Emily Reese (Author of Second Death)

Emily is now friends with Derrisha Walker-orr

Emily rated a book 4 of 5 stars

Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble (Noah Zarc #1)
by D. Robert Pease (Goodreads Author)

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When I asked for books from my Indie author friends to review on my blog, I can't say that the request was completely altruistic. I wanted new stuff to read. I needed things to blog about, because the journal-keeping inclination was never something I...more

Emily liked Anna's review of Second Death:

" Excellent read, loved the different take on the vampire species, can't wait for a follow up! "

Emily liked Alex O'Connell's review of Second Death:

" I thoroughly enjoyed Second Death. The plot was original and inventive; the characters naturalistic and well delineated. The prose was commendably robust and always extremely well written. I would have no hesitation in recommending the book very h... " Read more of this review »

Emily liked Christopher Godsoe's review of Second Death:

" Read a Young Adult Vampire Novel recently?

Read five?

While it's an unavoidable truth that since Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series reached shelves the Young Adult Vampire genre has exploded, there are still fresh stories to be had there. "Second D... " Read more of this review »

Emily rated a book 4 of 5 stars

The Darkening Dream
by Andy Gavin (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

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So I'm going to be honest. I wanted to read this book because of the author. Andy Gavin created Naughty Dog, which is an AWESOME video game developer. At fifteen. So clearly this guy has some creative talent. I was intrigued to see if this carried ov...more

Emily rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Shadow on the Wall (The SandStorm Chronicles, #1)
by Pavarti K. Tyler (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

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Recently I was given the opportunity to get an ARC of the new litfic novel Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler. (For those of you not in the know, that’s Advanced Release Copy.) It’s probably my favorite thing about blogging. If I just told you wh...more Recently I was given the opportunity to get an ARC of the new litfic novel Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler. (For those of you not in the know, that’s Advanced Release Copy.) It’s probably my favorite thing about blogging. If I just told you whether or not I liked it, my answer would be full of profanities ending with the word “YEAH!” That being said, I’m going to try and remain professional while conveying why this book rocks my socks off.

The Set Up:
The heir to a multi-billion Euro company, Recai, wakes up in the middle of the desert with no clue why or how he got there. Thankfully, he is taken in by Hasad and his daughter Rebekah, despite the danger his mere presence poses. The RTK is everywhere, punishing anyone for anything close to breaking Shariah law, while flaunting it themselves. This only the beginning of a dangerous journey for Recai, and heartbreak can be found in every step. But there is a plan for him, a purpose. Every injustice, ever slight to human decency Recai witnesses prepares him for a destiny he has asked for his entire life. The question is, how long will it take him to realize it?

Yeah, it’s that good. Here’s why you’ll love it:

The world needs a Batman. Especially where people are oppressed. I think Ms. Tyler chose a great setting for her story, a Muslim city also home to Jews, Christians, etc. There are terrible, terrible things that religious zealots do in the name of their god, and it’s everywhere in the city of Elih. I loved this aspect of her story because it was wonderful to see a superhero stand up for issues that I hear about on a daily basis. As great as the Joker and Catwoman are, it’s nice to see the real bad guys get punched in the gut for a change. If I could, I would send Recai all over the world to fix some of this ridiculousness we let ourselves get talked into. Too bad he’s fiction.

The world needs a Non-WASP superhero. Part of the reason I asked to review this book was I because I found the idea of a superhero that wasn’t from an English speaking, or at least Anglo country refreshing. Hell, even the aliens, (Thor, Wonderwoman, Superman,) all show up white and speaking English. It’s not how I want my daughter to see the world. Yes, there are plenty of American heroes, but there are Indian and Arab and Jewish and Asian ones too. Or at least there should be.

You really understand the characters, even the unlikable ones. This might be my absolute favorite part of the whole book. Many times I have seen the first superhero story/comic/movie set up the great nemesis/super villain for episodes to come. Shadow is no exception. At one point in this book, the character who I see to be the Ultimate Nemesis does something pretty gruesome. What I love was that as I read the chapter, all I could think of was, “I would totally do the same thing in that situation. [The Ultimate Nemesis] let that guy off easy.” There are even some characters you start out hating that find redemption in the end, and most importantly: you are happy about it. That character it seems, didn’t need to die as horrible a death as you once thought. Ms. Tyler has found a way to put you in the shoes of each one of her characters, good or bad, and I think it’s an astounding piece of writing.

Why you wouldn’t like it:

(I had to think pretty hard on this one. The ideals behind this book are very accepting and tolerant, so I wouldn’t want to imply that by not liking the book, you are not accepting and tolerant. So here’s what I’ve come up with.)

You don’t like superhero fiction. Hey, it’s not for everyone. It’s for me and then some, but I can’t see, let’s say someone who needs to always be uplifted enjoying this book. Are there uplifting parts, absolutely, but you have to trudge though some pretty deep, dark places to get there. Which leads me to my next point…

You don’t like violence in your literature. Then stop reading now. Part of the reason superheroes are created is to combat evil. This book has it. Recai is not there to stop pickpockets. I’m talking to you, Mom. This book is great, but you couldn’t make it. It’s too rough for you. (Love you!)

And that’s all I got. Read this book. It comes out in May, you can pre-order at Amazon or Pavarti's blog. Start sending her gifts now and she might let you review it too… maybe.(less)

Emily is now a fan of Goodreads Author Carey Jane Clark

Emily is now following Carey Clark's reviews

Emily made a comment on Andy responded "yes" to event 2/1 - Karmic Fan Chain on GoodReads

"Still, that's so cool. My husband wants me to tell you that Jak & Daxter was greatness. I'm a late bloomer gamer, so I haven't played your stuff t...more "

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Emily is now friends with Derrisha Walker-orr
Apr 22, 2013 05:00pm · like
Emily rated a book 4 of 5 stars Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble (Noah Zarc #1) by D. Robert Pease (Goodreads Author)	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
When I asked for books from my Indie author friends to review on my blog, I can't say that the request was completely altruistic. I wanted new stuff to read. I needed things to blog about, because the journal-keeping inclination was never something I...more
Feb 24, 2012 06:15am · see review
Emily liked Anna's review of Second Death: " Excellent read, loved the different take on the vampire species, can't wait for a follow up! "
Feb 13, 2012 02:26pm · see review
Emily liked Alex O'Connell's review of Second Death: " I thoroughly enjoyed Second Death. The plot was original and inventive; the characters naturalistic and well delineated. The prose was commendably robust and always extremely well written. I would have no hesitation in recommending the book very h... " Read more of this review »
Feb 13, 2012 02:26pm · see review
Emily liked Christopher Godsoe's review of Second Death: " Read a Young Adult Vampire Novel recently? Read five? While it's an unavoidable truth that since Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series reached shelves the Young Adult Vampire genre has exploded, there are still fresh stories to be had there. "Second D... " Read more of this review »
Feb 13, 2012 02:26pm · see review
Emily rated a book 4 of 5 stars The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin (Goodreads Author) read in February, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
So I'm going to be honest. I wanted to read this book because of the author. Andy Gavin created Naughty Dog, which is an AWESOME video game developer. At fifteen. So clearly this guy has some creative talent. I was intrigued to see if this carried ov...more
Feb 13, 2012 01:49pm · see review
Emily rated a book 5 of 5 stars Shadow on the Wall (The SandStorm Chronicles, #1) by Pavarti K. Tyler (Goodreads Author) read in February, 2012	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Recently I was given the opportunity to get an ARC of the new litfic novel Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler. (For those of you not in the know, that’s Advanced Release Copy.) It’s probably my favorite thing about blogging. If I just told you wh...more
Feb 07, 2012 02:24pm · see review
Emily is now a fan of Goodreads Author Carey Jane Clark
Feb 01, 2012 08:33pm · like · see all of Emily's favorite authors
Emily is now following Carey Clark's reviews
Feb 01, 2012 08:33pm · like
Emily made a comment on Andy responded "yes" to event 2/1 - Karmic Fan Chain on GoodReads "Still, that's so cool. My husband wants me to tell you that Jak & Daxter was greatness. I'm a late bloomer gamer, so I haven't played your stuff t...more "
Feb 01, 2012 08:15pm · see event

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