Book Review "Ready player one"

Rob asked me (his wife) to do a guest stint on his blog this week when I couldn't stop talking about an audio book I was devouring. We felt that the content of the book would be appealing to his readers and that a review would be perfect, since the his audience needs things to listen to while they are building costumes or painting armies. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love stories in any form: podcasts, television, movies, books, comics and games. So when I was queuing up what I'd listen to next during my daily commute, I decided on an audiobook version of a book I'd been hearing about in various circles I creep within. This one was so good, I found myself listening to it in any spare moment , not just saving it for my drive time.

Ready Player One appealed to my geek savvy, and it was a selling point that Wil Wheaton reads it. I mean, who doesn't love Wheaton embracing his own geek in The Guild web series or on Syfy's Eureka? It is a perfect match. He even name checks himself at one point in the book, it was pure geek joy.

Why would the 1980s be so relevant to a society that is immersed in a virtual reality in 2044?

When billionaire game designer, James Halladay dies in 2044, he leaves his vast fortune to whichever player in his virtual reality/MMO, the OASIS, could. This led a global society who were already spending copious amounts of time in the OASIS to take up the hunt hoping to get rich. The catch? Halladay was born in 1972 and so every portion of the quest he designed was concerns the 1980s pop culture, especially early video games. Enter the Gunters, OASIS players who become 1980s pop culture gurus to try and find the Easter egg he left in the OASIS.

Thus begins a race where the stakes extend beyond the OASIS and become higher and more deadly the nearer anyone gets to finding the egg. You don't have to have grown up in the 1980s to appreciate this story. There are plenty of references to keep any self respecting geek happy. At its root, this is a cleverly constructed quest story that finds you rooting for a group of underdogs and hoping for the downfall of some poser corporate bad guys. It just happens to contain enough fantasy, scifi, and epic action to make me a happy camper.


Audio sample: http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/cata...#

Watch this link for a book trailer:
View all my reviews


Sierra Trees-Turner has spent the majority of her adult life working professionally with books. She has worked for both Barnes and Noble, Inc. and Random House, Inc. where her love of literature earned her a paycheck. She now writes technical manuals for a living and lives with her awesome husband and blogger, Rob, and a cat hell bent on world domination.

Operation Sealion AAR#5

The Fallschirmjager drop didnt turn out so well for my Company.  So with the survivors hiding out and trying to make their escape to friendly held areas farther south I decided to switch to a Aufklarungs company and make a push into Bucks with the rest of the German advance.

My wife had other plans.  Her 2nd Household Cavalry led by her Infantry Ace Rupert Giles was laying in wait.

Medals were awarded in this battle.  You will see why!

Mission Rolled :  Hasty Assault
Attacker rolled: Germans

The Forces

Gepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadron Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron

German Late-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Headquarters
Gepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadron HQ  p.3	2 3 1	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Sd Kfz 250 Panzerschreck team	120
Combat Platoons
Gepanzerte Aufklärungs Platoon  p.3	1 3 1 6	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Sd Kfz 250 Sd Kfz 250/10 (3.7cm) MG team	230
Gepanzerte Aufklärungs Platoon  p.3	1 3 1 6	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Sd Kfz 250 Sd Kfz 250/10 (3.7cm) MG team	230
Aufklärungs Heavy Platoon  p.4	1 2 1 2	Cmd SMG team Sd Kfz 250 Observer Rifle team Sd Kfz 250/7 (8cm) half-track	100
Weapons Platoons
Heavy Panzerspäh Platoon  p.15	4	Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad)	160
Puma Panzerspäh Platoon  p.14	3	Sd Kfz 234/2 (Puma)	150
Divisional Support
Panzer Platoon  p.16	3	Panther D or A or G	560
Anti-aircraft Gun Platoon  p.22	2	Sd Kfz 10/5 (2cm)	60
Air Support  p.23	5	Limited Air Support Ju 87D Stuka	135
Company Points:			1745

Source document: Aufklärungsabteilung PDF

2nd Household Cavalry Squadron (w/ Welsh)

British Late-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Headquarters
Armoured Car Squadron HQ  p.31	2	Staghound I with AA MG	115
Combat Platoons
Armoured Car Platoon  p.31	2 1	Daimler I Daimler Dingo	125
Armoured Car Platoon  p.31	2 1	Daimler I Daimler Dingo	125
Brigade Support
Guards Armoured Recce Platoon  p.23	3 1	Cromwell IV Challenger A30	440
Guards Rifle Platoon  p.25	1 1 1 6	Cmd Rifle/MG team PIAT team Light Mortar team Rifle/MG team	185
Divisional Support
Parachute Rifle Platoon Allied Platoon  p.43	1 1 9 1	Cmd SMG team Bazooka team Rifle/MG team M2 60mm mortar	350
Field Battery, Royal Artillery  p.34	2 1 1 1 4	Cmd Rifle team Staff team Observer Rifle team OP Carrier OQF 25 pdr gun	210
Air Support  p.38	5	Limited Air Support Typhoon	170
Air Observation Post  p.39	1	Auster AOP	25
Company Points:			1745

Source document: Hell's Highway

Recce move time.  I brought a ton of Recon platoons.  Pumas push up on the left flank.

 8 Rads up the center as the CO and a Platoon of Mounted Panzer Grens wait to move out.

 Right side  8 Rads sweep around 

 Sierra sets up her CO (Rupert Giles) and the 2IC with some Rifle support on her Left flank objective.

 Her Right Flank is protected by 25 pounders as well as a massive platoon of 82nd AB boys who pop from Immediate Ambush.

 Turn 1 I press hard out of the gate moving the Puma, 8 Rads and Halftracks up quickly.  The Luftwaffe swoops in early! No reserves though.  

 My Stuka scores a couple hits pinning the 25 pounders and managing to take out one.  The were all GTG so benefited from a healthy 3+ save.

 Sierra sends her Airborne troops forward to put some pressure on the Germans who so far are concentrating efforts on the other flank.  Her Brit light mortar drops smoke on a puma that tried to get some MG shots snuck in.

 Over on the German Right the 8 Rads have gotten into a position to do some shooting on the Brit CO and 2IC.  They totally whiff but the Staghounds also miss on their turn.  They didnt bog though so Sierra is happy about that.

 Turn 2 the Germans get reserves.  I bring forward the big Cats.  3 Panthers on the right flank.  Watch out Rupert Giles here I come!

 Panzer Grens charge forward.  The attached 8cm mortar lobs a round overhead trying to smoke the Brit positions but misses.  8 Rads remove GTG.  My CO is in the HT charge with the Platoon.

 Panthers are in no danger unless Sierra roles Air support.  So I double time them up.

 Sierras luck turns for the worse here.  No Airsuport and fail to unpin on her 25 pounders.  Her Airborne do manage to dig in though.

 Pumas decide to back off and go on the defensive.  Pouring MG fire towards the Airborne just trying to keep the from advancing.

 Stukas dive in again trying to break the 25 pounders.  But the bombs fall off target.

 Panzer Grens Line up for the Assault!  Mortar successfully drops smoke.  Mounted Assault incoming!

 Panthers move into range to take shots on the 2IC and CO.  They only manage to bail the 2IC!  Panther Fail.

 8 Rads sweep around preparing to cut off the British.

 The assault goes forward.  Brits are smoked, pinned and not GTG.  8 swings including Tank escorts.  Should be a bloodbath right?  Well it is... But not in favor of the Germans who didnt notice Good old Rupert Giles in his Staghound withing 8 inches and able to defencive fire!  Rupert blasts the German platoon leader into oblivion.  One destroyed HT isnt enough to stop the assault though.  So NOW it should be over right?  Wrong.  8 swings including escorts and 6 miss.   That leaves 2 british rifles teams standing to Counter attack.  No worries they have to make Tank terror.  Well they do.   (British bulldog for the win)  And both teams score hits taking out 2 half tracks with 2 Panzer grens in each!  Ouch.  The Germans pass their motivation and finally finish off the Brits.  At a heavy price though.  The platoon is now at half strength.

 On the other side Sierra realizes that the only thing standing in the way of German victory is 2 Staghounds now.  She sends over the Airborne moving as quickly as possible to try and reinforce.

 The German CO spots The Brit CO.  Dropping his pistol and brandishing a pair of Hitler youth daggers he rushes forward yelling "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!"  Rupert Giles climbs out of his Staghound, his driver following him with his bagpipes.  Rupert unsheathes his Long Sword.  "Bring it ye blasted Kraut!"

 On the other side the German 8 rads get in front of the Airborne and machine gun them.  4 hits!  Sierra rolls her saves.....  This is for real.  4 ONES!  wtf.  I feel bad.  That is brutal.

 Rupert and the German CO clash sword and Dagger while the bagpipes play Blue bonnets over the border.  The Panzer Grens surround the combatants cheering!

 The German CO lunges forward but Rupert steps aside....

 With apparent ease and a spin Rupert slices the head of the German clean off.  The Panzer Grens fall silent and then beat a hasty retreat.

 The German 2IC arrives just in time to take command.  "What do you mean the CO just got his head lopped off by a long sword?"  AA joins and the 2nd Aufklarungs platoon as well.  Using those roads to push right up the center.

 8 Rads are still holding their own though.  Preventing the Brits and the Americans from hooking up with Rupert.

 Panthers press forward and finally after shot after shot manage to blast the 2IC.  25 pounders have unpinned and they use the AOP to spot for a bombardment but to no effect.

 Panthers get on the objective and take shots at Rupert.  They all miss!  Rupert sits atop his Staghound cleaning the blood off his blade.  (He gets Bailed out)

 Now this is where it gets really crazy.   Rupert is all that is left.  Until Sierra rolls 3 dice for reserves and get 3 Fives!  But no worries right?  Its scattered reserves and she couldnt possibly roll so that they ALL arrive right behind my panthers.   Oh wait, yes she can...  lol  The Challenger nukes the nearest Panther with ease.

 2nd Panzer Gren platoon dismounts and head off to attack the Airborne hiding behind the hill now.

 The German 2IC surveys the wreckage and retrieves the COs head.

 Sierra lets loose with everything she can to try and dislodge the Panthers.   But cant.  That leaves just Rupert who is Bailed out and cant contest the objective.  So at the end of her turn 6 we called it.  If he would have unbailed and we played a couple more turns I think the Brits would have really made a big comeback.

Axis Victory:  6-1

Summary.
Rupert Giles(Sierra) is hereby awarded the Iron Cross for singlehandedly holding off the German advance.  His bravery in the face of Mounted Assault troops, panthers and finally a duel to the death more than earned him this honor.
Rupert Giles (Sierra) Is also awarded the "There Can be only one" award for defeating the German CO in single combat!
The German CO (Rob) earned the Purple heart and also the bronze star for 5 bat reps submitted.

Devil's Charge, charging into a LGS near you!

Just stopped by my LGS and was shown a sneak peak of Devil's charge.   It looks fantastic!  And there is a whole line of new box sets and blisters to go along with it!  I personally cant wait for the King Tiger with Fallschirmjager tank escorts box set!  :)

A couple highlights for me regarding Germans:
ME-262!!
And Ersatz Panthers disguised as M-10s
Fearless Trained list

Americans get a ton of love:
Great coats galore!
Some BIG guns
Chaffee
Fortifications
And the Sherman Calliope Rocket launcher to name a few.

So much winter stuff coming out that I may have to seriously consider doing  winter themed US and German Forces.
Theres more and I have seen some other info floating around out there too.   From what I saw I can tell you Im very excited!  Looking like July 9th for release with LGS having advance copies within the next 2 weeks.

Nothing for the Brits sadly.  My wife is not happy about that.  But hopefully we will see them in the near future.

Operation Sealion AAR#4

    With the success following their immediate landings vs the Welsh Guards, Oberleutnant Zoeller and his 1st FD company decide its time to put the pressure on the rear of the Allied forces blocking their link up with the Panzer divisions to the south in Buckinghamshire.  In a daring move Zoeller orders his men to march towards Bucks with the intent of cutting of a main road that the Allies use for supply.  Unfortunetly for the Fallschirmjager, Tommy is well prepared with a rear guard of highly mobile Armored cars belonging to the Welsh 2nd house hold Cavalry.   Who are itching for some payback....

Fallschirmjägerkompanie Parachute Infantry Company

German Late-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Headquarters
Fallschirmjägerkompanie HQ  p.33	2 1 3	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Panzerschreck team 8cm GW42 (Stummelwerfer) mortar	180
Combat Platoons
Fallschirmjäger Platoon  p.33	1 9	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Rifle/MG team	275
Fallschirmjäger Platoon  p.33	1 9	Cmd Panzerfaust SMG team Rifle/MG team	275
Weapons Platoons
Fallschirmjäger Machine-gun Platoon  p.34	1 4	Cmd SMG team MG42 HMG	150
Fallschirmjäger Light Gun Platoon  p.34	1 2	Cmd SMG team 7.5cm LG40 recoilless gun	55
Regimental Support Platoons
Fallschirmjäger Anti-Tank Gun Platoon  p.35	1 4	Cmd SMG team 7.5cm PaK40 gun	240
Divisional Support
Fallschirmjäger Artillery Battery  p.36	1 1 4 2	Cmd SMG team Staff team 10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzer Observer Rifle team	240
Air Support  p.172	3	Sporadic Air Support Ju 87D Stuka	100
Company Points:			1515

2nd Household Cavalry Squadron (w/ Welsh)

British Late-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Headquarters
Armoured Car Squadron HQ  p.31	2	Staghound I with AA MG	115
Combat Platoons
Armoured Car Platoon  p.31	2 2	Daimler I Daimler Dingo	160
Armoured Car Platoon  p.31	2 1	Daimler I Daimler Dingo	125
Brigade Support
Guards Armoured Recce Platoon  p.23	3	Cromwell IV	310
Guards Rifle Platoon  p.25	1 1 1 6	Cmd Rifle/MG team PIAT team Light Mortar team Rifle/MG team	185
Guards Rifle Platoon  p.25	1 1 1 6	Cmd Rifle/MG team PIAT team Light Mortar team Rifle/MG team	185
Divisional Support
Field Battery, Royal Artillery  p.34	2 1 1 2 1 1 4 4	Cmd Rifle team Jeep Staff team 15 cwt truck Observer Rifle team OP Carrier OQF 25 pdr gun Quad tractor	215
Air Support  p.38	7	Priority Air Support Typhoon	220
Company Points:			1515

    My wife rolls up the mission and we get Free For All.  The map is set up with a main road, plenty of hills, hedges and even some bocage!  Zoeller and his FJ get the first turn.  The Welsh are set up on the left.  Zoeller leads a 14 man platoon starting in the forest to the bottom right.  Pak 40s are on the hills but still with all the bocage, hills and trees their long range visibility is very limited.

The Welsh Right

 The Welsh Left

 German Right

 Zoeller on the German left waving his Jager forward as the Pak40s watch the fields.

 Sierra's Welsh make their Recce moves.  Those damn Dingos.

 Welsh CO and 2IC are also Recce teams and move up to the farm in the center.

Heavy FJ Guns dig in 

Zoeller leads 2nd platoon up the left

2IC Leutnant Woll uses the Hedgerows on the right side to prepare for the Welsh

 Allied Airsupport swoops in

Cromwells and rifles race forward on the Welsh Left to catch up with the CO and 2IC.

25pounders having a field day (literally) with Zoeller as his FJ try to cross the field on the far left.

 Welsh CO staghound snipes the FJ 1st Platoon CO!

Cromwells manage to take another team that thinks they are safe in the bocage.

Dingos Maneuver to watch the road for crossing Germans.

The Typhoons manage to send some rockets at a Arty battery and take it out!

Zoeller pushes the 2nd Platoon onward.  However the Welsh observer in the farmhouse has other plans as he radios in coordinates to the 25 pdrs.

The next Turn sees the Luftwaffe finally decide to show up and counter the Allies air attack! Pew Pew

The CO and 2IC of the Welsh link up with their main force and push forward.  The FJ are not dug in but they are ready and waiting.

Just a little closer...

Daimlers get bored and decide to machine gun some FJs in the nearby bocage.

German Arty fails to unpin

Pak40s rack up a couple Dingo pelts at long range.

The recoiless guns manage to take out the Welsh 2IC

The germans wait till they see the whites of the Welsh eyes but miss with all their AT assets!  A whole lot of MG fire guts the 1st Platoon!  2IC LT Woll is taken out and feared to be dead.

On the far right the 25pds manage to stop Zoeller cold.  He decides its time to give up the attack and races away taking heavy casualties.

The light guns prepare to fire at the Daimlers but realize the mortars are too close behind them!  Instead the Mortar drops smoke helping the nearby FJ exit stage right.

HMG fire guts the Welsh rifle platoon to just a couple teams but the Guards are unflapable and dont quit the field.

The 1st Platoon sustains massive casualties and decides to fall back! Fearless my ass.

Pak 40 on the hill catches a rare glimpse of the Daimlers and Dingos and takes some shots knocking out the platoon leader and one Dingo.  The Last Daimler is stuck in his sights still!

With the loss of 1st platoon and the German 2IC the Right flank is ripe for the picking except for the light gun platoon.  Its turn 5 though so time is running out.

Welsh CO spots the German Arty observer hiding in a shrubbery and decides to run him over....  Its  messy. 

The Cromwells press on determined to reach the objective before time runs out!  The Light Guns take a loss but manage to bail one of the cromwells.  The other bogs belly up on the bocage!

Zoeller is pushing the men of the 2nd platoon as hard as he can to reach the objective in danger, while the Pak40 fires shots over top their heads to finish off the Daimlers!

Uh oh dont look now but were being followed....

Welsh CO has cleaned off his tires from making Observer mud pie and sneaks up on the light gun team destroying them.

Artillery fire from the 25 pounders kills the intended target of the Typhoons so it aborts its run as there are no more targets within 4 inches. 

With the end of turn 6 which was our predetermined end time we called it.  Using the Fair Fight mission rules we ended with a 3-2 Draw.  The Welsh managed to route or kill 2 of the FJ platoons while the FJ only managed to kill 1.  A real bloodbath though.  Like 20 something teams dead or routed on the FJ side compared to about 8 teams lost for the Welsh.