Book Review: A Distant Mirror

A Distant Mirror:  The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was a dense book, filled with engaging detail and information of life in the 14th Century. Tuchman states that people lived under such a different situation from modern times that their world seems alien.  After reading this book, I couldn't agree more.

While I've read some books on this period of history, none were as comprehensive as "A Distant Mirror." There's a lot of ground covered: politics, military, religion, society, and science to name the larger areas covered.  Tuchman weaves all this together in a fascinating narrative that makes the pages turn.  I will definitely read this one again.  One pass is hardly enough to absorb what was presented. 

If you have any interest in the 14th Century, The Hundred Years War, the Black Plague, or just knights in shining armor (which won't be so shinny after you read this book), then read "A Distant Mirror."  You will not find a better and more accessible book on the topic. 



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PS: While I know that this blog focuses on miniature gaming, I like to share my reviews of books that I post on Goodreads.  I'll only post up reviews that relate to gaming in some way.  For this book, I know a lot of gamers have an interest in the Middle Ages due to historical or fantasy games.  So I posted this review.  I won't be doing this for every book I read.  Just what seems to fit here.  If you have an opinion one way or the other, let me know in the comments.

Hammer and Anvil Book Review

Hammer and Anvil by James Swallow

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the first one in the series. We get to see characters from the first book appear again in this one.  While that's nice, they remained the same characters they were in the first book.  You would think their experiences would have changed them.  The plot was much like the first book, also. None of that was really a deal-breaker for me. 

My largest complaint is that subplot threads were introduced and never tied off or even developed. I don't want to reveal the story; so I won't mention what those were.  But keep your eyes open and you will see that some things promised at the start were not delivered at the end.

Overall, I can recommend this story as a fun, light read.  If you enjoy the Warhammer 40,000 universe and the Sisters of Battle in particular, you won't be disappointed.  I particularly enjoyed the Necrons, the Terminator-style of enemy in this book.  Getting to see the Necrons up close was enjoyable.



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Faith and Fire

Faith and Fire by James Swallow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I liked this book.  If you are a fan of 40K, particularly of the Sisters of Battle, then you should find it an enjoyable read.  If you didn't understand that last sentence, then stay away from this book.  You're going to be confused. I'm a sucker for the Sisters of Battle "fluff", and so I am the target audience for the book. 

A lot of people have criticized this book.  It had its problems, but nothing detracted from the entertainment value.  Sure, the plot is predictable and the characters a little bit lacking in depth. The story lulled in spots.  But overall it was just great fun and met all my expectations.  Check it out if you have the chance.



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