Dragon's Time by Todd & Anne McCaffrey 5*
BLURB:For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern. Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help. Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor. It's a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history and destiny forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can't be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she's willing to take the fateful chance even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice
My Review: As I mentioned previously I love anything Pern so I was predisposed to enjoy this book. The story is a direct follow on from Dragongirl and I wouldn't recommend reading it as a stand-alone. The Timing gets a little confusing if, like me, you are a fast reader but the logic is there. I look forward to reading Sky Dragons when my husband finishes with it.
Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala 4*
BLURB:Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won't risk letting anyone come too close because he won't risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him. Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam's past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love
My Review: I was sorry that this wasn't a longer story as the author did a wonderful job creating a believable alien culture and physiology. The interaction between the main characters was well written and rang true to how I believe an alien and a human would feel in these circumstances.
Be My Vampire by Myla Jackson 4*
BLURB:Elite Paranormal Investigative Agent Reggie Gallagher hates vampires. After thirteen beautiful women are kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Reggie and her sister set themselves up as bait to catch the kidnappers. The mission goes sour, her sister vanishes and Reggie is surrounded by a rabid pack of vampires only to be rescued by the most desirable vampire Reggie’s ever encountered. Captivated by his incredible magnetism, Reggie can’t deny her body’s response to the vampire’s nearness. When the sexy beast insists on providing protection and assistance in finding the missing women, Reggie can’t refuse. After the woman he loved turned Yuri Kovac into a vampire four hundred years ago, he swore he’d never trust another woman with his heart. Then he saved a sensuous hellcat from a band of vicious vampires only to find himself mesmerized by her curvaceous body, hot temper and fierce love for her family. Together Yuri and Reggie seek Reggie’s missing sister and face down the evil behind the disappearances while fighting their growing attraction for each other.
My Review: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is: I loved the way the story opened straight into action and the way the author wove in all the background on the characters without detracting from what was happening. This was obviously part of a series and I will be looking for Madison's story to find out how she copes with the changes caused at the end of the story.
The Stable Boy by Megan Derr 3*
BLURB:On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory's life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live. But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
My Review: This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction. Another clever m/m twist on a Fairytale. This one was based on The Goose Girl and was very close to that storyline. It was perfect as a sweet, short read.
Salome at Sunrise by Inez Kelley 4*
BLURB:Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him
My Review: The magic of this story is created by the ability of the author to make the reader believe in a living spell. I was pulled into the problems and anguish of Bryton's fight against the evil that took his wife and his guilt at his growing feelings for Salome. By the end of the story I was emotionally drained but happy.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Pern is awesome!
Even when it's Todd and not Anne writing about it.*Is biased about Pern*
Review of Dragongirl by Todd J McCaffrey 4*
BLURB:Young Fiona, rider of the gold queen Talenth, has returned from the past, where she and a group of dragons and riders fled so that the wounded could heal from their previous battles with Thread and the younger dragons could safely grow to fighting age. Gone only three days, yet aged more than three years, Fiona is no longer a child but a woman prepared to fight against the Thread that threatens to destroy her world. Fiona’s life takes a pivotal turn when a shocking tragedy thrusts her into a position of authority. Now she finds herself leading weyrfolk who have a hard time trusting a senior Weyrwoman who is both young and an outsider. But even greater challenges lie ahead: Thread is falling and there are too few dragons to stem the tide. Many have died from the recent plague, and even with the influx of newly mature dragons from the past, the depleted fighting force is no match for the intensifying Threadfall. Fiona knows that something must be done, and what she proposes is daring and next to impossible. But if her plan succeeds, it just might save them all.
My Review: Todd has taken his mother's invention of Pern and her Dragons and brought another exciting episode to life. We meet up with lots of characters from previous Pern books and learn a bit more about timing and the problems of running a Weyr. It's not the best Pern novel but, for someone who can never get enough of Pern, this is a great addition to the bookshelf.
Review of Dragongirl by Todd J McCaffrey 4*
BLURB:Young Fiona, rider of the gold queen Talenth, has returned from the past, where she and a group of dragons and riders fled so that the wounded could heal from their previous battles with Thread and the younger dragons could safely grow to fighting age. Gone only three days, yet aged more than three years, Fiona is no longer a child but a woman prepared to fight against the Thread that threatens to destroy her world. Fiona’s life takes a pivotal turn when a shocking tragedy thrusts her into a position of authority. Now she finds herself leading weyrfolk who have a hard time trusting a senior Weyrwoman who is both young and an outsider. But even greater challenges lie ahead: Thread is falling and there are too few dragons to stem the tide. Many have died from the recent plague, and even with the influx of newly mature dragons from the past, the depleted fighting force is no match for the intensifying Threadfall. Fiona knows that something must be done, and what she proposes is daring and next to impossible. But if her plan succeeds, it just might save them all.
My Review: Todd has taken his mother's invention of Pern and her Dragons and brought another exciting episode to life. We meet up with lots of characters from previous Pern books and learn a bit more about timing and the problems of running a Weyr. It's not the best Pern novel but, for someone who can never get enough of Pern, this is a great addition to the bookshelf.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Reviews of First Visions and Dark Host
First Visions by Heather Topham Wood 4*
BLURB:Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother’s home. Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case. Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can’t control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.
My Review: A psychic story with a very down to earth heroine. I liked that she was not portrayed as a predictive psychic as that made it so different from the normal type of psychic story. The touch of romance and danger added a little spice to it, to make this an enjoyable start to what might be a decent series.
Dark Host by Kim Knox 3*
BLURB:Feline Mosaic, Charis Sur, thought her mission aboard the INS Pagidion would be quick and easy. All she has to do is watch her target and keep him alive until Betelgeuse goes nova.Simple. Until one of the passengers drops dead in front of her. Suddenly everything is not simple. Her life depends on a successful mission and she has to protect her target from whatever killed this man. That throws her into the path of Jason Narak, the one man she never wanted to see again. The man who burned her six months before. Yet, even as her past with Jason hurls her mission, her life into disarray, Charis finds that something is waiting for them aboard the INS Pagidion. It calls itself darkness. And it needs a host
My Review: A strange, yet compelling, story that mostly had me scratching my head in puzzlement. I think I could have done with less ambiguity and confusion even though it was well written and had plenty of action.
BLURB:Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother’s home. Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case. Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can’t control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.
My Review: A psychic story with a very down to earth heroine. I liked that she was not portrayed as a predictive psychic as that made it so different from the normal type of psychic story. The touch of romance and danger added a little spice to it, to make this an enjoyable start to what might be a decent series.
Dark Host by Kim Knox 3*
BLURB:Feline Mosaic, Charis Sur, thought her mission aboard the INS Pagidion would be quick and easy. All she has to do is watch her target and keep him alive until Betelgeuse goes nova.Simple. Until one of the passengers drops dead in front of her. Suddenly everything is not simple. Her life depends on a successful mission and she has to protect her target from whatever killed this man. That throws her into the path of Jason Narak, the one man she never wanted to see again. The man who burned her six months before. Yet, even as her past with Jason hurls her mission, her life into disarray, Charis finds that something is waiting for them aboard the INS Pagidion. It calls itself darkness. And it needs a host
My Review: A strange, yet compelling, story that mostly had me scratching my head in puzzlement. I think I could have done with less ambiguity and confusion even though it was well written and had plenty of action.
Friday, February 08, 2013
New review
Winter Wolf : A Werewolf Romance On Snow by S P Wayne 4*
BLURB:Imagine having almost everything you want: a place of your own, mountains to climb, woods to roam, lakes for swimming, and, above all, privacy. It's Axton's definition of paradise, because a werewolf needs his space and his secrets. He's the resident recluse of a sleepy, far flung town hours away from his cabin in the woods, but there's more than one hidden truth in Axton's life. The lycanthropy's enough to make a hermit out of him, but it's the fact that Axton's gay and closeted that keeps him shy. Friendship--let alone romance--isn't an option. Without a pack for support, Axton has to protect his secrets himself. And that means being careful. All's well in the shapeshifter's life until the day a well meaning human decides to vacation in the cabin next door.
My Review: I really liked how the relationship between Axton & Leander grew slowly but steadily over the time they were together. The end had a pleasant hopeful feel, that also left an opening for more if the author wanted to extend on it, without it actually making it unfinished. Overall I felt warm and happy when I was finished.
BLURB:Imagine having almost everything you want: a place of your own, mountains to climb, woods to roam, lakes for swimming, and, above all, privacy. It's Axton's definition of paradise, because a werewolf needs his space and his secrets. He's the resident recluse of a sleepy, far flung town hours away from his cabin in the woods, but there's more than one hidden truth in Axton's life. The lycanthropy's enough to make a hermit out of him, but it's the fact that Axton's gay and closeted that keeps him shy. Friendship--let alone romance--isn't an option. Without a pack for support, Axton has to protect his secrets himself. And that means being careful. All's well in the shapeshifter's life until the day a well meaning human decides to vacation in the cabin next door.
My Review: I really liked how the relationship between Axton & Leander grew slowly but steadily over the time they were together. The end had a pleasant hopeful feel, that also left an opening for more if the author wanted to extend on it, without it actually making it unfinished. Overall I felt warm and happy when I was finished.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Must slow down my reading?
Don't think so :D
Review of Lt. Leary, Commanding by David Drake 4*
BLURB:Lieutenant Daniel Leary of the Republic of Cinnabar Navy commands the corvette Princess Cecile; his friend Signals Officer Adele Mundy has the latest in spy apparatus and the skill to prowl the most tightly guarded database. All they lack are enemies, and fate is about to supply that in abundance! A hostage uses the Princess Cecile to regain his freedom—and his throne! An ally intrigues with enemies of Cinnabar—knowing the plot can only be safeguarded by destroying the Princess Cecile! A pirate chief joins in a cut-throat battle with a rival—and the Princess Cecile is a pawn! Daniel, Adele, and their crack crew must battle bureaucrats and traitors, the winds of a barren desert and the strains of a voyage never before attempted. If they succeed at every stage, their reward will be the chance to fight another enemy: one which can blow them and a hundred ships like theirs to vapour!
My Review: Another wonderful military adventure by Mr Drake. This one was full of twists and turns and as action packed as I could have hoped for. Mr Leary is becoming as interesting to read about as Honor Harrington or Miles Vorkosigan, my all time favourite heroes of space adventures.
Unlawful by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB:In a world where being gay is unlawful and slavery is legal, two men fight for their lives, for their desires, and for justice. Larke is a corporate lackey with a secret. Brode is a freedom fighter on the run. Each spells trouble for the other, but the passion between them will not be denied, no matter what the risk.
My Review: I received this book from the author in return for an honest review, so here it is:
This is a companion story to His Own Devices but you don't need to have read it to enjoy this story. For such a short story Unlawful was packed full of excellent world building and a very hot storyline. The main couple are fully rounded individuals and the fast relationship actually makes sense within the context of the storyline. It truly deserves all the praise I've read about it.
Review of Lt. Leary, Commanding by David Drake 4*
BLURB:Lieutenant Daniel Leary of the Republic of Cinnabar Navy commands the corvette Princess Cecile; his friend Signals Officer Adele Mundy has the latest in spy apparatus and the skill to prowl the most tightly guarded database. All they lack are enemies, and fate is about to supply that in abundance! A hostage uses the Princess Cecile to regain his freedom—and his throne! An ally intrigues with enemies of Cinnabar—knowing the plot can only be safeguarded by destroying the Princess Cecile! A pirate chief joins in a cut-throat battle with a rival—and the Princess Cecile is a pawn! Daniel, Adele, and their crack crew must battle bureaucrats and traitors, the winds of a barren desert and the strains of a voyage never before attempted. If they succeed at every stage, their reward will be the chance to fight another enemy: one which can blow them and a hundred ships like theirs to vapour!
My Review: Another wonderful military adventure by Mr Drake. This one was full of twists and turns and as action packed as I could have hoped for. Mr Leary is becoming as interesting to read about as Honor Harrington or Miles Vorkosigan, my all time favourite heroes of space adventures.
Unlawful by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB:In a world where being gay is unlawful and slavery is legal, two men fight for their lives, for their desires, and for justice. Larke is a corporate lackey with a secret. Brode is a freedom fighter on the run. Each spells trouble for the other, but the passion between them will not be denied, no matter what the risk.
My Review: I received this book from the author in return for an honest review, so here it is:
This is a companion story to His Own Devices but you don't need to have read it to enjoy this story. For such a short story Unlawful was packed full of excellent world building and a very hot storyline. The main couple are fully rounded individuals and the fast relationship actually makes sense within the context of the storyline. It truly deserves all the praise I've read about it.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
Two great stories by Eden Winters
Review of The Telling by Eden Winters 5*
BLURB:Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, but now, four years later, he's returning, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Engineering student Jay Ortiz attends college in a place where his heritage and orientation aren't widely accepted. While adjusting to new surroundings he found a soldier's picture. During lonely times he confided in the image of the somber young man, giving his heart away to a stranger. Now that stranger is coming home.
My Review: I was surprised at how well the author portrayed the main character's problems with PTSD without detracting from the romance. The way Jay cared for Michael and coped with the flashbacks was done with great sensitivity. Overall this was a story well worth reading.
REview of Night Watch by Eden Winters 5*
BLURB:Javier "Jay" Ortiz had always considered the Fourth of July a time for celebrations, fireworks, and cookouts – that is, until he met Michael Ritter, a US Army veteran traumatized by the horrors of war. For Michael, the Roman candles sound like rockets and the pops and blasts of fireworks mimic rifles and grenades. When bitter memories suck him into the hell of his own mind, can his partner's love bring him back?
My Review: A really sweet add on to the previous story that shows how Jay and Michael survive the trauma of a noisy, flashback inducing, holiday.
BLURB:Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, but now, four years later, he's returning, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Engineering student Jay Ortiz attends college in a place where his heritage and orientation aren't widely accepted. While adjusting to new surroundings he found a soldier's picture. During lonely times he confided in the image of the somber young man, giving his heart away to a stranger. Now that stranger is coming home.
My Review: I was surprised at how well the author portrayed the main character's problems with PTSD without detracting from the romance. The way Jay cared for Michael and coped with the flashbacks was done with great sensitivity. Overall this was a story well worth reading.
REview of Night Watch by Eden Winters 5*
BLURB:Javier "Jay" Ortiz had always considered the Fourth of July a time for celebrations, fireworks, and cookouts – that is, until he met Michael Ritter, a US Army veteran traumatized by the horrors of war. For Michael, the Roman candles sound like rockets and the pops and blasts of fireworks mimic rifles and grenades. When bitter memories suck him into the hell of his own mind, can his partner's love bring him back?
My Review: A really sweet add on to the previous story that shows how Jay and Michael survive the trauma of a noisy, flashback inducing, holiday.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Reviews
Bobbi and the Beast by Selina Qinby 4*
BLURB:Once upon a time, there was a handsome king who trusted no one. He brought many bedmates to his concrete castle overlooking the city, but allowed none to say an entire night, for he believed love was beneath him. Then a vengeful witch placed a curse upon him, turning him into a beast by night. By day people sensed his savageness and turned away from him. Shunned and feared, the king learned the meaning of true loneliness.In the city below lived a beautiful young man named Bobbi who struggled to support his family. Outlaws abducted him and dragged him to a dark forest, but they didn't know someone lurked in the shadows.
That night the beast would kill, an exiled king would fall in love and a curse might be broken.
My Review: I love Beauty & the Beast stories and, for a short m/m tale, this one managed to be both full and truly sweet. My only complaint is that we don't find out more about Shawn.
Eleutherios by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller 5*
BLURB:Godsmere Abbey: once a citadel of hope and learning, now a fallen stronghold reduced to decay and a place of imprisonment for petty criminals on a planet in decline. Friar Julian knows he might at least hear beautiful music once again if the abbey’s organ can be made to sing once more. Enter alleged thief Niku, who claims he can repair the organ—for the price of his freedom. A tale of the Liaden Universe® from Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
My Review: Although set in the vastly popular Liaden Universe this story can be read with absolutely no previous knowledge of it needed. A wonderfully clever result that makes for an enjoyable half hour read. I especially liked the happy ending.
Callum of Drakkar Coven by Leigh Jarret 5*
BLURB:Laramie had grown up listening to stories regaling Lord Callum's strength and beauty, but also warning of his ferocity and bloodlust. But was it true? Were Lord Callum and his brothers really vampires? Laramie's first glimpse of Lord Callum set his heart racing, partially out of fear, but mostly out of fascination and Lord Callum took note of that, pleased to have found his next plaything.
My Review: This is an unusual vampire story that doesn't flinch from portraying vampires as bloodthirsty monsters yet still managed to make me feel sympathetic towards the main character. I am going to have to look for more Drakker Coven books to find out what happens next and if the nasty vampire gets his come uppance.
With The Lightnings by David Drake 4*
BLURB:Daniel Leary is a lieutenant in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy with no money and no prospects since he quarrelled with his ruthless, politically powerful father. Adele Mundy is a scholar with no money and no prospects since her family was massacred for conspiring against the Government of Cinnabar. Kostroma is a wealthy planet which depends on diplomacy to stay independent in a galaxy whose two great powers, Cinnabar and the Alliance, battle for supremacy. In a few hours, diplomacy is going to fail Kostroma. Daniel, Adele, and the scratch crew they gather aren't much to stand in the way of a powerful invasion fleet, but just possibly they're enough.
My Review: I love military Science Fiction and have read collaborations by this author in the past so decided to try one by him alone. I was very pleased with my decision as this turned out to be an action packed adventure with wonderful characters.
BLURB:Once upon a time, there was a handsome king who trusted no one. He brought many bedmates to his concrete castle overlooking the city, but allowed none to say an entire night, for he believed love was beneath him. Then a vengeful witch placed a curse upon him, turning him into a beast by night. By day people sensed his savageness and turned away from him. Shunned and feared, the king learned the meaning of true loneliness.In the city below lived a beautiful young man named Bobbi who struggled to support his family. Outlaws abducted him and dragged him to a dark forest, but they didn't know someone lurked in the shadows.
That night the beast would kill, an exiled king would fall in love and a curse might be broken.
My Review: I love Beauty & the Beast stories and, for a short m/m tale, this one managed to be both full and truly sweet. My only complaint is that we don't find out more about Shawn.
Eleutherios by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller 5*
BLURB:Godsmere Abbey: once a citadel of hope and learning, now a fallen stronghold reduced to decay and a place of imprisonment for petty criminals on a planet in decline. Friar Julian knows he might at least hear beautiful music once again if the abbey’s organ can be made to sing once more. Enter alleged thief Niku, who claims he can repair the organ—for the price of his freedom. A tale of the Liaden Universe® from Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
My Review: Although set in the vastly popular Liaden Universe this story can be read with absolutely no previous knowledge of it needed. A wonderfully clever result that makes for an enjoyable half hour read. I especially liked the happy ending.
Callum of Drakkar Coven by Leigh Jarret 5*
BLURB:Laramie had grown up listening to stories regaling Lord Callum's strength and beauty, but also warning of his ferocity and bloodlust. But was it true? Were Lord Callum and his brothers really vampires? Laramie's first glimpse of Lord Callum set his heart racing, partially out of fear, but mostly out of fascination and Lord Callum took note of that, pleased to have found his next plaything.
My Review: This is an unusual vampire story that doesn't flinch from portraying vampires as bloodthirsty monsters yet still managed to make me feel sympathetic towards the main character. I am going to have to look for more Drakker Coven books to find out what happens next and if the nasty vampire gets his come uppance.
With The Lightnings by David Drake 4*
BLURB:Daniel Leary is a lieutenant in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy with no money and no prospects since he quarrelled with his ruthless, politically powerful father. Adele Mundy is a scholar with no money and no prospects since her family was massacred for conspiring against the Government of Cinnabar. Kostroma is a wealthy planet which depends on diplomacy to stay independent in a galaxy whose two great powers, Cinnabar and the Alliance, battle for supremacy. In a few hours, diplomacy is going to fail Kostroma. Daniel, Adele, and the scratch crew they gather aren't much to stand in the way of a powerful invasion fleet, but just possibly they're enough.
My Review: I love military Science Fiction and have read collaborations by this author in the past so decided to try one by him alone. I was very pleased with my decision as this turned out to be an action packed adventure with wonderful characters.
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Finished another one last night
Breathe Me In (Tales of the Darkworld #6.5) by Lex Valentine 4*
BLURB:Life is good for vampire Wilson North. His family left him well off. His job as an estate attorney is prestigious, well paying, and non-demanding. He’s gay and out and never had any issues being either. In fact, until the day he ended up beneath his car, bleeding out and only a few pints of blood from a sure trip to the Afterworld, life had never been a challenge. When Will meets his destiny in the form of an enigmatic Magia named Garrick Forrester he finds the challenge of his life. Garrick’s gay but doesn’t live an openly gay life. Instead, he hides his nature behind his ownership of a BDSM club. The two men instantly know they are mates, but that doesn’t smooth the path to their bonding. Garrick wants Will but threats from his past convince him that the only way to protect his lover is to leave him. Shocked by Garrick’s ability to walk away, Will struggles to understand why his mate doesn’t want him. For the first time in Will’s life, something isn’t easy and he must fight for what he needs or give up his chance for happiness. Drawn together by destiny. Torn apart by self-doubts and fear. Two men on the cusp of a dream must set aside the lives they’ve always lived for a chance at a new and brilliant future.
My Review: I haven't read all the previous books in this series but it didn't spoil my enjoyment one bit. The story is almost a stand alone, with just enough mention of previous characters and storylines to enhance rather than detract. The interaction between Will and Garrick is dominant and makes the story well worth reading.
BLURB:Life is good for vampire Wilson North. His family left him well off. His job as an estate attorney is prestigious, well paying, and non-demanding. He’s gay and out and never had any issues being either. In fact, until the day he ended up beneath his car, bleeding out and only a few pints of blood from a sure trip to the Afterworld, life had never been a challenge. When Will meets his destiny in the form of an enigmatic Magia named Garrick Forrester he finds the challenge of his life. Garrick’s gay but doesn’t live an openly gay life. Instead, he hides his nature behind his ownership of a BDSM club. The two men instantly know they are mates, but that doesn’t smooth the path to their bonding. Garrick wants Will but threats from his past convince him that the only way to protect his lover is to leave him. Shocked by Garrick’s ability to walk away, Will struggles to understand why his mate doesn’t want him. For the first time in Will’s life, something isn’t easy and he must fight for what he needs or give up his chance for happiness. Drawn together by destiny. Torn apart by self-doubts and fear. Two men on the cusp of a dream must set aside the lives they’ve always lived for a chance at a new and brilliant future.
My Review: I haven't read all the previous books in this series but it didn't spoil my enjoyment one bit. The story is almost a stand alone, with just enough mention of previous characters and storylines to enhance rather than detract. The interaction between Will and Garrick is dominant and makes the story well worth reading.
Friday, February 01, 2013
Catching up on reviews
Twin Flames by Lexi Ander 4*
BLURB:Tristan Janick is a Lycan descendant of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, an average Warrior of Anat. He's one of the lucky ones who've found his Twin Flame, the one person who's supposed to love him no matter what. Betrayed, broken, and dying he breaks the sacred bond and leaves his life behind. His best friend, Ushna, vows to guard and protect him, keeping him alive, always so close but never touching. Waking up from his half-life after a hunt gone badly, Tristan realizes that he's in love with Ushna, and sets out to seduce his best friend. Overnight, life changes for the two men. Ancient secrets and lies are revealed, setting off a chain of events that test not only Tristan and Ushna's love, but challenge their ability to stay alive when creatures of myth awaken, and absent gods walk the earth once again
My Review: I would have given 5* to this story if it hadn't finished with a small cliff hanger (just a personal pet hate of mine). On the whole I loved the clever use of Lycan myths as the background to a wonderful story about a m/m romance liberally spiced with magic. Look forward to book two.
Holden & Yves -The Early Years by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Holden and Yves – The Early Years is a mini-prequel tale in the Slave Breakers saga, but is best read after the other stories in the series.
Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best of everything - including people.
Holden and Yves – The Early Years gives us a glimpse (told through individual scenes) into the beginnings of the Slave Breakers family.
My Review:This is a prequel to Bran's story about two of the main characters. It was a lovely story that managed to fill in background but still felt fresh and interesting.
Jesse's Story (Slave Breakers #2)by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Jesse is a strong-minded "pleasure slave" who wants to escape across the border to freedom with his fellow slave and lover. In order to accomplish this goal, he is going to need to learn about cooperation and trust from the "slave breakers".
My Review: Having enjoyed both of the previous books by this author I was looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. I'm just a little surprised not to find these stories professionally published.
Lee's Story (Slave Breakers #3) by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Bran returns to his old master but this time it is to retrieved yet another slave that is being sold to the "slave breakers". Returning to his former home, even for such a short period of time, has its effects on Bran as does Lee, his master's new acquisition.
My Review:I firmly believe these Slave Breakers books have improved with each new book. Not only was this the longest story but it was also the best and if I were to give more than 5* this one would get it just for the clever ending.
The Thirteenth Passenger by Sally Quilford 3*
BLURB: Mars born space cowboy, Jack Deimos, is taking a cargo to Mars when he finds a pretty stowaway amongst the few passengers he agrees to carry in the cryo-chambers. Mara Athena wants to know why her father died on a previous trip to Mars and she intends to get the answer from Jack. But Mara isn't the only stowaway on the spaceship Obama. There's a thirteenth passenger, and it's intent on killing everyone.
My Review: For a novel written in one month and using multiple weird and wonderful Plot Ninja's and conceived as a bit of a joke this was a reasonably good story. A nice story that would probably been much better if not written under NaNoWriMo restrictions.
My, My, Little Firefly by Dillon Fox 0*
BLURB:n Minas, jobs are created to fulfil people. Each colonist has a shard, a unique talent which gives them a rush of endorphins to practice. The native 'fireflies' constantly encroach on the colony, and it's Gal's job--her shard--to keep them at bay. Until her shard snaps. No place in the world, no rush of endorphins. Is Gal's salvation at the end of the world, or is it closer to home?
My Review: I liked the blurb to this but was bitterly disappointed with the actual story. I felt as if either the author or I had been high on drugs and I only take prescription drugs for asthma!
Me, Myself & I by Natasha DuncanDrake 3*
BLURB:Tristan is an actor and he plays a supervillain in the movies. At least he thought he did, but then he has an accident and he wakes up surrounded by the world of the films. Now he has to figure out if he's hallucinating, if somehow the movies are real and he's been transplanted to another world or if he is actually Devon, a supervillain having a psychotic break. Whatever the answer: it's frighteningly crazy.
My Review: A clever little story about an actor who ends up falling for his film character in an alternate universe, or did he?
Chains by Rowan McBride 4*
BLURB:A new prisoner has been brought to the castle. They say he's a warrior. They call him a demon. They whisper that he can grant wishes. Saiven can't resist. He sneaks into the secluded dungeon to see, but the man chained to the wall is not what he expects. Smiling. Teasing. He introduces himself as Faolan, and Saiven is caught. This...man. He makes Saiven feel things he should not feel. Draws forth confessions that were meant to stay secret. Faolan freely grants him warmth and laughter. But now...Now it's time to find out if Saiven is strong enough to earn a wish
My Review: A short and interesting tale that could have been improved with more story. Hope the author intends to extend it one day.
Between Two World by Chris Lewis 5*
BLURB:Christian (nee Ran Mit’hova Khithran) officially works as an accountant for Le Vitriol, a three-Michelin star restaurant and bar in Montemartre, in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. It is just a front, however, as he and all who work there are refugees from Agharta, a vast realm near the center of the earth. Agharta is an ancient, technologically advanced, and totalitarian society that is self-enclosed. To punish citizens for various offenses, it consigns them to death by expelling them into cavern systems near the planet’s surface. Over time, the refugees created Tsavans: subterranean communities between Agharta at the planet’s heart, and Prithav, the world’s surface. These Tsavans have infiltrated surface governments to make life more livable for themselves. Some dwell on the surface among ordinary people, watched and protected over by the Enforcers.
When an Aghartan is found dead on the surface, Christian is assigned to the case. But as more surface-dwelling Aghartans die, Christian realizes that there could be a serial killer among his people. The truth, however, is more terrible than his worst suspicions.
My Review: This was a lovely story that worked well as a very clever suspense but the m/m Romance didn't quite do it for me. I hope the author intends to write more from this world that he created, especially if it's without the romance.
BLURB:Tristan Janick is a Lycan descendant of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, an average Warrior of Anat. He's one of the lucky ones who've found his Twin Flame, the one person who's supposed to love him no matter what. Betrayed, broken, and dying he breaks the sacred bond and leaves his life behind. His best friend, Ushna, vows to guard and protect him, keeping him alive, always so close but never touching. Waking up from his half-life after a hunt gone badly, Tristan realizes that he's in love with Ushna, and sets out to seduce his best friend. Overnight, life changes for the two men. Ancient secrets and lies are revealed, setting off a chain of events that test not only Tristan and Ushna's love, but challenge their ability to stay alive when creatures of myth awaken, and absent gods walk the earth once again
My Review: I would have given 5* to this story if it hadn't finished with a small cliff hanger (just a personal pet hate of mine). On the whole I loved the clever use of Lycan myths as the background to a wonderful story about a m/m romance liberally spiced with magic. Look forward to book two.
Holden & Yves -The Early Years by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Holden and Yves – The Early Years is a mini-prequel tale in the Slave Breakers saga, but is best read after the other stories in the series.
Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best of everything - including people.
Holden and Yves – The Early Years gives us a glimpse (told through individual scenes) into the beginnings of the Slave Breakers family.
My Review:This is a prequel to Bran's story about two of the main characters. It was a lovely story that managed to fill in background but still felt fresh and interesting.
Jesse's Story (Slave Breakers #2)by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Jesse is a strong-minded "pleasure slave" who wants to escape across the border to freedom with his fellow slave and lover. In order to accomplish this goal, he is going to need to learn about cooperation and trust from the "slave breakers".
My Review: Having enjoyed both of the previous books by this author I was looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. I'm just a little surprised not to find these stories professionally published.
Lee's Story (Slave Breakers #3) by Maculategiraffe 5*
BLURB:Bran returns to his old master but this time it is to retrieved yet another slave that is being sold to the "slave breakers". Returning to his former home, even for such a short period of time, has its effects on Bran as does Lee, his master's new acquisition.
My Review:I firmly believe these Slave Breakers books have improved with each new book. Not only was this the longest story but it was also the best and if I were to give more than 5* this one would get it just for the clever ending.
The Thirteenth Passenger by Sally Quilford 3*
BLURB: Mars born space cowboy, Jack Deimos, is taking a cargo to Mars when he finds a pretty stowaway amongst the few passengers he agrees to carry in the cryo-chambers. Mara Athena wants to know why her father died on a previous trip to Mars and she intends to get the answer from Jack. But Mara isn't the only stowaway on the spaceship Obama. There's a thirteenth passenger, and it's intent on killing everyone.
My Review: For a novel written in one month and using multiple weird and wonderful Plot Ninja's and conceived as a bit of a joke this was a reasonably good story. A nice story that would probably been much better if not written under NaNoWriMo restrictions.
My, My, Little Firefly by Dillon Fox 0*
BLURB:n Minas, jobs are created to fulfil people. Each colonist has a shard, a unique talent which gives them a rush of endorphins to practice. The native 'fireflies' constantly encroach on the colony, and it's Gal's job--her shard--to keep them at bay. Until her shard snaps. No place in the world, no rush of endorphins. Is Gal's salvation at the end of the world, or is it closer to home?
My Review: I liked the blurb to this but was bitterly disappointed with the actual story. I felt as if either the author or I had been high on drugs and I only take prescription drugs for asthma!
Me, Myself & I by Natasha DuncanDrake 3*
BLURB:Tristan is an actor and he plays a supervillain in the movies. At least he thought he did, but then he has an accident and he wakes up surrounded by the world of the films. Now he has to figure out if he's hallucinating, if somehow the movies are real and he's been transplanted to another world or if he is actually Devon, a supervillain having a psychotic break. Whatever the answer: it's frighteningly crazy.
My Review: A clever little story about an actor who ends up falling for his film character in an alternate universe, or did he?
Chains by Rowan McBride 4*
BLURB:A new prisoner has been brought to the castle. They say he's a warrior. They call him a demon. They whisper that he can grant wishes. Saiven can't resist. He sneaks into the secluded dungeon to see, but the man chained to the wall is not what he expects. Smiling. Teasing. He introduces himself as Faolan, and Saiven is caught. This...man. He makes Saiven feel things he should not feel. Draws forth confessions that were meant to stay secret. Faolan freely grants him warmth and laughter. But now...Now it's time to find out if Saiven is strong enough to earn a wish
My Review: A short and interesting tale that could have been improved with more story. Hope the author intends to extend it one day.
Between Two World by Chris Lewis 5*
BLURB:Christian (nee Ran Mit’hova Khithran) officially works as an accountant for Le Vitriol, a three-Michelin star restaurant and bar in Montemartre, in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. It is just a front, however, as he and all who work there are refugees from Agharta, a vast realm near the center of the earth. Agharta is an ancient, technologically advanced, and totalitarian society that is self-enclosed. To punish citizens for various offenses, it consigns them to death by expelling them into cavern systems near the planet’s surface. Over time, the refugees created Tsavans: subterranean communities between Agharta at the planet’s heart, and Prithav, the world’s surface. These Tsavans have infiltrated surface governments to make life more livable for themselves. Some dwell on the surface among ordinary people, watched and protected over by the Enforcers.
When an Aghartan is found dead on the surface, Christian is assigned to the case. But as more surface-dwelling Aghartans die, Christian realizes that there could be a serial killer among his people. The truth, however, is more terrible than his worst suspicions.
My Review: This was a lovely story that worked well as a very clever suspense but the m/m Romance didn't quite do it for me. I hope the author intends to write more from this world that he created, especially if it's without the romance.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Reviewing an online read
I don't normally review online stories but this one is such a good read I just had to tell everyone about it!
The Student Prince by FayJay 5*
Blurb:A modern day (BBC) Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
My Review: I have to admit that I read it both because it was about Arthur and Merlin and because it was about St. Andrew's.
The first because I have loved Arthurian stories since I was a young child and the latter because *blushes to admit it* my eldest son was a 'poor boy from Cardiff' who got into St. Andrew's before it became public knowledge that The Prince Of Wales was going there.
I had a permanent smile on my lips whilst reading this story, as it was full of great humour and many clever twists on modern day society and celebrities. The St. Andrew's information was both accurate and interesting and used naturally throughout. As an m/m romance it was one of the best I have read in quite a while, with more being given to the characters than the sex but not excluding the sex all together.
The Student Prince by FayJay 5*
Blurb:A modern day (BBC) Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
My Review: I have to admit that I read it both because it was about Arthur and Merlin and because it was about St. Andrew's.
The first because I have loved Arthurian stories since I was a young child and the latter because *blushes to admit it* my eldest son was a 'poor boy from Cardiff' who got into St. Andrew's before it became public knowledge that The Prince Of Wales was going there.
I had a permanent smile on my lips whilst reading this story, as it was full of great humour and many clever twists on modern day society and celebrities. The St. Andrew's information was both accurate and interesting and used naturally throughout. As an m/m romance it was one of the best I have read in quite a while, with more being given to the characters than the sex but not excluding the sex all together.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
I believe in Tainted Angels
Review of Revelation (Novel of the Seven Signs) by Erica Hayes 5*
BLURB: A fallen angel with a mission and a medical examiner who's lost her faith are fighting for their souls in a glittering, near-future Manhattan. A zombie plague is ravaging the slums and Dr. Morgan Sterling is on a mission to cure it and prove it isn't the sign of the end of days but a nasty disease; but then an angel appears in her morgue. Luniel is not just a fallen angel but a powerful warrior sworn to fight evil in hope of redemption. Can he persuade Morgan to trust him and stop the plague before it threatens all of their worlds?
My Review: I'm not a very religious person but I do like a book full of demons (mostly thanks to Larrisa Ione's Demonica books) so this one seemed worth a try. It has an ME with a belief in modern science and a Tainted Angel who still believes in God and Heaven. What I liked most was that there was no 'bible thumping' even though the whole story's theme was based on the biblical seven signs of the apocalypse. In fact right through to the end the Heroine does not believe in Heaven even though she ends up believing in Angels, Demons and the biblical signs which are rather obviously there.
BLURB: A fallen angel with a mission and a medical examiner who's lost her faith are fighting for their souls in a glittering, near-future Manhattan. A zombie plague is ravaging the slums and Dr. Morgan Sterling is on a mission to cure it and prove it isn't the sign of the end of days but a nasty disease; but then an angel appears in her morgue. Luniel is not just a fallen angel but a powerful warrior sworn to fight evil in hope of redemption. Can he persuade Morgan to trust him and stop the plague before it threatens all of their worlds?
My Review: I'm not a very religious person but I do like a book full of demons (mostly thanks to Larrisa Ione's Demonica books) so this one seemed worth a try. It has an ME with a belief in modern science and a Tainted Angel who still believes in God and Heaven. What I liked most was that there was no 'bible thumping' even though the whole story's theme was based on the biblical seven signs of the apocalypse. In fact right through to the end the Heroine does not believe in Heaven even though she ends up believing in Angels, Demons and the biblical signs which are rather obviously there.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Story Telling as I like it.
Review of The Way Of The Wandering Wizard by Michael E Novak 5*
BLURB: Gentle wizard Mikal Novastar's life is complacent and secure as a mystic instructor at the School of the Three Moons in the Great City of Addis. This changes, however, when an extraordinary prophecy urges him to embark upon a heroic and dangerous adventure. Armed with a staff of light and joined by his summoned feline Majam, and an inscrutable thief, and a very young half-elf, Mikal must overcome vicious wererats, ghastly blood goblins, horrific gloomhounds, savage slavers, an exceptional and mysterious Stone Mage, and the enigmatic dragon Em-Le. Nothing could have prepared him, however, for dealing with the calculating evil of Path Bloodhue and his powerful Red Robed Wizards. And against the legion of the perfidious Black Robed Wizards, with their lethal dark assassins and brutal black blades, how can he possibly hope to triumph or even survive? And then there are the squirrels.
My Review: My daughter is an author and one piece of advice she is constantly given is to 'show not tell'. I don't know if this author was given this advice but he definitely ignored it. The telling of this story was what made it so different and enjoyable. I found that it was a good old fashioned magic adventure story that ended with the promise of more to follow. I will most definitely be on the look out for the next book.
BLURB: Gentle wizard Mikal Novastar's life is complacent and secure as a mystic instructor at the School of the Three Moons in the Great City of Addis. This changes, however, when an extraordinary prophecy urges him to embark upon a heroic and dangerous adventure. Armed with a staff of light and joined by his summoned feline Majam, and an inscrutable thief, and a very young half-elf, Mikal must overcome vicious wererats, ghastly blood goblins, horrific gloomhounds, savage slavers, an exceptional and mysterious Stone Mage, and the enigmatic dragon Em-Le. Nothing could have prepared him, however, for dealing with the calculating evil of Path Bloodhue and his powerful Red Robed Wizards. And against the legion of the perfidious Black Robed Wizards, with their lethal dark assassins and brutal black blades, how can he possibly hope to triumph or even survive? And then there are the squirrels.
My Review: My daughter is an author and one piece of advice she is constantly given is to 'show not tell'. I don't know if this author was given this advice but he definitely ignored it. The telling of this story was what made it so different and enjoyable. I found that it was a good old fashioned magic adventure story that ended with the promise of more to follow. I will most definitely be on the look out for the next book.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
A Joint review (plus one more)
Hidden Talents (Hidden Talents bk 1) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB: Talents: Born with physical and psychic abilities beyond human understanding, these flawed forces of nature burn desperate paths through their own shadowy world ruled by sex, power, and madness. In this first novella of the Hidden Talents series, meet Ken, Jin, Sky, Mark, Lip, and Dylan. Driven by powers and desires beyond their control, threse strange and beautiful men live by their own definitions of survival...Sent on the run by his leader after a disastrous change of leadership at KGA, bad boy telepath Jin heads to Paris to seek asylum with a group of rogue Talents living under the radar. Thrown into tumult after a recent suicide by one of their own, the Talents are not what Jin expected, but there's one in particular who captures his attention: Ken, a mysterious, sullen boy with mismatched green eyes and a scarred, lovely face. When Jin finds an old acquaintance has also been taken in by the Talents, he doesn't think things can get any weirder -- Sky, the beautiful blonde empath and former yakuza concubine Jin loved to torment in and out of bed, is hilariously furious to see him. But it's not just their history putting Sky on edge: Ken is his younger brother!
Minus Tide (Hidden Talents bk2) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB:Former murderous concubine and recovering heroin addict Sky is having a bad week. Bad boy telepath Jin is edging ever closer to his estranged younger brother, Ken -- and no one seems to care! Worse yet the mysterious boy with the mismatched green eyes and impenetrable shields still hasn't forgiven Sky for their horrifying past, and the telepath seems to arouse his curiosity. The other Talents look on warily as the tension rises. Meanwhile, Jin gets a shocking update regarding his leader's situation at KGA: Jackson has been made a member of the board, and now sits beside Wilhelm Strauss -- the sadistic maniac whose ascent to power put Jin on the run in the first place! That puts a damper on his mood, but it's nothing a little murder, sex, and mayhem can't soothe. Lucky for him, Mark's looking for at least one of the same things.
Look Sharp (Hidden Talents bk 3) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB: It's been months now since the mayhem-loving telepath Jin sought asylum with a group of rogue Talents living in Paris while he waited for word from his leader. Boredom and uncertainty have pushed him to his limits, and the only thing keeping him occupied is his determination to figure out what's hiding behind the powerful psychic shields of Ken, the scowling, sharp-tongued young man with the pale, scarred skin, mismatched green eyes, and inexplicable allure. Now that Ken's older brother Sky has laid himself out with his old heroin habit, it looks like Jin finally has room to swoop in and win the little monster over -- but Ken isn't making it easy. Meanwhile, Aki hits the town in an effort to keep his head above the water as he mourns for Luke, and Jackson Gadamer finally finds the opening he needs to escape the walls of KGA and start making preparations for war. Won't Jin be pleased...
Take Off (Hidden Talents bk 4) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB:Relocating for caution's sake after the minor disaster in France, Jin and the Paris Talents try to get affairs in order. But are they ready for worlds to collide? Jin's teammates are on the way, and it might not be easy for everyone to get along...especially once it becomes clear that they have a special interest in Ken. Mark decides to take Sky under his wing, escorting him to ARSI to try and put his weird energy to a positive use. Can these two angsty bad boys find common ground? With his brother out of the picture, it looks like Ken will finally get some room to stretch out and act for himself. But he lands himself in a fight that tests his untrained Talent, and ends with an introduction to Jackson Gadamer. Ken doesn't trust the KGA Talents. And yet there's Jin, in his bed again...
My Review: I am loving the Hidden Talents Series and am looking forward to learning more about Jin, Ken, Sky and all the other fascinating characters. The author is bringing a book together as if it was episodes of a very interesting TV series about people with extraordinary psychic or physical Talents.
Top Dog by Cynthia & Mike Arsuaga 5*
BLURB Drake Martin—private investigator, ladies’ man, shape-shifter—Yorkshire terrier, named Precious. Enter six-year-old Kady Hartley and life changes. Years later, they meet again. Still a PI, she's FBI. Follow them on an adventure tracking the Russian mob involving human trafficking through the streets of New Orleans and watch the fur fly.Following Kady to New Orleans where she is on assignment he knows it will be easier to watch over her if he stays in the shadows, keeping his shifter abilities hidden. He hooks up with the local Sufi, head of the shifter family clan, but eventually engages in a bloody battle with the Russians. But, there is another enemy in their midst, one who won't rest until he destroys their chance at everlasting love...Drake has fallen in love. Can Kady love him for who he really is, or will she leave him upon discovering the truth about him?
My Review: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I thought a story about a Yorkie Shifter PI would be difficult to get into. Instead I was riveted to every word and was pulled so far into a great story that I was a little disappointed when it came to an end.
BLURB: Talents: Born with physical and psychic abilities beyond human understanding, these flawed forces of nature burn desperate paths through their own shadowy world ruled by sex, power, and madness. In this first novella of the Hidden Talents series, meet Ken, Jin, Sky, Mark, Lip, and Dylan. Driven by powers and desires beyond their control, threse strange and beautiful men live by their own definitions of survival...Sent on the run by his leader after a disastrous change of leadership at KGA, bad boy telepath Jin heads to Paris to seek asylum with a group of rogue Talents living under the radar. Thrown into tumult after a recent suicide by one of their own, the Talents are not what Jin expected, but there's one in particular who captures his attention: Ken, a mysterious, sullen boy with mismatched green eyes and a scarred, lovely face. When Jin finds an old acquaintance has also been taken in by the Talents, he doesn't think things can get any weirder -- Sky, the beautiful blonde empath and former yakuza concubine Jin loved to torment in and out of bed, is hilariously furious to see him. But it's not just their history putting Sky on edge: Ken is his younger brother!
Minus Tide (Hidden Talents bk2) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB:Former murderous concubine and recovering heroin addict Sky is having a bad week. Bad boy telepath Jin is edging ever closer to his estranged younger brother, Ken -- and no one seems to care! Worse yet the mysterious boy with the mismatched green eyes and impenetrable shields still hasn't forgiven Sky for their horrifying past, and the telepath seems to arouse his curiosity. The other Talents look on warily as the tension rises. Meanwhile, Jin gets a shocking update regarding his leader's situation at KGA: Jackson has been made a member of the board, and now sits beside Wilhelm Strauss -- the sadistic maniac whose ascent to power put Jin on the run in the first place! That puts a damper on his mood, but it's nothing a little murder, sex, and mayhem can't soothe. Lucky for him, Mark's looking for at least one of the same things.
Look Sharp (Hidden Talents bk 3) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB: It's been months now since the mayhem-loving telepath Jin sought asylum with a group of rogue Talents living in Paris while he waited for word from his leader. Boredom and uncertainty have pushed him to his limits, and the only thing keeping him occupied is his determination to figure out what's hiding behind the powerful psychic shields of Ken, the scowling, sharp-tongued young man with the pale, scarred skin, mismatched green eyes, and inexplicable allure. Now that Ken's older brother Sky has laid himself out with his old heroin habit, it looks like Jin finally has room to swoop in and win the little monster over -- but Ken isn't making it easy. Meanwhile, Aki hits the town in an effort to keep his head above the water as he mourns for Luke, and Jackson Gadamer finally finds the opening he needs to escape the walls of KGA and start making preparations for war. Won't Jin be pleased...
Take Off (Hidden Talents bk 4) by Claire Cray 5*
BLURB:Relocating for caution's sake after the minor disaster in France, Jin and the Paris Talents try to get affairs in order. But are they ready for worlds to collide? Jin's teammates are on the way, and it might not be easy for everyone to get along...especially once it becomes clear that they have a special interest in Ken. Mark decides to take Sky under his wing, escorting him to ARSI to try and put his weird energy to a positive use. Can these two angsty bad boys find common ground? With his brother out of the picture, it looks like Ken will finally get some room to stretch out and act for himself. But he lands himself in a fight that tests his untrained Talent, and ends with an introduction to Jackson Gadamer. Ken doesn't trust the KGA Talents. And yet there's Jin, in his bed again...
My Review: I am loving the Hidden Talents Series and am looking forward to learning more about Jin, Ken, Sky and all the other fascinating characters. The author is bringing a book together as if it was episodes of a very interesting TV series about people with extraordinary psychic or physical Talents.
Top Dog by Cynthia & Mike Arsuaga 5*
BLURB Drake Martin—private investigator, ladies’ man, shape-shifter—Yorkshire terrier, named Precious. Enter six-year-old Kady Hartley and life changes. Years later, they meet again. Still a PI, she's FBI. Follow them on an adventure tracking the Russian mob involving human trafficking through the streets of New Orleans and watch the fur fly.Following Kady to New Orleans where she is on assignment he knows it will be easier to watch over her if he stays in the shadows, keeping his shifter abilities hidden. He hooks up with the local Sufi, head of the shifter family clan, but eventually engages in a bloody battle with the Russians. But, there is another enemy in their midst, one who won't rest until he destroys their chance at everlasting love...Drake has fallen in love. Can Kady love him for who he really is, or will she leave him upon discovering the truth about him?
My Review: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I thought a story about a Yorkie Shifter PI would be difficult to get into. Instead I was riveted to every word and was pulled so far into a great story that I was a little disappointed when it came to an end.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Been busy reading again ;)
Alien 'n' Outlaw by KC Burn 5*
BLURB:R'kos, son of the Ankylos Emperor, is expected to settle down. But he's much more attracted to human males than to his own species. Eager to explore his forbidden longings, he steals a ship and heads to Elora Ki to see if he can find the right human guy. Darien robs the corrupt to give to those in need, but now he needs a ride off Elora Ki, stat. Pursued by drug lords, he accepts help from the amorous stranger who calls himself Ricky. As they fly together along Darien's route, their friendship quickly turns into passion. But when Ricky is injured, Darien must contact the embassy to get his alien lover the medical care he needs. As Darien finds himself accused of kidnapping, and Ricky fears his family's disappointment, can the two protect their growing relationship? Or are their differences just too great?
My Review:I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between Ricky and Darien was hot and intense and really zinged off the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author as the Science Fiction part of the story wasn't neglected for the Romance part which is rare to find.
Get'n Hammered by Casey Hamilton 4*
BLURB: Thomas Hammer, a pit bull shifter, is bound by magic in his canine form and needs to find a way to break free. He wants to show his owner, Desiree Duvall, the man of her dreams sleeps at her feet every night--she just doesn't know it. Hammer battles members of his old pack out for revenge and tries to protect Desiree from harm. He also discovers a secret organization of shifters who protect the outside world from discovering their existence. Even if Hammer breaks the spell, he still has to win the girl and save the day. Or he can sit, roll over, and play dead. His destiny takes an unexpected turn and Thomas decides it's time for Get'n Hammered.
My Review: Slight spoiler (which I hate giving): This story would have got a 5* if it hadn't had all the dogs end up as shifters and if Desiree hadn't spent an awful lot of the book remembering previous lovers! Aside from that it was a good story.
reread of Out Of The Box by Kallysten 4*
BLURB: When she walked into the club, all Virginia wanted was satisfy her curiosity about vampires - and about being bitten. But when Anando reached out to her and asked her what games she wanted to play, he opened the Pandora box and Virginia found answers to questions she had never thought to ask.
& Living Out Of The Box by Kallysten 4*
BLURB: The very first time Virginia spent a night with the vampire Anando, she couldn’t have begun to imagine all the sensual and sexual games she would experience with him. She also couldn’t have imagined that she would fall in love with him, or he with her. As she moves in with him and they find their places in each other’s lives, the discoveries start again. A few of them happen through old games revisited: roleplay, public sex or a familiar dildo in a different hand. Other discoveries come through new toys, some battery-operated, others custom-made to fit just right. And yet more discoveries come from playing with old and new partners. But in the end, the one lesson that remains the same might be the most important of all: love.
My Review on both: I read these two because I've always enjoyed the authors writing style and these two are very hot and exciting reads. Oh, and because I love Anando ;)
Beneath The Twin Moons Of Haldae by Angela Yseult 5*
BLURB:Trainee observer Zaren was never supposed to set foot on the fifth planet of system 59, let alone have contact with the indigenous population. In fact, any contact is grounds for her immediate dismissal from the program. Zaren has dreamed of being an observer for as long as she can remember, and she knows the rules well. But when her observation vehicle crashes, she finds herself in dire need of help. Kris has been sent by the Elders of his village on a solo journey into the woods. He needs to choose a single animal to shape-shift into. Only then will he be recognized as a man by his people. Only then will he be allowed to return to care for the last member of his family, his gravely ill sister, Elea. When Kris finds Zaren fighting for her life, he doesn’t hesitate for a second to save her, even though she’s a stranger, even though he can’t understand her – and even though he risks exile if she discovers he is a shifter. As they trek through the woods in search of Zaren’s lost shuttle, they learn more than they ought to about each other, and also about themselves. But they will both have to return to their own kind eventually… How will they explain themselves to their people without losing everything? More importantly, what will they do when they have to say goodbye?
My Review: Why couldn't authors have written books like this when I was a Young Adult? I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and felt for the main characters as they struggled to understand each other.In fact the only thing I wasn't keen on was the constant switching between the timelines, but it did make sense to me for the author to have written it that way once I got into the story.
The Witch's Birthday Brew by Astrid Cielo 4*
BLURB:Overworked, underpaid and lonely? What’s a voluptuous witch to do? Well it certainly isn't online dating. When Genesis spends her birthday at the beck and call of her scumbag boss, she loses her inhibitions and brews up something special for her birthday weekend.
My Review: A pleasant short story that was actually full of humour,lust and magic.
Alien Disaster by Rob May 5*
BLURB: Fourteen-year-old Brandon Walker’s world is turned upside-down in the middle of the summer holidays when London is hit by a mysterious and catastrophic attack. With the help of two unlikely friends, he battles to uncover a secret within his own family that might hold the key to saving the whole planet.
Alien Disaster is a fast-paced science fiction thriller for readers aged twelve and above.
My Review: Why do YA get all the great Science Fiction books nowadays? This was an action packed Aliens invade Earth story that had a few unusual twists and was so well written in it's descriptions that I can see it making a wonderful film too.
BLURB:R'kos, son of the Ankylos Emperor, is expected to settle down. But he's much more attracted to human males than to his own species. Eager to explore his forbidden longings, he steals a ship and heads to Elora Ki to see if he can find the right human guy. Darien robs the corrupt to give to those in need, but now he needs a ride off Elora Ki, stat. Pursued by drug lords, he accepts help from the amorous stranger who calls himself Ricky. As they fly together along Darien's route, their friendship quickly turns into passion. But when Ricky is injured, Darien must contact the embassy to get his alien lover the medical care he needs. As Darien finds himself accused of kidnapping, and Ricky fears his family's disappointment, can the two protect their growing relationship? Or are their differences just too great?
My Review:I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between Ricky and Darien was hot and intense and really zinged off the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author as the Science Fiction part of the story wasn't neglected for the Romance part which is rare to find.
Get'n Hammered by Casey Hamilton 4*
BLURB: Thomas Hammer, a pit bull shifter, is bound by magic in his canine form and needs to find a way to break free. He wants to show his owner, Desiree Duvall, the man of her dreams sleeps at her feet every night--she just doesn't know it. Hammer battles members of his old pack out for revenge and tries to protect Desiree from harm. He also discovers a secret organization of shifters who protect the outside world from discovering their existence. Even if Hammer breaks the spell, he still has to win the girl and save the day. Or he can sit, roll over, and play dead. His destiny takes an unexpected turn and Thomas decides it's time for Get'n Hammered.
My Review: Slight spoiler (which I hate giving): This story would have got a 5* if it hadn't had all the dogs end up as shifters and if Desiree hadn't spent an awful lot of the book remembering previous lovers! Aside from that it was a good story.
reread of Out Of The Box by Kallysten 4*
BLURB: When she walked into the club, all Virginia wanted was satisfy her curiosity about vampires - and about being bitten. But when Anando reached out to her and asked her what games she wanted to play, he opened the Pandora box and Virginia found answers to questions she had never thought to ask.
& Living Out Of The Box by Kallysten 4*
BLURB: The very first time Virginia spent a night with the vampire Anando, she couldn’t have begun to imagine all the sensual and sexual games she would experience with him. She also couldn’t have imagined that she would fall in love with him, or he with her. As she moves in with him and they find their places in each other’s lives, the discoveries start again. A few of them happen through old games revisited: roleplay, public sex or a familiar dildo in a different hand. Other discoveries come through new toys, some battery-operated, others custom-made to fit just right. And yet more discoveries come from playing with old and new partners. But in the end, the one lesson that remains the same might be the most important of all: love.
My Review on both: I read these two because I've always enjoyed the authors writing style and these two are very hot and exciting reads. Oh, and because I love Anando ;)
Beneath The Twin Moons Of Haldae by Angela Yseult 5*
BLURB:Trainee observer Zaren was never supposed to set foot on the fifth planet of system 59, let alone have contact with the indigenous population. In fact, any contact is grounds for her immediate dismissal from the program. Zaren has dreamed of being an observer for as long as she can remember, and she knows the rules well. But when her observation vehicle crashes, she finds herself in dire need of help. Kris has been sent by the Elders of his village on a solo journey into the woods. He needs to choose a single animal to shape-shift into. Only then will he be recognized as a man by his people. Only then will he be allowed to return to care for the last member of his family, his gravely ill sister, Elea. When Kris finds Zaren fighting for her life, he doesn’t hesitate for a second to save her, even though she’s a stranger, even though he can’t understand her – and even though he risks exile if she discovers he is a shifter. As they trek through the woods in search of Zaren’s lost shuttle, they learn more than they ought to about each other, and also about themselves. But they will both have to return to their own kind eventually… How will they explain themselves to their people without losing everything? More importantly, what will they do when they have to say goodbye?
My Review: Why couldn't authors have written books like this when I was a Young Adult? I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and felt for the main characters as they struggled to understand each other.In fact the only thing I wasn't keen on was the constant switching between the timelines, but it did make sense to me for the author to have written it that way once I got into the story.
The Witch's Birthday Brew by Astrid Cielo 4*
BLURB:Overworked, underpaid and lonely? What’s a voluptuous witch to do? Well it certainly isn't online dating. When Genesis spends her birthday at the beck and call of her scumbag boss, she loses her inhibitions and brews up something special for her birthday weekend.
My Review: A pleasant short story that was actually full of humour,lust and magic.
Alien Disaster by Rob May 5*
BLURB: Fourteen-year-old Brandon Walker’s world is turned upside-down in the middle of the summer holidays when London is hit by a mysterious and catastrophic attack. With the help of two unlikely friends, he battles to uncover a secret within his own family that might hold the key to saving the whole planet.
Alien Disaster is a fast-paced science fiction thriller for readers aged twelve and above.
My Review: Why do YA get all the great Science Fiction books nowadays? This was an action packed Aliens invade Earth story that had a few unusual twists and was so well written in it's descriptions that I can see it making a wonderful film too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A lot of shorts again.
Not bothering to add blurbs as they are all such short stories. Links are to Goodreads, Smashwords or Amazon where the blurbs can be found :D
A Mere Formality by Ilona Andrews 4*
My Review: A lovely little short story with a clever twist at the end :D
Blindsight by Kait Nolan 3*
My REview: A nice story that was too much like a few chapters from a longer one.
The Day They Came by Eric McMahel 4*
My Review: a wonderfully amusing short story about the aliens landing to take over earth and what the 'rednecks' do to stop them.
Dynamic Genetix by Alisha Adkins 2*
My Review: I didn't really like this one much, much to depressing an ending and the idea had so much scope that wasn't explored.
The Beast by Aliane Donnelly 3*
My Review: Another take on The Beauty and The Beast story that wasn't that bad.
The True Meaning Of Love 2 by Michael Mandrake 4*
My Review: This was a good story about a May/December relationship that proves Love isn't constricted by age.
A Mere Formality by Ilona Andrews 4*
My Review: A lovely little short story with a clever twist at the end :D
Blindsight by Kait Nolan 3*
My REview: A nice story that was too much like a few chapters from a longer one.
The Day They Came by Eric McMahel 4*
My Review: a wonderfully amusing short story about the aliens landing to take over earth and what the 'rednecks' do to stop them.
Dynamic Genetix by Alisha Adkins 2*
My Review: I didn't really like this one much, much to depressing an ending and the idea had so much scope that wasn't explored.
The Beast by Aliane Donnelly 3*
My Review: Another take on The Beauty and The Beast story that wasn't that bad.
The True Meaning Of Love 2 by Michael Mandrake 4*
My Review: This was a good story about a May/December relationship that proves Love isn't constricted by age.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Review of Snatched by Vijaya Shartz 4*
BLURB:Snatched from a post-apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts his slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape... But Svend knows the price of rebellion. And on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe.
My Review: If you like your Science Fiction Romance with full on action and characters that are larger than life then read any book by this author.
BLURB:Snatched from a post-apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts his slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape... But Svend knows the price of rebellion. And on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe.
My Review: If you like your Science Fiction Romance with full on action and characters that are larger than life then read any book by this author.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
I Love Doranna Durgin (or at least her books!).
Review of Wolverine's Daughter by Doranna Durgin 5*
BLURB: Kelyn of Ketura: Daughter of a legendary warrior who left the mountains before she was born. Brave. Strong. Tempered by her struggle to survive in the hostile, craggy Keturan mountains. "Find your father, " the local wisewoman tells her. "To find your true self, find the Wolverine." Angered by his abandonment, Kelyn doesn't care about her father -- but the lure of adventure in the Out Lands calls to her, and she accepts the challenge. New languages. New weapons. Magic. Witch hunts. The treacheries of civilization. She doesn't know just how much of a challenge it'll be.
My Review: This author always makes me glad to have picked up one of her books to read. As usual the characters were interesting, even the minor ones had substance. The story itself was packed full of action, magic and emotion that kept me glued to every word.
BLURB: Kelyn of Ketura: Daughter of a legendary warrior who left the mountains before she was born. Brave. Strong. Tempered by her struggle to survive in the hostile, craggy Keturan mountains. "Find your father, " the local wisewoman tells her. "To find your true self, find the Wolverine." Angered by his abandonment, Kelyn doesn't care about her father -- but the lure of adventure in the Out Lands calls to her, and she accepts the challenge. New languages. New weapons. Magic. Witch hunts. The treacheries of civilization. She doesn't know just how much of a challenge it'll be.
My Review: This author always makes me glad to have picked up one of her books to read. As usual the characters were interesting, even the minor ones had substance. The story itself was packed full of action, magic and emotion that kept me glued to every word.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
A Plethora Of Short Story Reviews
(Sorry but I'm not adding links today)
Alienated by Milo James Fowler 3*
BLURB: Alienated collects five dark speculative fiction stories:
"Insight" - A sculptor is able to see beyond our reality, but can she control her insatiable desires?
"In His Eyes" - On a farm in the distant future, an unwelcome visitor appears in the middle of a thunderstorm.
"Reverie" - Speech is the first sign of rebellion in a hive of highly evolved telepaths.
"Mo's" - The only racism that exists in this alternate history is between Humans and Greys.
"Doppelgänger Mine" - A man is stalked by his horrifying double. In the end, only one of them can survive.
My Review: This was more of a series of tastera than a full anthology of 5 stories about aliens etc. I liked them a bit but was glad not to have actually paid good money for it.
Human, Mostly (A Qimei La Sci-Fi Story) by Rivas Jakara 4*
BLURB: In 2120, a group of genetically engineered young adults / adults created by the government are ordered destroyed when all but a small handful are deemed insane. During the escape, five remain behind, saving the life of visiting FBI agent Jordyn Fray. In return, they are granted their lives, on the condition that they use their abilities to track down their own kind. Less than half a year later, Jordyn finds herself in charge of a team Qimei la – Chimera. The worst of their kind has begun a string of murders and only Jordyn's team can stop them. Problem is, with the Chimera, there's always a chance that the five people who saved Jordyn's life and now work for the good guys, may snap and become a bad guy.
My Review: This one was quite a well written story but it came across more as the first few chapters of a longer one. Would really like it if the author actually did expand the idea as it was really well thought out.
Buck Johnson: Dragon Wrangler by Wyatt McLaren 1*
BLURB: Buck Johnson, along with his slow-moving and slow-thinking sidekick Skeeter Evans, currently plies his trade as a dragon wrangler on Terul and is busting out a bunch of dracs for the repulsive Terullian Karposh. But when an unruly Red Kraken throws Buck, events take an unexpected turn. And Buck and Skeeter, with a little help from Snort Jones, right some wrongs and give Karposh his come-uppance . . . while still meeting their contractual obligations.
My Review: I usually like stories with dragons but this one left me feeling like I had eaten something sour.
The Ohso Project: Hit Song by Jeff Thomason 3*
BLURB: Teddy B is the hottest act to hit music. Every single hits number one, and his debut album goes diamond. But then a young songwriter comes forward claiming Teddy B stole his song. The problem is the song debuted only days after he wrote it. Who is lying, and who is telling the truth? Or is there a darker secret yet to be uncovered? It is up to The Ohso Project to investigate, only they discover more than they intended.
My Review: This one was a good story with plenty of background covered in a minimum space. The concept was very good and I know there are more of these shorts to find. If they are written in the same style then this could become a very good book one day.
After a Lean Winter by David Farland 2*
BLURB: What happened in other parts of the world during H.G. Wells War of the Worlds? Read and find out.
My Review: I picked this up because of the blurb about it being a different viewpoint in The War Of The Worlds. I was vastly disappointed as if you took away the references to H G Well’s Martians you were basically left with a dog fight with aliens!
I am only Human by Diana Metz 2*
BLURB: Dunn was a simple technician. He was also something they needed: Human. Charles Dunn arrives on a silent world to troubleshoot a simple communication problem. He discovers the entire human population is frozen in quarantine and being tended by robotic caretakers. When these patients are threatened, the robots need Dunn to do what they cannot.
My Review: Didn’t really like this one much. Too short and not enough real story to it.
Kinora: The Plains of Asher by J R Wolfe 4*
BLURB: When war destroys the only home they have known a stranger will help them find a new one among the purple fields of the Plains of Asher.
My Review: This jumped straight into the action and built the world as the story ran. I really liked it and hope the author will expend it into more about the main characters.
Caged by Tam Ames 2*
BLURB: Marcin finds himself in a bind when he's trapped in his shifter form and sold at a pet store. Can he win over his new owner and make his escape? After a few weeks with Hamilton, does he want to?
My Review: This promised to be a really cute story idea about a shifter but I wasn’t that taken with the actual execution of it.
Bran’s Story (Book 1 SlaveBreakers)by Sabrina Deane 5*
BLURB: Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best cars, largest houses and the most attractive people.Bran is a "pleasure slave" and when he tries to run away one too many times, his master sells him to a married couple known as the "slave breakers". While in their possession, Bran learns new definitions for love, family and his place in this world.
My Review: This was a little longer than the others I read and I was glad for it. The Characters were interesting and the concept was excellent. I look forward to reading more by this author :D.
Landed Alien by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller 5*
BLURB: Pool Pilot and Tech Kara ven'Arith sat in the Station Master's office, on an uncomfortable, and cold, steel chair.
She sat alone, hands folded tightly in her lap, face under rigid control. Waiting. . .
A man was dead. A pilot was dead.
By her hand.
My Review: This was an excellent short story set in the Liaden Universe. Even if you've never read any Liaden stories you can still get to grips with this one.
Alienated by Milo James Fowler 3*
BLURB: Alienated collects five dark speculative fiction stories:
"Insight" - A sculptor is able to see beyond our reality, but can she control her insatiable desires?
"In His Eyes" - On a farm in the distant future, an unwelcome visitor appears in the middle of a thunderstorm.
"Reverie" - Speech is the first sign of rebellion in a hive of highly evolved telepaths.
"Mo's" - The only racism that exists in this alternate history is between Humans and Greys.
"Doppelgänger Mine" - A man is stalked by his horrifying double. In the end, only one of them can survive.
My Review: This was more of a series of tastera than a full anthology of 5 stories about aliens etc. I liked them a bit but was glad not to have actually paid good money for it.
Human, Mostly (A Qimei La Sci-Fi Story) by Rivas Jakara 4*
BLURB: In 2120, a group of genetically engineered young adults / adults created by the government are ordered destroyed when all but a small handful are deemed insane. During the escape, five remain behind, saving the life of visiting FBI agent Jordyn Fray. In return, they are granted their lives, on the condition that they use their abilities to track down their own kind. Less than half a year later, Jordyn finds herself in charge of a team Qimei la – Chimera. The worst of their kind has begun a string of murders and only Jordyn's team can stop them. Problem is, with the Chimera, there's always a chance that the five people who saved Jordyn's life and now work for the good guys, may snap and become a bad guy.
My Review: This one was quite a well written story but it came across more as the first few chapters of a longer one. Would really like it if the author actually did expand the idea as it was really well thought out.
Buck Johnson: Dragon Wrangler by Wyatt McLaren 1*
BLURB: Buck Johnson, along with his slow-moving and slow-thinking sidekick Skeeter Evans, currently plies his trade as a dragon wrangler on Terul and is busting out a bunch of dracs for the repulsive Terullian Karposh. But when an unruly Red Kraken throws Buck, events take an unexpected turn. And Buck and Skeeter, with a little help from Snort Jones, right some wrongs and give Karposh his come-uppance . . . while still meeting their contractual obligations.
My Review: I usually like stories with dragons but this one left me feeling like I had eaten something sour.
The Ohso Project: Hit Song by Jeff Thomason 3*
BLURB: Teddy B is the hottest act to hit music. Every single hits number one, and his debut album goes diamond. But then a young songwriter comes forward claiming Teddy B stole his song. The problem is the song debuted only days after he wrote it. Who is lying, and who is telling the truth? Or is there a darker secret yet to be uncovered? It is up to The Ohso Project to investigate, only they discover more than they intended.
My Review: This one was a good story with plenty of background covered in a minimum space. The concept was very good and I know there are more of these shorts to find. If they are written in the same style then this could become a very good book one day.
After a Lean Winter by David Farland 2*
BLURB: What happened in other parts of the world during H.G. Wells War of the Worlds? Read and find out.
My Review: I picked this up because of the blurb about it being a different viewpoint in The War Of The Worlds. I was vastly disappointed as if you took away the references to H G Well’s Martians you were basically left with a dog fight with aliens!
I am only Human by Diana Metz 2*
BLURB: Dunn was a simple technician. He was also something they needed: Human. Charles Dunn arrives on a silent world to troubleshoot a simple communication problem. He discovers the entire human population is frozen in quarantine and being tended by robotic caretakers. When these patients are threatened, the robots need Dunn to do what they cannot.
My Review: Didn’t really like this one much. Too short and not enough real story to it.
Kinora: The Plains of Asher by J R Wolfe 4*
BLURB: When war destroys the only home they have known a stranger will help them find a new one among the purple fields of the Plains of Asher.
My Review: This jumped straight into the action and built the world as the story ran. I really liked it and hope the author will expend it into more about the main characters.
Caged by Tam Ames 2*
BLURB: Marcin finds himself in a bind when he's trapped in his shifter form and sold at a pet store. Can he win over his new owner and make his escape? After a few weeks with Hamilton, does he want to?
My Review: This promised to be a really cute story idea about a shifter but I wasn’t that taken with the actual execution of it.
Bran’s Story (Book 1 SlaveBreakers)by Sabrina Deane 5*
BLURB: Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best cars, largest houses and the most attractive people.Bran is a "pleasure slave" and when he tries to run away one too many times, his master sells him to a married couple known as the "slave breakers". While in their possession, Bran learns new definitions for love, family and his place in this world.
My Review: This was a little longer than the others I read and I was glad for it. The Characters were interesting and the concept was excellent. I look forward to reading more by this author :D.
Landed Alien by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller 5*
BLURB: Pool Pilot and Tech Kara ven'Arith sat in the Station Master's office, on an uncomfortable, and cold, steel chair.
She sat alone, hands folded tightly in her lap, face under rigid control. Waiting. . .
A man was dead. A pilot was dead.
By her hand.
My Review: This was an excellent short story set in the Liaden Universe. Even if you've never read any Liaden stories you can still get to grips with this one.
Monday, January 07, 2013
I know - I eat books up!!
Review of Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey 5*
BLURB: Mags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of the kingdom of Valdemar, has talents not commonly found in Herald trainees. Recognizing this, the King's Own Herald decides to train Mags as a spy in order to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is the even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the most unexpected corners of Mags' past...assuming he can live long enough to find them.
My Review: Just like a good Chinese meal this book fills you up but within a very short time you are ready for more. This 4th book in the Collegium Chronicles answered a lot of questions left for me from the previous book but left me asking a whole bunch more. Can't wait for book 5 to come out.
BLURB: Mags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of the kingdom of Valdemar, has talents not commonly found in Herald trainees. Recognizing this, the King's Own Herald decides to train Mags as a spy in order to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is the even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the most unexpected corners of Mags' past...assuming he can live long enough to find them.
My Review: Just like a good Chinese meal this book fills you up but within a very short time you are ready for more. This 4th book in the Collegium Chronicles answered a lot of questions left for me from the previous book but left me asking a whole bunch more. Can't wait for book 5 to come out.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
New Year reading!
Review of Cats In Space by Ginger Gordon 1*
BLURB: A world first! At last, the need for feline-oriented science fiction has been answered. From over-the-top spacesploitation to gritty hard-SF, the handful of stories in "Cats in Space" are all you need for cats in space-based genre fiction.
My Review: With a blurb like that I was expecting good things (like the S’kitty stories by Mercedes Lackey or Anne McCaffrey’s Barque cats)but unfortunately what I got was a waste of good reading time! The only story I found even vaguely interesting was the first one, the others just bored me.
Review of Coming Out Wolf by Julia Talbot 3*
BLURB: The worst thing in the world isn’t being gay. Not even close. It’s not even being a werewolf. The worst thing in the world is being in love with your roommate and having that love be unrequited. No matter what Steve does, Rick just isn’t responding. Will he give up too soon on making Rick his mate?
My Review: This looked like it would be a good story as it had an interesting concept. Unfortunately it read more like a first chapter or proposal for a longer story. I enjoyed the little bit I got but could have done with a bigger story and more interaction within the relationship .
Review of My Man Godric by R Cooper 4*
BLURB: Bertie is just the king's foolish, poetry loving, sometimes crossdressing brother. useless in times of crisis, or so he tells himself. He is completely beneath the notice of someone like the country's most famous general, Godric of the South. It's too bad that he happens to be in love with Godric... and that with the entire country at stake, Bertie might be the only one who can save it.
My Review : For a short story this had a lot of character and interaction and I really fell for Bertie and his dresses. He was so adorable in his beliefs about how useless he was and Godric was excellently portrayed as the man who saw Bertie for what he is and calls him ‘My Lord’ out of respect. Overall the only thing wrong with this story was it wasn’t long enough for me. I hope the author decides to write a longer version soon.
Review of Dharma Café by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: Welcome to the Dharma Café, a restaurant like no other. There is no menu. The waiter, Samura, uses mystical powers to read what each customer needs, and the cook, Agatha, prepares the food with ingredients like love, hope, and courage.
The café is a refuge for the new busboy, Charlie, who was kicked out of home on his eighteenth birthday. Irresistibly drawn to Samura, Charlie soon discovers that the stern, formal waiter harbors a heartbreaking past and a dangerous secret.
Samura lives in fear that one day, the darkness inside him will burst forth to destroy all he loves. Now that includes brash, infuriating, delectable Charlie, who has broken through all Samura’s defenses and taught him to trust himself.
Just when Samura thinks it might be safe to reveal the truth, his worst nightmare walks back into his life: His father, Akio, the evil food sorcerer who runs the burger stand on the other side of town. Akio’s business is expanding and he wants his son to manage his new location, where the Dharma Café now stands.
It will take the combined resources of an ancient cook, a novice dishwasher, and a cursed waiter to fight Akio and protect the café. But when Samura succumbs to Akio’s magic, will it be enough?
My Review: I loved it! The story was well written and had me so well hooked that I didn’t want to put it down (not even to eat!) . The world building was excellent and it didn’t take me long to understand the world Charlie and Samura lived in. Their interaction was well portrayed and was just the right mix of angst and determination of a typical teenager. Overall the whole book came alive for me and I was sorry that, when I finally reached the end, I didn’t have more to read.
Review of Stud (Star Cat Chronicles bk 8) by Cheryl Brooks 5*
BLURB: THEY'RE GALAXIES APART...
Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidinoe's sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it's all he's good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy...
BUT ONE FORCE CAN BRING THEM TOGETHER...
Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life-until Tarq walks through the door of her father's restaurant on Talus Five...
My Review: What can I say – I found this book to be as enjoyable as the previous 7. Hot sex scenes, great hero, nice heroine and plenty of action. As usual the book could be read as a stand alone as Ms Brooks does an excellent job of filling in back story without overwhelming the reader with to much superfluous information. Can’t wait until number nine gets published.
Review of Peace World (Peace Warrior Trilogy bk 3) by Steven L Hawk 5*
BLURB: Reanimated after six hundred years, Grant Justice has become the leader of Earth's new army. Unwilling to sit back and wait for the next attack, Grant decides to take the fight to the enemy. He and a mothership full of his best fighters are headed toward Waa, the aliens' new home world.
Unknown to Grant, a fleet of alien motherships is headed toward Earth—intent on punishing the planet for destroying Minith.
Who will win the battle for supremacy—the alien slavers with a thirst for war, or the humans struggling to survive and save their way of life? Who will finally rule the… Peace World.
My Review: This was a prefect ending to the trilogy with the action being well paced and interesting. The plot was well woven with all the loose ends tied up neatly and (in my opinion) justly. I just wished it hadn’t been a trilogy so that I could read more about Grant, Titan, the aliens and, mostly, Eli – that was one clever and gutsy six year old!
BLURB: A world first! At last, the need for feline-oriented science fiction has been answered. From over-the-top spacesploitation to gritty hard-SF, the handful of stories in "Cats in Space" are all you need for cats in space-based genre fiction.
My Review: With a blurb like that I was expecting good things (like the S’kitty stories by Mercedes Lackey or Anne McCaffrey’s Barque cats)but unfortunately what I got was a waste of good reading time! The only story I found even vaguely interesting was the first one, the others just bored me.
Review of Coming Out Wolf by Julia Talbot 3*
BLURB: The worst thing in the world isn’t being gay. Not even close. It’s not even being a werewolf. The worst thing in the world is being in love with your roommate and having that love be unrequited. No matter what Steve does, Rick just isn’t responding. Will he give up too soon on making Rick his mate?
My Review: This looked like it would be a good story as it had an interesting concept. Unfortunately it read more like a first chapter or proposal for a longer story. I enjoyed the little bit I got but could have done with a bigger story and more interaction within the relationship .
Review of My Man Godric by R Cooper 4*
BLURB: Bertie is just the king's foolish, poetry loving, sometimes crossdressing brother. useless in times of crisis, or so he tells himself. He is completely beneath the notice of someone like the country's most famous general, Godric of the South. It's too bad that he happens to be in love with Godric... and that with the entire country at stake, Bertie might be the only one who can save it.
My Review : For a short story this had a lot of character and interaction and I really fell for Bertie and his dresses. He was so adorable in his beliefs about how useless he was and Godric was excellently portrayed as the man who saw Bertie for what he is and calls him ‘My Lord’ out of respect. Overall the only thing wrong with this story was it wasn’t long enough for me. I hope the author decides to write a longer version soon.
Review of Dharma Café by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: Welcome to the Dharma Café, a restaurant like no other. There is no menu. The waiter, Samura, uses mystical powers to read what each customer needs, and the cook, Agatha, prepares the food with ingredients like love, hope, and courage.
The café is a refuge for the new busboy, Charlie, who was kicked out of home on his eighteenth birthday. Irresistibly drawn to Samura, Charlie soon discovers that the stern, formal waiter harbors a heartbreaking past and a dangerous secret.
Samura lives in fear that one day, the darkness inside him will burst forth to destroy all he loves. Now that includes brash, infuriating, delectable Charlie, who has broken through all Samura’s defenses and taught him to trust himself.
Just when Samura thinks it might be safe to reveal the truth, his worst nightmare walks back into his life: His father, Akio, the evil food sorcerer who runs the burger stand on the other side of town. Akio’s business is expanding and he wants his son to manage his new location, where the Dharma Café now stands.
It will take the combined resources of an ancient cook, a novice dishwasher, and a cursed waiter to fight Akio and protect the café. But when Samura succumbs to Akio’s magic, will it be enough?
My Review: I loved it! The story was well written and had me so well hooked that I didn’t want to put it down (not even to eat!) . The world building was excellent and it didn’t take me long to understand the world Charlie and Samura lived in. Their interaction was well portrayed and was just the right mix of angst and determination of a typical teenager. Overall the whole book came alive for me and I was sorry that, when I finally reached the end, I didn’t have more to read.
Review of Stud (Star Cat Chronicles bk 8) by Cheryl Brooks 5*
BLURB: THEY'RE GALAXIES APART...
Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidinoe's sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it's all he's good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy...
BUT ONE FORCE CAN BRING THEM TOGETHER...
Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life-until Tarq walks through the door of her father's restaurant on Talus Five...
My Review: What can I say – I found this book to be as enjoyable as the previous 7. Hot sex scenes, great hero, nice heroine and plenty of action. As usual the book could be read as a stand alone as Ms Brooks does an excellent job of filling in back story without overwhelming the reader with to much superfluous information. Can’t wait until number nine gets published.
Review of Peace World (Peace Warrior Trilogy bk 3) by Steven L Hawk 5*
BLURB: Reanimated after six hundred years, Grant Justice has become the leader of Earth's new army. Unwilling to sit back and wait for the next attack, Grant decides to take the fight to the enemy. He and a mothership full of his best fighters are headed toward Waa, the aliens' new home world.
Unknown to Grant, a fleet of alien motherships is headed toward Earth—intent on punishing the planet for destroying Minith.
Who will win the battle for supremacy—the alien slavers with a thirst for war, or the humans struggling to survive and save their way of life? Who will finally rule the… Peace World.
My Review: This was a prefect ending to the trilogy with the action being well paced and interesting. The plot was well woven with all the loose ends tied up neatly and (in my opinion) justly. I just wished it hadn’t been a trilogy so that I could read more about Grant, Titan, the aliens and, mostly, Eli – that was one clever and gutsy six year old!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)