Through the Whole of Space-Time, A Keiff Carmadden Tragicomedy: Book One—Mysteries, Secrets, and Lies

I received an e-copy of  Through the Whole of Space-Time, A Keiff Carmadden Tragicomedy: Book One—Mysteries, Secrets, and Lies by Dean Rosenthal, for review. Whew! That's a lot of title!

This book is a space-based sci-fi story told from the main characters pov. Minor note: the story seems to be related in present time, but Keiff makes comments that are more appropriate for a retelling. Comments along the line of "Little did I know" (not an actual quote, but that type).

A lot of "hard science" techie talk about quantum physics and the like, but surprisingly, though I don't understand much on that topic, I didn't feel intimidated by that part of the story. Author Rosenthal does a great job of blending humor and sexual tension with the science. The Blephyron Syndrome is something I have never heard discussed in any other outer-space sci-fi story I've ever read, but it's very important. If you plan on travelling in space you need to understand it.

Sex, drugs, aliens (who, in outer-space, is actually the alien?) cultural diversity, academic jealousy and politics, physics and fun. It's all here. I found it a fun read.

Through the Whole of Space-Time, A Keiff Carmadden Tragicomedy (yay for cut and paste) is the first of the series and does sound like fun to follow. Enjoy!

Mike

The Raven

I won a print copy of The Raven by Y.I.M.S. in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I did not have the reaction to this book other reviewers have shared. There are way too many mistakes to have made it into print. It appears to me that no one proofread this work prior to printing, and for me they were of sufficient number to impact enjoyment of the book. If that were the only problem with The Raven, I could get past it.

The story is one note; revenge for a brutal murder. Granted, revenge is not an unreasonable motivation for Victoria, but she experiences no growth or understanding as the story unfolds. She is a flat, one dimensional character, as is her compatriot Poe. 

The story was choppy and disjointed for me. It did not build to a moving climax. The ending was ho-hum. Readers of my reviews know that I try to be positive, while being honest. I respect the work it took for this author to create this book, but I must maintain my objectivity and share my true reactions to this book.

Mike

The God Virus

I received a print copy of The God Virus from the author for review. Editorial note: I see other reviewers state that they were given a book in exchange for an honest review. I don't recall ever being offered a book in exchange for a dis-honest review. Just wanted to say that since I don't make such declarations anymore.

Author Indigo Voyager (that's what my copy says) has created an excellent story of fantasy, suspense, crime, politics, government, academia and family. This book is just great!

I have seen three different covers for this book. One of which identifies the author as Justin Smith, the person I received the book from. I do like my cover best and I think it may be the first, and the author can call themselves anything they like. You'll see the connection between the story and Indigo Voyager when you read the book.

The story starts with an experimental drug trial and develops into a wild ride as the main characters try to stabilize an out of control situation.

The story deals with the creation of a superhuman hybrid. Of course everyone. good and bad, wants to control them. We see the positive and negative aspects of having such beings in "regular" society. The new humans are just short of indestructible and omnipotent. Fortunately for us the new hybrids are basically good people. I like this format; fantasy that still operates within a realistic format. This makes characters and situations more believable.

The suspense builds as the story progresses. The whole situation grows more and more complex as more people learn about the hybrids. 

The story is well balanced between violence and tenderness, drama and humor, good and bad. The God Virus by Indigo Voyager (that's what my copy says) is a fantastic start to this series. I look forward to reading more. Give this book a look, I think you will like it. Enjoy!

Mike

The Dog That Laid Eggs

I received a print copy of The Dog That Laid Eggs from author Jonathan Maas some time ago and was finally able to read it.

This book operates on so many levels it is hard to categorize. Most of the message is going to be interpreted by the reader based on their own beliefs. I see messages about social justice, sycophantic followers, self elected arbiters of morality, academic snobbery, xenophobia, marital relations and more. Fortunately for my reading tastes, these messages are well couched in the sometimes downright silly activities of the eclectic collection of eccentric (who knows, they might be rich) characters. Humor is the name of the game here. Anyone trying to keep discussion of The Dog That Laid Eggs on a serious tone will quickly become frustrated. The story is so full of puns, veiled nods to pop culture and downright bizarre action that the reader has to really pay attention so as not to miss any of the fun. The lazy zombies are a real kick. 

I have read several of Mr. Maas' books and enjoyed them all. I can't say The Dog That Laid Eggs is my favorite, but it is still a book that made me laugh out loud often, and think occasionally. Pretty much the order I prefer.

My only complaint: with a character named Jethro Tull, I kept waiting for him to reveal an Aqualung hidden in his barn (people my age will get that).

The Dog That Laid Eggs by Jonathan Mass is seriously entertaining. If you possess a working sense of humor, I think you will like this book. Enjoy!

Mike

Moral Panic

I received an ecopy of Moral Panic by K.M.Ecke for review.

A futuristic techno thriller, Moral Panic explores the uses and abuses of internet and computer technology. Readers who have even the slightest antipathy for technology and its potential for abuse will find it difficult to identify a real hero in this story. The various factions represented each have the desire to be a force for good but each is also willing to embrace evil, or at least antisocial behavior to achieve their goals.

Operating under the name Social Justice we have outright evil perpetrated on both the innocent and guilty. We have corporate ideals perverted by corrupt politicians (are there any other kind?). Well written with mostly believable characters. The main bad guy may be a bit over the top.

A very scary tale because so much of the story is plausible. The readers reaction will no doubt depend on where they fall on the conspiracy theory continuum. The more they believe such activity possible, the more frightening the story will be.

As a person with a healthy skepticism about relying completely on the benevolence of technological advances, I'll admit Moral Panic by K.M. Ecke scared me pretty well. Enjoy!

Mike

The Undertaker's Revenge - A love Story

I accepted an ecopy of The Undertaker's Revenge - A love Story by A. Davis for review. 

To begin, make no mistake, this is a very quirky story, bordering on bizarre. But in a completely good and fun way. 

I suppose a reader could muster up some outrage for the evil corporation that is at the root of all of the village of Krakenshire's woes, but that would be missing out on the hilarious goings on of the inhabitants. Townspeople obsessed with the confections produced by the baker, the veterinarian building hybrid animals in his back room and of course, our hero, the undertaker.

Our hero only wants revenge (hence the title) on the evil company he blames for the death of his beloved wife. The problem? Finding help in his goofy village. His minions are twin (but not born at the same time) makeup obsessed zombie assistants. 

The story is told to us by a narrator (my personal favorite character) who speaks directly to us and the undertaker. Very funny and not overdone. 

For a good lighthearted wacky read, check out The Undertaker's Revenge - A love Story  by A. Davis. Enjoy!

Mike