Kissed by Fire
Kissed by Fire is the second book in Shea MacLeod’s
Sunwalker Saga. I read the first book, Kissed by Darkness several months ago
and loved it. Kissed by Fire has been on my TBR list for some time and I
finally got a chance to read it. I literally didn’t put it down. I curled up in
my reading chair and read the entire book, completely lost in another world and
the adventures of one Morgan Bailey.
Shea is a great storyteller, and in Kissed by Fire she does
not disappoint. Madcap vampire hunter, Morgan Bailey, is more badass than ever,
the mystery even harder for her to solve, and as usual, her lively libido will
distract her from time to time.
Kissed by Fire is like a great action movie, the villains
are nasty, the heros gritty, and the action fast paced. I had a lot to do that
evening, but I sat and read the whole book instead; I’m not one bit sorry.
Great work, Shea. Five stars.
Shrilugh
Hi folks, today I’ve got a book
review for you. The book is Shrilugh (Shree-loo) by Myndi Shafer.
Myndi is a new author and this is her first book, I think. I can tell
we’ll hear lots about her for many years to come. Her style is
reminiscent of Jane Austen with a dash of Stephanie Myers.
Shrilugh is a rollicking adventure
story, yet the author has a firm grasp on the emotional turmoil
brought on when life insists you leave childhood behind and grow up.
I found it fascinating to watch as Ayden struggles with releasing a
past she can never re-gain and facing a future that terrifies her. If
you like the Twilight series you will love this too.
I have only one small complaint about
Shrilugh. The ending gave no relief, not even a small respite for
Ayden. We know going in this is part one of a trilogy, but in the
style of Tolkien, the story just cuts off leaving you hanging. I much
prefer a J.K.Rowling style where you get some solution at the end of
each book. Having said that, Shrilugh is a real page turner and I
will be purchasing the next two installments as soon as they hit the
e-shops.
I give Shrilugh four stars out of five.
Great work Myndi. Well done.
Book Review, Phoenix Child
It’s book review time again; this time I will tell you about Phoenix Child by Alica McKenna Johnson. This is your classic going through the changes teenage story with a couple of delightful twists. The book carries us along with the heroine as she works her way through the usual teenage changes plus a whole lot more.
Short Story Review
Short Story Review: New York Story: Saying Goodbye to Ayn Rand, March 8th, 1982
Normally I don't review short stories, but this one is an exceptional piece of work. Let’s take a walk down memory Lane with S.J.Driscoll. This is only a short story, but well worth a review, for it will introduce the reader to the writing of Sally Driscoll. The story brings us the author’s reaction to the death of Ayn Rand. The blurb for the story reads as follows.
“One moonlit winter's night thirty years ago, I stepped out of my everyday life to attend Ayn Rand's wake. In this brief memoir, I share the sights, sounds and scents of that night, and the choice that her death made so clear.”
Perhaps my reading comprehension isn’t what it was, but the decision wasn’t all that clear to me. Perhaps if I was an American and more familiar with Ayn Rand’s work it would be different. Having said that, perhaps I missed the point because I was so immersed in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the event. The author’s writing style immediately grabs you and drops you inside the event. You see through her eyes, feel with her emotions, and experience the full impact of the event with her. I actually read it twice just for the sensory experience.
I don’t know anything about Ayn Rand, but I do know that SJDriscoll is an author to follow and enjoy. Folks, this is a wonderful read. Five stars, no question.
Book Review. Rojuun
It is time for another book review and this time I want to tell you about Rojuun by John H. Carroll. I quite enjoyed this little flight of fantasy. Rojuun is John first book, and also the first in a three part series. John is a natural storyteller, and sets up an interesting cast of characters. There is the rogue thief, the ghost of a long dead knight, the dragon in human form, and the naive country girl with a serious talent for magic.
John sends this unlikely troupe out into a magical forest filled with druids, abandoned cities, castles, and underground cities built by alien creatures. This is a rollicking good tale with dangers lurking around every corner for our adventurers. Great fun.
You can find Rojuun here:
The only rough spots here are the unpronounceable names and occasionally a little too much description, but these things are minor. I give this five stars for a debut novel. A nice fun read.
Book Review: A Breath of Hope
Hi folks, it’s time for another book review. This time I
want to tell you about A Breath of Hope by Robert E. Taylor. I really like
reading the work of new authors. Sometimes you find a real gem, and this book
is one of those. The hero, Hamilton, is a rather practical man, but a man with
limited patience. He’s a likeable fellow in spite of himself. Against his
better judgement, he accepts a post as chief of security on a long range space
ship.
Hamilton recruits a crew of two, a professional thief and a
battle scarred mercenary. Together they try to solve the mysteries and intrigue
aboard the ship. It is not an easy task and it keeps you guessing right up to
the end. This is a great story and these
characters cry out for more action. Is there a sequel in the works? I hope
there is. Really good stories deserve
five stars and A Breath of Hope gets them.
Hi folks, it’s time for another book review. This time I
want to tell you about A Breath of Hope by Robert E. Taylor. I really like
reading the work of new authors. Sometimes you find a real gem, and this book
is one of those. The hero, Hamilton, is a rather practical man, but a man with
limited patience. He’s a likeable fellow in spite of himself. Against his
better judgement, he accepts a post as chief of security on a long range space
ship.
Hamilton recruits a crew of two, a professional thief and a
battle scarred mercenary. Together they try to solve the mysteries and intrigue
aboard the ship. It is not an easy task and it keeps you guessing right up to
the end. This is a great story and these
characters cry out for more action. Is there a sequel in the works? I hope
there is. Really good stories deserve
five stars and A Breath of Hope gets them.
Book review, Keeper
Hey folks, it’s time for another book review. This time I
read Keeper by Kristine Williams. I quite enjoyed Keeper. The author has come
up with a new twist on an old theme. I also love sci-fi and this is good
sci-fi.
There was one plot problem that continued to bother me right
up until near the end when it was all tied together neatly and made perfect
sense. Whew! Keeper has action, suspense, and mystery enough to keep anybody
reading through to the end. Also, the
constant attempts of the two main characters to understand each other, and
themselves, provides endless entertainment. Here’s where to find it.
The one real problem I had with this book was the occasional
difficulty in knowing which character was speaking. The odd “he said / she
said” would have been helpful. Having said that, I am looking forward to
further adventures of Alex and Evan.
I give this book four stars out of five. Happy reading.
Book Review: Stone Relics
The latest book I have finished is Stone Relics by Katy Walters. This is another author’s first effort. I continue to be thrilled and amazed at the richness and scope of story conceived by new authors and Katy Walters is no exception. This is a rollicking good story that will hold your interest from beginning to end. The book does carry an adult warning.
There are a few issues to be aware of; the main characters need a bit more development earlier on. Also, the author can get a bit bogged down in repetitive police procedures, obviously a subject she knows well. Please do not let this stop you from reading this book. It is a great story with plenty of baffling twists and turns to the plot. It does hold up well, and I confess, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to further adventures of Ben and Lucy. Katy Walters is an author to keep an eye on; she is a spinner of fine tales. I’m giving this one four stars.
Book Review: Gorinthians
Recently I ready Gorinthians by Justin Mitchell. I waited a
few days before writing this as I wanted to let it settle in my mind a bit.
There are a few small issues with writing style, but these are completely
inconsequential. It is the story that grabs you and holds your attention. Justin
makes you imagination work to keep up. Throughout this tale he explores many
varied concepts that have intrigued me for years. Science is now beginning to
believe that many of these things are possible.
The story of Gorinthians is a sweeping tale that will easily
carry over into a full series. Fans of Robert Jordan should feel right at home
with Gorinthians. It will leave you (like me) waiting for the next installment.
So, sit back, relax and journey across multiple universes into strange and
wondrous worlds. Gorinthians is a perfect escape from the day to day grind.
Well done, Justin.
Book Review: Karma's a Bitch
I just finished reading Karma’s a Bitch by Shannon Esposito
and couldn’t wait to tell you all about it. I get excited when I get a chance
to read a new author’s work, for I am often surprised and delighted with the
work. Karma is no exception. Shannon is a fine storyteller, and has a world of
potential. Her style is easy to read, flows nicely, and her characters are
great.
Darwin is truly a girl after my own heart. An innocent soul
lost in a reality she doesn’t truly understand, Darwin never-the-less manages
to survive and thrive, drawing a unique cast of characters to her side.
Karma reminds me of a powerlifter I used to know, big,
strong, loyal, and all too often underestimated. When Darwin and Karma team up
to solve a mystery nobody wants solved, they are unstoppable. Their sheer
determination will force the issue to reveal itself.
This book is a delightful little mystery, with an engaging
cast of characters, holds a number of twists and turns, and a surprise ending.
I thought I had the crime figured out, but nope, surprise ending.
Karma’s a Bitch truly left me wanting more adventures from
these characters. How about it Shannon, any chances?
Book Review: Carley's Conspiracy
Hi folks, 2012 is upon us, like it or not. As I have said
before, this year I want to read and review the work of new authors, preferably
their early efforts. Through these reviews I hope to introduce myself, and you,
to some great new writers. So, here we are again with an author’s first effort.
The book is Carly’s Conspiracy by Diane Capri. I have to
say, I truly enjoyed this story. It is a mystery with enough twists and turns
to keep anybody on the edge of their seat. I was within a few pages of the end
and still didn’t know who the murderer was; heck, I wasn’t even sure of the
motive.
Diane’s style is a bit different, her sentences often
clipped, much like one would read in a personal diary. It made her characters
all the more human and easy to identify with. It is obvious that she is quite
familiar with the setting and world of which she writes, making the tale that
much more engaging.
If you like a good whodunit, this book is a sure winner,
especially considering it was a first effort. I can only imagine how great her
stories will be when Diane is more comfortable in her writer’s skin. I predict
great success in her future.
Here’s where to find the book. Read it, you’ll be glad you
did.
Diane, thanks for hours of great entertainment. I give this
one five stars.
Book Review: The Temple
Hi folks, we’re almost at a new year, so it is time to start
something new. Santa (K) gave me a KOBO for Yule so I started my e-reader
career with a book by Heather Adkins. Heather is a relatively new young writer.
This lady has a world of potential. Her book is called The Temple.
When I started reading The Temple two things struck me.
First, the author kept shifting into description which made the story hard to
follow. Second, she has a delightful turn of phrase that made me want to keep
going. By the time I was ten pages in, I was hooked.
The Temple is a story of a young woman leaving home and
country to start a new life. That life comes with new challenges, friends,
lovers, and desires. I won’t spoil the story by telling you about it, but I
will tell you the characters are great and easy to identify with, both
beautiful, perfect, and yet flawed and familiar.
The Temple is an early effort for Heather and it shows great
promise. This young lady is an author to watch, she is destined for great
success. So, without further ado, here’s the book and URL. Check it out, you’ll
be glad you did.
Book
Review: Kissed by Darkness
One of the most
recent books I have read, and by far the most entertaining, is Kissed by
Darkness by Shea MacLeod. (no relation.) (honest!)
To begin, Shea’s
style is intense and active. It reminds
me of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer series. Kissed by Darkness hits the ground
running and doesn’t stop until the end.
Morgan Bailey is
a street wise detective who takes on the cases nobody else wants or dares to
take. A girl with lightning reflexes and superior instincts, Morgan is, none
the less, all too human. Danger haunts
her, exhaustion plagues her, and the supernatural is ever close at hand.
The plot seem
almost predictable, until you get in a chapter or two, then it’s “What the
heck???” Where is she going with
this? Everywhere you don’t expect,
that’s where. There are more than enough
twists and turns of plot here to keep any reader guessing.
My one complaint
is the ending is an obvious set up for the sequel. However, book two in the trilogy is due out
in a few weeks, there’s just enough time to read (or re-read) Kissed by
Darkness before it hits.
Kissed by
Darkness can be found here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70109
Find Shea MacLeod here: http://sheamacleod.wordpress.com/
Or here: http://sheamacleod.wordpress.com/
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