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Comment on Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey by DW Smith

DW Smith — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:36:27 +0000

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Amazing Story by a New Author, August 1, 2011

This review is from: Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey (Paperback)

Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey by Daniel D. Shields is an amazing and totally unique read. If you are a fan of adventure, billiards, sharks, wolves or animal rights, then this book is for you. And don't let the cover or title fool you, this book is a modern fable written for an adult audience. It takes on the themes of slavery, trafficking, and mans inhumanity to the other creatures we share this planet with in a way that no other book I've ever read has done. At its core the book is a love story between Shark and Vixen, a heartbreaking buddy story about Shark and his golden retriever best friend Dog Z Boy, and an adventure story that transports the reader to exotic destinations with breathtaking action and excitement along the way. I was hooked from page one and read the entire full length book in a single day. Take a chance - You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for a sequel.

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Comment on Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey by Mr. Richard Lw Bunning

Mr. Richard Lw Bunning — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:12:44 +0000

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Now I Know This May Sound Crazy....., November 24, 2011

Mr. Richard Lw Bunning (Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland) -

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This review is from: Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey (Paperback)

Daniel Shields has created a masterful thriller, which is not just a great vehicle for reminding us all that we are the worst predatory species on planet Earth, but also the species that threatens the existence of all others. But don't think for a second that there is any preaching here, there isn't. This is just a great adventure in which the human cast comes off second best to most of this book's sentient animals.
The words flow easily, in a style that paints a vivid framework into which one's imagination can build. I felt his words effortlessly brush me over the threshold of a Disneyesque cartoon world that became more believable with every page I turned. The figures may start out from comic invention, but there is nothing shallow about the directions in which we are drawn. The emotions are those of us all, and carry as much weighty sub-text as one finds in plenty of more familiar adult books.
If in the second chapter you can't quite believe evolution can throw up the Great White Shark that walks tall, plays pool, falls in love with a vixen, and grows into one of the world's most heroic figures, then within a few more pages of engaging reading you will. If you can't quite see we modern humans as the same low life that enjoyed the butchery of the Roman Colosseum, you may soon.
This is an exciting story for all to enjoy, from reading teenagers to time worn adults. A slightly mad vision, certainly it is, but one that most can slip into. One may even grow to get a least a glimpse of why the author and his star characters are so engrossed by the game of pool-billiards. I know such a game seems an unlikely backdrop to a book that points up the evils of creature exploitation and slavery, but then I was already snookered by Shields' story long before the eight-ball slammed into any pocket.
All the locations are well painted, especially for me an exotic beach-bar on the Island of Viti Levu, Fiji. By the time I was caught up in the interplay of characters around the cool-blue, velvet, of that bar's pool-table, there was not the least chance of me putting down the book before its exciting end.
Obviously this book is going to be best enjoyed by those who can easily go with the flow of the absurd. If you really are not able to see the comedy in a shark riding a chopper motorcycle, or feel an empathy with an elephant watching its parent being carried away by trophy hunters, or even suspend rational belief for long enough to see yourself as some other sentient creature, then don't bother with this book. If you are anyone else, then grab a copy and enjoy.

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Comment on Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey by Alex M

Alex M — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:35:56 +0000

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

A Great Book, October 21, 2011

Alex M -

This review is from: Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey (Kindle Edition)

This book is a great read. It has action and romance. The descriptions of the locales transported me to Key West, Las Vegas and the Serengeti. I could not put the book down as I was anxious to see what would happen next. I love the use of flashbacks in the novel which allow you to understand the characters (how they met and forged relationships).

The idea of a world where animals and humans would live together is a great premise to the story and brings many morale themes to the story.

If you are looking to be entertained this is a must buy.

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Comment on Welcome to Haven by gingeinthecity

gingeinthecity — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:29:30 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Want to Love it!, April 28, 2012

gingeinthecity -

This review is from: Haven Season 1 (Amazon Instant Video)

Personally there are 2 ways to view this show.

You accept it for what it is, which is an average television show that isnt going to break any boundries and isnt going to come up with a completely original plot BUT it does keep you entertained and in some episodes wanting more.

Or you switch it off.

We have all learned from shows like LOST, that you can keep the audience in too much of a suspense. Although the premise of the show makes us want to know, were 2 seasons in and i dont feel any better for watching it.

Most of the first several episodes are good and this is the reason for the higher rating. As the season grows the show grows tiresome and it isnt until the last episode that i was interested again, only for that to fade ep.3 season 2.

I cant fault any of the actors, I just done like the overall pace of the show.

However if you can hang in there its worth watching season 1.

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Comment on Welcome to Haven by S. and L. Nester "LeeLee"

S. and L. Nester "LeeLee" — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:34:46 +0000

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Love It!, December 1, 2010

S. and L. Nester "LeeLee" (Hillsville, VA United States) -

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This review is from: Haven Season 1 (Amazon Instant Video)

I really like this show. I think the characters have a good charisma together. I am really interested to see what happens in season 2. It gets really interesting the more of the show that you watch. Emily Rose plays FBI agent Audrey Parker. The show deals with people who have supernatural abilities and Audrey Parker gets immersed in the town. To check out more about Haven go to this link: [...].

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Comment on Welcome to Haven by KatieHepburn

KatieHepburn — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:34:22 +0000

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Unique, something to look forward to..., January 22, 2011

KatieHepburn (Sweetwater, USA) -

This review is from: Haven Season 1 (Amazon Instant Video)

The first thing 'Haven' has going for it is the beautiful, seaside Nova Scotian landscape which is masterfully captured for this series. As a result, I feel compelled to take a vacation to a place I have never even considered! Secondly, an eclectic cast of actors make up the core of this new SYFY series. Nicholas Campbell, (formerly of 'Da Vinci's Inquest') whose persona seems to slip from the pages of an Erle Stanley Gardner novel, and Lucas Bryant, who does not feel physical pain, represent the law as a father and son duo. Just their last name, Wuornos, colors this picture eerie. Emily Rose, who I really enjoyed in 'Jericho' (a show that ended before its time), performs the role of a temporarily displaced FBI agent who just might get some answers about her own unknown past from this strange little town, should she stay. In the meantime we are torn between the two men in her life, and getting some frights, as well as kicks and giggles out of various characters.

Yes, 'Haven' is comprised of many unique and interesting citizens with certain interesting abilities which generate potential for a number of intriguing episodes. Between the mysterious tale of a small town with an otherworldly aura and the possibility that Agent Audrey Parker has discovered nuggets of her own obscure history, 'Haven' is the premise for some sort of a 'Twilight Zone' hued hit for the muggy months of summer and each episode just gets hotter!

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Comment on Turing Evolved by Bob

Bob — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:27:17 +0000

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

A very interesting read, May 29, 2011

Bob (UK) -

This review is from: Turing Evolved (Kindle Edition)

First my comments on the Kindle version, it does look as though it has been spell checked with auto correct which has sometimes put in the wrong word. Apart from that which spoilt the reading flow I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it is the authors first book and there are others to come using the same characters but reads well as a standalone rather than one of a series. As the author borrows heavily from concepts that have been explored by other authors and in films such as the "Matrix" series I felt familiar with the settings, this is no bad thing as it meant the author could build on preconceived ideas and concentrate on the development of characters and their interrelationships. On the face of it the story is about the relationship between humans and artificial intelligences, again this has been developed in the film "AI", with some descriptive combats thrown in again using concepts that have been used before powered armour controlled by the wearer. While everything seems straightforward and a romance tale between humans and artificial intelligences I did not see the twist at the end coming. A nodding reference is given to Issac Azimov however the artificial intelligences in this book are not bound by Azimov's robotic laws and have their own moral code.
All of this sounds very negative but it is not intended to as I enjoyed the book, it is funny how preconceived ideas help or hinder as the author uses the term "scaffold" to describe part of the apparatus used to enter the virtual world and every time I came across the word scaffold I had the mental picture of a building site, not I am sure the authors intention.

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Comment on Turing Evolved by GraceKrispy (MotherLode blog)

GraceKrispy (MotherLode blog) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:18:08 +0000

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

Riveting and engaging, in need of editing, May 15, 2011

GraceKrispy (MotherLode blog) (USA) -

This review is from: Turing Evolved (Kindle Edition)

Described by the author as "military science fiction," this book drew me in immediately and managed to hold my attention throughout. The storyline was riveting, with a nice flow that kept it going through to the end. There were several surprising twists and turns, and it was fun to try to figure out the connections. I found the characterization to be fitting for the genre. Although the story is clearly science fiction, there is quite a bit of self-discovery that Jon's character goes through, adding more depth to the storyline. The element of romance rounds out the novel to give it a wider appeal.

One thing I really loved about this story was the blurring of the line between reality and virtual reality. I won't pretend to understand some of the more technical references (in some places, I'm not even sure what was made-up or real), but I understood that the line between what's real and what's not is not always clear, nor is it always an important distinction. Even after reading this story and contemplating it a bit, it's still hard to get my head around the realities of some of the AI characters, and how it is- or isn't- different from the reality of humans. The entire story leaves a lot of food for thought. I loved the concept of Mindspace and how it was (and could be) used as both an escape and a tool. I can definitely see elements of our own future as a society in this book. The ending offers yet another perspective; one I really didn't see coming. I wish the tie-in to the ending had been a little stronger, though. The concept was great, but I had a little trouble relating it to some of the earlier events. I'm not sure whether a bit more explanation would have done the trick, or whether it's better left as something to ponder.

To my disappointment, this book could really use a thorough editing. There were mistakes on virtually every page, and they tended to be inconsistent. I stopped trying to keep track of them after the first hundred. Punctuation can make or break a message, and, luckily for this story, the message was still able to shine through. But it takes more work on the part of the reader. I've seen it written in another place that a revision to this story is in the works, and I think that will make a world of difference. Without the mistakes, I would have been free to enjoy the story much more. And it is a very good story.

3.5 /5 stars FULL REVIEW @ GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog

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Comment on Turing Evolved by Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:25:23 +0000

88 of 88 people found the following review helpful

Excellent Story - Sure Hope There is a Sequel, April 30, 2012

Michael Gallagher (Houston, TX) -

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This review is from: Turing Evolved (Kindle Edition)

If you like a good science fiction tale along with some action and adventure, I would highly recommend this one to you. The author does a great job of having you get inside the head of his characters, and I found myself daydreaming about some of the technology in a Walter Mitty moment wishing some of the technologies in the book were available today; I had a hard time putting this one down and stayed up really late last night reading it. There is a hint of a sequel to this book in the author notes at the end, and I will gladly purchase it if / and / or when it becomes available.

I will caution you, there are some situations where the language is really bad (if that offends some of you) but it does not take away from the story, and there are a few minor editing issues that will make you stop here and there but they do not damage the story.

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Comment on Witch & Wizard: The Gift – The First 21 Chapters by "Leo"

"Leo" — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:13:54 +0000

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

Totally sucks!!!!, January 9, 2011

"Leo" (Maryland) -

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This book was awful, and I couldn't wait until it Finally ended. Needless to say this is my last book from this series. The book skips around alot without dealing with one plot before continuing on to another one. Same plots as book one (Whit and Wisty need to find their parents, Whit hears his girlfriend talking to him, they get captured, escape, then help others escape) Boring!

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