Author David Ahern provided me with an e-copy of Madam Tulip for review.
Madam Tulip is the fun and often funny story of a young woman trying to make a career as an actress. She is the daughter of the seventh son of a seventh son (I believe that is the lineage) and has the psychic abilities that come with that distinction. There we have the crux of the story.
Our heroine, Derry, develops the character 'Madam Tulip" a fortune teller, to make a little money at a party for the rich and famous. She unwittingly gets caught up in the unpleasant schemes of the beautiful people, and has to rely on her own wits and psychic abilities to protect herself and her friends.
Madam Tulip takes place in a world where no one seems to work a traditional 9-5 type job. Derry's unusual world is filled with struggling actors, artists, and now, the super rich and famous.
Of course you know that I don't give out a lot of story info because it's better if you actually read the book. I mean David Ahern did go to all the trouble to write it. At first I thought, okay this is going to be a light read, and it is for the most part. But I found myself really caught up in the action and was quickly engrossed in the story. The excitement of the conclusion kept me riveted. A well balanced tale that twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing.
Madam Tulip does cross a few genres and can be read from several different viewpoints. On one hand it is a madcap romp through the world of non-traditional people (rich and not so rich). But it can just as easily be read as an action/adventure, murder (or attempted murder) mystery, with a little organized crime tossed in for good measure.
Set in Ireland, Madam Tulip was just an all around fun read for me. The vocabulary is decidedly not American and I will admit there were a couple of words that I didn't know, but that added to the flavor (flavour) of the story. Not much in the way of sex, some violence but not overwhelmingly so, marital discord, family dysfunction and friends who are not who they appear to be.
So, humor, action, mystery readers will all enjoy Madam Tulip by David Ahern. It is the opening offering in a series that should be fun to follow. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae
Author Laura Fedolfi sent me a print copy of Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae for review.
Laura Fedolfi has hit another home run with this installment of the Revealing Hannah series. The first book; The Myth of Cassandra set the bar high. Arachnae clears the bar with room to spare. I don't think it absolutely necessary to have read the first book to understand this one, although if you haven't, you've missed a great story.
Our heroes, and less than heroes, get involved in one of the most convoluted adventure/mystery tales I have had the pleasure of reading. The Olympian Gods are back and as neurotic and conniving as ever. Just like politicians, the assorted deities have hidden agendas, plots and schemes to bring down their enemies and enhance their own power.
Hannah, tasked with keeping tabs on the activities of these once mighty gods (think Star Trek's prime directive), is at the very heart of the intrigue.
We have helpless gods, snarky gods, manipulative gods, evil gods, lovable demons, trapped witches and other mythological beings. We even have a few humans! Hannah continues to grow into her place in the pantheon of Olympian subterfuge. She has a new best friend I hope we see more of, and her love life is much improved.
Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae brings, at different times, a feel of political thriller, mafia crime, corporate greed and women behaving badly. There is also romance, sex (finally), creepiness (I hate spiders, Arachnae hello) and fun.
Once again, Laura Fedolfi has earned my gratitude for the way she ends the story. She does such a great job of putting the characters back into there regular lives, not just abruptly resolving the main story line then leaving the reader without a feeling of true resolution. This is one of my favorite things about her writing.
I really enjoyed Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae by Laura Fedolfi. I'm pretty sure readers will like this second offering in the series. Enjoy!
Mike
Laura Fedolfi has hit another home run with this installment of the Revealing Hannah series. The first book; The Myth of Cassandra set the bar high. Arachnae clears the bar with room to spare. I don't think it absolutely necessary to have read the first book to understand this one, although if you haven't, you've missed a great story.
Our heroes, and less than heroes, get involved in one of the most convoluted adventure/mystery tales I have had the pleasure of reading. The Olympian Gods are back and as neurotic and conniving as ever. Just like politicians, the assorted deities have hidden agendas, plots and schemes to bring down their enemies and enhance their own power.
Hannah, tasked with keeping tabs on the activities of these once mighty gods (think Star Trek's prime directive), is at the very heart of the intrigue.
We have helpless gods, snarky gods, manipulative gods, evil gods, lovable demons, trapped witches and other mythological beings. We even have a few humans! Hannah continues to grow into her place in the pantheon of Olympian subterfuge. She has a new best friend I hope we see more of, and her love life is much improved.
Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae brings, at different times, a feel of political thriller, mafia crime, corporate greed and women behaving badly. There is also romance, sex (finally), creepiness (I hate spiders, Arachnae hello) and fun.
Once again, Laura Fedolfi has earned my gratitude for the way she ends the story. She does such a great job of putting the characters back into there regular lives, not just abruptly resolving the main story line then leaving the reader without a feeling of true resolution. This is one of my favorite things about her writing.
I really enjoyed Revealing Hannah The Myth of Arachnae by Laura Fedolfi. I'm pretty sure readers will like this second offering in the series. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
The Devious Debutante
Ursula LeCoeur provided an e-copy of The Devious Debutante for review.
The Devious Debutante is the third book in the Love in New Orleans series. I had my doubts about accepting this book for review as I don't generally read straight up romance. Fortunately (for me anyway), The Devious Debutante has much more going for it than straight up romance.
The setting, New Orleans, was the first thing to attract my attention. The second; the story line about a treasury agent trying to bust an opium smuggling cartel in the 1880's. Romance is still the story here, a particularly ardent, and at times, steamy romance. Fans of the genre should have no doubt that The Devious Debutante is first and foremost a romance. But there was enough action to keep even an old grump like me interested.
Ursula LeCoeur is the pen name for a mother-daughter team who borrowed the name Ursula from I believe, their cat. I note this because they write scenes of sexual activity that I could never have even mentioned in front of either of my parents (the times, they are a-changing, nod to the Byrds). Oh yeah, there are scenes of graphic sex within. Also drug use and graphic violence. Sex, drugs but no rock-n-roll (it's 1886). There is humor, high fashion, shameless flirting and general silliness.
A strong willed young lady (is there any other kind?), an overbearing father (ditto), a love besotted treasury agent, and the young lady's lifelong male friend are the main characters of our story. They are well realized and entertaining. Having not read any of the rest of the series, I do not know if these are recurring characters or not.
The Devious Debutante by Ursula LeCoeur was a fun read romance fans should like. Enjoy!
Mike
The Devious Debutante is the third book in the Love in New Orleans series. I had my doubts about accepting this book for review as I don't generally read straight up romance. Fortunately (for me anyway), The Devious Debutante has much more going for it than straight up romance.
The setting, New Orleans, was the first thing to attract my attention. The second; the story line about a treasury agent trying to bust an opium smuggling cartel in the 1880's. Romance is still the story here, a particularly ardent, and at times, steamy romance. Fans of the genre should have no doubt that The Devious Debutante is first and foremost a romance. But there was enough action to keep even an old grump like me interested.
Ursula LeCoeur is the pen name for a mother-daughter team who borrowed the name Ursula from I believe, their cat. I note this because they write scenes of sexual activity that I could never have even mentioned in front of either of my parents (the times, they are a-changing, nod to the Byrds). Oh yeah, there are scenes of graphic sex within. Also drug use and graphic violence. Sex, drugs but no rock-n-roll (it's 1886). There is humor, high fashion, shameless flirting and general silliness.
A strong willed young lady (is there any other kind?), an overbearing father (ditto), a love besotted treasury agent, and the young lady's lifelong male friend are the main characters of our story. They are well realized and entertaining. Having not read any of the rest of the series, I do not know if these are recurring characters or not.
The Devious Debutante by Ursula LeCoeur was a fun read romance fans should like. Enjoy!
Mike
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Sword of Deaths (The Scythe Wielder's Secret, Book 2)
I was given a print copy of Sword of Deaths, by Christopher Mannino for review.
Sword of Deaths the second book in The Scythe Wielder's Secret trilogy.
Although no great plot complication is resolved in Sword of Deaths, I still liked this story very much. It focuses on character building, maturing the main characters. A good thing considering our heroes are teenagers, a time of rapid changes both physically (especially for Suzie, oops, Susan) and emotionally. The story does span a few years after all. I was actually worried that the characters would remain stuck in their original molds, not growing and changing, both as a result of the situations in which they find themselves, and their physical maturity. I mean what do we really expect; one female and thousands (millions?) of males? Did we think no one would notice, or take an interest? Puh-lease!
The story line is advanced without just repeating the formula of the first book. There is plenty of the action, violence, and intrigue we expect from this story, while developing the main characters, making them, for me at least, more interesting. There is a little more exploration of their sexuality. Expecting the characters to remain prepubescent innocents in the world of deaths just would not be reasonable or believable. So, hats off to author Christopher Mannino for letting the characters grow with the story.
Don't misunderstand, by focusing on the development of the characters Mannino does not let the excitement diminish. All our favorites from book one are there, 'mentals, pompous, weird, and just plain goofy teachers. There is heart break, love, murder, mayhem, mystery and chaos enough for all.
The big negative for me is (drum roll please), the cliffhanger ending. Sorry Mister Mannino, I just don't like 'em.
The big plus? Mini spoiler; the dragons are making their presence known. I found Sword of Deaths by Christopher Mannino to be a great continuation of the story and bridge to what I expect will be an exciting conclusion to the story. I look forward to the finale. Enjoy!
Mike
Sword of Deaths the second book in The Scythe Wielder's Secret trilogy.
Although no great plot complication is resolved in Sword of Deaths, I still liked this story very much. It focuses on character building, maturing the main characters. A good thing considering our heroes are teenagers, a time of rapid changes both physically (especially for Suzie, oops, Susan) and emotionally. The story does span a few years after all. I was actually worried that the characters would remain stuck in their original molds, not growing and changing, both as a result of the situations in which they find themselves, and their physical maturity. I mean what do we really expect; one female and thousands (millions?) of males? Did we think no one would notice, or take an interest? Puh-lease!
The story line is advanced without just repeating the formula of the first book. There is plenty of the action, violence, and intrigue we expect from this story, while developing the main characters, making them, for me at least, more interesting. There is a little more exploration of their sexuality. Expecting the characters to remain prepubescent innocents in the world of deaths just would not be reasonable or believable. So, hats off to author Christopher Mannino for letting the characters grow with the story.
Don't misunderstand, by focusing on the development of the characters Mannino does not let the excitement diminish. All our favorites from book one are there, 'mentals, pompous, weird, and just plain goofy teachers. There is heart break, love, murder, mayhem, mystery and chaos enough for all.
The big negative for me is (drum roll please), the cliffhanger ending. Sorry Mister Mannino, I just don't like 'em.
The big plus? Mini spoiler; the dragons are making their presence known. I found Sword of Deaths by Christopher Mannino to be a great continuation of the story and bridge to what I expect will be an exciting conclusion to the story. I look forward to the finale. Enjoy!
Mike
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Pigeon Blood Red
I was given a print copy of Pigeon Blood Red by author Ed E. Duncan for review.
Pigeon Blood Red is a story of double crossing, double dealing, marital infidelity, organized crime, sex, lies and ultimate honor. The honor surfacing in sometimes unexpected places.
The title, Pigeon Blood Red, refers to a sapphire necklace (not a dead bird), around which the story revolves.
It is a light and thoroughly enjoyable read. I say light not because the story is frivolous or shallow, but because it is a straight forward, good guy bad guy tale. We know who's who, and why; the story is in how it all comes together at the climax. The characters are well developed enough to elicit our sympathy, respect, or disdain, depending on the circumstance.
Pigeon Blood Red is the first offering in a trilogy. I do not yet know the title of this trilogy, but author Ed E. Duncan promises to bring us more tales involving these characters. There is plenty of action, intrigue, violence, intimidation, sex and romance to keep us hooked. I finished the book in one day, it held my attention that well.
Pigeon Blood Red at 238 pages, is not particularly long as books go, but Duncan packs a lot of story into those pages. Readers in search of a tight, well written, good guy versus bad guy, crime/action/adventure will find Pigeon Blood Red by Ed E. Duncan, an engrossing story that will keep them involved to the end. And like me, they will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment. Enjoy!
Mike
Pigeon Blood Red is a story of double crossing, double dealing, marital infidelity, organized crime, sex, lies and ultimate honor. The honor surfacing in sometimes unexpected places.
The title, Pigeon Blood Red, refers to a sapphire necklace (not a dead bird), around which the story revolves.
It is a light and thoroughly enjoyable read. I say light not because the story is frivolous or shallow, but because it is a straight forward, good guy bad guy tale. We know who's who, and why; the story is in how it all comes together at the climax. The characters are well developed enough to elicit our sympathy, respect, or disdain, depending on the circumstance.
Pigeon Blood Red is the first offering in a trilogy. I do not yet know the title of this trilogy, but author Ed E. Duncan promises to bring us more tales involving these characters. There is plenty of action, intrigue, violence, intimidation, sex and romance to keep us hooked. I finished the book in one day, it held my attention that well.
Pigeon Blood Red at 238 pages, is not particularly long as books go, but Duncan packs a lot of story into those pages. Readers in search of a tight, well written, good guy versus bad guy, crime/action/adventure will find Pigeon Blood Red by Ed E. Duncan, an engrossing story that will keep them involved to the end. And like me, they will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Waves of Reprisal
Malcolm Little provided me with an e-copy of Waves of Reprisal for review.
I am always up for a good post-apocalyptic read and Waves of Reprisal is a good post-apocalyptic read.
Waves of Reprisal is set in the area of what was once France and Germany. I say was once because unlike many post apocalyptic stories Waves of Reprisal takes place almost thirteen centuries post apocalypse. Long enough for the pre-apocalyptic society to pass into myth and legend. We actually start the story with the apocalypse, but it is treated more as an intro so we don't spend a lot of time there.
1266 years later our hero, Hanyma (Ha-nee-ma), is engaged in a blood feud with a merciless marauder, Tulock, part of a group dedicated to the domination of the world. This group is responsible for the death of Hanyma's family as well as her entire village. Her goal is to stop them from destroying more villages.
Whether by luck or design (the reader can draw their own conclusion), Hanyma begins to uncover ancient technology, becoming a reluctant hero and leader.
Hanyma's world is a brutal place for sure, but she does find the opportunity to make friends and comrades along the way.
Waves of Reprisal is the first in a series. While not a cliffhanger ending (thank you Malcolm Little), there are plenty of questions left to be answered in future books. This story is definitely action oriented, but this does not mean other themes are ignored. Relationships given prominence as well. Yes, there is even budding romance.
Although ancient technology is at the core of the story, author Malcolm Little does not bog us down with techie info. I like this as I am no techno-nerd. We do have the aforementioned ancient technology; Robots called Synthoids, pulse-pistols, gamma-rifles, clones and technological fortresses. We also have talking wolves, bears, and other large animals (we have not yet been told exactly how these abilities have come to the animals).
So, basically we find that the world is again on the cusp of destruction, setting the scene for a battle for the future of humankind.
Malcolm Little has painted a picture of a brutal yet beautiful world, with well developed characters we can root for and against. The possibility of redemption and renewal exists. I personally am interested in what happens with the wolves.
If, as I do, you prefer your sci-fi to lean more towards fantasy than techno, Waves of Reprisal by Malcolm Little is the ticket. Enjoy!
Mike
I am always up for a good post-apocalyptic read and Waves of Reprisal is a good post-apocalyptic read.
Waves of Reprisal is set in the area of what was once France and Germany. I say was once because unlike many post apocalyptic stories Waves of Reprisal takes place almost thirteen centuries post apocalypse. Long enough for the pre-apocalyptic society to pass into myth and legend. We actually start the story with the apocalypse, but it is treated more as an intro so we don't spend a lot of time there.
1266 years later our hero, Hanyma (Ha-nee-ma), is engaged in a blood feud with a merciless marauder, Tulock, part of a group dedicated to the domination of the world. This group is responsible for the death of Hanyma's family as well as her entire village. Her goal is to stop them from destroying more villages.
Whether by luck or design (the reader can draw their own conclusion), Hanyma begins to uncover ancient technology, becoming a reluctant hero and leader.
Hanyma's world is a brutal place for sure, but she does find the opportunity to make friends and comrades along the way.
Waves of Reprisal is the first in a series. While not a cliffhanger ending (thank you Malcolm Little), there are plenty of questions left to be answered in future books. This story is definitely action oriented, but this does not mean other themes are ignored. Relationships given prominence as well. Yes, there is even budding romance.
Although ancient technology is at the core of the story, author Malcolm Little does not bog us down with techie info. I like this as I am no techno-nerd. We do have the aforementioned ancient technology; Robots called Synthoids, pulse-pistols, gamma-rifles, clones and technological fortresses. We also have talking wolves, bears, and other large animals (we have not yet been told exactly how these abilities have come to the animals).
So, basically we find that the world is again on the cusp of destruction, setting the scene for a battle for the future of humankind.
Malcolm Little has painted a picture of a brutal yet beautiful world, with well developed characters we can root for and against. The possibility of redemption and renewal exists. I personally am interested in what happens with the wolves.
If, as I do, you prefer your sci-fi to lean more towards fantasy than techno, Waves of Reprisal by Malcolm Little is the ticket. Enjoy!
Mike
Friday, August 19, 2016
The Mirror
John A. Heldt gave me an e-copy of The Mirror because I enjoyed The Mine and The Show so much.
He did not ask for a review, but I'm going to anyway.
John Heldt immediately joined my list of Indie authors who deserve more attention by publishing houses when I had the pleasure of reading his first book in the series, The Mine . Another of those authors who make me glad I was introduced to indie books.
Kind of bittersweet today, The Mirror is the fifth and last installment (as far as I know), in the Northwest Passage Series. I purposely waited a while to read this book because it is also the only book by Mr. Heldt that I had not yet read. I knew it would be good so I wanted to tease myself. By the way, I was right, The Mirror is great!
The Mirror is a fantastic finale to the series. Any member of the series' Smith family, you have to wonder when it will be your turn for a trip through time. Heldt always pleases. Although the series follows some of the same characters through the series, he gives us new settings and situations that keep the story fresh. My favorite character throughout the series has been Grace Vandenberg (now Smith).
Heldt is such a great story teller and with The Mirror he only solidifies my opinion. The story becomes a multi-generational adventure for twin sisters Ginny and Katie Smith (yeah Those Smiths). We also get a bit of reincarnation added to the mix this time (time, get it? Ok, sorry).
The Mirror twists the story by starting in the future (very near future) and traveling past us to the 60's. Yes, I was there and I do remember them. As I have come to expect from John Heldt, I got a heart-warming tale with humor, heartbreak, history, tragedy, love and romance. It was fun to revisit a time on the cusp of cultural change. The sexual revolution had not yet started, but our time-travelers come from a more relaxed time. There is more sex in this book (again reflecting the time setting), but it is tastefully presented.
Because of the time frame of The Mirror, there is also more social commentary. I'll let you find that on your own. As always, Mr. Heldt ties up the loose ends nicely, yet unpredictably, by the end of the book. As I said, bittersweet. It has been so much fun to read this series, I kind of hate to see it end.
Once again I say; If you want a well written, good, fun, clean adventure, The Mirror by John A. Heldt is for you. I highly recommend the whole Northwest Passage Series as well as his newer American Journey Series.
John A. Heldt is definitely an author to follow. Enjoy!
Mike
He did not ask for a review, but I'm going to anyway.
John Heldt immediately joined my list of Indie authors who deserve more attention by publishing houses when I had the pleasure of reading his first book in the series, The Mine . Another of those authors who make me glad I was introduced to indie books.
Kind of bittersweet today, The Mirror is the fifth and last installment (as far as I know), in the Northwest Passage Series. I purposely waited a while to read this book because it is also the only book by Mr. Heldt that I had not yet read. I knew it would be good so I wanted to tease myself. By the way, I was right, The Mirror is great!
The Mirror is a fantastic finale to the series. Any member of the series' Smith family, you have to wonder when it will be your turn for a trip through time. Heldt always pleases. Although the series follows some of the same characters through the series, he gives us new settings and situations that keep the story fresh. My favorite character throughout the series has been Grace Vandenberg (now Smith).
Heldt is such a great story teller and with The Mirror he only solidifies my opinion. The story becomes a multi-generational adventure for twin sisters Ginny and Katie Smith (yeah Those Smiths). We also get a bit of reincarnation added to the mix this time (time, get it? Ok, sorry).
The Mirror twists the story by starting in the future (very near future) and traveling past us to the 60's. Yes, I was there and I do remember them. As I have come to expect from John Heldt, I got a heart-warming tale with humor, heartbreak, history, tragedy, love and romance. It was fun to revisit a time on the cusp of cultural change. The sexual revolution had not yet started, but our time-travelers come from a more relaxed time. There is more sex in this book (again reflecting the time setting), but it is tastefully presented.
Because of the time frame of The Mirror, there is also more social commentary. I'll let you find that on your own. As always, Mr. Heldt ties up the loose ends nicely, yet unpredictably, by the end of the book. As I said, bittersweet. It has been so much fun to read this series, I kind of hate to see it end.
Once again I say; If you want a well written, good, fun, clean adventure, The Mirror by John A. Heldt is for you. I highly recommend the whole Northwest Passage Series as well as his newer American Journey Series.
John A. Heldt is definitely an author to follow. Enjoy!
Mike
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