Reviews and Comments

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David Scrimshaw Locked account

DScrimshaw@bookwyrm.world

Joined 1 year, 9 months ago

An avid sci-fi and fantasy reader who sometimes does historical fiction or even mainstream.

You might notice that most of my reviews are 5 stars. That's because if I start reading a book that doesn't engage me, I stop reading it. Life is too short. I've realized that it's not fair to review a book I haven't read and nobody really needs to hear why I didn't get into a book especially when they might like it.

My goals with reviews are to be brief and give other potential readers an idea of why they might like the book. I leave it to the marketing people and other reviewers to describe the plots.

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reviewed A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe by Alex White (The Salvagers, #1)

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Alex White: A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe (Paperback, 2018, Orbit)

Boots Elsworth was a famous treasure hunter in another life, but now she's washed up. …

Review of 'A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe' on 'Storygraph'

A fine fast-moving romp. Scratched my space opera itch very well. I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.

reviewed Ship of Smoke and Steel (The Wells of Sorcery Trilogy Book 1) by Django Wexler (duplicate)

Django Wexler (duplicate): Ship of Smoke and Steel (The Wells of Sorcery Trilogy Book 1) (Tor Teen)

Review of 'Ship of Smoke and Steel (The Wells of Sorcery Trilogy Book 1)' on 'Storygraph'

This was pretty heavy for something that is apparently supposed to be "young adult". But it kept me going and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

reviewed Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Yoon Ha Lee: Dragon Pearl (2019, Rick Riordan Presents)

Review of 'Dragon Pearl' on 'Storygraph'

This is very different from Yoon Ha Lee's Machineries of Empire series. Much lighter, and easier to follow.

But Yoon Ha Lee still shows an ability to create characters you want to follow.

reviewed Port of shadows by Glen Cook (A chronicle of the Black Company)

Glen Cook: Port of shadows (2018)

"The soldiers of the Black Company don't ask questions, they get paid. But being "The …

Review of 'Port of shadows' on 'Storygraph'

Gosh it was great to be back with the Croaker and the Black Company, especially in a time before everything was pathologically dark and horrible.

reviewed Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London, #3)

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Ben Aaronovitch: Whispers Under Ground (2012, Orion Publishing Co)

Peter Grant is learning magic fast. And it's just as well - he's already had …

Review of 'Whispers Under Ground' on 'Storygraph'

I like police procedurals and I like urban fantasy and I like London.

Ben Aaronovitch does all three well. This volume in the series was as satisfying as the two previous volumes.

reviewed Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel (The Themis Files, #1)

Sylvain Neuvel, Sylvain Neuvel: Sleeping Giants (2016, Del Rey Books)

A girl named Rose is riding her new bike near her home in Deadwood, South …

Review of 'Sleeping Giants' on 'Storygraph'

This story is told as a series of interviews of the various characters. At first I didn't get into it, stopped reading and read other books. But then I started it again and found myself enjoying it.

I particularly grew to enjoy the emotionless interviewer.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

reviewed Hexed Iron Druid Chronicles Paperback by Luke Daniels

Luke Daniels, Kevin Hearne: Hexed Iron Druid Chronicles Paperback (2011, Del Rey Books)

Review of 'Hexed\r\n \r\n Iron Druid Chronicles Paperback' on 'Storygraph'

I thought I'd wait to read this book, #2 in the series, but I felt too impatient.

I'm liking the series and the use of recurring characters. Ready to read #3, but the library is making me wait.

reviewed Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1) by Kevin Hearne

Kevin Hearne: Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1) (2011, Del Rey Books, Del Rey)

Review of 'Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1)' on 'Storygraph'

I enjoyed the action and druid's sardonic view of the world.

As an added bonus for me, there's a talking dog and he's a delight.

If you're looking for a read that gives you what you get from Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, this is a good place to go.