Review: A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance—beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.

Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys’s claim to Westeros forever.

Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone—a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.

From all corners, bitter conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all.

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Review: A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Crows will fight over a dead man's flesh, and kill each other for his eyes.

Bloodthirsty, treacherous and cunning, the Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne in the name of the boy-king Tommen. The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life.

The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek vengeance for their dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles. From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel.

Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

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Review: The Blinding Knife

The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nice!

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Review: The Followers

The Followers by Jude Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good Book, then ending was a little disappointing.

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Review: The Valley of Fear

The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Doyle's final novel featuring the beloved sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, brings the detective and his friend to a country manor where they are preceded by either a murder or a suicide. A secretive organization lies culprit and an infiltration of it is in order.

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Review: The Threat Within

The Threat Within by Jude Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Obi-Wan Kenobi started off as Qui-Gon Jinn's apprentice, he was just a boy. Now, on the verge of manhood, he is starting on the path that will lead him to become a Jedi Knight . . . and the master of his own fate.

As Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon investigate a strange wave of planetary sabotages, they find their relationship shifting--sometimes in a dangerous direction. As events turn deadly, their lives may never be the same again.

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Review: The Only Witness

The Only Witness by Jude Watson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An evil crime family controls the fate of a planet. Only one witness can bring them down--someone from the inside. In order to make it off the planet to testify, she's going to need the protection of the Jedi.

Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi take the assignment, thinking it will be easy. But nothing is ever easy when crime is concerned, and soon the two Jedi are entangled in a violent web of power, corruption, and lies. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan know their allegiance is to the witness. But can she be trusted?

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Review: Comstock Lode

Comstock Lode by Louis L'Amour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Black Prism

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Idiot's Guides: Raspberry Pi

Idiot's Guides: Raspberry Pi by Thorin Klosowski
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Idiot's Guides: Raspberry Pi is an easy-to-use guide to programming and building Raspberry Pi projects. Raspberry Pi is the foundation for an almost limitless number of projects - from setting up a Wi-Fi hot spot, to creating elaborate LED light shows - it's all possible.

Learn how the Raspberry Pi works, how to program, how to connect to existing devices, and how to put together your first basic projects, including the latest Raspberry Po Model B+. Discover how to set up home media servers, build web pages, download and use the right software, program using Scratch, and how to come up with your own innovative project ideas for creating anything that requires nothing more than the processing power from a simple computer.

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Review: Adventures in Arduino

Adventures in Arduino by Becky Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arduino programming for the absolute beginner, with project-based learning Adventures in Arduino is the beginner's guide to Arduino programming, designed specifically for 11-to 15-year olds who want to learn about Arduino, but don't know where to begin. Starting with the most basic concepts, this book coaches you through nine great projects that gradually build your skills as you experiment with electronics. The easy-to-follow design and clear, plain-English instructions make this book the ideal guide for the absolute beginner, geared toward those with no computing experience. Each chapter includes a video illuminating the material, giving you plenty of support on your journey to electronics programming.

Arduino is a cheap, readily available hardware development platform based around an open source, programmable circuit board. Combining these chips with sensors and servos allows you to gain experience with prototyping as you build interactive electronic crafts to bring together data and even eTextiles. Adventures in Arduino gets you started on the path of scientists, programmers, and engineers, showing you the fun way to learn electronic programming and interaction design.


Discover how and where to begin Arduino programming Develop the skills and confidence to tackle other projects Make the most of Arduino with basic programming concepts Work with hardware and software to create interactive electronic devices There's nothing like watching your design come to life and interact with the real world, and Arduino gives you the capability to do that time and again. The right knowledge combined with the right tools can create an unstoppable force of innovation, and your curiosity is the spark that ignites the flame. Adventures in Arduino gets you started on the right foot, but the path is totally up to you.

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Review: Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner

Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner by Claire Watson Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent

"Based on the author’s successful courses and workshops, Painting for the Absolute and Utter Beginner really does start at the beginning, helping new painters find "what works" while providing information on all the necessary tools, tips, and techniques they’ll need to create a representational painting.

The chapters follow a progressive sequence that teaches basic skills through practical, accessible exercises–how to handle a brush, achieve the right paint consistency, mix color, and create dimension–building a solid foundation that readers can rely on as painting projects grow more challenging.

A special feature is the artwork and commentary of real students, which helps beginners set realistic goals and shows them how other artists at the same level of experience have worked through inevitable setbacks to achieve success. "

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Review: Too Like the Lightning

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Nope

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Review: Rock Art Critters: Paint the Perfect Pebble

Rock Art Critters: Paint the Perfect Pebble by Denise Scicluna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Visual artist Denise Scicluna provides inspiration and advice for rock painting--a craft that's perfect for "kids" of all ages. Readers will discover:
Tips for finding and identifying rocks and preparing them for paint
Techniques for creating the perfect "rock" from polymer clay
A guide to gathering tools, from paint, pencils, and brushes to wood filler and varnish
Dozens of projects for bringing pebbles to life with personality and style
Projects include woodland creatures (foxes and squirrels), exotic animals (tigers and pandas), things with wings (birds, bees, butterflies), and other fun critters. With clear step-by-step instructions, lots of variations, and loads of inspiration, Rock Art Critters will soon have you on your way to creating your very own pebble pet coterie of cute critters just waiting to be brought to life with a little bit of paint and a whole lot of imagination. Get ready to rock on!

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Review: The Death of Hope

The Death of Hope by Jude Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I pledge myself to you, Tahl."
"I pledge myself to you, Qui-Gon."

With these words, two Jedi Knights acknowledged that their bond had grown beyond friendship and into love.

Now Tahl has been abducted in a trap that Qui-Gon feels he should have foreseen. Consumed by dark visions, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Kenobi must do everything in their power to get her back before it's too late. But that won't be easy in a land where nobody can be trusted . . . and everyone has something to hide.

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Review: The Call to Vengeance

The Call to Vengeance by Jude Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Qui-Gon Jinn is a man on the edge. His heart has been shattered. His beliefs have been destroyed. And now he is dangerously close to stepping over a line that no Jedi dares to cross.

He wants revenge.

His fellow Jedi--his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jedi Council member Mace Windu--will try to stop him. But when Qui-Gon strikes out on his own, anything can happen. Revenge is not a Jedi trait . . . but it is a human one. Can Qui-Gon separate his personal feelings from his Jedi training.

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Review: The Evil Experiment

The Evil Experiment by Jude Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An evil scientist is imprisoning and torturing Jedi to find the secret behind the Force. She taps their emotions, monitors their actions . . . and then drains them of their blood.

Qui-Gon Jinn is now her captive.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is desperately searching for his Master. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon must match wits with one of the most dangerous enemies he has ever encountered.

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Review: A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Here is the third volume in George R.R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Together, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. And as opposing forces manoeuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others—a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords..."

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Review: Painting Class: Oil

Painting Class: Oil by David Sanmiguel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Nearly all the greatest modern painters have favored oils for their rich hues and expressive texture, but you don’t have to be Van Gogh or Monet to make oils work for you. This step-by-step, gorgeously illustrated entry into the popular Painting Class series introduces all the materials, techniques, and styles needed to become comfortable with this versatile medium. Find out about the properties and ingredients of oil paint, as well as how to mix your own and work with solvents and dryers. Instructions tell when and how to use brushes and spatulas to shape the paint; how to create realistic fleshtones; and how to “model” oils without blending brushstrokes. You’ll also learn the characteristics of warm, cool, and neutral colors, and how to approach figure drawing, still lifes, and landscapes."

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Review: Portrait Painting Atelier: Old Master Techniques and Contemporary Applications

Portrait Painting Atelier: Old Master Techniques and Contemporary Applications by Suzanne Brooker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The art of portraiture approached its apex during the sixteenth century in Europe with the discovery of oil painting when the old masters developed and refined techniques that remain unsurpassed to this day. The ascendance of nonrepresentational art in the middle of the twentieth century displaced these venerable skills, especially in academic art circles. Fortunately for aspiring artists today who wish to learn the methods that allowed the Old Masters to achieve the luminous color and subtle tonalities so characteristic of their work, this knowledge has been preserved in hundreds of small traditional painting ateliers that persevered in the old ways in this country and throughout the world."

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Review: The Shattered Peace

The Shattered Peace by Jude Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For generations, the firstborn children of the rulers of the planets Rutan and Senali have been exchanged at the age of seven. This was meant to promote peace and understanding between the societies. Now it has led them to the brink of war.

Leed, the heir to the Rutan throne, does not want to return to his home planet. His father will stop at nothing to get him back. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi must prevent this rift from turning to bloodshed.

It is their hardest challenge yet.

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Review: The Texas Post Office Murals: Art for the People

The Texas Post Office Murals: Art for the People by Philip Parisi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk into any of sixty post offices or federal buildings in the state of Texas and you may be greeted by a surprising sight: magnificent mural art on the lobby walls.

In the midst of the Great Depression, a program was born that would not only give work to artists but also create beauty and optimism for a people worn down by hardship and discouragement. This New Deal program commissioned artists to create post office murals—the people’s art—to celebrate the lives, history, hopes, and dreams of ordinary Americans. In Texas alone, artists painted ninety-seven artworks for sixty-nine post offices and federal buildings around the state. Painted by some of the best-known artists of the day, these murals sparkled with scenes of Texas history, folklore, heroes, common people, wildlife, and landscapes.

Murals were created from San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas to Big Spring, Baytown, and Hamilton. The artists included Tom Lea, Jerry Bywaters, Peter Hurd, Otis Dozier, Alexandre Hogue, and Xavier Gonzalez. The images showed people at work and featured industries specific to the region, often coupled with symbols of progress such as machinery and modern transportation. Murals depicted cowboys and stampedes, folk heroes from Sam Bass to Davy Crockett, revered Indian chief Quanah Parker, and community symbols such as Eastland’s lizard mascot, Ol’ Rip.

In this beautiful volume Philip Parisi has gathered 115 photographs of these stunning and historic works of art—36 in full color. He tells the story of how they came to be, how the communities influenced and accepted them, and what efforts have been made to restore and preserve them.

Enjoy this beautiful book in the comfort of your living room, or take it with you on the road as a guide to the people’s art in the Lone Star State.

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Review: The Ties That Bind

The Ties That Bind by Jude Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leaves you hanging for the next book.

"Six years ago, Qui-Gon Jinn and Tahl helped the people of the planet Apsolon choose their first free leader. It seemed that peace had arrived at last.

Now the leader has been killed. His daughters have been kidnapped. And Qui-Gon and Tahl have returned to Apsolon with Qui-Gon's apprentice Obi-Wan--against the wishes of the Jedi Council.

The ties that bind Qui-Gon and Tahl are about to experience their most powerful test yet."

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