Review of “The Flying Tigers”

Book Reviews – WWII – WWII Timeline – “The Flying Tigers” eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Sam Kleiner. This is Mr. Kleiner’s first publication.

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 ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story begins just before World War II and lasts until just after it ends. While the primary character is US Army Colonel Claire L. Chennault leader of the Flying Tigers, there are many others whose story is told.

China had been at war with Japan for years and it was suffering. The Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek and his wife approached Chennault in the late 30’s to leave the US and form up a volunteer group to train Chinese pilots. This group eventually evolved into what is now known as the Flying Tigers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers), an all-volunteer combat fighter group. They got their name from the from the shark face painted on the nose of the P-40 fighters that the group flew. This group was recruited before Perl Harbor but flew their first combat mission only a few days later on December 20, 1941. The Flying Tigers did not last long, being disbanded in July of 1942, but it had a significant role in the early months of the war.

While this is not the first book on the Flying Tigers that I have read, I did enjoy the 7+ hours I spent reading this 304 page history. I liked the deep backgrounds that were given on many of the important personalities. I like the cover art. 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).

Review of “Odysseus Ascending”

Book Reviews – “Odysseus Ascendant” eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Evan Currie (http://evancurrie.ca). Mr. Currie has published more than 20 novels. This is the seventh in his “Odyssey 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 ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in the far future. The primary character is Commodore Eric Weston of the Priminae/Earth Alliance.

While Weston is the primary character, the story spends time with several other characters on both sides of the conflict. After two unexpected defeats, the Empire wants to destroy those who have dared to oppose them. As an Empire fleet bears down on Priminae space, Weston and the other allied commanders must find a way to stop them.

Complicating this is the being that was discovered living on the Odysseus in the last book “Odysseus Awakening“. The creature appears as a young boy, yet it has considerable power. Is it the spacecraft embodied, or is it more?

I thoroughly enjoyed this 303 page science fiction novel. I have read most of the series and have enjoyed them all. I like the way the author has spread the story over many characters instead of focussing on just a few. This book reads well enough on its own, but I would recommend starting with the first book in the series. I like the 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).

Review of “Serpents Underfoot”

Book Reviews – “Serpents Underfoot” eBook was published in 2017 and was written by D. C. Gilbert (https://patriotwarrior.org). This is Mr. Gilbert’s first publication.

I received a free copy of this novel from the author 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 the contemporary US. The primary character is the US Navy SEAL JD Cordell.

Cordell comes from a family with a long history of military service. The SEAL team he is a member of raids a terrorist and comes away with information on an ongoing plot. When an old school friend of Cordell’s is killed, he starts digging into the information his friend left behind. That information not only has details of a plot against the US, but it also implies links to a presidential candidate. It becomes a race to see if Cordell and other US forces can thwart the Iranian plot before it is too late.

I enjoyed the 5.5+ hours I spent reading this 269 page thriller. This novel starts with the deep background story of Cordell’s father when he was serving in Viet Nam. It carries forward to JD Cordell’s SEAL Team and other major characters in the plot. Far more background is developed in this novel than you would normally find. I also liked that the characters are down to earth with no “over the top” scenes of heroic combat. I think that the cover art is OK. 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).

Review of “Before Mars”

Book Reviews – “Before Mars” eBook was published in 2018 and wad written by Emma Newman (http://www.enewman.co.uk). Ms. Newman has published 10 novels or novellas. This is the third novel in her “Planetfall” universe.

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 ‘PG’ because it contains Mature Language. The story is set in the near future on a human base on Mars. The primary character is geologist and artist Anna Kubrin.

Kubrin is surprised when she is offered the opportunity to fill the open fifth slot of the current Mars team. For her, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. That is until she arrives. Once she is on Mars she encounters animosity from some team members. She also begins to find evidence that something is very wrong.

Living on Mars with just four other humans on a base owned and operated by one of the wealthiest men on Earth leaves Kubrin with few options. She begins to quietly investigate, but she is sure her efforts will soon be discovered.

I thought that this was an interesting 8.4 hour read of this 352 page science fiction mystery. To me, the Kubrin character was not psychologically stable enough to have been cleared for this Mars mission. I thought that the character spent too much time dealing with her psychological issues. Aside from that, the story was interesting, though a little slow. While part of a series, this novel reads well on its own. The cover art is OK, but I think it could have been better. I give this novel a 3.8 (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).

Review of “The Girl in the Ice”

Book Reviews – “The Girl in the Ice” eBook was published in 2016 and was written by Robert Bryndza (https://robertbryndza.com). Mr. Bryndza has published 13 novels. This is the first in his “Detective Erika Foster” crime thriller novels.

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 modern-day London. The primary character is Detective Erika Foster.

Foster had been on leave. She had led a raid on a suspect’s home and in the process part of her team were killed, including her husband. The police have discovered the body of a young woman frozen in a lake. An old friend of Foster’s persuades her to come back and take the lead of the investigation team. This does not sit well with all of the officers working the case.

The murder investigation is complicated by the fact that the young victim is from a well to do family. As she digs deeper into the case, she finds evidence of three prostitutes being killed in almost an identical fashion. But associating the death of the socialite with the death of the prostitutes does not go over well with her family. This soon, and her brusque style, leads to her being sidelined from the investigation.

As the official investigation stalls, she is able to once again resume the role of leadership. As she narrows in on the killer, she is unaware that the killer had been stalking her. Will she be able to identify the killer before she becomes his next victim?

I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 396 page mystery thriller. I liked the character of Foster. She is a bit flawed and broken, but a tough customer. I will look for more books by Bryndza in this series. I liked the cover art, but to be consistent with the story the frozen dead girl’s eyes should be open. 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).

Review of “The Memory of Fire”

Book Reviews – “The Memory of Fire” eBook was published in 2018 (June) and was written by Callie Bates (http://calliebates.com). This is Ms. Bates’ second novel and the second in her “The Waking Land” 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 ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Situations. The story is set in a fictional world where magic is possible. The primary character is Jahan Korakides, a former Paladisan noble.

Now after Korakides has, with the assistance of his girlfriend Elanna Valtai, won the independence from Paladis of Eden and Caeris (as told in the first volume of the series “The Waking Land“). Korakides travels back to the capital as their ambassador, seeking a peaceful settlement from the Emperor of Paladis. His return sweeps him back into court politics. Not only are there the subtle dangers of court intrigue, but he must hide his magical abilities as they are still outlawed in the Empire.

As tensions rise and the continued independence of Eden and Caeris comes under attack, Korakides must decide how far he can resist before revealing his hidden abilities.

I enjoyed the 11.5+ hours I spent reading this 448 page fantasy. I like the characters and world that Bates has created for these novels. I do think she should have given Korakides a little more strength and heroic nature. The cover art is OK. Certainly, I think it is eye-catching. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Review of “Morning Star, Midnight Sun”

Book Reviews – WWII – “Morning Star, Midnight Sun” eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Jeffrey Cox. Mr. Cox has published two non-fiction books on World War II.

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 ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The book tells the story of the first campaign in the Pacific Theater by the Allies – the invasion of Guadalcanal. The story documents the many mistakes made by both sides during the conflict and emphasizes how important communications is.

I enjoyed the 16 hours I spent reading this 466 page World War II history. I found this book gave me a better understanding of what went on during this first campaign in the Pacific. Given the challenges that faced US forces, I am amazed that the invasion was successful. The book is a little dry and is filled with the numerous names of military personnel and ships on both sides of the conflict. I like the chosen cover art. 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).

Review of “Lady Death”

Book Reviews – “Lady Death” eBook was published in 2018 (I believe that a Russian version was published much earlier, but I have not been able to determine when) and was written in Russian by Lyudmila Pavlichenko. The English version was revised by Martin Pegler. Mr. Pegler had published 16 non-fiction books, all of which deal with the history of firearms.

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 ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story covers the years of World War II at various locations on the Eastern front. It is told from the perspective of the autobiography author, Lyudmila Pavlichenko.

Pavlichenko was the most successful Russian female sniper of World War II with 309 confirmed kills. Some believe her actual total was closer to 500. This is her story, beginning with her as a girl before the war, then covering her exploits during the war and a little of her life afterward. No doubt her academic training as a historian helped immensely with her autobiography.

Her story is filled with a great deal of loyalty to and patriotism for Soviet Russia. I thought that this was a very interesting look at World War II. The Easter European Front is not one I have read a great deal about. Her story is remarkable. Her time with first lady Eleanor Roosevelt while touring the US was very interesting. For a historical autobiography, this read well. I like the chosen cover art. 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).

Review of “Seven Days of Infamy”

Book Reviews – WWII – “Seven Days of Infamy” eBook was published in 2016 and was written by Nicholas Best (http://www.nicholasbest.co.uk). Mr. Best has published more than 20 books and novels.

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 covers the days just before and then following December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Perl Harbor.

While I have read several accounts of the Perl Harbor attack, this non-fiction book brings a different perspective. Most of it focuses on various people around the world and what they were doing when they heard about the attack. These come from a wide range of sources from diverse backgrounds, some Allied and some with the Axis powers. The book touches on many lives with their perspectives on the attack and how it impacted their lives.

A couple of stories are good examples of the variety. One tells of author Edgar Rice Burroughs who was in Hawaii at the time of the attack. He is handed a Springfield rifle and spends the night guarding a group of Japanese civilians aboard their small boats. Another tells of the Japanese embassy officials in Washington DC trying to type out a 15-page document that includes a break in diplomatic relations with the US. This document was supposed to be delivered just before the attack, declaring war. Because of security concerns, typists were not used on the document, but an official who could only “hunt and peck” with two fingers had the task of typing it up. As a result, the declaration was late, delivered well after the attack.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this non-fiction account from World War II. While the was definitely a historical account, this read very easily. This is definitely a book I recommend for anyone interested in World War II. I learned many interesting facts about the attack. The cover art is a reasonable choice. I give this book a 5 out of 5.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

“MacBook Pro Guide” Book

Product Announcement – Tap Guides of Poole, United Kingdom has announced its latest book: MacBook Pro Guide. Brought to you by the expert team at Tap Guides, and written by best-selling technology author Tom Rudderham, MacBook Pro Guide is packed with top tips and in-depth tutorials. You’ll learn about exclusive MacBook Pro features such as the Touch Bar, discover how to use macOS High Sierra and its built-in apps, plus much more. The book is available in both eBook and Paperback formats, exclusively through the Amazon Store.

In many ways, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate Mac. It’s powerful, yet small enough to carry comfortably with one hand. It features a Retina display which makes images, video, and the web look pin-sharp. It can be plugged into a 5K monitor and used as a desktop computer. It’s also a beautiful device to behold. MacBook Pro Guide is the perfect companion for your new Mac. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be an expert in nearly everything MacBook and macOS related.

Inside you’ll discover:

• Everything you need to know about MacBook Pro & High Sierra
• How to set up your Mac
• How to use the Touch Bar and TrackPad
• Detailed app tutorials
• How to edit photos
• Essential settings and configurations
• Troubleshooting tips

Device Requirements:

• Available on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Windows, & Kindle Devices
• eBook Pages: 218 Pages
• Paperback Pages: 184 Pages

MacBook Pro Guide is $5.99 USD in eBook format, and $11.99 in Paperback (or equivalent amount in other currencies), and available worldwide exclusively through the Amazon Store in the Computers category.