mossler

Disney's version of Sicario

Reviewed: 2020-07-13

I'm conflicted: I love the GE universe and most books, but this one felt like click-bait It is rare for me to take the time to leave a negative comment. It actually takes more effort, because I try to be constructive. I think I will fail on this one. The premise seems fair: young idealistic operator on solo mission, discovers that his preconceptions may not be accurate. The book sets up: his team that he has bonded with and is forced to leave behind his solo travel where he meets nice folks (that he helps and leaves behind) a world where the all powerful secret police appear to be honest (or are they? dunDunDUN! ) And then nothing really happens but a series of training stories that highlight that perhaps a secret police may have some bad apples, but the rest are a bunch of Disney Princesses. I don't get it, even now with the announcement of "part 2". Is this meant to be the antithesis of all the hard boiled "can't trust anyone but you and your team" stories ? Maybe. But if so, this needs more writing. You want a good guys story with real challenges, not some off screen "what is really going on?", then read "The Best of Us"

1 person found this helpful

Genuine and generous

Reviewed: 2020-06-05

Speaking thoughtfully, candidly and honestly. Asking questions without preconceptions. Willing to listen and debate. Dave's interviews were a great find. Listening to his backstory and advice intertwined made great sense. Life is indeed about discovery, often about oneself and the truth in it all: the more you know, the more you are aware about all the things you know nothing about.

Jow did the Legion start?

Reviewed: 2020-03-15

Yes, we now have only one more pre-cursor storyline to flesh put: The Obsidia Looking forward to the Legion Creation Myth growing out.

Duat in my eyes

Reviewed: 2020-02-25

Do not fret, just some dust in my eyes. Pride, melancholy and so much more.

1 person found this helpful

Wanted to like it

Reviewed: 2019-10-29

A radio play! That's what I thought of this book as it started. I should enjoy this right? Well, no. Not sure what made it so disappointing, but I cringed at the heavily telegraphed story with cardboard characters. Perhaps it was just not for me.

1 person found this helpful

A bit monotone

Reviewed: 2019-10-14

Although the story evokes dread and sympathy, the pacing and the reading both rendered this book monotone.

A book come alive

Reviewed: 2019-10-11

Luke Daniels made this story, what aught to be depressing in its denouement, thoroughly entertaining and believable by using the various voices and tonal attitudes. This story so far felt the most illuminating in this sub-series.

Is this Anthropology or Socialist dogma ?

Reviewed: 2019-06-23

The author is passionate and cares about his own personal topic: farming in Mali I get that. He went to school after his experience doing farming in the Peace Coprs and decided to become an Anthropologist, following what I can only be summarize as the modern Socialist curriculum. So that is the lens for all the information provided. There is a review on audible.com by "Robert M Nimocks" that does an excellent summary of my concerns and objections. I am disappointed as I also learned Anthropology and Social Anthropology decades ago, and the bias has now become excessive in my opinion.

3 people found this helpful

Character focus lost

Reviewed: 2019-04-04

I understand the author had pitched to end the life of the titular character during the first Battle of Manticore and his publisher steered him away from that. I also understand with all the Mesan sub-story he essentially retconned a conspiracy plot line to suit the “omnivores”. But even as a long time fan of Yes Minister/Yes Prime-minister, there is only so much political maneuvering I can handle in one sitting, while the character I am invested in does things off screen. Yes, an Admiral with uber weapons and great fleets does not make a great motivating agent to move the plot line forward, but neither is a story with back room intrigues parcelled out like this. Shame really.

1 person found this helpful

Author's reading with emotion and great emphasis

Reviewed: 2018-09-13

Even simple chapters, written in conversational prose, can bring forth dramatic emotions from you, as Prof Peterson reads his own book and wells up with emotions of his own. This made the book real and touching. Advice given this way carries weight. Well done. #Audible1