The Annotated Book of Mormon

in

When it comes to books of scripture, context is everything. This new edition of the Book of Mormon has set a high standard in providing valuable annotations, shedding light on the text's intricate nuances and underpinnings. As an avid collector of different versions of the Book of Mormon, I was thrilled to dive into this academic edition and was not disappointed.

To start, the reformatting of the complete scriptural text to mimic modern Bible translations is a significant improvement. With the inclusion of paragraphs, quotation marks, poetic stanzas, and section headings, the narrative structure becomes far more understandable. It is a refreshing presentation that juxtaposes starkly with the standard version and aids immensely in comprehension.

The annotations are an absolute treasure. They elucidate the meaning and context of specific passages, spotlight rhetorical devices, and unearth theological implications. What I particularly appreciate is the balance the editors have struck; they don't shy away from discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative, but they do so with evident reverence and respect for the Book of Mormon as a sacred text.

The introductions to each internal book are a fantastic touch, providing key insights into themes, literary features, and the overarching narrative. Special attention given to primary narrators like Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni adds depth and layers to their contributions.

In addition, the twelve essays interspersed throughout offer profound perspectives on the ongoing dialogues about the text, proving invaluable for anyone looking to explore the Book of Mormon more deeply.

It's evident that this edition has been meticulously researched, drawing from contemporary biblical and historical scholarship. The included maps and charts, along with a comprehensive list of biblical quotations and allusions, further augment the academic value of this work.

In my collection, I have several versions of the Book of Mormon. With the introduction of this edition, it now stands in a tie for my favorite, sharing the spot with the Maxwell Institute version. It is an indispensable resource for anyone, from scholars to lay readers, looking to delve deeper into the Book of Mormon. Highly recommended.

You can buy it on Amazon.

Rebellion: Star Force, Book 3 by B. V. Larson

in

"REBELLION is the turning point in the great interstellar war between all living creatures and the machines. Star Force is on the side of the machines--but for how long?

In the third book of the Star Force series, Kyle Riggs learns just what kind of war Earth is caught up in. At the mercy of the Macros, his marines fight against new alien races, big and small. They battle the innocent and the vile alike, until their situation becomes grim."

Buy the book on Amazon

In this installment of Star Force we meet a quirky little character, reminiscent of Johnny Five... "his" name is Marvin. Combined with the introduction of Marvin and some solid character building this book doesn't have as much action as the first two but does set up the next 3 books nicely.

 

Extinction: Star Force, Book 2 by B.V. Larson

in

Extinction: Star Force Series #2

Earth's Star Force Marines invade an alien world!

In the second book of the Star Force series, Kyle Riggs has another bad year. The Nano ships have a new mission--one that sentences their pilots to death. Meanwhile, the governments of Earth want to steal Star Force's Nano technology for their own. Worst of all, Earth has made a promise to the Macros, and the machines are coming to collect.

EXTINCTION is the story of Earth's entry into an interstellar war between living creatures and machines. To buy the peace, we've signed up with the machines.... EXTINCTION is an 111,000 word novel of science fiction by bestselling author B. V. Larson.

 Buy the book on amazon

 

The universe just doesn't like Kyle Riggs, turns out the Nano's have determined a new mission, unfortunately it means death to their command personnel and to further make it worse the governments of Earth are turning against Star Force trying to steal their Nano-derived technologies for their own control. Riggs find's his Star Force marines abandoned by the original Nano ships that invaded earth as well as indentured mercenaries to the Macro force. The first book primes you for the technology this second book sets up the rest of the series and is yet another excellent read.

 

 

Swarm: Star Force, Book 1 by B. V. Larson

in

Swarm: Star Force, Book 1 by B. V. Larson

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2011
Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet!

Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there....

A novel of military science fiction by bestselling author B. V. Larson, SWARM is the story of Earth’s annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war, and faced with extinction.

 

Picked this book up on Audible because the description seemed interesting and at the time there were 5 of the 6 books out. At the time of writing this review I'm finishing the 6th book and awaiting the 7th. First let me say, I love science-fiction military novels, especially involving spacy navies and combat between fleets of ships. If anyone has any recommendations for me please toss them out for my consideration.

I'm a huge fan of Asimov, Heinlein and Niven and find that Larson channels a bit of each while bringing his own essence to his writing as well. Meet Kyle Riggs, computer science professor and father... finds himself woken up one night by an alien ship hovering over his farm house, ultimately he finds himself aboard the ship fighting the ship and it's former crew for his life. Meet the Nano's, a race of artificially intelligent nano-robots going from system to system abducting local biologicals as part of their mission, pitting them against other biologicals trying to find command personnel for each vessel in their fleet. Meet the Macros, an H.G. Wells like massive robotic race of artificially intelligent creatures bent on domination, eradication and strip mining of star systems. What unfolds is humanities involvement in a war not theirs, a war between the Nano's and Macro's with humans being brought in as command personnel of the Nano fleet. The series is a must read and I HIGHLY recommend the audible version as Mark Boyett is a fantastic voice talent that really brings the characters to life.

 

Buy the book on amazon

Freemasons For Dummies

in
Freemasons For DummiesFreemasons For Dummies by Christopher Hodapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chris did a great job writing this book. He knows his stuff, did it tastefully, and didn't feel the need to lie or stretch truths to sell some book copies. He doesn't speculate, he just gives it to you how it is. Great book to learn about the craft for brothers or outsiders!

View all my reviews Buy the book on Amazon

Secrets of the Holy Lance: The Spear of Destiny in History & Legend

in
Secrets of the Holy Lance: The Spear of Destiny in History & LegendSecrets of the Holy Lance: The Spear of Destiny in History & Legend by Jerry E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Much of the stuff covered in this book I've heard briefly mentioned in various other places. It was nice to see it all put into one place and elaborated on. Mr Smith personally responded to some emails of mine I had when I had a few questions about the book... that is impressive, most authors are nearly impossible to contact, and even if you manage to find a way to contact them they don't want to answer your questions, especially when they are authors of books similiar to this one.

I wish the book would have been a bit longer but it was still a superb read... I have to admit, now I want to steal the spear for my own plans of world domination, but that probably isn't smart. Mr. Smith needs to pump out more books on this topic as now he's got me, hook... line... and sinker. This is a great book, but don't take my word on it (sorry reading rainbow) so check it out for yourself. Mr. Smith needs to write more on this subject, as he's got me hook... line... and sinker.

I miss you Jerry, hope the afterlife is treating you well my friend!

View all my reviews Buy the book on Amazon

Inside Delta Force The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit

in
Inside Delta Force: The Story Of America's Elite Counterterrorist UnitInside Delta Force: The Story Of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit by Eric L. Haney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Despite the fact that Eric Haney is generally hated in the special forces community, and the likelihood that his book is more fiction than fact. I found it to be a very good read. If you take it only as fiction, it would easily compete with the writings of Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva, Frederick Forsyth, and other military/spy authors.

I wouldn't suggest this book if you want to learn about the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne)... as I doubt any writings you find about it will be true, mostly speculation or fantasy... however if you want a good, fun, read... get this book. Good Job Haney.



View all my reviews

Anansi Boys: A Novel

in
Anansi BoysAnansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a bit of a let down to me as originaly I had heard it was to be a sequel to American Gods, however it is not.

The book is good though, once I got past my dissapointment. Gaiman is a great author and I love both this and American Gods as they have gods living on earth along side us. The characters are interesting in both books and I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone. Think of it more as a just another novel set in the same universe. A different set of people and gods.

View all my reviews Buy the book on Amazon