January 2020 – Ryan’s Book Blog

Tempest

January 31, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Released in 2006, Tempest is the third book in the Legacy of the Force Series. Jacen Solo continues down the path of the dark side while under the influence of the Dark Lord Lumyia. She tempts him to kill so he can balance the force.

My Thoughts

This was a fun bit of mind candy watching everything fall apart. At this point in the series, no one trusts anyone and Luke lives up to his whining nature. There was plenty of action but at times I lost thread as to what was going on.

Recommendation

Not the best but it is a relatively quick read.

The Reader

January 30, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 1995, “The Reader” captured enough attention to be made into a movie in 2008. It is the story of an ex-Nasi prison guard the life she tried to live after the war and the young man who fell for her.

My Thoughts

My thoughts are all over the place on this one. It was suggested to me by a helpdesk lady when I was asking about books to read. When I started the book, I was so racy I thought, “Was she coming on to me?” (Easy now Mrs. Robinson!) However, then I got further into the book… Fortunately there was no come on.

This was a pretty dark book which explores the inner psyche of someone who was forced to do something terrible, didn’t know what to do and was forced to live with it. We studied several studies in college which seem to show that most of us are capable of some pretty terrible stuff if we are put in certain circumstances.

Recommendation

I’m mixed on this. This was one of those books that we should probably read because it forces us to think. However, it will be very disturbing to some.

T is for Trespass

January 29, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The 20th novel in the Kinsey Minhone Series, T is for Trespass was published in 2007 but is still set in the 1980s. This time Kinsey’s grouchy neighbor becomes the victim of a sociopathic nurse who isn’t use to a nosy neighbor.

My Thoughts

This was a little darker than the traditional Sue Grafton novel. She exposes just how easy it is to take advantage of trusting folks and makes the reader think a little bit about the people around them.

Recommendation

If you liked the others, you’ll like this one

S is for Silence

January 23, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2005, S is for Silence is all about our now favorite female gumshoe, Kinsey Millhone. This time around the story jumps back and forth from the present to the past and works it’s way to the resolution of the mystery.

My Thoughts

I don’t know how accurate the depictions were but I found the comparisons of our people treated a “loose” woman in both the 50s and the 80s to be pretty interesting. It’s even more so to look back with the historical revisionism of today.

Recommendation

It wasn’t a bad story and kept me entertained.

The Simple Truth

January 18, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 1998, The Simple Truth is a good ole conspiracy story of men going too far and having the ability and connections to get away with it. Almost…

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book but found it to be a little more simplistic than some of his other work. I didn’t know it was over 20 years old until after I finished it so I guess it makes sense.

Recommendation

I enjoy his writing and this was no exception.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

January 16, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2003, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is an exploration of just about everything dealing with the dead, or at least dead humans. This is the book that started Mary Roach on the path of several 1 word titled books on very specific subjects; Spook, Bonk, Gulp, and Grunt. She threw in “Packing for Mars” in 2008, I’m assuming, just to spice things up.

My Thoughts

The author has a playful sense of humor which comes out in her style of writing. It feels like she had a lot of fun writing the book and I enjoyed reading it. I was surprised that it was written in 2003 as several of the facts presented seemed a lot more contemporary.

Recommendation

It’s worth the read.

Bullseye

January 16, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2014, this short story shows our hero Will Robie getting caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

My Thoughts

The Rambo-esk moments continue but this time the plot gives a nod to the generation before Robie and Reel. It was a fun quick read.

Recommendation

Quick but fun

Bloodlines

January 10, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2006, Bloodlines is the 2nd book in the Legacy of the Force – Legends series. It is not be confused with Bloodline which was published in 2016.

In this book, we learn about Boba Fett and his family while witness Jacen Solo slowly be seduced by the dark side of the force.

My Thoughts

Much like the last book, Bloodlines stayed true to the feeling of Star Wars. I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

If you liked the first one, you will like this one even more…

The Guilty

January 9, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2015, the Guilty is the fourth book in the Will Robie series. A modern day James Bond, Will Robie teams up with his female equivalent to find their boss.

My Thoughts

Turn about is fair play I guess. We heart about Jessica Reel’s life then we heard about Will Robie’s. I guess it is only fair we now here about Blue Man’s. Still, I was engaged and enjoyed the read.

Recommendation

A good read but be sure to read the series in order.

End Game

January 7, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2017, End Game gives us Will Robie and Jessica Reel coming to the rescue of their old boss “Blue Man”. He’s gone missing and the intelligence he has could cause our country untold harm. We have to get him back but who has him?

My Thoughts

This was a fun commentary on the doom’s day prepping groups. The story itself was a fun shoot ’em up but it was fun that it took place in our country. I thought Jessica’s reaction to it all was a little over the top but, on the whole, I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

A fun read.