Reviews and Comments

Robin Phillips

Robin@books.babb.no

Joined 1 year, 9 months ago

Military history author (writing as Russell Phillips). Tabletop RPG and board game player. Lapsed wargamer.

Non-binary. They/them pronouns.

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Vanessa Ugatti: True Worth (HyperSuasion)

Vanessa Ugatti dramatically shifts the thinking for accountants, lawyers and consultants taking them from their …

Short, but useful

Some of the reviews say that the information is very basic. That may be true, but a lot of it was new to me, and given that it's very short (32 pages in paperback) and cheap (99p for the ebook), I didn't expect it to go into great depth, nor did I want it to.

My only complaint is that a full quarter of the book is back matter - about the author, quotes from clients, etc.

started reading Cadman by Andrew Knighton (Commando Presents Cadman, #1)

Andrew Knighton, Mike Dorey: Cadman (Paperback, DC Thomson) No rating

On 10th February, 1973, “The Coward of the Fighting 43rd” first appeared in The Victor, …

As a kid, I read Cadman stories in Victor. I've enjoyed Andrew Knighton's new Cadman stories, and I'm looking forward to reading old ones too.

John Greenacre: Churchill's Spearhead (2010, Pen & Sword Books Limited) No rating

I hadn't fully appreciated how young the RAF was at this time, and how many within its ranks believed they had to fight to keep the service alive and independent.

Understanding that helps to explain the bomber supremacy belief and hostility towards airborne forces.

Jason Morningstar: Night Witches (Bully Pulpit Games) No rating

There was a night bomber regiment in World War Two composed entirely of women. Natural-born …

I've had my eye on this for a while. I finally bought a copy, and was pleasantly surprised to find the digital version includes an ePub.

reviewed Ainlay vs Infernal Support by Si Clarke (Deptford Paranormals, #2)

Si Clarke: Ainlay vs Infernal Support (EBook, White Hart Fiction)

Even when you’re dead, you can’t catch a break. Ainlay Harrison is surprised to wake …

Fun story

A fun story. In some ways, it reminded me of the TV series Ghosts. I like that the author deliberately didn't specify the gender of any characters, although I only realised that when I read the acknowledgements 🙂

Michael Warren Lucas: $ git commit murder (2017, Tilted Windmill Press)

If Agatha Christie ran Unix cons

The BSD North conference draws some of the …

Lots of computing geek references

If you're a computer geek, this is a great murder mystery. I'm sure others could enjoy it, but computer geeks will understand more of the references and acronyms.

reviewed Frozen Heck by Si Clarke (Starship Teapot, #4)

Si Clarke: Frozen Heck (EBook)

STRANDED IN DEEP SPACE ... BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE DONUTS.

When a warp …

Cozy horror

I'm really enjoying this series. As the description says, this book is a cross between The Thing and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The term "cozy horror" seems like it should be a contradiction in terms, but that's what this book is. It's also very funny.

It's not remotely scary, but nonetheless kept me wondering what was happening and how things were going to be resolved. The ending was unexpected but also very believable.

reviewed Livid Skies by SI CLARKE (Mars Colony, #2)

SI CLARKE: Livid Skies (EBook)

Excellent sequel

An excellent sequel, focused on life on Mars rather than planning the colony. I was particularly pleased to see that there was more about Devon.

I'm just hoping the author will write more in this series.

reviewed Past Imperfect by SI CLARKE (Mars Colony, #2.5)

SI CLARKE: Past Imperfect (EBook)

Katya should be on top of the world. She’s overcome a traumatic past and now …

Great short story

A great short story. I read it when I had almost finished Livid Skies. It was interesting to see events that I'd recently read from Georgie's perspective, told from Katya's side.

Si Clarke: Devon's Island (Paperback, 2020, White Hart Fiction)

other stories will take you to mars. this one will take you inside the boardroom, …

very geeky, very good

As the author says, this is a very niche book. There's a lot of science (and there are notes about the science at the back), but if you're a geek, you'll probably love it.

Personally, I really appreciated and liked the representation of the autistic character Devon. It was sympathetic and most of all, it felt right.

reviewed The Unveiled Lady by Elliott Hay (Vigilauntie Justice, #2.5)

Elliott Hay: The Unveiled Lady No rating

What’s a bit of blackmail between friends?

In a quaint café in the heart …

The Unveiled Lady

No rating

I was surprised that the blurb said this one only featured Peggy and Baz. I thought it odd that those two were left alone, but the explanation makes sense.

The characters work well together in the story, and it was good to see a little more of Peggy's family and background. Overall, it's a fun short story that fits with the canon.

Elliott Hay: All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder (EBook, White Hart Fiction)

Murder’s never been such a drag.

In vibrant south-east London, a group of grannies …

A great addition to the series

I really like the concept of this series, and this book delivers. The characters are all interesting, but very different, and I feel like I'm starting to get to know the Aunties better, especially Baz.

The idea that drag queens are targeted for violence is all too realistic, and there are some very unpleasant individuals, but the author manages to keep the tone light.

As a fan of both Douglas Adams and Dharma Kelleher, the references to them made me smile :)