THE HUNTED OF 2060 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 5) by Ami Blackwelder

THE HUNTED OF 2060 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 5)

by Ami Blackwelder

4****

 I received this book through LibraryThing, in return for an honest review.

This is the story of April, told by April herself.

Shortly after April's 19th birthday, she started feeling different. She had bouts of illness and great pains in her whole body. One day while on the University of Alaska campus, she is grabbed and taken to the forest. Here she meets her twin sister, Arquet, and other hybrids. They tell her the truth about her lineage. 

We are to find out a great secret about General Raul. Melissa, Bruce, and Colonel Marn meet April & Arquet. This is the conclusion of the Shifter Evolution Series.

I truly enjoyed this book. It flowed nicely. The story was addicting. I read it in one day. The hybrid characters were likable, and you felt for their plight.

THE HYBRIDS OF 2050 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 4) by Ami Blackwelder

 

THE HYBRIDS OF 2050 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 4)

by Ami Blackwelder

4 ****

This is book 4 of the series.

In this one, we learn more about the relationship between Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder. Two scientists working for the SCM. Melissa's connection and compassion for the shifters and hybrids. Also, we are reintroduced to the hybrids, and given more detail into their lives and personalities.
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.

REVENGE IS BETTER THAN MURDER by Keith Pulver

REVENGE IS BETTER THAN MURDER

by Keith Pulver

2 **

This is a story about professional corruption that comes with power, also a detective/police story.

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.

MUMBLES OF A SOUL: POEMS, PROSE AND THOUGHTS by Toyin Sebastien Ajimati

MUMBLES OF A SOUL: POEMS, PROSE AND THOUGHTS

by Toyin Sebastien Ajimati

3***

I received this book from LibraryThing for free, in exchange for an honest review.

The author has a dark, discouraging view of the world throughout most of these poems, with the exception of the poems about love. The style of writing and the wording feel like a teenager wrote these. 

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

THE SHIFTERS OF 2040 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK #3)

by Ami Blackwelder

3***

I like this series, but I am a bit confused right now. I understand that Ms. Blackwelder wrote the books out of order. This is the first book she wrote, then 4 & 5, then 1 & 2. But the timeline and characters should still coincide with each book. 

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.

THE SCM OF 2030 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 2) by Ami Blackwelder

THE SCM OF 2030 (THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES BOOK 2)

by Ami Blackwelder

3***

Book 2 of the Shifter Evolutions Series helps us to know Captain Carl Raul a bit more. SCM stands for Shifter Counterinsurgency Military. It is run by Captain Raul.

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.

ANCESTOR by Scott Sigler

 

ANCESTOR

by Scott Sigler

4****

While trying to make a human transplant breakthrough, geneticists create a new animal. The "ancestor" to all mammals on earth. The ancestor is not as safe and docile as expected. Add in a psychopath boss who wants anybody involved in the project dead.

It takes a little while for the action to start, but it is non stop once it starts.

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.

THE INVASION OF 2020 (BOOK 1 OF THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES) by Ami Blackwelder

 

THE INVASION OF 2020 (BOOK 1 OF THE SHIFTER EVOLUTION SERIES)

by Ami Blackwelder

4***

This is book 1 of the Shifter Evolution Series.

I received this book from LibraryThing free for an honest review. A couple years ago, Ami sent me about 7 books to review. I'm afraid I have been a little laxed at finishing the reviews, so I will be taking care of that now.

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.

THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN by Glen R. Krisch

THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN

by Glen R. Krisch

5*****

When Kevin Dvorak witnesses his father's murder, he starts having nightmares about "Mr. FreakShow". One of the scariest, ugliest, and most evil thing a ten your old can imagine.

Dr. Maury Bennett has past experience with nightmare creatures, and he has the power to extract them from your mind. So that you are no longer are bothered by them.

What happens when these creatures get released into the waking world? How do you destroy these creatures? And is Maury able to do what needs to be done?

Mr. Kitsch had me on the edge of my seat. I found this book extremely enjoyable and slightly terrifying. He is at a level just below Stephen King with this book.

DEATH OF AN ESCORT (RAY CRUSAFI MYSTERY BOOK 1) by Nathan Pennington

DEATH OF AN ESCORT (RAY CRUSAFI MYSTERY BOOK 1)
by Nathan Pennington
4****

When Kelly Brandt is found dead in a motel room, it is assumed to be suicide. Ray Crusafi is hired by Kelly's daughter Macy because she doesn't believe her mom would kill herself.

Ray speaks with many shady people during his investigation. He feels that everyone could be suspect in Kelly's death.

During the story, we find out that Ray has a secret past. He is not who he pretends to be.

Was it suicide or murder? If murder, who did it? If suicide, why? And just who is Ray Crustafi?

A Good story, it held my interest. And has me wanting to read to next story, just to find out Ray's secrets.

WARRIORS OF THE HEYNAI (JAKE WEST SERIES BOOK #2) by M.J. Webb

WARRIORS OF THE HEYNAI (JAKE WEST SERIES BOOK #2)

by M.J. Webb

4 ****

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. 

KEEPER OF THE STONES (JAKE WEST BOOK #1) by M.J. Webb

 

KEEPER OF THE STONES (JAKE WEST BOOK #1)

by M.J. Webb

4****

When Jake and his best friend, Ben, find a magical box of gemstones in Jake's grandfather's attic; the action begins. Jake and Ben get thrown into a strange world that is in the midst of a war. As the "Keeper of the Stones", Jake is expected to save this world from the evil King Vantrax.

Can Jake and Ben follow the right path to save this world, and possibly their own world?

The two main characters are relatable, likable, and fun. The story is easy to follow and well written. 

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.

THE INHABITANTS OF MAGNOLIA PARK by Tracy James Jones

THE INHABITANTS OF MAGNOLIA PARK

by Tracy James Jones

2**

 I received this book free from Librarything in exchange for an honest review.

The Inhabitants of Magnolia Park is a collection of short stories ( if 2 stories can be called a collection). Although my version had a bonus story included.
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

SPIRITS RISING (SPIRIT CALLER SERIES BOOK #1)

by Krista D. Ball

4****

 Rachel can feel "the other side". So when young Manny O'Toole calls her for help, she can feel the spirits around his house. Manny unknowingly called the Native People and Vikings to this side. And Rachel must figure out how to send them back to their resting places. 

The story is good, the characters are likable, it is well written, and believable. I enjoyed it. 

BAIT FOR THE TIGER by Elizabeth Chater

BAIT FOR THE TIGER

by Elizabeth Chater

4****

 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

ZAN (SPIRITDELL BOOK #1)

by Dalya Moon

3***

Zan can tell a girl's future when she pokes him in the belly button. When he meets Austin, he immediately falls in love with her. Zan can't see her future.
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. 

note added 1/18/2025

[AKA POKE: THE NAME WAS LATER CHANGED]

THE LORN TREE ( ARBOREGAL BOOK #1) by Dumitru Sandru

 

THE LORN TREE ( ARBOREGAL BOOK #1)

by Dumitru Sandru

3***

Hellferata - Medusa's bodyless soul still lives

Dracu Mort - Hellferatu's son to a goat.

The Lorns - people who live in a tree because "monsters" roam the ground on foggy nights

Michele - "The girl with the golden hair' - prophecy says she will destroy Hellferatu

Melissa, Nathan, and Perry - Michele's sister and friends. They were all transported to another universe.

Concept is interesting and all the elements are there for a good story (if you like mythology and alternate universe stories like I do). But something is missing for me. It drags a little and needs more excitement. Hopefully book 2 in the series steps it up and grabs my attention more.

This is a good read for preteens.

LINKED by Lisa Alden

LINKED
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.

TEN BIG ONES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #10) by Janet Evanovich

 

TEN BIG ONES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #10)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Stephanie and Lulu witness a robbery. Somehow (we won't blame Lulu) the perps getaway bike is damaged, and then another one of Stephanie's cars catch fire. When Stephanie sees the robbers face, she gets tangled up with a gang called the Comstock Street Slayers. And becomes the target for a hired hitman named Junkman.

She must also try to get Carol Cantell to court. She was arrested for holding up a Frito Lay truck and stealing all the chips.

Sally Sweet is back. Along with Joe Morelli, Ranger, Connie, Grandma Mazur and the rest of the family. Plus a new family member.

TO THE NINES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #9) by Janet Evanovich

 

TO THE NINES (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #9)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Vinnie writes a Visa Bond for Samuel Singh. He has 3 months and then must return to his own country. But Mr. Singh disappears and Stephanie must find out why and where. 

This one takes us out of Trenton - to Vegas. Along with Lulu and Connie, Stephanie tracks her fugitive and tears up Vegas, and Ranger's men. 

Stephanie also has to deal with a situation with Morelli and Terry Gilman (an ex-girlfriend of Joe's). And Joe's Grandma Bella prophesies of Stephanie's death. And find a missing dog.

So funny that I couldn't bear to put it down.

HARD EIGHT (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #8) by Janet Evanovich

HARD EIGHT (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #8)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

When a neighbor asks for Stephanie's help, she of course agrees. Once again only to get in way over her head. 

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. 

Stephanie may not be very smart or good at the job, but she does get lucky. She also has a no quit attitude. She goes the long difficult route but somehow comes out on top.

SEVEN UP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #7) by Janet Evanovich

 

SEVEN UP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #7)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Our favorite bounty hunter is back.

At the end of Hot Six, Stephanie found a body in Eddie DeCooch's shed. Eddie is a semi retired mobster, elderly, crazy, and just happens to be dating Grandma Mazur. With a murder charge, Eddie goes FTA. Stephanie is charged with locating him and bringing him back for trial. With a marriage proposal from Joe and a sex involving deal with Ranger, Stephanie finds it hard to concentrate on the job.

Full of fun and excitement. so very entertaining.

HOT SIX (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #6) by Janet Evanovich

HOT SIX (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #6)

by Janet Evanovich

5 stars

This series is so much fun to read. I laughed out loud many times.

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

HIGH FIVE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #5)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

 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

 

FOUR TO SCORE (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #4)

by Janet Evanovich

5 ****

Hide your cars, grandmas, and lock your apartment, Stephanie Plum is back in Four To Score.

On the hunt for Maxine Nowicki, a waitress who skipped out on bail over auto theft. Should be quick and easy to find her and take her in. But with Stephanie Plum and her crew of misfits, things are never easy.

Once again we are joined by Grandma Mazur, Lulu, Ranger, and Joe Morelli. And now add in a transvestite named Sally Sweet. 

People get their fingers cut off and the head partially scalped. This is much more than just a simple woman stealing her boyfriend's car because she is mad at him.

The story is interesting. I was totally engaged. And of course the hilarity ensues as only Ms. Evanovich can do.

THREE TO GET DEADLY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #3) by Janet Evanovich

 

THREE TO GET DEADLY (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #3)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Book 3 of the Plum Series

Stephanie, Joe, Ranger, and Grandma are at it again. Along with Lula, an ex-hooker who wants to be a bounty hunter. This time hunting down an old man named Mo, who owns the neighborhood ice cream shop. No problem, right? Have you read a Stephanie Plum novel? There is always a problem.

Mo was simple charge with carrying a concealed weapon, but then it becomes so much more. Everyone in town is against Stephanie for messing with Mo. And Mo has more fight than would have been expected. Enter a few dead drug dealers and let the craziness begin.

TWO FOR THE DOUGH (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #2) by Janet Evanovich

 

TWO FOR THE DOUGH (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK #2)

by Janet Evanovich

5*****

Book 2 of the Plum Series is not disappointing. We get the excitement, sexiness, and humor that we expect from Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum.

Stephanie is on the hunt for Kenny Mascuso. He just shot his best friend, skipped on bail, and happens to be Joe Morelli's cousin. Stephanie and Morelli have hard vibes that never seem to be able to deny or accept.

With help from Ranger (a superman style bounty hunter) and Grandma Mazur (who is addicted to funeral homes), Stephanie can't help but to find her prey. Then let him get away, again and again. 

Wonderful fun and super quick read.

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.

DEPTH OF FOCUS: THE STANZAS AND A NOVEL by Kenya D Williamson

 

DEPTH OF FOCUS: THE STANZAS AND A NOVEL

by Kenya D Williamson

2 **

I received this book free for an honest review.

The story was good. A little slow but sort of interesting. 

After growing up in a hard family environment, Danni left home and tried to find herself and have a life of her own. She is very closed off emotionally, until Grace and Joe come into her life.

 

I wasn't a fan of the writing style. The book was 397 pages long, but the story was only 190 pages. It was written twice. Once as a poem and again as an actual story.

INSOMNIA by Stephen King

INSOMNIA

by Stephen King

5 stars

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.

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.

HEARTS AFLAME (HAARDRAD FAMILY SERIES BOOK 2) by Johanna Lindsey

 

HEARTS AFLAME (HAARDRAD FAMILY SERIES BOOK 2) 

by Johanna Lindsey  

5 stars

She writes such enjoyable stories. You feel connected to her characters, and want to know what happens after the story has ended. (Luckily, most of her stories have more books in the series to update you.)

Kristen Haardrad, a beautiful Viking maiden, wants love, but not from anyone in her homeland. She wants adventure and romance like her mother, Brenna.

Royce of Wyndhurst lost his family and beloved in a Viking raid. So her hates so Vikings. Or does he? Kristen enters his life, and shortly thereafter also his soul.

WHEN LOVE AWAITS by Johanna Lindsey

 

WHEN LOVE AWAITS

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Great Tale. Another 5 star for Johanna. 

Lady Leonie is forced to marry her feared neighbor "The Black Wolf". 

Rolfe D'Ambert is plagued by his neighbor and her people. So he decides to marry to stop the harassment.

Neither of them can resist the pull they have between them.

LOVE ONLY ONCE (MALLORY FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1) by Johanna Lindsey

LOVE ONLY ONCE (MALLORY FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1)

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Regina Ashton is looking for a husband. But he must be accepted by her 4 domineering uncles.

When Nickolas Eden kidnaps her by mistake, she sees this as the answer to her problem.

The Mallory Family Series is one of my favorites (with 12 books). 

A HEART SO WILD (STRATON FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1) by Johanna Lindsey

     

 A HEART SO WILD (STRATON FAMILY SERIES BOOK #1)

by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Courtney lives through an Indian attack, and is stranded in the town of Rockney with her stepmother. Believing her father dead, she is surprised to see a photo in a newspaper that looks like him.

Chandos is a gunfighter on a mission. But he has ties with Courtney that he just can't break.

SKELETON CREW: STORIES BY STEPHEN KING by Stephen King

SKELETON CREW: STORIES BY STEPHEN KING

by Stephen King

5 stars

 Stephen King outdid himself with this compilation of stories. The Mist, The Raft, and Mrs. Todd's Shortcut had me riveted. Word Processor of the Gods creates the type of power we all wish we could have at times. (added things to  life or deleted them from existence). Beach World and The Jaunt were probably my least favorite, but that doesn't mean they weren't good.

NAKED HEAT (NIKKI HEAT BOOK 2) by Richard Castle

NAKED HEAT (NIKKI HEAT BOOK 2)
by Richard Castle
4 stars

In collaboration with the ABC series "Castle".

When Jamison Rook, famous author, gets involved in a murder of a gossip columnist, he is once again teamed up with NYPD Detective Nikki Heat.
As the case progresses, so does the romance between these two past lovers.
Just when you think you know how the case will end and whodunit., the final twist is set.

Enjoyable, funny, and easy to read. Relaxing.

THE YEAR'S FINEST FANTASY 1978 by Various Authors

THE YEAR'S FINEST FANTASY 1978

by Various Authors

Edited by Terri Carr
3 stars

There are 10 stories in this book. Many are worth the couple of minutes they take to read. A few are disappointing. A couple are memorable and stick with you long after reading them.

My favorites are:
The Cat From Hell (Stephen King) - of course anything from King is memorable. I am a cat lover, so                                                           this was great. A cat gets revenge for wrongs done to his kind.
 
Jeffty Is Five (Harlan Ellison) - The story of a boy who refuses to grow up, literally. Interesting tale                                                     of the supernatural, mind over matter and time. Ended by stupidity of another.

Growing Boys (Robert Aickman) - 2 young mischievous boys? 2 boys without parental structure? 2                                                            monsters? You decide!!

My least favorites are:
Black As The Pit, From Pole To Pole (Steven Utley and Howard Waldrop) - Too long, didn't hold my                                                       interest. The senseless journey of Frankenstein's monster.

Manatee Gal Ain't You Coming Out Tonight (Auram Davidson) - Boring, uninteresting. I couldn't                                                   take the lousy Jamaican accent that was supposed to be portrayed.

I would be remise if I didn't mention Probability Storm by Julian Reed. The story of a disembodied gentleman in a bar. The tale is weird and confusing, but interesting and likable.

THE TALISMAN (THE TALISMAN SERIES BOOK 1) by Stephen King and Peter Straub

THE TALISMAN (THE TALISMAN SERIES BOOK 1)
by Stephen King and Peter Straub
4 STARS

Jack Sawyer is on a quest to save his mother's life. The journey will take him through two worlds, many dangers, and test his heart and grit to survive.
Jack will meet friends and enemies, old and new.
Is he destined to complete the task, or will his Uncle Morgan Sloat/Morgan of Orris along with Sunlight Gardner/Osmond end Jack's and his mother's lives.

Sometimes hard to follow, but worth every second.

PET SEMETARY by Stephen King

PET SEMETARY
by Stephen King
4 stars

The death and resurrection of the family cat leads to other deaths in the story of the supernatural.
Dr. Louis Creed and his family move into a new home, which is next to a road busy with semi truck traffic.
First his daughter's cat is run over and then his toddler son.
Once Louis is shown a way to bring back the cat, how can he resist resurrecting his son? Even though he realizes it really wasn't the cat the came back.

CHRISTINE By Stephen King

CHRISTINE
By Stephen King
4 stars



Lonely boy, picked on in high school, controlled by parents.

Arnie finds love, acceptance, and power with his new car. He is also protected by this cursed car.

I like the story, but it just didn't grab me the way it did years ago. It seemed to drag along for too long and was very repetitive for the first half of the book. But once Christine got rolling and the action really began, it was great.

SHADOWS 4 by Various Authors

SHADOWS 4

by Various Authors
Edited by Charles L. Grant
3 stars

Collection of 17 short stories. Most are less than 20 pages, one is 45 pages. Most of them are so short there is no time to grasp the meat of the tale, it is all set up.

I liked The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands, Hearing is Believing, and Need. I did not care for Threshold, Echoes From a Darkened Stone, or Waiting For a Knight.

DIFFERENT SEASONS by Stephen King

DIFFERENT SEASONS
by Stephen King
5 stars

There are 4 stories within these covers. All are within 100 - 200 pages, which gives you enough to sink your teeth into and enjoy the taste. None of these stories are horror driven, they are more suspenseful.
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption - Condemned for the murder of his wife and her lover, Andy Defresne is serving a life sentence in one of the country's hardest prisons. Day to day life now includes rape, helping guards and the warden cheat the system, and hope for freedom.
After 27 years, Andy gets his freedom. The how is as exciting and unexpected as the rest of the story.
Shawshank Redemption was made into a movie.

The Apt Pupil - When a 13 year old boy discovers a Nazi war criminal living in his neighborhood, he blackmails him into telling about the war, the camps, and all the horrible things he has done.
Partway through you begin to wonder who is worse, the Nazi or the young boy. Both begin to have nightmares over the stories.
The Apt Pupil was made into a movie.
The Body - 4 boys go on a trek to see and claim fame over a dead body. The journey is filled with more adventure than any of them expected.
The Body was made into a movie called Stand By Me.
The Breathing Method - An unwed mother is determined to have her baby, despite public opinion and other issues. There is a supernatural element to this one.

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF by Stephen King

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF
by Stephen King
4 stars

This is a very short story about 1 hr to read. Book is 127 pages with plenty of pictures, so maybe 50 reading pages.
Small town is terrified by a werewolf for 1 yr. Each month is it's own chapter with 2 to 4 pages. This is for a 10 to 13 year old just getting interested in this kind of thing. Hero may be surprising, villain isn't. By chapter 6 June, you should have figured it out.

STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja

 STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz
DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja
3 stars

This is a two story book. You read one then flip to read the other. Both are 127 pages and take about 2 hrs or less to read.

STAR QUEST by Dean Koontz

3 stars

Space & time travel, alternate universes, mutants, bodiless brains - everything a young boy likes. This obviously wasn't my thing. But it wasn't a horrible book if it is what you like.
Tohm awakes to find his body gone and replaced by a machine. He produces a new body for himself and goes in search of his love, Tarnilee. He finds adventure and love, just not where or how he imagined.

DOOM OF THE GREEN PLANET by Emil Petaja

3 stars

The only reason I read this is because it came with the Koontz book. I never heard of Emil Petaja before.

Another book for young boys, but it was interesting and held my attention. Characters are well written and somewhat likable. Plot is simple.
Shalda was my main problem. She was a smart girl and trained fighter. Yet when she meets a stranger from the sky, it takes no prodding or time for her to tell everything there is about her planet, the people, and the situation there.

THE GUNSLINGER (THE DARK TOWER SERIES BOOK #1) by Stephen King

THE GUNSLINGER (THE DARK TOWER SERIES BOOK #1)
by Stephen King
4 stars


After a hard childhood being trained to be a gunslinger who feels nothing, Roland is on a quest to find the man in black and the Tower. He meets a young boy, and begins to feel for him. And remembers snippets of his past.
This story didn't seem to be my kind of thing at first. I'm not really into westerns. But it drew me in.
It's a mix between western, futuristic, and apocalyptic and fairy tale. Roland is an enigma whom we only see slightly into his mind and intentions. He is not a likable fellow for a hero, yet you begin to feel for him as the story unfolds.
This is book 1 of the series. Each book helps to understand Roland, his past, and his feelings (including regrets) and intentions.

CUJO by Stephen King

CUJO
by Stephen King
5 stars


Cujo, a 200 lb. Saint Bernard, is bitten by a bat and becomes rabid.
Although the story seems to be about a rabid dog causing terror and mayhem, it is really more about the family dynamic of the Trentons and the Cambers.
How will Vic Trenton deal with his wife's Infidelity? What about 4 year old Tad's fear of the monster in his closet?
How can Charity Camber help to direct her son Brett's life into a direction other than what his father has planned?
This is one of King's scariest books because it can happen. It isn't an imagined ghost or monster. At any time your own pet can contract rabies and turn on you.
This is more frightening to read about if you can place yourself into the situation.

FIRESTARTER by Stephen King

FIRESTARTER
by Stephen King
5 stars


This is one of my favorites. When Andy McGee decided to be part of a "Safe" experiment for $200 in college, He had no idea what his life would become.
Charlie McGee is a 7 year old girl with a power she can't control. This power has the potential to end the world or Charlie herself.
All characters are so well written that you either love or hate them with a passion. The plot is intriguing, and the story holds your interest the entire way through.
Charlie McGee is a character I would love to see again.

NIGHT SHIFT by Stephen King

NIGHT SHIFT
by Stephen King
4 stars

This is a compilation of short stories ranging from 6 to 34 pages. Jerusalem's Lot, Children of the Corn, and Sometimes They Come Back are the three longest. Many of these of been turned into full length movies.
I was not a fan of "I Am The Doorway", "The Boogeyman", or "The Mangler"
My favorites were "The Ledge", "Children of the Corn", and "The Man With Flowers".

THE STAND (THE COMPLETE AND UNCUT VERSION) by Stephen King 1990

THE STAND (THE COMPLETE AND UNCUT VERSION)
by Stephen King 1990
5 stars


Original written in 1978, King was asked to drastically edit the novel. The publisher felt 1100 pages was too intimidating to the readers. So it was released with about 820 pages (400 cut out).  I have read both versions of this book and find that the extra pages and little to the story. There is a new beginning which helps to set the stage, a few parts in the middle which do little for the book, and an extra chapter at the end to let the reader know where Fran and Stu have ended up.
In the first quarter of the novel, we are introduced to some of the main players. (Stu Redman, Harold Lauder, Fran Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, And Nick Andros) We are given a little feel for how their lives were before the flu hits the country.
Once the flu hits, we feel their worlds change. Many people die from the flu, some from after effects (such as the elderly or children with no one to care for them), and a few are immune. This is the ultimate story of good vs evil, God vs Devil.
Randall Flagg is the dark man, the walking dude, the devil himself. Mother Abigail is an angel on earth, the positive image of all good and holy. Many survivors travel to met one or the other of these figures after seeing both in their dreams.
This is a long book. It took me a month to read. But it is really worth it.