by Matthew Wilson
Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town Novel Review
Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town was written by Adam Christopher. This novel bounces between a prequel era, long before events of the show, and moments just before season three.
SUMMARY: In this Stranger Things novel we get a glimpse at the relationship between Eleven and James Hopper. It takes place between the events of Season two and three. Eleven wants to know more about Hopper and his past as the duo is snowed in to their cabin. The novel flashes back to the 70s when Hopper was a homicide detective in NYC. A possible serial killer is prowling the streets. Hopper and his parter begin their investigation until it’s taken away by the FBI.
The story explodes with historical knowledge of our beloved Sheriff, of Hawkins Indiana. In this story you’ll witness how Hopper was involved in uncovering a sinister plot by a cult, who may… or may not summon the devil himself.
CHARACTER: Out of the few characters to talk about, I chose to briefly discuss the most important, James Hopper. He was a Family man, who really loved his wife and daughter. He’s also a Vietnam veteran. His choice to move to NYC from his hometown of Hawkins Indiana, was motivated by his desire for action. Once he came home from Vietnam, small town Hawkins just wasn’t “exciting” enough.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this novel. It was captivating and really held my attention. It’s a thrilling and suspenseful tale of crime. Its a great backstory piece for Hopper, it’s story points and details don’t lean on the events that happen on the Netflix series, and that’s great. Dialogue was good, and all the characters were written well.
Do I recommend that you read Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town? Well, if you like Stranger Things, yes. If you don’t like Stranger Things, I still think you’d enjoy it, it’s a great crime novel.
RATING: I will give this book a B+
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by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Thrawn Treason was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Timothy Zahn. This is the third and final installment of the canon Trawn trilogy! This tale takes place before the Rebels television series.
SUMMARY: Politics among the Empire’s ranks is ever present in this tale of war and greed. Director Krennic’s Stardust project is hit with delays as an infestation of Grallocs (a cousin of the Mynock), feed on the power of the cargo freighters hauling parts and weapons. These creatures latch onto ships as they fly through space, leading the empire to believe a glitch in the freighters hyperdrive blasts the ships into space, dropping out in the middle nowhere.
Thrawn strikes a deal with Emperor Palpatine, Tarkin and Director Krennic, that if he can solve the Gralloc problem in a certain timeframe, his TIE defender program will receive more funding. Assistant Director Ronan is to accompany Thrawn on the Chimaera (Thrawn’s Star Destroyer) as the mission proceeds. It is on this mission when Grand Admiral Thrawn discovers the Grysks (a terror from the unknown regions), has made their way into imperial space! Also in this discovery, an unexpected reunion takes place, Eli Vanto returns with the Chiss Ascendancy!
Thrawn meets with Vanto and Admiral Ar’alani of the Chiss Ascendancy, making Assistant Director Ronan skeptical of Thrawn. Does Thrawn’s loyalty lie with the Empire or the Chiss Ascendancy? Are Thrawn’s actions treasonous? As the plot thickens, relationships are made and severed as the truth pertaining to the missing Stardust cargo is exposed.
CHARACTERS: This book has several great characters. I will mention only two!
Thrawn: The blue Chiss is calm, cool, and collected. He has a brilliant mind with a knack for outwitting his foes. Thrawn is a problem solver and genuine leader, with no hesitation to promote or reprimand his subordinates. His loyalty to the Empire and to the Chiss Ascendancy is nearly equal, and his hatred for the Grysks is great. His actions appear outright crazy and foolish, yet nothing he does is without forethought based on wisdom he’s acquired.
Ar’alani: Admiral Ar’alani is a of the Chiss Ascendancy. She’s admiral of the ship named Steadfast. She’s understanding of Thrawn’s roll to the Empire, but also can’t help but question where his heart is. She’s a hard leader that follows procedure but also willing to follow Thrawn’s instruction. Ar’alani is dead set on wiping out the Grysks.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: I’ll start off by saying Star Wars: Thrawn Treason is very clever, highly amusing, and extremely exciting! You need to read this! Timothy Zahn is a great writer and handles character development and story elements equally as good. He tends to lean heavy on a more “hard sci-fi” style of writing, compared to a more fantasy based sci-fi. This novel truly was fun to read and I found it hard to put down.
This story has several elements that link to the Catalyst novel, and I think that is brilliant. Not only do we have Director Krennic and Stardust sprinkled in this tale, but Death Troopers! The Death Troopers aren’t just mentioned, we actually follow a few of them on a mission, and it’s awesome! This book really ties into canon that’s already established, making it a great addition to the overall story.
The twists and turns were fashioned in a few different ways. Some felt organic, while others were a little too dramatic. Thrawn’s brilliance can come off too convenient at times, which can take away some of the tension, making certain outcomes predictable. However, the book is full of surprises and wonderful moments. There are indeed some of the most tense situations in recent Star Wars story telling that grab you by the collar and pull you to the edge of your seat.
Well, do I recommend that you read Thrawn Treason by Timothy Zahn? Yes, I’d say this is the best in the Trawn trilogy.
RATING: I will give this novel an A+
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by Matthew Wilson
The NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible: Confidence for Such A Time As This is published by Thomas Nelson. (I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson publishing for sending out this hardcover edition for me to review). The NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible can be found in various bindings.
The first page, as you would expect, is the presentation page. The next few pages contain the copyright/publishing details, the Table of Contents, an Abbreviations page (a guide to how the books in the Bible will be abbreviated), and a Foreword.
This forward was written by Emmanuel A. Kampouris. To summarize this forward, it’s plea to bring Christ and biblical teachings back into the spotlight. It seems faith in God by the masses, is on a steady decline. We need to arm ourselves, our peers and our children with the Word of God, so that we may stand strong in God’s favor.
The study system in this bible is broken down into a special chart/grid. These charts are found in the introduction to each book of the Bible. Articles, quotations, profiles, and other features are organized into eight topics with four categories of study notes/commentary. The introduction will give an in-depth explanation on the topics and categories.
Cited Information/features from the back cover for the Bible:
Bible Book Introductions
Over 200 Articles
Over 70 Quotations
More than 50 Profiles
Indexes
Overall Thoughts: I do like this bible, however I feel in time, some of its contents will no longer be relevant. I’m not a big fan of a Bible advertising a website. The notes are pulled from the Kairos Journal, a website for pastors and church leaders, a tool to guide them toward biblically and spiritually directed thoughts and actions. The topics in this bible are extensively covered on the Kairos Journal Website.
As we read the historical notes, current issues, and additional notes, we will gain instruction and insight as to what the appropriate, biblical response to current social issues that we face every day.
I really like the size of this bible. It’s pretty much the size of a standard hardcover novel. I prefer to remove the dust jacket while reading to prevent wear and tear on the dust jacket. The font is a decent size, and the words of Christ are red.
The layout of this study Bible is simple and clean. It reminds of high-school/college text books. The articles within give great information on various subjects. The information in this study Bible will surely give you as the subtitle reads, confidence for such a time as this.
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Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Alexander Freed. He also wrote the Rogue One novelization as well as Battlefront: Twilight Company.
SUMMARY: This story takes place after Return of the Jedi and the comic book, Shattered Empire. Emperor Palpatine is dead, yet his Sentinel Droid orders the remnants of the Empire to initiate Operation Cinder. Operation Cinder is the total destruction of planets using special technology to create apocalyptic storms which causes a planet to tear itself apart.
Yrica Quell, was once a special forces TIE pilot in the 204th unit A.K.A Shadow Wing. She has a change of heart and switches sides, joining the New Republic military. She joins a team made up of pilots that fly various ships, creating a new squadron… Alphabet Squadron.
CHARACTERS: This book brings an entirely new cast save for one, which is Herra Syndulla. However, I’m not going to talk about her.
Yrica Quell – Like I mentioned, she was once with the Empire, a pilot in Shadow WIng. She finds Operation Cinder a bit too evil. So she leaves the Empire and finds herself at Traitors Remorse, a kind of holding area for those who have abandoned their service to the Empire. She’s called on to work intelligence, to track down the destructive Shadow Wing unit. Until she finally proves her loyalty to the New Republic, and is granted access to an X-Wing.
Wyl Lark – He’s a human male, and pilots an A-Wing. He’s homesick but his loyalty to the cause is great. Although he’d like to do nothing more but return to his homeland, he pilots his A-Wing into battle to help burn the Empire to ash.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Alexander Freed is a master writer. He’s articulate, descriptive, and intelligent. He creates wonder dialogue and knows how to paint the scenery. The book starts off great! However, it fades off into a boring story.
The story starts off pretty strong, but in part two the story dragged and by part three, I was giving up on the story all together. I am looking forward to the second book, hoping it changes my views of this book.
I like that the book is full of a brand new cast of characters. Having the Sentinal droid show up from the comics was really cool!
So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed?
RATING: I will give this book a C.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Master & Apprentice Book Review
A novel written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray.
Master and Apprentice was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray. Gray has written a few other excellent Star Wars books; Bloodline and two YA novels, Lost Stars and Leia: Princess of Alderaan. The book was published by DelRey. This is the first canon novel to take place before the events of The Phantom Menace
SUMMARY: The Jedi Council extends an invitation to Qui-Gon Jinn to join the council. Before he can find the opportune time to discuss this with his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kenobi hears of the news from someone else. Uncomfortable strife between master and apprentice will have to work together on an unexpectedly dangerous mission. A Jedi Knight named Rael Averross, requests the assistance of Qui-Gon Jinn to the planet Pijal, to help resolve a political dispute. A treaty is to be signed by the Pijali princess and a major mining corporation, Czerka. This treaty will open a new hyperspace corridor, and initiate other fine print controversial laws.
Qui-gon believes the force provided him a horrific vision. He reports the vision to the council and Averross. Well, because of his interest in ancient prophecies, the other Jedi believe his interests are interfering with his sleep and duty.
Will Qui-Gon join the council? Will master and apprentice come to an understanding of each other? Is Qui-Gon losing his mind? If you’d like to know the answer to these wild questions, I suggest you pick this book up and read it!
CHARACTERS: In this book we read about two familiar characters as well as a few new folks. I’ll mention one familiar and one new character.
Qui-Gon Jinn: It’s nice to learn more about Qui-Gon’s history. We get a glimpse of his days training as an apprentice. As we know from The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon is somewhat of a rebellious Jedi. He values archaic, mystical writings over text of the Jedi Order. His favorite interest of study is of the ancient prophecies and language. Diving into the prophecies is frowned upon by most Jedi, as it can potentially lead to the dark side; seeing the future and wanting to possibly manipulate it.
Rael Averross: He’s a Jedi Knight, sent on a long mission to watch over the princess of the planet, Pijal. For eight years he served as the Lord Regent, assisting the princess while development and construction of a new hyperspace corridor was developing. He and Qui-Gon shared the same master in their youth, Dooku. Rael struggles with his past. Like Qui-Gon, he struggles with some aspects of the Jedi Order.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Master and Apprentice explores the relationship not only between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon and Dooku. This novel is well balanced with action, politics, and the force. The book starts off strong and exciting, exposing fascinating little cannon nuggets, such as a historical fact about the galaxy. It was a lot of fun to read a novel that takes place before The Phantom Menace, especially about the relationship of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Toward the middle of the book… it got weird. Hope of Master and Apprentice being a great read began to dwindle. There were a few cringe worthy moments, like when it came to a few droid names and the way the prophecies were written. I think it was supposed to be cool, however, it was a little too corny. As I’ve said in other Star Wars reviews and other content I post, explicit sexual content/references do not belong in the Star Wars books. There is no reason for it whatsoever.
After a mid-story decline, the book picked back up for an enjoyable ride. The Jedi Council causes division and conflict between Kenobi and Qui-Gon. It was interesting to see how they managed to overcome differences as well as work together on a mission that every which way but simple.
Gray did well with the development of each character for the most part. Glimpses of the past that we witness of Dooku are a joyful, exciting, and mysterious highlight in the novel. While a lot has been revealed about the past for some characters, a lot is also made more mysterious. While it’s cool to add bits to a character’s past and tease events throughout the book, it’s not cool to finish the book with those bits left unanswered. As a result, I feel a little cheated and unsatisfied with some aspects of the story.
There was one issue I had with the dialogue. While it was wonderful and very Star Warsy, the use of the word damn was record breaking for a Star Wars book. I can understand its use occasionally but damn… it was used way too much! I don’t want to end on a sour note, the book was a lot of fun. I don’t really know what else I can say about it. Like I said already, it was an enjoyable ride after a bit of turbulence in the middle. Claudia Gray is an outstanding author that delivers a good story with every Star Wars book she writes.
Do I recommend you read Star Wars: Master and Apprentice? Yes, it’s got action, politics, and of course, the force.
RATING: I give this book an B+.
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by Matthew Wilson
CSB RAINBOW STUDY BIBLE Provided by Holman
CSB Rainbow Study Bible
The Christian Standard Bible or (CSB) Rainbow Study Bible, was published by Holman Bibles. The CSB translation is trademarked by Holman Bible Publishers.
The first page is the the basic presentation page. The following pages include the copyright/publishing details and a Scriptural Promise for the Holman Rainbow Study Bible, quoting Genesis 9:8-17. To summarize, it’s about the Rainbow and God’s covenant to not flood the earth again.
On the To The Reader page: it gives insight into the history of the Rainbow Study Bible. A lot of time went into the concept of this Bible. The writing, research, and editing took years to complete for this wonderful edition.
On the Words of Explanation page: this section explains the idea behind this Bible and how the color and the underlined text is used.
We’ve got the Books of the Bible in biblical order and in alphabetical order. The table of contents shows the page number of in text maps within each book, as well as illustrations and maps located in the back.
We are given a guide as to what the different colors represent, these will also appear on the bottom of every page.
At the back of the book, we have the supplemental study aids that are very useful. 100 popular bible passages and 365 popular bible quotations for memorization and meditation is awesome.
Cited Information from the Bible Packaging:
Introductions to each book of the Bible
Full-color maps and reconstructions
Concordance
Subject Guide
Chart of Ancient Bible Texts
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
The CSB Rainbow Study Bible is a very unique bible. As someone who’s always hesitant to take a highlighter to the scripture… with this bible, I don’t have to, it’s been done for me. The color coding is very helpful when you want to focus on certain subjects of the Word. For example, if you want to focus on scripture relating to Prophesy or Faith, you can flip anywhere through the Bible and find those topics easily because of the color coding.
The highlights can also help you get a better understanding on your scriptural reading. I think this Bible should find its way to everyone, especially for those who recently found Christ or for those seeking His wisdom.
This bible gets extra points for having 2 ribbon markers! The font is actually pretty large, making it very easy to read.
My only con with this bible, is that it’s best to read this one where light is plentiful. I had a hard time deciphering certain highlight colors while reading at night next to a dim lamp.
So do I recommend you get the CSB Rainbow Study Bible? Yes.
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