Review: Cadre One by Robert O'Riordan (Cadre, Book One)

Synopsis: The Galactic Killer Elite: Since his childhood, Pol Tyrees was groomed for the Cadre, the intergalactic super-police force. And as a cadre officer, he carried out each task emotionlessly ad efficiently, whether it was investigating shady deals, interrogating prisoners, or killing traitors. But during an assignment on remote Tercet, one of that planet’s mystic Seers taught him a whole new way of thinking. And Pol began to ask questions – questions that brought him into direct conflict with the Cadre. (from the back of the book)

Review: I found this, and its sequel buried at the bottom of a shelf in the back of a small shop in Mount Vernon, Washington. It could tell it was just my sort of fluff: cheesy military science fiction published in 1986. And it did not disappoint. Conspiracies and traitors, assassins and intrigue, bouncy-boobed blondes and brooding officials, physical violence and men in black. It even had the required fight in which the combatants worn only loincloths! I can see it in my mind in all its 80s glory! 

The cheese aside, the story is fast-paced and well-told. The character of Pol Tyrees is sufficiently complex to carry the plot. There is a bit more telling than showing of what the characters are thinking and doing, but it do not detract from the story.

This is a fun, science fiction read, entertaining and even thought provoking at times. Particularly when they start getting into the use of the media in a galactic conspiracy…

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-441-09022-2

Year Published: 1986

Date Finished: 11-26-2016

Pages: 263

Review: Ship of Fools by Richard Paul Russo

Synopsis: No one remembers where they came from or where they're going. For hundreds of years, the starship Argonos, home to generations of humans, has wandered throughout the galaxy, searching for other signs of life. Now, a steady, unidentified transmission lures them toward a nearby planet, where remnants of shocking brutality will send the ship reeling into deep space-and into a haunting alien mystery. (from the online description)

Review: I read this as part of a November Ship Them Fools read hosted by Red Star Reviews. Horror is a new genre for me, so one set in space seemed just my sort.

This was creepy - less because of the monster (who is alluded to more than shown) but creepy because of the characters and the volatile nature of humans when we are afraid. Often, it was the characters who scared me more than the monster. The idea of being trapped on the Argonos for generations, the unknown, the inability to escape, the darkness inside the people who live there – that is the true terror to me. Russo did an excellent job of creating a creepy, suspenseful world.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: Philip K. Dick Award, 2001

ISBN: 0-441-00798-8
Year Published: 2001
Date Finished: 11-20-2016
Pages: 370

Review: The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting by Jason Fung, M.D. with Jimmy Moore

Synopsis: Thousands of books have been written about the latest and greatest diets that will help people lose weight and improve health. But a key element in any successful nutritional health program is a tried-and-true method that most people haven’t thought about—yet it could be revolutionary for taking health to the next level. This ancient secret is fasting.

 Fasting is not about starving oneself. When done right, it’s an incredibly effective therapeutic approach that produces amazing results regardless of diet plan. In fact, Toronto-based nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung has used a variety of fasting protocols with more than 1,000 patients, with fantastic success. In The Complete Guide to Fasting, he has teamed up with international bestselling author and veteran health podcaster Jimmy Moore to explain what fasting is really about, why it’s so important, and how to fast in a way that improves health. Together, they make fasting as a therapeutic approach both practical and easy to understand.

The Complete Guide to Fasting explains:

• why fasting is actually good for health

• who can benefit from fasting (and who won’t)

• the history of fasting

• the various ways to fast: intermittent, alternate-day, and extended fasting

• what to expect when starting to fast

• how to track progress while fasting

• the weight loss effects of fasting

• how to ward off potential negative effects from fasting

The book also provides tools to help readers get started and get through their fasts, including a 7-Day Kick-Start Fasting Plan and healing liquid recipes. (from the online description)

Review: Jimmy Moore is a leader in the HFLC world. He is also someone who puts his money where his mouth is - excuse the pun - meaning, he follows his own advice. Alone with Dr. Jason Fung, they have teamed up to write a book about the benefits of fasting.

Personally, I already knew that fasting was good for the body. My own experiments with it have proven that true. But I wanted to know more about the science and methods. This book delivers both. Using clear language, neither muddled with medical jargon nor watered down for the masses, Dr. Fung writes about his own research and experiments with fasting as method for treating Type II Diabetes. He goes over the how and whys and gives strategies for how to start fasting. There are even recipes for when the fast is over! And each chapter had at least a page of articles and studies published in reputable scientific sources to give credence to his assertions.

I highly recommend this book if you are considering this as a management tool for diabetes, or even just for weight loss. The few attempts I’ve made at his method have gone very well and I am pleased with the results!

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-62800-01-8

Year Published: 2016

Date Read: 11-5-2016

Review: The Birthgrave by Tanith Lee (The Birthgrave Trilogy, Book I)

Synopsis: A mysterious woman awakens in the heart of a dormant volcano. She comes forth into a brutal ancient world transformed by genocidal pestilence, fierce beauty, and cultural devastation. She has no memory of herself, and she could be anyone—mortal woman, demoness lover, last living heir to a long-gone race, or a goddess of destruction. Compelled by the terrifying Karrakaz to search for the mysterious Jade that is the answer to her secret self, she embarks on a journey of timeless wonder. (from the online description)

Review:I read this as part of First Author Contact hosted by Red StarReviews and MillieBot Reads on Instagram. I have read Tanith Lee before, but it was a collection of short stories. This was my first exposure to a novel by her. 

It was good - different than my normal reading - which I appreciated. Her characters were complex and terrifying in their realness, and the twist and turns of the plot kept me hooked. Lee explored gender and relationship issues, but not in an overt way. It was more part of the overarching exploration of the main character, and her search for self.

The ending was weird and I am still not sure what I think about it. It was incongruous with the rest of the novel, but it also connected.

I'm thankful for the exposure and the expansion of my reading habits. I will be purchasing, at some point, the sequel. 

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: Nominated, Nebula Award, 1975

ISBN: N/A
Year Published: 1975
Date Finished: 10-31-2016
Pages: 408

Review: Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne by Arina Tanemura (Volumes 1-7)

Synopsis: By day, Kusakabe Maron is an ordinary high school girl with more than her share of problems. But by night, she is Kamikaze Kaitou Jeannereincarnation of Joan of Arc! Her mission? Hunt down demonpossessed paintings and exorcise the evil spirits! But accomplishing this mission puts her in conflict with the authorities who only see her as a mysterious stranger vandalizing works of art. With only the help of angel-in-training Finn, she must survive high school during the day and fight evil by night! (from the online description)

Review: I picked up the first six volumes of these seven volume set at a booksale, for dirt cheap. That was my only introduction to it before I jumped in. I like the premise - the idea of demons in paintings - and that Jeanne (or Maron) goes to save them. The God/Lucifer stuff was a bit weird - and the angel stuff seemed rather random. But it was entertaining and amusing, as is, and I enjoyed reading it. I might not gush enthusiastic about it, but it was fine.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Year Published: 1998
Date Finished: 10-30-2016
Pages: N/A

Review: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley (Flavia de Luce, Book 8)

Synopsis: In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core. (from the back of the book)

Review: ALAN, WHY MUST YOU TEAR OUT OUR HEARTS!?! It's a good book, but only read it if you like having all the feels.

Note: My review is based on the audio book, as read by Jayne Entwistle.

ISBN: 978-0-449-80765-1
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 10-24-2016
Pages: N/A

Review: Has Christianity Failed You? by Ravi Zacharias

Synopsis: In this landmark new book, acclaimed apologist Ravi Zacharias explores the hard questions about what it means and what it takes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. With unflinching honesty and biblical wisdom, he addresses the most common struggles he hears from both skeptics and Christians alike. Your journey for answers about what exactly you believe, and what you don’t. and about how you can reconcile your real-world doubts with genuine faith, starts today. (from the inside cover)

Review: Address to those spent time in the church and believed in Jesus, but for some reason, left. Zacharias meanders a bit in his explanations, but he manages in the end to make his point - that it is often out misunderstanding of who Jesus is and what being a Christian means. He explains that it is often the frailty and sins of humans, the sin of the church, and our own sin that makes it seem as if Jesus has failed us. Worth reading.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-310-26955-7
Year Published: 2010
Date Finished: 10-24-2016
Pages: 234