Guardian of the Great Seas, book one of the Andee the Aquanaut Trilogy was given to me in e format by the author, Simon James House, for review.
Although at 60 years old I am not the target audience for this series, I did enjoy the book and I think in a few years my grandchildren may well enjoy it too. It is certainly interesting to see where children's fiction has gone since I was that age. Subject matter is much more "mature", authors now respect that children do not need to be fed watered down stories. At least this seems to be the approach of author Simon James House.
Guardian of the Great Seas deals with some fairly intense themes while maintaining a verbal level appropriate to the younger reader. There are of course, messages woven into the story but not in a heavy-handed way. It is, for the most part, upbeat and positive. It is a fun story that young readers can enjoy and fantasize about, being a part of.
I am not sure exactly at what age the author is aiming this book, with its length (160 pages), and some more mature themes, I would advise adult readers to consider the maturity level and attention span of the children with whom they wish to share this book. I don't mean to suggest that Guardian of the Great Seas is in any way a harmful book for children to read, but I am a former counselor, so my mind just naturally looks at things from that point of view.
Guardian of the Great Seas is a fun book that children will enjoy, and we all want children to foster the love of reading that so many of us possess. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, October 31, 2015
The Watchers
I won a copy of The Watchers by Ashley Jensen, in a Goodreads Giveaway. Score!
I am continuously amazed at the level of talent the authors I find through Goodreads and Indie View demonstrate. The quality of the books I have read from indie authors is just incredible. How the big publishing houses ignore all this talent is beyond me. Ashley Jensen is one of those authors to whom I refer.
The Watchers is a very entertaining work. I believe it is the first in The Dead Sea Trilogy. The author has her work cut out for herself to equal or top this story. The main character, Aella, is an impressive heroine, though not necessarily in the classic tradition. Think Sheena meets Temperence Brennan, great fighting skills, brilliant mind, not so much on the people skills. A truly "flawed" leading lady, who many would label as a "bad guy", but is the only one who can solve the problem at hand. A great conflict.
There are great action sequences, Bible references, mythological parallels and cultural stereotypes. No sex, but you'll have to read the book to find out why. The way The Watchers developed, I expect there will more of Aella's backstory shared in following installments. I look forward to this as she is quite the interesting character.
Ashley Jensen does a great job of blending characters who inhabit a spiritual realm with people in the mundane world. It is at times hilarious, witnessing the "culture-clash". There is a lot going on in this first book to hold a readers interest. It took me less than 24 hours to finish.
If you are in the mood for a different kind of action/adventure story. One with a female heroine. The Watchers by Ashley Jensen should fill the bill admirably. Enjoy!
\
Mike
I am continuously amazed at the level of talent the authors I find through Goodreads and Indie View demonstrate. The quality of the books I have read from indie authors is just incredible. How the big publishing houses ignore all this talent is beyond me. Ashley Jensen is one of those authors to whom I refer.
The Watchers is a very entertaining work. I believe it is the first in The Dead Sea Trilogy. The author has her work cut out for herself to equal or top this story. The main character, Aella, is an impressive heroine, though not necessarily in the classic tradition. Think Sheena meets Temperence Brennan, great fighting skills, brilliant mind, not so much on the people skills. A truly "flawed" leading lady, who many would label as a "bad guy", but is the only one who can solve the problem at hand. A great conflict.
There are great action sequences, Bible references, mythological parallels and cultural stereotypes. No sex, but you'll have to read the book to find out why. The way The Watchers developed, I expect there will more of Aella's backstory shared in following installments. I look forward to this as she is quite the interesting character.
Ashley Jensen does a great job of blending characters who inhabit a spiritual realm with people in the mundane world. It is at times hilarious, witnessing the "culture-clash". There is a lot going on in this first book to hold a readers interest. It took me less than 24 hours to finish.
If you are in the mood for a different kind of action/adventure story. One with a female heroine. The Watchers by Ashley Jensen should fill the bill admirably. Enjoy!
\
Mike
Friday, October 30, 2015
Montmartre Stairs: A Paris Love Story
Montmartre Stairs: A Paris Love Story, by Douglas Warren, came to me in the usual way, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very different read for me as I don't usually review straight romance stories. But I'll admit, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get past the feeling that something paranormal was about to happen. It is a straight forward whirlwind romance, the problems the lovers face are those of the real world only. Montmartre Stairs turned out to be a pleasant change from the darker book that I usually read.
Author Douglas Warren has not changed me into a big fan of the romance genre, but, he has shown me that an enjoyable story can be presented that is just a nice happy story. Of course there is some conflict and uncertainty to be overcome. There are good guys and bad guys, as well as personal agendas to deal with. Perhaps even more important than the main love story for me was the personal evolution of the main male character.
Though I can in no way claim any expertise when it comes to the romance genre, I can certainly claim Montmartre Stairs: A Paris Love Story is a very good book. I enjoyed it and believe true fans of the genre will as well. Enjoy!
Mike
This was a very different read for me as I don't usually review straight romance stories. But I'll admit, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get past the feeling that something paranormal was about to happen. It is a straight forward whirlwind romance, the problems the lovers face are those of the real world only. Montmartre Stairs turned out to be a pleasant change from the darker book that I usually read.
Author Douglas Warren has not changed me into a big fan of the romance genre, but, he has shown me that an enjoyable story can be presented that is just a nice happy story. Of course there is some conflict and uncertainty to be overcome. There are good guys and bad guys, as well as personal agendas to deal with. Perhaps even more important than the main love story for me was the personal evolution of the main male character.
Though I can in no way claim any expertise when it comes to the romance genre, I can certainly claim Montmartre Stairs: A Paris Love Story is a very good book. I enjoyed it and believe true fans of the genre will as well. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Prince of Conjurers
Usual Disclaimer: Free book yada, yada, yada.
Prince of Conjurers by Laurie L. Bolanos has to be listed among the best books I have read since I started reviewing. This book is just plain incredible.
I knew within the first few pages that I was going to love this book. The story is so compelling, spanning generations, cultures and continents. Set mainly in New Orleans, Prince of Conjurers tells a story of love, hate, good, evil, actions and their consequences. It is supremely complex without being confusing. Characters you know from other stories are woven into this riveting story. The Phantom of the Opera and Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau are main characters. Having never read Phantom of the Opera, I can't comment on how closely tied Prince of Conjurers is to that classic story.
At times I thought "I know where this is going", and sometimes I was right. But I quickly realized that this is where author Laurie L. Bolanos wants me to go. Then she would pull the rug out from under me as if to say "Gotcha". Predictable yet unpredictable at the same time. I thought I had the ending all figured out and in her way Bolanos blew me away with a twist I had no clue was coming.
Prince of Conjurers is a story of ultimate love and sacrifice, jealousy, revenge, privilege, desire and destiny. I just can't say enough about how enjoyable and entertaining this book is. As usual I have not looked at other reviews for Prince of Conjurers, but I expect they are similarly complimentary.
I read Ms. Bolanos' bio on Goodreads and Prince of Conjurers is the only book listed. If this is indeed her first or only book, what a debut! I hope this is not the only story she has to tell us.
If you like historical fiction and romance with fantasy, magic and cosmic undertones, you are going to love Prince of Conjurers by Laurie L. Bolanos. Enjoy!
Mike
Prince of Conjurers by Laurie L. Bolanos has to be listed among the best books I have read since I started reviewing. This book is just plain incredible.
I knew within the first few pages that I was going to love this book. The story is so compelling, spanning generations, cultures and continents. Set mainly in New Orleans, Prince of Conjurers tells a story of love, hate, good, evil, actions and their consequences. It is supremely complex without being confusing. Characters you know from other stories are woven into this riveting story. The Phantom of the Opera and Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau are main characters. Having never read Phantom of the Opera, I can't comment on how closely tied Prince of Conjurers is to that classic story.
At times I thought "I know where this is going", and sometimes I was right. But I quickly realized that this is where author Laurie L. Bolanos wants me to go. Then she would pull the rug out from under me as if to say "Gotcha". Predictable yet unpredictable at the same time. I thought I had the ending all figured out and in her way Bolanos blew me away with a twist I had no clue was coming.
Prince of Conjurers is a story of ultimate love and sacrifice, jealousy, revenge, privilege, desire and destiny. I just can't say enough about how enjoyable and entertaining this book is. As usual I have not looked at other reviews for Prince of Conjurers, but I expect they are similarly complimentary.
I read Ms. Bolanos' bio on Goodreads and Prince of Conjurers is the only book listed. If this is indeed her first or only book, what a debut! I hope this is not the only story she has to tell us.
If you like historical fiction and romance with fantasy, magic and cosmic undertones, you are going to love Prince of Conjurers by Laurie L. Bolanos. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, October 24, 2015
November Keys
Authors Brian and Michael Turner gave me an e-version of November Keys in exchange for a review (honest of course).
I liked this book, it didn't blow me away, but it was a pretty good read over all. First of all, and most important, the story was good, most characters were well developed, and interesting. There were fantasy beings that I had never heard of, always a good thing, and some very sneaky bad guys. Many of the characters were quirky and quite funny.
The story is set in England. Surprise for me as Keys immediately makes me think of Florida. Some of the colloquialisms were not familiar to my American ear. Not a bad thing by any means, just different.
My biggest problem with November Keys was a lack of balance. This is a story with a strong fantasy/mythological aspect still set in the "real" world. While the mythology was hinted at early in the story, it was so downplayed as to almost pass unnoticed. They didn't really appear in force until halfway through the book, then they were center stage. It just read a little abrupt for me. This may in fact have been the authors plan, but for me it was too much of a turn all at once.
The other thing that bothered me is a convention used by many authors, so I chalk it up to personal choice. When events in a story are leading to an important even climactic moment, many authors will then skip past the moment and reveal it in the past tense. Not my favorite story telling device: Here comes a big event and oops, it's over. Again, personal preference.
This is the debut offering from this father and son team. I think they show potential. November Keys is a good book, if a little clunky at times. I did enjoy it and I think other fantasy readers will as well. So, enjoy!
Mike
I liked this book, it didn't blow me away, but it was a pretty good read over all. First of all, and most important, the story was good, most characters were well developed, and interesting. There were fantasy beings that I had never heard of, always a good thing, and some very sneaky bad guys. Many of the characters were quirky and quite funny.
The story is set in England. Surprise for me as Keys immediately makes me think of Florida. Some of the colloquialisms were not familiar to my American ear. Not a bad thing by any means, just different.
My biggest problem with November Keys was a lack of balance. This is a story with a strong fantasy/mythological aspect still set in the "real" world. While the mythology was hinted at early in the story, it was so downplayed as to almost pass unnoticed. They didn't really appear in force until halfway through the book, then they were center stage. It just read a little abrupt for me. This may in fact have been the authors plan, but for me it was too much of a turn all at once.
The other thing that bothered me is a convention used by many authors, so I chalk it up to personal choice. When events in a story are leading to an important even climactic moment, many authors will then skip past the moment and reveal it in the past tense. Not my favorite story telling device: Here comes a big event and oops, it's over. Again, personal preference.
This is the debut offering from this father and son team. I think they show potential. November Keys is a good book, if a little clunky at times. I did enjoy it and I think other fantasy readers will as well. So, enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Iron Rage
No Disclaimer! I actually bought this book!
I admit it, I really like the Deathlands series, and Iron Rage is no exception. I own, and have read, between 90 and 100 of the books. I'm always on the lookout for the ones I am missing.
Iron Rage fulfills all the requirements for a Deathlands junkie. Action, action,and more, action. Graphic violence of the kind that, I think, discourages people from relying on vilence to solve their problems. The companions, as usual, try to avoid conflict, but surprise, they aren't allowed to. So in true Deathlands fashion they kick ass and don't bother with names.
Speaking of names, Iron Rage contains one of the great character names ever: Ermintrude Strank. Awesome name. Iron Rage takes place mainly aboard various ships. I tend to prefer when the companions are set in predark cities. But not every book can do this I guess.
Although I don't believe the Deathlands books are meant to be social commentary, they do promote the virtues of loyalty, friendship and integrity.
So, no these books are not great literature, but they are a lot of fun to read. If you are an action fan you will like Iron Rage. If you haven't read a Deathlands book yet, be prepared to be hooked. Of course you have 120+ books to catch up on. Be of good cheer however, because most of the books are stand alone stories so you can read them as you find them. Enjoy!
Mike
I admit it, I really like the Deathlands series, and Iron Rage is no exception. I own, and have read, between 90 and 100 of the books. I'm always on the lookout for the ones I am missing.
Iron Rage fulfills all the requirements for a Deathlands junkie. Action, action,and more, action. Graphic violence of the kind that, I think, discourages people from relying on vilence to solve their problems. The companions, as usual, try to avoid conflict, but surprise, they aren't allowed to. So in true Deathlands fashion they kick ass and don't bother with names.
Speaking of names, Iron Rage contains one of the great character names ever: Ermintrude Strank. Awesome name. Iron Rage takes place mainly aboard various ships. I tend to prefer when the companions are set in predark cities. But not every book can do this I guess.
Although I don't believe the Deathlands books are meant to be social commentary, they do promote the virtues of loyalty, friendship and integrity.
So, no these books are not great literature, but they are a lot of fun to read. If you are an action fan you will like Iron Rage. If you haven't read a Deathlands book yet, be prepared to be hooked. Of course you have 120+ books to catch up on. Be of good cheer however, because most of the books are stand alone stories so you can read them as you find them. Enjoy!
Mike
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
The Soul Stone
Usual disclaimer: Given the e-book of The Soul Stone from author Jamie Marchant in exchange for review.
The Soul Stone is the second book in The Kronicles of Korthlandia series. I have not read the first book. Not a problem if you haven't either. Marchant does an excellent job of catching up the reader without rewriting the first book, which would bog down the story.
The Soul Stone is an awesome book for the epic fantasy reader. For me it has all the elements of an epic quest-type story. I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a true quest, but it does involve one. As in any good fantasy, Author Marchant has incorporated, action, horror, sword & sorcery, myth, humor, love, compassion and selflessness. No wonder the book is 400 pages!
I new within the first few pages that I was going to love this book, it hooked me that quickly. The final chapters of the story, the true quest, were riveting. It was getting late, but I had to finish, there was just no way to put the book down!
There are many compelling characters so well developed that the reader will feel the emotions being expressed. Some are evil, some heartrendingly selfless, and others that will have you rooting for their cause. It speaks to the talent of an author to deftly weave the stories of so many characters and keep the book interesting, and the reader involved
I thoroughly enjoyed The Soul Stone by Jamie Marchant and highly recommend it. Enjoy!
Mike
The Soul Stone is the second book in The Kronicles of Korthlandia series. I have not read the first book. Not a problem if you haven't either. Marchant does an excellent job of catching up the reader without rewriting the first book, which would bog down the story.
The Soul Stone is an awesome book for the epic fantasy reader. For me it has all the elements of an epic quest-type story. I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a true quest, but it does involve one. As in any good fantasy, Author Marchant has incorporated, action, horror, sword & sorcery, myth, humor, love, compassion and selflessness. No wonder the book is 400 pages!
I new within the first few pages that I was going to love this book, it hooked me that quickly. The final chapters of the story, the true quest, were riveting. It was getting late, but I had to finish, there was just no way to put the book down!
There are many compelling characters so well developed that the reader will feel the emotions being expressed. Some are evil, some heartrendingly selfless, and others that will have you rooting for their cause. It speaks to the talent of an author to deftly weave the stories of so many characters and keep the book interesting, and the reader involved
I thoroughly enjoyed The Soul Stone by Jamie Marchant and highly recommend it. Enjoy!
Mike
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