Luke Harkness

Ruddy fantastic bit of sci fi

This book was absolutely fantastic. When describing it to friends and family, I kept exercising how every chapter had to shocked and amazed, how every chapter blew your mind and made you think outside he box. The story isn't mind-blowing, but the ideas and application are truly unputdownable! If you like superhero, sci-fi, existential stories or just a fascinating read, definitely give this book a read!

I'm a harsh critic as a book reviewer as, being a huge movie fan, I often find it hard to be immersed in a book the same way I am a really good film. This book was a great action book, Jack Reacher gets a lot done with very little effort and, as with both Lee Child books I've read so far, there are always plenty of little twists to keep you going. Alongside these twists you learn a lot about weapons, tactics, how to be a spy and a lot of other really fascinating tips that Reacher has learned over the years that you really hope ring true. Solid book, solid storyline and will definitely continue this series, I'm just difficult to sell to!

Johnson Miltom continues to get more and more interesting as the series goes on. A man who's just wandering and falls into trouble out of the pure kindness and stubbornness of his heart. This one features a decent set of characters with a villain who's final reasoning for his crimes are completely understandable. I feel as every book goes on, we find out a little more about Milton as I feel he slowly begins to open up having been away from the organisation! Great read but if you're 3 books in, you're likely already a fan!

Not quite sure why it's got SUCH a high rating, but it is a decent book. I liked it because I'm a nerd who liked Pokémon and RPGs when growing up...and still do. This book caters to that very much. I didn't like this book because it felt a little rushed. There could easily have been another 200-300 pages. However, there are more books in the series which makes this much better. I did really enjoy the book and sometimes after the first book I'm not fussed about reading the second, but I'm very interested to carry on the series... especially after the ending!

A truly brilliant book that keeps you on the edge of your seat like all proper thriller mysteries should!

This book is, without a doubt, one of the most gripping books I've ever read. Never before, after every chapter, have I gone “cor this is good!” And want to tell everybody around me why I'm so ready for the next chapter.

The characters are believable, lovable and in-depth. The story, as aforementioned, is unbelievably gripping and sometimes quite spooky. The book is simply written so means you can read it at a break–kneck pace. I would HIGHLY recommend for any mystery/who dunnit lovers!

A unique and intriguing action story

So unlike Milton's other adventures where the general premise is that he's caught up in something very political and large, this book takes the turn of a small town that turns out to not quite be as innocent as it may initially appear.

Once again, fabulous writing by Dawson, I swear I learn new words every time I read one of his novels.

By now you've likely read another Milton, but if you haven't, you don't need to!

I just couldn't get in to it

I really liked the premise of this book and had high hopes going in. However, it turned into a bit of a Hollywood monster movie for the final third which resulted in me losing a little interest.

The writing was good and the science and research sections were interesting a great alternative theory to well-known historical events. But other than this, I just couldn't find myself relating to the characters that well and I sometimes found it a little laborious to continue reading.

If the blurb intrigues you, do go ahead as it will likely be your sort of thing (hence the great reviews.)

A truly fantastic fantasy book with a unique setting. Featuring an immersive world, believable characters and wonderously imaginative concepts, this is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while. On top of these aforementioned positives, it features plenty of tense moments, cool action scenes and twists and turns for days! Definitely recommend for all!

Packed to the brim with brilliance

This book has to be one of my favourite of all time. Everyone has heard of terms such as “unputdwonable” or “page-turner”. This truly was both of those. I couldn't out this book down.. the point where I made myself late for multiple appointments.

If you're looking for a very interesting fantasy story that's easy to read but well written, FILLED with plot-twists, involves slight romance, evil people and more... Look no further. This has it all. It also sets up some interesting questions for the sequel. Which I'm now buying!

An average look into a realistic apocalyptic future

This book had some high hopes. There was potential to build real story and drama between the characters but they just weren't hit. There are some great moments but it ends with a rather loose twist.

It's written well and was good to listen to on audiobook (despite the reader's poor British accent) but it did feel a bit forced to pick up every now and then.

I'd recommend for anyone who's looking for a post-apocalyptic book with very little drama and action but more of a human story.

Stunning debut novel

This book was an absolute joy to read. Rarely do I consider a book flawless, but this was as close to it as you'll get.

The storyline had me fully engrossed and vying for the main character to succeed. Also, despite my usual inability to keep track of multiethnic characters, I found myself truly understanding each character's intentions and back stories.

The characters involved were likeable, even the bad guys because they were so well written and unique in their own ways. It's not the deepest character-driven book but the main character is written very well and had me wanting him to win.

This book is also phenomenally written. The research into weapons, cars, locations, industries, government, the navy SEALS is so well researched. Well, I presume it is as I know little about these things and he's sold me on them all!

I would highly recommend this for ANYBODY who wants a genuinely good read and loves action!

A LOT happens!

This is a book filled with action. A lot of characters develop and as always, it's written incredibly well!

We continue the adventure of Calaena, Chaol, Dorian and a new selection of characters. It progresses well and feels like the book in the series that has progressed the most whilst setting up the next book really well.

I'd highly recommend if you've read the previous two, it's a must in the series!

Some good moments but mostly sentimental

So I saw both the first movies before reading this and the original Jurassic Park book. Both are quite different from the films and so that makes me feel conflicted as I loved both of the movies.

I do like the philosophical bits by Malcolm and some of the more science-based explanations behind the dinosaur behaviour and such though.

It's written relatively well, not mind-blowing, but easy to read which I guess is good writing.

If you've read the first or seen both films, I'd give this a read as its fun to see the differences and how Michael Crichton intended the story to be told.

Simply outstanding

One of my favourite books of all time. I can't understate how incredible every chapter in this book is. Something is always happening, the story is always progressing and you'll be forever falling more and more in love with this world and its characters.

Neal Shusterman has written a truly breathtaking book that has one of the most fulfilling and epic endings I've ever read. Never more have I wanted to read the next book. Pre-ordered for me and my partner straight away!!

Too short to feel full. But a great short story

Mark Dawson's novels are often a little shorter as he likes to get down to the action quite quickly. I felt this novel was just a little too short at under 200 pages (excluding all the acknowledgements and such) and therefore it only really allowed for one rise in the story.

The character of Beatrix Rose is very interesting and Dawson has made her someone that I wish to read more about as she continues to struggle in multiple ways.

I'd recommend this for those looking for a quick and easy action read!

Simply phenomenal

This is, without a doubt, up there with one of the best books I've read. It's not the usual genre I go with but the blurb highly intrigued me and I simply could not stop reading (and listening) to this book.

It is is written in such a way that it is almost poetic. It has also taught me a lot about the city of bafcona both geographically and historically and makes me want to return to the feature-rich city.

The story itself keeps you hooked with every word. With the way you love certain characters and dislike others, you're vying for the future of all the characters that are being written about at the time.

If you're looking for a book with a bit of mystery, intrigue, character, romance and that is wonderfully written, do not miss this book!

A brilliant first in a new series I'm excited for

This book had two very important differences to the many other series like it: it had heart and it was written almost poetically. This is the first book I've read in this action hero genre where we found out so much about the main characters history, had him bonding with characters and had him actually suffering. This made me keep reading as it added a whole new layer to the action, fights and gadgets that I usually read these stories for. Also the series has a really cool premise that I'm excited to read more of. As aforementioned, its also written in a way that, at times, I found almost poetic with metaphors and similes galore.

A perfect sequel

The first book in this series introduced you to the main character and tried to give you an understanding of the climate of England during the early-mid 1500s. This book continues this theme whilst giving you even more insight into the political movements whilst producing a simple wonderful story with incredibly thought out characters. It is very hard to make characters feel real whilst also making them seem nice. Nice people in real life lose their temper, say mean things and sometimes make questionable decisions. You far too often see “nice” characters always just doing the “right” thing. Characters in this book don't and it made my truly appreciate them more!

Wow... Just wow.

I wrote the review for the first book in the series about a week ago and said it was one of my favourite fantasies of all time. This has equalled it, if not topped. Though I've not come out feeling quite as blown away as the first, it's a truly enticing read with every chapter delivering unparalleled drama, new twists and intrigue that make you want to just keep on reading.

I jumped straight from the first book to this, however, I'm going to take a break between this and third as I don't want to burn out the series. But I am so very looking forward to reading it!!

5 star because it had everything

This book had absolutely everything.

Characters you genuinely cared about to a point where you care so much you struggle to read on at points! Some lovely and caring, others horrible and inconceivably cruel, all flawed and, as a result, very believable!

A storyline you constantly want to read the next chapter of to see where it is taking you, hoping what you thought was going to happen happens and then ether satisfyingly does or also satisfyingly takes a brilliant twist.

It's a book I feel the author could have kept on writing and I would have kept on reading. But I'm glad there's a sequel (and another book coming soon) as it allows me to break it up and get myself ready for the next installment as there's a lot of unanswered questions and little holes I want them to explore more!

Another brilliant outing for John Milton by Mark Dawson. One of the shortest books in the series gives you a decent amount of plot for so fewer words. This book covers more and more detail about John's personal life and gives readers a deeper look into a really cool new character who leaves you with intrigue.

On top of this, the book doesn't ever seem to slow for very long which means it's very hard to put down and leaves you always wanting to come back. Also one of the better endings to an action book that really makes this a series I want to keep reading!

Orphan X appealed to me because I enjoyed the personal touch. Evan Smoak is seen to be heartless and driven to a point where he seems to only care for the objective. However, Orphan X introduced two people into Evan's life that changed his thinking. It also touched on his troubled past and his close relationship with someone else. This book defers away from that a little but definitely gives you a feeling of Evan as a character. I think Jack Reacher has left a bad impression on what I should expect from action heroes. He's a man of no personality. The likes of Evan Smoak and Scot Harvath have really opened up my eyes to action heroes with personality.

I'll continue this series and likely enjoy all of those 4/5 too

You can't help but love this series

Another tale filled with real people and real struggles. C.J. Sansom really knows how to write real-feeling characters in his book whilst also making you genuinely care about the plot and the politics behind it all. I've found out more about this time period in the first three books of this series than I did during my whole history GCSE. I thoroughly enjoy reading this series and will most certainly continue.