REVIEW: Warship Jolly Roger, Book 1: No Turning Back by Sylvain Runberg (Author) & Miquel Montllo (Illustrator)

***(3) out of 5 stars

While “Warship Jolly Roger” was no “Firefly,” it was quite a bit better than I anticipated. I expected a story patterned after some pirate tale of the past, or a “Moby Dick” wannabe tale, or some such. But while it did have common elements of such classic adventure tales, the story seemed genuinely unique and original, with a fresh setting of its own. 

The main storyline centers on Confederation Commander Jon T. Munro, who is given a life sentence in prison for a war crime which he was forced to commit. As the action begins, he seizes the opportunity of someone else’s failed prison break to secure his own escape. Of course, this takes the assistance of a small ragtag group of fellow cons, all of whom prove to be interesting characters in their own right. 

There were a couple of points that were definite negatives for me. The switching back and forth in time from different perspectives is quite confusing; if I’d been aware of how much it would be used, I would have created a flow-chart when I started the book. Also, there was a considerable amount of violence, almost of which was quite gruesome and bloody; unnecessarily so, in my opinion. 

I was impressed with the general outline of the plot though, and intrigued by the characters. I am definitely curious to see where the story goes from here!

I received a free eBook version of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Time Trial #1 (The CHRONOS Files) by Rysa Walker (Creator), Heather Nuhfer (Writer), and Agustin Padilla (Illustrator)

****(4) out of 5 stars!

Having not ever read anything from Rysa Walker’s CHRONOS FILES universe, I was a bit lost reading this first issue of the new stand-alone comicbook series, even though it was obviously created with newbies like me in mind.  Basically, the entire episode was minimal back-story, trying to get the reader familiar with the main characters and their world.  But I found it rather lacking in that area; more depth - both about Clio and the other main players, as well as their world - would have been greatly appreciated.  Still, it was an enjoyable enough story, and the time-travel aspect is definitely appealing.   I anticipate that future issues will have much more actual plot, which I look forward to reading.  

The graphics are well done, clear and concise, for the most part; but no so overdone as to distract from the happenings.

I received a few copy of this Issue #1 from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Raising Dion # 1 by Dennis Liu (Writer) & Jason Piperberg (Illustrator)

****(4) out of 5 stars

This was a good opening comic with pleasing graphics. However, there was so much time devoted to the backstory that, other than the promo material, you don't even know what the story is actually supposed to be about! I hope that there are future editions though, and that this situation is remedied in them. It seems like a great premise:  Nicole, a young black woman, as a single parent, trying to raise her 7-year-old son, Dion, who has superpowers.  It would be good to see more of what Raising Dion is really all about.

I don't recall where I first heard of this book, but I received a FREE ebook copy - and you can as well! (at least as of the time of this posting) - at: www.dennis-liu.com. 

REVIEW: Forgive Me by Daniel Palmer

****(4) out of 5 stars!

The entire time I was reading this book, I kept thinking that the title was – and should have been – “Find Me.”  The presumed main plotline of the story was about Nadine, a girl who needed to be found and rescued in the present moment.  The tale that was the impetus for the given title of “Forgive Me,” while interesting, nonetheless seemed secondary at best.  Since it had occurred decades before, it just wasn’t as urgent as the matter at hand.  The way in which Angie just would not let it go was quite distracting and annoying.  In the end, all of her pushing didn’t serve much purpose, other than to prove her whole life a lie and get more people killed.  

The primary narrative about Nadine being sucked into the dark world of human trafficking and sexual slavery was quite a disturbing topic.  It was sad to watch how easily the perpetrators enticed and manipulated her and other young women into this horrible existence they found themselves trapped in.  All the stories and details about that life, while not extremely graphic, were definitely rather vivid, depicted in a very real and believable manner.  Although the whole aspect of Nadine being able to keep a journal not only updated, but also hidden the entire time, seemed rather corny and farfetched.

The switching of perspectives between Angie and Nadine was quite informative, but also rather irritating, especially when they occurred at different points in time.  While I found the entire book very engrossing and entertaining, I did find the many connections between the various players to be a bit too coincidental.  And, in general, there was just too much going on, too many subplots and conspiracies at once.

I did quite enjoy all of the main players, especially Angie’s various “& Associates.” I am intrigued to see if this remains a stand-alone book or if it becomes part of a series. I’d be interested to pursue other adventures with this private investor, and perhaps even learn, along with her, what became of the missing friend who inspired her career choice so many years ago. 

I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.