This is a place for book reviews from an avid reader of all genres. You will find familiar names plus some unknown authors here.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
A HEART IN SUN AND SHADOW (CYMRU-THAT-WAS BOOK 1) by Annie Bellet
Monday, December 26, 2022
A PALE BOX ON A DISTANT SHORE (A RED KINGDOM NOVELLA) by PJ Nwosu
Thursday, December 15, 2022
HEAD LIKE A HOLE by Andrew Van Wey
When Louis Harding finds a woman's head in his crab pot, he has no idea the hell he is about to unleash. Until she opens her eyes and he is bewitched.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
IT"S TIME: WRITING ON THE WALL by Pavel Kostin
This is the story of Max. We first meet Max sitting on the edge of a roof, contemplating suicide. Lady F appears to talk to him. It isn't clear who or what Lady F is: a hallucination, a guardian angel, a ghost. She seems to magically appear when Max needs her. She gives him some cryptic advice that always help him, if he can decipher it.
His friend Viktor is a photographer. His friends Mutt, Linda, Torte, and Tanya are all street artists. They have some very philosophical and thought-provoking conversations.
It seems that the story is about nothing inparticular until about the last 200 pages. That is when things come together. And if you look back you realize that everything was leading you to this conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to everyone.
Monday, November 21, 2022
THE HUNTED OF 2060 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 5) by Ami Blackwelder
This is the story of April, told by April herself.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
THE HYBRIDS OF 2050 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 4) by Ami Blackwelder
We see that Clay and Claire are the only two Alaskan shifters left, but there are many shifter/human hybrid children. The oldest are now 20 years old and ready to go on their own to start families. General Raul and Corporal Lane continue to manipulate and disgust everyone involved. Uri is back, he is a shifter sympathizer now. His reason isn't at all surprising.
I enjoyed this book. It flowed nicely with the last book. There was a good bit of action.
I would recommend the series to anyone who likes alien or military stories. Or enjoys a story which causes compassion in your own soul. You will find yourself rooting for the shifter family and hating the military and General Raul.
Friday, November 11, 2022
REVENGE IS BETTER THAN MURDER by Keith Pulver
Dr. Emerson Noble is a well-respected and excellent surgeon. One slight mistake in surgery and he loses his practice. The insurance investigators use their power and influence to destroy the good doctor. A few years later, Dr. Noble wants revenge. He sets out to destroy their careers and lives. He hires a private detective agency to locate and dig up as much dirt on these people as possible. This is done by illegal means (breaking into hotel rooms; hacking into security systems, phones and computers).
When another doctor is murdered on her way to see Dr. Noble, Scotland Yard gets involved. The detectives piggyback off of the illegal hacks to watch their suspects. And allow them to remain free to kill again.
This could have been a really good book, except for the fact of the police being fools. People are killed right in front of them, and they don't even realize what is going on. Also, maybe the author should research crime scenes and details about blood spatter and such things. When somebody is stabbed repeatedly while in bed and then dismembered, you will need to do a lot more to hide the crime than just change and wash the sheet. The mattress would be soaked, and there would be blood spray all over the walls and ceiling. I also didn't feel that I needed so much past history on All the characters. I don't need to know where someone was born, where they went to school, and who their first girlfriend was only for that person to be killed 2 pages later.
Would I recommend this book to anyone? Maybe: I think the plot is not bad. Just be warned there is a lot of detail issues.
Sunday, October 30, 2022
MUMBLES OF A SOUL: POEMS, PROSE AND THOUGHTS by Toyin Sebastien Ajimati
The author stated in his note to readers that racism, skin color, drug abuse, violence, and sexual content are subjects that he touches on. This is a world I don't really know, since I never dealt with these issues. Maybe someone who has will connect to the poems a bit more than I did.
Some poems seem unfinished (examples: "Are You That Type?" page 22 & "Body Safe" page 27). Some have the wrong word tense and take you away from feeling the poem (examples: "Evaporated Energy" page 40 - we are creating and then cremated & "Vernacular Vines" page 86 - what is they poison). Some are too short (examples: "Are You That Type?" 4 lines, "Body Safe" 4 lines, "Chapters of Self" 3 lines, & "Fowl Beauty" 3 lines).
There are a couple of poems that are the same with a different title. "Revolving Thoughts" page 70 and "Gambling Thoughts" page 45 are exactly the same. Then "The Mind Tray" page 82 and "Cortex Caption" page 33 are the same at the beginning, then one line is added to "Cortex Caption"
I like a couple of poems "A Blind of Reality", "Daunting Realities", and "Heart-Humper" are a few of them. "Cries of Ships" was deep and touched my soul.
All in All, I thought the poems were ok. It was a decent and quick read. Only 90 pages and none of the poems were too long.
THE SHIFTERS OF 2040 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK #3) by Ami Blackwelder
First example: In book 1, Kyle was one of the original shifters. He followed a human named Uri to Russia, in hopes of making friends and helping his kind survive. But in this book, Kyle originally landed in Russia and came to Alaska to hide. (No mention of Uri).
Second Example: The Stanger was a hybrid in book 2 raised by the shifter clan including Joelle, Brendan, Gin, and Clay. Now in this book when Brendan runs into The Stanger, he doesn't know who he is. Plus the books have all mentioned that the shifters know one of their own by scent.
Also when humans have babies to the shifters, they don't seem fazed by the quickly maturing children. Melanie's babies are one day old. She goes into the room and they look at her and smile. Then she puts them on the floor and watches them play. (One day old babies do nothing but eat, sleep, poop, and cry.)
Overall, I recommend reading this book (the whole series actually). It is very interesting and action packed. You root for the shifters to survive. Your heart hurts when one is hurt or killed. And I personally would like to blow up the SCM with Raul inside.
If you can ignore or overlook the slight inconsistencies and issues that I mentioned, then you will like this book.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
THE SCM OF 2030 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 2) by Ami Blackwelder
What he is like as a military captain/general and what he is like as a man? Can he love someone more than his career?
We are also introduced to the group of hybrids. They are not children of ages 9 or 10. Each has a personality and challenges of their own. They are in need of adventure.
I do like this series, even with the few flaws I find in the storyline. I wasn't as interesting as book 1.
And where is Uri Petrov (human) and Cloud Light/Kyle (shifter)? I thought their friendship would have a bigger part to play.
Sunday, October 16, 2022
ANCESTOR by Scott Sigler
I listened to this book on audiobook read by Scott Sigler himself. He used a different voice/accent for each character, and really lets you see their personalities.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
THE INVASION OF 2020 (BOOK 1 OF THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES) by Ami Blackwelder
This is book 1 of the Shifter Evolution Series.
When alien beings made of light photons come to earth, they are seen by many people in many countries. This book concentrates on the group that landed in Alaska.
All the "shifters want to do is live here in peace because their planet is no longer habitable. Of course that is impossible. The US military tries to hunt them, kill them and experiment on them. One man makes friends with a shifter, despite his anger and fear.
The story is good. Although there are times that are contradictory. When aliens arrive one makes a statement "Let's head to the forest on the other side of the lake." Later when speaking of the lake "What is this substance? We've never seen it's like before."
The alien names are not very imaginative: a purple strobe is "Purple Hue", a golden strobe is "Golden Beam", a silver strobe is "Silver Tip".
I did enjoy the book despite these issues. I will be reading the rest of the series. I believe there are 6 books.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN by Glen R. Krisch
Thursday, September 22, 2022
DEATH OF AN ESCORT (RAY CRUSAFI MYSTERY BOOK 1) by Nathan Pennington
WARRIORS OF THE HEYNAI (JAKE WEST SERIES BOOK #2) by M.J. Webb
Jake returns to Estia to save Ben's life and to continue to fight the evil forces of Vantrex. He must go on a quest to restore the stones, with the help of Verustus, Tien, Ben and a few new friends. He meets the Heynai, they are the great spirits of the world. They are like God, but with limitations. They can use their powers to help, then need to rest and recuperate.
The teenagers (Jake, Ben and Zephany) are the heroes in this book. Their lives are put in peril over and over. And they continue to take the next task on like it is no big deal that they almost died.
I really enjoy this series and will be reading the last book soon.
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
KEEPER OF THE STONES (JAKE WEST BOOK #1) by M.J. Webb
Part 1 of 3: must be read in order. These are not stand alone books.
CAUTION: Parental discretion, this story has violence, death, and some swear words.
Suggested for 12 and over.
Saturday, September 3, 2022
THE INHABITANTS OF MAGNOLIA PARK by Tracy James Jones
I found the stories to be boring and nonsensical. The dialogue in "Peyton's Playmate" was juvenile to say the least, for 2 people who were supposed to be great at sexual games.
I enjoyed "Paper Images" a little more. This story had promise. With a bit of tweaking it could become something.
The bonus story "The Crush" wasn't worth the 2 minutes it took to read it.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
SPIRITS RISING (SPIRIT CALLER SERIES BOOK #1) by Krista D. Ball
BAIT FOR THE TIGER by Elizabeth Chater
Two FBI agents disappear while investigating possible alien activity in Wyoming.
The BIEP (Bureau for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Phenomena) get involved along with Valentine Norton, the wife of Phil Norton, the second agent to vanish.
The BIEP team consists of three men. Tem Chester, the leader is a telepath. Steve Abbott, is the tech pro.
And Jones is the muscle.
This is a nice quick story about two hours. It is interesting, a little bit surprising, and fun.
ZAN (SPIRITDELL BOOK #1) by Dalya Moon
While trying to figure out things with Austin, Zen has to avoid an elderly couple who wants his power.
Also try to remember his past, and how it fits into what is happening to him now.
I enjoyed this book, even though the belly button power is a bit weird.
It was interesting, funny, and eventful.
Great read for a teenager. Beware of sexual situations and cuss words.
THE LORN TREE ( ARBOREGAL BOOK #1) by Dumitru Sandru
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
LINKED by Lisa Alden
by Lisa Alden
4****
Andra is having a horrible 14th birthday. She receives a bracelet to help cheer her up, unaware of the true power of the bracelet. Shortly after putting the bracelet on her wrist, Andra finds herself in another world parallel to reality.
After meeting some of the people in this land, and realizing that one of them is a six year old girl missing from reality, Andra's real adventure begins.
I enjoyed this book. It is a sweet book for the teenage reader, and nice light reading for an adult like me. The story line flows easily, and the characters are well thought out. The book brings a few unexpected twists to keep you interested.
I would definitely read a sequel to the story, hopefully on how Andra and Mike help Joel get free from the Seven.
Friday, August 26, 2022
TEN BIG ONES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #10) by Janet Evanovich
TO THE NINES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #9) by Janet Evanovich
HARD EIGHT (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #8) by Janet Evanovich
It's a simple case, find Evelyn Soder and her daughter, Annie. Not as easy as it seems. Stephanie has to deal with mobster, Eddie Abruzzi, who rents to Evelyn. Also Steven Soder, the father of Annie. And believe it or not, Stephanie is being chased by a giant bunny.
She also has to avoid Joe and Ranger, who both want to lock her up to protect her from Abuzzi.
SEVEN UP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #7) by Janet Evanovich
Monday, August 22, 2022
HOT SIX (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #6) by Janet Evanovich
When Homer Ramos is killed and then the building set on fire, Ranger is caught on camera in the vicinity. He
is charged and then he disappeared. Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter extraordinaire, is set out to find him. With Joe Morelli and the rest of the crew, of course.
When grandma can't take the remarks of Stephanie's dad anymore, she moves into Stephanie's apartment. It's great as far as meals, but puts a damper on the rest of Stephanie's life.
While looking for Ranger, Stephanie gets too involved with the Ramos family. Joe can't handle her constantly putting herself in danger. Can their relationship last?
I so recommend these books to everyone who likes to smile.
HIGH FIVE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #5) by Janet Evanovich
When Stephanie's Uncle Fred is missing, her mother recruits Steph to find him.
The usual ragtag bunch are all there to help.
Finding Fred becomes a bit more complicated and dangerous than first expected. And the heat between Joe Morelli and Stephanie become more intense. So does the attraction to Ranger. Stephanie knows he's not a stable person to be in a relationship with, but her body continues to crave him.
See if Stehanie and the gang can find Uncle Fred and solve the case of his disappearance. And see if Stephanie gets her man,or even figure out which one she really wants.
I said it before I love this series. It is hilarious. The characters are all wonderfully created and well developed. The story and plot are executed perfectly.
FOUR TO SCORE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #4) by Janet Evanovich
Saturday, August 20, 2022
THREE TO GET DEADLY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #3) by Janet Evanovich
TWO FOR THE DOUGH (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #2) by Janet Evanovich
Friday, August 19, 2022
ONE FOR THE MONEY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #1) by Janet Evanovich
ONE FOR THE MONEY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #1)
by Janet Evanovich
5*****
Enter Stephanie Plum and her hilarious family and friends.
When Stephanie loses her job at the dept. store, she gets hired by her cousin to work bail bonds enforcement. She is the clumsiest but luckiest bounty hunter you will ever find.
Her mother, grandma, and father bring their own fun side of things. Along with a few friends that Stephanie meets.
In One For The Money, she must hunt down Joe Morelli, a Trenton cop accused of murder. He is a heartthrob who took her virginity when she was 16. And somehow has never left her mind.
I absolutely loved this book. One big belly laugh after another.
Friday, August 12, 2022
DEPTH OF FOCUS: THE STANZAS AND A NOVEL by Kenya D Williamson
Friday, July 22, 2022
INSOMNIA by Stephen King
Insomnia is one of Stephen King's best novels. You are on the edge of your seat waiting for what is to come. I had a hard time putting it down. After Ralph's wife is diagnosed with cancer, he can't sleep the night through. He has what is called premature waking. Every morning he wakes up just a few minutes earlier than the night before. After a couple of months of this (and the death of his wife), he begins to see things. He thinks he is hallucinating. He sees auras and colors everywhere. And then strange little men. He has a mission to accomplish. Along with Lois, the lady down the street, he sets out on his mission. You will have to read the book yourself to find out what the mission is, and if they can do it. I will tell you to pay attention if you are a King fan. He references a few other books in his library. "It" and "The Dark Tower" often, and a mention of Gage from "Pet Sematary". Leave a comment if you notice any others. |
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Sorry! My life has become abit crazy
I know it has been awhile since I placed a review. Sorry! My life has become abit crazy. 2 new grandchildren (a boy and a girl). A new puppy. And trying to find a new home.
I have been reading and keeping a list of books I have read. So soon I will be adding all the reviews. There will be about 20 or 30 coming in the next few weeks.