David Wardale

David Wardale's Wasting Your Wildcard:The Method and Madness of Fantasy Football shoots wide of the mark. I expected much more in the way of tips and techniques (just one tail-end chapter) for raising one's game in the Fantasy Premier League. Instead there's a wealth of background filler: the history of fantasy sports and FPL, the game's worldwide appeal, fantasy player profiles, recaps of prior fantasy seasons and title races, etc. I thought the chapter on statistics might zero in on specific useful statistics to consider, but it was, alas, just a generic overview of the topic. Ostensibly aimed at FPL fanatics - with a top UK fantasy website, Fantasy Football Scout, listed as a co-author! - the book nevertheless reads like a primer for casual players. A chance squandered.… (altro)

The genre description I received for this book was "YA paranormal thriller" and it was indeed a thriller. This is the first book I've read that involved psychokinesis so I had no idea what to expect. I really liked the main character, Danny--a teenage boy with supernatural abilities who was recruited by a government agency to work as a spy. Even with the paranormal aspect, Danny was still a really believable and likable character. I also liked the biological weapon conspiracy which seemed more relevant than bombs or guns and added depth to the suspense. Like all great thrillers, the pace quickened toward the end and my anticipation grew with every plot twist and surprise. I can't say the end was completely satisfying - as I still feel a little unresolved on some things - but I hope that means there is a sequel in the making. The writing wasn't perfect but there wasn't really anything that I disliked about the book. There were a few plot holes and areas where I felt confused but not enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story.

Originally posted at the Author Alliance… (altro)