“An Occupied Grave” By A.G. Barnett Review

A terrible surprise rocks a funeral when the wrong body is discovered in a freshly dug grave. Now Detective Inspector Brock and Detective Sergeant Poole must open up an old case and dig through the small village’s secrets to solve a murder!

I gotta admit here that I had some hopes for this book, because I tend to love mystery / thriller book but this one is all over the place. 

This book struggles a lot of maintaining point of view or character-building aspect which really annoyed me because it really made it hard for me personally to maintain my interested in this book and keep reading it which I had struggled to finish it.

The big murder reveal aspect of this book was none existent because from the moment when the killer was introduces in this book (which was pretty early on during the investigation) I immediately knew who the killer was because this book made it obvious who the killer was. Which really had taken out the enjoyment, suspense and mystery out of this book for me personally.

The plot in this book is very very slow, almost to the point where the main storyline of this book which is the investigation of who killed the person becomes a side quest for the main character instead of it being the main plot line of this book. Which really made me very bored and uninterested in the plot of this book. Because I read this book solely for the mystery aspect of it and not to learn everything about why the main character moved to the town of this book, his relationship with his father, him making friends and enemies at his new work and him unboxing his stuff in his new apartment. 

At times the plot of this book felt more like it was a character study on the main character instead of being a mystery book about an murder where the main character is a police detective. 

This book has also its fair share of bad grammar, and you know it is bad when a person like me who’s third language is English and makes my faire share of bad grammar notices the bad grammar in a English book. Im not gonna go hard on the bad grammar in this book since I also make my fair share of bad grammar mistakes so I’m only pointing out this aspect of this book. This book has also its fair share of of incorrect forms of the use of verbs, which really made me question my English skills but I was a little bit more assured about my English skills when I saw other people commenting on the bad grammar and incorrect use of verbs in this book.

The reason why I have given this book 2 stars instead of 1 star, is because the plot in this book had a lot of potential and had a good premise. This book could have been very good if the author have kept the focus on the investigation instead of getting sidetracked during this book and if the action in this book would have been faster. 

The characters are okay for the most part. The characters in this book was easily the best part of this book, because I found the characters in this book to be pretty likable and well written. All of the characters in this book had some kind of personalities to them or at the very least something which made them standout from the rest of the characters in this book. 

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Whisked Away” By Enola M. Douglas Review

When Princess Reiyana unexpectedly presents as an Omega at age twenty, her future is no longer her own. Once a Beta with dreams of love and adventure, she is now a political prize—coveted by Alphas across the Nine Kingdoms.

I gotta admit that this book has taken me a while to finish because this book is entirely too long and has way too many descriptions in my opinion. 80% of this book is just descriptions of what is happening which had really made me uninterested, annoyed and bored of this book. 

The only reason why I have given this book a 2 star rating instead of a 1 star rating is because I really enjoyed the plot, and I think the plot had a lot of potential to be very good only if the descriptions were so long and huge as they were in this book. I found myself skipping paragraphs even pages because the descriptions were so long and boring in this book which is something I never do while reading a book.

The biggest issue I had with this book is the fact that the love triangle in this book is between the princess and two brothers, which made me pretty uncomfortable when during the spicy scenes in this book where the two brothers were sleeping with the princess at the same time. Which means that the romance theme of this book didn’t work for me at all, it only made it very uncomfortable for me personally because the 2 main guys in the love triangle in this book were brothers which I already mentioned.

But at the same time the romance aspect of this book felt very flat and lacked tension or chemistry between Princess Reiyana, Kaelin and Alarik. Which really made me question why I kept reading this book.

The characters in this book are a very mixed bag here. Because I found Princess Reiyana to be very annoying and frustrated. Because the entire book she was acting like a 10 year old throwing a tantrum just because her parents said “no” to her which didn’t make sense to me because Princess Reiyana is supposed to be 20 years old in this book so I was expecting her to be more mature than a 10 year old throwing a tantrum.

However I did like Kaelin and Alarik who are the two brothers which I mentioned above. There were times where Kaelin was annoying me a fair share during this book, because there were times where he acted like the consequences of this actions didn’t apply to him just because his father is the king and he is the heir to the throne. When it comes to Alarik was easily the best character in this book, I wish this book would spend more time on him because he was the best character in this book in m y opinion. 

The writing in this book was pretty simple and easygoing, which reminded me a lot of YA themed book rather than a fantasy book which this book claims to be on Goodreads. (Or at least it claims to be a “fantasy book” on Goodreads at the time of writing this review) 

The pacing in this book is very very slow, which makes this book very torturous to me personally because this book is over 600 pages long and at times it feels like this book would never end because the pacing of this book was so painfully slow. I personally think that this book would have been so much better if the pacing was faster which would make this book way shorter than 600 pages that it has. 

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Anything’s Possible with Ultimate Alchemy #001” By Shinkoshoto & Retsu Ayase Review

Maazen, an alchemist in the twilight of his life, has poured his heart and soul into perfecting his craft. Yet, a sense of unfulfillment haunts him. In order to continue his research, he drinks an elixir of rejuvenation, which sends him into a deep slumber. Upon awakening, his finds that his youth has been restored! However, five centuries have passed, and alchemy is nowhere near what it once was.

This comic book sets out to explore a world of magic and alchemy but unfortunately falls short in its execution. While the premise in this comic book holds potential for an engaging fantasy narrative it struggles to deliver a compelling story and well-developed characters.

The story in this comic book introduces us to a realm where alchemy is a powerful and transformative force. The protagonist, an aspiring alchemist, embarks on a journey to unlock the secrets of this mystical art. While the concept is intriguing, the narrative lacks depth and clarity. The plot unfolds in a disjointed manner, making it difficult for me personally to fully grasp the world and its rules. This lack of coherence hampers the overall impact of the story, leaving readers confused rather than intrigued.

The character development is notably weak in this comic book. The protagonist, who should be the focal point of the narrative, is not given enough depth or personality to make them relatable or engaging. Their motivations and backstory are barely touched upon, making it challenging for me personally to connect with their journey. The supporting characters, who could add richness and complexity to the story, are similarly underdeveloped and serve more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually appealing in some respects, does little to elevate the narrative. The illustrations capture the fantastical elements of the setting, with detailed depictions of alchemical processes and magical landscapes. However, the art style lacks consistency, and some panels appear rushed or lacking in detail. This inconsistency detracts from the visual storytelling, making it difficult for me to become fully immersed in the world.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative moves too quickly, glossing over key plot points and character interactions. This rapid progression leaves little room for exploration or emotional depth, resulting in a story that feels superficial and unsatisfying. A more measured approach to pacing could allow for deeper exploration of the characters and the world, providing a stronger foundation for the series.

The dialogues in this comic book are functional but lacks the nuance and depth needed to convey complex emotions or character motivations. Conversations often feel stilted and expository, serving more as a means to advance the plot than to develop relationships or provide insight. More engaging dialogue could add layers to the narrative, enriching the overall storytelling.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” By Sara Ney Review

I didn’t mean to roast Gio Montagalo, goalie and crown jewel of The Houston Baddies hockey team. Honestly, I was screaming at the TV in a sports bar like any self-respecting sports junkie does when their team is on a losing streak! So when his twin sister sidles up on the stool beside me, laughing at my commentary, I figured I’d made a fan, too. What I didn’t expect? For her brother—the guy I called “a flashy ice peacock with the reflexes of a sloth”—to hear about it.

I gotta admit that the only reason why I have read this book is because it was free on amazon for a kindle which I have been trying to switch to for the past year or so. So I decided to take a shot on this book and see what my opinions about this book would be. 

I need to say that this book wasn’t the worst romance book I have read in my time, because I have read much worse romance books than this one. But I still wasn’t a big fan of this book. I liked this book a fair share but in the end I gotta admit that this book wasn’t that good when I actually started thinking about this book for this review. 

The plot in this book was okay for the most part, but the majority of this plot was very childish in my opinion. The characters in this book behavior was so juvenile like they were teenager despite the fact that all the characters in this book were well over 20 years of age. Which made absolutely made no sense to me.

The plot also started dragging for a very long time very quickly. Which made me almost torturous for me to read this book. Because this book would spend a lot of time talking about stuff which would have been forgotten about from the next chapter until the end of this book.

This book started off well, but the deeper I got into this book the more bored and annoyed I would become at this book. Which really made me consider DNF-ing this book a fair share of times which of course made it very hard for me personally to finish this book. The book really had started going down when the two main characters started dating because it felt like a grade school type of romance because both of them started acting very immature and cringy with each other which had really put me off by a lot.

The dialogues in this book were trying way too hard to be funny. To such an extent that it just made it way too cringey to actually be funny in my opinion. 

There is no character differentiation in this book. All of the characters in this book seemed like the same person because everything about them seem to be the same. They talk alike. They think alike. They behave alike. So I had a real hard time trying to separate them and remember who is who in this book. 

The whole theme of this book is hockey, but the actual hockey like hockey matches and hockey training was almost none-existent in this book. Which made me very annoyed and frustrated. Because whats the point of the hockey theme of this book when the actual theme of hockey barely exists in this book? 

The writing style was easily the best aspect of this book, because it was very easygoing and simple. And in a way the writing style made this whole book more fun and enjoyable because my whole interested in this book was existing solely from the writing style of this book.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Q2: The Return of Quantum and Woody: Deluxe Edition – Introduction (Q2: The Return of Quantum and Woody” By Christopher J. Priest & M.D. Bright Review

The most demanded return in comics is finally here! The original Quantum and Woody are back! Legendary creators Christopher Priest (Black Panther) and MD Bright (Iron Man) return to one of the most acclaimed series of the modern era for an all-new mini-series! Whatever happened to the world s worst superhero team? Twenty years past their prime, the unlikely crime-fighting duo known as Quantum and Woody (not a couple) have long since parted ways…until a middle-aged Quantum suddenly reappears with a brand-new teenage partner.

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview attempts to revive the charm and chaos of the original series but falls short. At the same time this preview had a lot of potential which it didn’t use and it struggles a lot with coherence, character depth, and overall impact.

The story in this preview seeks to bring back the iconic and dysfunctional duo, Quantum and Woody, in a new adventure set years after their original escapades. While the premise offers a chance to explore the evolution of these beloved characters, the execution lacks the clarity and focus needed to fully engage us as readers. The narrative feels disjointed, with a series of loosely connected events that fail to form a cohesive storyline.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Quantum and Woody, known for their dynamic and often chaotic relationship, are presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and personalities are not thoroughly explored, reducing them to mere caricatures of their former selves. This superficial treatment makes it difficult for us as readers to connect with or invest in their journeys.

The writing style in this preview, is attempting to capture the humor and wit of the original series, often falls flat. The dialogues lacks the sharpness and charm needed to elevate the comedic elements, resulting in interactions that feel forced and uninspired. Conversations serve more as filler than genuine exchanges, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character interactions and meaningful development.

The artwork in this comic book, though capturing the familiar style of the original series, does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations often lack detail and dynamism, failing to convey the energy and vibrancy that the story demands. The visual style feels dated and does not engage the picky readers as myself further diminishing the impact of the narrative.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with this preview. Because this preview had scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem, which have left me without a satisfying sense of direction.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Line of Defense #0” By Ricardo Sanchez Review

The Insurgents have overrun Lyrius, a decommissioned GALCOM outpost in an ignored corner of space. The planet’s proximity to other GALCOM systems, and its poor defenses, made it an ideal target for the Insurgents to claim as a base of operations in their fight. The attack caught the GALCOM generals unprepared, but more troubling than the show of force were intelligence reports on a new Insurgent super weapon being tested on Lyrius. One capable of reaching, and destroying, Earth.

This comic book attempts to set the stage for an engaging sci-fi series but falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. Despite its promising premise, this comic book struggles with coherence, character depth, and overall execution.

The story in this comic book introduces us a futuristic world embroiled in conflict, focusing on a group of soldiers navigating a high-stakes mission. While the setup suggests potential for thrilling action and strategic intrigue, the plot quickly becomes muddled. The narrative lacks a clear direction, with disjointed scenes that fail to form a cohesive storyline, which have left me confused and disconnected from the story of this comic book.

The character development is notably weak in this comic book. The protagonist and supporting cast are introduced with minimal depth, making it challenging for me personally to connect with or invest in their journeys. Their motivations and backgrounds are scarcely explored, resulting in characters that feel more like placeholders than fully realized individuals.

The writing style in this comic book, though filled with technical jargon and military lingo, often feels forced and lacks the nuance needed to create engaging dialogue. Conversations serve more as exposition dumps rather than meaningful interactions, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character exchanges and narrative development.

The artwork in this comic book, while competent, does little to enhance the overall reading experience. The illustrations capture the sci-fi setting but often lack the detail and dynamism needed to convey the intensity and excitement the story demands. The visual style, though serviceable, fails to fully immerse us as readers in the futuristic world, further diminishing the impact of the narrative.

The pacing in this comic book is another issue I had in this one. Because the scenes in this book either drag on without adding significant value or rush through potentially important moments, disrupting the flow of the story. This inconsistency makes it difficult for personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The absence of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem, which have left me without a satisfying sense of direction.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of a military sci-fi narrative filled with tactical maneuvers and interstellar conflict holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent issues could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Devil’s Ridge” By X. Aratare & T. Wolv Review

Aidan has always dreamed of a different life, one that was somehow more than what he knew. Desperate times force him and his adoptive family to move to Grandfather Patrick’s house on Devil’s Ridge, a tiny, rural town, that is far more than what it seems.

This comic book presents a narrative filled with supernatural intrigue and romance, but unfortunately, it falls short of its potential. While the premise of this comic book hints at an engaging blend of mystery and fantasy, the execution leaves much to be desired in terms of storytelling and character depth.

The story in this comic book is set in a small, enigmatic town where strange occurrences are the norm. The protagonist arrives with a sense of curiosity and trepidation, eager to uncover the secrets lurking within Devil’s Ridge the creators of this comic book sets up a promising atmosphere, weaving elements of the supernatural with hints of romance. However, the plot quickly becomes muddled, lacking the clarity and cohesion necessary to fully engage us as readers.

The character development is one of the weaker aspects of this comic book. The protagonist, while introduced with an air of mystery, remains largely one-dimensional throughout the story. Their motivations and inner conflicts are not thoroughly explored, making it difficult for me personally to connect with or care about their journey. Similarly, the supporting characters, who could add depth and richness to the narrative, are underdeveloped and often serve as mere plot devices.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually appealing in some respects, struggles to compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. The illustrations capture the eerie and mystical essence of the setting, with detailed backgrounds that reflect the town’s foreboding atmosphere. However, the character designs lack consistency, and some panels appear rushed, detracting from the overall visual experience.

The pacing is another area where this comic book falters. The story unfolds at an uneven pace, with certain scenes dragging on while others rush through key plot points. This inconsistency disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for me personally to remain engaged. A more balanced approach to pacing could allow for a deeper exploration of both the characters and the intriguing setting.

The dialogues in this comic book are often stilted and lacks the depth needed to convey the complexity of the characters and their relationships. Conversations frequently feel forced, serving more as a means to advance the plot than to develop character dynamics or provide insight. More nuanced dialogue could enrich the narrative, adding layers to the interactions and enhancing the overall storytelling.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Valiant Masters: Ninjak Vol. 1: Black Water – Introduction” By Mark Moretti Review

Introduction to Valiant Ninjak Vol. 1! Collected for the very first time – Ninjak’s solo debut in the original Valiant Universe by Mark Moretti (Bloodshot) & comics icon Joe Quesada (Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man)! Colin King – sophisticated British playboy by day, elite super-spy by night! Codenamed Ninjak, King is gifted with a brilliant mind and lethal training in the world’s most dangerous fighting techniques. 

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview attempts to bring the early adventures of Ninjak to a new audience but falls short in execution. Despite the potential this preview had, it struggles with narrative cohesion and character development.

The story in this preview follows Ninjak, a skilled assassin and master spy, as he tackles the dangerous mission involving the Black Water project. While the premise promises action and espionage, the plot quickly becomes convoluted and difficult to follow. The narrative lacks focus, jumping between scenes without clear transitions, which have left me personally confused and disengaged.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Ninjak, who should be a compelling and complex hero, is presented with minimal depth. His motivations and personality are not fully explored, reducing him to a one-dimensional figure. The supporting characters fare no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than integral parts of the story. This superficial treatment makes it difficult for me personally to connect with or care about the characters’ journeys.

The writing style introduces elements of intrigue and action, but the execution is uneven. The dialogues often feels forced and lacks the sharpness needed to elevate the stakes. Conversations serve more as exposition rather than meaningful interactions, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character exchanges and development.

The artwork in this preview, while capturing the style of its era, does not significantly enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations often lack detail and dynamism, failing to convey the excitement and intensity that the story demands. The visual style, while nostalgic, feels dated and does little to engage modern readers.

The pacing of this preview is another issue, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept of Ninjak as a character holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent volumes could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Unmasked: 44 Portraits” By Richard Sala Review

Forty-four ghoulish and creepy full-color portraits from the new master of the macabre in a tidy little 16-page package. Available exclusively as a FBI MINI.

This comic book is a unique artistic endeavor that, despite its intriguing premise. 

The concept of this comic book is intriguing because it is a collection of 44 portraits showcasing a variety of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backstories hinted at through visual cues. Sala is known for his distinctive style, and this work is no exception. His artwork is characterized by its whimsical yet eerie quality, which brings each character to life with a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The artwork in this comic book is captivating. However this comic book struggles to provide a satisfying narrative or thematic cohesion. The portraits, though individually interesting, do not connect in a way that creates a comprehensive or engaging story. This lack of cohesion leaves the reader feeling as though they are viewing a series of disconnected pieces rather than a unified work.

One of the main issues I had with this comic book is the absence of context or narrative depth. While each portrait hints at a story, the lack of accompanying text or explanation leaves much to be desired. I personally was left to my own device to piece together potential narratives, which can be both frustrating and unfulfilling. This approach might appeal to those who enjoy open-ended interpretations, but it did not satisfy me personally because this comic book don’t have a more structured or narrative-driven experience.

Additionally, while Sala’s art is visually striking, the repetitive nature of the format can lead to monotony. As this comic book progresses, the novelty of the portraits begins to wear off, and I was found myself yearning for more variety or depth in the presentation. The lack of variation in style or format contributes to this sense of repetitiveness, diminishing the overall impact of the work.

Despite these shortcomings, there are moments where Sala’s talent shines through. His ability to convey emotion and character through subtle details is impressive, and some portraits do manage to evoke curiosity and intrigue.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“The Delinquents (2014): Introduction” By Fred Van Lente Review

Quantum and Woody are the world’s worst superhero team. Archer & Armstrong are a mismatched pair of conspiracy-busting adventurers. When a mysterious force collides these ill-suited and irresponsible “heroes” are in for a cross-country race through the darkest corners of American mythology, all hell is bound to break loose. Can two busted pairs become four of a kind in time to defeat the Hobo King, save the day, and make it back home in time for happy hour? Let’s hope so…’cause these guys make a really, really bad team. 

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And im gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview sets out to blend humor and action in a comic crossover featuring some of Valiant Entertainment’s most eccentric characters. Unfortunately, despite its potential, this preview falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this preview brings together the unlikely duo of Archer & Armstrong with Quantum and Woody, promising a comedic adventure filled with hijinks and unexpected twists. While the premise is intriguing, the execution lacks focus. The plot meanders through a series of loosely connected events, making it difficult for me personally to follow the storyline or become invested in the characters’ journey.

The character development is one of this preview’s significant weaknesses. While Archer, Armstrong, Quantum, and Woody each have distinct personalities, their interactions often feel forced and devoid of depth. The potential for dynamic character exchanges is overshadowed by superficial humor that fails to add meaningful layers to their relationships. As a result, the characters come across as caricatures rather than fully realized individuals.

The writing style falls flat in this in this preview. The dialogues in this preview are often stilted, lacking the sharpness and charm needed to elevate the comedic elements. Conversations serve more as vehicles for jokes rather than opportunities for character development or plot advancement, which detracts from the story’s potential impact.

The artwork in this preview, while visually appealing, does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations capture the chaotic energy of the adventure but fail to compensate for the lack of narrative cohesion. The visual style supports the comedic tone but does not add significant value due to the weak narrative foundation.

The pacing in this preview, is another problem I had with this preview. This preview has scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept in this preview of a crossover featuring such mismatched heroes holds potential for future comic books. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character dynamics, subsequent issues could better capture the humor and adventure inherent in the premise.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5