dtstratovarius (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dtstratovarius) wrote,@ 2009-03-13 16:48:00 |
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Books, games, and more
Hey all,
Well, knocked out two new release books this week from reserves from the library (I was #1 on the one book's reserve list, and #3 on the other). :) First off, on Monday before/after my dreaded dentist bi-yearly check-up/cleaning (which was my first visit to the dreaded dentist in years), I got the newest Robert B. Parker novel featuring Jesse Stone called, "Night and Day," which I finished that night. Later in the week, on Wednesday after work, I tagged the recent Clive Cussler/Jack Du Brul co-authored Oregon Files novel, "Corsair," which I finished earlier this afternoon. Finally, Thursday after work, I read 3 of the "Teen Titans" graphic novel collections by Geoff Johns, along with a post-Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)'s death "diary" focusing on his little-known best friend/sidekick/mechanic. A really good short story there that gives a tad bit more into what the heck Hal was thinking then. :)
As for "Night and Day," it's a pretty solid novel as Jesse has a handful of things to deal with, but all-in-all, a very enjoyable read (especially Suit's "undercover" assignment). Very recommended for fans of mystery thrillers. GRADE: A-, while good, I thought the last novel, "Stranger in Paradise" was one of the Jesse Stone series' best.
As for "Corsair," it's another novel (in the last few NUMA/Oregon Files novels) that kind of proves that Cussler isn't doing a damn thing anymore than putting his name on the novel (while collecting the royalties) and maybe conceptualizing the story, as you can tell it's all Du Brul here (in terms of the writing style). It's definitely a great story (and surprising that for the second novel in-a-row that Juan Cabrillo doesn't get the gal). Good stuff, and can Cussler release his grip from Du Brul so he can write a new Mercer novel please (we Mercer fans haven't had a Mercer novel since '06)! Again, recommended for the techno thrillers out there, GRADE: A-
Rented "Appaloosa" for my free Redbox rental o'the week here (from the March Madness promotion), and watched it with the parents. Interesting opinions abound: Dad hated it (go fig). Mom loved it. I thought it was good, not great. It was very well cast (Ed Harris/Viggo Mortensen were perfect as the lead, as was Jeremy Irons as the villain. Only casting gripe, the bland Renee Zellweger as love interest, Allie. Worth the rental, as it's the rare decent and recent Western.
In good news for us children of the '80s....Hasbro in conjunction with Universal Studios (though Vivendi and Shout Factory) has announced a June 16th release day (either right before or after the release of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen") for the 25th Anniversary release of the First Season of "Transformers" animated series. 'Bout f'n time! :)
More to come later, since no one has called about going to Ring of Honor with me (and the fact I'm not feeling too hot right now), I'm either crashing here, or going to offer a hug for Amanda (as her ex's lawyer sent a reply to her lawyer's stuff, and needless to say, she's not a happy camper right now, even though she got approved for her new apartment today: ETA move-in - May 1).
Matt
Hey all,
Well, knocked out two new release books this week from reserves from the library (I was #1 on the one book's reserve list, and #3 on the other). :) First off, on Monday before/after my dreaded dentist bi-yearly check-up/cleaning (which was my first visit to the dreaded dentist in years), I got the newest Robert B. Parker novel featuring Jesse Stone called, "Night and Day," which I finished that night. Later in the week, on Wednesday after work, I tagged the recent Clive Cussler/Jack Du Brul co-authored Oregon Files novel, "Corsair," which I finished earlier this afternoon. Finally, Thursday after work, I read 3 of the "Teen Titans" graphic novel collections by Geoff Johns, along with a post-Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)'s death "diary" focusing on his little-known best friend/sidekick/mechanic. A really good short story there that gives a tad bit more into what the heck Hal was thinking then. :)
As for "Night and Day," it's a pretty solid novel as Jesse has a handful of things to deal with, but all-in-all, a very enjoyable read (especially Suit's "undercover" assignment). Very recommended for fans of mystery thrillers. GRADE: A-, while good, I thought the last novel, "Stranger in Paradise" was one of the Jesse Stone series' best.
As for "Corsair," it's another novel (in the last few NUMA/Oregon Files novels) that kind of proves that Cussler isn't doing a damn thing anymore than putting his name on the novel (while collecting the royalties) and maybe conceptualizing the story, as you can tell it's all Du Brul here (in terms of the writing style). It's definitely a great story (and surprising that for the second novel in-a-row that Juan Cabrillo doesn't get the gal). Good stuff, and can Cussler release his grip from Du Brul so he can write a new Mercer novel please (we Mercer fans haven't had a Mercer novel since '06)! Again, recommended for the techno thrillers out there, GRADE: A-
Rented "Appaloosa" for my free Redbox rental o'the week here (from the March Madness promotion), and watched it with the parents. Interesting opinions abound: Dad hated it (go fig). Mom loved it. I thought it was good, not great. It was very well cast (Ed Harris/Viggo Mortensen were perfect as the lead, as was Jeremy Irons as the villain. Only casting gripe, the bland Renee Zellweger as love interest, Allie. Worth the rental, as it's the rare decent and recent Western.
In good news for us children of the '80s....Hasbro in conjunction with Universal Studios (though Vivendi and Shout Factory) has announced a June 16th release day (either right before or after the release of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen") for the 25th Anniversary release of the First Season of "Transformers" animated series. 'Bout f'n time! :)
More to come later, since no one has called about going to Ring of Honor with me (and the fact I'm not feeling too hot right now), I'm either crashing here, or going to offer a hug for Amanda (as her ex's lawyer sent a reply to her lawyer's stuff, and needless to say, she's not a happy camper right now, even though she got approved for her new apartment today: ETA move-in - May 1).
Matt
