Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Reclaim (The Harvest Saga Book 3) by Casey L. Bond

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Reclaim (The Harvest Saga Book 3) by Casey L. Bond

A YA Dystopian Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (06/01/15)

Summary:

This ending to the Harvest Saga will take Abby through the greatest difficulties she’s ever faced. Can she overcome once and for all and help her fellow Lessers into freedom?

Keywords:

Strength, Dystopia, Orchard, Apples, Apple Picking, Castes, Poverty, Female protagonist, the Special One, Infertility, Trains, City, Technological Advances, Weapons, Fighting, Resiliency, Harvest, Oppression

My Review:

There are now more powers than just Olympus hovering over the Lessers and Orchard. What seemed an ally is just a power standing by and waiting for their opportunity to strike. Or were they waiting by? This book’s plot is much more complex than it at first seemed and it was so satisfying to plunge into its depths.

This was a fantastic ending to the Harvest Saga and worth the read. I finished the entire trilogy in less than a week. Thanks Casey L. Bond for a thrilling ride. I will definitely be reading more of your books.

Dystopian literature has saturated the market, especially books with strong female leads, but the Harvest Saga is so well written and fantastically engaging that it draws you right in and you don’t even notice that you’re reading another dystopian female-protagonist book, you’re too busy turning pages.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on June 1st, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Casey Bond’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Resist (The Harvest Saga Book 2) by Casey L. Bond

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Resist (The Harvest Saga Book 2) by Casey L. Bond

A YA Dystopian Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (07/31/14)

Summary:

“Trust was earned, and they’d broken too many promises, told too many lies.” (Kindle Locations 7574-7575).

Abby is headed to the Greater city of Olympus with Crew. His lies and betrayal cause strain between them as Abby sees what is really going on with the “Harvest” and all the Lesser women that were taken from Orchard and the surrounding Lesser cities. When Abby gets out of Olympus, things aren’t much better in Orchard as anyone who speaks out is taken away for resistance. Resistance is coming, but in the meantime Abby must lay low.

Keywords:

Strength, Dystopia, Orchard, Apples, Apple Picking, Castes, Poverty, Female protagonist, the Special One, Infertility, Trains, City, Technological Advances, Weapons, Fighting, Resiliency, Harvest, Oppression

My Review:

This middle book in the trilogy flew by! I learned so much more about Crew and what the Greater cities were like. The oppression of Lessers isn’t restricted to Lesser cities, for of course Lessers are needed within Olympus as well. Just as oppression builds, so must resistance! This book is full of the mindsets that will lead to this resistance, even though it does look mighty bleak. What can unarmed lower-class citizens do against well armed and technologically advanced Greaters? Read to find out…

The characters, especially those surrounding Abby are given more depth in this book. I still can’t decide if I like Crew or not, if he’s truly a good person or not. I fear he will have to make a choice eventually and this will show for good whether he’s a good person, but I’ll have to wait to see. I was much less interested in Kyan than Crew in this book, but both are playing an integral role in Abby’s life and the greater plot and dilemma between Orchard and the Lessers and the world that they live in.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on July 31st, 2014 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Casey Bond’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Reap (The Harvest Saga Book 1) by Casey L. Bond

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Reap (The Harvest Saga Book 1) by Casey L. Bond

A YA Dystopian Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (03/15/14)

Summary:

In a society where people are divided into castes, Lessers and Greaters, Abby lives as a Lesser in a Lesser village: Orchard. Her life is simple: harvest from the orchard and work every day for the Greaters’ Good. She is content. She has her best friend Kyan and Lulu, the aunt that raised her. But the next harvest is too much for Orchard alone and more Lessers from surrounding villages are called in to help. Abby starts to fall for Crew from Cotton, but he isn’t all that he seems. Something is going on in Abby’s world and she’ll have to work out her feelings as well as work out what’s going on in Orchard.

Keywords:

Strength, Dystopia, Orchard, Apples, Apple Picking, Castes, Poverty, Female protagonist, the Special One, Infertility, Trains, City, Technological Advances, Weapons, Fighting, Resiliency, Harvest, Oppression

My Review:

Like any other caste separated society in dystopian literature, Reap is the story of the special strong female chosen one, but the storytelling and writing style are excellent and very compelling. They pulled me right in and I purchased the entire trilogy before I’d even finished this first book.

I loved all the details about the harvest and the apple orchards that really brought the town of Orchard to life. I wish there had been a bit more creativity and imagination in some of the naming, hence the town of “Orchard” but I was too mesmerized by the brewing trouble in town, the burgeoning romance between Abby and Crew, the complication that Kyan posed, and the greater mystery tied up in the Lesser towns.

I loved how Abby was strong, resilient, and stubborn to the point of stupidity. Her pride is so strong it overwhelms others. She is special for a reason, being both Greater and Lesser and not just in the right place at the right time, though that does help.

As with most YA books, I wish that females were not relegated into antiquated roles of society – the housewife and child bearer. Though the main character is the ‘strong female’ archetype, society at large is still somewhat sexist.

The ending felt rushed, but I didn’t much care because I was able to pick the story right back up with book two…

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on Marc 15th, 2014 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Casey Bond’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: The Doll Making Delta (Delta House Novels Book 1) by Gretchen S. B.

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The Doll Making Delta (Delta House Novels Book 1) by Gretchen S. B.

A Chic Lit/Romance Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (10/13/15)

Summary:

Reneé just wants to focus on her job as President of her company whilst they go through a merger. She works virtually every day all day without much of a break, except to meet up with her old college group the Deltas. When she goes on a date with Ruben, she is happier than she’s ever been, though no less busy. He seems to be working out until he suddenly cancels all their plans.

Keywords:

Romance, Stress, Hard Working, Dolls, President, Female President, Busy, Friendship, Dates, Merger, Business, Parent Company, Family, Family Business

My Review:

I love short books that are succinct and get the story across efficiently. This book is not one of them. Though the book is detailed, most of those details get swallowed up because they don’t move the plot forward or keep my interest as a reader. For being overdetailed, this book doesn’t show much of a relationship between the main character Reneé and Ruben or much of the intricacies of running a business.

I wanted more from the plot and the tension between Reneé and Ruben and between Reneé and her job. Stress does not equal tension.

The plot was quite predictable. I thought there were too many side characters (the Delta gals) to keep track of and grammar mistakes were apparent throughout most of the pages of this novel. I will not be reading more from this series.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on October 13th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Twitter

Gretchen S.B.’s Website

Book Review: Undone by the Star by Stephanie Browning

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Outbid by the Boss by Stephanie Browning

A Contemporary Romance Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (4/03/16)

Summary:

“Alex was glad she’d never seen Marc’s films; it was the man she’d been attracted to, not the star.” (Kindle Locations 1420-1421).

Alexis Kirkwood has been groomed for her role as CEO of the great London Sadler Hotel. All her life she’s been in training for the role and she will let nothing get in the way of her inheritance. Understaffed, Alexis must keep the hotel running smoothly, even if it means directing the new plumber, or rather, the man she thinks is the new plumber. When Marc Daniels, action hero movie star is mistaken for a common laborer he goes along with the mistake, relishing the feelings of normalcy and being close to the attractive Alex. Alexis doesn’t appreciate making such a mistake and even though she is instantly attractive to the rugged Marc, she will have to step lightly around any relationship with a movie star if she’s to keep her hotel in good standing.

Keywords:

Hotel, CEO, Movie Star, Action Hero, Matriarch, Grandmother, Romance, Relationship, Discreet, Media

My Review:

The characters were interesting enough. They were their own persons apart from each other. Alex is a high profile up and coming CEO who can multi-task like it’s nobody’s business. Marc is the action star hero who secretly relishes history and beautiful scenery. They are not your everyday people, but they act realistic.

This story was fast and easy to read, but lacked external tension. Most of the tension came from the grounds of the relationship between Marc and Alex and the effect it would have on their careers, or mostly just Alex’s career as CEO of a prestigious hotel.

Their relationship was built from the start on instant attraction although the two lovers got to know each other more throughout the story. I wish there had been more depth to their attraction.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on April 3rd, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Stephanie Browning’s Website

Book Review: The Sapphire Legend, Part I by E. L. Tenenbaum

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The Sapphire Legend, Part I by E. L. Tenenbaum

A Fantasy Novel published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya (08/27/15)

Summary:

“Kindness can make us weak, but it can also give us the strength to face another day.” (Kindle Location 3145).

In Sapere’s tribe, some families are gifted with supernatural abilities that pass from father to son. Sapere, a girl about to be married, has never told anybody that she inherited her father’s gift. On the day of her wedding, the tribe is attacked and she must use her abilities to help the survivors find refuge in the wild forest that borders her village. The Wild harbors its own dangers, but will the village’s traditions follow them into the wilderness or will they be able to forge a new life?

Keywords:

Tradition, Council, Tragedy, Death, Fighting, Fleeing, Wild, Survival, Forest, Predators, Camp, Injuries, Powers, Friendships, Family, Destruction, Gender Differences, Hunting, Loss

My Review:

This book is my favorite type of fantasy novel. I was in the mind and heart of the main character- living and breathing every catastrophe and every triumph with her. The story was strong and told well. The tale was fascinating and full of action and adventure. The world was new and intriguing, but still familiar. I couldn’t put down this story of destruction, hope, and new traditions.

Sapere was a relatable character, even though she has a power unlike others. She has a gift that, as a female, she’s not supposed to have. How Sapere uses her gift and how it sets her apart from the rest of her people, even those with other gifts, makes for a fascinating read. Sapere is not your average ‘chosen one.’ She is her own person.

This book even had romance and friendship. The story was realistic and kept me at the edge of my seat.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya on August 27th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

E.L Tenenbaum’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: The Fair & Foul (Project Gene Assist Book 1) by Allie Potts

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The Fair & Foul (Project Gene Assist Book 1) by Allie Potts

A Science Fiction/Fantasy Novel published by Axil Hammer Publishing (11/4/15)

Summary:

Juliane is a PHD scientist who wants to change the world with her algorithms. Everything she loves in life centers around her work and being recognized for what she’s done. When her career is everything to her, will she be able to set aside her pride to continue working on collaborative projects where she won’t get the credit she’s due?

Keywords:

Cyberpunk, Genetic Engineering, Female Main Character, Science and Technology, Technological Advances, Body Modification, Evolution, Progress, Vision, Future, Workaholic, Lack of Empathy, Romance, Love, Lust

My Review:

This novel reminded me of the dangers of advancing too fast as a species with technology, like the story in the Mind Space Series by David Moore. The Fair and the Foul reminded me a lot of the Mind Space Series due to its time jumps in the story to show the breadth of the technological advances.

The ending was a bit abrupt, but I was so glad all the hints were fully explained. I wouldn’t have understood what was really going on without the big ending reveal.

The way the technology was referenced was a bit over my head, but I really enjoyed its grounding in real technology and the fact that the scientists seemed to really know what they were talking about.

What gripped me most about this book was the depth of the relationships between the characters and the complexity of these relationships. Juliane’s constant struggles as a top female scientist in a male-driven environment were fascinating and unfortunately very true.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Axil Hammer Publishing on November 4th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Allie Potts’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Veneri Verbum (Figments Book 1) by Zanzibar 7 Schwarznegger

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Veneri Verbum (Figments Book 1) by Zanzibar 7 Schwarznegger

A Fiction Novel published by Chizzy Press (01/15/15)

Summary:

Christopher is participating in NaNoWriMo, but he’s barely put two words on the page. He spends his writing time fantasizing about the character he’s created instead of writing anything down. When Christopher finds himself in an alternate world, one where ‘author’ is a dirty word and everything random can and does happen, he will have to journey with his character Elsa to find the way back out.

Keywords:

Writing, Imagination, Courtroom, Train, Thoughts, Characters, Authors, NaNoWriMo, Books, Literature, Craziness, Random, Puns, Footnotes, Cleverness, Humor

My Review:

This book was impossible to read in one sitting because (especially in the case of Autokorect and certain other scenes) it required some concentration. I wanted to understand every nuance and joke because they were all so clever!

If you aren’t paying attention, many of the details might seem random, when they are actually hints and references to literature, writing, NaNoWrimo, and other fun things. This book is full of every good and clever inside writing/literature joke you can think of, sometimes with a twist.

I treasured each and every footnote.

This book is a refreshing distraction from other novels and fun to read, especially if you are a writer or have participated in National Novel Writing Month, and if not it’s just a clever book full of fun situations and imagination beyond your wildest dreams.

This novel was published by Chizzy Press on January 15th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Zanzibar’s Website

Twitter

Book Review: Survivor by Renee Jean

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Survivor by Renee Jean

A YA Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (09/24/15)

Summary:

Sophomore Jasmine has a best friend and aspirations as a photographer. When she meets Tyler, everything melts into the background. He is everything to her, even when his behavior isn’t understandable or nice, but he showers her with attention, even demands it. Who is she to say no?

Keywords:

Abuse, Romance, Relationships, Attention, Bad Boyfriend, Charming, Lies, Dysfunctional Relationship, Family, Hiding, Best Friends, Pain, Domestic Violence, Survivor

My Review:

While I appreciate stories like Survivor, I felt like this particular tale was missing much of the important parts of a good story. When I think of survivor stories I think of Speak and how amazing that book is. This book, though it ended well, glossed through much of the action. As can be seen by the lack of dialogue, most of the action was told to the reader. The narrator was not as detailed or forthcoming with thoughts or emotions like I think someone in an abusive situation would be, even if they were negative thoughts and emotions. I never truly felt connected to the characters or the plot, though I was mad as all get out at Tyler and him getting away with his behavior. To that end, the ending was immensely satisfying and the climax contained all the tension that the beginning and middle were trying to reach.

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on September 24th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.25

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: The Girl and the Clockwork Cat by Nikki McCormack

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The Girl and the Clockwork Cat by Nikki McCormack

A YA Steampunk Novel published by Entangled: Teen (9/02/14)

Summary:

Street rat Maeko survives on the dingy back streets of London with her friend Chaff, her fast feet and quick thinking as well as the pocketbooks of others. Will her latest escapade ever end? Mae is in the middle of a mystery involving a lovable cat with a clockwork appendage, the son of a murder suspect and pirate, and a city-wide conspiracy.

Keywords:

Clockwork, Cat, Pirate, Friendship, Streets, Fleeing, Fighting, Stealing, Hunger, Poverty, Officers, Mystery, Death, Street Smarts, London, Jail, Teenager, Female Main Character

My Review:

The setting and main character were so vivid that I was right there with Maeko on the streets of London. Maeko was written so descriptively that I felt like I knew her. I sympathized with her because she’s compassionate as well as realistic. She didn’t have the greatest childhood, but she is clever and thinks of others just as much as she does of herself. She weighs pros and cons of any given situation she finds herself in and doesn’t just let her empty stomach lead her around.

The plot sucked me right in and was entertaining and detailed. The mystery was intriguing and I wanted to find out what was actually going on as much as Maeko.

The steampunk and language were spot on and well written into the story without being overpowering or overwhelming. McCormack is a genius with world building and writing a good story.

This novel was published by Entangled: Teen on September 2nd, 2014 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Twitter

Nikki McCormack’s Website