Maui Book Club

While basking in the glow of a corporate "advance" in Maui I discovered my inner power animal and how to deal with owls, lions and a flock of seagulls. I also read a few books.


EMPIRE - The back cover says this is a disturbing look at a possible future where a civil war breaks out between the Ultra-left and Uber-right. This effort from Orson Scott card did not resonate with me like his Ender series - AKA the greatest tribute ever written to passive aggressiveness.

The characters were not believable, the plot was ludicrous. Upset with George Bush, the Progressive Restoration Movement - secretly led and financed by a billionaire left-wing extremist known as "Aloe Vera" builds an under-lake army of AT-STs and hover bikes. They invade NYC after murdering the President, VP and Secretary of State in a terrorist attack blamed on Al-queda leaving a Mormon to pick up the pieces as president. Its a book where the author is trying to show off his Russian nesting dolls. There's a secret within a secret within a secret. But when you get down to it. There just a tiny wooden doll that leaves you disappointed.


THE LAST KINGDOM - If any of you men reading this ever think you are loosing your masculinity or drive to eat an enormous drumstick while slamming you fist on the table screaming "BRING ME MY DRINK WOMAN!!" then read this book. Or just read it for the sheer joy of testosterone that will flood your body as you read about the glamour of 9th century warrior life. I promise at least 30 new chest hairs at completion.

This is a historical work of fiction starring Uthred, a young English noble who has his homeland invaded by the Danes (Vikings) in the 9th century. Raised by the Danes after taking him captive, he is torn between the warrior lifestyle he loves with the Danes and his homeland. All of England begins to fall to the invaders in bloody fashion. Only Alfred the Great stands between the Danish conquest and history hangs in the balance. Uthred plays his role as history unfolds. Bernard Cornwell is simply a fantastic testosterone author. This book is like Braveheart on steroids. I'll severely recommend this to SDMAMaddog and anyone else who thinks they can handle the raw power in this book.

With a book this awesome about medieval fighting why are we re-making Robin Hood for the 40th time? Sad. This is a trilogy and I'm already starting on the next book, The Pale Horseman.