
Publisher: Tor
SYNOPSIS:
When your life is based on lies, how do you hunt down the truth? Jerry Beche should be dead. Instead, he's rescued from a desolate Earth where he was the last man alive. He's then trained for the toughest conditions imaginable and placed with a crack team of specialists on an isolated island. Every one of them is a survivor, as each withstood the violent ending of their own alternate Earth. And their new specialism? To retrieve weapons and data in missions to other apocalyptic versions of our world. But what is 'the Authority', the shadowy organization that rescued Beche and his fellow survivors? How does it access timelines to find other Earths? And why does it need these instruments of death? As Jerry struggles to obey his new masters, he begins to distrust his new companions. A strange bunch, their motivations are less than clear, and accidents start plaguing their missions. Jerry suspects the Authority is feeding them lies, and team members are spying on him. As a dangerous situation spirals into catastrophe, is there anybody he can trust? A riveting, action-packed post-apocalyptic survival story from master of SF, Gary Gibson.
REVIEW:
Gary has been an author I’ve followed since his first book was released, I like the way he takes novel idea’s, brings them to the fore and presents them to the reader in such a way that you really can’t let them go until you see how the tale develops.
Its definitely something different to a lot of the Sci-Fi out there and for me, this book has idea’s and concepts that I couldn’t wait to see how the tale played out as survivors of multiple earths are gathered together to raid the civilisations on behalf of the mysterious Authority.
All round the book is a tale that works wonderfully well, the idea’s explored something that will make readers think and when you add Gary’s identifiable writing style with cracking prose and wonderful pace to the fore, you know that you’re in for a treat. Great stuff.
Release Date: 10/10/14
Publisher: Activision
SYNOPSIS:
Toys to life, life to toys
Players will experience an exciting new level of Skylanders innovation through the Traptanium Portal, a new ring of magical energy which reverses the magic of toys to life by letting players bring digital characters into the physical world. A built-in audio speaker allows players to magically hear the unique voices of the villains travel from the game into the real world and into the Trap, and vice versa. The Trap also lights up in sync with the villain speaking, adding even more magic to the experience. If you look closely, you can almost see the villain trying to escape from inside the Trap.
Two ways to play
In Skylanders Trap Team, you can play as a Skylander or capture Skylands' most wanted foes and unleash them for good. It's up to Portal Masters to find these villains, capture them inside the new Traps, and then transport the villains into the real world via the Traptanium Portal. Once trapped, players can return the villain to Skylands as a playable character. This exciting new play pattern gives fans the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero and a villain at any time, creating fun and unique 'tag team' gameplay.
Elementally designed traps
Themed Trap designs add variety to the collectible Skylanders Trap Team experience. Each Trap is elementally aligned, letting players capture villains who fall under that element. For instance, when Portal Masters explore the world of Skylands and encounter a water villain, they can insert a water Trap into the Traptanium Portal to capture that villain, as well as bring that villain back into Skylands as a playable character who helps in the fight for good. With each new trap added to their collection, Portal Masters unlock an exciting world of possibilities!
New cast of characters
A brand new group of Skylanders, known as Trap Masters, lead the charge armed with their oversized crystal weapons in the fight against the most wanted villains and returning nemesis Kaos. The game introduces more than 50 new playable Skylanders heroes, including:
New Trap Master Skylanders
New Core Skylanders
Reposed fan-favourite Skylanders
Exciting new adventure
Skylanders Trap Team features an all new adventure-filled story with fun and interesting new characters as well as returning franchise favourites. The game delivers a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience, filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities, platforming, and drop-in/drop-out co-op play, all set within a variety of new compelling environments. With each new addition to their Trap Team collection, Portal Masters unlock exciting new gameplay possibilities within each level. Seasoned fans can play Skylanders Trap Team with their entire collection of 175 forward-compatible characters from Skylanders SWAP Force, Skylanders Giants, and Skylanders Spyro's Adventure.
Box Contains
1 x Video Game
1 x Traptanium Portal
2 x Skylanders Figures
2 x Traps
1 x Character Collector Poster
2 x Sticker Sheets with Secret Codes
2 x Trading Cards
REVIEW:
OK, I was originally introduced to Skylanders by two of my nephews, who have been playing it for quite some time. I was fascinated by the way that you could get extra characters and put them on the “portal” and voila, there’s your new guy on screen. Wow. Multiple characters for masses of playthrough and whilst I’ve been the sort of gamer that tends to wait for prices to go down on a few things, this was something I got into very quickly. So when my nephew (way back in March) started telling me about Skylanders Trap Team I became very excited as I loved the idea of being able to capture the villains and then play through with them.
Its definitely something quirky, something that has a lot of playtime behind it but my one major gripe is that with each new set you have to buy a new portal (which whilst back compatible seems unfair when you’ve had to buy them for each release.) All round I had a lot of fun with this game and to be honest when my nephews saw that I had it, Uncle Gareth was the best thing since sliced bread.
Nephew (7) review:
I really, really, really like this game. It’s the best present I’ve had for ages. Daddy and Uncle Gareth showed me how to play it and they wanted to play it but I beat them and play it all the time. I love the bad guys even though I shouldn’t but the good guys are better Daddy says. The bad guys go into the trap key and I caught both of them. I love this game and there is no way my Daddy and Uncle Gareth will be able to play. Me and Benni with play!!!!!! Hope Santa brings me more keys and good guys to play with.
Release Date: 11/09/14
Publisher: Arrow Books
SYNOPSIS:
This is the final instalment in the thrilling trilogy which began with The Feud and The Traitor - perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Jessie Keane. Life is looking bleak for Frankie Mitchell - not only has she lost custody of her two children to their sadistic, gypsy-bred father, Jed O'Hara, she is also pregnant and banged up in Holloway awaiting trial for attempted murder. In Frankie's absence, her father, underworld boss Eddie Mitchell, is determined to get his own back. He wants revenge not only for his daughter's imprisonment, but also for the death of his beloved wife, Jessica. Determined to get his grandchildren back home where they belong, Eddie plans the O'Haras demise slowly and precisely. But then he finds out a secret and learns the real reason why his daughter is in the slammer and all hell breaks loose. Essex had never seen anything like the bloodbath that followed, but were either family actually capable of winning this long running feud, or would they all become the victims of their own past mistakes?
REVIEW:
Murder, death, mystery and of course characters that you can’t help but love to spend time with. Why?
Well they’re fully rounded and whilst this is the third book by Kimberly it’s one that shows how an author with the right combination can quickly entrench themselves not only into the readers minds but also their TBR pile. In addition to cracking characters the prose and pace work wonderfully well and all round I was more than surprised when I turned the final page. I can’t wait for the next book and to see what else Kimberley brings to the fore. Magic.
Release Date: 14/08/14
Publisher: Solaris
SYNOPSIS:
Following the exceptionally well received Solaris Rising 1, 1.5 (e-only) and the Philip K. Dick Award-nominated Solaris Rising 2, series editor Ian Whates brings even more best selling and cutting edge SF authors together for the latest extraodrinary volume of new orginal ground-breaking stories. These stories are guaranteed to surprise, thrill and delight, and continue our mission to demonstrate why science fiction remains the most exiting, varied and inspiring of all fiction genres. In Solaris Rising 1 and 2 we showed both the quality and variety that modern science fiction can produce. In Solaris Rising 3, we'll be taking SF into the outer reaches of the universe. Aliette de Bodard, Tony Ballantyne, Julie Czerneda, Ken Liu, Alex Dally McFarlane, Gareth L Powell, Adam Roberts, Cat Sparks, Benjanun Sriduangkaew, Ian Watson, and Sean Williams are just some of the exciting names set to appear.
REVIEW:
In a modern world where we travel seems to take a huge chunk out of our day, having a book that you can dip into with great writing, tiop notch authors alongside a good price seems like a dream come true and for me, Solaris, is a publisher who delivers on this.
Within this book, author and editor Ian Whates presents the readers with a plethora of stories that will suit all tastes and also gives reader the cracking opportunity to try authors that they may not have had the possibility to beforehand. All round a cracking offering and one that will, with the solid prose alongside pace, generates a book that was a pure joy to read. Great stuff.
Release Date: 04/09/14
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
SYNOPSIS:
The Tyrant's control of the Fail has increased so much that now he threatens Earth as well as Tir. In a violently dystopic London, where Mark and Nantosueta are searching for Padraig and the Sword of Feimhin, Penny Postlethwaite, a gifted teenager, is mapping two Londons, the tormented 'City Above' and an eerie 'City Below'. On Tir, Alan's Shee army is intent on attacking Ghork Mega, the Tyrant's capital city, but obstacles obstruct his path at every turn. And in Dromenon Kate finds herself entering the Land of the Dead in her hunt for the serpent-dragon Nidhoggr. Day by day and hour by hour, the looming threat grows.
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, I’ve not read the other books in the series and I suspect that my review may be a little unfair but for me the big had a lot of problems with it. Firstly I felt that it was more than a little slow, the pace was sadly lacking, the prose really didn’t help and whilst some of the characters were reasonable, I did end up feeling that it was a little too little too late for me as a reader.
Add to this an overly abundant cast which made it a little hard to keep track of who was who all round left me feeling that there wasn’t enough time devoted within to keep them rounded or deep within the readers mind.
Release Date: 28/08/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he's a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president. Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him. This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child's number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris - and then to London. The stakes have never been higher - because this time, it's personal.
REVIEW:
Lee Child is a guilty pleasure of mine and with this being the 19th novel in his Jack Reacher series, you know that he has to have something special to his work to keep the readers glued for such a long time. As with the other stories, Jack is in his element as events unfurl on a world scale with him chasing a would be assassin through the streets of London as the French President appears at the G8 Summit.
All round the prose is sharp, the pace wonderfully fast and when added to a cracking overall arc, the reader is treated to not only a high octane story but one that is nigh impossible to put down. I love the way that it unfurls and the way that Lee keeps you glued throughout.
All round a cracking new instalment and one the is definitely friendly for all fans of cracking high paced stories. Magical.
Release Date: 14/08/14
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
SYNOPSIS:
Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor. Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later. In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again. But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick's experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past...
REVIEW:
As a fan of Chelsea’s Gretchen books I fell in love with the way that she managed to bring the gore alongside cracking story telling into a title that was nigh on impossible to put down, so when an author goes into a new series I’m always a little wary in case what made the previous titles magical is missing from the new books.
What unfurls within is a story that has not only a kickass heroine but a tale that really kicks the butt of a lot of other books out there. It’s a whole host of fun to sit back and whilst the principle player is physically tough its her emotional aspect that is heavily flawed that allows the reader to get a real handle upon her.
All round a book that I had a lot of fun sitting sown to read and one that I was more than pleased I devoted the time to.
Release Date: 14/10/14
Publisher: Bethesda
SYNOPSIS:
Developed by Shinji Mikami – creator of the seminal Resident Evil series – and the talented team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within embodies the meaning of pure survival horror. Experience a disturbing reality as you try to break free from warped machinations that could only exist in the most horrifying worlds. Face twisted creatures and experience true terror, all heightened by cutting edge lighting and animation made possible by a customised version of the id Tech 5 engine.
While investigating the scene of a gruesome mass murder, Detective Sebastian Castellanos and his partners encounter a mysterious and powerful force. After seeing the slaughter of fellow officers, Sebastian is ambushed and knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in a deranged world where hideous creatures wander among the dead. Facing unimaginable terror, and fighting for survival, Sebastian embarks on a frightening journey to unravel what's behind this evil force.
Pure survival horror returns
Shinji Mikami, the father of survival horror, is back to direct a chilling new game wrapped in haunting narrative. Tension and anxiety heighten dramatically as you explore the game's tortured world. You'll have limited resources at your disposal as you fight for your survival and experience profound fear in this perfect blend of horror and action.
Brutal traps and twisted creatures
Face unthinkable horrors and cruel traps as you struggle to survive against overwhelming odds. Turn evil against itself by using the same diabolical devices against overwhelming deadly creatures.
Unknown threats in an uncertain world
Mysterious and wicked fears loom ahead in a world that warps and twists around you. Corridors, walls, doors, and entire buildings change in real time, ensnaring players in a reality where threats can appear at any time and from any direction.
The new face of horror
Highly crafted environments, horrifying anxiety, and an intricate story weave together to create an immersive world that will bring players to the height of tension. Defeat insurmountable terror and experience the ultimate thrill by discovering The Evil Within.
REVIEW:
As a gamer for a fair number of years I’ve had fun with all sorts of platforms as well as multiple genres, yet the one thing that I remember most was my introduction to Resident Evil 2 (yep way back on the original Playstation.) I died a lot, but improved and loved jumping at each reveal with my favourite being when you see the Licker for the first time (on the Police Station ceiling.)
So, as a huge fan of the horror genre, I’ve always got my ear close to the ground to see whats not only new but what is going to give me the next big scare and hearing about The Evil Within, I thought that I’d find something special, the fact that it was done by Horror Master Shinji Mikami made it all the sweeter.
So what did I get? Well, to be blunt, a lot of game time with multiple scares, cracking dialogue and perhaps best of all multiple deaths as I fought my way through each scenario, I loved the fact that it dived into multiple horror scenario’s from the chain saw wielding butcher through to Zombies with cracking sound effects as well as visually visceral graphics that really push the console to the boundries.
All round it’s a great game and one that I’ve had a lot of fun playing, with the delicious chills that stayed with me as I climbed into bed each night. My only real gripe is that it does feel like quite a short game and that’s where the problems occurs, when you’re dealing with top notch photorealistic graphics something has to give and sadly that’s usually the game play time. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had a hell of a time with it, but when you’re spending £40 a game you want the maximum amount of time for your buck (or in my case pount.)
Release Date: 08/08/14
Publisher: Titan
SYNOPSIS:
Far in the future, condemned criminals and the fatally ill have two choices: to die, or to join the Legion of the Damned, an elite fighting force made up of human legionnaires and cyborg soldiers. If they enlist, their bodies will be destroyed and their minds implanted in gigantic armored killing machines, programmed to fight for the Human Empire. Decades ago, the corrupt Imperial government was overthrown and the Hudathans defeated. But peace with such an aggressive alien race could not last, and war has broken out once more. The Hudathans, imprisoned on the very planet they devastated, are on the rise - and this time they have a cyborg army of their own.
REVIEW:
Having read the original story, I couldn’t wait to embark on a new adventure to see what events would unfurl in this Sci-Fi Military Space Opera and to be honest with you, I had a blast sitting back, girding my loins and preparing for action. The story was a real kickass tale with cracking dialogue and of course with the political machinations alongside high octane action.
Back this up with a principle character that I just loved to spend time around and of course emotional aspects alongside an old fashioned belief of honour and all round I was a more than happy reader. Great stuff.
Release Date: 17/07/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Luisa Zissman shot to fame when she became the runner-up in the 2013 series of the BBC's The Apprentice. A baker by trade, Luisa has been running her hugely successful St Albans cake shop, Dixie's Cupcakery, since 2011. It is her mission to show the world that you don't need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create show-stopping cupcakes like hers. In true Luisa style, her cupcakes are bold and brassy - a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Whatever the occasion, she has a cupcake that's the perfect fit: cocktail cupcakes for a girls' night in; ooh la la cupcakes for romantic liaisons; Dixie cakes, which are perfect cakes for busy mums to cook with their kids; vintage cakes for a stylish soiree and quirky cupcakes with unusual flavours, such as the genius Love Me Hate Me Marmite and Chocolate cupcake. Packed with helpful advice on how to make and decorate your cakes, Luisa's book will put the fun and sparkle back into your kitchen!
REVIEW:
No, its not a book about how to tempt people with evil food but a book on how to create delightfully tasty treats hat not only look wonderful but taste divine.
Within this book are easy to follow recipes, that will help you boost the options available as well as giving you a whole host of recipes to create with your young bakers. (And lets face it, the best bit about that is the licking of the bowl after. Hey, there has to be some chef perks. LOL) It’s a great way to have fun in the kitchen and when you’re done you can sit back with pride and admire the work before devouring. Finally add to this tips and tricks to get that wonderful professional finish and I’m more than happy with this book.
Release Date: 07/10/14
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
SYNOPSIS:
Styx: Master of Shadows is an infiltration game with RPG elements taking place in a dark fantasy universe, where you sneak, steal and assassinate your way through as Styx, a Goblin two-centuries of age.
Deep inside the vertiginous and multi-layered forsaken Tower of Akenash, where Humans and Elves protect the World-Tree, source of the Amber – a powerful and magical golden sap – is hidden Styx’ chance to understand his true origin... and to make a fortune at the same time.
Prowl through the huge, miles-high Tower of Akenash, completing various missions (assassination, information recovery, etc.) and avoiding detection. Progress in the shadows, assassinate your targets in close combat, or orchestrate «accidents». RPG mechanics let you unlock new powerful skills, impressive special moves, and an optimized equipment. Amber will grant you spectacular powers such as invisibility, «amber vision», and the ability to clone yourself. Explore the levels to discover every bit of information about your past, and steal prized treasures to acquire equipment upgrades. Embrace the shadows!
Rock Paper Shotgun “Pleasantly surprised by how focused it is, by how systemic its stealth appears, and by the physical way the player moves through the world.”
Gamespot “Styx could be one of the most competent stealth games since Dishonored itself.”
KOTAKU “Styx: Master of Shadows is an upcoming stealth game that looks awesome."
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of the stealth game, I love hiding, sneaking out and to be honest with you being a backstabbing sneak git. (Yeah, that’s a Gobbo reference right there. LOL) Here in this title, the gamer plays the role of Styx, Master Assassin (originally seen Of Orcs and Men) on his own quest.
Whilst there’s a few Assassin games out there to choose from (obviously the Assassin’s Creed series and the more recent Shadow of Mordor) Styx offers the gamer a title where you get to play what most people would consider the villain. Its definitely a quirky title and with his smart asides Styx is character that’s a huge amount of fun to hang around plus with multiple free roaming options available it allows the gamer the chance to really do something that the designers may not have been expecting.
Now whilst I’ve had fun with this game, there are a number of points that I need to make. Firstly I don’t feel that the control system is as refined as it needs to be, it feels a little clunky and its quite easy to either over or undershoot a jump that will either lead you to a violent death at the hands of the guards or a very long drop. Its something that I found more than a little annoying and when added to a system where the character can easily be spotted when you think he’s hidden all round makes this a difficult as well as frustrating title to play at times especially when you add a combat system that see’s you dead with no real chance to beat it.
All round, it is a game that I had really high hopes for as I love the character, sadly the execution (no pun intended) feels more than a little lacking.
Release Date: 03/07/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Spring, 1919. James 'Max' Maxted, former Great War flying ace, returns to the trail of murder and treachery he set out on in The Ways of the World. He left Paris after avenging the murder of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, convinced the only man who knows about the mysterious events leading up to Sir Henry's death is elusive German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer. To find out more, he enlists in Lemmer's network under false colours and is despatched to the Orkney Isles, where the German High Seas Fleet has been interned in Scapa Flow. His mission: to recover a document secreted aboard one of the German battleships. But the information it contains is so explosive Max is forced to break cover and embark on a desperate and dangerous race south, pursued by men happy to kill him to recover the document. The breathless chase will take Max from the far north of Scotland to London and on to Paris, where the world's governments are still bartering over the spoils in the aftermath of the Great War. The stakes could not be higher. It is life and death for all concerned.
REVIEW:
The second title that follows on from Robert’s Way of the World which not only helps expand the readers understanding of the time but gives the reader characters that they’re not only invested in but care about as they try to find their place. It’s definitely a cracking book and for me, this series so far feels like Roberts best work ever.
The research that has been conducted is clear for all to see and the fact that it doesn’t bog down the story telling is a clear sign of a talented author. Back this up with a third part to come and all round I can’t wait to get my hands on it. It’s going to be a long wait and to be honest I’ve got a Granddad who is already making demands. A book for all generations.
Release Date: 27/10/14
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
SYNOPSIS:
Witches of East End stars Julia Ormond as Joanna Beauchamp, an ageless mother trying to keep a supernatural secret from her daughters, Freya (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) and Ingrid (Rachel Boston), so they can lead a normal life. But when Joanna's estranged sister (Mädchen Amick) arrives to warn her of an evil entity out to destroy them all, Joanna is forced to reveal the truth about her family's magical legacy. Co-starring Virginia Madsen, Eric Winter and Daniel DiTomasso, this powerful and enchanting drama series will cast its spell on you!
Special features:
Falling Under Their Spell
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Cat Blooper
Episode List:
Pilot
Marilyn Fenwick, R.I.P.
Today I Am a Witch
Few Good Talismen, A
Electric Avenue
Potentia Noctis
Unburied
Snake Eyes
Parching Imbued, A
Falling Under Their Spell
REVIEW:
OK, I am aware of the books that this series is based on and whilst I haven’t read them, I jumped into this having seen the adverts for series two being advertised (Ed note: the TV series has been cancelled after the conclusion of the second season with multiple threads lest open.)
Whilst I wasn’t sure what to expect the first episode took me back to watching the original series of Charmed and whilst it was only the witchcraft that was the same theme throughout the two the supernatural characters in this one felt more than a little out of sink with the others sharing their screen time.
Don’t get me wrong, it was definitely something that after a few more episodes that I got into however if I’d just watched the first and left it at that I may well have thought not much to it. It does get more interesting and gripping the further into it that you get. All round something a little different and whilst it has a familiarity that supernatural fans can get into.
Release Date: 11/11/14
Publisher: Baen Books
SYNOPSIS:
Original military themed high fantasy anthology featuring hard-hitting stories from Elizabeth Moon, Larry Correia, Sarah A. Hoyt, Glen Cook, and more.
Swords and Shields. Faith and Magic.
Grab your weapons and prepare, for the enemy is on the move.
High fantasy and mighty conflicts go hand-in-hand. In great wars, armies rise to fight evil hordes and heroes struggle to push beyond their imperfections to save the day. These stories include more than just epic landscapes and characters…they also feature epic battles.
Imagine a doctor struggling to identify the spy who has infiltrated his company’s ranks and poisoned his colleagues or a boy suspected of murder by a king yet protected by a princess as he helps her father against his own people. Imagine a butcher discovering that he’s called to lead an uprising, or a First Born knowing that she must betray her own in order to save humanity.
The possibilities are endless, but at the heart they have this in common: soldiers—ordinary and otherwise–struggling against extraordinary odds to survive the day. They must withstand dark magic, dodge enemy blades, and defy the odds to survive SHATTERED SHIELDS.
REVIEW:
Ah the pleasure of short stories to escape the modern world and fill up those awfully short breaks you get in every day life with the fun of modern travel or lunchbreak. After all lets face it, with a world as mundane as ours, how can you not want to wrench open the covers and disappear into a world of swords and sorcery, where good triumphs and the reader is left feeling sated after completing the story.
But when we’re all heavily limited with money, how do we know who to spend our money on, which new authors hit out reading demands and which established names can you count on to deliver? Well for me, that’s where short stories come in, as you get a hell of a lot in a compendium and for me, whilst I may not be as up on the names as I’d like, I get to see what sort of world they created, how they tell the story and of course what the characters are like who lead the way, backing up my shield arm as we step onto the battlefield together.
All round, this release from Baen, has given me a chance to try a few new authors from the States that whilst I knew the name, I wasn’t familiar with their writing and now have been safely added to my TBR pile. A great success all round and for me a cracking way to fill those horrible everyday soujourns without having to worry about what’s gone before when I initially put the book down. Great stuff.
Release Date: 27/10/14
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
SYNOPSIS:
In this modern-day twist on Washington Irving’s classic, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers. Revived alongside Ichabod is the infamous Headless Horseman who is on a murderous rampage in present-day Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod quickly realizes that stopping Headless is just the beginning, as the resurrected rider is but the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and only one of the many formidable foes that Ichabod must face to protect not only Sleepy Hollow, but the world. As Ichabod finds himself in 2013’s Sleepy Hollow, he discovers a town he no longer recognises and grapples to understand. Teaming up with Lieutenant Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie, 42, The Good Wife, Shame), a young cop who has her own supernatural experiences, the two embark on a mission to stop the evil that has awoken along with Ichabod and that now is seeping into this once-sleepy town.
REVIEW:
Ah a title that conjures up the image of a backwater village in Westchester County, where an educated man comes face to face with superstition and whilst this series is set in the same town, the whole concept has a new twists as Icabod Crane awakens in modern times facing his old nemesis The Headless Horseman.
It’s a quirky series and for me, I love the principle actor, Tom Mison, brings this literary character not only to life but as a man out of his time with old fashioned values trying to find his way in a modern world whilst facing an ancient evil that no one believes in any more.
Its wonderfully written, with witchcraft fantastic plot lines and of course and overall arc that keeps readers watching from episode to episode as they try to fathom some of the darker mysteries to be revealed. All round a cracking series and one that I am more than happy to watch a few more times. A great idea for a Christmas present for those who like something darkly delicious over the holiday period.
Release Date: 06/08/14
Publisher: Lulu.com
SYNOPSIS:
First Scream to the Last offers an intriguing insight into the horror movies of the Eighties. Extremely comprehensive without being bloated, this essential companion is supported with various interviews from filmmakers and writers of the time, amongst others. An often misunderstood and under appreciated genre, the '80s was arguably its golden era. With the creation of iconic characters and visual images never seen before on film, it remains a special time for anyone involved and the avid horror enthusiast alike. From giallo to slasher, First Scream covers the highest (and not so high) moments of this genre, leaving no question unanswered. Objective, Unbiased, Independent, Informative. www.firstscreamtothelast.com
REVIEW:
As a child of the 80’s I was raised on horror films, or rather to be more particular the sub-genre entitled Video Nasties (some of which were hunted for by Greater Manchester Police) by my Dad who Mum said was “too scared to watch them on his own.”
As such these felt like bonding time between us and as I watched the zombies munch their way through a small town, or monsters butching their way through the teenage population it was something that we shared.
So as a huge fan of a lot of these films, I was always surprised that no one tackled a book on the subject, that was until now. Here in Adrians novel, is a set of not only amazing horror movie facts but also interesting information such as the budget of the film vs the gross. Full of fun and with reminders of films that I had so much pleasure watching, this title took me back to my childhood and of course in the modern age of DVD’s has given me a great playlist to pick up for the Holiday period. Add to this interviews with some of the stars as well as one with Horror Master Wes Craven, all fans of the genre will have a treat in store. A very well written book, hope to see more by this author
Release Date: 01/07/14
Publisher: Roc
SYNOPSIS:
TWO MILLION DOLLARS...
It's the kind of score Karyn Ames has always dreamed of—enough to set her crew up pretty well and, more important, enough to keep her safely stocked on a very rare, very expensive black market drug. Without it, Karyn hallucinates slices of the future until they totally overwhelm her, leaving her unable to distinguish the present from the mess of certainties and possibilities yet to come.
The client behind the heist is Enoch Sobell, a notorious crime lord with a reputation for being ruthless and exacting—and a purported practitioner of dark magic. Sobell is almost certainly condemned to Hell for a magically extended lifetime full of shady dealings. Once you're in business with him, there's no backing out.
Karyn and her associates are used to the supernatural and the occult, but their target is more than just the usual family heirloom or cursed necklace. It's a piece of something larger. Something sinister.
Karyn's crew and even Sobell himself are about to find out just how powerful it is... and how powerful it may yet become.
REVIEW:
I love a book that has something that is not only fun but takes a different tack to a lot of the others out there. Here within the pages, the reader gets a cracking crime title (with a feel of Ocean’s Eleven within), some wonderful prose and top notch pace all tied up in the Urban Fantasy genre.
It’s quirky, it has some cracking principle players and for me the real pay off are the villains. It’s a great counter to the heroes and really adds something novel to the title. Back this up all round with a cracking overall arc and the fact that the reader has the chance for future releases featuring this cast and all round it’s a cracking start to a new series. Magic
Release Date: 15/06/14
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
SYNOPSIS:
In a world where a gifted few can manipulate reality with their minds, two great nations -- Calchis and Orion -- employ these psionic powers in a covert war for global superiority. In the heart of Calchis, a young psion named Aaron is kidnapped and forcibly conscripted into the Calchan army. To the north, in the capital, a dastardly plan is hatched to decimate Orion, to be carried out by the ruthless operative known only as "Agent". Meanwhile, across the vast desert that separates the two warring states, Orion recruit Stockton Finn finds himself thrown into a new world of incredible powers he has never dreamed of. And Orion officers Nyne Allen and Kay Barrett navigate the aftermath of their shattered love affair, oblivious to the fact that Calchis is drawing ever closer to destroying the tenuous peace between their two lands. Finally, in the arctic land of Zenith, Calchan archaeologist Faith Santia unearths a millennia-old ruin that may shed light on the history of psionic powers and a deeper mystery that could shake the foundations of all mankind.
REVIEW:
To be honest this is a book that’s taken me a little while to write the review for. Its one that sadly I put on a back burner as for me I didn’t feel that the book blurb was strong enough to move it up the TBR pile and boy that was a mistake.
What occurs within is a book that has some top notch high octane action which when blended with some cracking prose alongside pace really demonstrates that Dan knows how to craft a good book. Added to the mix solid dialogue and all round you know that it’s a book with all the right ingredients to keep readers happy.
The concept within of a psi-war in an alternate earth works very well although at the ned of the day, had I had a choice, I’d have preferred to stick with the tales principle villain as I loved the way he came across. That said, all round though its still a cracking title and one that is an opening that will have a good few readers glued. It’ll be interesting to see what occurs next.
Release Date: 30/01/14
Publisher: Black Library
SYNOPSIS:
The Black Plague has done its work, and the ravaged Empire is ripe for the picking. As the dread armies of the skaven sweep across Sigmar's realm, each of the great cities looks to its own defence - except Middenheim. As he gathers warriors to his banner and liberates towns and villages from the verminous menace, Graf Mandred begins to embrace his destiny as the future leader of a united Empire - if he can survive the trials to come.
REVIEW:
A title that I’ve been meaning to get round to for quite some time as I’ve been enjoying the tale around the Ratkin and how they almost brought the empire down with the plague. As with Clint’s other work, he knows how to get to the meat of the matter, carefully blending high octane action with political double dealing keeping both in equal measure so that one doesn’t overpower the other.
It’s a tricky balance to maintain and when added to solid prose and a pace that really keeps you glued, all round allows the reader to have a cracking story well told. Great stuff.
