See my other Robot related posts) – It was only a few years ago when I watched a robot challenge where simply standing up and walking was an achievement. Seeing these Boston Dynamics Robots dance around shows how far they have come. It makes me really wonder what I will be seeing in 2030!
Monthly Archives: December 2020
Book Review: “Covert Radio Agents, 1939–1945: Signals From Behind Enemy Lines”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author David Hebditch published the book “Covert Radio Agents, 1939–1945: Signals From Behind Enemy Lines” in 2021 (April). Mr. Hebditch has published three books.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘G’. The book tells the stories of several covert radio agents acting behind enemy lines in WWII. Most served in the European Theater of Operations, but a few are from the Pacific.
Included is a chapter that provides many details on the equipment used. Details of the procedures are also included. Allied agents followed strict rules to send and encrypt their messages. The German radio direction finding units had their own rules to follow.
I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 320-page WWII history. I had read about some of the activities before, but this book certainly contained a lot of new material. I found the technical details towards the end of the book to be particularly interesting. You will find this book of special interest if you are researching SOE & OSS activities during the war. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this book a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
- The “World War II Sources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 500 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
- The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
- The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
Book Review: “The Saints of Salvation”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Peter F. Hamilton published the novel “The Saints of Salvation” in 2020. He has published more than 20 novels. This is the third novel in his “The Salvation Sequence” series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence and mature language. The story is set in the far future. The Olyix have attacked Earth and several other worlds. They have a religious mission. They want to bring all sentient life to its God at the End of Time.
There are several characters that play an important role in this novel. The time span covers many years. A very secret spy mission takes some of the characters deep into the Olyix domain. They are part of the key to defeating the Olyix, providing a signal for humanity to follow.
Humanity has gathered a fleet like no other. They are about to attack the Olyix. If they fail, humanity, if it survives, will be relegated to the dark spaces between the stars.
I enjoyed the 16+ hours I spent reading this 516-page science fiction novel. The novel seemed to have a slow start. it did get much better after the first 25%. I found it a little hard to read as it jumped around in time. It definitely makes far more sense if you have read the prior books. I, fortunately, have read book 2 “Salvation Lost”. I like the cover art, though it doesn’t relate to the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
Book Review: “The Linden Tree”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author S.D.M. Carpenter published the novel “The Linden Tree” in 2020.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is an alternative history of WWII. In this ‘universe’ the Japanese never attack Perl Harbor and the Nazis develop nuclear weapons first.
There are two primary characters in this novel. Luftwaffe General Peter von Zimmermann and British SOE agent Emelia Ramsour-Fritsch. Zimmermann is a decorated veteran from WWI. Now he is one of the top bomber pilots in the Luftwaffe. He is chosen to drop the first nuclear weapon on the UK.
Germany immediately threatens both the UK and the US with further nuclear attacks. The British publicly submit. Secretly they mount a search for the German weapons program. Ramsour-Fritsch travels to Switzerland taking on the role of a socialite. She makes her way to Berlin where she meets Zimmermann.
At first, she is just playing her role, but before long true romance develops. As the German ME-264 heavy bomber becomes operational, all of the UK and the East Coast of the US come within range. Can the Nazis be stopped before they dominate the world?
I thoroughly enjoyed the 12+ hours I spent reading this 355-page WWII Alternative History novel. The author was able to integrate many facts from WWII into the novel. The characters were believable and the plot interesting. The cover art is simple but I like it. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
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If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
- The “World War II Sources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 500 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
- The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
- The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
Book Review: “Heir of Lies”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Mallory McCartney (https://www.authormallorymccartney.com) published the novel “Heir of Lies” in 2020. Ms. McCartney has published three novels and this is the first of her “Black Dawn” series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in a fantasy world. The main characters are late teens Emory Fae, Adair Stratton, Brokk Foster, and Memphis Carter.
All four have been students at The Academy, a school for those with special abilities. Stratton has always been a loaner and a little feared for what he could do. He was tolerated mostly because his parents were close to the Fae’s and founders of The Academy.
King and Prince Maher arrive from the Shattered Isles demanding a new treaty with Kiero. Soon afterward, there is a revolt. The Academy is destroyed. The four main characters find themselves on opposing sides.
The 14+ hours I spent reading this 456-page fantasy novel were interesting. I liked the plot concept, but it seemed to head in too many different directions. It needed more of a focus. The cover art does not connect with the story. I think that a better choice could have been made. I give this novel a 3 out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
USA, Florida, Orlando – Slate Orlando Restaurant
While we were recently in Florida we stopped at Slate Orlando for lunch. We picked it from an Internet search and we were very pleased with the results. Slate is located at 8323 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando, Fl. It is a little hidden away.
They offer separate Brunch and Dinner menus. We ordered from the Brunch menu. I had the Southwest Burrito (Sausage, Cheddar Scrambled Eggs, Poblano Peppers, Salsa). It was very good. All in our party enjoyed their orders.
There were few people there when we arrived, but by noon it was beginning to fill up. The interior was spacious and modern. The waiter we had provided excellent service.
We plan to visit again the next time we are in Orlando. If you are in the area I recommend it.
See my other Food & Location posts
Book Review: “Archangel One”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Evan Currie (http://evancurrie.ca) published the novel “Archangel Rising” in 2020. Mr. Currie has published nearly 20 novels. This is the second novel in his “Archangel One” series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in the far future. This is the continuing story of the Archangel Squadron.
This mission is different for the Archangels. Captain Steph Michaels and his crew take the role of privateers. They have established themselves in the Free Star systems. His latest task is to seize an enemy outpost rich in precious minerals. The simple mission turns more difficult when he realized thousands of hostages are held at the outpost. Michaels’ decision makes the Archangels more vulnerable to the Free Star forces. It also brings unwanted attention from the Empire.
I enjoyed the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 281-page science fiction novel. I have read several of Currie’s other novels and they are all very enjoyable. While Michaels is the primary character, several other characters are significant. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
Book Review: “Blame the Dead”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Ed Ruggero (http://edruggero.com) published the novel “Blame the Dead” in 2020. This is his first novel, but he has published a few non-fiction books.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence, Mature Language, and Mature Situations. The story is set in WWII Sicily. The Primary character is US Army First Lieutenant Eddie Harkins. He is a former Philadelphia beat cop who is now in the Military Police.
Harkins has most been dealing with minor issues – traffic, drunkenness, fighting. Suddenly he finds himself appointed as the investigator for a murder. After an air raid on the US Army’s 11th Field Hospital occurs, the body of a surgeon is found.
At this time in 1943, Sicily is a war zone. The hospital is relatively near the front lines. The hospital is dealing with heat, dirt, the threat of a German counterattack, and a flood of wounded GIs. There are many who don’t like Harkins digging into their business. he is wondering if he is over his head with the investigation.
The only good thing about it is the chance it gives him to reacquaint with nurse Kathleen Donnelly. Donnelly is a childhood friend from his neighborhood in Philadelphia. She may be growing into more than an old friend!
The obstacles everyone is throwing at Harkins gives him little hope. The hospital staff seems to have many secrets. When he and those closest to him become targets, Harkins resolves to find the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 8.5+ hours I spent reading this 330-page WWII mystery. I liked the Harkin character and the setting of the mystery. I think that the author has done a good job weaving details of WWII into his story. I look forward to reading further novels in this series. The cover art is OK but seems to have little connection to the story. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
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If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
- The “World War II Sources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 500 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
- The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
- The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
macOS App Review: “MacLampsX”
I like to try out new Mac Apps that I come across. One that I found today is MacLampsX. This one seemed appropriate for the season.
What does it do? it puts a border of Christmas lights and ornaments around the perimeter of your Mac computer screen. It can also simulate snow on the screen.
This is a ‘just for fun’ App. It doesn’t do anything other than bring some Christmas spirit to your display. The App has been around for a few years. At lease since 2005. It has been updated (version 3.0b3) recently enough to run without problem on macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. A few ‘third-party’ downloads are available with add-on bulb types so that you can customize your display.
if you want to make your desktop more of the Holiday season, this is an App you should try.
Pros
- Free
- Works on multiple monitors
- Can be customized many ways
Cons
- Does not seem to work on multiple workspaces
Further Reading
Visit my macOS Software Directory page and find new software for your Mac. Currently, there are over 750 titles indexed with more than 240 available for FREE https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/macos-software/
See my other macOS posts
Book Review: “The Resistance in Western Europe, 1940–1945 (European Perspectives: A Series in Social Thought and Cultural Criticism)”
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Olivier Wieviorka published the book “The Resistance in Western Europe, 1940–1945 (European Perspectives: A Series in Social Thought and Cultural Criticism)” in 2019.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘G’. This book tells the story of the various resistance organizations in Western Europe during WWII. It also covers how the Allies dealt with them.
The book covers the resistance movements in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Italy. It does not focus so much on the activities of the resistance units. It mostly looks at the political and administrative aspects.
I enjoyed the 16+ hours I spent reading this 447-page history. This was a very long read! It comes across as a very academic work. This also means that it was a bit of a struggle to read. I found that I could only dedicate 60-90 minutes at a time to it. This is perfect if you want to know more about what went on behind the scene. The cover art is OK but does not seem to portray the book content well. I give this book a 3.5 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
– – – –
If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
- The “World War II Sources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 500 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
- The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
- The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
John's Notes 