Matthew Lynn

Don't you hate it when you can't look past a minor flaw? It's like Tom Cruise with Scientology, Jim Carey dating Jenny McCarthy, Liam Neeson appearing in that woeful Star Wars film and babies with their lack of personal hygiene. If it wasn't for these minor flaws you could really enjoy what is before you, especially if you didn't get sick of Jim Carey years ago.

There is a lot to like about Matt Lynn's Ice Force, especially if you like the "real operation" styled thrillers that Chris Ryan and show more Andy McNab write. Matt differs from the others in this style with his humorous banter between the characters, something I really like to see in novels, something I am trying to do with my own writing. So what is it that I'm hung up on? The misogyny.

Now, I'm not saying that this book and the writer are misogynistic, rather I'm saying that there is a tone stated by some of the characters that women aren't good at soldiering, that they distract men from the soldiering and that they are generally just eye candy. This is typical bloke-y fare that you get with the military and men talking at the pub who hate to admit that they are not in charge in their relationship. It may be "real" but I really don't like reading it.

It reminds me of a cartoon: http://xkcd.com/385/

So, this was a great thriller, but points off for marginalising women. show less

Like an American action movie this book has plenty of shooting, explosions, bombs and a few improvised weapons. It also has the same lacking element of realism, if you're after a story with depth this isn't the book for you, but if you're looking for something to pass the time and don't mind how reality based a story is then this could be something you'd enjoy.

I found it better than the earlier book, but still resoundingly average, but then perhaps I'm not the intended target demographic.

Storynory is an excellent example of how podcasts can be used to tell stories to children of all ages. These stories can be easily downloaded on to an iPod or mp3 player, giving children hours of storytelling fun whenever and wherever they want to hear a story. The auditory nature of the podcast also encourages listeners to think more creatively as they imagine the visuals to accompany what they hear. Principle reader, Natasha Gostwick, uses her calm, pure voice and skillful storytelling show more technique to hold the attention of eager listeners. show less

Read this while incarcerated in Oklahoma City. Actually a very good breakdown of the battle between these last two aircraft manufacturers. Should be read alongside "Flying High" by Eugene Rodgers