Tag: book review

ARC Review: The Flawed Ones – A Story of Mental Illness, Addiction and Love by Jay Chirino

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jay Chirino2 Comments on ARC Review: The Flawed Ones – A Story of Mental Illness, Addiction and Love by Jay Chirino

Author: Jay Chirino
Release Date: 2nd November 2017
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Mental Illness
Edition: e-book
Pages: 260
Publisher: Archway Publishing

Blurb:

After leaving behind a trail of drug-addled destruction, Jay finds himself confined to the walls of a psychiatric hospital. He is now compelled to confront his actions, his issues, and the past that led him to such downhill spiral. But what surprisingly affects him most are the people that he becomes surrounded by; people with considerable deficiencies that will shed some light on the things that truly matter in life.

“The Flawed Ones” is a thorough examination of the struggles of mental illness, depression, addiction, and the effects they have on the human condition. Most importantly, it proves that physical and mental shortcomings do not necessarily define who we truly are inside- that the heart is, in fact, untouched by our “flaws”, and that love will always prevail above all.

Review

The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a very interesting book on a subject that is not only sensitive but also taboo for many people – mental illness.

The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it not only concentrates on the mental illness but it also tells us about what lies beyond the dark face of the illness itself. This book is a highly compelling and a very intelligent book.

The writing is good and it complimented the story quite well. The descriptions were painfully realistic and I was able to connect to the lead character’s angst. Reading this book made all the situations Jay had to go through, feel very… intimate and real.

The starting of the book was simple yet powerful and good. Even the Author’s Note was really good. As the story progressed I found myself unable to put the book down. It was gripping on an emotional level and that is where this book impressed me.

I’d recommend this book to everyone who likes reading as we all, from time to time, have or will come across people and/or situations where this kind of intense familiarity in regards to mental illness might prove very helpful. If you don’t want to read this book for entertaining purpose then read it for the sake of awareness.

More from the author:
- Author Interview: Jay Chirino
- Book Excerpt: The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino

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Book Review: Hiding In Third Person

Categories Action, Adventure, Phil BradleyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Hiding In Third Person

Author: Phil Bradley
Release Date: 31st May 2017
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery
Edition: e-book
Pages: 260
Publisher: Archway Publishing

Rating: ★★★+1/2

Blurb:

Ricky, a flippant orderly befriends a mental patient at an asylum he refers to as the spa and dude ranch. He listens to the sick man, the others refer to as Mr. River, tell a dubious tale of two teenage boys on the run from an assassin.
In River’s story, the boys take refuge at an abandoned military base, BOMARC, nestled in the idyllic New Jersey Pinelands. Also trailing the boys are several cops. False identities and coded messages hinder the cop’s search.. Mr. River’s story ends in a bloody showdown at BOMARC.
Asylum doctors plan to move Mr. Rivers to a dark and remote facility. Their ultimate decision hinges on the validity of the sick man’s story. Seemingly, Ricky is the only believer and he has to risk his life to prove the patient’s story to be true.

Review

Hiding In Third Person is an entertaining yet light-hearted read.

I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect from the book in terms of plot and the story, but once I started reading it I found it a very engaging and an entertaining read. The writing is good and has a nice flow to it. No complex words, no complicated sentence structures and no unnecessary detailing – in short, it was a light and casual read.

The characterisation was not great, but I did care for the main lead, Ricky, enough to finish the entire book pretty quickly. As I already mentioned, it is a light read so it worked for me.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes action, adventure or mystery and even to those who are looking for a breezy read to take a break from their usual reading genres.

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Book Review: Players by Bridget Nash

Categories Bridget Nash, Dystopian, Young Adult2 Comments on Book Review: Players by Bridget Nash

Author: Bridget Nash
Release Date: 11th October 2015
Genre: Dystopian, YA
Edition: E-book
Pages: 500
Publisher: Wallace Publishing

Rating: ★★★+1/2

Blurb:

Ryan Scribe is eighteen and has it made.
He lacks nothing and doesn’t even know anyone who lacks anything.
Then he hears a beautiful actress say, “Truth is often stranger than perception,” and he begins to look at his world with new eyes.
All it takes is one wrong question and he is swiftly banished from the only home he’s ever known. Forced to join a band of traveling players, stage actors who look like they could have stepped straight out of Elizabethan England, Ryan begins to question his life, his country and everyone around him. Can he really trust a group of actors? Will his questions land him in even more danger?

Review

Players by Bridget Nash is a unique Dystopian read with a touch of Shakespearian feel.

The plot of this book was quite unique and considerably impressive. I liked the dystopian setting, which is always the most important element in this genre, and I also liked the characters. The artistic Shakespearian touch tot he story in terms of writing as well as the concept really added a layer of positive complexity as well as a defined character to the plot.

I liked the main character of Ryan Scribe as he was very relatable and easy to like and loved reading about him and his journey. I also liked the secondary characters. but overall the story went a bit too heavy and hence I’m deduction 1/2 a star from my rating of 4 out of 5.

In spite of having liked so much, I feel that the overall story seemed a bit too heavy and hence I’m deducting 1/2 a star from my rating of 4 out of 5.

I’d recommend this book to all Dystopian lovers and the fans of Shakespearian literature.

More from the author: Author Interview: Bridget Nash

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Book Review: Synesthesia (The Senses #4) by K.M. Aul

Categories Church fiction, Combination, K.M. AulLeave a Comment on Book Review: Synesthesia (The Senses #4) by K.M. Aul

Author:  K.M. Aul
Release Date: 31st December 2016
Genre: Christian Fiction, Fantasy
Edition: E-book
Pages: 482
Publisher: Self-Published

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

The Best Selling Christian Fiction/Fantasy Series Continues!

Time has run out. The world as we know it is coming to an end and a handful of heroes are all that stand in the way of the final darkness.

Born in an age of brutality and miracles, Eli was raised from the dead to start a new life unlike any other. His touch can heal; his pain can destroy. He has not only seen the rise and fall of civilizations, his power has been the cause of them. Prepare yourself for an adventure through time, prepare to face the greatest challenge humankind has ever known.

Review

Synesthesia by K.M. Aul is a one of a kind book which is as entertaining as it is insightful.

In spite of not being a Christian, I enjoyed reading about this story. It was intense and quite well-written. The flow of the writing was the one thing I admired the most in this book because it made the reading very easy and smooth.

Though it did take some time for me to get into the story at first, once I started to get into the flow, it was not easy to put it down. Its uniqueness is one of the biggest plus points of the book. You hardly ever get to see Christian fiction told in fantasy settings with modern characters.

I’d recommend this book to everyone interested in trying new well-written genre combinations.

More from the author:
- Author Interview
- Guest Post: God, Myth and Mystery

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Book Review: Start Winning With Money by Donnie Masters

Categories Donnie Masters, Non-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Start Winning With Money by Donnie Masters

Author: Donnie Masters
Release Date: 18th July 2017
Genre: Non-Fiction
Edition: E-book
Pages: –
Publisher: Masters Investment Group LLC

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

If you are looking to make millions of dollars while sitting in your pajamas, then this book is not for you!
Start Winning With Money is financial book that offers high impact, real world solutions for life’s many money questions.
Want to better your personal finances?
Want to open your own successful business?
Would you like some real clarity on the cost of higher education?
Want to address the issue of debt in your life?
All of that and more is available to you.
Start Winning With Money will teach you:
Why your current income has nothing to do with obtaining wealth
Challenge the popular belief that all debt is bad
Address the issues with public education and why you were taught to fail with money
Define a proper budget
Why good debt can help you grow wealthy
Explain the importance of money in achieving financial freedom
Redefine true wealth

Review

Start Winning With Money by Donnie Masters is an insightful book that has a lot to offer in terms of financial ideas, monetary strategies and capital management.

It’s not been long that I’ve started reading non-fiction, but so far I’ve read some books that shed light on some very important topics that help a person in their day to day life. One such topic is money and money management. Everyone has ideas about gaining and maintaining wealth, but often we find ourselves in tight-spots where we fail and have to face consequences. This is why I was really interested in reading this book. And to my delight, Start Winning With Money was a great read and it went a long way in decoding some of the longest standing myths about money and all the related problems.

As a newbie to business, I found this book very helpful and even quite encouraging. I found the tactics described by the author very clear, concise and practical. The methods listed in this book are not only simple and easy to follow but also seem very effective.

Another thing that I really liked about this book was that each and every chapter in this book was organised nicely and was divided into sections that made a lot of sense and also made it easy to keep a track of things. The format of the book makes it very easy to not only read but also remember the points of note.

I’d recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn not only how to get better financially, but also how to prepare practical strategies to maintain one’s wealth.

More from the author: 
- Author Interview
- Guest Post - The 4 Biggest Financial Lies Being Taught To Americans Right Now by Donnie Masters
- Book Excerpt

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Book Review: Playing To Win by Ashlie Knapp

Categories Ashlie Knapp, RomanceLeave a Comment on Book Review: Playing To Win by Ashlie Knapp

Author: Ashlie Knapp
Release Date: 12th June 2016
Genre: Romance, Sports
Edition: E-book
Pages: 225
Publisher: –

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

Spunky, quick-witted twenty-one year old Callie Thompson is a University of Oklahoma journalism student by day and Oklahoma City Thunder dancer by night. Callie hopes her connections with the franchise might get her foot in the door for a sports broadcasting job when she graduates. She just has one rule: never date the players.

Kyle Kelly is the deadly handsome and charmingly Southern Thunder man of the hour. All the twenty-six year old is looking for is an NBA championship to call his own. An unexpected meeting with an opinionated, feisty Callie, however, who is very unimpressed with his celebrity status, sets his sights toward winning two things: her heart AND the championship.

Review

Playing To Win by Ashlie Knapp is a beautifully written romance novel that’ll steal your heart.

It is an enjoyable book with a very interesting plotline. The story managed to keep me glued to the book right till the very end.
The writing was good, quite descriptive in fact, and the imagery was very vivid. The smooth flow of the writing made it a light and breezy read. As this is the first book in the series, I’m sure that I’ll be looking out for the next books as they come out.

The lead characters, Callie Thompson and Kyle Kelly, are well-developed and beautifully used throughout the story adding depth to the plot. I loved them both and was able to relate to both of them. I’ve always been a fan of Southern male leads in romantic novels (there’s just something very gentlemanly about them and their manners) and this book had exactly that, a charming southern guy as the male lead. Additionally, it was quite interesting to read about Callie, the female lead, who wants to be a sports journalist. The insights into the background were quite interesting.

The beginning and ending were perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I’d recommend this book to all the genre lovers who love reading romance novels with good plotlines and even better characters.

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Book Review: A Burning In The Darkness by A.P. McGrath

Categories AP McGrath, Romance, Thriller2 Comments on Book Review: A Burning In The Darkness by A.P. McGrath

Author: A P McGrath
Release Date: 12th April 2017
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Romance, Spiritual
Edition: E-book
Pages: 253
Publisher: Troubador

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

A murder at one of the world’s busiest airports opens this simmering crime story where a good man’s loyalty is tested to its limits. Michael Kieh is a full time faith representative serving the needs of some of the 80 million passengers, but circumstance and evidence point to his guilt. His struggle to prove his innocence leads him on a charged journey that pitches love against revenge.
Michael’s loneliness was eased by a series of brief encounters with a soul mate. When she confides a dark secret, he is motivated to redress a heart-breaking injustice. Together they must battle against powerful forces as they edge dangerously close to unmasking a past crime. But Michael faces defeat when he chooses to protect a young witness, leaving him a burning spirit in the darkness.
Michael’s commitment to helping those in need was forged in the brutality of the Liberian civil war. Protected by a kind guardian, he too was a young witness to an atrocity that has left a haunting legacy of stolen justice and a lingering need for revenge. More poignantly there is a first love cruelly left behind in Africa because of the impossible choices of war. When Michael and his former lover find each other once again they become formidable allies in proving his innocence and rediscovering their lost love.

Review

A Burning In The Darkness by A.P. McGrath is an exciting crime mystery with an intelligent plot and a cast of life-like characters.

This book is an electric mix of mystery, romance, and spiritual fiction. The plot was fresh, well-built and very engaging. I was pulled into the story right from the first chapter till the very end.

The writing was good considering the fact that the prose was written phonetically from the point of view of the lead, Michael Kieh who was born and spent a considerable time of his childhood in Liberia. It added a realistic touch to the story bringing the readers closer to the protagonist in a very clever way.

The characters were all carefully constructed and relatable. I liked the character of Miachel Kieh, the protagonist and found his background very, very interesting. Even though Michael was too good to be real, the internal conflicts coupled with his personality made him a compelling lead.
I was able to relate to almost every other secondary character as well, which was a bonus.

The mystery itself was well thought out and carefully plotted. I must admit that I wasn’t able to put together all the pieces (though, I came quite close.) The author has done a good job at creating an intricate web of various twists and turns, making the ending unpredictable.

I’d recommend this book to crime and mystery lovers and to anyone who doesn’t mind reading spiritual fiction intelligently weaved into a mystery read.

More from the author: 
Author Interview: A.P. McGrath
Book Excerpt: A Burning In The Darkness by A.P. McGrath
Guest Post: A Sense of Place by A.P. McGrath

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Book Review: Mr. Either/Or by Aaron Poochigian

Categories Aaron Poochigian, HumorLeave a Comment on Book Review: Mr. Either/Or by Aaron Poochigian

Author: Jon Budd
Release Date: 10th October 2017
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Poetry, Humour
Edition: E-book
Pages: 184
Publisher: Etruscan Press

Rating: ★★★★+1/2

Blurb:

Aaron Poochigian’s Mr. Either/Or is an ingenious debut, a verse novel melding American mythology, noir thriller, and classical epic into gritty rhythms, foreboding overtones, and groovy jams surrounding the reader in a surreal atmosphere. Imagine Byron’s Don Juan on a high-stakes romp through a Raymond Chandler novel. Think Hamlet in Manhattan with a license to kill.

Review

Mr. Either/Or by Aaron Poochigian is a remarkably unique book that will simply blow your mind!

Initially, when I started reading this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but as I read a few pages and started getting in the flow of the writing I knew I was in for good. In spite of being written in the form of poetry, this book has all the elements that make is a complete fiction in every sense. It has a beautiful characterization adorning a dramatic storyline which is further complimented by humorous connotations,  along with some, as unusual it may seem, science-fiction details. As I said, it is a remarkably unique book.

The book is well written in the form of poetry with deliciously rhyming words and perfectly clear imagery. Moreover, beautiful characterization adorns the dramatic storyline which is further complimented by humorous connotations,  along with some, as unusual as it may seem, science-fiction details. As I said, it is a remarkably unique book.

I liked the lead characters, Zack Berzinski and Li-Ling, very much and enjoyed reading about them as well as other secondary characters as well.

Reading this book was a very enjoyable experience and I’d recommend this book to each and every reader who doesn’t want to miss out on an exceptional new book.

More from the author: Author Interview: Aaron Poochigian

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Book Review: The Legend of the Washo Gold by Jon Budd

Categories  Jon Budd, Historical1 Comment on Book Review: The Legend of the Washo Gold by Jon Budd

Author: Jon Budd
Release Date: 17th October 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Vince Davis Trilogy
Edition: E-book
Pages: 177
Publisher: Jonathan H Budd Publishing

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

To prevent a repeat of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, Hank, a modern day Native American Indian, overcomes his doubts about his tribe’s ancient religion and leads a war party to recover a cursed Indian treasure.
Succumbing to the genocide brought down upon them during the infamous 1849 California Gold Rush, the Washo Indians were teetering on the brink of extinction. With the help of a mysterious stranger, they devised an ingenious plan to survive. Many years later, when the secret of their survival is threatened, the tribe appoints a modern day warrior to lead a war party to San Francisco to recover stolen Indian treasure and secure the secret of the Washo Gold.
This novel enables the reader to experience the infamous 1849 California Gold Rush from the perspective of a tribe of Native American Indians who lived through it.

Review

The Legend Of The Washo Gold by Jon Budd is a very interesting and engrossing read.

This book is one of those rare reads that make you realise how the world can be a very difficult place to live in. That minorities are not always treated right and sometimes they have to go for extreme means to sustain and survive the cruel world that’s nothing more than an enemy to them. This book does exactly this and so much more.

The story was really good and gave a unique perspective of a small Native American Indian tribe that was not treated well and had to take up extreme measures for their survival. The writing is good and makes the reading of the book easy and smooth. The imagery was good and the overall the story was full of internal as well as external conflicts.

The characterization was good and though not every character was memorable, the important characters stood out, albeit a bit slowly. I enjoyed reading about them and that was more than enough to keep me glued to the book right until the end.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes reading historical fiction and won’t mind the tribals’ point of view.

More from the author: Author Interview: Jon Budd

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Book Review: Dream, Recurring by Marc Canniff
		

			Categories Mark Canniff, Paranormal4 Comments on Book Review: Dream, Recurring by Marc Canniff		

	


	

		
Author: Mark Canniff

Release Date: 30th August 2016

Genre: Paranormal Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 288

Publisher: Self Published


Rating: ★★★


Blurb:


Can there be a mystery that goes back over a hundred years, that only the dead can reveal?

Lucy has been having a recurring dream. Night after night she finds herself driving on a winding road with her best friend Sam. She feels lost as this path seems to lead to nowhere. That is until she discovers a house. Curious, she goes up to investigate, discovering that the place is empty.

The mystery of the dream deepens when she realizes that she’s being haunted by an entity. Why is it attached to her?

Both Sam and her uncover a piece of history that only those that have passed on have kept secret. Why is it so important and does it have anything to do with the dark being?

It suddenly becomes a race against time as they grasp that their very lives might be at stake.

Can they uncover what is really going on in time, before it’s too late?

Is there a connection between the house, the uncovered past and the evil entity?


Review


Dream, Recurring by Mark Canniff is a cosy paranormal book with a strong plot that’ll pull you in right from the start.


I liked reading this book most of all for the strong and well built-up plotline. The concept was not only unique but also quite smart. I liked the idea of ghosts and spirits doing something other than avenging.


The writing was good but because of not being an edited version the writing fell flat on its face throughout the book (more on this below.


As for the characters, I didn’t particularly find the lead characters, Lucy and Sam, relatable, but they did manage to make me like them enough to keep on going with the book. The character arc was missing and I wasn’t able to feel an emotional connection with either of the leads. The characterization, for me, is one of the 2 main flaws in this book. The 2nd one being the editing (or the lack of it.)


This book would be a much better read after it gets edited thoroughly. The typos and the grammatical errors were disturbing the flow of the reading to an extent that after a while it started to feel like a burden. I’m sure that if this book would have been editing properly, my rating would have been a clean 4 stars, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.


So all in all, this book is good for anyone who enjoys reading Paranormal Fiction and won’t mind the errors and the mistakes in the writing.


More from the author: Author Interview: Mark Canniff




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Graphic Novel Review: i, Holmes by Michael Lent
		

			Categories Graphic-Novel, Michael Lent4 Comments on Graphic Novel Review: i, Holmes by Michael Lent		

	


	

		
Author: Michael Lent 

Illustrator: Marc Rene

Release Date: 217th May 2017

Genre: Illustrated, Graphic Novella

Edition: Ebook

Pages: 80

Publisher: Alterna Comics


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Everyone has a secret. Hers can get her killed and she doesn’t even know what it is.


She was born with no parents and no name. Fighting to survive in a world of danger and intrigue is nothing new to i Rose who lives by her wits on the streets of New York, but after discovering that she’s being targeted as the descendant of someone world famous who she’s never met, i Rose realizes that life is about to become even more complicated.


Review


i, Holmes by Michael Lent is a one of a kind new graphic novel that is not only a quick read with some really good illustrations but one that also packs a punch.


When I started with this book, initially I had a few reservations as the story started out with a page that made very little sense to me with a Unicorn-looking mask worn by a man blasting a tunnel or something, but as the story progressed, it all started making sense and once I got the basic set-up, I was in for good.


The writing is good, though the dialogues were confusing at times. Still, I liked the overall construction of the story and the plot progression. The characters were also good and I’m glad that I read this book.


This book is good for anyone looking for a quick action-packed story and graphic novel readers. I’d also recommend it to mystery lovers as this book is one heck of a read.


More from the author: Author Interview: Michael Lent













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Book Review: Unpacked Sparkle by Patrick A. Roland
		

			Categories Non-Fiction, Patrick A. Roland1 Comment on Book Review: Unpacked Sparkle by Patrick A. Roland		

	


	

		
Author: Patrick A. Roland 

Release Date: 7th  November 2016

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Memoir

Edition: E-book

Pages: 163

Publisher: Wallace Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Over a year ago, I left a Mariah Carey concert in Las Vegas after six songs. I had gone on the trip as a present to myself for turning forty. But I couldn’t enjoy it. I was high on multiple drugs, but mostly crystal meth, and extremely drunk. I had been this way the majority of the year and a half since my partner Pack had suddenly passed away.

I found him dead on the bathroom floor one January morning while I was getting ready for work. The police told me I had no rights in my own home and asked me to leave. This was before gay marriage became legal. Life as I knew it changed instantly.

His family pretended I didn’t exist. They mauled our home the day he died, leaving it a ravaged mess. I was kicked out of that home. I was also disinvited to his funeral. In eight days I lost everything that mattered. Not even the law protected me from this.

So I got high in an effort to shoulder the pain. It didn’t work. I carried the heavy weight of unresolved complicated grief and addiction on my back. It was like an elephant. A large, unwieldy elephant that wanted me to die.

No longer able to participate in anything that mattered and unwilling to bear this burden anymore, I went back to my hotel room on the twenty-sixth floor of a casino and looked out on the sparkly lights below. I wanted to be in the light. So I opened the window and decided to jump.

But God intervened. My mother had somehow found me. Help came and I surrendered to the powerlessness of my situation. I asked God to help me. I stayed and I fought and I learned how to love myself. I put on a pair of sparkly shoes I had bought for that barely attended concert and I walked in to the rooms of Crystal Meth Anonymous. I had bought the sparkly shoes hoping Mariah would see me in the audience. Though she didn’t get the chance, you did. You all embraced me and my sparkly shoes. They have become my calling card of experience, strength, and hope.


Review


Unpacked Sparkle by Patrick A. Roland is a story about grief, addiction, recovery and everything that entails. It is a heart-touching book that’ll make the reader experience the tragedies the author went through first hand.


It is not just another memoir, but it is one to be remembered for a long time. There is so much pain and desperation in the author’s voice that I felt a deep connection not only to the story but also to the writing. This is a very well written book and it has a lot in store for each and everyone who reads it.


More from the author: Author Interview: Patrick A. Roland and Guest Post: Why I Write By Patrick A. Roland




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Book Review: Child’s Play by Merry Jones
		

			Categories Merry Jones, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: Child’s Play by Merry Jones		

	


	

		
Author: Merry Jones

Release Date: 3rd January 2017

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 320

Publisher: Oceanview Publishing


Rating: ★★★


Blurb:


Since her husband’s murder two years earlier, life hasn’t been easy for Elle Harrison. Now, at the start of a new school year, the second grade teacher is determined to move on. She’s selling her house and delving into new experiences―like learning trapeze.

Just before the first day of school, Elle learns that a former student, Ty Evans, has been released from juvenile detention where he served time for killing his abusive father. Within days of his release, Elle’s school principal, who’d tormented Ty as a child, is brutally murdered. So is a teacher at the school. And Ty’s former girlfriend. All the victims have links to Ty.

Ty’s younger brother, Seth, is in Elle’s class. When Seth shows up at school beaten and bruised, Elle reports the abuse, and authorities remove Seth and his older sister, Katie, from their home. Is Ty the abuser?

Ty seeks Elle out, confiding that she’s the only adult he’s ever trusted. She tries to be open-minded, even wonders if he’s been wrongly condemned. But when she’s assaulted in the night, she suspects that Ty is her attacker. Is he a serial killer? Is she his next intended victim?

Before Elle discovers the truth, she’s caught in a deadly trap that challenges her deepest convictions about guilt and innocence, childhood and family. Pushed to her limits, she’s forced to face her fears and apply new skills in a deadly fight to survive.


Review


Child’s Play by Mary Jones is a thriller and suspense read with a strong plot and great build-up.


The plotline of this book was really good and the pacing was great, but the suspense was quite predictable. There were a lot of red-herrings, and I did like them, but certain situations gave away the main culprit a bit too early for my taste. This is one book I have mixed feeling for because in spite of enjoying the read overall there were a couple fo things that bothered me. For example, when the murderer was revealed at quite-not-the-end, for some reason, it just felt anti-climactic and the reveal’s beauty, even though being predictable, was ruined.


The build-up was good and the writing was good too. They both accented the story really well and even though the main character was built nicely and I could clearly see the efforts that were put into the main as well as the secondary characters, I was not able to feel a connection with the lead, and hence, found the overall reading experience dimmed by the very fact.


I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick suspense and thriller read not minding the predictability.




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Book Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
		

			Categories Shari Lapena2 Comments on Book Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena		

	


	

		
29426188Author: Shari Lapena

Release Date: August 23, 2016

Series:  –

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Edition: Ebook (mobi)

Pages: 320

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


How well do you know the couple next door? Or your husband? Or even—yourself?  

People are capable of almost anything. . . 

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . . 

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.


REVIEW


The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is an engrossing mystery read that’ll keep you engaged for the entire length of the book.


This book has a great plot and I enjoyed reading it because it was really engrossing. I liked the characterization and the plot progression and pacing was really good. In fact, I believe that the pacing and tension are the two things that made this book such a huge hit.


I liked the idea behind the novel and the execution of that idea was impressive. The writing style was simple and effective and the overall flow of the story felt very smooth. I read this book in one sitting as I really wanted to get to the end to see if I guessed the mystery right. And right I was, so this book was indeed quite predictable. You can guess the culprit before even reaching the 50% mark if you really focus on the mannerisms of the characters.


Though I liked this book, and I really liked it, I, for the life of me, can’t seem to understand why the hell is this book named as ‘The Couple Next Door.” I don’t want to reveal too much, but the couple really only comes in the picture at the very end and that too only the female mainly, so I felt betrayed as the title is misleading. Had it had some other title (a title which wouldn’t have focused entirely on the couple that wasn’t even involved in the case until the very end and that too quite indirectly) then I would have given this book a much higher rating because, for the entire story, I was trying to make the connection that was basically non-existent.


Other than the title, I don’t have any other complaint and overall it was a nice mystery read. But if you really look at it, it wasn’t a thriller as such, so the genre categorization was misleading too, but that didn’t matter much. Still, it is something that has to be mentioned here.


I’d recommend this book to mystery lovers and I’m sure that cozy mystery lovers would love it as much. But if you’re  a hardcore thriller fan then you might want to skip this one as it is NOT a thriller read.




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Book Review: Something Needs Bleeding: The Final Novel by Thomas Singer by Christopher Long
		

			Categories Christopher Long, Dark Fiction, HorrorLeave a Comment on Book Review: Something Needs Bleeding: The Final Novel by Thomas Singer by Christopher Long		

	


	

		
Author: Christopher Long

Release Date: 28th September 2015

Genre: Horror, Dark

Edition: E-book

Pages: 334

Publisher: Wallace Publishing


Rating: ★★★★★


Blurb:


Kensington Gore is a man on a mission. He always aims to give his readers something fresh from the world of horror. Only this time he is offering you something a little different. This time he is offering you a piece of horror history to call your very own. Collected in this volume are the final works of one of the great unsung heroes of horror, Thomas Singer. Singer was a man who truly knew how to terrify his readers with his strange, nightmarish tales. Sadly, though, he never received the acclaim in life he so rightly deserved. Following the mysterious death of the reclusive writer earlier this year, Kensington Gore Publishing author Christopher Long was invited to help edit Singer’s final five bone chilling tales and introduce them to the world. There are many rumours and theories about what secrets these stories may hold. Singer himself selected them from his extensive back catalogue and held them back to be released only after his death. So read Something Needs Bleeding, if you dare. See what you can find hidden in the final pages Thomas Singer had to offer the world. Just be careful you don’t come away with blood all over you.


Review


Something Needs Bleeding by Christopher Long is a compilation of horror stories by  Thomas Singer, a talented but recluse author and wanted who wanted these stories to be published and read by his readers only after his death.


The fact that this book has stories by a dead author who wanted them published only after his death is disquieting in itself. I did feel a queer feeling when I finished reading the introduction and started reading the first story and once I got started there was no turning back. The uncertainty that these stories could very well have been real experiences of the author made my nerves stand on end throughout the book.


I liked the introductions by Christopher Long, mostly because they added a layer of intrigue and uneasiness to the stories that followed. They were also quite informative, as not having known Thomas Singer at all, they helped me know a lot about him and hence, develop a connection with the stories. They added a layer of intimacy between the stories and the reader and it felt like I’ve known Singer all my life.


The stories… well, they were all masterpieces. And I say this being a horror author myself. They weren’t outrageously spooky or even scary, but they were quite firm in holding the reader’s attention and the detailing and the easy flow of the writing and the beautiful progression of each and every story was spot on and more than enough for me to give this book a full 5/5 rating.


In fact, I’m going to dig up other books by Thomas Singer and read them all because his writing deserves to be read and relished. I’m sure he’s smiling from up there reading this review and I hope that he did not meet his end in the way one of his stories end (Something Needs Bleeding – 3rd incision.)


I found each and every story to be a work of genius. I loved each and every single story and I found myself completely losing in them and losing the track of time. The narration (and the first person POVs) were written in such a way that it made me feel as if I was right there and it was all happening right in front of me. The imagery (the proper term for what I just said) was superb!


I’d recommend this book to all the horror readers and to those who won’t mind reading dark and creepy stuff. If you love the horror genre, then you simply can’t afford to miss this one.


More from the author: Author Interview: Christopher Long




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Book Review: Peanut Butter Principles by Eric Franklin
		

			Categories Eric Franklin, Non-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Peanut Butter Principles by Eric Franklin		

	


	

		
Author: Eric Franklin 

Release Date: 20th November 2013

Genre: Non-Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 230

Publisher: Everilis Books


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Great leaders aren’t born. They’re nurtured.

In Peanut Butter Principles: 47 Leadership Lessons Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids, entrepreneur, speaker, author, management consultant and parent Eric Franklin has assembled a wealth of wisdom that has stuck with him like peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth gleaned from his parents, extended family; and the many other influential people in his life.

Organized by topics, including The Super Self, Making Wishes Come True and The School of Life, Franklin explains how simple concepts can have lasting power to develop young leaders, including:

Be thankful you don’t get everything you ask for.

The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline.

Your accomplishments should speak for themselves. Don’t interrupt.

If you don t make your own decision, someone else will make it for you.

Count your blessings, not your problems.

One by one, you can serve up spoonfuls of Peanut Butter Principles to the youth in your life and make a profound impact to help them grow into confident, intelligent, and successful adults and leaders who make good choices, build healthy relationships, and cultivate another generation of leaders.


Review


Peanut Butter Principles is a motivating read that’ll furnish you with knowledge that is regarded common yet ignored quite often.


First of all, I’d like to confess that I love the name of this book. It’s smart, well thought out and very impressive.


Moving further, I had one hell of a time reading this book as I enjoyed learning each and every single one of the 47 lessons the author of this book, Eric Franklin, has to offer. These are the most common things that a person seems to forget in crisis, and as a result suffers invariably. These are the things that one would expect the parents to teach their children but are often neglected mostly because the parents themselves don’t follow them. The underlying point of this book is to be aware and make decisions wisely and, as a result, live a comfortable and stressless life.


Most of the times the main reason of our stress is our own selves – our bad choices, wrong decisions, and ill-considered judgments, and in this book the author makes us come face to face with all these things. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge that’ll not only make one’s life easier and happier but also very fulfilling and productive.


I liked the flow and easiness of the narration and was able to read this book in less than 2 hours. It felt like the book was narrated by a close friend who’s out to give you some really wise advice, which goes a long way in saying how good the author’s writing is. I’d recommend this book to all the adults as we all can learn so much from this beautifully insightful book.


I’d recommend this book to all the adults as we all can learn so much from this remarkably insightful book.




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Book Review: The Beekeeper’s Daughter by Jane Jordan
		

			Categories Historical, Jane Jordan2 Comments on Book Review: The Beekeeper’s Daughter by Jane Jordan		

	


	

		
Author: Jane Jordan  

Release Date: 26th November 2016

Genre: Dark Thriller, Historical

Edition: E-book

Pages: 

Publisher: Black Opal Books


Rating: ★★★


Blurb:


Annabel Taylor, a beekeeper’s daughter, grows up wild and carefree on the moors of England in the late 1860s, following in the footsteps of her mother, a beautiful witch. Annabel’s closest friend is Jevan Wenham. The son of the blacksmith, he lives his life on the verge of destruction. His devotion to Annabel is full of twists and turns as brutality melds with deepest desire. But when Jevan is forced to travel to London to receive an education, Annabel is devastated.

Then Alex—heir to the Saltonstall legacy and son of Cerberus Saltonstall, the wealthy landowner of the foreboding Gothelstone Manor—comes into her life. Alex is arrogant and self-assured, but he cannot stop thinking about the outspoken girl he encounters on the road to Gothelstone. Not only is he bewitched by Annabel’s beauty, he feels drawn to her by something he can’t explain. Alex and Annabel are socially worlds apart, but that doesn’t stop him from demanding her hand in marriage. When Annabel refuses, she is forced into an impossible situation. Jevan believes she has betrayed him, regardless of the fact that her decision saves him from the hangman’s noose.

As a devastating love triangle unfolds, disturbing revelations thrust Annabel into a startling reality, where nothing is as it seems. Now both her life and Jevan’s are in danger, and her fledging powers may not be enough to save them…




Review


The Beekeeper’s Daughter by Jane Jordan is a historical book that was a bit of a heavy read, at least for me.


I did have a lot of expectations from the book, but when I started reading the book the writing itself failed to pull me in and this happens very rarely with me. Needless to say, it proved to be a hard read for me and in spite of trying my best, I was not able to connect to the lead the way I should have and, as a result, the rest of the book obviously started to feel like a drag.


Though I must say that the story is unique, in spite of the cliched love triangle. I really wish I was able to connect to the lead because then it would have been a much pleasant read.


This book has a lot fo positive reviews, so I’m sure that Historical Fiction lovers might actually like this book. But it wasn’t for me.




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Book Review: The Birth of Death (The Legacy of Evorath #1) by Joseph Macolino
		

			Categories Reviews By Contributors2 Comments on Book Review: The Birth of Death (The Legacy of Evorath #1) by Joseph Macolino		

	


	

		
Author: Joseph Macolino 

Release Date: 8th June 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Edition: E-book

Pages: 1,378

Publisher: Create Space


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Artimus, the head investigator for the elvish kingdom of Erathal, is disturbed when he discovers that the culprit behind a recent string of kidnappings presents the greatest threat the world of Evorath has ever seen. As he develops feelings for Savannah, a beautiful elvish druid hiding a great secret, he struggles to separate his personal feelings from his responsibilities to the crown. Meanwhile, Irontail, a young centaur warrior, endeavors to find his way in a tribe where independent thought is discouraged.

When their paths cross, the entire forest must unite, performing an ancient ritual to combat this new evil. While the world of Evorath deals with this great threat, Artimus and his companions must put their internal conflicts to rest as they work together to combat this harbinger of death. As they work towards this common goal, they find that they each have their own, unique gifts to offer. But, will they be strong enough to survive?

The first of many stories taking place in the world of Evorath, this series gives readers the thrill of an epic fantasy while introducing characters who are struggling to balance the demands of society with their own personal desires. One thing is for sure: at the end of it all, nothing will be the same.


Review


The story follows Artimus who is the head investigator for the Elvish kingdom. Artimus comes across an interesting investigation and falls in love with a beautiful elvish druid named Savannah. Artimus must fight off the dangers all around the kingdoms while balancing his personal life and his love to Savannah. This was a very nice story to read. This book is a great fantasy book and I enjoyed the classic fantasy feel of the book. I fell in love with the world from the beginning till the end and the author shows us many races and gorgeous places. The land of Frovath seems perfect and the story is full of adventures and friendships.


This book has lots of races, wonderful adventure, magic and tons of action. All these make the story a fast pass read and a fun story to follow and I can’t wait to read the next book.


 


You go through everything with the characters and feel their problems. I loved the Dryads, they are so intriguing and they bring a lot to the story. My favorite character is Irontail, but they are all written in a wonderful way, even the bad guys (this was important to me).


 


I loved the author’s writing style. The author has done something unique here, he shows us the character as humans that need to cook or clean, even when their world is in danger. These simple acts show us, just how much we need to feel normal and do normal things, even if the world around us is in chaos.


The story follows different characters, through the different point of views, but the author did a great job following them and describing everything that you knew who the character was, just by how they moved and did things, even before they spoke.


The first 3 chapters were a bit slow to read, but as an avid Fantasy reader, this is a common thing so I was used to it.


The ending of the book left me with wanting more, and more questions were asked. I want to know of this world and about the characters, can’t wait to read the next book.


The cover is gorgeous and once you read the book, you’ll know who it is on the cover.


The blurb was nice and intriguing and made me want to read the book.




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Book Review: New Megiddo Rising (The Apostates #0.5) by Lars Teeney
		

			Categories Reviews By Contributors1 Comment on Book Review: New Megiddo Rising (The Apostates #0.5) by Lars Teeney		

	


	

		
Author: Lars Teeney

Release Date: 14th September 2015

Genre: Non-Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 87

Publisher: Self-Published


Rating: ★★★★+1/2


Blurb:


At the Dawn of the Texas Republic declaring independence from Mexico, New Megiddo was born. Created by a death cult led by the Reverend Brigham Wainwright, who actively works to flood the empty, barren land with his American followers; undermining his Mexican overlords.


Fast-forward several centuries and America has become New Megiddo, a theocracy run by the Schrubb Administration, where order is kept using the technology of the [Virtue-Net] to feed the Reverend Wilhelm Wainwright’s sermons to the minds of the people. In the slums the humble beginnings of an insurgency of Apostates take shape. The cruel and clueless policies of the Church of New Megiddo and the ruling Regime push the disenfranchised masses one step closer to all-out rebellion.


Review


This is the prequel novella to the Apostates Series.


In my opinion, it will help you a lot if you’ll read the 3 books in the Apostates Series, or even just the first so you’ll be familiar with the world, characters and overall the plot of the story.


This novella flew by fast and I when I finished, it left me craving for more of this world. You could easily see that the world was well thought-out. The author is giving us a bleak view of a future and keeping us wanting more of this world.


This novella is a wonderful background story that shows us how it all started and how this dystopian world came to life and why. This book is not centered on a plot, and at first, it was hard to connect and read, but as soon as I had a few moments to myself, I was quickly reading through the book, and before I knew it, I’ve reached the end.


Each character has their own story but they are not connected. I think this is a wonderful origin story and Lars did an amazing job and even the gorgeous cover, made me enjoy this book a lot.


I love the cover art of this book so much, it’s so pretty.




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Book Review: The Rustle Of Silence by Lalitha Venkatraman
		

			Categories Reviews By ContributorsLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Rustle Of Silence by Lalitha Venkatraman		

	


	

		
Author: Lalitha Venkatraman

Release Date: 10th September 2016

Genre: Romantic Thriller

Edition: E-book

Pages: 131

Publisher: –


Rating: ★


Blurb:


Christopher is a handsome and brilliant businessman. His business empire had sprawled across several countries and he could have any woman he wants. His is a loving and caring nature and people adore him for his sterling qualities. For the outside world, Christopher has it all, did he really?

Preeti is an intelligent, savvy professional who has spent her life consumed with work. She lived the life of a Saint, happy to bask in the glory of her parents’ love.

Pulled together by peculiar circumstances, Christopher and Preeti quickly tear down each other’s barriers, bonding over a deep passion for their loving families as they explore the vibrant cities and rich, exotic culture of India. They grew quite close.

Preeti makes a startling discovery in Christopher’s house and to a certain extent, about the man himself. Suspicions run wild. Inexplicably, Preeti becomes the centre of accusations herself when a mysterious man with a traumatic past questions whether her love is truly for Christopher or his incredible wealth. Will Preeti be able to prove her good intentions, or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice for the man she loves?

And then there is a jungle and people say that it is cursed. The forest is alive and breathing; from time to time, one could hear a huge rumbling noise from within. The trees shed millions of leaves. The hills move a few miles from their places. The river water rises to form solid arches. The forest dazzles the surroundings with its own magical light show. People are terrified of the living, breathing woodland and keep their distance from it.

De Silva lives all alone in the cursed jungle and he rushes to meet total strangers, Christopher and Preeti in the middle of the night…


Review


I tried really hard to not give up on this book and have faith that it will get better as the story progressed, but it just wasn’t for me.


The plot wasn’t entirely original and my main problem with the book was the writing and narration. The narration lacked cohesion with weird time jumps and the pacing was erratic. The book also had too many metaphoric descriptions for mundane aspects and didn’t spend enough time explaining the actual plot.


There was a subplot plot with references to slightly supernatural elements. But it was never properly explained or explored and it just existed to tie up loose ends of the main story. The characters and dialogues were unrealistic and flat.


The book had a decent build up, but around 40% I started to lose interest and ended up skimming over the rest of it. The ending was rushed and predictable with too much exposition crammed into the last few pages.


I feel that strong editing and a better plot structure would have helped this book, but right now, it just didn’t work for me.




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Book Review: Lake Of Fire (Apostates Book #3) by Lars Teeney
		

			Categories Reviews By Contributors1 Comment on Book Review: Lake Of Fire (Apostates Book #3) by Lars Teeney		

	


	

		
Author: Lars Teeney

Release Date: 1st July 2016

Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopian

Edition: E-book

Pages: 250

Publisher: Xcism Press


Rating: ★★★★★


Blurb:


Archon Greta Sanchez and Strategos Evan Nubia struggle to hold together the Manhattan Union, amid Acolyte Possession Attacks, factional strife, and Database cartel crimes, while Sister Consuela Grajales tries to provide spiritual guidance to the people after she has renounced violence. But, when the Acolyte Possessions threaten all of their families directly the former Apostates consult Simon Schrubb about this mysterious threat. Simon Schrubb directs them to seek out Paradise, a hypothetical super backup server that just may hold the key to the Acolytes. And so, they set off in an armored convoy across the radioactive city ruins and dead tree littered wastelands on their perilous quest.

Little do the Apostates know that Apedemak Nubia and his Nubian Braves fight for control of their home, Sulfur Springs, which is said to hold Paradise, against the Trinity, a being that somehow controls the Acolyte Horde. As the Nubians split up to search out allies east and west, the Republic of Ukiah finds unlikely allies in the Nubian Braves, and the former Prelate Ayane Inoguchi, who struggles to reconcile her past, while helping to defend the Republic from an all-out Chinese invasion of the West Coast.

But, amid all the chaos the Lake of Fire burns deep below the Earth and threatens to undue all labors to consume the world and usher all souls to Paradise in the name of the Trinity and the Proxy Messiah.


Review


I must say that this story was surprisingly quick read. Evan nubia fights to keep the Manhattan Union from getting in the middle of the Acolytes attacks while others fight against Trinity and protecting their home and themselves. Sister Gvajales is offering spiritual guidance and Apostate Simon is trying to find the Super server that is so important to the Acolytes.


This book has everything in it: Those who fight for power, those who fights for justice, war, betrayal. These elements make you want to read more and be more engaged with the characters. They try to find the answer for the Acolytes while trying to find the right man for the job. Everyone here has neural implants and this can bring all sorts of problems to regular people.

Everything is falling apart fast and Lars did a wonderful job of keeping the suspense until the end.


The characters are well written and well plotted out, that as a reader you get deeply involved with them. I really loved most of the characters, their determination, and strength to keep on fighting. I didn’t have a favorite character like the in the other books, everyone here plays their part beautifully.


This book like the others in this series was well crafted and lots of mystery and suspense. Lars did even better with this book’s descriptions; it felt like I was watching an action movie. I loved the advanced technology so much (omg). With all the different factions that are fighting for the power to rule, gives us a wonderful view of a potential future and how our world can change so drastically.


From the beginning, I was hooked on the story and the characters, but what made me turn the pages more than anything was this world and see what the characters will do next.


The story ended in a perfect way (I will not spoil it for you). The ending truly surprised me, and I’m usually good at seeing what the ending will be. It was truly the perfect ending to this story.

I enjoyed this series a lot and this book was even better than the rest. Even though this series has ended, I can’t wait for what Feeney will write next.


I think the cover is simple and pretty and I like it.


The blurb is very accurate in the story’s plot and of what the characters will have to deal with. I think it’s witty and very engaging.




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Book Review: I Came, I Saw, I Coffeed by Bruce Miller
		

			Categories Bruce Miller, Non-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: I Came, I Saw, I Coffeed by Bruce Miller		

	


	

		
Author: Bruce Miller

Release Date: 16th September 2017

Genre: Non-Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 156

Publisher: Pacific Trust Holdings NZ Ltd


Rating: ★★★


Blurb:


I Came, I Saw, I Coffeed Online Dating: Why Didn’t He Call Me Back? What Goes Through a Man’s Mind on the First Meet? Impressions from a Man Who Had Over 350 First Meetups. Have you ever wondered what goes through a man’s mind when you first meet? “Why didn’t he ask me out again? What did he think of me?” “Did I say the wrong thing?” I was newly singled after an unwanted divorce and retired early, so I had time on my hands to find a girlfriend. I didn’t want to be alone, and hadn’t dated in years. I was eager to meet a woman, and became discouraged trying to find someone to be your love, your best trusted friend, a confidant and companion — a very difficult task. Seeing my low spirits to get on with searching to find a woman, a good friend simply told me dating is “Just a game of numbers — the more ladies you meet, the better decision you’ll make.” So, I ventured into the field of online dating and over three years met over 350 ladies. Many women asked me what goes through a man’s mind when he meets a woman. In this book I spell out my thoughts about the women I met, her walk, her appearance, demeanor, clothes, habits, figure, etc. in detail.


Review


I Came, I Saw, I Coffeed by Brian Miller basically is more like a report of the author’s real-life online dating experiences.


This book is unique, to put it mildly, and quite amusing, to be very honest. It was interesting to read about the author’s observations about what women want and how they behave, but it did feel unusual to be reading about them, especially in the starting. But once the tone was set, it got quite interesting.


I liked the plain writing as this book was more about its content than the writing itself and enjoyed reading it.


I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the subject of online dating as this book is a fun, light and a very quick read.




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Book Review: The Secret Room by Sandra Block
		

			Categories Sandra BlockLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Secret Room by Sandra Block		

	


	

		
Author: Sandra Block

Release Date: 18th April 2017

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Edition: E-book

Pages: 

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Her patients are dying. Some are apparent suicides and others possible accidents, but rumors are flying that Dr. Zoe Goldman is an angel of death-intentionally helping hopeless cases go to a “better place” – or, worse yet, a dangerously incompetent doctor.

As a new psychiatry fellow at the local correctional facility, Zoe is still learning the ropes while watching her back to avoid some dangerous prisoners. As the deaths mount up, Zoe is wracked with horror and guilt, feverishly trying to figure out what is going wrong and even questioning her own sanity.

What Zoe doesn’t realize is that someone is targeting her patients to get to her. Someone who has access to her deepest secrets and fears. Someone who will stop at nothing to take everything Zoe has, even her life.


Review


I’ve previously read The Girl Without A Name by Sandra block (the first book in the series) and liked it. Somehow I missed reading the second part, but when I read this part I instantly felt connected to the main lead, Zoe Goldman, even better that the first time.


As I started reading the book I was hooked from the first chapter and was right “into” it till the very last page. The plot was really good and I enjoyed the diary entries of the mysterious antagonist a lot. Initially, I thought I had the villain figured out, but as the plot progressed I started doubting my assumption, and as the plot proceeded further, I was literally biting my nails due to all the anxiousness.


The plot build up was also really good in this book and the pacing was perfect and in tune with the earlier parts(s). I enjoyed the simple writing style of the author and, in fact, appreciated it because it really complimented the story.


I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves reading a nice medical thriller or a cozy suspense and mystery book. Also, if you’re looking to start a new non-detective series, then this will be perfect for you. It’s unique, engaging and consistently good.




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Book Review: Echoes Of Terror by Maris Soule
		

			Categories Maris Soule4 Comments on Book Review: Echoes Of Terror by Maris Soule		

	


	

		
Author: Maris Soule

Release Date: 22nd March 2017

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Edition: E-book

Pages: 320

Publisher: Five Star Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Katherine Ward is assigned the case, never expecting it to parallel her own kidnapping experience seventeen years before. In Skagway, Alaska, the usual crimes faced by the police department’s small force are DUIs and missing bikes. With the chief in the hospital and one officer missing, they’re not prepared for the kidnapping of a billionaire’s daughter.

Misty Morgan thought running off with a college boy would get her father’s attention. Now she and another teenager

are praying for their lives.

Stuck in China, Misty’s father knew his daughter was up to something, so he his daughter was up to something, so he asked his longtime friend Vince Nanini to fly to Alaska and stop Misty. Problem is Vince arrives too late. The college boy is dead, Misty is missing, and the police

aren’t eager to let him help.

When Katherine realizes the same man who kidnapped and raped her years ago is the one holding Misty and the other teenager, the terror of those months resurfaces. Vince finds her drunk and in tears, and he’s with her when she realizes the kidnapper has struck again. Together they must figure out where this man has taken three people, and they must find him fast.


Review


Echoes Of Terror by Maris Soule is a suspenseful novel that turned out to be surprisingly good and different than most DI novels.


After reading so many books on DI and Investigating Officers in general, there’s hardly a time when I get overly excited to read another one on the same lines. I was expecting the same from this one, but as it turned out the plot of this book was not only unique but quite simple and fresh, to put it plainly.


The author did a really great job in making the lead character directly involved with the case. It made the plot feel more personal and made the stakes appear very high, which was a big plus for the overall story.


I wasn’t overly enthused about the main characters, Katherine and Vince, but Katherine was likable enough and I was able to follow her story without losing interest. I liked almost all the secondary character and also the place and settings. It was good to read about a different place and to learn about how people live their lives in a particular setting.


The beginning was good and so was the ending. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to all the suspense readers and DI fiction lovers.




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Graphic Novel Review: Nina The Neighborhood Ninja by Sonia Panigrahy
		

			Categories Children's Fiction, Sonia PanigrahyLeave a Comment on Graphic Novel Review: Nina The Neighborhood Ninja by Sonia Panigrahy		

	


	

		
Author: Sonia Panigrahy 

Illustrator: Hazel Quintanilla

Release Date: 2nd November 2016

Genre: Children’s Book | Illustrated | Graphic Novella

Edition: Ebook

Pages: 44

Publisher: –


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Nina’s a girl who takes charge. She uses her brain and her muscles to complete rescue missions. She doesn’t mind getting dirty and climbing trees. It’s all part of the life of the everyday girl superhero. Young readers are encouraged to recognize that the traits of being smart, strong, and speedy exist within themselves. Young girls will find this book to be a positive affirmation that they too can be superheroes.


Review


Nina The Neighborhood Ninja by Sonia Panigrahy is a delightful read that teaches young children, especially girls, to be a super-hero in their own worlds in their own way.


I rarely read children’s books, but when I was asked to review this title, I simply couldn’t say no. Look at the cover, who can say no to that cute face?!


The book is so adorable that it stole my heart right from the first page and made me smile with each and every turn of the page. Nina is a normal kid who does extraordinary things and has super powers, the best one being her kindness. She teaches kids to be their best self and to do their best to help others in whatever little way they can.


The illustrations are equally beautiful and I’m sure that this book will be quite visually appealing to children.


I’d recommend this book to all the parents who have young children, especially for their little girls. Nina is one superhero you wouldn’t want your child to miss.




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Book Review: After Life by Mathew O’Neil
		

			Categories Mathew O'Neil, Non-Fiction3 Comments on Book Review: After Life by Mathew O’Neil		

	


	

		
Author: Matthew O’Neil

Release Date: 4th May 2016

Genre: Non-Fiction

Edition: E-book

Pages: 275

Publisher: Ockham Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


What happens to us when we die? It’s a question that has been debated for centuries, moulded through time to fit our ever changing views.

Many religions teach that how we act in our life will determine where we will end up after life. If you follow religious teachings and adhere to their ethical standards, you will be rewarded and spend an eternity in heaven. If not, you will be punished and forced to spend forever in hell.

Modern science, however, will tell you a completely different story: fanciful, hopeful tales of an afterlife are both rationally explainable and lacking in evidence.

Theologian Matthew O’Neil demonstrates that the contemporary religious view of the afterlife is far from what our ancestors envisioned. Subjecting both original Scripture and contemporary faith to the rigours of modern science and rational philosophy, he seeks to answer one of humanities most famous puzzles: what happens After Life?


Review


After Life by Mathew O’Neil is an extensively researched and a gracefully written book that proved to be a highly insightful read.


I’m officially a convert and have recently started reading non-fiction titles, but I know a well-written book when I read one, and this is definitely it. I started reading this book with a mind buzzing with curiosity as, like everyone else, I’ve always wondered about what really happens when a person dies.


I’m not a Christian, I’m a Hindu, but even in our mythology and religious texts we have a lot of similar concepts like burning in the fire of the hell and such, and I’ve always been curious about whether these things were true or just stories. In spite of belonging to a different religion, I loved reading about the comprehensive cultural references about Christianity, Hebrew, and Jew cultures and their various respective Bible quotations and references.


This book answers, or to be more specific explores, these questions and a lot more. Author Mathew has done a great job in not only researching but also in putting across his views supported by this extensive research. I liked the writing style of the author and it made reading this intriguing book a very pleasant experience.


I’d recommend this book to anyone and everyone who’s ever asked or wondered about the ultimate existential question – What happens after we die?




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Book Review: Traffick Stop by Kenneth Eade
		

			Categories Kenneth Eade1 Comment on Book Review: Traffick Stop by Kenneth Eade		

	


	

		
Author: Kenneth Eade 

Release Date: 24th February 2017

Genre: Terrorism Thriller

Edition: E-book

Pages: 275

Publisher: Times Square Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Paladine, terrorism’s worst enemy, is back in this third episode of the hit political thriller series.


From the best-selling & award winning author critics hail as “one of the strongest thriller writers on our scene” comes the continuation of the unforgettable story of an unlikely “anti-hero,” Robert Garcia, a dangerous and unfeeling assassin of jihadist terrorists, exalted by social media as “Paladine”, a living paladin whose mission is to rid the earth of evil for the betterment of mankind, is an assassin working covert black ops for the CIA. In this installment of the series, Paladine seeks to retire from the assassination business and finds himself fighting a band of Syrian sex traffickers.


Review


Traffick Stop by Kenneth Eade is a powerful thriller that is sure to make you feel empowered by reading this wondrous story about the fight against human trafficking.


This book is the third installment in the Paladine series and though I haven’t read the earlier parts, I did not felt like I was missing out on something while reading this book. So the author has managed to give enough descriptions of the lead’s mannerisms and his personality on the whole that I was able to follow him on his journey without any reservations.


I loved the premise of the story and the way things unfolded. There were enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout the book and in spite of being based on such a serious and heavy topic, I didn’t feel over-burdened by the severity of it all, which is the main reason why I really liked this book.


The characterization was really good and I was able to relate to the main lead and also to most of the secondary characters. I liked how the main lead was shown with all the dramatization as it made it an enjoyable read without losing the main point.


I liked the writing style of the author and the writing was simple to follow and made reading this book a pleasant experience. This is a no-nonsense book about human trafficking and sex slave industry, and the author has done a really good job in minute detailings.


I’d recommend this book to all the thriller lovers and to all those people who’d like to experience freedom by reading about the downfall of modern terrorist groups. I sure as hell did feel very inspired!




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Book Review: Follow Me Home by Jen Benjamin
		

			Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jen Benjamin, Romance2 Comments on Book Review: Follow Me Home by Jen Benjamin		

	


	

		
25592056-2Author: Jen Benjamin

Release Date: 25th March 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Edition: E-book

Pages: 176

Publisher: Wallace Publishing


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


When writer Katie Kendall moves to LA to turn her best-selling novel into a film, she is pretty sure it should be the happiest time of her life. But with an unsupportive husband who suddenly files for divorce, the paparazzi assuming she’s having a fling with the leading actor, and her friends left miles away in her old hometown, she begins to think she’s made a big mistake.

Can her new crowd of friends help her through these times? And could those paparazzi snappers have a point about that leading actor…?

This witty romantic comedic debut novel by Jen Benjamin is a tour de force that will have you coming home to it again and again.


Review


Follow Me Home by Jen Benjamin is a light and enjoyable Contemporary Romance read that’ll win your heart in a blink.


I get extremely choosy when it comes to Romance genre, therefore I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. But fortunately, this book turned out to be a really pleasant and a light-hearted read. I liked the premise of the story as it was unique and was impressed by the execution and the balance of the emotions the author was able to maintain throughout the book. Romance is a very tricky genre because there needs to be a very strict balance otherwise, the story may either be lifeless or too cheesy and as far as I’ve seen only a few authors can do it correctly. And I’m glad to say that author Benjamin was able to pull off this balance quite well.


I liked the characters and was able to connect to the leading lady as I’m a writer myself (I’m pretty sure that if you want to be a writer or if you are one already, you’ll love this book simply because of its story and theme.) I liked the other secondary characters as well and found the writing pleasant and simple.


I’d recommend this book to all the Romance fans and also to those who’re looking for a light-hearted, breezy quick read to read this summer.


More from the author: Author Interview: Jen Benjamin




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Novella Review: Nika: A Seychatka Novella by D.H. Gibbs
		

			Categories D.H. Gibbs, Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult1 Comment on Novella Review: Nika: A Seychatka Novella by D.H. Gibbs		

	


	

		
29380359Author:  D.H. Gibbs 

Release Date: 1st March 2016

Series: –

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Edition: E-book

Pages: 96

Publisher: Sandphics Creations


Rating: ★★★★


Blurb:


Taken off the streets Nika is thrown into an unknown world where she’s held captive. As an orphan, she has been on the run and must find her way out before they discover her secret. But these people held the knowledge of her family and who she is. Will she be able to find out before her secret is revealed? After hundreds of years, Demyan has finally found the rightful ruler of his race. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know who she is and is doing everything in her power to escape him. Time is running out and Demyan has to convince Nika to take her rightful place otherwise the battle will be lost and his race extinguished.




Review


Nika by D.H.Gibbs is a Young-Adult Fantasy read that is sure to capture your attention right from the start till the very end.


This book is a real example of how really powerful novellas can be. This is, of course, the first book in a series, but I definitely loved it and will be keeping an eye out for the other parts in this series.


The main character was likable and relatable and the other secondary characters were also good. I liked the writing of the author as its simplicity made this book a very easy and a quick read.

I liked the basic concept of the story about how Nika was the long lost heir of her family, which she was completely unaware of. And I especially liked how she was made aware of everything and how well she adapted to her new surroundings. I see a lot of potential in this series and can’t wait to read the next part!


I liked this book quite a bit and would recommend it to all the YA and Fantasy lovers.




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Book Review: The Painter by Lina Toorn
		

			Categories SprkItLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Painter by Lina Toorn		

	


	

		
51qlpshotjlAuthor: Lina Toorn

Release Date: 3rd June 2016

Series: –

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Mystery

Edition: E-book

Pages: 234

Publisher: –


Rating: ★★


Blurb:


A very young Dinnie loved her “Bertie” but fate intervened. His sudden disappearance left her devastated. Tormented by the fear of living a lonely life and alone, she ventured out….

The beauty of their love for each other blinded the two sweethearts to everything but each other. Her soul burned like a bright fire; her love’s thirst for her soulmate could not be quenched. Dinnie, a girl in love, suddenly had her love ripped from her heart, sending her soul to the depths of despair. She had lost her hope, her young heart broken to accept life as a lonely journey towards her end, by fate. Slowly, the world would peek into her story through paint. Time held no meaning…. History, her passion and her eye for beauty was allowed to blossom and be expressed.

Would love find her again?


Review


The Painter by Lina Toorn is a women’s fiction book that is centered around the life of a widowed painter who is thrown into the world she doesn’t belong to.


Initially, the book started out strong, but soon, after a few pages, the suspense started to feel a bit forced and then when I kept on reading the book, the story felt awkward, the scenes started and stopped abruptly and the overall plot seemed very shaky.


Sometimes, in the dialogues, the names were interchanged and that created a lot of confusion and it took me a lot of time re-reading passages and sometimes, even pages.


I wasn’t able to feel any connection with neither the lead nor any of the secondary characters, though I was able to feel the efforts of the author to force the connection very clearly, which again was another thing that made me not like the story.


The writing was good for the most part but at times it did feel forceful and clumsy. The dialogue exchange felt unreal and forced too.


Overall, I guess the story is good, but the book is in dire need of thorough editing. I could see the potential in the story as well as in the plot structure, but a few negatives worked against the book more than the positives supported it.


If I really have to, then I’d recommend this book to readers, who won’t mind the technical problems in a book.




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