JACK ADLER
DITZY AND CHAMPION
By Jack Adler
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-934041-40-6
PDF: 978-1-934041-39-0
Pages: 168
Price: Paperback: $10.00 PDF: $2.99
How well do you know your cyber friend?
Ditzy is really Faye, married to Jeff, and living in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. She’s not really ditzy; it’s just a nickname her husband uses.
Champion is really Ray. He’s single and a slight know-it-all…what else do you call someone who feeds their need to show how much they know and have read?
Chatting online is the new way to find old friends and make new ones. It’s a great way to just relax and partake of a good discussion. Like Ditzy and Champion do.
However, when Champion brings online life to Faye’s everyday life, that’s when things get out of hand. Is he friend or foe? Would a friend take photos of Faye’s husband giving another woman a kiss, and then send them to her?
“Ditzy and Champion” is a straightforward fairly simple story of two people whose lives cross and tangle. How they untangle, if they do, you will have to read for yourself.
Mr. Adler has written an easy weekend book. It will fulfill anyone’s need for a quick escape read containing a slight mix of tension and suspense. He also offers a strange twist that I’m still not sure I agree with; however, sometimes it’s the twist that keeps an author in memory.
I would read another Mr. Adler book. He writes a comfortable enjoyable story.
MARY ANDREWS
THE FIREBORN CHRONICLES
By Mary Andrews
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-934041-50-5
PDF: 978-1-934041-49-9
Pages: 270
Price: Paperback: $10.00 PDF: $3.99
Universal justice or universal corruption? Order or Chaos?
In Mary Andrews’ world there is a planet were all the ‘unacceptable’ members of society are taken into employment…the Hive Planet. Here they work for all members of the Universal Government and its planets. And they even get paid…a very nice addictive drug.
Only Rael Pointe has ever escaped this happy prison, as a rescued baby. His implanted compu-link interface temple plates make him a perfect Dark Ops leader, or was this always the plan? Either way Rael and his team are in for the ride of their lives.
It is my understanding that Ms. Andrews is working on the sequel for “The Fireborn Chronicles” and I would ask one thing…HURRY UP, PLEASE! Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Andrews has weaved computer technology with physic abilities mixed with espionage and personal revenge into one fantastical tale. She has written a balance between the computer sciences and human emotional abilities without losing track of each character’s individuality. When introducing new characters she doesn’t just have them fit in smoothly, she allows this well-oiled unit their doubts and caution. Even to the end she leaves you wondering…what now?
I’m not normally a big fan of science fiction; I like it in small dosages. Ms. Andrews delivers and I want more.
DAVID ARTUSO
BEAR GODDESS
By David Artuso
Publisher: Swimming Kangaroo Books
www.swimmingkangaroo.com
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: Paper: 978-1-934041-54-3
Pages: Paper: 231
Price: Paper: $14.99
Can a Goddess be redeemed?
I ask this while only halfway through “Bear Goddess.” Why? Why write this before I finish the book? My first impression, the start of the story, I was lost; however, I now feel there is a depth to the fantasy quest story.
Mr. Artuso offers a condensed fantasy quest using elves, dwarves, humans, and the mysterious stranger. These characters are searching for the sacred relics of the Elf Goddess, Eldea and the Dwarf God, Dwardeus. With these items—Staff of Eldea and War Hammer of Dwardeus—Awna, the human sorceress, will destroy the Bear Goddess and her undead army.
In “Bear Goddess” the evil one is known, the decision to vanquish her has been made, the objects of the quest are known as are the questors, and the relics’ location determined. In most fantasy quests that would all be in book one.
What makes “Bear Goddess” different is who she is and how she became the evil one. In the distant past the being Maydeus found and fell in love with Puldea. While hidden behind a cloak of despair and darkness, Puldea was convinced by her soon-to-be-love, Maydeus, to explore the void beyond. Deeply in love they created a world where their children, Eldea and Dwardeus, were born. Puldea died during their birthing and from her children the Elves and Dwarves were created.
Eldea and Dwardeus had a major case of sibling rivalry, so much so that their own father dealt their final blow. Here is where Puldea, again, loses herself in her cloak and over the years turns away from truth becoming the Bear Goddess.
At times Mr. Artuso’s story is told through Maydeus and it is here I became a tad lost. Whose voice was speaking and where in the story were we. I am still debating whether Mr. Artuso’s ending was too fast or just right. As I stated earlier, there is more to this fantasy quest than just a quest.
For a first novel, this reader was left satisfied and curious.
IRYNA BENNETT
Whoever Fights MonstersW
ritten by Iryna Bennett
Genre: Suspense
ISBN: 978-1-934041-19-2 (electronic)
978-1-934041-20-8 (paperback)
Pages: 210
Retail Price: $13.99 (US Print) $4.99 (US electronic)
How long can you walk the line before you fall off?
Character, ex-FBI agent Aya Morell, has been forced into early retirement. Ethics seem to be a problem; she doesn’t quite have many. Only her ex-partner Gavin Wade wants to believe in her.
Now separate, Aya heads to Arizona to work for Neuetch, a pharmaceutical conglomerate that is the victim of intellectual property theft. Wade is sent on a mini vacation, if working for a blackmailed recluse can be called a vacation. Fate isn’t done with Aya and Wade, what appears to be two very different problems converge into one surprise ending.
It is this ending that has kept “Whoever Fights Monsters” in my head. I had some problems with the logic of the story’s events and questions on reasoning and non-believable actions. However, and I really can’t say more without giving everything away, the ending has me intrigued. I don’t believe the story could have been written in any other order, just small some areas filled in a bit more.
“Whoever Fights Monsters” has me thinking and rethinking on its characters, and that’s not unsatisfactory in any story.
ROBERT BURNS
THE UNSELFISH GENE
By Robert Burns
Publisher: Swimming Kangaroo Books
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: Paper: 978-1-934041-69-7
Pages: Paper: 337
Price: Paper: $16.99
A pandemic has killed everyone on Earth; those it hasn’t killed are walking dead – flesh-craving zombies. Don’t worry some humans were immune. The Moon has been colonized, but everyone’s developed some form of phobia/disorder and a whole new class system has emerged. Soon a comet will crash into the Earth and destroy it and items the Moon colony need to survive.
Solution, send a team from the Moon to Earth and pick up healthy human DNA samples and as much equipment and medical supplies as possible before there is no more Earth.
Simple. What do you think?
The heroes of “The Unselfish Gene” are the Moon’s underdogs, the lower class. They didn’t ask to take over the mission to Earth. This task was forced on them via sabotage and one of their own is the saboteur.
I truly like “The Unselfish Gene.” It is a very different read for me. The characters really struck a cord with me because they are the underdogs, the disposable ones. Why should they bother helping a society that insists they do the work but not enjoy the full benefits? Yet, our crew tries and maybe even changes a few rules along the way.
“The Unselfish Gene” is not a quick and easy read; however, it is a read you can’t put down…once you are within its grasp. Yes, it took a chapter or two to hook me. I was a tad lost between the characters on the space ship and the characters on Earth.
Mr. Burns incorporates old movie standards into the dialogue and character situations. His characters, having limited entertainment on the Moon, have watched far too many movies. So, instead of cliché scenarios that we see/read all the time, Mr. Burns develops these into acceptable aspects of his story. His characters know they are walking into trouble; they know nothing good can happen if they walk into the dark room. The characters are relatable.
The main story itself – Moon colonized, comet destroying the world, humans into zombies, sabotage, and characters falling in love during danger times – is good old fashion fun.
Based on “The Unselfish Gene” I would read Mr. Burns again.
ELAINE CHARTON
EASY LOVIN’
Genre: Romance
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-934041-65-9
Pages: 212
Price: Paperback: $10.00
PDF: $2.99
They say opposites attract, but it ain’t easy.
“Easy Lovin” is a sweet old fashion romance that even I couldn’t argue with. It fulfills all the needs this genre dictates. There’s the cute socialite, Abigail Fairfax, who wants out from under her mother’s demands. Then there is Texas’ Ezechial Zachariah McAllister, EZ to his friends. He is a U.S. customs officer who is in a heap more trouble with Abigail than any art smuggler he’s ever been after. Even if that smuggler is Abigail.
If you know me, you know I need a really big story in order to mix with a romance. “Easy Lovin” isn’t a really big story, it is about as straightforward as a male/female butting heads can get. However, it is a well thought out and planned story that will leave its reader content. I’m writing this a couple of weeks after reading and I still remember each character and the full storyline…this is a story that will stay with you.
I enjoyed “Easy Lovin” because it delivered an easy quiet read when I needed one.
BRUCE COOKE
C.S. DAVIDSON
BAD DRAGONFLIES
Written By C.S. Davidson
Illustrations By Berin Uriegas
Genre: Children
ISBN: Paperback 978-1-934041-48-2
Pages: Paper: 19
Price: Paper: $9.95
What do you get when you have one hungry frog, one smart ant, and a whole lot of dragonflies? You and your child zooming, buzzing, crawling, squashing, and gobbling as you giggle your way through “Bad Dragonflies.”
In “Bad Dragonflies,” Ant teaches Gus, the hungry frog, just why frogs have such long tongues, while saving herself from becoming Gus’ meal.
C.S. Davidson’s “Bad Dragonflies” is an enchanting read. Berin Uriegas’ illustrations are beautiful. Together they bring a story that will have families laughing and being silly.
KARINA FABIAN
MAGIC, MENSA & MAYHEM
By Karina Fabian
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-934041-78-9
Price: Paper: $13.99
eBook: $3.99
Can an agent for The Church be both a PI and a Dragon? Certainly, if the writer is Ms. Fabian.
On the other side of The Gap, in Los Lagos, Colorado, is the Faerie world. Yes, the Faerie world. No, not the fashion store, but the border crossing between our Mundane world and the Faerie world. The world, Vern, agent of the Faerie Catholic Church and the only dragon PI, I have ever met, comes from.
Yes, dragon. Okay, I see you’re a little confused. Catholic Church? Faerie Catholic Church? The Gap? Private Investigating Dragon? Let me start from the beginning, at least the beginning I know.
Vern is a dragon. He was created by God and did live in the Faerie World. St. George, of the Faerie world, trapped Vern in a holy spell and now Vern works for the Faerie Catholic Church and is a PI living in our world. In “Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” we also meet his partner, Sister Grace of Our Lady of the Miracles, a high mage in the Faerie Catholic Church.
Bishop Aiden, their superior, has directed them to attend the Mensa World Gathering in Florida. This year a number of the Faerie have been invited and Bishop Aiden wants Vern and Grace there “to help keep order, supernaturally speaking.”
What could possibly go wrong at a convention of highly intelligent human and faerie citizens?
Right, I’m really going to tell you and ruin the surprises. Be prepared to meet pixies, dwarves, brownies, High Elves, Brunhilde the Valkyrie (yes the very same) and naiads (do not call them mermaids). And the Native American Spirit Trickster, Coyote.
“Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” is a different read due to the levels of fantasy and faith Ms. Fabian incorporates. They are then mixed together with Vern’s unique voice.
Consider Ms. Fabian’s writing to the fantasy genre as you would Peter Tremayne is to the historical mystery genre. Or Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series each contain elements of The Church but never is the story secondary. Vern goes so far as to call the Faerie St. George “the magically overpowered pain in the tail.”
When I am offered a Karina Fabian book I know the voice and quality I will be reading. When writing fantasy and science fiction, the two genres I have read, Ms. Fabian fulfills the demands of each genre and adds a piece of herself. She is a storyteller…something I treasure in those I read.
Vern…what’s next?
KATE FELLOWES
When Shadows Fall
Written by: Kate Fellowes
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ISBN: 978-1-934041-21-5 (Electronic)
ISBN: 978-1-934041-22-2 (Paperback)
Pages: 160
Price: $11.99 (US Print) $3.99 (Electronic)
Simply enjoyable.
Ms. Fellowes has written an effortless little mystery with just a touch of romance. An uncomplicated weekend read.
Gretchen Waller is an artist, a starving out of work artist. One day a friend gives her the number of someone looking for a research assistant. Gretchen’s hired. The boss just happens to belong to the Honeycutt Family…think fictional Kennedys. John David Honeycutt is determined to clear his grandfather of murder charges, and Gretchen’s going to help.
There are no big love scenes. No big car chases. Not even one instance of the two lovebirds battling over their developing love.
Just a simple enjoyable little mystery. A perfect balance of story and character.
Well done.
COLIN HARVEY
BLIND FAITH By Colin Harvey
http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com
Genre: Mystery Pages: Paper: 263
Sight isn’t everything.
Frances Dedman and Faith DuQuayne are the same person; just don’t tell them that. Frances is blind. Faith is not.
Confused? Frances and Faith are the easy parts of “Blind Faith.” Frances woke up one morning, as a young teenager, without the ability to see and with no reason why this had happened. However, she can ‘see’ colours surrounding a person when they talk allowing Frances to see their emotions and parts of the area around them.
Faith is the personality who took over Frances’ life after an out of hand teenage prank. Faith can see. Faith is as wild and out of control as Frances is deliberate and controlled. Even with no memory of her life as Faith, Frances is still paying the price for Faith’s ill choices.
“Blind Faith” is a detective story, a private investigator tale. Frances works with her uncle, an ex-policeman. They have been asked to find a missing fifteen-year old girl.
Simple?
No. Frances finds herself recognized as Faith; finds herself facing an old nemesis; finds herself trapped within a cult; finds herself too close to death’s door; and finds herself needing Faith’s help to survive.
“Blind Faith” is not a cozy read. At times it’s not even that pleasant a read. “Blind Faith” is rough around the edges. Frances/Faith is not an easy character to like. Her barriers transcend the pages.
Colin Harvey has proven himself a masterful writer. He has weaved a complex character idea into a very believable being. His use of personality language adds depth and realism to characters.
“Blind Faith” is jarring in its telling. I was not comfortable, at times, in reading “Blind Faith.” Why didn’t I just stop reading it then? I couldn’t.
Mr. Harvey’s writing demanded I continue to read and find out what happened to Frances/Faith. “Blind Faith” demanded me to think about my reaction to it.
While I am not sure about “Blind Faith” and I am 100% sure about Mr. Harvey as a storyteller.
Whether it is fantasy, science fiction, or mystery, Mr. Harvey delivers.
|
VENGEANCE By Colin Harvey
Genre: Science Fiction Pages: Paper: 277
You’ve heard of the Hounds of Hell, the Hounds of Baskerville, now meet Spellhound and whatever you do, do not touch that spell.
I am not sure how to review Colin Harvey’s “Vengeance” because I didn’t quite understand it all. However, I loved the ending. Which, you know, I won’t share.
The basic premise is a detective story. The rich power hungry client wants his stolen spells back. The client is Stanislav Duff. Duff wants any who touches or uses his spells killed. The detective is Jocasta Pantile and her partner/tracker, the Spellhound.
Spellhound is also the killing tool. Each spell is imprinted with Duff’s scent and Spellbound will sniff down the individual smells. Spellhound is more possession than partner to Jocasta. One day he might be able to earn enough, along with the right, to buy his contract from Jocasta. Theirs is a complicated relationship.
Simple enough, right? And for the most part I got it; however, parts of the tracking storyline lost me. I became confused as to why and what was happening.
My gut reaction tells me there is something here for a science fiction fan; however, I didn’t get it. And, that happens; sometimes a reader just doesn’t get the telling whereas others do. Knowing Mr. Harvey’s writing I believe this is what happened here with “Vengeance” and me.
With that said, I suspected some of the end surprises, but Mr. Harvey blew me away with his final conclusion.
I want to say I enjoyed “Vengeance’ however, I did get a tad too lost in the spell hunting. I feel that is more me than Mr. Harvey’s writing.
“Vengeance” is a strange read, but there is something very secretive about the concept of vengeance. A little more than meets the eye, if you find it.
|
THE SILK PALACE
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-934041-42-0
Pages: 389
Price: Paperback: $15.00
PDF: $4.99
What’s in a name?
Welcome to Bluestocking’s world, the world where your name is offered up to the “Great Hall of Names” forever locking you into your place in life…no matter what you want from life.
Bluestocking was born and named Blue. She was never meant to be a translator of ancient scrolls. She was never meant to travel with royalty, nor visit and live with royals. If her secret was discovered…well, it won’t be an easy death.
Now, before you start thinking this is just another fantasy adventure of some poor girl raising above her life’s station and overcoming the odds…it’s not quite like that. It’s more, much more, maybe a bit too much more. I’m still digesting the story and finding little surprising nuisances I missed when I was reading. You see, “The Silk Palace” is also about religious corruption, greed and evil, murder, sacrifice (voluntary and non-voluntary) and, of course, love. It also has the Gods and Goddess of the different beliefs walking among the mere mortals for a day, talk about watching your Ps and Qs.
Blue wasn’t supposed to unravel the mysterious scrolls as fast as she did. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love with the slave girl, Kyr, nor Kyr with her. And never ever was she supposed to say the unleashing spell when she did, that’s when all hell went to hell in a hand basket…at least for those using Blue as their pawn. Because she was never supposed to become the avatar of a goddess. But was she supposed to succeed; did she succeed, sorry I can’t tell you.
“The Silk Palace” is a very complex fantasy read. At times I was lost in the twists and turns and shocks. Mr. Harvey did things in “The Silk Palace” that I’ve rarely read in any fantasy story before…a writer isn’t supposed to do that to their heroine, are they? Mr. Harvey did keep me guessing. I was never sure where or when the story was going to end. I wasn’t sure how I wanted it to end.
Did I like “The Silk Palace”? I did have problems putting it down. It’s still playing around in my mind. I’m curious as to what happens next? So, yes I did enjoy this fantasy story.
There’s nothing typical or traditional about “The Silk Palace.” And for those who love a good mind-whirling fantasy then Colin Harvey’s “The Silk Palace” won’t disappoint.
ALETHA BARRETT MAY & JANIS SUSAN MAY
The Land of Heart’s Delight
A Memoir
Genre: Memoir/Non-Fiction
ISBN Electronic: 978-1-934041-13-0
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-934041-14-7
Pages: 156
Retail Electronic: $4.99
Retail Print: $11.99
I don’t normally read biographies, or other non-fiction for that matter, but sometimes you just have to reach beyond your comfort zones. I’m glad I did. “The Land of Heart’s Delight” was a delight to read. Ms. Aletha Barrett May’s life was beyond anything I ever knew and the telling twice as entertaining.
I never knew the USA Government actually had women teach other women how to take care of their homes. How to can and preserve their foods, make mattresses, make their clothes, even repair their sewing machines. I don’t remember a time were you could leave all your windows and doors open on a hot summer night without worry. And I sure wouldn’t want to drive through a herd of cows or through a living stream of frogs. And let’s just forget about listening to rattlesnakes outside my bedroom window.
Janis Susan May has taken the stories her mother told her and has woven them into the memoir her mother would have written had she had the chance. I felt I knew Aletha, and my heart ached realizing that, yes, this wonderfully brave woman was no longer with us…as a matter of fact had died years ago.
I hadn’t laughed out loud while reading in such a long time. My neighbours must have thought me crazy. Even as I read Aletha’s story on the porch, I now write this review surrounded by those same neighbours.
I even did something I had never done before…I contacted the publisher because I so enjoyed this memoir.
I’ll tell you what I told Dindy Robinson – Not only is “The Land of Heart’s Delight” a great look back at a personal history, but it’s marvellous glimpse into a small portion of the USA’s post-depression history.
A must for memoir-reading lovers.
ILENE SCHNEIDER
Chanukah Guilt
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978 1 934041 31 4
Pages: 312
Price: $16.99 (print – US) 10pounds (print-UK) $4.99 (electronic – US)
I love “Chanukah Guilt”
It was recently brought to my attention that my family knows when I’m crazy about a book -- I don’t shut up about it. I haven’t stopped talking about “Chanukah Guilt.”
Simply put this is the story of Rabbi Aviva Cohen. She’s in her fifties, twice divorced, and lives quietly in South Jersey. Rabbi Cohen is finally doing what she loves and enjoys her life. All she has to do is officiate the funeral service for the disliked, self-made millionaire, William Phillips.
A simple routine duty.
Until someone confesses to her that they killed Phillips. Until the confessor commits suicide. Until Rabbi Cohen discovers suicide was murder, and it was someone else who killed Phillips.
I had ten pages left and I still wasn’t sure who did the killings. I thought I knew; I was pretty sure I had figured it out; I wasn’t totally wrong. But it rarely takes me that long to figure out any mystery! Thank you Rabbi Schneider!
I want more!
The characters are clearly defined and very individual. “Chanukah Guilt” is funny when you need it to be, and realistic when it needs to be. The family relations, both Rabbi Cohen’s and the deceaseds’ are dysfunctional and loving. I’ve found new fiction friends.
“Chanukah Guilt” is a whodunit that weaves through family lies and secrets and doubts. Rabbi Schneider brilliantly leaves all the clues where they can be seen, but not quite seen. You need to turn the next page and the next just to be sure, and still there’s that little bit a doubt.
Yes, “Chanukah Guilt” is set during the time of Chanukah. Yes, there are a few references to the Jewish tradition and its rituals (my apologies for any error in my word choices) but this is completely normal given the main character is a Rabbi. I found the references very interesting and added depth to the characters. These references also added a time line for the story, a pacing to the story.
Again, I want more!
“Chanukah Guilt” is a mystery for all readers. Rabbi Ilene Schneider is an author you must add to your library.
TERRY LLOYD VINSON
SPECTRAL REWIND: THE CLASS OF ‘81
By Terry Lloyd Vinson
Publisher: Swimming Kangaroo Books
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: Paper: 978-1-934041-68-03
Pages: Paper: 279
Price: Adobe Reader Format - $3.99
HTML Format - $3.99
MOBI Format - $3.99
Paperback print copy - $14.99 + s&h
Would your high school graduating class make an interesting documentary? What if your twenty-fifth reunion was…murder interesting?
Matt Kirby is a documentary filmmaker who proposes to tell the story of one small town success stories. Four graduates all made it big, The Infamous Four. Peter Vincent went from class clown to stand-up comedian and character actor in low budget movies. Brenda Jamison went from being dead poor to being a U.S. Senator. Christopher Greene was the quiet star athlete who ended up writing successful books under a pseudonym. High school’s Most Beautiful cheerleader, Lisa Monroe Clarke turned model then opened her own modeling agency. All from the same small Alabama town; all in the same graduating class.
What will be remembered more--the accomplishments or the murders? Matt wants to showcase the successes, but knows he will have to show the chilling unsolved murders and his new producer wants more death and less success. The townsfolk want peace. They don’t want any more Vengeful Phantom theories.
At first “Spectral Rewind” reads similar to “The Blair Witch Project.” However, there is far less jumble and more suspense. “Spectral Rewind” is a page-turner. It is as simple and straightforward as any suspense mystery can get. It is subtly powerful.
Mr. Vinson uses Matt’s voice to bring the action and setting alive. Matt’s narrative breaks the fourth wall to make an intimate connection with this reader. Mr. Vinson uses straight story writing along with an interview format to unfold his mystery. This smoothly breaks the reading into snippets of current action and remembered experiences through other characters.
I could not put “Spectral Rewind” down. I could not uncover the conclusion even with all the pieces presented. I would read Mr. Vinson again…and again.
More, please.
KAREN WIESNER & CHRIS SPINDLER
FALCON’S BEND SERIES BOOK 1: DEGREES OF SEPARATION By Karen Wiesner and Chris Spindler
Genre: Mystery Pages: Paper: 319
HTML Format - $4.99 MOBI Format - $4.99 Paperback print copy - $16.99 + s&h
Yes! A new series for my collection. Ms. Wiesner describes her and Ms. Spindler’s new series the following “None of the Falcon’s Bend Series books are cozies. They’re all Mystery/Police procedurals. All are whodunnits except….” I’ll keep you in suspense as to the “except.” I agree completely. There is something gritty and basic about Falcon’s Bend. While set in Wisconsin, Falcon’s Bend, isn’t some cliché filled “one-horse town.” Lieutenant Pete Shasta and his partner Danny Vincent are not bumbling, overly polite, happy go lucky, perfect officers. They’re cops. They have a murder (or two) that needs solving and like dogs with old bones they’re not letting go. They are flawed; they are human. Pete’s failed first marriage haunts his new marriage…will he get past that Lisa isn’t his first wife. Lisa understands and supports Pete, she may not like Pete’s long dedicated hours, but she knew this when she married him. Danny’s the ladies man (a nice guy ladies man, but a ladies man) but when he falls for a suspect, well that just might cause some trouble. I like Pete and Lisa and the challenges facing them. Pete and Danny have a presence here, but it's subtle and knowing there's four other books my gut tells me the complexity of the characters will show more as the series moves along. “Degrees of Separation” surrounds the murder of a stripper. Nothing unusual or different, right? Have you ever heard of a men’s club where all the strippers live with their boss and his wife? That one stripper, Cherry, is the wife’s twin sister? Why did they all move from Los Angeles to Falcon’s Bend, Wisconsin? Their parents really named them: Cherry, Teresa (okay this one doesn’t count) Deidre aka Dee (okay same here) Vanessa, Lacey, Sugar, and wife, Melody? All right, their names might not be that out of it, but come on--they’re all twenty-one? Boss, Andre Trelawney is guilty of something, but is it murder? Something strange is going on at the Danse de Minuit. One character’s abuse history did get to me, pushed my comfort levels, but not enough to turn me against story. Sadly, it was needed for this character’s realistic development. Behind every face there’s a story and reason why they are who they are and how the monsters find them. Did I solve the murder mystery? Sorta. Given the quality of writing, I knew Ms. Wiesner and Ms. Spindler wouldn’t throw their readers an out-of-the-blue-unwarranted solution. However, they offered enough evidence that I could have been wrong. The ending left me well satisfied. As the title might suggest to you, “Degrees of Separation,” we’re all linked and our lives change by degrees. Take a left here; make choice A over B; one misunderstanding and our lives change. Each solution fit the individual with only the minimum fairy tale ending. Hey, even a realistic police mystery deserves at least one happy ending. A potentially strong series that I suspect will have a few surprises. I’m visiting Falcon’s Bend again and again, but you’ll have to come back for those.
|
TEARS ON STONE: FALCON’S BEND SERIES, BOOK 2 |
COMING SOON |
LARION WILLS
MARK OF THE SIRE By Larion Wills
www.swimmingkangaroo.com
Genre: Historical Romance Pages: Paper: 321
Do you like westerns? Do you like romance? Do you like a smartly told story?
“Mark of the Sire” is for you.
My all time favourite storyteller is Louis L’Amour, specially his westerns and definitely his Sackett family. Ms. Wills creates a western town and inhabitants to, in my opinion, rival those of my favourite reads.
Her tale is simple. Girl leaves the ‘civilized’ city because society branded her unsuitable. Girl arrives in Colorado to live with her stuck-up Uncle and Aunt. Bad Boy, who ruined Girl’s reputation, shows up in Colorado. Is he following Girl or someone else?
Of course, “Mark of the Sire” isn’t this simple. There are family secrets, gunfights, land takeovers, abductions, and personal truths.
While “Mark of the Sire” is a romance, there is very little between our heroine and hero. The story is seen through the actions of Lon (the Boy), his long-lost brother, their friends, their estranged father, and unknown uncle. Through the unravelling of their secrets and pain Lon finds the freedom to be himself and not the rogue fake he wears.
The Girl, Catherine, is internally strong and when she finally breaks away from her righteous uncle she is able to start opening her eyes to the real Lon.
“Mark of the Sire” is not a typical romance. Sure, the two characters are back and forth between admitting they need/want each other and running away. However, it is the surrounding story that makes this an excellent read.
Once again, Ms. Wills captures her readers’ attention with her storytelling. She easily paints the setting and emotions of her story to the point you are living in her pages. Her characters breathe with believability and their journey stays with you once you close the book’s covers.
Ms. Wills never disappoints and “Mark of the Sire” is one of her best.
|
THIRTEEN SOULS By Larion Wills
www.swimmingkangaroo.com Genre: Romantic Suspense ISBN: Paper: 978-1-934041-30-7 Pages: Paper: 300 Price: Adobe Reader Format - $3.99 HTML Format - $3.99 MOBI Format - $3.99 Paperback print copy - $15 + s&h
Caution: Some hot sexual scenes, within context. Some graphic descriptions of sadistic abuse, well within context.
Larion Wills aka Larriane Wills is one of my favourite writers. I read her name and know I am in for one surprising, emotional, thrilling, and pleasing read. “Thirteen Souls” is one of these reads.
“Thirteen Souls” is a simple enough story. Heather Winstrobe, who really isn’t Heather Winstrobe, wants something from the DuBois property. Gene DuBois, the black sheep of the old money family, is the cynical, distrusting, argumentative, sexy-as-all-get-out owner of the property who’s tired of hearing about a hidden family treasure.
Together they are an explosive duo in bed (or anywhere) and major thorns in Gene’s family’s sides. His mother, quite a ‘witch’ and snob, will have you wanting to strangle her scrawny little neck. His brother oozes slimy playboy confidence that have you cheering Heather and her putdowns.
Are Heather and her team after the family treasure? I wasn’t sure. Does Heather really communicate with the spirits and ghosts of past slaves? I wasn’t sure. What haunts us more—our past or our present? Gene’s about to find out and it could cost him his life.
“Thirteen Souls” is not an easy read due to the abusive history that is vital to the story. It is unsettling. Some characters survive and grow beyond their abuse, while others wallow in their mistaken belief that they deserved it…that they owe their abusers.
“Thirteen Souls” is a spectacular read. In its darkest moments it shines with hope…for those trapped in the past and those fighting for their future.
Romantic Suspense and Me? Yup. Double yup, if it’s “Thirteen Souls.”
|
MOURNING MEADOW
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-934041-16-1
Pages: 275
Price: Paperback: $15.00
PDF: $3.99
Isn’t a house just a house? Not when it is a haunted mansion.
Stephen Chase wrangles an invite to view the famous Fulton DeBain’s Morning Meadow mansion; all he’s hoping for is a chance to talk the owner into developing it into something worth millions…for them both. What Stephen gets is a strange mix of socialites, an even stranger lady in the form of Kari, ghosts, secrets, and nearly killed.
What do we, Ms Will’s readers, get? Yet another terrific read with more twists and turns and switches than I can ever begin to tell you about here. As if I even could tell you more, doing so would give too much away as Ms. Wills is still writing a close knit story that unravels in her own unique way…one that keeps me guessing.
I have been trying to figure out what I can tell you about “Mourning Meadow.” There are family secrets and strained relationships. There are lies and misunderstandings and surprisingly, romance from the most unlikely pairing. And underlying it all is an unbreakable will that will drive someone to murder.
What else…yes, Ms. Wills still uses her words to clearly paint the picture of her settings. There are no wasted descriptions or thrown in information, everything has its reason…even when you don’t catch it the first time around. Ms. Wills’ characters are interesting as they hide behind their own facades.
I have one complaint, Ms. Wills, your “Mourning Meadow” kept me up to 3:00am and the only reason I didn’t finish it that night was because I fell asleep…glasses on, light on, book open, dreaming “Mourning Meadows.”
Still, in the end, Ms. Wills throws yet another curve. Makes me wonder if a revisit to “Mourning Meadows” is needed.
Another success.
LARRIANE WILLS
The Knowing,
Fantasy
ISBN – MS Reader 1 934041 11 4
Other Formats: Mobi, PDF, HTML (no ISBN’s are assigned)
Paperback – 1 934041 12 2
297 Pages
MS Word Format: $5.99
HTML Format: $5.99
Adobe Reader Format: $5.99
MOBI Format: $5.99
Amazon: $10.88
Control the religion; control the power.
t is said that one day the Atat Comm will lead the people back to All Who Is One. The Priests of Oldspushner fear that is Garran of Lockmer. The Sisters of Treach have taught Garran their ways…ways not normally taught to boy-children. Both sects have their reasons for Garran’s death and life. Garran believes in nothing, he’s just a solider made Governor of Sheritan. And now he’s caught up in the politics of people who’s soul desire is power.
The people of Sheritan don’t like Garran. They work the mine and have only ever been used by past Governors. Why should Garran be any different. But he is. There’s a leader, Caslock, who is taking over wherever he goes and he’s on his way to Sheritan. However, Garran’s preparing a way to safety…tunnelling through the mines to the other side of the mountains, a chance for the people of Sheritan to escape slavery and worse. However, Caslock is also chasing the Princess Fayahstella, future Queen of Ives. Her father wants to use her for aid; the Priest, High Priest Bashsay, Consular to the King, Guardian to the Princess, would use her to trade for power with Caslock.
Now, Princess Fayahstella is an interesting character. She must be guarded against all evil, temptation, and sin at all cost. Her clothes are of such volume she cannot sit; when she walks she appears to glide. Her headdress barely fits through Garran’s office door. She must always wear a veil; therefore, eating or drinking with others is impossible. There are always three ladies attending to her…they stand between her and all. Then there’s her voice; the Royal Voice. It has been said it was given to her by Oldspushner to protect her from evil. And, no one is allowed to talk about anything informative in front of her…again to protect her innocence. Is it no wonder everyone thinks she has no brain.
But, that’s far from the truth. This is a story of two very different people whose lives become entangled. She to escape from being a pawn used to gain power. He to unite the people abused from those in power. Together they try to bring peace and harmony to a struggling world.
At first glance “The Knowing” appears overly confusing and even tiring. However, this is a great read! The character Garran is blatantly honest and open. He’s a rough man used to living by his rules all the while knowing what others planned for him, and what others would do to him. He’s loyal to his men and well liked. The safety of the everyday citizens of Sheritan comes first. He’s a character that will stay with you, an original.
Princess Fayahstella is very interesting. I’ve never read of a character so wrapped up in protectiveness, catered to at every turn but not a whining pain in the butt. She’s no dummy. Fully aware of the priests’ plans for her, she looks for a way out. She stands on her own two feet.
Background characters are richly written as well. Immediately you sense the beginning of a possible series of stories. They’re too good to leave.
Larriane Wills’ book “The Knowing” is simply written. A fast paced story, which is difficult to put down. Thoroughly enjoyable, leaving me wanting more stories with these characters. Please, may I have some more?
Looking Glass Portal
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 978 1 934041 17 8 (electronic)
978 1 934041 18 5 (paperback)
Pages: 372
Price: $5.99 (electronic) $17.99 (US Print) 15 pounds (UK print)
Simply Fantastic!
No matter which room I was in “Looking Glass Portal” was with me. I could not put it down, could not stop reading. I already miss Garrett, Chief, Glemm, and all the rest.
Ms. Wills has taken a broken-down cowboy, someone who is slowly losing the use of his legs, and has dumped him onto a spaceship filled with either scholars or hunters. Sink or swim. Garrett really hopes he’s in some type of coma or even dead, cause this is all just too weird.
Men that look and smell like pigs; giant bumble bees licking and healing wounds; a real Pegasus; let alone a walking fluffy disappearing spider-thing. And what exactly is a trohog?
One day, Garrett’s just minding his own business mending fencing with his horse, Boss. While resting he’s shot by a pigman with something that literally punched holes through him. Now, he’s stuck on a Thornn research spaceship with no way home. And, due to his confusion, he’s been placed with the hunters…all from different planets. Doesn’t help his case that he’s protected by the giant bumble bees and seems favoured by Midradina, the only female around who also seems to talk for the unseen Thornns.
Ms. Wills has created a world locked on a spaceship that contains dangers and humour and the underlying need for friendships. Garrett is quick-witted, sarcastic, baffled, and cares more than he will admit. His ‘friends’ are distinct and fully developed characters while still containing their own mysteries and objectives.
However, there’s more to this tale than meets the eye. I never expected the ending. I was wonderfully and brilliantly blindsided. Every bit of information was right there in front of me and I never had an inkling to the secret of the “Looking Glass Portal.”
Outstanding! A Must Read!