So here we are in the 'Winterfell' of the Fullmetal universe, Fort Briggs run in a 'survival of the fittest' mode by the superb Major General Olivier So here we are in the 'Winterfell' of the Fullmetal universe, Fort Briggs run in a 'survival of the fittest' mode by the superb Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong and her Northern team. All the cards are on the table with more homunculi emerging, Scar on the loose and the brothers caught between a rock and a hard place. Jeopardy, jeopardy, just give me some jeopardy, with the entire world seemingly against are now shrunken white hat forces, the series has finally got a heart for me, peaked when Winry faced off against Scar! I didn't think I'd get to write this about this series, but here it is, these collected volumes (18 to 21), I rated 8 out of 12, Four Star reads! [image] 2024 read...more
This omnibus collects the best and worse volumes so far! Volume 14 tears it all up as a major conspiracy is revealed and the main characters have to nThis omnibus collects the best and worse volumes so far! Volume 14 tears it all up as a major conspiracy is revealed and the main characters have to navigate in a reality that has turned upside down; only to be followed by volume 15 that summarise the Civil War, but the recollection is prose heavy and one-dimensional with few twists or surprises. A 7 out of 12 Three Star read overall, but with a sense that the main story will really pick up from now. Another 7 out of 12, Three Star jam :) [image] 2024 read...more
The three volumes collected in this omnibus sees alongside new players from the East the opposing sides clash quite often; volume 10 focus on Mustang The three volumes collected in this omnibus sees alongside new players from the East the opposing sides clash quite often; volume 10 focus on Mustang and co with his determination to uncover all by reaching the pinnacle himself; in volume 11 is all about the past in the flesh and in memory; will the brother continue to pursue their joint goals? Volume 12 sees the coalition really take it to the antagonists with forward planning and team working. If I read this in isolation I'm not sure I'd even recommend it, but with so many interesting Goodreads' reviewers loving this series, I think everyone should give it a go, despite me seeing this series lacking any real heart, nuance or real sense of jeopardy! 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
I didn't realise there were omnibus listings of these, but now I have I can reduce the number of reviews I make on this series by using the omnibuses.I didn't realise there were omnibus listings of these, but now I have I can reduce the number of reviews I make on this series by using the omnibuses.: Vol 7 - Al is lured into a trap and captured, can Izumi and Ed extract him from his situation? Vol 8 - Features the shocking emergence of Wrath! Vol 9 - The overall conspiracy becomes more overt, as an ally of the brothers is arrested for murder! I struggle to ever go over Three Stars for this series the good is OK, the longform storytelling, the characters, especially the antagonists, the art is just so-so, am struggling to interpret the action scenes; still I am committed to reading it all. [image] 2024 read...more
In which the brothers continue their origin story that lead them to how they are today. An early origin story kind of sits well, so the entire series In which the brothers continue their origin story that lead them to how they are today. An early origin story kind of sits well, so the entire series won't be centred around drip-feeding it. Such a key story easily makes it the best volume for me so far - a 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024...more
Winry and the brothers touch down in automail heaven where they come across a very annoying pickpocket and her automail team; where we first meet IzumWinry and the brothers touch down in automail heaven where they come across a very annoying pickpocket and her automail team; where we first meet Izumi Curtis and; the first half of the brothers' backstory is shared in detail. Although this felt like a lot of backfill storytelling, I now have found myself truly immersed in this reality now that I've got used to the artwork and humour. Another 6.5 out of 12 Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Nothing like some angst, conspiracy and murder to turn a series up! The brothers are at odds with each other to a degree and Winry their childhood friNothing like some angst, conspiracy and murder to turn a series up! The brothers are at odds with each other to a degree and Winry their childhood friend is also in the mix as they look to get more intel. Meanwhile supporting cast member Hughes has worked out HUGE intel that can shake this reality, but can he get to share it? Jeopardy, jeopardy, jeopardy, the chance of real jeopardy is what makes a series for me, and this volume is full of it; especially as I get more acclimatised to the art. A top series ranking 7 out of 12, high Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
The Elric brothers travel back to their home town for recuperation before returning to their quest where they face a life or death battle against guarThe Elric brothers travel back to their home town for recuperation before returning to their quest where they face a life or death battle against guardians! This volume sees the introduction of their female 'team' mechanic Winry, we learn more about Mustang and the dark past of the Alchemists. As I get used to the art, the series gets easier to enjoy, Admittedly my favourite characters at this point are the antagonists Lust, Gluttony and Envy! ....But it is the Alchemists' backstory that has me so much more fascinated that the quest for the Stone at the moment. A 6.5 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
The brothers' search for a remedy to their 'fullmetal' situations sees them visit a bio-alchemy authority, but things don't turn out anything like theThe brothers' search for a remedy to their 'fullmetal' situations sees them visit a bio-alchemy authority, but things don't turn out anything like they expected; meanwhile someone is viciously killing state alchemists! I found the first volume of this series underwhelming, but this volume has the series heading in the right direction for me now; with more definitive character and reality building, more restrained humour and the full introduction of the supporting cast, as well as a delightfully dangerous antagonist. 7 out of 12 Three Stars this time. :) [image] 2024...more
A key book for the Krakoan X-Men era; with X Lives seeing Wolverine assume his past lives in a race to stop an antagonist killing the ancestors of a kA key book for the Krakoan X-Men era; with X Lives seeing Wolverine assume his past lives in a race to stop an antagonist killing the ancestors of a key mutant! The slightly better and more essential Deaths continues the Inferno storyline, which is the key story being told in this era. I think it was a poor idea to market this as a Wolverine book, as it is a very much a flagship X-book with key roles for the likes of Xavier and Jean Grey. A great overall concept but the plot of Lives is one already heavily mined within Marvel. Yet another Krakoan-Hickman era seemingly deeply research for personal histories and poorly researched for characterisation. A strong Two Starred 5 out 12 rating from me. [image] 2024 read...more
This is the fifteenth book I’ve read by Grisham this year and he’s still entertaining me, although to be completely transparent I should say that therThis is the fifteenth book I’ve read by Grisham this year and he’s still entertaining me, although to be completely transparent I should say that there is little too much commonality with The Partner, as this is also about a lone man taking on the federal government, although in this case the main protagonist is an African American. Wrongly convicted former lawyer, is in an open prison in the fifth year of his ten year sentence when he hears news of the brutal murder of a judge; he surprises the FBI when he tells them that for freedom, immunity and the reward money he can give them the killer; a killer that they have found zero trace of! This is the fascinating story of a trained lawyer playing cat and mouse with the federal authorities. This was such a fun read with the story taking multiple left turns. Another Grisham 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Edward Elric and younger brother Alphonse lost so much for daring to challenge life itself, and now seek the Philosopher's Stone to repair the damagesEdward Elric and younger brother Alphonse lost so much for daring to challenge life itself, and now seek the Philosopher's Stone to repair the damages caused to themselves. In these first four chapters we get their origin, their role as State Alchemists and adventures on their quest from cultist through to hostage takers. All-in-all, I struggled with art whenever it was use to display emotion or action, the comedy is really juvenile and plotting trite. The reality itself is thin at the moment although I do like the ideas around the Alchemists. This needs to get a lot better for me to enjoy it! A mere 4 out of 12 Two Stars from me. [image] 2024 read...more
Hashtag Black Love London-born couple Ola and Michael are a month away from their over-the-top Ghanaian and Nigerian themed wedding when The List is sHashtag Black Love London-born couple Ola and Michael are a month away from their over-the-top Ghanaian and Nigerian themed wedding when The List is shared online; a list of toxic men and their crimes in the entertainment industry in London; Michael’s name is on the list with a summary of his deeds! Ola has built a career in calling out toxic masculinity, what will she do now? [image] This was a compelling read, just for the sake of really wanting to know what happens next as soon as possible. It did feel like a lot of the story was pushed in specific directions by the writer, in that it didn’t feel organic. Overall, a conflicting read that probably needs rereading to get the most of. I liked the writer pointing out how so many toxic Black men pull out the race card to counterattack their accusers. In a way the book replicates the reality where male pain is seemingly more important and relevant than female pain. Still the most essential reason why this is a very good read is because it got me taking a deeper look at my rationales, thoughts and views on male toxicity and abused woman’s lack of reporting pathways. A solid 8 out of 12 Four Star read, thank you so much Yomi. [image] 2024 read...more
So this it, the end of a phenomenal ride. The last four volumes (34 to 37) of the superb speculative fiction horror reality that is Gantz. What do youSo this it, the end of a phenomenal ride. The last four volumes (34 to 37) of the superb speculative fiction horror reality that is Gantz. What do you want at the end of a series really? Let's be honest ideally we want is full closure and on this Gantz completely delivers with all questions answered, world shattering conflict, glorious sacrifices, great wins, love, reunions and above all a most beautifully crafted final battle scene. [image] Let's start on the negatives about this series: the bizarre sexual image exploitation of mostly young and buxom female characters; the at times hard to determine what's going on artwork; and the multiple plot-gaps, wher4 for once a bit of exposition would have helped. [image] The good is very good; a wonderfully created speculative fiction horror constructed reality that is so well paced as the horror escalates throughout the series. Somehow the creators also managed a fair amount of character development for many of their protagonists. The peak thing about this series tis the creativity around the look and feel of the non-human antagonists, sublime! Very much written for a global audience this very much a highly recommended jumping on point for manga. A 8.5 out of 12, Four Star sumptuous manga delight :) [image] 2024...more
More hyper hyped Gantz adventure as they players struggle to survive in their warped reality. Can the couple ever be reunited? There are also huge chaMore hyper hyped Gantz adventure as they players struggle to survive in their warped reality. Can the couple ever be reunited? There are also huge changes for Gantz itself. And just 'cos the creators are so great at creating them we get some new wonderfully dark alien threats on top of the dominant Giant race. I can't believe that over 330 chapters (33 volumes!) in I am completely enthralled by this monstrous speculative fiction work. 8 out of 12 Four Star jam. [image] 2024 read...more
The three volumes (28-30) collected in this omnibus are all about the 'Katastrophe' a global extinction event. Volume 28 details the attack on Japan, The three volumes (28-30) collected in this omnibus are all about the 'Katastrophe' a global extinction event. Volume 28 details the attack on Japan, volume 29 details an attempted fightback by our players and volume 30 sees a crazy chase as our main protagonist looks to find and save the one they love! The aliens in this arc a sight to behold, such well conceived and drawn: [image] This 'Katastrophe' phase of Gantz really puts the series even firmer on the map for me; instead of the presumable whole Gantz reveal the entire series takes a left turn, and what a delight; the art continues to fascinate and scare; easily the best manga I've ever read. 8 out 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
DC Ffion Morgan book 2: This very much Summer read thriller has all the right ingredients; set in North Wales in a small community that unwittingly plDC Ffion Morgan book 2: This very much Summer read thriller has all the right ingredients; set in North Wales in a small community that unwittingly plays host to a national phenomenon of a reality TV show called Exposure, where the winner takes it all, and each loser will have had a huge secret revealed on air in what is essentially a ‘Game of Lies’. With so much at stake, what lengths will the contestants go to, to protect their reputations? [image] Perfectly weighted with its characterisations, tension, humour, mystery and action, this is a perfect Summer read. It came as no surprise to find out the writer Claire Mackintosh, was a former police officer. 7 out of 12 Three Star read, [image] 2024 read...more
Close to the American-Mexican border, young game hunter Moss comes across the scene of a drug deal gone wrong and finds himself alone in the desert wiClose to the American-Mexican border, young game hunter Moss comes across the scene of a drug deal gone wrong and finds himself alone in the desert with a suitcase containing a life-changing amount of money, so he takes it; as he works his way back to his car he is shot at; thus begins the hunting of the hunter by multiple forces looking for the money, the drugs or just him. Local sheriff Tom Bell mostly turns up at each incident, once the corpses have cooled off, he sort of guesses what's going on and strives to get Moss to come in. Amongst the forces trying to get to Moss, there appears to be a lone wolf, who is more than happy to cause collateral murders in his hunt. [image]This neo-western crime thriller is a peerless piece of work, from the sparse, but well applicable to the story, writing style (it had origins as a screenplay) to the characterisation master-classes., through to every page being chock-full of suspense conveyed by all. With an unforgettable antagonist representing the irrepressible winds of change via a dispassion not seen since the likes of God knows when; an artfully created sheriff on the cusp of realising the end of the American Dream is already here; and a truly classic rendition of 'good Western cowboy' in Moss, whose seemingly pragmatic world view is slowly revealed as still being self idealised; we have a perfectly balanced view of this immense tale via these three viewpoints; a tale which for me was really not only about the impact of the illegal drug business on the American Dream, but also about the inevitability of the destruction of that Dream; and the questioning if it ever existed in the first place. I got fully immersed with this easily digestible great American novel, from the first sentence. This is a book that I strongly urge you to read, if you haven't done so already. 10 out of 12, Five Star read... ALL THE STARS! [image] 2024 read...more
Three more volumes of this intense series are collected in this omnibus. Volume 25 sees the highest ever ranking alien, Nurarihyon still rampaging andThree more volumes of this intense series are collected in this omnibus. Volume 25 sees the highest ever ranking alien, Nurarihyon still rampaging and only the Tokyo players are left to combat it; volume 26 sees the sense shattering apocalyptic warning overrides everyone's downtime; and volume 27 truly turns it up with not only the start of another alien mission, but the confirmation of other players and off-key of all, a bizarre duplication! The series has huge rumblings of a dramatic change of focus, with the journo investigating Gantz, the 'game' rolling more into the mainstream reality and a realisation that Gantz itself might be a lot bigger than the players realised! By the end of volume 27, the series has taken a new path that the creators have drawn and plotted so well that it all feels organic. So much going on, all making sense, all hugely entertaining and the deep diving ongoing mystery. What's not to like? 8 out 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
This darkly comedic yet literary work follows a number of vile men, including a fictional King of the UK, in what appear to be disparate stories; one This darkly comedic yet literary work follows a number of vile men, including a fictional King of the UK, in what appear to be disparate stories; one set on a plane(!), another in the Palace, another in a Californian porn town(!) etc, as well as all over London. Google will tell you that Amis' intention was with this work, as it's probably something more high brow that what I determined was a satirical look at Neanderthal man's place in the 21st century ? I can see why the literary classes, the enfranchised, hated this book, and poured scathing all over it; because it takes risks, is innovative and also features a number of working class characters. I feel the disparity and jumping from story to story and lack of an overall cohesive plot dampened my enjoyment of this book, although I did read the entire second half on a Saturday afternoon. For me this is a 7 out of 12, conformity pushing Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
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