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Justice League Vol. 1
The launch title for DC Comic’s New 52, Justice League is set before (time-wise) the other relaunches, bringing together Batman, the Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Unlike Marvel’s popular Avengers movie team, this one isn’t as captivating.
Justice League Vol. 1
Collects: JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Jim Lee and Scott Williams
DC Comics
May 2012
We meet our heroes one at a time as they meet each other in this origins storyline. The question that plagues many of the relaunched New 52 blares loudly here as well: why?
How many times do we need to see Batman and Green Lantern annoy each other for the first time? How about a slightly oblivious Superman or an unfriendly Aquaman joining up only out of need? We’ve seen this before so many times and this version doesn’t do much to set it apart.
That said, fans of the title and the characters will enjoy the retelling. Johns does an adequate job of driving the action, while Lee and Williams (or Leewiams, as it were since these two have been joined at the hip for decades now) does a good job providing clean, slightly stiff and overly crosshatched artwork as their fans would expect. (In case you’re wondering, I am a fan. But let’s be honest, the stylization is a bit stiff sometimes and it shows here. Every page looks like a splash page.)
Fans of the series will enjoy this title, but for those of us who enjoy excellent graphic novels there are other, better titles that delve into uncharted areas of the DC universe, like Batman’s and Aquaman’s individual titles. Or, even better, go check out some stand alone graphic novels like the excellent Batman Death by Design.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Innocents by Segal
A very interesting story about the Jewish people in a community called Temple Fortune in North West London.
The Innocents
by Francesca Segal
Voice
June 2012
Adam and Rachel have been dating since the age of sixteen. They are finally engaged and Rachel is busy planning her wedding. Adam is the prize catch in this small suburb in North West London. As the vast machinery of the wedding gathers momentum, Adam begins to have doubts and a slight touch of claustrophobia. Is he making a mistake? Rachel is the only girl he has ever dated – is he missing something. Things really began to go wrong for Adam when Rachel’s cousin Ellie returns home from New York. She has a somewhat tarnish reputation and this really intrigues Adam. Rachel is a little jealous of Ellie. She has been to all the places Rachel can only dream about. Adam suddenly finds himself questioning everything – his own security, marriage, tradition and his independence,
Adam works for a company owned by Rachel’s father. He declines to spend summer vacation with Rachel and her family – insisting his work load is just too heavy. Does Lawrence know what is happening with Adam? Adam’s feelings for Ellie are getting out of hand. Adam must make a decision and fast. Lawrence’s company is in trouble. Will this have any impact on the wedding or their lives? Can Lawrence find a solution or will he lose the company?
I liked the book. It is a refreshing read about the closeness of a Jewish community. The community is a tight knit one – one that holds true to the Jewish religion and takes care of their own.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls
When DC decided to scrap its eighty-plus years of sequential numbering (and quite a bit of their storyline continuity) many people rejoiced at the so-called do-over. Not so much me. But then I started reading some of these “new” comics and was captivated, even against my better judgment. One of the better relaunches is Batman.
Batman Vol. 1: the Court of Owls
Collects: Batman #1-7
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion
DC Comics
May 2012
Batman re-imagining has been done so well (like Frank Miller’s Year One) and so poorly (like Frank Miller’s incomplete All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder) that a little continuity clean up is definitely in order. While it is early in this series, the first 7 issues collected in this volume show definite promise.
There is a new enemy in Gotham. One that Batman isn’t even sure exists, but one that threatens the hold he has on the city and causes doubt about exactly who Gotham belongs to. The “Court of Owls” is an old story used to spook children into behaving, but until now there hasn’t been any reason to take the stories seriously. But it is real, and Batman is caught up in a new rivalry that adds depth to the relationship between Gotham and Batman.
[SPOILER]: Another launch title, All-Star Western, featuring Jonah Hex also features a sinister secret society in Gotham City during the late 1800s. Several of the visuals include Owls. I bring this up to show that DC is doing a fantastic job of tying some of the launch titles together to build this new continuity. [END SPOILER]
Capullo and Glapoin’s art is as squarish and gritty and their fans won’t be disappointed. Snyder’s story is tight, taunt and pulls the reader in.
Of the launch titles, this is clearly one of the better ones. It features higher quality artwork, deeper and more foundational writing and is a must read for those looking to jump into a DC New 52 Title. Highly recommended.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Restless in the Grave by Stabenow
In Restless in the Grave our heroine Kate and her aptly named companion, Mutt, who is in fact a mixed canine, venture out to Alaska at the request of a local law enforcement agent.
Restless in the Grave
Kate Shugak #19
by Dana Stabenow
Minotaur Books / Macmillan Audio
February 2012
She goes undercover as a waitress at a local bar and uses this facade to pick the brains of the locals. She is also quick to pick a lock or two, as she doesn’t always follow the lines of the law. She bends a rule here and there in order to track down how a wealthy businessman named Grant was killed, when his plane crashed as a result of direct tampering. The sabotage goes very in depth as the story grows to its conclusion.
A problem with this novel is that it took a while to get going; Kate didn’t even really come in until the second CD (in the audio book, about 60 pages into the book). To enjoy the start, you have to really be into back story and plot development via relentless details to stay involved throughout this book.
That said, black mail, sabotage, murder, breaking and entering and much, much more riddle this story for a compelling and thought -provoking read once it gets up to speed. The author goes into great detail with her story, giving the reader no choice but to feel they are there with Kate, the undercover detective. As the reader, you find yourself drawing conclusions with Kate, as her unorthodox investigating style leads her down a twisted trail of Alaskan deception.
For readers who enjoy a story that leaves no stone unturned and a protagonist that you feel the adventure with, Restless in the Grave is a solid read.
Kyle Stack, an avid reader of all genres from textbooks to comic books and everything in between, divides his time among work, studies, violin, and a new book for new perspective whenever possible.
This audiobook was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Restoration by Olafsson
The year is 1943 – World War II is in full swing. Mussolini has lost his hold on Africa – the Allies are rapidly advancing, and the Germans are holding their own for now.
Restoration
by Olaf Olafsson
Ecco
February 2012
Alice’s father is dead – her mother remarried to a rich Englishman. Alice is planning to marry an Italian – the son of a minor landowner but a titled nobleman. He is ten years older than she and her family and friends try to discourage her from marrying Marchese Claudio Orsini. They marry, against her family’s wishes, in the Salone Del Matrimini in Fiesole and begin a journey that takes them to San Martino, a crumbling villa in Tuscany. They settle in as husband and wife, rebuild the villa, and Alice gives birth to a son – the joy of their life.
Alice soon becomes lonely and restless. This restlessness leads her into an affair in Rome with devastating consequences. While she is with her lover, her son becomes ill and dies. She returns home to seek forgiveness, but before she can make amends, Claudia disappears. Caught between loyalist and resisters, cruel German forces and Allied troops, Alice struggles to survive. She desperately hopes Claudio will return to her. She knows this is all her fault. Her son is gone and now too is her husband. Will she ever find the peace she so earnestly seeks?
A well written novel. Olafsson is an excellent writer. I really liked the book.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Daughter’s Walk by Kirkpatrick
It’s 1896 when Clara Estby and her mother, Helga begin their journey on foot from Spokane,Washington to New York City. Having been promised a large sum of money from the fashion industry to complete this walk, Helga takes a chance in accepting the wager, knowing she will have to leave her family behind. But to save the family farm, this Norwegian native will do most anything.
A Daughter’s Walk
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Water Brook Press
April 2011
Having had no say in the matter, Clara is anything but happy as they begin the seven month sojourn. Adding to her frustration, they run into mishaps, sickness and danger. And Clara learns things about herself that change everything she ever known, and who she is to become.
Following the railroad tracks, they move from town to town, staying only long enough to earn a bed and add food to their packs. But despite their determination and cunning, they begin to get behind the time line for completion. How will they ever get to New York on time?
Upon returning home, they are met with tragedy and hostility. Feeling betrayed Clara decides it’s time she sets out to find who she really is, and walks right into the chance of a lifetime. Will this new life and her name afford her the peace and independence she has fought so hard for? Or will she discover that one of the things she needed most, she had all along?
I have always enjoyed this author’s books. And so, was anxious to read this one. Out of all her books I’ve read so far, this one is my favorite. I always know I can expect great attention to historical detail and an intriguing story when reading her novels, but this one especially I didn’t want to put down. Wonderfully interweaving raw human emotions with the ups and downs of life, this is one book I whole heartily recommend.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Yes, Chef by Samuelsson
Marcus is a young boy from a remote village in Ethiopia. He contacts tuberculosis along with his mother and sister. His mother dies, but he and his sister survive. After spending sometime in an orphanage, Marcus and his sister are adopted by a white family from Sweden. Marcus first learns to cook in his grandmother’s kitchen.
Yes, Chef
A Memoir
Marcus Samuelsson
Random House
June 2012
The book chronicles Samuelsson’s remarkable journey from the slums of Ethiopia to the streets of New York. The journey was a long and hard one. Marcus was not always accepted due to the color of his skin. He learned the hard way the protocol he must follow. His talent and ambition finally comes together at Aquavit where he earns a New York Times three- star rating. Marcus went on to open the highly acclaimed Red Rooster Restaurant in Harlan where presidents rub elbow with musicians, artist and bus drivers. . Harlan is a place where an orphan from Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, living in America, can feel at home.
Who would have thought that a young black boy from the poorest region of Ethiopia would go up to be the world renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Only sacrifice and determination could achieve such a goal.
An interesting read. The author portrays all the frustrations and set backs he had to endure to reach his goal. Many would be chefs have fallen along the way, but Marcus never deterred from his chosen path. Through competition with other outstanding chefs, Marcus won the privilege of cooking President and Mrs. Obama’s first state dinner, he truly has arrived.
I liked the book.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Crazy Dangerous by Klavan
Sam Hopkins is running. Running through the woods, hoping it will qualify him for the track team in the coming year. Being a part of that team would give him the popularity status he so eagerly hungers for. But today isn’t his day. Bumping into thugs was not in his plans. Neither was standing up to them and then being accepted into their group.
Crazy Dangerous
by Andrew Klavan
Thomas Nelson
May 2012
Sam is a pastor’s kid. The minute he makes allegiance with Jeff Winger and his crew, he knows he is in for trouble. But rather than finding himself scared he finds he is actually excited about the possibilities of danger. With two parents involved in church work and a brother absorbed by college applications, he needed a hobby, and just in time. Suddenly he fits in, and is going to be careful not to botch these relationships, even it if it means stealing cars and seeking out trouble.
But things change one afternoon as he heads to the gangs hideout. He sees Jennifer Sales, the school weirdo, wandering the woods. Concerned for her safety, he approaches her. And that’s when his gang appears. Things didn’t look so good, and they weren’t. When Sam realizes his gang is about to harm Jennifer, he has to choose sides.
Suddenly he finds himself with a new friend. And Jennifer was just as weird as people believed her. Especially when she begins to tell him her dreams that are actually coming true. Scared, Sam has to decide if her dreams are just lunacy or possibly prophesy, and before it’s too late. With time running out, Sam finds himself racing to save the lives of almost everyone he knows. Will he find this was just all a bad dream or that Jennifer has been seeing the truth?
I enjoyed this book. It was my first by this author and I read it in one day. I think he did a great job writing it from the perspective of a teenager. There were no dry spots that made me want to put the book down for a spell. In fact I felt I couldn’t stop turning the pages in excitement to see what would happen next! The author and I may believe differently about a few things, but this would not stop me from recommending this book and acquiring more of his titles.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Tune Volume 1 by Kim and McClaine
At my local zoo there is a meerkat exhibit where you can either watch from the glass surrounding the habitat or walk around and step down under the habitat and then stand up in the middle of it. The ability to see the animals acting “naturally” from so many perspectives is enlightening and fun. In this story, Andy Go is the meerkat.
Tune
Volume 1: Vanishing Point
written by Derek Kirk Kim
art by Les McClaine
First Second
November 2012
Andy is an every-geek-man who attends a local art school and hangs with his best buddies and secretly longs for Yumi, a girl he believes is out of his league. After deciding to quit art school with just one more year remaining he is forced by his parents, with whom he lives, to find a job. Without experience or the college degree, Andy is stuck taking the only offer he can get, which takes us to the meerkat reference.
Kim’s story was compelling from start to finish but it left me unsatisfied when I finished it. Although 
there are 160 pages here, this was only volume 1 and because most pages are only four frames, so little happened in it that I couldn’t help but be disappointed. The story starts with Andy in the zoo, and it ends with Andy getting to the zoo. What happens in between would normally have been completed in as little as half the pages if using the full page for the panels.
Tune was originally (and still is) a web comic, which explains the lack of panels and movement per page. This volume collects the first 10 chapters of the web comic. Some may wonder at the interest in reprinting web comics, but there are two distinct benefits to the printed version: 1) you aren’t stuck viewing in a browser, and 2) Kim’s reach is expanded exponentially with this release. Since I was not even aware of Tune prior to this graphic novel I have to say to point 2: mission accomplished! Because I’m hooked.
Tune is charming, well drawn (kudos McClaine!), fun and intriguing. Even my main complaint is really more of a compliment and testament to the fact that I want more. Highly recommended.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Blood Covenant by Harris
A most compelling suspense story about the horrible tragedy the people of the Republic of Dhambizao (deep in the heart of Africa) face during the revolution between the Africa government forces and the renegade Ghost Soldiers. The story is fictional, but so true to real like the African people are living today.
Blood Covenant
by Lisa Harris
Zondervan
February 2011
Dr. Paige Ryan is a young doctor from Nashville, Tennessee working with Volunteers of Hope International deep in the heart of Africa. Her tour of duty is almost over and she can’t wait to return home to hot baths, good food and a loving family. This, however, is not to be – or at least for a little while longer. Fighting erupts between the African government forces and the Ghost Soldiers and things turn ugly. These are the same soldiers the government had recruited to kidnap men. women and children to work in their diamond mines. However, when the soldiers (rebels) demand amnesty for their involvement in the slave trade the government denies any involvement in the incident and the situation explodes. The Ghost Soldiers are burning entire villages. raping the women and killing the men. The survivors, , if there are any, are forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. Dr. Ryan is sent to lead a team to set up a refuse transit site. Nick Gilbert, a bush pilot for Compassion Air, joins the team to help fly supplies in and out of the area. The camp has a cholera outbreak that has reached epidemic proportion.
The rebels attack a group of American mountain climber. Natalie’s (a prominent actress) father is killed and she is desperate to leave the mountain with his body. The young husband is taking his injured wife down the mountain with or without a guide. Natalie begs to go with him and hires a guide to take them down to the base camp so she can take her father home to Los Angeles. The young wife is injured which slows them down considerably. They finally arrive at the refuse camp run by Dr. Ryan. The camp is overcrowded, there is a lack of medical supplies, food, and even latrines. People are dying and there is nothing Dr. Ryan can do to prevent their death. Dr. Ryan discovers that one of the trekkers is carrying an infectious disease. If she doesn’t discover what the disease is, how to treat it, and get vaccines, many more people are going to die. The Ghost Soldiers have overrun the camp taking all communication devices, food and medical supplies – even destroying the satellite phone towers – there is no way to contact to the outside world. To make matters worse, both Dr. Ryan, Natalie and several others are kidnapped by the rebels. She is really fearful for their lives as one of the men has already been killed.
One must read this amazing book to learn if Dr. Ryan and her team survive. Does Natalie get back to Los Angeles? Does Natalie’s experience in Africa change her from a spoiled, pampered actress to a caring, helpful person? Does Dr. Ryan go home to Nashville or stay in Africa?
Highly recommended. Lisa Harris is an excellent writer of Christian Suspense Fiction. This is a book you will find hard to put down – one that will keep you turning pages quickly to find out what will happen next. This is a keeper for your personal library.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Beckon by Pawlik
Having left college behind for the summer, and convincing his best friend to come along, Jack Kendrick sets out on a journey, a search for information about his father’s mysterious disappearance years ago.
Beckon
Come. And live forever
by Tom Pawlik
Tyndale House Publishers
March 2012
Following his anthropologist father’s trail, they find themselves in small town, Beckon Wyoming.
With the help of a couple locals, they discover the caves his father was likely to be exploring when he was last seen. Ignoring the dangers rumored about the caves, they precede into the darkness, unprepared for what they are about to find. But meeting with the unknown species and fright of the underground is nothing compared to the secrets the city is sitting on.
Elina Gutierrez and George Wilcox, are also drawn to this small town. Both for reasons completely separate from each other and from Jack. Yet somehow, when their paths cross, they discover they all have something in common- they are all in danger. Upon trying to discover the truth they are faced with two options, get free, or stay and lose your life. Will they be able to outwit their predator before it’s too late?
This book was very different from what I normally read, but the author drew me in right away. Never did I feel bored while reading this. I will say though, it is weird. Which I think the author intends. But I was impressed that ‘his’ version of weird didn’t have to be twisted or dark. He still exposed the light and brought hope. Even with the vivid imagination I own that usually keeps me from reading material like this; I’d definitely read more of his books and enjoy them.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Chance in the World by Pemberton
The true story of a young boy – age three – taken from his mother and placed in the clutches of a cruel foster home.
A Chance in the World
by Steve Pemberton
Thomas Nelson
January 2012
Steve cannot remember anything about his mother. He, however, hopes each day for her return to take him away from the horrible Robinsons. His young life is a living hell. The Robinsons, on the surface, seem to be a loving family, but people have never seen their dark side, Steve is forced to do chores, beaten daily by his foster father and nearly starved. He is a boy with great courage and determination. He will not let this family defeat him. He will someday find his family and everything will be all right.
Steve finds his only refuse in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger. He emerges himself in the books – discovers a world he can only imagine exists and dreams of finding his true home. He is a fair complexioned boy with blue eyes, an Afro, and a Polish name. Who is his father? What happened to his mother and his family? He dreams of finding them someday, If he does find them – will it be the happy reunion he so desperately wants it to be?
A Chance in the World is the unbelievable story of a wounded-abused-broken little boy who overcomes all odds and becomes a man of strength and determination.
Steve Pemberton is Divisional Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Walgreens.
I liked the book. Readers will weep with this broken little boy – you will feel each and every hit of the belt; his fears; his hunger. You will dream his dreams and pray he will find his family.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
