Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Liar by Winifred Morris

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Liar by Winifred Morris

A YA Novel published by Eastside Gal Publishing (05/02/17)

Summary:

Alex was dropped off with his grandparents in a small Oregon town. It would have been a fresh start if everybody didn’t already know him and what he’s capable of. This is his last chance and he doesn’t want to blow it, but life is never that easy.

Keywords:

Bullies, Family Issues, Abandonment, Probation, New School, Small Town, Grandparents, Oregon, Trouble, Lies, Rage, Fire, Coming of Age, Fear, Capture, Struggle

My Review:

Alex’s story is sometimes hard to read because we see his internal struggle to rise above his situation and his thought processes. He’s a good kid and he’s trying to act within the boundaries he’s given. It’s sad to see his environment press in on him and push him into a corner. Alex reacts both realistically and like many would in his situations. He doesn’t want to be a bad kid. He doesn’t want to start fires and fights. I wanted to see Alex succeed and it was so heartbreaking every time there was a setback in his life or another bully to push him down. Life is never easy, but Alex remained hopeful and resilient, at least some of the time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic coming of age story. It was amazingly well written and engaging and full of good messages that weren’t too obvious. Teens and adults alike can learn from this story and enjoy it as well.

I received an ARC from the author.

This novel was published by Eastside Gal Publishing on May 2nd, 2017 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

 

Links for more information:

Winifred Morris’s website

Goodreads

Book Review: Configured: Book #1 in the Configured Trilogy by Jenetta Penner

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Configured: Book #1 in the Configured Trilogy by Jenetta Penner

A YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (10/20/16)

Summary:

“Manning reminds us that over one hundred years ago, the human race risked extinction from a deadly flu the government called Aves, which crossed from birds to humans. Only a limited amount of both species survived the Collapse.” (Page 52).

Avlyn Lark wants to live a normal life, but her emotions and her secret hacker ability won’t let her blend in or be content in her highly dystopian society. After her placement in the high level GenTech corp. she starts to notice that not everything is as it seems. If given the choice to join the rebels, will she give up a good job, steady income, and potential for a mate?

Keywords:

Dystopian, Love, No Emotions, Separation, Independence, Twin, Coding, Friendship, Competition, Genetic Experimentation, Plans, Societal Expectations, Rebellion, Freedom, Questions, Curiosity

My Review:

Avlyn’s thought process and curiosity throughout everything that happens is the most interesting aspect of this novel. The dystopian society is very stereotypical, though Penner does a good job bringing the world to life. The plot is fairly standard for a dystopian YA, even a bit bland as we wait for the action to catch up with the main character and finally, about two thirds of the way in, it does! The action was quite exciting and I read to the end fairly quickly once I’d gotten to this part.

Avlyn’s unique intelligence and ability to connect with software was very easy and simple. The lack of description and detail about hacking or coding was a bit disappointing.

I didn’t quite believe that a rebellion on the scale presented in this book could exist in such a society with all that technology, especially within the society itself. There was never an explanation of how the rebels infiltrated high end buildings/offices/people or how they obtained the same tech as the Direction.

Ultimately this book was easy to read, but didn’t add anything to the dystopian pile of YA and I won’t be reading onward in this series.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on October 20th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Jenetta Penner’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Fantasy of Freedom (The Tainted Accords Book 4) by Kelly St. Clare

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Fantasy of Freedom (The Tainted Accords Book 4) by Kelly St. Clare

A Fantasy Novel published by Kelly St Clare (08/22/16)

Summary:

“If I can go through with the next few moments, the Accords will be tainted no longer. They will be a code. A practice. A change in the way we live our lives.” (Kindle Locations 178-179).

This fourth and final book in the Tainted Accords Series follows the final battle between Osolis and Glacium and the resolutions of all the subplots. Olina is fast recovering from Book 3’s near death fight and ready to take on her mother and the role of leader of Osolis. War is imminent, but victory is the only way peace can be obtained for all races.

Keywords:

Fighting, adventure, action, fantasy, sexual themes, friendship, love, loyalty, brother, fear, rulers, power, intimidation, female main character, kick butt female, strategy, traitor, war, advisor, travel, flight, escape

My Review:

This was a blockbuster of a novel and it was nearly perfect in every way. The only change I would make would be to alter Jovan’s personality to be less of a barbaric King in the way he sometimes (oftentimes) manhandles Olina.

The plot was seamless. Everything fell into place. It was one of the most satisfying endings to a series that I’ve ever read, especially for an Indie book. I am blown away by this breakout series and this breakout last novel. Though the plot throughout the series meandered a bit (Fantasy of Frost), the characters and the world are so well developed that I didn’t care.

The speeches! I loved the battle speeches and the last word speeches and the rally to arms speeches and every monologue this book had. They were so well written and rousting!

The dialogue was spot on. There were challenges and setbacks. The characters made mistakes and overcame hardships. I could see the grit, sweat, and tears and I was right there with them strategizing and feeling the love between Jovan and Olina.

This series has gotten better with each book and this was a fantastic and phenomenal finale.

This novel was published by Kelly St Clare on August 22nd, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Kelly St. Clare’s Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Book Review: Summer Melody by Toddie Downs

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Summer Melody by Toddie Downs

A Coming of Age Fiction Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (06/29/16)

Summary:

Three generations of women’s stories interweave as each must find their own hidden strengths. Bonnie must come to terms with her aging mother’s secrets. Her niece, Meg, is set to marry her perfect match, but when adversity strikes will they become closer or will they be pushed apart? Bonnie’s daughter, Jane, is a 14 year old who is given responsibility of a neighbor’s autistic 5-year old, but will it be too much for her?

Keywords:

Autism, Relationships, Family, Love, Friendships, Teenagers, Responsibility, Secrets, Wedding, Uncertainty, Past, Dementia, Power, Family Ties, Forgiveness

My Review:

As soon as I understood what relationship each character had with one another, I was hooked. Each chapter is told from the POV of one of the main characters: Bonnie, Meg, or Jane. This book was all about the character relationships and character details. I was extremely fascinated to see the dynamics that played out with a character with dementia and a character with autism.

This is contemporary work at its most realistic. It isn’t necessarily a fictional book with a recognizable plot arc. It is a story that will delve into characters we might not necessarily see in fiction or portrayed in fiction as a normal part of the characters’ lives. This is their reality and it is so interesting to read about.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on June 29th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information:

Toddie Down’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Curse of the Seven 70s by Sharon Anderson

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Curse of the Seven 70s by Sharon Anderson

A Romantic Comedy published by Ravensea (06/19/16)

Summary:

After inheriting a cottage from a long lost relative and being dumped by her fiancé, Cassandra moves into the presumably empty house with her woe is me attitude. Attacked by a pelican and agreeing to move her ex’s fifty plus boxes of research into her own place for storage, Cassandra decides to break into the 50-year old scotch she found. Then she discovers a skeleton behind a wall with a stake in it and removing the stake brings the hot, mildly geeky, ultra-romantic and protective vampire Varo to life.

Keywords:

Vampire, Vlad the Impaler, Contemporary, Love, Sex, Heartbreak, Hilarity, Inherited Estate, Ex-Boyfriend, Dracula, Revenge, Curse, Librarian, Spoof

My Review:

This book showcases perfectly the concept that if someone thinks they can get away with it, they’ll do it. The ex and his new girlfriend think they can push Cassandra around and take her time, space, and money so they use manipulations that have worked in the past to get what they want. And at first, it works. Cassandra still thinks Howard loves her and will dump his new silicone girlfriend and so accepts to store his research at her house and then moves many many boxes down to her own basement. And then she meets Varo and finds more than just research in Howard’s boxes.

Varo helps bring out Cassandra’s confidence by being uber hot and very much into her and her alone. This is where reality is suspended and the hilarious character actions and plot details become much more interesting and fantastical.

If you want a vampire book that is a spoof on the typical vampire book flaws, then this is your next read.

This novel was published by Ravensea on June 19th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.75

Links for more information:

Sharon Anderson’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Serenade by Heather McKenzie

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Serenade by Heather McKenzie

A YA Novel published by Clean Teen Publishing (04/17/17)

Summary:

Kaya lives a guarded life as the heiress to a medical company worth a fortune, but her father doesn’t ever want to relinquish control and will go to insane lengths to make sure his greed is satisfied.

Kaya wants to be normal, but when she’s constantly surrounded by her male bodyguards she doesn’t have a chance, until her father consents to let her run in a weekend long 125km foot race. All is well as she is fiercely protected until one by one her guards drop out of the race. Even her new Fiancé bodyguard must leave her to finish herself, but before she can make it to the end, she is kidnapped.

Keywords:

Foot Race, Ignorance, Bodyguard, Protection, Discovery, Past, Family Secrets, Corruption, Power, Money, Abduction, Fight, Motivation, Love, Friendship, Heiress

My Review:

Female heroine. Check. Adventure with high stakes. Check. Strong and powerful story with intrigue and secrets. Check.

I loved nearly everything about this story. As soon as I was fully engaged (at the mention of Death Race), I couldn’t put this one down. It had everything I hope for and love in a YA book.

Though I roll my eyes at instant love, the powerful bond of the love in this story swept me away and I believed it with every fiber of my imagination, just as Kaya does with every fiber of her soul. I’ve never read an instalove that I could believe in like that in Serenade.

The story was solid and the plot (when it got going) was so well developed and rolled out like a great action movie. Subplots kept me questioning every secret.

The best part of this book, however, was Kaya (and maybe the powerful storytelling/writing style). Kaya comes from a rich and entitled background, but she is not a spoiled princess. Yes she hurts. Yes she complains. Yes she gets emotionally overwhelmed. And of course she makes wrong choices! She’s only a teenager after all. But she is resilient and thoughtful and never gives in. She is logical and emotional and I can’t wait for more of her!

The writing style and powerful way the author can showcase emotions makes me eager to read anything McKenzie will write next- fiction, nonfiction, picture books, or anything.

I received an ARC of this novel.

This novel was published by Clean Teen Publishing on April 17th, 2017 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

Heather McKenzie’s Website

Twitter

Goodreads

Book Review: Influence (Influence Series) (Volume 1) by David R Bernstein

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Influence (Influence Series) (Volume 1) by David R Bernstein

A YA Sci-Fi Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (08/15/16)

Summary:

In this dystopian American society, Kaylin stands out, even amongst others with similar powers. Her ability, to influence others, is highly sought after by warring factions. She’s been on the run with her best friend for years, but will her powers of empathy change all that?

Keywords:

Self-reliance, self-esteem, friendship, betrayal, trust, unique, abilities, powers, influence, thought power, thought control, mind control

My Review:

Where only teenagers have the ability to “push” others’ consciousness to do something or feel something, this society is set up much like other young adult dystopian novels. There’s the female main character who doesn’t know the reaches of her own power. There are the factions that want to use her for their own evil plans. Where Influence is different is with its well-developed characters and satisfyingly detailed world building.

I knew exactly how a “Push” worked and was shown many possibilities for how and why one would be used. I knew Kaylin and her best friend Amanda almost as well as they knew each other and loved how empathetic Kaylin was!

Where the story lost me a bit was with the plot details and the romantic element. The sweet romance between kaylin and Farren was stereotypical for a dystopian teen read, but I enjoyed that even though this romance was based on mutual first attraction (duh!) that the romance grew slowly and steadily throughout the book and didn’t end with too much of the romance taking over the plot! The romance and action were well balanced.

Some elements of the plot seemed a bit convenient and somewhat unexplained, but the book moved at a nice fast pace and kept me interested in the characters, their world, and their ultimate goal the entire time. The plot twist at the end was a bit rough and though all the elements to tie it in were there, they were a bit too loose for my liking.

I loved the tease at the end and appreciated that this book contained both a full and satisfying ending while making the reader want to read more and find out what happens to Kaylin next!

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on August 15th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.0

Links for more information:

David Bernstein’s Website and Blog

Goodreads

Book Review: The Sometimes Burglar by Winifred Morris

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The Sometimes Burglarby Winifred Morris

A Romantic Comedy Novella published by Eastside Gal Publishing (12/27/16)

 

Summary:

“Most people would never guess I’m sometimes an ethical burglar.” (Kindle Location 211).

Emma’s a research psychologist who burgles to pay back her student debt, but sometimes she mails back the sentimental items. She’s sometimes an ethical burglar. She never bungles a burglary, but she has a hard time dating because she’s the nerdy, smart woman. The one time she keeps evidence from a job, she gets caught up in something far worse than petty theft, but at least she’ll get to talk with a handsome lawyer!

Keywords:

Burglary, Evidence, Incriminating Evidence, Student, Psychology, Humorous, Romance, Lawyer, Laptop, Technology, Dirty Politician

My Review:

With wit and humor, Winnifred Morris has written another entertaining story. Her main character is an oxymoron: an ethical burglar. Emma is so much more than these two characteristics. She’s a bit dissociative from everyday emotions, making her a fascinating character. Emma wants to understand humanity in order to fix social problems. As a reader I want to understand Emma.

When her gay friend Merlin leaves Emma alone with a new problem to solve, she’ll thrust herself headlong into the challenge because it doesn’t occur to her that she could get in over her head. Cue sexy lawyer and Emma will get so far involved that she won’t be able to back out. I loved how it never even occurred to her that she needed help. She involved the lawyer because she could, not because she needed to.

Though this story is under 40k words, it still felt like a full novel with fleshed out characters and plot, intrigue and complexity.

I received an ARC of this story.

This novel was published by Eastside Gal Publishing on December 27th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

 

Links for more information:

Winifred Morris’s website

Goodreads

Book Review: The Seeker’s Keys (The Treemakers, #3) by Christina L. Rozelle

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The Seeker’s Keys (The Treemakers, #3) by Christina L. Rozelle

A Dystopian/Sci-Fi Adventure Novel published by A Spark in the Dark Press (12/03/16)

Summary:

Joy Montgomery, along with her band of children, are nearly at their journey’s end. All they need to do is find a set of keys to unlock the wall and get to paradise, but one man stands in their way: Lord Daumier. Will the clues left behind by Joy’s father: Zephyr the Magnificent, be enough to find the keys or will Daumier beat them to the punch and destroy everything that is good in the world?

Keywords:

Children, Orphans, Survival, Death, Exploration, Dystopian World, Polluted Air, Evil Intentions, AI, Motherliness, Help, Underground, Paradise, Fighting, Strength, Resilience, Spirit, Refuge, Power-Hungry, Keys, the Wall

My Review:

After a long break from reading books one and two, this book was a bit difficult to settle into  as there were numerous characters that I couldn’t quite remember and past events that were distant memories, but I slowly got back into the book as the plot was strong and led the book. Relationships between characters, though numerous, were reiterated and expanded upon. Because there were so many subplots carried over from the previous books in the trilogy, this third and last book was longer in order to resolve all of them. Every plot line was resolved by the end in some way or another! What a feat!

I loved the little details of all the places in this world and very much enjoyed that Rozelle’s world was multi-dimensional and multi-faceted. Her dystopian didn’t center on one measly place, but focused on jungles and cities and ships and tunnels and basements and labs and many, many more locations. Her world felt like an entire world, above-ground and below.

This book featured multiple POV and though I enjoyed getting a well rounded story (as not all the characters were together all the time), I sometimes got lost in who was narrating the story. I appreciated that the multiple POV was used to move the plot along, but I didn’t feel like it added to each separate character that much. Many of the characters blended together and I wished there hadn’t been so many. This was one of the reasons I set the book down so many times and it took me a long time to finish.

The only other detail I would have changed was to have less moments of preaching/uplifting speeches from one character to another or from the narrator to the reader. It felt like I was in an advertisement for the book at some points and I glossed over most of these parts.

All in all it was a great series with an interesting dystopian story that was fully fleshed out.

This novel was published by A Spark in the Dark Press on December 3rd, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.75

Links for more information:

Goodreads

 

Book Review: Chasing Memories (Tala Prophecy Book 1) by Tia Silverthorne Bach

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Chasing Memories (Tala Prophecy Book 1) by Tia Silverthorne Bach

A Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Novel published by Tia Silverthorne Bach (6/5/13)

Summary:

After an attack on her family while camping, Reagan is still trying to recover weeks later. With her brother gone and her own physical recovery, it’s hard for her to even think about normal. Reagan didn’t at first remember much from the attack, but slowly her nightmares of that night flesh out into dreams that might tell her what really happened, unless it’s all in her head.

Keywords:

Paranormal, Attack, Camping, Friendship, Teen Sex, Teen Drinking, Dreams, Nightmares, Psychiatrist, Healing, Scars, PTSD, School, Romance, Werewolf, Witches, Wiccan, Family Strain

My Review:

I really liked how complete Reagan felt as a character. Her complete backstory and personality were fleshed out and I really felt like I understood her as a person. However, this fullness appears to take away from the plot. A plot that is not apparent throughout the entire book. Also, I never quite knew what Reagan wanted, what her goal was.

Some of the storylines were simply dropped by the end of the novel and the promise of more books in the series doesn’t make me want to read on, it makes me wish I hadn’t picked up this incomplete book in the first place.

Unlike Reagan, her friends didn’t feel very fleshed out and felt more like buffers to the story, just adding padding.

The romance element with Rafe was way too instalove and left me feeling anxious for Reagan’s lack of consent or control with that relationship.

This novel was published by Tia Silverthorne Bach on June 5th, 2013 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.75

Links for more information:

Tia Silverthorne Bach’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter