Gears of War Aspho Fields by Karen Traviss
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Book Reviews of Gears of War Aspho Fields
Book Review: Thoughtful Storyline
Summary: 4 Stars
The author does a really good job in creating the world and universe for the Gears of War storyline. She explains how the survivors need food and the prioritizing of resources towards the Gears protecting the survivors. The character development is also well done, explaining their past histories that shaped them in the video game storyline.
The author does give credit to her scout-sniper friend and his influence is again apparent (previously found in Star Wars New Republic Commandoes series) with the obvious reference to spotting terrorists placing improvised explosive devices on a pipeline. Another reference to our world would be the Pesang Commandoes who might parallel the South Vietnamese Army Rangers from the Vietnam War.
Overall the book was an entertaining story that complements and enhances the video game series. Found that the constant chapter flashbacks interrupted the flow of the story and didn't create tension to draw the reader into the book.
Had the pacing and flow been better or presented the antagonists points of view, would have given it five stars. Unfortunately, the antagonist point of view is often missing in the author's writing style and the storyline becomes one dimensional at times.
This book is easy to pick up, put down, and pick up again, just like a video game. Fun book and entertaining storyline for fans of the video game series. Other science fiction readers may want to borrow the book from the library instead.
Book Review: Not bad, but not as good as Contact Harvest
Summary: 4 Stars
This book provides some backstory to the game. The author has clearly been around the military, as she uses a lot of Army terms and lingo. That's refreshing. The book jumps between a current timeline mission, set between GoW1 and GoW2, and the battle of Aspho Fields, 14 years prior to the E-Day. However, the book barely explains the reasons behind Marcus's mother's desappearance - which appears to not really be a big deal in big scheme of things. None of the nuggets that you will find in the book are crucial to the storyline and, overall, the book is just another story set in the GoW universe. That is the only reason I am giving this book a 4/5 rating. It's a fun read but not a must have for fans.Book Review: More canon for the fans.
Summary: 4 Stars
If you have not played Gears of War 1 or 2, then move along, this book will hold little value or interest for you. However if you played and liked the game, then this books adds some really good value for fleshing out Delta Squad members Dominic and Fenix. You still don't fully learn why Hoffman had placed Fenix in the Slab beyond a few pages of surface storyboarding. But you do get a feel of why Fenix and Dominic are so close, and why Dominic busted Fenix out of the Slab in GoW1. Good canon for fanboys.
U hope Karen continues to write more about Delta Squad, past, present and future as she really grabbed and retained the GoW world, personalities and ambiance.
Book Review: Good . . .not great
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are a Gearhead (Gears of War Fan) you will love this book as it really fleshes out the main characters back stories. It will answer some long standing questions & create some new ones. This book reads well & is good escapist fun. I'm usually not one to buy a novel from a video game, but Gears is different here because the 1st game doesn't give any back story really. It just throws you in the middle of the fray. That being said I enjoyed the novel & look forward to the next one in the planned trilogy.Book Review: Essential reading for any gears fan
Summary: 4 Stars
If you have played the gears of war games, this should be defined as essential reading. You learn a lot about Marcus, Dom, Anya and Maria's backstory, as well as learn about Dom's brother Carlos. It also is not conflicting with the game at all; everything seems to flow. It is very well written, and its at a great reading level for everyone. Also, if you have read any star wars books by the same author, you will certainly enjoy this book.