tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81247159274668174622024-03-20T06:19:15.701-07:00abbott_56I'm Matt, a level 30-something human. Musician, gamer, collector and all round geek. Film, coffee, whisky, theatre, game and book lover. I earn a living supporting schools with ICT. I have been in many bands playing many instruments. I hope to continue all of these things for a long time to come. abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-35840949165907801792021-07-16T08:09:00.003-07:002021-07-16T08:09:17.003-07:00#TheCityWeBecame by #NKJesmin mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42074525-the-city-we-became" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The City We Became (Great Cities #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585327950l/42074525._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42074525-the-city-we-became">The City We Became</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2917917.N_K_Jemisin">N.K. Jemisin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3664373953">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This made me feel like I did reading the Poet Anderson novels by Tom Delonge and Suzanne Young. Set in a gritty and dark New York, an unlikely and diverse group of misfits are thrown together as they take on the different districts that make up the big Apple into each of their souls, gaining some unique abilities in the process. The city needs help from an invading, parallel universe force and these guys want to stop it. They've been a part of the city for all of 5 minutes, but now they are it and they will do what they can. We think. <br /><br />Really interesting premise - a little slow at times, but really quite tense and for the most part, the descriptive writing really nails the grunge nature that is NYC. Unique, modern sci-fi. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-73006703890983428002021-07-16T07:45:00.004-07:002021-07-16T07:46:13.632-07:00#TheBoyTheMoleTheFoxTheHorse by #CharlieMackesy mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43708884-the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579017235l/43708884._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43708884-the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse">The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242801.Charlie_Mackesy">Charlie Mackesy</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4017206321">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Super beautiful, heart warming and great to dip in and out of for the occasional hit of life affirmation when you need it. Recommended for everyone, no exceptions.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-63520649440785060232021-07-16T06:54:00.006-07:002021-07-16T06:54:36.002-07:00#ThisIsHowYouLoseTheTimeWar by #MaxGladstone mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43352954-this-is-how-you-lose-the-time-war" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="This Is How You Lose the Time War" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545755487l/43352954._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43352954-this-is-how-you-lose-the-time-war">This Is How You Lose the Time War</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4175512.Amal_El_Mohtar">Amal El-Mohtar</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4071941897">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey... love story? <br /><br />An excellent short book about 2 time travelling, covert warriors battling across time, only to begin leaving messages for one another in extremely intricate ways so as not to get caught out by each ones respective factions. <br /><br />Not one to read if you can't devote your full attention to it as it will, by the nature of the theme, confuse you. But I found it to be very sweet and moving in the end and would recommend to sci-fi fans and romantics alike.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-14185205100945731702021-07-16T06:41:00.001-07:002021-07-16T06:41:17.096-07:00#TheFinalRevivalOfOpalAndNev by #DawnieWalton (very) mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54304125-the-final-revival-of-opal-nev" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Final Revival of Opal & Nev" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1617092144l/54304125._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54304125-the-final-revival-of-opal-nev">The Final Revival of Opal & Nev</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20145640.Dawnie_Walton">Dawnie Walton</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3989722097">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
So good you'll read it and forget that it's fiction. A superbly told, drama full story of an unlikely folk/punk duo in the 70s as they navigate the scene at the time, dealing with drugs, sex, racism and occasionally, music. <br /><br />Could not put this down.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-34299213188415671122021-07-16T06:36:00.001-07:002021-07-16T06:36:08.437-07:00#TheGalaxyAndTheGroundWithin by #BeckyChambers mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209317-the-galaxy-and-the-ground-within" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (Wayfarers, #4)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597694064l/50209317._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209317-the-galaxy-and-the-ground-within">The Galaxy, and the Ground Within</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8389735.Becky_Chambers">Becky Chambers</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3968702427">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Adored this 4th entry in the Wayfarers series. Essentially, a crisis occurs at an interplanetary service station. But really, it's about the various species, personalities, genders or none, coming together to learn about each other, enrich each others lives and support each other during a critical moment that could've gone much worse without this coming together. <br /><br />I hate the adjective lovely, but this story really is. Please read it.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-16375344999266550952021-07-13T07:25:00.000-07:002021-07-13T07:25:16.709-07:00#BeforeThecoffeeGetsColdTalesFromTheCafe by #ToshikazuKawaguchi mini spoiler free book review. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54373691-before-the-coffee-gets-cold" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #2)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593780745l/54373691._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54373691-before-the-coffee-gets-cold">Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16836980.Toshikazu_Kawaguchi">Toshikazu Kawaguchi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3751993008">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I really liked both of these books. It's a lovely concept of using a quaint and unique coffee shop to travel in time to meet a loved one whilst having to obey a very strict set of rules. <br /><br />For some reason, this second entry I found more difficult to get through. It didn't grab me quite as firmly as the first and felt more difficult to read. I occasionally wondered if this was down to translation or whether it's just too similar to the first. <br /><br />In any case, the stories are still sad, heart warming, frustrating and emotive and it's worth it for the entirely original concept alone.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-42007067539355554672021-04-26T09:00:00.001-07:002021-04-26T09:00:15.569-07:00#TheVinylDetective #FlipBack by #AndrewCartmel mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42282629-flip-back" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Flip Back (Vinyl Detective #4)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539310322l/42282629._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42282629-flip-back">Flip Back</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6836.Andrew_Cartmel">Andrew Cartmel</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3317524616">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Another excellent entry in the Vinyl Detective series by Andrew Cartmel. The initial pretence is a little weaker this time, with the quest only taking place so Tinkler can impress his ex, but once things get going it's impossible to resist it's story, location and now familiar cast. <br /><br />This time, our Vinyl Detective is on the mission for a rare first pressing, flip back cover version of a folk-rock band album, of which all copies were supposedly destroyed at the command of the band's leader before it was re-recorded and rereleased. Naturally, some of these were missed and it's our crews job to try and find a copy. <br /><br />Of course, it isn't long before things go south, and as they hunt for a record somebody seemingly is hunting our detective hero. A tale full of interesting characters, folk festivals, black magic, murder and...pigs? All with a lovely English seaside backdrop that put me in mind of St Michael's mount in Cornwall (though is actually inspired by Lindisfarne). It's nothing drastically new, but it's a very good story and a complete page turner.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-29103323797451768432021-04-23T02:31:00.000-07:002021-04-23T02:31:03.711-07:00#WhatAbigailDidThatSummer by #BenAaronovitch mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55855546-what-abigail-did-that-summer" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="What Abigail Did That Summer (Rivers of London, #5.3)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1604762807l/55855546._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55855546-what-abigail-did-that-summer">What Abigail Did That Summer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/363130.Ben_Aaronovitch">Ben Aaronovitch</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3920171742">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Another excellent book from the Rivers Of London Universe, this time from the perspective of Peter Grant's cousin, fox whisperer and soon to be apprentice magician Abigail. <br /><br />With help of the foxes and a new friend, Abigail is investigating the disappearance of a number of kids from the area. Peter's off galivanting on another investigation and no need to bother Nightingale until there's something to report... <br /><br />The story is great, and what Abigail uncovers is suitably bizarre for the Rivers Of London universe, and takes quite an unexpected dark and twisted turn. This takes place somewhere between Foxglove Summer and The Hanging Tree, along with numerous other expanded universe entries. But even though my memory is so bad (or I read those quite a while ago) I can't place it exactly, I'm so entranced with this faux-London magical universe Ben Aaronovitch has created that it was an absolute pleasure to be back there with something in equal parts familiar and different. Definitely recommended for fans of the series.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-46297952186115107832021-04-23T02:17:00.000-07:002021-04-23T02:17:23.870-07:00#GoodOmens by #TerryPratchett and #NeilGaiman mini spoiler free review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12067.Good_Omens" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615552073l/12067._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12067.Good_Omens">Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654.Terry_Pratchett">Terry Pratchett</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3128689325">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Everybody knows Good Omens by now, especially with the equally excellent BBC Radio Drama and Television Show. What reading this (finally) makes me think is how good those productions are at sticking to the source material.<br /><br />It's a really funny, unique and twisted take on the end of the world scenario, and one that will have you laughing out loud throughout, and the writing is so easy to absorb you'll finish it in no time. Any fan of sci-fi/fantasy or comedic writing should have this one under their belt. Excellent.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-40319733331630064112021-02-26T03:15:00.005-08:002021-02-26T03:16:01.351-08:00#DoctorWho #AdventuresInLockdown mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55688425-doctor-who" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Doctor Who: Adventures in Lockdown" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602847058l/55688425._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55688425-doctor-who">Doctor Who: Adventures in Lockdown</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/392224.Chris_Chibnall">Chris Chibnall</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3831548148">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A nice little collection of interesting short stories, with the theme of lockdown running through all of them. <br /><br />A variety of styles and characters, all interesting and all extremely Doctor Who. Some really feel good and others quite sad. A great idea to raise money for Children In Need and a definite one for Doctor fans. <br /><br />The artwork is lovely, I only wish there were more stories included. Would liked to have kept going!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-63131482074395462782021-02-11T02:41:00.002-08:002021-02-11T02:41:24.120-08:00#TheThursdayMurderClub by #RichardOsman mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46016436-the-thursday-murder-club" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Thursday Murder Club" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1582287740l/46016436._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46016436-the-thursday-murder-club">The Thursday Murder Club</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173710.Richard_Osman">Richard Osman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3799810911">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A nice murder mystery. Is that an oxymoron? Well that's what The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is. Nice. <br /><br />A cute story of a group of four pensioners living in a rather swanky retirement village, and who investigate murders in the jigsaw room when the schedule allows.<br /><br />Without spoiling the plot, I can tell you this is a well written story, split between different perspectives and journal entries by Joyce, one of the 4 members of The Thursday Murder Club. <br />The chapters are fantastically short which keeps the pace up. There are lots of likeable characters and some we like to hate. The story, whilst witty and a bit daft, can be very poignant and emotional at times, and addresses lots of issues that retirees at a certain stage in life can be expected to be dealing with. <br /><br />I'd hate to spoil the plot for anyone, so if you're a fan of murder mystery and want something easy going and to have a bit of a laugh, you could do far worse. Good fun.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-33381187879376250602021-01-26T00:53:00.007-08:002021-01-26T00:53:48.797-08:00#BeforeTheCoffeeGetsCold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi min spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44421460-before-the-coffee-gets-cold" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Before the Coffee Gets Cold" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560955053l/44421460._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44421460-before-the-coffee-gets-cold">Before the Coffee Gets Cold</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16836980.Toshikazu_Kawaguchi">Toshikazu Kawaguchi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3751992469">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a beautiful collection of four stories, translated from Japanese about a cafe in Tokyo. In this cafe, there is a special seat. A seat that allows the occupant to travel in time. They must stay in the seat; their journey will not change the present and they must return before their coffee becomes cold. <br /><br />It's a really interesting collection of stories. The question is raised in the book as to why anyone would bother travelling in time if the present would not be altered? Although this is true, the characters we meet have their perspectives greatly changed by their experiences. <br /><br />Each character featured in the four stories has their own agenda for wishing to travel through time, and all incredibly moving in different ways and the book had me welling a few times, with both happiness and sadness. To evoke such emotion in such short stories is definitely an accomplishment. <br /><br />The setting, characters and the premise, with it's rules and restrictions make this a truly innovative creation that I really recommend. Different and compelling.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-57003722979009504162021-01-25T05:35:00.007-08:002021-01-25T05:35:38.129-08:00#Mythos by #StephenFry mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35074096-mythos" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1502518360l/35074096._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35074096-mythos">Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10917.Stephen_Fry">Stephen Fry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2839582579">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The first in Fry's trilogy of books retelling the Greek Myths is the second I've read, but in the same vein as Heroes Fry sets out to make the Greek myths more accessible to a modern audience. His self appointed task is not to over analyse the stories and their possible meanings or symbolism, but just to retell them using a modern vernacular, topped with a good dollop of typical Fry humour. Which he does exceptionally well. <br /><br />So, these stories go from the creation of the Gods pre-Zeus and goes through many origins stories of how Gods, characters and even everyday objects or animals came into being. In an effort to make things fit in a chronological narrative, Fry has done a little tweaking, but to get an overall feel for the sheer weird and inventive nature of Ancient Greek storytelling, Fry has really nailed it. <br /><br />Some highlights for me are Hades and Persephone; Apollo and his son; the tale of Echo; King Midas and many more besides. It's a joy to read and incredibly accessible, probably from a secondary level up. Definitely a recommended read for those with an interested of Ancient Greek stories.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-80872219562953577562021-01-06T05:36:00.005-08:002021-01-06T05:36:19.452-08:00#RemarkableGuideToHappiness by #BillBailey mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55678368-bill-bailey-s-remarkable-guide-to-happiness" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602763883l/55678368._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55678368-bill-bailey-s-remarkable-guide-to-happiness">Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43606.Bill_Bailey">Bill Bailey</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3730826101">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Bill Bailey can seemingly turn his hand to anything. In his second book, Bill writes a short guide to finding happiness. <br /><br />This is definitely not a self help guide, rather a little bit of friendly advice from Bill about some of his life experiences that have made him feel what so many find elusive in these strange times - happy. <br /><br />From Paddle-boarding to taking a walk; restraint to letter writing, Bill has written a series of short articles all about things in life that have made him happy, punctuated by his superb humour, and unusual graphics and illustrations. It's a nice, funny and well presented read that I really enjoyed and I'll hopefully try and take head of some of his advice to enrich my own life. Recommended.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-51620193138587530812021-01-06T05:29:00.006-08:002021-01-06T05:29:33.828-08:00#TheBeastOfTheStapletons by James Lovegrove mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53494630-sherlock-holmes-and-the-beast-of-the-stapletons" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Sherlock Holmes and The Beast of the Stapletons" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590583139l/53494630._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53494630-sherlock-holmes-and-the-beast-of-the-stapletons">Sherlock Holmes and The Beast of the Stapletons</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/98903.James_Lovegrove">James Lovegrove</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3664348154">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
5 years on from the first Lovegrove Holmes book, "The Christmas Demon", and the demise of the Hound Of The Baskervilles, could Jack Stapleton really have survived and be executing his dastardly plans once again on the residence of Baskerville hall. <br /><br />Sir Henry's wife Audrey murdered and a giant, bloodsucking moth on the loose. Who else should take on this case, but the legendary Holmes and Watson. <br /><br />The characters are even more detailed than before, and the journey spanning many more varied locations this time has even more meat to it than before. It feel's completely believable as a Conan Doyle novel, just sightlier easier to digest in Lovegrove's modern tongue. <br /><br />I found the story gripping - the pace of events seems to slowly increase right up until the climatic end, with many twists and turns.<br /><br />Again, the physical copy is beautiful and will look amazing on the shelf, and the attention to detail and to the source material is second to none. A really enjoyable, modern Sherlock story.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-10132344668732577892021-01-06T05:17:00.008-08:002021-01-06T05:17:49.992-08:00#AChristmasCarol by #CharlesDickens mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5981667-a-christmas-carol" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="A Christmas Carol" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1311647252l/5981667._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5981667-a-christmas-carol">A Christmas Carol</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/239579.Charles_Dickens">Charles Dickens</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3709877152">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
My first time actually reading A Christmas Carol, and not just watching the Muppets or George C Scott version, what I found is that these versions actually acknowledge the source material really well - besides from the colourful puppets... <br /><br />It was a joy to read this tale, and despite it's age I found it easy to digest. What I did find is that the time spent with the third spectre seemed to go on for ages, and then when Scrooge finds his redemption that seemed to fly by and the books over before you get chance to revel in his new found joviality. <br /><br />Still, an excellent read and one I've been meaning to for many Christmastimes! Glad I can tick this one off.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-41889202366582482692021-01-06T05:13:00.007-08:002021-01-06T05:13:55.388-08:00#HisDarkMaterials #BookOfDust2 #TheSecretCommonwealth by Philip Pullman mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19034943-the-secret-commonwealth" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Secret Commonwealth (The Book of Dust #2)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563043403l/19034943._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19034943-the-secret-commonwealth">The Secret Commonwealth</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3618.Philip_Pullman">Philip Pullman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3365366993">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Whilst the first Book Of Dust is a prequel to the Northern Lights trilogy, the second entry is a sequel. Lyra, aged about twenty, is living with her Pine Marten Pantalaimon at university, but their relationship is frayed. Ever since the events of the Amber Spyglass in the World Of The Dead, Pan and Lyra have steadily grown apart, neither being able to talk about it but also wanting to do nothing else. <br /><br />Now able to separate, Pan explores Oxford on his own only to witness a horrific murder. When he eventually shares this with Lyra, they begin to uncover a conspiracy reaching the highest corners of the Magisterium. Malcolm Polstead, now a young lecturer, still finds himself willing to go to the end of the Earth to help protect Lyra, however his involvement with Oakley Street means he always seems to be just a little further behind as he investigates the conspiracy within the Magisterium and the strange substance known as Rose Water. <br /><br />Relationships are different, but familiar characters are abound in this rather grown up sequel. We get multiple points of view of the story throughout from Lyra, Pan, Malcolm and the Magisterium and they all crisscross together with addictive satisfaction. <br /><br />The character development from the first book is so intriguing I think I actually preferred this sequel if anything, and found I could not put it down, dedicating all spare time to finishing it. The Dark Materials universe just keeps growing, becoming more intricate and believable in it's exquisite detail. A late comer to the series, I now find myself wishing for the conclusion to come along as quickly as possible.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-41819497216629464592020-12-18T09:00:00.005-08:002020-12-18T09:00:25.173-08:00#StarTrekTheNextGeneration and #DoctorWho in Assimilation2 by Scott and David Tipton, mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16055973-star-trek" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Star Trek: The Next Generation / Doctor Who: Assimilation2, Volume 1" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349046358l/16055973._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16055973-star-trek">Star Trek: The Next Generation / Doctor Who: Assimilation2, Volume 1</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/189876.Scott_Tipton">Scott Tipton</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3701706532">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I like this mashup of Doctor Who meets Star Trek: The Next Generation probably a little more than is actually warranted. Still, it's great fan service and an interesting first half of the story.<br /><br />The deadly cyberman, in allegiance with the horrific Borg? What could be worse. As the Doctor with companions Rory and Amy team up with the crew from TNG will they discover how these universes have collided and how to stop the Cyber-borg threat? Only time will tell...<br /><br />The art work is interesting, but the style seems really blurry - I'm not sure whether this is an artistic decision to depict the unreal reality the cast find themselves in, but faces seem stretched, and colours quite dark. I'm not a comic connoisseur, but the art isn't what grabbed me here. The story and the unusual blend of series is what really took me, and I enjoyed the well written script and the colliding of worlds. I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-37386572394836562662020-12-18T03:46:00.005-08:002020-12-18T03:46:25.930-08:00#HisDarkMaterials #Serpentine by #PhilipPullman mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53369413-serpentine" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Serpentine (His Dark Materials, #3.6)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594320828l/53369413._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53369413-serpentine">Serpentine</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3618.Philip_Pullman">Philip Pullman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3701659513">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is pre Book Of Dust but post Dark Materials and Lyra's Oxford. At this point, Lyra volunteers to go on an archeological dig in the North in a rouse to visit some of the places she remembers from her adventures. The only place she manages to get to in the limited time available to her, is to The Witches Consul Dr Lanselius. <br /><br />After the events in His Dark Materials between Lyra and Pantalaimon, their relationship seems to already becoming more tenuous and frayed even at this early stage, a suitable setup for the events in The Book Of Dust 2. <br /><br />Lyra is conflicted, and seeks Lanselius' advice regarding their predicament. Whilst not a lot happens, the conversation is revealing and absorbing, and learning about Lyra's emotions feels like being back in the company of an old friend - friends when she and Pan have a discussion on their way back to the dig site. <br /><br />This mini book is again lovingly presented - the cover is beautiful and the extra inclusions such as documents/photos etc have been substituted for beautiful illustrations by Tom Duxbury, making this a short story you'll really want to savour. I can't fault this one, and if you're a fan of the series it really should be in your collection.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-10976268287715737472020-12-18T03:26:00.006-08:002020-12-18T03:49:05.559-08:00#HisDarkMaterials #OnceUponATimeInTheNorth by #PhilipPullman mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2225238.Once_Upon_a_Time_in_the_North" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Once Upon a Time in the North (His Dark Materials, #0.5)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331317426l/2225238._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2225238.Once_Upon_a_Time_in_the_North">Once Upon a Time in the North</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3618.Philip_Pullman">Philip Pullman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3365368000">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Another excellent insight into the events in the Dark Materials universe, this time looking into Lee Scoresby's past and how he first met the mighty Iorek Byrnison.<br /><br />6 months ago, Lee won his balloon in a game of cards. A man with no direction, he's quite happy going where the wind takes him and his Daemon Hester (Jackrabbit or Alpine Hare...?) searching for work when he can get it.<br /><br />This time, he floats (or rather, plummets) into the harbour town of Novy Odense. During his search for work he learns of an upcoming political election, and the favourite to win becomes an instant dislike to Lee. His normal curious and kind nature come through, and events unfold that see Lee trying his best to help out a fellow human being, whilst laying one on an old rival. The help of a polar bear in a helmet can't be a bad thing to have? <br /><br />I found this short story much meatier than the last. There are less extra bits included, but what is included (a torn page to a Aeronauts handbook; a bill of trade from the harbour etc) is definitely welcome. <br /><br />It's typically absorbing as I've expected from Pullman, but the pace soon vamps up and is edge of your seat stuff for a large portion. Again the presentation is beautiful, but my physical copy lacked some finesse and actually malted pages whilst I was reading (I'm awaiting a replacement from Amazon, so fingers crossed mine was a unique occurance. I'll bump the star count if the new one is better!) The book, writing and story are all excellent. A great look into the origins of two superb characters from His Dark Materials.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-1924830843018094002020-12-16T08:45:00.001-08:002020-12-18T03:46:47.408-08:00#HisDarkMaterials #LyrasOxford by #PhilipPullman mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/531197.Lyra_s_Oxford" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Lyra's Oxford (His Dark Materials, #3.5)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524742342l/531197._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/531197.Lyra_s_Oxford">Lyra's Oxford</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3618.Philip_Pullman">Philip Pullman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3365367880">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Short story is right - this absolutely tiny story makes up for its length in it's stunning production values and captivating tale, entering into the post Dark Materials trilogy storyline, and where we meet familiar characters in a different context entirely. <br /><br />Lyra is growing up. When upon the roof of her beloved Oxford's Jordan College, she espies the birds in the sky doing something strange... attacking another bird... not bird, a Daemon. As the pair take the Daemon into their care, they find it to be a Witches Daemon who desperately needs their help. Of course, they do, and in true Pullman style not everything is as it seems... <br /><br />Also included is a selection of gorgeous illustrations and historical artefacts, in the form of magazine articles, encyclopedia entries, postcards etc all expanding on this alternative version of Oxford. The artwork, quality and presentation is all superb making the book at definite collectors piece. A little disappointing to find a hefty chunk of the book is dedicated to a preview of the sequel, "Once Upon A Time In The North". Still, It's hard not to recommend this to fans of the series, and I personally love this kind of stuff. Roll on the next one!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-26926065192293301752020-12-15T05:17:00.000-08:002020-12-15T05:17:12.918-08:00#TwasTheNightshiftBeforeChristmas by #AdamKay mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42660463-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574878671l/42660463._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42660463-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas">Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17160706.Adam_Kay">Adam Kay</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3688987637">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A shorter, Christmas themed version of 'This Is Going To Hurt', a series of stories, anecdotes from Kay's time in the medical profession primarily working in obstetrics and gynaecology.<br /><br />From the heartbreaking to the hilarious, Kay covers just about every human emotion in this follow up, and just as before I thoroughly enjoyed learning, laughing and laboring my way through his incredibly well remembered entries.<br /><br />It's a great way to remember those less fortunate than ourselves who have to sacrifice the days off and family traditions of Christmas for working on a gruelling front line of a hospital. Some highlights include the rescued semen sample that doesn't quite cut it; the heartbreaking 5th attempt at IVF; the rare act of kindness as his Christmas shift gets covered, only to spend it not quite in the way you might think... and many more besides. Another solid collection from Adam Kay.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-87231295620883901212020-12-10T04:08:00.009-08:002020-12-10T04:08:48.515-08:00#TheBookOfDust #LaBelleSauvage by #PhilipPullman mini spoiler free book review #HisDarkMaterials<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34128219-la-belle-sauvage" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="La Belle Sauvage (The Book of Dust, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498930382l/34128219._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34128219-la-belle-sauvage">La Belle Sauvage</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3618.Philip_Pullman">Philip Pullman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3317604567">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A stunning prequel to the Dark Materials trilogy, part one in the Book Of Dust trilogy follows the tale of Oxford resident Malcolm Polstead as he inadvertently finds himself protector of Lyra Belacqua as a baby. The importance of Lyra's mere existence even at this early stage is prolific, and Malcolm finds himself teaming up with unlikely companion Alice to save her from things farm more sinister than the biblical scale flood that forces the three, Daemon's in tow, struggle for survival in Malcolm's canoe, where the book finds its name. <br /><br />In an effort to keep spoiler free I'll leave the plot summary there, but rest assured as both an origins story, and a story in it's own right, La Belle Sauvage is a wholly excellent piece of fictional writing. There is absolutely never a dull moment throughout, as Pullman tale intrigues, frightens, amuses and excites, sometimes all at once. <br /><br />His knack for description is at all times beautiful, and I never failed to imagine the unique surroundings, characters and creatures in vivid detail. The story feels to constantly be increasing in pace and tension, starting out with a gentle slow intrigue and continually speeding up to it's exciting conclusion, much like the flood on which they find themselves. <br /><br />As a lover of fantasy fiction, I can't recommend this highly enough for everyone - read it to your kids, read it for yourself and then make everyone else read it, too. It really is that stunning. I'll be starting the next one almost immediately!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-717010623851573772020-12-07T05:12:00.007-08:002020-12-07T05:12:38.676-08:00#WarlockHolmes Book 2 #TheHellhoundOfTheBaskervilles by #GSDenning mini spoiler free review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33783424-the-hell-hound-of-the-baskervilles" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles (Warlock Holmes #2)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483446968l/33783424._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33783424-the-hell-hound-of-the-baskervilles">The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14230672.G_S_Denning">G.S. Denning</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3464365704">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Take a Sherlock Holmes novel, and dip it in a big cauldron of demons, magic and comedy and you kind of get a feel for what the Warlock Holmes novels are about. <br /><br />The first half of the book is made up of some shorter investigations happening in the time of Warlock's recuperation after the events of book 1. <br /><br />The second and bulk of the book is the main story, the hell hound of the Baskervilles. <br /><br />Most of the investigative legwork is taken on by Watson in these stories, leaving the magic and demon liaison to Warlock. Denning takes a classic Sherlock story and turns it on it's head, as the truth turns out to bt the fantastical. <br /><br />It's all a bit silly, which I love. It's lighthearted tone only briefly giving way to some darker, more serious bits which is a perfect mix. The characters feel as varied as they would've in an original Doyle novel, only with the fantasy treatment. <br /><br />There's not much else to say. If you liked Harry Potter growing up, and now read crime fiction, you'll love this mix of the two. Just don't expect anything serious, but I personally think the daftness is part of it's charm. Recommended.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124715927466817462.post-20645484830218536752020-11-26T06:55:00.005-08:002020-11-26T06:55:39.084-08:00#WaitingForThePunch by #MarcMaron mini spoiler free book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33898867-waiting-for-the-punch" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Waiting for the Punch: Words to Live by from the WTF Podcast" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495478616l/33898867._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33898867-waiting-for-the-punch">Waiting for the Punch: Words to Live by from the WTF Podcast</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32519.Marc_Maron">Marc Maron</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3539626287">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A collection of responses from some of the interviewed celebrities featured in the (in)famous WTF! podcast, seperated into themes of life rather than just straight forward transcriptions. Mental Health; Kids; Addiction - each category contains funny, poignant, sad, relatable and unusual tales from the stars, all of which will keep you interested a second time as you read rather than listen.<br /><br />Each life segment comes with an introduction written by Marc of why that topic is important or relevant to him and how it's affected his existence. With guests ranging from comedians such as Robin Williams and David Sedaris, to musicians such as Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen and even ex President Barack Obama, the format of podcast has this interesting range of guests share details about their existence they perhaps wouldn't feel comfortable doing in other, more formal scenarios. <br /><br />There's also a delightful forward written by John Oliver.<br /><br />If you're a fan of the podcast, I found this an interesting way to collate some of the highlights, and to know that everyone - even the people we elevate to near superhuman levels - has their shit. If you don't know the podcast you'll find this eye opening. Definitely worth a go.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/76288119-matthew-abbott">View all my reviews</a>abbott_56http://www.blogger.com/profile/10773256004138276697noreply@blogger.com0