Books

Introduction

Welcome to the revised book pages.

How books are rated, and details of icons used on these pages.

Why do I read books ?

I read books mainly for enjoyment, escapism, and to give my imagination something to do. I like nothing better than to get comfy in a chair with some classical music playing quietly and read for a couple of hours. Usually the time is enhanced with an alcoholic beverage. I must admit that my reading is somewhat restricted to technological thrillers / crime thrillers, as you will have gathered from the index of authors.

I am not adverse to other reading and am currently reading the Icelandic Sagas, translated by one of Icelands most famous residents Magnus Magnusson. I also have The Arabian Nights to read when I get a chance.

Will books be replaced by computers ?

I hope not and I certainly don't think this will happen for years to come if ever. The advantage with a book is that it doesn't need batteries, or an electric source to use. You can read a book in all manner of positions, and not need to worry about screen reflections or about dropping it. It has no noisey fan to disturb the atmosphere.

I really feel that people like Bill Gates who predict the end of the printed book do not read for pleasure. I also have to admit to not liking to have to read large amounts of text on screen, and would certainly not try to read a 500 page novel on screen.

Who is my favourite Author ?

I tend to go in phases. For a very long while it was Tom Clancy. However just recently he has been nudged into second place by Bernard Cornwell with his novel Stonehenge. To date this is his best novel by far, and far surpasses the more famous Sharpe novels.

Do I like screen adaptations of novels ?

I have to say in general no. The Clancy adaptations whilst very glossy certainly, lose a lot of there appeal. In the main, the novels of most of my favourite reads are far to complex to easily convert, with sub plots having to be dropped. The best example of a film turning a great book into a joke was Clive Cusslers 'Raise the Titanic'. The book is full of adventure with spys, gung ho action and great characters. The film seemed to lose all of the subplots and the main plot as well,and the characters were deeply uncharismatic. I have watched the film twice and both times fallen asleep!!
If you want to get into an author - read the book first and let your imagination fill in the detail, then perhaps see the film

The Rating System

All the books reviewed are rated on a scale of 1 to five 'bookies'. The minimum standard for an author is three 'bookies', anything less and it's below par. Anything above means better than average.
Please note that in scoring the books, I am not comparing author with author, as in general it would be very unfair. Clancy writes complex novels, with subplots, and a hugh amount of technical detail, whilst Dick Francis writes on a more human level with usually just one plot.

Rating	Comment
	Oh dear - don't buy
	Well below par. Read the jacket before buying.
	A good average novel for the author. A good one to try as an introduction
	A better than average novel, but tails off.
	A really good read, with pace maintained throughout.
	A very good read, but has an unsatisfactory element that spoils the read.
	Excellent, a truely outstanding read.

If you have read any of the novels listed, and disagree with my reviews why not send me a guest review. Any received will be published. All I ask is that language is moderated. Please see the submissions page for further guidance.

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A key to icons used

	Return to the authors home page.
	Go to the previous novel
	Go to the next novel.
	A guest review is available
	The novel has been filmed / televised

Please note the colours of the icons may change to fit in with the authors themes.
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The contents of these pages represent my own views and not necessarily those of my ISP