Book Reviews: "The Immortal Doc Holliday" series by M. M. Crumley

 Soul eating tattoo. Check

Self-replicating knife. Check
Two-hundred-year-old score to settle. Double check.
Meet the immortal Doc Holliday.

Lying on his deathbed, Dr. John Holliday was offered a choice; let the tuberculosis finish its work or accept immortality. Doc chose the latter, knowing full well that such “gifts” don’t come cheap, but damned if the last two hundred years haven’t been a blast. Partying, playing, fighting, killing; yes, eternal life’s been good... But the time to get serious has finally come, and the task he’s always known he was saved for is at hand.
Now in modern-day Denver, Doc will be pushed to his limits to keep his promise and save the missing descendent of the beautiful shaman who gave him everlasting life. The trouble is things aren’t going as planned, and it’s becoming clear that there is far more at stake than Doc bargained for...

Fans of edgy Urban Fantasy look no further! If you’re into badass, morally ambiguous, anti-heroes that don’t flinch at killing bad guys (and stealing their souls) then this is the book for you! It has the perfect blend of supernatural action, humor, and mystery that you crave. - from Goodreads.com

The above is the picture and description of the first book in this series. I just completed book seven, which seemed to be the last of the series. Thankfully, at the end of the story, there was a note of the next book coming out, which I found will be January 2023, and also a 9th book, set for February 2023. So there will be a bit more to this series! On to the regular stuff...

These all were a fairly quick read for me, as they are not overly long. The story takes place in modern day Denver, a place where there are Hidden areas of the city that hide those species/people with what normals would call 'magic' of some sort. Doc Holliday is a rich man (due to the years of luck and gambling I am sure) and owns a hotel, and has a missioin to accomplish. From the illustrated cover, one can see how 'dashing and handsome' he is, as if there were immortals that weren't this good looking.

There is sarcasm. There is snarky, cussing, seduction, plus so much more (and MAGIC!) in the stories. Each book continues on the same timeline, though, if there is any major time difference, it is mentioned, or it isn't necessary. Crumley has done a wonderful job of creating a story of character from the Old West, to a modern day urban fantasy. I like how he has created Doc as a character with a completely different "magic set" than others, and yet retains his snark-isms, as I picture from the movie of Wyatt Earp - the one with Val Kilmer in it. Throw in some love-making on the side, friends that cuss you out becasue they care, and you'll be snickering as you read, as I did.

#TheImmortalDocHolliday

Book Review: "Armored" by Mark Greaney

 

Joshua Duffy is a Close Protection Agent—a professional bodyguard—and he's one of the world's elite operatives. That is, he was until his last mission in Lebanon. Against all odds, Josh got his primary out alive, but the cost was high. Josh lost his lower left leg. 
 
There's not much call for an elite bodyguard with such an injury. So, Josh has to support his family working as a mall cop in New Jersey. For a man like Josh, this is purgatory on earth, but miracles can occur even in Paramus. 
 
A lucky run-in with an old comrade promises to get Josh back in the field for one last job. The UN is sending a peace mission into the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico, an area so dangerous it's known as Espinazo del Diablo—the Devil's Spine. Only a fool would think they could broker peace between the homicidal drug cartels in the region, and only a madman would sign on to keep those fools alive. - from Netgalley.com

Thanks to NetGalley.com and the publisher,Berkley Publishing Group, for a copy of this novel to read and review. All opinions that follow are truly my own.

This is the possibly first book in a new series from Greaney, who authored The Gray Man series of books prior. I say possibly, because some book sites list it as a #1 Joshua Duffy, and others do not. Either way, it is a stand-alone if the series does not happen, or if you just want to read it.

After having read all the books in The Gray Man series, I was expecting something somewhat similar in this book. In some ways I was not surprised. There is quite a bit of military slang and tech terms, but Greaney manages to write it in a way that I thought I could understand the different between a Glock 9mm and an AK47 without a lot of wasted detail. The story itself is pretty straight forward, containing the usual near-misses and heroic escapes the main characters usually have happen. Side characters weren't filled out too much, as most die off anyways.

There were a few things I liked, one of which was the main characters wife, Nikki, who is such a supportive spouse - not only during the time Duff was recovering from the leg loss, but just in general. And the lengths that she went for him! At some point, it may be interesting if Greaney would do some sort of side novella, or even a book, about Nikki, as her story seemed to catch my attention a bit as well. I liked that story actually seemed plausible, though a bit unlikely. Also I add, that I truly have no idea how the private security firms work in dealing with jobs like this out of country.

There was not anything in the story I could think to dislike. I do admit, I really don't see another story for a series would lead, but I have been surprised before by authors. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys action/military/thriller type books.

#NetGalley #Armored #MarkGreaney

Book Review: Heir of Blood and Secrets" by Linda Xia

 

“We’re all complicit in things we regret. Sometimes, we just do what we must.”

In the city-state of Devovea, behind the walls of the Castle, Scylla Delevan waits for a chance to prove herself. When a Magistrate is murdered and her father stands accused of the crime, she eagerly sets out to prove his innocence. As she races to find the real killer before it is too late, she begins to unearth dangerous secrets that could throw the fragile balance of her city into chaos. In too deep to turn back, Scylla is forced to question all she has ever known and choose between what is expected of her and what is right.

Family loyalty and personal beliefs collide as Scylla navigates a dystopian world divided by race and gender. Heir of Blood and Secrets will challenge you to consider how far you are willing to go—and what you are willing to sacrifice—to forge a better world.- from Goodreads.com

A big thanks to Linda Xia who provided me with a copy of her novel in exchange for a review.

Young Adult novels are generally not my first choice when looking for something to read. It's not that they are usually written in a way that is easier to read, or that they have main characters that are teens faced with the crisis of growing older while trying to solve a problem. I would have to say it is just mainly because I cannot relate to their plight(s) though I have lived through those formulative years (quite some time ago). That being stated, let's get on to the past few days as I pondered what to put here.

'Heir of Blood and Secrets' actually caught my attention early on in the story. There is murder, a suspected somewhat high-ranking official, whose daughter completely believes is innocent, therefore sets off to prove that innocence. As most YA stories go, the main character has some "new" relaities to face, and make decisions from, as she learns that the world of adults is more complex and complicated than she ever imagined - and more sinister. Scylla also learns that it is harder to commit to doing what you believe is right, and the thought of "what is right for all".

The story is set  in what I thought as of a somewhat futuristic time similar to that here on Earth. It is in a very large city environment, that seems to have some technology ahead of ours, yet somethings seem a bit behind our times. There is a definite line between financial classes that is even evident in what level one lives on in the city, with the upper/ruling class at the top and going down. Scylla, our main character, is in the upper teir, and though has traveled to the middle sections, has not really experienced Life in the lower levels. She has made a friend there though, who helps reveal things as they truly are. 

So the story in general is somewhat interesting. Our main character is definitely improving as the story progresses, with having to realize truths/lies that were taken for granted in her growing years. She learns about making alliances, and somewhat of the costs that go with dealing with certain things. We learn about the 'government' and sort of how it is set up, I think similar to Britain's monarchy, with a Queen, and a Consul that votes policy and actions. There is not mcuh political in the story except that which our characters have to deal with (the father being a senator-type and the MC a heriditary of that position).

World building seemed pretty easy. City setting with levels that get poorer as they descend. I do not recall much outside this setting except that there appear to be other cities (similar to this one?) that wage war on other cities. There is one part of the story that mentions the need for more military to prevent this attack from another city. Then countered with more military to control the poor masses. Sounds sort of similar to the US? Sometimes a little too much.

Overall, I think this novel was written to lead into at least another book or two. I think the story could flesh out pretty well into a trilogy. My interest was kept in the story, though there were times I would do an eyeroll for the decisions made (by a younger aged character). I would love to learn more about outside the actual city - is it a barren wasteland between cities? Is there a natural resource issue? Are the cities more like city-states-countries? Do they war for resources of different political styles? Or did I miss that in my reading (rather forgot after reading it)? Characters were pretty much what I was expecting, afterall, they are teenagers in general. I thought it better for the story having our MC and her friend having to attend a "public" school versus the "private" one the upper echelons would send their kids to. I defintely would recommend this book.

#HeirofBloodandSecrets

Book Review: "Sierra Six" by Mark Greaney

 

It’s been years since the Gray Man’s first mission, but the trouble’s just getting started in the latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Before he was the Gray Man, Court Gentry was Sierra Six, the junior member of a CIA action team.

In their first mission they took out a terrorist leader, at a terrible price. Years have passed. The Gray Man is on a simple mission when he sees a ghost: the long-dead terrorist, but he’s remarkably energetic for a dead man. 

A decade of time hasn’t changed the Gray Man. He isn’t one to leave a job unfinished or a blood debt unpaid. -from Edelweiss.com

This is the 11th book in the Gray Man series by this author, and having read all the prior novels, I think this is one of my favorite ones from the series. I'll try not to drop any type of spoiler in my short review, but be prepared there may be one, or two.

So the Gray Man, Court Gentry, we have seen for several stories, has been an independent hire, but he had to get his start from somewhere and this is s decent part of that background story, as well as a current job he is on. It was said earlier how he and Hightower had met, through the Sierra Team (Six was Gentry's call-sign) and this story takes us back to how that came to be: twelve years in the past. The tale is unravelled as is moves forward, with a current day job presents a face from Gentry's past. A face that wants to kill millions, that Gentry, once again, needs to attempt to stop.

As I mentioned above, this has got to be the best story of Gray Man I have read, mainly because there is so much more background "fleshed out" on the main character. We learn how he and Hightower met, the whole call-sign thing, why he works alone, and maybe, a glimpse of a first love. His childhood story, I don't think there is much more there, than the few casual comments the author uses, and makes me wonder if this may be one of the last books in this series. We finally have answers about the past of the Gray Man.

The language of the book was easy enough to read. Character development was big for the main character, but there wasn't much on any of the others. Most of the events seemed realistic, though you always have your hero near misses and exact timing opportunities. Would love to see another book or two in this series, but I don't so any decent reason to send this aging merc back out into the world.

Thanks to Edelweiss, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read this early copy, and provide my badly worded opinion on it.

#SierraSix #Edelweiss

Book Reviews: Rogue Angel Series by Alex Archer (and others) (up to book 30)

 

An ancient order tied to the Vatican…A blood fortune buried in the caves of France…A conspiracy of power, greed and darkest evil…

Archaeologist and explorer Annja Creed’s fascination with the myths and mysteries of the past leads her to a crypt in the caves of France, where the terrifying legend of the Beast of Gevaudin hints at the unimaginable. What she discovers is shattering: an artifact that will seal her destiny; a brotherhood of monks willing to murder to protect their secret; and a powerful black-market occultist desperate to put his own claim to centuries-old blood money. Annja embarks on a high-tension race across Europe and history itself, intent on linking the unholy treachery of the ages with the staggering revelations of the present. But she must survive the shadow figures determined to silence her threat to their existence. - from Goodreads.com

This series has been keeping me busy much of the past few weeks. A little background on this series: Alex Archer is a 'house name', and the books are actually written by several authors over the course of the 61 books currently in the series. Currently I am on book #30, so this review is covering more of the series overall, than each book (too much writing for me). I did include the cover, and ploy outline for book #1 above, to see if you are interested in reading.

A young, educated, beautiful woman finds a missing piece to an infamous sword and becomes Joan of Arc re-incarnated in the current day and age. Well, not re-incarnated, but able to mystically carry an old British style broad sword and make it appear/disappear at will, this sword that was supposedly Joan's. Also she meets Roux and Garin, who claim to have lived since Joan's time, over 500 years prior.

Annja is an archeologist at heart, but was offered a job on a television show called Chasing History's Monsters which help in some of these books by providing her a place to search out a fabled monster, which usually leads into a new escapade. Not all of the stories have ruthless bad men trying to thwart Annja's every move, but it happens. The treasures and stories she does seek out, also don't always end up like we think they would.

Each of this books are able to be read as a stand-alone, but by reading them in order, you get a better feel for how Annja 'becomes one' with the magic of the sword, and learns it powers and capabilities. Also, the relationships between Roux, Garin and Annja as it develops over time. Each book does focus on an artifact, or treasure, or fable, from history or mythology.

I really enjoy most of these stories. There is usually some good action, be it fighting or just daring the traps of the location they are in. Sort of like a James bond spy-type and Indiana Jones movies bashed into each other. In a few there are some brief romance scenes, but for Annja, most of her time is spent dealing with what comes her way, rather than settling down - if the sword would let her. Reading the books through in order, you can see a different writing style, as the authors switch back and forth throughout. But each is still a fairly fast read, and easily understood. Young Adults would be able to enjoy without worries of sexual scenes, or explicit foul language throughout.

Overall I recommend if you like action stories with a bit of history/mythology and lots of guessing as to if it is true or not. I was able to finish usually one book in about a three hour period, so maybe plan an afternoon for a book!

Posting Variables - or Why the Gaps?

 I know I have had some gaps in my reviews, and the main reason is I don't have to the time to sit and wrote one for every book I read. Counter-productive to what I want to enter in this blog, I know, but it is what it is. I DO make entries for all books I receive an ARC for, or any copy of, from the author, publisher, or other source. Yes I should take the time and at least use the practice, by including all the books I read ... We will see....

Presently, I will try my best to at least once a week, get in some of the books I have read (usually around 2 a week, sometimes more). It will probably be Saturdays, unless the Doodad (my granddaughter) needs a visit from her Papaw, in which case, it may be two weeks.

Thanks for stopping by to read my very bad opinions.

Ralphd00d

Book Review: "Cold As Hell" by Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle

 

In the West, there are worse things to fear than bandits and outlaws.

Demons. Monsters. Witches. James Crowley’s sacred duty as a Black Badge is to hunt them down and send them packing, banish them from the mortal realm for good.

He didn’t choose this life. No. He didn’t choose life at all.

Shot dead in a gunfight many years ago, now he’s stuck in purgatory, serving the whims of the White Throne to avoid falling to Hell. Not quite undead, though not alive either, the best he can hope for is to work off his penance and fade away.

This time, the White Throne has sent him to investigate a strange bank robbery in Lonely Hill. An outlaw with the ability to conjure ice has frozen and shattered open the bank vault and is now on a spree, robbing the region for all it’s worth.

In his quest to track down the ice-wielder and suss out which demon is behind granting a mortal such power, Crowley finds himself face-to-face with hellish beasts, shapeshifters, and, worse … temptation. But the truth behind the attacks is worse than he ever imagined …

The Witcher meets The Dresden Files in this weird Western series by the Audible number-one bestselling duo behind Dead Acre. - from Netgalley.com

So, This is book one in the Black Badge series. The Dead Acre mentioned in the plot description above, seems to be in the same story line as this book, but I have no idea where in the series it would go, and I had not read it. Either way, let's get down to the thoughts as I picked this one up.

I didn't really like it. Within the first few pages, it reminded me very much like another book I had read previously called Blood Oath, in that the main character has a superpower that helps him reclaim justice/vengeance on the bad, all directed by a higher power authority. This was just in the first handful of pages. I set this one aside for a week, and tried to pick it back up. Each time, I might make it a few pages further, but just could not stay interested. I admit. I did not finish it.

Overall, I did like the idea of a fantasy western. Over the last few years, I have come across a couple that were good reads, but it is a genre not written in often. I truly believe if there had been more time between my reading the other book and this one, I would have been able to offer a different opinion. I guess I felt that there were just too many similar things, in my memory, of these stories, and I felt that jaded this one a bit.

Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read this ARC and to share my opinion about the story.

#NetGalley #ColdAsHell