Lazarus Gray Volume 8 by Barry Reese

 Another sizzling edition of Lazarus Gray and Assistance Unlimited! Once again, Barry Reese shows why he is at the top of the New Pulp scene. He has crafted a wonderful world with Lazarus Gray and his band of heroes. Now into the eighth volume, Reese is cruising through one adventure after another with his spectacular cast of characters. And this time around, he brings back a prior villain (Nemesis), introduces a new villain who is sure to return (Bushido), and brings in a new open source hero (Golden Amazon). All the while, the action does not stop, whether Lazarus et al are battling a monster in the snowy woods, baby-snatching Shamblers in underground tunnels, or aliens in downtown Sovereign. Assistance Unlimited also suffers inner turmoil, with one member being impregnated by magic, and another member leaving the group over philosophical differences with Lazarus. This is another great read from a great author. Read this book and get ready for the next few volumes, which are coming soon!

Broken Empire - Assistance Unlimited: The Silver Age by Barry Reese

I've been a big fan of Barry Reese's Lazarus Gray series.  It's been a long time since the last novel (the publisher has inexplicably delayed publishing Reese's already-written Gray novels), and this one is not a straight Lazarus Gray novel, but it is a great one nonetheless.  Reese has skipped ahead a few years in this one, placing the story in 1964 instead of the 1930s.  Assistance Unlimited, Gray's group of heroes, has expanded and moved out of Sovereign City, Reese's setting for his fictional universe.  We see more focus on Emily Grace (the daughter of Samantha Grace) and Ezekiel Gray (Lazarus' son).  While the focus is not on Lazarus Gray, all the elements of a classic Barry Reese novel are there: lots of action, a great "pulp" feel, plenty of occult references, and great characterization.  Reese also did a great job of moving Assistance Unlimited into the future; it's great to see something "pulpy" that's not in the 1930.  I would love to see an actual new Lazarus Gray novel soon (I know they are ready to go), but Broken Empire is a wonderful way to spend the time while waiting.  Go get this one!

Dourado (Dane Maddock #1) by David Wood

This book had a lot of high points (lots of action, great plot and backstory, great base characters (Maddock and Bones)), but also had some low points (the spiritual/mystical part towards the end, some predictability in what was going to happen).  Overall, though, the high points outweigh the low points, making this an excellent read, especially for a series debut.  I am looking forward to Dane Maddock's next adventure with his buddy, Bones!

Lazarus Gray Volume Six by Barry Reese

Barry Reese has done it yet again! Lazarus Gray Volume Six is just another jewel in the crown of a New Pulp prince! The book starts off with a fast-paced adventure without Lazarus Gray, who died in the previous novel, Gotterdammerung. Despite Gray’s absence, Assistance Unlimited continues its founder’s vision of righting wrongs and solving crime in and around Sovereign City. The group has picked up a few new members, including Gray’s “widow” Kelly and the Black Terror, who has appeared in other Reese stories.
In the later stories, all of which are wonderfully written and action-packed, we see Assistance Unlimited face numerous enemies, both old and new. We see the return of Princess Femi and Mr. Death, and the emergence of new foes, including Nemesis and the Librarian. These foes are, of course, handled nimbly by Assistance Unlimited, some to fight another day, others probably for the last time.
Eventually, Lazarus returns from the dead. He’s not quite the same, but is still a tower of strength and justice. Without spoiling his methods, I enjoyed the way Reese raised him from the dead and the character he chose to bring Gray back.
Barry Reese has penned another New Pulp classic. If you haven’t read his work yet, I wonder why not? If you have read everything he has written but Volume Six, go read it, now! He has already written Volume Seven; I hope to see it soon!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 and 2 by J.K. Rowling et al.

This was not as good as the original seven novels, but it was nice to return to the Wizarding World again.  I liked the plot, loved seeing Draco Malfoy in a different light, and loved seeing the next generation of wizards and witches in Rowling's universe.  Harry Potter stories are like pizza and sex: even when they bad, they are pretty good.  And this story was not even bad!

The Rook - Volume 5 by Barry Reese

Another great piece by Barry Reese.  I'm going to be honest, I didn't actually read "The Rook - Volume 5."  Instead, I read the stories that made up "The Rook - Volume 5" from "The Peregrine Omnibus, Volume Two."  I just can't stand referring to the Rook as the Peregrine.  Nonetheless, these were great stories.  Reese has a way of tying in multiple characters, many of whom are far-fetched and few of whom he created himself, into a well-woven, complex story brimming with action and adventure.  I enjoyed meeting the Claws of Rook (or Peregrine, whatever) and seeing them in action next to the Max Davies.  I loved how he teamed Hitler with Dracula.  I also enjoyed the Cthulhu plot line in "A Plague of Wicked Men."  I've thought for a long time that whatever Barry Reese writes turns into New Pulp gold, and this compilation was no exception.  I'm anxiously waiting for Reese's next work!

Noble Intentions: Season One by L.T. Ryan

This started off very slow, to the point that I almost stopped reading.  I am now glad I stuck with it.  L.T. Ryan markets this book like a television series and delivered.  Each "episode" was like a television show in prose.  There was action, character development, and a cliffhanger ending every episode.  I'm looking forward to reading Season Two.