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52 is based upon the comic book series published by DC Comics and picks up after Infinite Crisis. The world's superheroes, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, have disappeared or simply sequestered themselves. In their place, new heroes emerge to continue the fight for justice...blah, blah, blah. I just can't get into these type of books anymore. I found this equally dry and boring as Infinite Crisis. Clearly, the comic series was very successful for DC. For some reason, it just doesn't translate well into a novelization. I would say to skip the novel and pick up the graphic novel instead.

Cell by Stephen King

Bravo!! One of King's best since The Stand. The Cell is about human survival when a pulse sent through cell phones drives users into mindless homicidal maniacs. It's pure post-apocalyptic chaos in perfect Stephen King style. Be sure to add this one to your King collection.

City of the Dead by Brian Keene

Imagine surviving an outbreak in the middle of New York City where millions of blood-thirsty zombies surround the only building left for solace. Oh yeah, and the zombies are organized too. How will you escape? Brian Keene establishes an amazing backdrop and dire circumstances for his characters. City of the Dead is his follow up to The Rising. If you missed the first book like I did, this one stands on its own very well. This is a perfect book for zombie fans. Keene shows no mercy and it's exactly what you might expect if zombies took over the world. Check out his website at www.briankeene.com

Other books by Brian Keene:

The Rising

Dead Sea

A Day Dark As Night (Exalted, 1) by Carl Bowen

Terrible - Exalted: A Day Dark as Night written by Carl Bowen is about an assassin reincarnated as a demigod trying to understand her recent past and the past of a former life. There are few books that I dislike. Sorry Mr. Bowen, I just couldn't get through the first 50 pages. I just don't get it nor care. I'll give that the cover art looked great and quite honestly attracted me to buy this book. Unfortunately, there was very little after that that interested me.

DC Universe: Last Sons by Alan Grant

I must be getting too old to be reading novels about superheroes. I simply haven't read one in a long time that really excited me. Last Sons is no exception. It's a basic plot about the last sons or last beings of their kind, namely Superman, Martian Manhunter and Lobo. They get tangled with a new and invincible alien threat. The ending is predictable from here. Expect more books in this series, maybe those will be better. By the way, I'm not that old.

The Devil's Utopia by J. Schimschal

Wow! Devil's Utopia was a big surprise. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where two young tribesmen are cast from their village to explore the wastelands for one full year as a coming of age ritual. The young men soon discover ancient ruins, lost technologies, magic, and killer mutants. It's not long before they connect with unique companions and find themselves in the middle of a war against a robot army. Devil's Utopia is the first in a series described as the Darken Realms Series. The story is fast, full of action, and well written. Add this one to your collection. Be sure to check J. Schimschal's website too at www.darkenrealm.com/

Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling

Welcome to the end of the world as we know it. A sudden electrical pulse renders all electronic devises and firearms useless as humanity tries to survive a new age. If you like end of the world and apocalypse plots, you'll enjoy this one. Mr. Stirling spins a fine tale woven among excellent character development and relationships.

Earth Rise by William Dietz

This novel is the second book about an alien invasion and the human race fighting back. It's a little difficult to keep the alien references straight because there are more than one race and they each call one another something different. Dietz changes this around quite a bit which further adds to the confusion. Anyway, if you can keep it all straight, Dietz spins a great original tale of human perseverance. Be sure to pick up the first book in this series called Deathday.

Exterminators (JLA) by Christopher Golden

Okay - Unless you're a Justice League fan, there's better stories to spend your $8. A culmination of superheroes, of course all your favorites, take on very large worms, but somehow it gets out of control. I'm getting the feeling that we're reaching a saturation point with all the monsters the Justice League fights. I mean Superman dealt with larger threats and he just threw them at the Sun. Mr. Golden has an impressive resume, but seriously, I think his readers are a little smarter than he thinks.

Fantastic 4 by Peter David

Okay - Fantastic Four by Peter David is the novelization of the summer's blockbuster movie under the same name. If you saw the movie, this reads exactly like it. Sometimes the book includes extensions of the story that were edited out of the movie. Unfortunately, the book doesn't cover much else that what you saw in the film. Oh well. It's a good primer if you are waiting for the DVD release.

Fifty Degrees Below by Kim Stanley Robinson

The story takes place in D.C. after a massive flood nearly placing everything underwater. As the capital begins to bail out, a new natural threat may plunge North America into another ice age. This is the second book in a trilogy (sorry, I didn't read the first one). I could only read the first hundred pages and there was still nothing happening...no purpose, no build up, no interest. Don't waste your hard earned money on this one. If you get it as a gift, be sure to get the receipt.

The Flash: Stop Motion by Mark Schultz

Good - There's a few novels covering the Justice League. The books focus on a particular superhero, but all characters are present in each story. Add this to your collection. It's a fine read.

The Genesis Protocol by Dayton Ward

If you're looking for fast action from cover to cover with a bunch of special ops soldiers blasting...ummm, well, dinosaurs, the Mr. Ward has your book. Protocol is actually a lot of fun and a quick read. Think Jurassic Park but in the middle of Utah when the creatures at a scientific facility fight back with a vengeance. Enjoy!

The Grays by Whitley Strieber

12.02.07 - Here’s a book written by Whitley Strieber we think you’ll like. The Grays is about…well, aliens and they are already among us and have been manipulating mankind for a long time. The story centers on a boy-genius, Connor, and how the survival of the Grays and Humans rely heavily on him. Depicted as a race that has lost all emotion and self-being, the Grays need and even feed off the human emotional state. Caught between a government that wants to kill him, an alien race that wants to bond with him, and a father and mother that never want to let him go, Connor soon realizes he is the most important person and the fate of both races rest in his hands. The Grays is a definite keeper and one you should pick up and read. The author keeps the story flowing well and shares an interesting view point of aliens among us. Check out Mr. Strieber's official website at www.unknowncountry.com/.

Other Books by Whitley Strieber:

2012: The War for Souls

Communion: A True Story

Hellgate: London: Exodus by Mel Odom

The Gates of Hell have opened and all hell breaks loose on London as demons, goblins and other creatures devour the city and its residents. An ancient secret society of warriors called the Templar are the only force standing in the way and eager to blow these demons back to the hell hole they came from. Hellgate is based on the video game and exceeds every expectation. Author Mel Odom does an excellent job translating the video game into an interested, fast-paced, and character-based novel. The book is the first in a series of Hellgate books yet to be released. Be sure to add this one to your collection and stay tuned for future novels in the series. Check out Mel's website too at www.melodom.com/

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Just be aware that the book was written in the 1950's. So in classic Hollywood fashion, the movie becomes something much different than the book. In the case of I Am Legend, the movie is actually better than the book but then again the book is supposedly a classic among other horror stories. I recommend you skip the book and just go see the movie. If you're a true horror fan, then buy the book and just place it with your collection of horror stories.

Infinite Crisis by Greg Cox

Based upon the comic book series by DC Comics, Infinite Crisis is about the world's greatest superheroes, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, as they struggle with their own internal turmoil while the world comes unraveled before them. The story is hard to follow since there's a lot going on at the same time. Because there are parallel characters, it's even harder to keep them all straight and which universe you're in. I'm certain this looked far better in the graphic comic books but the story doesn't translate well into a novel. Save your money on this one and buy the graphic novel instead.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

Okay - This was supposed to be the movie tie-in version but I was fooled into original works of Mr. Asimov. Probably one of the classic sci-fi novels but I just didn't feel it or get it. Each storyline dealt with the three laws of robots. It got old as the story progressed.

Iron Messiah by J. Schimschal

The third book in the Darken Realm series, the story continues the adventures of two tribesmen coming of age in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel continues to introduce new mutants, magic, and an expanding world of creativity. Check out Schimschal's website for new stories in the series. Enjoy! www.darkenrealm.com/

King Kong: The Island of the Skull by Matthew Costello

There are some things in this world you just need to leave alone. King Kong is one of them. This is really a pointless book. Listed as a precursor to the King Kong remake film, there was absolutely no reason for this book to exist. The book was a failed attempt at cross-marketing. I can't imagine they broke even on this book...then again, maybe they didn't have to.

The Last World War by Dayton Ward

Good - The Last World War written by Dayton Ward is about two warring aliens that invade Earth through a network of hidden interdimensional portals. The book tended to default to the standard alien description, so no surprises there. It's interesting that advanced alien species will walk around naked. Makes you wonder if we'll eventually shed our clothing in place of superior intelligence. In any case, I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of subplots going on which gave the illusion of a war actually going on and the chaos around it. If your feeling a little anxious for the War of the Worlds film, then read this book to get you ready.

Mammoth by John Varley

The back cover has a great hook and a reason why I read this one. Figuring it might drop off quickly, Mr. Varley actually prepares a good read under a backdrop of the woolly mammoth and time travel and mixes them together. You may find few surprises however there're enough it keep the story interesting. There's no new discovery on the time travel theories but Varley spins it well.

Next by Michael Crichton

One of Michael Crichton's latest novels and his spin on genetic engineering, it's a book you'll want to pick up. Set in modern times, there's plenty of corporate espionage, corruption, and fear of the possibilities with our DNA. Don't be alarmed by 547 page paperback. The story actually reads very quickly. The author has divided the chapters into small sections. Along with multiple storylines, you'll be able to get through it quickly. Good book - Crichton fans will enjoy it more for certain.

Predator: Forever Midnight by John Shirley

Those pesky Predators are up to no good again by harvesting humans and setting up their hunting games on a distant planet. Meanwhile a colony of humans have settled on the planet and the space marines are on their way to check in...then all hell breaks loose. You like action? You like Predators' merciless killing and carnage? Then this is your book. The book is a lot of fun and a quick read. Enjoy!

Quag Keep by Andre Norton

I'm a big Dungeons and Dragons fan and enjoy reading stories that relate to it even more but this one absolutely sucked. It was originally published in the late 1970's at the time the original D&D was gaining momentum. The author actually credits the creators of D&D for helping with insight into the game. It's real hard to follow, some of the characters speak backwards like Yoda, and the plot is hard to believe. I recommend you skip this one. There are better ones out there.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Yes, this book is on Oprah's book club list, but that's not why I picked it up. The Road is about a father and son traveling across country and barely surviving in a post-apocalyptic America. It's not very deep and it is a quick read. I brought this one to the beach and finished it in two days. The father is willing to do anything to ensure his son survives. As they cross country constantly looking for food and shelter, they encounter cannibals several times along the way. I'll spare you the ending but you never learn what happened to the world. Otherwise, it's a good book and recommended for post-apocalyptic fans.

Isaac Asimov's Odyssey : Robot City: Book1 by Michael P Kube-McDowell

Good - Isaac Asimov's tale written by Michael Kube-McDowell. I never read Asimov before until I saw the iRobot movie. It held my interest; plot was good and the characters were believable.

Ruins of America by J. Schimschal

Ruins is the second book to The Devil's Utopia by J. Schimschal and you won't be disappointed. The story proceeds with the adventures of two tribesmen finding themselves and their companions in the middle of a war with the machines. Their pursuit holds the key to ending the conflict or ending the world. Grab a copy. You'll love this post-apocalyptic novel. Be sure to check out Schimschal's website too at www.darkenrealm.com/.

Rumors of the Undead (30 Days of Night) by Steve Niles & Jeff Mariotte

I wasn't familiar with the comic books when I read this one so there's a number of references that I don't full understand. Nile and Mariotte give a new spin to the vampire genre. Even so, it's just another vampire story with a basic plot about an FBI agent trying to uncover a national cover-up about an Alaskan vampire massacre. You may find some sections dry. If you skip around a little, you won't miss much.

Saucer by Stephen Coonts

Excellent - This was a fun read. The story was original, fast paced, and interesting. If you have an afternoon, time at the beach, on vacation, or a few hours, grab a copy of this book.

Saucer: The Conquest by Stephen Coonts

This is the follow up to Coonts' first book Saucer where the main characters are called into action a second time when another saucer is stolen from Area 51 and used to attacked Earth in an attempt for world domination. The book wasn't as good or original as the first but it'll still keep your attention and the story moves quick enough. If you haven't read the first novel, pick up that one first before reading the second.

Shadowrun: Born to Run by Stephen Kenson

In the future, magical forces and fantastical creatures will return to the Earth. Great premise with a basic plot, I think. The story is fairly predictable so don't expect any surprises. I only stuck with the story until the end because of the story's backdrop. It's a tough book to stand on its own without the other games and merchandise to support it.

Star Wars: Dark Lord by James Luceno

As a sequel to Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars fans won't be disappointed reading about the rise of Darth Vader. The plot is solid and new characters come forward in this action filled adventure. It's interesting to read Vader's continued inner struggle with good and evil. But at the end, you'll understand why the Dark Side is important to him. Add this one to your collection.

Labyrinth of Evil, Star Wars by James Luceno

Excellent - Haa-purr, haa-purr, haa-pur!! If you want a precursor to Star Wars Episode 3, you must read this book. Luceno does an excellent job bridging Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. It's a good, quick read, full of action and sequences, matching any Star Wars movie. Add this to your collection.

Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover

Excellent - Revenge of the Sith, the novel, is an excellent follow up to the movie. I have always like to see the movie first then read the book. For one, you can imagine the scenes again but the book always reveals more about the characters. In this one, you will learn more about Anakin's inner voice and his internal conflict. Some of it didn't come out so well in the movie. The book does this very well. So now, I'll go back to see the movie again and have a greater appreciation for the story.

Superman : The Never-Ending Battle by Roger Stern

Terrible - JLA Superman: The Never-Ending Battle is tough to get through. I got half way through it only because I like JLA and Superman of course. Roger Stern wrote the Life and Death of Superman, which was pretty good, and a long list of other comic credentials. It's too bad this one sucked. The other JLA novels weren't that bad. I would have expected Superman to top them. Instead, it was worse. The dialogue between characters was forced and unnatural. The target audience must be for a younger group, perhaps ages 6-12. I think Stern really excluded the audience that watches JLA.

Superman Returns by Marv Wolfman

If you missed the movie, then read this book. If you saw the movie, then read this book. There's always more going on in the novelization than in the film, keeping in mind that the book is usually written and approved before the final edits of a film are complete. Enjoy!

Terminator 2 : Hour of The Wolf by Mark W Tiedemann

Excellent - I was a little worried about some of the other T3 spin offs that ended nowhere. This is the fourth in the T2 series. Make sure you read the other three before this one. I loved the story. It sparked a new threat in the future of the Terminators. Keep this going!!

Terminator 3: Terminator Hunt by Aaron Allston

Excellent - Mr. Allston wrote a previous Terminator book called Terminator Dreams that wasn't that good. I think he redeemed himself with Terminator Hunt. Full of action from first page to the last page in the Terminator tradition. The story fit very well with the overall movie storyline.

Terraforming Earth by Jack Williamson

Okay - Terraforming Earth by Jack Williamson is about cloned humans living on the Moon and their struggle to recolonizing the Earth after an asteroid strike. The story spans thousands and thousands of years that even the author has lost track of. This one reminded me of the recent movie, A Sound of Thunder, with its unique animals and creatures the characters encounter over the millenniums. If you like the idea of cloning and planet exploration, you won't be disappointed, otherwise the story is little hard to get through only because there really isn't much going on.

Those Who Walk in Darkness by John Ridley

Honestly, don't waste your time with this book. Mr. Ridley just published the sequel to this one. I can't imagine it getting any better. The story centers around the main character Soledad "Bullet" O'Roark. It didn't connect for me why she is so troubled and I didn't really care that much either to find out. The backdrop is in a world of mutants with special powers (sound familiar yet?). As a cop, it's her job to eradicate the mutants.

The Thousand Orcs by R.A. Salvatore

I had this book in my collection of books to read for some time. I haven't read a Salvatore book in a while and was able to pick this one up finally. I have to say that I wish I had left it alone. If you're a fan of role-playing and fantasy novels, you'll like this book. It's the first in a trilogy where the author resumes the tales of Drizzt Do'Urden and his trusted friends where they face a building orc army. If you're not familiar with the Dark Elf character, try reading one of Salvatore's earlier novels. Otherwise, don't bother with this book.

Tomorrow Men - The Ultimates by Michael Jan Friedman

This book is intended to fill in some of the gaps between Marvel's recent The Ultimates DVD releases. Even if you haven't seen the movies, the book stands on its own anyway. Men from the future arrive at the present to warn the Ultimates of a pending global threat. If they don't take action, the future may be at stake. If you're into comic book novels and a fan of Iron Man, you won't be disappointed, otherwise it's an average plot with very few original ideas.

Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday by Alan Dean Foster

I’m not a big fan of Alan Dean Foster. I’ve read only a few books and Transformers was one of them. It’s likely I’ll remain a casual fan at best. There was no purpose for this book other than to ride the hype of the Transformer blockbuster movie and the franchise. I didn’t learn anymore in the book about transformers than what I saw in the movie or remember as a kid watching the television show. The book was predicable from the start and the plot had little purpose for the characters. It was just unbelievable and I didn’t really care for anyone in the story. If you’re in the bookstore, take a pass on this one and go see the movie instead.

The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks

Hawks' book is about an underground and centuries old society of Travelers, Harlequins, and Brethrens. Travelers are able to traverse realms of existence or parallel universes. They possess a unique ability to move between different dimensions. The Harlequins are sworn to protect the Travelers at all costs. The Brethren are hell-bent on destroying all Travelers. Therefore the Harlequins and Brethren are enemies. Are you following this so far? Exactly! It’s a little hard to follow in the beginning because there is so much history between these groups as the story unfolds in modern times. The story actually turns around and improves as you get half way through the book. Hang with it if you can get past the early chapters. You’ll enjoy the book’s premise if you like secret societies and underground sects.

Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston

You may not consider this one science fiction, since you'll find it in the fiction section of your bookstore. However, it does have a bit of interesting science theory that you'll enjoy about dinosaurs and their ultimate extinction. The book is about finding the fossil remains of the granddaddy of them all, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the people that will do anything to discover it, including kill for it. Preston does a good job with the plot, character development, and keeping the story going. There's a few spots where it's a little drawn out but easily overcome. Pick up a copy or lend it from a friend.

Wolverine: Weapon X by Marc Cerasini

Good - I can say it's not exactly how I would have imagined Wolverine's turbulent past. There are probably several variations floating around in the comic book world and hope of a future film about Wolverine's beginnings. Even so, the story was well written with an intertwined plot and quick pace.

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