I just finished reading A Blurred Estuary of Demons by Rebecca Maye Holiday. Having read a fair amount of Ms. Holiday's work I was eager to get into this collection. So eager that I actually purchased it. It was not submitted for review. 

I usually steer away from short story collections for a few reasons, One, how to review a collection of varied stories, some of which the reader may or may not understand. Additionally, I have also had the experience of short stories not being able to adequately develop characters. Finally, I enjoy getting lost in books, difficult to do in a variety of short stories. Reading stand alone stories not in a collection format is perfectly fine with me and I've read several of Ms. Holiday's stories this way.

I must admit, there were a couple of stories I probably missed the point on. But it was only a couple and didn't diminish my overall reaction the the collection. 

My second concern was a nonstarter from the beginning. Each story, even with its limited length did not scrimp on character development in the least.

I did not get lost in the book. But I did get lost in some very very powerful tales. Her no-frills writing style does not waste time with superfluous verbiage. Characters reach out and grab the reader by the heart and/or throat. I believe most of these stories expanded to book length would be more than I could probably handle.

Many of the stories evoke a feeling like the old Twilight Zone, One Step Beyond or The Outer Limits. I don't think I can give this book any greater praise than that. Those old tv shows entertained, at times disturbed and often terrified the watcher, usually making one ponder the issues explored. Ms. Holiday's stories do no less. So, while my criticisms of short story collections are still valid in my mind, this collection avoids those pitfalls admirably. I would not hesitate for a moment to read another if she produced one.

I am so glad I set my preconceived prejudices against short story collections aside. Like I said, I've read several of her stories and wanted more. For a while her earlier works were not available, so I jumped at the opportunity to be able to read these. They are DARK don't for a moment believe they aren't. The title does include the word Demons after all. I enjoyed the h-e-double hockey sticks out of it. If you enjoy stories that give you a tingle on a dark night A Blurred Estuary of Demons is for you! Enjoy!

Mike

 

 

I got to spend some time with friends over the last few days. The Lane family, at least that's what it feels like when I get to read one of Mr. Heldt's books. Crown City is the latest of his works and it represents a couple of significant milestones: First, it completes the five book series Time Box, Second, this is the twentieth book he has written. Consequently, the twentieth title I have read by him.

Frequent readers of Mr. Heldt's work will understand when I say that completing one of his series is a bittersweet experience. This author is adept at drawing readers into the story so well that the characters experiences feel like our own. I am sad that a particular story line concludes and then am intrigued by what may be coming next. Crown City is certainly a shining example of this ability.

Having read all of Heldt's work over the last several years, I have had the pleasure of watching his evolution as a story teller. On a personal note I have often been pleasantly surprised when stories or parts of stories are set in geographic areas familiar to me. I happen to live in the area parts of the Northwest Passage series is set, only four miles from the setting of one of the books. Crown City is set in Coronado California, near San Diego. I grew up in North San Diego County during the time frame of this book. Yeah, I know, so did a few million other people, but it's still cool.

As all the storylines converge and resolve, Crown City gives us family in flux, not unreasonable for a family that has been present for two presidential assassinations, the entry of the U.S. into WWII and having to adapt to several different American cultures based on the different time periods they visit.

As is the case with the rest of the series, Crown City focuses mostly one one family member. Others are not ignored by any stretch but in this case fourteen-year-old Ashley is given center stage. Heldt does an admirable job of portraying teen-angst and youthful rebellion. Ashley is a well developed real character, as are all of his characters. She has strengths and weaknesses and some of those weaknesses cause real problems. 

The focus of the whole series has been the Lane family's trek through time trying avoid the contract killer pursuing them to kill the family and retrieve the time boxes they absconded with to prevent an unscrupulous ceo from using for illicit purposes. This is where I see the growth of Mr. Heldt's talent, The Time Box series was to my mind darker and more violent than his other work. Not overly dark or extremely graphicly violent by any means. I still walk away feeling good, but we do see a new side of Mr. Heldt's repertoire, demonstrating his ability to avoid falling into formulae, keeping his work new and fresh.

Readers of my reviews know I don't spend a lot of time rehashing the storyline in my reviews. I leave that to other reviewers. I try instead to focus on what about the writing moved or didn't move me. Hopefully some readers find this approach helpful. I find that dialogue is often a weak spot for some authors. Not so for John Heldt, he is great at using dialogue to set a tone and evoke a response in the reader. With just a few lines he can make the reader feel warm and fuzzy, agitated, frustrated, fearful, heartbroken or elated.

Crown City is worthy of your time. It is a well told story part of a master-crafted series. John Heldt continues to provide solid entertainment that relies on a well told story over the literary crutches used by other authors (Foul language, graphic sex and violence, dysfunctional/disrespectful families). His stories are tight and uplifting and I recommend them highly. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading his work, do yourself a favor and give his work a look, you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

Oh yeah, five stars for sure!

Mike

Fractured Throne

 

Author Lee Haywood provided a print copy of Fractured Throne for review.

It is interesting to note that the cover art for this book on Amazon shows the same artwork but with the added title The Promise of Dragons. My deduction; an early printing. No matter, the book is great.

Your basic fantasy quest tale, but very well presented. Good character development and enough background that the reader does not feel lost jumping directly into the heart of the story. 

Our hero, Emethius, is a Soldier of the Faith, a group that sounds somewhat Christian although not specifically so. He is tasked with finding the cure to the Blackheart, a plague destroying the population without regard to station or status. 

All the best aspects of the quest are here including a partner who provides the comedy relief. No sex, good action, intrigue and political maneuvering.

If you like medieval quest settings this should be your cup of tea (or pages of a book if you prefer).  Fractured Throne does appear to be the first in a series. As evidenced by the fact (SPOILER ALERT!) that our hero does not find the cure in this volume. The detective in me figured that out all by myself!

Anyway, good escapist fun for fantasy enthusiasts like me. Enjoy!

Mike

The Refugee: Valiant

 

I was provided a print copy of  The Refugee: Valiant for review.

Regular kid Valiant is struck by lightening and transported to another world where he turns out to be someone very special.

He finds himself hunted by the authorities who want him for nothing he will like. On the run he is aided by an eclectic group of people sworn to help his kind.

This is the first book in a series and not much is resolved at this point. A lot of "Oh look what I can do" moments. Some of his helpers are less than enthusiastic participants in the adventure. Lots of great action, no romance even between teenagers. Intrigue, deception and hot pursuit are the fare of the day.

I did overall enjoy the story, but had a bit of trouble with the rancor demonstrated by those we assume are allies. This, for me, is what held back the fifth star.

Still a very good read worthy of your time. I am interested to read how the story plays out in future volumes. Enjoy!

Mike 

The Wizards of Central Park West

 

I received a print copy of The Wizards of Central Park West from author Arjay Lewis for review.

This book surprised the "H-E-double toothpicks" out of me. I'm not sure what I was expecting but the NYC setting kind of threw me. Author Lewis does an outstanding job of blending myth and magic with a contemporary setting.

Our reluctant hero Eddie (the detective) doesn't just think outside the box, he seems to live there. He takes in stride (more or less) the bizarre goings on of his magical mystical new colleagues while investigating a murder. He definitely becomes the alpha male in his new group, whether they like it or not. 

He winds up in a fight to (you guessed it) SAVE THE WORLD from the EVIL ONE. While offered many opportunities to compromise his values he holds fast. Great supporting characters like his wife and his partner, flesh out the story and provide relief from the intense drama. 

Lots of action both normal and paranormal, interoffice politics, mythic/magic politics, some sexuality though very mild.

This would make an awesome movie, I think Delroy Lindo would make a great Eddie Berman.

Great sword and sorcery in a contemporary setting! Enjoy!

Mike

The Refuge

 

I finally get to review this book! I am on the road on an extended trip and internet has been very sketchy at best. I've actually been sitting at my computer for over an hour waiting to be able to post. Apologies for the poor quality of the cover art, I can't seem to improve it.

But enough of my whining.

Author John A. Heldt provided me with an e-copy of The Refuge for review. I am a great fan of Mr. Heldt's writing. It's hard to believe this is the 19th book I've read of his.

The Refuge continues the story of the Lane family as they try to protect themselves from an unscrupulous businessman bent on their destruction. 

This time the story took a few interesting turns. The bad guy, Silas Bain shows a new and interesting side, making him almost an object of pity or at least some compassion. We also see an increase in the resolve of at least one Lane in turning the tables on their pursuers. There is a bit less focus on the light romance than in earlier installments, a bit more dramatic. To be expected on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I don't think the story would have played as well any other way.

Mr. Heldt has not lost his ability to manipulate our emotions however. Several times I had strong emotional reactions to the action. Jeremy's emotional struggles in particular elicit my strongest reactions. It is great fun watching his writing talent grow and evolve.

Although our intrepid author did not use the dreaded cliffhanger ending (a fact for which I cannot truly express my delight), I did feel less settled at the end of this book and find myself even more anxious to read the fifth (and if he follows established procedure) final installment of The Time Box series.

Before the internet goes away I will just say, Read this book, read this series, read all of John A. Heldt's work. Good clean light romance/ comedy/drama, action, intrigue, adventure and even a fair dose of history. What more could a reader want?  The Refuge, as all his work will leave you feeling satisfied and even uplifted. A lot of value from one book. Enjoy!

Mike

The Forgotten Kingdom

 

I won a print copy of The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike in a Goodreads Giveaway,

The Forgotten Kingdom is the second volume in the Lost Queen Trilogy. I have not read the first volume and am sorry that I haven't. It doesn't seem as though this was a detriment to enjoying this installment. And boy did I enjoy it.

Set in the Arthurian timeframe with all that entails, we follow the stories of Languoreth, her daughter Angharad, and Languoreth's twin brother Lailoken (AKA Merlin). We see the tensions between followers of the "Old Gods" and the new Christian God. Although Arthur himself does not appear on these pages, we hear the name Pendragon used. 

I was completely entranced by this book. The depth is amazing as is the detail. Considering the amount of literature based in this time period, that says quite a lot. I can not claim any great Arthurian expertise so I can't speak to the authenticity of the story. But reading the accompanying authors notes demonstrates that this author knows of what she writes. 

A lot of action, I mean it is wartime after all so that may be a given. But the depths of personal relationships, familial and otherwise, is just mind blowing. Such an intricate, well developed plot.

The Kingdom may be forgotten but this book should certainly not be. Historic fiction, fantasy, mythic legend, sword and sorcery, Druidic spirituality lovers and anyone even mildly interested in the genre, take the time to read this book! You will be glad you did. Enjoy!

Mike

The Guest List

 

I won a print copy of Lucy Foley's The Guest List in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I'm not entering un-trodden territory with this review. I usually read and review works from indie writers who have not yet had much mass exposure. I'm about the 36,000th reviewer for this book so I don't expect to share any great new insights here. Such is life.

As a murder mystery this was well presented, lots of twists and turns and not at all predictable (at least for me). Many potential perpetrators to choose from and to keep you guessing. Rivalries, new and old, secrets also new and old as well.   I really liked the authors use of short scenes from various points of view. These kept me engaged and turning pages, short chapters encourage me to read longer than I plan.

The mystery takes place during a wedding being held in a suitably eerie setting; a resort on a remote island with its own history. The main characters move between sympathetic and despicable with ease. Very well portrayed and developed.

Mystery buffs will have fun unraveling this story (36,000+ already have). So I'll add my endorsement to theirs and recommend The Guest List to mystery lovers everywhere. Enjoy!

Mike

Horseback Across Three Americas

 

Author Verne Albright provided an e-copy of Horseback Across Three Americas for review.

I usually pass on non-fiction books but since I have read two of Mr. Albright's fiction works, I agreed to give this one a look. My personal complaint is that non-fiction often read like a report, rather dry.

I am glad I accepted this book as it turns out it is a very well written interesting story. It held my interest and actually informed me in a pleasant fashion. What I know about horses could be printed on the head of a pin with left over space, ditto regarding my knowledge of South and Middle American culture. Mr. Albright weaves much of both topics into an adventure most people (myself included) will envy.

We learn about the Peruvian Paso horse (although I am still unsure what a pastern is) and meet many colorful characters as the author relates the tale of his horseback ride from Peru to the U.S. We see a side of the locals that many readers may otherwise never see. 

As the story unfolds, the reader get continuous reminders that this is not a fictional story. The heroics of fictional characters is not present. The horses are horses with the plusses and minuses inherent in any real animal. Same with the people. I enjoyed the story, feeling like I was there when he described travelling through the desert and the heat that he had to endure. 

Overall, I would say that Horseback Across Three Americas is an eye opening adventure, made more special given that it is a true story. I recommend it to those who like horses, other cultures, adventure and lighthearted pleasant reads. There is humor, drama, suspense, political bureaucracy and even a bit of romance. An all around good read. Enjoy!

Mike 

dysphoria and Grace

 

I won a print copy of dysphoria and Grace by Chistina Rozelle in a Goodreads Giveaway.

It took me a while to like this book. Although I like apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic/dystopian stories, this one bordered on being too far over the top for me. I couldn't relate to the characters. As the cover says, "You can't break someone who's already broken" and Grace, the lead character, is well beyond "broken". Granted, the government is dystopian in spades, but Grace starts out offering little to find endearing to the reader. She absolutely and unapologetically revels in her brokenness. 

Very graphic scenes of drug use, sexuality, and rape. Very, very dark. When we start to think things may be improving for Grace; BAM! Slapped down again. No secret that as a reader I was waiting for the "redemptive" portion of the story. Mini spoiler; it does not come in the I was expecting. I believe this is the first installment of a series so perhaps in forthcoming books it will be more of a comfortable read for me. Perhaps that is the crux of my review, dysphoria and Grace is not a comfortable read. As we all know, an uncomfortable read does not equate to a bad read. So, be prepared to leave your reading comfort zone. Enjoy!

Mike  

Morgan Le Fay: Children of This World (book 2 in the Fata Morgana Child of the Moon Trilogy)

 

I received a print copy of Morgan Le Fay: Children of This World book 2 in the Fata Morgana Child of the Moon Trilogy from the author for review. Whew! That is a lot of title.

In this second installment we continue to follow the growth of the young Morgan as she grows into her power/gift. A lot of court intrigue mixed with interactions with the magical realms. The story comes to a head at the observance of Samhain and takes a decidedly darker turn. 

I still fight with my previous, admittedly limited, knowledge of the Morgana tradition, so this story continues to be new territory for me. Not a bad thing, in fact it keeps me in the story because I can't assume I know what's going to happen.

I am greatly impressed by the amount of detail the author has put into the story. This book is markedly longer that the first installment. But MS. Blanco does a great job of extending the story in such a way that I did not feel a loss of the storyline. The age of Morgan still surprises me as one so young takes in stride such world shattering situations. 

An aside: For what it is worth, the cover art I have posted here is not the cover shown on Amazon.  

For readers who wants to immerse themselves in the Arthurian legends (although he's not here...yet anyway) , the realms of Fae, and mythic gods and goddesses, this is the series for you. I look forward with anticipation to the third and final installment in the trilogy. Enjoy!

Mike

Morgan Le Fey: Small Things and Great

 

Author Jo-Anne Blanco provided a print copy of Morgan Le Fey: Small Things and Great for review. This is the first book in the Children of the Moon Trilogy.

This book presented a quite different telling of Morgan Le Fey's story. I must admit my only real knowledge of her comes from the movie Excalibur, so I cannot claim any authority as regards Arthurian legend. 

This first installment of the trilogy joins her story at five years old. I had to keep telling myself that as I read because what Morgan experiences and accomplishes at such a young age is incredible. This story takes place chronologically prior to the aforementioned movie. The character who really surprised me was Merlin, yes that Merlin (at least I think so). He is the same age as Morgana and at times an antagonist. 

We get a dose of several mythic characters from the world of Fae. It is a fairly dark story of a young girl caught up in the political intrigue of her noble parents. As well as the dizzying developments in a world most can not see, or even believe in. Authoress Blanco takes the reader on a emotional roller coaster of an adventure. To quote an old movie "hang on it's going to be a bumpy ride". 

Morgana is not necessarily wise beyond her years but she is intuitive and strong minded. Blanco does an admirable job of setting a scene, I found myself uncomfortable when the story called for it, fearful when appropriate, and relieved when things work out. I was fully immersed in the story. Very well written, and though it is the first in a trilogy, NO CLIFF HANGER! (Thank you, thank you, thank you)

If you are an enthusiast of Arthurian/Medieval tales, Morgan Le Fey: Small Things and Great should satisfy that itch. If you haven't yet tried this genre, this would be a good place to start. Enjoy!

Mike

Northfighters: The View From the Chrystallis

 

Author Colm O'Dowd provided an e-copy of Northfighters: The View From the Crystallis for review.

This is a great mix; think The Time Tunnel meets Arthurian legend. We have a group of kids (not all friends) who travel to a sword and sorcery land where they are part of a grand prophesy. 

Talk about a fish out of water, we have kids from our time meeting up with warriors of mythic times. The kids are as out of place in their new setting as the warriors are being suddenly tasked with caring for and helping kids they just don't understand. 

Great mythological beasts, blood and guts warriors who still have humorous side. An evil person set on world domination and a unique set of rules to follow. Awesome fantasy, I loved it. World building extends to a few different worlds and the author balances them beautifully. Nothing but praise for this one. It is what I read fantasy for; a good action packed adventure. Enjoy!

Mike

Downrigger Drift

 

Another foray into my not so secret vice; the Deathlands series.

Depending on what site you use, Downrigger Drift is either #95 or #96 in the series.

As the title suggests this entry has a more nautical theme. This theme, throughout the series, has probably been my least favorite over all. Downrigger Drift does not fall into that category however. 

Set on the shore of Lake Michigan, we find our intrepid group of survival warriors meeting up with an old friend. We get a taste of Native American culture mixed in with the ultra violence that is the hallmark of the deathlands books. 

We meet a new kind of monster here which adds to the appeal of the story and even a bit more character development than usual. Fear not however, there is no shortage of violence, death and dismemberment. 

Again these are my private unapologetic indulgences and I thoroughly enjoy them offering no apology or literary defense. They are good escapist entertainment. Enjoy!

Mike

The Saturday Night Ghost Club

 

A Goodreads giveaway provided a print copy of The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson.

This middle grade coming of age story of Jake, his childhood friends and his uncle Calvin. The book calls Calvin "eccentric" but that appellation is usually reserved for a rich relative and I don't think he is. Anyway, he does have an abiding interest in the occult and is always including Jake and a couple of his friends on eerie adventures.

The adult Jake is the narrator and his stories are told episodically as memories. I can't reveal much of the story line here as it would lead quickly into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say the adventures are suitably creepy and unnerving. 

The author does a great job of painting a picture of youthful angst, feeling different from everyone else yet finding friends he can relate to. Author Davidson hooks the reader and draws them into The Saturday Night Ghost Clubs adventures and blind sides us with a climax that, I at least, did not see coming. Even though it is offered as a middle-grade read, this old grade reader really enjoyed it. The interactions with the familial characters were wonderfully written, very positive and loving. I recommend this book for young and old readers alike. Enjoy!

Mike 

Secret Santa

 

I won a print copy of Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer in a goodreads giveaway.

First, Secret Santa is not really a Christmas story per se, Christmas is the vehicle to present a pretty good horror story. I don't point this out as a negative, merely to say don't expect a lot of ho, ho, ho. 

Do expect a slow burn kind of horror tale. A good mystery involving an old german toy. Kind of made me think a bit as my wife owns some old german toys. Not a real secret or spoiler to share that the toy is central to the story, but how and why are. 

Set in a publishing house with many secrets, we get Lussi (pronounced like Lucy) an editor tasked with finding the next Stephen King. Her task is hampered by a less than friendly group of coworkers.

Lussi is the story teller so we get the full effect that the nefarious goings on impact her. I liked this approach, it engaged me quickly. The author does an admiral job of painting a sufficiently gloomy and terrifying  setting. His description of the publishing house has a kind of House of Usher vibe to it. It keeps the reader figuratively looking over their shoulder while reading. The cast of characters are truly as an eclectic eccentric group as one could wish for. 

Secret Santa is a good horror mystery. The authors use of very short chapters kept me reading longer than I might have because each chapter was only a few pages long so I'd think; okay one more and wind up reading several. All in all a goody quick creepy read. Enjoy!

Mike

 

First off, yes I am the author's husband. So take my review with however many grains of salt you feel you must. 

Dark Glen is set in a future where the government, and society, have gone completely off the rails. It follows the attempts of people who stand firm in their desire to live life following traditional family values and the constitution. The reader will not find hate speech (except maybe at the seriously wicked politicians). They will find a positive outlook for everyone in their community. This small community is made up of people from several social, religious, cultural and racial backgrounds.

They meet with another community of decidedly different people; creations of scientists interested in what they could do without considering if they should. I found it to be very imaginative, refreshing and creative. We get an ensemble versus a single hero. Cooperation, ingenuity and realism. Basically the author's vision of what a rebuilding could be when people decide to rebuild rather than continue to destroy. Several early readers commented on the story's predictions of current events when written a year ago.

There is a trigger warning, mainly because of some negative feedback Sonya received from early readers. That's okay, but keep in mind Dark Glen is not a political manifesto. It is a work of speculative fiction looking at one possibility. For me it fills the bill of what I like to read; post-apocalyptic, fantasy and escapism. I truly think that if the reader looks at the story that way, they will find a highly enjoyable book. Trying to turn it into a socio-political treatise will probably lead to frustration. Enjoy!

Mike

Sea Spray (Time Box#3)

 

Author John A. Heldt provided an e-copy of Sea Spray the third installment of the Time Box series. It is also the eighteenth book Mr. Heldt has offered. I have read them all and continue to thoroughly enjoy them. It has been great fun watching his talent grow and develop along the way. I don't mean to intimate that his earlier works are somehow inferior to his more recent offerings. Make no mistake, his storytelling ability is, and always has been, very impressive. What I mean by growth and development is his continued expanding and reimagining his time travel stories. Mr. Heldt does not fall into the trap of resting on a formula, but pushes himself to bring new and exciting situations to his work. I can (but won't) name best selling authors who don't challenge themselves this way.

Sea Spray demonstrates this growth splendidly. The third installment of the adventures of the Lane family takes a decidedly more serious and somber tack (you'll get that joke after you read the book). After all, someone is trying to kill the whole family. We still get Heldt's masterful interweaving of history, life and death drama, bittersweet romance, humor, coming of age angst and an unshakable zest for life. 

The people who are out to kill the Lanes are well developed also. They are not one-dimensional evil guys. The Lanes themselves are not pacifist pushovers. They take a much more proactive stance against their antagonists. I enjoy spending time in John Heldt's literary worlds. So much so that I read more slowly, to spend as much time with them as I can. Some of the action sequences however made that impossible; the shoot-out at Block Island is nothing short of riveting. In fact, the last 20% of the book just wouldn't let me go. I stayed up much later than usual because I just couldn't put it down and at the same time being sad because I knew I was going to be leaving them again.

Mr. Heldt does not (thankfully) rely on the dreaded and in my case despised cliffhanger, yet he does entice us with a hint at what's coming. He tells us where the next installment is set to begin. Wow! The only drawback to a good series is the wait between books. With John Heldt's work, these interludes are becoming more and more difficult.

If you haven't yet guessed, I give Sea Spray highest praise. It's a great continuation of the Lane's saga. I strongly encourage readers to check this one out. Enjoy!

Mike