Bystanders

Author Phillip Murrell provided the first three books in the Bystanders series for review. Apologies to him for taking so long to get to them. I wrestled with the decision to read all three books and review them as a series or to do them individually. I am currently half way through the second book, and even though they are not stand alone books I think individually is the way to go. 

After reading the first chapter of Bystanders I seriously thought my testosterone levels had probably increased. The action while not completely nonstop, it was darn close. We start with a superhero (maybe?) suddenly making an appearance in the small town of Colberton. 

Many interweaving story lines with pretty well developed characters, quite a complex story. This would be my complaint about this book: too much. It seems like the author doesn't want to leave out any social group almost too much of a nod to inclusivity. There are strong females able to kick male butt, sensitive males, hardcore toxic males, gays, mental disorders, military style tech, females fighting the patriarchy, teenage angst and parental dysfunction, the usual assortment of good guys and bad guys. I was overwhelmed by the diversity of the characters and their own stories. By the time I finished this first installment I came to the conclusion that there really weren't any of the characters that should be edited out of the story. It just requires a bit more attention on the part of the reader.

Good start to the series, we aren't given much in the way of backstory for our semi-superhero which was another argument in favor of completing the three books as one. But I have since learned that the series extends beyond three books so that pretty much ends the argument.

Overall really enjoyed the book and looking forward to continuing the story. But I am hoping for more answers. Over the top in all aspects (that's a good thing) taking the reader on a very wild ride. Open the book, start reading and hang on! Enjoy!

Mike

The Dane Law (The Athelin Chronicles book #2)

Author Garth Petterson provided an ecopy of The Dane Law for review. 

Although this is the second book in the series, and I have not read the first, I didn't feel as though I was missing much. Which I take to mean the story is written to be a stand alone. 

Set in Engla-lond, we have a story of Viking political intrigue. Very good character development. Great action sequences, just the right amount of humor and even a bit of sex thrown in for good measure. 

The author did a good job of keeping me guessing as to who would eventually align with whom. Broken loyalties, shifting alliances, ruling class politics blended into a readable and engrossing story. 

I would definitely like to read more from this author. I'm not really an expert of the whole Viking genre, but I did enjoy Pettersen's take. Enjoy!

Mike

The Gift of the Quoxxel

I was provided an ecopy of The Gift of the Quoxxel  by Richard Titus for review. I had a hard time deciding into what genre this story should be categorized. The best comparison I can come up with is if Dr. Seuss woke up in The Twilight Zone.

The story itself is fun and light hearted. It is set on an island nation ruled by a truly eccentric monarch and inhabited by a truly Seuss like menagerie of people and animals. When I gave up trying to "figure out" the meaning or purpose of the story, I just sat back and enjoyed it. 

The gift of this story, at least for me, is the opportunity to just enjoy a fun story. Good job Richard Titus. Enjoy!

Mike

2020 When Hindsight Becomes Foresight

Author Amy Joy provided an ecopy of 2020 When Hindsight Becomes Foresight for review. I have reviewed several of this authors works and she is a personal friend. That said : I HATED THIS BOOK!

Those of you who pay attention to star ratings may be asking: Why then did you give it 5 stars? I'll tell you, because it is very well written. The main character, Dodge, is very sympathetic and endearing. Other characters are equally well developed. The premise is intriguing, waking up as your much younger self with the mental capacities of your adult self. This is all the foreknowledge I had before beginning this book, the way I prefer it. Without going into an explanation that would require spoilers, suffice it to say, the book went into a completely unexpected direction. 

After I read the book I told Amy Joy that had she given me more info on the story line I would have declined the opportunity to read the book. I had such a visceral reaction the the story that I was upset for days (recalling the story to write this review is raising my blood pressure). This is actually a testament to Amy Joy's writing ability. To be able to elicit such a reaction demonstrates ability.  

The topic itself is the problem for me, and I freely admit it is my problem. Most readers do not share my personal emotional buttons and will not be so affected.

So, as usual, Amy Joy is a terrific talent. 2020... is probably the best book I have ever hated. Enjoy, (you probably will, I didn't)!

Mike