Category: Book Reviews

by Christopher Golden

Published by Pocket Star Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY EXTERMINATORS!!!

“Yellow reptile eyes flashed in the night. Talons sliced the air as the things reached out for him, ready to tear him open.”

            From the back cover blurb:

            When a mass outbreak of super-powered individuals threatens the world, the JLA determines that latent metahuman abilities are being triggered by an alien contagion, on that’s spreading throughout Earth as it transforms its hosts into monstrous engines of destruction.

            Racing to contain the infection, the world’s greatest super heroes link the parasitic plague to an alien invasion from the team’s earliest days and make a horrifying discovery: the JLA itself is responsible for the imminent disaster they now face.

            Even though DC isn’t necessarily coming out with an awesome franchise like Marvel is, I still love me some Justice League.

            I found this short novel intriguing and delightful.

            I believe it would be ranked in the urban fantasy genre as well as science fiction with the whole alien invasion apocalypse standing at the team’s doorsteps.

            It didn’t take me long to finish the read and I was content at the end—another mission close up and well done.

            Though the dark undertones will have you concerned if you care in the least for the Justice League and its charge: planet Earth.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: EXTERMINATORS.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

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by Carol Lay

Published by Pocket Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY POCKET BOOKS!!!

“Wonder Woman thanked Batman warmly and bade him good-bye. The man in black reciprocated with a nod so slight one would need a micrometer to measure it. The others wished her luck in finding her man, and the Flash asked her to stop in Jamaica while she was down there so she could bring them back some hot sauce for the pantry. The request made her smile. She knew he made light not out of disrespect for what she was doing, but for the same reason pilots ask to borrow gum before a mission—for good luck.”

            From the back cover blurb:

            Mysterious events in the Bermuda Triangle propel Wonder Woman on a desperate search for the truth behind the disappearance of a diver near Themyscira, home of the legendary Amazons. But her discovery of a mirror island—one populated entire by men—sets events in motion that ultimately cause the Justice League to come into conflict with a figure from Wonder Woman’s own mythological past. But is she powerful enough to save them?

            Do you like superheroes? I do. Always have, always will. Something about having the power of flight or superstrength or telekinetic abilities always makes me want to jump out a window—okay, just kidding. Bad analogy.

            Wonder Woman has always been my top favourite Justice League heroine. When I found this short little book, I was like, Oh yeah, I’m definitely buying that!

            The story does sound a little similar to one of the recent Wonder Woman movies—but it’s got its own unique plotline. The mirror island? Yes, that’s definitely unique to this book—from my experience.

            Do you like Greek mythology mixed in with urban fantasy? If you’ve answered yes to this question and the very first one I asked, then you should order this book!

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: WONDER WOMAN.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by William Goldman

Published by Mariner Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY PRINCESS BRIDE!!!

“There have been five great kisses since 1642 B.C., when Saul and Delilah Korn’s inadvertent discovery swept across Western civilization. (Before then couples hooked thumbs.) And the precise rating of kisses is a terribly difficult thing, often leading to great controversy, because although everyone agrees with the formula of affection times purity times intensity times duration, no one has ever been completely satisfied with how much weight each element should receive. But on any system, there are five that everyone agrees deserve full marks. Well, this one left them all behind.”

            From the back cover blurb:

            A tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts—the Princess Bride is a modern storytelling classic.

            As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchmen, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, and rescued once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place.

            In the course of this dazzling adventure, she’ll meet Vizzini—the criminal philosopher who’ll do anything for a bag of gold; Fezzik—the gentle giant; Inigo—the Spaniard whose steel thirsts for revenge; and Count Rugen—the evil mastermind behind it all. Foiling all their plans and jumping into their stories is Westley, Princess Buttercup’s one true love and a very good friend of a very dangerous pirate.

            Have you ever seen the movie? Did you enjoy it? If you did, then you’ve got to enjoy this wonderful book.

            I’m so glad I bought it those years ago. I grew up loving the movie, finding it to be a quote-worthy classic for many of life’s sundry moments. When I finally read the book shortly after college, I found there was even more to this treasure!

            Sticking with its promises and a worthy companion of the screen version, Princess Bride (the novel) will rock your socks off with its sarcastic wit and satirical mantra. The added scenes are great reads too!

            If you haven’t seen or read the Princess Bride, you’re missing out on one of life’s experiences!

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by John Irvin

A commentary by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY THE KING!!!

“Did they know what they were asking him? To be king? Not only king, but the first king of a united Lycaenia?”

Book Description:

Wilyon the First is called upon to unite the clan lands of Lycaenia into a kingdom to resist a foreign invader.

For centuries now the clans have governed themselves and there are many disputes among them. But when an outsider dares claim rule over them, union is called for. 

Will they be able to defeat this foe? Can they work together to fight against him? Can Wilyon govern his people the right way? Can he lead from the front lines? 

This is a historical fantasy taking place in the world of Alia–not Earth. It is a tale of origins. The first installment to a chronological series, it is sure to grab your attention.

            Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved book series that shift down a family tree in chronological order. When I was a child I came up with this massive tree that spanned several hundred years and several different continents, every person had their own story too.

            Then I read Jack Cavanaugh’s American Family Portrait series and was inspired to actually write my own family tree series.

            The Children of Alia sparked into existence several years back—I think it was shortly after I graduated college. After a few revisions, a few changes and revamps, I finally decided to turn it into a short novella series. Though I may still stick with one of my original ideas and only do the first five main characters in novellas and the rest in actual novels—we’ll see.

            The King is the very first in a long branch of this family tree. Wilyon is a clan chieftain who is offered the kingship over all the clans in order to unite them in a stronger front against an invading king.

            This short story puts forth his decision while also mentioning a Medallion that will be the family heirloom passed down to every following generation. In fact, Volume 2 is going to be entitled: The Medallion.

            Finishing up with a battle scene, I enjoyed watching Wilyon lead his countrymen against this conquering foe.

            Though this work is not my highest selling, I still hold a spot for it in my heart—I think it’s mostly because I published it earlier on when I still wasn’t as knowledgeable as I am now with how Kindle works. Anyway, I hope you enjoy meeting Wilyon the First.

Click this link to go check it out: THE KING.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by Michael Reaves and Steven-Elliot Altman

Published by A Del Rey Book, an imprint of Random House

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY FEAR ITSELF!!!

“She dropped the book, jumping back as it hit the hardwood floor of her office alcove. Her arms were puckered with gooseflesh, and she rubbed them, wondering how a writer she’d never read could so thoroughly push her buttons.”

            From the back cover blurb:

Batman strikes fear in the hearts of criminals, but there’s a killer stalking Gotham who’s even better at inspiring fright—and his method just might be unbeatable…because it’s invisible.

            Unbeknownst to the general public, a powerful new designer drug has hit the streets of Gotham, courtesy of an evil genius determined to turn the expression “scared to death” into lethal reality.

            Unlike the Caped Crusader, who petrifies only villains, this mastermind is targeting decent citizens—and he’s come up with the ultimate delivery system. After all, the public can’t refuse something they can’t see, hear, or smell. That’s the beauty of a terror toxin that is undetectable by the human senses. And with all of Gotham’s super-villains incarcerated, Batman must hunt down a mystery madman about whom he knows nothing.

            Maybe the Dark Knight should be afraid…because there’s plenty of fear when you go head-to-head with fear itself.

            Whether you read about him in the comics, graphic novels, or watch him on TV or in the theater, there’s something about an actual Batman novel.

            Fear Itself is disturbing to a delicious level. I loved every minute of it and felt like I was right there at my hero’s side, trying to unravel this dark, terror-inducing mystery taking Gotham City by storm—or rather by invisible toxins.

            Michael Reaves and Steven-Elliot Altman make a great team in revealing the dark underbelly of the old haunting grounds of the Dark Knight and his villains. You know Batman always wins, but there are moments where you actually find yourself doubting if we’re going to make it out alive.

            Can anyone—even the Caped Crusader—go toe-to-toe with fear itself?

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: BATMAN: FEAR ITSELF.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com