Triple Review

Today we have three different books to review, so let's get started.

Combat Frame XSEED: Coalition Year 40

By Brian Niemeier

I previously reviewed the first part in this series here. To recap, the first book was brilliant, and set the series off to a great start. Therefore the sequel had a high bar to surpass, which I am happy to say it managed.

The book takes place after the events of the first, and things have only gotten more complicated for the folks fighting for freedom. Once again, we have an interesting cast, political intrigue on a grand scale, and of course, big mecha battles that makes anime shows in the same vein look like amateur hour.

Suffice it to say that I fully enjoyed the sequel as much as I enjoyed the original.

If you read the first in this series, you will definitely enjoy this entry, and if you haven't checked out the original entry, then there's no time like the present to rectify that.

Dungeon Samurai Volume 1: Kamikaze

By Kit Sun Cheah

For more on how this series was created, drop by the author's website where he goes in to detail about the story behind the story.

I haven't read any isekai fiction before, as far as I can recall anyway, and what I have seen said of the usual fare turned me off from the genre in general. However, this is not your average isekai story as can be seen by the rules Kit Sun set for himself when he decided to write this.

When I read Dungeon Samurai, I could not help but notice how much it reminded me of the Wizardry series of games. As I am a big fan of those kinds of games, this book already hit the right notes for me. Throw in the detailed way that the characters of the story handle the dungeon in question, among other details, and this story was a winner for me.

A fantastic read, and as usual, I was left wanting more. So if you like isekai, or just feeling adventurous, get this book.

Superluminary: The Lords of Creation

By John C. Wright

I have read just about everything by John, and I am always surprised at how crazy some of the stories he tells can get without losing you. This book is no exception. The first in a three part series, Superluminary is once again one such crazy science fiction story, and should be read with its other two parts in one sitting for the best effect.

If characters being assassinated twice (successfully) and still being around to talk about it, space vampires (you read that right), or interstellar warfare involving Dyson-spheres outfitted for war (yes, war Dyson-spheres) don't intrigue you, you should get your pulse checked. You might be a space zombie. Yes, they too, are a thing.

Star Knight Saga, Book One: Reavers of the Void Review

Star Knight Saga, Book One: Reavers of the Void
By Bradford C. Walker

Some time last year, a few folks were discussing the decline in the quality of mech-focused sci-fi from Japan, and the disappointment that was most of western sci-fi. From these discussions sprung the #AGundamn4Us movement, led by authors Brian Niemeier, Bradford Walker, and Rawle Nyanzi. Each author set to work on their own answer to this gap in the market, hoping to remedy the lack of quality that had been seen so far.

Personally, I was not that big of a fan of Mecha sci-fi, I don't generally watch anime, and the sci-fi I read does not exactly focus on big stompy robots. But as I have enjoyed the work of the authors mentioned previously, I was interested to see what they came up with.

Both Brian and Bradford crowdfunded their entries on Indiegogo, and I have backed both of them.

As far as I know, Rawle Nyanzi's foray launches later this year. However, Brian Niemeier's fantastic Combat Frame XSEED has already launched successfully and was an excellent start which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, does Bradford's attempt succeed?

In a word? Yes.

Reading the first entry in Star Knight Saga, I couldn't help but feel both the anime and western influences that obviously inspired Bradford's work. The cast is colourful, with valiant heroes, graceful ladies, scheming nobles, and so on. But don't let that fool you. There is intrigue, and high stakes, plenty of action-packed battles and thrilling fights, and the characters are varied and interesting.

There wasn't a moment that passed where I felt that the story dragged, and in fact, the pace steamed along so much so that I was saddened when I reached the end, and realised that I now have to wait for the next entry.

If you are in the market for sci-fi, with a slice of mecha-combat, and a good helping of intrigue and action then you may just want to check out Star Knight Saga: Reavers of the Void. I certainly enjoyed it, and I think you might too.

Four Interesting Books To Check Out

I thought today that I would talk about some books that I'm interested in. Maybe you'll be interested too. These were all crowdfunded, and I backed each of them, so I was already on-board the hype-train, but they far-outstretched what I hoped for, and the first one isn't even out yet!

Maxwell Cain: Burrito Avenger

By Adam Lane Smith

If the title alone doesn't get you, then why even live? Joking aside, if you're a fan of stuff like John Wick or just about any great 80's action film then check this book out. It'll be released on 30th March, so you've plenty of time to be ready for the greatness to come.

Infernal Affairs (Saint Tommy, NYPD Book 3)

By Declan Finn

What happens when you takes a cop in NYC and send demons after him? What happens if that cop has powers like a Saint? Well, then you get this awesome series. The first book features a serial killer possessed by a demon, and the second book features a Death Cult. Just an ordinary day in New York, I'm sure. This is the third in the series. Get the first two as well, you won't regret it. This will probably be the next book I read after I finish the current book I'm reading (more on that in a moment), and I can't wait to see what's in store for poor Tommy.

Heroes Fall: A Heroes Unleashed Novel (Serenity City Book 1)

By Morgon Newquist

This is one for fans of all things superhero. This is the first book in a project featuring great authors Jon Mollison, Kai Wai Cheah, J.D. Cowan, and Richard W. Watts. I haven't finished this book yet, but what I have read so far has been great, page-turning stuff. I can't wait to see what else is in store with this project. Definitely a project to keep an eye on, and you won't go wrong starting here. (Especially considering it's book one).

Combat Frame XSeed

By Brian Niemeier

I loved the Soul Cycle series, so when Brian announced that he was working on this, I was excited. And you should be too! This book is great. Big Mech battles, political intrigue, and military conflict. Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action from cover to cover. Pick it up, and you won't be disappointed!

Well, that's all for now. I'll probably just spotlight one book at a time in the future, but these needed to be mentioned. Check out the books, follow the authors. They are great folks that write great fiction. At the risk of repeating myself too often, you won't regret it.