It was time for a little guilty pleasure reading, so I went with Desolation Crossing by the non-existent James Axler. I don't know the name of the actual author (just like the other hundred or so Deathlands books I have read).
Desolation Crossing is to my mind, one of the better entries in the series. Face it folks we are not talking literature for the ages here, we're talking survival in a post nuclear wasteland.
Plot? Sliced so thin it only has one side. But really, all a plot is for in the Deathlands series is to put our heroes in position to blow stuff up, chill bad-guys, and generally contribute to the mayhem of the times. That's why we read 'em!
Desolation Crossing is down and dirty survival mayhem and carnage. No bizarro world tech. No space station time travelling cold hearts bent on dominating the nuclear waste pile that is the deathlands. Just shoot first and ask questions later action, plenty of it here, the road trip from hell.
We learn a bit of J.B.'s history (the plot thins). One thing I really liked was not having to read for the hundredth time the backstories of each character. By now (book 86 or 87 depending on your source) we know how each character came to be a part of the companions, enough already!
Sex, drugs, and a little rock and roll, plus all the shoot 'em up action you could want. Desolation Crossing filled my guilty pleasure craving very nicely thank you. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Monday, January 8, 2018
The Perfect Partner
Author(s) Ursula LeCoeur provided an ecopy of The Perfect Partner book #4 in the Love in New Orleans series.
Although I am not a big romance fan, two things convinced me to give The Perfect Partner a look.
First, the book is set in New Orleans and lately I enjoy stories set there. Second, and more important, The Perfect Partner is the second book in the Love in New Orleans series that I have read. I had already reviewed The Devious Debutante and enjoyed it, so the decision wasn't really that difficult.
The Perfect Partner continues focusing on different characters I already met in my earlier reading. There is a lot of comedy, sexual tension and drama. Sexual tension that is interesting based on the time frame the story is set in, the late 1800's. It probably wouldn't be as believable set in current times. And while still on the topic of sex, I am again surprised at the steaminess of the scenes of sexuality written by a mother and daughter writing team. Wouldn't have worked for me with either of my parents.
The social and cultural differences highlighted in The Perfect Partner add to the fun of this story. The social and sexual taboos are hilarious at times.
Our partners are a pair of mismatched advice columnists and the interactions between them are priceless. Add a helping of murder and a taste of voodoo, and you have a well rounded story that entertains even grumpy old men like me.
So, a romance that is not sappy, action, "modern women", drama, suspense and humor. A little something for everyone. The Perfect Partner by Ursula LeCoeur has it all. Enjoy!
Mike
Although I am not a big romance fan, two things convinced me to give The Perfect Partner a look.
First, the book is set in New Orleans and lately I enjoy stories set there. Second, and more important, The Perfect Partner is the second book in the Love in New Orleans series that I have read. I had already reviewed The Devious Debutante and enjoyed it, so the decision wasn't really that difficult.
The Perfect Partner continues focusing on different characters I already met in my earlier reading. There is a lot of comedy, sexual tension and drama. Sexual tension that is interesting based on the time frame the story is set in, the late 1800's. It probably wouldn't be as believable set in current times. And while still on the topic of sex, I am again surprised at the steaminess of the scenes of sexuality written by a mother and daughter writing team. Wouldn't have worked for me with either of my parents.
The social and cultural differences highlighted in The Perfect Partner add to the fun of this story. The social and sexual taboos are hilarious at times.
Our partners are a pair of mismatched advice columnists and the interactions between them are priceless. Add a helping of murder and a taste of voodoo, and you have a well rounded story that entertains even grumpy old men like me.
So, a romance that is not sappy, action, "modern women", drama, suspense and humor. A little something for everyone. The Perfect Partner by Ursula LeCoeur has it all. Enjoy!
Mike
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
The Girl from the Woods
I won a print copy of The Girl from the Woods by Chris Keane in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
The Girl from the Woods, would for me, be best described as a romance/suspense rather than the sci fi/ fantasy it is listed as. A small quibble, but I was expecting a much more paranormal focus. The story wound up interesting enough to overcome my disappointment.
I guess the fantasy aspect is true; our main character Dante, while being basically a slacker and a some what loser, is also at nineteen years old still a virgin. Sounds pretty fantastical for these days.
Seriously though, the story while fairly short, is suspenseful and entertaining. We have a very and I mean very dysfunctional family. We have a very hot girl (much hotter in print than on the cover, just saying), and a setting which lends itself to the darker vibe needed to keep the story interesting.
The story unfolds as any good YA mystery does, enough twists and turns. It is, perhaps, a bit more mature than I would have expected, both in language and sexuality. It's probably my age that makes me notice coarser language. The depictions of sex are graphic without being offensive (I'm not a prude).
The Girl from the Woods by Chris Keane is fun, funny, suspenseful, spooky and sexy all at once. A fun read to be sure. Enjoy!
Mike
The Girl from the Woods, would for me, be best described as a romance/suspense rather than the sci fi/ fantasy it is listed as. A small quibble, but I was expecting a much more paranormal focus. The story wound up interesting enough to overcome my disappointment.
I guess the fantasy aspect is true; our main character Dante, while being basically a slacker and a some what loser, is also at nineteen years old still a virgin. Sounds pretty fantastical for these days.
Seriously though, the story while fairly short, is suspenseful and entertaining. We have a very and I mean very dysfunctional family. We have a very hot girl (much hotter in print than on the cover, just saying), and a setting which lends itself to the darker vibe needed to keep the story interesting.
The story unfolds as any good YA mystery does, enough twists and turns. It is, perhaps, a bit more mature than I would have expected, both in language and sexuality. It's probably my age that makes me notice coarser language. The depictions of sex are graphic without being offensive (I'm not a prude).
The Girl from the Woods by Chris Keane is fun, funny, suspenseful, spooky and sexy all at once. A fun read to be sure. Enjoy!
Mike
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Destiny
I was given an ecopy of Destiny by Elyon Zarall for review.
Destiny is an interesting mix of steamy romance (very steamy), action/adventure, and, get this: Angels.
We don't have the usual Angels warring on the etheric plane, their business takes place here on earth. That's as close to a spoiler as you'll get out of me. You'll have to read the book to see how the angels fit in, and which angels (yeah, you'll probably know them).
Our heroine is as usual a kick-ass female more than capable of taking care of herself. Getting to be a quite popular theme these days, but so far I don't have any problem with it. Jade (the ass-kicker) is portrayed as a likable character even in her bad-assery.
There are also bad guys, human and angelic. Mafiosi, military, and family. As I said; an interesting mix. One I have not encountered before.
Although I enjoyed the book a lot, there are a couple of glaring problems. First, and hopefully this is merely that I was sent an earlier draft of the book, but there were way too many mistakes and typos. This really plays havoc with the flow of the story. So I will hope that this has been addressed already.
Second, and for me far more disappointing, the book ends in a (drum roll please) CLIFFHANGER! You know how I feel about those. I didn't have any info that this was the start of a series, and my copy is over 600 pages long (short pages due to formatting, but 600 still). As I was nearing the end of the book I started telling myself "this isn't going to end with this book" and I was right. I don't know how many more may be in the works, but I am hooked.
Characters, at least Jade, are well developed. Others will need a bit more as the story continues. This isn't a negative for Destiny as the development of other main character's motivations are part of the ongoing story. So I am not overly concerned at this point.
Those of you reading this on a site where stars are used for rating may be curious why I gave four stars when I have been a bit more critical in this review. Well, stars are arbitrary, which is why I don't use them on my blog, and as I said earlier; I am counting on my copy being an earlier draft and am willing to overlook it for now. I obviously can't (won't) overlook the ending, I hate cliffhangers!
Destiny by Elyon Zarall is well worth your time and I do recommend it. Enjoy!
Mike
Destiny is an interesting mix of steamy romance (very steamy), action/adventure, and, get this: Angels.
We don't have the usual Angels warring on the etheric plane, their business takes place here on earth. That's as close to a spoiler as you'll get out of me. You'll have to read the book to see how the angels fit in, and which angels (yeah, you'll probably know them).
Our heroine is as usual a kick-ass female more than capable of taking care of herself. Getting to be a quite popular theme these days, but so far I don't have any problem with it. Jade (the ass-kicker) is portrayed as a likable character even in her bad-assery.
There are also bad guys, human and angelic. Mafiosi, military, and family. As I said; an interesting mix. One I have not encountered before.
Although I enjoyed the book a lot, there are a couple of glaring problems. First, and hopefully this is merely that I was sent an earlier draft of the book, but there were way too many mistakes and typos. This really plays havoc with the flow of the story. So I will hope that this has been addressed already.
Second, and for me far more disappointing, the book ends in a (drum roll please) CLIFFHANGER! You know how I feel about those. I didn't have any info that this was the start of a series, and my copy is over 600 pages long (short pages due to formatting, but 600 still). As I was nearing the end of the book I started telling myself "this isn't going to end with this book" and I was right. I don't know how many more may be in the works, but I am hooked.
Characters, at least Jade, are well developed. Others will need a bit more as the story continues. This isn't a negative for Destiny as the development of other main character's motivations are part of the ongoing story. So I am not overly concerned at this point.
Those of you reading this on a site where stars are used for rating may be curious why I gave four stars when I have been a bit more critical in this review. Well, stars are arbitrary, which is why I don't use them on my blog, and as I said earlier; I am counting on my copy being an earlier draft and am willing to overlook it for now. I obviously can't (won't) overlook the ending, I hate cliffhangers!
Destiny by Elyon Zarall is well worth your time and I do recommend it. Enjoy!
Mike
Jubilee Year
I was fortunate to win a print copy of Jubilee Year by Gerard O'Neill.
Jubilee Year is touted as a "techno-thriller" on Amazon, but personally I tend to agree more with the blurb on the back of the book calling it a "dystopian SF" start to the Erelong Trilogy. Pigeon-holing aside, Jubilee Year is a good story that held my interest throughout.
Set in Australia, there are quite a few things going on here. We have a secretive government about to be unmasked, an outer-space story line which promises to be very intriguing as the series progresses, of course a romance and family dysfunction.
I enjoyed each of the story lines as they developed, but I have to say that my biggest complaint is: the story read choppy to me. It doesn't do a great job of blending the various stories or letting the reader know when the story has shifted. Fairly minor and able to be overlooked because of the strength of the over all story. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention it.
As the first entry of a trilogy, Jubilee Year from author Gerard O'Neill, does a good job of introducing our main characters and setting up what is sure to be a riveting story. I know I am looking forward to reading how this one turns out. Enjoy!
Mike
Jubilee Year is touted as a "techno-thriller" on Amazon, but personally I tend to agree more with the blurb on the back of the book calling it a "dystopian SF" start to the Erelong Trilogy. Pigeon-holing aside, Jubilee Year is a good story that held my interest throughout.
Set in Australia, there are quite a few things going on here. We have a secretive government about to be unmasked, an outer-space story line which promises to be very intriguing as the series progresses, of course a romance and family dysfunction.
I enjoyed each of the story lines as they developed, but I have to say that my biggest complaint is: the story read choppy to me. It doesn't do a great job of blending the various stories or letting the reader know when the story has shifted. Fairly minor and able to be overlooked because of the strength of the over all story. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention it.
As the first entry of a trilogy, Jubilee Year from author Gerard O'Neill, does a good job of introducing our main characters and setting up what is sure to be a riveting story. I know I am looking forward to reading how this one turns out. Enjoy!
Mike
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Hell's Detective
I won a print copy of Hell's Detective by Michael Logan in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Hell's Detective is a seriously funny book. That is if you are a fan of dark humor. I am just such a reader. The story of Kat Murphy, recently deceased (read suicide) private investigator is set in Lost Angeles, an apparent subdivision of Hell. She is hired to retrieve a stolen item for the Chief Administrator.
There are so many twists on the real world that make this read like a plausible place. Our heroine(?) Kat learns how to use the system to her advantage. Herein lies the dark humor. Since I don't do spoilers, you'll just have to read for yourself. Suffice to say she comes up with some extremely out of the box methods of sleuthing.
Hell's Detective does leave the door open for continuation. The story is fully resolved here, but lends itself to a sequel. My plea to author Michael Logan: Please, please, PLEASE, give us more. This world is just too good to leave.
There is sex, violence, drugs, gangs, basically any vice you can imagine (it's Hell what else would you expect?). But there is also love, honor, and loyalty. Plenty of scheming, dirty dealing and back stabbing mystery to keep the reader hooked. If you are a reader who is concerned about reading books that glorify Hell, demons and evil, fear not, Hell's Detective does not. We know the inhabitants of Lost Angeles belong there and are getting precisely what they deserve. So read it guilt free.
Hell's Detective by Michael Logan is as I said, a seriously funny read, I recommend it. Give this one a look, I doubt you'll be sorry. Enjoy!
Mike
Hell's Detective is a seriously funny book. That is if you are a fan of dark humor. I am just such a reader. The story of Kat Murphy, recently deceased (read suicide) private investigator is set in Lost Angeles, an apparent subdivision of Hell. She is hired to retrieve a stolen item for the Chief Administrator.
There are so many twists on the real world that make this read like a plausible place. Our heroine(?) Kat learns how to use the system to her advantage. Herein lies the dark humor. Since I don't do spoilers, you'll just have to read for yourself. Suffice to say she comes up with some extremely out of the box methods of sleuthing.
Hell's Detective does leave the door open for continuation. The story is fully resolved here, but lends itself to a sequel. My plea to author Michael Logan: Please, please, PLEASE, give us more. This world is just too good to leave.
There is sex, violence, drugs, gangs, basically any vice you can imagine (it's Hell what else would you expect?). But there is also love, honor, and loyalty. Plenty of scheming, dirty dealing and back stabbing mystery to keep the reader hooked. If you are a reader who is concerned about reading books that glorify Hell, demons and evil, fear not, Hell's Detective does not. We know the inhabitants of Lost Angeles belong there and are getting precisely what they deserve. So read it guilt free.
Hell's Detective by Michael Logan is as I said, a seriously funny read, I recommend it. Give this one a look, I doubt you'll be sorry. Enjoy!
Mike
Monday, December 11, 2017
Perfect Little Angel
I requested an ecopy of Perfect Little Angel from author Rebecca McNutt and she graciously gave me one.
This is the second work I have read by Ms. McNutt and find her to be an excellent story teller. Perfect Little Angel is identified as a "Christmas" story, but I disagree with categorizing it as such. It may be a semantic difference but for me an important one. The story is set at Christmas but is not really dealing with Christmas themes. Meaning basically that Perfect Little Angel is a good read at any time of year and should not be pigeonholed as a story to be read only during the Christmas season.
The author deals with some heavy cosmic questions here; fate, destiny, karma (though not specifically stated), and duty. Ms. McNutt takes the reader on a surreal ride with predominantly the mother of the Perfect Little Angel and a very scary visitor.
Perfect Little Angel is very short, but packs a lot of story into relatively few pages (an apparent trademark of this author), no fluff, no fill, just riveting story with twists worthy of The Twilight Zone.
If it takes calling Perfect Little Angel a Christmas story to entice you to read it, so be it, but I will say don't think of it only in that context. It is an awesome story any time of year. Check out Rebecca McNutt and Perfect Little Angel. Enjoy!
Mike
This is the second work I have read by Ms. McNutt and find her to be an excellent story teller. Perfect Little Angel is identified as a "Christmas" story, but I disagree with categorizing it as such. It may be a semantic difference but for me an important one. The story is set at Christmas but is not really dealing with Christmas themes. Meaning basically that Perfect Little Angel is a good read at any time of year and should not be pigeonholed as a story to be read only during the Christmas season.
The author deals with some heavy cosmic questions here; fate, destiny, karma (though not specifically stated), and duty. Ms. McNutt takes the reader on a surreal ride with predominantly the mother of the Perfect Little Angel and a very scary visitor.
Perfect Little Angel is very short, but packs a lot of story into relatively few pages (an apparent trademark of this author), no fluff, no fill, just riveting story with twists worthy of The Twilight Zone.
If it takes calling Perfect Little Angel a Christmas story to entice you to read it, so be it, but I will say don't think of it only in that context. It is an awesome story any time of year. Check out Rebecca McNutt and Perfect Little Angel. Enjoy!
Mike
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