Robert's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:31:47 -0700 60 Robert's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt]]> 8536070 646 Toby Wilkinson 0747599491 Robert 4 history 4.12 2010 The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt
author: Toby Wilkinson
name: Robert
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/18
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: history
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Unmasking Lucy Letby: The Untold Story of the Killer Nurse]]> 215520383
'Diligent and absorbing' Gaby Hinsliff, Guardian

'Meticulous and unexpectedly gripping' Janice Turner, The Times

'An excellent and open-minded study of the case' Peter Hitchens

'Should become required reading for any hospital manager' Harry Wallop, The Times

______________________________

The untold story of the killer nurse.

Lucy Letby seemed like a totally ordinary young fun-loving and sociable. Those who knew who say she had a happy childhood with devoted parents, and after university she landed her dream job as a nurse looking after sick babies. She even became a poster girl for the hospital where she worked.

And yet today, Lucy Letby is officially the most prolific child killer of the modern era. Following one of the longest murder trials in British legal history, she's been convicted of murdering seven babies, and attempting to murder seven others. She is only the fourth British woman ever to receive a whole life prison sentence. Still only in her thirties, Letby will die in prison. But although her journey from obscurity to infamy has made headlines across the world, very little is known about her. Meanwhile, her convictions have attracted unprecedented controversy with a growing number of critics arguing that she may in fact be innocent.

So who is the real Lucy Letby? What was she like according to those who knew her best? What happened at the hospital where she worked? And what convinced senior medics and the police that she was killing babies?

Despite trying and failing to appeal her convictions, Letby has maintained her innocence and no one ever saw her harming a baby - which is one reason why this case has become so controversial. Could Lucy Letby be the victim of a miscarriage of justice, as her supporters believe, or is she the cruel, calculating killer that the jury found her to be?

Drawing on extensive interviews with people who knew and worked with her, as well as unrivalled access to sources and documents, this book traces the story of Lucy Letby from primary school to prison, and grapples with the truth about one of the most high-profile murder cases in living memory.]]> 398 Jonathan Coffey 1399625195 Robert 5 4.00 2024 Unmasking Lucy Letby: The Untold Story of the Killer Nurse
author: Jonathan Coffey
name: Robert
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves:
review:

]]> The Mist 813214
The mist is alive, seething with unearthly sounds and movements. What unleashed this terror? Was it the Arrowhead Project—the top secret government operation that everyone has noticed but no one quite understands?

And what happens when the provisions have run out and you're forced to make your escape, edging blindly through the dim light?]]> 176 Stephen King Robert 4 3.95 1980 The Mist
author: Stephen King
name: Robert
average rating: 3.95
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/13
date added: 2024/11/15
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Desolation Island (Aubrey & Maturin, #5)]]> 77425 "[O'Brian's] Aubrey-Maturin series, 20 novels of the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic Wars, is a masterpiece. It will outlive most of today's putative literary gems as Sherlock Holmes has outlived Bulwer-Lytton, as Mark Twain has outlived Charles Reade." —David Mamet, New York Times

Commissioned to rescue Governor Bligh of Bounty fame, Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend and surgeon Stephen Maturin sail the Leopard to Australia with a hold full of convicts. Among them is a beautiful and dangerous spy—and a treacherous disease that decimates the crew.]]> 350 Patrick O'Brian 039330812X Robert 5 4.40 1978 Desolation Island (Aubrey & Maturin, #5)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.40
book published: 1978
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/26
date added: 2024/10/26
shelves:
review:
One of the best in the series so far. O'Brian is peerless when he kicks into dramatic gear. The chase during the storm, and everything that comes after it, is sheer brilliance.
]]> Project Hail Mary 54869216 A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Martian.

A lone astronaut.
An impossible mission.
An ally he never imagined.

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it's up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery-and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he's got to do it all alone.

Or does he?

An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could imagine it, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian -- while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.]]> 485 Andy Weir 1529100615 Robert 5
The central friendship between Grace and Rocky is one for the ages.]]> 4.48 2021 Project Hail Mary
author: Andy Weir
name: Robert
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/06
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves:
review:
This is the best new science fiction book I've read in years. Loved everything about it: the concepts, the plotting, the humour, the growing friendship between man and alien, the suspense, but most importantly, the emphasis on problem-solving to accomplish unprecedented feats of bravery and ingenuity. Andy Weir writes hard science fiction with a wonderfully human dimension, a combination even the giants of the genre have struggled to achieve. He makes it look so easy, but make no mistake, this is a brilliant novel.

The central friendship between Grace and Rocky is one for the ages.
]]> Full Steam Ahead 8547207 203 Nathalie Gray 1603104488 Robert 5
Merged review:

A rip-roaring steampunk adventure set in an alternate world of privateer airships, toxic oceans, and bustling cloud cities. FULL STEAM AHEAD boasts a terrific, spunky heroine, a stoic but passionate hero, and some of the best worldbuilding you'll see in an erotic sci-fi/fantasy. Bravo, Ms. Gray!]]> 3.75 2010 Full Steam Ahead
author: Nathalie Gray
name: Robert
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2010/07/01
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves:
review:
A rip-roaring steampunk adventure set in an alternate world of privateer airships, toxic oceans, and bustling cloud cities. FULL STEAM AHEAD boasts a terrific, spunky heroine, a stoic but passionate hero, and some of the best worldbuilding you'll see in an erotic sci-fi/fantasy. Bravo, Ms. Gray!

Merged review:

A rip-roaring steampunk adventure set in an alternate world of privateer airships, toxic oceans, and bustling cloud cities. FULL STEAM AHEAD boasts a terrific, spunky heroine, a stoic but passionate hero, and some of the best worldbuilding you'll see in an erotic sci-fi/fantasy. Bravo, Ms. Gray!
]]> <![CDATA[The Beasts of Tarzan (Tarzan, #3)]]> 330110 240 Edgar Rice Burroughs 0809599848 Robert 3 3.75 1914 The Beasts of Tarzan (Tarzan, #3)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1914
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/08/13
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Mauritius Command (Aubrey & Maturin, #4)]]> 77431 348 Patrick O'Brian 039330762X Robert 5 4.34 1977 The Mauritius Command (Aubrey & Maturin, #4)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.34
book published: 1977
rating: 5
read at: 2018/03/02
date added: 2024/05/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World]]> 54702397 299 Andrea Pitzer 1471182754 Robert 4 4.29 2021 Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World
author: Andrea Pitzer
name: Robert
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/12
date added: 2024/04/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[H.M.S. Surprise (Aubrey & Maturin #3)]]> 77427 H.M.S. Surprise, British naval officer Jack Aubrey and surgeon Stephen Maturin face near-death and tumultuous romance in the distant waters ploughed by the ships of the East India Company. Tasked with ferrying a British ambassador to the Sultan of Kampong, they find themselves on a prolonged voyage aboard a Royal Navy frigate en route to the Malay Peninsula. In this new sphere, Aubrey is on the defensive, pitting wits and seamanship against an enemy who enjoys overwhelming local superiority. But somewhere in the Indian Ocean lies the prize that could secure him a marriage to his beloved Sophie and make him rich beyond his wildest dreams: the ships sent by Napoleon to attack the China Fleet.]]> 379 Patrick O'Brian 0393307611 Robert 5 4.44 1973 H.M.S. Surprise (Aubrey & Maturin #3)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1973
rating: 5
read at: 2024/04/01
date added: 2024/04/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Seven Deadly Sinners 48655989 Each person has a story, but who is telling the truth � and who is murdering them one at a time?

For anyone who has never visited Australia, or experienced the country in drought, it can be hard to imagine just how dry the continent can get. It can also be difficult to appreciate just how isolated some parts of rural Australia are, and how badly people, animals and plants can be affected when it doesn’t rain for years. Some people don’t see another soul for months at a time. This novella is set in 1957 in a fictional outback pub near the Queensland/New South Wales border, and is based on the many pubs that dot the landscape and offer a respite for weary travellers across the wide brown land. Eleven people are thrown together, isolated by swollen rivers and creeks. As the booze flows and the flies buzz, details of their lives unfurl and danger lurks in the form of unpalatable cocktails, dubious food served up by the proprietor � and a serial killer.]]> Carmel McMurdo Audsley Robert 4
Classic genre tropes abound as author Carmel McMurdo Audsley introduces his vivid cast of characters and sprinkles hints of various ulterior motives. The hotel’s beleaguered owner and proprietor, Dulcie, has a deadbeat husband and a weirdo son. She can’t wait to offload the place onto a new buyer and retire to the city. Meanwhile, a pair of tinhorn grifters, a lawman escorting a murder suspect, and several others find themselves stranded there with a severe storm approaching.

The author makes great use of the setting to heighten the tense atmosphere. The heat, the encroaching bad weather, and later the flooding: it builds nicely and is well described. Details of the Aussie outback, and also the period trappings (it’s set in 1957) are convincing and add a lot to the storytelling. The characters aren’t given much development beyond the well-done introductions, but I mostly kept track of who was who—important for such a big cast in a single setting. Good job there.

I think the biggest drawback here is the brevity. Once the murders start, they occur too frequently and aren’t given the dramatic weight needed to heighten the emotional stakes. The tone is light, which is fine, but I wanted each death to mean more to the group and to the bereaved individuals. Instead, it’s quickly on to the next murder. As a result, I wasn’t particularly invested in their fates.

The explanation is fun, if unoriginal. I like the ending quite a bit—again, it uses the elements to good effect. Fans of whodunits with unusual settings should get a kick out of Seven Deadly Sinners. It’s not a top tier example of the genre, but it runs like clockwork, passes the time well, and has plenty to recommend it.
]]> 4.30 2019 Seven Deadly Sinners
author: Carmel McMurdo Audsley
name: Robert
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/16
date added: 2024/03/16
shelves:
review:
When an assorted group of strangers is forced to stay the night at a remote hotel in the Australian outback, it isn’t long before the bodies start piling in this fun, if fairly predictable, murder mystery whodunit.

Classic genre tropes abound as author Carmel McMurdo Audsley introduces his vivid cast of characters and sprinkles hints of various ulterior motives. The hotel’s beleaguered owner and proprietor, Dulcie, has a deadbeat husband and a weirdo son. She can’t wait to offload the place onto a new buyer and retire to the city. Meanwhile, a pair of tinhorn grifters, a lawman escorting a murder suspect, and several others find themselves stranded there with a severe storm approaching.

The author makes great use of the setting to heighten the tense atmosphere. The heat, the encroaching bad weather, and later the flooding: it builds nicely and is well described. Details of the Aussie outback, and also the period trappings (it’s set in 1957) are convincing and add a lot to the storytelling. The characters aren’t given much development beyond the well-done introductions, but I mostly kept track of who was who—important for such a big cast in a single setting. Good job there.

I think the biggest drawback here is the brevity. Once the murders start, they occur too frequently and aren’t given the dramatic weight needed to heighten the emotional stakes. The tone is light, which is fine, but I wanted each death to mean more to the group and to the bereaved individuals. Instead, it’s quickly on to the next murder. As a result, I wasn’t particularly invested in their fates.

The explanation is fun, if unoriginal. I like the ending quite a bit—again, it uses the elements to good effect. Fans of whodunits with unusual settings should get a kick out of Seven Deadly Sinners. It’s not a top tier example of the genre, but it runs like clockwork, passes the time well, and has plenty to recommend it.

]]> Ascension 209031527 174 Joshua Scribner Robert 3
Two of Ascension’s strengths are its rawness and unpredictability. The author isn’t afraid of delving into his characters� deepest flaws and traumas. The sense of dread as the story develops has an external element, but it also comes from within these people because we’ve seen them at their most exposed. I thought I had a handle on what would explain the supernatural goings-on, but the story kept surprising me. The final act didn’t play out the way I expected. That’s a definite plus, as it kept me on my toes, but I wasn’t wowed by the supernatural revelation.

The mystery at the heart of Joshua Scribner’s horror novel kept me intrigued throughout, even when the characters became so loathsome I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading. The reveal at the climax explains the nastier aspects of the story, but even aside from that, these people are so unlikeable I found myself rooting against them, not for them. The one character with any decency, the therapist, Janie, acts as the reader’s conscience. She’s the only one trying to get to the bottom of the bizarre events. But she isn’t fleshed out particularly well. I wanted to connect with her more, but the choppy narrative didn’t give her enough room to breathe. It was more interested in Amos, his neighbor Leah, and a deranged killer with some kind of possessed multiple personality disorder, Jonnie: all are jerks who only get worse under the malign influence at the story’s center.

Writing is earthy and insightful in the first half, when the author is building his characters, but becomes a little rushed in the second half, when truly bad things start to happen. I think elements of Ascension work well: the characters gradually losing control, the mystery swirling around one geographical point, the teasing of supernatural forces. If it doesn’t quite come together, for me, is more to do with a disconnect I had with the central trio. In the absence of someone to root for, I stuck around for the plot only. Other readers may really dig the darker aspects of character and story more than I did. By all means, give it a whirl if the premise intrigues you.
]]> 3.97 Ascension
author: Joshua Scribner
name: Robert
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/04
date added: 2024/03/03
shelves:
review:
When Amos moves into the rural home he’s inherited from his recently deceased mother, he quickly encounters mysterious behavior among the locals, as well as inexplicable visions and apparitions that suggest something paranormal may be occurring. Worse, it all seems to be centered on his new property. What’s behind it? Will he be able to unravel the malevolent secret before events spiral out of control?

Two of Ascension’s strengths are its rawness and unpredictability. The author isn’t afraid of delving into his characters� deepest flaws and traumas. The sense of dread as the story develops has an external element, but it also comes from within these people because we’ve seen them at their most exposed. I thought I had a handle on what would explain the supernatural goings-on, but the story kept surprising me. The final act didn’t play out the way I expected. That’s a definite plus, as it kept me on my toes, but I wasn’t wowed by the supernatural revelation.

The mystery at the heart of Joshua Scribner’s horror novel kept me intrigued throughout, even when the characters became so loathsome I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading. The reveal at the climax explains the nastier aspects of the story, but even aside from that, these people are so unlikeable I found myself rooting against them, not for them. The one character with any decency, the therapist, Janie, acts as the reader’s conscience. She’s the only one trying to get to the bottom of the bizarre events. But she isn’t fleshed out particularly well. I wanted to connect with her more, but the choppy narrative didn’t give her enough room to breathe. It was more interested in Amos, his neighbor Leah, and a deranged killer with some kind of possessed multiple personality disorder, Jonnie: all are jerks who only get worse under the malign influence at the story’s center.

Writing is earthy and insightful in the first half, when the author is building his characters, but becomes a little rushed in the second half, when truly bad things start to happen. I think elements of Ascension work well: the characters gradually losing control, the mystery swirling around one geographical point, the teasing of supernatural forces. If it doesn’t quite come together, for me, is more to do with a disconnect I had with the central trio. In the absence of someone to root for, I stuck around for the plot only. Other readers may really dig the darker aspects of character and story more than I did. By all means, give it a whirl if the premise intrigues you.

]]> <![CDATA[Children of Time (Children of Time, #1)]]> 25499718
WHO WILL INHERIT THIS NEW EARTH?

The last remnants of the human race left a dying Earth, desperate to find a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover the greatest treasure of the past age—a world terraformed and prepared for human life.

But all is not right in this new Eden. In the long years since the planet was abandoned, the work of its architects has borne disastrous fruit. The planet is not waiting for them, pristine and unoccupied. New masters have turned it from a refuge into mankind's worst nightmare.

Now two civilizations are on a collision course, both testing the boundaries of what they will do to survive. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, who are the true heirs of this new Earth?]]> 608 Adrian Tchaikovsky 1447273281 Robert 5 4.29 2015 Children of Time (Children of Time, #1)
author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
name: Robert
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/29
date added: 2024/02/29
shelves:
review:

]]> Kronstadt! 59913695
Feel the excitement of a world-changing revolution creating a new history for the planet, while simultaneously witnessing the bitterness and heartache of how that potential future was lost.

A story of history, politics, war, and love, and a world that could have been.]]> 179 Kim Aaron Robert 5
What begins as a show of defiance by the sailors, soldiers and immiserated civilians of Kotlin Island against the tyrannical rule of the post-Revolution Russian government quickly snowballs into an all-or-nothing movement. They seize control of several naval vessels, and blockade themselves off from the rest of the country. Not long after, they take advantage of their strategic position to strike at the city of Petrograd. It sends shockwaves through the divided nation, not least because so many Russians, military or otherwise, are eager to join the cause. They’ve simply had enough of Lenin, Trotsky and their ilk, and want a fresh start with the Kronstadters, as they become known.

The story is told in an interesting format. Author Kim Aaron starts each chapter with a propaganda bulletin from the Kronstadt ministry, then immediately follows it with a personal letter from one of the architects of the uprising to his wife, who’s been imprisoned. It’s an effective contrast, juxtaposing a political and military overview of the broader events with the personal anguish Alexander suffers through daily. He’s a likeable hero: haunted, resolute, aware of the toll it’s taking on him and those around him.

The rest of the narrative is told in highly readable, unfussy present tense prose. Scenes unfold naturally, and I was always engaged, whether it was in a political meeting or on the front lines of battle. Indeed, it’s a fascinating what-if account of a little-known event of Russian history given a world-shaking makeover. I’d never heard of it before, but Ms. Aaron’s well-researched portrayal made me think I was reading actual history unfolding on the page. The more speculative it got, the more riveted I became.

It's an excellent book I would recommend to anyone who likes to try something a little different. It shines a light on a relatively obscure part of history, and posits a very interesting, and seemingly credible, alternative. I loved the final passages that rewrite subsequent world events, and the end coda that wraps up the personal story with a haunting final flourish.
]]> 4.05 Kronstadt!
author: Kim Aaron
name: Robert
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/23
date added: 2024/02/22
shelves:
review:
A brave uprising against the Bolshevik communists in Soviet Russia is magnified through the lens of alternate history in this gripping account of war, politics, and the personal cost to those at the heart of the struggle.

What begins as a show of defiance by the sailors, soldiers and immiserated civilians of Kotlin Island against the tyrannical rule of the post-Revolution Russian government quickly snowballs into an all-or-nothing movement. They seize control of several naval vessels, and blockade themselves off from the rest of the country. Not long after, they take advantage of their strategic position to strike at the city of Petrograd. It sends shockwaves through the divided nation, not least because so many Russians, military or otherwise, are eager to join the cause. They’ve simply had enough of Lenin, Trotsky and their ilk, and want a fresh start with the Kronstadters, as they become known.

The story is told in an interesting format. Author Kim Aaron starts each chapter with a propaganda bulletin from the Kronstadt ministry, then immediately follows it with a personal letter from one of the architects of the uprising to his wife, who’s been imprisoned. It’s an effective contrast, juxtaposing a political and military overview of the broader events with the personal anguish Alexander suffers through daily. He’s a likeable hero: haunted, resolute, aware of the toll it’s taking on him and those around him.

The rest of the narrative is told in highly readable, unfussy present tense prose. Scenes unfold naturally, and I was always engaged, whether it was in a political meeting or on the front lines of battle. Indeed, it’s a fascinating what-if account of a little-known event of Russian history given a world-shaking makeover. I’d never heard of it before, but Ms. Aaron’s well-researched portrayal made me think I was reading actual history unfolding on the page. The more speculative it got, the more riveted I became.

It's an excellent book I would recommend to anyone who likes to try something a little different. It shines a light on a relatively obscure part of history, and posits a very interesting, and seemingly credible, alternative. I loved the final passages that rewrite subsequent world events, and the end coda that wraps up the personal story with a haunting final flourish.

]]> <![CDATA[Tanar of Pellucidar (Pellucidar, #3)]]> 578067 224 Edgar Rice Burroughs 1441061711 Robert 3 3.63 1928 Tanar of Pellucidar (Pellucidar, #3)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.63
book published: 1928
rating: 3
read at: 2024/01/30
date added: 2024/01/29
shelves:
review:

]]> Persuasion 2156 249 Jane Austen 0192802631 Robert 4 4.15 1817 Persuasion
author: Jane Austen
name: Robert
average rating: 4.15
book published: 1817
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/22
date added: 2024/01/22
shelves:
review:

]]> Misery 60375124
Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now he's writing to stay alive.

Misery Chastain is dead. Paul Sheldon has just killed her - with relief, with joy. Misery made him rich; she was the heroine of a string of bestsellers. And now he wants to get on to some real writing.

That's when the car accident happens, and he wakes up splinted and in pain, in the remote mountain home of his rescuer, Annie Wilkes.

The good news is that Annie was a nurse and has pain-killing drugs. The bad news is that she has long been Paul's Number One Fan. And when she finds out what Paul has done to Misery, she doesn't like it. She doesn't like it at all . . .]]> 369 Stephen King Robert 5 4.09 1987 Misery
author: Stephen King
name: Robert
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/14
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves:
review:

]]> Crime and Punishment 7144 671 Fyodor Dostoevsky Robert 5 4.26 1866 Crime and Punishment
author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
name: Robert
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1866
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/10
date added: 2023/12/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Post Captain (Aubrey & Maturin, #2)]]> 17768 Post Captain, the second in Patrick O'Brian's much loved Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, begins with Jack Aubrey returning to an England at peace following the Treaty of Amiens. With his friend Stephen Maturin, he begins to live the life of a country gentleman but their comfortable existence is cut short when Jack is reduced to a pauper overnight. He flees to the continent to seek refuge only to find himself a hunted fugitive from Napoleon's regime. Aubrey's adventures in escaping from both France and the debtor's prison will grip the reader as fast as his unequalled actions at sea.]]> 474 Patrick O'Brian Robert 5 4.29 1972 Post Captain (Aubrey & Maturin, #2)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1972
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/16
date added: 2023/11/15
shelves:
review:

]]> Gone But Not Forgotten 198851631 77 Iseult Murphy 173966860X Robert 4 4.13 Gone But Not Forgotten
author: Iseult Murphy
name: Robert
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/05
date added: 2023/11/05
shelves:
review:
This has a winning blend of vivid scene-setting, well-drawn characters, and a fairly clever plot that unfolds with ghoulish elan. I enjoyed the spooky first half, but there's a twist that hikes the remainder into a really compelling short horror read. Very good writing from Iseult Murphy. Fans of horror/ghost stories will lap this up. Recommended.
]]> <![CDATA[Chapterhouse: Dune (Dune Chronicles, #6)]]> 12267035 452 Frank Herbert 0575104392 Robert 4 4.01 1985 Chapterhouse: Dune (Dune Chronicles, #6)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1985
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/27
date added: 2023/10/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3)]]> 18048405
The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents.

Gandalf returned, miraculously, and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Meanwhile, Sam and Frodo progressed towards Mordor to destroy the Ring, accompanied by Sméagol � Gollum, still obsessed by his ‘preciouss�. After a battle with the giant spider, Shelob, Sam left his master for dead; but Frodo is still alive � in the hands of the orcs. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.]]> 431 J.R.R. Tolkien 0007522924 Robert 5 4.66 1955 The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3)
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Robert
average rating: 4.66
book published: 1955
rating: 5
read at: 2023/09/29
date added: 2023/09/29
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Puppet of the Omnigods: The Thaumaturge, Book 1]]> 59425482
Only one kind of creature is immune to the storms � the thaumaturges. Distant relatives of wizards, thaumaturges feel, think and weave sorcery in a ways no others can.

Aneralt is a young thaumaturge student at Kakhard-Toon wizard school. Hated by his fellow wizards, he finds himself in the midst of a conflict between the all-powerful Omnigods, with his only ally his wild element � an animated fire that lives at the bottom of his wizard earring.

At the Square of Heroes lives blacksmith’s apprentice Ernärt. Her life is peaceful and serene, but only until she is terrorized and forced to leave her home. Mysterious powers drag her toward the eastern continent of Annet-Terram, where she finds herself embroiled in the same conflict that threatens Aneralt’s life and sanity.

If they are to survive, both Aneralt and Ernärt must face their true nature, and uncover why the Omnigods have been following them all this time.]]> 375 Andrew Baltasar Robert 4
Aneralt is a young thaumaturge, meaning he’s sensitive to informational waves all around him (a kind of quantum receptor, he’s able to reshape the world around him). As his powers grow, he draws the attention of other powerful beings, both benign and malign. It isn’t long before a sly demon tasks Aneralt with retrieving several rare relics with magical properties. As the stakes spiral out of control, a showdown looms between the supreme powers vying for mastery of this cosmic realm.

The world-building here is dense, ambitious, and unwieldy. It dominates the story to such an extent that I think most readers will be either dazzled and delighted, or just plain stupefied. The author skilfully describes his magical universe, its rules, and the many creatures and meta-beings that inhabit it. It’s an impressive feat of visual writing. Even when it all became too much for me, I could still appreciate the care and effort put into each and every scene. When a writer clearly loves the genre he’s writing in, and is as generous with his imagination as Mr. Baltasar, it becomes infectious.

The main drawback for me is that the characters lack personality. We’re told what they are and what they can do, but I never felt like I got to know any of them, including Aneralt. So while my imagination was always engaged, I didn’t connect emotionally with what was unfolding. Another issue is the exposition. With a fantasy universe and a plot this complex, the author is forced to explain the rules and the world-building constantly. Sometimes he pulls it off effortlessly, but other times it suffocates the narrative. It’s a tricky balance to achieve in something this ambitious. Again, readers� tolerances vary for that sort of thing.

Overall, I admired rather than loved this first instalment in The Thaumaturge series. Elements of it are brilliant, and it’s the most detailed universe I’ve come across in a while. Fantasy readers who thrive on high concepts will definitely get a kick out of what Mr. Baltasar has pulled off here.
]]> 4.80 The Puppet of the Omnigods: The Thaumaturge, Book 1
author: Andrew Baltasar
name: Robert
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/09/14
date added: 2023/09/14
shelves:
review:
A student prodigy at a wizard school is forced to undertake a series of perilous quests with cosmical implications in this highly imaginative fantasy that rarely pauses for breath.

Aneralt is a young thaumaturge, meaning he’s sensitive to informational waves all around him (a kind of quantum receptor, he’s able to reshape the world around him). As his powers grow, he draws the attention of other powerful beings, both benign and malign. It isn’t long before a sly demon tasks Aneralt with retrieving several rare relics with magical properties. As the stakes spiral out of control, a showdown looms between the supreme powers vying for mastery of this cosmic realm.

The world-building here is dense, ambitious, and unwieldy. It dominates the story to such an extent that I think most readers will be either dazzled and delighted, or just plain stupefied. The author skilfully describes his magical universe, its rules, and the many creatures and meta-beings that inhabit it. It’s an impressive feat of visual writing. Even when it all became too much for me, I could still appreciate the care and effort put into each and every scene. When a writer clearly loves the genre he’s writing in, and is as generous with his imagination as Mr. Baltasar, it becomes infectious.

The main drawback for me is that the characters lack personality. We’re told what they are and what they can do, but I never felt like I got to know any of them, including Aneralt. So while my imagination was always engaged, I didn’t connect emotionally with what was unfolding. Another issue is the exposition. With a fantasy universe and a plot this complex, the author is forced to explain the rules and the world-building constantly. Sometimes he pulls it off effortlessly, but other times it suffocates the narrative. It’s a tricky balance to achieve in something this ambitious. Again, readers� tolerances vary for that sort of thing.

Overall, I admired rather than loved this first instalment in The Thaumaturge series. Elements of it are brilliant, and it’s the most detailed universe I’ve come across in a while. Fantasy readers who thrive on high concepts will definitely get a kick out of what Mr. Baltasar has pulled off here.

]]> <![CDATA[Pawns of a Cruel God (The God Engine, #2)]]> 152166423
What is the God Engine? What is the origin of the blind sickness? Is the Winged Death a mercy or a threat?

Tyranny is alive, and Freedom is just a dream. All that remains is a meager hope, but in their way stand the pawns of a cruel god.]]> 356 Mars G. Everson Robert 4
The opening chapters are compelling. There’s some nice imagery as the characters make for an island refuge, and the dramatic appearances of the mysterious gods and meta humans are always highlights. I wish there were more of them. A chapter in which a nameless character is reincarnated and given advice by a god-like voice is probably my favorite part of the book. Another where an enigmatic naked man appears out of nowhere, startling a group of strangers, is also memorable. Action scenes are again generally well done, and like last time, there are philosophical exchanges to complement the uneasy relationship between gods and men.

The writing is mostly polished. Scene by scene, Mars G. Everson’s storytelling is clear and easy to read. What it lacks is a compelling overarching narrative sweep. Some of the story threads feel aimless at times, disconnected. Characters� goals aren’t always clear, and the characters themselves lack definition. Senn casts a huge shadow over the proceedings. His absence is constantly remarked on, and to be honest this instalment misses his edgy, larger-than-life presence.

Readers who enjoyed the first book will find plenty to like here, though. There’s no shortage of evil adversaries, violent fights, close scrapes and intriguing world-building. I do think the gods themselves should have featured more by now, but perhaps we’ll get to know more about their pantheon in Book 3.]]> 4.33 Pawns of a Cruel God (The God Engine, #2)
author: Mars G. Everson
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/09/01
shelves:
review:
Splinter groups of refugees from the deadly Hub battle try to find new purpose and a place to call home in this solid sequel to Thralls of a Tyrant God. Without the powerful presence of Senn, the narrative follows secondary characters from Book 1, including Brand, Naial, and several others. Some have powers, some don’t. While the gods themselves loom large over this dark fantasy world, they don’t feature as prominently as they did in the first book. This time it’s much more about the human struggles in a bleak, divided world.

The opening chapters are compelling. There’s some nice imagery as the characters make for an island refuge, and the dramatic appearances of the mysterious gods and meta humans are always highlights. I wish there were more of them. A chapter in which a nameless character is reincarnated and given advice by a god-like voice is probably my favorite part of the book. Another where an enigmatic naked man appears out of nowhere, startling a group of strangers, is also memorable. Action scenes are again generally well done, and like last time, there are philosophical exchanges to complement the uneasy relationship between gods and men.

The writing is mostly polished. Scene by scene, Mars G. Everson’s storytelling is clear and easy to read. What it lacks is a compelling overarching narrative sweep. Some of the story threads feel aimless at times, disconnected. Characters� goals aren’t always clear, and the characters themselves lack definition. Senn casts a huge shadow over the proceedings. His absence is constantly remarked on, and to be honest this instalment misses his edgy, larger-than-life presence.

Readers who enjoyed the first book will find plenty to like here, though. There’s no shortage of evil adversaries, violent fights, close scrapes and intriguing world-building. I do think the gods themselves should have featured more by now, but perhaps we’ll get to know more about their pantheon in Book 3.
]]> <![CDATA[The Shepherds of the Sunstone (The Sunstone Saga, #1).]]> 196202590
This story depicts a married male/female couple in an open LGBTQ2S+ relationship.

Hata thought she was ordinary until she discovered her power to bend the earth to her will. Simon had a dream of drowning, and then his nightmare became a reality. He was kidnapped by a savage tribe and enslaved in the desert. His wife, Saudett, is a soldier who would stop at nothing to rescue him. She joins forces with a band of warriors and Hata, the mysterious girl with earth-shattering magic. But they were not the only ones who wanted Hata’s gift. A powerful order of mages is hunting her down, and they will stop at nothing to capture her. And as they journey across the desert of the Burning Sea, they face a malevolent force threatening to destroy them all. Can they survive the perils and save Simon from his fate? Find out in this epic fantasy adventure, where magic, grit, and courage collide.

Fans of Patrick Rothfuss, Andrzej Sapkowski, Sarah J. Maas, and Robin Hobb will find this first installment in the Sunstone Saga an intense, tactile, dark, and action-packed journey.]]> Nicolin Odel Robert 4
My favorite thing about Nicolin Odel’s Sunstone saga opener is the colorful cast of characters. They’re distinctive and relatable and a lot of fun. I especially liked Baal, an absolute brute in combat but otherwise a goofy, loving family man. And one of Simon’s captors becomes an intriguing character in her own right—we’re never quite sure whose side she’s on. Hata and Saudett share an attraction that adds a sweet sensuality in the first half. Indeed, there’s prevalent pansexuality (but nothing graphic) running through this fantasy world that’s portrayed so matter-of-factly that it never becomes an issue. If anything, it makes the characters feel more real by showing them at their most vulnerable.

The author’s light touch is another strength. Though it’s dark fantasy, full of gruesome deaths and coarse language, the book is never overbearing or uncomfortable to read. There’s plenty of humor, and most of the characters are likeable. I’d actually describe it as more of a fantasy romp. Readers partial to gory battles and monstrous creatures will find their fill, but I think this book has quite broad appeal.

My main quibble is that it’s a little overstuffed for its length in terms of the number of characters. The midsection especially feels cluttered and loses plot momentum, though the threads converge nicely for a thrilling climax. The cliffhanger ending didn’t bother me (some readers hate them), but there was a lot left unresolved. I’d be curious to read on, though, because I genuinely like these characters, and there’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me turning the pages.

Mr. Odel has written a very good series opener that I can safely recommend to all readers who enjoy gritty-but-fun fantasy adventures.
]]> 4.00 2021 The Shepherds of the Sunstone (The Sunstone Saga, #1).
author: Nicolin Odel
name: Robert
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2023/08/20
date added: 2023/08/20
shelves:
review:
When Simon is taken prisoner by a savage desert tribe, his devoted wife, Saudett, a formidable soldier, must figure out a way to find and rescue him. A small band of warriors offers to help, including the mountainous Baal and his wife, along with their prodigious daughter, Hata, whose magic power is only just beginning to blossom. Meanwhile, dark forces are gathering in the wastelands, and our heroes are on a collision course with unspeakable horrors.

My favorite thing about Nicolin Odel’s Sunstone saga opener is the colorful cast of characters. They’re distinctive and relatable and a lot of fun. I especially liked Baal, an absolute brute in combat but otherwise a goofy, loving family man. And one of Simon’s captors becomes an intriguing character in her own right—we’re never quite sure whose side she’s on. Hata and Saudett share an attraction that adds a sweet sensuality in the first half. Indeed, there’s prevalent pansexuality (but nothing graphic) running through this fantasy world that’s portrayed so matter-of-factly that it never becomes an issue. If anything, it makes the characters feel more real by showing them at their most vulnerable.

The author’s light touch is another strength. Though it’s dark fantasy, full of gruesome deaths and coarse language, the book is never overbearing or uncomfortable to read. There’s plenty of humor, and most of the characters are likeable. I’d actually describe it as more of a fantasy romp. Readers partial to gory battles and monstrous creatures will find their fill, but I think this book has quite broad appeal.

My main quibble is that it’s a little overstuffed for its length in terms of the number of characters. The midsection especially feels cluttered and loses plot momentum, though the threads converge nicely for a thrilling climax. The cliffhanger ending didn’t bother me (some readers hate them), but there was a lot left unresolved. I’d be curious to read on, though, because I genuinely like these characters, and there’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me turning the pages.

Mr. Odel has written a very good series opener that I can safely recommend to all readers who enjoy gritty-but-fun fantasy adventures.

]]> <![CDATA[The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy]]> 123027958
World War II is raging. Hitler is hiding away the world's most beautiful purebred horses in a little village in Czechoslovakia. Lipizzaners, Thoroughbreds and the prize Polish Arabians are being used in his experiments to create the perfect war horse. A peculiar twelve-year-old boy from the village named Teodor becomes the groom for one of those special horses - Witez II, one of the most famous Arabian stallions of all time. Witez helps the boy face his challenges and find his voice at a time when little is known about the condition now called "Autism." The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy blends the suspense of a World War II military rescue operation with the subsequent challenges of resettlement in a new land. Click "Buy Now" on the right to begin the adventure! �"Readers will fall in love with Evans' masterful plotline and stunning use of descriptive imagery." Maincrest Media Review �"Evans brings history to life in this fictional account, one so rich in detail and realism that you are enfolded in the fabric of the story." Readers' Favorite Review]]> 274 M.J. Evans Robert 5
Author M.J. Evans smartly uses important historical events as a sweeping backdrop for this specific story of the fortunes of Witez and the boy who bonded with him. Period details are vivid and convincing. It’s a well-researched account of real people and places, and its autistic hero, while fictional, is portrayed with great sensitivity. It’s not easy to write such an emotionally withdrawn character, but Ms. Evans uses Teodor as the reader’s window into this time of upheaval. He struggles to accept change, and clings to the one thing in his life that provides solace. That could be seen as a metaphor for Europe and the world as a whole during that period.

Dialogue is a little flat at times, and some characters come and go without leaving much of an impact. And it’s very much a sanitized, family-friendly depiction of the tail end of the war (there’s nothing grisly or particularly upsetting). But that’s okay—it’s meant as a heartwarming tale, and it succeeds at that. The emotional core of the story is strong. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The author clearly loves horses and her passion is infectious. I wasn’t sure if the second half of the book, after the war, would be as compelling, but it was. Ms. Evans is an excellent storyteller.

Highly recommended.
]]> 4.75 2023 The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy
author: M.J. Evans
name: Robert
average rating: 4.75
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2023/07/14
date added: 2023/08/13
shelves:
review:
A shy autistic boy finds his calling as a groom for a magnificent Arabian stallion in this lovely blend of historical fact and fiction set during and after WW2. Young Teodor grows in confidence after he’s given the job of tending Witez II, one of hundreds of purebred horses stolen by Hitler and hidden away on a secret stud farm in rural Czechoslovakia. As the war nears its end, and the armies close in on both sides, the officers in charge of the stables must figure out a way to move the horses to a safe place. But will Teodor and Witez be allowed to stay together?

Author M.J. Evans smartly uses important historical events as a sweeping backdrop for this specific story of the fortunes of Witez and the boy who bonded with him. Period details are vivid and convincing. It’s a well-researched account of real people and places, and its autistic hero, while fictional, is portrayed with great sensitivity. It’s not easy to write such an emotionally withdrawn character, but Ms. Evans uses Teodor as the reader’s window into this time of upheaval. He struggles to accept change, and clings to the one thing in his life that provides solace. That could be seen as a metaphor for Europe and the world as a whole during that period.

Dialogue is a little flat at times, and some characters come and go without leaving much of an impact. And it’s very much a sanitized, family-friendly depiction of the tail end of the war (there’s nothing grisly or particularly upsetting). But that’s okay—it’s meant as a heartwarming tale, and it succeeds at that. The emotional core of the story is strong. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The author clearly loves horses and her passion is infectious. I wasn’t sure if the second half of the book, after the war, would be as compelling, but it was. Ms. Evans is an excellent storyteller.

Highly recommended.

]]> Fireflies 58998176
Bridget had never considered herself special, odd definitely. But nothing worth looking at twice. And she had never cared to be looked at twice either.

Until Declan, that is.

Then one night Bridget is approached by a strange (and large) dog. Rescued by Declan, he reveals that Bridget may be special after all, a goddess even. And the dog has been sent to protect her.

Does she have the strength to defeat a powerful witch and her three sons? Why is Declan involved in magic and mystery anyway? And can she save Ruad, her handsome mentor and the God of Knowledge into this new world? As they dig deeper, they uncover that they all have more in common than just their troubled pasts.

The Ulster Cycles are a part of Irish mythology, and this novel depicts characters from the old stories in a new and creative light. While much is taken from these oral stories, this novel is a historical romance loosely based on them.

With magic, mystery, and romance involved this is a novel about discovering your hidden potential and breaking past limiting beliefs.]]> 228 Shea Hulse Robert 4
This fantasy romance is a lot of fun. Author Shea Hulse excels at the friends-to-lovers aspect of the story. Bridget is neurotic and fragile and spunky in all the best ways. She’s been burned before, and is torn between not wanting to ruin the most important relationship in her life—having a best friend is not nothing—and the thrilling potential of consummating those romantic feelings she has for him. It’s funny and awkward and unfolds naturally in a way that allows her to grow in confidence and self-esteem—important for the second half of the story set in Ireland.

The magical elements are hinted at nicely in the first part, set in the US. A mysterious big dog that’s always around has to be more than it appears. Declan’s affluence genuinely takes Bridget aback, more so than his declaration of their mythological heritage. This part of the book I found less convincing. Bridget seems to accept what she’s told about the magical world too easily. These elements are introduced almost matter-of-factly from then on, with characters and creatures from folklore showing up one after the other without the suspense or sense of wonder I’d hoped for.

There are plenty of well-written scenes, however. Another male character provides a bit of competition for Declan for Bridget’s affections. The dark fantasy characters add a touch of menace as our duo embark on a quest to retrieve a magical artefact. Dialogue is generally well-handled. And it’s all very lively, full of snarky wit, incident and action.

There’s never a dull moment in Fireflies, and from the first pages I knew I was in safe storytelling hands. I did enjoy the book, even if I think the earlier romance was executed better than the later fantasy stuff. It’s a good, pacey read, and fans of this particular genre will definitely be entertained.
]]> 3.84 Fireflies
author: Shea Hulse
name: Robert
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/08/09
date added: 2023/08/09
shelves:
review:
A fiercely independent young waitress, Bridget, falls in love with her best friend, Declan, whose supernatural secret opens up a whole new world of possibilities for her. Not only is he from a rich family in Ireland, he might also be the reincarnation of a figure from Celtic folklore. Even better, she might just be his mate reborn out of those same mists of ancient myth.

This fantasy romance is a lot of fun. Author Shea Hulse excels at the friends-to-lovers aspect of the story. Bridget is neurotic and fragile and spunky in all the best ways. She’s been burned before, and is torn between not wanting to ruin the most important relationship in her life—having a best friend is not nothing—and the thrilling potential of consummating those romantic feelings she has for him. It’s funny and awkward and unfolds naturally in a way that allows her to grow in confidence and self-esteem—important for the second half of the story set in Ireland.

The magical elements are hinted at nicely in the first part, set in the US. A mysterious big dog that’s always around has to be more than it appears. Declan’s affluence genuinely takes Bridget aback, more so than his declaration of their mythological heritage. This part of the book I found less convincing. Bridget seems to accept what she’s told about the magical world too easily. These elements are introduced almost matter-of-factly from then on, with characters and creatures from folklore showing up one after the other without the suspense or sense of wonder I’d hoped for.

There are plenty of well-written scenes, however. Another male character provides a bit of competition for Declan for Bridget’s affections. The dark fantasy characters add a touch of menace as our duo embark on a quest to retrieve a magical artefact. Dialogue is generally well-handled. And it’s all very lively, full of snarky wit, incident and action.

There’s never a dull moment in Fireflies, and from the first pages I knew I was in safe storytelling hands. I did enjoy the book, even if I think the earlier romance was executed better than the later fantasy stuff. It’s a good, pacey read, and fans of this particular genre will definitely be entertained.

]]> Contact 61666 semblent à présent impatients d'établir le contact : ils nous surveillent depuis longtemps, et le moment est peut-être venu pour eux de nous juger...]]> 580 Carl Sagan 2266079999 Robert 5 4.14 1985 Contact
author: Carl Sagan
name: Robert
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1985
rating: 5
read at: 2023/08/02
date added: 2023/08/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blood Born (A Story of Rane Book 1)]]> 148023800 288 Thomas White Robert 4
Tan, a servant in the military academy, aspires to become a legionnaire and fight to win his freedom. But he gets more than he bargained for when, during a training duel with the Count’s sadistic son, Tan discovers he has latent magical powers that give him superhuman abilities. Galland Valerian, one of the most powerful relic bearers, recognizes something rare and ancient in the youngster’s abilities, and warns him not to let them get out of hand.

Meanwhile, treacherous forces conspire to undermine the kingdom and its army, and Tan soon finds himself on a quest for revenge. Will he find and kill the traitor before it's too late? Or will the Lycans overwhelm the brave last stand made by the legions of Rane?

The author knows his way around these classic tropes, and has fashioned an entertaining tale that blends a violent coming-of-age story, medieval war, and dark magic lore. The action scenes are well-paced and clearly described. A huge battle in the second half, featuring Galland and his legion, is very exciting to read. Tan’s power includes the ability to magically heal his wounds, which is cool, but I felt it was a little overused.

Legionnaires, cohorts, centurions, ballistae: there’s extensive use of Roman terminology for the military side of things. The rest of Rane and its people reflects medieval Europe. It’s not the most original world-building, but it works because White constantly hints at a deeper mythology and dark forces underpinning the Power. I wasn’t thrilled when one of the main characters was taken out at a crucial time, but it did add a touch of unpredictability to the remainder of the book.

Readers who crave monsters and swordplay and magical artefacts will find a lot to like here. The antagonist is truly despicable, and the heroes are tested every which way. It’s a good, solid dark fantasy book that I can recommend.]]> 4.33 Blood Born (A Story of Rane Book 1)
author: Thomas White
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/23
date added: 2023/07/23
shelves:
review:
Thomas White stirs the familiar genre elements just enough to keep them interesting in this enjoyable dark fantasy romp set in the medieval Kingdom of Rane. A race of monstrous creatures known as Lycans threatens the borderlands, and only magical relic bearers can hunt and defeat them.

Tan, a servant in the military academy, aspires to become a legionnaire and fight to win his freedom. But he gets more than he bargained for when, during a training duel with the Count’s sadistic son, Tan discovers he has latent magical powers that give him superhuman abilities. Galland Valerian, one of the most powerful relic bearers, recognizes something rare and ancient in the youngster’s abilities, and warns him not to let them get out of hand.

Meanwhile, treacherous forces conspire to undermine the kingdom and its army, and Tan soon finds himself on a quest for revenge. Will he find and kill the traitor before it's too late? Or will the Lycans overwhelm the brave last stand made by the legions of Rane?

The author knows his way around these classic tropes, and has fashioned an entertaining tale that blends a violent coming-of-age story, medieval war, and dark magic lore. The action scenes are well-paced and clearly described. A huge battle in the second half, featuring Galland and his legion, is very exciting to read. Tan’s power includes the ability to magically heal his wounds, which is cool, but I felt it was a little overused.

Legionnaires, cohorts, centurions, ballistae: there’s extensive use of Roman terminology for the military side of things. The rest of Rane and its people reflects medieval Europe. It’s not the most original world-building, but it works because White constantly hints at a deeper mythology and dark forces underpinning the Power. I wasn’t thrilled when one of the main characters was taken out at a crucial time, but it did add a touch of unpredictability to the remainder of the book.

Readers who crave monsters and swordplay and magical artefacts will find a lot to like here. The antagonist is truly despicable, and the heroes are tested every which way. It’s a good, solid dark fantasy book that I can recommend.
]]> Resonance: A Novel 60430358 212 Joshua Scribner Robert 4
The story spans years. That paranormal entity forms the lynchpin of the narrative, but it remains an elusive mystery for most of the book. It isn’t even mentioned for big chunks of the story, and even then is only alluded to. We know it’s there, and that it has a purpose, but most of the time is spent on the characters instead. That works well. They’re a vivid, colorful bunch, and they’re allowed to unfold naturally, without the constraints of overworked hokum.

Stephen’s shyness, paranoia, and particularly his awkwardness with girls are all superbly portrayed. This is a sensitive telling of a brainy misfit forced to endure some appalling episodes while growing up, mostly at the hands of older males, and who only really blossoms into his true potential when he strikes up relationships with attentive women later on. Paranormal content aside, there’s a lot going on here psychologically. Luke’s nasty side is given an additional wrinkle on account of his secret, while Jonnie and Rick both develop believably within the confines of the story.

I do have a few reservations. While it added plenty of conflict, I didn’t quite swallow the number of life-threatening encounters Stephen had. And when the supernatural explanation finally arrives, it’s good but not great. It all scans retroactively as you think back over the story, but I also think it detracts rather than adds to the story’s resonance. I wouldn’t go as far as to say mumbo-jumbo. Let’s just say Stephen King’s third acts sometimes have the same issues.

Joshua Scribner’s writing is terse, straightforward, and compelling. He doesn’t mess about with scene-setting or over-description. It’s a pacy read that sometimes jumps around in the timeline, but that’s okay—I found it easy to follow. It’s also a pretty dark book, which you’d expect from the cover and description. I found it riveting for the most part; it’s definitely a page-turner, with plenty of original touches. Recommended.
]]> 4.32 Resonance: A Novel
author: Joshua Scribner
name: Robert
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/09
date added: 2023/07/09
shelves:
review:
Two orphaned teenage boys go to live with their Uncle Rick, who’s a frustrated ex-jock, and their cousin, Luke, a budding football star. The elder brother, Jonnie, is himself a talented quarterback, and is eagerly welcomed into the fold. But the younger boy, Stephen, is a nerd and a loner. He spends most of his time avoiding Luke, a bully with a dark secret. At crucial times, when Stephen’s at his most vulnerable, a mysterious supernatural presence makes itself known.

The story spans years. That paranormal entity forms the lynchpin of the narrative, but it remains an elusive mystery for most of the book. It isn’t even mentioned for big chunks of the story, and even then is only alluded to. We know it’s there, and that it has a purpose, but most of the time is spent on the characters instead. That works well. They’re a vivid, colorful bunch, and they’re allowed to unfold naturally, without the constraints of overworked hokum.

Stephen’s shyness, paranoia, and particularly his awkwardness with girls are all superbly portrayed. This is a sensitive telling of a brainy misfit forced to endure some appalling episodes while growing up, mostly at the hands of older males, and who only really blossoms into his true potential when he strikes up relationships with attentive women later on. Paranormal content aside, there’s a lot going on here psychologically. Luke’s nasty side is given an additional wrinkle on account of his secret, while Jonnie and Rick both develop believably within the confines of the story.

I do have a few reservations. While it added plenty of conflict, I didn’t quite swallow the number of life-threatening encounters Stephen had. And when the supernatural explanation finally arrives, it’s good but not great. It all scans retroactively as you think back over the story, but I also think it detracts rather than adds to the story’s resonance. I wouldn’t go as far as to say mumbo-jumbo. Let’s just say Stephen King’s third acts sometimes have the same issues.

Joshua Scribner’s writing is terse, straightforward, and compelling. He doesn’t mess about with scene-setting or over-description. It’s a pacy read that sometimes jumps around in the timeline, but that’s okay—I found it easy to follow. It’s also a pretty dark book, which you’d expect from the cover and description. I found it riveting for the most part; it’s definitely a page-turner, with plenty of original touches. Recommended.

]]> The Starved God 123275419
Canna Dawn’s mundane existence is upended when a transgression forces him to join an audacious sea voyage, led by a charismatic and unstable captain. As the crew approaches the mysterious continent of Eyra, they face deadly wildlife, treacherous seas, and an enemy within their ranks. Canna’s profound insights into the living world set him on a collision course with everything he holds sacred, while a patient, merciless enemy awaits his return.

The Starved God is an enthralling tale of adventure, mystery, and philosophical exploration.]]> 286 Thomas Norford Robert 4
Their expedition is to the uncharted continent of Eyra, for reasons not altogether clear. And while Canna discovers fascinating creatures along the way that point to profound evolutionary links between species, he also encounters the horrors of that evolution run amok. Perils at every turn, not to mention treachery from within, threaten the lives of all aboard. What secrets will the crew uncover as they head ever deeper into the heart of darkness?

This is a brilliant piece of writing from Thomas Norford. He packs his futuristic world with all manner of cultures, creatures, philosophies, and science that for some reason is having to be re-learned after a mysterious dark age governed by religious tyranny. Canna has echoes of Stephen Maturin in the Master and Commander books, a cultured man of inquiry completely at odds with the barbaric practices of naval life. I loved reading his diary entries describing the islands and the weird and wonderful creatures he encountered there. That was my favorite aspect of The Starved God—the pure adventure of discovery.

It's also a very dark book at times. Earth’s life-forms have evolved in some surprising ways, many of them nightmarish. It veers into outright horror numerous times, and the body count is high. Crewmen swear at each other in contemporary regional English that makes me laugh, until it gets to be a bit, well, overdone. Much like the dense world-building, which is hugely creative, finely detailed and ingenious, until it starts to overwhelm. And the characters: colorful and entertaining, but there are too many thrown together all at once. They’re not given chance to breathe as individuals, with the result that I lost track of who was who among the crew and back at home.

I like the central premise of the story. I think a futuristic Darwin-type odyssey is a great idea, and the author doesn’t disappoint on that score. I lost count of the thrilling descriptions and literary flourishes. The final revelations, too, work well. While the writing is first-rate, the narrative is cluttered at times, especially in the first act. If readers can find their footing quickly, they’ll likely find a lot to enjoy in this tale. I think Norford is one to watch. He swung for the fences with this book in terms of world-building, and it’s one of the most unique genre books I’ve read this year.
]]> 4.00 2023 The Starved God
author: Thomas Norford
name: Robert
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/06/22
date added: 2023/06/22
shelves:
review:
A troubled naturalist is forced to undertake an exploratory sea voyage into dangerous regions in this highly imaginative sci-fi adventure with horror elements. Inquisitive Canna Dawn finally gets his chance to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, but it’s a choice made under duress, and he finds himself on board an imposing ship, captained by an unpredictable brute, with a crew of miscreants he’d never have chosen to sail with in a million years.

Their expedition is to the uncharted continent of Eyra, for reasons not altogether clear. And while Canna discovers fascinating creatures along the way that point to profound evolutionary links between species, he also encounters the horrors of that evolution run amok. Perils at every turn, not to mention treachery from within, threaten the lives of all aboard. What secrets will the crew uncover as they head ever deeper into the heart of darkness?

This is a brilliant piece of writing from Thomas Norford. He packs his futuristic world with all manner of cultures, creatures, philosophies, and science that for some reason is having to be re-learned after a mysterious dark age governed by religious tyranny. Canna has echoes of Stephen Maturin in the Master and Commander books, a cultured man of inquiry completely at odds with the barbaric practices of naval life. I loved reading his diary entries describing the islands and the weird and wonderful creatures he encountered there. That was my favorite aspect of The Starved God—the pure adventure of discovery.

It's also a very dark book at times. Earth’s life-forms have evolved in some surprising ways, many of them nightmarish. It veers into outright horror numerous times, and the body count is high. Crewmen swear at each other in contemporary regional English that makes me laugh, until it gets to be a bit, well, overdone. Much like the dense world-building, which is hugely creative, finely detailed and ingenious, until it starts to overwhelm. And the characters: colorful and entertaining, but there are too many thrown together all at once. They’re not given chance to breathe as individuals, with the result that I lost track of who was who among the crew and back at home.

I like the central premise of the story. I think a futuristic Darwin-type odyssey is a great idea, and the author doesn’t disappoint on that score. I lost count of the thrilling descriptions and literary flourishes. The final revelations, too, work well. While the writing is first-rate, the narrative is cluttered at times, especially in the first act. If readers can find their footing quickly, they’ll likely find a lot to enjoy in this tale. I think Norford is one to watch. He swung for the fences with this book in terms of world-building, and it’s one of the most unique genre books I’ve read this year.

]]> <![CDATA[Jealousy of a Viking (A Family Through The Ages #2)]]> 58402530
In time, the two grow close, much to the anxiety of her parents as there is no message from his father suggesting a betrothal, but Erik behaves as though they are betrothed. Soon, they learn that there is another reason why Erik has not asked her to marry him.

With the honour of their family at stake, Helgha's father takes drastic measures to rectify the situation. Amid the bloodshed and danger of the medieval times, can Helgha find happiness for herself and her family?

This book contains graphic violence and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.]]> 252 V.M. Sang Robert 4
Helgha, half Anglo-Saxon, half Danish daughter of a Viking landowner, first meets dashing young Erik, son of a Viking chieftain, in the woods outside Yorvik. There’s an instant attraction, and Erik calls upon her regularly. Their romantic dreams look set to be fulfilled. But a fateful row over impropriety has disastrous consequences. Helgha is ripped from her home, and she realizes life will never be the same again as she finds herself in an increasingly hostile and untenable position in the world of Viking nobility. Unmarried, but forced to bear children, can she keep herself and her family safe? Will the gods heed her prayers, and give her the happiness she longs for?

The first thing to say about Jealousy of a Viking is that it’s completely dedicated to evoking what life was like in Britain around the time of Alfred the Great. It starts out like any run-of-the-mill historical romance, with a girl and a boy falling in love at first sight. But author V.M. Sang disabuses the reader of such assumptions with a series of tragic story turns that gives the book an unpredictability I really admire. Helgha becomes a herbalist and healer, but even her diligent efforts can’t stave off the brutal ravages of disease and infection in those around her.

Indeed, she isn’t above using herbal secrets to get her own way, as the title hints. She’s no saint. And neither is anyone else. These are savage people who love and hate with passion, but there’s also a gentle, nurturing side to them. Death is commonplace, childbirth is dicey and horrific, and male heirs are preferred. The role of women in this era is portrayed honestly, without the need to inject revisionist judgment. Again, kudos to the author for that. This is a vivid, compelling story of a young woman struggling to find happiness in a world that seems to want to deny it to her at every turn.

The writing style is straightforward and unfussy. That’s a strength, because it fits the characters� lack of sophistication, and lends pace to the story. But I feel it’s missing a bit of personality. Everyone talks the same, and it sometimes feels like scenes are written at arm’s length, as though the author doesn’t want to dig too deep into the characters and their emotions. That helps give the tale pace and sweep—it spans years, after all—but it also means some scenes come across as a bit flat. Historical details are convincing, and the various characters� attitudes toward one another and the world around them feels authentic. The religious aspects are handled well.

Overall, this is a very good evocation of a particular time period. The narrative is engaging. The death toll is high among all ages, so squeamish readers may want to think twice. But I admire the author for not shying from the more brutal aspects of the era. In that regard I’d say it’s one of the most illuminating portrayals of the ubiquity of death in the dark ages I’ve come across in this type of book. I haven’t read the previous book in the series, Vengeance of a Slave, but this works well enough as a standalone. It’s not quite a five-star read, but it comes highly recommended.
]]> 4.33 Jealousy of a Viking (A Family Through The Ages #2)
author: V.M. Sang
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/06/15
date added: 2023/06/15
shelves:
review:
A naïve young Viking girl is taken from her family home and must learn to adapt to the harsh realities of Dark Age Britain in this gripping historical fiction novel that pulls no punches.

Helgha, half Anglo-Saxon, half Danish daughter of a Viking landowner, first meets dashing young Erik, son of a Viking chieftain, in the woods outside Yorvik. There’s an instant attraction, and Erik calls upon her regularly. Their romantic dreams look set to be fulfilled. But a fateful row over impropriety has disastrous consequences. Helgha is ripped from her home, and she realizes life will never be the same again as she finds herself in an increasingly hostile and untenable position in the world of Viking nobility. Unmarried, but forced to bear children, can she keep herself and her family safe? Will the gods heed her prayers, and give her the happiness she longs for?

The first thing to say about Jealousy of a Viking is that it’s completely dedicated to evoking what life was like in Britain around the time of Alfred the Great. It starts out like any run-of-the-mill historical romance, with a girl and a boy falling in love at first sight. But author V.M. Sang disabuses the reader of such assumptions with a series of tragic story turns that gives the book an unpredictability I really admire. Helgha becomes a herbalist and healer, but even her diligent efforts can’t stave off the brutal ravages of disease and infection in those around her.

Indeed, she isn’t above using herbal secrets to get her own way, as the title hints. She’s no saint. And neither is anyone else. These are savage people who love and hate with passion, but there’s also a gentle, nurturing side to them. Death is commonplace, childbirth is dicey and horrific, and male heirs are preferred. The role of women in this era is portrayed honestly, without the need to inject revisionist judgment. Again, kudos to the author for that. This is a vivid, compelling story of a young woman struggling to find happiness in a world that seems to want to deny it to her at every turn.

The writing style is straightforward and unfussy. That’s a strength, because it fits the characters� lack of sophistication, and lends pace to the story. But I feel it’s missing a bit of personality. Everyone talks the same, and it sometimes feels like scenes are written at arm’s length, as though the author doesn’t want to dig too deep into the characters and their emotions. That helps give the tale pace and sweep—it spans years, after all—but it also means some scenes come across as a bit flat. Historical details are convincing, and the various characters� attitudes toward one another and the world around them feels authentic. The religious aspects are handled well.

Overall, this is a very good evocation of a particular time period. The narrative is engaging. The death toll is high among all ages, so squeamish readers may want to think twice. But I admire the author for not shying from the more brutal aspects of the era. In that regard I’d say it’s one of the most illuminating portrayals of the ubiquity of death in the dark ages I’ve come across in this type of book. I haven’t read the previous book in the series, Vengeance of a Slave, but this works well enough as a standalone. It’s not quite a five-star read, but it comes highly recommended.

]]> <![CDATA[Noisy Alien Communicator: and The Visible Spectrum]]> 75366063
"Noisy Alien Communicator and The Visible Spectrum" is a short-story science fiction anthology. It asks essential and unanswerable will the future bring?What if we could summon aliens?Why am I so dizzy lately?
It's better than other books because it's got two parts. Most other books only have one. Or three. And there are pictures!

Debut authors in Alphabetical BitontiJackrabbitRobert V. KilroyBertram MontiekowiczParadox M. Pollack
NAC Device invented by Scott Armstrong, a.k.a. BENT NOISE.
Additional Illustration by Simon Adams.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR NOISY ALIEN

“These humans are impetuous and must be destroyed! That’s why I pay taxes!�
-Rrrxx from the gas giant orbiting Rygar-42

“How have these foolish creatures survived this long?�
-Zilens from the Sigmoid quadrant

For more insanity, visit frankfordpublishing.com.]]> 214 Matt Bitonti Robert 3
My personal favorites are the sweetly humorous Ground Lightning by Matt Bitonti, Jackrabbit’s insightful The Stripper Story, and Breach Horizon by Paradox M. Pollack, a mad but brilliant mash-up of Greek mythology and cosmic mystery, in which the titan Epimetheus takes center stage. Oddly enough, the latter is also the author of my least favorite story, Proof Through the Night, a free-association jumble of sci-fi ideas and culture references written in an ADHD style that left me skim-reading after a while. Then there’s The Search For Intelligent Life by Bertram Montiekowicz, which I loved until the actual close encounter at the climax. It quickly descended into a sneering, sanctimonious rant, which may or may not have been obnoxious by design.

Overall, it’s very much a mixed bag. There’s a great deal of skill, imagination and playfulness packed into this collection. They’re all talented writers. The blend of storytelling styles can be jarring, however. The more experimental entries seem to want to cram a novel’s worth of ideas into a single short story, making them borderline incomprehensible at times. Part 1, riffing on the Noisy Alien Communicator, is the strongest. But there are nuggets to be found throughout. Readers looking for offbeat sci-fi might want to give this anthology a whirl. It was a bit hit and miss for me, but I’m glad I read it.
]]> 3.79 Noisy Alien Communicator: and The Visible Spectrum
author: Matt Bitonti
name: Robert
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/06/10
date added: 2023/06/11
shelves:
review:
There’s a lot to enjoy in this anthology of highly creative short stories riffing on the themes of alien contact and humanity’s future away from Earth. The tone is generally quirky, sometimes downright bizarre, but there are also a few introspective, character-driven tales to keep the collection relatively grounded.

My personal favorites are the sweetly humorous Ground Lightning by Matt Bitonti, Jackrabbit’s insightful The Stripper Story, and Breach Horizon by Paradox M. Pollack, a mad but brilliant mash-up of Greek mythology and cosmic mystery, in which the titan Epimetheus takes center stage. Oddly enough, the latter is also the author of my least favorite story, Proof Through the Night, a free-association jumble of sci-fi ideas and culture references written in an ADHD style that left me skim-reading after a while. Then there’s The Search For Intelligent Life by Bertram Montiekowicz, which I loved until the actual close encounter at the climax. It quickly descended into a sneering, sanctimonious rant, which may or may not have been obnoxious by design.

Overall, it’s very much a mixed bag. There’s a great deal of skill, imagination and playfulness packed into this collection. They’re all talented writers. The blend of storytelling styles can be jarring, however. The more experimental entries seem to want to cram a novel’s worth of ideas into a single short story, making them borderline incomprehensible at times. Part 1, riffing on the Noisy Alien Communicator, is the strongest. But there are nuggets to be found throughout. Readers looking for offbeat sci-fi might want to give this anthology a whirl. It was a bit hit and miss for me, but I’m glad I read it.

]]> <![CDATA[Thralls of a Tyrant God (The God Engine, #1)]]> 78473145
What would you sacrifice to be free?

For Senn, former slave turned rebel leader and now the powerful Herald of the Lord of Greed, the answer was everything. He thought he had left hope behind forever. But when a ghostly child with sparkling blue eyes appears to him, Senn's loyalty is tested. His own God and army turn against him, forcing him to flee into the harsh desert wasteland alone and powerless.

But as he searches for revenge and a new source of power, he must confront his past, including the woman he left behind at the mercy of the Forever King and his Chainkeepers. A new path that may lead him to Hope, even if he's not yet ready to embrace it.

Will Senn find redemption and a new purpose, or will he fall to the forces that seek to destroy him and turn all of humanity into thralls?]]> 421 Mars G. Everson Robert 3
I like a lot of the fantasy elements in Thralls of a Tyrant God. The hubris of the god hosts when they have their powers, and their desolation when those powers are rescinded, are the most human aspects of the story for me. Poor Senn must feel like a human pinball at times. The fickleness of the gods is well portrayed, too; people are seemingly selected and deselected at random, for mysterious ends. Combat scenes are grisly and brutal, and there’s no shortage of vivid action throughout the book. There’s also an admirable attempt to explore the philosophical underpinnings of the enigmatic relationship between man and the gods.

Overall, though, I think the ambitious concepts are let down by aspects of the execution. The narrative is often choppy and lacks drive. Individual scenes play well enough, but often seem disconnected. What’s missing is a clear story arc or narrative sweep. Dialogue is flat at times. Mr. Everson has a good grasp of the fantasy tropes, and his world-building is thoughtful. The naming of characters, places, peoples, etc. is fairly generic. In terms of writing, the highlights are the bracing descriptions of action and the more fantastical elements.

Readers of dark fantasy should enjoy this, if they can overlook those aspects that keep it from the top ranks of the genre. I didn’t love it, but there was enough to keep me reading to the end, and I admired the author’s ambition. The ending holds a surprise with an interesting thematic twist. This is Book 1 of what is promised as an epic series.]]> 3.86 Thralls of a Tyrant God (The God Engine, #1)
author: Mars G. Everson
name: Robert
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/06/07
date added: 2023/06/07
shelves:
review:
While rebel tribes wage war on each other and the forces of the tyrannical Forever King, the gods imbue select humans with their powers, to influence events in mysterious ways. Senn, an ex-slave turned remorseless rebel leader, is The Lord of Greed incarnate, imbued with supernatural speed and strength. His goal is to overthrow the tyrant king. But not everything is at it seems, and the ways of the gods are unpredictable. A series of misfortunes, and encounters with demigods, old acquaintances and powerful enemies, peels away the layers of Senn’s true nature. Meanwhile, bullied youth Brand, and female captive Naial, struggle to escape the evil Chainkeepers.

I like a lot of the fantasy elements in Thralls of a Tyrant God. The hubris of the god hosts when they have their powers, and their desolation when those powers are rescinded, are the most human aspects of the story for me. Poor Senn must feel like a human pinball at times. The fickleness of the gods is well portrayed, too; people are seemingly selected and deselected at random, for mysterious ends. Combat scenes are grisly and brutal, and there’s no shortage of vivid action throughout the book. There’s also an admirable attempt to explore the philosophical underpinnings of the enigmatic relationship between man and the gods.

Overall, though, I think the ambitious concepts are let down by aspects of the execution. The narrative is often choppy and lacks drive. Individual scenes play well enough, but often seem disconnected. What’s missing is a clear story arc or narrative sweep. Dialogue is flat at times. Mr. Everson has a good grasp of the fantasy tropes, and his world-building is thoughtful. The naming of characters, places, peoples, etc. is fairly generic. In terms of writing, the highlights are the bracing descriptions of action and the more fantastical elements.

Readers of dark fantasy should enjoy this, if they can overlook those aspects that keep it from the top ranks of the genre. I didn’t love it, but there was enough to keep me reading to the end, and I admired the author’s ambition. The ending holds a surprise with an interesting thematic twist. This is Book 1 of what is promised as an epic series.
]]> <![CDATA[What Else Did You Do? (Amanda Roberts #2)]]> 63283933
Amanda Roberts knows this only too well. It’s been three years since her life imploded, with devastating consequences. But now she’s determined to build a new life for herself, and put the past behind her.

Meanwhile, her nemesis has scaled the heights as a rising star, to enjoy the view from the top of the tree.

Now though, it appears that somebody else is unhappy, and gunning for both of them. Or is it just meant to look that way?]]> 285 Laura Lyndhurst Robert 4
I was a big fan of the antagonist’s delicious dark humor in the first book, as she narrated the events in mock letters to her rival. That’s mostly missing here, unfortunately. We are given snippets of the new antagonist’s plotting in a similar POV, but they’re few and far between. The rest of the book alternates between Lisa’s and Amanda’s storylines—the rollercoaster ups and downs of their day-to-day lives that gradually unravel and converge in pulpy fashion. It’s a whodunnit at heart. I found it engaging, but not quite as riveting as its predecessor.

It's well-written by Ms. Lyndhurst. The structure is rock solid and nicely thought out. Lisa provides plenty of barbed observations as her life comes crashing down about her. She remains a wry psychopath who’s just about learned to play nice with the literary crowd. Amanda is a sympathetic heroine who’s been hardened by prison but still harbors hopes of recapturing some semblance of her old, happy family life. There’s plenty of inventive storytelling, and for the most part it’s unpredictable. Unlike the first book, I found some of the twists a little hard to swallow this time around.

Overall, I think fans of book 1 will find much to enjoy here. It isn’t as disturbing, or as darkly witty, but the two women remain fascinating characters, and readers will want to follow them all the way to the fateful denouement. A good sequel.
]]> 4.79 2022 What Else Did You Do? (Amanda Roberts #2)
author: Laura Lyndhurst
name: Robert
average rating: 4.79
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2023/06/02
date added: 2023/06/02
shelves:
review:
Literary nemeses Lisa Lindstrom and Amanda Roberts both find themselves targeted by a vengeful third party in this slick, entertaining sequel to the psychological thriller I Know What You Did. Three years have passed since the violent climax of their feud. Amanda is now out of prison and trying to piece her life back together, while Lisa is living the life she always dreamed of as a best-selling author. A series of shocking events forces both women to re-evaluate their priorities, as someone is manipulating their lives in cruel, elaborate ways.

I was a big fan of the antagonist’s delicious dark humor in the first book, as she narrated the events in mock letters to her rival. That’s mostly missing here, unfortunately. We are given snippets of the new antagonist’s plotting in a similar POV, but they’re few and far between. The rest of the book alternates between Lisa’s and Amanda’s storylines—the rollercoaster ups and downs of their day-to-day lives that gradually unravel and converge in pulpy fashion. It’s a whodunnit at heart. I found it engaging, but not quite as riveting as its predecessor.

It's well-written by Ms. Lyndhurst. The structure is rock solid and nicely thought out. Lisa provides plenty of barbed observations as her life comes crashing down about her. She remains a wry psychopath who’s just about learned to play nice with the literary crowd. Amanda is a sympathetic heroine who’s been hardened by prison but still harbors hopes of recapturing some semblance of her old, happy family life. There’s plenty of inventive storytelling, and for the most part it’s unpredictable. Unlike the first book, I found some of the twists a little hard to swallow this time around.

Overall, I think fans of book 1 will find much to enjoy here. It isn’t as disturbing, or as darkly witty, but the two women remain fascinating characters, and readers will want to follow them all the way to the fateful denouement. A good sequel.

]]> The Great Gatsby 396094 This is an alternative cover edition for ISBN 9780141182636

Young, handsome and fabulously rich, Jay Gatsby is the bright star of the Jazz Age, but as writer Nick Carraway is drawn into the decadent orbit of his Long Island mansion, where the party never seems to end, he finds himself faced by the mystery of Gatsby's origins and desires. Beneath the shimmering surface of his life, Gatsby is hiding a secret: a silent longing that can never be fulfilled. And soon, this destructive obsession will force his world to unravel.

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald brilliantly captures both the disillusionment of post-war America and the moral failure of a society obsessed with wealth and status. But he does more than render the essence of a particular time and place, for in chronicling Gatsby's tragic pursuit of his dream, Fitzgerald re-creates the universal conflict between illusion and reality.]]> 177 F. Scott Fitzgerald Robert 5 3.88 1925 The Great Gatsby
author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
name: Robert
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1925
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/28
date added: 2023/05/29
shelves:
review:

]]> A Low Diving Bird 156944069 Missouri, 1865. Hester Cain’s world is unraveling. With her father and brother still off waging a guerrilla fight against the victorious Union, the quiet young woman tries to keep the three orphans in her charge safe from the local militia’s harassment. And though she has no reason to trust the other side, she shocks herself by opening the door to a wandering Yankee soldier.

Struggling to balance the rejection of her childhood sweetheart and a growing bond with her guest, Hester worries her forceful sibling’s return will only bring trouble and chaos. But when tragedy strikes, the determined survivor fears her found family is about to become the final casualty in a never-ending battle.

Can she knit together a new future for everyone she loves?

A Low Diving Bird is a captivating historical fiction story. If you like complex characters, dark themes, and exploring political issues, then you’ll adore Libby Copa’s provocative look at past trauma.

]]> 192 Libby Copa 1735118362 Robert 5
But this is no sweet romance novel. The war has traumatized every character in different ways, not least Hester’s brother, Marlow, who returns home bitter and borderline psychopathic, with many a score to settle. There are grisly action scenes, and tragedies, but A Low Diving Bird is by no means a grueling read. It’s written with great sensitivity and very little sentimentality, capturing the wounded emotions behind these personalities hardened by trauma. Each character is vivid and has their own unique story arc.

I found the switches to first person present tense for Marlow’s POV chapters a little jarring, but I can see why Ms. Copa chose that, to show how disconnected he’s become. And for such a short book, I think there are a couple too many characters given center stage in the second half. But these are minor quibbles in what is a compelling, superbly crafted piece of historical fiction. It captures the discombobulation of a post-Civil War nation; some people can’t move on from the killing, while others desperately want to feel their way to some semblance of a normal life, even if it can never be what they once had.

An impressive read, one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or terrific writing.
]]> 4.29 A Low Diving Bird
author: Libby Copa
name: Robert
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/23
date added: 2023/05/23
shelves:
review:
A young Missouri woman harbors a wayward Yankee soldier, stirring up local resentment and buried passions in this powerful story set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Hester was left to fend for herself when her father and brother joined the Confederate Army. She’s since taken in three orphan boys, and learned to survive any way she can; that includes placating the angry local militia. But when Eben, a wandering enemy soldier, arrives at her door, she surprises herself by taking him in, and in the process lets a little hope into her life for the first time in years. Hope, reconciliation, healing, and eventually, maybe even love.

But this is no sweet romance novel. The war has traumatized every character in different ways, not least Hester’s brother, Marlow, who returns home bitter and borderline psychopathic, with many a score to settle. There are grisly action scenes, and tragedies, but A Low Diving Bird is by no means a grueling read. It’s written with great sensitivity and very little sentimentality, capturing the wounded emotions behind these personalities hardened by trauma. Each character is vivid and has their own unique story arc.

I found the switches to first person present tense for Marlow’s POV chapters a little jarring, but I can see why Ms. Copa chose that, to show how disconnected he’s become. And for such a short book, I think there are a couple too many characters given center stage in the second half. But these are minor quibbles in what is a compelling, superbly crafted piece of historical fiction. It captures the discombobulation of a post-Civil War nation; some people can’t move on from the killing, while others desperately want to feel their way to some semblance of a normal life, even if it can never be what they once had.

An impressive read, one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or terrific writing.

]]> The Old Man and the Sea 61130 99 Ernest Hemingway 0099908409 Robert 4 3.74 1952 The Old Man and the Sea
author: Ernest Hemingway
name: Robert
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1952
rating: 4
read at: 2023/05/17
date added: 2023/05/17
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lost World (Jurassic Park, #2)]]> 8650
There are rumors that something has survived....]]> 448 Michael Crichton 0752224417 Robert 3 3.85 1995 The Lost World (Jurassic Park, #2)
author: Michael Crichton
name: Robert
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1995
rating: 3
read at: 2023/05/15
date added: 2023/05/15
shelves:
review:

]]> The War of the Worlds 8909
Inspiring films, radio dramas, comic-book adaptations, television series and sequels,The War of the Worlds is a prototypical work of science fiction which has influenced every alien story that has come since, and is unsurpassed in its ability to thrill, well over a century since it was first published.]]> 192 H.G. Wells 0375759239 Robert 5 3.84 1898 The War of the Worlds
author: H.G. Wells
name: Robert
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1898
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/15
date added: 2023/05/15
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Master & Commander (Aubrey & Maturin, #1)]]> 77430 Sophie. Accompanied by his eccentric new friend, the physician and naturalist Stephen Maturin, Aubrey does battle with the naval hierarchy, with his own tendency to make social blunders, and with the challenges of forging an effective crew -- before ultimately taking on enemy ships in a vivid, intricately detailed series of sea battles.]]> 464 Patrick O'Brian 0393307050 Robert 5 4.08 1969 Master & Commander (Aubrey & Maturin, #1)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1969
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/04
date added: 2023/05/04
shelves:
review:

]]> It 830502
It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real ...

They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But none of them can withstand the force that has drawn them back to Derry to face the nightmare without an end, and the evil without a name.]]> 1184 Stephen King 0450411435 Robert 5 4.28 1986 It
author: Stephen King
name: Robert
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at: 2023/04/16
date added: 2023/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> Heretics of Dune (Dune #5) 44492287 Book five in Frank Herbert's magnificent Dune Chronicles--one of the most significant sagas in the history of literary science fiction.

Leto Atreides, the God Emperor of Dune, is dead. In the fifteen hundred years since his passing, the Empire has fallen into ruin. The great Scattering saw millions abandon the crumbling civilization and spread out beyond the reaches of known space. The planet Arrakis-now called Rakis-has reverted to its desert climate, and its great sandworms are dying.

Now, the Lost Ones are returning home in pursuit of power. And as factions vie for control over the remnants of the Empire, a girl named Sheeana rises to prominence in the wastelands of Rakis, sending religious fervor throughout the galaxy. For she possesses the abilities of the Fremen sandriders-fulfilling a prophecy foretold by the late God Emperor...

Includes an introduction by Brian Herbert]]> 669 Frank Herbert 0593098269 Robert 4 3.84 1984 Heretics of Dune (Dune #5)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1984
rating: 4
read at: 2023/04/15
date added: 2023/04/15
shelves:
review:

]]> Ringworld (Ringworld, #1) 61179 288 Larry Niven 0575077026 Robert 5 3.96 1970 Ringworld (Ringworld, #1)
author: Larry Niven
name: Robert
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1970
rating: 5
read at: 2023/02/25
date added: 2023/02/25
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Land That Time Forgot (Caspak, #1)]]> 17377791 Dinosaurs, saber-toothed tigers and fierce Neanderthals inhabit the mysterious continent of Caspak in this classic lost world adventure, perfect for fans of Jurassic Park

1916. It’s wartime and an American ship has just been torpedoed. Flung into the open seas, Bowen Tyler is rescued and taken captive aboard an enemy submarine. With him held prisoner alongside fellow survivor, the beautiful Lys la Rue, the submarine enters unchartered seas. On the horizon, land is spotted—a mysterious island, previously undiscovered. Cautiously, crew and prisoners alike disembark to explore the strange new continent. Surrounded by primeval jungle, they are soon to discover life here has stood still for millions of years, with Neanderthals and dinosaurs still roaming. Taking charge immediately, Tyler sets up camp and brokers a tentative pact between prisoners and crew for them to work together. But Tyler’s new life will be a constant fight for survival. Peace between the factions in his camp will crumble, the Neanderthals will attack, and the dinosaurs are getting closer. And finally when Lys La Rue is kidnapped, Tyler knows he must leave the safety of camp and battle to save her, while ever getting closer to unraveling the secrets of the incredible continent of Caspak. This is a classic lost world novel, full of adventure, war, and intrigue, from a master of the genre.]]> 148 Edgar Rice Burroughs Robert 5 3.75 1918 The Land That Time Forgot (Caspak, #1)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1918
rating: 5
read at: 2023/02/19
date added: 2023/02/19
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dark Horizon (The Great War Legends Book 1)]]> 76503908


But when she is tasked with saving the Admiral of the second fleet, Aela must become the one thing she promised she would never a hero, just like her father.]]> 143 K. MacCabe Robert 4
The plot is basically ‘get the admiral before the station falls apart�. There isn’t much more to it than that. Aela is having a not-so-secret affair with her immediate C.O., which complicates her mission; she doesn’t want to lose him either, so the survival ordeal becomes an emotional rollercoaster. The team of enemy insurgents is led by Irvad Isan, a non-human, who’s ambivalent about his mission. He isn’t the zealot some on his side seem to be, and there’s definitely an element of war-weariness about him. Then there’s Aela’s workout buddy, Tanner, who’s dumber than a bag of hammers but fiercely loyal.

K. MacCabe sprinkles bits of backstory for each of the main characters, but to be honest they don’t add much. His primary focus here is the action, and boy, does he nail it. This is superbly written, with vivid imagery, agile phrasing, and it’s paced at a furious clip. An early sex scene might be a problem for some readers, but it fits both Aela’s character and the high-energy tone of the book. After that it’s wall-to-wall space disaster and combat action. It doesn’t let up, apart from a few brief introspective interludes.

World-building is very good, and MacCabe has a natural feel for sci-fi terminology as well as the hard-boiled banter between grunts. Though it doesn’t pretend to be hard sci-fi, physics is given more thought here than the usual space opera shoot-em-up. I didn’t need to pause to re-read passages for clarity; with so much happening in every scene, that speaks to the author’s descriptive skills. In terms of storytelling, I always felt I was in a safe pair of hands.

Dark Horizon is a blast to read. Even if the story doesn’t ultimately have the depth to earn five stars, this is still a high-quality example of the military sci-fi genre. As a novella, it doesn’t outstay its welcome either. Fans of rollicking space action will want to take this out for a spin, and I’d gladly read more science fiction from this author.
]]> 4.23 Dark Horizon (The Great War Legends Book 1)
author: K. MacCabe
name: Robert
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/12
date added: 2023/02/11
shelves:
review:
During an attack on Atmos trading station, a visiting high-ranking admiral is targeted for assassination by Imperial forces. It’s left to alpha female Lt. Aela-el’Kabar to take control of her dying station, and to keep the old man alive at all costs in a high-octane military sci-fi action romp I thoroughly enjoyed.

The plot is basically ‘get the admiral before the station falls apart�. There isn’t much more to it than that. Aela is having a not-so-secret affair with her immediate C.O., which complicates her mission; she doesn’t want to lose him either, so the survival ordeal becomes an emotional rollercoaster. The team of enemy insurgents is led by Irvad Isan, a non-human, who’s ambivalent about his mission. He isn’t the zealot some on his side seem to be, and there’s definitely an element of war-weariness about him. Then there’s Aela’s workout buddy, Tanner, who’s dumber than a bag of hammers but fiercely loyal.

K. MacCabe sprinkles bits of backstory for each of the main characters, but to be honest they don’t add much. His primary focus here is the action, and boy, does he nail it. This is superbly written, with vivid imagery, agile phrasing, and it’s paced at a furious clip. An early sex scene might be a problem for some readers, but it fits both Aela’s character and the high-energy tone of the book. After that it’s wall-to-wall space disaster and combat action. It doesn’t let up, apart from a few brief introspective interludes.

World-building is very good, and MacCabe has a natural feel for sci-fi terminology as well as the hard-boiled banter between grunts. Though it doesn’t pretend to be hard sci-fi, physics is given more thought here than the usual space opera shoot-em-up. I didn’t need to pause to re-read passages for clarity; with so much happening in every scene, that speaks to the author’s descriptive skills. In terms of storytelling, I always felt I was in a safe pair of hands.

Dark Horizon is a blast to read. Even if the story doesn’t ultimately have the depth to earn five stars, this is still a high-quality example of the military sci-fi genre. As a novella, it doesn’t outstay its welcome either. Fans of rollicking space action will want to take this out for a spin, and I’d gladly read more science fiction from this author.

]]> <![CDATA[The Female Breeders (The Female Saga, #1)]]> 77267928
For generations, women have held absolute power, and men exist only to serve. Neen Salvek never questioned the system’s perfection—until she steps inside the Arena Dome and sees the brutal truth with her own eyes.

The lies. The control. The violence.

Then she meets Tem—a fighter who refuses to kneel. His defiance awakens something within her. A hunger for freedom. For something more. More than obedience. More than order. More than the life she was trained to lead.

As their bond deepens, Neen uncovers a secret that could bring down the Sisterhood’s reign. But rebellion has a price—and love might cost her everything.

One choice could shatter a regime. One voice could start a revolution.

For fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, The Female Breeders is a dystopian thriller that will leave you breathless. This is the first book in The Female Saga, a completed duet.

"This book is incredibly well-written and truly will keep you on the edge of your seat." - ŷ reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"READ IT! If I tell you I devoured this book, it would be an understatement." -Amazon reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"...this is one of those books that's hard to put down.� - Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐]]> 268 Melanie Bokstad Horev Robert 4
Meanwhile, Neen’s best friend, Ems, discovers she has remarkable abilities. At the same time, a plot to further demonize the already despised males has unforeseen consequences. Not all the women of EVE approve of the cruel mistreatment of men. But what alternative is there in a society that was created specifically to subjugate males?

The Female Breeders starts off like a traditional science fiction romance, with the attraction between the heroine and hero established during their first meeting. But author Melanie Bokstad Horev wisely opens up the story beyond their growing infatuation to explore the politics, science and morality of this dystopian world. Several other characters feature prominently, and their subplots coalesce around an action-packed development in the second half, which takes the story in an exciting direction.

I was hoping the feminist angle wouldn’t be too heavy-handed, and I’m pleased to say the author handled it extremely well. Quite how women managed to enslave men in the first place isn’t gone into in any great detail, but the premise works because we’re given the justifications for this extreme measure as well as the inhuman realities of it. There are flawed people on both sides. And, of course, forbidden love is the catalyst that can topple empires.

It's an easy-to-read novel with likeable characters and mounting intrigue. Its themes, while thought-provoking, are not as divisive or overtly political as some dystopian books. It sets up a series, which I’d be interested to carry on reading. Sci-fi romance readers will certainly enjoy it, but I’d also recommend it to those with a more general interest in dystopian fiction. It’s a well-crafted tale.
]]> 4.12 2023 The Female Breeders (The Female Saga, #1)
author: Melanie Bokstad Horev
name: Robert
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/07
date added: 2023/02/07
shelves:
review:
In a dystopian future, gender roles are reversed and men are kept alive only as slaves for breeding in this entertaining sci-fi drama with romantic elements. The totalitarian society of EVE is divided into clans ruled entirely by women. Each clan serves a separate function. Neen, the brightest young scientist of Clan Triverser, is tasked with interviewing the male slaves to decide their suitability for the breeding program. She’s quickly drawn to one man in particular, Nem of Clan Benglion, who doesn’t seem to fit the mould of what the propaganda insists all men are: mindless brutes. But if the government is lying about something so fundamental, what else is it covering up?

Meanwhile, Neen’s best friend, Ems, discovers she has remarkable abilities. At the same time, a plot to further demonize the already despised males has unforeseen consequences. Not all the women of EVE approve of the cruel mistreatment of men. But what alternative is there in a society that was created specifically to subjugate males?

The Female Breeders starts off like a traditional science fiction romance, with the attraction between the heroine and hero established during their first meeting. But author Melanie Bokstad Horev wisely opens up the story beyond their growing infatuation to explore the politics, science and morality of this dystopian world. Several other characters feature prominently, and their subplots coalesce around an action-packed development in the second half, which takes the story in an exciting direction.

I was hoping the feminist angle wouldn’t be too heavy-handed, and I’m pleased to say the author handled it extremely well. Quite how women managed to enslave men in the first place isn’t gone into in any great detail, but the premise works because we’re given the justifications for this extreme measure as well as the inhuman realities of it. There are flawed people on both sides. And, of course, forbidden love is the catalyst that can topple empires.

It's an easy-to-read novel with likeable characters and mounting intrigue. Its themes, while thought-provoking, are not as divisive or overtly political as some dystopian books. It sets up a series, which I’d be interested to carry on reading. Sci-fi romance readers will certainly enjoy it, but I’d also recommend it to those with a more general interest in dystopian fiction. It’s a well-crafted tale.

]]> <![CDATA[You Know What You Did (Amanda Roberts, #1)]]> 61202823
Amanda Roberts has it all—a rich husband, perfect children, and a prosperous life.
But all that is about to change. As a successful author, she has established herself in the elite world of glitz and glamour. But her marriage comes under pressure when she suspects that things aren’t as they should be. If only that was the end of her problems.

When paranoia takes hold, Amanda spirals into a nightmare abyss of immense proportions. There’s no way out, and the clock is ticking ...

There’s somebody in the shadows and they’re looking at YOU.]]> 278 Laura Lyndhurst Robert 5
Fueled by resentment and jealousy, an anonymous narrator addresses her target, the hugely successful novelist Amanda Roberts, in a disturbing (and often blackly comic) stream-of-consciousness. It’s ostensibly a classic case of a fan-turned-stalker taking her resentment and jealousy to psychopathic extremes as she embarks on an intricate campaign to dismantle Amanda’s perfect existence. But there’s more to it than that.

As the second narrator, Amanda describes the deepening nightmare she finds herself plunged into. As her happy home life suffers, and her public profile loses its lustre, she starts to suspect there’s more than a random series of misfortunes behind her sudden fall from grace.

What author Laura Lyndhurst does so well here is to alternate the points of view on each significant event, creating a kind of seesaw of suspense. Whenever something bad happens to Amanda, we’re curious to find out what role her nemesis played in it. Likewise, when her nemesis tells us what she’s planning, we can’t wait to see how it actually unfolds from Amanda’s perspective. Added to that, both women are complex, interesting people, with more in common than is at first apparent. And the story doesn’t necessarily go where you’d expect, especially in the second half.

You Know What You Did touches on hot-button topics like identity politics and cancel culture, but it’s much more about the toxicity of fame and fortune. One woman has it and can’t bear to lose it, while the other is dead set on depriving her of it. The result is a wickedly entertaining thriller, written with bite and style, that’s one of the best of its type I’ve read in quite some time.

Highly recommended.
]]> 4.45 You Know What You Did (Amanda Roberts, #1)
author: Laura Lyndhurst
name: Robert
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/02/02
date added: 2023/02/02
shelves:
review:
A bitter, struggling writer sets out to destroy the life of a best-selling author in this chilling psychological thriller I found hard to put down.

Fueled by resentment and jealousy, an anonymous narrator addresses her target, the hugely successful novelist Amanda Roberts, in a disturbing (and often blackly comic) stream-of-consciousness. It’s ostensibly a classic case of a fan-turned-stalker taking her resentment and jealousy to psychopathic extremes as she embarks on an intricate campaign to dismantle Amanda’s perfect existence. But there’s more to it than that.

As the second narrator, Amanda describes the deepening nightmare she finds herself plunged into. As her happy home life suffers, and her public profile loses its lustre, she starts to suspect there’s more than a random series of misfortunes behind her sudden fall from grace.

What author Laura Lyndhurst does so well here is to alternate the points of view on each significant event, creating a kind of seesaw of suspense. Whenever something bad happens to Amanda, we’re curious to find out what role her nemesis played in it. Likewise, when her nemesis tells us what she’s planning, we can’t wait to see how it actually unfolds from Amanda’s perspective. Added to that, both women are complex, interesting people, with more in common than is at first apparent. And the story doesn’t necessarily go where you’d expect, especially in the second half.

You Know What You Did touches on hot-button topics like identity politics and cancel culture, but it’s much more about the toxicity of fame and fortune. One woman has it and can’t bear to lose it, while the other is dead set on depriving her of it. The result is a wickedly entertaining thriller, written with bite and style, that’s one of the best of its type I’ve read in quite some time.

Highly recommended.

]]> <![CDATA[The Diseased (Paige Hanson, #1)]]> 74959090
Since waking up from the accident Dr Paige Hanson has been asked that question over and over. By the hospital staff, by her mother in law and by Government officials.

As she struggles to grasp the wisps of memory returning to her Paige learns that there's more at stake than Leo's whereabouts.

Turning towards the teachings of the one person she swore never to become she begins to realise that some questions are best left unanswered.]]> 318 S.M. Thomas 1739676904 Robert 4
As Paige gradually pieces together what happened during the crash, she’s also forced to contend with various pernicious forces eating away at her, both psychological and external. A mysterious viral outbreak. The legacy of her mother, who leads a group of rebel anarchists. An increasingly heavy-handed fascist government. And her struggles against her own demons as the memory loss gives her a fresh perspective on her role in mankind’s post-Earth dystopia.

There’s a lot going on here, and author S.M. Thomas is a skilled enough writer to keep Paige’s perceptions and emotions vivid at all times. She tells it all in first person, which is a good choice for the mystery elements of the story; we learn things as Paige learns them, which keeps us invested as her as a character. It helps that she’s conflicted and not a Mary Sue—guilt, as well as hope, shapes her recovery. And under constant surveillance, there are only so many moves she can make. The other characters are similarly complex, if not quite as relatable as our heroine.

I found the science fiction elements to be the least compelling. They fit in well with the themes and narrative, but they’re a little vague: it’s future dystopia world-building 101. The pandemic and lockdown are on-the-nose but offer undeniably effective echoes of modern reality. There’s a lot to unpack with the politics—again, the seeds of this dystopia are clearly evident in today’s world.

The clues and the fractured flashbacks to Leo’s disappearance are my favourite parts of The Diseased. I was hoping for more of a deep dive into that mystery. I wanted it to be the main focus of the story, but other sub-plots, some interesting, one or two less so, increasingly shared the narrative space as the book progressed. It sounds like there’ll be more about the mystery in book two, which I’d be curious to read. In the meantime, this is a thoughtful, intricate, character-driven tale that’s been written with care and occasionally some panache. Not quite what I was expecting, but it kept me entertained throughout.
]]> 3.82 The Diseased (Paige Hanson, #1)
author: S.M. Thomas
name: Robert
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/24
date added: 2023/01/23
shelves:
review:
A famous scientific researcher faces suspicion, heartache, and the oppressive will of a totalitarian regime when her husband goes missing in this sci-fi conspiracy drama set on Earth Two. Paige Hanson only remembers fragments of the car accident she and her baby barely survived. The authorities can find no trace of her husband, Leo, and Paige’s apparent amnesia doesn’t satisfy her monstrous mother-in-law, who runs the hospital and demands answers.

As Paige gradually pieces together what happened during the crash, she’s also forced to contend with various pernicious forces eating away at her, both psychological and external. A mysterious viral outbreak. The legacy of her mother, who leads a group of rebel anarchists. An increasingly heavy-handed fascist government. And her struggles against her own demons as the memory loss gives her a fresh perspective on her role in mankind’s post-Earth dystopia.

There’s a lot going on here, and author S.M. Thomas is a skilled enough writer to keep Paige’s perceptions and emotions vivid at all times. She tells it all in first person, which is a good choice for the mystery elements of the story; we learn things as Paige learns them, which keeps us invested as her as a character. It helps that she’s conflicted and not a Mary Sue—guilt, as well as hope, shapes her recovery. And under constant surveillance, there are only so many moves she can make. The other characters are similarly complex, if not quite as relatable as our heroine.

I found the science fiction elements to be the least compelling. They fit in well with the themes and narrative, but they’re a little vague: it’s future dystopia world-building 101. The pandemic and lockdown are on-the-nose but offer undeniably effective echoes of modern reality. There’s a lot to unpack with the politics—again, the seeds of this dystopia are clearly evident in today’s world.

The clues and the fractured flashbacks to Leo’s disappearance are my favourite parts of The Diseased. I was hoping for more of a deep dive into that mystery. I wanted it to be the main focus of the story, but other sub-plots, some interesting, one or two less so, increasingly shared the narrative space as the book progressed. It sounds like there’ll be more about the mystery in book two, which I’d be curious to read. In the meantime, this is a thoughtful, intricate, character-driven tale that’s been written with care and occasionally some panache. Not quite what I was expecting, but it kept me entertained throughout.

]]> Just Like Heaven 123766
Arthur is the only man who can share Lauren's secret, the only one who can see her, hear her, and talk to her when no one else so much as senses her presence. So when doctors prepare to end Lauren's physical care -- which would destroy the magical bond she and Arthur cherish -- he must find a way to save her. For, after all, it is only her love that can save him.

A heartwarming love story that's impossible to forget, an adventure that is by turns breathtaking and hilarious, "Just Like Heaven" is a captivating tale that evokes the essence of romance and our boundless capacity to believe.]]> 240 Marc Levy 1416513116 Robert 4 3.47 2000 Just Like Heaven
author: Marc Levy
name: Robert
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/23
date added: 2023/01/23
shelves:
review:

]]> The Fountains of Paradise 149057 256 Arthur C. Clarke 1857987217 Robert 5 3.74 1979 The Fountains of Paradise
author: Arthur C. Clarke
name: Robert
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1979
rating: 5
read at: 2023/01/13
date added: 2023/01/13
shelves:
review:

]]> DESTINED TO AVENGE 75433752 Jack Wilson honed his skills as a street cop and as a detective in some of the toughest neighborhoods Los Angeles had to offer. This was where he thrived, and where he was forced to shoot armed criminals intent on killing him far too many times. After taking an early retirement, he thought his expertise would be put to rest—but it was only the beginning.

Based on a hunch, Jack interrupts a team of gun-toting residential burglars assaulting the wife of his former partner and friend, Rick. The primary suspect disappears, while Rick’s wife lies in the hospital in a coma. Frustrated by the inability of the police to find and arrest the suspect, Rick plans to wage a private war for justice and seeks Jack’s help. What follows is an extraordinary chain of events filled with violence, murder, and deception.]]> 252 Russ J. Taylor Robert 4
It doesn’t take much arm-twisting for Jack to agree to help his buddy catch the perp on the run. Years into retirement now, his innate sense of justice still drives him. But it’s also making his new girlfriend Maggie reluctant to commit to a serious relationship; when trouble doesn’t find Jack, he seems to seek it out anyway. In the meantime, their quarry, Liam, and his shady associates plot to tie up loose ends, which includes taking out the notorious Jack Wilson once and for all.

This sequel is chock full of the elements we’ve come to expect from Taylor’s novels: pacy gunplay, detailed surveillance, and a steely, righteous hero who operates by his own moral code. While it’s always entertaining and very readable, the plot here does feel like a retread of previous storylines. A thwarted home invasion turns deadly; vengeance is vowed; Jack takes the law into his own hands, teams up with an old colleague; the villain on the run makes lethal counter-moves of his own. It’s all well thought out, and there’s nothing wrong with sticking with what worked the last time. But déjà vu hit me on a few occasions, and I’d like to see Taylor stretch himself a little more next time.

Fans of the first two books will enjoy the thrill of the hunt in Destined to Avenge. Liam’s quite an interesting antagonist—gregarious, wily, able to blend in wherever he is—while Jack is forced to reflect on what makes him who he is. Meanwhile, Rick is portrayed as a reckless, even more maverick version of Jack. Similar to how Magnum Force revealed a limit to Dirty Harry’s vigilantism, this one shows us a point Jack Wilson won’t go beyond. Nothing too deep, but it gives the reader enough to chew on between the pulse-racing action scenes.
]]> 4.47 DESTINED TO AVENGE
author: Russ J. Taylor
name: Robert
average rating: 4.47
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/10
date added: 2023/01/10
shelves:
review:
Retired LA Detective Jack Wilson is back to mete out his own brand of vigilante justice in the third instalment of Russ J. Taylor’s action-packed crime series. Jack interrupts a violent break-in at the home of his old friend and colleague, Rick, but while he’s able to gun down two of the intruders, a third gets away, and Rick’s wife, Terri, is left in a coma after suffering severe head trauma.

It doesn’t take much arm-twisting for Jack to agree to help his buddy catch the perp on the run. Years into retirement now, his innate sense of justice still drives him. But it’s also making his new girlfriend Maggie reluctant to commit to a serious relationship; when trouble doesn’t find Jack, he seems to seek it out anyway. In the meantime, their quarry, Liam, and his shady associates plot to tie up loose ends, which includes taking out the notorious Jack Wilson once and for all.

This sequel is chock full of the elements we’ve come to expect from Taylor’s novels: pacy gunplay, detailed surveillance, and a steely, righteous hero who operates by his own moral code. While it’s always entertaining and very readable, the plot here does feel like a retread of previous storylines. A thwarted home invasion turns deadly; vengeance is vowed; Jack takes the law into his own hands, teams up with an old colleague; the villain on the run makes lethal counter-moves of his own. It’s all well thought out, and there’s nothing wrong with sticking with what worked the last time. But déjà vu hit me on a few occasions, and I’d like to see Taylor stretch himself a little more next time.

Fans of the first two books will enjoy the thrill of the hunt in Destined to Avenge. Liam’s quite an interesting antagonist—gregarious, wily, able to blend in wherever he is—while Jack is forced to reflect on what makes him who he is. Meanwhile, Rick is portrayed as a reckless, even more maverick version of Jack. Similar to how Magnum Force revealed a limit to Dirty Harry’s vigilantism, this one shows us a point Jack Wilson won’t go beyond. Nothing too deep, but it gives the reader enough to chew on between the pulse-racing action scenes.

]]> <![CDATA[God Emperor of Dune (Dune, #4)]]> 56565196 With more than ten million copies sold, Frank Herbert's magnificent Dune books stand among the major achievements of the imagination. Of them all, God Emperor of Dune, the fourth, is the greatest and the grandest. Centuries have passed on Dune itself, and the planet is green with life. Leto II, the son of Dune's savior, is still alive but far from human. He has become a human-sandworm creature, ruling over his angry and frustrated empire with his vast legions of Fish Speaker soldiers, enforcing peace for dozens of generations to teach the universe a lesson, while also waiting for the right time to turn Dune back into a desert planet. The fate of all humanity hangs on Leto's awesome sacrifice.

]]> 421 Frank Herbert 1473233801 Robert 4 science-fiction 3.74 1981 God Emperor of Dune (Dune, #4)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1981
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/06
date added: 2023/01/06
shelves: science-fiction
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Last Sunny Day: The Personal Account of Erin June Davis]]> 62386689
When something shocking occurs outside the island, The Grove snaps its seawall gates shut, and everyone is ordered to return to their homes and remain inside.

Word spreads around the island that the cities are gone. Erin climbs up on her roof to watch the changing world, but she can only see the dark waves and the arriving boats... and wait.

Erin's sister and nephews show up on the shores of the island, awaiting refuge that may never be offered. Erin must decide... should she put her own life—and the baby she's carrying—at risk to help them?


What readers are saying about The Last Sunny Day:

"A young woman's retrospective diary entries describe how she survived the end of the world in this thoughtful, surprisingly upbeat sci-fi drama set in an exclusive island community."

"A world changing event happens and her commentary is full of love, compassion and heartbreak. This is a very original tale and I would highly recommend it."

"This book is lovingly told and beautifully written by a author who knows her world and knows her story."

"Astonishing, captivating, and satisfying, it was hard to put it down." —ŷ� review]]> 213 Ellie Sabine Robert 4
But an unforeseen, cataclysmic event changes everything. The island throws up its defences, becoming a haven isolated from the outside world, or what’s left of it. Rumours of what’s happened trickle in, but a lot’s left to the reader’s imagination as Erin digs in to her routine instead, preferring the safety of her bubble to personally confronting the horrific ramifications of the apocalypse. She receives help from various sources, not least a fascinating man called David, who appears and disappears with startling abruptness, leaving Erin bamboozled most of the time. Who is he? What’s he up to? And how long can The Grove shut out the human stragglers who arrive seeking refuge?

My favourite thing about The Last Sunny Day is author Ellie Sabine’s sense of humour. Erin is naturally sassy and witty, but she also uses it as a coping mechanism when things get tough. I think that’s the key to her character. She’s never going to fight marauding hordes or try to save humanity like the usual post-apocalyptic heroes do. Instead, she chooses the path of least resistance, and adapts to a smaller, more intimate existence, surviving one day at a time. Her surrogacy gives her a fresh perspective on family and responsibility. She absolutely has a character arc here; it’s just not the usual sci-fi heroine story. I really like that.

The diary footnotes are fun, reminding us how hazy our memories can be, while framing the story with an extra layer of mystery. Ms. Sabine’s easygoing writing style is a pleasure to read. Most writers would zoom in on the apocalypse itself, but she keeps it deliberately vague here, as if Erin doesn’t want to know too much about it. Yes, Erin is a passive heroine (that will drive some readers nuts), but she’s that way for a reason. I can’t talk about that reason without spoiling what is, for me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. Suffice to say she has a Guide, who isn’t going to be perturbed by a little thing like doomsday.

The Grove itself is an amusing set-up, faintly sinister but peopled by mostly harmless, eccentric sorts. There isn’t a whole lot of heavy sci-fi world-building going on; that isn’t Ms. Sabine’s focus. But there is a lot hinted at, both in terms of speculative concepts and details of the outside world. By mostly concentrating on the day-to-day aspects of Grove life, and hermetically sealing Erin in that way, The Last Sunny Day won’t be to everyone’s taste.

There are moments of suspense, descriptions of nightmarish events, and emotional scenes, but overall it’s an unusually unthreatening account of the end of the world. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Unresolved ending aside, I can recommend it for readers who prefer speculative tales with a gentler, more human touch.
]]> 4.00 The Last Sunny Day: The Personal Account of Erin June Davis
author: Ellie Sabine
name: Robert
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/29
date added: 2022/12/29
shelves:
review:
A young woman’s retrospective diary entries describe how she survived the end of the world in this thoughtful, surprisingly upbeat sci-fi drama set in an exclusive island community. The Grove is a mysterious, much-sought-after living experience that offers steady employment and a prestigious surrogacy program for lucky single women. Enter Erin, a disillusioned, debt-ridden burn-out eager for a fresh start in life. Not only is her application accepted, but she’s soon promoted to become a surrogate, much to her bemusement. The Grove and its inhabitants might be weird, but all sorts of opportunities are now open to her, once she carries her baby to term.

But an unforeseen, cataclysmic event changes everything. The island throws up its defences, becoming a haven isolated from the outside world, or what’s left of it. Rumours of what’s happened trickle in, but a lot’s left to the reader’s imagination as Erin digs in to her routine instead, preferring the safety of her bubble to personally confronting the horrific ramifications of the apocalypse. She receives help from various sources, not least a fascinating man called David, who appears and disappears with startling abruptness, leaving Erin bamboozled most of the time. Who is he? What’s he up to? And how long can The Grove shut out the human stragglers who arrive seeking refuge?

My favourite thing about The Last Sunny Day is author Ellie Sabine’s sense of humour. Erin is naturally sassy and witty, but she also uses it as a coping mechanism when things get tough. I think that’s the key to her character. She’s never going to fight marauding hordes or try to save humanity like the usual post-apocalyptic heroes do. Instead, she chooses the path of least resistance, and adapts to a smaller, more intimate existence, surviving one day at a time. Her surrogacy gives her a fresh perspective on family and responsibility. She absolutely has a character arc here; it’s just not the usual sci-fi heroine story. I really like that.

The diary footnotes are fun, reminding us how hazy our memories can be, while framing the story with an extra layer of mystery. Ms. Sabine’s easygoing writing style is a pleasure to read. Most writers would zoom in on the apocalypse itself, but she keeps it deliberately vague here, as if Erin doesn’t want to know too much about it. Yes, Erin is a passive heroine (that will drive some readers nuts), but she’s that way for a reason. I can’t talk about that reason without spoiling what is, for me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. Suffice to say she has a Guide, who isn’t going to be perturbed by a little thing like doomsday.

The Grove itself is an amusing set-up, faintly sinister but peopled by mostly harmless, eccentric sorts. There isn’t a whole lot of heavy sci-fi world-building going on; that isn’t Ms. Sabine’s focus. But there is a lot hinted at, both in terms of speculative concepts and details of the outside world. By mostly concentrating on the day-to-day aspects of Grove life, and hermetically sealing Erin in that way, The Last Sunny Day won’t be to everyone’s taste.

There are moments of suspense, descriptions of nightmarish events, and emotional scenes, but overall it’s an unusually unthreatening account of the end of the world. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Unresolved ending aside, I can recommend it for readers who prefer speculative tales with a gentler, more human touch.

]]> Jinx 41447994 Melissa K. Magner 1732250626 Robert 4
As they research the history of the box, Jan and Shelley find themselves the target of malign forces: strange men are following them, and echoes of local folklore bring disturbing revelations. What began as an idyllic seaside holiday turns into a nightmare as the two girls pit their wits against dangerous adversaries.

Ms. Magner is an adept storyteller with a keen sense of pace, plot and character. She rarely puts a foot wrong here; the story unfolds like clockwork, with a couple of twists thrown in that pull the rug out from under our spunky young heroine, Jan. The tone of the tale evolves well, from the breezy YA hangout scenes of the opening few chapters to the crossover into outright horror territory toward the end. That transition could have been jarring, but the author layers in enough unsettling hints and warnings throughout the story to prime the reader for a heavy dose of Stephen King.

Descriptions are succinct and often charming, such as the jalopy Jan drives around in being referred to as “the Blue Bomb�. The friendship between the two girls, and the differences between them, are natural and believable. Some of the dialogue is a little stiff and perfunctory, especially from the brothers. I like that the story doesn’t lean too heavily into the fantasy elements—some things are better left unexplained. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book are apt and impressive.

Overall, I can recommend Jinx to anyone intrigued by the premise. A wholesome YA mystery that grows darker and more deadly as it goes on, Ms. Magner’s book delivers exactly what it promises, and I was entertained the whole way through.
]]> 4.36 2018 Jinx
author: Melissa K. Magner
name: Robert
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/21
date added: 2022/12/21
shelves:
review:
Dark magic and danger surround the discovery of a strange box in the ocean in this enjoyable YA mystery with fantasy and horror elements. Two teenage girls, Jan (nicknamed “Jinx�) and her best friend Shelley, chance upon the ornate little treasure box while they’re diving for shells during the long summer vacation. The only item inside it is a locket—not much of a find, until Jan starts to experience the sinister effect it has on anyone who wears it.

As they research the history of the box, Jan and Shelley find themselves the target of malign forces: strange men are following them, and echoes of local folklore bring disturbing revelations. What began as an idyllic seaside holiday turns into a nightmare as the two girls pit their wits against dangerous adversaries.

Ms. Magner is an adept storyteller with a keen sense of pace, plot and character. She rarely puts a foot wrong here; the story unfolds like clockwork, with a couple of twists thrown in that pull the rug out from under our spunky young heroine, Jan. The tone of the tale evolves well, from the breezy YA hangout scenes of the opening few chapters to the crossover into outright horror territory toward the end. That transition could have been jarring, but the author layers in enough unsettling hints and warnings throughout the story to prime the reader for a heavy dose of Stephen King.

Descriptions are succinct and often charming, such as the jalopy Jan drives around in being referred to as “the Blue Bomb�. The friendship between the two girls, and the differences between them, are natural and believable. Some of the dialogue is a little stiff and perfunctory, especially from the brothers. I like that the story doesn’t lean too heavily into the fantasy elements—some things are better left unexplained. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book are apt and impressive.

Overall, I can recommend Jinx to anyone intrigued by the premise. A wholesome YA mystery that grows darker and more deadly as it goes on, Ms. Magner’s book delivers exactly what it promises, and I was entertained the whole way through.

]]> Children of Dune (Dune #3) 56565176 Dune Messiah, his orphaned twins, Ghanima and Leto, are quickly growing up and realizing that they are pawns in an epic struggle for the ultimate power -- control of the Imperium. No one around them can be trusted, as evidenced by Alia, the twins' aunt and official guardian, who has become the Abomination so many feared she would be. She is, in fact, possessed by ancestral voices inside her mind, and one in particular -- the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen -- is pushing her to fulfill her darkest prophecies.

Conspiracies abound in this novel as the cult of Muad'Dib and the post-Paul governmental brain trust seem to be rotting from within. Sensing weakness, greedy factions -- like the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood and House Corrino -- converge on Arrakis to destroy House Atreides once and for all.

]]> 421 Frank Herbert 147323378X Robert 5 3.78 1976 Children of Dune (Dune #3)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1976
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/27
date added: 2022/11/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Between Tricks: A Half-Demon Noir in an Alternative World: A Dixie Tricks Novel]]> 57906341
IN DIXIE’S WORLD DEMONS RIDE THE ELECTRICS AND VAMPIRES ARE THE NUMBER ONE WET DREAM IN EVERYONE’S FANTASY...UNTIL THE SAFE WORD IS FORGOTTEN. THEN IT ALL ENDS IN TEARS AND A SHARP STAKE.

Meet Dixie. Upmarket courtesan/monster hunter. (They pair really well. One pays a lot, the other nada.) She loves designer coffee, but hates vampires. (You would too...if you knew what was good for you!) Diamonds, expensive shoes, and designer labels, are her go to spoils of conquest, but they clash with the places her day job takes her. (Nothing is chic in a sewer.)

Life was predictable. (Sexy nights and slaying days make for a very full diary.) Now, her lists might need reordering. There's a new kind of cold dead thing taking top spot in her ick list. Worse, to beat it, she's going to have to partner with the V word. And that's not what she signed up for.]]> 304 Jaime Munn Robert 4
Dixie pretty much has her pick of the horny elite, but the guy she has the strongest feelings for is the one she can’t have: a dreamy gigolo who services only rich male clientele. Still, it’s a glamourous world of limos and parties, until a deadly attack on someone close to her sets Dixie on a hidden trail into the dark heart of the city, where she encounters all manner of supernatural forces.

Author Jaime Munn makes the most of Dixie’s first-person narration, especially her lascivious female gaze and her sense of humour. Many of her one-liners are witty, and she’s able to bring this layered world to life for us by poking fun at it. It works a treat, up to a point. The first half doesn’t really get going in terms of plot momentum. Dixie spends so much time drooling over the men in her life � barely a page goes by without her remarking on how sexy someone is � that it starts to drag. A few too many quippy asides to the reader start to have the same effect. The narration is often flip when it should be serious, which lessens the stakes in a crucial action scene. And while it never quite veers into erotic territory, the first half indulges a little too much in the prurient side of Dixie’s high living for my taste, at the expense of a gripping story.

It picks up the second half, when the noirish and supernatural elements combine for a twisty, pacier urban fantasy mystery. The most colourful characters are thrown into the mix together along the way, the quips and the lusty gazes take more of a back seat, and the whole thing feels on surer footing. There’s some genuine tension as the plot approaches its climax. The complex world-building pays off with a couple of hidden motives and twists I didn’t see coming.

Urban fantasy readers should enjoy this one. My issues with the first half are down to personal taste, and I’m sure some readers will revel in those elements I felt outstayed their welcome. But there’s no denying Jaime Munn is a very good writer who’s fashioned an imaginative, well-described alternate world of blood and champagne.
]]> 4.33 Between Tricks: A Half-Demon Noir in an Alternative World: A Dixie Tricks Novel
author: Jaime Munn
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/11/12
date added: 2022/11/11
shelves:
review:
A half-demon courtesan, who also moonlights as a paranormal investigator, is tasked with finding a missing vampire of royal lineage in this entertaining urban fantasy. Dixie Tricks is a high-priced escort who genuinely likes her over-sexed, under-the-radar lifestyle. She gets to bed the hottest vampires in town, then venture into the city’s supernatural underworld to right a few wrongs. Her latest case is also a personal one—the missing vamp, a rich celebrity among his kind, is one of her favourite clients.

Dixie pretty much has her pick of the horny elite, but the guy she has the strongest feelings for is the one she can’t have: a dreamy gigolo who services only rich male clientele. Still, it’s a glamourous world of limos and parties, until a deadly attack on someone close to her sets Dixie on a hidden trail into the dark heart of the city, where she encounters all manner of supernatural forces.

Author Jaime Munn makes the most of Dixie’s first-person narration, especially her lascivious female gaze and her sense of humour. Many of her one-liners are witty, and she’s able to bring this layered world to life for us by poking fun at it. It works a treat, up to a point. The first half doesn’t really get going in terms of plot momentum. Dixie spends so much time drooling over the men in her life � barely a page goes by without her remarking on how sexy someone is � that it starts to drag. A few too many quippy asides to the reader start to have the same effect. The narration is often flip when it should be serious, which lessens the stakes in a crucial action scene. And while it never quite veers into erotic territory, the first half indulges a little too much in the prurient side of Dixie’s high living for my taste, at the expense of a gripping story.

It picks up the second half, when the noirish and supernatural elements combine for a twisty, pacier urban fantasy mystery. The most colourful characters are thrown into the mix together along the way, the quips and the lusty gazes take more of a back seat, and the whole thing feels on surer footing. There’s some genuine tension as the plot approaches its climax. The complex world-building pays off with a couple of hidden motives and twists I didn’t see coming.

Urban fantasy readers should enjoy this one. My issues with the first half are down to personal taste, and I’m sure some readers will revel in those elements I felt outstayed their welcome. But there’s no denying Jaime Munn is a very good writer who’s fashioned an imaginative, well-described alternate world of blood and champagne.

]]> <![CDATA[Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles, #2)]]> 34326633 DUNE MESSIAH: the extraordinary sequel to Dune, the greatest science fiction novel of all time.

Twelve years after his victory over House Harkonnen, Paul Atreides rules as emperor from the desert planet Arrakis - but his victory has had profound consequences. War has been brought to the entire known universe, and billions have already perished. Despite having become the most powerful emperor known to history, Paul is powerless to bring an end to the fighting.

While former allies conspire to dethrone Paul and even his own consort acts against him, Paul accepts a gift from the Tleilaxu, a guild of genetic manipulators, hoping to find a single spark of peace and friendship amidst the betrayal and chaos. But this act undermines Paul's support from the Fremen, his own people. The Fremen are the true source of Paul's power; losing them is the one thing that could truly topple his empire.

As matters escalate, Paul will be forced to chose between his throne, his wife, his people and his future - and the future of the entire universe.

An epic novel of the cost of victory... and the price of war.

Brilliant...it is all that Dune was, and maybe a little more.
-- Galaxy Magazine]]> 304 Frank Herbert Robert 5 3.75 1969 Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles, #2)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1969
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/02
date added: 2022/11/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lines Between Our Stars: A Young Adult Science Fantasy (The Summer Triangle Trilogy, #1)]]> 57366993
With water scarce and few comforts of home, the teens find themselves up against a formidable foe. They’ll have to overcome obstacles together or be stranded on this dusty planet light-years from Earth.]]> Lyndi Allison Robert 4
Jason and Gloria have a tetchy relationship that hints at an unspoken attraction. They’re opposites on the surface, but gradually discover they have more in common than they realized, not least in how they’ve coped with family tragedies. Their adventure on Rhea throws up several unexpected twists. Meanwhile, Gloria’s mother, Dr North, works hard to figure out what the two youngsters are up to, and to keep their highly illegal teleportation a secret from the authorities.

Lyndi Allison’s creative stream-of-consciousness style is both the book’s greatest strength and its biggest weakness. She weaves in rhyming poetry, Shakespearean quotes and Greek mythology to illustrate how Gloria’s literary mind works. It’s effective, and I think it adds a lot of personality to the story. On the other hand, the kids� first-person narration is uneven. There’s a tendency toward flippancy, especially in the early chapters when Draca first appears, that undermines the stakes of the quest and what a big deal the teleportation they undertake actually is. The story does have more weight as it progresses, in large part due to Dr North and her more grounded reaction to what’s happening.

The Lines Between Our Stars is full of imaginative flourishes. A lot of the sci-fi concepts and the character work reminded me of the recent Lost in Space remake on Netflix. Gloria and Jason are a likeable pair; they both grow over the course of the story. I’m not a hundred percent sure what the malevolent entity was they had to outwit, but it created some icky, nightmarish perils. Problem-solving is handled quite well, despite some contrivances; all in all, for YA sci-fi, it’s a pretty good effort on that front.

I like the quirky blend of science and artistic musing here. Both appeal to me, and seeing them interact is my favorite thing about The Lines Between Our Stars. It’s a fun start to what promises to be an entertaining odyssey.
]]> 4.31 The Lines Between Our Stars: A Young Adult Science Fantasy (The Summer Triangle Trilogy, #1)
author: Lyndi Allison
name: Robert
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/29
date added: 2022/10/29
shelves:
review:
Two human teenagers must teleport to a distant planet in order to rescue the son of an alien life-form in this enjoyable YA sci-fi novella. Jason, a science nerd, and Gloria, obsessed with art and astronomy, reluctantly agree to help a mysterious dragon-snake that materializes one day in Gloria’s mother’s lab at a renowned observatory. The creature is somehow capable of interstellar travel, but is unable to free its offspring from captivity on Rhea, a planet in the Vegan system.

Jason and Gloria have a tetchy relationship that hints at an unspoken attraction. They’re opposites on the surface, but gradually discover they have more in common than they realized, not least in how they’ve coped with family tragedies. Their adventure on Rhea throws up several unexpected twists. Meanwhile, Gloria’s mother, Dr North, works hard to figure out what the two youngsters are up to, and to keep their highly illegal teleportation a secret from the authorities.

Lyndi Allison’s creative stream-of-consciousness style is both the book’s greatest strength and its biggest weakness. She weaves in rhyming poetry, Shakespearean quotes and Greek mythology to illustrate how Gloria’s literary mind works. It’s effective, and I think it adds a lot of personality to the story. On the other hand, the kids� first-person narration is uneven. There’s a tendency toward flippancy, especially in the early chapters when Draca first appears, that undermines the stakes of the quest and what a big deal the teleportation they undertake actually is. The story does have more weight as it progresses, in large part due to Dr North and her more grounded reaction to what’s happening.

The Lines Between Our Stars is full of imaginative flourishes. A lot of the sci-fi concepts and the character work reminded me of the recent Lost in Space remake on Netflix. Gloria and Jason are a likeable pair; they both grow over the course of the story. I’m not a hundred percent sure what the malevolent entity was they had to outwit, but it created some icky, nightmarish perils. Problem-solving is handled quite well, despite some contrivances; all in all, for YA sci-fi, it’s a pretty good effort on that front.

I like the quirky blend of science and artistic musing here. Both appeal to me, and seeing them interact is my favorite thing about The Lines Between Our Stars. It’s a fun start to what promises to be an entertaining odyssey.

]]> <![CDATA[The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2)]]> 33624773 352 J.R.R. Tolkien Robert 5 4.67 1954 The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2)
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Robert
average rating: 4.67
book published: 1954
rating: 5
read at: 2022/10/28
date added: 2022/10/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Almost Human Book 1: Discovery]]> 58541450
ALMOST HUMAN

The controlling and secretive New American Government has created a series of perfectly compliant, genetically modified human soldiers. Emotion, independent thought and all forms of communication are forbidden. Their only purpose is to obey.

Used as a pawn in somebody else's escape plan, Edel finds herself with unexpected freedom. She has been taught everything she needs to survive- except how to be human.

Danny is one of Harpton Main's rich elite, but beneath the shiny surface of his perfect world lies a dangerous secret, frequent bouts of uncontrollable rage, and endless questions about his origins.

A chance encounter with Edel raises more questions than answers, and Danny will stop at nothing to discover the truth about himself.]]> 361 Ashleigh Reverie Robert 4
Meanwhile, Danny was adopted as a baby into one of the richest families in Hampton Main. But even after all these years, he’s unable to control his inexplicably violent tendencies. Being in a relationship with Gemma, a lovely girl from the wrong side of the tracks, makes him happy, but a part of him needs to know what’s wrong with him. Why he’s so different. He finally gets his chance when he encounters the mysterious Edel; an empathic link they share makes them both even more unstable, but also promises to shed light on their origins. What will happen when these two combustible lifeforms are thrown into the mix together?

Author Ashleigh Reverie crafts her characters carefully, and this pays off in spades as the story progresses, especially for Edel and Jay, whose relationship unfolds with painstaking detail. Edel’s complete lack of social skills, together with her deadly programming, makes her almost impossible to reach on a human level. Luckily, Jay perseveres, and ever so slowly draws out aspects of her she never knew she had. In turn, looking after Edel gives the burnt-out Jay a new purpose in life. They’re afraid of one another, but the growing trust between them is by far the best part of the story for me.

I never liked Danny. He’s supposed to be a sympathetic character, but he comes off as a spoilt and needy whiner with extreme bipolar disorder. That’s explained by his origins, but I almost cheered when he received a much-needed beatdown. I felt sorry for Gemma, who struggles with a chip on her own shoulder on account of her poor, “casher� upbringing. On the face of it she’s won the lottery, but being in love with such a wired, entitled monster is enough to make anyone a neurotic wreck. Don’t get me wrong, Edel is no picnic, but at least she’s been conditioned to be hostile; we get to see her and watch her grow through Jay’s eyes.

Almost Human is a compelling read for the most part. I couldn’t wait to see how it unfolded, while at the same time I admired how Ms. Reverie took her time to develop the relationships. Perhaps a bit too much time if I’m honest: there was a fair amount of repetition in the exchanges between Edel and Jay in the middle third; and while the characters are rich, the plot itself is deceptively simple. It’s the first book in a series, and ends with several story threads unresolved.

I can recommend it for sci-fi readers partial to near-future dramas and thrillers that are strong on character and not over-stuffed with the details of world-building. The dystopian elements of the society are there, but they’re broad strokes. The focus here is on the traumatized victims of a monstrous government project. Their damaged psychologies are fascinating, and Ms. Reverie excels in getting the reader to intimately understand their plights. I’d be very interested to see what happens next.
]]> 4.69 2021 Almost Human Book 1: Discovery
author: Ashleigh Reverie
name: Robert
average rating: 4.69
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/23
date added: 2022/10/23
shelves:
review:
Two genetically enhanced humans with volatile emotions and super strength are on a collision course in this gripping, character-driven drama set in the early twenty-second century. Edel has been raised, in the horrifically strict confines of a New American Government facility, to be a cold-bloodied killer, devoid of emotion, and utterly obedient. When she finds herself an unwitting escapee in a surprise breakout alongside several other super soldiers, she’s overwhelmed by the ramifications of her freedom. Who will give her orders now? What will happen if she disobeys? Is Jay, the messy human male who tries to help her, genuinely to be trusted? Can he trust her?

Meanwhile, Danny was adopted as a baby into one of the richest families in Hampton Main. But even after all these years, he’s unable to control his inexplicably violent tendencies. Being in a relationship with Gemma, a lovely girl from the wrong side of the tracks, makes him happy, but a part of him needs to know what’s wrong with him. Why he’s so different. He finally gets his chance when he encounters the mysterious Edel; an empathic link they share makes them both even more unstable, but also promises to shed light on their origins. What will happen when these two combustible lifeforms are thrown into the mix together?

Author Ashleigh Reverie crafts her characters carefully, and this pays off in spades as the story progresses, especially for Edel and Jay, whose relationship unfolds with painstaking detail. Edel’s complete lack of social skills, together with her deadly programming, makes her almost impossible to reach on a human level. Luckily, Jay perseveres, and ever so slowly draws out aspects of her she never knew she had. In turn, looking after Edel gives the burnt-out Jay a new purpose in life. They’re afraid of one another, but the growing trust between them is by far the best part of the story for me.

I never liked Danny. He’s supposed to be a sympathetic character, but he comes off as a spoilt and needy whiner with extreme bipolar disorder. That’s explained by his origins, but I almost cheered when he received a much-needed beatdown. I felt sorry for Gemma, who struggles with a chip on her own shoulder on account of her poor, “casher� upbringing. On the face of it she’s won the lottery, but being in love with such a wired, entitled monster is enough to make anyone a neurotic wreck. Don’t get me wrong, Edel is no picnic, but at least she’s been conditioned to be hostile; we get to see her and watch her grow through Jay’s eyes.

Almost Human is a compelling read for the most part. I couldn’t wait to see how it unfolded, while at the same time I admired how Ms. Reverie took her time to develop the relationships. Perhaps a bit too much time if I’m honest: there was a fair amount of repetition in the exchanges between Edel and Jay in the middle third; and while the characters are rich, the plot itself is deceptively simple. It’s the first book in a series, and ends with several story threads unresolved.

I can recommend it for sci-fi readers partial to near-future dramas and thrillers that are strong on character and not over-stuffed with the details of world-building. The dystopian elements of the society are there, but they’re broad strokes. The focus here is on the traumatized victims of a monstrous government project. Their damaged psychologies are fascinating, and Ms. Reverie excels in getting the reader to intimately understand their plights. I’d be very interested to see what happens next.

]]> <![CDATA[Rainer Razes Cain (Rainer Series Book 1)]]> 61490432 283 Gregory R. Marshall Robert 5
As Rainer is initiated into the strange cult, he encounters nightmarish truths inside its hidden compound, truths that test his resolve and his sanity to their utmost limits. Is an angel really speaking gospel to Solomon? What is it about his extreme interpretations of the Old Testament that appeals to all these devotees, and to some degree, to Rainer himself? Are there really monsters in the nearby forest? Rainer must dig deep to survive the frightening secrets of Cainstown, and find a way to convince Cara to leave with him.

Author Gregory R. Marshall superbly describes Rainer’s descent into horror, both actual and psychological, in what is at times a disturbing novel that touches on themes not for the squeamish. The protagonist is brave, flawed, and complex; the many facets of his character are laid bare along the way, and it’s clear that he’s in way over his head. Action scenes are effective. Supporting characters are vivid, three-dimensional. Best of all is the way Marshall conjures a mounting sense of dread. There’s brilliant writing here, and the story is delivered with verve.

If some of the payoffs aren’t quite worthy of the build-up, there’s far more here that works than doesn’t. From the intriguing opening to the enigmatic epilogue, I was riveted to the page. It’s definitely not for all tastes, but readers who like a darkly intense, even spiritual edge to their horror-thrillers shouldn’t hesitate in seeking out Rainer Razes Cain. It’s an excellent book.
]]> 4.82 Rainer Razes Cain (Rainer Series Book 1)
author: Gregory R. Marshall
name: Robert
average rating: 4.82
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/10/17
date added: 2022/10/17
shelves:
review:
In this terrific dark mystery thriller, a disillusioned former detective agrees to infiltrate a mysterious religious cult in Montana, with the aim of rescuing a wayward girl from the clutches of its charismatic leader. Rainer Hase becomes a pariah in the department after witnessing an inexplicable event, and finds himself pushed out altogether. Working odd jobs he hates, he reluctantly takes on a private assignment offered by his old lieutenant: to locate Cara, a missing college girl last seen with Solomon, persuasive pastor of the feared Cainites, and bring her back to her family.

As Rainer is initiated into the strange cult, he encounters nightmarish truths inside its hidden compound, truths that test his resolve and his sanity to their utmost limits. Is an angel really speaking gospel to Solomon? What is it about his extreme interpretations of the Old Testament that appeals to all these devotees, and to some degree, to Rainer himself? Are there really monsters in the nearby forest? Rainer must dig deep to survive the frightening secrets of Cainstown, and find a way to convince Cara to leave with him.

Author Gregory R. Marshall superbly describes Rainer’s descent into horror, both actual and psychological, in what is at times a disturbing novel that touches on themes not for the squeamish. The protagonist is brave, flawed, and complex; the many facets of his character are laid bare along the way, and it’s clear that he’s in way over his head. Action scenes are effective. Supporting characters are vivid, three-dimensional. Best of all is the way Marshall conjures a mounting sense of dread. There’s brilliant writing here, and the story is delivered with verve.

If some of the payoffs aren’t quite worthy of the build-up, there’s far more here that works than doesn’t. From the intriguing opening to the enigmatic epilogue, I was riveted to the page. It’s definitely not for all tastes, but readers who like a darkly intense, even spiritual edge to their horror-thrillers shouldn’t hesitate in seeking out Rainer Razes Cain. It’s an excellent book.

]]> Elemental 62078246
For Raya to make it home, she must learn to trust the teens who befriend her, while keeping her true reason for coming a secret from them. It doesn’t take long for her new friends to wonder: was she sent to Earth to help, or destroy us?]]> 263 Liane Mahugh Robert 4
Unforeseen events complicate the mission, and Raya’s ship crashes near a small town in Canada, where she’s taken in by a local family that soon becomes attached to the curious off-worlder. The truth about why she was sent sets in motion an adventure that will appeal to readers who like fish-out-of-water science fiction stories featuring an alien bonding with human friends.

This is a more standard YA narrative than Ms. Mahugh’s previous book, the affecting supernatural drama The Sentinels. Elemental is more or less sci-fi superhero plotting 101. Couched in familiar tropes, it’s a safe, cozy read that achieves everything it sets out to. None of it surprised me, but I found it enjoyable enough to keep turning the (digital) pages. The writing is polished and steadily paced, and the imagery is fun. From the likeable characters to the third-act setting, it’s a smooth, easy read that has an old-fashioned charm.

The pop culture references and fish-out-of-water jokes are a little overdone. At one point a character recounts the entire plot of Goldilocks and the Three Bears to explain why astrophysicists use the term ‘The Goldilocks Zone�. It could have been done in a line or two. I also think Raya’s superpowers are a bit much. She’s pretty much all the X-Men rolled into one, which lessens the stakes when she has to confront danger. Another quibble I had is that the planet of Solara, and its society, didn’t feel very alien. That’s partly explained by ancestry, but I wanted a little more imagination in the world-building to differentiate it more from Earth.

Otherwise, I think YA readers, particularly those who aren’t steeped in sci-fi tropes like I am, will find this an entertaining interplanetary adventure. Its blueprints are the classic 1980s family sci-fi movies, which are always fun to revisit. Ms. Mahugh even sets up a sequel, which I’d be interested to read.
]]> 4.40 2022 Elemental
author: Liane Mahugh
name: Robert
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/11
date added: 2022/10/11
shelves:
review:
A teenage alien girl with elemental powers is sent to Earth on a top secret mission in this familiar but enjoyable YA sci-fi novel by Liane Mahugh. During her ritual testing on Solara Prime, Raya demonstrates prodigious abilities to control the five elements. This qualifies her to undertake an important mission to Earth, one with a mysterious agenda. Her boyfriend Dev doesn’t want her to leave him, and the feeling’s mutual; but both accept that Raya’s destiny lies in exploration among the stars.

Unforeseen events complicate the mission, and Raya’s ship crashes near a small town in Canada, where she’s taken in by a local family that soon becomes attached to the curious off-worlder. The truth about why she was sent sets in motion an adventure that will appeal to readers who like fish-out-of-water science fiction stories featuring an alien bonding with human friends.

This is a more standard YA narrative than Ms. Mahugh’s previous book, the affecting supernatural drama The Sentinels. Elemental is more or less sci-fi superhero plotting 101. Couched in familiar tropes, it’s a safe, cozy read that achieves everything it sets out to. None of it surprised me, but I found it enjoyable enough to keep turning the (digital) pages. The writing is polished and steadily paced, and the imagery is fun. From the likeable characters to the third-act setting, it’s a smooth, easy read that has an old-fashioned charm.

The pop culture references and fish-out-of-water jokes are a little overdone. At one point a character recounts the entire plot of Goldilocks and the Three Bears to explain why astrophysicists use the term ‘The Goldilocks Zone�. It could have been done in a line or two. I also think Raya’s superpowers are a bit much. She’s pretty much all the X-Men rolled into one, which lessens the stakes when she has to confront danger. Another quibble I had is that the planet of Solara, and its society, didn’t feel very alien. That’s partly explained by ancestry, but I wanted a little more imagination in the world-building to differentiate it more from Earth.

Otherwise, I think YA readers, particularly those who aren’t steeped in sci-fi tropes like I am, will find this an entertaining interplanetary adventure. Its blueprints are the classic 1980s family sci-fi movies, which are always fun to revisit. Ms. Mahugh even sets up a sequel, which I’d be interested to read.

]]> <![CDATA[The Warlord of Mars (Barsoom, #3)]]> 841974 158 Edgar Rice Burroughs 0345324536 Robert 4 3.72 1916 The Warlord of Mars (Barsoom, #3)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.72
book published: 1916
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/10/04
shelves:
review:

]]> Reflections of Destiny 55279192 Cheating death is becoming an art.Enauria, a battle-tested heiress and expatriate, journeying between Earth and beyond on a personal vendetta only she understands.

Jaye DiVista, a top government assassin, willing to risk everything to rekindle a love with Arlene Asariel.

Enauria has a plan to thrust Jaye and his colleagues through an interstellar campaign. Can Jaye and Arlene derail Enauria's grand scheme?

Reflections of Destiny is a science fiction and fantasy thriller. Magic collides in a futuristic landscape where an ensemble cast takes part in gunplay, dogfights, and eyes gaze at every sand in the hourglass.]]> 146 Benzon Ray Barbin 1735495301 Robert 3
It's a difficult book to review without giving away the central conceit � why the chapters jump around so much and why they’re often told out of sequence � so I’ll stick to what worked and what didn’t. First, the futuristic world-building is full of fascinating ideas and concepts. The author is adept at visualizing scenes with a vivid storytelling eye that never feels forced or over the top. Dialogue, character interactions are natural and engaging. For the most part, individual scenes work well in and of themselves.

The main problem here is the choppy narrative which, by design, gives us snippets of story and characterization, in often non-linear fashion, without enough of a narrative hook to tell us what’s really happening. Fifty-two chapters (or “apertures�) is a lot for any novella. For at least the first half of those, I struggled to get a handle on the story. And when the real exposition arrived, it was clever, imaginative, but too late. Neither the narrative nor the characters had been given a chance to build up an emotional head of steam, so the stakes weren’t what they should have been. I was invested a little more toward the end, because I had a clearer sense of the motivations involved.

Enauria is by far the most interesting element of the book. Finding out her backstory later on made me wish the author had found a way to invest me more in her quest. I wanted to enjoy this highly imaginative tale of fates intertwined � on paper, it’s right up my alley � but the execution didn’t quite work for me. Readers who like narrative puzzles and experimental structures, however, will probably get a lot more out of Reflections of Destiny than I did. The author does have talent, and he's poured a lot of creativity into this book.
]]> 4.09 Reflections of Destiny
author: Benzon Ray Barbin
name: Robert
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/09/24
date added: 2022/09/24
shelves:
review:
A female warrior with magical abilities engages a group of assassins and mercenaries with her own mysterious agenda in this action-packed, complex sci-fi fantasy novella. We realize early on that there’s something exceptional about Enauria, and that her quest, whatever it is, is going to be anything but straightforward. An intricate web of love, revenge, warmongering, and metaphysics is given an extra level of complexity by author Benzon Ray Barbin’s non-linear storytelling style.

It's a difficult book to review without giving away the central conceit � why the chapters jump around so much and why they’re often told out of sequence � so I’ll stick to what worked and what didn’t. First, the futuristic world-building is full of fascinating ideas and concepts. The author is adept at visualizing scenes with a vivid storytelling eye that never feels forced or over the top. Dialogue, character interactions are natural and engaging. For the most part, individual scenes work well in and of themselves.

The main problem here is the choppy narrative which, by design, gives us snippets of story and characterization, in often non-linear fashion, without enough of a narrative hook to tell us what’s really happening. Fifty-two chapters (or “apertures�) is a lot for any novella. For at least the first half of those, I struggled to get a handle on the story. And when the real exposition arrived, it was clever, imaginative, but too late. Neither the narrative nor the characters had been given a chance to build up an emotional head of steam, so the stakes weren’t what they should have been. I was invested a little more toward the end, because I had a clearer sense of the motivations involved.

Enauria is by far the most interesting element of the book. Finding out her backstory later on made me wish the author had found a way to invest me more in her quest. I wanted to enjoy this highly imaginative tale of fates intertwined � on paper, it’s right up my alley � but the execution didn’t quite work for me. Readers who like narrative puzzles and experimental structures, however, will probably get a lot more out of Reflections of Destiny than I did. The author does have talent, and he's poured a lot of creativity into this book.

]]> <![CDATA[Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case]]> 41963520

There may be something to this 13th business. That's my birthday, and I’m learning to dread seeing it roll around. My mother died on one birthday. The cousins dumped me on my last. This year, 1932, I found a dead kid on a park bench. It’s my eleventh birthday, and the day me, Sparky, ended up on the run, wanted for murder.


If the dead girl wasn’t enough, the dirty newspapers pinned every body in LA on me, and even blamed me for the Great War. I wasn’t even born then. The price on my head got bigger by the day.


It was up to me to find out who killed the girl and why I got framed, before I ended up dangling from the hangman’s rope.


Humorous, fast-paced murder mystery for readers of historical mysteries, cozy mysteries, 1930s mysteries, and mysteries with amateur sleuths. Enjoyable for middle-grade, young adult, and adult historical mystery readers!



Firebird Book Award 1st Place Cozy Mystery Winner, Author Academy Top 10 Mystery Winner, and Critters Readers Poll Top 10 Finisher for both Best Mystery and Best Young Adult Book.



"Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cannibal Caper" coming soon! Missing jewels, a peculiar pet shop, tommy gun trouble, and who's that gourmet cannibal? Can Sparky untangle this murder mystery mess? The rub: it may all be Sparky's fault.]]> 218 Rosalind Barden 1949281019 Robert 4
Author Rosalind Barden strikes a rich vein of comedy in Sparky’s hard-boiled narration and prickly character. She’s funniest when she talks tough and describes the world around her in ways a grizzled mobster might. Poor Bobby gets socked a few times for trying to kiss her, and she outwits Mug the local flatfoot at every turn. She’s resourceful and vivacious and especially likeable when she’s trying hard not to be. The early chapters in particular are so entertaining, it’s a shame that the plot, and the madcap antics surrounding the investigation, become a little repetitive and ultimately outstay their welcome.

Tootsie is an intriguing spin on Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard: an ageing glamour queen desperate to regain her star status. She even has a loyal servant, whom Sparky nicknames Goblin, attending to her every need and whim. The unconditional kindness the pair shows Sparky is a welcome antidote to the grim predicament she would have otherwise found herself in. It allows Ms. Barden to layer in the Hollywood fantasies, first with the high living, then the costumes Sparky gets to borrow for her disguises, and finally with Tootsie’s access to the swells of the city. The investigation thus incorporates L.A.’s dirty underbelly and its swankiest elements, making for a nicely varied little mystery.

The pacey prose is highly readable. The story runs long, though, partly because of the constant comings and goings from Creepy House, which has Sparky seemingly going in circles without much progress. I also thought some of the disguises were overly silly, even for a comedy. But our flinty heroine is always on hand to bring the farcical elements back down to earth with an observational barb or two.

It’s good fun, and had me laughing several times. There’s a touch of Bugsy Malone in Sparky, while Ms. Barden evokes the era in general in vivid, playful style. I’d recommend it to readers of young adult mysteries, especially those partial to period romps and plucky heroines. Definitely worth a read.]]> 4.17 Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
author: Rosalind Barden
name: Robert
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/01
date added: 2022/09/14
shelves:
review:
Young Los Angeles street urchin Sparky can’t seem to get a break: she finds the body of a dead girl on a park bench, becomes a fugitive for murder, and loses her beloved candy box, all on her thirteenth birthday. Fate takes an even weirder turn when she holes up in a creepy house, only to find it occupied by a fading silent movie star and her eccentric butler, both of whom lavish her with all the comforts of a lifestyle she’s never known. From here, Sparky, in a variety of disguises, and with occasional help from her would-be boyfriend, Bobby, sets out to investigate the crime she’s accused of.

Author Rosalind Barden strikes a rich vein of comedy in Sparky’s hard-boiled narration and prickly character. She’s funniest when she talks tough and describes the world around her in ways a grizzled mobster might. Poor Bobby gets socked a few times for trying to kiss her, and she outwits Mug the local flatfoot at every turn. She’s resourceful and vivacious and especially likeable when she’s trying hard not to be. The early chapters in particular are so entertaining, it’s a shame that the plot, and the madcap antics surrounding the investigation, become a little repetitive and ultimately outstay their welcome.

Tootsie is an intriguing spin on Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard: an ageing glamour queen desperate to regain her star status. She even has a loyal servant, whom Sparky nicknames Goblin, attending to her every need and whim. The unconditional kindness the pair shows Sparky is a welcome antidote to the grim predicament she would have otherwise found herself in. It allows Ms. Barden to layer in the Hollywood fantasies, first with the high living, then the costumes Sparky gets to borrow for her disguises, and finally with Tootsie’s access to the swells of the city. The investigation thus incorporates L.A.’s dirty underbelly and its swankiest elements, making for a nicely varied little mystery.

The pacey prose is highly readable. The story runs long, though, partly because of the constant comings and goings from Creepy House, which has Sparky seemingly going in circles without much progress. I also thought some of the disguises were overly silly, even for a comedy. But our flinty heroine is always on hand to bring the farcical elements back down to earth with an observational barb or two.

It’s good fun, and had me laughing several times. There’s a touch of Bugsy Malone in Sparky, while Ms. Barden evokes the era in general in vivid, playful style. I’d recommend it to readers of young adult mysteries, especially those partial to period romps and plucky heroines. Definitely worth a read.
]]> <![CDATA[The Inspector's Daughter and the Maid]]> 58609908 Which one will win the heart of the wealthy merchant’s son—the Music Teacher?]]> 291 Marlene F. Cheng Robert 4
That line sums up the touching friendship that develops between two innocent young souls—the bubbly daughter of a wealthy Inspector, and her impoverished but philosophical maid—in 17th century Holland. We’re never given their actual names, only their official titles (this extends to most of the characters in the book), which adds a touch of historical formality but also keeps them at something of a distance. We get to know them instead through their shared musings, philosophies and setbacks, and the ways they grow into adulthood.

I liked the author’s style and voice immediately. Ms. Cheng weaves lyrical turns of phrase into her narrative and dialogue, but doesn’t overdo it. Her writing is very readable and flows well. The main characters are virtuous, perhaps overly so—I would’ve preferred a bit more shading, a few more flaws. They suffer disappointments and heartache, but their goodness somehow remains uncompromised, and they all seem capable of turning their setbacks into opportunities. Admirable, if a little hard to swallow. Still, I enjoyed spending time with them.

The historical scene-setting is excellent. Descriptions of 17th century Dutch life are vivid, and there’s a fair amount of research evident. There’s a strong tendency toward social activism in at least four of the main characters, that feels a little anachronistic. Ms. Cheng clearly has one foot in the past and another in contemporary politics, which is fine, but it felt at odds with the immersive quality of her world-building at times. Some words and phrases not-of-the-time were slightly jarring now and then as well. But otherwise, it’s a thoughtful, sensitive portrayal of women as caged birds in a patriarchal society, longing to spread their wings. I was rooting for both the female protagonists.

While the historical period and setting intrigued me to give this a try, it was ultimately the prose, engaging characters, and wistful observations that kept me reading. I’m glad I did. It’s an unusual book, full of wisdom and literary flourishes. I’d happily read other stories from this author.
]]> 4.00 2021 The Inspector's Daughter and the Maid
author: Marlene F. Cheng
name: Robert
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/05
date added: 2022/09/05
shelves:
review:
“We didn’t complete each other, we allowed each other to look for their own completion.�

That line sums up the touching friendship that develops between two innocent young souls—the bubbly daughter of a wealthy Inspector, and her impoverished but philosophical maid—in 17th century Holland. We’re never given their actual names, only their official titles (this extends to most of the characters in the book), which adds a touch of historical formality but also keeps them at something of a distance. We get to know them instead through their shared musings, philosophies and setbacks, and the ways they grow into adulthood.

I liked the author’s style and voice immediately. Ms. Cheng weaves lyrical turns of phrase into her narrative and dialogue, but doesn’t overdo it. Her writing is very readable and flows well. The main characters are virtuous, perhaps overly so—I would’ve preferred a bit more shading, a few more flaws. They suffer disappointments and heartache, but their goodness somehow remains uncompromised, and they all seem capable of turning their setbacks into opportunities. Admirable, if a little hard to swallow. Still, I enjoyed spending time with them.

The historical scene-setting is excellent. Descriptions of 17th century Dutch life are vivid, and there’s a fair amount of research evident. There’s a strong tendency toward social activism in at least four of the main characters, that feels a little anachronistic. Ms. Cheng clearly has one foot in the past and another in contemporary politics, which is fine, but it felt at odds with the immersive quality of her world-building at times. Some words and phrases not-of-the-time were slightly jarring now and then as well. But otherwise, it’s a thoughtful, sensitive portrayal of women as caged birds in a patriarchal society, longing to spread their wings. I was rooting for both the female protagonists.

While the historical period and setting intrigued me to give this a try, it was ultimately the prose, engaging characters, and wistful observations that kept me reading. I’m glad I did. It’s an unusual book, full of wisdom and literary flourishes. I’d happily read other stories from this author.

]]> <![CDATA[The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1)]]> 29847025 One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973) is one of the twentieth century's best-loved writers. His books, which include The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

]]> 423 J.R.R. Tolkien Robert 5 4.60 1954 The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1)
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Robert
average rating: 4.60
book published: 1954
rating: 5
read at: 2022/08/21
date added: 2022/08/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Goalden Girl 5861788 160 Tracey Morait 1847997589 Robert 4
The predictable backlash from the boys produces some funny clashes, but it also turns nastier than I expected. Ditto the domestic drama; Gem’s sassy rebelliousness has us rooting for her, while the story also touches on serious themes like young pregnancy, bulimia, and violent crime. It’s mostly good-natured fun, though, especially when football is the focus. There are plenty of witty exchanges, and Gem’s cheeky antics are a delight.

Ms. Morait nails the northwestern working class vernacular without overdoing it. It’s close to home for me, and I think she does an excellent job portraying schoolkids from that specific part of the world. Supporting characters are lively and have their own distinct arcs. A sub-plot involving one of the teachers having a suspected affair got a bit too soapy for my liking, but its resolution did add depth to a couple of the characters. The storytelling throughout is well-paced and entertaining. Football matches don’t take up as much of the book as I expected, but they’re described well. Ms. Morait’s writing style is very natural and off the cuff.

While young adult readers are the primary audience for Goalden Girl, it’s really one for grown-ups as well. The rise of girls� football is topical, but this story’s themes—coming of age, fighting for what you believe in, teamwork—are universal. It’s an enjoyable read, much better than anticipated.
]]> 3.78 2007 Goalden Girl
author: Tracey Morait
name: Robert
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/20
date added: 2022/07/20
shelves:
review:
The introduction of girls� football to a secondary school in Northwest England creates plenty of drama on and off the pitch in Tracey Morait’s boisterous, very entertaining novella told from a teenager’s POV. Gemma Sutherland is frustrated on several fronts. She can’t stand her new stepmother, is irritated by her little stepsister, and really just wants to play football. Unfortunately, her new school, Naylorsfield Comp, only has boys� teams, and she can’t afford the subs to join the local club. But Gem’s talent and leadership qualities catch the eye of a male teacher, and it isn’t long before her campaign to start up a girls� team gathers momentum.

The predictable backlash from the boys produces some funny clashes, but it also turns nastier than I expected. Ditto the domestic drama; Gem’s sassy rebelliousness has us rooting for her, while the story also touches on serious themes like young pregnancy, bulimia, and violent crime. It’s mostly good-natured fun, though, especially when football is the focus. There are plenty of witty exchanges, and Gem’s cheeky antics are a delight.

Ms. Morait nails the northwestern working class vernacular without overdoing it. It’s close to home for me, and I think she does an excellent job portraying schoolkids from that specific part of the world. Supporting characters are lively and have their own distinct arcs. A sub-plot involving one of the teachers having a suspected affair got a bit too soapy for my liking, but its resolution did add depth to a couple of the characters. The storytelling throughout is well-paced and entertaining. Football matches don’t take up as much of the book as I expected, but they’re described well. Ms. Morait’s writing style is very natural and off the cuff.

While young adult readers are the primary audience for Goalden Girl, it’s really one for grown-ups as well. The rise of girls� football is topical, but this story’s themes—coming of age, fighting for what you believe in, teamwork—are universal. It’s an enjoyable read, much better than anticipated.

]]> Dune (Dune Chronicles, #1) 757008 609 Frank Herbert 0575073349 Robert 5 4.23 1965 Dune (Dune Chronicles, #1)
author: Frank Herbert
name: Robert
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1965
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/27
date added: 2022/06/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Ferryman and the Sea Witch]]> 58287850
The queen of the sea bares her sharp teeth and, in a fury of wind and waves, cleanses the brine of ships and men. But she spares a boy for his single act of kindness. Callum becomes the Ferryman, and until Brid Clarion pays its debt with royal blood, only his sails may cross the Deep.

Two warring nations, separated by the merrow’s trench, trade infant hostages in a commitment to peace. Now, the time has come for the heirs to return home. The Ferryman alone can undertake the exchange.

Yet, animosities are far from assuaged. While Brid Clarion’s islands bask in prosperity, Haf Killick, a floating city of derelict ships, rots and rusts and sinks into the reefs. Its ruler has other designs.

And the sea witch crafts dark bargains with all sides.

Callum is caught in the breach, with a long-held bargain of his own which, once discovered, will shatter this life.]]> 302 D. Wallace Peach 1638770719 Robert 5
The warring nations of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick couldn’t be more different. The former is more of a traditional land-based coastal kingdom complete with castle palace, sandy island beaches, and farmland. Haf Killick, meanwhile, is a fascinating creation on the other side of the Deep: a huge flotilla city consisting of old hulks lashed and chained together. Its ruthless queen is barely keeping it afloat, so she resorts to desperate measures when the time comes for an exchange of royal hostages. Callum finds himself in the middle of a complex web of intrigue, deception and buried secrets, some of which will affect his fate in profound ways.

It wouldn’t be fair to spoil any of the plot twists, and there are many. The story begins with a stunning, dramatic prologue, and rarely lets up. Characters are strong and have very believable arcs. Ms. Peach’s world-building is astonishing. She’s mastered the nautical vernacular, and manages to layer in fantasy elements that feel organic, as well as evoking fear and wonder. The merrow, of which the sea witch is the queen, are more like the sirens of The Odyssey than anything remotely Disney. They’re seductive and dangerous, but also, in their own way, as complicated as the human characters.

The writing throughout is arresting. Ms. Peach’s vivid, often poetic style paints pictures in the mind’s eye and excites the senses. There’s a rare descriptive power at work here, but it doesn’t slow the pace. She’s brilliant at action and delves deep into the characters� emotions. It’s a pretty dark tale for the most part, but I found it riveting and unpredictable.

I’m not an avid fantasy reader, but I was intrigued by the nautical mythology hinted at in the title. It turned out far better than I could have expected. It’s also worth taking a moment to realise how much skill goes into writing something like The Ferryman and the Sea Witch. There’s nothing pedestrian about it at all. I enjoyed it so much I bought the paperback as well.]]> 4.91 The Ferryman and the Sea Witch
author: D. Wallace Peach
name: Robert
average rating: 4.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/26
date added: 2022/06/26
shelves:
review:
Dark fantasy meets nautical action-adventure in D. Wallace Peach’s lyrical seaborne epic that features some of the best writing I’ve ever seen from an indie author. Callum is the eponymous Ferryman, the only ship’s captain permitted to cross the Deep, the sea witch’s perilous domain, after her daughter was killed in a fishing net. Only a boy at the time, Callum saved her other daughter, and to repay his kindness, the sea witch offered him a bargain: his life for his service. He can never set foot on land, and until the kingdom of Brid Clarion pays its debt in royal blood, he must gift the sea witch a human sacrifice whenever he crosses the Deep.

The warring nations of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick couldn’t be more different. The former is more of a traditional land-based coastal kingdom complete with castle palace, sandy island beaches, and farmland. Haf Killick, meanwhile, is a fascinating creation on the other side of the Deep: a huge flotilla city consisting of old hulks lashed and chained together. Its ruthless queen is barely keeping it afloat, so she resorts to desperate measures when the time comes for an exchange of royal hostages. Callum finds himself in the middle of a complex web of intrigue, deception and buried secrets, some of which will affect his fate in profound ways.

It wouldn’t be fair to spoil any of the plot twists, and there are many. The story begins with a stunning, dramatic prologue, and rarely lets up. Characters are strong and have very believable arcs. Ms. Peach’s world-building is astonishing. She’s mastered the nautical vernacular, and manages to layer in fantasy elements that feel organic, as well as evoking fear and wonder. The merrow, of which the sea witch is the queen, are more like the sirens of The Odyssey than anything remotely Disney. They’re seductive and dangerous, but also, in their own way, as complicated as the human characters.

The writing throughout is arresting. Ms. Peach’s vivid, often poetic style paints pictures in the mind’s eye and excites the senses. There’s a rare descriptive power at work here, but it doesn’t slow the pace. She’s brilliant at action and delves deep into the characters� emotions. It’s a pretty dark tale for the most part, but I found it riveting and unpredictable.

I’m not an avid fantasy reader, but I was intrigued by the nautical mythology hinted at in the title. It turned out far better than I could have expected. It’s also worth taking a moment to realise how much skill goes into writing something like The Ferryman and the Sea Witch. There’s nothing pedestrian about it at all. I enjoyed it so much I bought the paperback as well.
]]> The Lucky Diamond 59223537 When 10 year old Cathy meets Lucky, a magical talking diamond, she and her orphaned siblings readily agree to help Lucky get home to the Rock of Diamonds, situated far from their home in the rundown town of Lowdar, in the furthest reaches of the country on the other side of the monster infested Great Forest.
What the five children don’t know is that Lucky’s enemy, the evil Queen Rose of Cassis, is hunting the Diamond princess and will do anything to stop her, and those helping her, from reaching the Rock of Diamonds.
With Lucky’s magic waning rapidly and Queen Rose determined to destroy her and the children, can five young orphans possibly succeed in their quest?
“Nivram, a place of unimaginable beauty and danger + five orphaned siblings trying to save a friend = the adventure of a lifetime that hurtles along at tremendous speed and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.� Lindsay J Sedgwick, author of the Wulfie series
“The Lucky Diamond is a gem, fast-paced and convincing, with an unusual quest and characters you'll want to know. A great read.� Livi Michael, author of The Whispering Road, winner of Nestle Children’s Book Bronze Award]]> 308 Valinora Troy 1739990307 Robert 5
Author Valinora Troy moves the story forward at a cracking pace, sprinkling just enough description of the various magical beings and environments to tickle the reader’s imagination as we go. It’s a plot-driven book, and a little light on characterization compared to the best in this genre. But for children who enjoy fantasy world-building, there’s a good amount of it here. There’s plenty of variety in the creatures and humanoid races we encounter. Lucky is a charming creation—when she isn’t using her magic powers to get the group out of scrapes, the kids take turns keeping her in their pockets while she sleeps. I especially like Charlie, another friendly being they encounter, whose unusual form and abilities will delight children.

It takes a while for the evil witch to show up, but she’s a showstopper when she does. The story is tense and dramatic whenever she appears. There’s no shortage of other perils elsewhere in Nivram, and no reader will feel short-changed by the fantasy elements or settings. I think the two big conflicts are resolved too easily at the end (compared to, say, the Narnia books), but all the plot threads are tied up nicely before the sweet epilogue.

Ultimately, apart from a couple of nit-picks, The Lucky Diamond achieves everything it sets out to, and should enchant its target audience (8-12 year-olds). It has just enough originality to make the familiar tropes of the genre seem fresh. And most importantly, it’s fun to read. Well done.
]]> 4.48 The Lucky Diamond
author: Valinora Troy
name: Robert
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/16
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves:
review:
Five orphaned siblings embark on an exciting quest to return a magical Diamond princess to her faraway kingdom in this imaginative children’s fantasy. After their uncle is banished, Vicky, Alan, Susan, Cathy and Yvonne are forced to fend for themselves on the dangerous streets of Lowdar. A chance meeting with Lucky—a magical princess whose natural form is that of a diamond—propels them on a perilous journey through the enchanted land of Nivram. Lucky’s powers are waning, and only the energy from her home rock can restore her. But malign forces are bent on her destruction, and the kids must use all their wits and resources to overcome the array of obstacles in their way.

Author Valinora Troy moves the story forward at a cracking pace, sprinkling just enough description of the various magical beings and environments to tickle the reader’s imagination as we go. It’s a plot-driven book, and a little light on characterization compared to the best in this genre. But for children who enjoy fantasy world-building, there’s a good amount of it here. There’s plenty of variety in the creatures and humanoid races we encounter. Lucky is a charming creation—when she isn’t using her magic powers to get the group out of scrapes, the kids take turns keeping her in their pockets while she sleeps. I especially like Charlie, another friendly being they encounter, whose unusual form and abilities will delight children.

It takes a while for the evil witch to show up, but she’s a showstopper when she does. The story is tense and dramatic whenever she appears. There’s no shortage of other perils elsewhere in Nivram, and no reader will feel short-changed by the fantasy elements or settings. I think the two big conflicts are resolved too easily at the end (compared to, say, the Narnia books), but all the plot threads are tied up nicely before the sweet epilogue.

Ultimately, apart from a couple of nit-picks, The Lucky Diamond achieves everything it sets out to, and should enchant its target audience (8-12 year-olds). It has just enough originality to make the familiar tropes of the genre seem fresh. And most importantly, it’s fun to read. Well done.

]]> The Sentinels 59774808
Along with her sister Kerry and friend Tim, they discover the true nature of the trees. Together they will navigate through a summer filled with bullies, young love, and one horrible event that will shatter their innocence, and leave at least one of them changed forever.]]> 190 Liane Mahugh Robert 5
The new move seems to be going well: the girls quickly make new friends, and the enchanting quirks of nature among the Sentinels, such as butterflies gathering around Lou, promise a fun summer. But it isn’t long before things take a dark turn. Lou has to contend with bullying when a local girl she was friends with turns nasty and keeps attacking her. Meanwhile, Kerry suffers a harrowing experience at the hands of someone they all trusted, which triggers rancor in the community. Their new home becomes far from idyllic, but no matter how bad things get, Lou always feels safe among the Sentinels.

Liane Mahugh does a good job balancing the light and dark here. She portrays a strong bond between the two sisters, and a sweet, growing affection between Lou and her redheaded boyfriend, Tim. The relationships unfold naturally, with all the ups and downs and flinty behaviour you’d expect at that age. Teresa, the girl who bullies Lou, is herself a victim of domestic abuse; it’s made her volatile. Their on-again-off-again friendship strikes true in that both girls really want to be pals, but it’s the chip on Teresa’s shoulder, that toxic psychology she can’t control, that keeps coming between them. Similarly, Lou and Kerry feel helpless when the law fails to protect them from hostile elements in the town.

The metaphor of the Sentinels watching over them is a fascinating one. It wouldn’t be fair to say any more about the mystery, but the story did go where I wanted it to in the last act. Ms. Mahugh brings her themes and plot strands together very well for a perfectly judged denouement. And I love the bittersweetness in the epilogue. There’s a touch of Stephen King in this middle-grade tale, but the author puts her own stamp on it. The supernatural element is carefully layered into the story, and pays off when it has to. I enjoyed the read very much, and would recommend it to all readers intrigued by the premise.
]]> 4.42 The Sentinels
author: Liane Mahugh
name: Robert
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/10
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves:
review:
The innocence of youth needs protection from corrupting forces in this affecting coming-of-age tale with supernatural elements. When thirteen-year-old Lou explores the field across the road from her family’s new home, little does she realize what secrets lie among the trees in the tall grass. Her older sister, Kerry, and new friend, Tim, glimpse a few extraordinary things there, but it’s Lou who perceives something truly special about the Sentinels, the kids� nickname for the old, mysterious trees.

The new move seems to be going well: the girls quickly make new friends, and the enchanting quirks of nature among the Sentinels, such as butterflies gathering around Lou, promise a fun summer. But it isn’t long before things take a dark turn. Lou has to contend with bullying when a local girl she was friends with turns nasty and keeps attacking her. Meanwhile, Kerry suffers a harrowing experience at the hands of someone they all trusted, which triggers rancor in the community. Their new home becomes far from idyllic, but no matter how bad things get, Lou always feels safe among the Sentinels.

Liane Mahugh does a good job balancing the light and dark here. She portrays a strong bond between the two sisters, and a sweet, growing affection between Lou and her redheaded boyfriend, Tim. The relationships unfold naturally, with all the ups and downs and flinty behaviour you’d expect at that age. Teresa, the girl who bullies Lou, is herself a victim of domestic abuse; it’s made her volatile. Their on-again-off-again friendship strikes true in that both girls really want to be pals, but it’s the chip on Teresa’s shoulder, that toxic psychology she can’t control, that keeps coming between them. Similarly, Lou and Kerry feel helpless when the law fails to protect them from hostile elements in the town.

The metaphor of the Sentinels watching over them is a fascinating one. It wouldn’t be fair to say any more about the mystery, but the story did go where I wanted it to in the last act. Ms. Mahugh brings her themes and plot strands together very well for a perfectly judged denouement. And I love the bittersweetness in the epilogue. There’s a touch of Stephen King in this middle-grade tale, but the author puts her own stamp on it. The supernatural element is carefully layered into the story, and pays off when it has to. I enjoyed the read very much, and would recommend it to all readers intrigued by the premise.

]]> Cadre Kids: Illusion 55566888 334 Mary Mulligan 1735295434 Robert 4
Ms. Mulligan revels in the messy relationships and infectious energy of kids trying to navigate a public school system with rules that seem to make no sense. There’s a satirical vein running through the depictions of political correctness and woke policies that really appeals to me. Jake and Rosa’s mother, Gretchen, whom they nickname German Tiger Mom (GTM), remains a crowd-pleaser, standing up for common sense and decency. The story takes a few dark turns that generate quite a bit of suspense, especially involving Rosa in the final third. But there are also plenty of teenage high-jinks, mostly entertaining, sometimes very funny.

The writing, like the kids, can be a little hectic at times. Ms. Mulligan is a witty writer, and her free-wheeling, creative style turns up plenty of gems. The dialogue is colourful and often a lot of fun. But the large cast of characters can be a bit much. I did lose track of who was who at the school, partly because the characters from the first book weren’t re-introduced; I had to try to remember who they all were. Some readers might take issue with the head-hopping (jumping from one character’s thoughts to another’s in the same scene), but I found it easy enough to follow.

Again, the blend of genres here is unique. The big pharma conspiracy has horrific implications, and there’s even a body count this time around. Isabella is even more evil this time. The overarching series narrative means not all the plotlines are tied up, which is fine because we’re teased a deep-dive into the conspiratorial rabbit hole. I like how the character relationships are progressing—they’re messy and natural and engaging. There’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me hooked, and eager to know what happens next.
]]> 4.62 Cadre Kids: Illusion
author: Mary Mulligan
name: Robert
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/06/03
date added: 2022/06/03
shelves:
review:
The joys and stresses of coming of age collide with a corrupt education system and shadowy conspiracy in this lively sequel to Cadre Kids: Larceny. Forced into a public school by new legislation, formerly homeschooled siblings Jake and Rosa, along with their older brother Ted, hold secret Jiu-Jitsu sessions as a way of coping with their hardships and building friendships. Also invited are rich kids Mike and Hunter, and other unlikely allies who join the kids� ghost-hunting activities as well. Unfortunately, Jake and Rosa have been set up to fail by unscrupulous figures with high-reaching connections, keen to punish the family for daring to oppose the system.

Ms. Mulligan revels in the messy relationships and infectious energy of kids trying to navigate a public school system with rules that seem to make no sense. There’s a satirical vein running through the depictions of political correctness and woke policies that really appeals to me. Jake and Rosa’s mother, Gretchen, whom they nickname German Tiger Mom (GTM), remains a crowd-pleaser, standing up for common sense and decency. The story takes a few dark turns that generate quite a bit of suspense, especially involving Rosa in the final third. But there are also plenty of teenage high-jinks, mostly entertaining, sometimes very funny.

The writing, like the kids, can be a little hectic at times. Ms. Mulligan is a witty writer, and her free-wheeling, creative style turns up plenty of gems. The dialogue is colourful and often a lot of fun. But the large cast of characters can be a bit much. I did lose track of who was who at the school, partly because the characters from the first book weren’t re-introduced; I had to try to remember who they all were. Some readers might take issue with the head-hopping (jumping from one character’s thoughts to another’s in the same scene), but I found it easy enough to follow.

Again, the blend of genres here is unique. The big pharma conspiracy has horrific implications, and there’s even a body count this time around. Isabella is even more evil this time. The overarching series narrative means not all the plotlines are tied up, which is fine because we’re teased a deep-dive into the conspiratorial rabbit hole. I like how the character relationships are progressing—they’re messy and natural and engaging. There’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me hooked, and eager to know what happens next.

]]> <![CDATA[Return To Avenge (The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series Book 2)]]> 58884998
Retired detective Jack Wilson is back. This time, it’s even more personal. After an attempt is made on his life, Jack is forced into action and will use a myriad of tricks, tactics, and deception to fight back.

Robert Forari, the man who Jack convinced to surrender to the police two years ago after a vicious crime spree, is out of prison and looking for revenge. He entered the penitentiary feeble, scrawny, and scared. However, Robert came out the exact opposite, and killing two inmates during his incarceration further elevated his status in the criminal underworld. When Robert subsequently orders three of his underlings to kill Jack, a whirlwind of mayhem and violence ensues.

Instead of working alone, Jack seeks out help from his former boss, Brian Kennedy, who is also a former detective. Given the grave circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds, Jack is convinced that a good offense will prove to be his best defense. Jack and Brian formulate a plan to systematically destroy Robert’s entire criminal enterprise prior to bringing him to their own version of justice.]]> Russ J. Taylor Robert 5
A shocking assassination attempt at Jack’s home leaves a heavy toll. Three dead intruders, Jack in critical condition, and his beloved old dog, Buddy, kicked to death. When he recovers, Jack vows to not only get revenge on Robert, but to dismantle his entire criminal operation as well. With sterling support from his long-time friend and former boss Brian Kennedy, Jack goes into full-on Equalizer mode as he takes on drug dealers, car thieves, hitmen, and anyone else who gets in his way. There’s a strong callback to Dirty Harry as well in the way Jack perceives the law as woefully skewed in favour of the rights of criminals over their victims.

There’s an excellent balance this time around between the procedural aspects of Jack and Brian’s tactical operations and the white-knuckle action scenes that erupt as they play out. Again, I love how Jack uses logic and psychology to manipulate people into doing his bidding, whether it’s bribing a random stranger to play a small role or tricking an opponent into incriminating himself. He doesn’t just go in guns blazing; he uses his smarts first and foremost. But he’ll absolutely gun down his enemies if he has to. He’s a great character, east to root for and always believable. Brian, too, is a formidable right-hand man.

I feel the plotting is tighter this time around, and the story moves at a rollicking pace, even with the technical details included. Mr. Taylor knows this world inside-out. That authenticity brings the events to life through specificity � from gun calibres to types of surveillance equipment to anatomically detailed bullet wounds, there’s a reality here that you can’t fake. My only quibbles are with some of the dialogue, which can be clunky, and the spotty characterization of Robert. We’re told how he became a hardened criminal, but I never really felt I got know him.

Other than that, it’s a riveting read. Mr. Taylor’s terse, punchy style should satisfy Jack Reacher fans, and the smart, uncompromising hero is pitch-perfect for this genre. I enjoyed the first book, but I think this one is better in pretty much every way. Well done.
]]> 4.33 Return To Avenge (The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series Book 2)
author: Russ J. Taylor
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/29
date added: 2022/05/28
shelves:
review:
Retired LAPD detective Jack Wilson goes to war against a vengeful ex-con he outwitted two years ago in this exciting sequel to A Season to Avenge. Robert Forari, the young stoner led astray by his vicious partner-in-crime on a violent killing spree in the previous book, has paid for his crimes, having served two years in prison. But he’s learned all the wrong lessons inside, and after proving himself a killer, he now has the respect of his fellow ex-cons. It’s landed him a prominent position in a ruthless crime syndicate, which Robert uses to wreak vengeance on the man he blames for his incarceration, Jack.

A shocking assassination attempt at Jack’s home leaves a heavy toll. Three dead intruders, Jack in critical condition, and his beloved old dog, Buddy, kicked to death. When he recovers, Jack vows to not only get revenge on Robert, but to dismantle his entire criminal operation as well. With sterling support from his long-time friend and former boss Brian Kennedy, Jack goes into full-on Equalizer mode as he takes on drug dealers, car thieves, hitmen, and anyone else who gets in his way. There’s a strong callback to Dirty Harry as well in the way Jack perceives the law as woefully skewed in favour of the rights of criminals over their victims.

There’s an excellent balance this time around between the procedural aspects of Jack and Brian’s tactical operations and the white-knuckle action scenes that erupt as they play out. Again, I love how Jack uses logic and psychology to manipulate people into doing his bidding, whether it’s bribing a random stranger to play a small role or tricking an opponent into incriminating himself. He doesn’t just go in guns blazing; he uses his smarts first and foremost. But he’ll absolutely gun down his enemies if he has to. He’s a great character, east to root for and always believable. Brian, too, is a formidable right-hand man.

I feel the plotting is tighter this time around, and the story moves at a rollicking pace, even with the technical details included. Mr. Taylor knows this world inside-out. That authenticity brings the events to life through specificity � from gun calibres to types of surveillance equipment to anatomically detailed bullet wounds, there’s a reality here that you can’t fake. My only quibbles are with some of the dialogue, which can be clunky, and the spotty characterization of Robert. We’re told how he became a hardened criminal, but I never really felt I got know him.

Other than that, it’s a riveting read. Mr. Taylor’s terse, punchy style should satisfy Jack Reacher fans, and the smart, uncompromising hero is pitch-perfect for this genre. I enjoyed the first book, but I think this one is better in pretty much every way. Well done.

]]> <![CDATA[The War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason]]> 59780127 International bestselling author Douglas Murray If the history of humankind is a history of slavery, conquest, prejudice, genocide, and exploitation, why are only Western nations taking the blame for it?

It's become perfectly acceptable to celebrate the contributions of non-Western cultures, but discussing their flaws and crimes is called hate speech. It has become acceptable to discuss the flaws and crimes of Western culture, but celebrating their contributions is also called hate speech.

Some of this is a much-needed reckoning, a necessary step in moving forward together. However, some of it is part of a larger international attack on reason, democracy, science, progress, and the citizens of the West by dishonest scholars, hatemongers, hostile nations, and human rights abusers hoping to distract from their ongoing villainy.

In The War on the West, Douglas Murray shows how many well-meaning people have been lured into protests and polarization by lies and hypocrisy. If we must discard the ideas of Kant, Hume, and Mill for their opinions on race, shouldn't we discard Marx for his far worse ones? If we are going to call the British slave trade genocide, shouldn't we also focus on the Arab slave trade, which did more to end African races and for far longer? If we are to work hard to stamp out the embers of racism in America, shouldn't we douse the roaring flames of it across the Middle East and Asia?

Murray carefully and methodically shows how far political discourse has strayed in Europe and America from its stated justice and equality. Ranging from an incisive takedown of foolish arguments and activism to a clarion call for the defense of enlightenment values, this will be one of the most widely discussed books of the coming year.]]> 320 Douglas Murray 0008492492 Robert 5 4.22 2022 The War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason
author: Douglas Murray
name: Robert
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/22
date added: 2022/05/22
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Whispering Mountain (GoldenEars, #1)]]> 45323287
Edmund Rainer is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Carrying him back to the cabin, Edmund rescues the pup, fascinated with his beautiful ears. A friendship blossoms between the two, but when a devastating storm propels them on an extraordinary journey, they must use their instincts to survive the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.

Unwittingly, Edmund becomes embroiled in the treachery revolving around the young pup and his life becomes increasingly under threat as he tries to protect GoldenEars from harm.

]]> 296 Jane H. Wood 191288187X Robert 5
The story opens with Joel, the alpha of a pack of grey wolves, and his mate, Mira, who’s nursing her four young cubs, forced into exile by a vicious rebellion. Two of the cubs have unusual golden hair on their ears, which echoes an ancient myth among wolf-kind. A bitter relative uses superstition to foment fear of these “freaks� in the hope that it will persuade others to help him kill them. Joel and Mira must fight to keep their youngsters alive until they can find safe new territory.

Meanwhile, moody teenager Edmund is hating his vacation in the great outdoors with his dad. That is, until he happens upon one of the lost cubs, Kegg, whom he nicknames GoldenEars. The two develop a quick bond that grows into a deep, lasting friendship. They pine for one another when they’re apart, and Edmund eventually enrols as a trainee ranger so he can be close to his beloved wolf pal. But there are malign forces closing in on the pack, and wolves and rangers alike will have to face some very tough choices.

The story is so incident-packed it leaves the reader breathless. Encounters with bears, rival wolf packs, hunters, and various other perils ensures it’s never dull. But the action is not hollow. Ms. Wood keeps the stakes high and the tension intimate, so we feel the characters� dread and fury and loss and love alongside them. Nature is brutal, and no one is safe here. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for Kegg and his family. Edmund hops aboard partway through, but has no idea how much it’s going to affect him. His bond with GoldenEars proves pivotal in the larger context of wolves and humans.

It's a gripping read full of poignant moments and shocking bursts of savagery. There are plenty of heartwarming scenes, but just as many, if not more, that remind the reader how appalling animals and humans can be. It’s this contrast (and unpredictability) that I feel gives The Whispering Mountain an edge over the typical human-meets-animal adventure. The only element I think could use a little more finessing is the dialogue, which is clunky at times. But the other elements are so well done that they make up for it. Ms. Wood takes the story in an unexpected direction in the dramatic finale, which I liked. It also sets up a sequel, which sounds promising.

Overall, I can highly recommended this one.]]> 4.59 The Whispering Mountain (GoldenEars, #1)
author: Jane H. Wood
name: Robert
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/21
date added: 2022/05/21
shelves:
review:
A wolf cub and a teenage boy form an unlikely bond in this action-packed tale that explores the perilous plight of wolves in 1970s Canada. It’s told from both animal and human points of view. Author Jane H Wood tries to blend the savage reality of a Jack London story with a wholesome coming-of-age narrative for the whole family. It works well because she’s fully invested in her characters, and has a knack for making them sympathetic for the reader.

The story opens with Joel, the alpha of a pack of grey wolves, and his mate, Mira, who’s nursing her four young cubs, forced into exile by a vicious rebellion. Two of the cubs have unusual golden hair on their ears, which echoes an ancient myth among wolf-kind. A bitter relative uses superstition to foment fear of these “freaks� in the hope that it will persuade others to help him kill them. Joel and Mira must fight to keep their youngsters alive until they can find safe new territory.

Meanwhile, moody teenager Edmund is hating his vacation in the great outdoors with his dad. That is, until he happens upon one of the lost cubs, Kegg, whom he nicknames GoldenEars. The two develop a quick bond that grows into a deep, lasting friendship. They pine for one another when they’re apart, and Edmund eventually enrols as a trainee ranger so he can be close to his beloved wolf pal. But there are malign forces closing in on the pack, and wolves and rangers alike will have to face some very tough choices.

The story is so incident-packed it leaves the reader breathless. Encounters with bears, rival wolf packs, hunters, and various other perils ensures it’s never dull. But the action is not hollow. Ms. Wood keeps the stakes high and the tension intimate, so we feel the characters� dread and fury and loss and love alongside them. Nature is brutal, and no one is safe here. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for Kegg and his family. Edmund hops aboard partway through, but has no idea how much it’s going to affect him. His bond with GoldenEars proves pivotal in the larger context of wolves and humans.

It's a gripping read full of poignant moments and shocking bursts of savagery. There are plenty of heartwarming scenes, but just as many, if not more, that remind the reader how appalling animals and humans can be. It’s this contrast (and unpredictability) that I feel gives The Whispering Mountain an edge over the typical human-meets-animal adventure. The only element I think could use a little more finessing is the dialogue, which is clunky at times. But the other elements are so well done that they make up for it. Ms. Wood takes the story in an unexpected direction in the dramatic finale, which I liked. It also sets up a sequel, which sounds promising.

Overall, I can highly recommended this one.
]]> The Blue King 61033178
Something is amiss in the Kingdom of Tordre. On her wedding night to the King of Tordre, Nerys discovers a sinister secret hiding in the depths of Castle Ryemont; a king with two faces, who is not the husband she was expecting.

One day on a journey back home, Nerys is kidnapped and finds herself in the midst of a revolution to overthrow the monarchy. Whose story should she believe and on which side will she fight? She clings to her memories and her growing love for a displaced courtier, then steals back to Castle Ryemont to face down the truth of her fake marriage.]]> 244 F.G. Laval Robert 4
Intrigue is the name of the game here. There are several mysteries to solve, some involving characters� true identities, others concerning the reason for the sorcerous deception. Nerys is an excellent heroine who starts as a timid girl-queen locked inside the crushed dream of her arranged marriage, but gradually gains confidence and agency as she realizes she has to fight for her own fate and that of the kingdom. She’s not a kick-ass heroine battling alongside the men (apart from one grisly scene), and I liked that. It’s a believable portrayal of a high-born young woman out of her element, using her smarts and her bravery to find out the truth and pick the right side in a world turned upside-down.

Tristan is probably the most vivid of the supporting characters: a self-possessed popinjay who plays the lute like a bard, talks down to everyone, especially Nerys, and may or may not know more than he lets on. The other characters are either likeable or hissable, and I think Cara the cat deserves special mention for livening up many a scene with her antics. The romance that blossoms toward the end is fine. Nerys earns it. I never really felt like I got to know the man she ends up with, though, partly for plot reasons (there are a couple of mysteries surrounding him).

The Blue King is well-written with good pacing and a solid grasp of medieval fantasy terminology. The world-building is decent, if a little generic. I was fascinated early on by the bizarre twist—the two-faced king is creepy and a great idea—and wanted to know more about the dark sorcery behind it. That was never Ms. Laval’s focus, though. She does a splendid job of crafting Nerys’s first-person journey to womanhood for the reader. The story is equal parts character and plot-driven, with a romantic beating heart at its centre.

The Blue King is an entertaining read for all fans of young adult fantasy, especially those who enjoy traditional heroines and lashings of intrigue. It’s a fun, engaging book, helped by the fact that the author knows her genre and its tropes inside out. Recommended.
]]> 4.04 2015 The Blue King
author: F.G. Laval
name: Robert
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/18
date added: 2022/05/17
shelves:
review:
A naïve princess must find her inner queen as nefarious forces manipulate the Kingdom of Tordre, and there’s something very strange about her new husband, the King, in FG Laval’s enjoyable YA fantasy novel. Nerys’s wedding night takes a troubling turn when she spies a man with two faces deep in the vaults of the castle; one of those faces is that of the King. Mysterious robed priests and priestesses seem to be behind this dark magic. After squirming through weeks of a tense, loveless marriage, Nerys persuades her “husband� to let her visit her family in Carentan. But she’s waylaid en route, and soon finds herself in the midst of a revolt against the monarchy.

Intrigue is the name of the game here. There are several mysteries to solve, some involving characters� true identities, others concerning the reason for the sorcerous deception. Nerys is an excellent heroine who starts as a timid girl-queen locked inside the crushed dream of her arranged marriage, but gradually gains confidence and agency as she realizes she has to fight for her own fate and that of the kingdom. She’s not a kick-ass heroine battling alongside the men (apart from one grisly scene), and I liked that. It’s a believable portrayal of a high-born young woman out of her element, using her smarts and her bravery to find out the truth and pick the right side in a world turned upside-down.

Tristan is probably the most vivid of the supporting characters: a self-possessed popinjay who plays the lute like a bard, talks down to everyone, especially Nerys, and may or may not know more than he lets on. The other characters are either likeable or hissable, and I think Cara the cat deserves special mention for livening up many a scene with her antics. The romance that blossoms toward the end is fine. Nerys earns it. I never really felt like I got to know the man she ends up with, though, partly for plot reasons (there are a couple of mysteries surrounding him).

The Blue King is well-written with good pacing and a solid grasp of medieval fantasy terminology. The world-building is decent, if a little generic. I was fascinated early on by the bizarre twist—the two-faced king is creepy and a great idea—and wanted to know more about the dark sorcery behind it. That was never Ms. Laval’s focus, though. She does a splendid job of crafting Nerys’s first-person journey to womanhood for the reader. The story is equal parts character and plot-driven, with a romantic beating heart at its centre.

The Blue King is an entertaining read for all fans of young adult fantasy, especially those who enjoy traditional heroines and lashings of intrigue. It’s a fun, engaging book, helped by the fact that the author knows her genre and its tropes inside out. Recommended.

]]> Felgrim 60442934
As young King Davon comes of age, he finds that his allies are few. The thimmaru, rune-marked undead rebels sworn to the Dead God, are massing at the gates of Hollowick. Within its walls lurks a far greater threat, one that cannot be slain by swords: a murderous felgrim, incorporeal demon of the abyss. He must turn to Tonsward, the assassin tower, in a last-ditch attempt to stop civil war.

Enter Marla Black. Ambitious, capable, and arrogant to a fault, Marla is the tower's star apprentice. Her job is simple: find the thimmaru camp, befriend the nephew of the leader, and bring him back for questioning. An easy step to becoming King's Dagger, she thinks.

What she doesn't expect is to like Eaton Poole and, worse, to find that the roots of his rebellion go far deeper than she ever expected...]]> 553 E.M. Duffield-Fuller Robert 5
Among a vivid cast of characters, the standouts are Davon, the brooding, brittle young monarch who’s cultivated a fearsome persona but in reality is riddled with self-doubt; Eaton, a budding rebel leader who’s been reborn in a frightening resurrection rite; and my favourite, Marla, an irresistible spitfire who runs, jumps, climbs, fights, and sasses her way through a series of forbidding encounters. Her participation in a roughhouse competition to select the new King’s Dagger is great fun (and quite brutal).

Two fascinating relationships the author describes so well are parental in nature, but fundamentally different. Davon can’t stand his mother, a scheming, icy priestess who constantly belittles him, but he also can’t quite bring himself to get rid of her either. It’s classic, toxic love-hate that really illustrates his fragility. Then there’s Marla and her Assassin-Master, a cruel but respected taskmaster who throws her about like a ragdoll if she doesn’t give her absolute best. She resents him and admires him in equal measure. The bond that’s developed between them, while mostly unspoken, transcends the standard teacher-student relationship, and is cleverly handled.

I’m used to more action and battles with my fantasy, but Felgrim weaves a more intimate, character-driven tale that flat-out works on its own terms because Ms. Duffield-Fuller knows these people inside out. They’re flawed, three-dimensional characters that all have passion and agency and things they have to overcome. The fight scenes are effective. The world-building is exemplary, especially the fantasy vernacular (names, places, lore, etc.), which is often a weakness in genre writing. The author writes her scenes with verve and solid pacing. It’s a dark story, but it casts a spell—I felt immersed in this world of assassins and demons.

I’d recommend Felgrim to all dark fantasy readers, especially those who like rough-and-tumble YA heroines and characters you wouldn’t want to turn your back on. I did guess the big reveal towards the end of the story, but it worked. It isn’t a standalone tale, as the author clearly says it’s going to be a trilogy. A couple of character threads are left dangling, but I’m sure they’ll be addressed in the future. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two. Well done.
]]> 4.24 Felgrim
author: E.M. Duffield-Fuller
name: Robert
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/13
date added: 2022/05/12
shelves:
review:
A beguiling brew of witchcraft, spycraft, intrigue and treachery, Felgrim is the first instalment in E.M. Duffield-Fuller’s Darkwatch fantasy series, and it’s a terrific read. The felgrim of the title is a demon that appears periodically in Hollowick, slaying without mercy. The kingdom is also under siege from a troublesome clan of undead rebels, the thimmaru. To avert civil war, the king enlists the help of his famed house of assassins to infiltrate the thimmaru. The assassin chosen for the task is a young prodigy, Marla Black, who finds more than she ever bargained for on her dangerous quest.

Among a vivid cast of characters, the standouts are Davon, the brooding, brittle young monarch who’s cultivated a fearsome persona but in reality is riddled with self-doubt; Eaton, a budding rebel leader who’s been reborn in a frightening resurrection rite; and my favourite, Marla, an irresistible spitfire who runs, jumps, climbs, fights, and sasses her way through a series of forbidding encounters. Her participation in a roughhouse competition to select the new King’s Dagger is great fun (and quite brutal).

Two fascinating relationships the author describes so well are parental in nature, but fundamentally different. Davon can’t stand his mother, a scheming, icy priestess who constantly belittles him, but he also can’t quite bring himself to get rid of her either. It’s classic, toxic love-hate that really illustrates his fragility. Then there’s Marla and her Assassin-Master, a cruel but respected taskmaster who throws her about like a ragdoll if she doesn’t give her absolute best. She resents him and admires him in equal measure. The bond that’s developed between them, while mostly unspoken, transcends the standard teacher-student relationship, and is cleverly handled.

I’m used to more action and battles with my fantasy, but Felgrim weaves a more intimate, character-driven tale that flat-out works on its own terms because Ms. Duffield-Fuller knows these people inside out. They’re flawed, three-dimensional characters that all have passion and agency and things they have to overcome. The fight scenes are effective. The world-building is exemplary, especially the fantasy vernacular (names, places, lore, etc.), which is often a weakness in genre writing. The author writes her scenes with verve and solid pacing. It’s a dark story, but it casts a spell—I felt immersed in this world of assassins and demons.

I’d recommend Felgrim to all dark fantasy readers, especially those who like rough-and-tumble YA heroines and characters you wouldn’t want to turn your back on. I did guess the big reveal towards the end of the story, but it worked. It isn’t a standalone tale, as the author clearly says it’s going to be a trilogy. A couple of character threads are left dangling, but I’m sure they’ll be addressed in the future. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two. Well done.

]]> Cadre Kids 56365467 Homeschooled fraternal-twin teens, Jake and Rosa, are enjoying their lives learning from the strictest of all educators, their mom. Their biggest gripe used to be the history lessons their grandfather would force them to endure over summer vacations.

An ambitious politician with an underlying nefarious agenda pushes for school choice but, it comes at a cost. Their mom instead of embracing the change fights the system thrusting the twin teenagers along with their older brother, Ted, into the public eye and national headlines.

The good news is the teenagers test two grades above their age level. The bad news is being smart, they question everything drawing the ire of the Congressman's Aide. Concerned for his siblings, their older brother, Ted, does his best to teach Jake and Rosa not all learning happens in the classroom.

To survive, the three lean on each other like never before.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."

The knot the three teens metaphorically embrace is a mission. A mission where the teenagers plot to escape everyday life and get away with secret Jiu Jitsu practice nights.]]> 242 Mary Mulligan Robert 4
Meanwhile, the congressman’s young son, Hunter, falls for a beautiful but devious top aide, who isn’t above employing thugs to ensure her boss’s agenda wins out. And when Mrs. Murphy unwittingly draws her kids into the national debate, it isn’t exactly going to smoothen their transition into the public school system.

Ms. Mulligan writes lively scenes with wit and a kind of free-wheeling memoir style that captures some of the zaniness of youth. The kids� ghost-filming antics are fun. I really enjoyed the American history lessons, and how the kids turned them into mini adventures. I found the politics a breath of fresh air as well; too many authors either steer clear of the controversial issues or pander to the prevailing dogma. Cadre Kids gives different points of view on various hot-button topics, and invites readers to make their own minds up. Kudos for that.

Characterizations are fine, but it took a while for the kids� individual personalities to shine. Part of that is due to a rather clunky prologue, in which we’re given a lot of names without any descriptions of who they belong to. I’d urge readers to stay the course, though. Once the trip to Philadelphia and the Liberty Bell with Grandpa kicks in, Ms. Mulligan comes into her own. Not all of it works, but it’s entertaining, sometimes very funny, and sharply observed at times.

The book is more of a string of vignettes tied around a loose plot than a cookie-cutter young adult adventure. You never quite know what’s coming next. I liked that, and I can honestly say Cadre Kids is different than anything I’ve read before. That alone would be enough to recommend it, but I also enjoyed the read quite a bit. I’d urge curious readers to give it a try.
]]> 3.94 Cadre Kids
author: Mary Mulligan
name: Robert
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/07
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves:
review:
An original blend of childhood high-jinks, American history lessons and modern politics makes for an offbeat, entertaining read in Cadre Kids: Larceny, the first instalment in Mary Mulligan’s young adult series. Fraternal twins, Jake and Rosa Murphy, with their older brother, Ted, are homeschooled by their strong-willed mother. A strict, diligent education is having an impressive effect on their academic standards, but the family is increasingly at odds with the direction of modern politics. Things come to a head when a congressman proposes an education bill that would end homeschooling, forcing their mom to confront him and spark a very public political battle.

Meanwhile, the congressman’s young son, Hunter, falls for a beautiful but devious top aide, who isn’t above employing thugs to ensure her boss’s agenda wins out. And when Mrs. Murphy unwittingly draws her kids into the national debate, it isn’t exactly going to smoothen their transition into the public school system.

Ms. Mulligan writes lively scenes with wit and a kind of free-wheeling memoir style that captures some of the zaniness of youth. The kids� ghost-filming antics are fun. I really enjoyed the American history lessons, and how the kids turned them into mini adventures. I found the politics a breath of fresh air as well; too many authors either steer clear of the controversial issues or pander to the prevailing dogma. Cadre Kids gives different points of view on various hot-button topics, and invites readers to make their own minds up. Kudos for that.

Characterizations are fine, but it took a while for the kids� individual personalities to shine. Part of that is due to a rather clunky prologue, in which we’re given a lot of names without any descriptions of who they belong to. I’d urge readers to stay the course, though. Once the trip to Philadelphia and the Liberty Bell with Grandpa kicks in, Ms. Mulligan comes into her own. Not all of it works, but it’s entertaining, sometimes very funny, and sharply observed at times.

The book is more of a string of vignettes tied around a loose plot than a cookie-cutter young adult adventure. You never quite know what’s coming next. I liked that, and I can honestly say Cadre Kids is different than anything I’ve read before. That alone would be enough to recommend it, but I also enjoyed the read quite a bit. I’d urge curious readers to give it a try.

]]> Refraction 52265150
A privately-funded facility has discovered a way to tap into our minds. The ability to observe and record our dreams is now in their hands. Working on the very outer-rim of science, they are making the impossible a reality.

Searching for those with highly active brainwaves, four people from across the globe are brought together to spend the night in the facility, but there’s always someone actively seeking to shatter our dreams.

Step into a world within ourselves and beyond the one we know. Embark on an adventure that spans this life and the next. Discover the secrets hidden within all of us and set your imagination free.

THE WORLD YOU KNOW, IS ONLY HALF THE STORY.
_______________________________________

"This is a great read for Sci-fi enthusiasts.� The Yorkshire Times.

“Pacey, and packed with intriguing characters and plenty of twisting, turning plot curves.� LoveReading

“An original, well-researched story.� I Heart Reading

Refraction is a technothriller adventure for adults.

Want more from the Refracted World? Check out Terry Geo’s introductory novella to Refraction: The Cracked Reflection]]> 376 Terry Geo Robert 4
The first half of the novel is character-based build-up, and proves author Terry Geo is adept at bringing people from all sorts of backgrounds to life with equal sensitivity. They’re fleshed-out individuals, flawed and relatable. We’re also given hints of dream-reality spillovers throughout, and it’s an intriguing set-up.

All the plotlines converge inside the Silicate building. It would be unfair to give away the big reveal, or any of the subsequent twists. Suffice to say it’s a mash-up of speculative science, dreams, and corporate vision. Funhouse elements in the second half strongly echo Ready Player One, while there are touches of horror and romance. It’s a lot of fun to read, even if I never quite bought into the concepts and the tech behind it all.

The LGBTQ aspect is done very naturally and has ramifications later on in the story. Pacing is consistent, and Geo’s playful writing tone keeps the story and characters engaging. He tries hard to make the sci-fi elements plausible, and it’s clear he’s researched the relevant fields. I think the author gets a little carried away with his concepts at times, but when they’re this enticing, who can blame him?

The first half is better from a character standpoint, the second is pure genre fun. I had a good time with Refraction, and I think readers who enjoy fantastical sci-fi in a contemporary setting should give it a whirl.
]]> 4.64 2019 Refraction
author: Terry Geo
name: Robert
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/29
date added: 2022/04/29
shelves:
review:
Dream characters and creatures somehow cross over into the waking world and threaten to wreak havoc in this imaginative techno-fantasy with sci-fi thriller elements. Teenage prodigies Abby and Terrell are cursed/blessed with waking dream abilities that capture the attention of a mysterious corporation, Silicate, based in London. That same company’s chief engineer, Padman, hooks up with a new boyfriend from Yorkshire, Jake, on the eve of his latest induction of clients into the hi-tech “dream-monitoring� facility. Meanwhile, paraplegic war veteran Ryder becomes head of security at the same time, and soon falls for one of the rich clients, a female novelist who has nightmares about a homicidal psychopath she used to know.

The first half of the novel is character-based build-up, and proves author Terry Geo is adept at bringing people from all sorts of backgrounds to life with equal sensitivity. They’re fleshed-out individuals, flawed and relatable. We’re also given hints of dream-reality spillovers throughout, and it’s an intriguing set-up.

All the plotlines converge inside the Silicate building. It would be unfair to give away the big reveal, or any of the subsequent twists. Suffice to say it’s a mash-up of speculative science, dreams, and corporate vision. Funhouse elements in the second half strongly echo Ready Player One, while there are touches of horror and romance. It’s a lot of fun to read, even if I never quite bought into the concepts and the tech behind it all.

The LGBTQ aspect is done very naturally and has ramifications later on in the story. Pacing is consistent, and Geo’s playful writing tone keeps the story and characters engaging. He tries hard to make the sci-fi elements plausible, and it’s clear he’s researched the relevant fields. I think the author gets a little carried away with his concepts at times, but when they’re this enticing, who can blame him?

The first half is better from a character standpoint, the second is pure genre fun. I had a good time with Refraction, and I think readers who enjoy fantastical sci-fi in a contemporary setting should give it a whirl.

]]> <![CDATA[A Season To Avenge (The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series Book 1)]]> 57546339 Fans of Jack Reacher, Harry Bosch, Dirty Harry or The Equalizer will love this book! An intense and emotional crime fiction thriller about a retired detective turned vigilante who will stop at nothing to hunt down the killer of his best friend’s son.Jack Wilson is a retired detective in California with extensive experience as an investigator. He has a perfect life until his best friend’s son is murdered while inadvertently interrupting a home burglary. The police investigate the case, but find no obvious leads and the case subsequently stalls. Jack is compelled to start looking into the case and is immediately warned by the lead homicide investigator stop or face criminal charges. Jack now has to decide if he is willing to forfeit the ethical and legal principles he has followed his entire career and risk the likely consequences.The search leads him to a career criminal and his protégé who are on a vicious drug fueled crime spree that is spiraling out of control. Working alone, Jack must not only try to outmaneuver the lead detective whose intuition tells her Jack is running a parallel investigation, but also attempt to catch the killer. Through the use of unfamiliar and unconventional methods, Jack undertakes a relentless journey attempting to find and bring the killer to his own version of justice._________________________________________________________________________________________________What people are saying about A SEASON TO ★★★★� " It is a work of fiction but a true portrayal crime, criminals and the police that hunt them."★★★★� " Incredibly realistic depiction of criminal behavior and modus operandi of a master criminal. But that criminal runs afoul of the wrong retired detective...one that understands it takes a wolf to catch a wolf."★★★★� “From the moment I started reading Chapter 1 it was difficult to put this book down.”★★★★★ “This is a high interest crime thriller, well written by an excellent story teller.”]]> 348 Russ J. Taylor Robert 4
Meanwhile, career criminal (and psychopath) Richard Duran coaxes impressionable young stoner Robert into an ever more daring series of robberies. One of them goes sideways, and Richard shoots a man who gets in his way. From then on it’s a question of when and how will they be caught, not if, because Jack is on the case, and he means business.

Author Russ J. Taylor is adept at writing crime procedurals. By far the best aspect of A Season to Avenge is Jack’s ingenuity. The way he works people, and the system, and utilizes clever schemes and surveillance tricks to achieve his goals: there’s an authenticity here that’s hard to fake. It came as no surprise when I saw the author used to work in law enforcement. He aims for that sweet spot between casual and thorough, and as far as the details of the investigation, I enjoyed it very much.

Apart from Jack, who’s well-rounded and likeable, the other characterizations are a little sketchy. The book opens with Richard and Robert meeting for the first time in prison, and we spend a fair bit of time with them as they begin their criminal partnership on the outside. Neither has much depth. It’s clear one is leading the other astray, but for me the book doesn’t really come to life until Jack is introduced, after the murder.

Overall, it’s a very readable, gritty procedural with a believable plot, and is full of details that seem real to me. Fans of this type of novel, somewhere between Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher, will find much to their liking here.
]]> 4.43 A Season To Avenge (The Jack Wilson Crime Thriller Series Book 1)
author: Russ J. Taylor
name: Robert
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/01
date added: 2022/04/18
shelves:
review:
To solve the murder of his friend’s son, a retired L.A. detective takes the law into his own hands in this pacy, hard-edged crime thriller. Widower Jack Wilson had a stellar career on the force, but he’s content in retirement, tuning up cars, lounging in the pool, spending time with his loyal dachshund. It’s clear he hasn’t lost a step as an investigator, however, when he quickly circumvents the plodding detective in charge and uses every trick in his arsenal to track down the killers.

Meanwhile, career criminal (and psychopath) Richard Duran coaxes impressionable young stoner Robert into an ever more daring series of robberies. One of them goes sideways, and Richard shoots a man who gets in his way. From then on it’s a question of when and how will they be caught, not if, because Jack is on the case, and he means business.

Author Russ J. Taylor is adept at writing crime procedurals. By far the best aspect of A Season to Avenge is Jack’s ingenuity. The way he works people, and the system, and utilizes clever schemes and surveillance tricks to achieve his goals: there’s an authenticity here that’s hard to fake. It came as no surprise when I saw the author used to work in law enforcement. He aims for that sweet spot between casual and thorough, and as far as the details of the investigation, I enjoyed it very much.

Apart from Jack, who’s well-rounded and likeable, the other characterizations are a little sketchy. The book opens with Richard and Robert meeting for the first time in prison, and we spend a fair bit of time with them as they begin their criminal partnership on the outside. Neither has much depth. It’s clear one is leading the other astray, but for me the book doesn’t really come to life until Jack is introduced, after the murder.

Overall, it’s a very readable, gritty procedural with a believable plot, and is full of details that seem real to me. Fans of this type of novel, somewhere between Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher, will find much to their liking here.

]]> The Blue Jewel 43797624 There is no such thing as monsters.

The Great War is over, but insurrection embroils colonized Earth as the rebels battle Alien conquerors. Calvin desperately tries to hold his family together. He faces ruthless alien captors, raiders, and even other rebels in his quest to preserve those he loves. But how far must he go to protect what he treasures? The Blue Jewel is a thrilling space opera of conquest and adventure, as Calvin explores what it means to be human. Can what is left of the human race preserve itself?]]> 331 J.D. Richards Robert 4
His rescue odyssey leads him into the hands of daring rebels, among whom he thrives and forms new friendships. All the while the ruling Siltekans tighten their iron fist, raising the stakes for the freedom-fighters. Is there any hope left for humankind? Will Cal find his siblings in time?

Author J.D. Richards has a good feel for the genre. Plotting is rock solid, and there’s a nice balance between intimate character moments and fast-paced action. The alien races are imperialist slavers squabbling over Earth’s rich resources. While they are monsters, they’re complex monsters, and it’s interesting that Richards opens the story with an intimate interview between Cal and a beautiful Siltekan female, who’s his boss in the mine. Cal is a sensitive hero who grows once he’s drawn out of his shell. He’s perhaps a bit too sensitive—I lost count of the number times he blushed throughout the story (he wasn’t the only one).

There’s a hard edge to the story that made me glad Richards introduced a love interest for Cal in the second half. She offers him a glimpse of hope. After all he’s endured, and all Earth has endured, it feels like the ray of sunshine The Blue Jewel badly needs. Overall, it’s a very good read, with some twists I didn’t see coming.
]]> 4.61 The Blue Jewel
author: J.D. Richards
name: Robert
average rating: 4.61
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/12
date added: 2022/04/12
shelves:
review:
A post-apocalyptic Earth exploited by alien overlords, the Siltekans, and the rebel human factions plotting to overthrow them, is the premise for this well-paced, enjoyable YA novel. Young Cal suffers from PTSD after the trauma of losing his parents. He works as a mining chief in the Sonoran desert, and lives with his devoted brother and sister. They dream of escaping to a desert island paradise, but Cal is forced to confront the dangers of the wider world alone when his siblings are abducted by raiders.

His rescue odyssey leads him into the hands of daring rebels, among whom he thrives and forms new friendships. All the while the ruling Siltekans tighten their iron fist, raising the stakes for the freedom-fighters. Is there any hope left for humankind? Will Cal find his siblings in time?

Author J.D. Richards has a good feel for the genre. Plotting is rock solid, and there’s a nice balance between intimate character moments and fast-paced action. The alien races are imperialist slavers squabbling over Earth’s rich resources. While they are monsters, they’re complex monsters, and it’s interesting that Richards opens the story with an intimate interview between Cal and a beautiful Siltekan female, who’s his boss in the mine. Cal is a sensitive hero who grows once he’s drawn out of his shell. He’s perhaps a bit too sensitive—I lost count of the number times he blushed throughout the story (he wasn’t the only one).

There’s a hard edge to the story that made me glad Richards introduced a love interest for Cal in the second half. She offers him a glimpse of hope. After all he’s endured, and all Earth has endured, it feels like the ray of sunshine The Blue Jewel badly needs. Overall, it’s a very good read, with some twists I didn’t see coming.

]]> Martin Chuzzlewit 35018215 Martin Chuzzlewit is the story of two Chuzzlewits, Martin and Jonas, who have inherited the characteristic Chuzzlewit selfishness. It contrasts their diverse fates: moral redemption and worldly success for one and increasingly desperate crime for the other.]]> 864 Charles Dickens Robert 4 3.50 1844 Martin Chuzzlewit
author: Charles Dickens
name: Robert
average rating: 3.50
book published: 1844
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/08
date added: 2022/03/08
shelves:
review:

]]> Carrie 11740831
To be invited to Prom Night by Tommy Ross is a dream come true for Carrie � the first step towards social acceptance by her high school colleagues. Until an unexpected cruelty turns her gift into a weapon of terror and destruction that no one will ever forget.]]> 248 Stephen King Robert 4 3.79 1974 Carrie
author: Stephen King
name: Robert
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1974
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/02
date added: 2022/01/02
shelves:
review:

]]> Don Quixote 13688 'Didn't I tell you they were only windmills? And only someone with windmills on the brain could have failed to see that!'

Don Quixote has become so entranced by reading romances of chivalry that he determines to become a knight errant and pursue bold adventures, accompanied by his squire, the cunning Sancho Panza. As they roam the world together, the ageing Quixote's fancy leads them wildly astray. At the same time the relationship between the two men grows with fascinating subtlety. Often considered to be the first modern novel, Don Quixote is a wonderful burlesque of the popular literature its disordered protagonist is obsessed with.

John Rutherford's landmark translation does full justice to the energy and wit of Cervantes's prose. His introduction discusses the traditional works parodied in Don Quixote and issues of literary translation.]]> 1056 Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 0140449094 Robert 4 4.06 1615 Don Quixote
author: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
name: Robert
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1615
rating: 4
read at: 2021/12/02
date added: 2021/12/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Fighting Man of Mars (Barsoom, #7)]]> 40386 239 Edgar Rice Burroughs 0345345118 Robert 3 3.86 1930 A Fighting Man of Mars (Barsoom, #7)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1930
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/16
date added: 2021/11/16
shelves:
review:

]]> At the Mountains of Madness 32767 At the Mountains of Madness. The deliberately told and increasingly chilling recollection of an Antarctic expedition's uncanny discoveries --and their encounter with an untold menace in the ruins of a lost civilization--is a milestone of macabre literature.

This Definitive Edition of At the Mountains of Madness (The Modern Library) also includes Lovecraft's long essay "Supernatural Horror in Literature."]]> 194 H.P. Lovecraft 0812974417 Robert 5 3.85 1931 At the Mountains of Madness
author: H.P. Lovecraft
name: Robert
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1931
rating: 5
read at: 2021/10/22
date added: 2021/10/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Pellucidar (Pellucidar, #2) 403355 American David Innes narrates return to exotic, savage land below the Earth crust, old pal Abner Perry, female Mahar, an untamed wilderness where the sun never sets. He seeks beloved Beautiful Dian, torn away by trickery. He crosses the Pellucidar, the Land of Awful Shadow under a pendant moon, encounters prehistoric beasts & strange peoples.]]> 167 Edgar Rice Burroughs 0803262043 Robert 4 3.77 1915 Pellucidar (Pellucidar, #2)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1915
rating: 4
read at: 2021/08/20
date added: 2021/08/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[At the Earth's Core (Pellucidar #1)]]> 215950
At the Earth's Core is a 1914 fantasy novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the first in his series about the fictional "hollow earth" land of Pellucidar. It first appeared as a four-part serial in All-Story Weekly from April 4-25, 1914

Excerpt:
But when I saw these sleek, shiny carcasses shimmering in the sunlight as they emerged from the ocean, shaking their giant heads; when I saw the waters roll from their sinuous bodies in miniature waterfalls as they glided hither and thither, now upon the surface, now half submerged; as I saw them meet, open-mouthed, hissing and snorting, in their titanic and interminable warring I realized how futile is man’s poor, week imagination by comparison with Nature’s incredible genius.]]> 180 Edgar Rice Burroughs 0809599783 Robert 4 3.76 1914 At the Earth's Core (Pellucidar #1)
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
name: Robert
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1914
rating: 4
read at: 2021/08/03
date added: 2021/08/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blue at the Mizzen (Aubrey & Maturin, #20)]]> 24526 261 Patrick O'Brian 039332107X Robert 5 4.42 1999 Blue at the Mizzen (Aubrey & Maturin, #20)
author: Patrick O'Brian
name: Robert
average rating: 4.42
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2021/07/23
date added: 2021/07/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Gold Digger: The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor (Gold Digger, #1)]]> 44161200 318 Rebecca Rosenberg 1732969906 Robert 5
Vibrant storytelling and exceptionally well-researched historical details bring the period and settings to life. It’s one of the most vivid recreations of the Old West I’ve come across, superbly written by Rebecca Rosenberg. Descriptions of emotions are a little lurid at times, but even that somehow fits the larger-than-life characters. Appearances by famous figures of the era are brilliantly handled: Doc Holliday’s dangerous magnetism is right there on the page, and Oscar Wilde’s witticisms are spot on. From Chinese harlots to American presidents, Gold Digger boasts unforgettable personalities.

There’s heartbreak along the way, along with rapturous celebration. Men love Baby Doe, while women tend to despise her, not just for her beauty but because she defies conventions. Her story is a rollercoaster ride, and it’s not hard to see why it inspired Ms. Rosenberg to write such a compelling dramatization. I loved it, and it’s made me want to seek out the sequel.
]]> 4.06 2019 Gold Digger: The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor (Gold Digger, #1)
author: Rebecca Rosenberg
name: Robert
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/22
date added: 2021/06/22
shelves:
review:
A whirlwind of romance, politics, prospecting and famous names sweeps this hugely enjoyable tale of a remarkable heroine across the Old West. Baby Doe lights up every room she enters. A combination of striking looks, vivacity and sheer gumption sees her melt hearts and inspire jealousy everywhere she goes, from the scuzziest saloon to the swankiest opera house. It’s a rags-to-riches story, but Baby Doe, like her charismatic second husband, Horace Tabor, lives life in the moment, on the edge, and there’s a feeling that everything could go sideways at any time, which it does more than once.

Vibrant storytelling and exceptionally well-researched historical details bring the period and settings to life. It’s one of the most vivid recreations of the Old West I’ve come across, superbly written by Rebecca Rosenberg. Descriptions of emotions are a little lurid at times, but even that somehow fits the larger-than-life characters. Appearances by famous figures of the era are brilliantly handled: Doc Holliday’s dangerous magnetism is right there on the page, and Oscar Wilde’s witticisms are spot on. From Chinese harlots to American presidents, Gold Digger boasts unforgettable personalities.

There’s heartbreak along the way, along with rapturous celebration. Men love Baby Doe, while women tend to despise her, not just for her beauty but because she defies conventions. Her story is a rollercoaster ride, and it’s not hard to see why it inspired Ms. Rosenberg to write such a compelling dramatization. I loved it, and it’s made me want to seek out the sequel.

]]> <![CDATA[The Black Heart of the Station (Black Heart #1)]]> 43478602 ASIN moved from less recent edition here

Delinquent or Prophet? Whichever one he is, Josh Driscoll may be the Station's only hope for survival.

The Station is a city buried deep beneath the surface of a frozen, lifeless earth, its origins lost in the mists of time. Josh's frequent rule-breaking exploits are focused on a single question - how did we get here, and where are we going?

But Josh goes too far when he steals a space-suit and travels to the surface to explore.

As punishment, the governing Council forcibly enrolls him as a novice monk at Saint Carmine's, the Station's resident monastery. At first desperate to escape, Josh is drawn into the monastery's ancient texts.

Deciphering an encrypted journal hidden for centuries, Josh learns that a computer complex believed critically damaged in an ancient asteroid strike holds the answers he's been seeking, and is all that stands between the Station and certain destruction.

When the deranged head of the Council is determined to obliterate the complex and doom them all, Josh leads a desperate battle to stop him.

But can Josh and his tiny band of followers prevail in time to avert catastrophe?]]> 328 Jay Allan Storey Robert 5
While he hates it there at first, he’s increasingly intrigued by references to mysterious machines in ancient scriptural texts, and the ubiquitous mentions of a priest, Father Salvatore, who was executed for murder long ago. Josh is convinced there’s more to the priest’s story than is commonly believed. He suspects it has something to do with the current governor’s push to dismantle the Black Heart, a huge device that’s somehow still draining power from the Station. As his quest to preserve the Black Heart gathers momentum, Josh clashes with the authorities. A struggle for the future of the Station and all its occupants ensues.

This is a real page-turner. Jay Allan Storey teases a number of fascinating mysteries here, the biggest being the catastrophe that prompted the ancients to build the Station in the first place. Josh is a fine YA hero who grows into his role as ‘The Messenger� organically; he’s not a pre-packaged hero, so it doesn’t feel forced. I particularly enjoyed two unlikely friendships he strikes along the way, both linked to the church. And the big revelations at the end did not let me down. It’s well-written (the passages from religious texts are brilliant), with strong world-building and a pace that zips along. Highly recommended.
]]> 4.33 2017 The Black Heart of the Station (Black Heart #1)
author: Jay Allan Storey
name: Robert
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/18
date added: 2021/06/18
shelves:
review:
Echoes of the delightful City of Ember abound in this enthralling blend of science fiction, faith, prophecy, and YA adventure. In a giant subterranean refuge many centuries in the future, teenage rebel Josh is driven by an insatiable curiosity about the secrets of the ancients, why they built The Station, and what lies behind the layers of oxy-ice on the surface. Access to the upper level is prohibited, so when Josh and his friend Matt are caught there wearing stolen pressure suits, they’re in big trouble. Josh is sent to a monastery to serve out his sentence.

While he hates it there at first, he’s increasingly intrigued by references to mysterious machines in ancient scriptural texts, and the ubiquitous mentions of a priest, Father Salvatore, who was executed for murder long ago. Josh is convinced there’s more to the priest’s story than is commonly believed. He suspects it has something to do with the current governor’s push to dismantle the Black Heart, a huge device that’s somehow still draining power from the Station. As his quest to preserve the Black Heart gathers momentum, Josh clashes with the authorities. A struggle for the future of the Station and all its occupants ensues.

This is a real page-turner. Jay Allan Storey teases a number of fascinating mysteries here, the biggest being the catastrophe that prompted the ancients to build the Station in the first place. Josh is a fine YA hero who grows into his role as ‘The Messenger� organically; he’s not a pre-packaged hero, so it doesn’t feel forced. I particularly enjoyed two unlikely friendships he strikes along the way, both linked to the church. And the big revelations at the end did not let me down. It’s well-written (the passages from religious texts are brilliant), with strong world-building and a pace that zips along. Highly recommended.

]]> The Arx 26018243 Ex-Homicide Detective Frank Langer is a broken man - but he's all that stands in the way of a deadly conspiracy.

Since a mental breakdown put him on medical leave from the squad he was once hand-picked to lead, Frank spends his days drinking and chain-smoking, and his nights waking up screaming from a horrific recurring nightmare.

Until one day, by chance, he stumbles on a monstrous plot to kidnap children.

When he shows up at the squad with the wild story, the guys pat him on the back and tell him to go home. But after the mother of one of the missing children commits suicide, he stamps down his demons and, together with the dead woman's sister Rebecca, plunges into the case.

The clues lead to a shadowy cabal lurking behind one of the richest and most powerful Pharma corporations on the planet. When Frank finally unravels the mystery, the truth is more bizarre and deadly than he ever imagined, and telling Rebecca would put her life in danger. Soon even she comes to question his sanity.

The world needs to be warned of the treacherous plot. But can Frank stay alive long enough to find someone to buy his story?]]> 441 Jay Allan Storey 0991791223 Robert 5
It’s a well-written tale, gritty and punchy, with solid dialogue and three-dimensional characters. Author Jay Allan Storey is adept at writing flawed, wounded protagonists and getting the reader to root for them. Frank is a basket case at times, but he’s always trying to do the right thing. We do get a strong sense that he’s in way over his head � that makes the chase scenes tense and keeps us invested in his plight. Even the cliched aspects of the story, like crooked Big Pharma, or a burnt-out cop, or the ever-growing paranoia, are given enough of a fresh spin to seem pretty plausible.

I found it a gripping, exciting read. Mr Storey has a fine eye for detail and good sense of tempo � dialogue scenes don’t go on too long, but reveal all we need to know, while the action scenes are sharp and well-paced. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys detective mysteries with a psychological edge. And if you’re also partial to offbeat speculative twists, you’ll definitely want to give The Arx a try.
]]> 4.11 2015 The Arx
author: Jay Allan Storey
name: Robert
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/14
date added: 2021/06/13
shelves:
review:
This is a very good detective mystery with a speculative twist. Frank’s PTSD is superbly done � his past trauma dovetails well into the unfolding events, making him vulnerable but also giving him something extra to overcome. The investigation is easy to follow, but takes an unexpected turn in the second half that veers it into slightly creepy sci-fi territory. It works well, and doesn’t try for too much. The story remains intensely personal, as Frank develops a relationship with Rebecca, the victim’s sister, who’s a trained psychologist, and tries to protect her from the more horrific aspects of the case.

It’s a well-written tale, gritty and punchy, with solid dialogue and three-dimensional characters. Author Jay Allan Storey is adept at writing flawed, wounded protagonists and getting the reader to root for them. Frank is a basket case at times, but he’s always trying to do the right thing. We do get a strong sense that he’s in way over his head � that makes the chase scenes tense and keeps us invested in his plight. Even the cliched aspects of the story, like crooked Big Pharma, or a burnt-out cop, or the ever-growing paranoia, are given enough of a fresh spin to seem pretty plausible.

I found it a gripping, exciting read. Mr Storey has a fine eye for detail and good sense of tempo � dialogue scenes don’t go on too long, but reveal all we need to know, while the action scenes are sharp and well-paced. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys detective mysteries with a psychological edge. And if you’re also partial to offbeat speculative twists, you’ll definitely want to give The Arx a try.

]]> Real Enough 55203952 322 Jeffrey W. Tenney Robert 5 4.29 Real Enough
author: Jeffrey W. Tenney
name: Robert
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/09
date added: 2021/06/09
shelves:
review:

]]> The Seeds of Akara (New sky) 40583102 442 David LaPiana Robert 4 <br /> 4.04 The Seeds of Akara (New sky)
author: David LaPiana
name: Robert
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/02
date added: 2021/06/01
shelves:
review:


]]> <![CDATA[Haunting in Hartley (Haunting Clarisse, #2)]]> 48761213
Clarisse Garcia walks the arduous path of a spirit hunter. Arriving in the small Australian township of Hartley for work, she immediately senses the area is mired in a centuries-old curse. And when a local paranormal expert shares his evidence, the prescient woman finds herself face to face with a malevolent demon.

Flirting with danger, Clarisse engages in a battle of wits with the wicked creature. But even as she fends off the foul manifestation’s attempts to sour her faith, she fears she may never escape her high-stakes parlay with evil incarnate.

Can she maintain her grip on sanity before the tight-knit community is doomed?

Haunting in Hartley is the second standalone book in the spine-chilling Haunting Clarisse supernatural horror series. If you like pulse-pounding tension, scarily dark corners, and thought-provoking dilemmas, then you’ll love Janice Tremayne’s unsettling story.

� This book can be read as a stand-alone.]]> 300 Janice Tremayne 0646812017 Robert 4
Then we switch to modern day Hartley, where Filipino medium Clarisse and her skeptical companion Harry join a ghost-hunting tour hosted by local oddball Supernatural Jack. It isn’t long before they encounter evil. But there’s more to the hauntings than anyone expected, and despite Clarisse’s experiences in dealing with the occult, the Hartley phantom is most definitely not to be underestimated.

Author Janice Tremayne is a talented storyteller. The plotting here is excellent, with names and incidents from the prologue echoing into the modern day investigation, and vice versa, in clever ways. Three or four major plot twists caught me by surprise. What the prose lacks in polish (it could use a proofread) it makes up for with pace and purpose. Characterizations are broad but entertaining. The story and setting have atmosphere, but they’re missing a sense of dread you’d find in something like The Exorcist. It’s certainly an intriguing tale: fun at times, suspenseful in parts, and occasionally harrowing.

All told, I found it quite a gripping read. Ms. Tremayne has a nice eye for detail, and her passion for the genre is infectious. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but this is a nicely self-contained story on its own. Recommended for those looking for a spooky tale with an unusual setting.
]]> 4.19 Haunting in Hartley (Haunting Clarisse, #2)
author: Janice Tremayne
name: Robert
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/28
date added: 2021/05/28
shelves:
review:
Australia, 1936: Father Grimaldi is sent to the small town of Hartley, a troubled parish in which several grisly deaths have occurred over the years. There, in the basement of the presbytery, he finds a malevolent phantom, a trickster who likes to torment and cause harm. Its specialty is the old diabolical dilemma, offering to save a loved one from certain death in exchange for the participant’s soul. Its proximity to an orphanage gives the priest even greater cause for concern.

Then we switch to modern day Hartley, where Filipino medium Clarisse and her skeptical companion Harry join a ghost-hunting tour hosted by local oddball Supernatural Jack. It isn’t long before they encounter evil. But there’s more to the hauntings than anyone expected, and despite Clarisse’s experiences in dealing with the occult, the Hartley phantom is most definitely not to be underestimated.

Author Janice Tremayne is a talented storyteller. The plotting here is excellent, with names and incidents from the prologue echoing into the modern day investigation, and vice versa, in clever ways. Three or four major plot twists caught me by surprise. What the prose lacks in polish (it could use a proofread) it makes up for with pace and purpose. Characterizations are broad but entertaining. The story and setting have atmosphere, but they’re missing a sense of dread you’d find in something like The Exorcist. It’s certainly an intriguing tale: fun at times, suspenseful in parts, and occasionally harrowing.

All told, I found it quite a gripping read. Ms. Tremayne has a nice eye for detail, and her passion for the genre is infectious. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but this is a nicely self-contained story on its own. Recommended for those looking for a spooky tale with an unusual setting.

]]> <![CDATA[Secrets Of The Under Market: An Urban Fantasy Novella (The Damiano Legacies, #1)]]> 57858944
All his life, Max Damiano has trained with his family and waited for his arcane talent to awaken.
On the morning of his fourteenth birthday, his wish is granted: he is a telekinetic.

Now he can fully take part in the family’s Work of keeping the world safe from demons, remnants of a long-gone universe, the Qlippoth, whose very existence is inimical to our world’s reality. His first assignment? To investigate the disappearance of a dozen children in the New York City area. In the center of the disappearances is the New York Under Market, a market for the arcane community run by the transglobal Underwood Corporation.

Concerned that their Market is at the center of these alarming disappearances, the Underwood Corporation hires Max and two of his siblings, Tom and Sadie, to investigate. Will they be able to catch the demonic malefactor in time?

One thing is for sure, it will not go quietly…]]> Krysten Harlow Robert 4
It’s up to Max and his siblings to root out the demonic perpetrator and send it back to hell. But why is it so elusive? And what do the dark ravings of a kooky fortune teller have to do with the Damianos?

Author Krysten Harlow conjures up a fun little urban fantasy novella that’s well-paced and easy to follow. The idea of an Under Market really excites the imagination. It reminded me of something from Hellboy, while the Damianos wouldn’t have been out of place in something like Mortal Instruments. One of my favorite parts is when they wander through the deserted market after hours; there’s an eerie sense of lingering magic, like an afterglow. An aspect I’d love to see developed in further stories is the notion that ordinary humans who witness the “arcane� happenings are unable to process them, by some quirk of evolution.

I think a bit more time could have been given to fleshing out the family members at the outset, before they embarked on the first demon hunt. We’re given a brief description of their respective abilities, but not much more to individualize them. Also, Max seemed more bored than excited by his Under Market assignment at first. Given that it’s such a big deal, his chance to prove himself to his dad (whose approval he desperately seeks), and he’s investigating a magical cornucopia, one would think he’d be more eager.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella. It had enough creative touches to keep my imagination bubbling over. Ms. Harlow hints at a depth of world-building that could really spin out some cool scenarios in future stories. Max’s later interaction with his dad is very well handled; a bit more of that relationship at the beginning might have given them both a stronger character arc. Even so, it’s a colorful little coming-of-age adventure for the YA paranormal crowd. And I absolutely love the use of the word “arcane� for the magical realm.]]> 4.10 Secrets Of The Under Market: An Urban Fantasy Novella (The Damiano Legacies, #1)
author: Krysten Harlow
name: Robert
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/26
date added: 2021/05/26
shelves:
review:
Max Damiano’s fourteenth birthday augurs a coming-of-age of sorts � not only is he allowed to go on his first family demon-hunting foray, he also discovers the first of his “arcane� abilities, supernatural talents only those born into Hunter lineages develop. The rest of the Damianos are already acquainted with their gifts, and they’re proud to welcome Max into the family trade. But his next assignment proves trickier. Several missing “mundane� (non-magical) children have disappeared, and if Max’s dad is right, it points to the Under Market, a magical underworld trading district that, while carefully policed, is a hive of shadowy supernatural goings-on.

It’s up to Max and his siblings to root out the demonic perpetrator and send it back to hell. But why is it so elusive? And what do the dark ravings of a kooky fortune teller have to do with the Damianos?

Author Krysten Harlow conjures up a fun little urban fantasy novella that’s well-paced and easy to follow. The idea of an Under Market really excites the imagination. It reminded me of something from Hellboy, while the Damianos wouldn’t have been out of place in something like Mortal Instruments. One of my favorite parts is when they wander through the deserted market after hours; there’s an eerie sense of lingering magic, like an afterglow. An aspect I’d love to see developed in further stories is the notion that ordinary humans who witness the “arcane� happenings are unable to process them, by some quirk of evolution.

I think a bit more time could have been given to fleshing out the family members at the outset, before they embarked on the first demon hunt. We’re given a brief description of their respective abilities, but not much more to individualize them. Also, Max seemed more bored than excited by his Under Market assignment at first. Given that it’s such a big deal, his chance to prove himself to his dad (whose approval he desperately seeks), and he’s investigating a magical cornucopia, one would think he’d be more eager.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella. It had enough creative touches to keep my imagination bubbling over. Ms. Harlow hints at a depth of world-building that could really spin out some cool scenarios in future stories. Max’s later interaction with his dad is very well handled; a bit more of that relationship at the beginning might have given them both a stronger character arc. Even so, it’s a colorful little coming-of-age adventure for the YA paranormal crowd. And I absolutely love the use of the word “arcane� for the magical realm.
]]> <![CDATA[Pickoff: A Novel (America's Pastime Book 3)]]> 57507093 A ballplayer. A diva. The mob. Trouble, 1920s style."an incredibly gripping story" - Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite"Pickoff by G.P. Hutchinson offers great action, great baseball, a great love story, a great moral dilemma, and crisp direct prose. Hutchinson has hit this one out-of-the-park!" - Jon Michael Miller for Readers' FavoriteIt's 1927, the year Babe Ruth clouts an unprecedented 60 homeruns. Over in the National League, Joe Rath has just lost his spot as starting catcher for the Baltimore Beacons. The team's front office believes their club, too, needs a bona fide slugger, one they've found in their new backstop, Frank Walsh. Determined to prove his worth to the Beacons, as well as to his dissatisfied young wife, Rath boards a team train bound for Chicago. Little does he know that a spontaneous visit to a speakeasy in The Windy City will land him in a world of ruthless gangsters and in the arms of a ravishing young singer.Each book in Hutchinson's America's Pastime Series is a standalone story and the series can be read in any order. So, jump right in with whichever era strikes your fancy--the 1890s, the 1910s, or the 1920s.]]> 309 G.P. Hutchinson Robert 5
Author G.P. Hutchison evokes the roaring twenties with infectious style in this wonderfully entertaining romp through Golden Age baseball and the moral margins of the Prohibition era. It’s very much a wish fulfilment tale, and as such walks a fairly predictable path. We have the conflicted but chivalrous hero, the damaged femme fatale, lively baseball buddies, and psychotic mobsters. But it’s all part of the nostalgic charm. The dialogue, vernacular and attitudes are brilliantly of the era � characters talk and behave exactly how I imagined they would in the 1920s. And the punchy prose is full of flavour, a pleasure to read.

I have only a passing knowledge of baseball, but I could follow the lingo well enough. The games are described with verve and passion. The characters are all recognizable in their types, but fun nonetheless. Fans of baseball or period sports tales with a side order of crime should enjoy this. If you’re into both, it’ll be a home run.
]]> 4.39 Pickoff: A Novel (America's Pastime Book 3)
author: G.P. Hutchinson
name: Robert
average rating: 4.39
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/24
date added: 2021/05/24
shelves:
review:
Major league catcher Joe Rath faces a three-way crisis while he’s visiting Chicago with his team, the Baltimore Beacons. His glamorous wife, who’s stayed at home with their baby, gives him an ultimatum � he can have her or his baseball career, but not both. A costly new signing for the Beacons has squeezed Joe out of his position as starting catcher, forcing a further career dilemma. Meanwhile, one night in a speakeasy, the brooding ballplayer encounters a ravishing young singer, whose winsome qualities prove irresistible. The problem is, she belongs to a vicious local mob boss. Love, chivalry, baseball, and organized crime soon collide with deadly consequences, and Joe must decide what matters most to him.

Author G.P. Hutchison evokes the roaring twenties with infectious style in this wonderfully entertaining romp through Golden Age baseball and the moral margins of the Prohibition era. It’s very much a wish fulfilment tale, and as such walks a fairly predictable path. We have the conflicted but chivalrous hero, the damaged femme fatale, lively baseball buddies, and psychotic mobsters. But it’s all part of the nostalgic charm. The dialogue, vernacular and attitudes are brilliantly of the era � characters talk and behave exactly how I imagined they would in the 1920s. And the punchy prose is full of flavour, a pleasure to read.

I have only a passing knowledge of baseball, but I could follow the lingo well enough. The games are described with verve and passion. The characters are all recognizable in their types, but fun nonetheless. Fans of baseball or period sports tales with a side order of crime should enjoy this. If you’re into both, it’ll be a home run.

]]> <![CDATA[Nova Scotia Runner (Nova Scotia Series Book 1)]]> 56275810 322 Sheila Rae Boyd Robert 4 4.67 Nova Scotia Runner (Nova Scotia Series Book 1)
author: Sheila Rae Boyd
name: Robert
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/22
date added: 2021/05/23
shelves:
review:

]]>