Friday, February 17, 2017

Joe Coffin (Season Three) [Book Review]

Genre - British Noir/Crime/Vampire
Year Published - 2017
Length - 316 (digital) pages
Written by Ken Preston

Rating: 4 Skulls

Plot Summary:
There’s a new vampire in town who wants Joe Coffin, but he doesn’t want to kill him.

Emma Wylde has a secret, and she’s not the only one.

The Slaughterhouse Mob is no longer the gangland force it once was, and Coffin’s not the only one who wants to take it back its glory days.

Lies. Secrets. Betrayals.

Joe Coffin’s world will never be the same again by the time this is all finished.

Review:
Season Three consists of Episodes 9 - 12.

As I started to read Season 3, I felt like a lot of the story was being bogged down by stuff that really didn't seem to matter a whole lot. Season One was was written in a rapid-fire manner that held true to the "episodic format", while Season Two added a lot more back-story. If I were "watching" Season 3, I am not sure that I would have continued it. Fortunately, I pushed through, and I am glad that I did!

The latter half of this book is where it's at!

Just when I was thinking that maybe it was time to retire Joe Coffin, Preston ramped up the action as well as the plot, pulling this book from an average 3 to a much better 4 skull rating!

Not to give a whole lot away, but there are still several (I repeat, several!) more ancient vampires still buried around the city. On top of that, Coffin is still trying to deal with his 4-year-old (turned-vampire) son. Some of the mystery behind Leola is shed. And yes, Mr. Corpse & Mrs. Stump are continuing their mischief and mayhem! Oh, did I mention the double-whammy ugly twists near the end?

Needless to say, I am eagerly awaiting Joe Coffin's return!

Jason

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Death's Mistress: Sister of Darkness (The Nicci Chronicles, Volume 1)

ONE OF GOODKIND'S ABSOLUTE BEST!

Once again, Goodkind has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. If you are/were a fan of Goodkind's earlier works, then this one is a must read!

I, of course, would suggest reading all of 'The Sword of Truth' series (beginning with Wizard's First Rule and ending with Warheart) before reading this one, but the good news is that you don't really have to.
There are several instances that allude to the prior books, however I believe that this book could stand on its own. (If anything, after reading this one, you will want to read the others, while waiting for the next book in this new series to come out.)

Goodkind has gone back to the basics with this one, creating a thoroughly captivating and totally engrossing story - one that any adventurer/quest-lover will totally absorb!

The only thing that I didn't like about this book is its cover. (I am sorry, but the cover portrayal of Nicci is completely off-base, in my mind, as is Nathan Rahl in the background.)

That said, I have no doubt in my mind that this book will make it into my "Top Ten" list at the end of the year.

Jason