X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga is the perfect read for both new Marvel fans – and old. Written by Stuart Moore, this is an experience not to miss out onX-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga is the perfect read for both new Marvel fans – and old. Written by Stuart Moore, this is an experience not to miss out on. Though I should mention that I took advantage of the audiobook version (narrated by Nancy Wu) to enjoy this tale.
Jean Gray takes center stage for this tale (though any longstanding Marvel fan probably already knew that!). She saved the X-Men, but doing so came at a cost. When she came to, she found herself possessed by one of the most powerful forces in the Marvel Universe – the Phoenix. Naturally, that is around the time when everything gets utterly insane for Jean Gray. Her world has been turned upside down, all while she's struggling to adapt to and control these powers.
This is one of those iconic Marvel moments that every fan needs to experience at least once in their life. It's dramatic, intense, and fun all at the same time. Nancy Wu's narration brought even more to the table, as she really did capture Jean Gray's voice. Pure perfection.
I received a copy of Waiting for the Night Song in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Julie Carrick Dalton's debut novel, Waiting for the Night SI received a copy of Waiting for the Night Song in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Julie Carrick Dalton's debut novel, Waiting for the Night Song, is a shockingly powerful and intense read, one that will pull you in right from the first page.
Cadie Kessler is obsessed with woods and nature – an irony, giving how one set of woods still haunts her to this day. No matter how much time has passed, the events of her childhood never feel all that far behind.
Especially not after getting a phone call from her old friend, Daniela. She's needed back at home, as the one thing they feared more than anything has finally come to the surface. Now, Cadie's career as a forestry researcher may be in jeopardy.
“Exactly my point. People are already dying in these fires. If we can prove they're linked to the beetles, we can get the resources to get ahead of them”
Wow. Can I just say that Waiting for the Night Song seriously blew me away? I ended up staying up way too late last night in order to finish it. And let me tell you – it was worth it! Add this to the list of amazing debut novels available!
Waiting for the Night Song is an intriguing blend of genres, being one part contemporary fiction, one part mystery, and one part drama. Together they make for a complete – and totally thrilling – read. One that I'm very glad to not have missed out on.
Cadie's story is revealed over the course of the novel, which bounces back and forth between two timelines. Her past – the events that haunt her so – and the present. This allowed for a building of tension, while also having plenty of time to get to know all of the important characters. It was wonderfully done. Then again, I tend to enjoy this format of storytelling, so I'm not at all surprised.
Dalton's writing is lush and descriptive, laying out a world that is easy to imagine and get lost in. The inclusion of real world concerns helped to set the tone, but it didn't take away anything from the fictional side of things. If anything, it further enhanced those plots.
On that note, I do love that Dalton didn't shy away from talking about the environment, global warming, the current political climate, and more. She was careful with how everything was portrayed, and yet there's little doubt about the moral core of Waiting for the Night Song.
If you're looking for a genre-defying novel that dives into the world of love, racism, friendships, and secrets, then Waiting for the Night Song is the perfect novel for you.
I received a copy of Two Murders Too Many in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bluette Matthey's latest novel, Two Murders Too Many is a thrilliI received a copy of Two Murders Too Many in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bluette Matthey's latest novel, Two Murders Too Many is a thrilling mystery series, full of action and clever points and twists.
When Charlie Simmons became a police officer for a tiny town, he probably didn't expect to deal with a whole lot of crime. Yet suddenly he's dealing with barn burnings and worse. So much worse, as two bodies arrive on the scene.
To his credit, Simmons is willing to deal with all of the horror and trauma that comes with this sort of investigation. Especially if it means he can hunt down the killer in this otherwise quiet and happy community.
Two Murders Too Many is a dark yet fascinating novel, one explores a unique setting and time period. It was the title that pulled my attention to this book, yet the writing is what kept me captivated right through to the end.
Set in 1950s Ohio, Two Murders Too Many has a very different feel from many of the other mysteries I've been reading lately. Naturally, I adore that change of pace, and consider that almost reason enough for others to check it out as well.
There are several reasons why I enjoyed this setting. For one thing, it added a lot of charm, and was a pretty bold decision on Matthey's part, all things considered. The main reason, however, is the lack of forensic understanding and technology. Think about it – the crimes committed in this book were horrific, and yet this small town certainly didn't have much to help them solve it. They certainly didn't have access to any of the technology we take for granted these days.
All of which added a few extra twists and complications. It made for a more interesting read, as the new Police Chief was basically forced into learning by doing for this entire crime spree. Not an ideal situation to say the least.
Matthey's writing was compelling and bold, creating this descriptive world with such detail that it made it all feel so alive. The good and the bad, as the case may be. As such, this is one of those slow-burning mysteries. Where the stetting is just as (if not more) important than the murder/mystery introduced.
This was the first novel I've read by Matthey, and from the looks of it, she tends to spread her writing all over the globe. I'm looking forward to reading more of her other mysteries, especially those set in places I've only ever dreamed of visiting.
I received a copy of The Sword of Surtur in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Sword of Surtur: A Marvel Legends of Asgard Novel, written by I received a copy of The Sword of Surtur in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Sword of Surtur: A Marvel Legends of Asgard Novel, written by C.L. Werner is the latest Marvel Novel to grace the stands. It's also a bit of a dream come true for me, seeing C.L. Werner working with Marvel (and more specifically, with Asgard). Even the God of War has the ability to feel overshadowed by his younger brother. So when Thor brings yet another victory to Odin's feet, Tyr may not be in the best mindset. Perhaps that is why he agrees to take on a dangerous adventure. One that, if it works out the way he hopes, could very well save his father. That alone would make all the risk worth it. And so, Tyr, Bjorn Wolfbane, and Lorelai set out to steal the sword of Surtur from where it lies: in Muspelheim.
“But one didn't ignore the All-Father, not even when you were the God of War.”
The Sword of Sutur is the perfect read for any fan of Marvel, who also appreciates the origin of the world Thor sprung from. This is a novel that merges lore and legend with the fantastical elements of Marvel, and it does so seamlessly. This novel really is everything I could have asked for. It has one of my favorite epic authors, combined with Marvel, as well as the myths that created Thor to begin with. The focus on Tyr was a major boon as well. Tyr is the God of War, and yet he rarely seems to come up these days. C.L. Werner provides some insight to his adventures, as well as his past. It's a wonderful blend, as he takes on yet another epic adventure – with great risks. I actually kind of love that Thor, Odin, and Loki took a back seat for this story. Yes, they were present, but they were far from being the center of attention. All of that went to Try and his allies (regardless of how trustworthy they may or may not be). It made for a thrilling tale, one that came with plenty of risks and potential consequences. Arguably, it had a stronger sense of that, since it wasn't making use of one of the series main protagonists. I do not know if we'll be seeing more of Tyr in book format, but I sincerely hope so. Even if not, it's comforting to know that there are plenty more Asgard books out there to dive into, with more on the way.
_________________________ About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
I received a copy of Gobbledy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Guys, I have to tell you something: Gobbledy has got to be the sweetest and mI received a copy of Gobbledy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Guys, I have to tell you something: Gobbledy has got to be the sweetest and most endearing book I've read all year. If you're looking for a heartwarming read around the holidays, this is it.
Dexter and Dougal Duckworth have been trying their best to cope with the loss of their mother, but with the holidays coming up, that is easier said than done. That is, until Dexter finds a golden rock, which is really an alien egg.
An alien they dubbed Gobbledy. Little Gobbledy got lost on Earth, and now Dexter and Dougal are stepping up to take care of their new best friend. Even if he does eat everything in sight.
“She said that when stars die, they sometimes leave a black hole behind to remind everyone they were alive once.”
Gobbledy is a sweet and endearing holiday read. One that isn't afraid to tackle the complicated and oft painful nature of love and loss. It's refreshing to see the subject so openly discussed about here, especially given everything else going on.
This really is an enchanting middle grade novel, one that I truly wish had been available when I was that age. I'd like to believe that it would have helped me a lot, thanks to the frank conversations both children were capable of having, both with each other, and with themselves.
If I've made this sound like a somber book, that was not my intent. Gobbledy is just as funny as it is poignant. The amount of adventure (and shenanigans) Dexter, Dougal, and Gobbledy get into is absolutely hilarious. Words cannot describe how funny it was at times.
The characters in this book were a delight all on their own. Both boys had unique (and strong) personalities, while Gobbledy is...well Gobbledy truly is one of a kind! Then there's the supporting cast, like Mr. D, the now single father. I loved that Gobbledy actually took the time to portray the grieving process for him as well as the boys.
What my rambling post is trying to say is this: Gobbledy is a delightful novel, perfect for the holiday season. It might also be one of the best novels I've ever seen, when it comes to depicting grief at such a young age. I hope it helps someone out there, I really do.
I received a copy of The Rage Room in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lisa de Nikolits' newest novel, The Rage Room, is an impassioned feminisI received a copy of The Rage Room in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lisa de Nikolits' newest novel, The Rage Room, is an impassioned feminist and dystopian fiction, one that is alarming familiar in tone to that of 1984.
Do-overs. It's a concept we've all dreamed about. The chance to fix our mistakes. Both the minor and the major concerns of our past. Yet it's also a fictional concept, that is, until Sharps messed up big time – and got the opportunity of his life.
He's been given the rare chance to go back in time and fixed the wrongs he's made. Not all of them, to be sure. But certainly the biggest mistakes of his life. Actions that he normally never could have taken back.
Sharp's journey may sound like a dream come true, but the complexity of the situation is quickly made apparent, all while raising ethical and moral debates left and right.
“I couldn't let my little guy smell the fear on me. I had to get a grip on things.”
The Rage Room is an intriguing and dark piece of work, let me tell you that much. This is not a novel you pick up for the bubblies, and that's okay. It hits on many similar notes to that of 1984, but with a significantly stronger leaning towards feminist goals and ideology.
For that reason alone, it truly was fascinating to read. I'll confess that it's pretty difficult to like Sharps, but then again, I'm not certain that we're supposed to. He's merely a pawn in this dystopian world – one who has so much less control than he thought. It's alarming and thought-provoking, all in one. That's why I found myself unable to look away, eagerly seeking what next consequence there would be popping up into Sharp's life.
The Rage Room is marketed as a cross between Groundhog Day and The Matrix, both of which are accurate comparisons. I'd like to throw one more into the mix: The Future of Another Timeline. In both instances, the author sought to raise important and difficult conversations through the use of time travel and so much more.
Lisa de Nikolits' novel defies genres, as it merges dystopian, feminist fiction, science fiction, and thriller elements all into one. It's chilling and darling, and it will leave an impression on the minds of its readers.
Lucy Foley introduces a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie's suspense in The Hunting Party.
It's the holidays, and that means it's time for one grouLucy Foley introduces a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie's suspense in The Hunting Party.
It's the holidays, and that means it's time for one group of longstanding friends to take a trip like no other. Though they probably weren't expecting what sort of events would make it so memorable for them.
The group heads off to an isolated lodge – in the winter – in hopes of having an eventful New Years. They certainly got that, as one of them would be dead before the holiday season is over. To make matters worse – they're all suspects, and trapped together.
“But it is a lot easier to face the day when you know you won't have to face other people and their happiness.”
If you've read any of Agatha Christie's works (or Ruth Ware's One By One), then The Hunting Party is going to have a lot of familiar tones and elements for you. That is not automatically a bad thing, especially as Foley attempted to play around with the general concept.
We all know the tale. A group of friends (or co-workers, or even strangers), gets trapped in an isolated location, and then the unthinkable occurs. A murder is discovered, making everyone present a suspect.
Panic ensues, right? Well, that's kind of where The Hunting Party deviates. The whole story is set in two periods of time; before the murder, and after. Much of what follows after is limited to just a couple of characters, who seem to keep their heads on straight. Mostly.
Everything before the murder is setting the scene, and showing just how true it is that they're all suspects. That part is quite nicely done. As is the building of suspense. There was a large amount of this book where I sincerely didn't know who died, let alone who the murderer was.
Ultimately though, I feel like the book kind of fell flat for me. There wasn't much of an emotional investment in it. Perhaps at least in part because we didn't really see the group reacting to said murder. Not much, at any rate.
One could argue that their reactions weren't the focus, but I feel like that is one of several decisions that removed the human element in the story. Ironic, in a way, I know. The group consisted of several characters (Miranda, Katie, Mark, Giles, Samira, Julien, and Emma), yet there are a few that we learn next to nothing about.
Then again, there are a few who I would be quite happy to never meet in real life, so I guess it's all a balancing act, as per usual. Overall this was a decent thriller, especially as a read for around the holidays. I just wish that Lucy Foley had pushed certain elements a little bit harder.
Ruin and Rising is the third, and final novel in Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone Trilogy. However! It's worth noting that this is not the last Grisha Ruin and Rising is the third, and final novel in Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone Trilogy. However! It's worth noting that this is not the last Grishaverse novel, as there are at least two (for the moment) other series that directly tie in. Naturally, I'm pretty ecstatic about that fact.
Alina nearly gave up everything in an attempt to finally take the Darkling out for good. It was a move that didn't' work out quite the way she hoped. Now, she's weakened, her allies are dwindling, and the Darkling is still growing in power.
She must stop him. Yet the question remains, how? All of her hopes and dreams lie on the third amplifiers, the mysterious firebird. But is Alina really willing to take a third life in her quest (however unwilling) for power?
“I'm the Sun Summoner. It gets dark when I say it does.”
It should probably go without saying that I am very much behind on the times when it comes to reading this series. On the bright side, I can tell you that The Shadow and Bone trilogy holds up! I really enjoyed this whole trilogy, and am ever happier to know that the stories are far from over.
Ruin and Rising was a powerful, heartbreaking, and enthralling read. Right from the very first page, down to the last detail. I enjoyed every minute of it. Though I'll confess that there's an extra level of satisfaction that I found, in that some of my theories ended up being true. Gotta love it when that happens!
Honestly, there was a shocking amount to enjoy about this novel, and the series as a whole as well. I can see why people gush about it so much now! I adored Alina, her whole plot arc, and the journeys she was forced to go on.
Likewise, the secondary characters really did make the world feel so alive. How they each had their own traits, desires, and goals added complexity and believable nature of the world, and I couldn't get enough of it.
“Beauty was your armor. Fragile stuff, all show. But what's inside you? That's steel. It's brave and unbreakable. And it doesn't need fixing.”
There's no doubt that this was a bittersweet ending. In many ways, I don't think Bardugo could have created a better ending, as this is the one that everyone – both fans and characters – deserved. I say that knowing full well that not everyone will be happy with the canon ship (after all, with three options, fans were always going to get let down somewhere along the way!).
Next, I'm hoping to get through the Six of Crows duology, following by King of Scars, before the next novel (Rule of Wolves) releases. Not to mention the Netflix show! I HAVE to be caught up by then!
I received a copy of Sweet Water in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3 1/2 stars
Cara Reinard's latest novel, Sweet Water, is a disturbing and tI received a copy of Sweet Water in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3 1/2 stars
Cara Reinard's latest novel, Sweet Water, is a disturbing and thrilling tale, one that weaves in family horror with mystery and thriller elements.
Sarah Ellsworth had a dream. The perfect husband, the perfect family. A huge home. The works. She even got that dream, only to learn the hard way that dreams never capture the full detail. Or the darker sides that can come with it.
Her son, Finn, seemed like a boy with all the potential in the world. So you can imagine how much her world is rocked when it appears that he may have murdered his girlfriend. And that her husband's entire family is willing to work together to cover it up...
“Please,” I beg to the starlit sky peeking through the trees. “Let her be breathing.”
Much like Finn, the teenage son, Sweet Water is a novel full of potential. Thankfully, it didn't let us down in the same way that boy did! This was a dark and thrilling tale, one that was unafraid to raise uncomfortable questions about family and loyalty.
A few things worth addressing early on in my review: this is not going to be a book for everyone. It's tense and uncomfortable at times, and the description alone should make it clear what sort of subject matter we're dealing with.
Likewise, the tone seemed to change suddenly over the course of Sweet Water. It went from this tense build-up to something else. Personally, it felt to me like the change was to try and redirect the attention to a different element of the story. But I can see how it would be off-putting to some.
All things considered, Sweet Water is a novel that held my attention right through to the end, with plenty of dark twists, and even darker implications. If you're a fan of family drama/horror infused with thriller elements, odds are good that you might just enjoy the hell that Sarah Ellsworth is about to go through in Sweet Water.
I received a copy of Across the Green Grass Fields in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series continues here iI received a copy of Across the Green Grass Fields in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series continues here in Across the Green Grass Fields. This is actually a standalone novel, but I would strongly recommend reading the whole series (in general, as well as in order).
All Regan ever wanted was to be a normal girl. A normal girl who adored horses more than anything. But when Regan's world is shaken, and her best friend proves to be less than stellar, she finds a door.
That door led her to a world where all of her dreams came true. As a girl who loves horses, you can imagine the wonder in her soul when she comes across centaurs, unicorns, kelpies, and more in the world she has entered.
“At seven, Regan Lewis was perfectly normal according to every measurement she knew, which meant she was normal in every way that counted.”
Seanan McGuire has done it again. She's written a compelling and emotional read, one that cuts right to the soul of its readers. Across the Green Grass Fields is a truly amazing read, one that will be sticking with me for some time to come.
One of the many things I love about the Wayward Children series is how different each and every character in the series is. Yet each and every one of them feels human to the readers – even those who personally identify a bit more as a mermaid.
That element shined true once again here, with Regan's character. She is very much a child in the beginning of this book, and it shows. Her story could have been the story of any one of us, with her being forced to make a decision about conforming to the demands of those her age, or not.
There is so much more to this story than meets the eye. Once again McGuire has woven more representation into this world than many other series I've read (combined!). She has consistently created representation in her very human characters, and that is beautiful.
“Regan thought it must be nice, to believe children were innocent angels incapable of intrigue or cruelty.
Then there are the horses. The horses! Regan's love of them felt so pure and sweet, and all of that before she stepped through the door and found more equines to fall in love with. She became part of a centaur herd, and it was like she finally found her home.
All while being tossed in the middle of a story. Literally. The expectations of this world were full of surprises, and that alone is enough to leave the reader thinking – and wondering. Not just about what will happen next in this world – but what our own doors would look like, if we were ever lucky enough to find them.
I received a copy of Shadow Ridge in exchange for a fair and honest review.
M.E. Browning's new novel, Shadow Ridge, is the beginning to a whole new I received a copy of Shadow Ridge in exchange for a fair and honest review.
M.E. Browning's new novel, Shadow Ridge, is the beginning to a whole new series; Jo Wyatt Mysteries. Personally, I love nabbing a mystery series right at the beginning, so I couldn't be more excited about this.
Just because a location is full of stunning scenery doesn't automatically mean that it is safe. Take Echo Valley, Colorado, for example. A place full of natural beauty. And yet there is still a stalker and killer on the loose.
That's where Detective Jo Wyatt comes into play. While investigating one seemingly simple murder case, she quickly discovered ties to several other older deaths. All of which result in the concerning conclusion: there's a serial killer in her jurisdiction.
A brand new series focused on a competent and tough as nails female Detective? Yes, please! I knew right away that I just had to read Shadow Ridge, and I was not disappointed by what I found inside.
Detective Jo Wyatt is every bit the Detective I was hoping she would be. And I swear I'm not just saying that because of her name (those that know me will understand that particular joke). In all seriousness though, I'm psyched that this appears to be the first of many novels surrounding her character.
Honestly, my only complaint on that front is that it felt like we knew more about Jo Wyatt than we actually did. Sort of like we were starting in the middle. Which in a way is fine, as we don't automatically need to see her rising through the ranks to Detective. Still, I wouldn't have minded knowing more.
There are a couple of other points that I would love to make about Shadow Ridge. For starters, M.E. Browning spent twenty-two years on the force, according to her Goodreads biography. So right away that explains a lot about the details and tone of this novel. She clearly pulled in a lot of personal experience here, and it made a world of a difference.
The other piece I want to talk about is the focus on games. It's actually quite refreshing, and something I really enjoyed (also, as somebody who religiously follows several Twitch streamers, it tickled my fancy).
Shadow Ridge is an atmospheric read. The haunting elements of murders and cover-ups are balanced perfectly with Jo Wyatt's blunt and driven personality. For that reason, I sincerely cannot wait to see what the next installment in this series looks like.
The second novel in the Beast Charmer series, The Frozen Prince, is a novel I've been waiting for since I concluded Kingdom of Exiles. It is also a n The second novel in the Beast Charmer series, The Frozen Prince, is a novel I've been waiting for since I concluded Kingdom of Exiles. It is also a novel that is so worth the wait, and has already left me looking forward to the third novel in the series.
Noc Feyreigner has long been known as the leader of the assassins of Cruor. Yet even then, there's always been a dark suspicion that there's something more to his past. A reason why he died, and was raised to become the leader.
Now Noc must deal with his past – all while trying to find a way out of the Cruor's Oath. For he will die before he killed his mark. Before he kills Leena, his love. A beast charmer who changed his life, and the lives of his people.
“No one had denied Cruor's Oath before. Whenever we accepted a bounty, the mark simply appeared and would remain inked into our skin until the job was done. If we tried to renege on our promise, our life would be sacrificed in exchange.”
So, somehow I nearly missed the release of The Frozen Prince, despite how anxiously I was waiting for this sequel. I'm going to blame that on my inability to leave the house and browse the bookstore.
Anyway, I'm SO glad that I didn't miss it, and that it lived up to my expectations! I've been waiting to see what would happen with Noc, Leena, and their varied allies (not to mention, all of Leena's wonderful beasts!).
Noc and Leena's plots are the most dominant stories in this novel (after all, it includes his past, their struggle to survive, and a growing war), yet they're far from being the only plots in The Frozen Prince. I think that is one of the many reasons why I loved it so much. Once again, Kost, Oz, and all of the others are making an appearance. And I couldn't be happier about that fact.
I love that we got to see a bit more of the world, and some of the politics as well. I've always felt like the big bad of the series (that is to say, the opposing nation that exiled beast charmers) needed more development, and now we're starting to get that.
As for the beast charming side of things – that was lovely, as always. I love the concept, and really do need to find myself more books like this. Leena's plot arcs raised dozens of questions along the way, but I'm confident that they'll be answered soon (and I even have some theories on that front – something I'm sure I'm not alone on).
We're getting a whole lot more than that as well, which has left me eagerly looking for any news on when the third novel (The Shattered Crown) will be out. More importantly, I just want to get an idea of what sort of revelations will be snuck inside it.
Ellery Lloyd's first thriller, People Like Her, is a dark and twisted being. One entirely focused on the lives of the Instagram-famous.
Emmy Jackson iEllery Lloyd's first thriller, People Like Her, is a dark and twisted being. One entirely focused on the lives of the Instagram-famous.
Emmy Jackson is very good at having different perspectives in her life. To her adoring Instagram fans, she's a mum struggling – just like all of them. To her husband, she's a woman who frequently stretches the truth. To others? She's the woman who has it all, and doesn't care who she hurt in order to get it.
Naturally, that means that Emmy has managed to make a few enemies along the way. Yet sometimes it is more difficult than one might imagine to see the real risks lying right under your nose. A fact Emmy is about to learn the hard way.
“I should probably make one thing clear. I am not calling my wife a liar.”
I can tell you with complete honesty that I've never read a novel quite like People Like Her. The unique combination of domestic suspense and social media fame is something else, that's for sure. This novel takes the time to show the dangerous side of fandoms and obsessions. The darker side of the internet, so to speak.
What is more interesting is how Lloyd was able to create a character so impossible to like – and yet one still worth rooting for. It's proof that there's a series of complex emotions in this tale, and there's really no such thing as a clear cut answer.
In case it wasn't clear, I didn't like Emmy. I'm not sure I was supposed to, either. She's not the only perspective in this book though, she's one of three. Though ironically enough, I didn't really like the other two much either.
All three characters and their opinions were written in such a way where it was easy to understand them and their plights. Even if one didn't exactly agree with their actions or decisions. That's impressive, if you ask me.
While I was impressed with those elements, overall I found myself underwhelmed with People Like Her. It's a plot that had a lot of potential, most of which I feel like was underutilized towards the end.
In short, People Like Her was a quick and interesting read, but realistically it's not one I'm going to remember in the long term. As far as debuts go, it was decent, and the creative elements are enough to have me looking forward to whatever Ellery Lloyd comes up with next. So that's a plus.
I received a copy of Eye for Eye Trilogy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The entire Eye for Eye Trilogy, written by J.K. Franko, can be fouI received a copy of Eye for Eye Trilogy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The entire Eye for Eye Trilogy, written by J.K. Franko, can be found as one complete set now – and personally, I adore it when it's easy to jump from one novel to the next. Included in this collection are: Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth, and Life for Life.
Eye for Eye: Love and revenge frequently go hand and hand. That is a dominant – but not the only – theme within Eye for Eye. Roy and Susie had the perfect life, right up until their teenage daughter was killed, that is. Now an opportunity has arisen, and with it the change to invoke pain as a sense of justice.
Tooth for Tooth: They say that every action has consequences, a fact that Roy and Susie are about to learn the hard way. They thought that they were past the events of Eye for Eye – that they had gotten away from it, and with it. They were not entirely correct, as a new hunt begins.
Life for Life: How far would you go to get revenge? How much farther would you go, to prevent things from coming full circle? Roy and Susie have been through hell and back these past few years, and will have to go through more in order to find their happy ending.
“You see, the universe still had accounts to settle. And Susie and I were way overdrawn.”
I picked up the Eye for Eye Trilogy hoping for a thrilling series of reads – and that is exactly what I got. I ended up reading the entire trilogy over just two short days (which is the main reason why I am reviewing them as a whole, instead of individually, as they are one in my mind). I simply couldn't put it down!
The tale of Roy and Susie certainly gets dark at times, but it comes with many fascinating and satisfying moments as well. The suspense constantly seemed to build up, rather than coming in waves. Meanwhile, the stakes also seemed to grow, as Roy and Susie repeatedly found themselves in over their heads. Both literally, and sometimes ethically. The conversations and debates raised by this series alone are enough to keep any reader interested if you ask me. While I didn't love to see the pain that this one couple went through, I did enjoy all the food for thought that J.K. Franko provided here.
One of the many highlights (in my mind) is the sheer level of detail included, and the lengths our characters go through in order to achieve their goals. It made the whole world feel just a bit more real – both the good and the bad.
One thing I would recommend, for all of those readers thinking about picking up this trilogy: read it with the lights on, and when you're not home alone. Trust me on this one, the chill factor is real, and you'll be checking your windows and doors!
I received a copy of Net Force: Attack Protocol in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If you are a fan of Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik's Net FoI received a copy of Net Force: Attack Protocol in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If you are a fan of Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik's Net Force series, then you're going to want to check out Jerome Preisler's addition to the world: Attack Protocol.
In the burgeoning world of technology, cybersecurity is becoming an ever-growing concern. Every agency out them seems to have their own protection force at this point in time, including the famous Net Force.
They've been sent to the Carpathian mountains to strike at a growing threat – one that has potential global repercussions. Assuming that the team can't route them out before it's too late, that is. Imagine the horror of any major scale attack, and now picture the virtual effects that come to bear, and you'll know what Net Force is up against here.
“The hackers – the technologie vampiri – are the local economy. The government protects them. The polizei, the citizens, everyone.”
Net Force: Attack Protocol was a fast-paced and thrilling read, that much is probably obvious. We're talking about the super agents of the cybersecurity world, who seem to find themselves in physical confrontation much one than the average person would expect.
Before I dive into my review, I should mention that I haven't read any of the previous novels in this series. So I didn't know much about Net Force going into this read, and yet Attack Protocol still caught my attention and made me want to dive right in.
Even knowing a bit about cybersecurity, I was both impressed and blown away by the sheer amount of action woven into this novel. I guess I probably shouldn't have been surprised, it's basically Mission Impossible with more tech. At least, that's how I see it in my mind's eye.
Much of the novel actually takes place in Romania, and the villains have a name to go with the location (technologie vampiri). It made for a different sort of setting, and in general, it just seemed to have a lot of fun with those core concepts. That enjoyment easily carries over to the readers as well, resulting in an exciting experience.
Again, as I haven't read the previous books, I can't compare Jerome Preisler's writing to that of Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik. I can say that I personally really adored the writing style, and would happily read any further additions to this adventure.
I received a copy of The Harrowing of Doom in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Harrowing of Doom is the latest Marvel Untold Novel, writte I received a copy of The Harrowing of Doom in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Harrowing of Doom is the latest Marvel Untold Novel, written by David Annandale. I'll admit that it's almost odd seeing Annandale in this franchise, as I've gotten so used to seeing him write for Black Library. Still, it's a refreshing change.
Fans know the story well. Doom lost his mother to Hell. Not figuratively, but literally. Ever since, he has fought to gain back her soul, and her freedom. Even while ruling all of Latveria, that has been a goal of his.
A goal that has never felt closer, thanks to an idea and new allies. With the use of his mother's old friend, and a citizen of Latveria, Doom has a bold plan. A plan that this time around, might just work to free his mother.
“In Latveria, the people did not plead for protection from witches. They plead for the protection of witches.”
I didn't quite know what to expect, when I picked up The Harrowing of Doom. I knew that I wanted to read it, and desperately at that. Doom's story has always left room for curiosity, and I was eager to see if this novel would succeed in making him feel more sympathetic.
What surprised me is that Doom is not the main perspective of this novel. Or rather, he's not the only main perspective. There are several characters who lend their eyes for this tale, providing a more solid understanding of Doom, Latveria, and the world he has worked hard to shape to his will.
It was fascinating, and yet it did leave me wishing that there was more. I'm not quite sure what I wanted more of, but I wanted it. Perhaps I wanted to see more of this epic and yearly battle. Or the enemies. Or the humanity. Or perhaps it is a combination of all those things.
I do love that The Harrowing of Doom forced readers, once again, to question if Doom was a hero or a villain. Personally, one of my favorite Doom-oriented series is Infamous Iron Man, so I couldn't grab this book fast enough.
It was fascinating to see all of Doom's struggles, aggravations, and failures. More than that, to see all of this through the eyes of his people. Both those that are loyal to him, and those that are most decidedly not. It added several layers to this story. Actually, that feels a bit like an understatement. I almost wish there had been time to explore this whole concept further, if I'm being honest.
Ultimately, I did find myself enjoying The Harrowing of Doom. It was a quick yet fascinating read. One that I would recommend to any Victor von Doom fan out there, as it will be especially satisfying for them.
I received a copy of Auxiliary: London 2039 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jon Richter is back, this time with Auxiliary: London 2039, a cyI received a copy of Auxiliary: London 2039 in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jon Richter is back, this time with Auxiliary: London 2039, a cyberpunk tale like no other. Portraying a world where everything real is meaningless, this tale explores the darker parts of human potential.
The year is 2039, and machines do all the heavy lifting these days. More than just the heavy lifting, really, as humanity is content to stay indoors and spend time playing in simulated realities. All while the largest corporations in the world move to grab more power for themselves.
Enter The Imagination Machine, aka TIM. TIM is what makes the world go 'round, almost literally. Without it, humanity would cease to exist. Or at least be forced to go back to doing things for themselves.
Only, there's a problem. Of course, there is. TIM may not be the altruistic and trustworthy intelligence that humanity would like to believe it is. A fact that becomes blatantly clear to Dremmler, after comes across a new case worth investigating.
“All these interactions that infused modern human lives; behind them, a single entity, a massive, sprawling intelligence.”
Auxiliary: London 2039 is without a doubt one of the most unique science fiction novels I've read this year. I truly do mean that. This is a complex tale, one that wove multiple elements together to create such an expansive world – and plot.
I know the description hinted at several common science fiction tropes and elements. However, I think it's really important to note that Jon Richter managed to infuse these parts with lots of surprises, resulting in something that feels familiar – but reads as totally incomparable.
What really surprised me about this read is the main character, Dremmler. He's a classic, old school detective in a world full of technology and engineering. He stands out like a sore thumb, only in a good way.
He added such a strong sense of charm to this novel. It made it impossible to predict what was going to happen next, or what new element was going to be brought into the mix next. Because of that, it's really no surprise to report that I accidentally stayed up way too late reading Auxiliary: London 2039 (no regrets!).
I received a copy of Jolene in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jolene is the fifteenth novel in Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series, o I received a copy of Jolene in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jolene is the fifteenth novel in Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series, only, there's a pretty major twist this time around. This novel is set in America.
Anna May Jones has never exactly been healthy. The daughter of a coal miner, growing up in a small town with little access to clean food and water, Anna May got used to this life. Until the day she was sent to live with her aunt, with the hopes of finally getting better.
From that moment onward, Anna May's life changed forever. It turns out that her aunt is a witchy-woman and an Elemental Master, both of which Anna May herself has plenty of potential in. This is the setting for her adventure, as she falls in love and takes great risk to save those she cares about.
“Ain't my fault I'm sickly. Not like I did this t' m'self.”
There are a few things I really want to start this review off with. First, I just want to say that I absolutely adored the fact that Mercedes Lackey included a warning at the beginning of this book. It went into detail warning readers about some of the triggering subjects contained within. Honestly, I wish more books were this self-aware. Then again, this is Mercedes Lackey we're talking about, so I'm not surprised that she thought it through this far.
Second, Jolene is written with a very strong dialect, specifically an Appalachian accent. I'm far from an expert on that dialect, so I'm not going to comment on the accuracy. But I do know that not all readers love it when strong dialects make their way into books. For what it's worth, it isn't as intrusive as one might imagine. It gets better over the course of the novel, as we learn more about Anna May, her life, and her adventures.
Overall I think that Jolene was a wonderfully written novel – Mercedes Lackey is a talented author, and it really shows here. The detail put into describing everything from the food to the land is simply beautiful. It does, however, slow down the book by quite a lot.
I'd say that the main plot isn't introduced until about the halfway mark, which should give you a solid idea of what you're in for here. Still, it was a worthwhile read, especially for fans of the author or the series.
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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